A Life from the Ashes by Jann Rowland

Author:Jann Rowland
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: One Good Sonnet Publishing
Published: 2016-06-19T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter XI

Upon hearing those words, Wickham froze. Then reason asserted itself. Darcy would not do something so foolish as to propose to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. His aunt, for one, would never allow it.

“It has once again become clear to me that there is not a Bennet sister with an ounce of sense,” said Wickham with a sneer. “To think that the high and mighty Fitzwilliam Darcy would actually let go of his pride for a moment in order to propose to a Bennet! Ridiculous!”

“Whatever you may think of my sister,” said Lydia, “or indeed, regardless of what you think of any of my sisters, that is what Kitty has written. And now that I have had the opportunity to consider the matter, I am not surprised at his feelings. His propensity to gaze on her often was much remarked upon when he was in Hertfordshire last year, and she was the only local lady with whom he danced.”

“Oh, yes,” said Wickham contempt dripping from his tone, “the great Darcy deigns to dance with one of the local ladies, and it becomes a local legend.”

“Though I am surprised at Lizzy’s acceptance,” said Lydia, as if she had not heard him, “I must assume that Lizzy’s opinion of him was softened when they were together in Kent. Regardless, I do not think that Kitty would lie to me about such a thing.”

“I tell you it is impossible!” shouted Wickham. “Why must you persist in this? Is it merely to attempt to mock me? There is no possibility whatsoever that Darcy can be engaged to Elizabeth.”

When Lydia did not respond—she only stood there and regarded him with a knowing look etched on her stupid face—Wickham crossed the room in quick strides and grasped her arm, forcing her to face him.

“Where is this letter? Show it to me! I must see it.”

To Wickham’s surprise, Lydia actually wrenched her arm free of his grip, though she clutched it as if it pained her.

“If you wish to see the letter,” said she, her voice colder than he had ever heard before, “I would be happy to show it to you. You only need to ask.”

Lydia walked away from him and approached a desk by the side of the room, where she opened a drawer and pulled out a stack of letters tied up with a string. She pulled one free and handed it to him.

“There, if you do not believe me, you will find Kitty’s words concerning the matter on the last page.”

Eagerly, Wickham flipped to the indicated location and began to read, at first almost with comprehension, but with growing anger. Fitzwilliam in Hertfordshire; Miss Bingley sent away; Darcy’s attentions to Elizabeth; Kitty, claiming that Mr. Darcy was good!

Holding the offending letter in his hands, Wickham read over the pertinent passages several times, trying to understand, trying to refute what was written there. But he was unable to do it. In fact, Kitty’s words mirrored his observations over a period of time, and though he had not wished to acknowledge the matter, it was clear it was the truth.

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