Elizabeth & Darcy by J L Pearl

Author:J L Pearl [Pearl, J L]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-05-29T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 5

_________

There was to be another dance, and if it was possible, the Bennet house was in an ever greater upheaval this time than the last as Mrs. Bennet fussed and fretted over every stray hair and bit of thread. It was rumored that the young men would return south soon, and she feared for this, as Jane had yet to secure a proposal.

“But of course,” Mrs. Bennet said, standing behind Jane and directing as Hill, the servant, worked with her daughter’s hair, “he will propose. He must, mustn’t he? It would be silly, unthinkable, rude, really, to leave without doing so. For to whom else has he shown a shred of attention or favor? Don’t you think, dear Lydia?”

Lydia ran through the room, popping a sweet into her mouth. “Yes, mother!” From her perch in the corner, Elizabeth sighed. A common occurrence. For days she’d had to listen as her younger sister grew more and more enamored with the idea of tonight’s dance, for a new group of men had come to visit. A small company of soldiers. None quite so eligible as Bingley or Darcy, of course, but it was certain there would be a few handsome faces and valiant hearts among them. Elizabeth worried that her mother, rather than quelling Lydia’s burgeoning desire to run away with a soldier boy, seemed to be encouraging the fantasy. Heavens. What would become of them, then? She could only hope none of the men who would be present would be dishonorable enough to encourage it in turn.

“Well, at least there will be a bevy of other fine young men from whom to choose tonight, I daresay.” Mrs. Bennet strode to the window and gazed out, smiling, as if imagining her daughters each on the arm of a soldier. Elizabeth had no doubt the very image was passing through her mind. “I confess I would not be displeased if each of you married a man of the regiment.”

Even from her perch, Elizabeth saw Jane’s shoulders tighten. The mere suggestion that she would not be chosen by Mr. Bingley was laying undue stress on her. Elizabeth came to her side and knelt. “Never fear, dear Jane,” she said softly. “No soldiers for you. Only him.”

Jane smiled. “Yes. Only him!”

“We shall see,” Mrs. Bennet said.

They arrived to find a much more crowded room this night. Men in red coats did indeed mill about, and all the eligible (and more than a few of the less eligible) ladies from the surrounding area strode the dance floor and lined the walls, waiting their turn. The Bennet girls walked in and off to one side, but Mrs. Bennet, upon spying Mr. Bingley, strode boldly across the room to him, doubtless to inform him of Jane’s presence. Elizabeth turned about in search of a seat, not wanting to stand by the door and endure the embarrassment of eyes turned toward them once her mother’s voice had been heard. But instead of a seat, she found Mr. Darcy.

“Miss Elizabeth.

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