Happy by Accident... or Not?: A Pride and Prejudice variation by Michelle D'Arcy

Author:Michelle D'Arcy [D'Arcy, Michelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-11-25T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Elizabeth had always enjoyed parties and balls as much as any other young lady. However, on the day of the 26th of November, she dressed herself with even more care than usual, while she struggled to understand the strange feelings that had troubled her since the previous day. After their little encounter and honest conversation, her thoughts had wandered to Darcy again and again. His insistence in apologising to her, his kind friendliness in dismissing her own errors, his altered manners, his politeness in bearing her mother and even Mr. Collins, were as unexpected as they were perplexing.

How had such a material change in his behaviour occurred and why? When it had begun, she clearly remembered. She could fix on the hour, the spot and even the words which had laid the foundation. It was the day after Mr. Bingley’s accident when he had called on the Longbourn residents. The easiest and most reasonable explanation would be that he had done it out of gratitude to her for finding his injured friend. From time to time, her mind speculated on other reasons that she dismissed immediately, refusing to even consider them. If any other gentleman had behaved in such a way, it could imply a particular preference, a special design towards a lady. But that was impossible when it came to her and Mr. Darcy.

They barely had become civil enough with each other to carry on a pleasant conversation and to enjoy each other’s company. And yet they had moved from him refusing to dance with her despite his friend’s insistence, to him willingly asking her for the supper set at the ball the following day. It was a major improvement and she had to admit it delighted her. Once his arrogance and disdain were gone, what remained was an honourable and educated man, a loyal friend, an affectionate brother—and quite a handsome appearance. In that aspect, nothing had changed, as his fine figure had been much admired since the first day he had appeared in Meryton. But afterwards, many people—and especially her—had been blinded by prejudice and by his contemptuous behaviour.

When the Bennets entered Netherfield, the Bingley sisters were in line, welcoming the guests. Next to them was Mr. Bingley himself, sitting in an armchair and by his side, Mr. Darcy—the first person Elizabeth noticed. With her recent reflections on his handsomeness still in her mind, she blushed when she noticed him watching her with interest and with newly-discovered warm friendliness. His stare still made her uneasy, but in a different way from before.

Colonel Fitzwilliam immediately approached them and offered his arms to both Elizabeth and Jane, while Bingley followed them with a longing and sad gaze.

For his part, Darcy was utterly enchanted by Elizabeth’s appearance. In addition to being one of the most handsome women of his acquaintance, she possessed a particular sort of charm that melted his heart and defeated his self-control. The sparkle in her eyes seemed brighter than ever and, if he was not wrong again, she seemed pleased to see him.

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