Mrs Collins' Lover
Page 50
“Possibility?” Lady Catherine released an unladylike snort. “It is a better position.”
“But they will be required to live in London and neither of them is overly fond of the city, particularly in summer.”
Darcy’s slight shake of his head quieted his wife’s argument.
“You or your sisters would not invite Miss Bennet to join you during the summers?”
“Of course, but …”
“Then he will accept.”
Darcy bit his lip as his wife exhaled slowly through her nose and forced a smile upon her countenance. His aunt had definitely not changed in essentials, but through prayer and patience, they had all learned to accept her for what she was.
“Auntie,” Anne’s soft voice seemed to diminish the tension as they removed their outerwear, “when will you come live with us?”
The look of horror which suffused Elizabeth’s features was surely mirrored on his own, but Darcy quickly donned his old mask of indifference just before Lady Catherine laughed.
“Oh, my dear Anne, I will visit with you for a season, but your parents would not want me with you all the time.”
“Why ever not?” the child asked. “We love you.”
His aunt’s eyes met his and he was surprised by her wink. “I know you do, my child. Perhaps when you are older you could come stay with me in London.” She turned to meet Elizabeth’s gaze. “If your parents agree, of course.”
“Oh please?” Anne cried as she turned toward her mother.
With a deep sigh, Elizabeth met Darcy’s eye once more before acquiescing. “After Lady Catherine spends the summer with us, perhaps we could travel to Longbourn and the two of you could continue on to London ahead of us.”
Anne smiled and rubbed Lady Catherine’s arm. “We can visit Aunt Georgie, too.”
Though Lady Catherine grimaced, she agreed. After Darcy’s sister had refused proposals from an earl and two wealthy gentlemen, Georgiana declared she had no intention to marry and asked her brother to help her purchase a fashionable home. Her musical and philosophical soirees were the talk of the ton, especially by those who were not invited. Anyone who frowned upon a woman having ideas of her own was not allowed beyond the front door. In short, Georgiana Darcy was the leading bluestocking in London’s society which did not sit well with their aunt. Widow Abernathy’s words from long ago suddenly entered Darcy’s mind. Your aunt does not admire qualities in others that she herself possesses. He could not suppress the chuckle which bubbled in his throat and he coughed to cover the sound.
His aunt’s eyes narrowed as she looked at him, but she continued down the hall to her favourite drawing room. Darcy and Elizabeth followed the others a few steps behind.
“When my father insisted I marry my cousin, I never thought it would one day bring me here.” They made their way to the window and looked out over the gardens. “I thought I was sacrificing any happiness that might have been mine.” She shook her head. “Little did I know, the Lord had a plan that would bring more happiness than I ever deserved.”
Darcy drew her into his arms as he kissed her forehead. “God’s plans are always greater than anything we can imagine, if we trust in Him. I count learning that lesson as one of my greatest accomplishments.” He smiled.
“So, is He using us or Lady Catherine to deliver the next lesson?” Elizabeth asked as her brow lifted mischievously.
“I suggest we wait and see.” He stole a kiss before they joined their family for tea.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bronwen Chisholm grew up in Central Pennsylvania, the youngest of four sisters. Though she was not introduced to Jane Austen’s work until later in life, she grew up reading the Bronte sisters, Gone With the Wind, and other classics as well as watching vintage Hollywood movies. Her love of books and literature could have led her to a career as a librarian. Instead, life and love carried her to Virginia where she took a position as a state employee and began raising her family.
As her children grew and became involved in their own interests, Bronwen returned to her love of the written word. No longer content to simply read it, she began writing. In 2015, she released three Pride and Prejudice variations, The Ball at Meryton, Behind the Mask, and Mistress Mary and the General. Georgiana Darcy, Matchmaker, was released in the fall of 2016 and A Beneficial, If Unwilling, Compromise in the fall of 2017. Since that time, she has been working on Mrs. Collins’ Lover; which she describes as an emotional roller coaster.
Her love of writing has led her to several writing groups, including The Virginia Writer’s Club, Lake Authors, and James River Writers. She is currently serving as the Vice President of The Riverside Writers and advises the Riverside Young Writers.
Bronwen will be returning to suspense romance but hopes to continue writing Regency romance also. For more information, visit her website at www.bronwenchisholm.com.