A Loss at Longbourn: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Bilson Catherine

Author:Bilson, Catherine
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Shenanigans Press
Published: 2024-10-01T00:00:00+00:00

The dining room at Netherfield was quiet, dimly lit, and silent save for the occasional clink of cutlery against china as Darcy and Bingley sat at dinner together. Darcy was lost in his own thoughts, his mind occupied first and foremost with Elizabeth. He could not imagine how she must be feeling, her home lost to her through Mr. Collins’ selfish cruelty.

The candles flickered on the table, casting shadows on the walls, and Darcy stared at his plate for a long moment before he realised that he had not taken a single bite. He glanced across at Bingley, who was picking at his food in a similar manner, his face drawn and pale. Darcy realised that he had been preoccupied with Elizabeth, and had hardly spared a thought for the other Bennet sisters.

“I suppose,” he said aloud, and Bingley looked up from his contemplation of his plate. “I suppose the ladies do not have much with them. Only what they could carry from Longbourn.”

Bingley’s face darkened, his cheeks flushing with anger. “I do not wish Jane to go near that house while Mr. Collins is in residence,” he said tersely.

Darcy could not blame him for the sentiment; the mere thought of Elizabeth having to face Mr. Collins again made him feel ill. “And nor should she, nor any of them. It would be better, I think, if I were to go. I will take Martha and Mrs Hill and they will know what to pack.”

Bingley looked relieved. “I appreciate it, old chap. I will start making arrangements for us to go to London, but I think it will take a day or two to make sure we can accommodate everyone.”

Darcy nodded. “I will go early in the morning, then.” He took a bite of the food on his plate, but it was tasteless in his mouth and he could not swallow it, pushing the plate away from him. “I will retire, Bingley. It has been a long day.”

“Of course. Good night, Darcy.”

“Good night.” Darcy climbed the stairs to his room, gratified to see that Mrs Aberdeen had made sure a fire was burning brightly and the room was warm and welcoming. He changed into his nightshirt and climbed into bed, lying awake for some time thinking of Elizabeth, of the way she had leaned into him, the way her slim hand had clutched at his, the way she had allowed him to offer her comfort.

It was to no avail, however, for the terrible events of the day preyed on his mind, and it was a weary Darcy who rose early the next morning. He dressed swiftly and went downstairs, to find Mrs Hill already waiting for him in the hall.

“Good morning, Mrs Hill,” he greeted her politely.

“Good morning, sir,” she bobbed a quick curtsey. “I understand you intend to go to Longbourn this morning.”

“Yes, and I intend to take you and Martha with me to pack the ladies’ belongings, if that will be agreeable?”

“Of course, sir.” The housekeeper’s face was pale, but she seemed composed.

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