Such Beatings at the Heart: A Pride and Prejudice variation by Whilding Harri

Author:Whilding, Harri
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-03-08T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Mrs Bennet had no need of venturing to Netherfield Park. The next morning brought both Bingley and Darcy to Longbourn at the earliest strike of the visiting hour. As their horses were seen approaching through the parlour window Mrs Bennet leapt to her feet, calling upon Jane to ready herself.

“Jane! He comes! Here girl, let me look at you…”

Mr Bennet reached up and quietly laid a hand upon his wife’s arm, his now familiar signal to her to hush her Mama-like tones. She huffed, but stepped back.

“Come, Jane,” he took over, standing to his wife’s side. “Yes, you look very well, fear not,” as Jane half twirled on the spot in confused apprehension, patting at her hair. His appreciation for his eldest’s good looks and gentle manners had increased inevitably as he paid her more attention. “You will do very well, my love,” he finished, as the sounds of the young men's arrival carried from the front door. “And you, Lizzy, are you equal to facing the intimidating Mr Darcy?”

But there was no time for Elizabeth to do more than offer a quelling look, as the door opened and the gentlemen were announced.

Bows and curtseys were exchanged, Jane blushed and Elizabeth sought Darcy’s eyes, to find him gazing at her in his now familiarly intense fashion.

“Good morning, Sirs, you are very welcome,” Mr Bennet managed, after remembering belatedly it was for the wife to greet visitors. “I hope we find you well this fine morning?” Indeed, a low morning sun of encroaching winter was slanting though the parlour window, giving Jane and Elizabeth the effect of haloes as they sat down, an image not lost on either gentleman.

Bingley cleared his throat, seeming nervous.

“We are well, Mrs Bennet, I thank you. And yourselves? And…” looking towards Jane, “your daughters?”

“We are all very well, Mr Bingley,” Mr Bennet smiled.

Darcy cleared his throat.

“We thought to ask Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth to take a turn about the garden with us, if it would please them, Mrs Bennet?”

Mrs Bennet interceded.

“Oh yes, girls, you would be pleased to show the gentlemen the little wilderness and the copse, would you not?”

Mr Bennet cleared his throat.

“Mr Darcy, I dare say you have heard it, but… I wish to extend our thanks for your warnings about a certain young officer. It seems that his true reputation is now exposed, and he has taken flight. In short, he has deserted his post and is nowhere to be seen.”

Elizabeth watched as a momentary flicker of satisfaction sped across Darcy’s features.

“I am gratified to hear it, Mrs Bennet. Not for his sake, but for everyone else's sensibilities and safety.”

Bingley, impatient to have Jane outside and to himself, interposed, half standing up.

“Well, on that happy note, shall we..? Ladies?”

The weather was brisk, a near biting cold, despite the sun. By mutual unspoken agreement the small party of four, suitably swathed in scarves and gloves, quickly separated into two couples once outside, walking at different paces. Darcy offered Elizabeth his arm.

“Shall we

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