Page 28 of Moments Frozen in Time (Pride and Prejudice Variation)
Elizabeth nodded slowly, her expression softening as some of the uncertainty faded from her eyes. “Then we shall consider the matter settled between us,” she said, her smile returning with a quiet confidence. “Do you truly believe Miss Bingley will consent to plan a ball?”
“Bingley is determined to host one,” I replied.
“And since I have voiced my support of the plan as well, she is unlikely to resist. Your mother’s suggestion that it would be an easy affair provided an additional incentive—Miss Bingley would never allow herself to be outdone by the ladies of Meryton since she considers herself above them all.
No, she will organise a ball grander than any this neighbourhood has ever seen, if only to prove her own superiority and to flaunt the extent of her resources. ”
At that, Elizabeth laughed. “Then I shall look forward to this grand event. I am certain it will be most entertaining and that it will be the talk of the area for ages.”
We smiled at each other over Mithras, who huffed a little at the lack of attention to himself. With a slight chuckle, I took a moment to pat his neck before we both bid him farewell.
“Do you need to return to your sister, or would you like to take a turn around the garden?” I asked Elizabeth .
She glanced towards the house. “I should check on Jane, but another quarter-hour delay cannot harm anything,” she said, taking the arm I offered. “Are you certain that you would not prefer to go for a ride?”
“I will go for a ride after I walk with you,” I told her, and the two of us set off towards the garden.
Less than an hour later, I was finally on horseback, setting out on the ride I had intended to take upon waking that morning.
Elizabeth and I had walked together for half an hour before she returned indoors to tend to her sister.
As I watched her disappear into the house, I found myself wondering—yet again—why I had not already proposed.
I was utterly certain of my feelings and intentions.
As I rode, it occurred to me that it was Elizabeth’s uncertainty that gave me pause.
Whilst I believed that a formal engagement might offer the reassurance she needed, her lingering doubts—whether about my regard or her own worthiness—made me hesitate.
I did not want her acceptance borne of pressure or misgiving.
I wanted her to feel entirely secure in her decision when she accepted me.
Perhaps it was not my affection she doubted, but rather her place in my world. In either case, I was uncertain what more I could do to prove the depth and sincerity of my devotion.
The ride did much to quiet my thoughts. As little as I liked the idea of subjecting Georgiana to Miss Bingley’s company, it now seemed that it would be necessary so I could both continue to court Elizabeth and to fulfil my promise to my sister that we would spend Christmas together.
I would remain in Hertfordshire for as long as it took to earn Elizabeth’s trust—and the first step towards that goal would be to introduce her to my sister.
When I returned to the house, I found Bingley and his relations seated at breakfast. The conversation, such as it was, revolved entirely around a letter Miss Bingley had received from an acquaintance in town.
She recited its contents at length, allowing no one else the opportunity to contribute.
I filled a plate and took my seat, listening in silence, my only objective being to wait for Bingley to finish eating so that I might secure a few private moments with him.
At last, Miss Bingley appeared to exhaust her commentary on Miss Grantley and her exploits. Seizing the opportunity, I addressed my friend. “I noticed something on my ride this morning, Bingley. I wonder—might we speak in your study when you have finished?”
At this, Bingley glanced down at his plate, then across to his sister. “I am ready now, Darcy, if you are,” he said quickly, not waiting for a response before rising from his seat. I followed him at once.
Once we were both settled in his study, he turned to me. “What is it, Darcy?”
I gave a small shrug. “Would you be angry if I confessed that I dissembled slightly in the breakfast room—and that I only wished to speak to you in private?”
Bingley laughed. “Not in the least. I suspected as much the moment you mentioned seeing something on your ride. You know that I know little about estate management and that there is little point in your consulting with me on any matter.”
I released a weary sigh. “You know, Bingley, that I have already stayed far longer than I originally intended...”
Bingley nodded but interrupted before I could say more.
“I know, Darcy—and I do appreciate you remaining. But I must tell you, my sister has grown increasingly unpleasant the longer we have been in the country. I have decided to return to town shortly after the ball to attend to some business. Amongst other things, I intend to address the situation with her directly.”
He ran a hand through his hair in frustration.
“This visit has convinced me of one thing—no matter what I do, Caroline will never be content. Ideally, she would find someone willing to marry her, but so long as you remain unmarried, she will continue to hold out hope. She refuses to settle for anyone else.”
Bingley was not wrong, but his decision altered my plans.
If Miss Bingley left Netherfield, Georgiana could not come—not unless Mrs. Hurst remained behind, which I thought unlikely.
The sisters were rarely separated, and I could not imagine Mr. Hurst staying in the country without his wife.
If Bingley truly meant to stop housing them, I wondered what arrangements the Hursts would make—or if they would return to town as well.
Regardless, this change in Bingley’s plans necessitated an adjustment to my own. Whilst I was pleased that he was finally taking steps to rein in his sister, it meant that all the ideas I had entertained during my ride would need to be reconsidered.
I recalled Elizabeth once mentioning a relative in town—an aunt and uncle with whom she occasionally stayed. The thought struck me: rather than bringing Georgiana to Hertfordshire, might it be possible to bring Elizabeth to London? In many ways, that might serve our purposes even better.
In town, I could reveal more of the life that would be hers, should she agree to become my wife.
London offered a setting far more conducive to showing her—not through words alone, but through action—both the sincerity of my affection and how truly suited she was for such a life.
I knew Elizabeth would not be swayed by wealth or the material advantages I could provide, but there were other, more meaningful things I could offer her.
A smile tugged at my lips as I thought of one in particular—the library at Darcy House. Of all my possessions, I suspected that would be the one most likely to delight her.