A Hasty Decision_A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Wynne Mabry

Author:Wynne Mabry [Mabry, Wynne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance
Goodreads: 53013003
Published: 2019-09-12T00:00:00+00:00

Peace at an End

“I found Miss Bennet’s manners this evening more shocking than ever,” Anne said as soon as their guests had left. “I was astounded by her dreadful idea of shouting across the street to Georgiana. I must say right now that I will not tolerate such disgraceful behaviour in my home.”

Mr. Darcy’s heart sank at this breaking of their peace. Of course, he should have guessed that Elizabeth’s presence would stir up his wife’s animosity toward her, but this was particularly annoying right after he had been enjoying himself so much this evening.

“It was just a joke,” Georgiana said scornfully. “We are not really going to shout out of the windows. Are you so stupid that you cannot understand a joke?”

“How dare you call me stupid.”

“Well, it was a stupid thing to say,” Mr. Darcy said, decisively taking his sister’s side. This time, Georgiana really had been rude, but he was just as offended as she was. “It should have been obvious to anybody that Miss Bennet was only being amusing.”

“There was nothing amusing about it. I was appalled that you encouraged her.”

“She had the sense to know that I was only joking.”

“I do not know why you persist in thinking so well of her. It is plain to me that she is a terrible influence on Georgiana, as evidenced by her rudeness to me just now.”

“You are the one causing her to be rude, Anne. I do not know why you persist in having such a low opinion of Miss Bennet.”

“My opinion is completely justified, and it is shared by Caroline and Louisa. They agree with me that Miss Bennet is ill-mannered and unladylike.”

Mr. Darcy sighed. “We are all well aware that your friends share your opinion. We have heard it before, and I can see no purpose to hearing it again.”

Anne paid no heed to him. “She is completely without accomplishment as well. Could you not hear how badly she played the pianoforte?”

“I thought her performance pleasing.”

“So did I,” Georgiana said. “Besides, any effort is superior to not playing at all.”

This slight had no effect upon Anne either. “Do you know that she practically boasted to Mother about having no knowledge of drawing, or languages, or anything that a lady should know.”

“Do you draw?” Georgiana asked.

“That is not the point. My health did not allow such exertion, but naturally I would have excelled at drawing had I been able to pursue that study.”

“You do not seem so unhealthy. Perhaps you should take some lessons now.”

“There is no need for that. I am already married.”

Mr. Darcy thought this was a sad comment on female education. “Do you not think it worthwhile to pursue self-improvement for its own sake?” he asked. As it could be presumed that his wife was flummoxed by this question, he did not wait for any answer. “You might find drawing to be a pleasant way of passing the time,” he suggested. “I do not mind either way, but if you feel inclined to learn something new, I would be happy to engage any masters that you like.

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