An Unexpected Love by Lily Bernard

Author:Lily Bernard [Bernard, Lily]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Quills & Quartos Publishing
Published: 2022-07-25T00:00:00+00:00

As happened many evenings, Darcy and the ladies retired to the drawing room after dinner, where Georgiana would play the pianoforte, sometimes with Elizabeth’s accompaniment. Tonight, however, Elizabeth chose to sit on the edge of a loveseat close to him. For a time, they sat in silence, merely enjoying the music together.

At length, Elizabeth spoke. “I received a letter from my father today.”

“I hope all is well at Longbourn?”

“Thank you, yes,” she replied. “He mentioned specifically that he believes any of the gossip about us from...from that day...has been laid to rest. The residents believe we married in haste so you could accompany me and the Gardiners on our journey north—territory with which you are very familiar.”

“Thank you for letting me know. I am glad to hear it.”

“There is also some much newer and more scandalous gossip keeping the residents of Meryton busy. People can always be depended upon to find something new to gossip about, particularly in a small town,” she said lightly, and they shared a chuckle. “It appears a member of the local militia eloped with a young girl who recently inherited a great deal of money.”

Darcy nodded his acknowledgement of the scandal that had replaced their own and hoped his wife would remain near his side. He wished to speak further so he could thank her for her timely intervention at dinner. It was pleasant, this little interlude of music and gentle conversation, and he cast about, trying to think of some other subject on which to converse.

Alas, too soon, she rose from her seat. Georgiana had begun a new, more complicated piece and seemed to be stumbling over it. “I believe I should go turn the pages for our sister.”

He reached for her as she rose, but Elizabeth did not see his hand before he replaced it on his lap. “Georgiana can...” Can what? Go hang? Turn her own pages or select a different piece?

Elizabeth turned back and looked at him expectantly. Suddenly, everything he had wished to say seemed clumsy and awkward, so he said merely, “Of course. Georgiana will be glad of that, I am sure.”

With a nod, she left him, taking a place beside his sister. Georgiana greeted her with an easy smile.

Darcy watched them fondly. He knew he must make some effort to speak to his wife. Perhaps her riding lessons will be the place to start.

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