The Key: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Kate Speck

Author:Kate Speck [Speck, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Not in Amazon Library, To Transfer, Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe, Z-Library
Amazon: B0928DSQCS
Goodreads: 57731604
Published: 2021-05-04T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Darcy looked at himself in the mirror and ensured he appeared his best as Netherfield was being prepared for the guests to arrive imminently for the ball. Jane Bennet had returned to Longbourn the day prior after church services and after the grand party, Elizabeth, Mrs. Annesley, and Martha were to travel to Pemberley with Mr. Darcy, Georgiana, and a slew of Richard’s men. With Bingley intent on requesting a formal courtship with Jane Bennet, Elizabeth convinced her elder sister to remain in Hertfordshire longer until Bingley could escort her entire family to Derbyshire for Christmas.

The plan was to announce Elizabeth’s true identity before the first dance and after a few hours of sleep in the early morning, to part ways in order for Darcy to go to London to look for a wife and for his father and sister to the north. Elizabeth had returned to her good-natured self before his awful proposal and although he was certain her opinion of himself had improved, she had been unwilling to share her thoughts whenever he hinted at his joining her at Pemberley. He was disheartened that she could not foresee a future with him and wanted to shake her into her senses but respecting her wishes, kept their interludes cordial and refrained from touching her person so he would not be tempted to kiss her again. He desired nothing more than to love her and have his love returned and despaired that all other women paled in comparison to the brilliance of Elizabeth Bennet. Darcy sympathised with his cousin once again but compelled to show her that he could prevail, descended the steps to join the others to begin the party.

He walked to the Bingleys and the Hursts who were dressed in all their fineries and after acknowledging them and even complimenting Bingley’s sisters, spoke quietly with his father and Richard who were ready for any predicament, having every guest present a written invitation and for Mr. Bennet and Sir William to visually vouch for their neighbours. Even the servants were under scrutiny so that no strangers who were unknown to Netherfield’s housekeeper were allowed entry. The only person they had not yet met was Mr. Collins, Lady Catherine’s parson, but that gentleman was expected to arrive with the Bennet family and would be introduced to the group at first chance. As he looked down to fix his sleeves and inspect his attire, he heard Elizabeth approach to make her greetings to his father and turned around but froze immediately as soon as his eyes landed on her.

She was resplendent in her ballgown, wearing an ivory dress with a long blue ribbon around her waist, with pearls in her hair and matching ivory gloves that made her appear angelic, and he could not find the words to describe her beauty. Darcy stood speechlessly until Richard bumped his shoulder and he recalled his manners. “You... You... You look...” He stuttered, “Blue ribbon is dress. I mean, ribbon is nice. Nice for you, on you, the dress, I mean to say.

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