Dangerous When Wet: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Jennifer Joy

Author:Jennifer Joy [Joy, Jennifer]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2023-03-08T19:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

F or the third time this week, I saw Weller’s nostrils flare and his lips pinch. He did not utter one word. None were needed.

I felt Richard and Bingley watching me—laughing at me. It grated on my pride, but I refused to let it show or make Weller suffer from my deteriorating mood.

Clasping my hands in front of me penitently, I bowed my head. “I shall not make it a custom to add to your duties as I have done lately. My sincerest apologies.”

Weller sighed so deeply that his shoulders rose, but his voice was proud as he spoke. “I packed more than enough shirts and doeskins to see you properly attired for the duration of your stay here, sir. I thank you for taking greater care of your boots, as the second pair I ordered from Hoby will not be ready for another month, and your second best are hardly acceptable.”

They were the most comfortable pair of boots I had ever owned, the first made for me by Hoby. I was loath to part with them despite Weller’s poor opinion of the worn leather and scuff marks. “I shall take extra precautions with my boots,” I assured him.

He nodded approval. “Shall I order a bath drawn?”

His eyes flickered over to where Richard and Bingley still sat, listening.

Weller would not hesitate to evict them from my chambers, and I was sorely tempted to set him loose upon my unwelcome guests. However, I preferred that they hear me relate the story rather than anyone else. Much as I appreciated Miss Elizabeth’s attempts to silence her mother, my confidence in Mrs. Bennet’s ability to hold her tongue was about as great as Weller’s confidence in me at the moment.

“No bath, thank you. I must make haste to return.”

Stepping behind the dressing screen, I began relating the events of the morning to Richard and Bingley while Weller assisted me into freshly pressed and brushed garments. His expression was indecipherable as I described the exchange between myself and the Bennet ladies, and I noticed he took as much care with the selection of my waistcoat and the folds of my cravat as he did before a ball or a night at the theater. It was apparent that my recent recklessness with my wardrobe had not adversely affected his exemplary standards.

He picked the wrinkled mass of clothing up from the floor, pinching them between his fingers, and then departed from the dressing room with an audible sigh.

Richard clucked his tongue. “Such a spectacular affectation of martyrdom. If you do not take care, my brother will finally have his way and snatch Weller out from under your nose. It would serve you right.”

Bingley nodded. “Good valets are difficult to find.” Turning to me, he asked, “Did you really damage my neighbor’s property?”

Richard shook his head. “That is not the right question, Bingley.” He turned to face me, his lips twitching. “Did you really expose your white rump to two innocent ladies?”

My face flamed.

Rising to his

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