The Squire of Longbourn: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Kiki King

Author:Kiki King [King, Kiki]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Others POV, Not in Amazon Library, To Transfer
Goodreads: 179490546
Publisher: UNKNOWN
Published: 2023-06-18T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 32

In the hushed tranquillity of Longbourn, a lingering silence whispered through the halls, a subtle reminder of Elizabeth's absence. Mr. Bennet, seated comfortably in his beloved library, felt the dull ache of her absence more than he cared to admit. Her laughter no longer bubbled through the corridors, and her sharp wit no longer punctuated their conversations. Even though the season had brought the promise of the summer sun’s warmth and the delicate yet powerful scent of blooming flowers.

Once again, the solitude of his study was disrupted, not by the clamor of his daughters or the insistent chatter of his wife, but by the soft, insistent tap on his door. Hill, the ever-faithful housekeeper, emerged from the shadows of the hallway, her face framed by her white cap and her hands neatly folded in front of her.

"Another letter, sir," she said, her voice carrying the crisp British accent that had somehow remained unscathed with swears and curses, despite years of living in the raucous Bennet household. Her hands extended, offering a parchment sealed with red wax.

"Thank you, Hill," Mr. Bennet said, receiving the letter with a grateful nod. He noticed her hesitant linger, a wordless indication of her curiosity. With a small smile, he nodded at her, a tacit permission to satisfy her curiosity. "From Elizabeth, it seems."

Her face lit up, a testament to the fondness the staff held for the Bennet daughters, especially the spirited and affectionate Lizzy. With a respectful curtsy, she retreated, leaving Mr. Bennet alone once again.

He watched her go, a faint smile playing on his lips, before turning his attention to the letter. The familiar, neat script of Elizabeth was a sight for sore eyes, and he reveled in the comforting familiarity. Breaking the seal, he eagerly dived into the world of words that Elizabeth had painted, each sentence bringing her voice alive in the room. Her experiences, her humor, her keen observations, all encapsulated in lines of ink, brought a sense of connection that eased the sharp sting of her absence. Each letter from her was like a breath of fresh air, an oasis in the mundane desert of his solitude.

As he unfurled the parchment, his eyes skimmed over the elegantly crafted words, a bridge connecting him to his favourite daughter's exploits. Her letters breathed life into his quiet afternoons, her adventures seeming almost tangible through her vivid descriptions.

In the meantime, before Elizabeth was to return, he endeavored to connect with his remaining daughters.

"Ah, Jane," Mr. Bennet began, settling into the drawing room one afternoon, the soft clatter of Jane's needlework accompanying their conversation. "How fare your letters with Miss Bingley?"

Jane's hands paused over her embroidery, a flush of pink tinting her cheeks as she replied, "They are most kind, father. Miss Bingley writes of her travels in the most delightful way."

"That she does, my dear. I am glad to see you maintain such congenial correspondence."

A pleased smile lit Jane's face, her hands resuming their delicate dance over her needlework. The threads intertwined under her skilled fingers, mirroring the weaving of their conversations.

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