Hello everyone! Today is a big day for me! A month ago, I posted my first attempt at writing fanfiction, "Grateful", which has since then evolved into a series. So it is my first monthsary today! Thank you all for your support and reviews.
As some of you may know, I have written several shorts as well. One of them, "Caught in the Act" is M-rated which has also turned into a series, unexpectedly, due to readers' requests. I am really surprised you want more of it. LOL. I guess we all need some entertainment from time to time.
I was actually quite sad yesterday to know I have lost a reader. But I know I cannot please everybody so I just need to move on and keep writing. We all have different likes and dislikes and I accept that.
Back to this story, Elizabeth will eventually get to read what is on the folded papers. She is waiting for a good time to read it without Jane or Mary or Mrs Hill around. I am also impatient to get to that part. If only I can write fast enough.;-)
roses0002: It is good to see the relationship between the sisters. Mary can sometimes be overlooked but she seems happy enough to become the next mistress of her childhood home.
RHALiz: Yes, we all want Elizabeth to read the "note". Soon!
lpinney: More about Elizabeth in the next chapter. This chapter is about the occupants of Netherfield.
liysyl: Yes, the "note" will provide some answers. That is all I can say for now.
Lisa: Yes, she will get around to reading it soon.
Belatrixie: She is now starting to question her view of Mr Darcy. That is a good start.
Deanna27: Yes, Elizabeth! Read it! When there are no more interruptions. ;-)
Vesper1931: I am sorry to lose you as a reader. Thank you for your time and for being honest. I apologise that I cannot please all readers. I know you love a Mary-Colonel pairing but it does not work for this story. Stay safe. (yes, I know the former reader may not see this message anymore)
Levenez: Yes, so many changes in plans. ;-) I did not envision this story to be totally serious. I am pleased that you appreciate what I have written so far. No, I have not read about the book you mentioned. Sounds fun. I thank you for reading my work and letting me know what you think. Much appreciated.
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Miss Bingley had been anticipating the return of both her brother and Mr Darcy from Longbourn. She was becoming increasingly concerned about how long they had been away. She wondered what was taking them so long. Calls did not often last more than half an hour. She tried to convince herself that perhaps they had other business to attend to. They cannot have spent the past couple of hours at Longbourn with the deplorable Bennet family.
Impatiently deciding that she had better do something to pass the time, she tried different dresses on to see which one might catch Mr Darcy's notice. She also got her maid to restyle her hair no less than 3 times. She put more rose water on, afraid that the scent will not last till the men arrive. Mr Darcy had commented about Miss Eliza's fine eyes and that drew her ire. She wanted to ensure that she presents herself to her best advantage. Mr Darcy would not be able to resist her charms.
When the men stepped foot at Netherfield, she was surprised to see the state of their appearance. Their boots were all muddied and while they were not drenched, it still looked like they got wet from the rain. Taking this chance to showcase that she is the consummate mistress, she ordered the servants around to attend to their needs—a bath, a clean change of clothes, lighting the fireplace, refreshments, anything. The servants had no qualms about working for Mr Bingley nor attending to Mr Darcy, but the manner in which Miss Bingley ran the household was a source of frustration to them. They saw the stark contrast between the politeness of Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley to the curtness of Miss Bingley. The latter was accustomed to shouting out orders and then changing them almost immediately, sometimes several times. However disgruntled they may be with the mistress, they knew they had to comply with her demands and keep their mouths shut so as not to risk their employment.
Miss Bingley made sure that the dinner menu had all of Mr Darcy's favourite dishes. She has dreamed of being mistress of Pemberley for so long and she was not about to let Miss Eliza steal her man away. During dinner, she constantly asked Mr Darcy how he liked the food and the wine, which only earned her courteous one or two-word replies. Tried as she might, she could not seem to engage him in further conversation. Her brother, on the other hand, was quite animated and was happily conversing with Mr and Mrs Hurst. She suspected something was amiss and wanted to find out what was with Mr Darcy's mood.
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Later that evening after the rest of the household has retired, Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy were engrossed in a serious discussion.
"Darce, what happened today? I thought you were planning to go back to Pemberley tomorrow. Are you still leaving in the morning?"
"No, I cannot leave now. I am sorry for the change in plans, Bingley."
"Oh, don't you worry about that. Tell me what happened with Miss Elizabeth. I was not aware you were interested in her, though I often thought you enjoyed her company despite your insult of her at the assembly."
"What insult? What are you referring to?"
"Remember when I asked you to dance with someone at the assembly and I suggested Miss Elizabeth as a dance partner? You said she was tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt you."
"Did I really say that? I remember that you were pressing me to dance but I was in a foul mood that evening and had no intention to dance other than with your sisters."
"Yes, you did and quite loudly as well. Several heads turned to look at us after your firm declaration."
Mr Darcy ran his fingers through his hair and was about to pull at it but he stopped himself. He needs to stop that habit.
"Do you think Miss Elizabeth heard about what I said?"
"I think she actually heard you. She was laughing with her friend Miss Lucas shortly after your comment while they were both sneaking glances at us."
"I am such a fool! What must she think of me? That must be part of the reason why she does not want me to make her an offer."
"Perhaps. It is entirely possible. Never in my whole life did I expect that a woman might reject you, Darce."
"Miss Elizabeth is singular indeed. I respect her even more now for not desiring to marry for money or security."
"A word of advice, my friend, if you will allow it."
Mr Darcy was surprised to hear this. Bingley often looked to him for advice and now he is offering him one!
"Yes, Bingley?"
"Well, it might help your cause if you make yourself more… amiable."
"Amiable? I am not like you, Bingley. You are always jovial and easy-going. I am nothing like that."
"I do not mean for you to be like me, Darce. Just try to lighten up a little bit. Open up more when speaking with other people."
"I certainly have not the talent which some people like you possess, of conversing easily with those I am not familiar with. I cannot catch their tone of conversation, or appear interested in their concerns."
"You can always practice, can't you?"
"Now you sound like Aunt Catherine."
"I am not sure that is a compliment."
"No, it's not."
Mr Bingley sighed. Is his friend ever going to learn?
There was a pause in their conversation while both were thinking of what they will do the next day.
"So what are your plans now, Darce?"
"I need to speak to Miss Elizabeth. I am determined to pursue her. Hearing her pompous cousin propose to her was the prompt I needed to finally acknowledge my feelings."
"I like Miss Elizabeth --"
Mr Darcy glared at him.
Mr Bingley laughed.
"Not in that way, Darce. You know I only have eyes for my angel, Miss Bennet."
"And what are your intentions?"
"I am also determined to pursue her. I shall request to speak to her in private when we call tomorrow."
Mr Darcy cannot really advise his friend against that when he himself planned to pursue Miss Bennet's sister. He had reservations about the match in the past but he only wanted to protect his friend. He had no objections to the lady. In fact, he can understand why Mr Bingley chose her.
"I can only wish you the best of luck, my friend. May you win the hand of your fair maiden."
"Thank you, Darce, I appreciate your approval, although I would have pursued Miss Bennet even without it. We might become brothers after all!"
"Not in the way your sister expects."
And the men laughed.
Unbeknownst to them, someone had been listening in to their conversation. Miss Bingley had cautiously moved along the halls and reached her brother's study. She made sure no one was watching her as she leaned her ear against the door. She then quickly returned to her chambers when there was another pause in their conversation lest she gets caught.