Return to Pemberley: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Lane Cossett

Author:Lane Cossett
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Alternate Universe, Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms
Published: 2020-02-04T05:00:00+00:00

35

A fter the dance with Viscount Lytham, Elizabeth was wary of dancing again. She had accepted Major Thompson’s invitation to dance because she had not wanted to be questioned by Mrs. Gardiner or Anne de Bourgh.

The major was a pleasant man, whose only wish was to dance and enjoy the music. Having recently returned from France, he explained that hearing music was so pleasant after the terrible sounds of war.

Elizabeth listened politely though she said little and the dance turned out to be devilishly complicated needing every bit of their concentration. When it came to an end, the major graciously thanked her and led her back to Mrs. Gardiner.

“What a nice gentleman,” said Mrs. Gardiner pointedly as the major left.

“Yes, he is,” said Elizabeth. She had enjoyed the dance and the major was a kind man, but Elizabeth had no interest in him and she was certain that he had none in her.

There was only one man in the room that she would like to have danced with, and that was Mr. Darcy. He was busy talking to his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Darcy. He was standing with his hands behind his back looking very severe. He suddenly looked towards her and, embarrassed, she looked away. Their eyes had met once that evening and she did not want him to think that she was trying to entice him. Besides, Lady Matlock was present and she was certain her ladyship would not be pleased if she danced with Mr. Darcy again.

Lady Robinson came to speak to Mrs. Gardiner which gave Elizabeth the opportunity to join Miss de Bourgh and Mary, who were standing near a pillar. When one man approached Miss de Bourgh to ask her to dance, she immediately sent him on his way even before the invitation was half-spoken.

Elizabeth wondered why she had been so intent on attending when she rejected those who did ask her to dance.

“I think this evening is going to be a tiresome one,” said Miss de Bourgh. “I did not accept Lord Milton’s invitation because I don’t know the steps. Mother never thought I needed to learn. I have tried to learn by watching others, but it is not easy.”

“I took some lessons for the first time when we came to London,” said Mary. “I never had the need to learn. No one ever asked me to dance.”

“What, never?” asked Anne curiously.

Mary’s face was sanguine. “Not ever. Even when my sisters were forced to dance with each other because there were not enough men at the Assembly Rooms in Meryton, they never asked me.”

Elizabeth felt guilty. What Mary said was true. She had not realised how often they had excluded her sister.

“I would not have thought it, having seen you dance,” said Miss de Bourgh. Then I shall not be so timid. Not that I expect to be asked again this evening.”

“Nor I,” said Mary.

“Perhaps there will be someone who will take pity upon us,” teased Miss de Bourgh as they all looked around the room.

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