Return to Longbourn

Happy New Year!! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and that 2025 is starting out well. I reread what I have written so far in this story, An Interrupted Proposal, and realized that there are sooo many threads that need to be tied up. Luckily, I will be taking a break after my next class (which starts today) and my main focus will be preparing this for publishing. In the meanwhile, my sister pointed out to me that I had already used the title “Return to Hertfordshire” for an earlier excerpt. I apologize to anyone who was confused by that last month.

If you want to get caught up or reread the prior posts, here are the links (in the proper order):

What if?, What if? Part II, The Letter, Elizabeth’s Perspective, A Walk at Rosings, A Walk at Rosings Part II, What to Do About Wickham, Return to London, Meet the Gardiners, Meet the Gardiners Part II, Meet the Gardiners Part III, Return to Hertfordshire, The Problem with Wickham Part I, The Problem With Wickham Part II, Elizabeth Arrives in London Part I, Elizabeth Arrives in London Part II, A Walk in the Park, After the Park, A Trip to the Museum, Darcy House, An Audience with Mr. Bennet Part I, An Audience with Mr. Bennet Part II, Mrs. Bennet’s Reaction, A Walk to Meryton, A Night at the Theatre, and Return to Hertfordshire (2).

So, let’s see what awaits our couples at Longbourn. (Please remember that this is a first draft so there are sure to be errors.)

Mr. Bennet waited outside the door to Longbourn, his arms folded across his chest and a frown fixed firmly upon his lips. His wife and youngest daughters were at his side, each expressing their excitement in their own unique way. Mrs. Bennet was already speaking before the door of the carriage was opened while Miss Mary stood at her mother’s side, a calming hand resting upon that lady’s arm. The younger sisters might have attempted a mature countenance, but they nearly vibrated with excitement and bounced on their toes every few minutes.

Darcy and Bingley dismounted and waved the footman away from the carriage so they could assist the ladies within. Darcy opened the door while Bingley stepped ahead of him and reached inside to hand Miss Bennet down. He smiled jovially at Darcy as he walked his lady towards her waiting family. Darcy reached inside, took Elizabeth’s hand, and assisted her to the ground. She grinned at him and quickly rushed towards her family, allowing him to hand his sister and her companion out of the equipage. He shook his head and escorted the remaining ladies towards those gathered by the house.

“Mr. Bennet,” Darcy said with a bow. The older gentleman’s frown deepened, and he barely tipped his head in acknowledgement.

“Shall we conduct introductions inside?” Elizabeth asked, seemingly unaware of the exchange between the gentlemen.

The party relocated to Mrs. Bennet’s drawing room once the travellers removed their outerwear and Elizabeth introduced Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley to the Bennet family. Miss Lydia was the quietest Darcy had ever seen her as she studied his sister and her companion. When tea was delivered, the youngest girl mimicked Georgie’s mannerisms, suppressing her normal exuberance.

Darcy glanced at his host and found the man watching the girl with an unreadable expression upon his countenance. Taking the opportunity of Jane and Elizabeth discussing their recent time in London and their engagements with their mother and sisters, Darcy stepped closer to Mr. Bennet.

“Are you displeased with me, sir?” he asked in a soft voice.

Mr. Bennet glanced at him, sighed, but then crossed his arms over his chest and frowned once more. “It was my understanding that a discussion would be held between Jane, Elizabeth, Bingley, you, and me when you returned to Longbourn. After your departure, I learned that you had already spoken to Lydia.”

“Forgive me, sir.” He glanced at the ladies, then back to his host. “Might we speak in private for a moment?”

“Should we include the others now?” Mr. Bennet’s left brow arched, his displeasure remaining upon his features.

“I owe you the apology, sir, and would like to speak you alone at the moment. We may include the others later, if you wish.”

Mr. Bennet released a soft huff but rose and led Mr. Darcy from the room. Stopping at the door, Darcy looked back at Elizabeth and winked when her brow rose in question. Her nod allowed him to continue with a sense of peace over what must be said next.

Once they were settled in Mr. Bennet’s book room, Darcy leant forwards and rested his arms on his thighs. “I hope you will forgive my overstepping, Mr. Bennet. Both Elizabeth and Mr. Gardiner have reminded me that there are some things which I should recognize are the responsibility of others.

He sat back in his seat. “Before setting sale for America, George Wickham informed me that he had a few . . . encounters with your youngest daughter.”

Mr. Bennet’s eyes widened, and he sat forwards. “He what?”

“He assured me that he had not taken Miss Lydia’s virtue and that he had told no one else what had occurred between them.”

“And you believe him?” Mr. Bennet asked sarcastically.

“Surprisingly, I do. He was not in a position to lie to me as he required my assistance, which was dependent upon his complete honesty.”

Mr. Bennet huffed and sat back, but did not appear convinced.

“I felt it best to speak to Miss Lydia while I had the opportunity and offer an incentive for her to rethink her actions. Your brother has shown me that it was not my place to do so, and Elizabeth has reminded me that she and I will be making such decisions together now. They have chastised me, but I understand if you feel the need to have your say, sir.”

The older gentleman stared at him, his hands folded in his lap and his index fingers tapping together. Finally, Mr. Bennet sighed. “You are a man of action, Darcy. I appreciate that and understand how you might believe that I would not be given my previous history. Indeed, I may not have reacted as you did had you told me what Mr. Wickham had said during our last meeting. That said, I should have been told.”

“You are correct, sir.”

Mr. Bennet lifted one finger. “You have spoken to Elizabeth. I am assuming that she has given her opinion. Has your initial plan changed?”

“It has. Would you like to discuss it now or should we wait for the others?”

A laugh escaped Mr. Bennet, and his frame relaxed for the first time since Darcy’s arrival. “I said Elizabeth would be the making of you.”

“Indeed,” Darcy replied with a chuckle. “She and Mr. Gardiner have opened my eyes to certain changes that I should implement when dealing with individuals.”

“Ha! A pretty politic speech if I ever heard one.” Bennet rose from his seat. “We will wait until after dinner to discuss my family. Your party will be returning to dine with us this evening?”

“Of course,” Darcy stood and held out a hand which Bennet accepted. “I thank you for listening to my apology, sir, and understanding my regret in acting without your blessing.”

Bennet’s grin covered his features. “I must say, it appears you have had some experience apologizing and are becoming a proficient.”

“I have had an excellent teacher,” Darcy said with a laugh as the gentlemen left to rejoin the others.

I hope you are enjoying this story. I promise, I’m trying to wrap it up, but the loose threads just keeping popping out and I have to weave them back in. Have a wonderful January and I will see you next month!