To Forget:Darcy's London Christmas: Pride and Prejudice continuation; Sweet Tea Short Story Read Free Page B

knew Miss Bingley. Conversing with a new acquaintance was always painful and difficult.
    Inside the dining room, he took his assigned seat. The room glittered with candles and crystal and mirrors. Holly, laurel and evergreen draped every available surface. Their fresh aromas blended with those from the heavily laden table.
    “Why must we have so many guests at Christmastide?” Young Darcy walked down Pemberley’s grand staircase holding Mother’s hand.
    “Because it is a season for generosity, hospitality, and frivolity and none of those things can be achieved by keeping ourselves in isolation. I know it is hard for you, but with practice these events will grow easier.”
    “But I practice my lessons, my fencing, my riding and shooting. Must I practice something else as well?”
    She chuckled, a special sound that seemed reserved for him alone. “You forgot dancing, you practice that, too. And yes, you must practice conversation and hospitality. They are essential for a gentleman.”
    “I am not sure I want to be a gentleman.”
    “I am afraid dear you have no choice.”
    “I hope you see some choice here that pleases you, Mr. Darcy. Charles let slip a few of your favorites. I made certain they would be near your seat.” Miss Bingley gestured toward the veal collops and roast cauliflower.
    “Ah ... yes ... thank you. It was very gracious of you to go to such lengths for me. May I serve you from those dishes?”
    “Thank you.”
    He placed dainty portions on her plate. If she were anything like his Mother, she would have eaten before her guests arrived so that she might focus on her role as hostess.
    Once he had served himself and the neighboring ladies, the difficult part of the evening began.
    He needed to say something, but what?
    That was one thing to be said of Elizabeth Bennet, she never forced on him the burden of starting a conversation. No, she took it upon herself to begin and offered such intriguing insights; it was easy to come in with his own. Never stilted or awkward, dialogue flowed so easily with her to facilitate. Her voice was a joy to listen to.
    ... and he still needed to say something.
    “Have you enjoyed your move back to London?”
    “I cannot tell you how much.” Miss Bingley took a tiny sip of wine. “I am not well formed for life in such limited society. The four and twenty families dined with by the Bennets did not suit my needs for companionship.”
    “I can imagine why.”
    A few of them might have appreciated Miss Bingley’s fine manners. All who attended had lauded the Netherfield ball. Still, as to establishing a genuine relationship, they had little in common.
    “I have been remiss in offering you my thanks. Your help was pivotal in convincing Charles of the expedience of leaving that place. It is best for all of us that he should be away from the machinations of that ... that Mrs. Bennet.”
    How could a woman like that have raised such a daughter as Elizabeth?
    Miss Jane Bennet was a decent enough female, proper and demure, but not one easily moved to affection. Charles would suffer with an unattached woman. That alone was reason enough to separate them. But Elizabeth, witty, vivacious and passionate, the family was almost worth tolerating for the privilege of her society.
    “Bingley does appear sanguine here.”
    “I am not so certain. He has been quite the brown study over the last fortnight. But it is for his own good, and we all bear it as well as we can.”
    “A brown study? That is difficult to imagine of him. He seems cheerful tonight.”
    “He is in a great company around him now and that always cheers him. I have events planned every day until Twelfth Night in hopes of keeping him encouraged.”
    “That is very good of you.”
    Was she correct? Charles melancholy? Could he truly be so affected?
    “You flatter me, Mr. Darcy. I do wish only the best for my dear brother. But, I still worry about the success of our plans.”
    “What cause have you for