Surprises at Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Kimberly McBride

Author:Kimberly McBride [McBride, Kimberly]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms
Goodreads: 199051208
Published: 2023-09-17T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 8

Elizabeth had penned a letter to Jane recounting her time spent at Pemberley, her renewed acquaintance with Mr. Darcy, and dilemmas of her heart, anxiously anticipating her sister's response. However, just after she had posted the letter, Jane's missive arrived, and it brought little cause for rejoicing, revealing her father's ailing state. It turned out that Mr. Bennet had caught the same malady as his wife. But while Mrs. Bennet had suffered only a mild illness, her husband got severely ill.

Lizzy found herself very distressed as she must leave for home immediately, but her aunt and uncle had just departed, and summoning them back would entail a significant loss of time.

With a countenance consumed by anxiety, she entered the parlor where Mr. Darcy, as well as Georgiana and her companion, sat. After revealing the content of her sister's letter and expressing her great worry over her father's health, the gentleman offered his assistance by escorting Elizabeth to her home.

Thus, it was soon settled that Mr. Darcy would dispatch a messenger to notify Gardiners about Mr. Bennet's health and Elizabeth's departure. Mrs. Annesley would chaperone Elizabeth to Hertfordshire, with Mr. Darcy accompanying the ladies on their journey, as it was unsafe for them to travel alone at night.

Although Elizabeth had protested as she found it very inconvenient taking away Georgiana's companion and leaving Colonel alone, which she also found rather impolite, Mr. Darcy, as well as his cousin, assured her that it was no trouble at all.

Elizabeth's mind was divided as she grappled with the perplexing delight she felt at having Mr. Darcy as her companion. The journey would be lengthy, and they would spend hours together. But why did such a prospect bring her joy? Her ruminations on this matter were fleeting, soon overshadowed by apprehension for her beloved father's well-being.

Within half an hour, all necessary arrangements were made, and Elizabeth bid farewell to Georgiana with a heavy heart. Parting from Miss Darcy was particularly difficult, for the girl insisted on Elizabeth's promise to return—a promise that Lizzy could not readily give.

After she said farewell to Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mr. Darcy assisted Elizabeth and Mrs. Annesley into the carriage and took his place across from the ladies.

The carriage set off with great speed, drawn by four spirited horses. The rain poured relentlessly, and its pitter-patter served as a constant companion to their journey.

Mr. Darcy and the ladies engaged in conversation—about the rain, the town of Lambton, and the landscapes of Derbyshire. Yet, soon, their words faltered, and they lapsed into silence. Elizabeth gazed out at the passing scenery while Mr. Darcy, albeit discreetly, stole glances in her direction.

He wondered if he had succeeded in altering her opinion of him for the better. She had accepted the apology for his past behavior, and there was amity in her demeanor, but what did she truly think of him? If only he were certain of her affection or even her fondness. Alas, such certainty eluded him, and thus he remained silent.

Whilst traversing the

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