Mr. Darcy's Regrets: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by CJ Matteo & A Lady

Author:CJ Matteo & A Lady [Matteo, CJ & Lady, A]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-02-14T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

“I have news,” Bingley finally declared. “Today, during the walk, I found a moment to speak to Miss Bennet privately. And I proposed to her! And she accepted!”

Darcy received the expected news without much excitement.

“Did you? This is wonderful, Bingley. I offer you my sincerest congratulations!”

“Thank you. I said nothing because we established that she will announce the news to her sister and uncle and aunt tonight. And I shall write to Mr. Bennet!”

“That is a good plan…”

“Yes, yes…will you help me write the letter? You know I am not very articulate in writing, neither in form nor in content. I wish to make a good impression on Mr. Bennet. As I said, I know Jane could have easily married an earl if she had met one! Even Lord Gilford and Mr. Ridgeford seemed to admire her today.”

“I am sure you will write a perfect letter, Bingley,” Darcy smiled. “There will be many men who will admire Miss Bennet. You cannot worry about all of them! She chose you!”

He picked up some paper and a pen, but Bingley was still restless and poured himself another glass of brandy.

“I know she did. As soon as I have Mr. Bennet’s approval, I shall inform my sisters. And I shall ask Jane about a wedding date. I will return to Netherfield.”

“You must calm yourself, Bingley, otherwise you will not make it to the wedding night. And you will distress Miss Bennet too. All your concerns are gone now, are they not?”

“Indeed. And I have to thank you for that. If you had not confessed the truth to me, she might have returned home and I would never have known she was in London. As happy as I am now, I could have been miserable for the rest of my life.”

“Your thanks embarrass me, Bingley, as I know them to be underserved. You should write the letter so we can send it by express today.”

“I feel very uncomfortable, since last November I simply disappeared. I fear to imagine what Mr. and Mrs. Bennet believed of me…”

“I am sure you will be Mrs. Bennet’s favourite son-in-law—her favourite man ever, in fact,” Darcy joked. “Just inform Mr. Bennet that you have visited his brother and sister Gardiner several times, that you met Miss Bennet again and that you proposed to her and had the honour of being accepted—if he gives you his approval and blessing. And perhaps you should mention you will open Netherfield again.”

“That sounds perfect. I shall pour another brandy while I write it.”

“Bingley, you should be careful with the drink, or your handwriting will look even less well presented than usual,” Darcy jested.

With much nervousness, Bingley started to write down Darcy’s suggestions. It was all done in one page, then a servant was fetched and the note sent urgently. It was expected to reach Longbourn by the next morning and the answer to be returned by the following evening.

“Now I can have another drink,” Bingley said. “Do not glare at me, Darcy. I admit to being nervous and feeling guilty towards the Bennets.

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