From the Eye of Pride: Pride and Prejudice from the Perspective of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy

By Martin Joseph Richard

Are men proud and women prejudiced by nature, and is this why this book is such a fascinating, or perhaps simplified, caricature of these flaws? Is this why this novel resonates so much with people of our time?

Jane Austen's work, Pride and Prejudice was written on the crux of two eras, and one of the conflicts was romanticism vs realism. Yet, when it came to personal relationships, more liberal motivations were exercised by those of a higher state of society, so a character like Mr. Darcy seems to have more options (ie marrying for love) because of his financial advantages, where the Bennets are in an unstable situation and are perhaps seen as undesirable as the result of it. Mrs. Bennet is highly anxious about their situation and actively wants to use her eldest daughter Jane as a pawn to advance her own situation and Mr. Bingley is the ladder that takes her out of that pit.

Many take this novel to mean that love is the greatest asset towards a potential match, but it really addresses what it is entitled: a man's stubbornness and a woman's presumptions. When a man desires a woman, he is put into a crucible that causes him to question his rationality and approach, even his very soul at times, and so Mr. Darcy, having been upset by his becoming a social pariah at his time at Netherfield thanks to his mistakenly spoken statement about pursuing women slighted by other men, begins to internally conflict with his sense of reason, judgement, etc. In wanting to put this situation to bed and dismiss Miss Eliza Bennet, the more he does so, the more he awakens a part of himself long asleep.

This novel goes through his rationalization process, heavy at times when dealing with marriage and with his sister's crisis, but light at others, especially when dealing with his heavy handed aunt, Bingley's tampering sisters, and his more rebellious natured cousin, Col. Fitzwilliam. A heart like Mr. Darcy's is not easily touched - this novel explores how it was, how he had to deal with his own inabilities (his ungentlemanly conduct), his heavy handed aunt, his good friend Bingley being drunk on love, and his old rival, Mr. Wickham.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Martin Joseph Richard
• Release date: Jun 27, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005275211

Martin Joseph Richard

I started writing when I was 18... I've written many books and novels, but I've not really done much with them, so I'll be putting them up and anyone who wants to read them, great. Enjoy.

Book preview

Chapter 1

A truth becoming more evident is this: that a single woman must more be obliging to the situation she marries into than the man with whom she will inevitably marry.

It is exactly as Mr. Darcy fears, that his beloved younger sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy, will be bitten by this untruth and end up redefining her idea of marriage. The memory of the excellent matrimonial standards set by her generous and kind-hearted parents will subside in favour of an inferior idea of marriage that can never fully materialize, leaving two crestfallen sides wondering what might have been since they've chosen to be spellbound and blinded from a more favourable reality.

A recent crisis has openly admitted to him that he has not the favour he once enjoyed from a most beloved younger sister. Mr. Darcy is not subjected to any less internal guilt about his having abated that catastrophe, since Miss Darcy is still tormented by the shame that has most unfortunately realized in her. Had she been more ignorant, she might have been as happy and pert as a young woman of fifteen should be.

You needn't be troubled, writes Mr. Darcy, sitting at an apothecary from the Bingley habitat at Grosvenor Street, Although this occasion leaves you much to frown on, you might also consider the advantages of your perception, substantiating that sense of responsibility we all have to our familial name, knowing that your actions potentially put us all in peril. You and I are bound together in the name of Darcy; your success is mine, and your pain is mine. This yoke, this responsibility becomes lighter, this I promise you.

Mr. Darcy was ready to write more, but this was perhaps the slowest and most delicate letter he has ever had to write. A wound is often most grievous to infection when it is first inflicted, and though the crisis is over, he must respect the period of healing that must take place in both Miss Darcy and in himself.

He has even found his vision at times blurred from the moistening of his eyes during the course of writing this letter. He will not let it come to more than that, of course. If something is difficult, it only begs urgency to the subject rather than acting as its ward, and so it has always been Mr. Darcy's disposition to deal with matters before they morph into an uncontrollable and consuming malignance. This situation, delicate as it is, must be attended to before the smelter cools.

Mr. Darcy did not wish to be too easy on his sister because his good father was never easy on him. He also did not want to be too frank with her in the risk that his alienation might have driven Miss Darcy to think that a marriage to a most belligerent young man, whose name he dare not mention, might have been a reasonable plan.

Later that day, Mr. Darcy found himself in the company of Mr. Bingley, but he was rather pensive and it did not take long for Mr. Bingley to realize Mr. Darcy was out of spirits.

Come Mr. Darcy, you must finish that glass of wine and have another so that you may finally confess what has been troubling you these past few days! I can't be having you lurking as a guest of this house as a ghost! I have something important to tell you but you're about as white as freshly fallen snow! objected Mr. Bingley.

I assure you that if I had something difficult to confess, another glass of wine would only strengthen my resolve never to do so and only importune me to air out more complaints I have about women and men in general, Mr. Darcy replied frankly.

Mr. Bingley smiled in his usual open-jawed manner, though it was difficult for Mr. Darcy to observe whether he had been shocked by Mr. Darcy's slight confession or if he was merely shaping his countenance to coax a more favourable demeanour from Mr. Darcy.

Mr. Bingley's good humour and lively manner have more to do with Mr. Darcy's spirits than any glass of wine will have to offer. Such friendships have always attracted Mr. Darcy and his, as is oft described, sobering taciturn.

Mr. Darcy felt that it would require more time for him to admit to the injuries inflicted on Miss Darcy by a deceptive suitor after her good fortunes rather than her good favour.

But Mr. Bingley was not kept in ignorance of the matter entirely. He knew that a crisis had inflicted the family, yet simply did not know the particulars. Of Mr. Darcy's current acquaintances, only Mr. Darcy's cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, who also has guardianship over Miss Darcy, knows of those particulars for the time being.

I don't understand how it is you can write a letter to your sister who is here with you in town! Whatever troubles lie between you and her, surely you can express them in open discourse, can you not? Mr. Bingley asked.

Mr. Darcy has often had to explain his own thoughtful behaviour to Mr. Bingley, who approaches his matters more directly and expecting others to be as emotionally genuine as he is. Mr. Bingley has the wonderful talent of being able to impress upon others the need to be honest because he unintentionally expresses his own vulnerability in the process. What astounds Mr. Darcy about Mr. Bingley's countenance is that he is not taken advantage of more often. Mr. Darcy has long anticipated for someone to take advantage of Mr. Bingley's open countenance but has not yet had to come to his rescue. While Mr. Darcy has rescued Mr. Bingley from his own sisters numerous times, none of them have yet posed a formidable threat to Mr. Bingley's welfare.

A person's own presence can be a distraction, Mr. Bingley, answered Mr. Darcy, thinking about it some more. Mr. Bingley opened his mouth to reply, but Mr. Darcy anticipated his question and more fully answered, Supposing I had to enter a conversation with goals in mind, but I got lost along the way, and I leave the conversation without having some of those goals met, then I must needlessly repeat the conversation, delve once again into matters, which is an enduring and rigorous process entirely in and of itself, and keep those goals without distraction. A letter allows me to express every thought and feeling I needed to correspond and allows me the luxury of fashioning a thought to sound as eloquent and efficacious as possible.

Mr. Bingley looked at Mr. Darcy with grave pity, as though Mr. Darcy was a beaten and neglected dog. Five objections came to mind, and Mr. Bingley was troubled about which of those five objections to express first. Surely these effusions betray Mr. Darcy's abhorrence of conversation.

Mr. Bingley did not dare argue or challenge Mr. Darcy since an entire evening may waste away in doing so with both sides circled back to where they began. He knew better than to press matters. Mr. Darcy is too fastidious and obstinate a man to even allow the smallest of scruples to linger. Mr. Bingley would wake up tomorrow with a blinding headache and Mr. Darcy would act as though nothing at all happened.

Instead, Mr. Bingley said, Darcy, I insist that you come to Netherfield with me!

And leave my sister behind? Impossible, Mr. Darcy immediately answered.

I say, Mr. Darcy, you correspond to her by letter and so very little will have changed in the matter. She is under the care of your good cousin. You, however, must come shooting with me! It will do you good! Lift your spirits!

Why must the suffering of a person's spirits be a bad thing?

No, no, none of that philosophical nonsense, Mr. Darcy! I will not take no for an answer! Caroline and the Hursts are to accompany me, and so must you, Mr. Bingley said with a most charming smile.

Unfortunately, Mr. Bingley makes a strong case as to why Mr. Darcy should accompany him. His reasoning is, perhaps, accidental, but no less poignant. Mr. Darcy settles many of his important matters by letter, whether they be official or personal business. Mr. Bingley also requires Mr. Darcy's protection from his sisters as well as from the people Mr. Bingley will inevitably be exposed to out in the country.

I thought you were undecided on Netherfield. What has changed your mind? Mr. Darcy asked him.

Undecided? Hardly! You ask why and I ask why not! To be perfectly honest, I feel as though I have been thrown into a den of vipers here in town with the kind of acquaintances my sisters admire. You are one of few people I can openly trust, Mr. Darcy, and a trip to the country can give the both of us much needed relaxation.

But we could have simply gone to Pemberley, Mr. Darcy suggested.

You already know everyone in Derbyshire, but you know few people at Hertfordshire or Meryton.

Which makes Pemberley all the more attractive, indeed, Mr. Darcy expressed.

Mr. Bingley gave Mr. Darcy a look like he was not fooling his friend or saying no to this humble adventure.

Mr. Darcy added, Bingley, you can hardly think that I am in a state to give consequence to strangers.

You most certainly are not; they will think you proud and contemptuous if you stay as you are, but you are not going for them; you're going for me.

Finally, Mr. Darcy asked, What can you hope to find at Meryton that London or Derbyshire will not have to offer?

New acquaintances who do not constantly focus on town matters and who are not obsessed with the intricacies of society! You could stand to meet a few more people, Mr. Darcy! I already know you are inclined to go so all you have to say is yes and everything will be understood! Who knows, you might even meet a few pretty girls!

Mr. Darcy caught himself on the next complaint since Mr. Bingley's optimism is a force not to be trifled with. He had to express himself quite carefully on the matter of pretty girls.

You realize the prospects for either of us finding a suitable match are preposterous, especially me.

Especially you?! Mr. Bingley asked incredulously with a smile.

Yes, Mr. Darcy said, then stating as fact, I will only be pleased by a balanced character, a handsome woman of good sense, accomplished, and who must yet add another alluring element that I have not been previously exposed to. For you, I imagine all it will take is pleasant conversation and a pretty smile.

Mr. Darcy, although you might fancy yourself as fortified as a Scottish castle, you were perhaps assaulted and allured in all the wrong ways. Far be it from me to challenge your superior sense of philosophy, but I think you should at least consider that country girls are different and have charms unlike those of girls in town.

I must inform you that I am not entirely unfamiliar with country girls having been raised in the country, myself.

Please, Pemberley may be situated in the country, but its grounds are about all that is country about it. When you come to Netherfield, you are going to act open and willing like I am, attending parties and balls.

When… and so you have already decided upon it, then, and I have no say in the matter?

But you are going? Mr. Bingley asked most sincerely.

Mr. Darcy smiled, I see no further objection to it.

That's as good as a yes, Mr. Darcy! You won't regret this decision!

Although Mr. Darcy still withheld his mixed feelings about attending Netherfield, Mr. Bingley's spirits were akin to those of a dog about to be fed. Mr. Bingley spent the rest of the evening engaged in hypotheticals while Mr. Darcy spent the rest of the evening in anticipation of how people in the country will assail the two of them. He has resolved not to attend any balls, for few things give him littler pleasure than standing idly in crowded rooms, expected to mingle about subjects of trifling importance.

Chapter 2

Though nothing could ever sour Mr. Bingley's opinion of his sisters, since he offers them the benefit of the doubt at even the vilest of allegations, Mr. Darcy is highly aware that, like he and Mr. Bingley, they have come to Netherfield to shoot sport, as it were. Except their kind of sport are the unfortunate country bumpkin about to be exposed to their elaborate games of cat and mouse.

Mr. Darcy dares not speak his objections to their behaviour to either them or to Mr. Bingley. He has already made his feelings about them clear to Mr. Bingley and that was the end of it, but he does not possess the rhetorical weaponry to sway either of the Bingley sisters into more formidable amusements. They delight in being reminded of their sphere of society in any manner, abrasive or subtle. To suggest they are gaming would only cause them to be defiant in their resolve to game with the unwanted consequence of stifling their honesty around both Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy and shrouding the circle with unnecessary politics.

The very first evening spent at Netherfield had already been disturbed by a few visitors come to call on them in order to welcome them to the neighbourhood, and it is now too late for visitors—they hoped.

No one of interest or significance turned up, but Mr. Bingley was convivial nevertheless and Mr. Darcy expected no less. Although it had been speculated that their party had been larger, Mr. Bingley made all of the inquiries and did all of the work to introduce everyone and to entice conversation to synthesize the details. Mr. Darcy is never any less astonished at Mr. Bingley's ability to find interest in even the plainest of individuals, and so he admired it from afar. He always learns something new, and wonders if Mr. Bingley is even aware of his own talent.

They played cards, save for Mr. Darcy, who was reading. Although Mr. Darcy did not frequently play at cards, he enjoyed listening to the liveliness of others as it helped otherwise distract his thoughts from personal matters.

Miss Darcy was still feeling unwell when he left London but she assured him that she should feel better soon, and that she felt better than she did the previous weeks.

Mr. Bingley's partner at Whist this evening is Mr. Hurst, an indolent gentleman who finds joy in few activities. He fills the seat next to Mrs. Hurst and does not interrupt any of her affairs or interfere with anyone's matters. Insensitive and amusing characters are generally preyed upon by women too busy with their own affairs, and this is no less true in the case of the Hursts.

Louisa Hurst and Caroline Bingley had a more uncommon upbringing, hailing from the north of England and being educated at private seminaries in London. One was rarely found without the other as they were not only sisters but best of friends, sharing one another's sense of humour as they delight in the humility of others outside of their sphere, likewise expressing the worst of themselves through a keen eye. If three hearts were distributed to the Bingley children, Mr. Bingley might have taken two of them for himself and left the other two with each a half.

Mr. Hurst was busy instructing Mr. Bingley on how to play his hand while Miss Bingley asked Mr. Darcy which book he is reading. Mr. Darcy answered her.

Have you not already read that one? Miss Bingley asked.

Is there a rule that a man cannot take pleasure in reading books he's previously read? Mr. Darcy asked.

Not a rule, but I should think it intrinsic to human nature to desire to know new things rather than revisit old things. Surely, you are not yet in your forties, Mr. Darcy, that you should wish to relive memories?

Mr. Darcy took a little thought and care before answering, There are few books that give me pleasure or make me think upon reading them. Was there an intrinsic promise that I would enjoy every new book upon reading it, I'd read every book in England.

Mrs. Hurst said, Come, come, Mr. Darcy, if even one out of ten books shall inspire you, are the other nine not worth reading to find the one?

That all depends, Mr. Darcy started, drawing attention to him at all corners of the room, Had I the time to spare to read all the bad books to arrive to the good one, I would, but time is a finite resource we don't often use resourcefully.

Mr. Bingley argued, What does it matter what books the man reads? Leave him be! Certainly I should not live to do things I enjoy only once, to eat cake only once, to speak with a friend only once, to look at a pretty face only once! May he read the same book his entire life!

Mr. Hurst finally grumbled about the lack of attention towards the cards, which, from the sounds of it, he and Bingley were winning.

The next day, Mr. Bingley was called on in the afternoon by an agreeable man with cheerful eyes by the name of Sir William Lucas, who, after having shamelessly inquired about Bingley's fortune and boasted of his own elevated status in society, expressed an invitation to Mr. Bingley and his party to attend an assembly at Meryton. Mr. Darcy, Miss Bingley, and Mrs. Hurst were all formally introduced, though, again, allowing Mr. Bingley to freely exhibit his charming wit. Mr. Darcy thought this should be a wonderful opportunity for Mr. Bingley to experience the realities of living in the country.

I should warn you, you're all the talk in the village! Mr. Bingley this, Mr. Bingley that, I hope you're prepared to dance because I think many a young lady would find you most agreeable! said Sir William Lucas.

Mr. Bingley reddened and smiled in the guilt of being humbled, saying, That I shall! Be prepared to dance, of course; I love to dance! Are there any young ladies you should like to recommend?

Were that question not asked in good humour, it might not have been appropriate, but Mr. Bingley gets away with more than your usual man. Had Mr. Darcy asked such a question, his reputation would have been tarnished a full month, perhaps even a full season.

Miss Bingley leaned forward and joined in, asking, And any you would not recommend?

Of course, I must recommend my daughters, and I have nothing but kind things to say of the two elder Bennet sisters who are delightful and charming young women! Plenty of pretty young women will make themselves known to you, I'm sure, but few will be so formidable as the two of them!

Mr. Bingley's interest was roused, The two eldest Miss Bennets you say? Mr. Bingley looked at Mr. Darcy, but Mr. Darcy doesn't know why. I say, time shall pass much slower between now and the assembly! I am most obliged for the invitation, Sir Lucas, and I and my party will most willingly attend!

When Sir William Lucas had gone away, the rest of the party, particularly the men, did not relish the idea of Mr. Bingley accepting the invitation for them.

Mr. Bingley would not hear of it and would not accept no for an answer. What shall they say if I show up with only my two sisters? They'll think you both gypsies and we shall not have anyone thinking that. You've come all this way to Netherfield, why not come a little farther? Your absence will make them feel like they are of no consequence, therefore you are not at liberty to refuse this invitation!

Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley were both eager to go, of course, if to learn who their future victims will be. Mr. Darcy knew that the effort it would take to refuse Mr. Bingley would be greater than the effort to attend the assembly, therefore he obliged Mr. Bingley.

Not a half hour later, another gentleman came to call on them, a Mr. Bennet.

We are much obliged to you, said Mr. Bingley after introductions were through, For taking the time to call upon us and welcome us to Hertfordshire.

Don't be too obliged, Mr. Bingley, I might not have come all this way if my ears were not threatened to be savaged by the shrill shrieks of my nervous wife! he quipped. Mr. Bingley, Mr. Hurst, and Mr. Bennet shared a laugh, though Mr. Hurst's laugh was abruptly finished by the cold glance of Mrs. Hurst.

Miss Bingley said, We heard talk of your daughters, Mr. Bennet!

Oh, yes, yes, I should be obliged to tell you that I have five girls, all out, and so you can marry one of them, any one you like, and find willing young men for the three others, if you can find such men to put up with their silliness! My second daughter I should like to keep to myself though, so if you don't mind, stay away from that one, would you?

Mr. Bingley smiled and continued to banter with this gentleman for ten or fifteen minutes before his departure.

They were indoors now in the evening, Mr. Hurst dozing off while the others were attentive. Mr. Bingley had been delighted by his visitors today, thinking that there is an element to him that people in the country understand that people in town struggle so much with. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst could not identify that element, but Mr. Darcy suspected that it had something to do with their bravado combined with their impropriety that make them so agreeable to one another, but so disagreeable to town societies. Perhaps Mr. Bingley possesses the spirit of a man who delights in country living.

Miss Bingley said at last, Surely, with so little going on, we should have expected to be the talk of the village.

Mr. Bingley said, If I have a new neighbour, I should be delighted to call on them and make their acquaintance as well! Does it not make you feel welcome? What have you to say on this Mr. Darcy?

They make you feel welcome, indeed, Mr. Bingley. But have you not noticed, Mr. Bingley, that a lot of these men have single daughters?

This assembly shall be akin to attending an auction, to be sure, Miss Bingley said, she and Mrs. Hurst sharing a smile.

Mrs. Hurst said something to Miss Bingley in inaudible tones and they shared a laugh. Mr. Darcy can only determine the level of cruelty of what was said through the level of laughter that was drawn between the two of them.

Sadly, it was not one opinion that prevailed, but both, for Mr. Bingley's opinion of country people saw improvement due to their happy manners while Mr. Darcy's suspicions about them were confirmed due to their impropriety. Sir William Lucas may as well have been a trader pawning off the daughters of Hertfordshire while Mr. Bennet, though only mentioning his daughters in passing, maintained very little honour in doing so, though he seems to hold his second daughter in higher regard than the rest.

Miss Bingley was the first to mention the Miss Bennets, So, what shall we think of the Miss Bennets? How greatly exaggerated will the claims on them be?

Mr. Bingley answered, I am sure not even a little bit! They are sure to be as charming as described!

Mr. Darcy made it clear, Miss Bingley wonders at what kind of women merit reverence around here, Bingley. Though perhaps the merit is justly given, it is not likely to be so. I should not attend this assembly with high hopes, for country beauties might be found attractive here, but average in town.

And likewise! Mr. Bingley said, What the people of town think handsome the people of Meryton should find average! Let's not talk of getting our hopes too high, for I say that our hopes cannot possibly be high enough. I am eager to meet these two Bennets.

Surely no one from here would compare to someone like Mr. Darcy's younger sister, even, Miss Bingley said, She's already more accomplished at fifteen than I imagine even the most accomplished women are at Meryton.

Even Mr. Darcy knows that this cannot be the case. Nevertheless, the temptations at Meryton will likely be faint at best: no one of consequence and none to be given more than five minutes of thought.

Chapter 3

The very next day, Mr. Bingley came up with a most unfortunate plan involving Mr. Darcy. They were to ride to Meryton on horseback in order to get to know the layout of the neighbourhood. Were Mr. Darcy not obliged to speak when spoken to, he should not have minded it, but as it were, Mr. Bingley would not tolerate any diffident behaviour and would never let him hear the end of it.

Mr. Darcy confessed to Mr. Bingley about enjoying the fine air while they were on horseback, that something about this country struck him odd, whether it was the smell or a subtle instinct playing out, he did not know. Although he frequents riding and he and Mr. Bingley have gone out shooting, he is feeling better about Georgiana's situation as well as his own.

Along the way, Mr. Bingley asked him, Tell me, Mr. Darcy, do you suppose we'll find out more about the Bennets from Meryton? Perhaps we'll even run into one of them and not even know it.

Mr. Bingley is yet to be three and twenty, so he is not yet past the age which carries with it the complete adoration for chasing girls, a spell that blinds many young men from more worthwhile endeavours. When Mr. Darcy was closer to Mr. Bingley's current age, his adoration did not last long since he was dissuaded by the behaviour of a close childhood friend who had a similar disposition Mr. Bingley exercises at this moment. Using this contrast, Mr. Darcy could see that his friend had become prodigal and he has since sworn to himself never to be so easily distracted as this childhood friend had been at the time.

I don't know why you think about a woman you've never met. For all you know, she could have a long nose and a protruding chin, and utter rhymes without reason, Mr. Darcy quipped.

Do you mean to tell me that she might know the future? Very well, then, if she will not delight my wanting eyes, she can tell me who will! In which case, I am no less excited to meet her! bellowed Mr. Bingley.

Mr. Darcy smiled.

Mr. Bingley continued, You know what the fine air you smell is, do you not?

Mr. Darcy waited in silent expectation to hear the fiction.

Why it's love of course! You're as excited as I am to meet these girls! Admit it, Mr. Darcy!

I am afraid nothing should get by you, Mr. Bingley. She'll be an almost accomplished woman; I say almost accomplished because she desires to read but never came around to doing it. She'll be an almost handsome woman; I say almost handsome because the great spot on her forehead leaves me utterly divided. She'll be an almost charming woman; I say almost, because she'll have everyone else fooled by her wit except for me. And when I do meet this young woman, whatever her name might be, I shall fall in love with her over time, completely and utterly, for lack of meeting superior women while out here in the country and forgetting the existence of superior women, women without blemish, women with both charm and wit, women who are, indeed, accomplished.

So you have indeed given this a lot of thought! At least you're thinking about it, and that's a promising start, commented Mr. Bingley without any semblance of affliction or hopelessness in his voice.

Mr. Darcy waited a moment and told him, Not at all. That was off the top of my head.

Well then you have the gift of making your whims and effusions sound rehearsed, Mr. Darcy, because that speech had me moved! Truly, it touched me, deeply! Like a fine verse.

Don't get me started on poetry, mumbled Mr. Darcy.

The warm country air has not yet melted your frozen heart… give it time. At least you take pleasure in the aroma! At least I have that to dote on, said Mr. Bingley.

While in Meryton, both Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy enjoyed anonymity for the time being, since they are only recognized by the few neighbours who have previously waited on them at Netherfield. Mr. Darcy, however, did not so much enjoy the anonymity because the people around Meryton quickly inquire after strangers they do not recognize without even needing to be formally introduced, an irksome habit allowing Mr. Darcy to more fully appreciate the protocol he's grown accustomed to.

This, however, seems to be having the opposite effect on Mr. Bingley. When he's approached in such an insolent matter, he is all smiles and happiness as any inviting young man ever was.

And what is the name of your nieces Mrs. Long? Mr. Bingley asked one woman while he and Mr. Darcy were idle on the street.

When she answered, Mr. Bingley told her, Well then I should be delighted to make their acquaintance come the assembly, which my party will be so graciously attending.

Mr. Bingley's made so many promises in the last hour that Mr. Darcy wonders how he should keep all of them, but no doubt, he will, and if he should not, he'll surely have something to say of it and those he temporarily vexed shall be vexed no further at one look of his smile. It should not be any wonder as to why Mr. Bingley gets on so well here; strangers will believe anything he has to say. If he should say that he has met the king, the people would go on to asking details about the king's character, never doubting the event actually took place. They are quite fortunate that Mr. Bingley is as honest as he is happy.

When Mrs. Long went away, Mr. Bingley turned to Mr. Darcy, asking, Did you have absolutely nothing to ask of Mrs. Long? All our conversation, it slipped my mind to inquire about some of the young ladies I've heard so much about.

Without a formal introduction? Mr. Darcy asked.

How hard is it for you to wait for me to say 'Mrs. Long, Mr. Darcy' if you should meet her eyes but a moment? (Avoiding their stares, you seem to make a game of it), Mr. Bingley asked with gallantry.

And when I am formally introduced, I shall proceed to inquire about everyone else's daughters like a common scoundrel, for surely they shall know the one thing occupies my mind, Mr. Darcy dryly said.

Mr. Bingley laughed and said, Yes, perhaps, if you put it that way, but there's an art to asking an inappropriate question so that it sounds completely appropriate and innocent.

I've seen your wiles at work, Mr. Bingley, and you know I do not possess your talents to execute such strategies.

There was no more disputing the point. Mr. Bingley troubled himself with a few more inquiries from some of the soldiers in town and then the two of them made their way back to Netherfield. It was an altogether industrious venture for Mr. Bingley; at any rate, he shall easily encounter the best young lady this town has to offer and soon.

Upon returning, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst wondered what they should be wearing for the assembly. While Mr. Bingley obliged them, Mr. Darcy retreated to seclusion, despite Miss Bingley's entreaties, needing to rest his mind and respond to his letters of business.

Chapter 4

A letter had come for Mr. Darcy from his younger sister the following morning. It came as a pleasant surprise to him as he begun to grow concerned about his departure. He sat at the apothecary and read it before breakfast.

'Dear Fitzwilliam,

I find myself writing to you once more as I do not know what to do or how to think. My errors haunted me one more as I woke up from an unpleasant dream that I was hated by all, and I sought sanctuary in you, but it was you who hated me above all.

I know that you have expressed your forgiveness for how I have wronged you and our family name, but the feeling still eludes me. You may have forgiven me, but I do not yet feel any resolution to this constant guilt and I do not know why. Please don't suppose that I am asking for more forgiveness, brother, because I know – a part of me at least – that you are most sincere in everything you should have to say. Your words are delivered on the momentum of that powerful sense of judgement and security that dwells within, something I so long for but am desperately unable to achieve.

Do not mistake this letter for a request of any sort, but perhaps simply a river in flow. I cannot tell you how grateful I am to be given everything that I have been given, but simply have not yet rooted out the immense guilt I feel for not deserving this kind of love and attention. I am in a constant struggle to find even the smallest light of contentment, whether I am playing at the pianoforte or speaking with my cousin, who never turns me away.

I want nothing more than to erase it and start anew. It stains me forever. It compels me to think of all of the future gentlemen who will think ill of me. I can barely stand to look anyone else in the eyes these days because of my shame. I know that my mistake was not so severe, but my surname has brought me such honour that I am fully aware more was expected of me.

It is for this reason I have eaten less in the last few days. You and my cousin have implored that I should eat and that I should go walking to maintain my good health, but it is far more difficult on some days than others. I want to, and I want to want it with all of my heart, but at times my heart fails me and I wish to become invisible and to become no one, a most clandestine desire of mine that has not yet passed into more favourable feelings. I am afraid of what that desire shall become, Fitzwilliam. I am afraid of the woman I will desire to become. My stubborn heart is so difficult to conquer.'

—after reading this paragraph in particular, Mr. Darcy bit his knuckle and paused to think it over. She has hit a most trying age, especially almost falling victim to a most malevolent scheme. She was not ready to face the perils she has, and she is in continuous torment. Mr. Darcy knows that he, likewise, has a stubborn heart, and that it must be an element that dwells in their blood.

Mr. Darcy continued to read the letter once his thought was finished.

'You mustn't feel at all obliged to me or to come and see me, for I know letters like this vex you, and perhaps, make you feel hopeless. This is the last thing I want for you to do. I promise to fight until the end, brother. I will continue to write to you because I feel it is necessary, but please, you must not take any coarse action that should interrupt your life, or my burdening guilt should only be added to. I need to leave a sense of optimism with you; I need you to find happiness in Netherfield. Your happiness will also be mine, and I will only be all the more restless if I know that I am causing you any unnecessary pain.

Be sure, brother, that some days are better than others, and today I feel the heaviest of sorrows, but perhaps tomorrow I shall feel a great sense of relief before the next wave of sorrows shall strike me. I do not understand what I am feeling, so I will read a book or study a piece of music that I am learning and try to understand others with thoughts and feelings that measure so far beyond the limits of my own imagination, and it can make me feel better at times. At least it relieves me from this hateful guilt for a while.

I hope that things are going well in Netherfield, brother. I know you have your reservations about others and your censures echo resoundingly in your mind, but my cousin thinks you should open your good heart more and I am inclined to agree with him. Give Mr. Bingley and his sisters my regards.

YOURS, GEORGIANA~'

Mr. Darcy sat pensively for nearly a quarter of an hour to ponder over the feelings expressed in the letter. She is far too young to even understand these things, and yet her emotional progress is remarkable, prodigious even. She is his best kept secret and so are most of her troubles. He does not let anyone else near her letters to him, even though she artfully avoids the details of her troubles and merely accounts for her feelings; he fears that they will see her in a way that she will not merit.

Mr. Darcy knows in his heart her true value, and though she has erred, she has made fine progress in many of her endeavours since. She does not have the comfort in knowing that she is well ahead of many young women of her age in terms of accomplishment and maturity, or so Mr. Darcy doesn't think, but she always knew more than she let on. She has grown to resist

Reviews for From the Eye of Pride

[Sandra Elder · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Not as entertaining as some other variations. Quite ‘wordy’ without content.