Prologue

Mid-April 1812 – Bingley's study

Despite his earnest desire to completely erase the Bennet family from his thoughts—especially the undeniable reality that Miss Elizabeth Bennet had rejected him with unwavering finality—Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy felt an insistent tug at his conscience. He recognized the necessity of addressing the situation regarding Jane Bennet with his friend, Charles Bingley.

The memory of Elizabeth's piercing gaze lingered in his mind, a haunting reminder that ignited emotions he desperately wished to dismiss. Each recollection stirred a profound guilt, the weight of which pressed heavily upon him.

As he traversed the familiar corridors of Bingley's home, he felt a knot of apprehension tightened in his stomach. He worried that his friend might take offense, especially given that he had previously assured him that Miss Bennet held no special feelings for him and had urged him to forget her altogether. Yet, despite the potential backlash and the specter of regret, Darcy understood that silence was no longer an option.

Upon reaching Bingley's study, he paused momentarily, steeling himself against the turmoil of emotions swirling within. The door swung open, revealing Bingley, who rose with enthusiasm. "Darcy! It is a pleasure to see you again. Please, take a seat." He gestured toward a comfortable armchair, and added, "Would you like tea? Brandy?"

Darcy took a seat but politely declined the offer. "No, thank you, Charles."

"How was your visit to Rosings?" Bingley curiously inquired.

Unconsciously, Darcy furrowed his brow. He could feel the weight of his thoughts pressing against his resolve. After a moment's pause, he drew a steadying breath, aware that the words he was about to utter would carry significant consequences. "I wish to speak with you about something important that transpired recently," he began, his voice steady but laced with a nervous undercurrent.

"Oh? What is it that you wish to discuss?" Bingley inquired, leaning forward slightly, his expression shifting to one of acute interest.

"I encountered Miss Elizabeth Bennet during my stay at Rosings."

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet!?" Bingley exclaimed; his eyes wide with astonishment. "What was she doing at Rosings? I would never have expected to find her there!"

"She was staying at the parsonage," he explained, choosing his word carefully, "Her cousin, Mr. Collins, is the vicar of Lady Catherine, and Sir William's eldest daughter is married to him."

Bingley nodded slowly, a thoughtful frown creasing his forehead. "I imagine it was quite a surprise to find her there. But I fail to see how this relates to the matter you wished to discuss with me."

Darcy met Bingley's gaze, and replied, "During my conversations with Miss Elizabeth, I have come to the uncomfortable realization that I have not been a good friend to you, Charles."

Bingley's brow furrowed further, his confusion deepening. "What do you mean by that? You have always been the best of friends to me."

"No, I have not," Darcy replied, his voice firm but edged with regret. "I should never have meddled in your affairs, nor should I have advised you to forget Miss Bennet."

Bingley interrupted, shaking his head emphatically. "You did what you believed was right, Darcy. I am exceedingly grateful for your intervention. Aside from her pretty face and sweet disposition, Miss Bennet possesses little else to recommend her. There are dozens of young ladies equally as beautiful, and some with substantial dowries."

Darcy stared at him in astonishment, his incredulity mounting. "But you seemed genuinely interested in her! Were you not considering marrying her?"

Bingley's expression softened, reflecting on the past with a hint of nostalgia, "I was indeed interested in her; just as I was with Miss Evans and Miss Middleton." He mused, his gaze drifting to the window, the view outside becoming a distant blur. "Miss Bennet was the most beautiful young woman in Meryton. For those few weeks, she consumed my thoughts. I fancied myself in love with her."

He sighed deeply, the weight of his reflection evident. "But after returning to London, I realized my feelings were not as deep as I had imagined. I no longer think about her, nor do I wish to return to Netherfield to court her. There are many fine young ladies much better suited to be my wife and I am not in a hurry to get married."

Darcy nodded slowly, a heavy silence settling between them. He sensed that the conversation had reached its conclusion and resolved to refrain from mentioning Miss Bennet again.

A few days after that conversation, Darcy returned to Pemberley, where the familiar surroundings offered comfort amid his swirling thoughts. Seeking a change of pace, he decided to take his sister to visit a small estate he owned near Edinburgh. As they journeyed through the lush, rolling hills, he hoped the tranquil beauty of the landscape would lift their spirits.

For several months, he heard nothing from Bingley.