Madam and Missy — A Pride and Prejudice Variation
This is dedicated to all the writers both here and on KU who've released their stories for free! As I enjoy reading them so much, I thought that I'd have a go, and here it is.
[Note that I'm a Brit, so have written with British spelling, punctuation and terminology 😏]
In which the Hursts and their stowaway arrive at Pemberley
Pemberley
Darcy
Early on Monday afternoon, a footman came to tell them that the Hursts' carriage had been spotted at the gates to the estate, so Darcy and his mother went to the front door to await it. Georgiana had escaped to stay with the Matlocks for a few days and would arrive with them on the morrow. Darcy wished that he had been able to do the same.
As the carriage stopped, Hurst alighted and carefully helped his wife out. Expecting her first child, Louisa Hurst looked tired and uncomfortable, so Lady Anne immediately stepped forward to greet her and to invite her in for a rest. Distracted by their concern for Mrs. Hurst, it was not until he heard a shrill voice demanding assistance that Darcy turned to see Miss Bingley being handed out from the carriage by a footman.
He and Hurst exchanged looks of resignation. Darcy conceded that the other man would rather escort his weary wife than his sister, so took a breath and offered his arm to lead her into the house. Mrs. Reynolds was there, ready to show the guests to their rooms.
"I shall be in the family wing as is proper for an unmarried lady," announced Miss Bingley. "I do hope that you have provided rooms close to dear Darcy's protection," she continued, simpering up at him.
"No, Miss Bingley," said Lady Anne, firmly. "All of the rooms in the family wing are in use by members of the family."
"And the mistress' suite?" Miss Bingley asked Darcy, coquettishly, pressing herself to his side.
"Do you mean my own suite, Miss Bingley?"
"Oh, no, my lady! Not immediately— "
"Very well." Lady Anne gestured towards the housekeeper. "Mrs. Reynolds will show you to your chambers. They are next to your sister's — in the guest wing."
"We keep country hours so shall dine at five. Hurst, do let us know if you and your wife would prefer to eat in your chambers," said Darcy as the guests were led away.
"I thank you, Lady Anne, Darcy. We hope to dine with you; I am sure that Louisa will recover after a short rest."
Darcy began to feel guilty that they had given Miss Bingley rooms next to the Hursts. They have obviously had a tiring journey.
The next guest to arrive was much more welcome. Darcy mother and son gladly descended the steps to greet George Darcy's uncle, Judge Darcy. He was an elderly man, long retired from the benches, but welcomed whole-heartedly to Pemberley.
"Anne, William, how kind of you to invite me!" he cried upon climbing down from his carriage.
"You ought to know by now that you need no such invitation, uncle," replied Lady Anne as she took his arm to enter the mansion.
"You are all kindness! Now, where is Georgiana? It would do my old bones good to see her beautiful face after my journey."
"She has fled to Matlock but will return on the morrow," said Lady Anne.
"'Fled?' From whom or what has she fled?"
"I shall allow William to tell you all of the details, as I know that he would like to talk with you once you have rested from your journey. But, suffice it to say, we have an uninvited guest."
"Ah, I see, or perhaps I do not see. Given the options of resting or talking with my great-nephew, I shall choose the latter. Where shall I find you, lad?"
"Would care to join me in my study, when you are ready — we ought not to be disturbed there," replied Darcy.
"Ah, you have piqued my curiosity; I shall be there very shortly!" exclaimed the judge.
It was barely ten minutes later that Darcy heard his uncle knock on his study door and called for him to enter. Closing the door behind his guest, he asked if he would like any refreshments. "I believe that Cook has made shortbread."
"Lovely woman, your cook. You are lucky to have her working for you."
"Indeed." Darcy reopened the door dispatched a footman for tea and shortbread.
Very shortly, Mrs. Reynolds showed in a maid with a tray of tea things. The judge greeted her fondly, accepting the cup of tea from her with thanks. The servants curtseyed and left the men alone.
"I have quite a story to tell you, uncle," began Darcy.
"Oh, William," cried Judge Darcy, much later. "I cannot wait to meet your wife and daughters! Your Missy sounds wonderful and just right — perfect, even — for you."
"Indeed!"
"It sounds as though these five years, ten years, have been hard for you both." The judge was sympathetic.
"Once I had become accustomed to it, writing to each other throughout our betrothal was not hard but, when we had finally met and wed, it was very difficult to be parted from her."
"And you are fully recovered?"
"I am, I thank you."
"I expect that you are pleased that they are coming here."
"Indeed! Very much so. We shall have no more separations."
"And your children, what ages are they?"
"Melissa is a little over two years and Phoebe is a year old." Darcy could not conceal his delight as he continued, "Lizzy is expecting our third child."
"Oh, congratulations, William! Congratulations!" His uncle stood and shook his hand. Regaining his seat, he continued, "Now, tell of your uninvited guest."
Miss Bingley
Pemberley, at last! Now that she was there, Miss Bingley had no intention of leaving — certainly not before she was betrothed, at the very least, to its master. She was disappointed that she had not been given rooms in the family wing. Who are these relations who have taken those rooms? she wondered.
Again, Lady Anne had thwarted her. It really is time that she is dispatched to the dower house. And this rural nonsense of dining at five o'clock would stop when she became Mistress of Pemberley.
Exploring the sitting room of her apartment, she poked into all of the nooks and crannies, and examined the various vases and paintings and ornaments displayed there. She calculated their worth, pleased that they were of value. Moving through to the bedchamber, she overheard maids' voices from the dressing room. About to dismiss them, she heard the words 'dower house', so stood in silence hoping to hear more.
There was the sound of the servant's door closing quietly, then her own maid came out and, spotting her mistress, bobbed a curtsey.
"The housekeeper sent up some hot water for you, miss."
Miss Bingley did not acknowledge this thoughtfulness, but immediately questioned her maid about her conversation with the Pemberley maid.
"Oh, miss. It were just a bit o' gossip about cleaning the dower house on the estate."
"Yes? And?" Miss Bingley demanded.
"Something about it being readied for use, miss." The maid laid out washing and drying cloths ready for her mistress to change before dining. "Will I help you, miss?"
Miss Bingley allowed the maid to help her to wash and dress. Before dismissing her, she bid her discover more about the dower house, "And report to me any gossip about the family!"
"Yes, miss."
Even though it was at a ridiculously early hour, Miss Bingley admitted that the dinner was wonderful. They dined in a small dining room as there was so few of them. An elderly man had joined them; he appeared to be some relation to her hosts. Miss Bingley had no interest in him as she sat next to Darcy where they could speak together cosily. She was determined that they would have many such intimate dinners when they were wed. Ah yes, it will be splendid being Mistress of Pemberley!
Much, much later, Miss Bingley prepared herself to find Darcy's rooms. She donned a revealing nightgown and a matching robe, let her hair fall loose and quietly opened the door of her chamber. She could hear male voices, so stood still waiting for them to stop.
The voices continued and she became impatient. As they came closer, she retreated into her room and pushed the door to. Pressing her ear to the wood, she heard muffled farewells and a door closing. She teased her own door ajar again and peeped through the crack. Darcy! Assuming that he was on his way to his own chambers and opening her door a little wider, she squeezed through and crept after him.
He led her along the long guest wing to the top of the grand main staircase, then along the long family wing. How many rooms are there? Then he opened a door at the very end and went in. Ah ha! She had found the master's suite! Hurrying, she listened at the door as he dismissed his valet for the night. Perfect!
Her hand was on the handle when a throat was cleared behind her.
She jumped.
A servant was looking at her.
"On your way! Go back to your duties!" she snarled at him.
"These are my duties, miss —sniff— " he replied.
A door opened nearby. Lady Anne stepped out. "Peters, is all well?"
"Yes, my lady. Miss —sniff— Bingley appears to be lost."
"I see; it is very easy for those new to the house to mistake the guest and family wings in the dead of night," said Lady Anne.
"Shall I see you back to the guest wing, miss —sniff—?"
"No, I can find my own way!"
Blast! There will be other opportunities! I am not leaving before I catch him!
Please don't copy!