Rivals for Elizabeth's Heart: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Maggie Campbell

Author:Maggie Campbell [Campbell, Maggie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-06-27T00:00:00+00:00

With her words resounding in his ears, Darcy swiftly turned on his heel, determined to pursue her. He did not get far, finding Elizabeth in the corridor, accompanied by Bingley, whose attire seemed dishevelled, undoubtedly due to his travels without a valet. Darcy advanced towards his friend, who warmly extended his hand in greeting.

"I was just about to congratulate Miss Elizabeth, and now I can extend my congratulations to both of you. I believe you are eminently suited for one another. I must confess I was surprised and mortified when I interrupted your discourse earlier. I apologise for intruding upon your privacy, but I am glad. I cannot recall a time when news of an engagement brought me greater joy."

Darcy stared at his friend before daring to cast a glance at Elizabeth. Her countenance revealed little of her thoughts.

He redirected his attention to Bingley. "We are not yet formally engaged. I beg you, do not disclose this to anyone, not even my sister, until you receive further communication from either Miss Elizabeth or myself."

Bingley nodded with great enthusiasm. "Certainly. You shall undoubtedly wish to seek an audience with Miss Elizabeth's father first. I completely comprehend the situation." Bingley lingered in the hallway, alternating his beaming gaze between Elizabeth and Darcy. However, the two were so engrossed in an exchange of enigmatic looks that it rendered them incapable of responding to his companion.

Bingley cleared his throat and adjusted his clumsily arranged neckcloth. "I arrived to inform you that breakfast awaits downstairs. Will you be joining us?"

"We shall join you momentarily. May I request a moment alone with Miss Elizabeth?"

Bingley nodded and vanished down the stairs with remarkable swiftness.

Elizabeth and Darcy stood facing each other in the narrow passageway. She gazed past him, noticing for the first time the dreadful pink cabbage roses embossed on the wall covering. She realised that, regardless of future events, that precise moment and the peculiar shade of pink would forever remain etched in her memory.

Darcy gestured towards the open door, and Elizabeth gracefully retreated into the parlour. He firmly closed the door behind them, leaning upon it for support. He was certain that Elizabeth would reprimand him for implying to Bingley that they were engaged, and he braced himself for her reproach.

"In case you wonder, I did not divulge to Mr Bingley that we were engaged. However, one might perceive our actions as more revealing than words. It seems we have been discovered."

Darcy could scarcely believe what he had just heard. The sole plausible interpretation that echoed in his mind was that their intimate embrace moments earlier had conveyed a shared commitment to marry. This interpretation seemed most fitting, given its remarkable alignment with his own sentiments. Yet, considering Elizabeth's prior request and her discerning nature, he was cautious about assuming the correctness of his reasoning. Therefore, he tactfully refrained from the immediate remark, hoping that she would clarify her feelings further.

Elizabeth commenced pacing about the room, evoking memories of Darcy's own earlier restlessness. "Until yesterday,

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