Another Darcy: A Collection of Pride and Prejudice Variations by Jane Grix

Author:Jane Grix
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2016-03-22T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOUR

On doctor’s orders, Elizabeth spent one more day in the bedroom, and then she was allowed to join the rest of the party at Rosings Park at dinner as long as she did not over exert herself. “Whenever you feel tired or your head aches, you should rest,” Dr. Higgins pronounced.

The bandage about her head had been replaced with a smaller one, and this was hidden underneath a lace cap.

“I look like my mother,” Elizabeth joked mournfully, when she saw her reflection.

Charlotte laughed. “Now, I know you are feeling better if you feel strong enough to worry about your looks.” She helped arrange a few dark curls. “There, you are lovely. The Colonel and Mr. Darcy will be enchanted.”

“I do not want to enchant either of them.”

Charlotte merely raised her eyebrows.

Elizabeth was a little apprehensive about joining all the guests for dinner. Jane and Charlotte would be there, but she did not remember Lady Catherine, her daughter or Colonel Fitzwilliam.

As for Mr. Darcy, she was not certain whether his presence would be a comfort or a discomfort.

He had definitely changed. His manners seemed so open and engaging now, as if he were actively seeking her good opinion.

It was difficult to remember the man she had disliked, and she began to wonder if she had been wrong to believe Mr. Wickham so fully.

She thought of the words Mr. Darcy had said when they danced at Netherfield.

Mr. Wickham is blessed with such happy manners as may ensure his making friends – whether he may be equally capable of retaining them, is less certain.

He had given no more details of the matter, but had hinted of the possibility of Wickham being at fault.

There were always two sides to every story, and she realized that Mr. Darcy, unlike Mr. Wickham, had kept his grievances to himself. In that respect, he had been more circumspect than Wickham. She saw now the impropriety of Mr. Wickham telling her all his history so early in their acquaintance. And although he professed loyalty to the late Mr. Darcy’s memory, he had not hesitated to blacken Mr. Darcy’s name.

Elizabeth did not want to be fickle, letting flattery negate her sense of justice, but she was determined now to keep an open mind.

Dinner was awkward but not unbearable.

Lady Catherine de Bourgh was taller and larger than Elizabeth had expected. She was a fierce woman of strong opinions who monopolized the conversation. Miss de Bourgh was thin and sickly. She did not speak much, and when she did, it was in such a low voice that Elizabeth could not hear her. Colonel Fitzwilliam had excellent manners. He was not as handsome as his cousin but had an air of good breeding that proclaimed him a gentleman.

And then there was Mr. Darcy, who also did not speak much when they were in company. But she felt as if he was continually watching her, and whenever she caught his eye, he smiled at her.

Mr. Collins was his usual flattering, foolish self and Elizabeth pitied Charlotte, but could also see that her friend appeared to be happy in her choice.

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