Rising From the Ashes by Sydney Salier

Author:Sydney Salier [Salier, Sydney]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe, Not in Amazon Library, Naughty Bits (aka PWP)
Publisher: Fanfiction.net
Published: 2023-04-30T04:00:00+00:00

21. Chapter 21

~~F~~

An Unpredictable Fate

Darcy woke at his usual time but instead of immediately getting up he stayed abed thinking about the previous evening.

He had surprised even himself at the anger he felt towards Bingley when he was denied his second dance with Elizabeth, although sitting out that dance had allowed him further conversation with the lady. But this reaction caused him some concern.

In the stillness of the morning, he had time to think about it and he came to the conclusion that he was in serious danger of falling hopelessly in love with Elizabeth. Despite the lady being everything delightful, and as a landowner whose estate had been in her family for generations, he still had reservations about how a relationship with the lady would affect Georgiana.

After an hour of soul-searching he decided that he needed to get some distance from Elizabeth to be able to think clearly, as her mere presence made him want to forget about the duty he owed his family.

To that end he thought it best if he accompanied Bingley to London, albeit not sharing a carriage with him and Miss Bingley.

This course of action also had the advantage that, as he knew Wickham better than anyone else, he had a greater chance of tracking down the scoundrel.

~F~

Having made his decision, he rose and ordered his belongings to be packed before going in search of Bingley and his cousin.

While Bingley was still catching up on sleep after his late night, Richard was already having breakfast. Since Mrs Taylor had taken Lydia back to Longbourn after supper, the Colonel had no more reason to remain at the ball and had sought his bed at a reasonable hour.

Once Darcy had filled his plate and joined his cousin at the table, he said without preamble, 'I have decided to go to London to help Bingley find Wickham.'

'So, you are running away.'

Darcy sighed and shook his head. 'I need time to clear my head. I thought that once Bingley's problems are sorted out, I will take Georgiana to Pemberley for Christmas. I think we could both do with some peace and quiet.'

'How long are you planning to stay at Pemberley?' Despite his often irreverent attitude, Richard sympathised with his cousin. He knew the amount of responsibility resting on Darcy's shoulders and how conscientious his cousin was about duty. Richard kept prodding Darcy to get him to consider his own happiness for a change, rather than always putting everyone else before himself.

Darcy gave him a grateful smile for being supportive. 'I will be back in time to visit Rosings at Easter. I promised Anne to continue my assistance with the estate.' He had another bite before he asked, 'What are your plans?'

'If Bingley is willing to put me up a while longer, I will stay here. Now that Caroline is no longer a problem, I find that Hurst is staying sober for much longer periods and is good company.'

'I suppose having congenial neighbours has nothing to do with your decision.'

'That is simply a delightful bonus.

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