The Greatest Risk-Chapter 3

“I am not at all in a humor for writing; I must write on until I am.”

~Jane Austen

Hello, my dear readers. It sure has been a hot minute since I’ve shown my ‘face’ on this lovely site. Football is going well, so unfortunately both writing and Jane have taken a back seat. However, I’ve stayed up a few late nights to get a chapter or two hashed out here and there.

I hope you enjoy an unedited portion of Chapter 3 from “The Greatest Risk.”

“I cannot thank you enough, Cousin, for your abundance of wealth. Without it we would be in a poorly sprung, leaking carriage with little sustenance from home.”

“Richard!” Cassandra Fitzwilliam laughed. “Do not be so gauche to poor Darcy. I am certain he is tired of your mockery.”

The carriage bounced over the undulated roads jarring the passengers, while the drivers did an admirable job keeping the carriage moving in the light rain. Darcy looked up from his book and nodded. “I am grateful for your defense of my character, Cassandra, but I have learned to just ignore your brother. It has brought me the most happiness in this life.”

A chuckle came from Richard’s lips. “If you truly ignored me, we would not be having this conversation, would we?”

“I am merely attempting civility in front of your sister.”

“Civility?” the young woman asked with a chuckle. “Oh, Darcy. We need no civility. Unless, you are practicing on how to civilly keep the hens of…where are we going again…Meryton…at bay.”

“I do not believe a single carriage ride could compensate for his lack of skill in that area, Sister. He is a lost cause.”

The siblings chortled to themselves as Darcy rolled his eyes. Few people could get away with imposing the good-natured ribbing upon him, but these two could. He had been reared with them as his only playmates for years, until his own sister came along when he was twelve.

“I have been subjected to scheming mothers and their insipid daughters the whole of my life. The paltry attempts by a few country women will have no effect on my future.”

Cassandra glanced at him from the corner of her eye. “It is not the country women I would be concerned with. Is not Mr. Bingley’s sister Caroline in residence at Netherfield? Amelia Blackstone told me she had received a letter from her in which your name is mentioned as a possible suitor. Is there any truth to that?”

Darcy snorted. “I promise you I have no intention of ever making an offer to Miss Bingley.”

 “That woman would try to convince the Pope he was Anglican,” Richard said.

“She is the least of my thoughts. I am merely here to enjoy Bingley’s hospitality and escape from the demons which have plagued me for five months.”

“Just be on guard,” Cassandra said, taking out her novel and leaning back to read as the rain pattered against the glass. “I have a feeling that although you are not interested, your mettle will be tested this trip.”

Darcy smirked before responding. “I assure you, cousin. Neither Miss Bingley, or any other woman will be a temptation at Netherfield.”

Well, there’s a fun little blurb to whet your whistle!  Tell me what you think about Cassandra Fitzwilliam. Is she fun or too much?  Where do you think the story is going next?  I’m curious to hear your thoughts. Have a great weekend!