An Autumn Accord: A Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation (Seasons of Serendipity Book 4) by Elizabeth Ann West Read Free Book Online Page A

Georgiana! And this as how I am to be appreciated?”
    “ On two occasions my eldest sister was forced to physically protect herself while in your care. My sisters and I are without the protection of a father; surely you must have known how the rakes and scoundrels of society would perceive that! You filled the two youngest girls with lessons and education on matters of social futility. I expected them to be taught not only plate settings, but Plato and Cicero.” Elizabeth Darcy said, forcing her breath out behind each word as she struggled to not yell at a peer of the realm.
    “ And that is to say nothing of these ventures my cousin Richard has taken with Miss Mary Bennet. Were you aware she witnessed a killing?”
    “ This is absurd! The two of you are uncivil to speak to me in this manner! I shall not endure this upbraiding from a couple that has spent the last four months on holiday while the responsibilities fell to me. I take no leave of you, and perhaps when you both come to your senses and display the proper gratitude, I shall deign to forgive you.”
    Lady Matlock exited the study with the grace of a woman of her exalted station. As Elizabeth Darcy placed a hand on her husband’s desk to steady herself, her own anger coiled and burned within, her husband gently placed his hand over hers.
    Nearly breathless, the revelation of Mary’s mishaps shattered what little defense Elizabeth still held against the guilt of abandoning them to take a wedding trip. Finally, she found her voice.
    “ I am truly sorry, Fitzwilliam. I never meant to be so harsh with your aunt, but the facts remain…”
    “ All will be well. Unfortunate mistakes were made in all quarters of our family this year. It will take time to repair the damage.”
    Elizabeth glanced at her husband’s desk covered in correspondence. She expressed a desire to rest, and frowned when he responded as she expected.
    “ My darling, I would love nothing more than to extend our holiday to this afternoon. But I’m afraid duty beckons if we are to away again to Hertfordshire.”
    “ We mustn’t go, I was delighted to know of your plans. But perhaps we should stay?”
    Darcy rose from his chair and embraced his wife firmly. “I’m afraid there would be more plans to undo if we were to change our minds. Go rest. Visit with our sisters. I shall see you at dinner and beyond, Mrs. Darcy.”
    Offering her husband a minxish smile, Elizabeth Darcy closed the study door behind her and leaned against it for a moment. The days of travel had indeed caught up with her, and she truly felt a need to sleep. Yawning, she took the stairs to the family suites, and without her maid’s assistance, skipped her room entirely and found her way to her husband’s bed.
    ♠♠~♠♠~♠♠~♠♠

    Jane Bennet marveled at how quickly young Master Robin grew in just the short few weeks since her sister and brother-in-law left them to the running of Starvet House. From Robert Bennet’s miraculous beginning in the kitchens all of the staff were spurred to keep watch over the babe. Not an afternoon went by that Jane did not find a maid or even a footman in the nursery, thoroughly embarrassed to be caught by the proxy mistress of the home.
    Tired from rocking the young man to sleep for the third time that evening, Jane ran into Graham Hamilton in the upstairs hallway on the second floor.
    “ Miss Bennet,” he bowed in greeting, but Jane paused and stood flat against the wall so that he might pass. Only he didn’t. “Are you making a habit of strolling the halls in the midnight hour?”
    Jane narrowed her eyes. “My brother and sister left me in charge of the home in their absence. Perhaps you ought to explain your presence at this late hour?”
    Graham Hamilton held up his hands in surrender, covered in the gray sealskin gloves he rarely removed to conceal his scars from the fire. “Fair point, my lady. I am here to merely assist you in your efforts. Is the babe finally