Longbourn Lovespells: A Pride and Prejudice Possibility by Mollenkopf Carrie

Author:Mollenkopf, Carrie
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-02-23T00:00:00+00:00

~Fifteen~

For the next few days, Colonel Stephen Fitzwilliam did his best to rid Darcy of the potion. Fortunately, Lady Catherine also came down with a terrible cold, and refused to leave her chamber. Thus alone, save for regular visits by a curious Anne, they were able to return Darcy to some semblance of his former self. Having insisted upon taking the remnants of the teapot with him, they had carefully examined the contents, but to no solution. As a military man, Fitzwilliam had traveled extensively and encountered many a substance that could alter a man’s thoughts, but all were temporary. Some, like the dangerous opium, left a craving that could not be satisfied. He dearly hoped this was not the case, yet as Darcy suffered under delusions, he felt nothing out of the ordinary.

“I drank it too, but I feel fine. I mean, Miss Bennet is a peach, and definitely beautiful, but I will not be making any crazed declarations of love,” he insisted to Anne as she listened to the incredible tale.

“But you admit that he wanted to marry her before everyone drank the tea?”

“Yes, but you should have seen him! It was pitiful the way he practically begged for her hand….in between insults.”

“Insults? What did he…oh never mind, I believe I know. Her family? Her fortune? The same things Darcy always complains about. It is a wonder he ever fell for her at all.”

“I know, I have often despaired of Darcy ever finding anyone.”

“Well, I must say, it is a relief. For a time, I thought I would be the one stuck with him…. or you.”

To this, Fitzwilliam winced inwardly, for Darcy was not the only one in fear of being alone for all his days. While he had a comfortable pension, it was hardly enough to keep a wife. No, any woman that would accept him, must have money of her own, or be prepared for a life of strict economy. Sighing, he did not answer, but looked to where Darcy slumbered fitfully, occasionally muttering Elizabeth’s name in his dreams.

As the cousins watched over Darcy, Elizabeth had no such respite, for despite her initial anger with Charlotte, she could not hold a grudge for long. In the end, they both convulsed into peals of laughter as they recounted the proud man’s actions.

“Did Mr. Collins behave the same way?” Elizabeth inquired.

“Worse…but I wanted to marry him. And you cannot deny that you hold some regard for Darcy,” Charlotte insisted.

“Perhaps I once did, but no longer. How dare he interfere between Bingley and Jane? I shall never forgive him for that.”

“You must not blame Darcy entirely. If Bingley’s feelings were true, he would not have listened.”

Truer words could not be had, and Elizabeth was forced to admit it. Jane never was one to display her feelings, and if Bingley believed her indifferent, it could not be helped. Yet she had been a willing participant in Charlotte’s seduction of Collins, and now admitted her guilty conscience.

“No, I am entirely at fault.

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