Hello, hello, hello! I hope that everyone’s 2025 is beginning on a fantastic note and that this year will be filled with a multitude of blessings. Mine has been a bit of a rollercoaster, but I am so glad to share the next excerpt of my current WIP with you.
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, Return to Hertfordshire (2), and Return to Longbourn.
So let’s see how things are progressing.
Dinner at Longbourn ended and the gentlemen did not linger over their port before rejoining the ladies. When they entered the drawing room, Georgiana was seated with the youngest Bennet sisters. She and Miss Mary were speaking of music while Miss Lydia and Miss Catherine were watching them closely and mimicking Georgiana’s posture and the way she held her teacup.
Bennet looked at Darcy, one brow tipped upwards. “Shall we speak here or ask Jane and Elizabeth to join us in my study?”
Taking a deep breath and releasing it slowly, Darcy considered the options for only a moment before asking, “Which do you suggest, sir?”
The man’s lips twitched, but he did not tease Darcy as one might expect. Instead, he stepped farther into the room and took the seat nearest his wife. “Are you enjoying yourself, my dear?” he asked Mrs. Bennet.
“Oh, Mr. Bennet, it has been a lovely evening. Mrs. Annesley and I were just saying how nice it was to have a quiet evening with family.” She turned and smiled at the companion on her other side.
Darcy and Bingley had made their way to their fiancées and taken seats on either side of the ladies. Darcy watched his host to see what the man might do. Surprisingly, Mr. Bennet settled into his seat and carried on a quiet conversation with the older ladies.
“What disturbs you?” Elizabeth asked as she laid a hand upon his arm.
He turned and smiled. “I had thought your father was going to begin a conversation with the room, but it appears I was mistaken.”
“Are they not amusing?” she asked as she tipped her head towards her youngest sisters. “I am certain Georgiana has noticed how they are watching her every move, but she does not appear to be distressed by it.”
“She is not.” He laid a hand upon hers and squeezed it. “We spoke of it when we returned to Netherfield this afternoon. She understands that Lydia and Catherine are trying to emulate her in order to gain the benefit of a season in London.
“The idea of having one or both of them with her when she has her coming out helped to relieve some of her anxiety regarding the event and she is eager to assist them in any way possible.”
Darcy returned his gaze to the younger ladies and frowned. “It has come to my attention that, due to our concerns for your youngest sisters, we have neglected Miss Mary.”
“Do not worry for Mary, Darcy,” Jane said as she turned towards him. “Lizzy and I spoke to her this afternoon. Although she would like to join us in London to attend exhibits and theatre performances, she has no interest in participating in a season.”
Elizabeth giggled. “I suspect Uncle Phillips’ new clerk may have something to do with her attitude. Mr. Sampson is the youngest son of a baron who attended school with my father. From what Mary says, he has little interest in the ton and hopes my uncle will see fit to turn the practice over to him one day; once he proves himself, of course.”
“And I believe he nearly has. My uncle is a difficult man to please, but he frequently sings Mr. Sampson’s praises,” Jane added.
“As does Mary,” Elizabeth said with a knowing smile before sobering. “Mary has voiced her intent to remain close to Longbourn to see to our parents as they age.”
Darcy patted her hand. “And we will support her in whatever ways we are able and she desires.”
“She will not ask, so we will have to be able to read between the lines of her correspondence.” Elizabeth exchanged a look with Jane who nodded.
“Your father will not see this as making decisions without him, will he?” Darcy asked as he glanced at that gentleman who was watching them through narrowed eyes.
Jane laughed. “Papa is aware of Mary’s preferences as Uncle Phillips spoke to him when he noticed the interactions between her and Mr. Sampson. We are simply sharing what occurred while we were in London and Kent.”
Though his host’s continued observation of Darcy had him slightly unnerved, he returned his attention to his fiancée, choosing to enjoy her company rather than worry about what may or may not be done regarding Elizabeth’s younger sisters. The rest of the evening passed pleasantly, and the couples were surprised when Georgiana yawned, drawing attention to the late hour.
“We were on the road early this morning,” Darcy said as he smiled at his sister. “We should retire to Netherfield for a good night’s sleep.”
Mr. Bennet rose with everyone else to see their guests out. “Shall I bring my family to Netherfield tomorrow so we can discuss the weddings and plan what will come after? Perhaps at teatime? That should allow you a good night’s rest and a quiet morning.”
The plan was agreed upon and Jane and Elizabeth walked the Netherfield party to their carriage. They hugged a very sleepy Georgiana who climbed inside the equipage and could be seen laying her head on her companion’s shoulder.
Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand and lifted it to his lips, bestowing a lingering kiss upon her fingers. “Will you walk to Oakham Mount tomorrow?”
“I may.” She smiled, but it was interrupted by a yawn.
Placing another kiss upon her hand, Darcy pressed her fingers. “Find your bed, my love, and sleep until you are refreshed. I shall see you at tea tomorrow at Netherfield.”
I hope you are enjoying this story. Please remember it is a first draft. There will be a published work once I am able to work through all the editing. As I mentioned last month, I will be taking a break from my classes starting in March, so The Interrupted Proposal should be available before the end of the year.
See you next month!
Leave a Reply