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Authors: Brenda Webb
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plan?”
“Yes. I believe that Miss Elizabeth will consider us, at the least, good friends after the ordeal we shared last evening, but it would best serve her interests if she does not. Therefore, I shall leave straightaway.”
Mr. Bennet nodded. “I have to say that I am impressed with your concern for my Elizabeth. I am relieved to know that I was not wrong—I did sketch your character correctly the first time. I ask you to accept my heartfelt thanks for rescuing her. You likely saved her life.”
“There is no reason to thank me for doing what any man would. And please accept my apology, as it was foolish of me to think we could be friends. After getting to know Miss Elizabeth better, I realise that I would never have been satisfied with so little.”
“I believe your foolishness lies in thinking you can instruct your heart whom to love.”
“You may be right.”
“At some point you will know for certain that I am.”
~~~*~~~
Chapter 5
Netherfield
The next day
It was early morning, but William’s coach was packed and ready to leave. Four footmen and the driver, in their finest livery, stood at attention in the morning mist beside the imposing coach. Matching sets of greys pawed the ground in anticipation of beginning the journey, occasionally shaking their heads and snorting, their breath visible in the chilly morning air. Mr. Foster, William’s driver, surreptitiously kept his eyes trained on the portico where the master stood talking with Mr. Bingley.
On the portico, Charles had closed the door as he exited so that the butler and footman just inside could not hear. He tried not to smile as he teased, “By the way, I have to ask. Caroline told me last night that she wants to return to London straightaway so I told her to pack her bags. Would you mind letting her and her maid ride back to London with you?”
William tensed, readying a sharp reply before catching the gleam in Bingley’s eye and beginning to smile. “Thank you, Charles. I needed that to brighten my spirits.”
Slowly the smile was replaced with a look of remorse. “I feel absolutely horrid for leaving without saying goodbye to Miss Elizabeth. If I have caused her any pain…” Ceasing as his voice cracked, William managed to murmur roughly, “I have never felt this much for any woman, Charles.”
Bingley placed a hand on his friend’s arm. “I admire your courage and resolve, Darcy. I am not sure that I could sacrifice as you have, even to protect my family.”
William’s next words were barely above a whisper. “See that she is taken care of—for me.”
“You have my word.”
William smiled wanly as he turned and began to walk briskly down the steps, Charles sighed. I pray the future holds more happiness for you than the past, my friend.
“Mount up!” Mr. Foster called, and in seconds all the men were in place except for Jones, who held the door for his master. By the time William was settled in the seat, the crack of a whip stirred the horses. As he leaned out the window to wave to Charles, William caught a glimpse of Caroline standing in the doorway of a small balcony on the second floor. It appeared that she was clad only in her night clothes, and he pretended he had not seen her. Settling back into the comfortable cushions of his conveyance, William closed his eyes while his mind swirled, revisiting the conversation he had had with Charles in the library late the night before.
“I hate that you are leaving so soon, Darcy. I feel that it is my fault for allowing Caroline to barge in on us,” Charles handed William a glass of brandy and watched him walk to the hearth and study the flames.“While I dearly hate Caroline’s manoeuvrings, you know I must leave Meryton because of my stupidity. I should never have tried to pursue a friendship with Miss Elizabeth. I knew it would never work, but I let my heart overrule my reason.”
“You are just a man, Darcy. Try not to be
“Yes. I believe that Miss Elizabeth will consider us, at the least, good friends after the ordeal we shared last evening, but it would best serve her interests if she does not. Therefore, I shall leave straightaway.”
Mr. Bennet nodded. “I have to say that I am impressed with your concern for my Elizabeth. I am relieved to know that I was not wrong—I did sketch your character correctly the first time. I ask you to accept my heartfelt thanks for rescuing her. You likely saved her life.”
“There is no reason to thank me for doing what any man would. And please accept my apology, as it was foolish of me to think we could be friends. After getting to know Miss Elizabeth better, I realise that I would never have been satisfied with so little.”
“I believe your foolishness lies in thinking you can instruct your heart whom to love.”
“You may be right.”
“At some point you will know for certain that I am.”
~~~*~~~
Chapter 5
Netherfield
The next day
It was early morning, but William’s coach was packed and ready to leave. Four footmen and the driver, in their finest livery, stood at attention in the morning mist beside the imposing coach. Matching sets of greys pawed the ground in anticipation of beginning the journey, occasionally shaking their heads and snorting, their breath visible in the chilly morning air. Mr. Foster, William’s driver, surreptitiously kept his eyes trained on the portico where the master stood talking with Mr. Bingley.
On the portico, Charles had closed the door as he exited so that the butler and footman just inside could not hear. He tried not to smile as he teased, “By the way, I have to ask. Caroline told me last night that she wants to return to London straightaway so I told her to pack her bags. Would you mind letting her and her maid ride back to London with you?”
William tensed, readying a sharp reply before catching the gleam in Bingley’s eye and beginning to smile. “Thank you, Charles. I needed that to brighten my spirits.”
Slowly the smile was replaced with a look of remorse. “I feel absolutely horrid for leaving without saying goodbye to Miss Elizabeth. If I have caused her any pain…” Ceasing as his voice cracked, William managed to murmur roughly, “I have never felt this much for any woman, Charles.”
Bingley placed a hand on his friend’s arm. “I admire your courage and resolve, Darcy. I am not sure that I could sacrifice as you have, even to protect my family.”
William’s next words were barely above a whisper. “See that she is taken care of—for me.”
“You have my word.”
William smiled wanly as he turned and began to walk briskly down the steps, Charles sighed. I pray the future holds more happiness for you than the past, my friend.
“Mount up!” Mr. Foster called, and in seconds all the men were in place except for Jones, who held the door for his master. By the time William was settled in the seat, the crack of a whip stirred the horses. As he leaned out the window to wave to Charles, William caught a glimpse of Caroline standing in the doorway of a small balcony on the second floor. It appeared that she was clad only in her night clothes, and he pretended he had not seen her. Settling back into the comfortable cushions of his conveyance, William closed his eyes while his mind swirled, revisiting the conversation he had had with Charles in the library late the night before.
“I hate that you are leaving so soon, Darcy. I feel that it is my fault for allowing Caroline to barge in on us,” Charles handed William a glass of brandy and watched him walk to the hearth and study the flames.“While I dearly hate Caroline’s manoeuvrings, you know I must leave Meryton because of my stupidity. I should never have tried to pursue a friendship with Miss Elizabeth. I knew it would never work, but I let my heart overrule my reason.”
“You are just a man, Darcy. Try not to be
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