Romancing Miss Bennet: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by April Karber

Author:April Karber [Karber, April]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2017-12-28T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 11

Meryton seemed more interesting a place the second time, or perhaps it was because Darcy had come to associate the town with Elizabeth. He had taken to long walks in the morning, eager that it bring him closer to her. One sunrise, he mused, might actually bring them together.

Mr. Bennet called two days after their party’s arrival to welcome them back and to remind them of their outstanding invitation to supper. “Although the wedding breakfast will come first, which I am here to offer an invitation to as well.”

Bingley, full of panic that it could only be Jane’s wedding to which her referred, stumbled through a polite request for more details while Darcy remained characteristically silent.

Bingley’s pallor and alarm amused Mr. Bennet to the highest degree. "I thought the whole continent might have heard by now, the way my wife talks. My daughter is lately married and she and her husband will arrive home next week for a celebration.”

Darcy’s heart sunk at the news of having to wait an entire week before seeing Elizabeth again.

Bingley’s face was crestfallen and pale. "Which of your daughters will we have the honor to congratulate?"

"My youngest, and boldest."

His wry smile resembled Elizabeth’s, Darcy thought, and softened to the unusual man. Bingley’s stance relaxed considerably and he let out a small sigh of relief.

Bingley’s hand shot out suddenly to shake Mr. Bennet’s in an enthusiastic gesture of relief. "Congratulations, Mr. Bennet!"

"Thank you. They married north, and my Elizabeth was at the wedding to represent her family, you see. And so they come down together before setting off again. He is a military man and they are to be stationed far north.”

“Well that is wonderful news!” Bingley exclaimed, still referring to Jane Bennet’s continued eligibility.

"Yes, thank you. Now if only I can get my wife to accompany them."

To Mr. Bennet's surprise, Darcy laughed. The young man had always been so stoic in public and seemed rather disapproving of his jests. But perhaps Darcy’s hatred for his wife had won out in this.

"We would graciously accept both invitations,” Bingley started, “were it not for the matter of our party being of four. You see, Mr. Darcy's sister has joined us and his cousin is on his way. We would not dare impose our party, half of which are strangers to you, upon yours. But I insist that you all join us for supper after the happy occasion so that everyone can become better acquainted."

"Nonsense," Mr. Bennet said flatly. "We will join you, but not only after the four of you attend the breakfast and dine at Longbourn. I was given strict orders that a ‘yes’ was the only answer I could return home with."

Darcy began to dread what sort of welcoming committee would be in store for them at Longbourn and hoped that Mrs. Bennet was too busied with details of the wedding celebration to be bothered much with Bingley's return.

"Then we happily accept both invitations on behalf of our party of four."

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