His Good Opinion: A Mr. Darcy Novel Read Online Free Page A
Author: Nancy Kelley
Tags: Jane Austen Fan Lit
back to Pemberley was necessary, and he arrived back in London just in time to join Bingley's party as they journeyed to Hertfordshire. The carriage being full of Bingley's two sisters and the husband of one, he and Bingley opted to ride alongside. The open air suited his temperament better than being trapped inside a carriage for hours on end with Bingley's sisters, and he was glad of Bingley's company. His friend's gift for turning idle chatter into meaningful conversation kept him from worrying about Georgiana the whole ride to Hertfordshire, and for that at least he was grateful.
Chapter Four
Darcy had been in Hertfordshire less than a day when he first wondered if he had made the right choice in accepting his friend's invitation. "I have promised our presence at the local assembly," Bingley announced at breakfast the morning after they arrived.
"A country ball?" Every inch of Miss Bingley's refined appearance, from her perfectly coiffed chestnut hair to the fine lace ruffle on her gown, proclaimed her disapprobation with such a scheme. "Really, Charles, you might have consulted us first."
Though Darcy did not speak, he was in private agreement. Public balls were an unpleasantness he avoided at all costs--the people were just as supercilious as the members of the Ton, but without enough manners and good breeding to make the engagement even tolerable.
When they entered the uncomfortably cramped assembly hall that evening, his worst prejudices were confirmed. Even in the low light provided by too few candles, he could discern the country styles and high spirits he disdained.
Though the dancing did not stop when they walked in, the room otherwise became noticeably quieter as people observed their arrival, and then steadily louder as they began to talk and speculate amongst themselves. Clearly, Bingley's arrival had been long anticipated, and with the flock of young ladies of marriageable age, Darcy did not wonder why.
Bingley led the way to the front of the room where a cheerful gentleman with a florid nose presided over the assembly. "Mr. Bingley, it is a pleasure to see you again."
"I am pleased to be here, Sir William. May I introduce my party? My sister and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Hurst, and my younger sister, Miss Bingley. The gentleman is our friend, Mr. Darcy. "
Sir William's low bow gave Darcy an excellent view of his balding head. "Ah, splendid! Mr. Darcy, I am pleased to make your acquaintance. Where are you from, sir?"
"From Derbyshire, sir." Darcy made no mention of his estate. It was bad enough to have town mamas crying after him; it would be unbearable in the midst of such low company.
Despite his efforts, whispers soon reached his ears:
"Fitzwilliam Darcy..."
"Ten thousand a year..."
"A large estate in Derbyshire."
He glanced at the door, but he knew very well there was no escape. The sensation of being trapped unawares added heat to his glower, and his curt refusals soon put off even the most stalwart parents. No, he did not wish to be introduced to the local daughters--no matter how pretty or amiable they may be.
His mouth turned down in disapproval as two young ladies danced by him, heedless of the spectacle they created. No indeed, I do not wish to meet any of the young ladies .
Duty required him to dance once with each of Bingley's sisters. Caroline Bingley tried to tease him into leading her out a second time, but he bowed and moved to the edge of the room. Laughter caught his attention, and the same two girls skipped across the room in a most unladylike fashion.
"Mama! Mama!" they called out in unison, and Darcy sneered when he recognized the lady they addressed. Now I understand the lack of parental control . Mrs. Bennet had been absolutely brazen in her attempt to attach Bingley to one of her five daughters. She had even tried to approach him, but he had moved away before she could reach his side. To think he would be willing to join himself to such a family
Chapter Four
Darcy had been in Hertfordshire less than a day when he first wondered if he had made the right choice in accepting his friend's invitation. "I have promised our presence at the local assembly," Bingley announced at breakfast the morning after they arrived.
"A country ball?" Every inch of Miss Bingley's refined appearance, from her perfectly coiffed chestnut hair to the fine lace ruffle on her gown, proclaimed her disapprobation with such a scheme. "Really, Charles, you might have consulted us first."
Though Darcy did not speak, he was in private agreement. Public balls were an unpleasantness he avoided at all costs--the people were just as supercilious as the members of the Ton, but without enough manners and good breeding to make the engagement even tolerable.
When they entered the uncomfortably cramped assembly hall that evening, his worst prejudices were confirmed. Even in the low light provided by too few candles, he could discern the country styles and high spirits he disdained.
Though the dancing did not stop when they walked in, the room otherwise became noticeably quieter as people observed their arrival, and then steadily louder as they began to talk and speculate amongst themselves. Clearly, Bingley's arrival had been long anticipated, and with the flock of young ladies of marriageable age, Darcy did not wonder why.
Bingley led the way to the front of the room where a cheerful gentleman with a florid nose presided over the assembly. "Mr. Bingley, it is a pleasure to see you again."
"I am pleased to be here, Sir William. May I introduce my party? My sister and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Hurst, and my younger sister, Miss Bingley. The gentleman is our friend, Mr. Darcy. "
Sir William's low bow gave Darcy an excellent view of his balding head. "Ah, splendid! Mr. Darcy, I am pleased to make your acquaintance. Where are you from, sir?"
"From Derbyshire, sir." Darcy made no mention of his estate. It was bad enough to have town mamas crying after him; it would be unbearable in the midst of such low company.
Despite his efforts, whispers soon reached his ears:
"Fitzwilliam Darcy..."
"Ten thousand a year..."
"A large estate in Derbyshire."
He glanced at the door, but he knew very well there was no escape. The sensation of being trapped unawares added heat to his glower, and his curt refusals soon put off even the most stalwart parents. No, he did not wish to be introduced to the local daughters--no matter how pretty or amiable they may be.
His mouth turned down in disapproval as two young ladies danced by him, heedless of the spectacle they created. No indeed, I do not wish to meet any of the young ladies .
Duty required him to dance once with each of Bingley's sisters. Caroline Bingley tried to tease him into leading her out a second time, but he bowed and moved to the edge of the room. Laughter caught his attention, and the same two girls skipped across the room in a most unladylike fashion.
"Mama! Mama!" they called out in unison, and Darcy sneered when he recognized the lady they addressed. Now I understand the lack of parental control . Mrs. Bennet had been absolutely brazen in her attempt to attach Bingley to one of her five daughters. She had even tried to approach him, but he had moved away before she could reach his side. To think he would be willing to join himself to such a family
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