Jane in January – P&P Missing Scene – Dinner Party

Jane in January2

We’re in week 2 of our ‘Jane in January’ event and hope you are enjoying our special focus on “Pride and Prejudice.”

 

 



Darcy’s activities during the winter months of “Pride and Prejudice” are not mentioned by Jane Austen, and we can only conjecture what he may have done. In this scene, he and Georgiana have been invited to an intimate dinner party by Bingley, hosted by the Hursts. 



Darcy walked slowly while people hurried past him as they sought shelter from the sudden winter storm that had descended upon the busy streets of London. Icy pellets hit his face, which he tried to bury within the folds of the dark green scarf Georgiana had knitted for him for Christmas. He pulled his hat down further and wrapped his coat more tightly about him. He shivered, and the cold took hold of him down to his toes.

He reached up and fingered the scarf, realizing his neck was the only thing that felt any warmth. A rueful smile touched his lips as he thought of his sister. He had attempted to join her in the joyful spirit she exhibited over the holidays, but it had been in vain. She knew something was not right with him. Despite assuring her that nothing was wrong, she could readily discern otherwise.

As he stuffed his gloved hands into his pockets, he shuddered. He knew not whether it was the frigid cold or the memory of last week’s Twelfth Night Ball. He would very much like to forget it! He drew in a deep breath and felt the cold sear his insides, and then quickly let it out in a huff. His expelled breath was transformed before him in a frosty wisp.

He stopped at the corner of the street and gave his head a shake, as he still had two streets before he reached his home. A pressing need to get outside and walk had earlier impelled him to do so before the weather worsened. He had been walking aimlessly for the past hour, his thoughts in turmoil.

Part of the reason for his restlessness – despite thoughts of Elizabeth invading at the slightest memory – was that he and Georgiana had been invited to a small dinner party given by Mr. and Mrs. Hurst. While he did not always enjoy the company of all, Bingley’s presence would do much to cheer him. At least he hoped as much.

He wondered how his friend was faring. If he were to judge Bingley’s condition by his own, he surmised his friend was likely not faring well at all. He was certain Bingley was still pining for Miss Jane Bennet, as much as he was for Elizabeth. He shook his head. Pining did not seem a strong enough word. His heart literally ached at the thought of never seeing her again.

Darcy took long, hurried steps up to his house. The wind picked up even more, but the icy rain had stopped. He hoped that would be the end of the frozen moisture. The last thing he needed was a treacherous drive the three miles to the Hursts.

Darcy stepped into his house and handed off his hat, coat, and gloves. He moved to the fireplace, blazing with warmth, and stood before it, rubbing his hands briskly. His walk, which he had hoped would clear his thoughts, served only to chill him to his bones.

“You are home!” Georgiana hurried to his side. “I was beginning to worry about you. I feared everything would turn to ice.”

Darcy turned and smiled at his sister. “I appreciate your concern. I took care as I walked.”

She pinched her brows and a look of apprehension crossed her face. “Do you think we still ought to go? It could get worse.”

Darcy smiled. His sister was so like him. If it were anyone but Bingley’s relatives, he would choose to remain at home. “The sleet has stopped. I think we ought to be fine.”

Georgiana offered her brother a brief smile. “I should get ready.”

Darcy nodded. “We should depart in about an hour.” He attempted to give her a reassuring smile, but he doubted he had been successful in easing his sister’s discomfiture.

*~*~*

Darcy and his sister were brought into the Hursts’ drawing room, and they found themselves in the midst of almost two dozen people. He tensed as he realized this was not what he had been expecting. He knew Georgiana felt the same, as he noticed her steps falter.

He wished to remain by her side, to assist her in conversing with others, but Miss Bingley seemed intent on taking that responsibility. Georgiana was soon whisked away, and he watched as Miss Bingley introduced her to others in the room, initiating the conversation. Throughout the evening, he often sought his sister out, raising his brows in question, and she would reply with a smile. It appeared, at least, that Miss Bingley was carrying on the conversations quite well, and Georgiana nodded or smiled as needed.

Darcy was rather surprised at the people who were invited. He did not claim to know all of the Hursts’ acquaintances, but it was all married couples, save for an elderly gentleman, Mr. Hogan, who had been widowed for several years. Darcy found him quite interesting. Apart from Bingley, this gentleman’s company was preferred.

As the two conversed, the gentleman began to talk about his wife. His sunken blue eyes seemed to light up when Darcy asked about her. “Oh, she was lovely. She could make me smile and laugh with just a look. She was intelligent and we could talk for hours.” He winked his eye. “And sometimes all night.”

Darcy smiled and suddenly could not get images of Elizabeth out of his thoughts. As Mr. Hogan spoke, he realized just how much he wanted to love his wife as much as this man had loved his. He continued to speak about his wife, and Darcy could not imagine anyone other than Elizabeth in that role.

When dinner was served, Darcy was even more dismayed that he and Georgiana were placed at opposite ends of the dining room table. She was seated between Bingley and a gentleman, who was a friend of the Hursts. He was seated between Miss Bingley and this same friend’s wife.

Again, he watched to see how Georgiana fared. As the meal was served and conversations commenced, the lady at his side began speaking to the person on the other side of her. Miss Bingley tapped him on the arm to secure his attention.

“You must be so proud of your sister, Mr. Darcy,” Miss Bingley said, as she nodded her head in the young girl’s direction. “She has become a delightful young lady and has been so affable this evening. Everyone seems to have a high regard for her. “ She seemed quite pleased with herself.

He looked at her and forced a smile. “I am glad to hear that.”

“And just look at her and Charles. I believe they are alike in so many ways and have so much in common.” She tilted her head. “I do believe they are enjoying each other’s company.”

Darcy could not necessarily agree with Miss Bingley’s estimation of his sister’s enjoyment, and Bingley enjoyed nearly everyone’s company. While Bingley was being polite in including Georgiana in his conversation, it appeared more to him that Bingley was speaking more particularly to the woman on the other side of him. Georgiana nodded occasionally, but Darcy readily discerned that the smile on her face, although sweet, was more a result of her discomfiture.

It was after dinner that concerned Darcy, for the ladies would go off by themselves and he would be unable to keep watch of his sister until the gentlemen would join the ladies. He told himself not to fret, but when it came to his sister, it was difficult not to do so.

As the ladies departed, he sent Georgiana an encouraging look. He was grateful – in a way – that Miss Bingley immediately went to her side. Her fondness for his sister would this one time be appreciated.

When the men joined the ladies later, Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley performed for the guests on the pianoforte. But when games were then announced, Darcy expressed his regrets that he and Georgiana had to take their leave. They thanked the Hursts for a pleasant evening.

Miss Bingley looked at her sister and told her she would see them out. Turning to Georgiana, she said, “We must do this again.” She walked by Georgiana’s side, taking her hand. “This has been simply delightful.”

Georgiana nodded meekly and spoke softly with her eyes cast down. “Yes, thank you.”

“Thank you, again, Miss Bingley,” Darcy said as the carriage approached. “And express our appreciation to your sister and Mr. Hurst.”

They stepped into the carriage and Darcy looked at Georgiana. He could barely see her in the dark, but he could discern that she was looking down.

“You did well tonight, Georgiana. I am quite proud of you.”

She let out a shaky breath and murmured a soft, “Thank you.”

He heard the catch in her voice. “Is everything all right? Did anything happen that has upset you?” He reached over and took her hand. “Please tell me.”

She turned her head away, and her words faltered. “I… it is just that I…”

“Pray, tell me what is troubling you.”

She turned back and grasped his hand tightly. “Is this something that you truly want for me? You have never said anything, and I did not know what to say.”

Darcy shook his head, trying to make sense of his sister’s words. “Georgiana, I am at a loss to know of what you are speaking. What is it I am supposed to want? All I have ever wanted is for you to be happy.”

“Miss Bingley told me about the hopes the two of you share that Mr. Bingley and I would one day marry.”

Darcy’s eyes widened, and his chest tightened. “Heavens, Georgiana! She is obviously under a great misapprehension.” Darcy shook his head and drew in a breath to calm his rising ire. Finally, in a mellow voice, he said, “Indeed, Bingley is a good friend, and I thought you would enjoy spending the evening with him and a few friends, but Georgiana, I would never enter into a scheme with Miss Bingley regarding you and her brother.”

Georgiana looked down. “Miss Bingley kept talking about how delighted you and she would be if he and I would join our families together in matrimony.”

Darcy fisted his hands. He could not believe that Miss Bingley would say such a thing. He did not trust himself to speak for a few moments. “She made you believe that I felt this way?”

Georgiana silently nodded and wiped a tear from her eye.

He squeezed her hand, regretting the discomfiture Miss Bingley put her through. “Trust me; I have never entertained such thoughts.” He let out a long sigh. “It grieves me to know how discomfited you were tonight. Unfortunately, due to my friendship with her brother, you shall likely be in company with Miss Bingley again in the future. I shall speak with her and insist she not speak of this again. If she does, please know that it is not my wish.”

“Thank you,” Georgiana replied softly.

Darcy turned away. His stomach was in knots, not just because of what Miss Bingley said to his sister, but because it also made him wonder if her sole motive for separating Bingley from Miss Jane Bennet was because she wanted him to marry Georgiana.

As he thought about it, she had been quite vocal about the necessity of separating the two, and when he mentioned that he had seen little affection on Miss Jane’s part, she agreed most wholeheartedly. He had taken her agreement as an affirmation of his assessment of his friend’s latest venture into love.

Now he wondered whether Miss Bingley had her own purposes in wanting them apart.

Darcy grumbled and shook his head. He had not been wrong in separating them, but it did not make what Miss Bingley had done then or said this evening right and proper. He felt completely justified in his actions, and it gave him a great deal of satisfaction knowing he had been able to look out for his friend. He rubbed his jaw as he turned to gaze out the window into the darkness. At least he thought it did.

 


56 comments

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  1. Ooh that was nice. I like where you took the story line. Many nice little ideas bouncing around in Darcy’s head. Could he have been wrong about Jane? Imagining Elizabeth as his wife. Love it!

      • Kara Louise on January 12, 2015 at 11:35 am
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      I’m glad you enjoyed it, Patty. With us not really knowing what all he did during those silent months, it’s fun to speculate!

  2. Ah, so sweet that he adores Georgie’s scarf and they share some siblings scenes. Dastardly Caro and her ambition!

    Thanks for the nice short, Kara Louise!

      • Kara Louise on January 12, 2015 at 11:38 am
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      You’re welcome, Sophia, and thanks! I do enjoy writing about siblings and dastardly Caro! 🙂

    • Kathy Wallace on January 12, 2015 at 3:15 am
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    A fun snippet!

      • Kara Louise on January 12, 2015 at 11:38 am
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      Thanks, Kathy!

  3. Loved this vignette!! I echo Sophia Rose’s comment above: “Dastardly Caro”!! 😀

    Thank you for writing for us, Kara Louise!! I so enjoyed it!!

    Warmly,
    Susanne 🙂

      • Kara Louise on January 12, 2015 at 11:39 am
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      Thanks, Susanne! Glad you enjoyed it!

    • Betsy on January 12, 2015 at 7:01 am
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    Miss Bingley is the mistress of manipulation!

      • Kara Louise on January 12, 2015 at 11:40 am
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      Ooh! A new title for Caroline Bingley! Did we ever doubt that? Thanks, Betsy!

    • Talia on January 12, 2015 at 7:07 am
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    What would we do without Caroline?! Thank you for writing this!

      • Kara Louise on January 12, 2015 at 11:40 am
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      You’re welcome, Talia! And thanks for commenting!

    • Beth G on January 12, 2015 at 7:20 am
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    Thank you for this. I also very much enjoyed the interaction between the Darcy siblings. Oh, Caroline. She is so cruel to manipulate Georgiana in this way.

      • Kara Louise on January 12, 2015 at 11:41 am
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      Thanks, Beth! I suspect Darcy and Georgiana were very close.

    • Maggie Griscom on January 12, 2015 at 8:16 am
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    Why doesn’t Darcy figure out that Caroline Bingley is not a nice person. To tell Georgiana such a lie and then reinforce it with Darcy’s supposed support for the idea is reprehensible. Darcy should have turned around and taken care of Caroline that minute. But, he did give Georgiana the reassurance she needed. So much would work out better if the Darcy siblings would just talk to each other more often.

      • Kara Louise on January 12, 2015 at 11:43 am
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      Thanks, Maggie! I think Darcy is getting a clue about Caroline, but because she is his good friend’s sister, he can’t do too much about it.

    • Theresa M on January 12, 2015 at 8:44 am
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    Poor Georgiana….the idea that Caroline will make the poor girl so uncomfortable is just unforgiveable! It makes me wish Darcy wasnt so proper all the time. I would love to see him just slap her!

      • Kara Louise on January 12, 2015 at 11:43 am
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      LOL! I bet Darcy was tempted many times! Thanks, Theresa!

    • Carole in Canada on January 12, 2015 at 8:50 am
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    Darcy’s actions in helping to remove Charles have empowered Caroline to step even further beyond the pale. Not only is he and Charles paying the consequences but Georgiana! Loved being inside his head Kara…thank you!

    Also, thank you again for this wonderful ‘Jane in January’ event and the prizes too! FYI I have all of Jane Odiwe’s books, so don’t enter me in the draw.

      • Kara Louise on January 12, 2015 at 11:45 am
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      So glad you enjoyed the scene and are enjoying Jane in January. Thanks, Carole!

    • Wendy Roberts on January 12, 2015 at 9:02 am
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    Tsk Tsk, Miss BIngley!

    I am in Canada which would make me International! Of the options available to me, I have most of the books. If you could put my name in for: 1 copy of “Project Darcy,” 1 copy of ”Searching for Captain Wentworth,” and 1 copy of “Mr Darcy’s Secret” , that would be wonderful!

      • Kara Louise on January 12, 2015 at 11:46 am
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      We aim to please, Wendy, and we’ll keep that in mind! Thanks!

  4. Thanks Kara for a grand scene! Please do not enter me for any of the prizes but can’t pass the opportunity for some good hearted Caroline bashing! She really is needed as a foil in the story – but Darcy is truly safe from her since even a compromise would be laughed off by society.

    So where is the serious competition for Elizabeth? None of the eligible women in the Ton have her personality and intelligence? I would suspect they were out there, but buried in proper society etiquette where he did not notice. What if while in London at this point he met Elizabeth’s equal but where that woman had been raised from the cradle to be the mistress of a grand estate? Would his feelings for Elizabeth override his ‘duty’? Would a bluestocking be a good match for him? There are some stories that wend around this scenario and I hope there are more in the future!

      • Kara Louise on January 12, 2015 at 11:47 am
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      I know there are more scenes being written, Dave. Maybe someone will take you up on your idea. Sounds good to me! Thanks!

    • Florence Solowianiuk on January 12, 2015 at 11:07 am
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    Caroline’s desperation for a match with Darcy is pretty transparent with this particular scheme or hers, and it’s unfortunate that it’s at Georgiana’s expense. Aside from Caroline’s unpleasant personality, this manipulation would be enough to scuttle any chance she might have. It’s too bad that she’s not perceptive enough to realize this.

    I’m in the US, and already have most of the books listed. The P+P paperdolls intrigue, however…

      • Kara Louise on January 12, 2015 at 11:48 am
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      Thanks for your thoughts, Florence! She is digging herself into a deeper hole.

    • RMorrel on January 12, 2015 at 11:38 am
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    This was a terrific insight on what might have happened. Well written and enjoyable.

      • Kara Louise on January 12, 2015 at 11:49 am
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      Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

  5. Oh I had to catch up with week one! Somehow I missed it. I do love reading a little more about our favourite P&P characters. What a lovely edition this makes!

    1. Sorry…I always forget to follow instructions…US resident and if I am lucky enough to win, I am not picky about a prize but the paper dolls or a reusable shopping bad would be nice!

      • Kara Louise on January 12, 2015 at 12:42 pm
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      Glad you enjoyed it, Nicole! Good luck on the giveaways!

    • Carol Settlage on January 12, 2015 at 12:04 pm
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    What a treat this story behind the scenes, is! I loved how you show Caroline’s conniving with a party of all married folks except for she and Darcy and Georgiana and her brother! Very clever and telling if Darcy will notice what’s going on! An outstanding scene for me was the sweet conversation between Darcy and the elder Mr. Hogan where he speaks so lovingly about his wife… eliciting Darcy’s thoughts about Elizabeth! Nice touch! And I am always impressed with how excellently your writing accurately depicts our favorite characters!

    I’m not sure how to work the “raffle copter”, but except for the magnets, notecards and the classic hardcover of Persuasion, I believe I already have most all the books and don’t need to be entered for those… It is a pleasure just to read these creations!

      • Kara Louise on January 12, 2015 at 12:52 pm
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      Thanks so much, Carol! With the rafflecopter, all you need do is enter your email address and check that you commented (or tweeted or visited our fb group page.)

    • Irene on January 12, 2015 at 2:24 pm
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    What fun. This is indeed a good diversion and love the characterization of Miss Bingley as the conniving psuedo-friend/fiend that she is. Although Darcy’s manners and position would never allow him to reprimand her, it would be great fun to read that encounter!

    • Carol on January 12, 2015 at 2:45 pm
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    Caroline Bingley is the character I love to hate. She never stops her plotting against the Darcys. The fact the Darcy finds Elizabeth always in his head and heart, and Georgiana has no intention towards Charles Bingley, I hope that someone ( namely Darcy) gets in her face. She needs a very much needed put down. His feelings give us hope.

      • Kara Louise on January 12, 2015 at 3:51 pm
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      She definitely needs a set down, but at least we know he stands up to her at Pemberley when she makes her comment about never finding any beauty in Elizabeth. Thanks for your comments, Carol!

    • Stephanie L on January 12, 2015 at 2:55 pm
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    I think the one thing about Darcy (even canon Darcy) that cracks me up is how Austen wrote him as the sweetly clueless man that most of them are in this situation. Yes, Caroline is a manipulative harpy and wants the everlasting tie a Georgie/Charles match would create. Hello? And he is just as clueless at Charles and Jane though he does ruminate on Bingley being “as miserable” as Darcy himself. It’s so lovely when Darcy finally sees all the colors in the rainbow and acts accordingly. =D Love this closeness between the Darcys. I think they would have had to have it since all they had was each other.

    • Kara Louise on January 12, 2015 at 3:54 pm
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    Glad you enjoyed it, Stephanie! He has been clueless, and it’s odd, when he is so wary of women who might only be after his fortune, that he barely considers Caroline guilty of that, as well. Thanks for your comments.

    • Deborah on January 12, 2015 at 7:50 pm
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    Sheeesh! Caro has some nerve speaking for Darcy and telling Georgie that they would live for her to marry Bingley. She oversteps her bounds! What a manipulative witch. Darcy needs to give her a cut, in public. Although, being friends with Bingley will probably prevent him from doing so. Hmmmm….hearing the elderly gentlan talk so lovingly of his deceased wife puts Elizabeth in Darcy’s mind. Wake up, sir!
    Anyway, Kara, I loved this and am glad Darcy reassured his sister that it is not his idea for them to marry and to ignore what Caro said.
    I am a US resident. I have recently acquired Searching for Captain Wentworth as a paperback. If Jane’s books are ebooks I have them all as ebooks. Thank you all for the generous give always this month.

      • Kara Louise on January 12, 2015 at 8:44 pm
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      I’m glad you enjoyed this, Deborah, even though Caroline is quite annoying! Thanks for your comments!

    • Lisa H on January 12, 2015 at 8:18 pm
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    This was a great scene! I love it when Darcy “pines” for Elizabeth. And to think,she is pretty much bored at home at Longbourn while he is struggling with his feelings in futility. Caroline shows a glimpse of her true colors. Hers is also an exercise in futility. Funny how they will both fail…

    • Kara Louise on January 12, 2015 at 8:45 pm
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    Thanks, Lisa! If Elizabeth only knew! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it!

    • Regina Silvia on January 12, 2015 at 8:55 pm
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    Just a lovely picture of Darcy’s January activities! Really enjoying this Jane in January series.

      • Kara Louise on January 13, 2015 at 8:59 am
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      Thanks, Regina! Glad you’re enjoying it!

    • ellie on January 13, 2015 at 12:02 pm
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    Wonderful feature and great post today. The notecards would be loved and enjoyed. U.S.

      • Kara Louise on January 13, 2015 at 7:00 pm
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      Thanks, Ellie! Unfortunately, the cards were given away in week 1, the week 2 giveaways are listed above the rafflecopter box. 🙂

    • tgruy on January 14, 2015 at 2:46 am
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    The rafflecopter does not load in my computer, I will try in my son’s computer. I want to get all the prizes!

    • tgruy on January 14, 2015 at 2:52 am
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    No, it does not work in my son’s computer either. Well, I will budget the books I’m still missing. 🙂

    1. I’ll enter you manually. Good luck!

    • BeckyC on January 14, 2015 at 7:12 pm
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    Would Caroline stoop this low? Of course! Love this side of Darcy. Wonderful!

    1. Well, desperate women take desperate measures! 🙂 Thanks, Becky!

    • Meredith Graeber on January 15, 2015 at 9:50 pm
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    Oh my, is it bad that I love to read Darcy in despair? I adored the widower and Mr. Darcy’s delight and torment that resulted.

    It has been ages since reading ‘Only Mr. Darcy will do’ and ‘Assumed Engagement’ I think that I will have to re-read them!
    Thank you for the glimpse!

    1. Thanks Meredith! I’m glad you enjoyed this little snippet, as well as those 2 books. I hope you are entering the giveaway thru rafflecopter for a chance to win my last book, “Pirates and Prejudice” or another book by one of our many talented authors.

    • Beatrice on January 16, 2015 at 5:28 pm
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    I really enjoyed this. I’ve long been crazy to know how and when Darcy told Georgiana about Elizabeth, as he clearly had to do before he took Georgiana to met Elizabeth in the room at Lambton, so eagerly await more on this topic that you appear to be leading up to. PLEASE DO NOT KEEP US LONG IN SUSPENSE!

    • Beatrice on January 16, 2015 at 5:31 pm
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    Rafflecopter won’t let me say I commented. Also the Rafflecopter that is on the page is the one for Week One, and it gives the Week One prizes.

      • Kara Louise on January 17, 2015 at 10:54 am
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      Beatrice, if you click on the buttons on the bottom of the text with the first week prizes, they will take you to the rest of the prizes. And I wanted to comment on your first comment about telling Georgiana. I think that would be a great idea, and I’m tossing it out to the other authors to see if anyone wants to write that! We know he did tell her, so it would be great to know when and how! Thanks!

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