The Darcy Governess: A Pride & Prejudice Variation, as Inspired by Brontë's Jane Eyre by April Karber

Author:April Karber [Karber, April]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe, Not in Amazon Library, To Transfer
Amazon: B013MB2NOO
Goodreads: 26064306
Published: 2015-08-07T04:00:00+00:00

chapter 21

That night, Elizabeth found that sleep evaded her. Every time she closed her eyes, visions of Darcy’s warm expressions and dark looks betrayed her sincerest attempts and the feeling of his lips on hers tormented her.

Unwilling to pretend that she had a right to recall such things as though they were hers, she set out to Georgiana’s room to check on her, stealing away with a lantern and a bowl of cold water and a towel. She had always slept easier when she was ill when her mother had kept her face cool and clear of fevered sweat, and she would do the same for Georgiana.

Elizabeth relieved the single nursemaid that sat at watch over Georgiana alongside Rochester. She lovingly washed the beads of sweat from Georgiana’s face with the new towel and reclined, enjoying the room’s view of the stars and absently patting the dog’s head.

“Miss Bennet!” Mrs. Reynolds hissed, startling her. “I order you to go to bed this instant!” It was the loving but heady command of a mother.

Elizabeth took no time in arguing and instead tried to explain that she could not sleep, feeling the slightest bit guilty at what thoughts had kept her awake.

“I’d rather you lie sleepless in your own bed than risk discomfort and illness here, Miss Bennet. You are too kind for your own good.” Mrs. Reynolds’ smile drowned out the harshness of her prior commands. “You are like family, Miss Bennet. I only separate you as a measure to make certain that you do not fall ill. If I know you at all, you would regret being abed after Georgiana recovers far more than being absent from her bedside while we have so many others to attend her.”

“You are right, Mrs. Reynolds, as always.” Elizabeth adored the housekeeper and wished that she and her Aunt Gardiner could meet for she suspected they would be great friends.

“I have other advice, as you seem so apt to follow it at this late hour.” It was past one in the morning, closer to sunrise than sunset. Elizabeth nodded to show that she was willing to hear it. “You make Mr. Darcy exceedingly happy and you should never feel as though you are neglecting your duties by spending time with him.”

Elizabeth thought it odd advice but voiced her thanks for it anyhow and left with her lantern and water bowl in hand.

Mrs. Reynolds soothed Rochester and took up Elizabeth’s post after bidding her goodnight, shaking her head at such a persistent girl as Elizabeth crept away, overly cognizant of what any mention of Mr. Darcy could do to her features.

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