August in Derbyshire

De: Ola Wegner

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

Pride and Prejudice Novelette. What if Darcy and Elizabeth had met in slightly different circumstances when she was touring Derbyshire with the Gardiners? --------------------------------------------- He inspected himself with a frown. His tall boots were dirty, caked with dried mud, while his coat had a fine layer of dust on it. Well, it had to do. There was no time to return to Pemberley to change into his Sunday best. He needed to speak to her today. He was afraid that she would disappear if he were to wait even an hour longer. Soon enough he heard steps approaching and quiet voices. Not wishing to be overlooked, he stepped forward so that Elizabeth, who came out first, nearly walked into him. “Miss Bennet!” he exclaimed, trying to control the tone of his voice. “What a pleasure to meet you here.” With those words he removed his hat, bowing deeply in front of her. “Mr. Darcy,” she replied, bowing her head slightly. He could see that she was surprised with his sudden appearance and greeting. She looked aside, not willing to return his gaze. “May I ask how long you have been in Lambton?” She looked at his face sharply before replying quietly. “Two days,” she murmured, quickly adding with greater force, “we are leaving by the end of the week, though.” Darcy frowned at her words. Was she thinking that she was unwelcome in Lambton, as it was so close to Pemberley? Surely not! “How are you liking the countryside?” he tried to engage her again. “It is very beautiful,” she answered flatly, looking at her feet. Darcy felt himself growing hot and sick at the same time. She did not wish to talk to him. She hated him still. He was a fool to think otherwise. She wanted him to leave her alone, he could sense that. For a short moment he thought to murmur his apologies for disturbing her and walk away. He could not do that, though! He was not a coward. He had to convince her that he was a changed man.