A Sensual Retelling: A Pride and Prejudice Alternative by Isabelle Woodward

Author:Isabelle Woodward [Woodward, Isabelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Tags: Fiction, Historical, Pride & Prejudice Alternate, Romance
ISBN: 9781976979446
Google: DrdntAEACAAJ
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: 2018-01-25T00:00:00+00:00

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SEVENTEEN

Accustomed to keeping country hours, I was use to rising early in the morning. Ever since becoming a wife however, I have been lax in that regard; all my old habits seem to have fled in the face of the change.

As Miss Bennet, I would be awake at dawn, whereupon, I would take a turn in the garden. In summer, I would linger out of doors for as long as I could before the sun’s rays grew too hot. In winter, I would brave the cold and sometimes even the rain too, for I could not bear the thought of being confined to the house all day.

Sometimes, when I was forced to stay in, I would rise early regardless and tend to my correspondence. Mary, who was also an early riser, would be seated at the pianoforte practicing her scales and arpeggios, while I wrote and composed my notes.

Jane, for all her virtues, was prone to lingering abed, and that, truth be owned, was her only vice. By the hour of nine, the whole family would be down and we would enjoy a simple breakfast of bread, butter and conserves.

As Mrs. Darcy, I discovered that my husband, despite being a rather fashionable gentleman, seemed to prefer country hours also. He woke early and though he lingered in bed, loathed to leave me, he had many matters that demanded his attention. He loved activity and he was not a man to indulge in leisure.

As his wife, I knew I had certain duties to perform. It was my task to instruct Mrs. Reynolds and discuss any directions I had for the day first thing in the morning. I had seen my mother perform her many duties and I was ready to demonstrate my skills in this arena. The Darcy household was far larger despite the few personages in it. Nevertheless, I was of the opinion that I would manage.

Following my mother’s example, I knew what things needed to be accomplished before I sat down to breakfast, and I was determined to assume and perform my role to the best of my ability.

For several hours a day, my husband could be found in his study, tending to business. He had made several adjustments to his schedule owing to his desire to dedicate more time to me, but I did not begrudge him his time alone. He had a large estate to oversee. And, as I had learned, he was also an avid investor, not only in the Exchange, but also in various other mercantile pursuits.

“Is that not rather scandalous?” I teased him, “what would Lady Catherine say?”

“My aunt can think and say what she likes,” Mr. Darcy stated, “I steer my own course.”

“Had you been obedient to her, I would not be your wife,” I offered mirthfully.

“My cousin will find a man worthy of her,” he commented, “but I refuse to be dictated to. My life is my own and I will live it as I see fit.”

More often than not, my husband would conclude his business with speed.

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