The Ball At Meryton: A Pride and Prejudice Alternative Novella by Bronwen Chisholm by Bronwen Chisholm

Author:Bronwen Chisholm
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, azw3
Publisher: Harvestdale Press
Published: 2015-02-02T05:00:00+00:00

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Henry Fitzwilliam, Lord of Matlock, stared out the window as his older sister continued her harangue regarding their nephew’s lack of enthusiasm toward marriage. “I have told Darcy repeatedly it was his mother’s wish that he marry my Anne, but still he makes no advances. You are the head of our family, Henry, you must tell him it is time he settle down. A young man cannot continue to gallivant about when there are responsibilities to address. Pemberley must have an heir, as must Rosings.”

Looking at her incredulously, he asked, “Surely you are not suggesting Darcy is some sort of cockscomb prancing about society? He is anything but, and you are quite aware of this. He takes his responsibilities seriously or I sincerely doubt he would visit you each Easter as his father requested.”

“He visits, but he does not make any advances toward Anne. For what reason does he come?” her frustration was clear in her voice.

“For the same reasons his father came; to insure your investments are well handled and your people are content. I daresay you have them both to thank for mending relations with your tenants.” He stood, suddenly in need of exercise to rid himself of the desire to shake his irrational sister. “And I will not order him to do anything. You are correct, I am the head of the Fitzwilliam family. Darcy is his own man and he is wise enough to know who should and who should not be the Mistress of Pemberley.”

“What are you saying? Anne was raised to be the Mistress of Pemberley.”

“Anne is practically an invalid. Be serious, Sister. Do you believe she could even survive childbirth? Would you risk your daughter’s life to combine the two estates? What gain do you see in it?”

A tentative knock at the door stopped her response, if she planned on giving one. “Enter!”

Branson, Lady Catherine’s butler, entered with a silver salver and hesitantly approached the warring siblings. “The post has arrived, Madam, and there is a letter for Lord Matlock.”

Henry reached out and took up the missive before Catherine could do so. He glanced at the handwriting and smiled. “Ah, Richard. My son has owed me a letter for some time. If you will excuse me, Sister, I will retire to the study to enjoy it.” He bowed and left without giving her the opportunity to object.

Lady Catherine huffed at her brother’s hasty retreat before turning to glare at her manservant. Branson bowed and backed from the room as fast as his arthritic gait could carry him.

Her displeasure brewed inside her. Darcy must be made to see reason! She wondered what news Richard had provided. Perhaps it could be helpful to her cause. She would simply have to wait for Henry to dress for dinner. He always left papers lying about.

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