P&P: Behind the Scenes – Darcy and Bingley Talk About a Return to Netherfield

Behind the scene palladian bridge for banner

Darcy was successful in arranging the marriage of Lydia and Wickham. Now he must determine whether he wants to try again with Elizabeth. How does Darcy suggest to Bingley that they return to Netherfield?


September 20, 1812

Darcy climbed the steps to the small town home Bingley had leased in London. He was grateful his friend was no longer residing with his sister and her husband, as this allowed them to visit without Miss Bingley hovering about them.

Bingley had been unsuccessful in locating a home in town that suited him enough to purchase. Darcy believed there was more to his friend’s apathy than just not finding anything to his liking; in fact, he was convinced he still yearned for Miss Jane Bennet.

Darcy stopped at the door and closed his eyes as he considered all that had happened in the past few months. The exultation of finding Elizabeth walking the grounds about Pemberley – despite the initial awkwardness – gave him hope for a second chance with her. He had watched in delight as she and Georgiana seemed to share an instant affection for each other. Suddenly those months of self-loathing after Rosings were erased from his thoughts.

But then there was Wickham. How dare he run off with Miss Lydia! It incensed him! He was furious with himself, however, for not being open about the man’s character, but he was also grateful he had been able to salvage the situation for Elizabeth’s benefit. He did it solely for her, knowing there was no guarantee that she would ever return his love.

Darcy had debated whether to encourage Bingley to return to Netherfield, for even though it would give his friend much delight in being united with Miss Bennet again, he would be thrown in Elizabeth’s company. He doubted he would be able to endure another rejection from her.

But now he was ready. His friend had suffered too long, and he was determined to make things right. The thought still caused him turmoil as he considered seeing Elizabeth again. She had been most cordial to him and his sister while at Pemberley, but there was no guarantee that her feelings had changed since she had refused his offer. But at least his friend would be happy. He would do it for him.

He lowered his head and began to rub his jaw. Should he confess to Bingley that he had seen Miss Bennet in town earlier this year? He slowly nodded his head. Yes, he would, but after they arrived in Hertfordshire. There was no sense getting Bingley’s hopes up if Miss Bennet’s heart was no longer inclined towards him.

“Darcy!”

Startled, Darcy looked up to see Bingley at the door.

“What are you doing here? Did you knock?” He turned to the butler. “Did you not hear him knock?”

Darcy put up his hand. “I had not yet knocked. You are on your way out. But pray, do you have a moment to talk?”

“For you, my friend, I will make time. I was just on my way to the Hursts. Please, come in.”

Darcy gave his friend a nod of thanks and entered, walking past Bingley’s outstretched arm. “This sounds important, Darcy. I hope nothing is wrong.”

“Nothing is wrong, but I want to discuss something and hear your thoughts on the subject.”

The two men walked to the sitting room and sat down. Would you like something to eat?”

Darcy waved his hand. “Thank you, but no.” He sat erect with his elbows resting on the arms of the chair, his hands tightly clasped as his friend eyed him expectantly.

“I was wondering whether you ought to return to Netherfield.”

Bingley reacted to his friend’s words with a quick jerk of his head. “I still have possession of it for a few more months, but I did not feel that I should…” Bingley took in a deep breath and his brows lowered as he glanced down. “I do not think I should return.”

Darcy unclasped his hands and dropped them to tap his fingers on his leg. Very softly, he asked, “Do you still love her? Do you still love Miss Bennet?”

Bingley shook his head several times before he spoke. “Oh, I have tried to forget her. I have tried desperately, but to no avail.” He met Darcy’s eyes. “I am in earnest, good friend. I know your thoughts on the matter, but I do still love her.”

Darcy was silent for a moment and looked down at his hands. He deeply regretted what he had done and how much it had hurt Bingley. “I would suggest, then, that we return.”

Bingley’s eyes widened and his jaw dropped. “Do you really believe that I should?” Bingley’s words tumbled over one another. “Do you think… do I dare hope… am I understanding you correctly? You want me to return to Netherfield?”

“Most definitely, and I will accompany you.”

Bingley stood up and clapped his hands together. “When shall we leave? I can be ready by tomorrow morning.”

Darcy put up his hand to stay him. “You ought to first send word to have the housekeeper prepare for your arrival. Send a message today and in a week’s time we shall depart.”

“Oh, yes! So good of you to give such wise advice!” He let out a satisfied huff. “I am going to Netherfield!” He looked back at Darcy. “Do you really believe this is best?”

“I cannot guarantee how events may transpire, but I hope that everything will work out for the best.”

“Yes! I am certain it shall!”

The two men stood and Bingley approached his friend. “I could hug you, Darcy!”

Darcy laughed softly. “Please, do not. Save it for Miss Bennet… when it is appropriate for you to hug her.”

“Yes, I shall! And I must get that missive sent to Netherfield directly!”

The two men said their goodbyes, and Darcy departed. He stepped out the door and drew in a deep breath. His friend was eager and confident that Miss Bennet would receive him as warmly as he hoped. He could only hope her sister would do the same for him!

25 comments

Skip to comment form

    • Barbara on December 2, 2015 at 12:19 am
    • Reply

    Simply wonderfull! Thank you!!

      • Kara Louise on December 2, 2015 at 9:40 am
      • Reply

      Thanks, Barbara! Glad you liked it.

  1. Very good ‘behind the scenes’ post, Kara Louise. Thanks!

      • Kara Louise on December 2, 2015 at 9:40 am
      • Reply

      Thanks, Janet. I appreciate it!

    • Deborah on December 2, 2015 at 6:41 am
    • Reply

    Wonderful missing scene. Thank you.

      • Kara Louise on December 2, 2015 at 9:41 am
      • Reply

      Thanks, Deborah, and you’re welcome! 🙂

    • Michelle on December 2, 2015 at 7:30 am
    • Reply

    Beautiful. Lovely missing scene. Thank you

      • Kara Louise on December 2, 2015 at 9:41 am
      • Reply

      Glad you enjoyed it, Michelle. Thanks!

    • Kathy L Berlin on December 2, 2015 at 8:20 am
    • Reply

    Hmmm, no confession yet?

      • Kara Louise on December 2, 2015 at 9:43 am
      • Reply

      Not here. Of course that’s only my thought. 🙂

    • Meg on December 2, 2015 at 8:51 am
    • Reply

    I always enjoy your stories. Bingley is his jolly trusting self and Darcy although he’s made no confession, has made the first step – hooray !

      • Kara Louise on December 2, 2015 at 9:44 am
      • Reply

      Thanks, Meg! I apreciate your kind words.

    • Sheila L. M. on December 2, 2015 at 10:21 am
    • Reply

    Bingley, so like an eager puppy and so ready to jump at his “master’s” command. We do know he was influenced by Darcy! But at least this time it is in a good way and for Bingley’s benefit.

    Thank you for this added “behind the scenes”.

      • Kara Louise on December 2, 2015 at 11:25 am
      • Reply

      Agree, Sheila. I think this was Darcy’s first step in righting the wrong he committed.

    • Glynis on December 2, 2015 at 11:49 am
    • Reply

    Another wonderful scene. I am loving all these extra scenes which I didn’t really miss from the original until I started reading them. Now I am just hoping that somehow they can all be slotted in and released if that would be allowed. Thanks for this Kara Louise.

      • Kara Louise on December 2, 2015 at 1:57 pm
      • Reply

      Thanks, Glynis! I think our hope is to do just that!

  2. Such a lovely little scene. Bingley once again is easily persuaded by his friend, but this time with his own inclination rather than against it. I was wondering if Darcy would “‘fess up” about knowing that Jane was in London over the winter, but this is a lighter, more Bingley-esque moment. Once he has secured Jane, then Darcy may confess. 😉

    Thank you for a wonderful start to my day!

    Warmly,
    Susanne 🙂

      • Kara Louise on December 2, 2015 at 1:59 pm
      • Reply

      Thanks, Susanne. I think Darcy is treading lightly both with his feelings and his friend’s until he knows more for certain how things stand between them and both Bennet sisters. 🙂

    • Carol on December 2, 2015 at 2:31 pm
    • Reply

    Great Behind the Scenes chapter. Darcy still didn’t admit his part in this separation. He says he abhors deceit and deception, but cannot get the truth out to Bingley. So happy they’re going back to Netherfield.

      • Kara Louise on December 2, 2015 at 2:43 pm
      • Reply

      Thanks, Carol! Glad you enjoyed it!

    • EvelynTost on December 2, 2015 at 4:12 pm
    • Reply

    I love to read all the “behind the scenes” as it adds so much to get particularly Darcy’s thoughts and feelings. I like how you are true to Jane Austen’s P & P in that I feel it is inferred that Darcy does wait to observe Jane again before confessing everything to Bingley and telling him his changed opinion of her feelings.

    Love this! thank you!

      • Kara Louise on December 2, 2015 at 6:40 pm
      • Reply

      Thanks, Evelyn. I’m glad you are enjoying them. You have to wonder just how much Jane considered ‘behind the scenes’ as she wrote. 🙂

  3. I like how you separated Bingley from his sister. He deserves a break from her meddling. I like how Darcy “talked” him into it. It should not have been too hard to do. I enjoyed this snippet; I am eager to see what else you all have in store for the behind the scenes.

    • Kara Louise on December 3, 2015 at 6:44 pm
    • Reply

    Thanks, Patty! I’m not sure how many more there are that will be posted here. We had published a book of these scenes a few years back, but are revising some of the scenes and adding to them. The ones being posted now are the newer ones that will go into a new book to be pubished sometime in the future.

    • Carole in Canada on December 31, 2015 at 7:40 pm
    • Reply

    Delightful as always! Bingley is such a trusting soul.

    Happy New Year!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.