Assumptions & Absurdities by Cinnamon Worth

Author:Cinnamon Worth [Frederick, Genevieve]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cinnamon Worth
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

December 8, 1812

Being friendly and outgoing, Bingley's courage had never been tested. He had never been party to a duel, or even a fight for that matter, because he was just too likable to be challenged. He had always done his best to follow the rules, but when he failed and was unfortunate enough to be caught, his remorse was so evident it was impossible not to forgive him, usually even before the punishment could be levied.

Standing in the front gardens of Rosings Park, Bingley felt his luck was changing. This estate, that had seemed the very definition of hospitable just yesterday, had somehow transformed into an enormous, and frankly terrifying, fortress. It was as though the building, knowing that these humans had already met the current Mistress, could shed its coat of welcome and proudly display, that as a true de Bourgh, it was an imposing figure not to be trifled with. Bingley decided his courage was not up to par.

“So, Darcy, you are really planning on leaving tomorrow, then?”

“Yes, if at all possible. Unfortunately, travel can be more difficult in the winter. There is less demand for passage to Ireland, so there are fewer ships scheduled for departure. I may need an extra day or two, to finalize all of the arrangements.”

Bingley swallowed “And are you quite certain you wouldn't like a traveling companion, at least for the first couple of weeks? You know, just to help you ease into this new adventure of yours.”

The tremor in Bingley's voice brought Darcy out of his own thoughts. He looked at Bingley with a critical eye. “Are you afraid of my Aunt Catherine?” The tone in which the accusation was asked contained shock and amusement in equal measures.

Bingley shifted uncomfortably. He looked at the ground, but his mind was fixed on a mental image of Lady Catherine. “Maybe a little,” he mumbled. He looked up at Darcy, and, with more conviction, said, “you cannot blame me, can you? The woman is a tiger.”

Darcy smiled for the first time since he had overheard that dreadful conversation the day before. “You give her the upper hand, Bingley. You must remember you are not a boy but a man. She has no control, or rights, over you.”

“Quite easy for you to say. You are leaving, probably tomorrow, while I am to remain her house guest for the next month!”

Darcy shook his head. “I am abandoning you, as you point out, so I shall provide you with some guidance in this matter.” He paused as he formulated some concrete example that could serve as effective teaching tool. “Do you believe that the lengthy and apologetic missive you sent yesterday will protect you from censure today?”

A sudden flash of fear crossed over Bingley's, already anxious, face. “Until that question left your mouth, I had very much hoped so.”

“As I am sure you have now surmised, you were mistaken. By offering my aunt an apology, you have informed her that her opinion matters to you. That will give her some measure of power over your actions.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.