The Winter of Our Discontent: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (Pride and Prejudice Variations)

by Grace Gibson

“Truly? I congratulate you for your sanguine attitude, sir. If you were to ask me, I would not want dear Miss Darcy to be pulled down by association, but⁠—” “Caroline!” Bingley weakly admonished. “I might counter that Mrs Darcy could be pulled up by their friendship,” I interrupted. My good-natured friend strove to turn the conversation around with false cheerfulness. “I say, Darcy, that is fair of you. I feared your resentment would not allow you to make what you can of it…” His voice trailed off in abject misery. “In point of fact, Mrs Darcy has turned out to be a tireless force at Pemberley. She is devoted to the tenants and takes prodigious care of the house. She intends to do much good on the estate, unlike more fashionable ladies who might have used such a large holding to set themselves up as scions of fashion and social power.” I directed this speech at Miss Bingley, a woman who once coveted the position of my wife for consequence and wealth alone, adding, “Perhaps I always wished for a country wife.”