You Asked for It...: A Pride & Prejudice Variation With a Twist by Sydney Salier

Author:Sydney Salier [Salier, Sydney]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Alternate Universe, Humour, Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Not in Amazon Library
Amazon: B082F5MZ4Y
Goodreads: 49113126
Published: 2019-12-05T05:00:00+00:00

19 Arrangements

On Monday afternoon, Darcy approached Leachim. ‘Leachim, I need to ask a favour from you, if I may,’ said Darcy.

‘Of course, dear boy. Which lady shall I protect you from today?’ Leachim smirked at Darcy.

Darcy looked startled and then laughed. ‘As a matter of fact, I need you to protect me from Mrs Bennet.’

‘Ah. So you have decided to court Miss Elizabeth, but you have no wish for her mother to know just yet.’

Darcy was a little surprised but recovered quickly. ‘Precisely. Miss Elizabeth is desirous for us to get to know each other better without the interference of her family. Particularly her mother.’

‘Is she afraid Mrs Bennet will scare you off?’ Leachim could not resist the tease.

‘Not at all. I made it quite clear that Mrs Bennet’s behaviour will not influence me. But Miss Elizabeth and I had a bad start. Yes, I know it was my fault. Nonetheless, she is prepared to overlook that faux pas. But it has made Miss Elizabeth cautious about my character.’

Darcy suddenly smiled. ‘Do you have any idea how refreshing it is to be taken seriously as a person and not just be seen as a cornucopia issuing dresses, jewels and carriages.’

‘I can only imagine it. But I have a very vivid imagination. So, what exactly do you want from me?’ asked Leachim.

‘Bingley would like to call on Miss Bennet. I thought if we both went along, it would make it less obvious if I were to speak to Miss Elizabeth. Especially if you distract Mrs Bennet.’ Darcy asked, hopefully.

‘Consider it done, my friend. I enjoy a conversation with that lady.’ Leachim laughed. ‘Please, do not think me cruel, but I like to challenge her preconceptions and her perceptions.’

‘Thank you, Garth. We will call on them tomorrow morning, immediately after breakfast. Bingley’s breakfast, that is,’ Darcy clarified.

‘I shall be ready.’ Leachim promised.

~~~oo00oo~~~

On Tuesday morning, Bingley was at breakfast at a surprisingly early hour.

When Darcy teased him about it, he replied in his most casual way, ‘I am looking forward to seeing Miss Bennet, and I prefer to do so without Caroline present. Since she is still asleep, I cannot ask her to join us.’

‘You are getting to be quite devious. Who would have thought?’ Leachim grinned at Bingley.

Bingley’s eyes twinkled as a chewed a big mouthful of devilled kidneys. After he swallowed, he said with a grin, ‘I had a great teacher.’

Leachim turned to Darcy and complained, ‘Darcy, how could you. Corrupting such an innocent as Bingley.’

Darcy nearly choked on the sip of coffee he had just taken. ‘That is a foul canard, and you know it, my friend.’

Bingley laughed. ‘Stop it, you two. If you keep me laughing, we will never get out of here.’

Darcy and Leachim exchanged glances, shrugged their shoulders and with a smile agreed.

~~~oo00oo~~~

When the gentlemen arrived at Longbourn, they found the three oldest Bennet sisters in the parlour, but the rest of the Bennet family was absent.

Miss Bennet explained. ‘Mother and our youngest sisters have gone to visit our Aunt Phillips in Meryton.

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