Notes: I made some small changes in the last chapter. Mrs. Bennet and her brother's fear is that some neighbors 'believe' she forged the documents and Lizzy is usurping Jane's place.
PPP
In an astonishingly short span of time, the news of Miss Elizabeth Bennet's newfound status as the sole Heiress of Longbourn had permeated every corner of Meryton and its environs, enveloping the entire community in a whirlwind of whispered conversations and intrigued expressions.
Bingley was thoroughly disconsolate when he finally ascertained that Jane Bennet and Mrs. Phillips had, indeed, deceived him. The most distressing aspect of the situation was that he did not care that Jane Bennet was not an heiress, he possessed ample wealth to marry whomever he desired. However, the realization that he could not trust her filled him with a profound sense of disillusionment.
With an air of disdain and a desire for her brother to forge a union with a woman of elevated social standing, particularly Georgiana Darcy, Caroline Bingley haughtily remarked, "I find it utterly incredible that Miss Bennet audaciously attempted to beguile us with such blatant deception." She theatrically expelled a dramatic sigh and turned her gaze towards Darcy, "Fortuitously, you discerned her true intentions from the beginning, recognizing her as a cunning fortune hunter, and issued a timely warning. Such a lamentable reality exists, where women resort to brazen falsehoods regarding their dowries in the pursuit of ensnaring an unsuspecting gentleman."
With a furrowed brow and pursed lips, Bingley remained silent, unwilling to engage in conversation. Meanwhile, Caroline, consumed by ennui and resignation over Mr. Darcy's apparent disinterest in her, interjected, "Given the unfortunate death of Mr. Bennet and suspension of several parties, and the imminent departure of Mr. Darcy for London in a mere two days, I propose that we return to London for the winter."
Unaware of Darcy's imminent return to London, Bingley eyed him askance and remarked, "I confess, I was not privy to the fact that your departure for London was to be so imminent."
A faint blush suffused Darcy's face as he inclined his head in a slight nod. Barely a few hours prior, Miss Bingley had approached him, her voice laced with urgency, appealing for his assistance in persuading her brother to vacate Netherfield. Despite her awareness of Charles' disillusionment with Miss Bennet, Miss Bingley, and even Darcy himself, discerned the lingering embers of his affection for Miss Bennet. They shared a profound skepticism regarding the moral rectitude of Miss Bennet and Mrs. Phillips. They had heard whispered tales of Miss Bennet's mother, depicting her as a woman of dubious virtue, impregnated by another man prior to compromise Mr. Bennet in a shameful way.
Darcy was well aware that Mr. Bingley Sr. had assiduously accumulated wealth to ensure his children's acceptance into the upper echelons of society, and Miss Bingley was adamant in safeguarding her aspirations from the perils of a fortune hunter.
Conversely, Darcy's admiration for Miss Elizabeth Bennet intensified with each passing day. However, as the lady would be in mourning for several months, he would lack the opportunity to spend more time with her. It was an unprecedented experience for him to feel such a profound attraction to a lady, yet he recognized that it was premature to ascertain whether these sentiments would endure the test of time.
Following several remarks regarding London's attraction and vibrant social scene, Mr. Bingley acquiesced to the temporary closure of Netherfield Park for the impeding winter season.