Ribbons, Lace and Verse: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Madeline Kennet

Author:Madeline Kennet [Kennet, Madeline]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-02-06T05:00:00+00:00

Amethysts and Pearls

Mr. Bingley was in high spirits on the way home. “Brookes did not think of sending flowers,” he said gleefully. “I am ahead of him there.”

When they arrived home, however, he took a different perspective. “It would be selfish of me to keep this to myself,” he said. “He told me about the confectionery and lent me the book. I think I should just send him a note about flowers. I shall tell him about Lady Amesbury if you think she really means for us to send our friends to her.”

“I think she looks forward to it,” Mr. Darcy said. “She did enjoy making our posies today.”

Mr. Bingley wrote his note and sent it along with the book of verse. “As long as you are quite certain that you do not need to take a look at it,” he first confirmed with Mr. Darcy, but his friend assured him that he had no need of it.

Mr. Darcy’s card did not take very long to make. His friend was rather surprised by its simplicity, but he defended his choice by reminding Mr. Bingley that his situation was different.

“I think a less romantic card more suitable in my case,” he said.

“I would have thought you would prefer to put your trust in a more romantic one,” Mr. Bingley said, “but I am sure it does not matter. Your card looks well in its own way, and I suppose your verse is far superior to mine. I shall not look at it and make comparisons.”

Mr. Darcy had not been thinking to show it, but he copied out his lines over at his desk where Mr. Bingley was in no danger of catching a glimpse of them and feeling inadequate because he had not also composed a sonnet.

“Will you be going into Hertfordshire tomorrow to deliver gifts?” Georgiana asked.

“No. I intend to send them with a messenger. I think Miss Elizabeth Bennet may need some time to think about my declaration of love. I shall wait a while before trying to see her again. Perhaps Bingley and I may go to Netherfield at some time after Miss Bennet returns home, presuming that his proposal is successful. I do not expect it to be otherwise,” he added hastily, noticing the look on his friend’s face. “Do not look so nervous, Bingley.”

“I cannot help it. I am feeling quite terrified that I will have no idea what to say when the moment comes.”

“I think you will know exactly what to say,” Georgiana reassured him. “It will all come from your heart and be exactly right. As for you, brother, I hope that your messenger is a reliable one and will take care to keep your card away from your flowers or else Miss Bennet may find your words dissolved upon a damp paper and never be able to read this sonnet of yours.”

“I have a very good man for the job.”

“Do you think I should send my gifts?” Mr. Bingley asked suddenly. “I could show up with everything myself instead.

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