Chapter 3: IT COULD BE YOU Back at Netherfield Mr. Darcy was thinking of a way to get to be in Jane’s company again and Charles Bingley was hoping that there would be a way to see Charlotte Lucas again. They disclosed their interests in each of these ladies to each other and decided to help each other achieve their respective goals of spending more time with the lady who had captured their attention. To this end, Mr. Darcy asked Charles if he thought that Caroline would be amenable to asking the elder two Bennet ladies (as he reasoned that Miss Bennet would be more comfortable if one of her sisters accompanied her) and Miss Lucas to luncheon some time that week at Netherfield. Charles approached Caroline about the scheme, and since she liked to entertain, she was only too happy to oblige. The invitations for lunch were sent out for three days hence. Charlotte was overjoyed by being so specifically invited that she made haste to Longbourn to tell Elizabeth and Jane. When she discovered that they too would be attending it was decided that they all would ride together in the Lucas carriage as her father had already offered it. The three invitees were very excited to accept but even more excited was Mrs. Bennet who could be heard muttering, “mmm” about almost everything in sight. The luncheon at Netherfield went off without a hitch. Everyone truly enjoyed themselves. Caroline had been careful to plan every detail from the menu to the seating arrangements. Caroline sat at one end of the table with Gregory on her right and Elizabeth on her left. Charles was at the other end of the table with Darcy on his right and Charlotte on his left. Jane was seated between Elizabeth and Darcy. During the luncheon Caroline had time to get to know Elizabeth better. Both ladies found common ground in their admiration of Madeline, and they found each other to be someone that they could befriend. Everyone enjoyed the lunch and conversation. After the meal was complete, Mr. Bingley suggested a stroll in the gardens. They all agreed that it was a splendid idea and Mr. Hurst said that he would go upstairs and get Madeline to join them. As they set off for a walk, Mr. Bingley escorted Miss Lucas, Mr. Darcy escorted Jane, and Mr. Hurst escorted Madeline leaving Miss Bingley and Elizabeth to walk together. Ten minutes into their walk one of the servants came to retrieve Miss Bingley, as there was some kind of kerfuffle at the house. As she left to attend to the matter, Mr. Hurst asked Elizabeth to join him and Madeline. Madeline was excited to be in “Misbeth’s” company again and insisted on holding “Misbeth’s” hand as well as her father’s, so they walked with Maddie between them. Jane and Darcy never seemed to run out of things to talk about. They were now discussing their favorite books and authors. He was putting every ounce of his energy and charm into getting Jane’s attention and hopefully engage her affections. Mr. Darcy was acting in a manner so opposite to his usual mien. He usually did not want to raise the expectations of young ladies, however now he found himself wanting to get Jane’s notice. Darcy had never before been so bewitched by any woman as he was by her. He did not know what was happening to him, but he was genuinely enjoying being in Jane’s company and felt an excitement and happiness that had eluded him for so many years. Charles Bingley was discussing family with Charlotte. He even told her about Louisa and about the emptiness that encompassed him when he thought of her. Charlotte in turn, talked about her brother John and how she missed him terribly at times. They both felt that they had found someone who could understand their grief and loss and they gained comfort from each other in that fact. Elizabeth and Mr. Hurst were swinging Maddie between them, and much laughter and giggling was to be heard from that quarter. Mr. Hurst was impressed at the ease and playfulness that he saw between Maddie and Elizabeth. Could Elizabeth be the mother that was needed for his daughter? He wasn’t sure yet, but they did paint a pretty picture together. When they returned from the walk, the ladies’ carriage was called for and they left for home. Mr. Darcy and Charles sequestered themselves in the study to talk about the day. Mr. Darcy indicated that he wanted to go to London to retrieve his sister, Georgiana. Since his parents were deceased, Georgiana was his closest living relative. He really wanted her to meet Miss Bennet. Charles suggested that he accompany Darcy to London as he had some business there that would only take a day or two and then they could return with Georgiana together. Therefore, it was decided that they would leave together in two days’ time. Chapter 4: OFF TO LONDON AND BACK Before they left for London, Mr. Darcy wanted to take his leave of the Bennets. He rode out to Longbourn on the day of his departure to fare them well. He was invited in and made a beeline to sit by Jane. She was working on some embroidery and immediately put it down upon his arrival. He announced to all that he would be off to London to pick up his sister so that she may join him at Netherfield Park. He then privately asked Miss Bennet if she would allow him the honor of introducing his sister to her when they returned. Jane gladly consented and soon Mr. Darcy was off to meet up with Charles for the ride to London. Mr. Bingley made his farewells to the Lucas family, and to Charlotte in particular. He said that he planned to be gone no longer than a week. The gentlemen had decided to ride out on horseback and return to Hertfordshire in Mr. Darcy’s carriage. Thus, they rode off together with hopes and dreams of the future secured in each of their respective minds and hearts. Georgiana Darcy was surprised but delighted at her brother’s unexpected arrival in town. Darcy explained that he desired her to return with him to Hertfordshire as soon as Mr. Bingley was done with his business in town. Georgiana was more than happy to comply with his request and busily got her things ready for the trip. Mr. Darcy talked with Mrs. Annesley, Georgiana’s companion, about his plans for Georgiana and it was decided that Mrs. Annesley would go to visit her daughter and family for the next three months. As Mr. Darcy was the best of employers, he insisted on providing for her transportation to her daughter’s home as well as her salary during this time. Mrs. Annesley was pleased with these arrangements and happily agreed to them. As it is well known that the power of doing anything with quickness is always prized, Charles Bingley settled his business in town in one day. Never before had he been so industrious! He was working so fast it was like he was a spinning top! Charles was ready to leave on the morrow for Hertfordshire. Darcy was pleased to leave earlier than expected and plans were made for them to leave town right after they set Mrs. Annesley off on her journey. After arriving at Netherfield and being greeted by Caroline and Mr. Hurst, Darcy and Bingley made plans to visit certain young ladies. Darcy was beside himself with anticipation. He hoped that Georgiana would form a bond with Jane (Jane, not her proper title of Miss Bennet, is how he treasured her in his thoughts and in his heart). He also had high hopes that Jane would find Georgiana agreeable. His greatest desire was for the two women that he cared for the most would like each other and be friends. He suddenly thought, “Whoa! When did Jane become so important to him? She was as equally important to him as the sister he had known for the last fifteen years, and he had barely known Jane for a month! Were things happening too fast?” Fitzwilliam Darcy decided he did not care if things were happening rather quickly. The test for him would be the meeting between Georgiana and Jane. His anxiety about tomorrow’s visit with the Bennets did not wane but somehow, he was able to sleep and dream of a life with Jane and Georgiana and he was filled with happy thoughts. The next day Mr. Bingley left mid-morning to pay a call on the Lucas family. He was not disappointed to find Charlotte at home and spent quite a bit of time in her company. He realized that he had missed her while he was in town. Her smile and her eyes especially had a calming quality and he felt secure in her presence. He felt like he was at home. Charles was blissfully happy when Charlotte was near. Meanwhile, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Georgiana called on the Bennets. He was relieved to find Jane at home and promptly introduced Georgiana to the Bennet family. Mrs. Bennet called for tea. Mrs. Bennet was bursting with enthusiasm at the earlier than expected arrival of Mr. Darcy. That he brought his sister along with him to introduce to Jane spoke volumes of his intentions. She was so excited that she could hardly manage to take a sip of tea. She had to fall back on her handy mantra of “mmm” several times. It served her well as she did indeed not shriek with delight, nor faint, nor nervously pace the room. However, her nerves were so tightly wound that she could neither converse nor eat. That left the rest of the room to proceed on their own. Jane and Georgiana, along with Mr. Darcy, were having an animated conversation about everything one could think of. Georgiana was immediately comfortable in Jane’s presence. Jane’s gentleness brought out a confidence in Georgiana that had been missing for several months. Georgiana’s usual shyness was nowhere to be found when she conversed with Miss Bennet. She felt at ease with Jane and found her to be a caring and a proper lady. Darcy was overjoyed. He sat back after the initial few minutes of banter and just watched as his “two ladies” interacted with each other. His hopes and dreams were seemingly coming together.https://dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,130236,130236#msg-130236Fri, 01 May 2026 18:09:45 +0100 Phorum 5.2.22 https://dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,130236,130242#msg-130242 https://dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,130236,130242#msg-130242 Jen Derbyshire Writers' GuildTue, 01 Mar 2022 23:38:46 +0000 https://dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,130236,130241#msg-130241 https://dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,130236,130241#msg-130241 Lucy J. Derbyshire Writers' GuildSun, 27 Feb 2022 23:16:56 +0000 https://dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,130236,130240#msg-130240 https://dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,130236,130240#msg-130240 Brigid Derbyshire Writers' GuildSun, 27 Feb 2022 13:01:40 +0000 https://dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,130236,130236#msg-130236 https://dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,130236,130236#msg-130236
Back at Netherfield Mr. Darcy was thinking of a way to get to be in Jane’s company again and Charles Bingley was hoping that there would be a way to see Charlotte Lucas again. They disclosed their interests in each of these ladies to each other and decided to help each other achieve their respective goals of spending more time with the lady who had captured their attention. To this end, Mr. Darcy asked Charles if he thought that Caroline would be amenable to asking the elder two Bennet ladies (as he reasoned that Miss Bennet would be more comfortable if one of her sisters accompanied her) and Miss Lucas to luncheon some time that week at Netherfield. Charles approached Caroline about the scheme, and since she liked to entertain, she was only too happy to oblige. The invitations for lunch were sent out for three days hence. Charlotte was overjoyed by being so specifically invited that she made haste to Longbourn to tell Elizabeth and Jane. When she discovered that they too would be attending it was decided that they all would ride together in the Lucas carriage as her father had already offered it. The three invitees were very excited to accept but even more excited was Mrs. Bennet who could be heard muttering, “mmm” about almost everything in sight.

The luncheon at Netherfield went off without a hitch. Everyone truly enjoyed themselves. Caroline had been careful to plan every detail from the menu to the seating arrangements. Caroline sat at one end of the table with Gregory on her right and Elizabeth on her left. Charles was at the other end of the table with Darcy on his right and Charlotte on his left. Jane was seated between Elizabeth and Darcy. During the luncheon Caroline had time to get to know Elizabeth better. Both ladies found common ground in their admiration of Madeline, and they found each other to be someone that they could befriend. Everyone enjoyed the lunch and conversation. After the meal was complete, Mr. Bingley suggested a stroll in the gardens. They all agreed that it was a splendid idea and Mr. Hurst said that he would go upstairs and get Madeline to join them. As they set off for a walk, Mr. Bingley escorted Miss Lucas, Mr. Darcy escorted Jane, and Mr. Hurst escorted Madeline leaving Miss Bingley and Elizabeth to walk together. Ten minutes into their walk one of the servants came to retrieve Miss Bingley, as there was some kind of kerfuffle at the house. As she left to attend to the matter, Mr. Hurst asked Elizabeth to join him and Madeline. Madeline was excited to be in “Misbeth’s” company again and insisted on holding “Misbeth’s” hand as well as her father’s, so they walked with Maddie between them.

Jane and Darcy never seemed to run out of things to talk about. They were now discussing their favorite books and authors. He was putting every ounce of his energy and charm into getting Jane’s attention and hopefully engage her affections. Mr. Darcy was acting in a manner so opposite to his usual mien. He usually did not want to raise the expectations of young ladies, however now he found himself wanting to get Jane’s notice. Darcy had never before been so bewitched by any woman as he was by her. He did not know what was happening to him, but he was genuinely enjoying being in Jane’s company and felt an excitement and happiness that had eluded him for so many years.

Charles Bingley was discussing family with Charlotte. He even told her about Louisa and about the emptiness that encompassed him when he thought of her. Charlotte in turn, talked about her brother John and how she missed him terribly at times. They both felt that they had found someone who could understand their grief and loss and they gained comfort from each other in that fact.

Elizabeth and Mr. Hurst were swinging Maddie between them, and much laughter and giggling was to be heard from that quarter. Mr. Hurst was impressed at the ease and playfulness that he saw between Maddie and Elizabeth. Could Elizabeth be the mother that was needed for his daughter? He wasn’t sure yet, but they did paint a pretty picture together.

When they returned from the walk, the ladies’ carriage was called for and they left for home. Mr. Darcy and Charles sequestered themselves in the study to talk about the day. Mr. Darcy indicated that he wanted to go to London to retrieve his sister, Georgiana. Since his parents were deceased, Georgiana was his closest living relative. He really wanted her to meet Miss Bennet. Charles suggested that he accompany Darcy to London as he had some business there that would only take a day or two and then they could return with Georgiana together. Therefore, it was decided that they would leave together in two days’ time.



Chapter 4: OFF TO LONDON AND BACK

Before they left for London, Mr. Darcy wanted to take his leave of the Bennets. He rode out to Longbourn on the day of his departure to fare them well. He was invited in and made a beeline to sit by Jane. She was working on some embroidery and immediately put it down upon his arrival. He announced to all that he would be off to London to pick up his sister so that she may join him at Netherfield Park. He then privately asked Miss Bennet if she would allow him the honor of introducing his sister to her when they returned. Jane gladly consented and soon Mr. Darcy was off to meet up with Charles for the ride to London. Mr. Bingley made his farewells to the Lucas family, and to Charlotte in particular. He said that he planned to be gone no longer than a week. The gentlemen had decided to ride out on horseback and return to Hertfordshire in Mr. Darcy’s carriage. Thus, they rode off together with hopes and dreams of the future secured in each of their respective minds and hearts.

Georgiana Darcy was surprised but delighted at her brother’s unexpected arrival in town. Darcy explained that he desired her to return with him to Hertfordshire as soon as Mr. Bingley was done with his business in town. Georgiana was more than happy to comply with his request and busily got her things ready for the trip. Mr. Darcy talked with Mrs. Annesley, Georgiana’s companion, about his plans for Georgiana and it was decided that Mrs. Annesley would go to visit her daughter and family for the next three months. As Mr. Darcy was the best of employers, he insisted on providing for her transportation to her daughter’s home as well as her salary during this time. Mrs. Annesley was pleased with these arrangements and happily agreed to them.

As it is well known that the power of doing anything with quickness is always prized, Charles Bingley settled his business in town in one day. Never before had he been so industrious! He was working so fast it was like he was a spinning top! Charles was ready to leave on the morrow for Hertfordshire. Darcy was pleased to leave earlier than expected and plans were made for them to leave town right after they set Mrs. Annesley off on her journey.

After arriving at Netherfield and being greeted by Caroline and Mr. Hurst, Darcy and Bingley made plans to visit certain young ladies. Darcy was beside himself with anticipation. He hoped that Georgiana would form a bond with Jane (Jane, not her proper title of Miss Bennet, is how he treasured her in his thoughts and in his heart). He also had high hopes that Jane would find Georgiana agreeable. His greatest desire was for the two women that he cared for the most would like each other and be friends. He suddenly thought, “Whoa! When did Jane become so important to him? She was as equally important to him as the sister he had known for the last fifteen years, and he had barely known Jane for a month! Were things happening too fast?” Fitzwilliam Darcy decided he did not care if things were happening rather quickly. The test for him would be the meeting between Georgiana and Jane. His anxiety about tomorrow’s visit with the Bennets did not wane but somehow, he was able to sleep and dream of a life with Jane and Georgiana and he was filled with happy thoughts.

The next day Mr. Bingley left mid-morning to pay a call on the Lucas family. He was not disappointed to find Charlotte at home and spent quite a bit of time in her company. He realized that he had missed her while he was in town. Her smile and her eyes especially had a calming quality and he felt secure in her presence. He felt like he was at home. Charles was blissfully happy when Charlotte was near.

Meanwhile, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Georgiana called on the Bennets. He was relieved to find Jane at home and promptly introduced Georgiana to the Bennet family. Mrs. Bennet called for tea. Mrs. Bennet was bursting with enthusiasm at the earlier than expected arrival of Mr. Darcy. That he brought his sister along with him to introduce to Jane spoke volumes of his intentions. She was so excited that she could hardly manage to take a sip of tea. She had to fall back on her handy mantra of “mmm” several times. It served her well as she did indeed not shriek with delight, nor faint, nor nervously pace the room. However, her nerves were so tightly wound that she could neither converse nor eat. That left the rest of the room to proceed on their own.

Jane and Georgiana, along with Mr. Darcy, were having an animated conversation about everything one could think of. Georgiana was immediately comfortable in Jane’s presence. Jane’s gentleness brought out a confidence in Georgiana that had been missing for several months. Georgiana’s usual shyness was nowhere to be found when she conversed with Miss Bennet. She felt at ease with Jane and found her to be a caring and a proper lady. Darcy was overjoyed. He sat back after the initial few minutes of banter and just watched as his “two ladies” interacted with each other. His hopes and dreams were seemingly coming together.]]> Jen Derbyshire Writers' GuildSat, 26 Feb 2022 18:40:35 +0000