Page 1 of Epiphany (A Little Bit More Darcy and Elizabeth #2)

PROLOGUE

Darcy House

1 Arlington Street, London

December 1811

Dearest Anne,

I am heartily sorry to hear your mother has been called away. I know she has been intimate friends with Mrs Fortescue for an age. How sad that lady should be so unwell! Let us hope she recovers swiftly, and you are not required to remain alone overlong.

I thank you for your kind invitation. Regrettably, we cannot join you at Rosings at the present time. Brother has only recently returned from Hertfordshire, and we are both much occupied with Mr Bingley and his sisters. Besides, no matter how dearly Miss Bingley wishes her brother and I would form an attachment, he clearly wishes to be at Netherfield still. And since my brother evidently took such pleasure in the society there, I cannot think it will be long before they both return. I hope to join them if they do. I know, however, you must have many other friends on whom you may call for company, thus I shall not feel too wretched for depriving you of mine.

On the subject of Hertfordshire society, I am afraid you have quite mistaken what I wrote in my last letter in regard to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I do not believe my brother found her at all vexing. When I relayed to you that they had argued, I phrased it ill. Rather, they debated, and as you know, my brother enjoys that activity far too well. Indeed, I do not believe I have ever heard him speak so favourably of any lady.

You will understand my surprise to hear your rector has expressed such severe censure of her—and she his own cousin! Do you know the nature of his grievance? I understand Miss Bennet is exceptionally quick-witted. Perhaps Mr Collins construed it as impertinence. I assure you, however, it does not seem likely. My brother described her as compassionate, intelligent, and perceptive. I really do not think she can be as objectionable as Mr Collins has implied. Pray, do not continue to think ill of Miss Bennet, for I should be miserable if my careless words gave you a poor impression of an acquaintance my brother holds in such high esteem, and whom I dearly hope you and I shall both one day meet.

I pray Lady Catherine returns home very soon. Do write again to tell me how you get on with your new ponies when they arrive.

Yours &c.

Miss Georgiana Darcy

A nne de Bourgh folded the letter with such energy that she tore the page. She gestured at a footman. “Have my phaeton brought around.” Then, she gestured at her companion. “Come, Mrs Jenkinson. We are to pay a call on Mr Collins at the parsonage.”

Then, she gestured to the heavens. This was not to be borne! Yet, if her cousin would not put an end to it, it fell to her to act.