Caroline Bingley was bored and disappointed by the lack of entertainment and important people in the country. Mr. Hurst and her sister had returned to the estate of Mr. Hurst's parents, and without her sister's company, she was feeling lonely and stuck in a place she wanted to escape.

She had tried very hard to show Mr. Darcy that she was his perfect wife, paying special attention to his favorite dishes and needs, flattering him, and engaging him in conversation about mutual acquaintances, but it was all in vain. She was feeling defeated; it was clear Mr. Darcy didn't care for her. She was approaching her twenty-three birthday and despite her 20,000-pound dowry, she didn't have a suitor, and fears of spinsterhood were starting to plague her mind.

There weren't any gentlemen near Netherfield Park worthy of her time. She craved the company of a better society and the amusements of town. She needed to convince her brother of the advantages in returning to London for the season, and she had an excellent plan.

After the Longbourn party, she told her brother she needed to talk urgently with him. They went to Charles's study, and without a preamble, she said, "Charles, I want to return to London for the season. My good friend Miss Maria Spencer sent us an invitation for a ball to be held in a few days. Maria asked me specifically to invite you." Caroline knew a few months ago her brother had been infatuated with this particular friend and added, "Do you remember Miss Spencer?"

"Yes, I remember her. She is a very pretty and witty woman. She reminds me of Miss Bennet, but in my opinion, Miss Bennet is more handsome."

Caroline didn't like the idea of her brother developing tender feelings for Miss Bennet. She was a nobody and her brother needed to make a good match. "I think Miss Spencer is prettier and has superior manners, an excellent family, and a large dowry," she paused for some seconds, and then she added, "Maria is one of my best friends, and I don't want to disappoint her. I think we should accept the invitation and stay in London for part of the season."

Bingley hesitated momentarily and honestly replied, "I don't know Caroline. I am still learning about estate management and we have some engagements in this area the following week."

"Charles, we can return in a few weeks or months to Netherfield. I am not happy here; my friends are in London and I feel lonely without female company. You and Mr. Darcy are busy all day and you don't have time to entertain me."

The discussion continued for several minutes and at last, the siblings reached an agreement. They would go to London and stay at least until Twelfth Night.

Caroline was confident that in town, she could easily convince her brother to stay longer, and hopefully, they would never return to Netherfield Park.

The following day, Charles, Caroline Bingley and Darcy returned to London.

Darcy was glad to return to London with Bingley, because it was imperative, he make some changes in his will to protect Pemberley. Besides, he wanted to separate from Miss Bennet in order to think about his future, before making a final decision. He had to decide what he wanted in a marriage. Love and companionship or money and connections, that was his dilemma.

London December 1811 - February 1812

Darcy was restless, the last three months in London had passed in a blur. He had been swamped and deeply unhappy if he was honest with himself.

During the first fortnight after his return, he met with his solicitor to change his will and make some investments in steam machines. He knew the world was changing, he was an avid reader and patron of the Royal Society. He was fascinated by the industrial development of the country and wanted to be prepared for the change.

His uncle, the Earl, was adamant that he should attend some social events and meet some ladies. At first, he was reluctant to participate, as he hated being the center of attention and subject of their tales. Still, the Earl told Darcy that nobody was talking about him or his sister's scandal because there were new rumors to occupy the gossip. The Earl was convinced that probably in another year or two nobody would remember Georgiana. On the other hand, his aunt, Lady Matlock, held every December one of the balls which highlighted the season and he was informed that, as a member of the family, he should attend.

He tried to enjoy the evening but with little success, he danced with every single woman his uncle introduced to him but unconsciously, he compared all the ladies to Miss Bennet. None of them had Miss Bennet's beautiful eyes, their conversation wasn't as engaging and they didn't have her spark. During the ball, it was evident some acquaintances and former friends were still whispering about his misfortune behind his back.

He had an uncomfortable conversation with Lady Victoria and her new husband during supper; she asked him some subtle and malicious questions about Georgiana, likely seeking new information to share with her friends.

He wanted to return to Hertfordshire. After meeting many ladies and participating in balls, he had already convinced himself that his happiness was more important than money and connections; but he had promised the Earl that he would try first to restore his family's reputation and his place in society before taking the next step. He should stay in London for at least two or three more months and continue to attend balls and parties before he would be free to talk to Miss Bennet.

He knew it wasn't the match his family expected, and in some moments, he still felt he was lowering himself by marrying a gentlewoman so far below him in consequence. However, Elizabeth was an amazing lady and he was convinced that after meeting her, his family would be charmed and approve of his choice. They could have a long engagement, and, with the Earl and Countess's help, she could be introduced to and accepted by polite society, before they married.

The days passed as if they were all the same. A party, a concert, a ball, the same questions, the same insipid conversation, nothing really interesting. His nights were filled with dreams of Miss Bennet and a happy future.

In January, his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, was very badly injured in battle and returned to England. His face was disfigured, his leg and arm were broken, and he would probably never return to battle. This was a terrible blow to the Colonel; he loved his profession and to perform his duty to defend the country. The Colonel was used to being an active person and, therefore, during his convalescence, he was restless and gloomy. Darcy visited him frequently; they played chess and talked about the Colonel's time on the continent, Darcy's time in Hertfordshire, and Miss Bennet in particular.

In February, Darcy was preparing for his trip to Hertfordshire when he received a letter from his aunt, Lady Catherine, demanding his presence in Kent.