Elizabeth is not a Bennet: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Laraba Kendig

Author:Laraba Kendig [Kendig, Laraba]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-10-03T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 25

In the Carriage

Returning to Netherfield Hall

A few minutes later

“Do you think I should marry Miss Bennet?” Bingley asked.

Darcy, whose mind was filled with rapturous visions of Elizabeth Stowe, jerked and turned to look at his friend.

“My apologies. I was woolgathering. What did you say?”

“Should I marry Miss Bennet?” Bingley repeated.

Darcy frowned and forced himself to focus on the question.

“Do you love her?” he asked.

“I do, with all my heart.”

“Then, yes,” Darcy replied simply.

Bingley tilted his head and grimaced. “Is it truly so simple to you, then? My sisters claim that Miss Bennet’s connections are poor, and thus she would not be an appropriate bride. Caroline, in particular, is opposed to the match because she wants to rise in society and wishes for me to marry a lady of the ton who can raise our family standing.”

Darcy leaned back against the squabs and said, “Bingley, I will be honest and say that, before I met Miss Stowe, I would likely have agreed with your sister. I have never been in love before and was prepared to offer for a woman based on wealth and connections. But now that I am genuinely in love, my feelings are entirely different. There can be nothing better than to wed a woman one truly loves and respects. If you believe that you and Miss Bennet will be happy together, you should offer. Moreover, while I do not necessarily think this should weigh with you a great deal, the truth is that Miss Bennet is the daughter of the master of Longbourn, and thus is higher than you socially.”

“Thank you, Darcy,” Bingley said, grinning. “My heart agrees completely. I will offer for her as soon as possible, as I cannot wait any longer!”

/

Dining Room

Netherfield

Evening

“It is very cold today,” Miss Bingley said, looking outside. “I wonder if it will snow.”

Darcy, who was spooning truly excellent white soup into his mouth, turned toward the dining room window and said, “It does not look like it will snow.”

“But if it does snow tonight,” the lady continued, “you will not attempt to go north, will you, Mr. Darcy? It would not be safe!”

Bingley, who was wearing a beatific look as he ate his own soup, turned a disapproving eye on his younger sister. “Caroline, the roads are good, and Darcy has an excellent carriage. I am certain he will be very well.”

“It is rare for there to be significant snowstorms at this time of year,” Darcy added.

Miss Bingley grimaced and returned to her soup, and Mrs. Hurst said, “I am sure you are eager to see dear Miss Darcy.”

“I am,” Darcy agreed. Inwardly, he admitted to himself that he was at least as eager to see Miss Stowe as he was to see his sister. He really was madly in love with the lady.

“Well, I hope we will have the pleasure of seeing you in Town for the Season next year,” Miss Bingley remarked.

“Perhaps,” Darcy said noncommittally. “Perhaps.”

/

The Lion and the Lamb Inn

Village of Claybourne

Northumberland

Wickham scooted his chair a bit closer to the fire and took a hefty forkful of shepherd’s pie, devouring it eagerly.

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