Forced, Before It Began: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Durga Ekambaram

Author:Durga Ekambaram [Ekambaram, Durga]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Angst, Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Forced Marriage, Compromise (D&E)
Goodreads: 221142848
Published: 2024-11-01T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 36.

A week passed after Darcy reached town, and Elizabeth missed him and constantly yearned for his presence in the big house. On the other hand, Darcy spent sleepless nights, unable to understand why he could not open his heart to her.

I believe in her innocence, and I love her dearly. Why is it so difficult to own this to her? Is it my pride not allowing me to beg for forgiveness? Will it be too late if I did?

Darcy’s mind constantly reminded him that his pride was the reason for his current misery.

He visited the Gardiners and enjoyed playing with their children. They were very fond of Elizabeth and were eager to know when she would come to see them. Darcy left their residence with a sense of guilt. He knew Elizabeth had kept everyone in the dark about their marriage, and it pained him to realize the extent to which she had to lie to her dear ones because of him.

A couple of days later, Miss Bingley was shocked to see Darcy for dinner in their house.

“Oh! Mr. Darcy! How wonderful it is to see you here. Charles, you never informed me about his arrival in town,” she cried frowning at her brother.

“It has only been a week since he arrived,” Mr. Bingley said.

“Oh! Where is Mrs. Darcy? Has she not accompanied you?” she asked Darcy bluntly.

“She is in Pemberley,” Darcy replied nonchalantly.

“Why didn’t she accompany you? Jane would have been happy to see her sister.”

“Caroline, Darcy is here on some urgent business,” Mr. Bingley replied, annoyed at the lack of decency on his sister’s part.

“Darcy, I am very interested in looking at the estates you have recommended in Derbyshire. We have to leave for Netherfield in a couple of days. Can we join you back to Pemberley when you leave?”

“That would be a good plan.”

“Oh! Charles! It would be lovely to purchase an estate in Derbyshire. I so love the country,” Miss Bingley claimed.

Darcy did not reply and knew how much Miss Bingley hated the country.

“How long do you plan to stay here?” Mr. Bingley asked him.

“Another two weeks or so.”

Miss Bingley silently nodded.

Two weeks! I must plan something during his absence from Pemberley. I must send Wickham to Derbyshire. Her mind was working on a plan to abduct Elizabeth and put her to shame.

By the end of dinner, Darcy was vexed as Miss Bingley seemed to have nothing to say except flattery about Pemberley and him. Jane sensed that something was wrong and was worried for Elizabeth.

“Jane, do not be worried. We will travel back with Darcy and stay in Pemberley,” Mr. Bingley tried to cheer her. In the same house, Miss Bingley sketched her plan relentlessly.

Wickham must do his work when Mr. Darcy is in town. It is the best time. She paced her room the whole night, and by morning she was ready with her plan. But she had no idea about the whereabouts of Wickham. They were to meet at the park that weekend until then she did not know how to contact him.

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