Darcy's Denial: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (Denial and Deliverance, #1)

by Carolyn Whyte

One side of her mouth quirked up in a smile

This little phrase appears to often to not be annoying.

Goodness, Darcy! he thought. I know she is not someone whom you would ever consider for yourself, but I believe I shall do more than merely consider her. And would your face truly crack if you essayed a smile? Miss Bennet does not frighten easily, but your stare could give Bonaparte himself pause.

"Though I have crossed the channel several times, I am a poor sailor, and the thought of the rolling verse, heaving up and down as the sea itself, well—it makes me green to contemplate it."

Elizabeth laughed. Darcy, meanwhile, was clenching his fists to keep from swatting his cousin. How dare he make love to her before my very eyes?

"Miss Bennet," Richard said, stopping in front of her with a deep bow, "Although it was my very great pleasure to not dance with you twice all those months ago in Meryton, I believe I expressed my disappointment that I was unable to do more. Now here we are together, with lively music and no injuries to prevent us dancing—I would think it the greatest honour if you would indulge me in a reel."

Somewhere in the garden, someone was playing a guitar.

This scene was rather silly and didn't really belong in the story.

One day, perhaps soon, I will read in the newspaper of his engagement to some well-connected, even titled, heiress, and I will think: once, I danced with him. Once, he spoke to me some verses about love. Once, he sought my company when I had been rejected by another. Once, had things been different, he might have chosen me.