Darcy to the Rescue: A Pride & Prejudice Variation Novella by Martine Jane Roberts

Author:Martine Jane Roberts
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Read, bad Mr Bennet, Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms
Publisher: Martine Jane Roberts
Published: 2016-05-10T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Darcy was waiting on the steps of Netherfield as the carriage rolled to a halt and Charles Bingley jumped out. Having left town before the clock struck eight, Bingley was pleased to finally stretch his legs. They briefly exchanged pleasantries about the weather and Bingley’s journey and then adjourned to the Library for a hot toddy. Stevens had left the coffee pot and whisky decanter on the table for the gentlemen to help themselves as instructed. Darcy half filled their cups with coffee and then topped them up with a generous glug of the whisky. Passing one to Bingley he said,

“It’s good to see you, Charles.”

Bingley took a decent swallow of the potent brew before replying,

“Thank you, Darcy. I very nearly didn’t come. My sisters had arranged several outings for us. But your letter was so cryptic, my curiosity got the better of me,” and he reminded Darcy of the brief contents of the missive.

Charles

Return to Netherfield,

I implore you not to delay.

Come alone.

Darcy

“Yes, I’m sorry about that, Charles, but I know your sister Caroline has a habit of accidentally opening letters that are not addressed to her,” Darcy explained.

“Well, what was so urgent that it demanded my immediate return?”

Darcy knew he must make a clean breast of things regarding his interference between Miss Jane Bennet and Charles, but how. He did not want to upset or alienate his closest friend, but he could hardly stand by his opinion that Jane was unfit to be Charles wife when he intended to make Elizabeth his own. Feeling suddenly unprepared to make his confession, Darcy merely leant forward and refilled his glass saying,

“Nothing that won’t keep,” he lied. “I was lonely, that’s all. Perhaps we can talk after lunch?”

Bingley agreed to this plan and then went to wash before the noonday repast was served.

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