The Second Mrs. Bennet: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Catherine Bilson

Author:Catherine Bilson [Bilson, Catherine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe
Goodreads: 210365075
Publisher: Shenanigans Press
Published: 2024-04-26T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

The air at Netherfield had taken on a distinctly frigid chill, despite the roaring fires blazing in every hearth. Mr. Darcy surveyed his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, as she paced the drawing room like a caged lioness, her sharp eyes darting about and her mouth set in a thin, furious line.

“I cannot believe the impertinence of that foolish, headstrong girl!” Lady Catherine exclaimed, her voice rising with each word. “To think that Elizabeth Bennet dared to defy me - me! The daughter of an earl! It is beyond the pale.”

Darcy shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He longed to press his aunt for details of her confrontation with Miss Elizabeth, to learn what exactly had transpired between them, but he sensed now was not the opportune moment. Lady Catherine’s temper was legendary and unpredictable. Better to let her vent her spleen first before venturing any inquiries.

“And now, to add insult to injury,” Lady Catherine continued, her cheeks flushed an angry red, “I discover that everyone in this wretched place seems to think that upstart Miss Bingley has also set her cap for you, Darcy! The audacity! As if a man of your station and breeding would ever consider such an unsuitable match – your friendship with her brother is bad enough, but marriage! Their money came from trade!”

Darcy’s jaw tightened at the slight to his friends. He was grateful that he and Lady Catherine were the only ones in the room at the present moment; he would not like Bingley to hear what Lady Catherine was saying.

“I have half a mind to whisk you back to Rosings this very instant, Darcy,” Lady Catherine declared. “I’ll not have you falling prey to the machinations of ambitious young ladies and their scheming families!” She whirled to face him, her eyes glinting with steely determination. “Yes, I believe that would be for the best. You must leave Hertfordshire at once.”

Darcy shook his head, affecting a calm he did not feel. “Come now, Aunt Catherine,” he said in a placating tone. “There’s no need for such drastic measures. I assure you, I am in no danger from either Miss Elizabeth Bennet or Miss Bingley.”

Lady Catherine studied him for a long moment, her shrewd gaze seeming to penetrate the very depths of his soul. At last, she gave a curt nod. “Very well, Darcy. I suppose I cannot exactly drag you away from here by the scruff of your neck. But mark my words - I will not stand idly by and watch you throw yourself away on some country nobody, or an upstart from a family of doubtful antecedents. The shades of Pemberley will not be thus polluted.”

They sat in silence for a few moments, an uneasy truce reached, until Darcy ventured to speak again.

“Aunt Catherine,” he began, his voice carefully measured, “I must speak with you about your conversation with Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

Lady Catherine’s lips thinned into a tight line. “There is nothing to discuss, Darcy. The girl is entirely unsuitable for you, and I will not stand by and watch you throw away your future on a mere whim.

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