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.
Darcy’s Thoughts While Dining with the Officers
November 5th, 1811
Glancing around the room while sipping his port, Darcy would not consider his dinner plans ideal, but anything was better than sitting at Netherfield with Caroline Bingley shamelessly flirting and asking questions about his sister.
Another wave of officers came into the room and Colonel Forster gave the signal. “Men, let us dine. We do not wish to keep our guests and many of you have duties early in the morning.”
Bingley assured the Colonel their needs were unimportant but thanked him as they stood and walked into the dining room and sat at the table.
“How do you like Meryton, Colonel?” Bingley asked with his usual good humor.
“We like it well enough. The town itself is filled with generous souls who are willing to give us a ready welcome. We have been lucky in that regard but still must remember this is a training opportunity and not a coming out ball.”
“I am certain your men will rise to the occasion, Colonel. I have heard from my man that you are to be married soon?”
“Yes, Mr. Bingley, I am. I will take leave for a week then will return with my bride. She is full young, but in my profession, and in what I have seen over the years, I need someone who will bring a youthful joy which I am afraid I lost long ago.”
Darcy was silent, listening to the men converse and watched the Colonel’s face light up as he spoke of his betrothed.
“Have you known her long?”
Bingley’s small talk was going to give Darcy a headache, but he sipped his drink again to not be forced into the conversation.
“She is the daughter a minor gentleman in Devonshire. We were introduced at a ball and I knew she would make me happy.”
“Yes,” Bingley said, a dreamy expression rolling over his countenance. “That is important in a bride. If I just wanted a brood mare, I would be married by now. No, I want someone who cares for me as I care for her.”
Darcy was sure Bingley was a little foxed to be divulging his personal thoughts to a mere acquaintance.
“And what say you, Mr. Darcy? Do you agree with your friend. Is love a necessity in a happy marriage?”
“I have not given it much thought. My responsibilities are so much different than Bingley’s, I will not have the ease or luxury which he has.”
A young officer with more bravado thanks to his wine asked, “Do you really need ease? You are a rich man that can have any woman you want. If I had your wealth, I would leave the militia and would have settled on a small farm somewhere raising sheep. That would be my dream. To find a woman that would darn my socks and ensure I had lemon biscuits every week. That is all I would need to make me happy.”
Here the men turned their attention to the steaming platters of food brought in by the servants, but Darcy barely attended. He ate to fill his belly, but his mind was engaged elsewhere.
What would I need to be happy in a marriage. Is that something I have ever considered? Happiness in marriage? Why that is entirely a matter of chance and not something someone in my position should concern himself with. No, there is no one who I believe could make me act the fool as Colonel Forster seems to be.
At that moment, the fine eyes of Elizabeth Bennet interrupted his silent thoughts, and he started at the feelings coming over him. Darcy considered her spirit and quick mind and realized those were traits he admired. Maybe there is a woman like Elizabeth Bennet in the world, but with better connections, a larger dowry, and a more respectable family. He took another sip. This season I will make a point to discover her in London. Georgiana is in need of guidance, and I need to sire an heir. Mores the pity that Miss Elizabeth herself is unacceptable. She is a woman of incomparable charm, and will make some clergyman or barrister happy, but is definitely not the one for me. No. Darcy took another sip, before running his finger over the rim of his glass. Not for me.
2 comments
It’s amazing how Darcy is able to completely fool himself regarding his feelings for Elizabeth! 😱. It’s also a shame that he didn’t apologise to her for his insult at the Assembly 😢. If he had she might not have been so ready to believe Wickham’s tales of woe?
Author
I agree, Glynis! Thank you for your thoughts! 🙂