Friends Before Lovers

  Friends Before Lovers

  A Pride & Prejudice Variation

  By Alicia Rogers

  © 2020 Alicia Rogers

  Table of Contents

  Friends Before Lovers

  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

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Epilogue: Earl Waldegrave

  Epilogue: Darcy & Elizabeth

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  Chapter 1

  Darcy entered his club with a feeling of anticipation. After months of being tormented with melancholy and regret, he finally felt as if Georgiana was on the mend. It had been too long for him to remember the last time he spent an afternoon pursuing his own interests or conversing with a friend without the constant worry lingering in the back of his mind. His musings were cut short by a welcome voice.

  "Darcy, old man! How good it is to see you again!"

  Darcy smiled as he stood to greet his friend.

  "Bingley, it has been too long."

  The friends sat down and, for once, Darcy was quick to continue speaking before his friend.

  "May I congratulate you once again on your marriage. I greatly regret that I was unable to attend the ceremony."

  If possible, Charles Bingley's smile grew wider.

  "Your kind letter was sufficient but thank you. You certainly were missed; however, I understand familial obligations. How is Georgiana?"

  Even though he knew that Bingley was under the impression that his sister was recovering from an illness, Darcy stiffened only slightly before responding.

  "She is much improved, thank you. I believe that the time spent with our Matlock relatives was beneficial for us both. Their home is much more lively than our own."

  "Yes, I can imagine that it would be with Colonel Fitzwilliam home. Did Richard travel with you to Town?"

  "No, he had other obligations that kept him from joining us; however, he will arrive at the end of the month to partake in some of the amusements to be found. How is Mrs. Bingley enjoying London? I believe that you mentioned she never had a Season before?"

  Bingley's brow furrowed at his friend's slightly condescending tone but chose to ignore it.

  "Jane has thoroughly enjoyed our time here thus far. I believe the theatre is a great favorite for her. She has settled seamlessly into my life yet improved it immeasurably. I do hope that you will be able to join us at Netherfield after the Season. I am quite content there; although, I am sure that you could assist me in identifying some improvements that could be made."

  "If your bride is not adverse to the idea, then I would be glad to visit your estate."

  "Fear not, Jane is quite anxious to meet you. She was thrilled with your wedding present. She dotes on that gelding almost as much as she dotes on me." Charles said with a laugh.

  "I am glad that the horse was well-received."

  "Jane is quite the horsewoman. It is a pity that she was unable to ride more prior to our marriage. I believe that having her own horse is a dream come true and you beat me to it, my friend. She is most eager to meet you."

  "As I am to meet her."

  "Wonderful. Could I persuade you to return with me today? I am anxious for you two to become acquainted."

  "I would be glad to return with you. That is, after you are thoroughly defeated at the chessboard. We have delayed this game long enough."

  "Ah, and there is my modest friend! Let us commence with the trouncing. It cannot be said that I have spent my time devoted to furthering my skill at the chessboard. I will not deny that my days have been otherwise engaged of late."

  Darcy smirked as he responded, "Yes, I am sure they have."

  Later, as the two friends traveled to Bingley's townhouse, Darcy could not help but observe the obvious look of contentment upon his friend's face. He had been concerned when Bingley first wrote of his latest infatuation when he let the Netherfield estate in Hertfordshire; however, Darcy was preoccupied with Georgiana. His alarm grew when he received the invitation for Bingley's wedding last November but there was nothing to be done at that point. As they arrived, Darcy prepared himself to meet the woman who captured Bingley's heart and said a silent prayer that she was worthy of his kind-hearted friend.

  When they entered the townhouse, Charles noticed that the doors to the front parlor were closed and commented to Darcy. "It appears that my angel is entertaining. Perhaps you would be good enough to join me in my study before meeting her? I can show you the crop estimates for Netherfield that my steward just sent to me."

  "Certainly," Darcy replied as he followed his friend into the study.

  Darcy resisted rolling his eyes at his unorganized friend as Bingley sifted through the papers scattered across his desk.

  "Darce, I believe I left the papers on my writing desk in my private rooms. Help yourself to a drink and I will return in a moment."

  Darcy had just relaxed into his chair when the door was opened and closed gently yet quickly by an unknown woman. At a glance, he knew that this was not the fair-haired angel that Bingley constantly praised and married. Although he could not see her face since she was still clutching the door handle, this woman had dark hair and a slight figure. As he was rising from his seat to make his presence known, the woman began to speak but it was obvious she was not expecting an audience.

  "Oh, the audacity of that dreadful woman! Sisters, indeed."

  She whirled around and immediately her eyes landed on Darcy. He noticed they were blazing with anger and quite fine; however, her face contorted into one of shock then pure mortification as she realized the room was occupied.

  "Sir, I do apologize. I mistakenly believed this room to be empty."

  Before Darcy could stand and introduce himself, the young lady bobbed a quick curtsy and said, 'Good day to you."

  before escaping out the door again.

  Chapter 2

  Bingley returned just moments after the mysterious beauty escaped the room. Darcy decided against questioning his friend about the odd encounter and focused his attention on Bingley's obvious enthusiasm for his new property. After all, surely the introductions would be made if the lady remained at the Bingley townhouse. Once the gentlemen had sufficiently discussed the value of one crop versus another, they ventured across the hall into the parlor where feminine voices could be heard. Immediately upon their entrance, all eyes were upon Darcy. Some welcome, and others not.

  "Ladies, I hope that we are not interrupting your tea but I have brought my errant friend home and wish to present my blushing bride."

  Bingley said as he crossed the room to a stunning woman. Bingley introduced Darcy to his wife. As Darcy bowed over Mrs. Bingley's hand, she smiled warmly
at him.

  "It is certainly a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, Mr. Darcy."

  "The pleasure is mine, I assure you, Mrs. Bingley."

  "Please, join us. I will just ring for some fresh tea."

  Jane said as she signaled the servant. "Mr. Darcy! It is so very good to see you again, sir."

  Caroline Bingley glided fluidly next to Darcy holding out her hand. Darcy cringed slightly at her wide smile and performed the necessary bow before replying. "Good day to you, Miss Bingley."

  "It has been just ages since we have had your company, sir. I was just saying so yesterday to my sister, Louisa. Where ever have you been keeping yourself?"

  Before Darcy could reply to such an impertinent question, Mrs. Bingley interjected. "I believe that Charles said you have been spending time with your sister in the country? I hope that your visit was enjoyable?"

  Darcy was relieved to turn his attention back to Mrs. Bingley and replied with a smile. "It was very enjoyable, thank you."

  The gentlemen took their seats before Darcy was addressed again.

  "Did your sister return to Town with you, Mr. Darcy?"

  "Yes, Mrs. Bingley, she did."

  "Oh, dear Georgiana! How is our sweet girl? I have longed to visit with her." Caroline said with great emotion.

  "My sister is quite well. Thank you for asking, Miss Bingley." Darcy replied through gritted teeth.

  "Sisters are such a blessing. I do not know what I would do without my own." Mrs. Bingley stated.

  "I must agree, madam. I believe you were blessed with four sisters, is that correct?"

  Jane Bingley smiled and said, "It is indeed, sir, and I would not trade one of them. However, I have recently acquired two more sisters in Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst which has only increased my happiness."

  A noise could be heard from the hall but Darcy ignored it while attempting to keep his face neutral. The thought that this sweet woman thought Caroline Bingley a 'blessing' was almost unimaginable. "Yes, Louisa and I just adore our new sister. We expect to enjoy showing her all that Town has to offer this season."

  Just as Caroline finished speaking, Jane glanced towards the door and then said, "There you are, Lizzy! I was concerned about you."

  Darcy stood and turned towards the door only to set eyes on the mysterious young woman whom he encountered earlier. She met his eye and, though she appeared slightly flushed, she raised her head and smiled at him before replying to her sister. "I apologize, Jane. I did not intend to keep you waiting."

  Bingley quickly spoke up then. "Darcy, may I introduce my newest sister, Miss Bennet. Elizabeth, this is my friend, Mr. Darcy of Pemberly in Derbyshire."

  Darcy took her hand and bowed before meeting her eye once again and saying, "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Bennet."

  Their eyes lingered just a moment before Miss Bingley stated rather loudly, "Yes, Mr. Darcy, Eliza is our newest little pet. Louisa and I just dote upon her."

  Miss Bennet's eyes darkened and Darcy was slightly amused as she replied. "You are too kind, Caroline."

  "I only hope that you allow me to assist you in your next shopping excursion, dear."

  Caroline continued. She looked to Darcy once again before smiling condescendingly. "Our little Eliza needs much instruction in the ways of Town. Louisa and I certainly have our hands full." She said with a laugh.

  Darcy could see the anger rising in the younger woman's face but, thankfully, Mrs. Bingley began speaking before Miss Bennet could reply. "Mr. Darcy, I do hope that I can persuade you and your sister to join us for dinner soon."

  "It would be my pleasure, madam."

  "Yes, Darce, I think that Lizzy and Georgie will have much in common. Lizzy greatly enjoys the country and plays the pianoforte quite well."

  Darcy noticed the indulgent smile upon Miss Bennet's face as she replied, "I am sure that my performance is nothing to Miss Darcy's, Charles. Although, I shall not reprimand you since it is a brother's prerogative to show favor."

  "You do not do yourself justice, Lizzy. Your playing is inspired." Mrs. Bingley said.

  Darcy smiled at such obvious affection before Miss Bingley laughed. "Oh, Jane. You are such a treasure. Even Eliza recognizes that she would benefit from further practice. Are we not lucky to have such a sweet sister, Eliza?"

  Miss Bennet's face lost all affection as she looked at Miss Bingley. "Indeed, Caroline, we are certainly lucky."

  Darcy decided to intervene this time. "Are you enjoying your visit to Town, Miss Bennet?"

  "Yes, sir. I have only arrived last week; however, it has been wonderful to be reunited with my sister amidst the bustle of the city. Although, I must admit that the park does not offer the beauty that the trails at home do for walking."

  "Yes, I quite understand. I feel the same whenever I leave Derbyshire for Town. However, the museum cannot be rivaled."

  "What an excellent idea, Mr. Darcy! We must arrange an outing to the museum."

  Darcy turned his gaze away to respond to Miss Bingley's outburst. "I am sure that my sister would enjoy that, Miss Bingley."

  "It is settled then. We shall ensure that my Jane and Elizabeth have the perfect season in Town, eh Darce?"

  Darcy just smiled at his friend and replied, "I am at your service."

  Chapter 3

  The following day, Darcy decided to stop at his favorite bookshop before returning home from his club. As he entered the shop and was greeted by the proprietor, he slowly walked towards the section displaying the new acquisitions. Hearing some movement across the aisle, he glanced up to behold Bingley's new sister engrossed with a book in her hands. Her eyes were focused on the page and she was slightly biting her bottom lip as if in anticipation for what lay ahead in the story. Her dark hair was swept up except a small curl that had escaped. The young woman had not yet raised her eyes from the pages; however, Darcy felt that he would be remiss to not greet her.

  "Miss Bennet, good day." He said as he made his way to her.

  She immediately looked up and, for a moment, he did not know if she would respond. However, before that thought could take hold, a brilliant smile graced her face.

  "It is indeed a good day, Mr. Darcy. As is any day that I find myself in a new book shop."

  He smiled at her response, which was so similar to his own feelings.

  "I hope that Bingley and your sister are well, madam?"

  Darcy said as he looked behind her to see only a footman standing inconspicuously by the wall.

  "Yes, they are, thank you. They had several meetings this morning regarding the new furnishings needed at Netherfield. I had mentioned my desire to visit a bookstore and Charles suggested this one."

  Darcy's brow furrowed slightly when he asked, "Surely you did not come alone?"

  Elizabeth's own visage darkened at this question before she responded. "No, sir. Charles' sister, Miss Bingley, was so kind as to offer to accompany me; however, when we arrived on Bond Street, it was necessary that she visit a few dress shops first. Our footman, James, escorted me here when I was not inclined to be delayed any longer."

  "I see. Although, I must say that I am surprised that you did not join her. I have never known my own sister to bow out of a visit to a dressmaker." He said with a smile.

  "Yes, well, I wonder if your sister would be as eager if she were being continually instructed by Miss Bingley on what was best for her 'unique looks'!" Elizabeth said with a slightly raised voice.

  Darcy was momentarily taken aback by her words but then had to school his features to not reveal his amusement. Just as quickly as her ire was shown, it deflated again.

  "Oh, Mr. Darcy, I do apologize. It was not right to speak so of Charles' sister. I seem to be doomed to embarrass myself in your presence each time we meet."

  Elizabeth said with a sigh. Although he knew acknowledging her slight of his friend's relative was improper, Darcy decided to have pity on her and relieve her mortification. "Fear not, Miss Bennet. Although we have o
nly recently met, I believe that we agree on a great many things. I, too, prefer a bookshop to a dressmaker."

  He said with a smile and then leaned in slightly and said in a low voice, "Also, I believe that my sister would share your preference for avoiding certain shopping companions."

  "Mr. Darcy! What a shocking thing to say!"

  Elizabeth replied with a smile and then leaned in and said, "I believe that I shall enjoy meeting your young, yet wise, sister."

  Darcy chuckled at this while Elizabeth appeared to relax a bit. "I believe you shall meet Georgiana tomorrow for tea if her invitation was accepted by your sister today."

  "That sounds lovely. I know that Jane is eager to make her acquaintance as well."