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  Netherfield: Rogue Dragon

  by

  Maria Grace

  Published by: White Soup Press

  Netherfield: Rogue Dragon

  Copyright © May 2018 Maria Grace

  All rights reserved including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof,

  in any format whatsoever.

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental and not intended by the author.

  For information address

  [email protected]

  ISBN-13: 978-0-9980937-7-2 (White Soup Press)

  Author’s Website: http://RandomBitsofFascination.com

  Email address: [email protected]

  “Grace has quickly become one of my favorite authors of Austen-inspired fiction. Her love of Austen’s characters and the Regency era shine through in all of her novels.” Diary of an Eccentric

  Netherfield: Rogue Dragon

  Elizabeth Bennet thought she was prepared to do anything to make the Dragon Conclave accept her beloved young dragon, Pemberley, into the Blue Order, but she had not anticipated it would leave her banished from her ancestral home and betrothed to none other than Mr. Darcy. But before Elizabeth and Darcy wed, they must find a dangerous rogue dragon before it provokes a war amongst the dragons and brings the fragile peace between dragons and mankind to a catastrophic end.

  Nothing written in the annals of dragon lore has prepared Elizabeth to manage a dragon not governed by the Blue Order. Dragons have always loved her, but this one finds her arrogant, selfish and insensitive to others. With only her instincts to guide her, she must convince the rogue of her good intentions before the Blue Order loses patience and decides on more drastic measures.

  Called away to the other side of the kingdom, trying to settle the dragons' unrest, Darcy learns the nature of the force poisoning the rogue dragon against Elizabeth. One nearer and dearer than they could have imagined.

  Can Elizabeth and Darcy convince with rogue dragon to cooperate before darker forces turn it against them, without destroying the fragile bonds uniting the couple?

  Don’t miss this free story from Maria Grace.

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  DEDICATION

  For my husband and sons.

  You have always believed in me.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Epilogue

  Thank you!

  Other books by Maria Grace:

  Free ebooks

  About the Author

  Acknowledgments

  Chapter 1

  Nippy March air scoured Elizabeth’s face as the mews’ uneven paving stones assaulted her feet in her dash to Darcy’s carriage. She pulled her green cloak tighter around her shoulders, her fairy dragon, April, safely nestled amongst her hood’s folds. The sun’s first rosy rays barely peeked over the horizon, not yet having their warming influence on the day.

  Saying her goodbyes to Georgiana and Pemberley in the cellar dragon lair below Darcy’s London townhouse had been the right decision. Forcing everyone to endure the morning nipping at ears and noses, fighting tears and melancholy, would have not made their parting any easier. Poor dears. Who was more distraught: Georgiana, for the loss of the sister she had just claimed, or Pemberley, now bereft of both her Keepers?

  The two would be in good hands with Barwines Chudleigh, Lady Astrid, and the rest of the Blue Order officers taking them under their—sometimes literal —wings. There should be comfort in that. But still—to be asked to walk away after only just becoming acquainted with them and the new sense of family they brought, even for the critical work the Order demanded! Beastly unfair. Even so, Georgiana and Pemberley maintained brave faces and did not cry; she would do the same—at least while in their company.

  The driver handed her into the plush carriage and shut the door. The entire coach smelled of him—his shaving oil, his soap, his own particular scent. Him. She blinked the burning from her eyes. Beastly unfair.

  Warm bricks smoothed the edge off the chill, and a toasty lap rug lifted her to the heights of indulgence. Not that it was a far stretch to get there in Darcy’s well-appointed coach. Thick squabs with supple leather covers, a table of sorts that pulled down from the sidewall, gleaming hardware—not so long ago she would never have imagined traveling in such luxury.

  This would be her lot as Mrs. Darcy. How easy it would be to become accustomed to excellent equipage and a refined home filled with minor dragons, not to mention another Dragon Keeper determined to do right by his Dragon Mates. Truly, what more could she dream of?

  Perhaps not to feel guilty for her good fortune.

  Still though, one issue haunted her. Would Mr. Darcy be as determined and devoted toward his wife as to the dragons? Papa certainly was not. But then again, none would suggest that a fair comparison.

  “You are fretting again,” April whispered, snuggling closer into her neck. Fluffy blue feather-scales tickled Elizabeth’s ear.

  “Are you cold? You can come under the lap rug if you like.”

  “You are warm enough for me. There are times—occasionally—that it must be nice to be a warm-blood.” April tucked the tip of her beaky nose under her tail.

  Elizabeth laughed and stroked April’s head. “I suppose you are right.”

  “But you should not fret. All is as it should be now.”

  “You have a most peculiar notion of how things should be. You do realize we are in search of a rogue dragon. My youngest sister has gone off with a man trying to make himself a Deaf Speaker. And my other sister is currently betrothed to a tentatively-approved Deaf Speaker, a man generally loathed by man and dragon alike. None of that seems exactly desirable to me.” Elizabeth threw her head back into the squabs. Described like that, their situation had all the hallmarks of a Gothic tale in the making.

  April nipped her ear softly. “You forget you are betrothed to an excellent Keeper, away from that horrid, jealous Longbourn, and Keeper to an infant vikontes who will someday be a tremendous influence in the Dragon Conclave. I am entirely content.”

  “You have very decided opinions, my Friend.”

  “And you ignore too many correct opinions.” April snorted, tickling the side of Elizabeth’s jaw.

  She made it all sound simple, but then dragons tended to overlook what was inconvenient to their particular agenda. Unfortunately, April’s insistence did not change the difficult realities, no matter how much either of them wanted it. Elizabeth wrapped one arm tightly around her waist.

  The carriage turned into the mews behind the Gardiners’ house. They stopped at the back door near a laden luggage cart, Uncle Gardiner’s horse tied to its side. Was it insurance he would have transport in case Papa became angry with him again?

  She winced. Uncle should not have to think that way about Papa. But truly, was it surprising he did?

  Rustle and Cait landed on the carriage roof. The driver greeted them in muffled tones. According to Darcy, the driver heard dragons but had no Dragon Friend. It seemed odd that one who heard dragons might not want to live with one, but apparently not everyone found draconic company appealing.

  Before Elizabeth could leave the coach’s warmth, Uncle helped M
ary and Heather slide in beside her. Heather climbed inside Mary’s generous furry muff, tucked her tail over her nose, and snored a musical fairy dragon snore—adorable, like most things concerning fairy dragons.

  “Do you think Longbourn will have already told Papa the news?” Mary glanced over her shoulder as though looking for one of them.

  “Since the majority is not in his favor, I somehow doubt it. I expect the duty will fall to you and Uncle Gardiner.”

  “I wish you would talk to him.” Mary plucked at a tuft of silky brown muff fur.

  Really, that is what worried her? Elizabeth grimaced and clenched her teeth. Sharp words and sarcasm would not improve matters. “I hardly think that possible, considering I am now a stranger to Longbourn estate.”

  Mary clapped her hands to her cheeks. “Oh, Elizabeth, I am sorry! I cannot believe I forgot—”

  “Well, I suppose it is a good thing I have not lest Longbourn become enraged over the trespass.”

  “You need not sound so angry with me. I meant no offense.”

  “Considering you gained what you most wanted whilst I have lost just as much and perhaps a great deal more, is it too much to ask that you would remember my situation? If for no other reason, as Longbourn’s Keeper, it behooves you to pay attention to those things that affect your dragon.” So much for avoiding sharp words.

  “You need not sound so bitter. It is not as though you are without home or dragon. Are you not betrothed to a man of consequence both in the Blue Order and in London society?” Mary turned her face aside.

  Was it possible Mary was jealous? She got everything she desired, and yet she still resented Elizabeth?

  “You sought Mr. Collins. I had never considered Mr. Darcy until we stood in the Dragon Conclave, and I had little choice. That may not mean much to you, but it is material to me.” Elizabeth knotted her fist under her cloak, relishing the cut of her fingernails against her palm.

  Heather stirred and opened one eye. “You are not being very kind.”

  Gracious! Heather had never criticized Mary before.

  “She is right.” April poked her head out of Elizabeth’s hood. “Who are you to criticize if you are less perfect than her?”

  “That is all we need to hear on the matter.” Elizabeth covered April with her palm.

  Mr. Collins clambered in, Uncle Gardiner close behind, the coach rocking and swaying with their shifting weight.

  Uncle pulled the door shut and rapped on the roof. The carriage lurched as the horses set into motion. “With such an early start, we may well be at Longbourn before the family makes it down to breakfast.”

  “Remember, Papa is apt to be cranky before he has had his first willow bark tea and coffee.” Elizabeth avoided looking at Mary.

  “Then I shall not offer any news of importance until he is well dosed with his morning libations.” Uncle winked. Though he smiled and seemed cheerful, something about the way he carried his shoulders—but why would he not be tense, all things considered?

  Elizabeth turned to Collins. “How did you find your audience with Lady Astrid?”

  He still wore a wide-eyed look that might be permanent; at least the pallor had finally left his countenance, though. Probably a good thing. Watching him faint dead away yet again would not improve their journey.

  The edge of his mouth pulled back in an expression faintly resembling a sneer. So much for any hope of a pleasing conversation. “I must say, there is a great deal to accustom oneself to. So much intrigue and so many secrets within this Order of yours. A great deal of subterfuge is being practiced at all levels of society.”

  Already casting judgments and aspersions about the Blue Order? Surely the man was intent upon getting himself eaten by judicial decree. “I suppose that is one way to look at matters. But I would argue it is in the best interest of both species that it continues. Prior to the Pendragon Treaty, we all tottered at the brink of destruction. When most of those who cannot hear are not able to accept the presence of dragons, much less live peaceably with them, what else can be done?”

  Collins braced his feet on the floor boards and pressed into the squabs. “I suppose that is the case. Certainly the need for secrecy has been impressed upon me—and the dire consequences of violating it.”

  Uncle reprimanded him with a glance.

  “Do not get the wrong idea. As I said, I understand the need for it all.” He harrumphed softly and tucked his chin to his chest. “Though, the standards are not equally imposed.”

  The hairs on the back of Elizabeth’s neck prickled.

  April crept out of Elizabeth’s hood and perched on her forearm, prickly toes piercing her sleeve. “The dumb one’s implications are dangerous.”

  Mary glowered at April.

  “He is deaf, dear, not dumb,” Elizabeth whispered.

  “No, he is dumb.” April sent Collins an ear-nipping look.

  “What is it saying? I do not like it growling at me.” Collins nudged Mary with his heel.

  “’She’, not ‘it,’ and I would counsel you to remember basic etiquette whilst dealing with dragons. You might not be able to properly hear their voices, but they can perfectly comprehend yours. They take offence easily and are often not apt to forgive.” Elizabeth restrained the urge to step on Collins’ foot.

  “Of course, forgive me. What is she saying?” Oh, if he were not careful, April would peck that condescending smile right off!

  “She does not like what you imply, sir. Nor do I.”

  “I am not surprised,” he muttered to his waistcoat.

  April’s toes tightened on Elizabeth’s arm. Any tighter, and they might draw blood.

  “What am I to make of that remark?”

  “Simply that I am confused about how the Blue Order applies its regulations.” His chest puffed a bit—just like a dragon vying for dominance. He probably would not appreciate the comparison.

  So self-satisfied and self-important … horrid man! “It would behoove you to speak plainly, sir.”

  April growled, hackles rising. On the other hand, perhaps the best thing he could do was to stop speaking altogether.

  “If secrecy is so valued, why have you not been reprimanded for allowing those outside the Order to hear those stories you were telling the Gardiner children? That seems a breach of all the secrecy directives, does it not?” He carefully kept his face turned away from Uncle Gardiner.

  Elizabeth’s jaw dropped. April chittered so fast not even she could make it out. Heather peeked out from Mary’s muff and joined in much more softly.

  “Mr. Collins!” Uncle stomped. “You are hardly in any place to offer criticism when your own understanding is so meager.”

  “How can I perfect my information without asking questions?”

  “There is a difference, sir, between a question and an accusation,” Uncle hissed like an angry cockatrice.

  “Elizabeth cannot possibly be at fault—in anything?” Bitterness fairly dripped from Mary’s words. “She has always been such a favorite—”

  Uncle slapped the squab beside him. “You will cease this line of conversation and stop commenting on what you clearly do not comprehend. The unmitigated gall—you have been tolerated—not accepted mind you, but tolerated—by the Order for less than forty-eight hours, and already you see fit to condemn? And you Mary—you may have been Junior Keeper to Longbourn, but you were as happy as your father to drop everything upon your sister’s shoulders and leave her to bear the brunt of Longbourn’s care—and his tempers—on her own. You claimed it was Longbourn’s preferences, but it was as much your own laziness as anything else.”

  Elizabeth winced. Perhaps she could take Uncle’s horse the rest of the way.

  Mary’s face colored, and she stared at her hands. “I fulfilled everything Papa asked of me.”

  “This amounted to nearly nothing. Examples of the kind of effort you should have put forth abounded. Despite your father’s lackadaisical Dragon Keeping, he still provided you an excellent role mod
el of devotion to the Order and Dragonkind, or did you even notice the time he spent in study and research?”

  “He never tried to teach me—”

  “Were you a willing pupil? Did you attempt to truly apply yourself, or did you make yourself difficult to instruct?”

  Elizabeth pressed into the side of the carriage. No wonder the Gardiner boys were careful not to anger their father.

  “I know enough—”

  “—to do what? To be accepted by the Order? Yes, you know that much. But what could you possibly accomplish on your own? Could you meet a cockatrix on her own terms and come out the dominant female? Or introduce two cockatrice and keep them from killing one another? Can you soothe an amphithere’s grief without her saying a word as to what troubled her or gain the loyalty much less the cooperation of a tatzelwurm? Would you risk your very life to save a wild-hatched firedrake on the slim chance it might imprint? Would you have known to call for a tatzelwurm to tend the wounds you received in the process? You may be a full-fledged Keeper now, Mary, but you are not Elizabeth’s equal in ways you cannot begin to understand.”

  “So, that is all that matters—dragons and nothing else? What of the people who Keep them and those who must live unknowingly around them? Do they count for nothing?” Mary’s voice turned sharp and thin as it did when she was near tears.

  “What are you saying?” The words barely escaped Elizabeth’s tight throat.

  “It seems the Blue Order gives little thought to people, particularly those who are, through no fault of their own, caught up in the dragon world. Has anyone ever considered how Mama’s life has been manipulated by dragons and how little choice she has in the matter?”

  Elizabeth pinched her temples. “She would not be mistress of an estate apart from Longbourn. The Bennets are only landed because the current Longbourn’s brood mother chose them as Keepers to the estate. We are who we are because of the dragons.”