Battle of the Dragons: A Regency Romp Inspired by P&P by Sydney Salier

Author:Sydney Salier [Salier, Sydney]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, POV Alternating, Read
Goodreads: 216859211
Published: 2024-07-25T04:00:00+00:00

18 Reforming Dragons

Once Elizabeth and Darcy had achieved this small rapprochement, Isabella suggested, ‘I recommend a walk for both of you, now that you have cleared the air.’ Looking at Richard, she added, ‘Perhaps you and your lovely fiancée could go along to ensure propriety is observed?’

Each of them agreed with alacrity for various reasons.

Richard just wanted to spend time with Jane.

Elizabeth needed a walk to overcome the stress of the past half hour. If she had to be saddled with company, she would be able to ignore it if it became too onerous.

Darcy just wanted to spend time with Elizabeth, and perhaps get a chance to improve her opinion of him. It had been quite a shock to his pride when he had realised that she did not like him. Darcy, in his hubris, had thought that Elizabeth was flirting with him during her stay at Netherfield. Now, in light of the revelations, it was more likely that she had considered their debates to be arguments.

Following Isabella’s advice, the trio collected Jane and set off on the path to the grove. The direction came about as Elizabeth was in the lead, with Darcy at her side.

Richard, with Jane on his arm, quietly related not only the high points of the discussion she had missed, but he also mentioned that Darcy had expressed hopes as regards to Elizabeth on their way to Rosings.

‘Based on his reactions, I gather you have not informed your cousin about our relationship to Aunt Isabella,’ Jane surmised.

‘Knowing your sister, I thought it best if she discovered he likes her for herself. It just took him a while to work it out.’

‘I shall look forward to seeing his reaction when he discovers our connections.’

‘I had never expected such a streak of cruelty in you,’ Richard claimed but did not bother to hide the small smile.

‘I am afraid that while I tried to excuse his behaviour to Lizzy, his insult hurt her very badly. I consider a small retribution to be only fair.’

~O~

The pair in the lead walked in silence for several minutes.

Elizabeth felt conflicted. It had been satisfying to have put Mr Darcy in his place, but she now felt as if she had sunk to the level of Miss Bingley. After all, while it had taken Aunt Isabella to beat her over the head with it, she had to acknowledge that apart from that one insult, Mr Darcy had always behaved with politeness and courtesy towards her. And she had had the pleasure of sinking his reputation amongst the inhabitants of Meryton by disseminating his insult to all.

When the silence had stretched for too long, Elizabeth gathered her courage and said, ‘I too owe you an apology, Mr Darcy. After that assembly, I delighted in spreading the story of your insult to all my friends and acquaintances. It was not the act of a lady to do so.’

‘Think nothing of it, Miss Elizabeth. If I had not acted the boor, there would have been nothing for you to tell.

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