Pride and Prejudice: Darcy Chooses - Part 2 of Two Parts: What Choices Will Darcy and Elizabeth Make?
Conclusion of Darcy Chooses – A Novel
Choices . . . Life is all about choices . . . Darcy and Elizabeth, as well as other members of their families, realize ‘choices’ is what it’s all about.
- What choices will they make?
- Will they be good ones or will they be poor ones – detrimental to all involved?
- Will the elopement of Lydia and Kitty bring ruin to their family?
- Will Darcy and Elizabeth choose a course that will be in accord with, or violate their values?
- How will their families react to the choices they make?
- And what about George Wickham’s comeuppance?
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Here is a brief excerpt::
Exhaustion had not yet taken over the three men by the time they got to Netherfield and Bingley had consulted with his housekeeper. After determining where the two guests would sleep, Bingley had assured her they were fine and that she should retire for the night. Bingley, Darcy, and the Colonel convened in his study, and each started in on a second brandy.
Darcy's cousin couldn't resist teasing him and Bingley about their ladies. "Gentlemen, did I witness that you both only kissed the hands—and not the luscious lips—of your lady loves? Were you afraid Bennet would peek out the window? And how can you ignore the luscious bodies of those beautiful women?" With that comment, Richard waggled his eyebrows at the two men.
Darcy scowled at him, Bingley blushed, and the Colonel just laughed. He was well aware that Darcy and his ladylove were both innocents, and Richard—who was not— could not keep quiet. Being in the military meant a looser life style and looser morals, and Richard was a sometime participant with some of the beautiful widows that populated London, and he wasn't going to leave Darcy alone.
"Richard, you know my stand on marriage and morals. I am well aware that you are not in agreement, but I have no intention of anticipating my vows, and if you keep pressing me on this point, I will call you out." When he said that, Darcy had fire in his eyes, and his cousin knew that for once he had crossed the line.
The Colonel's face was wiped clean of the grin that had appeared there as he knew Darcy was serious and meant business. Raising his hand, Richard apologized profusely and swore to never touch that subject again. And he was shocked at Bingley's reaction.
"Colonel Fitzwilliam, I am aware of Darcy's thoughts on this subject,
and we are in agreement. At Cambridge we discovered the morals of most of the students was deplorable and determined not to act in the same manner. It may not be the fashion to be chaste, but if I expect it of my bride, I should be willing to offer her the same. What we share should be for the two of us alone. I want no regrets ever for Jane or me, and, God willing, we will have many years to learn about and to love each other. I wouldn't trade that for the world."
"Well said, Bingley. And, yes, we are in total agreement. I want the same for Elizabeth and myself also."
Colonel Fitzwilliam squirmed in discomfort as he realized that he was in the minority here and was almost ashamed of his lifestyle. He was definitely ashamed that he was ragging Darcy about his and promptly apologized again. "Ah, Cuz, I am sorry for mentioning it. It must be my military life, a little too rough and ready. I'll be more respectful of you and Bingley…and your ladies. I will say that Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth are lovely young women and seem to be of fine character. You two are very fortunate, and I hope that both couples will be very happy."
"Because of your injury, Richard, I am forced to accept your apology. Otherwise, we would be going several rounds at Gentleman Jackson's."
"Darcy, do you mean you would consider beating me to a pulp?" The Colonel was chagrined because even without an injury, he could never whip his cousin in a fight. He was shocked at how serious Darcy was . .
