P&P Missing Scenes – Darcy’s Reaction to Finding Elizabeth and the Gardiners at Pemberley

 

Darcy has just handed Elizabeth Bennet into the carriage after happening upon her at Pemberley. As the horses begin to move, carrying her away, he begins to reflect on finding Elizabeth at his beloved home…

 



 

Darcy’s gaze followed the carriage carrying Elizabeth Bennet as it wound its way around the lake. After the long journey, the afternoon in Miss Bennet’s company was a welcome he had not expected, yet relished all the same.

Elizabeth’s countenance revealed her shock at their initial meeting; she had not expected any of the family to be at home. Her expression when he joined the Gardiners and herself as they walked the grounds was no less surprised, but he could not ignore her presence as he did most visitors who toured the house. He had to prove to her that he had heeded her reproofs—that he had indeed changed.

Of course, their meeting was not without some awkwardness, and he did not miss the appearance of concern expressed in her fine eyes when he requested an introduction to the Gardiners. She was well aware of her relations’ intelligence and manners, which meant her worry had been for his reaction. His heart ached at the remembrance of it.

Fortunately, the Gardiners, who could easily be mistaken for people of fashion, were indeed amiable, and Darcy found no great difficulty in conversing with such charming people. He had been in earnest when he invited Mr. Gardiner to fish in the stream. In fact, Darcy would happily show the man each and every spot he might find the best sport and bait his hooks if it meant he could change Elizabeth’s feelings towards him.

Elizabeth’s feelings! He had made such a misjudgement in Meryton, yet her unease in his company today was evident. His disquiet was no less acute. Had she understood the explanations contained within his letter?

In retrospect, the missive had been penned with such bitterness of spirit, a part of him hoped she had burned it. Her opinion of him was low enough without her perceiving a resentment that was not present, yet Mrs. Reynolds indicated Elizabeth found him handsome. Perhaps not all hope was lost!

He could not help but notice that at the mention of Mr. Bingley and his sisters, Elizabeth had become quiet. He had not had the opportunity, as of yet, to enlighten Bingley as to Miss Jane Bennet’s feelings, but he had seldom been in company with the gentleman since Easter. Those few instances included Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst as well. He could not very well broach the subject in their presence. Could Elizabeth still harbour anger for his poor advice to his friend?

Yet, she had agreed to make the acquaintance of Georgiana! He had written to his sister of Miss Bennet, telling his younger sister of Elizabeth’s intelligence and wit, and he anticipated their actual meeting. His sister required a friend who would not fawn and simper in order to gain her favour like Miss Bingley; no, she required someone with a touch of impertinence to draw her out of her timidity. Elizabeth’s kindness and outgoing personality would suit well. Georgiana would arrive on the morrow and they would travel to Lambton straight away. His sister would love Elizabeth as much as he did!

The carriage would disappear from sight soon, into Pemberley woods on its way to Lambton, so he turned and began to stride toward the house. Pemberley was a beautiful place and he loved it with everything in him; however, he had often imagined Elizabeth walking the halls, inhabiting the mistress’ suite, and laughing with him as he walked the gardens. His home was not the same as it had been prior to making her acquaintance; it now required her to be complete.

The time he spent denying his attraction and feelings for Elizabeth! This time matters would be different—he would not repeat his mistake. Whilst she was nearby, he would expend every effort to ensure she was aware of his affections and wishes. Those precious feelings had not changed since Hunsford, except this time, he would do everything within his power to gain a favourable response to the offer of his hand.

He glanced back just in time to view the back of the carriage as it disappeared into the trees. Miss Bennet may be leaving today, but one day she would return, never to be separated from him again.

30 comments

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    • tgruy on April 9, 2015 at 12:19 am
    • Reply

    Wonderful!

    1. I’m so glad! Thanks!

    • Carol on April 9, 2015 at 12:21 am
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    Love this missing scene. I so love opening the page to find Colin Firth as Darcy. The one and only!

    1. His performance is my favourite of the versions I’ve scenes. I admit that I wanted a particular photo. I looked for one of him watching as the carriage pulled away, but I couldn’t find one. I ended up opting for this one since he was standing on the steps. I’m glad you liked it!

      Thanks!

  1. Yummy!

    1. LOL! Thanks, Patty! Glad you liked it!

    • Barbara on April 9, 2015 at 1:42 am
    • Reply

    Love this scene!!please let us Know when you’re going to publish them!

    1. I am certain there will be announcements here, on facebook, on twitter, and on Goodreads (Did you know that we have a Goodreads group page?). We don’t want you to miss it either! 🙂
      Thanks, Barbara!

  2. Sigh! What a lovely scene! Thank you for sharing it with us.

    1. My pleasure, Ceri! Thanks for dropping by!

    • Maggie Griscom on April 9, 2015 at 6:55 am
    • Reply

    How lovely. Colin Firth is the only Darcy that could ever play that scene! It is too heartfelt and earnest for any of the other Darcys. Thank you for the sweet morning read.

    1. I am so glad you found the scene heartfelt and earnest. That is a tremendous compliment! Thanks, Maggie!

    • Carol hoyt on April 9, 2015 at 8:14 am
    • Reply

    I really enjoy reading Davy’s prospective .
    This was a wonderful missing scene.
    Great job !

    1. Thanks so much, Carol!

  3. Lovely scene! That last line is especially poignant.

    Thank you for writing and posting for us. Beautifully done!

    Warmly,
    Susanne 🙂

    1. Thanks so much, Susanne!

    • Florina on April 9, 2015 at 12:59 pm
    • Reply

    “His home was not the same as it had been prior to making her acquaintance; it now required her to be complete.” – (swoon) – the best line… loooove it… however, with the risk of being loathed, Colin Firth is not my my favourite Darcy :(. Darcy was 28 and Colin looks a little older than that. I loved the 2006 version but still something is missing. i think is time for a new version of P & P miniseries..

    1. No worries! CF is my favorite performance of Darcy, but I only find him hot as Darcy, which is probably a little strange. For the story, I wanted a photo of Darcy that appeared as though he was watching the carriage depart. That was the closest I could find. When I describe Darcy in JAFF stories, he rarely has an actor cast as him. It’s a description out of my imagination, so pick your favorite Darcy and imagine away!

      Thanks, Florina!

      • Sheila L. M. on April 9, 2015 at 7:54 pm
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      Yes, I have mentioned before that it is 10 years…1985, 1995, 2005 = we are due for another movie version.

      1. Sounds good to me! Thanks, Sheila!

    • Julie on April 9, 2015 at 1:41 pm
    • Reply

    Oh, I loved this scene. His love is so clear to us, yet still hidden from Elizabeth… I just love how he has changed his ways for her, and how desperately he wants her to see that…

    1. I do love that about the Pemberley scenes. He is desperate to prove he has heeded her advice.
      Thanks, Julie!

    • Carole in Canada on April 9, 2015 at 3:26 pm
    • Reply

    Beautiful…such hope was conveyed in this scene. Thank you!

    1. Thanks so much, Carole!

    • Sheila L. M. on April 9, 2015 at 7:56 pm
    • Reply

    Yes, he knows he will have to work hard to win this prize. Love it when imaging her at Pemberley and it is not complete without her. Colin Firth is the only Darcy for me.

    1. Thanks, Sheila!

    • Deborah on April 9, 2015 at 8:24 pm
    • Reply

    I thoroughly enjoyed reading this missing scene. I could believe that those were Darcy’s thoughts as he watched the carriage pull away. He realizes he has been given a rare second chance and this time he has to gain the favorable response by his actions and words. Thank you so much.

    1. Yay! Thanks for your lovely words, Deborah!

    • TLeighF on April 11, 2015 at 8:18 am
    • Reply

    Nicely done! I could feel his doubt and determination in equal measure. Add me to the ranks of the Colon Firth as Darcy fan club!

    1. LOL! I hope I didn’t begin a CF vs. MM war.I just wanted a particular photo. Thanks for the wonderful compliments for my scene. Such nice words are always appreciated 🙂 Thanks, TLeighF!

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