The Pemberley Chronicles by Rebecca Ann Collins Read Free Book Online Page A

agreed?" Darcy nodded, took both her hands in his, and drew her close; he had no words to express the happiness of this moment, and neither had she, but, no matter, for none were needed.
The following morning, Mr and Mrs Darcy rose late, dressed, and went downstairs to find that most of the others had done the same, except Bingley, who had always been an early bird. Lizzie recalled how very early in the day he used to call on them at Longbourn, much to the confusion of Mrs Bennet. She reminded Jane of the day he had proposed to her, having arrived before any of them were dressed, and the total chaos it had made of their mother's plans; the sisters laughed together at the memory, commenting as they did on the delightful consequences of that day upon all their lives. "Of course, Lizzie, I had no idea then that you and Mr Darcy were in love and so close to becoming engaged," Jane teased, prompting both Darcy and Lizzie to protest that they barely knew it themselves at the time, and it was to the amazing intervention of Lady Catherine de Bourgh that they owed the good understanding that followed and actually led to their engagement.
Jane laughed a delightful happy laugh as she took both their hands and drew them to her side, "I well remember the visit of Lady Catherine to Longbourn, and I swear I would never have believed at the time that any of us would owe our happiness to her!" Elizabeth looked quickly at Darcy's face, but he was laughing with them and proceeded to declare that Lady Catherine was bound to suffer even more discomfiture very soon, when she discovered, shortly after Christmas, that her nephew James, brother of Colonel Fitzwilliam, was engaged to Miss Rosamund Camden, the daughter of one of Darcy's neighbours.
Lizzie and Jane knew nothing of this; Darcy proceeded to explain that the couple had met a year ago when the Fitzwilliams had stayed at Pemberley. "Rosamund is several years older than Georgiana," Darcy explained, "and a very personable young lady. Naturally, James spent most of the time with her. They have much in common--both coming from similar farming families--and I was not surprised to hear from Fitzwilliam that he was sorry to be missing his brother's wedding, which he believed would take place at Easter."
"And why are you so certain of the effect this will have upon Lady Catherine?" asked Elizabeth, unaware of the ineligibility of Miss Camden as a bride for Darcy's cousin.
Darcy smiled, "Because as you well know, my dearest, my aunt likes to manage people's lives, and she had hoped that James would look favourably in the direction of a certain lady, whom you both know well," he said, and of course, they demanded to know who it was. "It's Miss Bingley," he said quietly. Jane and Lizzie were amazed. "Miss Bingley? Caroline?" they cried, unable to believe their ears.
Darcy chuckled. "Indeed. Her fortune is twice that of Rosamund Camden's. She and her sister have been presented at Court and own a valuable house in London, and that would carry more weight with my aunt than almost anything. In addition, Miss Bingley is very deferential to Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh, and that is much appreciated. Indeed, I believe they are at Rosings this Christmas." Jane testified that this was indeed true. "Well, Lady Catherine will be hoping that Fitzwilliam will soon be joining them, unaware that he is already with the Camdens at Rushmore Farm, near Lambton, which is where Bingley and I are going later today," said Darcy, obviously enjoying himself in the telling of it.
"That is indeed as droll a tale as ever I've heard," said Jane, and Lizzie had to agree that her husband had certainly surprised them.
Bingley, who had been out riding very early, returned as they were finishing breakfast, which ended the conversation, since none of them wished to offend him in any way. He sat down to breakfast, assuring Darcy he would not be late for their ride into Lambton, adding, "I am very keen to see the horses; Fitzwilliam