An Accident at Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Emily Russell

Author:Emily Russell [Russell, Emily]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-02-07T05:00:00+00:00

Darcy remarked on the fine countryside as they traveled into Lambton.

“I only saw this at night,” he said. “When I went for Mr. Thorn. And even if I had traveled in daylight, I would have noticed none of it. I was too worried. But now I can enjoy it. Look at that ruin, Miss Bennet. Is it not remarkable?”

Georgiana shrunk back against the cushions and smiled to herself, seemingly content to allow all the conversation to happen between Darcy and Elizabeth. When Elizabeth encouraged her to join in, she replied as expected but was quick to sit back and look out her own window in so decided a manner that Elizabeth eventually gave up and spoke only to Darcy.

They alighted near the market square and continued on foot. Merchants and farmers called greetings to Darcy and smiled at his sister. Darcy could only nod and smile in return, and Elizabeth and Georgiana did their best to help him avoid conversation. They had an idea that he would not like everyone to know of his affliction once he recovered. A familiar voice called out a greeting, and Thomas Alder, Darcy’s young neighbor, approached them with a smile. He enquired after Darcy’s health, but Elizabeth noticed his gaze frequently wandered to Georgiana. Georgiana had ducked her head, and her cheeks flamed, but there was a shy smile about her lips that made Elizabeth think she was just as pleased to see her neighbor as he was to see her.

“And you, Miss Darcy. How do you do?” Mr. Alder asked. He stumbled over his words a little, and tugged at his coat, his eyes only on Georgiana.

“I am very well.” Georgiana blushed even deeper, her fingers playing with her reticule and her voice breathy.

“And you are just recently returned to Pemberley?”

“I am.”

“I see.”

The two young people continued to stare at one another in silence, with slightly foolish grins. Elizabeth tried to smother her smile as she watched the timid courtship with interest and wondered what Darcy would make of it. But Darcy was oblivious to the young couple, looking around him instead with a lively interest. His eyes fixed on a side street leading off from the square.

“Well, then. I should go,” said Mr. Alder finally, still drinking in the sight of Georgiana’s face. “I hope I shall see you soon, Miss Darcy.”

Georgiana’s voice was so quiet Elizabeth could not hear her response, but she gave a flustered laugh as Mr. Alder, and she stepped towards one another, then stepped back, then did an odd dance to move around one another, then parted with an embarrassed little wave of their hands.

When he was gone, Elizabeth gave Georgiana an arch look.

“He is nice, is he not?” Georgiana asked, her voice and color still high. “Most say he is very handsome. Do you think he is handsome?”

“Very,” said Elizabeth. She started when she realized how indiscreet their conversation would seem to Darcy. She turned to say something to him but froze. She looked around, her eyes wide and frantic.

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