Read Online Fault or Virtue: An Imaginative Retelling of Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' by April Karber - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: April Karber
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could not.
She would miss Netherfield, she realized. She would miss the intelligent conversation.
She would even miss Miss Bingley’s slights, or at least, those that afforded her some
humor.
“You are too kind, Mr. Darcy.” It occurred to her to show him equal civility by
inquiring after his sister. “How is Miss Darcy?” She hoped she did not sound too much
like Miss Bingley.
“She is well and enjoying a well deserved reprieve from her studies.”
“I am relieved to hear that even accomplished women are given leave from their
learning,” she replied playfully, raising an eyebrow. She was always left to wonder at Mr.
Darcy’s true opinions once Caroline Bingley had a share of the conversation. An
exchange would not cease, it seemed, until Caroline was assured that everyone agreed
with her. Darcy seemed to obscure his own opinions beneath sly humor and exaggerated
opinion. So between Caroline and Darcy, Elizabeth was left to wonder what Mr. Darcy
thought of truly accomplished women.
“I know as few, or as many, accomplished women as Miss Bingley claims to
know. Though I do not think we agree on whom these women are nor why they deserve
the word. My sister is one of them, though I am aware such an opinion is biased.”
“I do not hold it against you, Mr. Darcy. Though I do not know your sister and
therefore cannot agree with you, I can say that I know she at least lucky to have such a
doting brother.”
“I believe you would get along quite nicely, Miss Elizabeth, if you should ever
chance to meet.” Despair returned, having once again been reminded that Elizabeth
would never meet his sister.
!
#*!
Seeing the darkness settle in around Darcy’s expression, she sought to draw him
out again. “The library at Pemberley I’ve heard is remarkable.”
“It is, but again I am biased in saying so. It is the work of many generations, and I
take every opportunity to add to the collection.”
“I envy you the opportunity, Mr. Darcy. Pray, what type of books do you find
most necessary to your collection?”
“It is difficult to pick one particular genre, however, it is equally as difficult to
rule out any particular genre.”
“When a library is as varied as a book shop, it cannot fail to appeal to everyone.”
“Or anyone in any state of mind.”
This statement worked to reinforce her opinion of him, that he was a man of many
moods.
Chapter 11
When Jane was again well enough to travel, Elizabeth set about making
arrangements for their immediate departure. She had arranged for the Bennet carriage to
retrieve them, and that their maid be brought with it to see to Jane’s appearance be tended
to after such a long time spent in bed. Elizabeth was so busy, in fact, that she barely had
time to worry over missing Netherfield, or rather, one of its occupants. Truthfully, she
had spent most of the night dwelling on that fact and had been left with little time for
sleep.
Elizabeth ventured downstairs to meet their maid at the door when she heard the
carriage arrive, and found Darcy nearby.
“Perhaps while she tends to your sister, you would enjoy a last stroll in the
garden? You have been busy all morning.” How he’s changed! What did this kindness
mean? She did not let herself dwell on the question for too long. She had determined her
feelings for him the night before; they were none other than those involved in a
friendship. She did not know him well, after all. In fact, he had just recently been known
as a haughty and proud individual, too arrogant to even be introduced to her, so she could
not so easily accept this new side of him. Mr. Darcy was not what every man ought to be,
but she appreciated his company. His recent alteration had made him more interesting,
she realized, and she desired to know him better as she already liked what she so far
knew of him. She thought that perhaps this sudden kindness was due to her initial disdain
of him. From what she could see of his relationship
She would miss Netherfield, she realized. She would miss the intelligent conversation.
She would even miss Miss Bingley’s slights, or at least, those that afforded her some
humor.
“You are too kind, Mr. Darcy.” It occurred to her to show him equal civility by
inquiring after his sister. “How is Miss Darcy?” She hoped she did not sound too much
like Miss Bingley.
“She is well and enjoying a well deserved reprieve from her studies.”
“I am relieved to hear that even accomplished women are given leave from their
learning,” she replied playfully, raising an eyebrow. She was always left to wonder at Mr.
Darcy’s true opinions once Caroline Bingley had a share of the conversation. An
exchange would not cease, it seemed, until Caroline was assured that everyone agreed
with her. Darcy seemed to obscure his own opinions beneath sly humor and exaggerated
opinion. So between Caroline and Darcy, Elizabeth was left to wonder what Mr. Darcy
thought of truly accomplished women.
“I know as few, or as many, accomplished women as Miss Bingley claims to
know. Though I do not think we agree on whom these women are nor why they deserve
the word. My sister is one of them, though I am aware such an opinion is biased.”
“I do not hold it against you, Mr. Darcy. Though I do not know your sister and
therefore cannot agree with you, I can say that I know she at least lucky to have such a
doting brother.”
“I believe you would get along quite nicely, Miss Elizabeth, if you should ever
chance to meet.” Despair returned, having once again been reminded that Elizabeth
would never meet his sister.
!
#*!
Seeing the darkness settle in around Darcy’s expression, she sought to draw him
out again. “The library at Pemberley I’ve heard is remarkable.”
“It is, but again I am biased in saying so. It is the work of many generations, and I
take every opportunity to add to the collection.”
“I envy you the opportunity, Mr. Darcy. Pray, what type of books do you find
most necessary to your collection?”
“It is difficult to pick one particular genre, however, it is equally as difficult to
rule out any particular genre.”
“When a library is as varied as a book shop, it cannot fail to appeal to everyone.”
“Or anyone in any state of mind.”
This statement worked to reinforce her opinion of him, that he was a man of many
moods.
Chapter 11
When Jane was again well enough to travel, Elizabeth set about making
arrangements for their immediate departure. She had arranged for the Bennet carriage to
retrieve them, and that their maid be brought with it to see to Jane’s appearance be tended
to after such a long time spent in bed. Elizabeth was so busy, in fact, that she barely had
time to worry over missing Netherfield, or rather, one of its occupants. Truthfully, she
had spent most of the night dwelling on that fact and had been left with little time for
sleep.
Elizabeth ventured downstairs to meet their maid at the door when she heard the
carriage arrive, and found Darcy nearby.
“Perhaps while she tends to your sister, you would enjoy a last stroll in the
garden? You have been busy all morning.” How he’s changed! What did this kindness
mean? She did not let herself dwell on the question for too long. She had determined her
feelings for him the night before; they were none other than those involved in a
friendship. She did not know him well, after all. In fact, he had just recently been known
as a haughty and proud individual, too arrogant to even be introduced to her, so she could
not so easily accept this new side of him. Mr. Darcy was not what every man ought to be,
but she appreciated his company. His recent alteration had made him more interesting,
she realized, and she desired to know him better as she already liked what she so far
knew of him. She thought that perhaps this sudden kindness was due to her initial disdain
of him. From what she could see of his relationship
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