The Gentleman Privateer: A Pride and Prejudice Possibility by Carrie Mollenkopf

Author:Carrie Mollenkopf [Mollenkopf, Carrie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Z-Library
Goodreads: 58480291
Published: 2021-06-28T04:00:00+00:00

~Twenty-two~

While life at Longbourn attempted to return to normal, Charles Bingley lost no time in starting his transition to the life of a country gentleman. He had begun by seeking out every available property within fifty miles of Meryton. As to the exact location of Jane Bennet’s family home, he was unsure, but it was probably best for all that at least a few miles stood between. Tales of interfering in-laws were off putting, but could be avoided if the distance made daily visitation impossible.

“You cannot be serious Charles? The country? Have you taken leave of your senses? Whatever happened to being a man of the moment? Honestly, you change your mind more often than anyone I know, and are easily bored. What is wrong with London?” his sister demanded.

The barrage of questions had not stopped since his arrival, first with his announcement of giving up his ‘over seas interests” and next, wishing to retire from the city altogether. He had done well in keeping his lifestyle a secret from his sisters. And truthfully, their company on a regular basis was tiresome to the point of irritation. But he did want a woman’s opinion of any property he chose. Caroline and Louisa knew far more about the necessities that a lady of their station required. If he was to marry Jane Bennet, she could hardly be expected to live in a bachelor’s rooms. Besides, he had always adored the open air of the English countryside. From his first visit to Darcy’s Pemberley, the pangs of jealousy had only grown. He must acquire an estate of his own. Unfortunately, precious few families wished to part with their properties. Those that did, wanted incredible sums for rotting timbers and crumbling foundations. But finally, after several weeks of inquiry, a place called Netherfield was open to lease with the possibility of purchase.

“Where exactly is this Netherworld?” Caroline asked. Her voice had an edge of irritation, as one would expect from a parent dealing with a small child. At first, she had seemed to be pleased with his return, but as the weeks passed, her strange joviality had turned sour. More so than he ever remembered.

“Netherfield, not Netherworld, my dear sister. And it is in Herefordshire.”

“Well, if you must go, I have no objections to accompanying you. Someone must ensure that you don’t buy the first pile of rocks with a pasture.”

“Indeed, and I value your opinions.” Charles insisted, but something about his sister’s recent behaviors made him pause. For a woman that had always declared to never leave the delights of London, Caroline was suddenly eager to leave. What had happened to instill this change? Never one to pry into his elder sister’s personal life, Bingley had generally relied on local gossip to tell him what she would not. And after a few casual inquiries, he knew. Once again, Caroline had been the temporary object of some aristocrat’s desires, but failed to achieve a proposal.

“Lord Vickery? Never heard of him.” He had replied without interest.

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