Darcy And The Duchess – Mary Anne Mushatt

“She and Lord O’Donnell were wed a month ago.” “Impossible!” Caroline insisted. “She still resides at Gladstone Manor.” “I believe that is because,” Darcy commanded, “Lady Evelyn returned to her grandmother’s sickbed. Lord O’Donnell was detained in Dublin, but returned as soon as he was able. If Lady Margaret was not so ill, there would be no hint of scandal, for the news of their marriage would have disseminated among the ton by less scurrilous means.”

He glared at Caroline whose mouth flapped like a gasping fish. “But to marry in Ireland, of all places?” she was not conceding without a fight. “Their choice makes Mery- ton appear a bastion of civilization.” “Yes, well, I believe that was the bride’s choice to ac- commodate her groom. The Earl of Montglen is rather ill, and would not have been able to attend the marriage of his only child, and heir,” Darcy added.

“I myself stood as Malcolm’s witness for the ceremony.” The smile that Elizabeth gave to Darcy ignited his hope even further. She added, “The letter I received from Lady Ellerton recounted the ceremony, but ne- glected to mention the guests who attended…” “Her eyes were for Lord Malcolm, only,” Darcy smiled at Elizabeth’s blush. The arrival of the servants with the next course cast a pall in the conversation.

Caroline watched with grow- ing ire as Elizabeth and Darcy exchanged looks full of hidden meaning. She sat, reviewing her tactics. When the diners were again alone she pounced. “Your Grace?” she began, holding Elizabeth in her gaze until the woman looked her in the eye. With all eyes upon her, Caroline continued. “Miss Ellerton has also heard that many ask when you will return to society.

She says that the gentlemen in particular eagerly await your return to society.” Darcy stiffened, Caroline gloated and Elizabeth set her flatware on the table.

This entire process would not have happened with- out the support and understanding of my family and friends. In particular I would like to thank my husband, David and our sons, John and Jacob, for their patience and understanding. To my sisters Ginny and Kim thank you for your unrelenting love and encouragement. To the women who undertook the arduous task of brain- — storming ideas and then refining them throughout the writing of this story, thank you. Nina Benneton and tJean are legendary in the Jane Austen fan fiction world and my debt to them is great.

I would also like to thank all who have read my work and sent encouraging words that gave me the strength and confidence to continue. Thank you. November, 1809 Vienna, Austria lizabeth tapped her foot on the pebbles of EK. the walkway in the magnificent park. The Josepburg was an oasis as well as the premier site in Vienna to see and be seen by the fashionable, during the day.

Yet now, after waiting for nearly an hour, the young lady noted that shadows were gather- ing as evening approached. The late autumn air chilled and Elizabeth wanted to return to the hotel, but she had promised her uncle to wait for him there. And, she had to confess, the convoluted path Fraulein Hall- grogh had taken to the park had skewed her sense of di- rection. Her German was good, but it was getting dark, and she felt fear nipping at her heels.

While the nannies and young mothers had been about Elizabeth had felt safe, but evening was approaching, the park emptying, and daylight was dimming into lengthening shadows. Turning her collar against the breeze she scanned the entranceway for the familiar face of her uncle. DARCY AND THE DUCHESS “Miss Elizabeth? Miss Elizabeth Bennet?” a voice cut through her thoughts. It took a moment for her to realize the voice spoke in English.

She turned to- ward the decidedly British accent, finding a man of about twenty five coming towards her, her name on his lips. She looked to him and smiled. He felt his world brighten. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet?” he asked after jogging over to her. His eyes danced in delight. “Yes, Iam she,” she offered, assessing his character by his appearance and what he would say and do next. “Excellent!” He said, bending over at the waist in response to his ramshackle run.

“You must forgive me, I am… it seems my fencing master is right… I @m out of shape!” He laughed and Elizabeth felt herself relax enough to enjoy his merriment. “Whom do I have the pleasure of addressing, sir?

This is a short excerpt from the opening of “” by Unknown, quoted for review and introduction purposes. All rights belong to the copyright holders.

Book Information

• Unique ID: d44465847aa12dec
• File Extension: .pdf
• File Size: 10,166,861 bytes (9.696 MB)
• Title: –
• Author: Unknown
• ISBN: 9780984262106, 0984262105
• Pages: 257
• Language: English (en)

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• Estimated Reading Time: 287.04 minutes
• Total Words: 57,408
• Total Characters: 334,466
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