Chapter Twenty-Nine

Darcy

D arcy stepped out of the carriage and turned to assist Georgiana. The elegant sight of Netherfield’s fa?ade greeted them, surrounded by lush lawns and vibrant flower beds. It stood in stark contrast to the last time Darcy had been here. Had it really only been a few weeks? Georgiana looked around with wide eyes, her expression a mix of awe and curiosity.

“This place is charming,” she said.

Darcy smiled at her. “Indeed, it has its own charm. Bingley chose well.”

“I believe you advised him on the suitability of the estate,” Georgiana said with a smile.

“Did I? Well, perhaps I should congratulate myself too,” he laughed. “The last time I was here, I met with the owner about the possibility of taking a position as the caretaker of the estate.”

Georgiana laughed softly. “I can’t imagine you as a caretaker, brother. It seems so out of character.”

Darcy chuckled. “It does, doesn’t it? But back then, I didn’t know who I was. I had wondered why I was so skilled when it came to estate management, but never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d turn out to be a gentleman with an estate of my own. Still, a part of me wished that dream could have been true. Living a simple life with Elizabeth felt like the grandest of dreams.”

He thought back to a conversation with Elizabeth, where they had jested about his true identity, wondering if he was a prince, a pauper, or something in between. His heart ached with the memory—and longing.

As they approached the entrance, the door opened, and Bingley stepped out, his face breaking into a broad smile. “Darcy! Georgiana! Welcome to Netherfield.”

Darcy returned the smile and shook Bingley’s hand. “It is good to see you, Bingley. Thank you for having us.”

Bingley laughed, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I was thrilled to receive your letter. I’d feared you’d miss my wedding entirely. Now, pray, do you remember me yet?”

“I remember bits and pieces,” Darcy said, for it was true. His memory was returning in small snippets but there were enough of them now to paint a picture.

“I remember, for instance, the time at Eton when you attempted to scale a tree and got stuck. You were going after apples, if I remember correctly.”

Bingley chuckled, shaking his head. “I remember that all too well. And I also remember you laughing at my predicament.”

“That I do not recall,” Darcy said and winked, for he did remember very well indeed. It was a joy to recover these memories, even if they were fleeting.

Georgiana greeted Bingley. “It is lovely to finally see Netherfield, Mr Bingley.”

Bingley bowed slightly. “And it is lovely to see you here, Miss Darcy. I hope the journey was not too tiring.”

Georgiana nodded. “Not at all, thank you.”

Bingley turned back to Darcy, his expression growing more serious. “Elizabeth should be here soon. I sent word to Longbourn that you were arriving this morning.”

Darcy’s heart sank at the though and at the same time, he could not wait. Yet the old worry remained and he found himself doubting once more.

“Do you think she—”

“Georgie!”

Darcy’s heart skipped a beat at the sound of the familiar voice.

Elizabeth.