The Heiress

by Ldibo

Mr. Bennet had been married twice in his lifetime. His first marriage was not of his own choosing, and it was an unhappy one. His second marriage brought him much happiness, and he was deeply devoted to his wife. When Mr. Bennet passed away, to Jane's surprise, he chose Elizabeth as the heiress of Longbourn. This is a story about deception,betrayal and love. Unedited story. E&D J&B

42. Chapter 42

Notes: Sorry for the delay, here is the second part of the chapter.

PPP

Since his departure from Hertfordshire, Darcy's mind was preoccupied with thoughts of the enchanting Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She even graced his dreams on a few occasions. In one of these nocturnal reveries, he vividly recalled strolling arm in arm with her through Pemberley Gardens, while two cherubic little boys, their dark hair and blue eyes gleaming, playfully ran circles around them. Another dream transported him to the grand ballroom at Pemberley, where they waltzed gracefully. Upon awakening, he yearned to slip back into slumber and prolong those blissful dreams.

His aunt, Lady Matlock, had been diligent in introducing him to a bevy of young ladies from the upper echelons of society, for he was fast approaching the age of thirty, and it was time he took a bride and produced an heir. However, despite his best efforts, he found himself inadvertently comparing each potential bride unfavorably to the enchanting Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

He had no reason to return to Hertfordshire, and Bingley had no intention of returning to Netherfield Park. Bingley wanted to erase all memory of Jane Bennet from his mind. Indeed, Darcy had earnestly advised him against revisiting the estate. Darcy was aware of the difference between his social circle and Miss Elizabeth's, making the chances of their paths crossing again very unlikely.

In mid-March, Georgiana, who had suffered from asthma since childhood, contracted a severe and persistent case of influenza. Her long-time physician sagely recommended to Darcy that Georgiana would benefit from spending a few months on the coast, where the invigorating sea air promised to restore her delicate health.

Unlike the prior year, Darcy resolved to accompany his sister on a vacation of several weeks to Ramsgate. Joining their party was his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, who had valiantly served in the continental campaigns but had sustained grievous injuries that rendered him unfit for active duty for the foreseeable future.

Early in June, the Darcys, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Georgiana's companion, Mrs. Annesley, arrived in Ramsgate. Every morning, Darcy accompanied his sister and the Colonel on invigorating walks along the coast. Mrs. Annesley, on the other hand, preferred to stay at the house to grant Georgiana the privacy she desired to speak with her brother and cousin.

On the third day after they arrive in Ramsgate, to Darcy's surprise, he encountered Mrs. Bennet and her youngest daughter on the beach. Following the customary introductions and exchanges of pleasantries, Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, "Here come my other two daughters!"

Darcy turned around, and his countenance involuntarily lit up with admiration as he beheld Elizabeth standing just a few steps away.