Edited by nanciellen
January - March 1813
Winter passed slowly at Pemberley, and little by little Darcy made a full recovery. The doctor visited him every week and was very happy with his progress. By the end of January, he could walk without a cane and write without difficulty with his right hand.
In the early days of February 1813, Darcy received a letter from the investigator he had hired in London to investigate the Matlocks and the Viscount. He informed him that he had had a mysterious accident and had decided not to pursue the investigation further.
The following week Lambton's magistrate closed the Pemberley fire investigation as there were no witnesses or suspects. The only thing they knew was the fire was not an accident, and that it was human-caused.
In mid-March, the Bingleys came to Pemberley to visit them for a couple of weeks as they wanted to lease an estate, preferably in Derbyshire. On the third day, Bingley visited an estate only 10 miles from Pemberley. Darcy did not want to accompany him since the doctor had not yet authorized him to ride a horse for so long.
That same night, during dinner, they talked about the estate and the past...
"… you were right, Darcy; the house is not as beautiful and grand as the one in Netherfield Park," Bingley said with some sadness.
"But you have to take into account that the neighbors are far superior, Charles," Caroline commented with some annoyance.
"Yes, Caroline, but the lease is higher than Netherfield and the estate is smaller. Also, the owners are not willing to lower the price."
"You are going to be hard-pressed to get a property like Netherfield at that price, Bingley," Darcy replied.
Bingley sighed. "Many times, I asked myself if I did the right thing in leaving Netherfield."
"Charles, you did very well to leave that place, or now, we would be forever linked with the Bennets and we would be the laughingstock of London!" Caroline sighed dramatically, "I never saw such a crass family, especially the youngest one, the one who eloped with an officer. What else could be expected from such a family!"
"Miss Bingley, I prefer not to discuss the Bennets' misfortune over dinner," Darcy said sharply.
"I am sorry, Mr. Darcy, I did not mean to offend you."
Darcy nodded and they continued talking about other topics. After dinner, Bingley went to Darcy's study for a brandy, a cigar, and also to have a private conversation...
"…I know I have to control Caroline better so she does not make comments like that about the Bennets and other people."
"I appreciate it if you do it. She made me lose my temper today. Honestly, I do not understand why she keeps talking about the Bennets when she has not had any relationship with them for a long time" Darcy examined his friend carefully and noticed that the expression on his face was no longer smiling and he did not have the same optimism when he spoke, "Are you alright, Bingley?"
"Yes, I am well." He sighed, "The thing is that a few days ago we happened to meet Sir William and he told us that Jane Bennet got married and that affected me more than I expected."
"I did not know she got married." Darcy looked into Bingley's eyes and asked, "Do you still have feelings for her?"
Bingley hesitated. "I still think of her, but not often. She is still one of the loveliest and sweetest ladies I have ever known, and sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I had stayed at Netherfield."
Darcy sighed. "You will never know, Bingley. But if Miss Jane Bennet is married, there is no point in looking back."
"I agree with you, Darcy."
That night, Darcy dreamed of Elizabeth again. It had been so long since he had heard from her, and he felt like he had lost her forever.