As always, the characters of Pride and Prejudice do not belong to me. My thanks to the inimitable Miss Austen.


7 January 1812

Darcy House

Dear Richard,

You will be surprised to know that Georgiana and I have journeyed to London rather than Derbyshire. There is but little which could persuade me to be in town, particularly at this time of year. You should not take my presence here as in any way acknowledging your advice of Christmas. I will say that upon reflection, I may have acted with too much haste as regards Bingley and his lady. Therefore I have decided to persuade Bingley to reopen Netherfield. It should take but little work as he has spoken of naught but his Miss Bennet these past weeks. I have not yet decided if Georgiana shall accompany me as I do not care to encourage the presence of certain ladies. Perhaps Miss Bingley will not relish the idea of winter in Hertfordshire. I can only hope her desire for the meager entertainments of town will outweigh her interest in this affair.

Though I take exception to your characterization of my disposition of late – a Darcy is never morose and does not brood – I know I have not been myself. I suppose I should thank you for reminding me that this is an odd time to suddenly begin caring for the opinion of society; but I will not give you any such measure of satisfaction.

Your Cousin,

Fitzwilliam Darcy


16 January 1812

Netherfield

Dear Richard,

Your mother and my staff inform me you have decided to stay at Darcy House while you await your new orders. You have only yourself to blame if your father's stock of brandy is somewhat diminished. Have a care and do not consume all of mine. It is deuced hard to come by.

We have now been two days at Netherfield. To my relief, the sisters remain in London and it is only Bingley and myself in the house. Though I am sorry to have left Georgiana behind, I cannot regret the relative solitude. I shall not bore you with details of our journey hence. The roads were precisely as one would expect for winter in these parts and made somewhat worse by a certain gentleman's insistence on proceeding with the utmost haste.

Bingley could scarcely wait to call upon his Miss Bennet once we were arrived. The younger sisters are much as they have always been; however I find I can look on them with more amusement and less mortification than before. They are lively and I find I would not discourage a friendship if Georgiana joins me next month.

Bingley has resumed his attentions to the eldest Miss Bennet. He seems as much in love with her as ever and I expect they will have an announcement soon. He shall have to petition the Uncle in Meryton for his lady's hand as Mr. Bennet is quite ill. He is expected to recover eventually, but for now remains abed and unable to manage his household. I suspect it will go rather easily for my friend. The Uncle appears predisposed to follow the wishes of Mrs. Bennet and she does not oppose the match. He has, in fact, already assisted in the marriage of one daughter. Miss Elizabeth married her cousin, Aunt Catherine's parson, and departed for Kent a se'nnight past.

I wish for nothing more than to flee to the safety of Pemberley.

Your Cousin,

Fitzwilliam Darcy


2 February 1812

Netherfield

Dear Richard,

I am pleased to learn you will remain on English soil for some time hence. I know you find the War Office to be not so stimulating as the front, but I have no doubt you will excel in your position. If you find yourself at loose ends you could always consider your parents' offer. At Christmas, even Hargrove began to speak of his concern should you return to the continent. I will say no more. You are your own man and will surely come to some decision soon. Perhaps the charming Lady Amelia will be of some help.

As you see, I remain in Hertfordshire; it is exquisite torture. She is everywhere and nowhere and I can no more leave now than I could have stayed in November. I see her in each of her sisters and it gives me some measure of peace so long as I do not look too long on her mother. Bingley, however is besotted and can see nothing but his dear Jane while I am overset by females. Our party now includes Miss Bingley, Mr. and Mrs. Hurst and Georgiana. Once Bingley announced his engagement, his sisters were anxious to return to their brother's side. As the ladies were to join us, I saw no harm in allowing Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley to travel with them from town. Georgiana tells me the delights of Hertfordshire are almost enough to earn her forgiveness for my choice in her escort hither. She has pronounced the country charming and finds all the company agreeable despite the dire warnings of her traveling companions. She will not hear of departing before the wedding. It appears not even our dear girl is immune to the charms of the Bennet sisters as they managed to have her giggling within moments of being introduced. 'Tis good to see her smile again.

Perhaps you should join me at Netherfield. It is not defending against the bloody French, but may require as much intrigue as any intelligence operation. There is scarcely a room that is safe from ribbons, lace and giggling. I had no idea the gentler sex could be such noisy creatures. Miss Bingley continues in her determination to become the next mistress of Pemberley and after more than one delicate encounter. I have begun locking my door at night. There are other dangers afoot as well, with Georgiana here I must take greater caution in calling at Longbourn as a certain member of the militia continues to make himself comfortable there. I do wish Mr. Bennet would recover. His daughters are in danger and their mother will not see it. I begin to think I should have allowed your will to be done after Ramsgate.

Your Cousin,

Fitzwilliam Darcy


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