Whims & Inconsistencies: A Collection of Humorous Pride and Prejudice Variations by Croft J Marie

Author:Croft, J Marie
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Quills & Quartos Publishing
Published: 2024-10-28T00:00:00+00:00

Eleven

More than once did William, in his solitary walks within the Park, unexpectedly meet Elizabeth. At first, he wondered how and why fate brought her to the same unbeaten path he had come to consider his own private sanctuary. The second time it happened, he cursed fate for being perverse and explicitly informed Elizabeth it was his favourite haunt, certain such intimation would prevent further occurrences.

During their third encounter, she asked again those odd, unconnected questions concerning his preferences, future hopes, and preferred place to settle. Baffled, William felt a prickle of apprehension. The rash of chance meetings was getting under his skin. Dear Lord, if my privacy must be invaded, could you not send Lady Cassandra instead of her cousin? Like a bad shilling, the clueless woman keeps turning up. How can one be so utterly unaware? I fear she has gone quite balmy. Foolish, foolish, oblivious woman!

One day, as he strolled along the grove, tranquillity was shattered by approaching hoof beats. William, afraid that Miss Darcy was once again intent upon disturbing his solitude, glanced around for cover and considered jumping into a dense thicket of bracken and cowering there. Dignity protested such cowardly concealment, so he girded his loins and prepared to meet his tormentor like a man.

Perturbation was for naught. Bedevilment was displaced by beguilement as he espied the she-devil’s cousin. Particularly winsome in a violet riding habit, Lady Cassandra approached at a trot on a dappled grey mare. Perchance my concupiscent reverie is about to materialise. Oh gad, I hope not. Ghastly ending.

She slowed her mount to a walk, came to a halt in front of him, and slid from her side-saddle to the ground. Her rosy cheeks, friendly green eyes, and compelling smile were welcome sights. “I did not know you ever rode in this area, Lady Cassandra.”

“I finished a wildflower watercolour for the parsonage and was on my way to call on Miss Collins to leave the painting there. Will you be heading back now?”

He had intended to continue in the opposite direction, but incentive to return with her became irresistible. The horse followed as William offered Cassandra his arm, and they strolled companionably. “I often happen upon your cousin during my walks.” Still leery, William expected unwelcome company at each intersection. “Where is Miss Darcy today?”

“Calling on cottagers with our uncle and Andrew. Poor Lizzy. Although fond of such visits, she would rather be here in the grove.” Cassandra gave him a pointed look. “Of course, females have not the freedom to always choose where they go, how they spend their time, or with whom.”

“If it is any consolation”—he smiled down at her—“neither do curates.”

“True.” She looked away and sighed. “Yet you have freedom, within reason, to make many choices I never shall. As an earl’s daughter, I am destined to espouse a peer of the realm or an exceedingly wealthy commoner, and I fear I shall have little say in the matter.”

Is this meant for me? A titled lady could never welcome amorous approaches from a lowly cleric.

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