Love Changes Everything: A Darcy and Elizabeth Pride and Prejudice Variation (A Pemberley Romance Book 3) by Harriet Knowles & a Lady

Author:Harriet Knowles & a Lady [Knowles, Harriet]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2017-12-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 38

Darcy scowled as he stared out of the window at Netherfield. They had been far too many days away and he’d hurried them all down from London this morning. He had been determined to ride up and see Miss Elizabeth Bennet in the afternoon. He longed to see her, longed to know she was well.

At last lunch was over, Miss Bingley put in her place once more, and he’d ridden over to the cottage, his heart pounding with anticipation. But a farm cart was there, waiting outside. He’d pulled his horse up, undecided.

Who was calling on them? Was it her father, perhaps? Maybe it was her sister, and he didn’t want to be recognised just yet.

He’d turned the horse and ridden away, disappointed he’d not been able to see her.

Bingley had told him of his engagement to Miss Bennet, and he’d congratulated his friend with little warmth. Miss Bennet had not stood by her sisters after the fire, and he still needed to know why before he could feel kindly towards her.

But perhaps it was as well he’d had the afternoon to spare. He had decided to see Mr. Leigh and arrange the rental of the house he hoped had been found. Then all would be ready if — when — Miss Elizabeth might accept his help. He shivered. It was cold. He wished he’d been able to call, make sure she had enough firewood.

He had gone to the inn to find Mr. Leigh. He didn’t wish to summon him to Netherfield and invite curiosity. At the inn, he’d turned the horse over to a groom, sent for his steward and asked for a private parlour.

He’d sat with his whisky as the servant stoked the fire and waved him away when Leigh arrived.

“Well, Mr. Leigh, what have you discovered?” Putting the glass down, he’d leaned forward.

“I am glad you came here today, sir. I have found one property which would seem suitable and have placed a deposit of interest on it for you. It was necessary because another gentleman has expressed an interest in viewing it. We have until noon tomorrow to decide.” Mr. Leigh removed a slip of paper out of his pocket.

“There is only one other property that might be possible, Ashworth Park. But it is ten miles away, and I think it may be further than you would like. It is also very large and you did say you wanted a slightly smaller property for the younger lady to find her way about more easily.” He had unfolded the paper.

“This one has all the benefits that you told me were needed. It is called Purvis Lodge, and is about two miles from the town, in a small hamlet on the lane towards Shenley.”

“It sounds eminently suitable, thank you, Mr. Leigh.” Darcy had leaned back in his chair.

“Have you asked the attorney whether it can be got ready at short notice?”

“Yes, sir. Mr. Philips has assured me that it has a full staff, because the owners went to town only three weeks ago.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.