FAN FICTION

GENERAL REGENCY

NOTE: I am sorry, but apparently multiple OC's jumped out of the woodwork on this one. PP REGENCY is the first category I cannot seem to keep them out.

Mr. Bennet's talk to Mr. Darcy

Ch 1.

The drawing room at Netherfield was filled with the sound of music, the murmur of voices over card games, and the whispers of the day's events. The Bingleys, the Darcys, and their guests were enjoying a festive evening after the wedding of Charles and Jane Bingley's friend.

Elizabeth and Darcy sat close together on a sofa, watching the newlyweds dance. They had been married for a little over a year, and their happiness was evident to anyone who glanced their way. It shone through their bright eyes and wide smiles.

Kitty and Mary were dancing with some of the gentlemen. They had improved greatly since Lydia's departure. It had also helped that their father had taken a long hard look at his life after his wife's death, and had become more attentive and involved. He still spent plenty of time in his library and gardens, but he was not as clueless as before. As a result, the gentlemen was far more aware of what was going on around him and in his own household.

Lady Catherine sat down near the Darcys and soon engaged in a polite conversation with Elizabeth. She was only visiting and would soon be returning home. They both had a sharp wit, a keen sense of observation, and a fondness for their family and friends. They also shared a disdain for Mr. Collins, who hovered around them, trying to impress them with his flowery compliments and absurd remarks. Mr. Collins was unaware of their contempt, and believed that he had secured their favor and patronage. He was also oblivious to the fact that his wife, Charlotte, was the only reason people had any regard for their presence at the party. They too would soon be leaving for their own home as they, like Lady Catherine, were only visiting.

The scene was a stark contrast to the one that had taken place when the Bennets had all been but shunned by society for Lydia's elopement with the scoundrel Wickham. However, thanks to Mr. Darcy, a bigger scandal than could have occurred had been averted. Mr. Darcy had not only settled the matter with Lydia and Wickham, but had also persuaded Lady Catherine to accept Elizabeth as his wife. However, she still kept her distance from Thomas Bennet.

Mr. Darcy excused himself from his wife and aunt's company and went to join Mr. Bennet, who sat by himself next to a small round table in a corner of the room. He had made eye contact with his second to oldest's husband waving him over as he did so.,

. "Is something the matter?"

"No, not really, but I do need talk to you." Mr. Bennet stood up and suggested the two take a walk outside: Elizzabeth saw them make their departure, saw the look on her father's face and was concerned about him, but knew he was a full-grown adult, so she did not attempt to follow the men out the garden door. It was only when the two men were outside did Mr. Bennet begin to talk.; his hands clasped behind his back as he did so.

"Do you recall my visit to Pemberly? When Elizabeth was after me to marry again?" Mr. Bennet and Mr. Darcy strolled through the gardens of Netherfield Park as the question was asked. The air was fresh and fragrant, filled with the scent of roses, lavender, and jasmine. The gardens were a delight to the eye, with a variety of flowers, shrubs, and trees. Mr. Bennet enjoyed the scenery, but felt a twinge of nostalgia, for it kept in place what the subject was in the first pace and he spoke softly as if the people inside could possibly hear him. Which is why his question had been asked in such a low volume.

"How can I forget?" Mr. Darcy laughed. "I have wanted to apologize to you ever since. I think, in between she and your eldest, every available lady in England has been sent your way."

"Not every." For a split second there was a slight hint of trouble in the man's voice.

Two simple words were all he had said. But they froze Mr. Darcy's laughter. And not just because they had been spoken, but how they had been spoken.

"Whose trapped you?"

"No one has trapped me." Mr. Bennet snapped, but then apologized. "I am sorry, Mr. Darcy, that was uncalled for." His footsteps remained just as firm and steady as his voice.

"So, what is going on? You made it sound as if someone is at your doorstep and is being pushed onto you."

"Have you ever heard about a cousin of mine, Sarah Bennet?" Mr. Bennet knew it may sound as if she were the one at the door, the one doing the pushing or, maybe, even that he was now changing the subject, but the question was put out nevertheless.

'Once, in passing. Did she not marry a Scotsman?"

"Yes, that is the one. Anyhow, do you also recall the letter I received on the same said trip? The one from Scotland?"

"Was it from your cousin?"

"Yes and no."

"Uh?"

"It was from her husband; she is ill, has been for many years. Mrs. McDowell is now on her deathbed. Mr. McDowell is not doing so well himself. Their request is that I go get their only girl, Kirsty and bring her here as my daughter for she is only ten. Her brothers have all either died in war, or met their demise by disease."

"I see no problem there." Mr. Darcy was confused. "It is not as if there are not others to help you and Kitty would love to be a big sister; that is if she is not another Lydia."

"Mr. McDowell assures me she is nowhere in danger of becoming such."

"So..." Mr. Darcy drug the word out. "Mind explaining your words 'not exactly' and what them has you wearing such a serious expression? Clearly, it is not this Kirsty you hint at when it comes to marriage."

Thomas knew he owed no explanation, understood the decision had not needed, nor did it currently need, anyone else's approval. However, someone in the family - with a level head, the ability to control their emotions, and their tongue, needed to be told. Hence, to Mr. Bennet, Elizabeth's husband made the perfect choice. Darcy's tight mouth was the added benefit. It was unlikely any gossiping mouth was likely to acquire any information out of Elizabeth's husband.

The only drawback...did it have to be Lady Catherine's nephew? He wondered if Darcy had even been taught his family's own history. Setting aside any personal opinions of the woman, or what Mr. Darcy may, or may not have been taught, Thomas went to speak only for the men to get told it was time to eat.

"We will grab a bite to and come right back out to talk. I need someone to know everything before I leave for Scotland again." Thomas stood up and shook his head. "Mary and Kitty are not going. They are staying here."