Page 52 of Roses from Pemberley
“There, you see? Darcy was just being his usual self. Tell me, did you think that his manners were not quite what they should be?”
Elizabeth winced. “I suppose…at first.”
“I am like that as well,” said Diana. “Especially when I first meet a gentleman.” She chuckled and added, “I have sometimes been referred to as ‘The Ice Princess’. My dowry, you see, is fifty thousand pounds and I can never be certain if I am being sought out for myself, or for my money.”
“You and Mr. Darcy seem to have a great deal in common,” said Elizabeth.
“I suppose we do.”
It was then that Charlotte and Mrs. Bennet returned to the parsonage and were introduced to Diana. They all therefore returned to the parlour.
“Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, my aunt would like to have your party over for dinner in two nights. I am certain she shall send a note around this very day.”
“My husband actually told me of it,” said Charlotte, “and he has accepted for all of us.”
“Excellent,” said Diana. “But now I must return to Rosings. My aunt, doubtless, will have numerous questions forme regarding my activities this Season. But I bid you good day and look forward to seeing you in two nights.”
Elizabeth, when she pondered Diana after she left, was still confused as to what to think. Could it be that Darcy had developed a fondness for his beautiful cousin? But why would he do so when he had proposed toheronly a few weeks earlier?
But I told him I did not even like him,she thought to herself.Then I took Wickham’s side over him, or at least, doubted his honour.
Honour meant a great deal to men such as Darcy, Elizabeth realised. Which is why he could not - or would not - defend himself. And now Elizabeth had lost his respect for having been so gullible. Maybe hewasbetter off with Diana - Diana who was as tall and striking as himself and who, moreover, had a dowry of fifty thousand pounds.
“Lizzy? Are you alright?” she heard her mother ask, as if from a great distance. “You seem out of sorts.
Elizabeth looked at her mother. And then she nodded.
CHAPTER 22 A Walk to the Village
“What a perfectly gracious young woman!” said Mrs. Bennet, after having ascertained her second daughter’s wellbeing. “And so very beautiful.” She turned to Jane and added, “But of course not as beautiful as you, my dear.” She looked about the room, then stood up. “Anyway, I must go into the village now to see about getting some new boots made.
“New boots, Mother?” asked Elizabeth, her mind finally returning to her current circumstance.
“Yes, for the ones I travelled in are all but ruined.”
“Would you like for me to accompany you?”
“No, dear, you are still too weak. It is Mr. Darcy who shall accompany me.”
“Mr. Darcy! Mr.Darcy?”
“Yes, dear. He was kind enough to offer his assistance when Charlotte and I met him in the village earlier. It makes perfect sense because heisfamiliar with the shops and can ensure that I get the best service.”
“Mr. Darcy…” repeated Elizabeth again, wondering if she should be pleased or distressed. “Are you certain that you did not…coercehim into going with you?”
“No! Why would you think it, Lizzy? Mr. Darcy specifically asked if he might take me to the bootmaker’s shop and I agreed, naturally. In fact, he shall call here at any moment and I do not wish to keep him waiting. Are you well, Lizzy? You seem quite flushed.”
“Yes, Mother, I am well.”
“Nevertheless, I insist that you go back to bed this instant. For I would not wish you to have a relapse. We are, after all, invited to Rosings in two nights and I certainly do not plan on missingthat.Now, come along, Lizzy, off to bed with you. Mr. Darcy is to call here at any minute and I do not wish to keep him waiting.”
Mrs. Bennet dragged Elizabeth up the stairs, pushed her down into the bed, then pulled the covers up to her chin. She kissed her on the forehead and said, “Well then, Lizzy, I’m off. Charlotte can send a tray for you later.”
“But I do not need a tray and am perfectly capable of going downstairs to eat!”
“Lizzy, please…do not try my nerves today. You will do as you are told and rest.”
“Yes, Mamma,” she said meekly. “Enjoy your trip to the bootmakers.”
