Prologue
Mid-April 1812 – Bingley's study
Despite Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy's earnest wish to put Miss Elizabeth Bennet from his mind—especially given her unequivocal rejection—he became increasingly unsettled by his newfound understanding of her eldest sister's character and feelings. A sense of duty, and perhaps guilt, pushed him to address the matter with his friend, Charles Bingley.
As he walked the familiar halls of Bingley's home, Darcy felt a knot of apprehension tightening in his stomach. He had, after all, been the one to assure his friend that Miss Bennet held no affection for him and had urged him to abandon his interest in her. And now, admitting to his error risked stirring old emotions and inviting Bingley's disapproval. Yet, despite these concerns, Darcy understood that remaining silent was no longer an option.
When he reached Bingley's study, he paused momentarily, gathering his composure. The door opened, and Bingley greeted him warmly, rising from his seat with a bright smile. "Darcy! A pleasure to see you. Please, have a seat." He gestured to a comfortable armchair. "Tea? Brandy?"
Declining the offer with a slight shake of his head, Darcy took his seat. "Thank you, but no, Charles."
"How was your visit to Rosings?" Bingley asked, his curiosity evident.
Darcy unconsciously furrowed his brow. The weight of his thoughts bore down upon him, and after a pause, he drew a steadying breath. "I need to speak with you about something important that happened there," he began, his voice steady but edged with a hint of apprehension.
Bingley leaned forward, a spark of interest in his eyes. "Oh? What is it you wish to discuss?"
"I encountered Miss Elizabeth Bennet while at Rosings," Darcy replied.
Bingley's eyes widened with astonishment. "Miss Elizabeth Bennet!?" He exclaimed. "What was she doing at Rosings? I would never have expected to find her there!"
"She was staying at the parsonage. Her cousin, Mr. Collins, is vicar to Lady Catherine, and Sir William's eldest daughter is his wife," Darcy explained, choosing his words carefully.
Bingley nodded slowly, his brow furrowing in thought. "Quite a coincidence, I must say. But I fail to see how this encounter relates to what you wished to discuss."
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 confusion deepened. "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."
Bingley interrupted, shaking his head emphatically. "Nonsense, Darcy. You did what you believed was best. I have always been grateful for your advice."
"But I learned Miss Bennet had tender feelings for you. I should not have advised to forget her."
Bingley shook his head again. "Miss Bennet is lovely, of course, but beyond her charms, she has little to recommend her. There are many ladies equally as beautiful, and some with substantial dowries as well."
Darcy stared at him in astonishment. "But you seemed genuinely attached to her! Were you not considering marrying her?"
Bingley looked away, his expression softening as he recalled his time in Meryton."For a while, I thought myself quite in love with her, just as I did with Miss Evans and Miss Middleton before her." A faint smile tinged with nostalgia. "Miss Bennet was undoubtedly the most beautiful young woman in Meryton. However, once I arrived in London, I realized that my feelings for her were more fleeting than I had imagined. I no longer think of her and find myself in no rush to get married."
A silence fell between them, and Darcy nodded slowly, realizing that Bingley's feelings had indeed moved on. It seemed their conversation had reached its natural end, and he resolved not to mention Miss Bennet again.
Some days after their discussion, Darcy returned to Pemberley, but Elizabeth Bennet still lingered in his thoughts. Thinking a change of scenario could help him to heal his broken heart, he decided to take his sister to visit a small estate he owned near Edinburgh. As they traveled north, Darcy allowed the beauty of the rolling hills and the fresh, open air to soothe his mind and spirit.
For several months, he heard nothing from Bingley.