Mr. Darcy's Noble Connections: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Abigail Reynolds

Author:Abigail Reynolds
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9780615828640
Publisher: White Soup Press
Published: 2013-06-01T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

It was early yet when Elizabeth went down to dinner, anxious for the time to pass and to give her an answer to the question of whether Darcy and Paxton would come. Perhaps they had already sent their excuses. Lady Bentham might have seen no reason to inform her daughter and the least important of her guests. The room was already half full when Eleanor appeared, looking every inch the noble lady. Only when she was sitting beside Elizabeth did it become apparent she had employed face paint to cover the circles under her eyes. Her voice was pleasant but brittle as she exchanged pleasantries with Miss Elliot. Her eyes kept darting toward the door.

If the gentlemen did not arrive in the next ten minutes, they were not coming, and Elizabeth would need to forget Mr. Darcy. She could not help glancing at the clock on the mantel only to discover that a mere minute or two had passed since she had checked it last. Scolding herself for her silliness, she resolutely turned to Eleanor and entered into a conversation with Miss Elliot on the latest styles.

Eleanor's sharp, indrawn breath made her look up. There, in the doorway, stood Mr. Darcy, with the shape of Mr. Paxton behind him. Relief flooded through Elizabeth, and for a minute she could not tear her eyes away from him as he conversed with Lord Bentham. Feeling the heat in her cheeks, she forced herself to look away.

It was only a few minutes, but it seemed an eternity until Darcy crossed the room to join them. Bowing, he said, "Lady Eleanor, Miss Elliot." Turning to Elizabeth, he paused. "Miss Bennet." His voice sounded somehow different.

When Elizabeth looked up from her curtsey, her eyes met his with an almost palpable shock. She was accustomed to finding Darcy gazing at her at unexpected times, but something about his look today seemed to search deep within her with an almost intolerable intimacy. It made her glad to resume her seat, since her legs felt distinctly wobbly.

Eleanor's practiced social voice interrupted the moment. "Will you not join us, Mr. Darcy? We have not had the pleasure of your company these last few days."

He bowed again and took the seat next to Elizabeth, his nearness causing her to flush, even though she had been seated just as close to him on several occasions in the past. "I would have liked to have been here sooner, but certain matters at Hillington demanded my attention. I have regretted that it cost me the opportunity to be in your company, Lady Eleanor. I hope you will forgive my absence."

Unable to repress the urge, Elizabeth murmured, "No calling card, sir?"

The warmth of his gaze would have set tinder ablaze. This time Elizabeth was glad when Eleanor's voice gave her an excuse to look away, relief that she had not lost his regard overwhelming her.

"I do hope your business was resolved to your satisfaction." Eleanor's voice had a tight edge, making Elizabeth suddenly aware that Paxton had not accompanied Darcy when he joined them.

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