Elizabeth's London Season: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Grace Belton

Author:Grace Belton [Belton, Grace]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe, POV First Person, POV Alternating, Darcy's POV, Not in Amazon Library, KindleCoverMissing
Goodreads: 228049462
Publisher: Grace Belton
Published: 2025-02-14T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8: Darcy

I maintain what I hope is an expression of studied indifference as our carriage pulls away from Upper Baker Street, though I cannot quite prevent myself from glancing back at the house. Miss Elizabeth is still visible through the drawing room window, and I find myself wondering what she might be thinking of our rather precipitous invitation to Longbourn.

“Well!” Bingley’s voice interrupts my reverie. “That could not have gone better! Though I must say, Darcy, for someone who claimed it would be ‘unseemly’ to call so soon, you seemed to have no difficulty finding conversation topics with Miss Elizabeth.”

“We merely discussed the neighborhood,” I reply, perhaps too quickly. “It would have been unconscionably rude to ignore her when Mrs. Bennet specifically positioned us by that window.”

Bingley’s knowing grin suggests he is not deceived. “Ah yes, the neighborhood. And did you find Miss Elizabeth’s observations on the local ‘territory’ to be illuminating? I could not help but notice your particular interest in her... geographical expertise.”

I fix him with what I hope is a quelling stare, though its effect is somewhat diminished by the fact that I can feel the back of my neck growing warm. “I was merely being polite.”

“Polite!” Bingley laughs outright. “Darcy, in all our years of friendship, I have never known you to maintain a conversation out of mere politeness. Indeed, I have seen you abandon perfectly civil exchanges the moment they threatened to become tedious. Yet somehow you managed to spend nearly half an hour discussing the strategic values of various views with Miss Elizabeth.”

“The conversation had some merit,” I concede, attempting to adjust my cravat without appearing to do so. “Miss Elizabeth’s understanding of social dynamics is... unusually perceptive.”

“Her understanding! Yes, of course, that must be what drew your attention.” Bingley’s expression is all innocence. “It could have nothing to do with her fine eyes, or her wit, or the way you smiled—actually smiled, Darcy—at least three times during your conversation.”

“I did no such thing,” I protest, though I have a horrifying suspicion that he might be correct. “And in any case, while Miss Elizabeth is certainly... that is to say, her conversation is... well, it hardly signifies. We are going to Netherfield to evaluate the property, not to...” I trail off, suddenly aware that I am not improving my position.

“Not to what?” Bingley prompts, clearly enjoying himself immensely. “Not to admire the local attractions? Though I must say, Mrs. Bennet’s offer to guide us through the neighborhood was most convenient. I look forward to learning everything there is to know about the area from Miss Bennet—and of course, you shall have Miss Elizabeth to explain all the strategic advantages of Hertfordshire’s various prospects.”

I turn to look out the window, hoping to conceal whatever expression might have crossed my face at this observation. “The entire scheme is highly irregular. To invite ourselves to stay at Longbourn while viewing Netherfield...”

“I believe Mrs. Bennet invited us,” Bingley points out. “Quite enthusiastically, as I recall. Though if you would prefer to stay at the inn in Meryton.

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