Image by Amy Art-Dreams from Pixabay

I don’t know about anybody else, but it seems I have been working on this story forever. I originally expected to publish in January, but various delays, not the least of which is my own laziness, have slowed me to a crawl. Every time I get going, something happens to pull me away from the computer. Once I start writing, I had better not quit, because I know the chances of returning to the manuscript that day are somewhere between small and infinitesimal, and small has already left town.

I am pleased with the direction this novel is taking and believe it will be my best yet. Hopefully, I can finish it before my eightieth birthday in thirteen years.

The following is an excerpt from chapter 14, describing a disagreement between Georgiana and Caroline Bingley over unkind remarks made by the latter. Georgiana has a spine in my story, and puts Caroline in her place, although the woman chooses to ignore the rebuke. Georgiana has met Elizabeth and spent a wonderful day with her. The story picks up with her and Darcy leaving the Bennet estate:

 

With Miss Elizabeth, however, his wealth and standing did not seem to matter. She had a friendly manner, free of the artifice that he often saw in others. Her eyes, which he recalled were a lovely shade of brown, watched him as she spoke; Darcy was almost convinced she was exploring the very of his soul.

She was not a shy girl, a trait he found refreshingly attractive. Darcy suspected it was this outgoing, forward manner which had drawn Georgiana out of the shell she had constructed about herself.

He was happy about Georgiana’s friendship with Miss Elizabeth, who seemed to be a genuinely nice person.

I shall encourage their relationship while we are here. It is unfortunate, though, that she is not of a higher social class. If she were, I might pursue an acquaintance. As it is, I am not sure my friends would ever accept her.

His musings concluded with their arrival at Netherfield. As the carriage came to a stop, Darcy alighted from the cabin first, offering his hand to assist his sister before following her into the manor.

He went in search of Bingley, locating him and Caroline on the terrace, observing the worker’s progress on the stable.

“How was your day with Mr. Bennet?” asked his friend at Darcy’s approach. “Are you sufficiently up to date on the state of Netherfield’s affairs?”

“We discussed the estate in depth,” said Darcy. “He knows the property’s history and regrets it was allowed to deteriorate this much.”

“Did he show any signs of inconvenience upon your arrival? I assume he did not, as I have found him to be nothing but agreeable.”

“Bennet was cordial and attentive,” said Darcy. “Our discussion was enlightening, more so than I had expected. He took the time to explain the changes he made, which settled my confusion; I know his reasons now and agree with them.”

“And what of Miss Darcy,” said Bingley, turning his attention to Georgiana, who stood beside her brother on the terrace. “Were you made to feel welcome?”

“Mr. Bennet was gracious and gallant,” said Georgiana with a smile that turned into a laugh.

“He greeted her with an exaggerated bow,” said Darcy, to Bingley’s amusement. “Georgiana loved the demonstration.”

“William introduced me to Elizabeth,” said Georgiana with a smile. “She took me around the estate and made me feel so welcome. Then she introduced me to her sisters and invited me to return tomorrow, which I accepted.”

“Sweet Georgiana,” said Caroline, condescension dripping from every word, “so innocent and unprepared. You are still such a child when it comes to the ways of the world.

“Take my advice and avoid the Bennet family as much as possible, especially Miss Elizabeth. They are known throughout Hertfordshire as churlish boors, without the decency to curb their youngest, Lydia’s, wanton, embarrassing actions.

“Mrs. Bennet is a loud, obnoxious woman, without the self-respect of a common scullery maid,” she continued, her voice becoming shrill and demanding.

“The family is not of the first circles, as you must have seen within a minute of making their acquaintance. Keeping company with Miss Elizabeth could damage your reputation beyond repair. Stay at Netherfield tomorrow; I am confident the family will not take offense, nor will Miss Elizabeth, being the type of people they are.”

Darcy watched his sister stiffen as Miss Bingley went on, denigrating people Georgiana held affection and respect for. Laying his hand on her arm, he shook his head to forestall the outburst he feared was coming.

Casting aside his restraint, she stepped forward and spoke in a manner which showed the anger Darcy knew she had struggled to contain.

“I just spent a day with the nicest, most unassuming people I think I will ever meet,” said she, her voice calm but her hands clenched into fists at her side. “Elizabeth was the picture of respectability and a true lady in every way, while Miss Lydia and Miss Kitty, although young, were subdued and not in the least as boisterous as you would have me believe. As to Miss Mary, she is a most beautiful young lady and an accomplished pianist.

“Need I remind you, Miss Bingley, that Mr. Bennet is a landowner and a gentleman. As such he is of a level comparable to my brother’s, a level which you, whose money is derived from the trades, will never achieve.

“For you to admonish me, in front of William, no less, is an affront I will not accept.”

Georgiana fell silent, her anger having run its course. With a look that seemed to dare the woman to challenge the rebuke, Georgiana turned to Darcy.

“I am retiring to my room,” said she as she left the terrace, her stride firm and her back straight as she strode across the garden and into the manor.

“Such ingratitude,” said Caroline. “Associating with that family for just one day has changed young Georgiana, and not for the better. I only hope, Mr. Darcy, that you can repair the damage to your name, should she pursue her misguided friendship.”

“Miss Darcy is correct,” said Bingley. “The Bennet family is, without exception, the nicest in Hertfordshire. Miss Bennet possesses a caring nature; always ready to lend her support to any who might need it. Her youngest sisters, while boisterous, are exuberant and carefree, something they will grow out of in time. Miss Elizabeth is practical, like her father. She views the world much as he does, which I think is an admirable quality.

“We are not, Caroline, of the same level as the Bennets. In my opinion you owe an apology to Miss Darcy, and, truth be told, to Mr. Bennet, for the way you spoke of his family.”

Caroline stood still until her brother’s mild censure was complete, at which time she shook her head, refusing to accept his admonishment.

“You also, Charles? Is there no one that family has not contaminated with their rude and uncultured manner?” said Caroline. “If they are regarded as the best example of the county’s residents, Hertfordshire must contain only simpletons. Please, Mr. Darcy, as Charles’s friend, help him see the danger of staying here.”

“I agree with him,” said Darcy. “Mr. Bennet is one of the most knowledgeable men I have ever met, and his daughters are charming. As for Mrs. Bennet, I have no opinion, as I have not had pleasure of meeting her yet.”

He paused and looked over the estate, then continued. “Bingley has leased an excellent property; my recommendation is that he stay and enjoy the neighborhood, at least until his ankle heals.”

“Seeing that I am in the minority,” said Caroline with a sigh. “I might as well leave. With any luck, you will come to your senses.” Turning from them, she departed the terrace, leaving Bingley and Darcy alone.

“A unique manner in which to ensure one is left to oneself,” said Darcy with a chuckle. “One I will remember for the future.”

“She will recover,” said Bingley. “She always does. Please apologize to Miss Darcy for Caroline’s remarks. I hope your sister does not think poorly of me because of this unfortunate occurrence.”

“Georgiana will be fine,” said Darcy. “I promise to convey your regrets, but doubt she is angry with you. If you don’t mind, I won’t come down for supper; there is some correspondence that I should have completed by now; tonight gives me a good opportunity to write those letters.”

“I will see you tomorrow, my friend. Sleep well,” said Darcy as he left the terrace.

 

I hope you enjoyed the snippet. Please give me your thoughts. Criticism and helpful suggestions are always welcome.

*P.S. I hope to post the first iteration of the new cover soon.