The Stick: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Robert Francis

Author:Robert Francis [Francis, Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe
Amazon: B0D9DX1SF2
Goodreads: 216455239
Published: 2024-07-12T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

The note Elizabeth sent to Matlock House informed them of her arrival on January 6th. She arrived in the Gardiner’s carriage, escorted by her aunt and sister. They were shown into a luxurious sitting room and welcomed by Lady Matlock, Georgiana and Darcy.

“Miss Elizabeth Bennet, you have come!” Lady Matlock said, welcoming her. “And you’ve brought some friends.”

“I’m pleased to meet you,” Elizabeth said. “My aunt and sister escorted me here in my aunt’s carriage. This is my aunt, Mrs. Gardiner and my older sister, Miss Jane Bennet.”

“I’m glad to meet you, Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet,” Lady Matlock said. “The gentleman is Fitzwilliam Darcy and this is Georgiana, his sister. Georgiana, dear. Please call for tea.”

Elizabeth glanced at Mr. Darcy and then at Georgiana to see if there was a resemblance. She could tell they were brother and sister, although his coloring was dark while she was blonde with blue eyes.

“You might ask if Georgiana is staying at Matlock House,” the stick suggested.

“Are you staying at Matlock House as well, Miss Darcy?” Elizabeth asked.

“Yes. I usually stay with my aunt when I am in London as my brother is a bachelor.”

“Ask her if she enjoys music and which are her favorite composers.”

“Miss Bingley raved about your talent on the pianoforte,” Elizabeth noted. “Which are your favorite composers?”

Lady Matlock had a sour look on her face with the mention of Caroline Bingley.

“I wouldn’t mention the Bingleys in her presence if I were you,” the stick admonished.

“I enjoy Mozart when I want to feel happy and Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata when I am sad,” Georgiana said.

“I look forward to hearing you perform,” Elizabeth said.

After a half hour, Mrs. Gardiner and Jane excused themselves and hugged Elizabeth goodbye. As they were making their way toward the exit, Darcy came up to Jane and her aunt.

“It’s nice to see you again, Miss Bennet,” he said. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Gardiner. On Thursday evening, I was planning to have my aunt, my sister and Miss Elizabeth to dinner at Darcy House. Would the two of you like to join us? Of course, Mr. Gardiner is also invited.”

“That would be lovely, Mr. Darcy. We’d love to come.”

“Excellent. I will look forward to seeing you on Thursday.”

When Darcy was finished talking with Mrs. Gardiner, he made his way over to Elizabeth and sat next to her.

“Miss Elizabeth, I hope you are well. I just barely invited your Uncle, aunt and sister to Darcy House on Thursday to have dinner. I had previously arranged for my aunt and sister to attend with you, of course. I hope you don’t mind me arranging your schedule.”

“I look forward to it, Mr. Darcy.”

“I appreciate your willingness to come to London and stay with my aunt. She wanted to get to know you better and it seemed to be the best way to accomplish it.”

“I’m delighted with the honor,” she said.

“Don’t you want to ask him if Bingley is invited on Thursday,” the stick said.

“Will Mr. Bingley join us on Thursday?”

Darcy hesitated.

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