Page 3 of A Forced Marriage
Chapter 2
The 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. ButI 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 youall. 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."
