These Dreams: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Nicole Clarkston & a Lady

Author:Nicole Clarkston & a Lady [Clarkston, Nicole]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: White Soup Press
Published: 2017-10-24T16:00:00+00:00

“’Miss Elizabeth Bennet is to hold administrative authority over household affairs during my absence, her judgment subject only to Miss Darcy’s wishes. Any business affairs Mr Jefferson would normally report to the Master or Mistress shall be directed through my agent, Edward Gardiner of Cheapside, London.’”

The note went on to specify the dates and events through which his wishes should remain in effect, and even named Mr Edward Gardiner and Mr Charles Bingley as proxy guardians to Miss Darcy, should some accident befall him in his travels.

The note crumpled slowly in her hand as it fell, shaking and ice cold. “Lies!” came the savage whisper. “Impossible!” she ejaculated more forcefully. “You would deny the claims of family, of interest, in favour of this… this interloper! Georgiana Darcy, I—”

Georgiana was still cowering as her aunt warmed up to her tirade. Insults and threats continued to shower down, causing her to flinch with each one, but Elizabeth stood stalwart, her expression serene. After a moment, she nudged the young mistress with an elbow and whispered something that Lady Catherine did not trouble herself to hear. Georgiana gaped back in astonishment, but Elizabeth smiled, tipped her head, and whispered, “You can do it!”

Georgiana took a trembling step from behind Elizabeth and drew a galvanising breath. Lady Catherine was still raging. “—My sister’s daughter, and my brother’s own son, handing over authority that rightly belongs only to our family, to a tradesman and a country ch… what do you have to say for yourself, Georgiana?” She ceased her vitriol long enough to pause mid-insult and point an accusing finger at her niece.

Georgiana cleared her throat and dropped a nervous curtsey. “If you please, Aunt, I shall have Mrs Reynolds prepare your favourite room. I am afraid I was conducting some business with my steward when you arrived, which remains unfinished. I must return to it now.” She swallowed, blinked hopefully at Elizabeth, then curtseyed once more before walking quickly to the door. She summoned the footman and gave her direction, curtseyed a third time to her speechless aunt, and then disappeared from sight. Elizabeth had no doubts that the girl had broken to a run as soon as she could.

Lady Catherine turned slowly back to Elizabeth, her expression black and her jaw welded in fury. Elizabeth smiled sweetly. “Would your ladyship care for some refreshment after the long drive?”

The lady’s mouth worked and she spat out a sullen, “No!” before turning on her heel and swirling from the room.

Elizabeth released a shaking breath. She still could not decide whether it was for the best that she had been present for that particular confrontation. It had been Colonel Fitzwilliam’s wish, and Georgiana had been grateful for it. That would have to suffice, she decided, but she still did not like feeling the intruder in what ought to have been a family matter.

Lady Catherine had scarcely been gone a moment when Lydia’s furtive shape peeked around the door frame. “Laws, I thought she would never leave! Has she really gone?”

“Only above stairs.

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