At Home with Mr. Darcy: A Collection of Pride and Prejudice Variations by Jane Grix

Author:Jane Grix
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Compromise (D&E), Anthology, Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe
Published: 2021-02-28T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

ELIZABETH WAS GENUINELY happy for Jane, although she knew she would miss her once she married and started her own establishment. Jane planned to work with Mr. Fuller, assisting clients as she had helped Mr. Darcy. Depending upon where she and Mr. Fuller worked, Elizabeth might not be able to see Jane for months. But for now, at least, Mr. Fuller spent many evenings visiting their home on Gracechurch Street. It was inevitable that he would mention Mr. Darcy. “Tell me about the man,” Mrs. Gardiner said one evening. “What is he like? I have heard differing things about him.”

Elizabeth remembered what she had told her aunt – hotheaded words she regretted now. What man was not like a king in his own household? And indeed, she had never seen or heard him treat his staff unkindly.

“All I know is that he seems to be a reasonable man and he pays his bills on time,” Mr. Gardiner interjected.

“Yes, Mr. Darcy is reliable when it comes to money,” Mr. Fuller said. “I spent several months at his estate in Derbyshire working on several building projects.”

“Tell us about Pemberley,” Elizabeth said.

“It is a beautiful estate and well-run. Mr. Darcy seems to be an excellent master and landlord. All of his tenants and servants spoke well of him. I’ve heard him called proud, but I think rather he is reserved. He thinks before he speaks, unlike other gentlemen I’ve known. And as for working with him, I wish every client was as intelligent.”

Elizabeth impressed by this fine account of him. Mr. Fuller had worked closely with him, so surely his opinion had merit.

Mr. Fuller added, “In projects such as mine, there are always inconveniences and delays, and sometimes miscommunications cause mistakes as well, so tempers can flare. But no matter what the trouble, Mr. Darcy was always level-headed and respectful.”

“Amen,” Mr. Gardiner said. “Mr. Abney would concur. In his reports, he never had cause to complain about Mr. Darcy.”

Jane added, “Some men don’t like to work with women, but Mr. Darcy always listened to me.”

Mr. Fuller said, “Perhaps that is because his mother, Lady Anne is a strong, intelligent woman. She also has a housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, who manages the staff with a firm hand. Darcy is not intimidated by capable women.”

“He sounds like a paragon,” Mrs. Gardiner said with approval and a quick glance at Elizabeth.

“Yes, he does,” she said thoughtfully.

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