title: Darcy Vs Bingley
author: Thomas, Gianna
description: A Pride and Prejudice variation . . .
   What if Fitzwilliam Darcy didn’t shun Elizabeth Bennet at the Meryton Assembly? And what if he found that he was dealing with
  coup de foudre
  , love at first sight, of this delightful young woman?
   However, Caroline Bingley is determined to wed Darcy even if she has to compromise him. Will she succeed? And what kind of havoc will George Wickham create when he appears on the scene?
   Join our dear couple in a whirlwind Regency romance that will make you both laugh and sigh as they reach for their ‘happily ever after.’
   You will find that this Darcy is much lighter of heart than Jane Austen's. Why? Because he has fallen for the lady of his dreams and is in full, happy pursuit of her. His life has been sad since losing his parents and then nearly losing Georgiana to Wickham at Ramsgate. Elizabeth has given him the ability to smile and be happy again in spite of Caroline Bingley's machinations. Come and laugh and love with our dear couple in 'Darcy vs Bingley.'
  
  "A love-at-first-sight story for Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth brings new drama and comedy to our favorite Austen story!"
   ~ Elizabeth Ann West, author of To Capture Mr. Darcy...
  
  EXCERPT:
  
   Because the ground was still soft and a little muddy in spots, the men refrained from indulging in their usual race and concentrated on looking for damage to the one dam on the property and to ensure none of the ponds had overflowed their banks.
   All was well except for the dam, which had sustained a small amount of damage needing repair that would be reported to Bingley’s temporary steward. Up until now, the man had seemed very competent, and if Bingley decided to buy Netherfield, he would retain the man permanently. Bingley appreciated Darcy’s acumen in regard to estate management and his willingness to train his friend too. He would do well if he could become as knowledgeable also.
   “It’s been a good morning, and the property seems in fine shape. Let’s return and prepare for our visit to Longbourn.”
   “Darce, shall we race back?” Without waiting for an answer, Bingley urged Baron into a gallop that showered Darcy in mud. The gauntlet had been thrown.
   Achilles loved a good run and quickly caught up with Baron. Then Darcy returned the favor.
   After leaving the horses at the stable and apologizing to the groom for the condition of the horses and equipment, both men cleaned their boots before entering the house through the kitchen. The cook, the kitchen maid, and the scullery maid all stood speechless as Bingley and Darcy tried to sneak up to their bedchambers. The three had never seen gentlemen covered in mud to the extent that Bingley was picking it out of his teeth. The ground had proven muddier than expected.
   Hurrying toward the staircase, they were dismayed at the shriek behind them.
   “Charles…
  Mr. Darcy!
  ” Caroline Bingley was appalled at their appearance.
   Louisa just said, “Oh, my!”
   Hurst doubled over in laughter at the sight of the mud-spattered men: from head to toe. “I’m going to dub you two Mud Hens,” he said. And he howled with laughter.
   Nobody could tell that both men were blushing fiery red.
   And the footman was coughing up a storm.