Page 26 of Winter of Passion (Pride and Prejudice Variation)
“And yet, we were all aware of your mutual dislike. From calling her tolerable, through the misunderstandings with that scoundrel Wickham, she always criticised you. Recently you became friends, and we all assumed it was due to your friendship with Bingley, even when you danced two sets with her last night. Then suddenly, here you are, informing me you two are engaged.”
Darcy was silent for a moment, searching for the right words to continue.
“Mr Bennet, I understand your doubts. I struggled to disguise my feelings for a long time. Despite what everybody assumed they knew, I have been secretly in love with your daughter since before the ball at Netherfield last November. She was as stunned as you when I finally revealed the truth to her — and rather displeased. At that time, her feelings for me were not tender and her opinion of me quite low. I believe her sentiments began to change only when we met again at Pemberley.”
The confession had the desired effect, for Mr Bennet’s eyes widened in disbelief, and he stared at Darcy silently for a moment.
“This is quite a revelation, Mr Darcy!”
“It is the truth, Mr Bennet.”
“My brother Gardiner did mention that your attentions to them at Pemberley were beyond mere politeness. He was not wrong.”
“No… But my sister and I genuinely enjoyed Mr and Mrs Gardiner’s company.”
“I wonder whether my brother and sister will be surprised by the news. My wife will definitely be shocked and thrilled. I must have Hill prepared with the smelling salts when I inform her. But are you certain of your decision, Mr Darcy?”
“I have never been more certain of anything.”
“Assuredly, many will oppose this marriage. There will be many rumours about Lizzy…she has a younger sister married to your father’s steward.”
“Such rumours are neither unknown nor significant to me. I expect opposition, but I already have the approval of those who matter the most to me.”
“Many people will claim that Lizzy accepted you after she saw Pemberley — that she is a fortune hunter who has trapped you into this marriage.”
Mr Bennet was still concerned, but Darcy smiled.
“I have no doubts about the nature of Elizabeth’s feelings for me, Mr Bennet. I have not the smallest suspicion that she might be a fortune hunter.”
“I am glad to hear that, Mr Darcy. If this is the case, you have my heartfelt blessing. I look forward to speaking to my daughter too. I shall request her to return home — you cannot live together at Netherfield, being engaged.”
“Of course, sir. However, I shall only stay at Netherfield till tomorrow morning. I shall travel to London to inform the rest of my family about the engagement. Furthermore, I shall purchase a licence, so we may wed whenever Elizabeth wishes.”
“It sounds like a thorough plan, Mr Darcy. I have no objection to it as long as Lizzy approves.”
“She does. My sister and her companion will remain at Netherfield until I return.”
“What about the other guests?”
“I believe they will leave in the next few days.”
“So Jane will still have a lot to deal with. If you leave, perhaps I should allow Lizzy to remain at Netherfield, after all.”
“As you wish, sir. Mrs Bingley will certainly appreciate her sister’s support.”
“You should consider one more thing — if I allow you to marry my daughter, I request full access to your libraries.”
“That goes without question, Mr Bennet. I am counting on you to visit us as often as you wish — together with the rest of the family.”
“That is an invitation you may soon regret, but I shall hold you to it,” Mr Bennet replied, then continued on a serious note. “Mr Darcy, this is certainly one day I shall never forget.”
“Likewise, sir. I must leave now. If you do not mind, I would like to return later and speak to Mrs Bennet, as well as Mr and Mrs Gardiner.”
“We would be delighted. Do consider staying for dinner. It would be generous of you to allow Mrs Bennet to express her approval and appreciation directly.”
∞∞∞
Half an hour later, Darcy arrived at Netherfield frozen and hungry, eager to have breakfast and anxious to meet Elizabeth.
He expected to find the entire party in the dining room, and he went there. He heard some loud voices, then Bingley appeared from behind the door, his countenance pale and troubled.
“Darcy, where have you been? I have been looking for you everywhere. I sent the servants to search for you!”
“What happened, Bingley? I was—”
“Come with me to the library. We have a most disturbing situation to discuss!”
Bingley hurried on ahead, and Darcy followed him, puzzled. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Mrs Bingley in a room, obviously upset, and Elizabeth trying to comfort her. There were no other guests around and no sign of breakfast.
“Come!” Bingley called him, shutting the library door after them with a bang.
Inside, Colonel Fitzwilliam was waiting on a sofa, a drink in his hand and an unreadable expression on his face.
“I cannot believe this has happened in my house! It is outrageous! I have never been so humiliated and so betrayed!” Bingley shouted with an anger Darcy had never seen before.