Page 89 of I Thee Wed (Pride And Prejudice Variation #2)
At dusk, the party reached the first stop along their route, a handsome coaching house with clean whitewashed walls and a broad yard filled with the clatter of wheels and horses.
Darcy had arranged for the best rooms, and after bathing and dressing for dinner, they gathered in the private dining parlor set aside for them.
The meal was plentiful, with roast fowl, cold ham, fresh bread, and good wine. The conversation at first was general: the state of the roads, the scenery, and the quality of the service, but soon splintered into smaller circles.
Phillip placed himself between the Stanton sisters. With Abby, he was playful, teasing her about the way she had supported Lady Helen on her morning walk.
“You looked every inch the dutiful daughter, Miss Abby. One might suppose you were already well practiced in managing difficult relations.”
Abby arched a brow, her voice cool but amused. “If by difficult relations you mean strong-minded ones, then yes, I am well practiced.”
Phillip’s grin was quick. “Spoken like a woman who knows how to keep her footing.”
Then, as easily as turning a card, he shifted to Anise, who sat quietly at his other side. He lowered his voice just enough for her to hear.
“And you, Miss Anise, are you still contented just to listen? Or have you found the courage to answer my questions yet?”
She colored but said softly, “I may answer when the question is worth the asking, my lord.”
His eyes gleamed, a mix of surprise and amusement. “Touché. I shall have to raise my standard, then.”
Elizabeth, seated across the table, saw the faint flicker of distress cross Abby’s countenance when Phillip bent toward her sister and spoke privately.
It looked like jealousy, but it vanished so quickly that Elizabeth scanned the table and was grateful that no one else, except his mother, had noticed the slip.
Once again, Lady Helen’s brow was furrowed.
Darcy, seated beside his wife, ate his dinner in silence, but he was fully aware of the debacle unfolding across the table between Phillip and the twin sisters. He glanced at Richard and was pleased to note that his cousin was wholly absorbed by Anne, keeping her in a constant state of amusement.
By the time steamed puddings and a dish of preserved fruits were on the table, the Stanton sisters were both visibly caught by Phillip’s presence, though in different ways.
Abby sparred with him, her wit sharp and cutting, while Anise was drawn in by his quieter challenges.
Lady Helen sat straighter in her chair, no longer smiling nor at ease.
Elizabeth, eating her pudding, was disappointed that Phillip was playing a dangerous game: enjoying the company of the two sisters at the risk of losing both. At the same time, his mother schemed for one, and fate might have its own designs.
That evening, when the company had retired to their chambers, Elizabeth sat with Lady Helen in the small withdrawing room and listened while the angry mother vented.
“I am so angry with Phillip. How dared he toy with both sisters as if it were a game? These women are not like the London society misses to which he is accustomed. These sisters have genuine feelings; they are sincere and rational women who are inexperienced in the ways of society. He thinks himself charming, but I fear he trifles too far. Abby must not be lost to him, yet he risks driving her away.”
Elizabeth nodded gravely. “Yes, he divides his attentions too evenly. Abby is spirited enough to spar with him, but her composure slipped for an instant tonight when he bent toward her sister and practically brushed her ear with his lips. If he goes too far, he will lose both, because they are very loyal to one another.”
Lady Helen pressed her hand to her lips. “And Anise? I fear he would not remain faithful long.” She sank back into her chair, her brow furrowed. “A most vexatious business. I am tempted to chastise him myself; perhaps then he would see reason.”
Elizabeth touched her aunt’s hand. “I see that Phillip enjoys the chase. He seeks the challenge in Anise because she resists him. But if his purpose is truly Abby, he must take care. Women are not prizes to be won by sport, and Abby will not endure being toyed with.”
Lady Helen sighed heavily. “He is like his father, too certain of his charm, too sure that he can have what he sets his mind upon.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “Then perhaps it is well. If Phillip means to have her, he must learn restraint. And if he cannot, then it is better for Abby, and for Anise, that they see his true nature now.”
For a moment, neither spoke. Then Lady Helen straightened.
“Please, if you are able, speak with Abby and try to discover how she feels. If Phillip is in danger of losing her, he must be warned before it is too late.”
Elizabeth agreed. “I shall do so, for Abby’s sake. They are my friends, and I will not let them be injured. I only hope he does not squander what might be his happiness.”
Lady Helen spoke her feelings. “He walks a knife’s edge, Elizabeth.
I pray he does not cut himself upon it. Most society ladies are entitled, spoiled by wealth and by the constant attentions of fortune-hunters sniffing after a dowry and a name.
It is a tiresome marketplace, and Abby is a rarity within it. ”