I decided to include a longer story excerpt today because I wanted the bit about the assembly (to go with this picture) and I also wanted you to see how this information is perhaps going to be used to push Alfred a little further. And that meant, I needed to get the part where Wes enters this part of the conversation. 🙂
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“One does not pursue such a fellow just as one does not flirt with such a fellow unless one wishes to marry him,” Lydia said.
Alfred’s brow furrowed. Miss Lydia was perhaps the most difficult of the Bennets to understand. “Does that mean none of you pursued him because you did not wish to marry a handsome gentleman with a reasonable fortune and who is all that is proper?”
“No,” Mrs. Bingley answered. “I would have married Mr. Webb if he had stirred my heart in such a fashion, for I did consider it. However, my one advance of greeting him upon his entry to an assembly was met with his customary friendliness and exclamation of pleasure at having secured the first dance with me, which I told him I had saved for him, but that was it. He made no effort to encourage my pursuit.” She shrugged. “I supposed it was his way of saying he was not interested in me, and so, I let it be what it was.”
“Oh, yes!” Mrs. Darcy cried. “A fellow must not hold his cards too close to his chest if he wishes to encourage a proper young lady to reveal her desires. I know my friend Charlotte has always said that a lady should not be too circumspect with her feelings when hoping to secure a particular husband, but it is not just us females who should be so open. Would you not agree?”
“I would,” Wes answered readily. “Though I would caution that arguing and provoking the lady who interests you is not the best way to reveal your affections.” He chuckled and several chuckled along with him, including his wife. “How about you Young Alfred? What are your thoughts on the subject? Your answers are always interesting, and since you are the only chap here who has yet to find a wife, I think we should all like to know how you see such a thing from your point of view.”
[from Protecting Miss Darcy, Marrying Elizabeth book 6]
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I loved the picture. the young lady looks very elegant. I could see Georgina Darcy wearing this while she and Alfred hold hands and kiss each other.
I could see her wearing that gown as well.
That Wes is a character. I just love him. What a lovely gown. If the picture had the lady with blonde hair… I could just see Georgiana wearing that dress. I’ll have to use my imagination. That was a cute excerpt. Poor Alfred. Everyone seems to be in on his dilemma and he is suffering. Wes was trying to help him along… snicker. Yeah, right! Blessings, stay safe and healthy.
Oh my, does Wes ever “help” in this chapter LOL