The Measure of Trust: A Pride & Prejudice Variation (The Measure of a Man Collection) by Alix James

Author:Alix James [James, Alix]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Winsome Wit Publishing
Published: 2024-09-02T00:00:00+00:00

The rest of the meal passed in a blur. Elizabeth ate mechanically, barely tasting the food. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Darcy, to the look in his eyes when he spoke of disappointment and happiness. Was he speaking of Anne de Bourgh? Was the engagement not to his liking, perhaps? The phrase “sowing wild oats” came suddenly to her mind, and the idea left a bitter taste in her mouth. She couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to his words, something he was not saying.

And then there was Mr Wickham. Elizabeth couldn’t ignore the nagging doubt Darcy had planted. Could there be truth in his warnings? Was she being blinded by Wickham’s charm? But he had shown nothing but kindness and respect since his arrival. Surely, Darcy was mistaken—or worse, deliberately trying to mislead her.

After what felt like an eternity, the meal ended, and the guests began to disperse. She wanted to join them, to lose herself in the movement and forget her worries, if only for a little while. But she felt rooted to her seat, the weight of her thoughts holding her back. Eventually, the need for fresh air and a quiet space to calm her thoughts pulled her out of the dining room after the others. She made her way to the terrace, longing for just a moment or two to herself before plunging back into the ballroom.

The stars twinkled overhead, a stark contrast to the turmoil within her. She leaned against the railing, closing her eyes and taking deep breaths. The events of the evening swirled in her mind—Darcy’s cryptic words, Mr Wickham’s charm, Charlotte’s radiant smile.

“Miss Elizabeth?”

The voice startled her, and she turned to see Mr Wickham standing a few feet away, his expression concerned. “Are you quite all right?”

Elizabeth forced a smile. “Yes, thank you, Mr Wickham. I just needed some fresh air.”

He stepped closer, his gaze warm and understanding. “It has been a glorious evening, hasn’t it? I hope you have enjoyed yourself.”

She nodded, but her mind was elsewhere. “Yes, it has been a lovely evening. Thank you for your hospitality.”

Mr Wickham’s smile widened. “It is my pleasure, Miss Elizabeth. If there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to ask.”

There it was again—that charm, that easy manner that made it so difficult to doubt him. But Darcy’s words lingered in her mind, casting a shadow over their interaction.

“Mr Wickham,” she began hesitantly, “may I ask you something?”

“Of course, anything.”

She hesitated, unsure how to phrase her question without sounding accusatory. “I have heard... some things. About you and Mr Darcy. He... he implied that you had not always… that is, you were not always the sort of man we know you to be now.”

Wickham’s expression sobered thoughtfully. “I see. Mr Darcy and I have... a complicated history. He has never forgiven me for certain youthful indiscretions.”

“Indiscretions?”

Wickham nodded, his gaze distant. “Nothing, I fear, that I ought to tell a lady, Miss Elizabeth. I was young and foolish. I made mistakes.

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