Family Reunions: A Pride & Prejudice Variation Novella by Lane Cossett

Author:Lane Cossett
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Sequels, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms
Published: 2020-11-30T05:00:00+00:00

IT WAS ONLY when they were eating dessert and fabulous ice cream pudding with delicate biscuits that Mr. Darcy turned towards Elizabeth.

“May I enquire after Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet?”

Elizabeth was surprised. She had not expected him to remember her favourite aunt and uncle.

“They are very well, thank you.”

Mr. Darcy frowned. “Good. I had always hoped that Mr. Gardiner would come to Pemberley one day and fish with me.”

Elizabeth did not know what he was talking about.

Mr. Darcy saw her surprise and explained. “Your uncle spoke to me about his love of fishing and I told him about the lakes we have at Pemberley. I invited him to come and fish one day.”

Elizabeth didn’t know what to say. Mr. Gardiner had never told her that Mr. Darcy had made such an offer. Perhaps her uncle had realised the offer had not been a real one.

“It is strange that you made such an offer,” she said, crumbling a vanilla biscuit in her fingers.

Mr. Darcy frowned. “Why so? I thought Mr. Gardiner a good man.”

Elizabeth felt her temper rising. “Yes, he is a good man, sir, but I find it hard to believe you thought that. Your contempt for my family has always been evident.”

Elizabeth whispered the words so no one else could hear, but as soon as she spoke she regretted it. Jane would be disappointed in her that she had spoken to Mr. Darcy in such a manner. She should not have given into her anger. She had no excuses. She had broken her promise to Jane.

She lightened her voice. “It is in the past, Mr. Darcy. I am sure that we can be civil to each other.”

He did not immediately speak, but his dark eyes were blazing. “It is clear that I have offended you, Miss Bennet. I don't know why and I will not enquire. I can only wish you peace and happiness for the future.”

It sounded so ridiculously formal. Elizabeth was about to speak, but she was distracted by a sudden cry from Kitty. Jane was no longer sitting in her chair. Elizabeth stood up and hurried to the end of the table where Jane lay collapsed on the floor.

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