The spitting rain had left muddy trails down Darcy’s greatcoat as it mixed with the road dirt. Keeping to the right branch of the road as the gentleman had instructed, Darcy found himself riding up a path toward a stone cottage. “I think this is the cottage,” said Darcy.
“I do not see any other,” agreed Bingley.
[from Oxford Cottage]
Isn’t this painting fantastic? I saw it when doing an image search and just had to share it with you. There is a lot to like about this image, but do you know what I like most? It’s that little fellow turning to look at the artist capturing the moment in a painting. It just makes the image look so real and unstaged, doesn’t it?
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Over the course of the two and a half weeks that Darcy had stayed at Netherfield before departing to collect his sister, Bingley had insisted that they call on so many of the neighbours as was possible so that one and all could see that Darcy was not the cold and uncaring person Wickham had touted him to be. He had also insisted that Darcy be seen in Meryton twice with Elizabeth – once in a carriage and once while walking the streets and visiting the shops.
And then, there had been church, where, each Sunday, Darcy had sat with Bingley, but, immediately upon completion of the service, had sought out Miss Elizabeth. Bingley wished he could take credit for that action as it had set several tongues to wagging immediately, but he could not. That was entirely Darcy’s doing.
from Mr. Bingley Plans a Ball
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We ended the last chapter with the gentlemen drinking coffee, and we are going to start this week’s chapter when they have just finished their coffee. My youngest loves his coffee, and we have several gadgets and pots for filtering it. We even have one that is not so very different from the drawing above, although it sits on the rim of the cup. Therefore, I simply could not resist sharing this image with you today. Below is how chapter 5 begins.
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A half an hour later, Bingley and Darcy had finished their cups of coffee and discussion with Mr. Bennet. The man was quite knowledgeable on several topics. Bingley had done more listening to his friend and Mr. Bennet discuss books and the struggles that come with estate stewardship than he had talking. That had been an excellent thing since he was occupied trying to figure out a way to get rid of Wickham or to keep Darcy in the area if ridding it of Wickham was not a possibility.
“I wish you well in your quest, Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bennet said when Bingley stood and Darcy followed suit. “Elizabeth’s opinion is not always easily swayed.” He leaned to the side as he looked up from his place behind his desk at Bingley and Darcy. “You may have to prove to her that you are the opposite of what Mr. Wickham said.”
Darcy nodded slowly. “I know.”
“Especially, since her opinion of your sister is based on her opinion of you.”
“I am aware of that, as well.”
“You know…” Mr. Bennet suddenly found several papers on his desk that needed attention. “There is something you could do which might guarantee, at least, a small reversal of her displeasure.”
from Mr. Bingley Plans a Ball
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I have been listening to lots of instrumental Christmas music lately as I have been writing a couple of Christmas stories. I completed one of those stories this week. Christmas in Gracechurch Street should be published in the first half of December. But that is not the story I am highlighting today.
Today’s story excerpt is from A Very Mary Christmas, which is currently on sale until tomorrow, November 24, 2020. I have chosen to pair this story with this relaxing Christmas album, which has been on my listening while writing rotation, because I’m thinking Nicholas might have benefited from being able to play some soothing music after he ends up with unexpected and very troublesome holiday visitors. (And it is because of those somewhat unwelcome guests that I picked “Welcome Home for the Holiday.” 🙂 )
Continue reading Music Monday: Welcome Home for the Holiday (Howard Eddy)
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“What shall we do tonight?” he asked the chair across from him. “Mrs. Nichols knows about the ball…” He drummed his fingers on the arms of the chairs. “We could read.” His nose wrinkled at the thought. “No, I do not wish to read either,” he said as if agreeing with his non-existent companion. He was far too restless to read tonight.
from Mr. Bingley Plans a Ball
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