The Gentlemen Are Detained

"Will Elizabeth welcome the renewal of our acquaintance or will she draw back from me?"

This Pride and Prejudice short story imagines what could happen if Mrs. Bennet kept Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy to supper after an evening party at Longbourn. Following the gentlemen's return to Hertfordshire after Lydia's marriage, both Elizabeth and Darcy wonder if they have reason to hope the other loves them.

Elizabeth is eager to hint to Darcy that her feelings for him have changed, but how can they have a private conversation at a crowded party? Will Darcy learn if Elizabeth can ever love him or will he return to London brokenhearted?

This is a 12,000 word short story