Mr. Darcy's Pride and Joy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (The Darcy Novels #3) by Monica Fairview

Author:Monica Fairview [Fairview, Monica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Not in Amazon Library, To Transfer
ISBN: 9781534827981
Amazon: B01H2VM5HA
Barnesnoble: B01H2VM5HA
Goodreads: 30684929
Publisher: White Soup Press
Published: 2016-06-22T04:00:00+00:00

~~x~~

Once again, Darcy was obliged to endure a carriage journey. At least this time his head was not pounding, and he had company other than his valet. Though after a moment’s consideration, he wondered if Anne was much of an improvement. She tended to speak very little unless spoken to, and he was in no mood for small talk.

To his surprise, however, as he considered whether it would be vastly uncivil for him to lapse into complete silence for the length of the journey, Anne opened the conversation herself.

“We must find a way out of this predicament,” she said.

Darcy sighed loudly. “I do not see how. If we cannot find a way to annul our betrothal, we will have no choice but to marry. You do not want to be labelled as a jilt. Society will condemn you for it.”

He could not purchase his own happiness at the expense of Anne. Anne did not deserve it. She was a gentle soul, and because of him, she had not been brought out and had not been introduced to other eligible young gentlemen. He would do his duty by her. He would be honorable. What Anne had said earlier meant nothing. She had said those words in a moment of anger, and he understood now that for years she had waited for him. He could not let her down.

He would sacrifice his happiness for her sake. She deserved no less.

But what of Elizabeth? Did she deserve to be the victim of his folly? His whole being protested at the idea of parting from her. He was not even sure he would be able to do it. He consoled himself by admitting the truth. Mr. Bennet was right. Darcy would only make her wretched by exposing her to the cruelty and disapproval of his relations.

Elizabeth was a charming and beautiful young lady, vivacious and strong. Even thinking about it hurt him, but she would soon find someone else, someone who would suit her better, a younger man who would make her laugh and give her the happiness Darcy would never be able to give her.

Anne, in contrast, would never find anyone else if he did not marry her. Her reputation would be tarnished by a broken engagement, and she was neither pretty nor entertaining. She did not know how to behave in society. The only husband she was likely to have was a despicable fortune hunter in desperate straits, a man who would have no consideration for her, once he had his hands on her property. He felt disloyal thinking of Anne in such an unflattering way, but that was the reality and he would not shy away from it.

He turned to her, gently, before he thought too long about it and allowed his pain to overcome his honor. “I would be honored to be your husband, Anne,” he said.

Anne frowned. “Did you not hear anything I said to you at Rosings, Fitzwilliam?” her voice was sharp and reminded him of Lady Catherine’s. “Or do you, too, think I am not capable of knowing my own mind.

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