NOTE: I do not claim any ownership on any of the Pride & Prejudice names, characters, or places.
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1September
20 years later
"Jamie, it never ceases to amaze me how so many pretty young ladies can come and sit by you, flirt with you really, and you never even give them a passing glance! How do you manage such a thing, brother?"
James Darcy had heard this speech many times before by his brother Alexander. Particularly now that he was twenty, Alexander's flow of complaints seemed like they never had an end! It was not in James's way to flirt and laugh with every pretty girl who crossed his path, like his brother. James had inherited his fathers looks and also his temper; he was pleasant to look at from afar but did not improve upon acquaintance.
James sighed irritated, "I manage very well, sir. I should also ask how you manage to flirt with every pretty girl you cross in the street! You must realize sooner or later that most ladies are only after you for your fortune. They care nothing for pleasing manners and exaggerated compliments."
"Maybe that is why all the ladies flock to your presence," Alexander said mockingly.
James chose to ignore this barb and stared moodily into the fire instead.
"Oh, look!" Alexander exclaimed jumping up from his seat to look out the window, "Uncle and Aunt Bingley have arrived! I wonder if William was persuaded to join them?"
William Bingley was their cousin through their Aunt Jane, being their mother's sister. He was one and twenty, being born almost exactly one year from themselves. William was considered to be very handsome having inherited his mother's good looks and his father's pleasing form of address.
"I also heard," Alexander continued, "that our cousin Lorraine was to bring with her a friend of hers just newly launched into society. 'Grace Hammond' I believe her name was."
"Take care that, if she is pretty and her fortune is favorable, that you do not try to woo this one as well Alexander," called James as Alexander strode out of the room.
Lorraine was also their cousin through their aunt but, while William was energetic and outgoing, Lorraine was shy and quiet; much like Mr. Darcy's sister Georgiana. Some called her proud and unsociable, but those that knew her well knew that she was just shy in large groups but could be very animated behind closed doors with her family.
James sighed and thought, "I suppose I'll make a brief appearance, meet the charming young Miss Hammond, greet my family, and then I shall retire to the quiet of the library to find a book in whose company I am always welcome and never rejected."
