The Mistress of Rosings Park : A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by Regina Jeffers

Author:Regina Jeffers [Jeffers, Regina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-01-08T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

As Elizabeth went about her duties, the question of Mr. Darcy’s character rarely did not consume her thoughts. From the first of their interactions she had decided she did not care for him. His disregard of his aunt’s future had troubled her in so many ways. Moreover, Mr. Wickham’s tale of abuse rang true with her, mainly because of the cold manner in which Mr. Darcy dealt with Lady Catherine. “Would a man not treat ‘all’ his enemies with equal resolve?” She could not tolerate a man who treated family so poorly. “It is not as if Mr. Darcy expects your tolerance, Elizabeth Bennet,” she chastised her blurry image in the window glass. “You are certainly beneath him. His uncle is an earl. Your Uncle Gardiner owns a warehouse in Cheapside and Uncle Phillips is a country solicitor.”

“Talking to yourself, Lizzy?”

Elizabeth turned to discover Mary in the open doorway. Fighting back the rush of embarrassment, she shrugged her response. “How can I go awry by presenting myself advice? My own counsel must be superior,” she said with a tease.

Mary’s lips turned up in a smile. “I have enjoyed this time with you and Jane and the quiet moments we have shared here in Kent.”

Elizabeth crossed the room to capture Mary’s hands. “Quiet moments are hard to come by with Lydia in the house, are they not? But I promise when we return to Longbourn, we will go for walks together or just lock ourselves in one of our bedchambers and pretend Lydia’s world does not exist.”

“I would enjoy that very much,” Mary confessed. Her sister sighed heavily. “Her ladyship wishes to go over the seating arrangements one more time. I have been asked to fetch you.”

Elizabeth sighed also. “Two more days and we can return to Lydia’s world.”

She turned their steps toward the passageway, but Mary tugged her to a halt. “Lizzy, would you and Jane arrange my hair for the supper party. I would like to look my best. I mean, I can do nothing about my spectacles—”

Elizabeth wrapped her arm about Mary’s shoulders. “Most assuredly, we shall assist you. I promise, you will leave John Lucas breathless.”

* * *

Finally, Friday arrived. Feeling quite put out by Lady Catherine’s constant demands on her time, Elizabeth slipped away for a few minutes of solitude. Tomorrow they would leave all this madness behind, and she had yet to decide whether their leaving was a blessing or the greatest mistake of her life. Making her way to the folly, she claimed a secluded bench and sat, before removing her bonnet and tilting her face upward to enjoy the sun upon her cheeks. Easily an image formed behind her lids of the gentleman residing in the great house.

Tall. His figure held in staunch rigidity.

She shook off the idea of the man being unbending. Elizabeth knew Mr. Darcy could often be unmoving; yet, he was not without reason, whether she agreed with the reasons he presented her or not.

Distinctive. Carelessly set off to an advantage with an expertly cut coat of a country gentleman.

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