Mr Darcy's Quiet Strength: A 'Pride and Prejudice' Novella Variation by Lyr Newton

Author:Lyr Newton [Newton, Lyr]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-07-28T00:00:00+00:00

SIX

The movement of the carriage increased both Darcy’s headache and his anxiety. Christmas was only two days away, and it was the last opportunity for visits to those who were not family.

“Darcy, I am so glad you agreed to come with me again! You are truly a good friend,” Bingley said.

“Again, you praise me too generously. I hope my presence will not be an intrusion. We both know that you are expected with pleasure in Gracechurch Street, but I am just your companion.”

“I disagree. Mr and Mrs Gardiner seemed thrilled each time they saw you. And even Miss Elizabeth did not look displeased. I am relieved your disagreements seem to be over.”

“Do you think Miss Elizabeth was displeased to see me before?”

“When we were in Hertfordshire, you were not friends. You disapproved of the entire Bennet family.”

“My manners were not appropriate most of the time. Now, I have a personal reason to visit the Gardiners again. I wish to speak to Miss Elizabeth about a delicate matter that I believe needs to be clarified. I hope she will agree to talk to me.”

“She probably will, if not out of curiosity, then due to politeness. But I never imagined you would have a delicate matter to discuss with Miss Elizabeth.”

“This particular matter has become urgent lately, after thorough reflection. She is in possession of some incorrect information that might lead her to make a wrong impression.”

“I see… I honestly cannot imagine what you are talking about, but I doubt you will tell me even if I enquire.”

“It is not a secret. The Bennets seem to appreciate George Wickham, who is welcomed by their family. He is a dishonourable man with an inclination towards deception, lies, and nefarious schemes, all for the purpose of gaining money. Even worse, he is not a man to be trusted near young women.”

Bingley looked at him, bewildered. “I would never have guessed Wickham would be the subject. I remember Miss Bennet asking me about him when he first came to Meryton, but I only told her that he had treated you with ingratitude. It is all I knew.”

“Wickham is not worth the breath used in talking about him. But he is very skilful at insinuating himself among honourable people and causing all sorts of problems.”

“The youngest Miss Bennets seemed charmed by the man, and their mother seemed to encourage them.”

“Yes, that is precisely my concern.”

Darcy had taken the bold — and perhaps improper — decision of talking to Elizabeth and her relatives about Wickham after the dinner at Bingley’s. The party had been pleasant, but there had been some small hints that had proved that Elizabeth still held Wickham in esteem. If Wickham caused her family problems, Elizabeth would never forgive him for not warning her.

That realisation had come late in the night, together with another one, much more important and consequential to his present and future. Watching Elizabeth chatting so easily with his sister and his cousin, as she had done with his aunt, made him wonder why he had considered she was not suited to be the future Mrs Darcy.

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