Of Uncertainty and Understanding: A Pride and Prejuice Variation by Jae George

Author:Jae George [George, Jae]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2022-08-07T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

The following day just after breaking his fast, Darcy took his stallion for a bracing ride to calm his nerves. He hoped that Mr. Bennet would be open to hearing him after the abominable way he had acted when he had first visited the county. I am willing to apologize and offer him the opportunity to observe my improved behavior before he agrees to our courtship, but I hope he doesn’t forbid me from seeing Elizabeth.

When he returned to Netherfield, he had his man Rogers give him a shave and assist him into a waistcoat the color of Elizabeth’s eyes for luck and his favorite jacket. Then he waited until the acceptable time to call before calling for a fresh horse to make his ride to Longbourn.

When he arrived and asked to be shown to Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Hill was surprised but did as she was bid. Receiving permission and opening the door, she announced, “Mr. Darcy to see you, sir.” Mr. Bennet rose to greet him, and Mrs. Hill reluctantly closed the door as she left.

“Mr. Bennet, thank you for allowing me to call this early. I found that I could not wait until the afternoon when I could call with Mr. Bingley.”

The older gentleman chuckled at this admission, already seeing a change in the formerly haughty man. “I believe your timing is fortuitous, sir, as my wife and younger daughters will not be down yet. Do come in and have a seat, Mr. Darcy. I believe it is too early for a drink, but would you like a cup of tea or coffee?”

“No, sir, I don’t think I could drink anything just now. Mr. Bennet, I know that I was disagreeable in the extreme when I visited Bingley last autumn. Your daughter has called me out for my behavior, and I have been working to improve myself since then. She must see some improvement because yesterday she agreed to a courtship with me but only in secret. I think she really only wishes it to be a secret from her mother, but we didn’t see a way to let anyone else know without alerting Mrs. Bennet.

“I am ready to offer you my apology for my former rudeness and also honest answers to any questions you might have, sir.” Darcy sat uncomfortably as Mr. Bennet scrutinized him for what seemed like several minutes.

“Darcy, may I call you Darcy?”

“Yes, of course, sir.”

“Darcy, I will admit that I was initially opposed to your request. But I have always valued Elizabeth’s judgment, and she seems to see something redeemable in you.” He was smiling in amusement at the young man’s discomfort. “You must learn to tolerate my jests, Darcy, if you want to become a part of our family. Are you sure that you want that?”

Since the man across the desk was still smiling, Darcy replied in all honesty, “Mr. Bennet, I do believe I can tolerate anything for the pleasure of Elizabeth’s hand in marriage. Do I have your permission to strive for that goal?”

Now Mr.

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