by APRIL FLOYD
A Match Made in Mayfair
A Pride & Prejudice Variation
APRIL FLOYD
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
About the Author
Also by April Floyd
Chapter 1
Elizabeth Bennet stood in her bedchamber at her cousin’s cottage in Hunsford and wondered who was racing violently up the stairs. In a moment, her answer appeared in the person of Maria Lucas.
“Eliza, you must come at once for there is such a sight to be seen as you would never guess!”
Elizabeth peppered the sister of her dearest friend with questions but Miss Lucas would answer not a one. Instead she turned and dashed from the room. Elizabeth ran after her as the girl’s excitement piqued her curiosity.
She joined Maria at the window which looked out upon the lane in front of the cottage. It was the home of her cousin, Mr. William Collins and his wife Charlotte Collins nee Lucas who was Elizabeth’s best friend. Sir William Lucas and Maria had asked Elizabeth to join them on the trip to Kent to visit the parsonage.
Seeing the ladies seated in a fine phaeton with Charlotte standing by her gate in conversation deftly holding her bonnet as the wind pulled incessantly at it, Elizabeth expressed her displeasure. “Is this all then, Maria? I thought perhaps the pigs had gotten in the garden, and here is nothing but Lady Catherine and her daughter.”
“La, Eliza, it is not Lady Catherine. The old lady is Mrs. Jenkinson, who lives with them. The other is Miss de Bourgh. Look at her! Who would have thought her so small a creature?”
Elizabeth moved closer to the window for a better look at the young lady Mr. Collins had praised whilst visiting her family in Hertfordshire. “Why I like her appearance. She looks sickly and quite cross. Yes, she will do for him very well. She will make him a very proper wife. But why does she not come in? She is very rude to keep Charlotte out in all this wind.”
“Oh my dear, Charlotte says she hardly ever does. It is the greatest of favors when Miss de Bourgh comes in,” Maria giggled at the thought of entertaining the young lady.
When she regained her composure, she furrowed her brow in thought. “Eliza, who shall marry Miss de Bourgh? You cannot think she would make anyone a good wife. Her health is so poor she could never bear children.”
“Her cousin, Mr. Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire. They are to be wed. Mr. Collins has said it many times. Have you not heard?” Elizabeth arched a brow as she took Maria’s hand.
The young lady had not a chance to answer as Sir William and Mr. Collins came in exclaiming over the visit. The phaeton had moved down the lane and Charlotte came through the door behind her husband and father.
“Cousin Eliza! Maria! It is a wonderful day for all of us. Miss de Bourgh has invited us to dinner at Rosings tomorrow. I confess,” Mr. Collins said, “that I should not have been at all surprised by her Ladyship’s asking us on Sunday to drink tea and spend the evening at Rosings. I rather expected, from my knowledge of her enormous generosity, that it would happen. But who could have foreseen such an attention as this?”
Charlotte was as pleased as her husband for she had hoped their patroness would extend such an invitation whilst her company was in residence. “Rosings is a lovely home and Lady Catherine is always most generous in her favors on our behalf. Let us go upstairs and choose our dresses for dinner tomorrow whilst the men retire to the study.”
Mr. Collins cautioned the ladies as they gained the foot of the stairs. “Do not make yourself uneasy about your apparel. Lady Catherine is far from requiring that elegance of dress in us, which becomes herself and her daughter. Lady Catherine will not think the worse of you for being simply dressed. She likes to have the distinction of rank preserved.”
Elizabeth followed the sisters upstairs though she did not wish to fuss over dresses. She had brought serviceable clothing and only included a lovely blue silk dress because Jane had insisted she take something nicer than her day dresses in the case Lady Catherine asked them to dinner.
The foresight of her sister made Elizabeth smile. Jane was the true lady amongst her sisters. Elizabeth liked to dance and wear pretty dresses but her favorite pastimes were reading and walking. Neither activity required silks, satins, ruffles nor bows.
In moments, the three stood in Charlotte’s bedchamber with their dresses carefully laid across the bed.
“Eliza,” Maria said as she admired the blue dress, “you shall be the prettiest of all in that shade of blue.”
Charlotte agreed. “It is lovely. Mr. Darcy is coming to Rosings with his cousin for Easter. Perhaps Eliza will turn his head again as she did in Hertfordshire.”
Elizabeth felt her cheeks grow hot at Charlotte’s words. Maria became excited again. “But Mr. Darcy is to wed his cousin. Eliza said so as we watched Miss de Bourgh in her phaeton. Lady Catherine would be most displeased if Mr. Darcy is in love with Eliza.”
“He is not in love with me!” Elizabeth said and picked up her dress. “Charlotte is matchmaking because she wishes for me to be a married lady too. Why, I would not even dance with Mr. Darcy and certainly never take him from Miss de Bourgh.”
Charlotte lowered her voice as though revealing a secret. “Miss de Bourgh does not wish to marry Mr. Darcy. It is Lady Catherine’s plan to keep Rosings in the Fitzwilliam family. Mr. Darcy is her dearly departed sister’s son and she believes there is no better match for her daughter.”
Elizabeth smoothed her dress over her arm and made to quit the bedchamber. “Mr. Darcy and Miss de Bourgh will make a lovely match, Charlotte.”
The next evening, Elizabeth walked with her cousin and his family to Rosings as the weather was fine. The park was one of exquisite grandeur but she found the chatter of Mr. Collins kept her from a full enjoyment of their surroundings.
As they came upon the grand house at last, Mr. Collins pointed to the windows, announcing their number and telling all the cost Sir Lewis de Bourgh had paid in the glazing of each.
Elizabeth supposed such conversation soothed the nerves of Maria and Sir William but she was eager to enter the home and meet Miss de Bourgh to find whether she was as frail as she appeared.
The evening passed without very much in the way of conversation from the young mistress but Elizabeth noticed the color in her cheeks and saw a shy smile emerge twice whilst Lady Catherine prattled on about music, governesses, and the duty she held for all who lived under her care.
It was little wonder the woman had settled a living upon her cousin. They must pass many hours in tedious conversation. Charlotte had glanced at her friend twice as the evening passed and covered a yawn. They were seated at a card table with Miss de Bourgh and Mrs. Jenkinson when conversation ought to have certainly been more engaging than only remarks over the game.
Elizabeth had been happy to see a glimpse of the Charlotte she remembered from Hertfordshire. With her family along for this visit, the two friends had not a moment alone. Except for Charlotte’s tease over Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth might have thought she had been forever altered by her marriage to the parson.
The evening ended with the card tables broken up and Lady Catherine offered a carriage which Charlotte accepted happily. Mr. Collins set upon his patroness with much praise and thanksgiving whilst Sir William bowed several times.
Once the party was settled in the fine conveyance made rare by its years of gentle use, Elizabeth hoped there would be no more invitations to dinn
er at Rosings Park but also knew such hope was in vain.
When her cousin asked her opinion of all she had seen there, she spoke more favorably of the evening than she might with Jane or her mother. For Charlotte’s sake, she could do little else.
Before they had left the winding drive, Mr. Collins took up the work of praising every moment of their evening at Rosings and Elizabeth felt Charlotte’s hand nudge her leg where none could see. She stifled a giggle lest she ruin the evening for Maria and Sir William.
Chapter 2
A fortnight later, Sir William and Maria had left for Hertfordshire assured of Charlotte’s comfort and happiness at Hunsford. Elizabeth would stay for a time as the trip to Kent would be a rare one once she and Jane returned to Longbourn.
The morning after the Lucases left, Elizabeth woke so early the first light of dawn barely lit her window. She had not slept well due to Charlotte’s tease over Mr. Darcy’s arrival at Rosings Park the evening before. Cross with herself for allowing thoughts of the infuriating man to ruin her rest, Elizabeth dressed with haste and crept quietly from her room in order not to awaken the house.
Cook was in the kitchen starting the fire in the hearth and startled when Elizabeth came in. “Miss, it is early for you to be up and about. Do you fancy a walk before the sun rises? The wild boars stay to the woods but sometimes cross the lanes and bridges. You must not daydream as you go along.”
The question as to her early rising was not given in scorn. Elizabeth knew her desire to welcome the morning so early confused the servants. They would always rise before dawn. They must wish to sleep later as she was certainly able to do.
“Though it may seem strange, there is a peace when the day is new which I cherish. As for the boars, I am an excellent climber.” She smiled at Cook and turned away.
Cook agreed, her words filling Elizabeth with happiness. “Aye, I find my own peace in the small pleasures of warming the kitchen and brewing myself a cup of tea of the morning. I can sort my thoughts without anyone underfoot.”
The chill of the air that greeted Elizabeth as she opened the door to the kitchen garden served to fully awaken her and stir her blood. The restless night and its effects dissipated as she stepped outside and heard the call of birds flitting about looking for seeds and worms.
Turning away from the cottage, she walked with purpose to the lane and set her feet towards Rosings. She wished to walk the open grove that edged this side of the park and seemed only to be of value to herself as she had never met anyone upon its paths.
Presently, after stopping twice to listen quietly to some stamping in the woods which she supposed was horses and not wild boars, she must think it so in order not to scamper up the nearest tree, Elizabeth left the lane.
The grove gave her such pleasure she knew she might never find such a lovely aspect for a morning walk again in all her life. It was such a shame her feet were the only to disturb the dirt there. Miss de Bourgh might have been a stronger lady had she made use of the grounds surrounding her home.
Pushing away such thoughts as the sun rose before her, Elizabeth halted and watched in reverence as the day dawned. A family of deer moved into view and she held her breath as they picked their way across the grove.
In a moment, they took flight as two gentlemen on horseback came cantering towards her. So it had been horses in the wood. The knowledge gave her great relief. Though it was only a short distance to the parson’s cottage, she did not wish to come across any swine whilst alone.
Elizabeth was surprised to see she recognized one of the men. He stopped his horse and called out to her. “Why Miss Bennet, I had not thought to see you here and not upon the road so early. Have you no footman?”
It was Fitzwilliam Darcy. Though she had known of his arrival, meeting him here gave her pause. Forcing a smile, she returned his impertinent greeting. “I am most happy to walk alone Mr. Darcy. Footmen have other work to do and none are to be found in my cousin’s abode.”
Elizabeth silently corrected herself about the meeting of swine on her return to the cottage. Mr. Darcy had always found a way to insult her and her habits.
The gentleman who rode with him tipped his hat to her and teased his cousin. “I would not fault her for wishing to see the sunrise alone, Darcy. I do not recall asking you along on my ride this morning.”
The man winked at Elizabeth whilst Mr. Darcy ignored the barb. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet, this is my cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.”
The handsome gentleman dismounted hastily and strode to Elizabeth’s side. The dashing display further endeared him to her. “It is my great pleasure to meet so lovely a lady.”
Elizabeth gave the fellow a genuine smile and laid her hand upon the arm he offered. “Colonel Fitzwilliam, it is my great pleasure to know a man so gallant.”
Mr. Darcy dismounted with not a little irritation. “Richard, we must return to Rosings and break our fast with Aunt Catherine. I would not like to make her cross so early in our visit.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam began to walk with Elizabeth down the lane. “Aunt Catherine is always cross, Darcy. Bring the horses along. Those boars we saw in the wood might be near. You said yourself Miss Bennet ought to have a footman along. Now she has two.”
Mr. Darcy grumbled behind them and Elizabeth bit back the giggle at Colonel Fitzwilliam’s handling of his cousin. She looked up into his face and the mirth in her eyes mirrored his own. She glanced over her shoulder. Mr. Darcy seemed sullen as he led the horses behind him. “I had not thought there was a person who could order him about.”
Richard gave a hearty laugh. “He is not so terrible Miss Bennet. The company of strangers leaves him stricken dumb. Amongst family and friends, he will talk for hours until we wish he might grow silent.”
Elizabeth delighted in the difference between Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy. Why was it the man who was so aloof and serious found himself befriended by amiable men?
The colonel spoke of their arrival at Kent the night before just after dinner and how their Aunt Catherine had made the servants bring tea to the parlor. She was most angry with them for coming so late.
“My aunt must never be wrong, you see. In her mind we ought to have stopped at an inn outside Kent and waited until morning when proper guests arrive. Right before luncheon was served would have been the polite thing.”
“I believe I was told you come every year, sir, and so you must know her preferences. Have you no consideration for your aunt’s nerves?”
Richard turned to Mr. Darcy who was now watching his cousin and Elizabeth with a look that could only be jealousy. “Darcy, did you hear? Miss Bennet believes our late arrival was orchestrated to bedevil our dear Aunt Catherine.”
Not awaiting an answer from his tortured cousin, Richard turned back to Elizabeth as they approached the gate of the cottage. “Her nerves are a constant companion each Easter, Miss Bennet. There is very little we might do to soothe them.”
Elizabeth opened the gate. “I do know what you mean,” she said as she thought of her mother, “Thank you Colonel Fitzwilliam. I cannot say I have ever known a more delightful walking companion.”
She looked to Mr. Darcy and thought to tell him the same but it would not be true. Her father had warned against false flattery. He often said speaking just one untruth required much repentance.
“Mr. Darcy, I hope your Easter at Rosings is a happy one.” She spoke these words in all sincerity for she did wish he would propose to his sickly cousin and live happily if it was his wish.
“Miss Elizabeth, I appreciate the sentiment and wish you the same.” Mr. Darcy replied curtly. He turned to his horse and handed Richard the reins to the other beast.
Elizabeth startled as Mr. Collins came barreling from the cottage. He hailed the gentlemen whilst straightening his clothing for it seemed he had come downstairs in a great rush. “Mr. Darcy! Colonel Fitzwilliam! Please join us as we break our fast. Mrs. Collins will be most disappointed if you will not.”
; Colonel Fitzwilliam led his horse to the gate and tied it loosely as there was a lovely clump of new spring grass there. “I would not dream of disappointing Mrs. Collins. When and where did you find a woman to wed, Mr. Collins?”
The colonel knew Mr. Collins from previous Easters at Kent and could not hide his surprise that a woman had consented to marry the man.
“Colonel Fitzwilliam, ’tis a long story best told over my table. Lizzy, step away from the gate so our visitors might enter.”
Elizabeth moved slowly aside for she did not wish to dine with Mr. Darcy nor have the story of her refusal of her cousin’s marriage proposal repeated. The colonel offered his arm again and she took it knowing she could not refuse breakfast with her cousin’s guests.
“Come Darcy, Aunt Catherine will not be up for another hour and I wish to know more of Miss Elizabeth and Mrs. Collins.”
Mr. Darcy tended his horse and attempted to beat the dust from his riding breeches before entering the gate. “Mr. Collins, I shall surely mention your deed to Aunt Catherine. It is most kind as you had not expected guests so early.”
Mr. Collins beamed his delight at this promise from the nephew of his esteemed patroness. Elizabeth wondered at Mr. Darcy’s congeniality for she had seen little of it in Hertfordshire.
There, he had insulted her and she secretly thought he had encouraged his friend Mr. Bingley away from her sister Jane. How odd he addressed her cousin with such civility! Mr. Collins was not the sort of man gentlemen of Mr. Darcy’s intelligence suffered kindly.
“Mr. Darcy, sir, it is a pleasure to serve your family whenever we might. There is no equal to Lady Catherine, her daughter, or her nephews. My home shall always stand as a beacon for all her relations.”
