Pride And Prescience: Or, a Truth Univesally Acknowledged: 1 (Mr & Mrs Darcy Mystery) - Softcover

Bebris, Carrie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0765318431 ISBN 13: 9780765318435

Verlag: Forge Trade, 2007

Inhaltsangabe

"Pride and Prescience" (or, A Truth Universally Acknowledged), a Mr. and Mrs. Darcy Mystery, embroils the joyous newlyweds Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy in a mystery involving one of their wedding guests. The lovely Caroline Bingley is engaged to marry a rich and charismatic American. Unfortunately, this windswept courtship is marred by many strange events - nocturnal wanderings, spooked horses, carriage accidents, and even an apparent suicide attempt. Soon the whole Bingley family seems the target of a sinister plot, with only the Darcys recognizing the danger. Sinister forces are afoot and the Darcys must get to the bottom of this mystery before the blushing bride descends into madness - or worse.

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Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

Carrie Bebris is a former school teacher and editor for TSR. A member in good standing of the Jane Austen Society, she resides in Wisconsin.

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Pride and Prescience

Or, a Truth Univesally AcknowledgedBy Carrie Bebris

Forge

Copyright ©2007 Carrie Bebris
All right reserved.
ISBN: 9780765318435

Chapter One

Happy for all her maternal feelings was the day on which Mrs. Bennet got rid of her two most deserving daughters. Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 61

On the day Miss Elizabeth Bennet wed Mr. FitzwilliamDarcy, she did not mind dividing with her elder sister,Jane, the notice due a bride. Indeed, she had been delightedwhen Jane chose to marry Mr. Charles Bingley in a doubleceremony. It seemed only right that two sisters and two menwho were themselves particular friends should all embark ontheir new lives together, and she hoped the event presagedmany happy hours spent in each other's company in the yearsahead.

Elizabeth did mind, however, sharing the stage with Mr.Bingley's sister Caroline.

The new Mrs. Darcy glanced across the drawing room ofLongbourn House. Miss Bingley and her fianci, Mr. FrederickParrish, sat beside each other on the sofa, monopolizingthe attention of half the wedding guests. Their immediatespectators included two of Elizabeth's younger sisters,assorted aunts and uncles, and Caroline's sister, LouisaHurst. The couple's chatter had also drawn the observationnow her son-in-law, Mrs. Bennet, like many of Darcy'sacquaintances, yet found him a formidable man.

Elizabeth observed Miss Bingley listening to Parrish withrapt attention. He cast his fiancie a warm smile, then broadenedit to include the rest of his party. Monts Joyeux. Shesearched her rudimentary knowledge of French for a roughtranslation. Joyful Hills? The image of a home so named somehowsuited the attentive, amiable man. But Miss Bingley wasanother matter. "I'm astonished that she consented to marryan American," she said. "One can't imagine her living in theUnited States. She'd consider it uncivilized."

"Maybe the size of Mr. Parrish's inheritance influencedher," Jane said. "It must be a very grand estate. I understand,however, that he plans to buy another property here in England."She lowered her voice so that it reached only Elizabeth'sears. "Perhaps Caroline will have her own Pemberley atlast, Lizzy, now that she knows she'll never have yours."

Anticipation swept Elizabeth at the mention of Mr. Darcy'shome in Derbyshire-now her home, too. Before Darcy becameengaged, Miss Bingley had been obvious in her aspirations toone day cross Pemberley's threshold as its mistress. Apparently,she'd experienced more disappointment over failing to securethe estate than its owner, for no sooner had Darcy and Elizabethset their wedding date than Miss Bingley embarked on a whirlwindcourtship with Mr. Parrish. Somehow, in the space ofmere weeks, Caroline had managed to win the affections of avery eligible bachelor.

Sensing someone's gaze upon her, Elizabeth raised her eyesto meet those of her new husband. Darcy stood some distanceaway, enduring the effusive congratulations of Mr. Collins,who had apparently found himself unequal to the effort ofholding his own tongue long enough to overhear Mr. Parrish'swords, and had therefore chosen to confer upon one of thebridegrooms his felicitations and sagacious marital counsel.Despite Darcy's diverted attention, the clergyman continuedhis discourse unabated, completely insensible of the interruptionin attendance to his soliloquy.

Though Darcy had cropped his dark brown hair a littleshorter than usual for today, unruly curls yet wisped round hishead. Short side-whiskers lent prominence to his strong jaw,while the lapels of his double-breasted coat accented the broadshoulders that so capably bore the weight of many responsibilities.Not of brawny build, he nevertheless exuded puissance,the noble virility of a classical marble bust come to life.

He towered over her cousin, his stature enabling her to seeevery nuance of his countenance. The man who could quellobservers with the rise of a single dark brow bestowed uponher a look of infinite tenderness before returning his gaze toMr. Collins.

"Miss Bingley can have every acre of Pemberley," she saidsoftly. "I have the real fortune."

She glanced once more at her husband. Poor Darcy-stuckin the corner with Mr. Collins, and no end to the interview insight! Noting that the servants had just laid out the tea table,she headed for it, intending to relieve Darcy's suffering byinterrupting the conversation to offer refreshment. No soonerhad she poured coffee to take to the gentlemen, however,than Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst approached the table.

"I'm positively parched." Miss Bingley took one of the cupsfrom Elizabeth's hands.

Mrs. Hurst took the other. "Yes, it is very dry in this room."

Elizabeth forbore suggesting that perhaps Miss Bingley'sthirst derived from having spent the morning talking excessivelyabout herself and Mr. Parrish. Instead, she commentedon that safest and most meaningful of all topics-theweather-observing that there had been little rainfall of late.

"A providential circumstance for your wedding," Mrs. Hurstsaid, "particularly since it was held in the country. Otherwise,you would have risked dragging the hem of your gown throughmud on your way into church."

"And what a charming little church-not at all like thelarge London ones where so many in our circle have tied theknot. Here we could all be so snugly seated." Miss Bingley'svoice held all of the usual smugness with which sheaddressed any of the Bennets. "Altogether a nice little affairfrom beginning to end. Do you not agree, Louisa? How fortunateyou are, Eliza, to have had your mother to guide you inthe planning."

Elizabeth ignored the poorly stifled snicker that eruptedfrom Mrs. Hurst. The Bingley sisters had never managed tomask their disdain for her mother, had seldom even tried. Inmoments of self-honesty, she conceded that their criticism wasnot without foundation. But their rudeness was. Mrs. Bennetmight lack restraint and good judgment, but her silly behaviorhad at its root the sincere wish of seeing her five daughterssecurely settled, and maybe even happy. The Bingley sisters, incontrast, had demonstrated by words and deeds that they ultimatelyhad no one's interests at heart but their own.

"Mrs. Bennet must have taken particular pleasure inpreparing for today, since she was unable to participate inyour youngest sister's wedding," Mrs. Hurst said.

"Yes-how is Mrs. Wickham?" Miss Bingley asked.

"She is well," Elizabeth responded civilly. In other words,Lydia was still infatuated with the wastrel she'd married, andtherefore as happy as a flighty, thoughtless, self-absorbed girlcan be. Though Elizabeth loved her sister, the remembrance oflast summer's scandalous elopement yet pained her, and she feltguilty relief that when Wickham's previous misconduct towardthe Darcy family rendered it impossible to include him ontoday's guest list, Lydia had chosen to remain with her husbandat his military post in Newcastle rather than attend the nuptials.

"Have you any advice for those of us who will soon followyou down the aisle?" Miss Bingley pressed, casting a conspiratorialsmirk at Mrs. Hurst. Louisa leaned forward for Elizabeth'sresponse.

"With your own taste to guide you, I am sure your celebrationcould derive no further benefit from my opinions."

The Bingley sisters returned to their party, where Carolinecontinued to hold court with Mr. Parrish. The American's distinctaccent seemed to entertain its listeners independent ofwhatever he had to say.

Elizabeth poured more coffee and carried it to Darcy andMr. Collins. "Forgive the interruption, gentlemen, but I thoughtyou might appreciate something to drink. I've been informedthat it's dry in here."

Darcy's look of gratitude had nothing to do with the refreshment.

"Cousin Elizabeth, your eagerness to serve your new husbanddoes you credit." Mr. Collins accepted the coffee butcould not leave off talking long enough to taste it. "Do allow meto express once more my most heartfelt wishes for your futurehappiness. Though, as I was just expressing to Mr. Darcy, itgrieves me that you entered into the matrimonial state withouthis aunt's permission. You will, I am sure, be gladdened to hearthat her ladyship still tolerates the mention of your husband'sname in her presence, an omen which leads me to believe thatif you applied to Lady Catherine with the utmost humility andthe deference to which one of her rank is entitled, she may indue course yet condescend to approve the match."

"What a relief! I know not how Mr. Darcy and I will get onuntil we obtain her approbation."

"Thank goodness you realize the seriousness of the situation.I had feared you were insensible of the grave insult you havepaid her ladyship-"

"Mr. Collins," she said as if addressing him in confidence,"I have just come into the knowledge that there is anothercouple here who could benefit from your insights on marriage."She directed his attention toward the sofa. "Miss Bingleyand Mr. Parrish have just announced their engagement,and only moments ago, the lady was seeking my counsel onplanning the ceremony. Certainly you-longer marriedthan I, and a clergyman besides-could offer her valuableinstruction."

Mr. Collins nodded enthusiastically. "I could indeed. Thereis so much a betrothed couple ought to consider-"

"And they should consider it all."

"Before I depart, I shall make myself better acquaintedwith them."

"Why delay?" Elizabeth asked. "There is an empty seat nearMiss Bingley. This is the perfect occasion to share your knowledge."

The clergyman wanted no further encouragement. "You areright, cousin Elizabeth. Wisdom can never be imparted tooearly. If you and Mr. Darcy will excuse me?"

"Of course."

Mr. Collins hastened to Miss Bingley's side, eliciting anexpression of horror from that lady and a charge of satisfactionfrom Elizabeth.

"I had no idea I married a woman capable of such crueltyto another of her sex."

She met Darcy's smile. "I merely thought that someone sodesirous of attention and someone so generous in extending itshould be united in conversation."

"Somehow, I doubt Miss Bingley agrees."

"I can call him back, if you wish."

"Do not dare."

Spotting Charlotte Collins approaching the tea table, shecontemplated how much luckier she was than her friend, inhaving found a life partner worthy of her respect. Charlottehad gone into her marriage fully sensible of her husband'soddities, and managed Mr. Collins skillfully, but Elizabethnevertheless preferred her own definition of happiness.

Darcy followed her gaze. "I am glad your friend Mrs.Collins could be here. Have you had much opportunity tovisit with her?"

"Very little. I've been trying to devote a bit of time to eachof our guests. As a consequence, I feel I've spent the morningtalking ceaselessly but saying nothing."

"Then you shall fit right in with the haut ton."

She looked up at him, this man with whom she was nowjoined. "Everyone wants a few minutes with the bride," shesaid quietly, "and all I want are a few minutes with you."

"Only a few? I had counted on a lifetime."

Her mischievous spirit returned. "Did you not realize?I took you on probation."

"And how have I acquitted myself thus far?" He regardedher with amusement.

"Beyond every expectation. Not that there was ever muchdoubt of my keeping you, but a man willing for my sake aloneto bear the conversation of Mr. Collins has no equal."

Their social obligations compelled them to part. Darcywent to the Gardiners, while Elizabeth met Mrs. Collins at thetea table. She embraced her friend, noting immediately herthickened waist.

"Charlotte, I must tell you again how pleased I am that youmanaged to come."

"I would not have missed it. Had Lady Catherine withheldpermission for Mr. Collins to attend, I would have urgentlywished to visit my mother once more before my confinement,or developed a craving for cream that could be satisfied onlyby the Lucas Lodge dairy My husband is so nervous about my'delicate state of health' that he would not dare refuse me."

As Charlotte tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear,Elizabeth noted that a few strands of grey had emerged amidthe auburn since she last saw her friend. "You are feelingwell?"

"Very, despite her ladyship's insistence that I behave as aninvalid-when I'm not attending to matters she deems moreimportant, of course."

She poured tea for herself and Charlotte. "I wonder thatMr. Darcy's aunt spared her clergyman leave to attend a weddingshe herself has denounced."

"I suspect she approved our being present so that she coulddemand an account of all the sordid details upon our return."

"And what will you report?"

"Let's see ..." She cocked her head, studying Elizabethwith keen blue eyes. "Mrs. Darcy looked radiant in a full dressof Brussels lace over white silk, with a low yet modest neckline,high waist, short sleeves, and a wreath of orange blossomssecuring her veil." Her gaze darted across the room."Her bridegroom wore a dark blue dress coat, white waistcoat,highly starched cravat, and-" She turned back to Elizabeth."Really, are gentlemen's clothes half so interesting?What else? The wedding breakfast featured eight courses andthree wines. And so on. But those are the particulars her ladyshipwill enquire about. What she won't ask, but what I shallendeavor to reveal, is that her nephew appeared as happy ashis new bride."

"Despite having ruined his great family with disgracefulconnections?" Elizabeth mocked Lady Catherine's contemptuoustone. "She will not be pleased at the knowledge."

"I am. I hoped for this event when you visited us lastspring, you know. Perhaps in time her ladyship will come toaccept you."

"I am told that if I grovel sufficiently, such felicity may bemine."

Charlotte stirred milk into her tea, her expression turningserious. "I shall surely miss your visits otherwise. You mustwrite often, and tell me about your new life. Do you plan ahoneymoon trip?"

"Not immediately. Jane and Mr. Bingley have invited us tostay at Netherfield tonight. We'll depart for Derbyshire withMr. Darcy's sister in the morning. With Christmas approaching,we want simply to get settled at Pemberley before theGardiners join us three weeks hence. Perhaps we'll go away inspring."

She lingered long with Charlotte, conscious that circumstancessurrounding their respective marriages meant that thiscould be her last opportunity to see her friend for quite awhile. Periodically, laughter and exclamations erupted fromMiss Bingley's party, drawing their gazes in that direction.Elizabeth had expected the assembly to disperse upon Mr.Collins's arrival, but Mr.



Continues...

Excerpted from Pride and Prescienceby Carrie Bebris Copyright ©2007 by Carrie Bebris. Excerpted by permission.
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Details zur Ausgabe

• Verlag: Forge Trade
• Erscheinungsdatum: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0765318431
• ISBN 13: 9780765318435
• Einband: Tapa blanda
• Sprache: Englisch
• Anzahl der Seiten: 288
• Kontakt zum Hersteller: Nicht verfügbar