Switched by Iris Lim

Author:Iris Lim [Lim, Iris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Iris Lim
Published: 2019-03-18T06:00:00+00:00

• • •

Brigham Park, purchased with pride, had always proven itself to be worth every shilling. The sprawling gardens and airy halls promised constant joy; the rustic furnishings comfort. After multiple attempts to purchase a variety of estates throughout England, Bingley had found himself guided by his trusted friend to choose the one closest to Pemberley.

He had never regretted the choice.

“Jane?” He attempted softly at the sound of a nearby branch. His body felt heavy tonight, laden with words and hopes unspoken.

The silence greeting him drew focus upon the guilt in his heart.

What gentleman would stalk his own gardens for a glimpse of another man's wife? Was he no better than the men in London's drunken brothels – or Kind David himself in his pride?

Perturbed, Bingley landed himself upon the nearest bench.

Despite Jane's many claims that her sister Elizabeth was the true outdoorsman, and not she, he himself had seen only fleeting proof of the fact. Indeed, Elizabeth wandered from Brigham Park every morning – meandering into corners of the estate that he himself had never sought. These gardens, however, she had never touched.

And Bingley was exceedingly grateful for the fact.

“Charles,” the soft whisper of his name arrived with the light rustling of a well-made gown.

He turned instantly, eyes searching in the dark. Lovers, after all, seldom needed candles to illuminate what their hearts already knew.

“Jane.”

“Charles.”

He rushed towards her voice, grateful beyond measure that his memories of these gardens had not been tainted by Elizabeth's presence – thankful that Jane had understood his many references to his garden's blooms tonight.

“You – you look stunning,” Bingley stated to the darkness as his manly hands found her slender ones.

“Charles, you cannot –”

“Please, hush, Jane – my Jane.” His voice quaked; his hands shuddered. The mere suggestion of tonight's dinner party had been his first misstep. Indulgence of the thrill in his heart when he had seen her tonight – adorned so beautifully in lavish blue – had only been the inevitable consequence. He shook as he lifted her knuckles to his lips. “Jane, oh Jane – you shine brighter than the brightest evening star.”

“Charles.” She swallowed audibly, fingers tightening upon his own. “I cannot, I do not –”

“Do I offend you, my darling? Do I –”

“No,” she answered quickly. Her hushed voice could not contain the fervor that radiated so clearly from her shoulders. She stepped closer, closing the yard between them. “I feared you would not come.”

Her fears, so thoroughly mirroring his own, kindled further understanding. His left hand still entwined with hers, his right drifted to her shoulder.

“Your fears, your worries,” he spoke gently, every thought heavy upon his tongue. His right hand rested on the curve that descended from her elegant neck. “It pains me to witness.”

“But your life, Charles.” Jane breathed, voice airy. His eyes slowly deciphered her pretty face etched with worry. “How can Caroline and Elizabeth, they –”

Her kindness bid her silence, and he loved her all the more for it.

“Your beauty exceeds your appearance.” Bingley heard his own voice trembling.

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