An Introduction at Ramsgate: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Kerri Jones

Author:Kerri Jones [Jones, Kerri]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2022-08-17T00:00:00+00:00

With Darcy by her side, Georgiana now had very little time to slip away and meet Wickham. The knot in Elizabeth’s chest eased, and she could enjoy her new friend’s company.

As well as her older brother’s. Though Darcy was no flirtatious gallant, Elizabeth thought he was happy to see her whenever she arrived at their lodgings. More and more frequently, he joined them on their excursions, much to Georgiana’s astonishment.

“Fitzwilliam much prefers his own company,” she explained to Elizabeth one morning as they walked along the cliffs. Darcy walked ahead, lightly hitting his cane against the thorns lining the path. “He enjoys walking, but he would much prefer to be alone. I do not object, though. I am thrilled he is spending so much time with us.”

Elizabeth realized she had been staring at Darcy’s broad back for several moments without responding to Georgiana. She tore her eyes away.

“Well, you are growing older now, and it narrows the gap between you. But what of Mr. Wickham?” Neither of them had mentioned the name between them in recent days. Elizabeth could not make out Georgiana’s true feelings. Perhaps Georgiana was no wiser about them than she was.

Georgiana tensed slightly at the name but relaxed with a sigh.

“I have not seen him in almost a week. Mrs. Younge tells me he speaks of me all the time.”

Elizabeth frowned. “Why should Mrs. Younge know about that? Why would she have any need to speak of him or see him if you are not there?”

“She says she sees him when she is out, and he always stops her to ask about me. He misses me a great deal.”

“And do you miss him?”

“Of course I do,” said Georgiana, almost by rote. At Elizabeth’s cynical look, she gave a little groan and relented. “I hate to say it out loud. It makes me feel awful. But I have to admit, it has been a relief not to see him this week. I care about him a lot, but when I am with him, I am always on my guard not to say anything that might hurt him or make him feel like he is unimportant. And it is so easy to make him feel that way. I feel like I am always doing something wrong.” She released a breath and glanced up at Elizabeth. “Do you think I am cruel to feel that way?”

Elizabeth linked her arm through Georgiana’s and gave it an affectionate squeeze.

“Not in the slightest. How can you believe you are cruel when doing everything you can not to hurt someone? But dear Georgiana, you must know this is not what love is. Did you ever imagine you would grow up to marry a man who would always make you feel like you can do nothing right? Or did you imagine you would marry a man who would understand you and make you laugh?”

Georgiana idly pulled at a dandelion in the hedge as she digested Elizabeth’s words.

“But surely, I should be careful of his feelings? I should not wish to hurt him?”

“Do you speak to be cruel?”

“Of course not.

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