Avidity (Darcy's Courtesan, Part Two): Darcy's Courtesan, #2

By Abbey North

Instruction becomes unquenchable passion...

With Mr. Bennet dead and Lydia having fled, leaving the Bennet sisters in disgrace, the widowed Mr. Collins believes he will easily persuade Lizzy to be his new bride. When she refuses, they are forced to flee the small home they've lived in at Longbourn for the last two years. Lizzy and her sisters come to unwelcoming London, unable to seek refuge with the Gardiners because of their reputations, ruined by Lydia's actions. With dwindling prospects, Lizzy accepts an offer of assistance from an unlikely source.

Installed in Darcy House with her sisters and learning the skills necessary for a courtesan, Lizzy discovers a deep and abiding passion with Fitzwilliam. Is there any hope the love he once felt for her might stir anew? Can she ever be more than Darcy's courtesan?

This is part two of a completed three-part serial. The final installment ("Amity") will be releasing shortly, followed by a compilation of the serial.

 

While Abbey sometimes writes sweet JAFF, this is extra SENSUAL. It includes love scenes that are scorching. This is only for adult readers who don't object to explicit intimacies between ODC.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Abbey North JAFF Books
• Release date: Aug 8, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201292546

Book preview

Blurb

Instruction becomes unquenchable passion...

WITH MR. BENNET DEAD and Lydia having fled, leaving the Bennet sisters in disgrace, the widowed Mr. Collins believes he will easily persuade Lizzy to be his new bride. When she refuses, they are forced to flee the small home they've lived in at Longbourn for the last two years. Lizzy and her sisters come to unwelcoming London, unable to seek refuge with the Gardiners because of their reputations, ruined by Lydia's actions. With dwindling prospects, Lizzy accepts an offer of assistance from an unlikely source.

Installed in Darcy House with her sisters and learning the skills necessary for a courtesan, Lizzy discovers a deep and abiding passion with Fitzwilliam. Is there any hope the love he once felt for her might stir anew? Can she ever be more than Darcy’s courtesan?

This is part two of a completed three-part serial.

While Abbey sometimes writes sweet JAFF, this is extra SENSUAL. It includes love scenes that are scorching. This is only for adult readers who don't object to explicit intimacies between ODC.

Chapter One

It is advisable to read "Adversity" before reading this installment.

LIZZY SPENT THE NEXT week discreetly under Fitzwilliam’s masterful tutelage, feeling like she was learning everything she’d need to know to embark on her future career. She’d been pushing aside that idea, not really wanting to contemplate the future and when it would be time to leave to find a man to keep her, but when she received a missive from Mrs. Wilson, she was forced to confront the situation directly.

The letter was brief, inviting Lizzy to an event that weekend at Tigerlily, where there would be a collection of gentlemen in search of courtesans for long-term arrangements. It was an ideal time to meet prospective clients, and she should feel well prepared after everything Mr. Darcy had taught her, but the idea of attending sent a pang through her stomach.

She tightened her lips and firmed her shoulders, reminding herself this was what she was working for, and she had few other options. It was still preferable to the ones available to her, save perhaps marriage. Yet she was determined to marry only for love, though that opportunity had long since passed. It wasn’t that she didn’t still feel emotions for a certain gentleman, but he would never be free to marry her even if he loved her.

Sometimes, when she was lying in his arms at night, Lizzy was convinced Fitzwilliam still cared about her, even if he didn’t completely love her anymore, but it wasn’t enough to base a tenuous future on a delicate hope when she had her sisters to care for as well. With that in mind, she held the letter as she exited her room, having hesitated only long enough to dash off a missive to Mrs. Hurst to inquire what one wore at such an occasion. She delivered the correspondence to the butler and made her way downstairs.

She was in search of Fitzwilliam, but she found Kitty in the parlor instead, embroidering and sipping tea. Her sister looked so normal and carefree for a moment that it made Lizzy catch her breath. It was also a stark reminder of why she was undertaking the actions she had chosen. She didn’t have the luxury to pin her hopes on something that might never come to pass.

Kitty looked up at her arrival, smiling. May I offer you some tea?

Lizzy was anxious to speak to Fitzwilliam, but she was also parched and could do with some light sustenance. She nodded her agreement as she sat in a wingback near her sister, putting the letter in her pocket while she did so. Kitty’s gaze followed it with curiosity, but she didn’t say anything as they had their tea. They spoke of inconsequential matters, though it pained Lizzy to hear Kitty talk about what winter at Darcy House might be like. They would not find out. Surely, they would all be gone by then.

That reminded her of the purpose that had brought her downstairs to start with, and she stood up. As she did so, the letter fell from her pocket. She reached to grab it, but Kitty scooped it up first. She couldn’t accuse her sister of deliberately spying on her, for the missive had fallen open. She could hardly fault Kitty’s gaze for going to the words and reading aloud. Her sister frowned.

"Dearest Miss Bennet,

There is an event this weekend at the establishment formerly visited by you, and there will be a selection of gentlemen who might benefit you to make their acquaintances. I look forward to seeing you, and I wish you much success in our joint venture.

Yours, Mrs. Wilson."

She frowned as Lizzy pulled the letter from her hand. Who is that, and what establishment?

Lizzy waved a hand. It is nothing.

Kitty looked unreasonably upset. It is clearly something, and it mentions eligible gentlemen. Have you gone to a matchmaker, Lizzy? Kitty’s eyes widened. I never would have expected such a thing from you, dear sister. Are you not the one who says you’ll only marry for love?

No, I am the one who says I shall never marry at all, thanks to Lydia’s actions and my own mindset. She cleared her throat. Surely, it is nothing for which you should be concerned.

If it were nothing, you would not be so alarmed. I do believe I will accompany you, since it is an opportunity to meet gentlemen. Perhaps I might find a husband among them as well.

Lizzy’s lips compressed, and it oddly reminded her of the time Miss Bingley had invited Jane to tea, leaving out the younger sisters and Lizzy. Lydia and Kitty had bemoaned being excluded, with Kitty in particular being upset because Mrs. Forster never invited her to tea and she was being excluded by yet another acquaintance. A wave of nostalgia washed over her, but she blinked and forced it back. You are not invited.

Kitty’s lips compressed. I do not care. If it is proper for you to go, it is proper for me to go. Her eyes narrowed. Unless it is improper?

Lizzy wasn’t going to answer that question. She hastily stepped back and asked, Have you seen Mr. Darcy? I need to ask him something.

I believe he is in his library. Lizzy, do not walk away from me.

Lizzy was irritated as she left the parlor, finding Kitty directly behind her. It is nothing. Forget it, Kitty.

I cannot, because you are being dreadfully mysterious. There is clearly something you are not telling us. Jane and I have discussed it—

Lizzy turned, spinning on her heel. You have been gossiping about me with our sister?

Of course not. Kitty was scowling, but her tone was gentler when she said, We are concerned about you, Lizzy. For example, moving into Darcy House with Mr. Darcy, whom you once professed was the last man you could ever marry. Yet here we are, and what incentive has he to be offering such kindness and charity? Are you paying him in some form? Kitty’s eyes narrowed with her perceptive guess.

Lizzy was irritated that Kitty had gained enough maturity and perspective to look beyond details of what had not been included to start with to analyze the situation. She wasn’t entirely surprised Jane had been discussing it with her, because Jane was usually more perceptive, but she hadn’t expected to be confronted by either of them. Had she imagined such a scenario, it would have been Jane approaching rather than Kitty. He is doing us a favor. Do not be ridiculous.

What is that favor costing you?

Lizzy turned away from her, done with the conversation. She gasped when Kitty took hold of her hand, forcing her to turn back in her direction.

Lizzy, if you are doing something dishonorable, you must tell us. Neither Jane nor I would wish for that.

Lizzy firmed her shoulders. Where is Jane?

Upstairs napping.

Lizzy nodded quickly. Precisely. She is not yet fully recovered from her illness, and she needs your attention. I suggest you allow me to deal with this business and keep it to myself. You must focus on Jane’s health and yours and allow me to focus on my well-being.

Kitty let out a startled cry as Lizzy pulled away from her and started walking toward Mr. Darcy’s study. She was still calling after her, straining Lizzy’s irritation