Short and Sweet Today.
One line from a published or unpublished work. Today I am sharing from Pride & Perception. This is a change of fortune story and our dear Elizabeth leads Mr. Darcy on a merry path toward their Happy Ever After.
Pride & Perception is available exclusively on Amazon - Kindle Unlimited and you can purchase it HERE
Ah well, soon we can travel again and then have a good visit. Let's get crackin' on this story. It is now available at Amazon (Kindle Unlimited until June). Click the image in the right sidebar for more details.
We left off with:
“I will allow you to dislike him Lizzy, and you are not required to dance with him. Ever.”
“I do believe that is one promise I will have no difficulty in keeping.”
Now for my lines this week:
“Speaking of promises, we’ll discuss your unauthorized visit to Netherfield Park later.” Mama cut a quick glance toward Papa. “Can I behave in a silly manner with the gentleman from Derbyshire, my dear? I’m sure we will not court his great opinion.”
“Maybe just a little, my love. We don’t want him to influence his amiable friend with a poor opinion.”
“Then I shall flirt with sensibility and lead him on a merry dance.” Mama turned her intelligent gaze upon Lizzy. “Now, missy. What is this I hear about you going to Netherfield Park this morning?”
And a taste of more:
“Mrs. Nicholls sent word that two of the upstairs maids had fallen violently ill. She thinks it could be a simple case of eating some bad food, but she wanted to promote Sally from the kitchen for the few days the others would be indisposed.”
“Why would she not ask the sister who is acting as hostess for Mr. Bingley? Surely that falls within her realm of duties while they lease the manor.”
“It appears Miss Bingley - while telling all that she has the capacity to be the mistress of a grand estate - lacks the knowledge. Her vaunted seminary for young women did not give her the sense of a goose. She has absolutely no concept of how a house is run efficiently. Mrs. Nicholls was beside herself with worry.”
“Hmmm… very well, but I do not want them to know we are involved with the estate. You must take great care when it comes to our newest tenants. I don’t have a good feeling about them. They almost make my fluttering and heart palpitations reappear, and not as a charade.”
Lizzy reached over and took her mother’s hand in hers. “I will be a soul of circumspection and stealth. As it is, I’ve asked Mrs. Nicholls to meet me in the afternoon while the others are occupied with their tea for our bi-weekly meetings.” Her breath hitched. “Oh, dear.”
“What is wrong?” Mama asked.
“In my haste to take Jeremy around, I forgot to lock away my personal stationery from the desk in the study.”
“It’s not the end of the world if they are found, but I do believe it’s better if Mr. Bingley remains unaware of who actually owns Netherfield Park. I want him to like Jane for herself.”
I am in shock.
I am also in love. I wrote all these characters fairly close to Miss Austen's outline, but as she didn't give us much on the character of Mr. Darcy I freely delved into him and fleshed out his friendship with his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Some of my favorite scenes are between these two gentlemen, and I will say - Mr. Darcy is not so fussy with his language when he's with a man who's known him ALL his life. I'll be sharing excerpts from Pride and Perception on Austen Authors, March 24, 2021. Please come on over and share in the conversation on that date.
So, having said all that, let's get on with this week's snippet.
We left off with:
“Whom do you mean?” Darcy turned around and looked for a moment at Elizabeth, till catching her eye, he withdrew his own and said in a voice that would have frozen over the Thames, “She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me. I am in no humor at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men.” At Bingley’s horrified gasp, he continued. “You had better return to your simpering partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me.”
My seven lines:
Stunned, Lizzy took small comfort in the apologetic look Mr. Bingley afforded her before removing himself to seek the company of Jane. Mr. Darcy gave her one more haughty look before stalking off to join his own party, who’d not strayed far from the door, as though they expected to take flight at any moment.
Lizzy remained in place, not wishing the rude Mr. Darcy to think his words had pierced her outward confidence and toyed with the idea of sharing his caustic comments with friends. It was only when she remembered the words Papa had spoken to her mother earlier, of taking the high road when it came to the gentleman from Derbyshire, that she pasted a smile on her face and joined her parents, ne’er a caustic word crossing her lips. She’d no sooner greeted her Mama that she was asked to dance and was never in want of a willing partner for the rest of the evening.
She also never realized the eyes of one taciturn gentleman followed her all night. Even when he danced with the ladies of his party.
Continuing on with the start of Chapter Two:
“I still cannot believe he said that about you.”
Jane laid a comforting hand upon her arm. After more than
two weeks, Lizzy had finally shared what Mr. Darcy said on the night of the
Assembly.
“Indeed, such a rude man. Not handsome enough to tempt him,
indeed. His manners, though there was not much evidence of them, seems to
indicate he is well bred, but not inviting.” Mrs. Bennet settled her skirts
about her knees, then folded her hands onto her lap, spearing Elizabeth with a
confident look. “I give you leave to dislike him Lizzy, and you are not
required to dance with him. Ever.”
“I do believe that is one promise I will have no difficulty
in keeping.”
We left off with Mrs. Bennet worrying about her two youngest making a bad impression on the party from Netherfield Park.
To freshen your memory:
“We agreed, Fanny, the local Assembly was the perfect venue for our two youngest daughters to make their soft come-out. We are among friends here and they can’t get into too much trouble where they are so well known.”
Mama tapped her fan into the palm of her hand. “Yes, but I did not think the Netherfield party would be so disobliging and they will get the wrong impression of our family.”
“Weren’t you planning on being a bit flighty yourself, to test the waters?”
Lizzy watched as her mother cast an assessing look toward the dour Mr. Darcy, who’d begun to pace the edges of the hall.
“Yes,” she finally huffed out on a sigh. “Very well. Let Lydia have her light flirtation, but we still must take care that her reputation is not stained beyond any hope of redemption. If we are judged by our country manners, then so be it, they are not worth our attention.”
“I am sure, between her sisters and myself, Lydia will not come to any harm.” He squeezed his wife’s hand with great affection. “In case I forgot to tell you – you look absolutely lovely tonight, Mrs. Bennet.”
To continue the scene with the infamous insult:
“Oh, you!”
She flushed and brought up her fan to cool her heated cheeks. Lizzy grinned and moved away, catching sight of the empty chair. With a sigh, she lowered herself onto the lightly padded seat and, while watching the dancers, remembered her friend with fondness. Her silent reverie was interrupted with the advent of Mr. Bingley accosting Mr. Darcy not more than four feet from where she sat.
“Come, Darcy,” said he, “I must have you dance. I hate to see you stand about in this stupid manner.”
“I most certainly will not. You know how I detest the activity, especially if I’m not acquainted with my partner. At an assembly such as this’ – he snorted in derision – ‘it would be insupportable. There are no women in this room whom it would not be a punishment for me to stand up with.”
“Fie, Darcy!” cried Bingley. “I would never be as fastidious as you. Why, there are several here who are uncommonly pretty.”
“You are dancing with the only handsome girl in the room.”
Lizzy took note that he looked in the direction of Jane and smiled. At least Mr. Darcy had some good taste.
“Oh! She is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld.” Mr. Bingley glanced over Mr. Darcy’s shoulder and seeing Elizabeth, whispered loudly, “One of her sisters, sitting down behind you, is very pretty and I dare say agreeable. Would you let me introduce you?”
“Whom do you mean?” Darcy turned around and looked for a moment at Elizabeth, till catching her eye, he withdrew his own and said in a voice that would have frozen over the Thames, “She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me. I am in no humor at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men.” At Bingley’s horrified gasp, he continued. “You had better return to your simpering partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me.”
Last week we left with Lizzy joining her parents for introductions to the party from Netherfield. As a recap, I will remind you that the Bennets own Netherfield Park and Longbourn is not entailed away from the female line and the citizens of Meryton are unaware. Also, for my story, Mrs. Bennet is not flighty and vulgar, but to test the mettle of our fair Mr. Bingley, she's willing to put on a show.
And... we're off!
As it turned out, Jane’s head was not turned by Mr. Darcy. Instead, her attentions were captured by the delightful Mr. Bingley. Upon introduction, he successfully petitioned her hand for the next two sets. When asked if he liked dancing, Mr. Darcy flatly stated, ‘No,’ and left their party. Shocked at his abrupt rudeness, Mama gaped after him. Something she hadn’t done in years. She caught her husband’s eye and waved him over.
“What is it, my dear?”
“When you visited Mr. Bingley, did he seem addled in the head?” she said in a low voice so it wouldn’t carry.
And... we have more!
Mr. Bennet took a step back and assessed his wife. “I don’t understand what you are asking me.”
“When a young man of good manners as well as good fortune befriends another man, who is abominably rude to a newly introduced person, does that not also speak to his character?”
“You are speaking of Mr. Darcy.”
“One and the same.”
“Mrs. Bennet, I caution you against making the same mistake as Mr. Darcy. You do not know his character and what he is thinking. His manners might be lacking, but do not take the low road with this, my love. You are better than that.”
Mrs. Bennet huffed and Lizzy choked back a snicker. It wasn’t often that her mother’s feathers were ruffled.
“Fine,” she finally acceded, “but I take leave to not like him.”
Papa kissed Mama’s cheek, disregarding the raised eyebrows at his open affection.
“I give you leave not to like him.”
“Would you check on Lydia and Kitty? They’ve been a trifle too excited this evening and I’m pretty sure Lydia has been flirting with the Westcott boy. I don’t think we should have allowed them to come this evening.”
“We agreed, Fanny, the local Assembly was the perfect venue for our two youngest daughters to make their soft come-out. We are among friends here and they can’t get into too much trouble where they are so well known.”
That said, let's continue with Pride & Perception. We are at the Meryton Ball with Miss Elizabeth Bennet and the party from Netherfield Park is about to descend. Are we ready for that??
We left with:
“Eliza, next to such beauties as you and your ethereal sister, Jane, no woman stands a chance of capturing the eye of any eligible gentleman.”
“I give you leave to sing the praises of my eldest sister but must stop you when you elevate me into the same sphere of Jane. I am, to my mother’s never-ending horror, a hoydenish rapscallion who cavorts about the fields of Longbourn.”
Charlotte laughed out loud and was about to respond when the doors to the Assembly opened wide. All eyes turned and watched an elegant group of people enter the room.
“Which of the painted peacocks is our Mr. Bingley?” Lizzy whispered to Charlotte.
“The one in the blue jacket is he. Next to him is his youngest sister, then his eldest sister and her husband.”
“And the man with a quizzical look upon his brow?”
“That would be Mr. Darcy.”
“Poor man, he does not look pleased to be here.”
And to give you a touch more:
“Poor he is not, dearest. His estate in Derbyshire is rumored to be worth about ten thousand a year.”
“Well then, poor Mr. Bingley.”
“What do you mean? It is well known he is worth about five thousand a year.”
“When the matrons of Meryton discover Mr. Darcy is worth twice his friend, it will be as if he never existed.” Lizzy bumped her shoulder against Charlotte’s and waggled her eyebrows. “There is hope for you and I yet, Charlotte. Out of sheer desperation, Mr. Bingley may have to pay court to us mere mortals while Jane basks in the attention of Mr. Darcy.”
“Your mother is right! You are a rapscallion.”
With that, Elizabeth moved to join her mother in order to be introduced to the illustrious tenants of Netherfield Park.
Holy Writing Goals, Batman!
We left off with:
More than once, during the night, her gaze flew to the chair
the citizens of Meryton left empty in honor of their dearly departed friend.
And now for today's selection:
“Are you and your sisters anxious to meet Mr. Bingley and his party, Eliza?”
Miss Charlotte Lucas, one of Elizabeth’s dearest friends, had come alongside and handed her a welcomed glass of punch.
“Not anxious, per se; more curious, I think.” She took a sip of her punch. “You have met the gentleman, what is your opinion?”
“He’s amiable and quite young. Well, younger than me, although, these days, most gentlemen of marriageable age are.”
Elizabeth looped her arm through Charlotte’s and gave it a squeeze.
“You are too hard on yourself. My aunt Gardiner was about your age when she met and married my uncle, and look how happy they are.”
“Eliza, next to such beauties as you and your ethereal sister, Jane, no woman stands a chance of capturing the eye of any eligible gentleman.”
Having said that, my husband and I are actually quite lucky in the fact we are both retired, so we don't have to be 'out' there unless we need and/or want to. On the first of January, I did all my shopping for three months - the butcher just about had a fit because I bought over 25 pounds of lean ground and loads of chicken, stewing beef, and a couple of roasts. I have a vacuum sealer and I portion out the food and then freeze them. The only things I must shop for are vegetables and dairy products. Oh! - and wine. I bake all my own bread and have tons of vegetables/fruits that I preserved last fall. I hope all of you are doing your best to stay safe and sane.
Let's get on it with a bonnet, shall we? We ended with Mr. and Mrs. Bennet becoming - ahem - amorous:
All of Meryton was in an uproar over the pending arrival of the gentleman to Netherfield, especially when it became known that Mr. Charles Bingley, a man with over four thousand a year, planned on attending the quarterly Assembly with a large party. The shops in the small village soon ran out of ribbons, lace, dancing slippers, and fans – the local modiste and her assistants were run off their feet with orders for new gowns.
The ladies of Longbourn were equally excited, but not frantic in their preparations. Their papa had visited Mr. Bingley when he arrived and the young gentleman had returned the honor a few days later. The ladies, unaware of the visit until a few minutes after he left, caught sight of him as he cantered down the graveled drive just before he crested the hill and disappeared from sight.
The sum total of their experience was that he wore a blue jacket and rode a very large horse.
Finally, the night was upon them and the Bennet family was surrounded by friends and neighbors, enjoying moments of great hilarity and somber reflection as news of an unexpected death of one of their neighbors became known. A woman, well into her sixth decade, had become a permanent fixture in the clutch of women who tittered behind fans during these types of events. Her caustic wit would be sorely missed, especially by Elizabeth Bennet. In previous Assemblies, she’d sat out dances in order to visit with the lady. More than once, during the night, her gaze flew to the chair the citizens of Meryton left empty that night in honor of their dearly departed friend.
“It is amazing to me,” Mr. Bingley said with a fond look toward Jane, “how many ladies can have the patience to be so very accomplished as they all are.”
“All young ladies are accomplished! My dear Charles, whatever do you mean?” Miss Bingley asked. She did not hide the derisive glance she sent toward Elizabeth.
“Yes, all ladies. Why they paint tables, cover screens, and net purses. I scarcely know anyone who cannot do this.”
“Your list of the common extent of accomplishments,” said Darcy, “is all too true. The word is ascribed to many a woman who deserves it for nothing more than having painted a small table. I find that I’m far from agreeing with your estimation as I cannot boast of knowing more than a half dozen women, in the whole range of my acquaintance, that are truly accomplished.”
You arrogant prat!
“Jane?” Lizzy turned to her sister and asked sweetly. “Have you ever painted a table?”
“You know I haven’t.
Just as Lizzy suspected, Caroline pounced.
“Never painted a table?” At Jane’s shake of her head, she continued. “Do you have a thorough knowledge of music, or play the pianoforte?”
“No.”
“Do you speak any of the modern languages?”
“I do not, although my French is passable.”
Elizabeth fumed at Miss Bingley’s condescending manner. Jane and all her sisters read and spoke French fluently, as well as Italian, German, Greek, and Latin. Their knowledge of music surpassed most of the young ladies in Meryton as they’d had Masters for the pianoforte, harp and voice attend Longbourn for many years as well as intense instruction whenever they’d visited their Aunt and Uncle Gardiner in London. She surmised this was Jane’s way to test Mr. Bingley’s affection. How surprised he’d be when the truth came out.
“Well, a lady must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, dancing, and the modern languages, to deserve the word.” Miss Bingley continued in an undisguised haughty tone. “And, besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions, or the word is half deserved.”
“All this she must possess,” Darcy added from the writing desk, “and to all this she must yet add something more substantial, in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading.”
“I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women,” Lizzy cried out, astonished at their arrogance. “I rather wonder at your knowing any.”
By now, Mr. Hurst had decided they would play cards and called his sisters to the table. This time, Mr. Darcy joined them. Elizabeth, fuming at their treatment, grabbed the first book she found on one of the side tables and sat close to Jane and Mr. Bingley. Soon she was engrossed with her reading and only raised her head when Mr. Darcy commented from where he sat playing cards.
“Are you enjoying my book, Miss Elizabeth?”
“I am. It is one of my favorites.”
“You’ve read it before?”
“Oh yes, several times in fact. It is so much better…”
She shut the book and replaced it on the table. Mr. Darcy’s eyes glittered in the light of the candles and he looked from the book to her and back to the book. Too late she realized she’d been reading the Ilead, written in its original Homeric Greek.
Oh, horse feathers!
I'm continuing with my fun new project, Pride & Perception and I think you've enjoyed it, so far.
We ended with:
“Don’t worry, my dear. Not only will Phillips keep an eye on him, Lizzy watches over her tenants with a zeal that would rival a dragon guarding its treasure.”
Mrs. Bennet laughed softly.
“That she does. With luck, he’ll be a sensible and amiable young man and take a liking to one of our girls, or is he still in mourning?”
“I believe they came out of mourning a few months ago. He’s never owned land or cared for tenants. It was his father’s greatest wish to buy an estate and become gentlemen, which is why he’s decided to lease Netherfield. There’s not a better place to learn. Morris is a good steward and will guide him with a firm and steady hand.”
Mrs. Bennet gazed out the window, a soft smile on her face.
“Wouldn’t it be lovely if he met our Jane and fell in love? She can’t be so beautiful for nothing, you know.”
And to tease you further, to finish the scene:
“I don’t know about that. He might take one look at the
mother and decide to run me off.”
Mrs. Bennet laughed outright. “You are such a rogue, Thomas
Bennet! As if any young buck would look twice at a woman who’s been married for
over twenty years and bore five daughters.”
“I do not jest, Fanny. You are still a beautiful woman and
if he has any sense in his head, he’d pursue you with great ardor.”
With that, he rose from behind his desk, a dangerous glint
in his eye. Mrs. Bennet dropped her sewing and shifted in the chair, her lips
parting with anticipation.
“Thomas,” she warned in a soft voice, “our daughters are
down the hall in the parlor.”
“Then,” he said as he locked the door and turned to face
her, “we shall have to be very, very quiet.”
We're continuing on with Pride & Perception and now that I've finally realized the rules are somewhat relaxed with the length of your submission, I'm adding on just a little extra to see the scene through. What fun!
We ended the last scene with:
“I assume, as before, no mention will be made that we own
Netherfield?”
“None whatsoever. I’ll not have some young man chase our
daughter for her inheritance. No, we will remain the Bennet’s of Longbourn,
with an estate that is entailed–”
“Mr. Bennet! Have you still not told anyone the entail was broken after Lydia was born?”
Now onto this week's ten lines:
A wry grin spread across Mr. Bennet’s face.
“No, I also don’t want Jane chased for her inheritance. I want our daughters to marry for the same reasons we did, and that means the gentleman who wins their hand in marriage will do so because they love them, unconditionally.”
“Should I be a tad flighty, to test the limits?”
“My love, a little goes a long way, so be careful when and where you spout nonsense. You don’t wish to chase the bird out of the bush before the gun is primed and ready.”
“When I meet the young man, I’ll assess just how silly I have to be. Don’t worry, Mr. Bennet. I have our girl’s best interests at heart.”
“I know you do.”
Continuing:
“I would assume my brother Phillips is taking care of the contract for – Oh! I never asked you his
name.”
“Bingley. Mr. Charles Bingley.”
“Is he a stable young man? I ask because I don’t want our
tenants to fall under the management of someone who would be irresponsible. You
know how gentlemen can be when they have unlimited funds and behave in a
capricious manner.”
“Don’t worry, my dear. Not only will Phillips keep an eye on
him, Lizzy will watch over her tenants with a zeal that would rival a dragon
guarding its treasure.”
And.... we're back! How has your week been? Me? I've been busy even though we are on mandatory lockdown with curfews in place. Very dystopian. Fortunately, for me, my lifestyle hasn't changed with the advent of Covid. I've been a practicing hermit since my diagnosis, so I went through all this frustration in 2010. Who knew it would become such a blessing???
Any-hoo, we left off with:
“This is Jeremy’s first real job, other than doing footman duties for us when we have guests. Hill is proud as punch that he grew into such a tall, fine-looking young man. He’ll do well, however, Lizzy did say she’d give a poke about the manor and walk him through the finer points of dinner parties and the such.”
Onto the next ten lines.
“Aye, she’ll make sure he does a good job. I have told her the lease has been accepted, so she’s also making sure the rest of the staff is up to speed and all things are ready for our new tenants.”
Mrs. Bennet re-assumed her sewing. “Lizzy is quite adept, and Mrs. Norris is an excellent housekeeper. When Hill recommended her sister to the job over five years ago, I’m glad we were able to place her there - she is a godsend.”
“When Lizzy inherits, she’ll have the luxury of competent staff and good tenants.”
“I assume, as before, no mention will be made that we own Netherfield?”
“None whatsoever. I’ll not have some young man chase our daughter for her inheritance. No, we will remain the Bennet’s of Longbourn, with an estate that is entailed–”
“Mr. Bennet, have you still not told anyone the entail was broken after Lydia was born?”
Well, that changes the landscape of the original Pride & Prejudice. But why does Lizzy inherit? Isn't Jane the eldest? I guess you'll have to come back next week to find out more. Mwah ha ha ha ha...
“Mr. Bennet, you never had compassion on my poor nerves.”
“You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for them. In
fact, they are old friends, what with them being mentioned with consideration
these twenty years at least.”
And, now for this week's offering:
“I know you are teasing, I’ve been quite steady these last ten years.”
Mr. Bennet rose from his chair and approached his wife, leaning down to give her a gentle kiss on the forehead. “Yes, my sweet Fanny, you have settled quite nicely since we inherited Netherfield Park and no longer worry about the hedgerows.”
He settled back behind his desk and Mrs. Bennet picked up her sewing, but not too many minutes passed before she left her work laying idle on her lap, gazing out the window.
“What are you thinking, my love?”
“Lizzy plans to visit the tenants of Netherfield Park and then meet with Mrs. Norris for their weekly meeting about the staff and how the new footman is faring with his new duties.”
“Is she doing this for us, or for Hill’s son?” Mr. Bennet asked with a chuckle.
“This is Jeremy’s first real job, other than doing footman duties for us when we have guests. Hill is proud as punch that he grew into such a tall, fine-looking young man. He’ll do well, however, Lizzy did say she’d give a poke about the manor and walk him through the finer points of dinner parties and the such.”
Weekend Writing Warriors is a fun blog hop where authors share eight to ten lines from a Work in Progress. If you'd like to check out some other author's writing, please click on this link: WeWriWa
I've neglected my blog and focused solely on the family with just bits of writing. Enough to finish Fitzwilliam Darcy - Undone and all the fun stuff that comes with publishing/marketing.
Now, 2021 is upon us and I have high hopes. This is why I've picked up my tattered quill and filled a new inkpot and am ready to jump into Weekend Writing Warriors once more. At this exact moment, I'm working on two stories (what's new...) and I've already shared from Mary before, so I'm testing the waters with my newest baby. Working Title is Pride & Perception. Let's see where it takes us, shall we?
I'll give you the premise and then the ten lines.
What if... Lizzy overheard the other derogatory comment Darcy made about her beauty? You know - where he said - after the Bennets had dined at Netherfield Park - 'Her a beauty? I should as soon call her mother a wit!'
Yeah, that one.
“Mr. Bennet, I heard Netherfield Park has been let at last.”
“Yes, my dear, to a young man from the North. He came and looked it over a few weeks ago.”
“Oh, thank goodness. I hate having your great uncle’s old estate being left vacant, and the last tenant was terrible. Is he a single young man?”
“Mrs. Bennet, I do not have all the details and even if he were, I caution you about your conduct. No young man wants a wife whose mother has nervous fluttering’s and vapors.”
“Mr. Bennet, you never had compassion on my poor nerves.”
“You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for them. In fact, they are old friends, what with them being mentioned with consideration these twenty years at least.”
~~~ooo0ooo~~~
It will be a slow go to start, but stick with me, this could be fun.
Weekend Writing Warriors is a fun blog hop where authors share eight to ten lines from a Work in Progress. If you'd like to check out some other author's writing, please click on this link: WeWriWa
