No More Than Friends: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Wendy Ann Gallant

Author:Wendy Ann Gallant [Gallant, Wendy Ann]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-02-02T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

As her time in London continued, Elizabeth found that it was best if she and her Aunt shopped in the morning, then rested or attended social functions in the afternoon and evening. One of the first items on her list of social functions was to invite William and Georgiana to tea at the Gardiners’ home. Her introduction to Georgiana had gone well, and she wanted to further the acquaintance until they were quite comfortable with one another. She was very aware that she could be viewed as intruding into Georgiana’s relationship with her brother, and she sought to assure the young girl that her bond with William would not change.

William and Georgiana enjoyed their visit to the Gardiners’ home in Cheapside. William was unsure exactly what to expect but, now knowing Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, he was not surprised to find a well-maintained and comfortable home. Both he and his sister felt very welcome. The ladies discussed all the shopping Elizabeth and her Aunt had done, as it turned out that Georgiana loved shopping, while William leaned back and enjoyed their interaction.

Another day, Darcy invited Elizabeth to tour Darcy House with her Aunt. Elizabeth was looking forward to the visit and it began with an introduction to the housekeeper, Mrs. King. Elizabeth could tell that the housekeeper was taking her measure as much as Elizabeth was attempting to know Mrs. King. Luckily, they both seemed to be pleased with their first impressions of one another.

“Allow me to show you the rooms on the ground floor,” William said. “Here is the library”, indicating a fairly large room with floor to ceiling book shelves. “Of course, it is nothing compared to the library at Pemberley.” The tour continued with the study, the sitting room they had already seen, the dining room and so on. They looked out the windows at the walled garden in the back but did not go out due to the cold weather.

Upstairs, William indicated the guest wing, including the chamber kept ready for Colonel Fitzwilliam. “The Colonel,” he explained, “is likely to show up unannounced, at any time of day or night. We have a very casual but close relationship.” They then toured the family wing, seeing Georgiana’s bedroom, the Mistress’ chambers, including a dressing room, and the Masters’ chambers. Lizzy felt a bit awkward seeing the connecting door between the two rooms but told herself that all would be well.

They joined Georgiana for tea and a pleasant visit, before Lizzy and her Aunt returned to Cheapside to dress for their evening at the opera. Elizabeth wore one of her new gowns and her Aunt’s maid did wonders with her hair, so Elizabeth felt very elegant indeed.

William certainly approved if his look upon seeing her in the lobby of the opera house was any indication. “I hope you have not been concerned about this evening,” he said to Elizabeth, “You are the equal of any other woman here.” Elizabeth smiled at him in relief.

William had a box

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