Dancing with Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Rosamund Redgrave

Author:Rosamund Redgrave [Redgrave, Rosamund]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Sequels
Goodreads: 217300877
Publisher: Redgrave Press
Published: 2024-08-07T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

THE FAMILIAR SITTING room of Longbourn, usually a source of comfort, seemed to pulse with an undercurrent of tension this morning. I sat by the window, a book open on my lap, though the words blurred before my unfocused eyes.

My mind wandered, replaying the conversation in the gardens for what felt like the hundredth time. Mr. Darcy's pained expression haunted my thoughts, his words echoing in my memory. Had I truly misunderstood him so completely? The weight of our misunderstanding pressed heavily upon my heart.

With a deep sigh, I turned my gaze to the garden outside. The roses were in full bloom, their vibrant colors a stark contrast to the turmoil I felt within. A gentle morning breeze rustled the leaves of the old oak tree, its steady presence a reminder of simpler times, before my heart had become so entangled in matters of love and misunderstanding.

The quiet of the morning was broken only by the distant sounds of my sisters and mother going about their daily routines. Their normalcy seemed at odds with the emotional upheaval I was experiencing. How could the world continue on as if nothing had changed, when I felt so fundamentally altered?

My fingers absently traced the pages of my neglected book, my thoughts drifting once again to Mr. Darcy. The vulnerability he had shown in the garden, the earnestness in his voice as he spoke of his responsibilities—it all painted a picture of a man far different from the one I had first judged him to be. And yet, our inability to bridge the gap between us left a hollow ache in my chest.

The sound of approaching footsteps drew me from my reverie. Expecting to see one of my sisters or perhaps Hill, our housekeeper, I looked up, only to feel my heart leap into my throat. There, standing at the doorway, was Mr. Darcy himself.

"Mr. Darcy," I said, my voice a mixture of surprise and uncertainty. I rose quickly from my seat, the book tumbling forgotten from my lap to the floor.

He stood tall and resolute, his gaze fixed intently upon me. There was a determination in his bearing that both thrilled and terrified me. Taking a deep breath, he stepped into the room, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Miss Bennet," he began, his voice low and earnest, "I must speak with you."

The unexpectedness of his presence left me momentarily speechless. How had he come to be here, at Longbourn, on this ordinary morning? And what could be so urgent that it required this unannounced visit?

"Of course, Mr. Darcy," I managed to reply, gesturing towards a chair. "Please, won't you sit down?"

But he remained standing, his tall frame seeming to fill the room with his presence. "Thank you, but I prefer to stand, if you don't mind. What I have to say... it requires all my courage, and I fear if I sit, I may lose my resolve."

His words sent a flutter of anticipation through my stomach. I nodded, clasping my hands together to still their trembling.

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