Darcy's Bouquet: A Collection of Pride and Prejudice Variations by Jane Grix

Author:Jane Grix [Grix, Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Anthology, Amnesia, Not in Amazon Library, Humour
Amazon: B08FYP1WVB
Goodreads: 54961232
Published: 2020-08-14T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Two

Fitzwilliam Darcy stood stiffly as he looked about the Meryton Assembly, wishing that he were back in London at Darcy House. It had been a mistake to come to Hertfordshire, but his good friend Charles Bingley had wanted to show him the house he had rented, so he had agreed.

Tonight he should have acknowledged his current headache and stayed at Bingley’s home instead of venturing out for the evening’s entertainment. Torture would be a better description, he thought. He was surrounded by a collection of strangers with little beauty and no fashion. The noise and confusion were highly irritating.

He rubbed his aching forehead and wished that he were in bed.

“Darcy!” Bingley said as he approached him. “I must have you dance. I hate to see you standing about by yourself in this stupid manner. You had much better dance.”

“I certainly shall not. You know I detest it unless I am particularly acquainted with my partner. And both your sisters are engaged.”

“But the room is filled with many pleasant young women. Let me introduce you.”

“I would rather you not. I know enough people as it is. I have no desire to add to my acquaintances.”

Bingley said, “If you do not take care, you will become a hermit. No, Darcy, I insist that you meet at least one young woman. The eldest Miss Bennet. She is a very pretty girl and quite agreeable. I would like to know what you think of her.”

Darcy said, “Is that the young woman you have danced with twice?”

Bingley nodded. “I have. And I would dance with her a dozen times if the old matrons would let me.”

It was considered scandalous to dance with the same partner more than twice. Darcy’s eyebrows rose. “You like her?”

“I do.”

Darcy raised a quizzing glass and looked at the young woman with interest now. She stood speaking to another young woman about twenty feet away from them. She was of average height with dark curling hair. Darcy was surprised. Bingley usually preferred statuesque blondes. “She is tolerable, I suppose, but nothing out of the ordinary.”

Bingley said, “She is the prettiest girl in the room.”

Darcy frowned. He did not like to hear Bingley so effusive. He said, “She benefits from the inferior competition. If we were in London, you would not give her a second glance.”

“Will you dance with her or not?” Bingley demanded.

“I will not,” Darcy said firmly. “She is not handsome enough to tempt me.”

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