A Forced Marriage: A 'Pride and Prejudice' Novella Variation by Nora Jane Crawford

Author:Nora Jane Crawford [Crawford, Nora Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-08-16T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

The following morning, Mr. Darcy sat at the desk in his room. The events of the previous day weighed heavily on his mind, and he felt a pressing need to communicate them to his sister. He found some ink and a quill with which he began to compose a letter to Georgiana, detailing the circumstances that had led him to his unexpected decision—a decision that he was certain would undoubtedly surprise her.

As he started writing, Darcy paused, contemplating whether to pen a similar letter to his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. However, the thought of her inevitable disapproval, her sure-to-be lengthy diatribe against such a match, and her attempts to thwart his decision led him to delay the communication. He decided to inform her only when the event was inevitable, trusting that a few days' notice would minimize the uproar that was sure to follow.

With measured strokes, he began to write to his sister:

"My dearest Georgiana,

I trust this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I should have written sooner, but unforeseen circumstances prevented me. It is with some urgency that I must acquaint you with news of a rather unexpected nature. I have resolved, perhaps more hastily than is my wont, to enter into matrimony with a young lady by the name of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, here in Meryton.

I am well aware that this may come as a surprise to you, particularly as my time in this town has been brief. However, I am confident that, upon your acquaintance with Miss Bennet, you shall find her to be a lady of considerable wit, intelligence, and vivacity—qualities which, I believe, shall commend her to your favour. The circumstances necessitate that our union be arranged with some dispatch, and I shall, of course, provide you with further particulars as our plans take shape.

I must entreat you, my dear sister, to keep this news in the strictest confidence, particularly from our aunt. You are well aware of her cherished hopes regarding my union with our cousin Anne, and I would prefer to delay any discord that might arise from her objections. Rest assured, I shall write to you again shortly with more information.

Yours ever,

Fitzwilliam Darcy"

Satisfied with his missive, Darcy sealed the letter and placed it on his desk for later dispatch. His mind still burdened with thoughts, he descended to the breakfast room, where Mr. Bingley awaited him with a kind expression.

"Good morning, Darcy," Bingley greeted him warmly. "I trust you slept well after the tumult of yesterday?"

Darcy gave a slight nod, his demeanour composed. "I did, Bingley. The events of the previous day are behind me."

Miss Bingley, her eyes roaming as if waiting for Darcy for an opportunity to speak, interjected with a knowing glance. "Indeed, Mr. Darcy. We have heard whispers from the servants about the talk in Meryton. They say you and Miss Elizabeth Bennet were found in a rather... compromising position."

"One can only imagine how such rumours could spread, Mr. Darcy." Mrs. Hurst, her voice tinged with false concern, added.

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