Yours truly, Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

by Denise O'Hara

  “I will not go if it makes you uneasy, Bingley. I can see you are nervous about meeting them yourself. I tell you what, how about you go alone today and invite them here for a picnic tomorrow? I can make all the arrangements with the kitchen and groundskeepers myself, while you enjoy the smiles of Miss Bennet and meet her family.”

  “You want me to invite them all here? And you will arrange everything?”

  “Yes. I have much experience in arranging these kinds of gatherings. Tell me, do the Gardiners have children?”

  “Yes, I understood they have several, though I do not know the exact number.”

  “Excellent, then I shall arrange for the fishing gear to be brought to the pier in case they should want to participate in that activity. I find it is usually a favorite among children. And of course, if Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner would care to, I will have bait and tackle available for their use.”

  “That would be wonderful, Darcy. Are you sure?” asked Bingley with obvious surprise at this suggestion.

  “Yes, yes, it has been too long since we have done something like this. Do not worry about anything today, my friend. You just enjoy your morning call.”

  “Thank you, Darcy. This is most kind and unexpected of you!”

  “Say nothing of it, Bingley. Will you join me for breakfast before you get on your way?”

  “A picnic at Netherfield! Oh, Mr. Bingley, that would be delightful! And you honor us, sir, by including my visiting brother and his family!” gushed Mrs. Bennet.

  “Are your sisters arranging the affair, Mr. Bingley?” interjected Lizzy.

  “No, my sisters are otherwise engaged today. My dear friend Darcy is handling everything. He is an efficient manager of his own estate and has hosted many similar events. He was gracious enough to offer so that I may enjoy my morning here at Longbourn. I was most grateful to leave it all in his capable hands.”

  “Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth exclaimed. “I am surprised that he has the inclination to undertake such an event. Is Mr. Darcy to join our party tomorrow?”

  “Yes, he will. In fact, he asked me to relay to the gentlemen that he will have everything available if they or the children are inclined towards fishing. He has found a very active spot in the stream near where we shall dine.”

  “I might just be so inclined, Mr. Bingley. I do not often get the chance to participate in that sport,” Mr. Gardiner replied.

  “And the boys have long wished to,” added Mrs. Gardiner. “They will be very excited.”

  “Good, good! I hope Mr. Bennet will feel inclined to join us as well,” said an enthusiastic Mr. Bingley.

  “I am convinced my brother shall join us! He will do anything to stay away from the ladies’ conversations,” laughed Mr. Gardiner.

  “I should like to spend some time speaking with him,” Bingley said as he looked meaningfully at Jane. “This may afford us an opportunity to get to know each other better.”

  His comment caused knowing smiles and laughter to spread around the room until Mr. Gardiner explained. “In my experience, Mr. Bingley, that is not likely to happen tomorrow. My brother generally prefers quiet and solitude while participating in this sport.”

  “Of course! I should have known. Darcy prefers that as well, unless he can get you to discuss a book he has recently been intrigued by.”

  “Ah, if that be the case, then perhaps we should partner the two of them together tomorrow!” suggested Mr. Gardiner. “My brother has been known to make an exception for the very same.”

  “Perhaps you have read something you might engage Papa in conversation about, Mr. Bingley,” suggested Lizzy, fearing for her father being thrown into the company of the unpleasant Mr. Darcy.

  “I wish I had, Miss Elizabeth. I must admit, Darcy and I do not share the same view as to that pursuit. It is a daily part of his schedule, whereas I fit it in when I want a good laugh, usually on a wet and gloomy day when I want to raise my spirits,” he said with a pleasant smile that Jane returned as she gave him a nod in agreement.

  As the conversation continued, Lizzy moved to look out the window and allowed her mind to wander. Mr. Bingley’s sketch of Mr. Darcy’s character was interesting, to say the least. She tried to piece together what Mr. Wickham had told of him and information she had collected from Mr. Bingley. I cannot make out his character at all with such contradictory accounts of the man.

  “Lizzy,” Mrs. Gardiner interrupted her thoughts as she joined her away from the others. “About our conversation earlier, I can see what you mean. If I had known nothing of Mr. Darcy before, I would now have a favorable impression of him by his exceedingly kind gesture to accommodate us all at a picnic. Jane had confirmed last night that Mr. Bingley and his sisters know of our situation and that your uncle is in trade. Surely Mr. Darcy must know of it as well. That he would contribute such a generous amount of his time and attention to the event, knowing we would be included in the party, makes me question the negative description you have heard of his being so disagreeable.”

  “I agree it is most surprising. I cannot account for it except to think he must be doing it as a favor on behalf of his good friend, Mr. Bingley.”

  “I do not see that as a reasonable explanation. If he is as disagreeable and proud as it is claimed, Mr. Darcy would not put himself forward to assist his good friend in forming a connection with those he views as beneath him. Quite the opposite; he would not want to participate in anything of the kind. “

  “I am glad you can see my difficulty in understanding such a perplexing assortment of information. For all Mr. Darcy’s faults, he and Mr. Bingley are good friends. He may be willing to extend his benevolence beyond his usual perimeters in facilitating that relationship. It does not have to follow that he would do the same in other circumstances. Is it not possible he would act differently if friendship were not at risk?”

  “My dear, your argument only gives credence to the good of his character. If he were to put aside his own strong opinions and wishes for another, as you suppose, is that not the very best kind of friend? If we are to credit him with being such, is that not in itself high praise to recommend him?”

  “I see your point. It would seem I might have to reverse my solidly formed judgment of the man and start over in accessing his character. Had it been a portrait I had worked on for some time, I fear it would have been a wasted effort that would only be useful as kindling to burn.”

  “I would not say you must completely start anew with such an assessment, my dear. Using your analogy, if we were to compare it to a painting, rarely do the great masters throw out a canvas for errors. Mistakes can be redone and others adjusted, you know. A hasty painting can be useful for a short duration, but it is necessary to invest time and hard work before the final version is revealed.”

  “You are very wise, Aunt,” smiled Lizzy. “I once criticized Mr. Darcy for his comment that his good opinion, once lost, was lost forever. He claimed he was not quick in forming such implacable resentment. Whereas, I, perhaps, act in haste in coming to similar conclusions, and once they are formed, am just as stubbornly committed to them. I fear I shall begin to doubt myself at every turn after this!”

  “No, my dear, you must not do that. Aim to be a young woman who is reasonable, willing to learn from more experienced ones and grow in your understanding. That is a woman I should be proud to call my friend.”

  Chapter Nine

  “Welcome, everyone! I am so happy to see you were all able to make it today! Let us all get into the carriages, which will take us to the picnic area. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, please allow me to introduce my friend, Mr. Darcy and my brother-in-law, Mr. Hurst. My sisters, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst had a prior engagement and will be joining us later. Mr. Bennet, Hurst, Darcy, of course you may ride your horses if you would like,” was Mr. Bingley’s greeting to his guest.

  As the merry group divided up among the open carriages and headed in the direction of the designated area, Lizzy’s eyes met those of Mr. Darcy. He smiled at h
er and tipped his hat.

  “Good day to you, Miss Elizabeth.”

  “Good day, Mr. Darcy. I understand that you arranged our outing today?”

  “Yes, I often have them at Pemberly for my sister.”

  “How old is your sister?”

  “She has recently turned sixteen. It fell to my cousin and me to raise her after my father died when my sister was only eleven years old. We did what we could to make those years as pleasant as possible for her. She was especially fond of picnics. She still is, in fact.”

  Hearing him speak as a loving brother of a younger sister made Lizzy stop and wonder. Perhaps there were a number of shades of colors she had missed when she had drawn the portrait of his character.

  When they arrived at their destination, Mr.Bingley was quick to attend to the ladies, who rode along in the carriage with Jane, and Mr. Gardiner did the same for those in the carriage in which his wife had ridden. Lizzy could not help but take notice that Mr. Darcy immediately went over to help the children. He first gave a hand to both Lydia and Kitty, and then he helped the smaller ones out and set each one down. The last to exit was little Stuart of around three years of age. Mr. Darcy first lifted him high in the air, causing the boy to squeal with delight, before setting him down.

  They were greeted by a scene which looked like something in a fairy book. The arrangements of lovely bowls of seasonal fruits on the tables, the lanterns and flowers all around were all breathtaking. There were blankets on the ground, and picnic baskets brimming with every delicious delicacy. Behind them was a stream that ran through Netherfield’s property. The Gardiners’ five children had never seen anything so grand and beautiful in their lives.

  There were toys scattered around in the form of wheels and sticks, rocking horses on wheels to be pulled around by an attached rope, and an assortment of colorful kites. The children, including Lydia and Kitty, were soon claiming they were full and went off to play, though Lydia did turn back to take a peach with her.

  “Darcy, you certainly know how to entertain children,” commented Mr. Bingley.

  “Indeed you do, sir! Thank you for considering them,” Mr. Gardiner said.

  “It is my pleasure. I find the laughter of children to be contagious and, therefore, always welcomed at a party of this kind.”

  “I believe the Darcys might have a soft spot for children. I remember hearing of your family’s kindness in always assuring coats and mittens for children of our community during your father’s time,” added Mrs. Gardiner.

  “What community did you grow up in, madam?”

  “Not five miles from Pemberly, in Lambton, sir.”

  “Really, I had no idea I had a neighbor present. Delightful village, Lambton. I have gotten many of my hunting dogs from a very fine breeder there.”

  “Mr. Bill Brown?” she asked with a smile of familiarity.

  “The very one, Mrs. Gardiner. Have you been back there to visit much?”

  “Unfortunately, I have not been there in over five years. I was sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He was known to be one of the best of men and landlords.”

  “Thank you for saying so. I believe he did have an excellent reputation,” Darcy said. “When you do get a chance to visit again, you might be surprised at the changes. Lambton is experiencing a significant growth in new shops and storefronts. I understand the ladies in the area are not complaining. My sister and her friends have been going there quite regularly.”

  “Talk of shops and storefronts is my cue to ask about this fishing Mr. Bingley spoke of,” said Mr. Bennet.

  “Of course,” Bingley laughed. “Everything is set out by the pier, if you are interested. Mr. Gardiner, Mr. Hurst?”

  “Here, I will show you the best spots we have found,” offered Darcy as he led the men towards the stream.

  “Would you be interested in taking a walk around the grounds, Miss Bennet,” Bingley asked of Jane.

  As the couple set off together, Lizzy was left with Mary, their mother, and Aunt Gardiner for company.

  “Well, Mr. Darcy seems very obliging today,” commented Mrs. Bennet. “Very obliging. It is too bad he had to treat poor Mr. Wickham as he did and insult Lizzy, too.”

  Mrs. Gardiner answered, “He does seem very friendly. Knowing his family to be such examples of charity, I cannot but wonder at this report of him.”

  “I never did believe Mr. Wickham’s stories,” Mary said, matter-of-factly.

  “Mary, what makes you say such a thing?” Lizzy’s shock at her sister’s statement was apparent in her voice.

  “Once when we went into town, I saw him holding a cat by its tail while a small boy was trying to get his cat back. He dropped it when Lydia called his name, but he was up to mischief, I have no doubt about it. And I observed him showing something to Mr. Denny during services. I could not see what it was, but whatever it was it made Mr. Denny laugh. I thought it very disrespectful. Another time he came to call and was waiting for others to come down. I was already outside, and I saw him looking through a notebook I had left on the piano. Notebooks are very personal items. He often does what he should not, particularly for one who claims to have higher values than others. And those are only the things I personally witnessed.”

  “Well, those are not terribly offensive accusations, Mary,” said Lizzy defensively.

  Mrs. Gardiner observed, “I do not know Mr. Wickham, and I only knew Mr. Darcy by reputation until meeting him today. But there may be something to what Mary says. Mr. Wickham is the same age as Mr. Darcy, is he not, and Mr. Bingley as well? I have trouble imagining either of those gentlemen behaving in such an immature or inappropriate manner as Mary has described of Mr. Wickham. Such behavior in small areas can be very telling when we put them all together.”

  “Oh, you are right, Sister. And you know, Mr. Wickham did not even attend the Netherfield Ball, though just the day before he talked of having the first dance with Lizzy. And he treated her very ill indeed in leading her on as he did and then turning around and getting himself engaged to Mary King! In doing so he kept Lizzie from being available for other opportunities.” She paused before saying, “Mr. Darcy did single her out, you know, and dance with her at the Netherfield Ball, after all.”

  Lizzy was at a loss as to how she might reply. She was spared from having to when their attention was turned towards two of the Gardiner children running up to them, protesting that they too wanted to go fishing.

  Mr. Darcy’s attention had been caught by the noise as well, and he soon walked over. “Did I hear someone say he wants to go fishing?” he asked the boys. “Have you ever fished before? No? Well let me tell you, you are in for a treat! Come with me, and I will teach you how to catch your supper. Excuse us ladies. We have important business to attend to,” he smiled and glanced at Elizabeth as he said this. She smiled in return and felt a funny sensation, like a flutter in her stomach that traveled all the way up to her head, making her unsteady. She could not deny that he was uncommonly handsome when he smiled.

  The women watched as the boys followed after Mr. Darcy. Mrs. Bennet’s matchmaking, motherly eyes had seen the exchange between her daughter and Mr. Darcy.

  “I do not believe he would ever read other people’s private notebooks,” remarked Mary.

  “No, not at all!” replied Mrs. Bennet. “That is my idea of a very obliging gentleman indeed! And so handsome when he smiles, too.”

  Chapter Ten

  The next morning Mr. Bingley was at Longbourn when Lizzy returned from reading her new book in the garden. Mary was off, no doubt reading somewhere herself, and Kitty and Lydia had gone into town with the Gardiners. Mrs. Bennet excused herself soon after Lizzy entered, for she needed a moment of privacy but could not leave Jane and Bingley unchaperoned.

  Lizzy decided to act on the letter writer’s suggestion and asked for a private word with Mr. Bingley. He was obviously surprised by the request, but giving a parting smile to Jane, he joined Lizzy at a table on the far side of the room.


  “Mr. Bingley, I hope I am not being impertinent, sir, but I must ask you for more information on a subject your sister brought up to me. Miss Bingley tried to warn me about a certain gentleman, Mr. Wickham, in fact. Please understand that I do not ask out of curiosity or for want of gossip. I am asking as a protection for those in my family who are still close to the gentleman. I would like to inquire if you have any reason to believe Mr. Wickham not to be an honorable man or if he is perhaps deceitful?”

  On seeing Mr. Bingley hesitating to answer, she continued, “I do not wish to make you uncomfortable, Mr. Bingley. I was admonished by…a friend… that it would be the course of wisdom to inquire of someone who is sensible about this serious matter.”

  Mr. Bingley gave her a warm smile and answered, “I think it is wise of you to ask, Miss Elizabeth, and so I shall be candid. My knowledge of him is limited, but it comes from the best of sources. Mr. Wickham is anything but honorable Miss Elizabeth. He is known to be a man of vices and debts. He is good at putting on a show of being the most agreeable sort. I too would have been fooled completely had I not prior knowledge of his conduct. I must emphasize with great conviction that he is not one to be trusted.”

  “I must be frank in asking, Mr. Bingley. Is your source solely Mr. Darcy? For while I know he is your friend, I am also aware that there is bad blood between Mr. Wickham and him. Is it possible that he might be prejudiced by his feelings for the man?”

  “Darcy was one source, but it was all confirmed by another very honorable man whom I have no reason to doubt. Mr. Darcy is the one who has been wronged by Mr. Wickham, not the other way around.”

  “If that is true, then why has Mr. Darcy not made this public knowledge for the benefit of all that may cross the man’s path? It seems shocking that he would allow unsuspecting people to be taken in by such a person.”