A Rational Man

A Pride and Prejudice Variation

Alas! Mr. Bingley broke his leg just as he was about to travel to Netherfield to sign the lease papers; but surely his good friend Mr. Darcy would be willing to journey to Netherfield to take care of these tiresome legalities. Would he not?
Reluctantly, Mr. Darcy agrees. Unfortunately, he is forced to travel without his trusted valet, Franklin, whose sick mother requires his presence in Derbyshire. Rather than accept a substitute valet, Mr. Darcy elects to travel alone and enjoy some rare moments of solitude.

A gentleman cannot get into fashionable clothing without assistance, so Mr. Darcy packs far simpler attire than is usual for a gentleman of his standing. As a result, Mr. Darcy is mistaken by Netherfield’s servants for Mr. Bingley’s man of business. Outraged, Mr. Darcy opens his mouth to explain who he really is, but then realises that this is a rare opportunity indeed, for as a simple man of business, he can spend some time in the country without being sought after by every female in the county.

Mr. Darcy enjoys his unexpected holiday in Meryton and his newly formed friendship with fellow bibliophile Mr. Bennet. He cannot remain on holiday for long, as Mr. Darcy has decided that this is the year he will wed one of the Season’s diamonds. A rational man, Mr. Darcy will choose a bride based on dowries and connections. No other merits are required, and affection is not a consideration; after all, children may be governed by emotion, but rational men have the ability to put such useless nonsense aside.

And then…Mr. Darcy meets Elizabeth Bennet. He is thrown into utter confusion; he is most powerfully attracted to her, but he knows full well that this is not rational. His entire lifetime has been a testament to his ability to remain rational, and he will not allow himself to succumb to this completely inappropriate attraction.

Poor confused Mr. Darcy! Will sensibility win out over sense? Can love triumph over such a deep commitment to reason? Read and find out!