The Consequence of Haste by Meg Osborne

Author:Meg Osborne
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Love, Regency Historical Romance, Jane Austen Fan Fiction, Jane Austen, JAFF, Elizabeth and Darcy, Pride and Prejudice
Publisher: Meg Osborne
Published: 2018-01-29T16:00:00+00:00

ELIZABETH HAD NEVER been incredibly interested in the modes of style and fashion, but she was despairing the lack of choice in her wardrobe at present. A few of her clothes remained at Longbourn, the rest in London, and whilst she was certain her husband would not begrudge her the purchase of a new dress, she had yet to act on the impulse. And so it was with a little regret she selected her outfit for the evening she and Darcy would be spending at Lattimer Place. At least I shall be comfortable, she thought, brushing down the familiar fabric, and turning her attention to the delicate ear-bobs that had been a recent gift from her husband upon their arrival in Derbyshire.

Unwilling to spend any longer on her appearance, which nought but the elusive change of dress could really change, she hurried down to the parlour that she might await Darcy and their departure there and was surprised to see him there ahead of her, standing with one hand at the mantelpiece. She hesitated a moment in the doorway until some sound betrayed her, and he glanced up, smiling at her.

“Good evening! You are ready early?”

“We are both ready early,” Elizabeth said, with a self-deprecating sigh. “Although I am weary of wearing this same dress again. You must grow tired of seeing me in it always.”

Darcy blinked, as if recognising the dress for the first time.

“It suits you so well,” he said, dismissing her concerns. “And it will be new in Georgiana’s eyes at least.” He did not mention Caroline Bingley, and for that Lizzy was pleased, for she could already well imagine the reflections her friend might make on Lizzy’s choice of dress. “But your wish for another reminds me we must hasten and send for your belongings from London and Longbourn.” He nodded. “I shall do it tomorrow. And perhaps we might take a trip into town, for we can run to a new wardrobe, I am sure.”

His eyes twinkled with amusement, but Lizzy’s anxieties no more receded for the night ahead of them. She rubbed her hands together, palms clammy with nerves, and paced the length of the room.

“We ought not to leave yet, I suppose. It is too early, still.”

Darcy said nothing, but she felt his eyes on her, watching her anxious progress to the window, and then back towards him.

“Forgive me, my dear, for I have not heretofore been known as the most perceptive of men, yet it seems to me that you might be a little nervous.”

Elizabeth laughed and nodded.

“You are right! I remember the last time we dressed for a meal out together, in Scotland, when you were the one who was ill-at-ease. It seems this evening it is my turn.”

“Why ever would you be?” Darcy frowned. “We are merely attending a meal with friends.” He paused. “Well, acquaintances at least, for I do not know that I would consider Mr and Mrs Hurst to be particular friends. I suppose Mr and Miss Bingley have won their places in both our affections after their presence in Scotland.

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