The Lost Letters: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Lane Cossett

Author:Lane Cossett [Cossett, Lane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-04-14T16:00:00+00:00

Darcy immersed himself into the lesson, though he was glad when it was over. The young gentlemen politely thanked him and trooped out of the room. As they left, he could hear them start to tease Henry Clayton again. He sighed. There was nothing he could do. As he picked up his book, he looked up to see Almira standing in the doorway, frowning.

“Is something wrong?”

She stepped inside and quickly closed the door behind her. He was immediately wary, but waited for her to speak.

“What did you say to Miss Bennet that has upset her?”

He resented her accusing tone and continued to tidy up his papers. “Why would you think I said anything?” he asked, trying to buy himself some time while he thought about what he was going to say.

Almira glared at him. “Because I saw her and something had upset her deeply. She refused to say what it was, but when I made enquiries I learned she had been speaking to you.”

Darcy resented being questioned in such a matter. “I am sure I am not the only one Miss Bennet speaks to when she is here at Hopbrook.”

Almira pulled impatiently at a stray cotton on her dress. “Fitzwilliam, I do not want to lose her. If you have upset her, you should apologise.”

It angered him that she would immediately think he was at fault. He picked up his books. “Almira, you do not know what you are talking about.”

He made to move out of the room, but she was barring his way. He stood back. Not for the first time he thought how stubborn she was. No wonder she was still unmarried. Few men could tolerate a woman as forceful as Almira. “Miss Bennet and I had words. It was a silly misunderstanding and I am sure she has forgotten it.”

Almira eyed him quizzically. “I doubt it. It was something important to her.”

Darcy made another attempt to leave, but Almira still stood in his way. “You like her, don’t you?”

Darcy did not like the sudden change in the conversation. “I know little of her,” he said carefully, “but she seems a nice young woman.”

Almira gave an unladylike snort. “Darcy, I said that you like her. Whatever is going on in your life, do not walk away from Miss Bennet.”

“I have no idea what you are talking about,” said Darcy. “But I must say you have a fine imagination. Now please step aside. I would like to ride this afternoon.”

Almira stared up at him, a sudden sadness in her eyes. “Fitzwilliam, you like Miss Bennet more than you are willing to admit, and if I am right, you should act upon it.”

Darcy felt a tightening in his chest. He did not want to discuss Miss Bennet with anyone. It seemed Almira had said enough as she opened the door and stepped aside. Their eyes clashed as they passed. Hers was a knowing look and it made him feel slightly sick. Yes, he did like Miss Bennet, very much indeed, but sadly there was nothing he could do about it.

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