Flames and Passion at Netherfield: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Florence Gold

Author:Florence Gold [Gold, Florence]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2023-10-06T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Shortly before midnight, she heard a knock at her door—the one she had both anticipated and dreaded. The moment of truth had arrived. The man awaiting her was Darcy's valet, presumably the servant he trusted most, and she appreciated his delicacy. Such a man was so devoted to his master that he would never commit an indiscretion.

"Your name escapes me," Elizabeth said kindly.

"It is Scott, madam. I serve as Mr Darcy's valet. Please, follow me," he replied, guiding her through well-lit halls, even at such a late hour. He courteously opened a door for her, bowed, and silently vanished, leaving her alone with Darcy.

Dressed casually, likely his attire for indoor pursuits, Darcy held a glass, which he set down on a nearby table upon her arrival. To her surprise, he did not bow but instead brought her hand to his lips, studying her with an enigmatic gaze. She met his eyes with all the courage she could muster; she was not fearful of him, but rather embarrassed by the awkwardness between them.

Casting her eyes around the room to gather her thoughts, she recognised it as a woman's decor, possibly his mother's parlour preserved since his mother's passing. Her attention was drawn to a painting dominating the room, depicting a woman cradling an infant with boundless affection. The poignant image moved Elizabeth to tears, which she struggled to contain.

"This is my mother's parlour. I have cherished many happy moments here throughout my life. Since her departure, I often come here to find the peace she left behind," he spoke, and Elizabeth listened without uttering a word, sensing a change in his tone.

"So, Elizabeth, we are alone now. Finally, just the two of us, or shall I say, alone once again?" Yet this time his words held a touch of sarcasm, as if he no longer desired this reunion.

Seeing her blush, he softened his expression and added, "Forgive me; I am still surprised by your demeanour. You fled from me, offering no hope, and yet here you are, two months later, in Pemberley, addressing me as Fitzwilliam. Do you wish to talk…about what happened in Netherfield?"

Nodding, she finally found her voice, "Yes, I do wish to talk, and I understand that you were shocked." Struggling to begin, she continued, "You have a close relationship with the marchioness."

His surprise gave way to a harsher tone, "I hope you did not come all this way to discuss my relationship with Cassandra!" He referred to her as Cassandra to eliminate any ambiguity; they were indeed intimate. Her heart pounded, her cheeks flushed, and she found herself unable to articulate further, "No, I apologise; I did not mean to be indiscreet."

Darcy sighed deeply, his anger evident in his gaze or the way he poured himself another glass of brandy.

"Why did you leave without a word?" she asked, avoiding his eyes.

"Oh, dear God!" he exclaimed, his voice entirely different from a few moments ago. "It was not my intention, but…I had to leave the room in

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