Beginning , Section II, Next Section
Posted on Saturday, 26 April 2003
As agreed, Charlotte made the introductions and Lady Catherine dove into an inquisition. It took her barely two minutes to confirm Elizabeth was an only child ("As is the case in all the best families") and that her father's estate was entailed on male heirs, in this case Mr. Collins.
"Now, Miss Bennet, when I said that all the best families have only a single child, usually this is not done in conjunction with an entail. In these modern times, there is no need for an entail on male heirs. As good as this is for you, Mr. Collins, but, I see no reason a daughter should not inherit as Miss De Bourgh will. With her husband, she will preside over two great estates..." Elizabeth smiled, gave some opinions and resisted the urge to share many more.
Elizabeth did voice enough opinions and views to leave Lady Catherine speechless on a few occasions and have Mr. Collins apologising for her. Elizabeth was not happy to have her cousin apologise for her, but she was happy to leave when the visit ended.
For two weeks, the visit to Hunsford progressed well. Elizabeth walked out often, drank tea, or dined at Rosings on a number of occasions and fare welled Sir William after the first week of the visit.
It was at tea two weeks after her arrival that Elizabeth, the Collins', and Maria, learnt of the guests expected at Rosings.
"Mrs. Collins," Lady Catherine addressed Charlotte. "I will not be requiring your company at luncheon next Wednesday as is our usual pattern. My nephews are to arrive that very day and I am sure Miss de Bourgh will be much occupied with Mr. Darcy."
"As you wish, Lady Catherine, thank you for your forethought. I believe Miss Bennet, Maria and myself will be able to occupy our time."
"Yes, Lady Catherine, thank you so much for your kind attentions. Did you say Mr. Darcy? Of Derbyshire?" Mr. Collins drawled only to be interrupted by Lady Catherine.
"Indeed. Mr. Darcy of Pemberley, Derbyshire, is my late sister's son. Do you know of him?"
Elizabeth decided that she would answer, preventing Mr. Collins doing so. "Yes, Lady Catherine, Mr. Darcy resided in the neighbourhood of Meryton during the Spring. He was guesting with his friend, Mr. Bingley, at Netherfield, not five miles from my father's estate."
"Oh, so you have made his acquaintance then. I am certain you must all feel quite privileged to have associated so far above your own station." At this point, the carriage was called and the residents of the parsonage sent on their way.
The first Mrs. Collins knew of the arrival of the nephews at Rosings was thanks to an exhausted, puffing, sweaty Mr. Collins. Elizabeth, Charlotte and Maria were enjoying a pleasant stroll while Mr. Collins paid his daily visit to Rosings, when he burst into the garden, through a shrub wall.
"My Dear! Maria! Miss Bennet, I have news. Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam have arrived and are to call at my humble home."
"When Mr. Collins?" his wife asked rather anxiously.
"They are on their way, now. Make haste." The ladies followed Mr. Collins, albeit a little slower than Mr. Collins, into the house. Mr. Collins had settled the ladies into that 'we have been sitting like this all day, what a surprise to see you' pose when the gentlemen were shown in.
Mr. Darcy greeted the ladies, introduced his cousin then sat on a chair a little removed from the rest of the party so he could torture himself by watching the lady he could not allow himself to have as she spoke animatedly with Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Mr. Collins flitted about the room in his attempt to be of service to both gentlemen, while he actually spent at great deal of time in Mr. Darcy's line of sight.
Maria was too scared to speak to such illustrious personages and sat silently next to her sister.
Although Elizabeth had noticed Mr. Darcy move and sit away, she did not take any further notice of his actions as Colonel Fitzwilliam was entertaining her with stories of the season in London.
Charlotte did notice Mr. Darcy's behaviour. The way he studied her friend confirmed all of Charlotte's suspicions about Mr. Darcy's interest in Elizabeth. Charlotte decided to watch them more closely whenever they were in company together.
For the next week, no invitations to Rosings were issued to those at the parsonage. Mr. Collins continued to pay his daily visits to his patroness, and bring news from Lady Catherine. Often, while Mr. Collins was at Rosings, Colonel Fitzwilliam would call at the parsonage. Sometimes he would be alone, sometimes Mr. Darcy accompanied his cousin.
After two such visits, Elizabeth noticed that the colonel's visits were often timed so that he arrived a few minutes after Mr. Collins left and the visit finished before Mr. Collins returned. If either of the other ladies noticed this pattern, they did not comment.
On every visit, Colonel Fitzwilliam was open, pleasant and friendly; he talked and laughed with the ladies. He especially enjoyed talking with Elizabeth.
"Miss Bennet," Colonel Fitzwilliam told his cousin on their way back to Rosings after a visit to the parsonage, "is quite an intelligent young lady. So quick of wit and pretty."
"You have quite the interest in her," Darcy nearly growled.
"If by interest, Cousin, you mean that I admire her and value any friendship we may build, then yes, I believe I do have an interest in her."
"So you have no intentions toward her?" Darcy asked, less of a growl than earlier but still what you would expect from a brother, father, or otherwise interested party. Darcy was not sure why he questioned his cousin in this way; perhaps it is because he did not wish to see her married to any other man, especially one that would force him into company with her.
"Darcy, what is this about?" A look from Darcy encouraged his cousin to smirk as he continued. "No, sir, I have no intentions, honourable or other toward Miss Bennet. You know as well as I that I am in no position to marry with no thought to money, and I do not believe that I could match that ladies wit sufficiently," Fitzwilliam laughed a little as he spoke the last. He continued, "You, cousin, are acting quite strangely, any observer would think that you were Miss Bennet's brother, father or..."
"Fitzwilliam!" Darcy exclaimed. Fitzwilliam took a step back, not in fear of his cousin (though Darcy's eyes were full of anger), but from reflex. Darcy relaxed a little. "I do not wish to speak about this." Darcy began to walk quickly toward Rosings.
"I would wager you do not wish to speak on this matter, but Darcy, she is a good woman from what I have seen, and I note that she certainly has your attention."
They walked in silence till Rosings was in sight, then Colonel Fitzwilliam stopped and stopped his cousin, too. "Darcy, if I can notice your interest, and I believe Mrs. Collins has her suspicions, too, perhaps you would be wise to guard yourself around our aunt lest your lady be exposed to our aunt's tongue tomorrow evening when they are to drink tea after the Easter service."
Rather than argue, Darcy merely nodded in grim agreement as the cousins began to walk to the door.
Posted on Friday, 2 May 2003
Darcy did his best not to look at Elizabeth through the entire visit on Easter Sunday, and then through dinner on Tuesday. He even resisted leaping to her defense when Lady Catherine showed all her bad manners when discussing music and practice. Darcy thought he had been indifferent enough to allay any suspicions and prevent any new ones from arising.
He was successful in the latter, but only because the occupants of the room without any suspicions were too involved with themselves, their own opinions or each other to form any suspicions regarding Miss Bennet.
Unfortunately for Darcy, he looked at Elizabeth often enough to fuel Charlotte's suspicions, and the look on Darcy's face when Elizabeth spoke or smiled, meant that no words would clear the suspicions from Colonel Fitzwilliam's mind.
The one positive, from Darcy's perspective, was that Elizabeth was oblivious to the attention she received from Darcy's eyes and mind. He was sufficiently withdrawn from her company that Elizabeth was quite satisfied with the visits. He had been able to enjoy her smiles and watch the sparkle in her eyes without any hint of recognition from the lady herself. Perhaps she knew of his interest and enjoyed it, he thought to himself.
After the party from the parsonage left, Darcy accepted a billiard challenge from his cousin. Though, in hindsight, he wondered if the relief it provided from Lady Catherine was worth the price of the conversation that ensued.
Once the door was closed and the cousins were alone, Fitzwilliam broke the silence along with the triangle of balls on the table.
"Well, Darcy, it appears that you and your lady are safe from Lady Catherine, for now." One ball fell into a pocket and Fitzwilliam shot again. Darcy chose that exact second to speak.
"I do not believe I am ever safe from our aunt," he said a little ruefully. "But I do not know to what lady you refer; unless you mean our cousin Anne."
"Anne?! I do not think of Anne as your lady, and neither do you." Fitzwilliam stood straight as the balls on the table came to a halt.
Each had some further shots on the table, both in silence. Darcy was clearly unhappy and wished the game over, but his cousin had affected his emotions and his play. At last, Fitzwilliam broke the silence again.
"And so, Darcy, what are your intentions toward Miss Bennet?"
"Intentions? I have no intentions toward Miss Bennet," Darcy said somewhat defensively, as Fitzwilliam realised that Miss Bennet appeared to bring out the protective brother in both of them.
With a mixture of protectiveness for Miss Bennet and amusement at his cousin's discomfort, Fitzwilliam continued the conversation.
"Darcy, I do not believe that you are safe from Miss Bennet," he added in an undertone, "or she from you." But Darcy did not hear the last comment.
Darcy took a particularly violent shot before resting his cue against the table and answering his cousin with more emotion than either expected.
"That I have not been for many months." Colonel Fitzwilliam took his shot as Darcy sat at the chair beside him. Darcy lifted his head and looked at his cousin quite seriously. "I was not even safe here. I expected the time in town would cure me of...I did not expect to see her again, and then she is here...but as soon as I saw her again, all I wanted, all I want, is to see those eyes everyday. What am I to do, Fitzwilliam?" Darcy asked somewhat rhetorically.
Colonel Fitzwilliam knew his cousin wasn't asking the question he had stated. Darcy never showed emotion and Fitzwilliam could see more than emotion. Darcy was being honest about his feelings to both of them for the first time on this matter. Darcy was confused, scared and in love--a combination of three that he was not familiar with.
"I am no expert, but time is my advice. Be sure of what you want before you get it; you are the target of many a scheming mother and daughter, so are unlikely to be refused, but be sure before you offer." After a short pause, Fitzwilliam decided to lighten the conversation, lest his cousin feel too exposed. "You know, Darcy, she is quite the lady, not bad to look at either."
This was probably not the best approach Fitzwilliam could take, but it was said now. Darcy stood, followed by his cousin, and walked to the door. "That she is. Unfortunately her family..."
"Think not of them. We have two weeks here and they are not."
"All the time I need." He said under his breath as he left the room and conversation behind.
The next morning, Darcy woke with an idea of how to see Elizabeth in a less formal surrounding. He rose, breakfasted early and then escaped to his horse and the grounds.
He rode for an hour before catching sight of his target. He slowed his horse, collected his thoughts and ran a hand through his hair and approached her.
"Miss Bennet," she turned and he almost faltered as he swung down from his horse. "Good Morning."
"Good morning, Mr. Darcy."
"You look well this morning."
"Thank you, you find me on my favourite walk of the park." He walked beside her.
"May I walk with you a way?"
Not being able to think of a way to refuse, she answered, "Of course. I am now on my way to the parsonage."
They walked in silence. Darcy not knowing what to say and Elizabeth not willing to exert herself and encourage him.
"Miss Bennet, do you walk often?"
"I do. I enjoy this walk in the early morning, for solitude and scenery."
"I understand."
'I hope you do,' Elizabeth thought to herself. "Oh, here is the parsonage gate."
"I will bid you farewell now. Good day, Miss Bennet." He bowed.
"Good day, Mr. Darcy." She dropped a shallow curtsey and went inside.
For two weeks, Darcy regularly met Elizabeth on her morning walks. Elizabeth kept her distance and attempted to discourage Mr. Darcy's presence as she had decided to befriend neither Mr. Darcy nor Mr. Wickham and she planned to stick to that strategy. She was careful to inform Darcy that she often walked this way, yet he was there one day in two.
Never did they say much, and when they met at Rosings, he said even less. Elizabeth did not know what to make of the man who sought her company and then said next to nothing.
It was as these thoughts went through her head again that she heard a gentleman's footsteps approach. Her first thought, as it was every time a footstep was heard while she walked, was that it was Mr. Darcy and she wished to run, but that would be unladylike.
"Miss Bennet." Fortunately the voice revealed that it was not Mr. Darcy.
"Colonel Fitzwilliam."
"Good day. I have been touring the park as I do each spring. May I walk with you?"
"Yes, of course."
They walked on for a little while, discussing the usual topics of the weather and traveling and then the subject turned. Innocently, Elizabeth asked "And are all well at Rosings?"
"All are in good health, I believe," he answered a little evasively.
"But not well?" Elizabeth said rather playfully. "You are most mysterious this morning, Colonel Fitzwilliam."
"I did not intend it, I assure you." Elizabeth did not wish to push the issue as the smile on her companion's face was not as bright as usual and she changed the subject. "I believe you will be leaving soon."
"In three days, if Darcy does not delay our departure again."
"You seem quite at your cousins disposal."
He chuckled. "Indeed I am, but I do not mind. A dependant second son will travel with his cousin if required; we are restricted in many ways." He said that last quietly, almost to himself.
"I am surprised he does not marry, that way he will have a wife at his disposal. I suppose," Elizabeth said thoughtfully, "that as her sole guardian, his sister does just as well."
"No, indeed, Miss Darcy's guardianship is shared with me."
"Indeed? Does your charge give you a great deal of trouble?" Seeing the look on his face, Elizabeth dropped the light manner and addressed him seriously. "Do not fear, Colonel. I have heard no ill reports of Miss Darcy."
"I am pleased to hear this."
They walked back to the parsonage, reverting to mundane subjects of scenery, weather, and travel. Colonel Fitzwilliam bid adieu at the door as they were to meet again that evening to dine at Rosings Park.
The Collins and Maria arrived in good time, not in the least due to Mr. Collins' hurrying. Mr. Darcy saw them enter the hall and noticed the absence of Elizabeth. Lady Catherine also noticed the absence but felt no qualms about asking.
"And where is Miss Bennet? I do not delay meals due to a tardy guest. This is most unacceptable."
"Lady Catherine," Charlotte began before her husband could, "Elizabeth broke a lace on her boot not long after leaving the parsonage. She returned to the parsonage to replace it. I am certain she will be here before we dine."
It took the length of Charlotte's speech for Mr. Darcy to decide to leave and attempt to meet Miss Bennet. He stood. "Excuse me, Lady Catherine, I must check on...some business." He dashed from the room.
He was less than a quarter of the way to the parsonage when he met Miss Bennet.
"Miss Bennet."
"Mr. Darcy. I did not expect to see you--not until I arrived at Rosings at least."
"I expect not. But I had hoped to meet you. Will you sit?" He gestured to a bench and a confused Elizabeth sat.
"Mr. Darcy, Lady Catherine will be waiting."
"I am aware of that, Miss Bennet, but I could go no longer without this interview." He paced back and forth before her. "Miss Bennet, in vain I have struggled, my feelings will not be repressed, you must allow me to tell you how much I admire and love you."
She looked shocked, unable to reply and Darcy continued, "Of course I realise that declaring myself thus, I go against the wishes of society, my family and my own better judgement. Almost since the beginning of our acquaintance, your eyes attracted me; your manner caught me; but these are not the only things I need consider. Your family does not move in the best circles, but this alone does not prevent a blessing to our match. Your connections are inferior and the behaviour displayed by Mrs. Bennet long prevented me paying my addresses and it is this inferiority that nearly caused me to dismiss the idea of you as mistress of Pemberley. Despite my struggles, I stand before you, asking that you consent to be my wife."
He looked at her, clearly expecting gratitude and acceptance. Elizabeth could not overlook the compliment demonstrated in this man's affection and declaration, and his willingness to marry her. Equally, she could not overlook the insults that came as a part of the proposal package. In one breath, he stated his violent affections, but in the next he insulted her nearest relations. His manner demonstrated his expectation of her consent and this alone was enough to begin her on a path of emotional response. Though Elizabeth had done her best to avoid forming an opinion of this man, his speech convinced her of his pride and conceit.
Elizabeth's emotional response was equaled by Darcy's and they quarreled.
"In such cases as this, it is, I believe, the established mode to express a sense of obligation for the sentiments avowed, however unequally they may be returned. It is natural that obligation should be felt, and if I could feel gratitude, I would now thank you. But I cannot -- I have never desired your good opinion, and you have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly. I am sorry to have occasioned pain to any one. It has been most unconsciously done, however, and I hope will be of short duration. The feelings which, you tell me, have long prevented the acknowledgment of your regard, can have little difficulty in overcoming it after this explanation."
Mr. Darcy, who was standing before her, with his eyes fixed on her face, seemed to catch her words with no less resentment than surprise. His complexion became pale with anger, and the disturbance of his mind was visible in every feature. He was struggling for the appearance of composure, and would not open his lips, till he believed himself to have attained it. The pause was, to Elizabeth's feelings, dreadful. At length, in a voice of forced calmness, he replied, "And this is all the reply which I am to have the honour of expecting! I might, perhaps, wish to be informed why, with so little endeavour at civility, I am thus rejected. But it is of small importance."
"I might as well enquire," replied she, "why, with so evident a design of offending and insulting me, you chose to tell me that you liked me against your will, against your reason? Was not this some excuse for incivility, if I was uncivil? But I have other provocations, do you think that I could accept the man who had been able to insight such hostility in the breast of a man such as Mr. Wickham?"
As she pronounced these words, Mr. Darcy changed colour; but the emotion was short, and he listened without attempting to interrupt her while she continued.
"I have long been prevented forming any real opinion of you or Mr. Wickham. Since hearing his story of your previous relationship, I decided that I could not, I would not, attempt to decide if he speaks the truth. I have no way of knowing if I should believe him. I know not what to believe, but sir, where there is smoke, there is usually fire."
"You take an eager interest in that gentleman's concerns," said Darcy in a less tranquil tone, and with a heightened colour.
"Not an interest, but a sympathy."
"And this," cried Darcy, as he walked with quick steps across the path, "is your opinion of me, or should I say non-opinion? But perhaps," added he, stopping in his walk, and turning towards her, "all of this might have been overlooked, had not your pride been hurt by my honest confession of the scruples that had long prevented my forming any serious design? They were natural and just. Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your connections? To congratulate myself on the hope of relations, whose condition in life is so decidedly beneath my own?"
Elizabeth felt herself growing more angry every moment; yet she tried to the utmost to speak with composure when she said, "You are mistaken, Mr. Darcy, if you suppose that the mode of your declaration affected me in any other way, than as it spared me the concern which I might have felt in refusing you, had you behaved in a more gentleman-like manner."
She saw him start at this, but he said nothing, and she continued, "You could not have made me the offer of your hand in any possible way that would have tempted me to accept it."
Again his astonishment was obvious; and he looked at her with an expression of mingled incredulity and mortification. She went on. "From the very beginning, from the first moment I may almost say, of my acquaintance with you, your manners, impressed me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feelings of others. I do believe that you are the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry."
"You have said quite enough, madam. I perfectly comprehend your feelings, and have now only to be ashamed of what my own have been. Forgive me for having taken up so much of your time, and accept my best wishes for your health and happiness."
And with these words he hastily left her presence, but not in the direction of Rosings. Elizabeth had to compose herself and be presentable to company but the emotions flowed so high she did not know how she would be able to face his relations. But compose herself she did.
Elizabeth was admitted to the dining room with few visible signs of her inner turmoil. Charlotte noticed, and the Colonel thought she seemed a little out of spirits, but no other person in the room paid her the least attention.
The visit progressed and the Parsonage party left without seeing any sign of Mr. Darcy. On arriving at the Parsonage, Elizabeth immediately sought out the solitude of her room to allow herself a luxury she was denied earlier. She cried, and slept and she reflected on what had passed and was increased by every review of it. That she should receive an offer of marriage from Mr. Darcy! That he should have been in love with her for so many months--so much in love as to wish to marry her in spite of all the objections! It was gratifying to have inspired unconsciously so strong an affection.
She continued in very agitating reflections till she fell into a fitful sleep.
Elizabeth rose early, deciding to walk out before she faced the Collins over the breakfast table.
She began to walk in her usual direction, but remembering the evening before and Mr. Darcy's tendency to meet her there, she struck off on a different path. For a few minutes, Elizabeth was able to reflect on her own thoughts--the ones that had filled her head the previous evening--and then Mr. Darcy stepped around the bend in the path ahead.
Though he seemed a little surprised to see her, Mr. Darcy recovered quite quickly. "Good Morning, Miss Bennet, I had hoped to see you this morning."
"Good day, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth answered when she recovered herself.
Mr. Darcy reached into his coat pocket and withdrew a letter. He held it towards Elizabeth as he spoke. "Miss Bennet, please do me the honour of reading this letter." Instinctively, Elizabeth took the letter. Mr. Darcy bowed and turned and left. If Elizabeth had been looking towards the man before her as she took the letter, her heart may have softened toward him. The pain in his eyes was clear as they lingered on her a little longer than one would expect.
Elizabeth didn't look up until the long, purposeful strides of Mr. Darcy could no longer be heard. She looked at the letter, unsure as to why she took it, but knowing she had to do him the justice of reading his words. After all, she had had her say the previous evening.
Elizabeth walked in search of an appropriate place to sit and read. Wanting the comfort of feeling like a child, Elizabeth spied a small tree in a sheltered area off the side of the path. She quickly climbed to a low branch where she could read in comfort.
If Elizabeth, when Mr. Darcy gave her the letter, did not expect it to contain a renewal of his offers, she had formed no expectation at all of its contents. But such as they were, it may well be supposed how eagerly she went through them, and what a conflict of emotion they excited. With a strong prejudice against everything he might say, she began to read.
Though Elizabeth had tried not to take any notice of the stories Wickham told, they were all quite clear in her mind, after all, all of Meryton whispered about his situation.
His account of Mr. Wickham--as she read, she realised that events which, if true, must overthrow any neutrality with regard to Wickham. She wished to discredit it; she had been so cruel the previous evening.
In this perturbed state of mind, with thoughts that could rest on nothing, she walked on; but it would not do; in half a minute the letter was unfolded again, and collecting herself as well as she could, she again began the mortifying perusal of all that related to Wickham, and commanded herself so far as to examine the meaning of every sentence. The account of his connection with the Pemberley family was exactly what he had related himself to all in Meryton after the departure of Mr. Darcy.
The extravagance and general profligacy which he scrupled not to lay at Mr. Wickham's charge, exceedingly shocked her; the more so, as she could bring no proof of its injustice. She had never heard of him before his entrance into the ----shire Militia, in which he had engaged at the persuasion of the young man who, on meeting him accidentally in town, had there renewed a slight acquaintance. Of his former way of life nothing had been known in Hertfordshire but what he told himself.
As to his real character, had information been in her power, she had never felt a wish of inquiring. His countenance, voice, and manner had established him at once in the possession of at the least a gentlemanly character. She tried to recollect some instance of goodness, some distinguished trait of integrity or benevolence, that might rescue him from the attacks of Mr. Darcy, but no such recollection befriended her. She could see him instantly before her, in every charm of air and address; but she could remember no more substantial good than the general approbation of the neighbourhood.
The story which followed, of his designs on Miss Darcy, received some confirmation from what had passed between Colonel Fitzwilliam and herself only the morning before; and at last she was referred for the truth of every particular to Colonel Fitzwilliam himself--from whom she had previously received the information of his near concern in all his cousin's affairs, and whose character she had no reason to question. At one time she had almost resolved on applying to him, but the idea was checked by the awkwardness of the application, and at length wholly banished by the conviction that Mr. Darcy would never have hazarded such a proposal, if he had not been well assured of his cousin's corroboration.
Mr. Darcy gave such a detailed account of his dealings with Wickham. Without obvious enhancement of the story or emotion, it appeared the letter gave a factual account, all the names and dates that were given freely by Wickham were given by Darcy. The main difference being Darcy's obvious desire that this information not be spread about society: while Wickham was happy to sully Darcy's good name, Darcy merely defended himself. The opening and closing paragraphs of the letter showed more emotion than Elizabeth imagined Darcy to have the capability of expressing. He was hurt and perhaps confused, and, although this showed through, so did his concern for her future welfare and life. Elizabeth could not be anything but sorry for her treatment of the gentleman the previous night. Though she was certain that she could not have accepted his proposal, she knew no real good of him at the time, but perhaps she could have been less severe in her response to his poor choice of words.
She grew absolutely ashamed of herself. She climbed down from her place and began to wander about the lanes. Of neither Darcy nor Wickham could she think without feeling she had been blind and absurd, though she tried to stay neutral, she had at least given Wickham the chance to tell his story.
"How despicably I have acted!" she cried; "I, who have prided myself on my discernment! I, who have valued myself on my abilities!"
After wandering along the lane for two hours, giving way to every variety of thought; re-considering events, Elizabeth walked in the direction of the parsonage. Elizabeth composed herself as much as is possible in the situation, before she reentered the parsonage. As soon as she was through the door, Elizabeth was met by Maria.
"There you are, Elizabeth, You missed the gentlemen."
"Here? Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam called here?"
"They did. Mr. Darcy waited only ten minutes but Colonel Fitzwilliam waited half an hour, and now they are to leave."
"Do not forget, Maria, we are to leave soon too. I dare say that we will survive the loss."
"But, Elizabeth, tonight we dine at Rosings."
"I am aware of that, Maria, I am sure it will be a quiet evening. Lady Catherine will, no doubt, fill any void in the conversation."
And that was exactly how the evening progressed. Lady Catherine discussed (mainly supplying her own answers) Maria and Elizabeth's travel plans.
Elizabeth and Maria had an uneventful journey to London and Elizabeth's Aunt Gardiner's home. From London, they traveled to Longbourn.
The Lucas joined the Bennets to dine on the evening of Maria and Elizabeth's homecoming. It was a noisy group that sat down at the table as all wanted different details about Hunsford.
The Lucas left shortly after the meal and Elizabeth retired to her room to rest. Her cousin had returned home in the coach that had delivered herself home. This left Elizabeth alone with her parents. Mrs. Bennet was not likely to leave her daughter alone long, so Elizabeth took the opportunity she had to unpack her trunks and think about Mr. Darcy.
No matter how she tried, Elizabeth could not help but think favourably about the man who had proposed, been abused in response, and then humbled himself with that letter. Elizabeth was ashamed of herself, but as she thought of how offensive her manner had been, she thought about the letter again. The fact that Mr. Darcy still felt well enough to wish for her good opinion only added to his goodness.
Elizabeth was woken from her rest by a knocking and Mrs. Bennet's voice. "Elizabeth, dear," and the door opened and Mrs. Bennet entered. "Elizabeth, now tell me all about Hunsford. The Collins live well. Oh Well, I am sure there will be better opportunity for you soon. So were there any eligible men there? Well you can tell me about that later, but first, I will tell you the news. All of Meryton is in uproar as the regiment is to leave. I had thought that there would be more marriages but only five of the officers married, and now they are to depart and more girls will want to dance with Mr. Bingley and any friends he brings with him when he returns to Netherfield..."
Mrs. Bennet went on for another ten minutes, then Elizabeth made an answer to some questions and the conversation continued. Things were back to normal at Longbourn.
The regiment departed and Elizabeth was not sorry to be back to the normal circle of friends and families for social occasions.
Four months after returning from Hunsford, and after much thought of Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth departed for Derbyshire with her aunt and uncle.
Their departure was delayed two weeks as Mr. Gardiner's business required attention, and this delay necessitated a shorter trip. Rather than travel to the Lakes as planned, Derbyshire was to be the furthest they could travel.
Elizabeth, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner left the Gardiner children and their governess at Longbourn and began their trip.
For a week, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth traveled in the direction of Derbyshire. Elizabeth saw a great deal of countryside that pleased her greatly. She delighted in the scenery and the company. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were intelligent and well-informed people so when the travelers stopped for the evening and the night was too dark to observe the scenery, conversation was not lacking.
On the seventh evening, the night they stopped in Lambton, Mrs. Gardiner introduced the topic Elizabeth had been fearing.
"Elizabeth, how do you feel about visiting Pemberley tomorrow?"
"Do you especially wish to see it, Aunt? I would not wish to go out of our way to see a house."
"Shush, Elizabeth. It is not far out of our way."
"And," her uncle put in, "the grounds are said to be the best in the country."
"I would feel awkward, Aunt, to visit without a proper invitation."
"No more than Chatsworth or Blenhiem. Hannah (the inn's servant) informed me the family is away for the summer."
"Well to Pemberley we go," Elizabeth said with less enthusiasm than her aunt would have liked, but it was agreement.
The next morning, Elizabeth found herself sitting in the carriage, traveling up the long drive to Pemberley house. The entire journey from Lambton had found Elizabeth preoccupied with thoughts warning her that this was not a good thing.
All thoughts of hesitation left Elizabeth as she saw the woods and valleys that surrounded the house. Elizabeth was so enthralled with the stream and the woods that she was not attending to her aunt's conversation at all. It was not until the coach stopped that Elizabeth heard what her aunt was saying.
"Beautiful, simply beautiful," Elizabeth said somewhat wistfully.
"Indeed it is Elizabeth," her uncle said kindly.
"I have never seen an environment quite so well balanced, nature and artifice so well combined," Mrs. Gardiner said as the three of them observed a squirrel scurry up a tree. "Shall we continue to the house?"
Elizabeth nodded eagerly. Mrs. Gardiner was happy to see a little more enthusiasm than the previous evening, as the carriage pulled away.
Not long after their stop, the house came into view. Elizabeth gasped and stared. The garden before the house was stunning and the house itself gave a stunning profile. If Elizabeth Bennet were inclined toward regrets, she would, at that moment have been considering how she could now be welcoming her aunt and uncle as guests... but no, Elizabeth did not regret.
Posted on Friday, 9 May 2003
In front of the house, Mr. Gardiner stepped down; he then assisted his wife from the carriage and then his awestruck niece.
Elizabeth stepped down and all her hesitation from the previous evening returned. Mr. Gardiner, closely followed by his wife, stepped up to the door and asked the housekeeper to show them the house.
Mrs. Reynolds was a happy woman. She was clearly proud of her master, his sister, and his house. She guided the Gardiner party through all the rooms open to the public, pausing in the study to allow the guests a chance to look at the prospect.
Elizabeth was engaged at the window, when she heard her aunt call to her.
"Elizabeth, Elizabeth, come and look at this picture--it looks very much like someone we know." Mrs. Gardiner's voice also called the attention of Mrs. Reynolds, who arrived at the cabinet at the same time as Elizabeth.
"This one, madam?" Mrs. Reynolds asked a little hesitantly, indicating the miniature on the end.
"Indeed," Elizabeth said, rather less enthusiastically than her aunt, "we have made his acquaintance on a couple of occasions."
"Mmm," Mrs. Reynolds responded. "That is Mr. Wickham; his father was steward of Pemberley for many years. Mr. Wickham, the younger, has gone into the army now, but I fear he has become quite wild."
There was very little that could be said to this comment. Elizabeth did not know what to say, how to steer the conversation, but Mr. Gardiner who had now joined them asked who the other miniature was.
"Oh, that is my master, but there is a finer, more recent, likeness in the gallery, upstairs."
"He has fine features, but I fear I cannot comment on the likeness. Elizabeth, is this very like him?"
"Does this young lady know the master?"
If Elizabeth was confused as to what to say earlier, now she was completely unsure of herself. "I do, a little."
"Is he not the handsomest gentleman you have seen?" Mrs. Reynolds asked as they began to leave this room heading toward the stairs and the portrait gallery.
"He is quite handsome," Elizabeth mumbled as she began to walk up the stairs. Mrs. Gardiner was not blind to the blush on her niece's cheeks at the mention of Mr. Wickham and then Mr. Darcy, and she made a mental note to speak with Elizabeth later about her depth of knowledge of the two gentlemen.
Mr. Gardiner fell into an easy conversation with Mrs. Reynolds. They spoke about the house, the estate, Mr. Darcy, and his sister. In each room, Mrs. Reynolds pointed out the windows with the best prospect to Elizabeth, while she spoke about the furniture and history contained in each room to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner.
Finally, they arrived at the last room of the tour. The gallery had many fine portraits of Darcys of times gone by, but they held little interest for Elizabeth. Elizabeth Bennet had never excelled at painting or drawing and liked to view paintings by various artists, but portraits of people she had no connection with held no attraction to her. She wandered along the long walls in search of the only face that would hold her interest.
And then she saw it. A very formally attired Mr. Darcy was contained in a very formal portrait. The artist had captured his features perfectly, and a hint of a smile tugged at his mouth. It had been many weeks since Elizabeth had decided that she did, in fact, wish the attentions of this man to return to her.
How long she looked into the eyes on the canvas, Elizabeth could not say. A subtle sound from her aunt awoke Elizabeth from her reverie. Recalling herself, Elizabeth walked to the window to look at the prospect before leaving the room with the others.
Mrs. Reynolds turned the Gardiners and their niece over to the gardener for a tour of the grounds.
Mr. Blogginson began to lead the party along the river toward the woods on the accustomed route. Elizabeth expressed her wish to see the entire grounds, but Mr. Blogginson quickly informed them that to walk the entire grounds, not including the farms of course, would be a minimum of ten miles. Mrs. Gardiner, who was not a keen walker, gasped, and Elizabeth quickly assured her aunt that she did not intend to pursue that option any further.
Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Blogginson walked a little ahead of the ladies, discussing the various fishing spots along the river and the game to be found in the woods. It was during this time that Elizabeth noticed a person coming in their direction along the path. It was too early to be sure, but Elizabeth feared that it was the owner of the property that they were walking. Her aunt felt her arm tense, and looked down the path to see nothing. Elizabeth relaxed a little and continued to look about the path.
Soon the path joined with two others. A small bridge crossed the river, leading to an open area of ground. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner wandered away a little, Mrs. Gardiner had seen a tree that she found quite pretty. Elizabeth wandered over the bridge into the open area of ground. As much as she would have liked to hold her arms wide and twirl like a child, Elizabeth restrained herself. It was just as well that she did, as, when she opened her eyes (after imagining herself twirling) she was met with dark eyes in the face of a handsome gentleman.
"Miss Bennet!"
"Mr. Darcy!" Both spoke with some surprise. Mr. Darcy gathered his senses first.
"Good day, Miss Bennet, I trust your family is well."
"Indeed, I thank you, yes," Elizabeth was still not composed.
Mr. Darcy was not completely composed either. After a few more general enquiries, he excused himself and left in the direction of the house.
Mr. Gardiner, Mrs. Gardiner, and Mr. Blogginson walked over to find a very distressed Miss Bennet. Mrs. Gardiner immediately took her niece's hand in an attempt to comfort Elizabeth. It was quickly confirmed in Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner's minds that that gentleman was Mr. Darcy, and that Elizabeth was better acquainted with him than she has indicated to date.
Elizabeth answered her aunt and uncle's questions, and followed Mr. Blogginson in a daze for the rest of the tour. They arrived outside the main house and Mr. Blogginson bid them adieu, indicating that they were welcome to wander about the rose garden.
"Elizabeth, would you mind terribly if we have a look at the roses? I had heard such reports of them as to make me feel that I have missed half the sites of the house if I do not take a look."
Although she had much rather leave, Elizabeth decided that she would not object to her aunt, surely, now that he knew she was there, Mr. Darcy would not seek her out. Elizabeth was not sure if she more wished or feared Mr. Darcy seeking her out.
Elizabeth wandered behind her aunt and uncle, paying little attention to the roses. This did not concern her relatives overmuch as Elizabeth had never had a great deal of interest in roses and formal gardens. This left Elizabeth a great deal of time to consider if she wanted or feared the appearance of the master of the manor. Just when she thought that she had decided, she heard a voice.
"Elizabeth, come and look at this flower. I know that roses are not a favourite with you, but this one is divine." Mrs. Gardiner's voice had an excitement that Elizabeth could not refuse. Dutifully, she wandered over to examine the rose.
Mrs. Gardiner was correct. Elizabeth did like these roses: they were a deep pink, and not fully open. Elizabeth remained, staring at one rose, long after her aunt and uncle had walked away. Elizabeth did not notice that her aunt and uncle were at the other end of the garden, quite sheltered from her by a wall of rose bushes.
To all outward appearances, Elizabeth was looking at the rose, but in her mind, she was daydreaming. She thought about her family, her home and everything she knew about Mr. Darcy. It was this last subject that most interested her.
Combining her memories of the man, with the testimony of his housekeeper and his letter, Elizabeth had a very favourable thought of the man. She scoffed at her thoughts; there was no way that a man once refused would come back to her, and besides, he would be before her now if he wanted to see her and did not think that she had thrown herself in his way.
The rose before her eyes had blurred, the way that any object does when one stares at it long enough, but Elizabeth didn't notice. Her mind had cleared and she didn't hear the footsteps approaching. The owner of the footsteps did his best to make his presence known; he did not want to startle Elizabeth. Despite all of his attempts, he was able to walk up beside her without her noticing his presence.
"Beautiful," he said, not sure if he actually spoke aloud until she turned, startled.
"Mr. Darcy, I did not hear you."
"Miss Bennet, forgive me for not receiving you better earlier."
"Not at all."
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner had not missed the arrival of Mr. Darcy as their niece had. They walked over to Elizabeth. On noticing the imminent arrival of Elizabeth's companions, Darcy spoke. "Miss Bennet, would you do me the honour of introducing me to your friends?"
A little confused, Elizabeth turned around, noticed the approach of her aunt and uncle, and composed herself. "Of course." Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner stepped up. "Mr. Darcy, this is Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner--Mrs. Gardiner is my aunt, Mr. Darcy."
"Pleasure to meet you sir, Madam."
Mr. Darcy fell into small talk with Mr. Gardiner as the small party began to leave the garden. Mr. Darcy briefly excused himself, returning as the party arrived at their carriage. Mr. Darcy offered tea, but they politely refused. He handed Mrs. Gardiner into the carriage, was briefly interrupted by Mr. Blogginson, then Mr. Darcy turned and handed Elizabeth into the carriage.
"Good day, Mr. Gardiner, Mrs. Gardiner." Darcy bowed to both Gardiners. "Good day, Miss Bennet." He bowed towards Elizabeth, and as he stood straight again, raising his hand with a deep pink rose and handed it to Elizabeth. She took it with a smile as the carriage pulled away.
Posted on Friday, 16 May 2003, at 8
The morning after their visit to Pemberley, Elizabeth did not know what to think about her visit. Mr. Darcy had not immediately evicted them from his estate, so that had to be a good sign. He had spent time happily conversing, nearly joking with Mr. Gardiner, but had said little to her. To see Mr. Darcy so happy, open and friendly, Elizabeth hoped that this was for her, she even thought that perhaps it was, but why would a man so abruptly refused change for the woman who had so humiliated him?
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner had thought long and hard over the events of the previous day. Elizabeth had barely paid any attention to their acquaintances, and that was very unlike their niece. They were not upset with Elizabeth, just a little confused, and for Mrs. Gardiner's part, she was a little disappointed that Elizabeth had not confided how well she and Mr. Darcy were acquainted.
Neither Mr. Gardiner, nor his wife, hesitated for a second in concluding that Mr. Darcy was in love with their niece. It wasn't just the rose, it was the way he looked at her, returned to her after what had to be a very hasty change of clothes, and the effort he was making with Mr. Gardiner. It was one thing to make small talk with a visitor on one's property (and even this was quite a step for a landowner to make) but to invite him, a stranger, to fish in one's stream was quite a step.
As to Elizabeth's feelings, the Gardiners were not so sure. It was clear that Elizabeth was inclined towards Mr. Darcy, but the depth of her feelings were well covered. Mrs. Gardiner thought it quite possible that Elizabeth was in love, but Mr. Gardiner just laughed at this saying that, "a woman will always look for love where it may or may not reside." Mrs. Gardiner was not hurt by her husband's comments, neither was she swayed by his statement. Both decided that they would watch the actions of both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy--they were sure that Mr. Darcy would visit Elizabeth--and reserve any comment until then.
It was a quiet breakfast. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner decided that they would call on a particular friend of Mrs. Gardiner's, but Elizabeth begged off accompanying them.
"Aunt, would you mind terribly if I do not join you this morning?"
"Of course not, Elizabeth, but surely you will not stay here at the inn?"
"No, I had thought to walk to the small park at the other end of the village. I have the overwhelming desire to walk on the grass and I think that the village park would be ideal. There was a rather nice looking tree there which I wish to examine."
"Now I know what you are about, my girl," Mr. Gardiner joined the conversation.
"You do, Uncle?" Elizabeth asked innocently.
"Indeed I do, Elizabeth." Mrs. Gardiner was smirking as her husband bantered with Elizabeth. "I am sure that you are only sorry that you are not so young as to be able to get away with climbing that tree to examine the upper branches."
Both Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner began to laugh while Elizabeth attempted to look indignant. This look only lasted moments before Elizabeth replied, "You know me too well," and joined the laughter.
Once the dishes were cleared away, cups of tea served and drunk, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner set off in the direction of a Mrs. Stapleton, and Elizabeth in the direction of the park.
Elizabeth looked around the park, and longingly at the upper branches of the tree. Lost in thoughts of climbing, Elizabeth was again surprised by a voice.
"It seems, Miss Bennet, that I am always to find you admiring God's handiwork."
A little shocked at the familiarity of the speech, but far from disappointed, Elizabeth spun on her heel to face the owner of the voice. "Good day, Mr. Darcy."
"Good day, Miss Bennet." He looked at her, trying to convey all his emotion with his eyes as this was far less of a risk than pouring out his heart to the woman he loves. "I was on my way to the Inn to see you; there is someone with me who wishes to make your acquaintance."
"Indeed?" Elizabeth asked softly with a delicate blush gracing her cheeks.
Stumbling a little for the words to say, realising how improper his initial address of Elizabeth would seem, "Your uncle informed me that you were staying at the Inn, and my sister arrived this morning, and we were on our way to call upon you, though I know that it is early in the day to be visiting, and I saw you here, for who else would stare a tree so...honestly..."
"Mr. Darcy, please, I believe I understand." She said, smiling a little.
"In that case, Miss Bennet, please allow me to accompany you back to the Inn, unless you were not returning there." He said a little hesitantly.
"Of course, Mr. Darcy, I welcome your company for my return, but what of your sister?" Elizabeth asked looking around.
Very embarrassed that he now had an awkward explanation to make, still unaware of the change in Miss Bennet's feelings for him and still too wary of professing his own, he began, "Miss Bennet, I saw you here, so stopped the coach." She smiled indulgently as he had already said this much earlier. Mr. Darcy continued, "My sister is not a great walker and was not in shoes suitable to walk the distance to the Inn, so I sent the coach on to the milliners for a moment. The coach will meet me at the Inn." Darcy gave Elizabeth a smile; he was rather satisfied that his sister's shoes came to mind--it was not a lie, for Georgiana's shoes would not have allowed her to walk, but the main motivation for sending his sister to the milliner was, of course, so that he was allowed longer in Elizabeth's company alone.
"I see."
Darcy was not sure that Elizabeth was convinced of his story, so quickly held out his arm asking "Shall we?" Elizabeth awkwardly put her hand in the crook of Mr. Darcy's arm and they began to walk toward the inn.
After a minute of silence, Elizabeth began. "Sir, may I again apologise for imposing on your privacy yesterday. We would never have dreamed of visiting if we had known the family were home."
After a brief pause, Darcy answered. "I am sorry to hear that." Elizabeth did not know what to say, she tensed a little and Darcy felt this change where her hand rested on his arm--he was very aware of the hand on his arm. Darcy continued, "I had hoped that you would be willing to visit."
Elizabeth's heart leaped a little at this; it was quite clear that Darcy still held her in some esteem, and now he thought that she would chose not to see him. "Oh no, I believe that I have spoken badly. I did not mean to say...that is I only intended to say that, to visit without a proper invitation when the family is home... We did not mean to intrude." Elizabeth studied the ground as she walked, confused and beginning to regret that they visited Pemberley.
"I would have you issuing invitations to visit Pemberley," Darcy thought to himself. Unfortunately, this thought found it's way to his lips, and was voiced under his breath.
"Excuse me? I did not hear you, sir." Elizabeth's hand had tensed as she spoke. She had not heard his words, only that some words had crossed his lips.
In order to comfort her, Darcy placed his other hand over hers on his arm and stopped walking, for they were about to enter the Inn. "Miss Bennet, do not apologise for our meeting yesterday, for I am not sorry for it." A small smile graced his lips as Mr. Darcy considered proposing again, there and then. Elizabeth returned his smile with a small one of her own, this nearly decided it for him, but he was still not sure. The approach of the Darcy coach decided for him. "Miss Bennet, I believe that my sister approaches. I will remain here to greet her."
"Thank you." Elizabeth went to her rooms to deposit her hat and gloves, returning to the general area in time to see the maid admit Mr. Darcy and a young lady.
Mr. Darcy stepped forward, a smile hinting at the corners of his mouth. "Miss Bennet, may I present my sister. Georgiana, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet." The ladies curtseyed to each other. Mr. Darcy stepped away a little to give the ladies a chance to speak a little while he observed the stable from the window.
After hearing a giggle from his sister and a laugh from Elizabeth, Darcy felt it was time to rejoin the ladies. He turned a little suddenly with a slight look of concern on his face. Seeing the ladies both smiling, he composed himself and walked toward them.
"Miss Bennet has been speaking of Mr. Collins' dancing at Mr. Bingley's ball. I must say, Miss Bennet tells quite a nice story." Throughout his sister's comments, Darcy moved from happy at seeing the ladies smiling together, to concern and regret for his behaviour during that time.
"I see." Was all that he could think to say to his sister.
Elizabeth sensed his discomfit, having a fair idea of the reasons for it, but not able to think of a way to relieve his suffering and inform him that she had not spoken of him at all, she was grateful that the door opened and Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner entered.
Elizabeth quickly moved to her aunt and uncle, while Georgiana moved a little behind her brother. Leading her aunt and uncle toward their guests, Elizabeth began the introductions. "Miss Darcy, may I present Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, Aunt, Uncle this is Miss Darcy." Pleasantries were exchanged and Mrs. Gardiner quickly identified Georgiana's behaviour as that of a shy young lady. Mrs. Gardiner led Elizabeth and Georgiana in happy conversation while also leading them to a sofa. The gentlemen moved a little toward the window, with Mr. Darcy often looking at the ladies. Mr. Gardiner could not be sure if it was his sister that Mr. Darcy watched, or Elizabeth. To own the truth, it was both.
Mr. Darcy was quite pleased with the way that Georgiana was being drawn into conversation, and he never passed an opportunity to look to Elizabeth.
Unfortunately, time was passing and an impromptu visit was never a long one in good society. Georgiana joined her brother, but before leaving she addressed Elizabeth. "Mrs. Gardiner, Mr. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, my brother and I would be honoured if you would dine with us at Pemberley while you are in the county. Would Thursday evening be convenient?"
Mrs. Gardiner did not know if Elizabeth was in favour of the engagement, but far from being against it herself, and knowing that Mr. Gardiner would quite enjoy the society, she replied for them all. "Thank you, Miss Darcy, we have no fixed engagements and accept your invitation."
A few more words of farewell were exchanged and then Mr. Darcy, with a very longing look at Elizabeth, and his sister departed.
Although it would be difficult to equal the manners of Miss Darcy in visiting on her first day back in the county (she had informed Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth of her recent arrival during their short conversation), but to do their best, they called on Pemberley the next day.
During their conversation the previous day, a set engagement was arranged for Mr. Gardiner to fish with the gentlemen of Pemberley the following day, so Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner traveled alone to Pemberley.
On giving their names at the door, and the reason for their call, Elizabeth and her aunt were shown into a small anteroom. They divested themselves of their coats and gloves while awaiting the maid. Rather than a maid, Mrs. Reynolds entered the room. "Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, if you will follow me. The ladies are in the sun room." Mrs. Reynolds took their coats and gloves and showed them to the sun room. Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner waited while they were announced and then entered the room.
Elizabeth did not expect the scene that confronted her. Miss Darcy was standing a little awkwardly, while a more mature woman sat beside the seat Georgiana had obviously vacated. The surprise, however, was in the other occupants of the room, who looked scarcely less surprised than Elizabeth.
"Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, good day." Georgiana curtseyed to the new entrants to the room. Elizabeth and her aunt replied in kind, then Georgiana continued after looking quickly at the lady who had just stood beside her. "Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, may I present Mrs. Annesley, Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley." The ladies curtseyed as their names were said, and exchanged basic salutations. Miss Bingley, however could not restrain herself.
"Miss Bennet, I did not expect to see you here." Georgiana looked a little embarrassed that she had introduced people who obviously had a prior acquaintance, and sat down.
"Miss Bingley, it is a pleasant surprise to see you too." Elizabeth said without a hint of malice. Smiling toward Georgiana, Elizabeth continued "Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were visiting Meryton last year."
"Of course...I forgot..." Georgiana mumbled.
"It is of no matter, Miss Darcy, no harm has occurred in our reintroduction," Elizabeth smiled sincerely.
"No, dearest Georgiana, no harm at all," Miss Bingley gushed excessively with a less sincere smile for Georgiana and a near sneer for Elizabeth.
With a little help from Elizabeth, Mrs. Gardiner and Mrs. Annesley carried a conversation for a few minutes. Georgiana attempted to join in, but with the earlier embarrassment and the number of people in the room, she was wary.
After a little conversation, Georgiana ordered some refreshments. Minutes later, servants arrived with mountains of fruit and trays of chocolates and sandwiches. Though they were not all inclined to speak, though Caroline would if she could think of a suitable way to insult Elizabeth, they could all eat.
Settled around the table, eating and lightly chatting about inconsequential things was exactly how Darcy found the ladies. He stood in the door for a minute before he was noticed. A smile played on his features as he observed his sister sitting across from his beloved (as Elizabeth delicately enjoyed a chocolate). It was quite a picture for him to enjoy, somehow he was able to block out the others in the room as he imagined that this was how it was, not how it should be.
"Oh, Mr. Darcy!" A shrill voice exclaimed as the attached body stood. "We did not see you there, you sly thing, watching us eat. Come and join us." All the ladies in the room were shocked at the audacity of Miss Bingley, but none more than Mr. Darcy.
"I have just arrived at the house, Miss Bingley. Good day, Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet. Mr. Gardiner informed me that you were to call on Georgiana today so I come to pay my respects."
"Good day, Mr. Darcy," Mrs. Gardiner said.
"Good day, Mr. Darcy." He entered the room and walked toward Elizabeth. Desperate, Caroline addressed Elizabeth.
"Miss Bennet, are the militia still residing in Meryton?"
"No, Miss Bingley, they have moved to Brighton for the summer." Miss Bingley had no option but content herself with the food before her when Mr. Darcy paced around the room near Elizabeth. He did not remain long, but during that time, his presence had an effect on his sister.
As the fruit was removed from the room, Georgiana made more of an effort to join the conversation. If it was not clear to her, and Mrs. Gardiner, the previous day that Darcy had a preference for Miss Bennet, his behaviour this day made it clear to all in the room. This preference encouraged Georgiana to exert herself in getting to know the lady whom her brother obviously admired.
Darcy's admiration for Elizabeth was not only demonstrated to Mrs. Gardiner and Georgiana. His quick absence when informed of her presence at Pemberley convinced Mr. Gardiner, and his behaviour with the ladies confirmed all of Miss Bingley's fears. As far as that lady was concerned, she only need fight harder for the man she desired. Mrs. Hurst could see the admiration as well as her sister, but her reaction was far more rational. As Mrs. Hurst was not encumbered by her own desires, though she did like the thought of being the sister of Mrs. Darcy, she saw Mr. Darcy as lost, but she also knew that there was no way to convince her sister of this.
When their visit concluded, Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner farewelled Georgiana quite happily. Elizabeth found that she liked Miss Darcy and, though a shy girl, she was by no means lacking in intelligence and wit.
As soon as Mrs. Gardiner and Miss Bennet left, Caroline began to abuse them most abominably. At first the only audience was Georgiana, Mrs. Annesley and Mrs. Hurst. Though Louisa assisted her sister, Georgiana would not abuse a lady her brother admired, and Mrs. Annesley would never abuse a lady so publicly.
After the fishing had finished, Caroline's audience expanded and she began to repeat her previous comments to her brother and her host.
Far from achieving her goal, Caroline did not attract any attention from Mr. Darcy. He was standing near the window, looking out at the rose garden and thinking how fortunate it was that he saw Miss Bennet there, how right it was to see her in the gardens of Pemberley. Mr. Darcy did not hear one word in ten that Caroline spoke that evening, and, pleading business, left the company early.
Posted on Monday, 26 May 2003
Elizabeth did not expect a letter from her father during her tour. It was not that he did not care for her, for she was certain that he did, but Mr. Bennet had never been the most faithful of correspondents. It was the lack of letters from Mrs. Bennet that was a mild surprise when she thought about it. Laughing a little to herself, Elizabeth thought that her father must be diverting Mrs. Bennet’s attention from letter writing.
It was, therefore, with some surprise that Elizabeth received two letters on the morning of the intended dinner at Pemberley. Seeing that Elizabeth had letters to read, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner walked in the direction of the church to give their niece some privacy while she read them.
Settling herself on a sofa with a cup of tea on the table beside her, Elizabeth curled her feet beneath her and prepared to open the first of her letters. Recognising the handwriting on the directions, Elizabeth chose the letter from her mother first.
Not surprisingly, the letter was less a letter than a diary of short entries dated each day. There was no news that interested Elizabeth, merely that this girl or that neighbour had some gossip spread about them. Under each date, there was a note asking Elizabeth if she had found any rich men yet. Laughing at the predictability of the letter, how it was so Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth put the letter aside as she finished reading the last entry. She took a sip of tea, and then opened the somewhat shorter letter from her father.
As she unfolded the note, a knock sounded on the door. Hannah entered the room.
"If you please, ma'am, a Miss Bingley is here to see you." Hannah stepped to the side and allowed a very overdressed Miss Bingley to enter the room.
As Miss Bingley entered, Elizabeth slipped her feet to the floor, back into their slippers and folded her letters and put them on the small table. Hannah closed the door as she left.
"Miss Bingley, this is a surprise." Elizabeth said as she greeted her unexpected guest. Miss Bingley surveyed the room and spied the cup beside Elizabeth.
"Miss Bennet. Tea, at this time of the day, how...quaint." Elizabeth did not respond to this obvious barb. Miss Bingley swept into the room and sat on a chair.
Elizabeth also sat, Miss Bingley continued. "I understand that you are to dine with us this evening." This was spoken in a way that informed Elizabeth exactly what Miss Bingley thought about her place at the Pemberley table, and this arrangement. First, Miss Bingley did not wish to dine with Elizabeth; second, Miss Bingley did not wish Elizabeth to go near Pemberley; third, Miss Bingley did not wish for Elizabeth to be in company with any other person at Pemberley; and fourth, Miss Bingley thought of Pemberley as being quite her own domain.
Elizabeth answered confidently, "Miss Darcy has engaged myself, and my uncle and aunt to dine at Pemberley this evening. She did not mention that you were to be in attendance, actually, Miss Darcy did not indicate that there were guests at Pemberley when she stood in this very room five days ago".
Ignoring the response, Miss Bingley continued "And you intend to attend?"
"Of course."
"What would you hope in this? What is your purpose?"
"My purpose? Miss Bingley, I do not think that I understand you. My purpose, as is my aunt and uncle's I am sure, is to spend a pleasant evening dining at Pemberley at the invitation of the lady of the house. Now, Miss Bingley, I have letters and errands to attend, if you would excuse me." Miss Bingley made no motion toward moving. It was clear that she had no intention of leaving just because she was asked to.
"You throw yourself in Mr. Darcy's way, hoping that he will take you away from Longbourn? You think to ingratiate yourself with his sister--you turn up on his doorstep and invite yourself to visit with Miss Darcy. Do you have no sense of self? You, Miss Bennet, may have a gentleman for a father but you do not move in the right circles; you will never be Mrs. Darcy. Mr. Darcy will never request that of you!" By the end of her monologue, Miss Bingley was near to yelling. Jealousy had made her ruder than usual, and, with no audience beside her victim, Miss Bingley was relentless. Fortunately, Miss Bennet could hold her own.
"You are mistaken, Miss Bingley. I had no intention of calling on Mr. Darcy, nor Miss Darcy, when my aunt and uncle informed me that we were to visit Lambton. I must say that I thought only of the surrounding woodlands and groves. I did not decide on my travel plans, but when my friends and I were invited to dine at Pemberley, we were not going to refuse the hospitality. If you have not recalled, Mr. Darcy has dined with my family at Longbourn, and my aunt and uncle felt it would not be polite to refuse an invitation. Now, if you will excuse me, Miss Bingley, I believe that I shall see you at Pemberley."
Her voice now raised, Miss Bingley was not going to allow this person before her to have the last word. "Mr. Darcy is not available, and he will not be fooled into thinking himself in love with you, despite the wiles you use to trap him."
As the last was said, there was another knock at the door. "Excuse me, ma'am, Mr. Darcy is here to see you." Hannah stepped aside and allowed Mr. Darcy to enter the room. Both Elizabeth and Miss Bingley were unsure if their conversation had been heard. Miss Bingley paled a little as she stood to greet the man they were speaking of. Elizabeth, who had nothing to be ashamed of in her part of the conversation, stepped forward.
Mr. Darcy entered the room and Hannah again shut the door behind her. They were not sure if they had been heard, and, until Elizabeth saw the look on Mr. Darcy's face; she had hope that he had not heard the conversation. Now she only had to worry how much he had heard. Though Hannah would not usually allow a person to loiter outside the room, the general reverence for Mr. Darcy in these parts made it uncertain if he could have waited if he wished.
He bowed briefly to Miss Bingley, who curtseyed in response and attempted to start a conversation with him, but Mr. Darcy addressed Elizabeth.
"Miss Bennet, good day, I hope I do not intrude."
"Mr. Darcy, good day. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner have just walked out, I am sure they will return soon." He bowed in acknowledgment. "Please, sit." She gestured vaguely in the direction of a sofa and chair. Miss Bingley had maneuvered herself to the sofa and she smiled up at Darcy invitingly. He sat on the chair.
Despite her words earlier, Miss Bingley feared greatly that Mr. Darcy would make an offer to Elizabeth, who would not dare refuse. The small talk began, and, although she had not intended to remain this long to visit, Miss Bingley was not about to leave Mr. Darcy alone with Elizabeth.
Unfortunately, Miss Bingley was not being included in the conversation to her own satisfaction. Neither Mr. Darcy nor Miss Bennet specifically excluded her, but neither did they make an effort to include her or speak of topics of which she would have any knowledge.
An irritated, jealous Miss Bingley is not a smart Miss Bingley.
On a number of occasions, she expressed opinions that were clearly ill-informed, but both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy did their best to draw little or no attention to these errors. Elizabeth began to regret her polite behaviour when Miss Bingley decided that she had had enough of watching Mr. Darcy converse with Elizabeth.
"Miss Bennet, I am sorry, I believe that you had errands to run this morning and here Mr. Darcy and I are taking up your time." This ill-bred display did nothing for Miss Bingley in Mr. Darcy's eyes, but it did get the attention of the other two people in the room.
It was Mr. Darcy that answered. "I am sorry, Miss Bennet, I did not realise. Of course I will leave you now. Please pass my regards to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner."
Mr. Darcy, closely followed by Miss Bingley, stood and moved toward the door. "Good day, Miss Bennet." Mr. Darcy bowed as he spoke.
Miss Bingley walked to Mr. Darcy, attempted to put her hand in the crook of his arm. "WE will see you for dinner." Miss Bingley said over her shoulder to Elizabeth as she left.
Before the door was closed, Elizabeth heard Mr. Darcy speak to Miss Bingley. "Miss Bingley, are you returning to Pemberley now?"
"Indeed, Charles is not to return to collect me for an hour, perhaps we can travel together?" she asked hopefully.
"I am sorry, Miss Bingley, I have some business to attend before I leave, my carriage will take you to Pemberley if you wish."
"I thank you." Miss Bingley could not have sounded more disappointed. Elizabeth could not help but laugh as she looked out the window to see a rather unhappy Caroline Bingley handed into a carriage.
Elizabeth left the Inn and walked in the direction of the church. She quickly came across Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and the three of them went to have tea at a small shop before returning to the Inn.
When he left Pemberley, Mr. Darcy had intended on visiting the jeweler to purchase a gift for his sister, mainly as some compensation for her dealing with Miss Bingley and her sister. It was as he passed the Inn that he thought that he would call on his acquaintance that was residing there. When Hannah showed him to the door, he had no idea what he would say, what excuse he could give for his appearance at her door.
Just before Hannah opened the door, Mr. Darcy heard a little of what was said on the other side of it.
"You throw yourself in Mr. Darcy's way, hoping that he will take you away from Longbourn? You think to ingratiate yourself with his sister; you turn up on his doorstep and invite yourself to visit with Miss Darcy. Do you have no sense of self? You, Miss Bennet, may have a gentleman for a father but you do not move in the right circles; you will never be Mrs. Darcy. Mr. Darcy will never request that of you!"
On hearing this, Mr. Darcy was stunned. He did not wish to listen, and could sense Hannah's discomfit at their situation. He wanted to hear Elizabeth's answer. So unsure of her regard, despite the situation and the pain it may cause, he wanted some confirmation of her regard. Beside all of this, Darcy was sure that Miss Bennet was quite capable of defending herself, and she was unlikely to appreciate his stepping in to defend her against these attacks.
Though Miss Bennet's answer did not fill Darcy with confidence, it did her no harm in his eyes. Miss Bingley, however, had done herself no favours, and it was only a lack of certainty in how to deal with her, and respect for her brother that prevented Mr. Darcy taking any action with regard to that lady.
Mr. Darcy was far from disappointed with his time spent talking with Elizabeth. She had encouraged his opinion and attention, she was polite to the woman who had so recently insulted her, and she was clearly pleased with his visit. Darcy decided that, this time, he would not rush in an attempt to win Elizabeth Bennet; she was a lady worth the chase.
After departing the inn, and freeing himself of Miss Bingley, Mr. Darcy moved in the direction of the local jeweler. The jeweler in Lambton often had a number of trinkets and items, of a standard sufficient for the master of Pemberley and his sister, on hand that could be purchased and taken within the day. Today, Mr. Darcy was not disappointed.
"Mr. Darcy, what an unexpected surprise!" the jeweler addressed his customer.
"Good day, Mr. Mintwhistle."
"It is indeed. Is there something special I can help you with?"
"I hope that is the case. I search for a gift."
"Do you require possession of this item today, or is it to be designed specifically?"
"I had hoped to take it with me."
"I have a few items on hand. Is this a gift for a lady?"
"Yes, for my sister."
Mr. Mintwhistle took a small box from the shelf behind him. He opened the lid to reveal a fine chain sitting on velvet. As Mr. Mintwhistle lifted the chain from the velvet, Darcy noticed an exquisitely crafted cross hanging at the bottom of the chain. He stared at the piece of jewellery, lost in the beauty of the item. Mr. Mintwhistle lowed the necklace back into its box and turned back to the shelf behind him.
"There is no need."
"I am sorry, sir?" Mr. Mintwhistle seemed rather disappointed. "I am sure that this" He held another box, "will be more appealing."
"NO, I thank you, but I will take the cross, the chain too, it is the perfect combination."
Mr. Mintwhistle replaced the chain and cross in the box, wrapped it. "Would you like me to have this sent to Pemberley, sir?"
Thinking that he did not wish his guests to see this item, he wanted it to be a surprise. "No thank you, I will take it with me."
Posted on Sunday, 1 June 2003
Placing the package in his pocket, Darcy walked in the direction of the small park where his coach was to collect him. He walked up to the tree that he had seen Elizabeth looking at. In that instant, Darcy realised that he had not purchased that gift for his sister. Thinking about it, he knew that he never had any real intention of selecting a gift for his sister. It was not that he did not love his sister, just that it was not her that was uppermost in his thoughts.
The carriage arrived and Darcy returned to Pemberley. He found that the ladies were in the music room and Bingley and Hurst had gone riding about the property. This situation suited Darcy perfectly. He went directly to his study.
Darcy looked at some correspondence on his desk that waited his attention. He began to read the first letter, wrote a response and then sat back in his chair. He put his pen on the stand and thought for a minute. It was the package in his pocket that distracted him. Darcy reached into his pocket, felt the package still there, and ran his finger over the edge of the wrapper. This was sufficient. Darcy reached forward and picked up the next letter.
This letter was a little more detailed than the previous and required a little more detailed response. Darcy set the letter on his desk, picked up a new piece of paper and began the response. It took half an hour and three drafts to complete the response. Cursing himself for the carelessness that had required him to complete the letter three times, he pulled the distraction from his pocket and placed it on his desk beside the penstand.
Darcy picked up the third letter. This one did not require a response, so, when he finished reading it, he picked up the last letter. This one required no response either and Darcy quickly read it and filed it, and the others, in their places. He sat down at his desk again and picked up the package.
He removed the paper from the box, and opened it. Carefully, Darcy picked up the chain and allowed the cross to hang just in front of his face. Letting out a large sigh, leaned back into his chair and studied the cross.
How long he remained this way, Darcy did not know. It was a knock to at the door that brought him back to his situation. Quickly putting the cross back into its box and the box in his pocket, he called, "Come".
The door opened and his butler entered. "Sir, your guests will arrive in an hour."
"Thank you."
The butler left, closing the door behind him. Darcy stood and walked to his chamber to prepare for the evening.
Elizabeth prepared for her dinner engagement with a great deal of care. Mrs. Gardiner did not fail to notice the extra care that had been taken, and Mr. Gardiner did not neglect to compliment her on her appearance.
The Gardiners and Elizabeth arrived at Pemberley in good time. The ladies were shown into the sitting room and Mr. Gardiner to the Billiard room.
Miss Bingley did not make any reference to her earlier meeting with Elizabeth, and Elizabeth did not feel the need to mention it either. They greeted each other civilly and then Miss Bingley returned her attention to Miss Darcy. Not being inclined to fight for the attention of the hostess after the initial greetings, Elizabeth sat down with Mrs. Gardiner and Mrs. Annesley.
It was in these two groups, Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst and Georgiana and Mrs. Gardiner, Mrs. Annesley and Elizabeth, that the gentlemen found them when they entered the room. Instantly, Miss Bingley's attention turned again, this time to Mr. Darcy.
Mr. Darcy, however, was not to be led. He walked over to Miss Bennet, greeted her warmly, and then began to converse with her, and her companions. Less than two minutes into the conversation, Darcy called his sister's attention.
"Georgiana, do you have your music in this room?"
"Fitzwilliam, you know that I do not keep music in this room. I can fetch it if you would like."
"Perhaps," Miss Bingley put in, "We could all adjourn to the music room."
Georgiana was not confident enough to answer this ill-timed comment, but she found that it was not necessary as Mrs. Reynolds made a signal to indicate that the diners should move to the dining room.
Georgiana, with much assistance from Mrs. Annesley, arranged the parade into the dining room. As it happened, Mr. Gardiner escorted the hostess, Mr. Darcy escorted Miss Bennet, Mr. Bingley escorted Mrs. Gardiner, and Mr. Hurst escorted his wife and his sister-in-law. Miss Bingley was not happy with this arrangement, but could do nothing about it.
The seating at the table was not to Miss Bingley's liking, either. Seated between Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Hurst was not how Miss Bingley had imagined spending this evening. Miss Bennet was beside Miss Darcy and the two appeared to be getting along a great deal better than Miss Bingley liked. Her position at the centre of the table, separated Miss Bingley effectively from the conversation at either end of the table, and therefore the conversation involving either Darcy.
When the ladies separated from the gentlemen, Miss Bingley's situation did not improve. Miss Darcy and Miss Bennet continued to converse, and, Miss Bingley thought she heard Georgiana refer to Miss Bennet as 'Elizabeth' and in turn, Elizabeth referred to Miss Darcy as 'Georgiana'. Although Miss Bingley often referred to Miss Darcy as Georgiana, Miss Darcy only ever referred to Miss Bingley formally.
By the end of the evening, Georgiana and Elizabeth were becoming fast friends, much to Mr. Darcy's pleasure. Every now and then, Darcy fingered the box in his pocket, wondering when he would be able to give it to its rightful owner.
The Gardiners and Elizabeth left quite satisfied with their evening. Both Mr. Darcy and his sister were quite happy with the events of the evening, and Mr. Bingley had also been quite happy with the way the time was spent. Miss Bingley, however, was not happy and she could not resist expressing this when the Gardiners' coach had left the immediate vicinity.
"How very ill Miss Bennet appeared."
There was no answer, so, Miss Bennet considered this sufficient encouragement to continue.
"And her traveling companions were quite unfashionable; I suppose it is to be expected in those who do not move in society as we do." At this point Mrs. Hurst was nodding her strenuous agreement, while Miss Darcy and Mr. Bingley were looking at the speaker agape, not quite sure what to say. Mr. Darcy did not suffer from a lack of thoughts on the subject under discussion and he could stand no more of this slander.
"I found Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner to be quite pleasant and well informed."
Mr. Bingley now had found his words. "Yes, I must agree with Darcy, Mr. Gardiner impressed me with his fishing abilities, and this evening, he impressed me with his manner. No, Caroline, I must disagree with you, I have had quite the pleasant evening with good company."
Miss Bingley was a little flustered at this point; not only was Mr. Darcy saying things that gave her little pleasure, but her own brother was openly disagreeing with her comments. She made one final attempt to convince any of the party in the room that she was meant to be at Pemberley and Miss Bennet and her family were not. "At least," she began to the room at large, "they are to leave the neighbourhood in a few days and surely they will not descend upon us again in that time."
Georgiana looked up at her brother timidly, then at Miss Bingley. Mr. Darcy had his hand in that pocket with the box (although nobody could know the contents of his pocket) and Miss Bingley was looking particularly smug at her latest comment.
"Actually," Georgiana began quietly, then paused when everyone in the room looked at her, "Miss Bingley, I have invited Miss Bennet, and her aunt and uncle to visit again the day before they depart Lambton."
"What? Saturday? Surely you are mistaken, dear Georgiana." Miss Bingley exclaimed. "That cannot be correct. We are to have a picnic that day - I am sure that that is what was planned - and it was to be only the guests of Pemberley."
Miss Bingley was looking between Georgiana and Mr. Darcy, pleading with them to deny the truth of the statements made. She was gratified at first by the way that Mr. Darcy's face was clouding over as she had spoken, hoping that he was agreeing with her. Unfortunately for Miss Bingley, Mr. Darcy, and the others in the room, were unhappy with the ill manners that Miss Bingley was showing in her latest comments.
"Miss Bingley," Mr. Darcy began rather sternly, but he was interrupted by her brother.
"Caroline, surely you do not presume to tell our kind hosts who they may invite to their own home."
"Indeed not," Caroline said rather contritely. "I was merely surprised by the increase to the party."
"Do not fear, Miss Bingley," Georgiana said in an attempt to console Miss Bingley, "Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner have a fixed engagement for Saturday, so Miss Bennet is to visit us alone."
Darcy resisted the urge to inform Miss Bingley that Pemberley was able to supply a sufficient picnic for the number of people invited, very many more in fact. It was only for the friendship with the brother that the sister was allowed such liberties.
Both Mr. Darcy and Miss Bingley turned to look at Georgiana. One was surprised but happy with the arrangement, and the other felt the addition of one was far worse than the addition of three.
In his normal way of stemming arguments, Bingley rose, declaring himself ready to retire, and indicating to his sisters that it would be a good time for them to do the same. Darcy held his sister back for a quick discussion before retiring.
"Georgiana, did you say that Miss Bennet is to attend us alone?"
"Yes, she was a little unsure of accepting the invitation," Darcy looked a little disappointed until his sister continued, "but her uncle assured her that she could have the carriage and they would adapt, I believe were the words he used, and Elizabeth, Miss Bennet, accepted the invitation."
He thought for a while, quite enjoying the thought that Miss Bennet was willing to visit alone.
"Georgiana, what do you think of Miss Bennet?" He asked his sister thoughtfully.
"Elizabeth," He raised his eyebrows at the informality. Georgiana quickly explained. "When we were out of Miss Bingley's hearing, I asked Elizabeth to call me Georgiana, Miss Bingley does it without invitation, but I wanted Elizabeth to call me by my name. Immediately, Elizabeth insisted that the only condition that would allow her to refer to me as Georgiana was if I were to refer to her as Elizabeth. I am well pleased with this arrangement. As I was saying," Darcy smiled at his sister's obvious pleasure in the evening's events. "I do like Elizabeth a great deal. It is such a pity that she lives so far away, but we will write."
Darcy smiled again at his sister. It was rare for Georgiana to make friends so freely, but in this case, Darcy was very happy that she did. "I am certain that you will find Miss Bennet's--" Darcy cringed at the thought that his sister could call his Elizabeth "Elizabeth" while he, who had known her many months, was restricted to Miss Bennet "--letters far more interesting than those of a brother."
"Perhaps I will. I do really like her, and I think that Elizabeth likes me, too. She even said she envies me."
"I am sure that she likes you, dearest. If Miss Bennet did not like you, I am sure she would inform you." He said the last painfully. "In what way does she envy you?"
A little confused by his first statement, Georgiana answered the second half of her brother's words. "Oh, we were talking about family, and she said that she would have liked a brother."
Not quite sure what to say to this, Darcy said goodnight to his sister and retired himself. He sat in his apartments, looking at the cross on the chain and planning how to spend the next day--probably shooting, as Miss Bingley will not join them, and awaiting the picnic.
Friday was a day of apprehension and hope for both Elizabeth and Darcy. Georgiana spent the day anticipating the pleasure of Elizabeth's company for the following day, while Darcy did the same. Georgiana was not so naïve as not to notice the interest her brother had in Elizabeth, but she did not think that it would be fair, or possible, for her brother to occupy all of Elizabeth's time so contented herself with any time that she would be able to get.
It was after Luncheon on Friday that Darcy broached a subject that had been playing on his mind with his sister. Brother and sister were in the study alone when the topic arose.
"Georgiana?"
"Yes, Fitzwilliam."
"I have been thinking about something you said yesterday. Did you say that Miss Bennet was concerned about her aunt and uncle's carriage being at their disposal tomorrow?"
"I believe that was a concern Elizabeth had. Why do you ask?"
"Do you feel that we could offer to send a carriage to collect Miss Bennet in the morning."
"That is a wonderful idea. Would you like me to send her a note now?"
"I think it would be best. Perhaps the coach could collect her at 10 o'clock?"
"So early? I hadn't thought to picnic until 1."
"You do not wish to have Miss Bennet here early?"
"I believe, brother, that 10 o'clock is the perfect time. Perhaps we could invite Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner to dine with us, Elizabeth said that it was only a day time engagement."
"That would be a nice thing to do, but remember that they are to leave in the morning so if your invitation is refused, we must be ready to return Miss Bennet to them."
"Of course." Georgiana left the study and went to her private apartment to write the note, as she did not wish for Miss Bingley to read it as she wrote. Miss Bingley's presence always made Georgiana nervous.
Mr. Darcy made a quick exit from the house as he had business with his steward, and any other servant not in the house, that would occupy him until dinner, when a neighbour was to dine with them.
That evening, Elizabeth received a visitor.
"If you please, Ma'am, this note has come for you, from Pemberley. Charles, my brother who works for Mr. Darcy, is awaiting an answer in the kitchen."
"Thank you, Hannah, I will have an answer ready soon," Elizabeth replied, while looking at the note that was obviously from Pemberley by the seal but not the same hand that had written the last letter she had from a resident of that house.
Dear Elizabeth,I trust that you are well as I saw you only last evening.
I look forward to seeing you for our picnic tomorrow. My brother and I have decided to offer you the carriage tomorrow. It will call for you at 10 tomorrow to bring you to Pemberley, if that is convenient.
I would like to invite Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner to join us for tea and remain to dine at Pemberley tomorrow evening, with yourself, of course. If they are not able to join us, a Darcy carriage will return you to Lambton at a time convenient to yourself.
Please send your reply regarding the coach with the servant who will await your response.
Yours, etc.
Georgiana Darcy.
For all her hesitation for the arrangement the next day, the coach had not been the highest of Elizabeth's concerns, but this gesture by Miss Darcy, and Mr. Darcy, was quite an attention.
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner arrived as Elizabeth finished reading the letter. She passed it to her aunt to read, who read it to Mr. Gardiner. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner did not miss the compliments to their niece with this invitation and shared a knowing look. Mrs. Gardiner, regretfully for they dearly wished to witness the interaction of their niece and the gentleman that loved her, informed her niece that they would be unable to accept the invitation.
Elizabeth quickly sat down to write her reply.
Dearest Georgiana,I look forward to meeting with you again tomorrow.
I thank you for your kind invitation for my aunt and uncle, but they are engaged for tea with a friend of Mrs. Gardiner's.
As to your offer of the carriage, I gratefully accept the arrangement you proposed and will be prepared to depart at 10.
Your friend,
Elizabeth Bennet
To say that Darcy was happy when he read the note that his sister teased him with before handing it over would be an understatement. He had been thinking about the plan to collect Elizabeth from Lambton ever since discussing it with his sister. Now he had only to decide if it would be appropriate for him to be in the carriage when it called to collect Elizabeth.
An open top carriage departed Pemberley in such good time that it stopped a little out of Lambton so that it would not call too early for the passenger. Promptly at 10, a knock sounded on the door to the apartments of the Inn rented by Mr. Gardiner. Hannah walked in.
"Excuse me, Miss Bennet, but a coach baring the Darcy crest has arrived for you," Hannah said with a great deal of awe in her voice.
"Thank you, I will be down directly," Elizabeth said with a little hesitation. She was a little apprehensive to be going to Pemberley without the protection of her aunt and uncle. On the one hand, Elizabeth longed to spend time in Mr. Darcy's company, but on the other, she was not sure if this invitation was at his convenience or Georgiana's.
Elizabeth left the apartments and walked out the doors of the Inn and saw the carriage before her. A footman opened the door and handed her in. Elizabeth found a flower on the seat of the carriage, and she looked to the footman with a question in her eyes. The footman was not sure what the pretty lady was questioning but he was saved the trouble of identifying her question when his master walked up.
"Good day, Miss Bennet."
Elizabeth was a little shocked to hear the voice of Mr. Darcy behind her, but she composed herself admirably and turned to greet him, the flower still in her hand. "Good day, Mr. Darcy. I thank you for arranging this transportation for me; I had not thought that you would be here to escort me."
Darcy was a little unsure what to think of these words, but answered with politeness in an attempt to convey his regard. "Does this displease you? I had some business in Lambton." Collecting Miss Bennet being the entirety of his business, he thought as his hand went by reflex to the box in his pocket. "And I decided that I would escort you to Pemberley, if that is acceptable to you."
"Of course, I am glad of the escort. Thank you."
"Think nothing of it. Ahh, I see you have found the flower, I thought to bring a small part of the Pemberley gardens to you until you arrive there."
Elizabeth smiled. "I thank you, Mr. Darcy, it is a very pretty flower." Darcy sat opposite Elizabeth and the carriage began the ride to Pemberley.
For some minutes, the travelers were silent. It was not an uncomfortable silence, but neither was totally at ease either. If Elizabeth or Darcy knew that the other had thoughts very similar, they would have been much more comfortable. As it was, Elizabeth was unaware of the fact that Darcy saw this day as the day to prove his love for her, and Darcy was unaware of the regard with which he was held in Elizabeth's heart.
"Mr. Darcy, we must have some conversation, for I am certain that you could tell me a great deal about this countryside."
"Indeed I can, Miss Bennet. What would you like to know?"
Elizabeth had not thought beyond beginning a conversation, and now that she was on the spot, she did not know what to say. "Perhaps you could inform me as to what lies beyond those hills?" Elizabeth pointed to some hills on her left.
"Beyond those hills, is a great deal of farmland. There is a small woodland on the hills, but beyond is all farms."
"Oh." Elizabeth said, still unsure of what to say to continue the conversation. Luckily, Darcy picked up a new thread.
"Georgiana is quite happy to have made your acquaintance."
"Thank you. I am quite happy to have made Georgiana's acquaintance, too. I had thought that she had friends enough at Pemberley."
Deciding that the candid approach would best suit his objectives, Darcy answered Elizabeth. "I believe that my sister would prefer your conversation to the talking of some of her current guests."
Knowing exactly to whom Darcy referred, Elizabeth laughed. "Thank you, Mr. Darcy, I can only say that I am glad to be of assistance."
A short look passed between the couple, with the associated hint of a smile edging the lips of both of them. Unfortunately their look was cut short as the carriage hit a bump and Elizabeth found herself bumping into the side of the carriage with a violent bump to her elbow. She let out a small "Ouch!" and this was enough to have Darcy beside her on the seat.
"Miss Bennet," He said with a great deal of concern. "Are you well? Is there anything I may do to help you?"
Elizabeth clutched at her injured elbow. "No, thank you. I do not believe it is serious."
"You are not seriously injured?"
"No, indeed."
"I could not bare for anything to happen to you, Elizabeth, especially not at my fault."
"I assure you, I am not injured..." Elizabeth realised that he had used her Christian name and blushed a little. "Thank you for your concern." She looked up into his eyes. The look that was lost earlier by the bump in the road returned.
"Elizabeth..." Darcy breathed as he was beginning an important sentence, when the footman turned around.
"Mr. Darcy, sir, Pemberley is in sight."
"Thank you, Smithers." Darcy said, a little disappointed that he was interrupted, but also grateful for the notice. Remembering himself, Darcy spoke as he moved to the seat across from Elizabeth. "Miss Bennet, I am glad that you are not injured," Darcy said very sincerely in an attempt to communicate what he was going to say moments earlier.
"As am I, Mr. Darcy." Elizabeth was also disappointed that Darcy was not able to finish the words he was to say, for she was sure it was not another confirmation that she was not injured.
Silence prevailed over the last few minutes of the journey. The carriage pulled up in front of the house. Darcy stepped down, and handed Elizabeth down. He held her hand a little longer than necessary, and kissed her hand before releasing it in time for the door opening to allow them into the house.
Darcy led Elizabeth to the sitting room where Georgiana and Miss Bingley waited. He left her at the door, with a promise to join the party again before the picnic.