Darcy's Reluctant Bride by Freya Scott

Author:Freya Scott
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice variation, Jane Austen fan fiction, forced marriage of convenience, Regency romance, clean sweet romance, Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet fan fiction
Publisher: Freya Scott
Published: 2015-11-05T00:00:00+00:00

THIRTEEN

A footman came to Elizabeth’s aid and she was told that Darcy was recently sighted entering the library. She hurried there and paused inside the doorway, scanning the large room for a sign of her husband. Most of the shelves were still empty, with many of the books that had been transported from Netherfield still packed in boxes. On the far side of the library were two armchairs placed on either side of a fireplace and next to them was a small writing bureau.

Darcy sat at the desk with Caroline Bingley hovering next to him. It reminded Elizabeth vividly of a scene she had witnessed long ago, when they were still back in Hertfordshire and she had been staying at Netherfield Park for the few days whilst Jane was convalescing from an illness. Darcy had been sitting at a desk just like this, attempting to write a letter whilst Caroline Bingley had hovered over him and commented on every stroke of his quill.

They both glanced up as she walked towards them and Elizabeth saw Caroline’s face darken with displeasure.

“Miss Bingley has been very kind in recommending the services of a lady’s maid,” Darcy said. “I am writing to the latter for her references now. She is currently staying with a cousin not far from here so she should be at Pemberley by tomorrow.”

“Lady’s maid?” Elizabeth frowned at him.

Darcy nodded. “To assist you in dressing and such. I had mentioned that you do not have a maid of your own and Miss Bingley immediately offered me a recommendation.”

“But... But I do not need a lady’s maid.”

Caroline gave a contemptuous laugh. She let her gaze rove insolently over Elizabeth’s hair and body. “My dear... I beg to differ.”

Elizabeth bristled. “I am well able to take care of myself. I have been used to doing it for over twenty years.”

“Oh?” Caroline raised a mocking eyebrow. She leaned forwards and said in a voice which dripped with condescension, “I know that it is difficult for you to comprehend such things, given your provincial sensibilities. I am sure you think your personal taste is excellent but let me assure you, Miss Bennet—oops, I mean Mrs Darcy—that such style of dress as yours would never pass muster in greater society. You need someone more educated, with a proper knowledge of style and fashion, to advise you...” She paused and let her eyes travel scathingly down Elizabeth’s gown again. “I hope you are not intending to greet the Pemberley staff wearing that?”

“I am sure my staff would not pass judgement on their mistress’s way of dress,” said Darcy. He turned to Elizabeth. “However, Caroline is right—it would certainly be more fitting for your new position to be outfitted with a new wardrobe. As mistress of Pemberley, you will be expected to move in very different circles to what you have been accustomed to and thus you may need to dress differently to your previous style.”

Elizabeth flushed. “I—”

She stopped. She hated to admit it, but Caroline Bingley’s disdainful assessment had left her feeling inadequate.

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