{"id":1871,"date":"2017-10-28T11:03:19","date_gmt":"2017-10-28T15:03:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/?p=1871"},"modified":"2021-12-17T12:42:21","modified_gmt":"2021-12-17T17:42:21","slug":"chapters-28-30-by-consequence-of-marriage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-28-30-by-consequence-of-marriage\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapters 28-30 By Consequence of Marriage"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"1871\" class=\"elementor elementor-1871 elementor-bc-flex-widget\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-tzlwpqx elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"tzlwpqx\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-hpsvypa\" data-id=\"hpsvypa\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fjyyk18 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fjyyk18\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1>The problem with secrets is that it can easily lead to misunderstandings.<\/h1><h1>XOXOXO Elizabeth Ann West<\/h1>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-cmvpllr elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"cmvpllr\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-jtxlnev\" data-id=\"jtxlnev\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-trjgule elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"trjgule\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Chapter 28 - By Consequence of Marriage, a Pride and Prejudice Variation<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bfyjbol elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-1658 elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"bfyjbol\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\">[swpm_protected not_for=\"3-4\" do_not_show_protected_msg=\"1\"]\n<center>\n<b>Advertisement<\/b>\n<\/center>\n[\/swpm_protected]<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-h8ltbwp elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-1589 elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"h8ltbwp\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\">[swpm_protected not_for=\"3-4\" do_not_show_protected_msg=\"1\"]\n<center>\n\n<script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n<!-- 300 x 250 Google Ad For Chapters -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7008164687543724\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"5583540785\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<\/center>\n[\/swpm_protected]<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-rhiemlj elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"rhiemlj\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">On his fourth day in London, a foggy morning reminded Charles Bingley why he dreamed of owning his own estate. As he strolled the three blocks from his usual rented rooms to the town home of his dearest friend, the dreary yellow haze of London&#8217;s sky held no power to diminish his happiness. Walking with a jaunt appropriate for a man in love, he breathed into his chilled hands, despite the leather gloves he wore, and waited for a servant to usher him inside. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Turning to the utter lack of activity on the street behind him, the well-to-do families of Mayfair all gone to their country homes, Bingley noted the inordinate amount of time passing before his knock was acknowledged. It was not uncommon for the knocker to be missing when Darcy was home, so Bingley made a fist and pounded a few times. The door was opened by Mrs. Potter, who recognized the affable young man from his many visits.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;I&#8217;m sorry, Mr. Bingley, but my master is not in. Perhaps you&#8217;d care to leave your card?&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;I would wait for him, is he due back soon?&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;I&#8217;m afraid I do not know, sir. My instructions are to deny entry to all guests. I hope you understand.&#8221; The older woman held kindness in her eyes, wishing she might inform this friend of the burdens her master carried in hopes of sending him support.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Taken aback, Mr. Bingley nodded. &#8220;Of course Mrs. Potter, I understand your position.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">To fulfill society&#8217;s obligations, Charles Bingley dutifully removed his card from the holder in his top breast pocket. Handing over the paper with a fine linen finish, he chuckled. Indeed many years passed since he&#8217;d last maneuvered through such formalities to visit his friend Darcy. &#8220;Do tell him I shall be at the club if he returns.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;I most happily shall, sir,&#8221; Mrs. Potter said and closed the door.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The abrupt treatment was so foreign to Bingley that he stood there for a moment mesmerized and astounded by the Darcy House staff. Shrugging his shoulders, he turned up his coat&#8217;s collar against the chill and questioned his wisdom at forgoing his carriage this morning. He counted on the warmth and hospitality of Darcy, finding the tip of his nose completely cold by the time he reached the club.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Inside his club, Darcy ran his finger around the rim of the disgusting, sugary drink Lord Derby was so particularly fond of drinking. To work on a man, you must know his drink, and to know his drink meant you must show equal appreciation for said selection as an acknowledgment of good taste. Unfortunately, good taste or no, the Earl of Derby was in no mood to budge on his decision. Darcy was stuck drinking the dark, spiced rum for no gain.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;You are a man of tradition, your lordship. I am astounded years of our mutual satisfaction is to go by the wayside over an impetuous decision by a young girl.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;What you declare were merely the actions of a young girl I take as an indication of the dereliction of duty by her guardian. How am I to be assured your crop yields will not suffer under your direction? Your livestock will produce the same amount of wool as they did under your father&#8217;s leadership?\u201d The earl chuckled at the younger Darcy, enjoying his position of power over the heir to the largest non-royal land holdings in their shared county. For years, John Thomas Stanley merely tolerated the business he was forced to endure with George Darcy. The Darcy family, with their French origins, was never politically savvy enough to hold a title for long. How they increased their land holdings was a mystery to the earl.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201c<span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">For three years you have voiced no concerns, my lord. I wonder at your mysterious change of conscience. Tell me, does this Carmichael hold debts against you?\u201d Darcy asked with complete seriousness, in a low tone.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201c<span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Certainly not! You should take care, sir, when you are speaking to a peer!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Darcy pursed his lips and almost took another sip of his drink before remembering the contents of the glass and returned it to the small side table between them. \u201cNo, I should say not. I believe one would call your transaction a bribe, seeing as his wife is your mistress.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The Earl of Derby stood and scowled at the well-informed younger man. \u201cYou accuse in the wrong direction, sir. I scorn your family because my plans were to marry my son to your sister and unite the county under one name. A strong name. The Stanley name. But your ineptitude in protecting your sister&#8217;s virtue shall cost you dearly. I take no leave of you.\u201d The Earl of Derby began to walk away.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Darcy bit his tongue to keep his counsel. He would never have allowed Georgiana to marry the degenerate Edward Stanley, fashioned as Lord Strange. He did not wish to alert others in the room of his sister&#8217;s marriage. Absent-mindedly, he reached for his glass and took a swig, only to spit it back into the glass as Charles Bingley arrived and took the vacant seat.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201c<span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Darcy, old man, fancy finding you in your cups at this hour of the morning!\u201d Bingley motioned for new drinks from the male servant on the far end of the room.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201c <span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Mmmm.\u201d Distracted, Darcy offered a noncommittal reply.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">As the drinks arrived, Darcy happily traded his rum for a glass of scotch. Still not fostering the conversation, Darcy drank while Bingley chattered on.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201c<span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">. . . And I&#8217;ve just come from your house to discuss the happy news!\u201d Bingley beamed as he lifted his drink in a toast-like fashion.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The earlier words Darcy had lost in a haze, but the last bit he caught. \u201cHappy news, indeed.\u201d Darcy scoffed, confused as to how the wedding that was supposed to be kept a secret was known to his oldest friend. Perhaps his aunt had invited him . . . but no, the Matlocks were barely civil to the Bingleys when they dined at Darcy House. Aunt Maggie would never invite Charles or his sisters to such an intimate family affair.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201c<span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I thought you might be slightly happier than that, old chap. It IS a wedding, after all.\u201d Bingley smiled at his friend with eagerness. Ordinarily, Bingley&#8217;s cheer was a balm to Darcy&#8217;s sourness, but not today.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201c<span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I&#8217;ll be there with bells on, Bingley, to play my part. But I cannot promise to match your enthusiasm.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Bingley laughed, of course his friend could not match his enthusiasm, he wouldn&#8217;t be the groom! \u201cNow, I am aware you disdain public displays, but it will mean a great deal that you are a part of that special day.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Confused, Darcy wondered how Bingley obtained knowledge of Georgiana&#8217;s wedding. This was bizarre! Deciding to test the man, Darcy asked his question with a surly tone. \u201cAnd pray, which day is the special day?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201c<span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Why November the Thirteenth, in the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred eleven, and a glorious day at that!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Impressed, Darcy raised a glass. \u201cTo November Thirteenth and our mutual misery.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Bingley laughed again, this time halfheartedly, at the tease by Darcy. He was about to continue their visit when he realized the time. \u201cOh dash it, I must go, errands to run, supplies to collect for the ball. Caroline&#8217;s been a right mean taskmaster!\u201d Darcy nodded, still not fully attending to his friend.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Bingley rushed off worried he might miss the appointment with his solicitor, an appointment he dare not miss. Once warm in his own carriage, having the sense to call for it at last, Charles Bingley remembered he meant to ask after Darcy&#8217;s sister.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Darcy closed his eyes and continued to enjoy the relative quiet of the club. Without a vessel to ship Pemberley&#8217;s wool, and other goods, his tenants would receive only a pittance of what they might fetch from overseas markets. What with the war on and off and on again, shipping anything from the island nation was an impossible ordeal, a puzzle Darcy might not be able to solve.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">His mind wandered to the carefree lifestyle of his friend Charles. Darcy remembered spotting an invitation letter in Caroline&#8217;s unique hand, but he had cast it to the rarely perused social gatherings pile of correspondence. He would not attend, but his imagination wondered what might happen if he were able to accept.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">He&#8217;d ask for no less than two sets with the bewitching Elizabeth Bennet. The very idea of his hand clasping hers sent his heartbeat wildly pounding. He opened his eyes with a start and sat up rigid in his chair. Self-consciously, he glanced about to see if any other patrons had been disturbed by his daydream, but none seemed to pay him any mind. Worried he might cause a further scene, Darcy asked for his effects and prepared to leave.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-th06tu2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-1658 elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"th06tu2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\">[swpm_protected not_for=\"3-4\" do_not_show_protected_msg=\"1\"]\n<center>\n<b>Advertisement<\/b>\n<\/center>\n[\/swpm_protected]<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-jnd4jmm elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-1589 elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"jnd4jmm\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\">[swpm_protected not_for=\"3-4\" do_not_show_protected_msg=\"1\"]\n<center>\n\n<script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n<!-- 300 x 250 Google Ad For Chapters -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7008164687543724\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"5583540785\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<\/center>\n[\/swpm_protected]<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-nljoldv elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"nljoldv\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-nhayecn\" data-id=\"nhayecn\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-uvlbhdm elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"uvlbhdm\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Chapter 29 - By Consequence of Marriage, a Pride and Prejudice Variation<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ncyljeg elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ncyljeg\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Lady Catherine did not await the fashionable hour to barge in on her brother and his wife at Matlock House. The butler had offered to take the lady&#8217;s shawl when the earl and countess of Matlock exited the breakfast parlor with stunned looks upon their faces.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Henry Fitzwilliam recognized the shouts and caterwauling of his oldest sister just before they arrived in the entryway. To witness his sister leave her pretended throne at Rosings was a remarkable sight to behold. He struggled to maintain an indifferent attitude as he diplomatically inquired to the good fortune of this unannounced visit.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;You know very well why I am here!&#8221; Lady Catherine banged her walking stick on the floor, staring down the two members of her generation. &#8220;I am made privy of reports, yes reports, of the most curious nature regarding our nephew, Fitzwilliam. I am here for your corroboration of these reports, and I shall not leave until I am satisfied.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;Catty,&#8221; the Earl of Matlock attempted to mollify his sister with the childhood pet name he used before he was able say the name Catherine properly, &#8220;I have not seen Fitzwilliam in over three months . . .&#8221; He glanced to his wife pretending to be mildly amused and relaxed.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;He is here, in London and has been here for a number of weeks. Do not pretend you have not seen him. We employ the same spies, Margaret.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The time was long past when a direct confrontation with Catherine caused Lady Matlock to pale with trepidation. She was ten years junior to the old earl&#8217;s favorite daughter, but Margaret Fitzwilliam held not an ounce of fear as her voice rang loud and clear. &#8220;I&#8217;m afraid you are mistaken, Catherine. I suffer no need to employ spies against my nephew, for my relationship with him yields me all the intelligence I require.&#8221; Lady Matlock smiled at Lady Catherine who did not return the courtesy, neither did the older lady begin another tirade. Just as it appeared the cajoling countess had persuaded Lady Catherine of their ignorance, another exited the breakfast parlor. He was a tall, lanky fellow, with more charm than sense.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;Wickham! George Wickham! Why is a scoundrel such as yourself admitted entrance to Matlock House?&#8221; Lady Catherine bellowed, renewed in her investigative efforts.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">George Wickham slithered behind the couple hosting him until his wedding vows were made and approached the singular Darcy relative who always saw through his schemes. With the flashy smile he reserved for his most wealthy marks, he bowed with a flourish before her and reached for her hand to kiss in greeting. Lady Catherine pulled her hand back in aggravation and spat at the offensive gesture. The defiled man took a handkerchief from his pocket\u2014the pocket of his new clothes so generously furnished by his future relatives so that he may look the part he was to play\u2014and wiped his cheek that still showed signs of bruising from his earlier rounds of understanding with the Colonel and his brother.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;Now is that any way to treat your future nephew?&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">As Lady Catherine&#8217;s face flushed and she alternated between glaring at George Wickham and then darting fleeting glances at the shamefaced Fitzwilliams, it took a moment before she managed to regain her senses. &#8220;What lies have you told to entrap my niece? I assure you, I have the means to pay. Tell me your price, and you will go away never to darken our door again.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;Catherine, it&#8217;s beyond that now,&#8221; the earl growled with chagrin.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;How can he possibly be beyond money? Everyone has their price. Everyone!&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;Perhaps it would be best for your brother to take you into the study for this discussion.&#8221; Lady Matlock motioned for the burly footman Seamus to walk forward. &#8220;Mr. Wickham, I believe you were just going to your rooms, were you not?&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">George Wickham winked at Lady Catherine causing the old lady to scowl further. Raising his hands in mock surrender, he turned on his heel and marched up the stairs with Seamus the footman following close behind. As a man who&#8217;d actually seen the inside of a gaol, captivity at Matlock House was certainly no inconvenience.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">As the earl steered his sister to his private study, he was not surprised to see Catherine take her preferred seat in the chair next to the old earl&#8217;s desk. To the two of them, it was fondly thought of as Papa&#8217;s desk.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;May I offer you refreshments?&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;Don&#8217;t patronize me, Henry! Start with the most pertinent information I must know.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The earl raked his hand through his thinning hair in exasperation. The wedding next week would not come fast enough for his taste. But there were protocols, and for the ruse to work, the marriage had to be above reproach.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;It began this past summer when my son and our nephew sent our fifteen-year-old niece to Ramsgate with nary more than a companion who worked deception on all involved. The woman had impeccable references, too impeccable in hindsight, and the boys believed the trip would help Georgiana lose some of her shyness.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;Why ever did they send her with such little protection? No young woman should be without the protection of a family member! If they tired of her care so much, they might have sent her to me!&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The earl held up his hand to stay his sisters vitriol. &#8220;Margaret and I were not made aware of the arrangements until after she was gone. Then, it turns out the companion was an accessory to Wickham&#8217;s crime, convincing Georgiana this whole time how little her family cared for her and encouraging the attentions of Wickham. Before long, our niece had convinced herself she was in love with that cad.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Lady Catherine touched her hand to her forehead and closed her eyes. &#8220;I was such a fool to allow that child to be sent to the steward of Pemberley and his wife\u2026 Stupid, stupid, stupid!&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;Catty, none of us wanted you burdened with Sir Lewis&#8217; bastard. It&#8217;s one thing for a man to have his dalliances, but for him to propose that you take the child in? Well it&#8217;s just not done!&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;I believe I&#8217;ll have that drink now,&#8221; Lady Catherine commanded, relinquishing the emotion of regret as quickly as it came upon her.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Within the half-hour, Catherine and Henry had worked out additional plans to protect the family&#8217;s interests. Lord Matlock called his wife in to seal their decisions with her approval, and it did not take much convincing. The siblings thought they were the only ones to know of George Wickham&#8217;s true parentage, but Lady Matlock was under no delusions that George Wickham was the natural child of Thomas Wickham and his shrew of a wife, Regina. The fact that the man bore no resemblance to either of his parents was merely affirmation for her suspicions. Still, Margaret Fitzwilliam knew the more secrets one held, the stronger the position one held over her enemies.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Therefore, it was with a smile, a nod, and very few questions that Margaret Fitzwilliam agreed the best course of action was to encourage Darcy to marry his cousin Anne de Bourgh with little delay. For the sake of the family, of course.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-bqckbar elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"bqckbar\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;,&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-zhngqtw\" data-id=\"zhngqtw\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9frbyfv elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-1594 elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9frbyfv\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">NEW RELEASE<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-vvcemc5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"vvcemc5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-zc80rua elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-1596 elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"zc80rua\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wip\/for-the-love-of-a-bennet-chapter-1\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/elementor\/thumbs\/for-the-love-of-a-bennet-ociwlxbbz8lig0exwxhsw59r5tzz1k63m60yqyx2fo.jpg\" title=\"for the love of a bennet\" alt=\"for the love of a bennet\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-sdicxgm\" data-id=\"sdicxgm\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-unkota7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-1598 elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"unkota7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>For the Love of a Bennet<\/strong><\/p><p><span class=\"a-text-italic\"><em>What if Elizabeth Bennet traveled with Lydia to Brighton<\/em>?<\/span><br \/><br \/>A reimagining of Jane Austen&#8217;s most beloved tale,\u00a0<span class=\"a-text-italic\">Pride &amp; Prejudice,\u00a0<\/span>join author Elizabeth Ann West as she writes the romantic adventure story she always wanted! When Lizzy and Lydia arrive in Brighton, it&#8217;s very clear that the younger Bennet sister came with very serious plans towards Mr. Wickham. Thankfully, an old ally is also in town, with problems of his own to solve. After Mr. Darcy, himself, is summoned to Brighton to hopefully solve two dilemmas with one wealthy member of the gentry, the whole militia is thrown into an uproar by Wickham&#8217;s most dastardly deed, yet. Together, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy have to save Lydia from her own undoing, or it will mean more than just mere reputations are ruined.<br \/><br \/><span class=\"a-text-italic\"><em>For the Love of a Bennet<\/em>\u00a0<\/span>is a novel length story, currently being posted chapter by chapter on Elizabeth&#8217;s author site. This story was originally conceptualized in 2019 as a part of the All Go to Brighton challenge.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-xgdwngk elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"xgdwngk\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-istiays\" data-id=\"istiays\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-pyrelav elementor-view-default elementor-position-block-start elementor-mobile-position-block-start elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-box\" data-id=\"pyrelav\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-wrapper\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/rrkindlebooks\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"elementor-icon\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-label=\"Shop Amazon\">\n\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fa fa-amazon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-icon-box-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/rrkindlebooks\" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tShop Amazon\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-smprgnz elementor-view-default elementor-position-block-start elementor-mobile-position-block-start elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-box\" data-id=\"smprgnz\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-wrapper\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/rrgooglebook\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"elementor-icon\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-label=\"Shop Google Play\">\n\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fa fa-play\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-icon-box-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/rrgooglebook\" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tShop Google Play\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cntnppi elementor-view-default elementor-position-block-start elementor-mobile-position-block-start elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-box\" data-id=\"cntnppi\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-wrapper\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/rrkobobooks\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"elementor-icon\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-label=\"Shop Kobo\">\n\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fa fa-envira\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-icon-box-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/rrkobobooks\" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tShop Kobo\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-owcetmt\" data-id=\"owcetmt\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-tkswkcm elementor-view-default elementor-position-block-start elementor-mobile-position-block-start elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-box\" data-id=\"tkswkcm\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-wrapper\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/rrapplebooks\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"elementor-icon\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-label=\"Shop iTunes\">\n\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fa fa-apple\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-icon-box-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/rrapplebooks\" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tShop iTunes\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-stnvumz elementor-view-default elementor-position-block-start elementor-mobile-position-block-start elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-box\" data-id=\"stnvumz\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-wrapper\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/rrnookbooks\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"elementor-icon\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-label=\"Shop Nook\">\n\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fa fa-bookmark\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-icon-box-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/rrnookbooks\" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tShop Nook\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-tczjbce elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"tczjbce\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-nxywfrn\" data-id=\"nxywfrn\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-yj991il elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-1658 elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"yj991il\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\">[swpm_protected not_for=\"3-4\" do_not_show_protected_msg=\"1\"]\n<center>\n<b>Advertisement<\/b>\n<\/center>\n[\/swpm_protected]<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-005swo0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-1589 elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"005swo0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\">[swpm_protected not_for=\"3-4\" do_not_show_protected_msg=\"1\"]\n<center>\n\n<script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n<!-- 300 x 250 Google Ad For Chapters -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7008164687543724\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"5583540785\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<\/center>\n[\/swpm_protected]<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-pjnefyy elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"pjnefyy\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Chapter 30 - By Consequence of Marriage, a Pride and Prejudice Variation<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-mjwddnm elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"mjwddnm\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">After leaving his club, the last place Darcy wished to return was home. He momentarily forgot his aunt and George Wickham planned to lunch at Darcy House and was in no mood to play the dutiful nephew. It seemed ironic it was only after Georgiana was engaged to be married she was experiencing any level of chaperoning during her time with the bounder. With Lady Matlock present, Darcy&#8217;s presence was superfluous.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Directing his driver to head to the shops beyond Bond Street, Darcy began to anticipate searching out new books and folios for his library in what was largely considered the tradesmen area of town. While others of his acquaintance would die of shame to be seen frequenting the shops in this less fashionable area of town, Darcy learned through his experiences with Bingley the shop proprietors and tradesmen of the upper earnings level kept the most interesting variety of goods for their own community. Darcy had found no less than half a dozen of rare first edition volumes of many of his favorite authors, including the Lake District poets.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">As his carriage stopped in front of one of his favorite bookshops, another store caught his eye just two doors down. The wooden sign over the faded royal blue door was the shape of a lady&#8217;s hat. Feeling guilty about not wishing to spend time with Georgiana, Darcy ducked inside to shop for a wedding gift for his sister.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The shop was unlike the\u00e5 places he was accustomed to visiting in Mayfair, and from the shabby decor he doubted his sister would step foot in such an establishment. The wares, however, were another matter. From years of dressing Georgiana, Darcy immediately recognized the fine quality of the few pre-made items displayed for purchase. He admired a set of rich bordeaux gloves trimmed in what appeared to be fox fur when a familiar voice rang out.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;The blush color does not compliment the complexion. Might we be shown fabric in a robin&#8217;s blue?&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The voice reminded him of Elizabeth Bennet and for a moment Darcy held his breath. Had his passions for the woman he nearly killed run so mad he was now hearing delusions of her presence? He directed his mind to consider the lavender hat with large plumage on one side and push thoughts of the finest pair of eyes he ever beheld out of his mind.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">An assistant scurried from behind the screen and bumped into Darcy as she carried a billowing bolt of the offending blush fabric.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;Pardon me, sir.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Darcy nodded and moved further away from the screened area of the shop. He now considered the row of cashmere shawls, so soft, they were of much higher quality than he found at his aunt&#8217;s modiste in Mayfair. Being a businessman, he smiled, wondering when the Bon Ton would realize connections were key to obtaining the nicest quality, not location. He couldn&#8217;t help but overhear the poor assistant explain the problem to a woman who appeared to own the shop.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;The bride don&#8217;t like it ma&#8217;am. She asks for light blue, perhaps I should fetch the bolts of that lovely shade of sky?&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The prim proprietress raised her spectacles to inspect the blush fabric. She clucked her tongue and gazed at the assistant. &#8220;You did well, Millie, good girl starting with the most expensive fabrics. Run along now to the back room and see if you can find that new blue that just arrived from Mr. Pinkerton. I&#8217;ll amuse the ladies from Hertfordshire myself.&#8221; The proprietor patted the assistant on the shoulder as she carried the blush fabric with both arms outstretched to the backroom. Acknowledging Mr. Darcy, the owner quickly stared him up and down and deemed him a worthy customer.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;How may I help you today, sir? You are shopping for your . . .&#8221; she trailed off, learning long ago to never assume the recipient of a man&#8217;s favor.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Darcy coughed, trying to find his voice. It was no coincidence, the ladies being from Hertfordshire, the discussion of a bride. It was Elizabeth&#8217;s voice he heard earlier and she was to marry another! Darcy&#8217;s mouth opened and closed a few times, annoying the proprietress as she awaited his response.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;I see that you are busy, I shall come back another time,&#8221; he replied quietly. He reached behind him for the doorknob, backing away from the owner.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The owner shrugged her shoulders and dismissed the mysterious man. Honestly a man shopping for ladies wares was her least favorite customer because he rarely knew the items that would most please his lady and always wished to part with the least money. She picked up a fresh bowl of chocolates to take around the screen to her bridal party.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Mrs. Carlton, the owner of Carlton&#8217;s Linens had known the Gardiners for many years. Edward Gardiner was a most trusted supplier of notions and lace. But that Madeleine Gardiner, she had a sharp eye for style. There would be no padding of the draper&#8217;s bill with this foursome, though she could not complain about the size of the order.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Utterly demoralized, Darcy began walking, aimlessly, trying to work out all that he had heard. He remembered quite clearly the day he met Miss Elizabeth Bennet, nearly running her over with his horse. The tender moment where he brushed leaves and dirt from her injured forehead, his chest filling with hope when her pretty brown eyes fluttered open, but he also recalled that she had said a name. John. Whoever this mysterious John was to her, he must hold a place in her heart for them to be engaged and already with a wedding date.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Darcy expected his friend Charles would capitalize on the sweet nature of Miss Bennet, why he even went so far as to encourage Charles directly before he took his leave of Netherfield. Whatever happened in the last three months he had quit the county, it was not for him to know. At least not until after Georgiana was wed and out of his concern. Thinking on her groom, he would never rest easy in regard to his own sister&#8217;s safety.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The call of his name jerked Darcy&#8217;s head up. He hid his embarrassment at his own driver reminding him of his carriage being present. Storming into the carriage, Darcy scowled as he was sure he must look the rich fool, walking along the street as his carriage slowed beside him. Lowering the shades of the window closest to him, the great master of Carver House, Pemberley and Darcy House, closed his eyes and for one of the few times in his life since his parents died, wondered if his life would ever be his own to lead.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The adage goes, be careful what one wishes for, it may indeed come to be. An exhausted, weary Darcy trudged up the steps to his own town home, his feet growing heavier with each step. He had thought losing Georgiana would be the lowest point of his life, but the overwhelming emotions seizing his heart put his previous distress to shame.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">In his mind, he had always counted that somehow he&#8217;d return to Hertfordshire and offer for his Elizabeth&#8217;s hand in marriage. Thoroughly irritated that his familial obligations had prevented him from doing so a month ago, Darcy was aghast at the chorus of voices coming from the dining room. Groaning, he not only recognized Wickham&#8217;s and his aunt&#8217;s, but also his uncle&#8217;s and . . . Lady Catherine&#8217;s?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Closing his eyes, he held up a finger to signal Mrs. Potter to secrecy regarding his arrival. The practiced housekeeper grinned at her master and nodded. Darcy walked up the half flight of stairs to the main floor as quietly as possible. He was nearly to his study when his least favorite aunt shouted out.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;There is no need to sneak around your own house, Fitzwilliam. We are aware of your arrival, we heard your carriage coming up the drive.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Darcy&#8217;s shoulders tensed as he grew agitated. Not only was he caught, but was now being ordered around in his own home. He was not able to battle politely with his relatives, and he was quite certain this interview would become disastrous. Yet, never a man to shirk his responsibilities, Darcy turned and went to the dining room.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;Aunt, Uncle, Aunt, I had no advance notice you were to descend upon Darcy House for lunch this afternoon. Had I been made aware of your plans, I should have been here to welcome you when you arrived.&#8221; He stood at the head of the table to maintain control in his own home.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;Don&#8217;t pretend this to be a social call, Fitzwilliam. I cannot fathom how you and Richard thought you would handle this nasty business on your own, but it is high time we put an end to this nonsense, once and for all!&#8221; Lady Catherine sniped.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;As you may know, Lady Catherine, Georgiana and Mr. Wickham are to be married, next week, as a matter of fact. I am sure you were invited?&#8221; Darcy glanced to his Aunt Maggie for support, and the Countess of Matlock gently shook her head negatively. &#8220;Ah, I apologize. I can only offer that the omission of an invitation was not in any way an intended snub of your role as our mother&#8217;s sister, and merely a means to diminish the event itself.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;Diminish the event? Do you mean to say the whole of my family is against my marriage?&#8221; Georgiana Darcy asked, with the na\u00efvet\u00e9 of a child.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Lady Matlock patted her niece&#8217;s hand as she was strategically seated next to the young woman. &#8220;Of course not, we are happy you have settled your match, Georgiana. The delicate nature of society&#8217;s sensibilities, well, they require a certain gentleness regarding your ceremony. After all, how many young women of your status are permitted to marry for love? No, no, if we were to publicly announce your wedding, just think of the repercussions it would cause for other families who are unable to afford such a noble match.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">This explanation satisfied Georgiana, who happily resumed smiling and gazing at her dear, precious George sitting across the table. George Wickham did not return the looks of flirtation, and instead sat morbidly interested in his glass of wine.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;Perhaps it would be best if we retire to Darcy&#8217;s study for further discussions, and allow the young couple an opportunity for some time in the music room? With the maid present and the door open, of course,&#8221; the Earl of Matlock suggested.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Darcy and Lady Catherine stared at one another and it was Lady Catherine who moved first to approach her nephew standing in the doorway. Darcy had half a mind to stand steady in the lady&#8217;s path, but thought better of such an affront and stepped back with his left foot to turn his body to the side, allowing her to pass. The grand woman was of no little status in power, wealth, or girth. If Darcy was not so agitated, he might find the irony in allowing Lady Catherine to think herself in charge of the family despite the unhappy circumstance of being the old earl&#8217;s eldest child and a woman. However, she pushed Darcy too far when she entered the study and took a seat in the master&#8217;s chair behind the desk.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;Aunt, I believe you have taken my seat.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;Nonsense, Fitzwilliam. Sit over there.&#8221; She said, waving her arm dismissively. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;No madame, this is my study and that is my chair. All persons with business to discuss with the master of Carver House, Pemberley and Darcy House sit on the other side of that desk. I am happy to ask a footman to make an adjustment.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;You wouldn&#8217;t dare!&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Darcy&#8217;s other aunt and uncle entered the study to see the test of wills already in progress. Ready and reeling for a fight, Darcy placed both hands on the corners of his father&#8217;s desk and leaned forward to be nose to nose with his aunt. &#8220;After the day I have had, you do not wish to test me. This is my home you have entered and you will abide by my rules.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;Catty! Give the boy the chair! You won&#8217;t win any battles setting him against you.&#8221; The Earl of Matlock escorted his wife to the sofa, but remained standing until his sister would vacate the seat.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;Well, I never have experienced such rudeness to one&#8217;s elders. You ought to be ashamed of yourself, Fitzwilliam. If you were not so very tall, I&#8217;d bend you over this knee in an instant.&#8221; Lady Catherine shuffled out of the chair and walked around the desk, but paused to motion with her finger for her brother, the earl, to move Richard&#8217;s favorite armchair by the fireplace closer to the desk. The Earl complied, and Darcy took his regular seat. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">As Darcy motioned for the footman to leave them and close the door, he clasped his hands in front of him and placed them on the desk in the signal that this interview was no different than any of the other dozen or so business meetings he held in a week&#8217;s time.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;There are many other demands on my schedule today. I would appreciate if you would get straight to the point for this assault on Darcy House.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;Assault? Nephew, you do exaggerate. Why cannot uncles and aunts come to dine with their relatives?&#8221; Lady Matlock attempted to improve the atmosphere of the room.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;I cannot recall any such occasion in which the three of you deigned to visit my home all at once since my father died. So I ask again, what is the matter at hand?&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;The matter at hand is your willful defiance and procrastination on marrying my daughter!&#8221; Lady Catherine shouted as the Earl and Countess both cringed. Leave it to Catherine de Bourgh to be the bull entering a china shop.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;My sentiments on that matter are particularly clear, Lady Catherine. I hold no designs to marry my cousin and no amount of bullying shall change my position.&#8221; The earl cleared his throat, making Darcy adjust his attentions. &#8220;Oh no, not you too, Uncle. You and I both know she is unsuitable. Her illnesses are much too severe for anyone to expect her to carry an heir.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;There is history, Darcy. History that you were never made aware of and in light of Georgiana&#8217;s new alliance, we beseech you to consider this new information before declining your cousin&#8217;s hand. That&#8217;s all we ask son.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Darcy gazed earnestly at his uncle, searching for some sign of trickery, but there was genuine shame written in the lines of his frown. &#8220;I shall listen. But I tell you now, I cannot fathom a scenario that would encourage me to take her hand in marriage.&#8221; Darcy held up his hands as a gesture of exasperation and leaned back in his chair as his aunt and uncle began to relate he history of a child who grew up to be George Wickham.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Darcy listened in utter disbelief. All this time that they grew up as lads, Wickham was actually his cousin by his Uncle Lewis with a mistress! Now it all made sense. He never understood why his father would pay to school a lowly steward&#8217;s son; it was not unheard of to pay for lessons in a trade or vocation, but not to send him to the schools of the upper elite! Darcy&#8217;s mind raced as memories flashed with a new perspective. The potential ramifications and logical conclusion of this matter came to him before his uncle had to say the words.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;So you see, with Anne battling pneumonia as we speak, if she dies without marrying, that man out there may lay a claim to Rosings.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;The bastard child of that wench will never inherit that estate while I still live and breathe!&#8221; Lady Catherine exclaimed.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Darcy placed his two index fingers and thumbs in a church and steeple configuration and held them to his mouth as he thought through the multitude of consequences of this decision. His family was asking him to perform the most egregious mercenary act of marrying a dying woman, merely to deny a bastard child potentially his rightful inheritance.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">On the surface, it was a question of morality that Darcy would instantly disdain, but this was Wickham, a man who was very possibly the most evil, vicious, charlatan of his acquaintance. Why the scores of women he ruined and the families Darcy had paid over the years likely amounted to years of earnings from the income of an estate such as Rosings. To permit that grand property to fall into his hands would be a great tragedy, not only for the family, but for the hundreds of lives that depended on the prosperity of the estate for their livelihood. It would likely take no less than five years for George Wickham to destroy the lives of so many, and Darcy would not allow such willful destruction.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;I agree.&#8221; Darcy released a breath, completely indifferent to his decision.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Lady Catherine stood from her chair. &#8220;Good, now we can start to plan a double wedding for next week \u2013&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Darcy held up his hand to interrupt his aunt. &#8220;I agree to marry Anne, but this is not a decision I wish rush. I require this action wait until my normal Easter visit when I may ask Anne for her opinion on the matter. This decision affects her, does it not?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;It most certainly does not! She will marry whom I decide. Besides, you&#8217;ll never be married in the true sense of the word. I do not expect you to spend any significant amount of time at Rosings, Fitzwilliam.&#8221; Lady Catherine narrowed her eyes, drawing a line in the sand. Clearly she intended to remain queen and mistress of her kingdom.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;Perhaps you ought to reconsider your position, Aunt Catherine. I demand my properties remain profitable, even personally cutting the fat from bloated budgets and useless additions. &#8220;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Lady Catherine&#8217;s mouth moved up and down with fearsome anger flashing in her eyes. Before she readied her counterattack, the Earl stepped in.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;Let&#8217;s resolve we have agreed on the main issue at hand. The particulars of carrying out our decision will be decided at a later date. We need to work together to protect Georgiana and Darcy will make his annual visit to Kent for Easter with the expectation that he make Anne his wife.&#8221; The earl glanced between his sister and nephew offering both an encouraging nod.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">&#8220;I agree, Uncle, so long as my aunt realizes the ramifications of setting me as owner of Rosings should dear Anne die.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Lady Catherine&#8217;s face began to redden as she held her breath. Her brother gently directed her to the door, calling to Darcy it was past time they return to Matlock House and he hoped to see his nephew and niece soon for another family dinner.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-family: Optima;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">With his relatives gone, Darcy walked over to his sideboard with plans to pour himself a drink. Reliving his decision as he lifted the decanter with only half of his favorite amber liquid filling the vessel, Darcy shrugged and placed the glass down. He carried the decanter back to his desk, taking a swig on the way. As he began his journey into drunken oblivion, he chastised himself to never again question the Lord&#8217;s plan to ruin forever the life of Fitzwilliam Darcy.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-vwgeihj elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"vwgeihj\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>You&#8217;ve been reading <em>By Consequence of Marriage<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-hicuziy elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"hicuziy\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;,&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;gradient&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-mwdsbpf\" data-id=\"mwdsbpf\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-xwpycdc elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"xwpycdc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/elementor\/thumbs\/master-1-n3vluwq9bbualhuwipkn6c03acqykn9lxakfcxaahg.jpg\" title=\"master 1\" alt=\"master 1\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-tgyeejl elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"tgyeejl\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Droid Sans', sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i>By Consequence of Marriage, Book 1 of the Moralities of Marriage<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Droid Sans', sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">a Pride and Prejudice novel variation series<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Droid Sans', sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Release Date: December 23, 2014<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Droid Sans', sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">65,000 words, ~334 pages in print.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-uwugwnl\" data-id=\"uwugwnl\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-wurbwit elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"wurbwit\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Droid Sans', sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">When his horse throws a shoe, Fitzwilliam Darcy misses rescuing his sister, Georgiana Darcy, from the clutches of George Wickham by only one day. Now on the hunt to find them both, the gossip beginning to swirl in London forces him to abdicate the search to his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, while he plays the wayward gentleman in Hertfordshire with his friend Charles Bingley. After a collision with his future, Darcy struggles to satisfy his attraction to a pair of fine eyes and keep his family&#8217;s scandal hidden.<br \/> <br \/> Elizabeth Bennet dreams of nothing more than remaining close to her sister, Jane. When a\u00a0rich gentleman, Charles Bingley, enters the neighborhood, it seems certain that Jane will make a match with him. After all, Jane Bennet is the sweetest and most beautiful woman in the county! But Elizabeth&#8217;s efforts to find her own local match go awry and she feels abandoned by the first man to cause stirrings in her heart. Her parents attempt to marry Elizabeth off to her cousin, William Collins, who is set to inherit the estate. But when she refuses, she soon finds herself In London with relatives, forced to find her own happiness.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-gmxqeua elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"gmxqeua\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;,&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;gradient&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-mcyifih\" data-id=\"mcyifih\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-zevyfzj elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-1635 elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"zevyfzj\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>+ 23 additional Pride &amp; Prejudice variations are available at these fine retailers . . .&nbsp;<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-bifkmbg elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"bifkmbg\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" 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href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/rrkindlebooks\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"elementor-icon\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-label=\"Shop Amazon\">\n\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fa fa-amazon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-icon-box-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/rrkindlebooks\" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tShop Amazon\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-hjtvxir elementor-view-default elementor-position-block-start elementor-mobile-position-block-start elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-box\" data-id=\"hjtvxir\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div 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class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ydqgvrw elementor-view-default elementor-position-block-start elementor-mobile-position-block-start elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-box\" data-id=\"ydqgvrw\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-wrapper\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/rrapplebooks\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"elementor-icon\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-label=\"Shop iTunes\">\n\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fa fa-apple\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-icon-box-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/rrapplebooks\" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tShop 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class=\"elementor-icon-box-content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-icon-box-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"http:\/\/www.audible.com\/search\/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_1_srAuth?searchAuthor=Elizabeth+Ann+West&#038;qid=1489664647&#038;sr=1-1\" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tShop Audible\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-25 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-uvyjlbz\" data-id=\"uvyjlbz\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-asowgcj elementor-view-default elementor-position-block-start elementor-mobile-position-block-start elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-box\" data-id=\"asowgcj\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-wrapper\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/rrgooglebook\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"elementor-icon\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-label=\"Shop Google Play\">\n\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fa fa-play\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-icon-box-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/rrgooglebook\" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tShop Google Play\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-pjkeusu elementor-view-default elementor-position-block-start elementor-mobile-position-block-start elementor-widget 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href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Elizabeth%20Ann%20West\/e\/B005NPJOQI\/ref=la_B005NPJOQI_pg_1?fst=as%3Aoff&#038;rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_82%3AB005NPJOQI%2Cp_n_feature_browse-bin%3A2656022011&#038;bbn=283155&#038;sort=author-pages-popularity-rank&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1489664759\" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tShop Paperbacks\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-25 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-izqkeys\" data-id=\"izqkeys\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-hcgjbpc elementor-view-default elementor-position-block-start elementor-mobile-position-block-start elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-box\" data-id=\"hcgjbpc\" 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\u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-1384 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-books category-by-consequence-of-marriage category-by-consequence-of-marriage-readingroom category-moralities-of-marriage-series category-readingroom tag-a-happy-assembly tag-death-comes-to-pemberley tag-fanfiction tag-fanfiction-net tag-longbourn tag-mr-darcy tag-pemberley tag-pride-and-prejudice tag-pride-and-prejudice-fan-fiction\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-4-6-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-1370\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-4-6-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tChapters 4-6, By Consequence of Marriage\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-4-6-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Chapters 4-6, By Consequence of Marriage\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-1393 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-books category-by-consequence-of-marriage category-by-consequence-of-marriage-readingroom category-moralities-of-marriage-series category-readingroom tag-a-happy-assembly tag-death-comes-to-pemberley tag-elizabeth-bennet tag-fan-fiction tag-fanfiction tag-fanfiction-net tag-longbourn tag-mr-darcy tag-pemberley tag-pride-and-prejudice tag-pride-and-prejudice-fan-fiction\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-7-9-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-1370\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a 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tag-pride-and-prejudice-fan-fiction\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/readingroom\/chapters-10-12-consequence-marriage\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-1370\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/readingroom\/chapters-10-12-consequence-marriage\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tChapters 10-12 By Consequence of Marriage\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/readingroom\/chapters-10-12-consequence-marriage\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Chapters 10-12 By Consequence of Marriage\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-1693 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-books category-by-consequence-of-marriage category-by-consequence-of-marriage-readingroom category-moralities-of-marriage-series category-readingroom tag-a-happy-assembly tag-death-comes-to-pemberley tag-elizabeth-bennet tag-fan-fiction tag-fanfiction tag-fanfiction-net tag-longbourn tag-mr-darcy tag-pemberley tag-pride-and-prejudice tag-pride-and-prejudice-fan-fiction\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/readingroom\/chapters-13-15-consequence-marriage\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-1370\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/readingroom\/chapters-13-15-consequence-marriage\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tChapters 13-15 By Consequence of Marriage\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/readingroom\/chapters-13-15-consequence-marriage\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Chapters 13-15 By Consequence of Marriage\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-1688 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-books category-by-consequence-of-marriage category-by-consequence-of-marriage-readingroom category-moralities-of-marriage-series category-readingroom tag-a-happy-assembly tag-death-comes-to-pemberley tag-elizabeth-bennet tag-fan-fiction tag-fanfiction tag-fanfiction-net tag-longbourn tag-mr-darcy tag-pemberley tag-pride-and-prejudice tag-pride-and-prejudice-fan-fiction\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-16-18-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-1370\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-16-18-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tChapters 16-18 By Consequence of Marriage\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-16-18-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Chapters 16-18 By Consequence of Marriage\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-1788 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-books category-by-consequence-of-marriage category-by-consequence-of-marriage-readingroom category-moralities-of-marriage-series category-readingroom tag-a-happy-assembly tag-death-comes-to-pemberley tag-elizabeth-bennet tag-fan-fiction tag-fanfiction tag-fanfiction-net tag-longbourn tag-mr-darcy tag-pemberley tag-pride-and-prejudice tag-pride-and-prejudice-fan-fiction\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-19-21-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-1370\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-19-21-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tChapters 19-21 By Consequence of Marriage\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-19-21-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Chapters 19-21 By Consequence of Marriage\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-1845 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-books category-by-consequence-of-marriage category-by-consequence-of-marriage-readingroom category-moralities-of-marriage-series category-readingroom tag-a-happy-assembly tag-death-comes-to-pemberley tag-elizabeth-bennet tag-fan-fiction tag-fanfiction tag-fanfiction-net tag-longbourn tag-mr-darcy tag-pemberley tag-pride-and-prejudice tag-pride-and-prejudice-fan-fiction\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-22-24-consequence-marriage\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-1370\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-22-24-consequence-marriage\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tChapters 22-24 By Consequence of Marriage\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-22-24-consequence-marriage\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Chapters 22-24 By Consequence of Marriage\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-1839 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-books category-by-consequence-of-marriage category-by-consequence-of-marriage-readingroom category-moralities-of-marriage-series category-readingroom tag-a-happy-assembly tag-death-comes-to-pemberley tag-elizabeth-bennet tag-fan-fiction tag-fanfiction tag-fanfiction-net tag-longbourn tag-mr-darcy tag-pemberley tag-pride-and-prejudice tag-pride-and-prejudice-fan-fiction\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-25-27-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-1370\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-25-27-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tChapters 25-27 By Consequence of Marriage\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-25-27-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Chapters 25-27 By Consequence of Marriage\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-1871 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-books category-by-consequence-of-marriage-readingroom category-by-consequence-of-marriage category-moralities-of-marriage-series category-readingroom tag-a-happy-assembly tag-death-comes-to-pemberley tag-elizabeth-bennet tag-fan-fiction tag-fanfiction tag-fanfiction-net tag-longbourn tag-mr-darcy tag-pemberley tag-pride-and-prejudice tag-pride-and-prejudice-fan-fiction\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-28-30-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-1370\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-28-30-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tChapters 28-30 By Consequence of Marriage\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-28-30-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Chapters 28-30 By Consequence of Marriage\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-1875 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-books category-by-consequence-of-marriage category-by-consequence-of-marriage-readingroom category-moralities-of-marriage-series category-readingroom tag-a-happy-assembly tag-death-comes-to-pemberley tag-elizabeth-bennet tag-fan-fiction tag-fanfiction tag-fanfiction-net tag-longbourn tag-mr-darcy tag-pemberley tag-pride-and-prejudice tag-pride-and-prejudice-fan-fiction\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-31-33-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-1370\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-31-33-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tChapters 31-33 By Consequence of Marriage\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-31-33-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Chapters 31-33 By Consequence of Marriage\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-1889 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-books category-by-consequence-of-marriage category-by-consequence-of-marriage-readingroom category-moralities-of-marriage-series category-readingroom tag-a-happy-assembly tag-death-comes-to-pemberley tag-elizabeth-bennet tag-fan-fiction tag-fanfiction tag-fanfiction-net tag-longbourn tag-mr-darcy tag-pemberley tag-pride-and-prejudice tag-pride-and-prejudice-fan-fiction\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-34-36-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-1370\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-34-36-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tChapters 34-36 By Consequence of Marriage\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-34-36-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Chapters 34-36 By Consequence of Marriage\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-1900 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-books category-by-consequence-of-marriage category-by-consequence-of-marriage-readingroom category-moralities-of-marriage-series category-readingroom tag-a-happy-assembly tag-death-comes-to-pemberley tag-elizabeth-bennet tag-fan-fiction tag-fanfiction tag-fanfiction-net tag-longbourn tag-mr-darcy tag-pemberley tag-pride-and-prejudice tag-pride-and-prejudice-fan-fiction\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-37-39-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-1370\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-37-39-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tChapters 37-39 By Consequence of Marriage\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-37-39-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Chapters 37-39 By Consequence of Marriage\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-1910 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-books category-by-consequence-of-marriage category-by-consequence-of-marriage-readingroom category-moralities-of-marriage-series category-readingroom tag-a-happy-assembly tag-death-comes-to-pemberley tag-elizabeth-bennet tag-fan-fiction tag-fanfiction tag-fanfiction-net tag-longbourn tag-mr-darcy tag-pemberley tag-pride-and-prejudice tag-pride-and-prejudice-fan-fiction\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-40-42-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-1370\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-40-42-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tChapters 40-42 By Consequence of Marriage\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-40-42-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Chapters 40-42 By Consequence of Marriage\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-1919 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-books category-by-consequence-of-marriage category-by-consequence-of-marriage-readingroom category-moralities-of-marriage-series category-readingroom tag-a-happy-assembly tag-death-comes-to-pemberley tag-elizabeth-bennet tag-fan-fiction tag-fanfiction tag-fanfiction-net tag-longbourn tag-mr-darcy tag-pemberley tag-pride-and-prejudice tag-pride-and-prejudice-fan-fiction\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-43-45-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-1370\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-43-45-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tChapters 43-45 By Consequence of Marriage\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-43-45-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Chapters 43-45 By Consequence of Marriage\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-1929 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-books category-by-consequence-of-marriage category-by-consequence-of-marriage-readingroom category-moralities-of-marriage-series category-readingroom tag-a-happy-assembly tag-death-comes-to-pemberley tag-elizabeth-bennet tag-fan-fiction tag-fanfiction tag-fanfiction-net tag-longbourn tag-mr-darcy tag-pemberley tag-pride-and-prejudice tag-pride-and-prejudice-fan-fiction\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-46-48-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-1370\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-46-48-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tChapters 46-48 By Consequence of Marriage\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-46-48-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Chapters 46-48 By Consequence of Marriage\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-1934 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-books category-by-consequence-of-marriage category-by-consequence-of-marriage-readingroom category-moralities-of-marriage-series category-readingroom tag-a-happy-assembly tag-death-comes-to-pemberley tag-elizabeth-bennet tag-fan-fiction tag-fanfiction tag-fanfiction-net tag-longbourn tag-mr-darcy tag-pemberley tag-pride-and-prejudice tag-pride-and-prejudice-fan-fiction\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-49-50-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-1370\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/facebook-feature-by-consequence-of-marriage.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-49-50-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tChapters 49-50 By Consequence of Marriage\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/elizabethannwest.com\/author\/books\/chapters-49-50-by-consequence-of-marriage\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Chapters 49-50 By Consequence of Marriage\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-ht53gow elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"ht53gow\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3tgnwoc\" data-id=\"3tgnwoc\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ueza0o2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ueza0o2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1>Oh no. Family burdens AND now Darcy thinks that Elizabeth is getting married.<\/h1><h1>XOXOXO Elizabeth Ann West<\/h1>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The problem with secrets is that it can easily lead to misunderstandings. XOXOXO Elizabeth Ann West Chapter 28 &#8211; By Consequence of Marriage, a Pride<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":380,"featured_media":1370,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,43,7,6,42],"tags":[48,51,26,46,45,44,50,22,49,23,47],"class_list":["post-1871","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-books","category-by-consequence-of-marriage-readingroom","category-by-consequence-of-marriage","category-moralities-of-marriage-series","category-readingroom","tag-a-happy-assembly","tag-death-comes-to-pemberley","tag-elizabeth-bennet","tag-fan-fiction","tag-fanfiction","tag-fanfiction-net","tag-longbourn","tag-mr-darcy","tag-pemberley","tag-pride-and-prejudice","tag-pride-and-prejudice-fan-fiction"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Chapters 28-30 By Consequence of Marriage - Elizabeth Ann West<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Read Pride and Prejudice Fan Fiction, new stories of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. 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