The Wickhams: A Pride and Prejudice Sequel by M. A. Bard

Author:M. A. Bard [Bard, M. A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Sequel - Canon Compliant, Others POV, Not in Amazon Library
Goodreads: 219192776
Published: 2024-09-14T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter: The Garden and the Battlefield

The afternoon sun cast a warm, dappled light over the gardens, where Lydia strolled with Mrs. Foster, the gentle breeze lifting the lingering sense of fatigue from their long and arduous sea journey. The air was sweet with the scent of lavender and rosemary, and though Lydia had only just recovered from her bout of seasickness, there was something restorative in the serenity of the garden, a refuge from the strain of the past few days.

Mrs. Foster, walking beside her, let out a soft sigh, her usually calm expression showing the slightest hint of weariness. "I do hope," she murmured, "that we shan’t have to endure another journey like that for a long while. The constant rolling of the waves, the confinement—it was enough to try even the sturdiest of tempers."

Lydia nodded in agreement, her lips curving into a rueful smile. "Indeed, I felt as though I’d never stand on solid ground again. If I am to follow George on his campaigns, I shall need to steel myself against the trials of sea travel, though I confess I am in no hurry to repeat the experience."

As they continued their leisurely walk along the garden’s well-kept paths, they spoke of lighter things—the comfort of fresh air, the promise of a calmer routine—both women momentarily enjoying a respite from the tensions that hung over their lives now that their husbands were away with the regiment. The clinking of teacups and faint murmurs from the house barely reached them, and for a brief moment, it felt as though they were far removed from the harsh realities of war.

However, their brief reprieve was interrupted by the sudden and unmistakable voice of Mrs. Colborne, who appeared from behind a tall, flowering bush, her face flushed and her expression decidedly sour. She had evidently overheard their conversation, and there was a glint of disapproval in her sharp eyes as she approached them, her voice cutting through the peaceful air like a cold wind.

"Well, well," Mrs. Colborne began, her tone dripping with condescension. "I must say, it is quite remarkable that you ladies find so much to complain about after a mere sea journey. One would think, with your husbands off to face the dangers of battle, you might have something more important to concern yourselves with than your own petty discomforts."

Lydia, taken aback for only a moment, met Mrs. Colborne’s gaze with a calm but firm expression. She was not one to be easily cowed, particularly not by the likes of Mrs. Colborne, whose overbearing manner had already tested the patience of more than a few in their company. Lydia’s initial shock gave way to a faint smile as she replied, her tone measured and even.

"I do not believe," she said quietly, "that it is ungrateful to remark upon the challenges of our recent voyage, Mrs. Colborne. The hardships we have endured are not, of course, to be compared with those our husbands will face, but surely we are allowed some small complaint when it is due?"

Mrs.

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