Sweet Caroline: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Mary Alice Alexander

Author:Mary Alice Alexander [Alexander, Mary Alice]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Others POV, Not in Amazon Library
ISBN: 9798988472988
Goodreads: 222448861
Publisher: Delaford Publishing, Inc
Published: 2024-12-28T05:00:00+00:00

The oppressive heat of a London summer day had driven us all indoors, and I found myself idly picking out stitches in my embroidery. My thoughts were rather more occupied with certain tall, proud gentlemen than with mere needlework. The door creaked open, admitting Charles and Mr Darcy, the latter looking particularly sour.

“Come, Darcy,” Charles was chattering away like an optimistic sparrow, “you really must shake off this dark humour. What happened during your travels to leave you so cast down? You look as though you have been forced to dance with every wallflower at Almack’s.”

Mr Darcy merely grunted in response, his eyes downcast. I seized the opportunity to insert myself into the conversation.

“Mr Darcy,” I simpered, “how distressing to see you so glum. Perhaps the prospect of our upcoming visit to Pemberley might cheer you? I, for one, am counting the days.” And the hours. And the minutes. I may have had a small accounting hidden in my reticule.

Darcy’s eyes flicked to mine, a brief spark of... something... passing through them before the shutters fell once more. “Indeed, Miss Bingley. The invitation stands, of course.” My, that was less than an enthusiastic endorsement.

I set my book aside with practised grace, rising to approach the gentlemen like Venus emerging from the waves—if Venus had been wearing the latest fashion from Paris and had spent two hours arranging her hair. “You are too kind, Mr Darcy. I do hope nothing has occurred to dampen your spirits about the visit?”

“Not at all,” he replied, though his tone lacked conviction. “If you’ll excuse me, I have promised Georgiana an outing.”

As he strode from the room, I turned to Charles with a practised look of concern. “Oh, Charles, what can have happened to leave Mr Darcy in such a taking? He is exceedingly gloomy.”

Charles shrugged, his usual good humour undimmed. “I am sure it’s nothing, Caroline. Darcy is never best pleased when he has been at his aunt’s estate.”

I nodded sagely, though my thoughts were already racing ahead.

“Well, we must do our utmost to lift his spirits during our stay at Pemberley. I shall make it my personal mission to see him smile again.”

Charles wandered off in search of refreshment. I allowed myself a small, triumphant smile. Mr Darcy’s current disposition was but a minor setback. I could not imagine how anything could truly disturb a man of his stature—surely it was a minor matter he would resolve promptly.

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