Mr. Darcy's Stitch In Time: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Charlotte Weatherby

Mr. Darcy's Stitch In Time: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Charlotte Weatherby

Author:Charlotte Weatherby
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms
ISBN: 9798729346226
Publisher: Pemberley Playground Press
Published: 2021-03-26T00:00:00+00:00


CHAPTER 10

They had definitely spoken of her. And whatever the particulars of their conversation, it left both gentleman at odds for the remainder of the meal.

To Elizabeth’s dismay, Mr. Collins took extra effort to engage Elizabeth in conversation as they worked through the meat course, while Mr. Darcy stared.

Elizabeth sliced her pheasant and wondered, as she looked up from the plate to see Mr. Darcy’s gaze boring into her, if she had something on her face.

“Miss Elizabeth, we must make our compliments to the Bingleys for their chef!” Mr. Collins said. “I too have a fine cook at my home. We cannot enjoy meals as elaborate as this due to my position, but she makes a fine dinner and appreciates a fine appetite. Or fine appetites as the household grows.”

“How very fortunate for you,” Elizabeth said, sawing with greater vigor at her meat. A vigor the meat did not deserve as it was well made and nearly falling from the bone.

“The parsonage is quite spacious,” Mr. Collins continued. “With far more rooms than a bachelor needs. Lady Catherine de Bourgh, my patroness as I might have mentioned—”

“You mentioned it,” Elizabeth said and put an overly large forkful of meat into her mouth.

“Yes, as I said, Lady Catherine de Bourgh has mentioned on many occasions how the sound of children’s laughter would greatly enhance the atmosphere.”

“Ah! A worthy cause,” Elizabeth said, unable to resist needling him. “There are many orphans in who would benefit from the shelter and guidance of such a place.”

Irritation flashed over Mr. Collins’s features. “That is not precisely what I meant, Miss Elizabeth.”

“You were given the good fortune of Lady Catherine’s guidance as a child, I remember you mentioned,” Elizabeth continued.

“Well, yes. And her patronage.” Mr. Collins nodded.

“It is generous of you to wish to offer the same guidance to other lost children.”

Mr. Collins’s color went rather florid as Elizabeth spoke. “Well. It is not work I can manage on my own, of course.”

“No, you will need Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s guidance,” Elizabeth said. “Of course.” She took a sip of her wine. The bitter red slipped smoothly over her tongue.

“And a wife!” Mr. Collins blurted out. “I shall surely need a wife.”

Mr. Darcy’s lips twitched throughout Elizabeth and Mr. Collins’s exchange. Some hint of humor? Though she had resolved Mr. Darcy must surely be her enemy, she felt they shared some common ground at this moment. He, at least, grasped the humor of the situation. More impressively, he had not chosen to share this understanding, instead allowing it to rest between them, a fragile thread of connection.

“Why yes, Mr. Collins,” Charlotte interjected. “I expect it will be easier to manage if you are wed.”

Mr. Collins nodded, and sounding extremely put upon, returned, “Exactly my point, Miss Lucas. Marriage is the cornerstone of a fulfilled, tranquil life.” He pulled back his shoulders and lifted his chin, and with a deep breath, continued, “It was ordained for the mutual society, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity.



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