WIP Sneak Peek! by Jennifer Altman

Hi all! I hope everyone is hanging in there and having a good week.

As most of you know, I’m currently plugging away one my third Pride & Prejudice variation, and I’ve been sharing some excerpts here along the way. Since I’m getting closer to publication, I think I’m going to save the rest of the story until I’m ready to release, but I thought I’d share one last sneak peek here today. 🙂

For context, the below scene takes place not long after the last excerpt I posted. (If you missed that one, you can find it HERE). It’s the morning after the Meryton assembly, and Darcy is on his way back to Netherfield after a chance meeting with Elizabeth at Oakham Mount.

I hope you enjoy.

(Note: This is a work-in-progress, and as such, has yet to go through final revisions and editing. It is possible that the published version may differ slightly from the excerpt posted below).

Excerpt

Darcy stalked along the rutted path, his racing thoughts keeping time with the pounding of his heart. And although he stared out at the brilliantly colored leaves set off against a bright blue sky, all he saw before him was the sanguine expression in Elizabeth’s dark eyes when she had asked him if it was on her account that he had come to Netherfield.

Devil take it! He never should have let his cousin talk him into coming into Hertfordshire!

No good could come of it, for anyone.

Veering from the lane, he strode through standing puddles, crossing field after field at a brisk pace, his booted heels sinking into the soft earth as he continued to turn his conversation with Elizabeth over in his mind.

After the way they had parted the night before, he had been prepared for her ire, however he could not like her insinuation that his slip of the tongue indicated any sort of preference for her sister, Jane. For although she had made the remark with her usual good humor, Darcy could not help thinking that there was a kernel of truth behind her protestations.

Growing up with a sister so much younger in age, Darcy had never had to contend with the feelings of enmity that marked so many familial relationships. However, he had certainly experienced a similar type of rivalry with George Wickham, who had been almost a brother to him at one time. So, when it came to the subject of envy, he could well recognize the signs.

Certainly he knew what it felt like to be constantly compared to another only to be found wanting. And although to his mind, Elizabeth’s beauty outshone all others, there was no denying that Jane Bennet was a handsome young lady. He had not missed the expression on Bingley’s countenance when he was introduced to the eldest Miss Bennet at last night’s assembly, nor the attention he had paid the lady for the remainder of the evening.

What would it do to Elizabeth’s spirit and self-worth if Bingley should withdraw his attentions in favor of her sister?

The mere thought of it made Darcy’s stomach clench with fury. Not only would Elizabeth be deeply wounded, but she would be made to look the fool before the entire neighborhood!

Climbing over a stile that separated Netherfield’s property with that of the neighboring estate, Darcy walked on, his agitation increasing with every step.

He had acknowledged long ago that he must accept the things he could not change. For him, there would be no marriage, no children. He could not give Elizabeth—or any woman—the future she deserved.

But Bingley could. Bingley could provide Elizabeth with a good life. He could offer her financial security and a happy home. He could make her feel cherished and respected and esteemed.

And Darcy would be damned if he would let Jane Bennet, or any other woman, take that away from her.

***

As soon as Darcy reached Netherfield’s curving drive, he was greeted by the sight of his cousin advancing in his direction at a rapid pace.

“Darcy, thank heavens! Where have you been?” Richard called out as soon as the two were close enough to converse. “Walsh and I have been searching everywhere; we have been worried sick!”

Drawing to a halt, Darcy frowned, noticing only now that the sun shone high in the azure sky. He had been gone far longer than he had intended.

“Forgive me,” he replied with as much humility as he could muster, “I awoke early and went for a walk. I did not realize the lateness of the hour.”

“A walk?” Richard echoed incredulously. “With no one to accompany you, and without leaving so much as a note? Do you have any idea how frantic we have been? Walsh has ridden into Meryton to look for you!”

Feeling the familiar stirrings of agitation, Darcy resumed his course before replying crisply, “Again, you have my apologies. But I am perfectly well, as you see.”

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Richard studying him with a serious expression.

“You do not look perfectly well,” his cousin grumbled, hurrying to keep pace with Darcy’s longer strides, “you look like the very devil. Did anything—?”

“No,” Darcy snapped, turning towards his cousin with a black look that he hoped would brook no argument. “Leave it, Richard. As I said, there is nothing amiss. Now if you will excuse me, I need to find Bingley. There is a matter of the utmost importance that I must discuss with him as soon as may be.”

***

“Darcy! There you are!” Bingley exclaimed with his usual exuberance upon Darcy’s arrival in the breakfast room. “Your cousin and Walsh have been in quite a state. Another quarter of an hour and I think they would have sent out a search party,” he concluded with a hearty chuckle.

Darcy frowned, his attention briefly diverted by Miss Bingley, who had leapt to her feet at his entrance.

“I have already made my apologies to Fitzwilliam, but pray, forgive me for causing you any undue concern. I merely felt the need for some fresh air; I am sorry not to have left word with one of the servants before I departed.”

Darcy meant to continue but was distracted from his purpose by Miss Bingley who suddenly let out an exagerated gasp, her wide eyes dropping to the hems of his trousers as she cried out in a shrill voice, “Good heavens, what an ordeal you must have been through! To have walked out so early in the day, and in such dirty weather. How thankful we all are that you have been safely returned to us!”

Following the direction of Miss Bingley’s gaze, Darcy noted with no little embarrassment that his trousers were at least six inches deep in mud, but there was nothing to be done for it now.

Acknowledging Miss Bingley’s sentiments with a non-committal nod, he once again fixed his attention on his friend.

“Bingley, there is a matter of some urgency that I must discuss with you. Now, if you please.”

Bingley’s eyebrows jumped at the firmness in Darcy’s voice, but when he replied, it was with his customary good cheer.

“Certainly! But first, come have some breakfast. Caroline is in the right, you really do not look at all well. Here, allow me to pour you some tea.”

“I thank you, no,” Darcy replied through tight lips.

“Coffee, then? Or if you are in want of something stronger, I can—”

“Bingley, pray, desist! I am in want of nothing save an explanation for your behavior at last night’s assembly. What were you about, showing such marked attention to Miss Jane Bennet?”

“I-I beg your pardon?” Bingley stammered, clearly startled by his friend’s set down. “I do not believe I paid any undue attention to Miss Bennet.”

“Oh, no? Your eyes nearly fell out of your head when the two of you were introduced, and you could scarcely tear your gaze from her for the remainder of the evening.”

Bingley colored slightly before saying, “I was merely being cordial. Though I cannot deny that Miss Jane Bennet is uncommonly pretty. Even you must have noticed that.”

Forbearing to inquire as to his friends meaning, Darcy scowled. “I suppose she is handsome enough, if one is attracted to that sort. For my part, she lacks Miss Elizabeth’s vivacity. And she smiles too much.”

“Smiles too much?” Bingley echoed. “I hardly think—”

“No,” Darcy thundered, “it is abundantly clear that you do not! That is the problem.”

Beside him, Richard cleared his throat, just as Miss Bingley let out a brief titter, but Darcy paid them no heed, his gaze fixed firmly on the object of his ire.

“How many young ladies have you paid court to since our days at university? How many ‘angels’ have there been before Miss Elizabeth Bennet? And now you would throw her over because her elder sister has caught your eye? It is beyond the pale, and I will not stand for it!”

“Darcy,” Fitzwilliam murmured, his tone heavy with caution, but neither his cousin’s warnings, nor Bingley’s stunned expression could stem the flow of words, now that they had begun.

“Can you not see that you have given rise to certain expectations where Miss Elizabeth Bennet is concerned? Not only did you pay court to her in London for all the ton to see, but then you followed her here to Hertfordshire, leased an estate not three miles from her home, and called upon her the very moment you arrived! It is a wonder Mrs. Bennet has not had the banns read by now!”

“Darcy,” Richard said loudly, “might I speak with you a moment?”

Darcy opened his mouth to protest, but his cousin had already taken hold of his arm, steering him out the door and into the adjoining entrance hall.

“Good God, man, what are you about?” Colonel Fitzwilliam hissed, as soon as they were out of earshot. “For someone who claims to have no interest in Miss Elizabeth Bennet, you certainly are making a display of your feelings. Did you not see the notice Miss Bingley was taking of the conversation?”

Darcy blanched. In truth, he had been so caught up in his own righteous indignation, he had scarcely given a thought to anyone beyond Bingley.

Straightening his cuffs, he replied churlishly, “I care nothing for Miss Bingley’s opinion. I will not have Elizabeth humiliated!”

Darting a glance in the direction of the breakfast parlor, Richard sighed before dragging Darcy further across the hall. “Can you not see that you are blowing this entire situation out of proportion? I did not notice anything improper in Bingley’s behavior towards Miss Bennet last evening, and I dare say neither did anyone else until you just called attention to it!”

“That is because you do not know Bingley as I do! He would throw Elizabeth over in favor of her sister in a trice, if the mood struck. And I will not have her made a laughingstock.”

Across from him, Richard released a huff of irritation. “Be that as it may, you cannot wear your heart so plainly on your sleeve. Not if you wish to persuade the good people of Meryton, not to mention our hosts, that you do not have feelings for the lady yourself.”

Suddenly, the anger that had spurred Darcy on began to dissipate, and his shoulders sank as he regarded his cousin with a remorseful gaze.

“Very well. I will concede that I should have insisted on a private audience with Bingley rather than air my grievances in the breakfast room. But I stand by what I said. Bingley has already raised expectations where Miss Elizabeth is concerned. If he does not mean to pursue a courtship, he would do better to leave the neighborhood entirely.”

“And is that what you want?” Richard asked him with a lifted brow. “For Bingley to pursue a courtship with Miss Elizabeth Bennet?”

Darcy briefly looked away before saying, “They seem well suited. He would make her a good husband.”

“Mayhap. But that does not answer my question,” Richard gently replied.

Darcy kept his gaze averted, but straightened his shoulders, his jaw tight.

“Elizabeth deserves to be happy, and Bingley can give her what I cannot. So yes, if she is his choice, then I wish them well. Now, if you will excuse me, this conversation is at an end.”

Thank you for reading! I’m hoping to publish this variation in early 2025, and will definitely be sharing more when I’m ready to release. 🙂

Until next time!

JA