The Meddling Matlocks: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Catherine Bilson

Author:Catherine Bilson [Bilson, Catherine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Humour, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence
Goodreads: 222874094
Publisher: Shenanigans Press
Published: 2025-01-18T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Elizabeth stood before her mirror the following morning, absently smoothing the folds of her gown, a pale lavender muslin that had seen better days but still suited her well enough. She paused, her fingers hovering over a stray thread on her sleeve, and caught her own expression in the glass. Was that... anticipation she spied? A sparkle in her dark eyes that betrayed her restless thoughts? She pressed her lips together in mild self-reproach, but the corners tugged upward of their own accord.

“Foolish girl,” she murmured to her reflection. “You ought not to be so eager for the company of a man who scarcely knows how to smile.” And yet, there it was, the undeniable truth: she was looking forward to Mr Darcy’s visit.

Elizabeth turned towards the window, crossing her arms as she leaned against the sill. The garden below was quiet, a solitary robin hopping about in the flower beds, hoping for an early worm or two. It was too early for Mrs Bennet’s bustling commands or Lydia’s giggling fits to disturb the peace, and Elizabeth relished the calm.

But her mind refused to follow suit. It flitted like the restless robin between curiosity and speculation. What would Mr Darcy say about Mr Wickham? Would he deign to explain himself fully? Or would his pride manifest itself in vague half-truths and lofty insinuations? She could not decide whether her eagerness stemmed from a desire to confirm her suspicions about Mr Darcy’s character or to unravel the enigma of Mr Wickham’s charming duplicity.

“Perhaps both,” she admitted aloud, a wry smile curving her lips. “Though I suppose it is uncharitable to think so poorly of a man who has promised me the truth. Still, with Mr Darcy, one must always be prepared for a battle of wits.”

Her musings were interrupted by a knock at the door, followed immediately by Jane’s soft voice. “Lizzy, are you awake?”

“Very much so,” Elizabeth replied, moving to open the door. Jane entered, her serene countenance as composed as ever, though her cheeks bore the faintest flush of colour.

“Good morning,” Jane said, her tone warm but tinged with hesitation. “Lizzy… do you really think Mr Darcy will come to speak to you today?” They had talked the previous night after returning home, of course, going over every aspect of the ball into the small hours of the morning, both too excited to sleep.

“Indeed I do,” Elizabeth answered lightly, though her heart gave a small flutter at the mention of his name. “Though whether we shall gain anything useful from his visit remains to be seen. He is not a man prone to generosity, of words or otherwise, I think.”

“Perhaps he means to surprise you,” Jane offered with a hopeful smile, always quick to see the best in others.

“Mr Darcy? Surprise me?” Elizabeth laughed softly. “The only surprise he could offer would be a genuine smile.”

“Now, Lizzy,” Jane chided gently, though her eyes twinkled. “Do try to keep your wit within bounds. You might find Mr Darcy more agreeable than you imagine.

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