Where the Waters Agree: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Susan Adriani

Author:Susan Adriani [Adriani, Susan]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Quills & Quartos Publishing
Published: 2024-04-22T00:00:00+00:00

6

Nothing ever fatigues me but doing what I do not like.

— MISS CRAWFORD, MANSFIELD PARK

Mr Drummond had been there for hours. Now that Mr Darcy had come, courtesy required him to politely make his excuses and withdraw, yet he made no move to do so. Instead, he reclaimed his chair and resumed the ridiculous tale he had been telling Elizabeth’s mother about his gouty cat.

Mr Darcy, who had not yet claimed any seat, looked on with a touch of apparent irritation, which turned to confusion as Mr Drummond said,

“…and Her Highness was so very naughty that I sent her directly to bed without her supper. It pained me, of course, for the poor dear did nothing but yowl and cry all night long, but Mother would not allow her back into the drawing room for anything. She was adamant that she would have her way. What else could I do but oblige her?” His mien became serious as he said, “I will tell you, madam, I slept not one wink that night, and as soon as the sun rose the following morning, I stole away to her bedchamber and fed her a breakfast fit for a queen.”

“And you were very right to do it,” said her mother. “The poor dear. I am certain she was much better behaved once she had eaten her fill. I myself like a good breakfast. It does wonders for the constitution. I suppose it is only fitting that Her Highness would as well.”

Elizabeth nearly laughed at the incredulous expression on Mr Darcy’s face. Taking pity on him, she told him quietly, “Mr Drummond was speaking of his cat, sir. She is named for his mother, but he has taken to calling her ‘Her Highness’ because to call her by her given name causes confusion amongst his friends. Or so he claims. From what I have gathered from his stories, she is quite spoilt.”

“The cat or the mother?” Mr Darcy enquired drily.

This time Elizabeth did give way to laughter. “Both, I imagine.”

The corners of his lips lifted in an intimation of a smile. “It is very good to see you, Miss Bennet.”

“And you, as well, Mr Darcy.”

And it was good to see him, surprisingly so. With Mr Darcy came intelligent, interesting conversation, whereas Mr Drummond talked incessantly of his cat and his mother, both of whom apparently preferred Beethoven over Mozart, mutton over beef, and long naps on the upholstered seat in his study window. She could not imagine marrying him. In fact, the more she saw of him, the more she suspected that Mr Drummond was not inclined to marry anyone. He was so clearly attached to his mother, and his mother to him, that Elizabeth doubted the woman would ever willingly give way to a wife should he dare to bring one home; nor did she believe Mr Drummond would ever demand that she do so. It was entirely likely the thought would never even cross his mind.

Mr Darcy indicated an upholstered chaise longue set against the wall on the opposite side of the room.

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