No Less Than Any Other: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by MJ Stratton

No Less Than Any Other: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by MJ Stratton

Author:MJ Stratton [Stratton, MJ]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2024-02-05T00:00:00+00:00


Chapter Ten

November 1811

Netherfield

Elizabeth took a tray with Jane the following morning rather than face Mr. Darcy at breakfast. She had only meant to tease him the night before, and though he claimed no offense, she was not certain she believed him.

Jane was doing much better, and Elizabeth regaled her sister with news from the rest of the party as she ate breakfast. Jane, too, was able to eat some, and afterward was quite tired. Elizabeth left her sleeping, determined to take a walk in the garden. The sun was shining, and she could not resist the lure of the outdoors.

Miss Darcy and Mrs. Hurst met her at the doors, both wearing their outerwear.

“Were you to take the air, too, Miss Elizabeth?” Miss Darcy asked in delight.

Elizabeth nodded, noting Mrs. Hurst’s pinched look. Apparently, that lady did not much like the idea of Elizabeth joining them on their stroll.

“We wished to walk toward the folly my brother says is near the edge of the gardens,” Mrs. Hurst said stiffly.

“I can show you the direction,” Elizabeth said. “Though it has been many years since I visited it myself.”

The three departed, and Elizabeth slowed her walk so that the other two ladies could keep up. She chafed at the slow pace but was determined to be as solicitous as possible.

Miss Darcy chatted amiably as they strolled, and Mrs. Hurst was silent. It was a situation that Elizabeth had no cause to repine; Miss Darcy was proving to be a lovely girl despite her initial shyness, and Elizabeth was in no mood to parry Mrs. Hurst’s none-too-subtle attacks.

After admiring the folly for a suitable amount of time, the threesome turned back toward the house. There were a few late summer blooms left, and Miss Darcy lingered here and there to observe them. Mrs. Hurst was bristling with impatience, and Elizabeth thought she looked a little cold; the lady had donned only a thick shawl for their walk instead of a cloak or pelisse.

As they neared the house, Elizabeth chanced to hear voices from around a bend. Miss Bingley’s dulcet tones were soon discerned, and Elizabeth, paused near Miss Darcy as she observed another bloom, could hear the conversation clearly.

“I hope,” Miss Bingley said, “you will give your mother-in-law a few hints, when this desirable event takes place, as to the advantage of holding her tongue. Your future brother as well. And perhaps, if I may mention a delicate subject, endeavor to check that little something, bordering on conceit and impertinence, which your lady possesses.”

“Have you anything else to propose for my domestic felicity?” came Mr. Darcy’s reply. There was a dry tone to his voice, and if Elizabeth did not know better, she would say he sounded somewhat amused at his walking companion’s words.

“Oh! Yes,” Miss Bingley replied. “Do let the portraits of your uncle and aunt Philips be placed in the gallery at Pemberley. Put them next to your great uncle the judge. They are in the same profession, you know, only in different lines.



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