Darcy's Passions Read online

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Dedication

  PREFACE

  CHAPTER 1

  CHAPTER 2

  CHAPTER 3

  CHAPTER 4

  CHAPTER 5

  CHAPTER 6

  CHAPTER 7

  CHAPTER 8

  CHAPTER 9

  CHAPTER 10

  CHAPTER 11

  CHAPTER 12

  CHAPTER 13

  CHAPTER 14

  CHAPTER 15

  CHAPTER 16

  CHAPTER 17

  CHAPTER 18

  CHAPTER 19

  CHAPTER 20

  CHAPTER 21

  CHAPTER 22

  CHAPTER 23

  CHAPTER 24

  RESOURCES

  Copyright Page

  To my mother Peggie Jeffers

  who taught me any book

  is too valuable not to read

  and

  to my son Josh who

  learned the same lesson

  from me

  PREFACE

  I walk around the classroom explaining the nuances of dating and relationships in Regency England. My students know by now I am a self-described Jane Austen “freak” for most were in my World Literature class last year and know when I speak of Jane Austen’s works my eyes sparkle with excitement. They listen as I describe Austen’s six novels and the many sequels and retellings of her works I have enjoyed and have sometimes loathed.“Why don’t you write your own book if you know all these things?” comes Will’s suggestion, and the others chime in their agreement.

  I laugh it off, but I have thought about it for some time.When I read any novel it plays in my head like a movie; I see the characters—their facial expressions; I hear the inflection in their voices. The characters live and breathe in my mind’s eye, but no character has fascinated me, or for that matter any woman who ever read Pride and Prejudice, more so than Fitzwilliam Darcy.Who is Fitzwilliam Darcy? What brought him to be the man he is when he first meets Elizabeth Bennet in Hertfordshire? Why can he not allow her into his life as soon as the attraction starts?

  When one reads Pride and Prejudice, he sees Fitzwilliam Darcy filtered through Elizabeth’s eyes. In reality, he is a “minor” character who becomes a major part of Elizabeth Bennet’s life. If one takes how long the journey from their meeting at the Meryton Assembly to Elizabeth’s acceptance of Darcy’s second proposal, the span of time is approximately one year. During this year, Darcy is with Elizabeth for a little over three months—from Michaelmas at the end of September to the Netherfield Ball at the end of November; for approximately two weeks at Easter time at Rosings Park; for less than a week at Pemberley, and another week upon his return to Netherfield/Longbourn. We know what he says and does during those three turbulent months, but what is he thinking each time he meets the woman with whom he is consumed? What does Darcy do to try to rid himself of thoughts of Elizabeth Bennet? How does he reconcile abandoning all he knows about fine society to love an amazing woman? What is he doing the nine months they are apart?

  Most believe George Wickham to be the villain in this classic tale, but I am of the persuasion Darcy is both villain and hero—disdainful pride to benevolent rescue. Yet, I also do not believe anyone changes completely; Darcy’s transformation must be based in all his previous experiences. The disagreeable social façade and the potential lover lie within the same man. That is the tale one finds in Darcy’s Passions.

  In writing this retelling, I meticulously read and reread Pride and Prejudice to keep the chronology of the events accurate to the original.Those details I combined with my own estimation of the character of Fitzwilliam Darcy. Because Jane Austen tells us little of what Darcy thinks or does, I employed dramatic license. Darcy’s “passions” are threefold: his sister Georgiana, his ancestral estate, and his love for Elizabeth Bennet. Often these passions conflict and fight for dominance in his life. How he manages to find a balance between each facet is Fitzwilliam Darcy’s journey from dutiful son to the master of Pemberley.

  Having taught media literacy, I enjoy the video interpretations of Austen’s works, and one will hear some of those characteristics in my writing. In reading Darcy’s Passions, one will often hear Colin Firth’s, the ultimate Darcy, voice in Darcy’s lines, especially when Darcy meets Elizabeth at Pemberley, but I will also admit to being a Matthew Macfadyen fan. I enjoy Macfadyen’s previous portrayals in The Way We Live Now, Wuthering Heights, and as Tom Quinn in MI5 (aka Spooks). So, I mix Firth’s haughty reserve with Macfadyen’s vulnerability. In analyzing both actors, I am more inclined to look at the acting rather than the choices made by the director in his portrayal of the work. I use the Macfadyen version in my classroom—two hours versus six hours being easier to justify to administrators who are concerned only with test scores and want no “wasted” instructional time. Plus, Keira Knightley helps to keep the boys interested in what they first term to be a “chick flick.” My Fitzwilliam Darcy combines the best of both actors as I play the scenes in my head.

  The chapter titles are lines from Pride and Prejudice or other Austen writings. Several lines come from Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. They are actual quotes I did not change and chose to use as originally written. One quote I chose to adapt within the text comes from the 2001 film Serendipity. I took the idea from an article written by Bev Graves, my son’s eleventh grade English teacher at Worthington Kilbourne High School in Worthington, Ohio. In an online article, Mrs. Graves uses the quote as part of a writing lesson on obituaries. Later, I realized it came from the 2001 movie, but it speaks of “passion,” and I chose to paraphrase it in the book.

  The new characters’ names come from my other interests. I love pro football, especially New York Jets’ quarterback Chad Pennington, so one will meet Lord and Lady Pennington, as well as Chadwick Harrison. I voted repeatedly for Clay Aiken in Season 2 of American Idol and spent one summer going to five of his concerts in nine days.Therefore, I created Clayton Ashford. Austen gives Colonel Fitzwilliam no first name; Edward, my father’s name, is used here.

  I spent time researching social customs, fashions, terminology, and traditional celebrations. Resources for those are listed in the back of this book. Persuasion is my second favorite Austen work. I often say Anne Elliott and Captain Wentworth are Darcy and Elizabeth if he did not find her at Pemberley. Austen readers will recognize in Darcy’s words Wentworth’s declarations to rid himself of his love for Anne. Austen fans will easily note similarities.

  My friends who have read the earlier drafts of this book tell me they hear my voice in Darcy’s words. I am not sure whether that is a compliment or an insult.What happens to Fitzwilliam Darcy I tried to keep “real,” but not didactic. Even if one has never read Pride and Prejudice, understanding Darcy’s Passions will not be an issue. For regular readers of Austen sequels and retellings, I hope this interpretation will appease their interest in these two characters.

  Regina Jeffers

  Indian Trail, North Carolina

  CHAPTER 1

  “ . . . your conjecture is totally wrong.”

  Fitzwilliam Darcy lounged lazily in the high-backed chair of the library at Netherfield Park, sipping his morning coffee and savoring the news found in his sister’s letter.The rest of his party had not come down from their chambers as of yet, and Darcy so enjoyed these moments of solitude.A self-assured man, confident and independent, Darcy took care of himself and others because he saw it as a virtue. In fact, this was why he now found himself at Netherfield Park sitting with his back to the sun and smiling at his sister’s opening words.When Darcy made a transaction with the Bingley family’s firm and discovered Charles Bingley to be affable, but greatly in need of direction, he found himself
thrust into the position of helping his friend transition into society. From the beginning the men cast a solid relationship although their temperaments differed immensely. Bingley’s easygoing nature accepted without censure the stolid disposition Darcy possessed. Yet, their affection for each other seemed genuine, and both men counted the other to be his closest friend.

  Taking another sip of the tepid brew, Darcy reread the first couple of lines of Georgiana Darcy’s meticulously written missive.

  2 October

  My dear Fitzwilliam,

  I pray your sojourn to Netherfield Park was without incident, and you found it to be pleasantly suited. Unexpectedly, Mr. Bingley took possession of this estate, but, clearly, he must establish himself in fine society. Hopefully, Netherfield will allow Mr. Bingley to find the happiness he deserves.As your friend, I find him to be dear to me also, and I give him all my devotion as I would you my brother.

  Darcy smiled at the tact Georgiana displayed. She realized, obviously, Charles Bingley took Netherfield at Caroline Bingley’s insistence and because of her need to present herself as a woman whose family held enough wealth to merit an estate, while also establishing Charles’s position in society. Charles Bingley desired his sister’s happiness so he let Netherfield Park in that purpose.

  I assume you will enjoy Miss Bingley’s company, as well as the society found in Hertfordshire.Your happiness plays uppermost in my mind.You have, Fitzwilliam, been my support in my worst of times. I can never repay you; truthfully, Brother, I fear you place your own life on hold to placate me.

  His sister Georgiana experienced love of the basest form, having briefly given her heart to a familiar cad. Thank goodness Fitzwilliam Darcy arrived in time to save her innocence and her heart. For several months, Georgiana pined for this braggart, and as he gently guided his ward back, Darcy stewed at the audacity of the man. Thankfully, he found Mrs. Annesley, a companion, who turned his impressionistic, innocent sister into a culturally refined, although still very shy, young lady.

  Darcy marveled at Georgiana’s reference to Caroline Bingley. Although they never discussed Miss Bingley, Darcy knew his sister found Miss Bingley’s advances too forward at times.Yet, Georgiana would welcome Caroline into her home and her family if Caroline pleased Darcy. In reality, Caroline Bingley pleased Darcy as much as any other woman. She possessed refined tastes; yet, Darcy felt nothing for her. He knew he must marry soon, but he always wanted more; he wanted the passion he witnessed in his parents’ marriage. Unfortunately, he never encountered such feelings even though he met women of fine society regularly, all of whom would welcome his advances and his wealth. As far as finding Hertfordshire’s society pleasing, the prospects of that possibility lay as thin in Darcy’s mind as did his developing affection for Caroline Bingley.

  Mrs.Annesley and I enjoyed a concert sponsored by the Prince Regent. Oh, dear, Brother, you never heard such music. It could pick one up and transport him to realms of emotional fantasies. Mrs. Annesley says we shall look for the sheet music, and Mr. Steventon will help me practice until I achieve at least a semblance of the concert’s greatness.Then I shall give you a private performance, which I pray you will enjoy.

  Although a slow process, Georgiana showed signs of recovering from her brush with romantic disaster. Since the age of two and ten when his beloved mother died shortly after his sister’s birth, Fitzwilliam Darcy protected Georgiana. He became her legal guardian when their own esteemed father passed away several years back. Yet, Darcy really assumed the position when his father became ill. Only with Georgiana and a select few others would Darcy let his guard down. Her gentleness complemented his staunch manner; he adored Georgiana in a way few could understand. For the last five years, Georgiana’s world revolved around her brother.With the age difference, Darcy and Georgiana each possessed the characteristics of being the only child, needing solo time each day to focus, to listen to soothing music, to meditate, or to read a book. Over the past few years, he became not only her brother but her parental figure as well; it was a great responsibility, but Darcy was groomed for responsibility.

  Maybe I should see about getting a new pianoforte for my sister; it would give her such pleasure. “A birthday present, perhaps,” he said aloud. He returned to the letter; he wanted to finish it before the Bingley household descended upon him.

  Fitzwilliam, it has been a long time since I felt contentment, but I owe it to you, my dearest.Your love and kindness gave me the ability to go on. I will be once again your younger, sometimes precocious, sister. Give Mr. Bingley and his family my fondest regards.

  Georgiana

  Darcy closed his eyes and pictured Georgiana in his mind. For a fleeting moment, he vividly saw the sweetness of her smile on the purity of her face. Then he slowly folded the letter, savoring the moment, and placed it in the inside pocket of his morning jacket. The sound of Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst in the morning room interrupted his reflections. Darcy unfolded his frame, stood, adjusted his clothing, and strode purposely from the library to join his hosts.

  “Ah, Mr. Darcy, I see you rise before the rest of our party,” Caroline said as he entered the room.

  Darcy made a quick bow to both Caroline and her sister. Crossing to the breakfast repast to refill his coffee cup one last time, he politely replied,“It is true, Miss Bingley, I prefer to rise early. It is a habit my late father instilled in me many years ago.This morning, besides your family’s hospitality, I read a letter from my sister.”

  “How is dear Georgiana?” she replied without any true concern evident in her voice. Typically Caroline Bingley, thought Darcy; she knew the right words to say in each situation, but Miss Bingley possessed no real emotion—no real thought of her own.

  “My sister enjoys her time in London with her favorite pastime—music,” Darcy added quickly, hoping this would end Caroline’s inquiries.

  Unfortunately, Caroline rose and strolled over to Darcy, supposedly to refill the chocolate in her cup, but they both knew she wanted closer proximity to him. As a man of wealth and often targeted by women in pursuit of a husband, Darcy recognized her game. He learned to gracefully avoid the claims of these many potential mates with a haughty, prideful manner; with his fortune, Darcy could offer indifference to such ambitions. As Caroline sashayed across the room playing up her feminine qualities, Darcy took on a familiar somber face. “I do wish Georgiana could have joined us at Netherfield,” she said, refilling the cup and taking a step closer to him.

  “She has her studies to which to attend,” Darcy responded as he walked away, placing distance between them, and taking up a position by the window.Turning to observe the grounds, he continued, “Will your brother be down soon? I hoped to survey the estate with him today.”

  As if on cue, Charles Bingley sauntered into the room.“Come, Darcy, I am not that late, am I? We shall have plenty of time to look at my lands. Of course, they will never live up to your Pemberley, but it will be a fit beginning, do you not think?”

  Making a slight nodding bow to his friend, Darcy could not help but get caught up in Charles’s enthusiasm.“We should survey the fields, the fence line, and observe the homesteads on the estate. Then we may assess what to address immediately and what to delay until the new growing season.We should do so before the obligatory calls from your neighbors begin and before you decide to stay in Hertfordshire.”

  “I am most looking forward to meeting my new neighbors,” Bingley replied as he fixed himself a plate of eggs and some fresh fruit.

  “I fear,” said Darcy assuming his superior attitude once again, “you will find little true society here in Hertfordshire. It is a country society, lacking in manners and refinement.”

  “Darcy, you should open yourself more to new adventures,” Bingley teased.

  Coming quickly to Mr. Darcy’s protection, Caroline told her brother she agreed about the probable lack of society in the area. Louisa Hurst agreed by tutting her tongue in a clucking sound. Bingley’s countenance brightened as he
turned to his sister and said, “If that be so, Caroline, you will be credited with changing their lives forever. Every woman will want to copy your style, and men will be eating out of your hand.”

  Caroline dropped her eyes in a coy-like manner after darting a glance at Mr. Darcy’s profile and hoping he found her “style” to his liking. Louisa agreed with their brother, and then they excused themselves to dress for the day.

  Darcy changed to his riding attire and rushed toward the stables; he loved being in the saddle and being out in the open. Cerberus waited for him at the mounting block. Normally, a man of property rode such an inspection of his land in the springtime, but Charles Bingley made an impetuous decision. He only lately decided he should take possession of Netherfield Park, without the usual inquiries of the soundness of the structure or the condition of the land. Then Bingley “begged” Darcy to lend his expertise in what to address in the matter. Darcy’s father spent time teaching his son the responsibility Darcy eventually assumed as the master of Pemberley. He began as a child to accompany his father on the spring inspection of the farms and holdings of their estate; therefore, Bingley’s learning from Darcy fit the need. Ownership of land determined wealth. Darcy inherited Pemberley through a system of primogeniture. As Bingley’s father made his wealth in trade, he held neither ancestral ties to the land nor any real knowledge of the accountability involved in owning an estate.

  As the two men rode out that morning, Darcy, in his element, showed his friend the delights of and the responsibilities of being a man of property. Netherfield Park held areas where drainage needed to be addressed, but it also possessed immediate grounds offering paths and parkways for the pleasure of its owner. As both men mounted a hill to take a better view of the prospect leading to Netherfield, Bingley queried,“Well, Darcy, do I have your blessing in this matter?”