All That This Entails: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Noell Chesney

Author:Noell Chesney [Chesney, Noell]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Quills & Quartos Publishing
Published: 2020-12-13T18:30:00+00:00

Darcy was disappointed to miss Elizabeth’s company on Thursday when the ladies went to the modiste with his sister, but his appointment for the day was not one he could ignore. He had been surprised on Wednesday morning to receive a request to meet with the duke the following day at Brooks’s. He realised Elizabeth’s father had easily discerned his attentions towards her, and a reckoning was imminent.

Darcy was not prone to nervousness, for he had been his own master for many years; however, this upcoming interview induced a feeling of anxiety not experienced since his schooldays.

Elizabeth was the obvious favourite of her father, and Darcy had not made the best impression the prior autumn. Without knowledge of his former regard, his marked attentions now could seem mercenary, and Darcy was uncertain what Elizabeth had shared with her father and his current estimation of him. This insecurity assaulted Darcy as he climbed the steps of his club and was led to a private chamber where His Grace was seated at a table studying a chessboard. The footman announced his presence, and Darcy bowed respectfully and awaited the duke’s response.

He scrutinised Darcy slowly and carefully. His perusal was surprising, for they had been acquainted for over a year, though Darcy believed the duke had not paid particular attention to him. He motioned for Darcy to seat himself across from him.

“Thank you for the honour of your invitation, Your Grace.”

The duke raised an eyebrow in perfect similitude of his second daughter. “Perhaps we could be a little less formal. Your Grace is rather stiff, would you not agree?”

Darcy smiled almost imperceptibly. “Duchess Agatha’s husband used to say that.”

“Did he? I am not surprised from what Agatha has told me. What did you call him?”

“I called him Everard as my father did.”

“I am afraid I am no more familiar with that appellation, though I should most likely accustom myself to it. Will Bennet suffice? ”

“Certainly, sir.”

“Can I interest you in a game of chess? You play, I presume. And something to eat or drink?”

“Thank you. Yes, sir.”

The duke and Darcy ordered their meals and began a chess game while they waited. Both were masters and enjoyed the competition in companionable silence. After an hour of play, with the duke the victor, Darcy realised his reprieve had ended.

“You play very well. Where did you learn?”

“My father taught me from a young age. The winters in the north are quite cold, trapping everyone inside, and chess is a common pursuit. My father was a member of a club here in town and would play matches through correspondence.”

“I have not played such a challenging game for some time. As you know, I had no sons to teach. Elizabeth learned, but she generally preferred to read, and I am not a sufficiently diligent correspondent to play games through the post, though my brother Gardiner has suggested it. I understand that you met the Gardiners this summer while they toured Derbyshire.”

Darcy sensed the direction the conversation was headed. “I had the honour of making their acquaintance while they toured Pemberley.

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