More Darcy: A Collection of Pride and Prejudice Variations by Jane Grix

Author:Jane Grix
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2017-06-14T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIX

Mr. Darcy travelled to London with Bingley’s sisters two days after the Netherfield Ball. The ride was tedious with Miss Bingley trying to engage him in conversation and spending most of the time denigrating Miss Bennet.

He wondered if she had singled out that young woman as a target because she had noticed his fascination with her.

If Miss Bingley thought to advance herself as a marriage candidate by making him realize Miss Bennet’s flaws, she was mistaken. He already agreed that Miss Bennet was unsuitable and he had no intention of marrying her, but that did not mean he wished to hear about her atrocious relations for hours on end. He tried to change the subject several times and when that was unsuccessful, he merely stared out the carriage window.

In addition, every negative, unkind statement Caroline Bingley made, strengthened his determination to never marry her. He did not want a selfish, self-absorbed wife. He had a feeling that in time Caroline Bingley would become like his mother-in-law, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. One such relation was more than enough. And if he married Caroline, there would be no escaping from her. He decided that it would be better to remain alone the rest of his life than to be shackled to such a shrew.

He still thought of Elizabeth Bennet, but hoped that by separating himself from her sphere of influence, that his peace of mind would eventually return. In the spring he would return to London and search for a more appropriate wife.

That evening, they dined together in a town house Bingley was renting. Bingley asked if they had visited the Bennets before they left.

“There was no need, Charles,” Miss Bingley said. “Besides, I would not want to give rise to any expectations by singling her out for attention.”

“I hope you are not seriously considering her as your bride,” Miss Bingley continued.

Bingley glanced at Darcy. “I don’t know what I am considering at present.”

Darcy watched as Miss Bingley skillfully persuaded Charles not to return to Netherfield. At least not until the spring.

Charles waited until they were alone to talk to him privately. “What do you think, Darcy?”

“That is your decision, Charles. Netherfield is your house. If you wish to go back, do. If you don’t, don’t. Don’t let your sister order you about.”

“Caroline is concerned about Miss Jane Bennet. She thinks I have shown her too much attention and that she is expecting an offer. What do you think?”

“I imagine that her mother has such plans. She is a grasping woman, determined to see her daughters marry well. But what do you want? Do you want to marry the girl, knowing her relations?”

“I think I do.”

Darcy shook his head at his friend’s foolishness. “Do not let passion overrule your reason. There is a common phrase – marry in haste, repent in leisure. Think before you act. Marriage is a solemn business, not something to be taken lightly.”

“I do love her.”

“But you have been in love before. Remember the glorious redhead in Bath? What was her name?”

Bingley coloured.

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