Page 6 of Twice Chosen

"What year is it?"

Bingley stared.

Darcy gripped the bedpost. "What year is it, Bingley?"

After a long pause, Bingley answered.

Darcy sat down heavily.

Four days.

Four days before the Meryton assembly.

Bingley crouched in front of him. "Should I send for a physician?"

Darcy looked at his young friend. "Netherfield."

"What about it?"

"You have taken Netherfield Park."

Bingley brightened cautiously. "Yes."

"And we leave tomorrow."

"That was the plan."

Darcy covered his face with both hands.

Elizabeth. Longbourn. Twenty years old. Alive.

Bingley touched his shoulder. "Darcy, you are frightening me."

Darcy lowered his hands. "I am well."

"You just asked me what year it is."

"I require coffee."

Bingley stared. "You require a physician."

"Coffee first."

Darcy stood and started toward his dressing room, then stopped. "Bingley."

"Yes?"

Darcy looked back at him. "Do not allow me to insult anyone at the assembly. Particularly Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

There was a long silence.

Finally Bingley asked, "Who in God's name is Elizabeth Bennet?"

Darcy closed his eyes.

That was going to be difficult.

Across Hertfordshire, Elizabeth woke because Lydia was shouting.