Dearest Friends Excerpt (Explaination for Cat T. Gardiner's Facebook Link)

Ok, folks, this week's post is made up entirely of a bit of unexpected silliness. While discussing giveaways and possible prizes with Cat T. Gardiner, I suggested sketchbooks. For those of you who have read Dearest Friends, you get the reference. For those who have not, please see the excerpt below, then join us on Facebook for a few laughs.

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“Dearest, what is the matter?” A concerned Darcy took in Elizabeth’s flushed countenance with much alarm. He pulled her away from their companions and took both her hands in his.

 
“I am well, Fitzwilliam, just in need of some distance from your aunt.”
 
Darcy’s concern turned to anger. “What did she say to you? She promised me she would support us.”
 
“Please do not be so concerned, sir, she is taking her promise seriously.”

“I do not understand.”

“I do not wish to speak of it now. Just know that she has not harmed me, she is only trying to be of use.”

Darcy’s furrowed brow told her he was unwilling to let it go. She sighed and lowered her voice to a whisper.

“She spoke to me of my . . . marital duties.”

Darcy blushed. “Why would she do so in the carriage in front of Anne and Georgie?”

“You will have to ask her that. Do not worry about the girls’ sensibilities, she had them cover their ears and close their eyes.”

Darcy chuckled at the image and Elizabeth glared. “Why did they have to close their eyes?”

“She brought her sketchbook.”

Darcy’s eyes grew wide. “I did not know she drew.”

“Yes, but apparently she only finds inspiration in one subject. She did not want me to be frightened on my wedding night.”

“Surely she did not show you drawings of Sir Lewis?” He found himself suddenly nauseous.

Elizabeth shook her head. “It seems your aunt keeps a lover.”

Darcy closed his eyes. “Oh god. I do not want to know about this.”

“I told you I did not want to talk about it. Now you get to travel with that thought in your head.”

“The next time I will listen, I assure you. Are you very distressed, dearest? That was very presumptuous of her. Were the drawings very graphic?”

Elizabeth wrinkled her nose. “They were.”

Darcy groaned and they made their way inside for tea, though neither of them could stomach much after that conversation.

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