Free What Would Mr. Darcy Do? by Abigail Reynolds

Jane, how do you and Bingley survive this longing and look so happy all the time? This is agony!”
    Jane smiled gently. “The agony was all in the waiting and wondering for me. Perhaps, once you and Darcy have settled this between yourselves, it will be easier.”
    “And have you nothing to say of my behavior?”
    “I am… surprised, but I do recognize that Darcy is a man who is violently in love, and I would imagine that he could be quite persuasive.”
    “Jane, you are too good for the rest of us!”
    The comfort that Jane was able to offer allowed Elizabeth to face the rest of the day with tolerable composure, though her thoughts were continually at Netherfield, and sleep did not come easily that night.
    ***
    Elizabeth awoke the next morning to the same thoughts and meditations which had at length closed her eyes. It was impossible to think of anything else but Darcy, and, after some period of being totally indisposed to employment, decided to start embroidering a new handkerchief with a pattern of intertwining forget-me-nots and sweet williams.
    It was a relief when at last the gentlemen arrived. Bingley proposed their all walking out; it was agreed to, but Mary could not spare the time, and Kitty owned she was not much for walking. This plan being of eminent satisfaction to the four remaining walkers, they set out immediately.
    Bingley and Jane soon tactfully lagged behind somewhat, allowing Elizabeth and Darcy to entertain each other. Elizabeth, with a sly glance at Darcy, informed him Jane was prepared to provide chaperonage for them, which engaged more laughter from him than she anticipated.
    “You did not hear Bingley’s original plan for the day,” he said with great amusement. “He suggested—being tolerably well acquainted with how things stand for me—that we invite you and Jane to dine at Netherfield today, with the intent you and I could chaperone them, but in fact allow some small degree of privacy.”
    “Pray, how did you respond to this proposition, sir?”
    “It is perhaps wisest for that to remain between Bingley and me,” he replied, then, in response to a stern look from his companion, added, “But if you must know, I told him that I thought his plan to be ill-advised, in that it might lead to me reaching the altar before he did.”
    “Mr. Darcy!”
    “So it is my expectation that Bingley will be keeping a close eye on us as well. I do seem to need all the help I can get in that regard,” he said, continuing the banter. “But I hope your information did not give your sister an overly poor impression of me.”
    “Jane is constitutionally unable to think ill of anyone, and since you, sir, have already demonstrated your fine sensibilities in your choice of both Bingley and myself as favored companions, your place in her esteem is, I believe, quite secure.”
    “Well, if that is the case, perhaps I can afford to take a few risks.” He turned and called back to his friend, “Bingley—the view behind us is most pleasant. You must show it to Miss Bennet.”
    As Elizabeth turned as well to see what he was pointing out, Darcy took advantage of the distraction of the other couple to steal a light but lingering kiss. “I never said Bingley would be a particularly good chaperone,” he said with some satisfaction. “He has too much sympathy with my position.”
    “I hope you are aware that Jane does not,” she replied, and, noting the continued inattention from their companions, very daringly reached up and brushed her lips against his.
    His eyes darkened in response. “You are fortunate, Miss Bennet, in that I am sure our fine chaperones would intervene if I were to make the response I would wish to that.”
    Elizabeth laughed, and allowed her hand to slip lightly into his as they walked on. A few moments later, Jane called in a disapproving voice, “Elizabeth!”
    Reluctantly, Darcy released her hand, saying, “I see you were correct, and she indeed has no sympathy