The Abominable Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by J Dawn King

Author:J Dawn King [King, J Dawn]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, azw3
Publisher: Joy D. King
Published: 2016-06-02T06:00:00+00:00

Downstairs, Darcy stood with his back to the group, worried about his sister and wishing he was privy to the conversation. He was appalled he no longer seemed to be a man under good regulation. Richard was correct—he was a mother hen! Wickham was soon to be travelling to Australia which would forever remove him from their lives. Miss Elizabeth had shown her perception and kindness so he knew she would be sensible in her approach to his sister. Surely he had no cause to repine.

Darcy was well aware of the cause of his despair. Whilst Richard gave chase to the scoundrel, Elizabeth was comforting his sister, and he was in a drawing room trying to avoid the notice of Miss Bingley. He longed for the chase, a sword in his hand; or to have Georgiana turn to him for consolation. When she had done so in years past, he felt taller, stronger, and needed. It galled him that under these circumstances, he, Fitzwilliam Darcy, was not necessary.

Darcy heard them before he saw them. Soft giggles. Surely that was not the sister who would, in her sorrow, not allow her beloved brother into her presence? It was.

Again, Miss Bingley jumped to attention as soon as the two ladies walked into the room. Elizabeth was completely ignored as Caroline led Georgiana to a seat next to where she had been sitting. Within moments, she had a plate of sweets filled and tea poured for the younger girl. Nothing had been offered to Miss Elizabeth.

“Brother”—Georgiana’s welcome voice travelled the distance to the window—“are these not the shellfish you enjoy so much?”

Darcy surveyed the raw oysters on the half shell as he walked closer. “They are, Georgiana.”

“Indeed, Mr. Darcy. We are always happy to offer such hospitality to our esteemed guests. We had them brought from London this week.”

“When did they arrive, Miss Bingley?” When he saw his sister start to daintily remove the meat from the opened shell, he put his hand out to stop her. He waited for Caroline’s reply.

“I would have to check with Cook, Mr. Darcy. I believe them to have arrived on Wednesday with the rest of the items we were not able to procure in Hertfordshire.”

“Do not eat them, Georgiana.” He leaned over and took the plate away from her, placing it back on the tray. “I never eat oysters unless freshly harvested during certain tidal periods. The autumn has been unseasonably warm.” His nose was in the air, as if the food was pungent, and disdain dripped from his voice. “It is unsafe.”

Alarmed, Caroline’s right hand went to her chest. Serving tainted food would be a blow to her reputation as an accomplished chatelaine. She despised shellfish so she never ate any herself. Glancing at the plates on the tray, she saw that her brother-in-law had a pile of empty shells before him while Miss Bennet had only two. If only Miss Elizabeth had helped herself! Caroline wanted to snort at the thought. She did not. “No harm done.

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