Mysterious Mr. Darcy: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Monica Fairview

Author:Monica Fairview
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms
Publisher: White Soup Press
Published: 2018-03-07T05:00:00+00:00

***

The last of the carriages moved down the driveway – among them Mrs. Bennet’s, whose apologies for Elizabeth’s sudden disappearance from the ball conveniently delayed her own departure. As the door closed behind them, Bingley turned to Darcy and his sisters.

“Well, what do you think? Do you think it went well?”

“Yes,” said Miss Bingley. “I would say it was a resounding success. I am sure it was better than anything they have ever had here in Meryton.”

Bingley, however, did not hear a word his sister was saying. His expression had turned glum.

“If only Miss Bennet had not left so early.”

The compulsion to address the issue of Miss Bennet was too strong for Darcy to resist. This was the opening he had been waiting for. He seized it immediately.

“It was just as well that Miss Bennet had to leave,” said Darcy. “You have been paying her too much attention. There is a great deal of speculation about your relationship with her. There is even – talk of marriage.”

He tried to say it casually, though he practically choked on the words.

“Perhaps it would be best if you paid her less attention. You do not want her reputation to be affected when you leave.”

Bingley looked astounded.

“When I leave? But I have no intention of leaving! Netherfield is my home now.”

“Charles,” said Miss Bingley, touching her brother on the shoulder. “You know very well that in a matter of weeks you will be tired of Meryton and longing to return to London.”

Bingley shrugged off her hand. “But I love it here. I feel completely at home. I don’t see why you would think that I would prefer to return to London.”

“Because,” said Miss Bingley, “you always grow restless when we go to a house party or a visit to friends, and quickly crave the excitement of London.”

“This is different. I am not a guest in someone else’s house. This is my own residence. This is what you have always wanted for me, Caroline. If you are growing tired of Netherfield, you are welcome to leave. Do not feel obliged to stay on just because I am.”

“It is not a matter of staying or leaving, Charles,” said Mrs. Hurst. “It is knowing what is expected of you. Mr. Darcy was pointing out that if you continue to show such a preference for Miss Bennet, people will expect you to marry her.”

Bingley looked from one to the other.

“You are the ones making assumptions. I am certain no one else has noticed.”

“Ah, but there you are wrong, Bingley. I was seated opposite Mrs. Bennet, and I can testify that she was very articulate over supper as she planned for your future with her daughter.”

Bingley looked struck by that information. Good, thought Darcy, now that he is forced to see the reality, he will surely comprehend his folly.

“Did she really? That is the best news I have heard! It means there can be no objection to my being in trade. Mr. Bennet is a gentleman, you know, and I made certain to let him know that my father was a trader.

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