Mr. Darcy’s Mysterious Engagement: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Lucy Bryne

Author:Lucy Bryne [Bryne, Lucy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-01-07T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

Darcy knew it was best that he did not see Elizabeth Bennet again before they were each due to set off for Rosings by their own separate and independent means. Still, he trusted that she would keep her commitment to travel to Kent and act as his eyes and ears.

As Elizabeth had hinted, a final brief call at the Lucas home had given him full knowledge of Sir William’s travel plans, and confirmation that she would be travelling together with that good man and his younger daughter Maria.

“How fortunate that Sir William should be visiting Hunsford, just as we travel to my aunt’s estate at Rosings, Lady Lucas. I will, of course, effect an introduction for Sir William and his entire party.”

“That would be most hospitable of you, Mr. Darcy. Although it does sound as though there is already to be quite an occasion at Rosings Park, from Miss Bingley’s talk of her dress shopping in London,” fished Lady Lucas, clearly curious about the upcoming exodus from Netherfield. “We would naturally not wish to intrude if Lady Catherine is otherwise occupied.”

“It is merely a family occasion,” Darcy told her stiffly as he contemplated Caroline Bingley’s indiscretion. “Young ladies like Miss Bingley are often wont to care overmuch for their apparel. Even my own sister, Georgiana, has been known to overspend her dress allowance with very little cause. One frivolous garment often appears very much the same as another as far as I can see.”

“Oh, you are too harsh on the youth of my sex, Mr. Darcy. You must allow Miss Bingley and Miss Darcy the harmless enjoyment they take in their dress. It is a natural and harmless part of being a young woman. As a man, you surely cannot deny that the attire of young ladies adds colour and charm to social gatherings.”

“I defer to your greater wisdom as a mother of daughters,” Darcy bowed, a concession which seemed to please the older lady and returned them to easy speech.

He was glad that Caroline Bingley had at least showed sufficient sense not to mention his actual betrothal. If Lady Lucas had congratulated him on his upcoming wedding, he might not have been able to keep himself from storming out of the house, fleeing from discussion of this marriage, even if he could not flee from its reality.

As it was, he was able to take his leave peaceably and returned to Netherfield where Bingley was waiting for him at luncheon.

“We leave for Rosings tomorrow, Bingley,” Darcy said, sitting down at the table and unfolding his napkin as his soup bowl was filled from a steaming tureen.

“My bags are already packed, as are yours,” Bingley nodded. “My valet has seen to our clothing, and Hurst will see my sisters safely to Kent with the heavy luggage later in the week. But where have you been this morning? You didn’t go to Longbourn without me, did you?”

“No, I called again on Sir William and Lady Lucas this morning. I had heard

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