Six Inches Deep in Mud

Bonus

Tea with Mr Darcy – and a short session of Q and A with the Master of Pemberley

If the opportunity arose, would you take the chance to have tea in a quiet spot in Pemberley’s gardens in the company of its master, Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, a man of considerable fortune and intellect, known for his reserved demeanour yet profound sense of honour, who would also agree to answer your questions?

I know I would! And…did!

Here is the result! Enjoy!

* * * * *

“ Thank you for agreeing to see me, Mr Darcy. I am in awe of your wonderful estate almost as much as I am in awe of you, but I am not to be deterred! I have a mission, and as a man of duty yourself, I am persuaded you understand I have a duty too. I owe it to my readers to ask: Who are you, Mr Darcy?”

“I am Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley. I am a man shaped by my upbringing and my circumstances—a gentleman by birth yet striving for virtue through self-reflection and growth.”

“We know. Indeed, we have been witnesses to your meeting and subsequent history with Miss Elizabeth Bennet. But…have you been in love before, Mr Darcy?”

“I cannot claim to have experienced true love prior to my acquaintance with Miss Bennet. My heart was untouched until I met her.”

“What do you love most about Elizabeth Bennet?”

“What I love most about her is her remarkable intelligence that challenges me at every turn. Her unwavering integrity that inspires me. Her authenticity that allows me to see the world from a different perspective. And the profound emotional connection we share that has transformed my understanding of love itself.”

“It may bring back unpleasant memories, but, Mr Darcy, how did the idea of writing Miss Elizabeth a letter after she rejected your first proposal come to you?”

“It was all Miss Austen’s fault! You see…I was pacing my room at Rosings that evening and…”

Jane Austen : (with a teasing lilt) “Ah, Mr Darcy! I see you have mastered the art of making a grand entrance into despair. Was that how you planned to win Miss Bennet’s heart? By displaying your talent for melodrama?”

Mr Darcy: (sighing) “I assure you, Miss Austen, my intentions were far from theatrical. I merely wished to express my feelings with sincerity.”

Jane Austen : “Sincerity is indeed commendable, but perhaps a touch more tact would have served you better? A proposal delivered with less, shall we say, ‘pride’ might have yielded different results.”

Mr Darcy : (raising an eyebrow) “And what would you suggest? A sonnet? Perhaps a serenade under her window?”

Jane Austen : (laughing lightly) “Now that would be quite the spectacle! But no, I think a simple acknowledgment of her worth and your admiration—without the added weight of social standing—might have sufficed.”

Mr Darcy : “You speak as if it were so easy! How does one convey deep affection without revealing one’s vulnerabilities?”

Jane Austen : “Ah, therein lies the rub! Vulnerability is often perceived as a weakness by those who do not understand its strength. You must learn that love is not merely about declarations; it is also about understanding and respect.”

Mr Darcy : (nodding thoughtfully) “Perhaps I misjudged her character as much as my own approach. It seems I am not only at odds with society but also with my own heart.”

Jane Austen : “Indeed! And while you ponder your next move, remember: even the proudest hearts can learn humility through love’s trials.”

Mr Darcy : (smirking slightly) “So you are suggesting I take lessons from my own story? How delightfully unconventional!”

Jane Austen : “Precisely! After all, every good tale requires its moments of folly before reaching a resolution. Consider this your character development arc.”

Mr Darcy : (chuckling softly) “Very well then, Miss Austen. If I must endure this trial for the sake of growth, let us hope it leads me back to Miss Bennet’s good graces sooner rather than later.”

Jane Austen : You can count on me!

“Hahaha… I understand now, Mr Darcy! It seems that you have a sense of humour after all!”

“I have to keep up with my Elizabeth.”

“I can see that. Next thing you know, you may even make a joke…”

(Mr Darcy is sipping his tea, thinking. A mischievous expression makes him look younger.)

“You know my old friend Bingley’s sister? Miss Caroline Bingley? She could not bear to be without her morning tea. I suppose one could say she had quite the steeped interest!”

“Speaking of relatives. You are now several months married, and the delightful Miss Bennet is now Mrs Darcy. Miss Austen kept her promise and helped, but how did you propose the second time?”

"You cannot really expect me to reveal this? (He is smiling.) Suffice to say, she considered it tolerable enough to tempt her… But the details were for Elizabeth’s ears only."

“I am certain you made quite the impression, Mr Darcy. For a man of few words… But where is Mrs Darcy?”

“She is supervising the preparations for her mother’s visit.”

“Mrs Bennet? She will come to Pemberley? So soon? How do you feel about that?”

“While I must admit that I have concerns regarding how her mother’s presence may influence our household and even our standing within society, my feelings for my wife outweigh those considerations significantly. Her happiness is paramount to me; if having her mother close brings her joy or peace of mind, then I shall endeavour to accept this arrangement unreservedly.”

“I suppose this ‘arrangement’ will not disturb your time spent together, alone, in each other’s company.”

“I would not find the right words to express the profound joy and contentment that her presence brings to my life. Our life is one of a deep emotional bond that has transformed my understanding of love and companionship. We shall continue to spend our evenings in the cherished ways we have done until now.”

“And how do you spend your evenings now, Mr Darcy, if you would allow me to enquire?”

“Intimate conversations with Elizabeth, engaging in discussions about our thoughts, dreams, and aspirations. I find great pleasure in her wit and intelligence; thus, our dialogues range from light-hearted banter to more serious topics concerning society, literature, and our future together.”

“Miss Bennet once refused to engage in discussing books with you.”

“You must allow me to repeat myself: I suppose I managed to tempt her to find this activity tolerable enough. (He smiles.) Elizabeth’s love for reading leads us to select books that we both enjoy, allowing us to read aloud to one another or discuss the themes and characters within those works.”

"Is Mrs Darcy as pleased as Miss Bennet once was with the park at Pemberley?”

“I have always found solace in nature, and I believe that the evening walks with Elizabeth are a delightful way to unwind after the day’s activities. Strolling through the gardens or along the countryside paths near Pemberley provide us with an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company whilst appreciating the beauty of our surroundings. Lastly, amidst all other social activities and gatherings, there will be quiet moments where we can simply enjoy each other’s presence—perhaps sitting by the fire with tea or sharing stories from our pasts that reveal more about ourselves than words alone can convey.”

“I am certain you will do your utmost to make everything you said true, Mr Darcy. I thank you for your candid answers! One last question though, because you mentioned books.”

“Yes?”

“What think you of Mrs Michelle d’Arcy’s books?”

“While I hold great respect for Miss Austen’s original narrative—her keen observations on society and human behaviour resonate deeply with me—I find myself intrigued by the various interpretations presented by Michelle d’Arcy. Each variation offers a fresh perspective through which one may examine the complexities of love and personal introspection and evolution.

I appreciate the creativity involved in reimagining characters who are so dear to me, to us; it allows for exploration beyond the confines of their initial portrayals. However, I would hope that any adaptation remains true to the essence of what makes ‘Pride and Prejudice’ enduring—the interplay between pride, prejudice, self-awareness, and ultimately, redemption through love.

In particular, I am curious about how these variations address my own journey towards understanding my feelings for Elizabeth—whether they enhance or detract from the sincerity of my transformation.”

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