The Darcy Scandal: Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Retold by April Karber

Author:April Karber [Karber, April]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Naughty Bits (aka PWP), To Transfer, Not in Amazon Library
ISBN: 9798537164227
Google: DECMzgEACAAJ
Amazon: B099DV5Z2Q
Goodreads: 58571212
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: 2021-07-14T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 9

To her surprise, the knock at her door early the next morning was not her maid but Darcy asking her to join him on a walk.

And walked they did, for a great distance. As once assigned the epithet “great walker,” Elizabeth outdid herself that day. It seemed Darcy surmised that this would be the safest way to peacefully pass the time with her. And from sunrise until the afternoon, she and Darcy scaled the woods and grassy hills of Pemberley’s land, stopping here and there if the place held some memory for him to share.

He could be as charming as his cousin, Elizabeth considered. But it took him a great deal more effort to do so and she appreciated that it was made in her account.

With effort, they could coexist as husband and wife. Even enjoy each other’s company from time to time. Charlotte had expected no more from marriage and Elizabeth was happy for her friend. Why then, when no other option was before her, let this be any different? “Get to know a man after you’re married,” Charlotte had instructed. In this case, Elizabeth had certainly taken her friend’s advice.

Despite her resolution to remain positive, thinking of Charlotte gave her a stab of guilt. She had no intention of telling Darcy that she had secret plans to see her friend in Meryton. Not that she thought he’d disapprove exactly, but anticipated he might complicate matters. So ultimately, she reasoned: Why put him in the position of knowing his wife was about to intentionally disregard the wishes of his esteemed aunt? There. She was justified.

He looked well today. He always looked well. Even with that scowl he was one of the most handsome men Elizabeth had ever seen. And, almost imperceptibly, Pemberley calmed him. Warmed him.

What did he think of her dress? She found herself wondering. She had taken extra care to ready herself that morning once she had agreed to his plan.

“If he liked you, you’d have to talk to him.” Charlotte had said something like this before. Well, he didn’t like her, but they were married. So what now? What do husbands do with their wives? Her face turned beet red as she realized.

“Are you ill?” Darcy looked wholly alarmed.

She assured him she was quite well and tried to appear unbothered when he felt her forehead, cheeks, and throat with the back of his hand.

“No heat,” he said. But when their eyes met, he cleared his throat and took a few steps away from her, clasping his hands behind his back.

He cut a dashing figure. Elizabeth’s eyes roamed from boot to hat. How many women were heartbroken over their marriage announcement? Had he been all politeness to them at balls so long as they were of respectable stock? He danced very well. Certainly he was practiced in the art. But along these lines, she could not help herself in recalling another art he seemed practiced in… He turned just as she felt her cheeks flush again.

“Come, there’s water nearby.

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