A Perfectly (Un)timely Proposal: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Jennifer Joy

Author:Jennifer Joy [Joy, Jennifer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-02-10T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18

Aunt Gardiner and Jane’s eyes shone as they discussed the marvels awaiting them at Harding, Howell & Co. Elizabeth wavered between curiosity and excitement. Mr. Darcy’s invitation to the theater the following evening had offered the perfect opportunity for Aunt to indulge her nieces, something she always sought to do and did so generously. Elizabeth’s skin tingled, and she smiled as she looked out of Uncle’s carriage window, but her thoughts were far away from gloves and lace.

Mr. Darcy had shared a confidence with her—one which brought her no end of merriment at his expense. She could not look at a Great Dane without the rather humorous (and highly inappropriate) image of a young Master Darcy hiding behind bushes and trees, his bottom airing in the breeze for anyone to see. He had trusted her by exposing his mortification. As a result, her respect for him had deepened.

She so badly wanted for Mr. Darcy’s behavior toward Mr. Wickham to be justified. It had been easy to side with Mr. Wickham, but that was before Mr. Darcy had proved himself capable of being likable, so approachable and easy to talk to, and funny. Was he capable of the deceit Mr. Wickham had described? Of denying a favorite of his own father the living bestowed upon him in his will? Elizabeth despised injustice—especially at the hand of the upper class toward one with few prospects. It was supremely unfair!

There had to be a reasonable explanation or perhaps, as Jane often said, a misunderstanding. If that were the case, then a mere question might prove to be the first step in establishing peace between the two gentlemen. Elizabeth would ask Mr. Darcy the following night. Only, how could she do so discreetly?

It struck her as significant that she had settled on Mr. Darcy to satisfy her inquiry. He would give her an accurate, truthful accounting. That was, if he deemed the matter worth speaking of. She could not force an explanation, though she hoped he might grant her one.

Mr. Wickham’s conversation had entertained in the moment but, upon further consideration, left her unsatisfied. She did not want to cast him as deceitful, and yet how could she think of either gentleman with more esteem than the other without doing so?

Her aunt interrupted her thoughts. “Lizzy, I suggest you look away from the window if it only serves to provoke sighs. I have counted at least three in the last five minutes.”

Turning away from the window, Elizabeth pasted a smile on her face that soon turned genuine when she saw her aunt’s concern. “I apologize, Aunt. My thoughts took a ponderous turn.”

Aunt squeezed her hand. “About Mr. Darcy?”

Elizabeth’s cheeks burned. She wished she could lie, but Aunt would know it. So would Jane. Elizabeth’s embarrassment would subside much quicker for admitting the truth than her own guilt at telling a falsehood would. “Yes.”

“He is a handsome gentleman, and so attentive.” Aunt patted her hand and leaned back to watch her with a narrow, calculating gaze.

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