Page 22 of Mr Darcy’s Worth: Three Pride and Prejudice Variations

Darcy knew his previous encounters with the Bennets did not do him credit; therefore, he was not surprised when the family received him with circumspection. But, steady to his purpose, Darcy expressed his delight to be there and congratulated them on the happy event that would soon take place.

Mrs. Bennet greeted him coldly; Miss Catherine and Miss Mary barely dared to look at him.

Miss Jane Bennet welcomed him warmly, and he bowed over her hand and repeated his congratulations.

“Does Mr. Bingley know you have arrived, Mr. Darcy? He was eagerly expecting you.”

“I informed him that I should arrive today, but I happened upon Miss Elizabeth and so stopped here first.”

“You must not worry, Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bennet said, entering the room. “Mr. Bingley will be here any minute now. He is here all the time. I am not even sure when he leaves and when he returns.”

“Papa, how can you say that?” Miss Bennet scolded him lovingly.

“Why not, if it is true? I quite enjoy having a gentleman around the house after more than twenty years surrounded only by women.”

Darcy greeted his host with much deference and a small, amused smile. Mr. Bennet replied in the same manner.

“What a pleasure to have you at Longbourn, Mr. Darcy. I believe this is your first visit?”

“My second visit, Mr. Bennet. I was here less than two months ago when Bingley returned to Netherfield. Unfortunately, I believe you were not at home that time.”

“Since I wish to be honest with you, Mr. Darcy, I confess I was at home, but I chose to remain in my library. It was a rather distressing time, and I had no desire for company.”

“I can well understand such a feeling,” Darcy admitted.

“Would you allow me to compensate for my past absence with a drink? Or would you rather complete your journey to Netherfield?”

Darcy hesitated for a moment; he glanced at Elizabeth, who was unexpectedly shy and silent, before eventually replying. “If I am not intruding, and if Bingley will be here soon, I would be delighted to accept your offer, Mr. Bennet.”

“Good! Excellent! Please join me in the library but prepare yourself for some disappointment. From what my brother Gardiner has told me, the libraries in both your houses can be compared to very few others.”

“I confess I take much pride in my libraries as they are the work of several generations. But I find great pleasure in seeing any library which is cared for.”

“Papa, I shall order some food and bring it to you,” Elizabeth suddenly interjected. “Mr. Darcy must be hungry after his journey.”

“Yes, yes, please do so, Lizzy,” Mr. Bennet responded.

Hunger was not Darcy’s main concern, but the mere fact that Elizabeth had thought of his comfort was thrilling.

“Thank you, Miss Elizabeth,” he replied while following his host to the library.

When Mr. Bennet opened the door for him, Darcy had a strange sensation.

This was the place where, very likely, Elizabeth had learnt to read and had grown her passion for books.

The room was small indeed, but the walls were all covered in shelves full of tomes.

From just a glance, he noticed a few interesting and rare volumes, proving that Mr. Bennet took his passion in earnest.

There was a desk and an armchair by the window — obviously Mr. Bennet’s — a sofa for two people, and two more chairs near the fireplace.

“You may sit wherever you wish, Mr. Darcy. There are not many seats because, except for Lizzy and now Mr. Bingley occasionally, not many people spend time in here.”

Darcy chose the sofa, gently moving a velvet cushion.

“That is Lizzy’s cushion. For some reason, she used to hold it when she was reading. She still does from time to time.”

The brief explanation only increased Darcy’s thrilling sensation. Tentatively, he touched the cushion again as if trying to better place it. In fact, he just wished to sense the trace of Elizabeth’s fingers. He scolded himself for his poor control, especially in Mr. Bennet’s presence.

“May I pour you some brandy, Mr. Darcy?”

“Yes, please.”

“Before we are interrupted, I would kindly ask you to relate to me the extent of your involvement in saving Lydia. I must know as I wish to repay you for any trouble this situation might have caused you.”

“Mr. Bennet, I had the same conversation with Miss Elizabeth during our short walk this morning. My involvement was only what needed to be done. It was my fault that I allowed Wickham the liberty to continue his dishonourable actions and deceptions against honourable people. I would respectfully ask you — as well as Miss Elizabeth — to put aside this subject and not discuss it with the rest of your family.”

“Well, it might be a little bit late for that. I have informed my wife and daughters that they should be grateful that you helped to bring about Lydia and Wickham’s wedding. I provided no details, as I know none.”

“I am sorry to hear that,” Darcy replied, truly displeased.

“You must not worry that you will receive too much gratitude, though. My wife considered your help was due since you apparently treated Wickham cruelly.”

“Mrs. Bennet is right, in essentials. As I said, my involvement was due indeed.”

“If you insist upon it, I shall only thank you again and not speak of this matter further,” Mr. Bennet concluded with a sardonic smile.

“I shall drink to that agreement,” Darcy replied.

The knock on the door increased his heart rate, and Elizabeth’s entrance made him stand up and hurry to help her with the tray. In doing so, his hands touched hers, and a shiver ran through his entire body.

“I hope you will enjoy the refreshments, Mr. Darcy,” she said. “Your servants were also offered some food and drink while they wait for you.”

“That is very considerate of you, Miss Bennet.”

“Lizzy, come and sit with us for a moment,” Mr. Bennet invited her. She seemed to hesitate briefly, then she sat on the sofa. Darcy was still standing, looking around, then he put any prudency aside and sat next to her. Her nearness made him dizzy.

“Mr. Darcy and I have decided not to discuss the Wickham matter again,” the gentleman said.

Elizabeth smiled, and her look at him from inches away stirred Darcy’s entire being.

“Mr. Darcy and I decided upon the same thing,” she replied to her father, still looking at Darcy.

“I am glad to hear we are all in perfect agreement,” Mr. Bennet uttered.

“So am I, Papa,” Elizabeth declared.

“And so am I,” Darcy repeated, their smiles sealing the deal.

***

As expected, Bingley called at Longbourn soon, and they remained for more than an hour. In the afternoon, they returned to Netherfield and, despite Mrs. Bennet’s insistence they join the family for dinner, Bingley responded that his sisters would surely want to dine with Darcy on his return.

Upon reaching Netherfield, Darcy immediately wrote to Georgiana, informing her that he had arrived safely.

The reunion with Bingley was exceedingly pleasant, unlike the one with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. Their disapproval of Bingley’s engagement was obvious, and they expressed it — directly or indirectly — at every opportunity.

After the long time spent in quarrels with Lady Catherine de Bourgh and all the disagreements with the Matlocks, Darcy was in no disposition to bear more vexation.

He did owe some loyalty and devotion to his relatives and even to his friend Bingley, but he certainly did not owe anything to the man’s sisters.

Therefore, he spoke little, answered their questions briefly, and withdrew with Bingley to the library after dinner.

Everything at Netherfield reminded him of Elizabeth and the time she had spent there a year ago.

It was a time of torment and confusion when his growing admiration for her found him unprepared for the sensations that invaded him.

A time when he considered his newly discovered passion to be a mere infatuation and when he considered Elizabeth the most enchanting woman he had ever met but not suited to be his wife.

A time when he tried to bury his love and affection under countless objections, and when his heart fought with his mind.

Lying in his room — the same one as last year — he recollected how many dreams had tortured him in that chamber.

Fortunately, that time had ended. His mind and his heart were now in harmony and agreement. Of his wishes, he had been long certain. Perhaps tomorrow morning, if he saw her again, she might offer him a little hint of her feelings and desires.

***

Tired after the journey, Darcy slept surprisingly well, so he woke up at dawn. He knew it was very early — too early — but he was too impatient to wait.

He called for his horse, but instead of riding, he held the reins and walked at a steady pace with the stallion following him. From time to time, he glanced around, though the lasting darkness did not allow much of a view until the first glimpse of daylight broke through.

After a while, he mounted, and before going to Oakham Mount, he enjoyed a refreshing gallop. When he slowed, the sun was trying to show its face, and the view was clear enough, so he rode his horse towards Longbourn.

His heart noticed Elizabeth before his eyes did, and it began to race. He dismounted and stepped towards her until he was close enough to her sparkling eyes, brightened by the exercise, and her warm smile.

“Mr. Darcy!”

“Miss Bennet…”

Neither seemed to know what to do or what to say, so they resumed walking towards Oakham Mount.

Suddenly, Elizabeth chuckled and covered her mouth with her hand. He watched her, surprised, and she lifted her eyes to him.

“I remember our encounter at Pemberley. I have never been so shocked, nor so mortified, in my life!” she explained.

“Then the feeling was mutual,” he responded.

With every step, the tension dissipated between them.