Regret: A Variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by Elizabeth Howell

Author:Elizabeth Howell
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms
ISBN: 9781386548690
Publisher: Elizabeth Howell
Published: 2017-02-12T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Life at Longbourn continued. Most days Mrs Bennet languished in bed and if not in bed, she lay on the sofa despairing over Lydia’s situation. Kitty, sat with her mother, alternating the time with Mrs Hill. Occasionally, Elizabeth and Mary remained in her company, but truthfully, Mrs Bennet preferred Kitty and Mrs Hill’s company, so their company it was. Jointly, Elizabeth and Mary managed the day-to-day running of the household and after one or two issues, now a system was in place. As well as assisting in the running of the home, each day Elizabeth wrote to her father updating him on any matters. Aware he wanted to be kept in the loop of estate affairs; Elizabeth didn’t want to cause him any unnecessary worry, so was glad to write to him. In addition, as promised, Elizabeth wrote to Jane, but unfortunately, she had no good news regarding Lydia. As yet, no date for the trial had been set, and it was this time waiting for a date that affected everyone. Simply, to have a date would motivate everyone as this lull before the storm was not good for anyone.

Kept busy, Elizabeth barely had a moment to herself. Since Jane’s departure, she and her sisters had walked to Meryton on four occasions and with each time, it became easier. The looks thrown their way became less and even several people had inquired about Lydia keen to know how she was faring. Taking on Mary’s words, Elizabeth understood that to approach them for news on their youngest sister was difficult, so always, without fail, Elizabeth was gracious in her reply. Actually, it was nice to get out of the house and the trip to Meryton was proving to be a pleasant walk, the sisters talking about anything but Lydia.

When Elizabeth got rare moments alone, always without fail, her mind turned to Darcy. She wondered what he was doing at that precise moment. Was he sitting at his desk, talking to his sister, Georgiana, or was he conducting estate affairs? She hoped, on occasions, he thought of her as she did him and though it was only hope, firmly Elizabeth grasped onto it. What she was aware of, was that each time he wrote to her father and since his departure from London, Darcy had written three times to Mr Bennet, that he enquired about her. A little piece of knowledge that lightened her heart and though these sentiments were relayed second hand from her father, Elizabeth understood her father would neither exaggerate nor lie about Darcy’s words. What Elizabeth would most like to do, would be to request that Darcy’s letters were forwarded to her. Not that she didn’t trust her father, but merely the opportunity to gaze upon Darcy’s handwriting would be enough to lift her spirits. Her thoughts on Darcy were what got Elizabeth through the days when she felt low and tired. Ideally, she would have liked to share her feelings on her mood with her family.

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