"In the Eyes of the Other"
This is a redone version of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. So if you love the book and don't want to see it changed, then don't read. This was done by R.D.K and me, Setsuna X.
Disclaimer: This was made solely for the purpose of entertainment and we are receiving nothing from this book.
Summary:Darcy and Bingley have been friends for a long time and know one another quite well. They are extremely close, but when the Bennet sisters and other prospects begin to show up, things become hectic and love becomes a mess.
Previous Chapter:
"So what now?"
"Well,"
Darcy began sitting down. "I don't know. For once I really don't
know."
"This is weird I always figured that I'd marry a young and handsome woman, like that Jane Bennet, but this is kind of different."
Darcy felt a pang of jealously and began without hearing what he was saying "Jane doesn't love you," in a cold voice that he didn't believe could have possibly come out of his mouth.
"Oh." Bingley looked sad for a moment "But I guess that's better because of…." He stopped.
Chapter 5The doorbell to his house rang and Mr. Bingley tensed slightly.
"Who could be calling at this time?" asked Darcy with an angry tone underlying the question. The butler promptly showed up into the study where the men resided.
"Misses Jane and Elizabeth Bennet" announced the butler as he stepped out of the room, allowing Jane and Elizabeth to enter. Bingley broke out into a smile when he first saw Jane, but it merely tightened on his face. Darcy took pride in being able to notice that his friend was not being as welcoming as he usually was. 'Probably really wanted to continue that conversation' mentally chuckled Darcy.
"To what do we owe the pleasure, fine ladies?" exclaimed Bingley in false cheerfulness. Darcy remained in his seat, uncaring about any gentlemanly courtesies.
"Oh, you see, we got caught in the rain and your fine house happened to be the closest one. We are sorry if we are imposing" said Jane, slightly sheepishly and trying to keep a straight face. She was always bad at lying.
"Not at all, not at all. Come in and have a seat." The ladies stepped into the room gingerly and sat next to each other on the couch nearest to the fire. "Martha!" called Bingley "Can you please bring us some tea and crumpets?" he asked her.
"Of course, sir" said Martha as she bowed slightly and left with a bounce in her step. These girls seemed nicer than the masters' sisters already, and they've barley said a word. Soon Martha stepped back into the room with some mint tea and buttery crumpets.
"I dare say that your home is in the opposite direction of the ball room, pray tell how you managed to appear on this doorstep?" haughtily asked Darcy.
Elizabeth blushed slightly in embarrassment. 'Of course our mothers' plan would not work' she thought angrily. She hated looking the fool, especially in front of a pretentious man like Darcy.
Elizabeth showed no outward expression, she was just here for Jane's sake and Jane's sake alone. She turned to look at her sister who was already happily chatting with Mr. Bingley, having not heard Mr. Darcy's question. Elizabeth allowed a small smile on her face at the view of her sister's face flushed with happiness. She must be in love already…
Darcy thought otherwise. He had also been observing his friend and Ms. Jane Bennet and noticed that they had similar characters, happy and pleasing. That was the reason why they seemed to get along so well, but wasn't the saying that 'opposites' attract? Their personalities were too alike to cause a spark; the best they could hope for would be a close friendship, but even that would never be more than the years he and Bingley have known each other.
Bingley continued to chat happily with Jane as they both sat near the glowing embers of the fire. He felt that Jane was a very sweet young lady, one that might actually make a wonderful wife someday. Before he had thought that he would never find someone as agreeable as himself and had already resigned himself to alone, but then that incident with Darcy had occurred, yes that is what he would call it, 'the incident', and now he was finding himself more and more agreeable with Jane. He was so confused, but happy that chatting with Jane was taking his mind off that kiss with Darcy. Speaking of Darcy…
"I daresay Darcy, you seem to be very quiet over there" stated Bingley.
"I don't have much to contribute" Darcy smoothly replied. Bingley pouted his lips in disappointment of trying to get Darcy to join in the conversation, but failed and decided to continue on speaking with Jane.
Jane on the other hand was ecstatic at being able to talk to Bingley for the time being. It is true that they had only just met, but she felt a connection between them. Their personalities were alike and somehow she knew that they would be good for one another, yet every time she snuck a glance at the other man in the room, Darcy she believed his name was, would give her the fiercest glare she had ever had the displeasure of seeing and it sent chills down her spine. Elizabeth seemed to be as silent as Darcy, but was so in a more calm sense than the tense silence Darcy seemed to be in.
"Well, I believe that you ladies are in need of some beauty sleep," said Bingley graciously ending his conversation with Jane.
"My word Mr. Bingley," began Elizabeth loudly and standing up "that you are calling Jane and myself quite hideous" she finished off in good nature.
Bingley blushed in embarrassment. It's not like he meant it that way! Darcy was snickering slightly and was about to make a further degrading comment, but Bingley shot him a look that clearly said 'say something horrible and you'll regret it!', and he promptly shut his mouth.
"My dear Miss Bennet, "began Bingley "you should know I meant no ill regard with my comment, I was merely stating that it is late and it would be wise to retire early, especially after such an exhausting activity such as dancing this night."
Elizabeth simply bowed her head a bit and gave Bingley a smile. Darcy, before he could stop himself, let out a small growl of jealousy, who it was directed at he wasn't sure himself, and that frightened him even more and made him go on the offensive. He stood up, face pink with anger, embarrassment, and topped off with a hint of self-loathing. He opted to stalk out of the room and got to his sleeping quarters.
"I apologize for his behavior" chuckled Bingley, a bit embarrassed at his friends' behavior.
"Think nothing of it," replied Jane as her and Elizabeth went to their prepared rooms for the night.
A/N: (Setsuna X)
Finally an update on this story. I think my friend might have dropped out of finishing this story. I still have a few more parts of her work (but not much) and I'll finish this fic up. I might have to reread P&P again, it's been a while and I want to make sure I have the characters up to par. Sorry again for the short chapter, but at least it's longer than the last one. Thanks to the reviewers (Bubbly Spirt and DJ Clawson)… although I apologize for not having this perfectly accurate. Next chapter might take a while again to put up, but we'll see. I'll probably end up rewriting this myself and cut out/revise the things R.D.K. wrote out. (maybe) Thank you all for reading and staying with me throughout this fic.