The Love of a Lifetime: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Lockhart Anna & Lady A

Author:Lockhart, Anna & Lady, A [Lockhart, Anna & Lady, A]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Daisy Chain Publishing
Published: 2020-03-30T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Elizabeth was closer to Netherfield manor than she realized when Darcy discovered her in the meadow. When they arrived for the ball not so long ago, they were not given the opportunity to see much of the home. But now, in the daylight, Elizabeth could see why her sister enjoyed spending so much time there. It was not only a beautiful house, but it was also one that had been furnished with a sense of modern style and a clever appreciation for the past. Jane would make the perfect lady of the house.

What she did not understand was why her sister seemed so fond of Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst. Elizabeth was quite sure that the sisters did not care for Jane one jot. If they treated her the way they had been treating Elizabeth, she could not fathom what Jane saw in them. As soon as they began walking toward Netherfield, the sisters did little else besides mock Elizabeth and make jokes at her expense. They must have suppressed their monstrous behavior around Jane, because Elizabeth would rather have a pair of snakes as her sisters.

“Mrs. Pollock! Mrs. Featherstone! Where is our tea? It was meant to be set promptly at two!” Caroline shouted out into the house. “Honestly. We have two housekeepers and neither of them seem to be nearby when they are needed. Though I do not know why I expected to find good help in the country. One can hardly find a decent bottle of port in this part of the world.”

Elizabeth stiffened as Caroline disparaged not only her hometown, but their housekeepers, who were likely worked to the bone by the Bingley sisters. Fitzwilliam stepped ever so slightly closer to Elizabeth and let his arm brush against her own. She knew he was trying to calm her, but the longer she stayed in the company of Caroline and Louisa, the more likely it was that she might say something harsh. Elizabeth hoped she could escape Netherfield by keeping the tea as brief as possible.

Instead, it felt as if it went on forever.

When a stout little woman with rosy cheeks and look of fear in her eyes brought the tea to the drawing room, her hands were shaking as she sat down the tray. Caroline immediately chastised her for spilling a drop of milk, which only made the housekeeper more nervous.

“Thank you, Mrs. Featherstone. These biscuits look lovely. Perhaps Mr. Bingley would like a tray in his office until he is able to join us?” Darcy said, interrupting Caroline. It was obvious that Mrs. Featherstone was grateful for the arrival of an ally. She nodded and then quickly ran from the room, leaving the rest to enjoy their tea and biscuits. Though Elizabeth found it difficult to enjoy anything in the company of the Bingley sisters.

“Fitzwilliam, have you been to visit Anne de Bourgh lately? I hear she had a touch of color in her cheeks the last time she was seen in public,” Louisa said as she attempted to hide a snicker.

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