Category: Wordless Wednesday

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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 MAILING LIST    PATREON

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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 MAILING LIST    PATREON

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“That is the plan. If all goes well, I shall host a Yuletide ball to celebrate my betrothal to Miss Bennet. Darcy will, of course, attend, and he and his sister will join me for Christmas. And then, well, then, I suppose, we shall see what can be done about improving Miss Elizabeth’s opinion of my friend.”

“Well, then.” Mr. Bennet stood and straightened his jacket. “I feel a need to visit my friend Sir William and share some gossip concerning a particular officer.” He lifted a hand to forestall Bingley’s comments. “I shall not reveal my source, nor will I mention the attempted seduction.”

“I had not thought you would, sir. I was only going to agree that indeed, a little gossip might be our solution.”

Mr. Bennet chuckled. “Do not let the parson hear you say so.”

[From Mr. Bingley Plans a Ball, a Teatime Tales novelette]

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 MAILING LIST    PATREON