Darcy's Wedding Day Disaster: Steamy Pride and Prejudice Variation by Abbey North & Andrea David

Author:Abbey North & Andrea David [North, Abbey]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Artesian Well Publishing
Published: 2024-01-06T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Lizzy

Anne returned to the drawing room and led Lizzy upstairs. “You’ll have this room,” Anne said as they arrived in a beautifully appointed bedroom. It was decorated in blue and cream, with light wood and watered silk wallpaper. The windows offered a view of the formal garden, the English hollies plump with red berries.

“Your uncle will stay across the hall,” Anne continued. “Darcy is already in his typical room in the other wing.” She looked awkward. “My mother is in that wing, and it’s best she not know you’re here.”

Lizzy nodded her understanding. She had to concede, Anne was right. Besides, the separation might help save Lizzy and Darcy from temptation.

She put a hand on Anne’s shoulder. “Thank you for your hospitality—and your bravery.”

Anne’s lips parted in surprise. “Bravery?”

Lizzy smiled. “You invited me to stay, knowing your mother would disapprove. You’re considering a different course than what she set for you.”

Anne’s cheeks bloomed with colour—but the blush seemed to come from delight rather than shame or shyness. “I admit, she would not be happy with me. But Rosings Park is mine. I don’t yet think in those terms, even though my father left it to me. He wanted me to have the running of it once I came of age.”

Lizzy grinned along with Anne, who seemed to embrace the realisation. She stood taller as her meekness faded.

Over the next few days, the metamorphosis continued. Without her mother’s interference, Anne blossomed as mistress of Rosings Park. Lizzy sat with her as she met daily with the housekeeper, as Darcy did when Anne met with the steward. Anne was timid at first, but her confidence grew.

The Collinses came each morning to inquire after Lady Catherine’s health. Lord Matlock adopted the habit of taking Mr. Collins out into the garden during these visits. This spared Anne the burden of the man’s intrusive questions.

During one of these visits, Mr. Travers called. Charlotte, Anne, and Lizzy were planning the upcoming ball while Mr. Patel updated Darcy on the case.

“Forgive me, Miss de Bourgh.” Travers had the demeanour of a lackey—less obsequious than Mr. Collins but more nervous. “I have a matter of great importance to discuss. I’m told Lady Catherine cannot be disturbed.”

“That’s correct.” Anne stood. “How may I help?”

“I fear I must trouble you for your signature on this contract. Now that you’re of age, you may sign in your own right, instead of relying on Lady Catherine to act as your proxy.”

Anne scowled, taking the document he handed to her. “What is this about, Mr. Travers?”

“The church requires a new roof, and Lady Catherine generously agreed to cover the costs.”

“I see.” Anne blinked, looking surprised. “While I don’t object, my mother has not discussed it with me. I know nothing of this contract.”

“It only says that Mr. Zellner will oversee the project, and you will provide the funds.”

“Oh, is that all?” Mr. Patel rose to his feet. He’d been watching this interaction with interest and a hint of restlessness. He walked to Anne’s side.

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