A Dutiful Son: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Kelly Miller

Author:Kelly Miller
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Not in Amazon Library, To Transfer, Alternate Universe, Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms
Publisher: Meryton Press
Published: 2022-10-18T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8: Suspicions and Contrivances

Once Georgiana and Miss Bennet left the room, George Darcy reclaimed his seat.

Their departing footsteps in the outer hall had not yet faded away when his sister groaned. “Are you out of your senses, George? You invited a lady a full four years older than my niece to stay at the house. When Georgie wrote to me of her friend who would spend most of the summer here, I assumed the young lady would be the same age.”

He braced his jaw. Had he erred by not describing Miss Bennet to Esther in his last letter? He had reasoned that if his sister met their guest before learning of her background, she would be more apt to take the information in stride. “You need not fret; I made an informed decision. Miss Bennet has proved to be a true friend to my daughter. Since her arrival earlier today Georgie has never been happier.” He raised his brows. “You saw her gay demeanour; she thinks the world of Miss Bennet.”

His nephew shifted to face Esther. “Now then, ma’am, you cannot deny my cousin’s high spirits. I have seldom seen Georgie so animated and cheerful.”

Esther glanced at Richard. “Yes, without doubt, she is happy.” Her stare, when redirected back to him, grew pointed. “Nevertheless, she is yet young and cannot be expected to always know what is best for herself. It is your responsibility to guide her.”

“I am aware of that, and I stand by my decision.” He folded his arms across his chest. After the near-disaster in Ramsgate, he had made it clear to Esther he would use more diligence in future when judging anyone who associated with Georgiana.

“I found nothing objectionable in Miss Bennet’s conduct.” Richard employed a soothing tone. “She was charming, polite, and proper.”

Esther waved a hand at Richard. “You have spent your entire adult life as a soldier. I imagine you are adept at judging the measure of men, but ladies are another matter.”

His nephew chuckled. “Pray, do not be so quick to dismiss my opinion. I have braved many a London ballroom in the last decade—a great deal more than my cousin Darcy, I should wager.”

George Darcy splayed his hands upon his thighs. “Esther, I can anticipate each of your suspicions because I held them myself at first. But I came to recognise Miss Bennet as a lady of fine character.”

“On what do you base this conclusion?” His sister’s brows angled downward.

“She earned Fitzwilliam’s respect. He had ample time to get to know her in Hertfordshire and urged me to allow her to stay here as Georgie’s guest. Even so, I did not agree until I met her myself.”

Esther shook her head. “My goodness, George, do you realise how many eligible ladies of the ton would salivate at an opportunity like this?”

He frowned. “What opportunity?”

“Unrivalled access to one of the most sought-after bachelors in England—your son. Miss Bennet’s standing is far below your own. What if she decides to elevate herself by ensnaring him? Based upon her own description of her home and family, she is in no way a worthy match for him.

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