Chapter 2

T he carriage rolled steadily along the gravel road, the rhythmic thrum of the wheels blending with the quiet sounds of the night. The cool evening air drifted through the open windows, carrying with it the scent of dew-covered grass and distant woodsmoke. Beside Mr. Bennet, Mr. Darcy sat in contemplative silence, his gaze occasionally drifting towards the window as the moonlit landscape of Hertfordshire unfolded before them.

"Quite a different view by night, is it not?" Mr. Bennet remarked, breaking the comfortable lull that had settled between them. His eyes sparkled with a mixture of pride and genuine affection for the countryside bathed in silver moonlight.

"Indeed," Mr. Darcy replied, his voice measured but pleasant, "There is a certain tranquillity to it."

Mr. Bennet, sensing an opportunity to study his new connection, turned slightly to face his companion. "Tell me, Mr. Darcy, how are you finding our little town so far?"

Darcy considered for a moment before replying, "It is quaint and charming, much quieter than London, but not without its own appeal. So far, the people seem pleasant and welcoming."

"I'm not sure how many people you have met, considering you lost your way and ended up at Longbourn. But I assure you, those you have yet to meet are equally agreeable." Mr. Bennet chuckled.

Darcy smiled slightly. "You have a point, Mr. Bennet."

"And what brings you to Hertfordshire? I assume you are a close friend of Mr. Bingley? I haven't had the pleasure of meeting the gentleman."

"Yes, Mr. Bingley and I have been friends for many years. We attended Cambridge together and have remained close ever since," Darcy explained. "When he mentioned his intentions to lease an estate in the countryside, I thought it a fine opportunity to escape the bustle of the city for a while and visit."

"Mr. Bingley is fortunate to have a friend like you, Mr. Darcy. A loyal companion is a rare and valuable thing," Mr. Bennet observed. "And what of your own family? Do they reside in London as well?"

"My family estate, Pemberley, is in Derbyshire," Darcy replied with a hint of pride. "My sister Georgiana resides there currently. I visit London frequently, but Pemberley is my true home."

Mr. Bennet brow furrowed, as if trying to recollect a memory. "I have heard much about Pemberley," he said. "They say it is one of the finest estates in the country."

"It is a place of great beauty and significance to me," Darcy admitted. "I am grateful for the peace and solitude it offers."

Mr. Bennet smiled. "You must meet some of our local families. The Lucases, for instance, are very amiable. Sir William Lucas is a good friend of mine."

"Sir. Lucas, you say?"

"Indeed. He and his wife are quite pleasant, and their eldest daughter, Charlotte, is very sensible. But I daresay you'll find plenty of good company here in Hertfordshire."

Darcy grunted in response, then asked, "How far out is Netherfield?"

"Not far at all. In fact, you'll see it up ahead after the next turn."

With that, the conversation seeped back into a comfortable silence, each man lost in his own thoughts.

****

Back at Longbourn, the evening had settled into a calm routine when Mr. Hill, the butler, entered the drawing room where Mrs. Bennet and her daughters were gathered. "Mrs. Bennet, a visitor has arrived. Mr. Collins is here."

Mrs. Bennet's eyes flickered with recognition. "Mr. Collins. How... wonderful. Girls, let us go and welcome him."

The Bennet women reached the entrance hall just as Mr. Collins stepped inside, his tall frame filling the doorway. He paused, surveying the room with an air of self-assured importance before bowing deeply. "Mrs. Bennet, Miss Bennets," he said with exaggerated politeness, "it is indeed a great honour to be welcomed so warmly. I have long anticipated this visit and I am delighted to finally make your acquaintance."

"Mr. Collins, you are most welcome," Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, her voice brimming with forced enthusiasm. "Do come in. You must be exhausted from your journey."

"Mrs. Bennet, you are most considerate," Mr. Collins replied, stepping further into the house. "I must say, what a charming abode you have here. It is most agreeable."

"Thank you, Mr. Collins," Mrs. Bennet replied, her eyes shining with hope. "Let me introduce you to my daughters: Jane, our eldest; Elizabeth, our second; Mary, Kitty, and Lydia."

Mr. Collins bowed to each in turn, his gaze lingering a little too long on Jane and Elizabeth. "It is a pleasure to meet you all. I have heard much about your beauty and grace, and I must say, the reports do not do you justice."

The girls curtsied politely, exchanging curious glances as they sized up their cousin. Elizabeth, noted his obsequious manner and the way he seemed to preen under Mrs. Bennet's flattery.

"Please, Mr. Collins, join us for some supper," Mrs. Bennet urged. "We have prepared a meal for you after your long journey."

"Indeed, I am famished, Mrs. Bennet," Mr. Collins replied, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. "It would be my honour to dine with you."

As they made their way to the dining room, Mr. Collins glanced around. "I had hoped to meet my esteemed cousin, Mr. Bennet. Is he not at home?"

Mrs. Bennet replied, "Mr. Bennet has escorted one Mr. Darcy to Netherfield. Mr. Darcy lost his way and ended up at Longbourn."

"Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy?" Mr. Collins asked, his eyes widening slightly.

Mrs. Bennet shrugged lightly. "I do not know him beyond the name of Mr. Darcy, but he seems a gentleman of importance. However, I am certain there is not only one Mr. Darcy in the whole of England."

His face still lit up with recognition, Mr. Collins's said, "If he is the same Mr. Darcy I am thinking of, he is the nephew of my esteemed patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. I look forward to meeting him if indeed he is the same gentleman."

Mrs. Bennet smiled, sensing a topic of mutual interest. "Well, Mr. Collins, you may soon find out. But come, let us sit down to supper."

The table was set with an array of simple but satisfying dishes, the usual fare for the Bennet family's dinner. Though nothing had been specially prepared for Mr. Collins, Mrs. Bennet had ensured the meal appeared welcoming and plentiful. Mr. Collins took his seat at the head of the table, a position typically reserved for Mr. Bennet. The Bennet family, having already had their supper, sat with tea to keep Mr. Collins company. He did not question why they were not eating, and they offered no explanation.

Throughout his meal, Mr. Collins talked incessantly about his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, extolling her virtues and the many benefits of her favour. The girls listened politely, though their eyes occasionally met in silent amusement.

"I must say, Mrs. Bennet," Mr. Collins declared between bites, "I am most impressed with the hospitality here. It is every bit as gracious as Lady Catherine herself would approve."

Mrs. Bennet beamed with pride. "Thank you, Mr. Collins. We are delighted to have you with us."

The conversation continued pleasantly, with Mr. Collins sharing anecdotes about Rosings Park and Lady Catherine, while the Bennet girls listened with varying degrees of interest and amusement. As the evening wore on, the family began to feel more at ease with their peculiar guest, though a couple of the Bennet sisters and Mrs. Bennet found him a tad talkative. Nonetheless, her hopes for advantageous connections grew ever brighter.

Mrs. Bennet's thoughts were consumed with the promising prospects that the evening had unveiled. The notion of three eligible gentlemen crossing their path in one night was indeed captivating. The recent introduction to Mr. Darcy, who could potentially bring them into the acquaintance of Mr. Bingley, coupled with the arrival of Mr. Collins, the future heir to Longbourn, filled her with boundless optimism. She could scarcely contain her anticipation, imagining the advantageous matches that might soon secure her daughters' futures and elevate their family's standing.

****

As the carriage carrying Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet approached Netherfield, the grand estate came into full view. The elegant fa?ade was illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns, with sweeping lawns and well-kept gardens enhancing its charm. The carriage slowed and finally came to a stop at the entrance. A servant, seeing their arrival, quickly went inside to inform Mr. Bingley.

Mr. Bennet alighted first, turning to address Darcy as he stepped down from the carriage. "Here we are, Mr. Darcy. Netherfield, as promised."

Darcy nodded, stepping down from the carriage and taking in the sight of the impressive manor. "Thank you, Mr. Bennet, for your kind assistance. It has been most appreciated."

A moment later, Mr. Bingley appeared at the door, followed closely by his sisters, Miss Caroline Bingley and Mrs. Louisa Hurst, and Mr. Hurst. Mr. Bingley's face lit up with relief and joy. "Darcy! Thank goodness you have arrived. I was beginning to worry. You sent word that you would be joining us today, but as the hours passed, I grew concerned. Did you not ask anyone for directions to Netherfield, as I suggested in my letter?"

Darcy replied, his tone cordial but reserved, "Good evening, Bingley. I lost my way and was fortunate to encounter Mr. Bennet, who kindly offered to guide me here." He turned to Mr. Bennet. "Mr. Bingley, allow me to introduce Mr. Bennet of Longbourn."

Mr. Bennet bowed politely. "A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Bingley. I should have come to check on you sooner, being that you are our new neighbour. But, alas, time has not permitted it."

"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Bennet. Think nothing of it. I look forward to making the acquaintance of the whole neighbourhood and meeting everyone at the upcoming balls and gatherings." Bingley smiled warmly.

Miss Bingley, with a carefully composed expression that hinted at both charm and subtle possessiveness, could not entirely hide her slight frown at her brother's enthusiasm for the local society. "Mr. Darcy, it is always a pleasure to see you. I trust your journey was not too tiresome?"

Darcy offered a polite bow. "Good evening, Miss Bingley. The journey was uneventful, save for the minor detour, but I am grateful to be here."

"You must be quite weary, Mr. Darcy. Please, come inside and rest." Mrs. Hurst added.

Mr. Hurst, less engaged but nonetheless welcoming, gave a brief nod. "Yes, do come in, Darcy."

"Stopping at Longbourn, Mr. Darcy, you must have found it rather... rustic. I hope it was not too stressful." Miss Bingley, seeking to probe further, remarked,

"Longbourn is a charming estate. The Bennets were most gracious." Darcy replied. His courteous demeanour masked a flicker of irritation, which did not go unnoticed.

Miss Bingley's face grew taut, her eyes searching Darcy's face for a warmer response. Darcy, however, turned his gaze to Mr. Bingley, effectively ending the exchange. Mr. Bingley, catching the subtle tension between them, quickly stepped in.

"Come inside, Darcy. You must be in need of refreshment after your travels."

Seeing that the party was ready to enter, Mr. Bennet announced, "I must take my leave now, as I am expecting another guest at Longbourn. I shall make an official visit to you, Mr. Bingley, at a more convenient time."

Mr. Bingley and Darcy both expressed their gratitude. "Thank you again, Mr. Bennet," Bingley said warmly. "I shall have one of my men escort you back to Longbourn."

Mr. Bennet nodded graciously. "It was my pleasure. Good evening to you all."

A servant was summoned to take Mr. Bennet back to Longbourn. The party watched as the carriage carrying him departed, disappearing into the night. Bingley then turned to Darcy and said, "Come inside, Darcy. Let's have some tea and get you settled."