Darcy’s Passions (Pride and Prejudice Retelling)

Chapter One

“Your conjecture is totally wrong.”

FITZWILLIAM DARCY LOUNGED LAZILY IN THE HIGH-BACKED CHAIR OF the library at Netherfield Park, sipping his morning coffee and savoring the news found in his sister’s letter.

The Bingley party had yet to come down, and Darcy so enjoyed these moments of solitude.

Most considered him a self-assured man, confident and independent, for he assumed the care of others.

In fact, his benevolence was the reason he now found himself at Netherfield Park, sitting with his back to the sun and smiling at his sister’s opening words.

Previously, he had made a transaction with the Bingley family’s firm and rediscovered his associate from his university years.

As he was then, Charles Bingley was an affable young man who was greatly in need of direction.

Therefore, Darcy found himself assisting his friend’s transition into Society.

Although their temperaments differed immensely, from the beginning, they had cast a solid relationship.

Bingley’s easygoing nature accepted without censure the stolid disposition Darcy displayed.

Yet, their affection for each other was genuine, and both men counted the other to be an intimate associate.

Taking another sip of the tepid brew, Darcy reread the first few lines of Georgiana’s letter.

My dear William,

I pray your sojourn to Netherfield Park was without incident, and you found it to be pleasantly suited.

Mr. Bingley’s possession of Netherfield is another step in his establishing himself in fine Society.

Hopefully, Netherfield will permit Mr. Bingley to discover the happiness he deserves.

As he is your friend, he is as dear to me as you.

Darcy smiled at the tact Georgiana displayed.

She realized, obviously, Charles Bingley had taken Netherfield at Caroline Bingley’s insistence and because of the lady’s need to present herself as a woman whose family held enough wealth to merit an estate, while also establishing Bingley’s position in Society.

Bingley desired his sister’s happiness, so he let Netherfield Park to that purpose.

I hope you will enjoy Miss Bingley’s company, as well as Hertfordshire’s society. Your happiness always plays uppermost in my mind. You have, William, been my support when I faced my worst of times; I can never repay your kindness; yet, Brother, I fear you place your own life at bay.

His sister had experienced love of the basest form, having briefly given her heart to a familiar cad.

Thank goodness Darcy had arrived in time to save her innocence and her heart.

For several months, Georgiana had pined for the braggart, and as he gently guided his ward, Darcy had stewed at the man’s audacity.

Thankfully, he found Mrs. Annesley, a companion, who would, hopefully, turn his impressionable, innocent sister into a culturally refined young lady.

Darcy marveled at Georgiana’s reference to Caroline Bingley.

Although they had never discussed Miss Bingley, he realized his sister found Miss Bingley’s advances too forward.

Yet, Georgiana would welcome Caroline into her home and her family if the woman pleased him.

In reality, Caroline Bingley pleased Darcy as much as any other woman.

She possessed refined tastes; yet, he held no affection for her.

He understood he must marry soon, but he had always wanted more; he wanted the passion he had witnessed in his parents’ marriage.

Unfortunately, even though he often met women of fine Society, all of whom would welcome his advances and his wealth, he never encountered such emotions.

As to finding Hertfordshire’s society pleasing, the prospect of that possibility remained as thin in Darcy’s mind as did the likelihood of his developing affection for Miss Bingley.

Mrs. Annesley and I enjoyed a concert touted by the Prince Regent.

Oh, dear, Brother, you have never heard such music.

It could pick one up and transport him to realms of emotional fantasies.

Mrs. Annesley says we shall seek the sheet music, and Mr. Steventon will assist me until I achieve at least a semblance of the concert’s greatness.

Then I shall give you a private performance, which I pray you will enjoy.

Although a slow process, Georgiana had displayed signs of recovering from her brush with romantic disaster.

Since the age of twelve when his beloved mother had died shortly after his sister’s birth, Darcy had protected Georgiana.

He had become her legal guardian when their esteemed father passed several years prior.

Yet, Darcy had actually assumed the position when his father had become ill.

His sister’s gentleness complemented his staunch manner; he adored Georgiana in a way few could understand.

With the age difference, Darcy and Georgiana each possessed the characteristics of being the only child, needing private time each day to focus, to listen to soothing music, to meditate, or to read a book.

Her care was a great responsibility, but he had been groomed for responsibility.

Mayhap, I should make arrangements for a new pianoforte for my sister to be delivered to Pemberley; it would give her such pleasure.

“A birthday present,” he said aloud. He returned to the letter, for he wanted to finish it before the Bingley household descended upon him.

William, it has been a long time since I felt contentment, but I owe my current condition to you, my dearest. Your love and kindness have provided me the impetus to continue on after my foolhardiness, and I promise, once more, that I will soon be your younger, sometimes precocious, sister.

Extend to Mr. Bingley and his family my fondest regards.

Georgiana

Darcy closed his eyes and imagined Georgiana.

For a fleeting moment, he vividly saw her smile’s sweetness.

Then he slowly folded the letter, savoring the moment, and placed it in the inside pocket of his morning jacket.

The sound of Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst in the morning room interrupted his reflections.

Darcy unfolded his frame, stood, adjusted his clothing, and strode purposely from the library to join his hosts.

“Ah, Mr. Darcy, you keep country hours,” Caroline said as he entered the room.

Darcy made a quick bow to both ladies. Crossing to the breakfast repast to refill his coffee cup, he politely replied, “It is true, Miss Bingley, I prefer to rise early. It is a habit instilled by my late father. This morning, besides enjoying your family’s hospitality, I have read a letter from my sister. ”

“How is dear Georgiana?” she replied without any true concern evident in her voice. Typical Caroline Bingley, thought Darcy. She knew the expected words to say in each situation, but Miss Bingley possessed no real emotion–no thoughts of her own.

“My sister enjoys her time in London and her favorite pastime: music,” Darcy added quickly, hoping this would end Caroline’s inquiries.

Unfortunately, Miss Bingley rose and strolled elegantly across the room.

She, obviously, hoped to emphasize her “assets.” As a man of wealth, he was often targeted by women in pursuit of a husband, and Darcy recognized her game.

He had learned diplomatically to avoid the advances with a haughty, prideful manner.

An indifference to such ambitions. As Caroline sashayed across the room playing up her feminine qualities, Darcy took on a familiar somber face.

“I do wish Georgiana had joined us at Netherfield,” she said, refilling the cup and taking a step closer to him.

“She has her studies to which to attend,” Darcy responded as he walked away to take up a position by the window. Turning to observe the grounds, he continued, “Will your brother be down soon? I had hoped we could survey the estate today.”

As if on cue, Charles Bingley sauntered into the room. “Come, Darcy, I am not that late, am I? We will have plenty of time to take an accounting of my lands. Assuredly, they will never live up to your Pemberley, but it will be a fit beginning, do you not think?”

Making a slight nodding bow to his friend, Darcy could not help but become caught up in Charles’s enthusiasm; it had that effect upon him.

“We should survey the fields, the fence line, and observe the homesteads on the estate. Then we may assess what to address immediately and what to delay until the new growing season. We should do so before the obligatory calls from your neighbors begin and before you decide to stay in Hertfordshire by purchasing Netherfield Park, rather than letting it.”

“I am most looking forward to meeting my new neighbors,” Bingley replied as he prepared a plate of eggs and fresh fruit.

“I fear,” said Darcy, assuming his customary superior attitude, “you will find little true society in Hertfordshire. It is a country society, lacking in manners and refinement.”

“Darcy, you should open yourself to new adventures,” Bingley teased.

Placating to Darcy, Caroline declared she too feared a lack of society.

Mrs. Hurst tutted her disapproval. Yet, Bingley’s countenance brightened as he turned to his sister.

“If that be so, Caroline, you will be credited with changing their lives forever. Every woman will copy your style, and men will eat from your hand.”

Darcy noted how Caroline dropped her eyes in a coy manner before excusing herself to her chambers.