Mistaken Identity: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by J. Dawn King

Author:J. Dawn King
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: bad Bingley, Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms
Publisher: Quiet Mountain Press LLC
Published: 2021-12-29T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18

“I have never seen Papa so angry,” Jane paused. Running the brush to the ends of Elizabeth’s hair then back up to the crown of her sister’s head, she continued, “Once we return from the bonfire, Kitty and Lydia will reach their majority before they are free to leave Longbourn again.”

Shaking her head, Elizabeth regretted the conduct of her sisters and the loss of Jane’s ministrations.

“Jane, for the first time Papa saw how their poor conduct reflected on our household. Their flirting with the officers was innocent fun to them. They had no idea of the danger they were in.”

“I suspect you are correct.” Jane set the brush aside, giving her full attention to her sister as she wove a ribbon through Elizabeth’s curls. “Lizzy, tell me about our cousin. What was she like?”

“My first impression, after the shock at thinking I was looking in a mirror, was that she was alone and afraid. I saw a vulnerability in her that had me concerned for her future. Lydia’s blurting out that my twin was in Meryton where mama could hear will not protect Claire from gossip, I am afraid.” Elizabeth anticipated no good when Lydia opened her mouth. She was correct.

Mama’s cheeks puffed up and turned the color of a tomato until Elizabeth feared her face would explode. After a moment of trying to bring herself under control, the matron of Longbourn said, “Is this not like one of Mr. Bennet’s cousins! Come to survey our house just like her brother did. Well, I hope she is not planning on chasing Mr. Bingley or Major Gerring while she is here since she cannot be anything next to my Jane or Lydia.”

It had taken Jane almost thirty minutes to calm their most volatile parent.

Jane asked, “Did she truly look like you?”

The question was easily answered. “Enough that I doubt that after a brief glance, even Papa could tell us apart if we were to exchange clothing.”

“Will she be well?”

In truth, Elizabeth wondered the same. Claire was vulnerable in being alone. “Jane, I know my first concern should be our cousin. What Claire learned tonight would have turned her life upside down. That she had committed violent acts against an innocent gentleman while the real guilty party continued to prey on other young girls, had to have upset everything she would have believed to be just reason to pursue her course. But Jane, I also worry what this could do to my reputation should she take it upon herself to act further against Mr. Wickham here in Meryton.”

“I wish the situation was different, Lizzy,” Jane soothed. “Perhaps Miss Collins will put this all behind her and press forward with a brighter future.”

Poor Jane, always seeing rainbows amidst the darkest storm clouds.

Jane left to gather her gloves and warmest scarf. The evening was chilled. The whole town would be at the bonfire, pressing close to the fire. She wondered if the Bingley party would be there...if, Mr. Darcy would be there. Three hours later she had her answer.

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