Jane in January – P&P Missing Scene – Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam Take a Trip to Cheapside

Jane in January2

We’re in week 3 of our ‘Jane in January’ event and hope you are enjoying our special focus on “Pride and Prejudice.”



26 January 1812.

An hour prior, Colonel Fitzwilliam had appeared in his study, insisting they had to venture out to a shop in Cheapside. Cheapside! Of course, he had refused, if for no other reason, but to avoid yet another reminder of Elizabeth Bennet. Was there nothing that would spare him the torment of her memory? Unfortunately, his cousin would not leave him to the solitude of his library.

“I must insist you finally tell me where we are going,” he demanded in a surly tone.

Fitzwilliam lifted his eyebrows. “My but you are ill-tempered this morning. What has you in such a mood these days?”

“You are aware how much I dislike the balls and dinner parties of the season? I have had to endure your mother’s Twelfth Night ball as well as a dinner party given by none other than Miss Bingley. I should think those two events alone would be enough to sour anyone’s disposition.” Darcy steered his attention to the view outside the window as he attempted to avoid any further discourse on the subject.

A hearty chuckle came from across the carriage. “The only teeth set on edge by Miss Bingley belong to you, cousin, and I daresay it is your own fault.”

His head jerked back. “My fault?”

“You are too concerned with offending Bingley, so you do not treat her in the curt manner you do most women.”

Aggravation with his cousin’s observation and the situation welled within him. “I may not enjoy speaking with the ladies as you do, but I am not curt.”

The colonel gave a small snort. “I beg to differ. I have seen many a lady who was offended by your method of keeping them at bay.”

“I have no wish to be ensnared by any of them, so I ensure I do nothing to encourage their hopes.” With a heavy exhale, Darcy grimaced. “But I am afraid my latest endeavour to be of aid to Bingley has not helped the matter with Miss Bingley.”

His cousin’s expression reflected his curiosity as he leaned forward in his seat. “So, you have saved Bingley from himself once again? What was it this time? Another bad investment opportunity?”

Darcy shook his head. “Bingley became enamoured of a local girl while in Hertfordshire.”

“That does not sound too dire,” responded the colonel. “He is always fancying himself in love; it passes soon enough.”

Again, he shook his head. “No, this time was different. Bingley showed a decided preference for the young lady from the first of their acquaintance, and by the time of the ball at Netherfield, it became apparent that he had raised the expectations of the neighbourhood. They all believed him soon to propose.”

His cousin furrowed his brows. “You felt a marriage to this lady to be imprudent?”

Darcy closed his eyes as he envisioned the deplorable behaviour of Mrs Bennet and the three youngest Bennet daughters. “It would have been a most imprudent match. She had little dowry, no connections, and the behaviour of her family was objectionable, to say the least.”

“You must consider it a triumph to have successfully separated the two.”

“You can be certain,” he stated with conviction. “My only regret is that by being in collusion with Miss Bingley, she seems more assured I will one day propose to her. She is intolerable.

Colonel Fitzwilliam regarded Darcy with a critical eye, prompting him to shift in his seat. “Come to think of it, your insufferable mood was not present until your return with Bingley.” A smirk lit his cousin’s face. “Did you make the acquaintance of a woman in Hertfordshire? Would you be pining for someone as unsuitable as Bingley’s new angel?”

He scoffed as he adjusted his cuffs. Elizabeth Bennet? Unsuitable? If not for her family and connections, she would be eminently suitable. “You are ridiculous. I would never be so imprudent.”

The colonel sighed. “No, I suppose you would not.”

“What is so special about this wine and brandy merchant?” asked Darcy, with the intention of changing the subject.

“As I told you earlier, he boasts of a particularly fine assortment of port, claret, and brandy. My father was impressed by their selection when he placed his order for the ball. I thought you might wish to meet the proprietor.”

He suppressed a smile at the success of his manoeuver. “I do not see the urgency of such a matter. I have a perfectly adequate supplier on Piccadilly Street, who I have used since my father passed.”

With an irritated huff, his cousin sat back against the squabs. “I would wager this man’s prices to be more reasonable. He will also deliver to Grosvenor Square and Belgravia, which means you should not have to return once you have set up an account.”

The two gentlemen stared at one another for a few seconds until Colonel Fitzwilliam shook his head and turned to watch the buildings pass through the window.

A row of houses along Gracechurch Street drew Darcy’s particular interest while he avoided further conversation with his cousin. Did one of them belong to the uncle of Elizabeth Bennet? He had never taken the time to study the neighbourhood in the past, and he had to admit some of these homes were actually pleasant and well tended. Of course, the appearances did not necessarily correspond to the personalities of the owners. After all, Longbourn was not objectionable from all outward appearances.

A small park ahead caught his eye. Had Miss Elizabeth ever walked in that park? With her love for the activity, she must have during one of her visits to her family. He could almost envision her strolling through the trees, her hair windswept and the hem of her dress stained with grass and dirt—much as she had appeared upon her arrival at Netherfield to care for her sister.

They drew closer, and a young lady at the front gates came into focus, revealing her to be none other than Jane Bennet. Darcy leaned back from the window, while he watched her walk into the park hand in hand with a small child, a servant trailing behind.

He would have to ensure Bingley remained away from Cheapside for the near future. They had struggled so to prevent his return to Hertfordshire and to conceal Miss Bennet’s presence in London; it would not do for him to happen upon her now.

“There is a handsome young lady,” said his cousin, interrupting his thoughts. “Who is she?”

With a shrug of his shoulders, Darcy donned a mask of feigned indifference. “How am I to know? I would imagine a tradesman’s daughter, one of good means by her dress.”

“You appeared to have recognised her, or at least, taken interest?”

“No, I am not acquainted with her, and as for her being of interest…” His last view as they passed was of Jane Bennet smiling to the child at her side. “She smiles too much.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam gave a bark of laughter. “That has to be the most preposterous notion I have ever heard you utter. What man has not been bewitched by the smile of a beautiful woman?”

Miss Elizabeth again came to mind and Darcy gave a wry grin. “Perhaps a pair of fine eyes might one day garner my notice.”

His cousin chuckled. “I pity you when they do. You are so accustomed to maintaining your distance, you will be at a loss as to how to win her favour.” He turned serious and held Darcy’s eye. “But she will be a lucky woman—a lucky woman indeed.”

 

 

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  1. I loved it! I think this is the first time I’ve read the actual scene where Darcy tells Col. Fitz about Bingley and Jane so that the Colonel can later share it with Lizzy. Oh Darcy is digging his hole deep and he has no idea.

    US Resident- I have an ecopy of Monica’s book, but any of the rest of the prizes would be fine. Thanks for your generous giveaways everyone!

    1. I probably shouldn’t admit that Darcy spilling about Bingley was not part of my original plan. Darcy had another plan and it popped out of his mouth without any warning whatsoever. He certainly has a mind of his own!
      I’m so glad you liked it, Sophia!

  2. The relationship between Darcy and Fitzwilliam has always seemed to me very important.

    I liked this piece very much.

    1. I believe it is important. While he is friends with Bingley, Bingley relies on Darcy to an extent that it’s not an equal type of alliance (if that makes sense.) Aside from financial matters, the Colonel is his own man. He would not look to Darcy to steer him as Bingley does. Thanks, Janet!

  3. I really enjoyed reading this, Leslie. I especially loved the way you worked in the quotes from Pride & Prejudice so seamlessly. Very clever to have Darcy see Jane, as well.

    1. I wish I could take credit for Jane at the park, but that was a suggestion when I mentioned this idea for the scene. I love re-purposing Jane Austen’s quotes, especially into an entirely different context. I’m glad they worked so well.
      Thanks so much, Monica!

    • Eileen on January 26, 2015 at 6:26 am
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    🙁 You stopped! I want to know about the meeting with the merchant. 🙂

    1. LOL! I’m sorry, Eileen! My mind never went that far. Just banter between the cousins. I love writing their banter! Thanks!

    • Kathy Wallace on January 26, 2015 at 6:31 am
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    Oh, Darcy! What a tangle you made for yourself!

    1. Yup, he’s steadily digging that hole bigger and bigger, isn’t he? Oh well, he had good intentions. Thanks, Kathy!

    • Betsy on January 26, 2015 at 6:34 am
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    I often think Colonel Fitz might make Jane a better husband than indecisive Bingley…

    1. I do enjoy fics where Jane and the Colonel become a couple. It’s one thing to give advice and opinions, but Bingley followed them so blindly that I have a difficult time liking the fact that Jane accepts him at the end. Thanks, Betsy!

        • beth on January 26, 2015 at 9:45 am
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        True. I wouldn’t have chosen such a fickle man! 🙂 But that is Jane’s flaw, is it not? Too kind and forgiving to have such standards? Jane is laid in contrast with Lizzy’s almost over-discerning nature, so to me it was no surprise that Jane would forgive Bingley–and Mr. Bennet’s joke that “they will forever exceed their income” and they would be cheated by their servants rings more true than not to me (which is the mark of a very good joke indeed, I say!).

        1. I agree that it is most certainly her flaw. It would’ve made me crazy if I was her sister or friend!

          Thanks, Beth!

    • Maureen Chritzman on January 26, 2015 at 6:35 am
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    Great scene. The Colonel reads Darcy so well. I always enjoy reading his perspective. Also, having Darcy picture Elizabeth walking in the park was very fitting.
    I am from the US. I already have the two books by Marilyn. Your giveaways are so great! The missing P&P scenes are treats in themselves! Thanks to all of you!

    1. I enjoy the idea of the Colonel and Darcy having such a bantering relationship. I feel like we see a hint of that behaviour at Rosings when Elizabeth teases him about being taciturn in company to the Colonel. Thanks Maureen!

    • Deborah on January 26, 2015 at 7:00 am
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    I really enjoyed this Leslie. Wouldn’t it be funny if the establishment the Colonel and Darcy is going to had a connection to the Gardiners. Love this. The colonel’s closeness to Darcy is brought out. They are more like brothers than cousins. I like the colonel saying, unbelievingly, that she smiles too much? And then Darcy mentions that fine eyes might garner his attention. Well, we know they did. I loved Darcy picturing Elizabeth walking in the park and trying to figure out which house she would’ve stayed in. He has it bad and he doesn’t even realize it. Thank you for this fun missing scene!

      • Deborah on January 26, 2015 at 7:05 am
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      Forgot to say I’m in the US and already have the ebooks being offered.

    1. Oh, I love the idea of the Gardiners being the merchant! That would’ve been fun! The fun part of the smiles too much and fine eyes is that Elizabeth Bennet likely smiled a great deal herself. We know she was witty and had a sense of humour, so Darcy must have enjoyed the happy twinkle in her eyes.
      Thanks Deborah!

    • Charlene on January 26, 2015 at 7:06 am
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    Love it! Is this scene in one of your novels? I’ll have to go now and read it! My TBR list just got larger

    1. Not a scene in one of my novels. I wrote it specifically for Jane in January. All of my books so far have that bantering kind of relationship between the Colonel and Darcy. I do have one that I’m in the process of fleshing out and writing where the relationship will be altered, but I’m a ways from releasing that one! Thanks, Charlene!

    • Charlene on January 26, 2015 at 7:10 am
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    Ooo sorry . Live in US and have books of both Abigail’s and Maria’s books. Thanks!

  4. A wonderful scene. Completely real and very enjoyable.
    Well done!
    Thank you for posting it.

    1. Thanks, Barbara!

  5. I had assumed the merchant they were going to see was Mr Gardiner! Lol wouldn’t that ruffle Darcy’s feathers even more. But if you gotta have a tradesman as an uncle in law you might as well get some good wine out of it right! 😉

    So now when Darcy says in Kent that he hadn’t seen Jane in town, he’s pretty much lying. Even though it was for just a second and he was cruising by in a carriage. I always gathered that while he knew she was there via Caroline, he never actually saw her, so he wouldn’t feel guilty when he told Elizabeth he hadn’t seen her.

    1. “… and she thought he looked a little confused as he answered that he had never been so fortunate as to meet Miss Bennet.”

      I think the room to dabble is there since he says “meet”. He never spoke with her or had a conversation or else he would have to admit it, and Jane probably would’ve mentioned it before Elizabeth left for Hunsford.
      The 1995 P&P has Darcy overlooking as Jane leaves the Bingley’s in a flashback. By choice of her words, I think JA left a bit of room.

      Thanks, Monica!

  6. Welcome to the group Leslie! I like the tone you have set for their private banter. In many versions, Mr Gardiner deals in cloth and investments – no reason he could not also have ventures in liquor warehouses. Just past the park the carriage suddenly stops at their destination… From the other comments, we all seem to be heading in the same direction. Time for a vote? LOL (kidding)

    Please save any prizes for the other readers, cheers.

    1. Hi Dave! He does make sense as a liquor merchant. I just missed the obvious I suppose! 😉 Thanks for the lovely welcome and the comment!

    • Wendy Roberts on January 26, 2015 at 9:16 am
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    I love all of these glimpses behind the scenes! Thank you for them!

    I live in Canada, but I also have a US postal box (if it makes any difference!)

    1. I’m so glad, Wendy! They’re definitely fun to write! Thanks!

    • Debra on January 26, 2015 at 9:22 am
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    Oh Darcy Darcy Darcy, get rid of your blinkers! I’ve never read an account of how the Colonel found out about Jane and Bingley, always good to read something new.

    1. Yay! I’m sure we could do it any number of ways, but this one was rather fun and I could tie it in with the ball and the dinner as well. I’m so glad everyone likes it.
      Thanks, Debra!

    • Leslie on January 26, 2015 at 10:18 am
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    “…you will be at a loss as to how to win her favour.” Perfect! What an enjoyable scene; their banter was such fun.

    I’m an international girl…

    1. Thanks so much, Leslie!

    • Carol Settlage on January 26, 2015 at 10:42 am
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    What a fun episode you have created! I enjoyed it very much… always love stories that include the close relationship between Darcy and the Colonel… he understands Darcy and helps to keep him honest. And like Dave and others, I fully expected that the merchant they were visiting would be part of Mr. Gardner’s business… and perhaps Darcy would get to meet him and find out what an amiable respectable gentleman he was! Also loved that he happened to see Jane with one of her little cousins too. He should have noticed that although she was smiling, there was a hint of sadness in her eyes as well… He who was so observant of fine eyes! 🙂
    Thank you, Leslie, and glad you have joined this fine group.

    1. Perhaps he was not so close as to notice her sad eyes, but maybe 🙂
      I’m glad you liked it! Thanks, Carol!

    • Stephanie L on January 26, 2015 at 10:49 am
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    I do love banter between Darcy and Fitzwilliam. It always shows the human side, or the humor side (ha!) of Darcy. Also love that Fitzwilliam has a way of talking him into accompanying him to places he might otherwise not go, thus losing the opportunity for broadening his horizons. =D

    1. Colonel Fitzwilliam usually has such a sense of humour in most JAFF and it plays well with Darcy’s more serious nature. I enjoy writing the two of them together.
      Thanks, Stephanie!

    • anne on January 26, 2015 at 11:14 am
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    A US. address. I enjoyed this wonderful post. So wonderful and special. Maria’s or Abigails’ books would be great. thanks.

    1. Thanks so much, Anne!

  7. Wonderful vignette!! But for Darcy to lie about recognizing Jane…shame, shame, Mr.Darcy! What happened to his high ideals of honesty? 😉

    Have a lovely week, ladies!

    Warmly,
    Susanne 🙂

    1. LOL! Yes, well then he’d have even more of a conversation I’m sure…or the colonel would want to stop for a chat! Uh oh! Thanks, Susanne!

    • Julie on January 26, 2015 at 12:34 pm
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    Love this scene! Remembering where it comes in the novel, and thinking about Darcy having Elizabeth so much on his mind already, is really fun! As he said he was in the middle before he realized he’d begun, and here, we see him just past the beginning and not really recognizing it yet!

    1. I’m so glad you liked it! Thanks, Julie!

    • Carol on January 26, 2015 at 1:26 pm
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    Love this scene. Thank goodness for the Colonel. He doesn’t need Darcy’s approval like Charles. I hope the wine merchant is Jane and Lizzy’s Uncle Gardiner. Not sure what Colonel Fitzwilliam knows, but something is up. Darcy is in for a surprise! After Lizzy’s profound refusal, his haughty remark about having a wine merchant and doesn’t need a new one, should stop and make him think! Too bad Lizzy wasn’t back in town and both were seen with all of the Gardiner children. That would have been a funny scene.

    1. It would be fun, but unfortunately, Jane has her at Longbourn for January! Thanks for commenting, Carol!

    • Florence Solowianiuk on January 26, 2015 at 2:37 pm
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    Leave it to the Colonel to get to the heart of the matter, even though he doesn’t know that he has.

    1. He does have that knack! Thanks, Florence!

    • Sheila L. M. on January 26, 2015 at 5:00 pm
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    If Dave wants a vote…I agree that I was expecting Uncle Gardiner to be the wine and spirits merchant and that somehow Darcy realizes that this fine gentleman is uncle to the Bennet girls. “Pass the salt, I have to eat my words.” Col. Fitzwilliams always seems to manipulate Darcy and find out what he is brooding about. (At least in the JAFF versions I read.) Sometimes it is with drink and sometimes it is a wild guess or sometimes, someone lets slip a hint and the Colonel jumps on it.

    Great addition to my favorite story, Leslie.

    1. LOL! The colonel is just good like that I suppose:-) Thanks Sheila!

    • Carole in Canada on January 26, 2015 at 7:39 pm
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    The Colonel know his cousin well. Little does he realize how true his last statement will be… “I pity you when they do. You are so accustomed to maintaining your distance, you will be at a loss as to how to win her favour.”

    Like the others, love the bantering between Darcy and the Colonel. Great post Leslie! Thank you!

    1. I couldn’t resist the Colonel’s last statement. It was too fun not to put it in. Thanks, Carol!

    • Kristine Shore on January 26, 2015 at 8:51 pm
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    Another great chapter!

    1. Thanks so much, Kristine!

    • Dung on January 26, 2015 at 10:11 pm
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    I wonder if the place they are going to will be Mr. Gardner’s?

    1. I do like the idea. I don’t think he would meet Uncle Gardiner, since he requests the introduction at Pemberley. Thanks, Dung!

  8. Great scene, Leslie! You can feel the friendship, as well as Darcy’s real sense of being unsettled by the location, conversation, and seeing Jane. Nothing more fun than the missing scenes!

    1. Thanks, Suzan! Once it began to flow, it was fun to write.

    • Laura on January 27, 2015 at 6:08 am
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    Thanks for sharing this with us. I liked the insight into the relationship between the Colonel and Darcy.

    1. So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks, Laura!

  9. Darcy almost said what he was thinking out loud to Colonel Fitzwilliam. Nice vignette of the two of them seeing Jane Bennet. Shame on Darcy for not telling Colonel Fitzwilliam who she is exactly.

    1. He likely thought them to never cross paths, so who did the white lie really harm? (Other than himself, of course, but he won’t know that until Hunsford.) Thanks, Patty!

    • Sarah B on January 27, 2015 at 11:12 am
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    Great scene! I have always enjoyed the true relationship/friendship between Darcy and the Colonel. I like many others figured the merchant would end up being Mr Gardiner, or connected to him. What fun that would have been.
    US resident.

    1. I love their relationship. They’re fun to write because there’s no telling what one might say to the other. Thanks, Sarah!

    • BeckyC on January 27, 2015 at 10:07 pm
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    The Colonel knows Darcy quite well! In fact, too well for Darcy’s comfort. Wonderful excerpt. I love the interaction with the cousins. But Darcy best be careful with his lies. The Colonel will be on to him.

    1. He might remember it’s Jane if he ever makes her acquaintance after marrying Bingley, but he only caught a glimpse in passing. Even so, I think the Colonel will get why. He’s pretty astute on those things. Thanks BeckyC!

    • Lauren K. on January 28, 2015 at 11:54 am
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    Mmmm, interesting that Darcy conceals Jane’s identity even after telling Fitzwilliam about keeping Bingley apart from her. I wonder if the proprietor will be a certain fashionable Uncle…

      • Lauren K. on January 28, 2015 at 11:57 am
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      Forgot to add that I’m in the US and would love one of Abigail’s books!

    1. He could be, but if I’d written it, I wouldn’t have Darcy meet Mr. Gardiner. They hadn’t met when the Gardiners went to Pemberley. It would be fun for JAFF, though! Thanks, Lauren!

    • TLeighF on January 28, 2015 at 9:55 pm
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    This was a great scene between Darcy and the Colonel. Darcy just keeps up his mask of indifference while there is such turmoil just below the surface. I am also wondering if the merchant they are going to visit is actually Mr. Gardiner….

    I already have “the Future Mrs. Darcy” and “Mr. Darcy’s Pledge” but would love any of the other fabulous prizes. I live in the US.

    1. Thanks so much, TLeighF!

    • Angela Schroeder on January 28, 2015 at 11:44 pm
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    Soooo… There will be a book compiled with all these scenes and then some, right?

    1. That book sounds a great idea. Janet

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