Wednesday, December 11
Darcy shifted yet again in the cushioned squabs of his travelling carriage. He had only been on the road for an hour, but right now it felt as though it had been days. While in London, he had spent a good deal of time with Georgiana, trying to assure her of his love and support, had completed various tasks of estate management, had gotten settlement papers drawn up, had collected all of Wickham's debts and spoken to his uncle and various others in preparation for dealing with Wickham, and had attended three soirees, two dinners, and attended the theatre twice with his aunt and uncle.
All the events would have been better if Elizabeth had been with him. Even if she failed to charm the most curmudgeonly sticklers of the ton, she would have provided him with an excellent conversation partner and amusing observations. Not to mention that she made any day better simply with her presence.
He had managed without her though. In fact, they had been the most enjoyable events he had experienced in London since before his father had died. Though he did not know many of the people there well enough to consider them friends, he had utilised his new skill at small talk and had discovered two gentlemen, whom he had only previously recognised on sight, who were very like-minded. He had even called on them to inform them of his trip and to wish they might have further opportunities to converse. He had also managed several dances with tolerable equanimity.
The vultures still circled, but now he had hope that he might be free from them before long. Aunt Margaret had required he dance with several of her favourites, apparently hoping to ignite some spark and halt his return to Hertfordshire. But, though he had congenial conversations with a few of the young ladies, no one could compare to Elizabeth.
For the first time, he pitied some of the girls who were just as much driven into dancing with him as he had been driven into dancing with them. Expectant mamas and other assorted female relations were all pressing for them to catch someone, preferably someone as wealthy and well-connected as him. With understanding came compassion, and he found it easier than ever before to be polite and even to smile a few times.
Last night, when he had taken his leave of his aunt and uncle, both had commented on how very surprised they were by his changed behaviour. Aunt Margaret had even, grudgingly, admitted that if his Miss Elizabeth could work such wonders on as unwilling a subject as him, she might, perhaps, be of use in helping Georgiana navigate society. Lord Matlock had simply clapped him on the back and said that he trusted Darcy would make the right decision and that he was proud of the man Darcy was becoming and glad to see him less weighed down.
Now, after what felt like years, he could return to Elizabeth, his conscience clear. He had spent time with his family and time in society; neither had swayed him from his intention to marry her. In fact, his foray into society had only solidified his new viewpoint—he had changed too much to go back to the way things had been. Hopefully, she would consider this a sufficient sampling of the normal rhythms of his life.
He had written to Bingley of his arrival, and he wished that he might have written to Elizabeth. Had she changed her mind? She was so worried that he would change his, but was that a genuine concern, or did it mask something else?
He shifted again to the left, wishing this blasted interminable ride would be over and he could see his beloved. It would not take more than a moment to ascertain whether the light of love remained in her eyes or not.
Bingley was waiting on the steps the moment Darcy's carriage arrived at Netherfield.
"Darcy!" he greeted, rushing down the steps before Darcy had even reached solid ground and giving Darcy a hearty handshake.
Darcy smiled. "It is good to see you, Bingley," he said fervently.
"Come in out of this cold," Bingley urged, pulling on Darcy's coat sleeve for a brief moment before hurrying ahead and ordering hot drinks be brought to Darcy's room. "Unless, of course, you wish to sit in the study together instead of going to the Bennets."
"Going to the Bennets?" Darcy repeated blankly.
"You will want to freshen up first, but I have been visiting the Bennets most afternoons and have dined with them several times." He shifted uneasily. "It is a bit forward, but I have been trying to ascertain Miss Bennet's true feelings. Mrs. Bennet would be pleased to include you in the family party. She told me so herself when I said you were likely to arrive soon. I thought perhaps you would like to accompany me today." He smiled widely. "Miss Elizabeth will be there."
Darcy hesitated only the barest moment, weighing the benefits of surprising Elizabeth in her own home (and having an audience to their reunion) against hearing the latest news from Bingley.
Seeing Elizabeth won.
"I would very much like to accompany you to the Bennets. When do you intend to leave?"
"As soon as you are ready. But do not feel the need to rush—I doubt it will take you as long as it would me."
Darcy nodded, took his leave of Bingley, and bounded up the stairs. There would be time to discuss the happenings of the neighbourhood later. Elizabeth awaited.
A/N: I'm back :D I hope you guys enjoyed your last two weeks! My vacation was lovely—although not at all productive in the editing department ;)
Thanks for reading and engaging with this story! You guys make such a difference in my life!
If you notice something amiss, please let me know. Lord knows, I make no pretense of being a Regency expert or a perfect writer ;)
I'm still looking for someone who wants to do edits on previous chapters, so if that's you, please message me!
See you on Thursday :)
