Welcome to our Pride & Prejudice prequel! P&P: Prelude to Pemberley tells the story of the time leading up to the events of Pride & Prejudice, including what Darcy and Elizabeth were doing and thinking, Georgiana Darcy’s story, the events of Ramsgate, how Mr. Bingley came to lease Netherfield, and much more! Join us on our journey as the Austen Variations authors post the events of 1811 in real time on the date they happened – 214 years in the future.
Easter in Kent
Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam visit Rosings during Easter.
Fitzwilliam Darcy leaned back into his saddle as he surveyed the vista before him. Rosings Park, his Aunt Lady Catherine’s estate, stretched across the Kent countryside with its slight undulations. It was truly a peaceful vista, one which contrasted greatly with the general mood of his aunt’s home.
He and his cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam were on their yearly visit to assist Lady Catherine with her ledgers, budget and tenant issues— all things which she could do but refused.
A movement from the corner of his eye indicated his cousin had finally finished with the west pasture and was ready to return to the house. Darcy sighed with resignation. Just a few more days, and then I can return to London and Georgiana.
“Darcy, I just came from the Dodson’s farm.”
“Yes?”
“They had word from the parsonage that Mr. Hoxton has finally passed.”
“We must return to ensure Aunt Catherine has been informed. It is well he is out of misery.”
“Yes,” the Colonel said, siding his horse up next to Darcy’s. “It has been several weeks since his apoplexy and will be a relief to her. Now she must begin the process of finding a new Reverand. One who might better align with her… ideas.” A sly smirk spread across his face.
“I do not know if there exists one who would,” Darcy said, still staring into the distance.
Noting the tone in Darcy’s voice, his cousin turned. “She has injured you?”
“No.”
“She has irritated you?”
“When has she not, Richard?”
His cousin nodded. “Yet, it is no more than usual.”
“True, but now she is invoking Georgiana’s belligerence at school. Saying if I were to have a wife, my sister would not be so unruly; forcing this ridiculous cradle betrothal at me again.”
“What does Aunt Catherine know about young girls? Nannies and governesses raised Anne, and she herself came from the womb as a Dowager.”
“Richard!”
His cousin chuckled. “Darcy, do not allow our Aunt to use this season in Georgie’s life to her advantage. She has long spouted the idea of you marrying Anne, and is merely grasping at any opportunity to convince you.” A startled expression crossed his features. “Wait…do not say you are considering it?”
Darcy shook his head. “No, I am not. Yet, there is some truth to what she says. A woman would know how to deal with a young girl far better than two bachelors.”
“But which woman? Are you considering Lady Devyn or Lady Piatt? I watched my mother foist them both at you last month at her dinner party.”
“Although worthy women, they are too young and only recently out. At the moment, I am merely considering the idea.”
“Well, do not allow Aunt Catherine to catch a whiff of that! One false move and you will land in the Parson’s trap with our sickly cousin.”
“I would sooner join you on the battlefield and take my chances with the French.” The men smiled and nudged their horses into a slow walk towards the house. After several minutes, Darcy said, “But, maybe once Georgiana is settled, and my business matters in London and at Pemberley have been seen to…”
“Yes?”
“Maybe I will begin to accept more invitations.”
“You?”
Darcy’s usually controlled demeanor slipped. “My sister needs guidance, and my estate needs both a mistress and an heir.”
“But I thought you wanted a marriage like your parents? One of love?”
“It is true I am tired of the insipid girls of the ton, but what else is out there, Richard? Show me someone who will look at me for what I am and not what I have, then, I will show you who I can be happy with. Until then, I will plow through life securing the future of my sister and estate.”
“Yet, if that person never comes?”
He shrugged. “Then maybe it was all a fairytale like Nanny Flora used to read, and my parents’ marriage was once in a lifetime.”
“If so, what will you do?”
Darcy’s controlled façade returned. “As has always been planned. I will marry for advantage to secure the future of Georgiana and Pemberley to the most elevated and titled lady of my acquaintance. Luckily, I need not be concerned with unequal expectations. The Darcy name is respected wherever it is known and will not be taken down by scandal in my lifetime. Of that, I can assure you.
3 comments
Poor Darcy! What a miserable life he has really. No wonder he struggles with talking to strangers, he knows the majority want his name and his wealth rather than himself. Thank goodness he at least has the Colonel on his side.
I know, Glynis. A true friend is worth his weight in gold.
That final paragraph…
Haha, um…