Darcy to the Rescue by Martine Roberts

Author:Martine Roberts
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, Pride & Prejudice, Pemberley and Longbourn, Jane Austen, Historical Regency Romance, Pride & Prejudice variations, Books about Darcy and Elizabeth., Romance books, Historical Romance, Regency Romance
Publisher: Martine Roberts
Published: 2016-05-10T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

DARCY WAS WAITING ON the steps of Netherfield as the carriage rolled to a halt and Charles Bingley jumped out. Having left town before the clock struck eight, Bingley was pleased to finally stretch his legs. They briefly exchanged pleasantries about the weather and Bingley’s journey and then adjourned to the Library for a hot toddy. Stevens had left the coffee pot and whisky decanter on the table for the gentlemen to help themselves as instructed. Darcy half filled their cups with coffee and then topped them up with a generous glug of the whisky. Passing one to Bingley he said,

“It’s good to see you, Charles.”

Bingley took a decent swallow of the potent brew before replying,

“Thank you, Darcy. I very nearly didn’t come. My sisters had arranged several outings for us. But your letter was so cryptic, my curiosity got the better of me,” and he reminded Darcy of the brief contents of the missive.

Charles

Return to Netherfield,

I implore you not to delay.

Come alone.

Darcy

“Yes, I’m sorry about that, Charles, but I know your sister Caroline has a habit of accidentally opening letters that are not addressed to her,” Darcy explained.

“Well, what was so urgent that it demanded my immediate return?”

Darcy knew he must make a clean breast of things regarding his interference between Miss Jane Bennet and Charles, but how. He did not want to upset or alienate his closest friend, but he could hardly stand by his opinion that Jane was unfit to be Charles wife when he intended to make Elizabeth his own. Feeling suddenly unprepared to make his confession, Darcy merely leant forward and refilled his glass saying,

“Nothing that won’t keep,” he lied. “I was lonely, that’s all. Perhaps we can talk after lunch?”

Bingley agreed to this plan and then went to wash before the noonday repast was served.

Normally, Elizabeth would have walked to Netherfield, but seeing the state of the paths, she was glad that her mother had insisted she take the carriage. Mrs Bennet had intended to send the footman over with an invitation for Darcy to dine with them, but Elizabeth knew he would most certainly be expected to deliver it on foot. So she was happy to deliver it personally and save the poor man a wretched walk.

She set off straight after luncheon and arrived at Netherfield a little after two. The footman showed her into the day room and then withdrew. She expected her host to arrive momentarily, but after several minutes had elapsed and she was still alone, she decided to look for him herself. The entrance hall was deserted, but she could hear voices coming from the upstairs drawing room. Determined to deliver the invitation in person, she began to climb the stairs. As she neared the top level, the voices seem to get much louder, too loud in fact. Taking care to make no noise herself, she crept closer until she could hear each word that was spoken. The occupants appeared to be in the middle of a heated discussion.

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