A Certain Something: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Cassandra B. Leigh

Author:Cassandra B. Leigh [Leigh, Cassandra B.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-01-10T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

On a blustery December day, Elizabeth listened to the mantle clock tick away the seconds while she worked on her stitchery in the sitting parlour. Even though a sennight had elapsed since the night of the ball, Mrs Bennet still maintained her assertions that Mr Bingley would return, just as he said he would. “You can never predict how long these business matters might take to resolve, and even if he takes another week, I daresay, I will see him at my table erelong.” However, Mrs Bennet had repeated her opinion with such frequency in the past week that Elizabeth questioned her own view of Bingley’s intentions. Perhaps he had not meant to raise Jane’s expectations. Perhaps Darcy or his sisters had convinced him to stay away.

While she contemplated these disturbing possibilities, a servant entered the parlour, followed by Mr Bingley. Exchanging surprised glances with Jane, they rose and made their curtsies. Their mother had been right all along—at least about Bingley.

Mrs Bennet greeted him with a triumphant smile. “Mr Bingley, I knew you would come. You must stay for supper.”

Bingley made his bow. “Hello, Mrs Bennet and all the Miss Bennets. I am afraid I cannot stay as I have a prior commitment,” he said, taking a seat across from Jane.

“But then you must come tomorrow.” Elizabeth admired her mother’s determination to entertain Bingley at her table.

He gave a sad shake of his head. “I fear I have only come to beg your pardon for going away without taking my leave of you. I had every intention of returning when my business was finished, but, as you know, my sisters have closed the house. I would not wish you to think poorly of me,” he said, his eyes fixed intently on Jane.

Mrs Bennet scoffed. “On no account in the world, Mr Bingley. Is that not so, Jane?”

“Have you decided to give up the lease on Netherfield, Mr Bingley?” Jane inquired, as colour rose to her face.

The air around Bingley sparkled. “No, indeed, I mean to return as soon as I can arrange it. My sisters will not be joining me, but I hope to contrive somehow.” He never shifted his affectionate gaze away from Jane.

“Oh, that is excellent news,” Mrs Bennet said in jubilant tones, then quickly tempered her voice. “We shall miss your sisters’ company, of course, but I suppose they prefer living in town.” Elizabeth prayed her mother would say nothing embarrassing.

“The holidays are nearly upon us, so I must remain with my family,” Bingley said.

Elizabeth watched in amazement as Jane and her favourite spoke only to each other, the air around them glimmering with light. “Our families are the most important aspect of the holidays,” Jane said.

“Yes, but after Twelfth Night, I shall be free to follow my own pursuits.”

“The New Year always holds so much promise, Mr Bingley.”

His shimmering lights intensified. “You must know that you may always depend on me, Miss Bennet.”

The two admirers gazed affectionately at each other for an extended moment until the spell was broken by the sound of giggling.

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