Darcy's Predicament: A Pride & Prejudice Novel Variation by Zoe Burton

Author:Zoe Burton [Burton, Zoe]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: JAFF
Publisher: Zoe Burton
Published: 2019-12-13T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Over the course of the next few days, Mr. Finch was a frequent guest at Longbourn. Sometimes he came along with Bingley and Darcy, and sometimes he came alone. His marked attention to Elizabeth caused a great deal of consternation for both her and Darcy. Still, Mr. Bennet would not be persuaded to increase his attempts to sway his wife from her stance against Darcy.

Though Mrs. Bennet was largely successful in keeping Darcy away from all of her girls, he and Elizabeth managed to communicate a desire to meet away from Longbourn.

The subject of horses had come up during a visit, with Jane, who was the best rider of the five Bennet girls, making the statement that Elizabeth was afraid to ride.

“I am surprised, Miss Elizabeth. I had thought you unafraid of anything.” Darcy tilted his head, a slight smile lifting the corners of his lips.

“I would not say I am ‘afraid’ to ride. I simply prefer to walk.” Elizabeth glared briefly at her sister but smiled at Darcy. “I take daily exercise with my feet. ‘Tis a wonderful way to spend a morning.”

Bingley’s attention had been caught by the statement. “Do you restrict yourself to the gardens, or walk on other parts of the estate?”

“It varies. I like to at least wander the gardens every day, but when the weather allows, there are several paths that lead all over the estate that have very pretty prospects.”

“Tell them about Oakham Mount, Lizzy. The view from the top is spectacular.” Jane looked around at the gentlemen surrounding them.

“Oh, yes. From there, you can see all of Longbourn. It is beautiful at any time of the year, but especially in the summer when the fields are all green and growing. They look like a blanket made of small squares.” Elizabeth clasped her hands together. “I am quite fond of sitting up there.”

“It sounds lovely. Perhaps we might walk up as a group one day?” Finch tilted his head to look at Elizabeth, seated next to him.

“If it were a nice enough day and there were enough of us willing to walk that far, it would certainly be amusing.” Elizabeth had no desire to walk anywhere with Mr. Finch.

Darcy saved her from having to say more. “Walking is enjoyable, I grant you, but riding allows you to go further. If one knows how to jump obstacles, there is an added element of enjoyment, as well.”

Elizabeth was quick to reply, hoping he would catch her meaning. “Oh, but that is why there are stiles, though I confess when I was younger, I simply stepped up on the rails and jumped over without the aid of one.”

Mrs. Bennet had followed the conversation without speaking until now. “It is a very good thing you have stopped such nonsense. I cannot tell you how many pinafores Lizzy ripped with her wild ways.” She shook her head.

Though he chuckled along with everyone else, Finch brought the conversation back to the idea of walking. “Do you walk at

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