Mrs. Darcy and the London Season

An Elizabeth Darcy Adventure #7

By: Carrie Mollenkopf

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

“Fitzwilliam, I have received most excellent news from Longbourn.”
“Oh? Has Mr. Collins returned?”
Darcy’s attempt at jest was met with equal amusement as Elizabeth tapped his hand playfully with the letter. The Reverend Collins was her father’s heir, and at one time, sought her in marriage. An odious sort of person, he had made her miserable for weeks, but eventually resigned himself to another, Elizabeth’s closest childhood friend. It had been an odd arrangement, but one that suited both parties. Mr. Collins required a wife and Charlotte wished to be mistress of her own home. Neither love nor respect was part of the deal, and Elizabeth could not imagine a greater misery.
“No, thank heavens for that, Papa has just gotten rid of Lydia and Wickham, do not wish another form of torture upon him so soon.”
“No, my apologies. If not that, then what is it that has you smiling so?”
“My sister Mary is to be married. Can you believe it?”
“Mary! To whom? Were you aware she was even courting anyone?”
“No, apparently it was quite the secret. He is the new schoolmaster in Meryton. According to my father, he is a serious sort of person and just right for Mary.”
Darcy did not reply, but pursed his lips in contemplation. Of the five Bennet sisters, Mary was considered quite plain and studious. In truth, neither was accurate. She simply did not do anything to make herself attractive and limited her education to tedious religious texts and frivolous novels. Perhaps it was a way of garnering attention when in competition with so many other companionable ladies? He knew not, but shrugged in indifference.
“We must attend the wedding. It is at the end of summer.”
Darcy nearly allowed his relief to be audible, but caught himself in time, nodding his head in agreement. That would give him nearly two months to prepare for the ordeal of enduring Mrs. Bennet’s shrill voice. However, they needn’t stay with Elizabeth’s parents.
“An excellent time of year, perhaps an extended visit is in order. I am sure Charles and Jane will wish us to stay with them. Netherfield can accommodate our family far easier than Longbourn.”
“I had not considered that. You are right, I will write to Jane immediately. Oh! But just think! Mary is getting married!”
“Now all that remains is for Kitty to find someone and your mother’s life with be complete.”