Lies and Deception: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Rothenberg Oksana

Author:Rothenberg, Oksana
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-01-06T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 9

Not Derbyshire and all its attendant beauties could make Elizabeth forget her last week in Lyme. She was aware of being close to the place Mr. Darcy grew up, and to the estate, he might have inherited had it not been for the apparent viciousness of his character. The Countess, anxious to make her new guest feel welcome and to find an amusement not already tried on her other guests, suggested they take a trip to Pemberley.

"Sir Lewis is away," she said, "but Mrs. Reynolds will make us welcome; she likes nothing better than to show visitors around the place; it is her pride and joy."

Elizabeth consented out of curiosity, but she was aware her mother had more mercenary motives. It turned out to be an exquisite house, far surpassing Matlock in situation, character and grandeur. Mrs. Reynolds was exactly as the Countess had represented her; she revelled in showing the visitors everything of interest, from the cool, green ornamental lake outside to the assorted miniatures painted by Lady Catherine herself in a glass case in the library.

Mrs. Bennet had no interest in landscaping or art. It was all evidence of wealth, however, and she was well pleased, but feeling required to comment on the miniatures, she remarked that one bore an incredible likeness to that attorney Lizzy had danced with at Lady Brougham's ball.

"Yes, that is William Darcy," said the Countess with a look of surprise at Elizabeth, "he was Lady Catherine's godson, and she was prodigiously fond of him, but I am afraid he has turned out very bad, poor Kate would break her heart could she see him now."

The ladies expressed their horror and astonishment, and the Countess continued to show them around the house with the help of Mrs. Reynolds without mentioning Mr. Darcy again. Elizabeth soon made her excuses and went to look at the gardens alone. It was really a remarkably lovely place, and she could still find it in her heart to feel sorry for Mr. Darcy and to consider how fortunate Mr. Wickham was to inherit it as well as the inferior but still grand estate of Rosings in Kent. She was meditating on his uncommonly good fortune when, suddenly, there he was.

"Mr. Wickham!" she cried. "I hope you do not disapprove of us coming to look at your godfather's house - we are with the Countess."

He smiled. "You should know you have no need to explain or apologize to me. Come, walk with me and tell me of Lyme. Did you see Mr. Darcy?"

Elizabeth had long debated with herself as to the prudence of confiding in Mr. Wickham, but she had to tell someone and did not care to tell her family. Her father knew nothing of Mr. Darcy, and she could not bear to explain it all; she did not trust herself near her mother when she remembered Mr. Darcy's parting words, "your sister's disappointment, etc."

"I saw him. I saw him, and he proposed marriage to me."

Mr. Wickham was visibly shaken.

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