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Chapter Thirty - Meeting Darcy in the Groves

Posted on Tuesday, 13 May 2008

The service for Easter Sunday was not so very different than that of a normal service, except for the more elaborate sermon given by Reverend Collins expounding on the virtues of the biblical verses, which took a great deal longer than usual to accomplish, given the orator's affinity to hear his own voice. Elizabeth could not credit Mr. Collins' sermon as being any better than his others, merely lengthier.

Due also to the crowded pews and the warmth of the day, both she and Mariah were sorely tempted to nod off as did several of the male parishioners whose snoring was evident no matter how much their respective companions prodded them to prevent it.

In time, however, even the torture of a much too long sermon came to its inevitable end and the whole of the congregation groggily rose to join voices in a final hymn before beginning their dispersal from the chapel. The congregants waited to be led out by Her Ladyship's party. While she and Miss DeBourgh, along with Mrs. Jenkinson moved passed their pew, Lady Catherine intentionally ignored Elizabeth, though she did nod to Charlotte and Mariah. Behind her, both Darcy and the Colonel nodded to all three ladies. Richard even wished them all a "Good morning," adding, "It is a lovely day for a stroll," before he followed his aunt down the aisle. At hearing Richard's remark, Darcy deliberately caught Elizabeth's eye, arching his brow as his gaze remained steadily upon her.

Though neither spoke a word, a communication passed between them, understood by each to mean that they should meet by design under the bough of a certain tree in the center of the groves. Elizabeth nodded slightly before dropping her eyes as Lady Catherine turned back to address her nephew. Narrowing her eyes at Darcy's staring at Elizabeth, she commanded, "Nephew, come along. We have much to discuss before dining."

With that her skirts swishing pass the last of the pews as she made her way down the cobbles toward her elaborate carriage. Richard aided her and then Anne inside, handing in Mrs. Jenkinson last before settling himself onto the window seat. Darcy did not glance back as he entered the carriage, followed shortly by Lady Catherine's cane rapping soundly on the roof as the signal they were ready. The coachman's whip caused the horses to jerk the carriage away from the chapel. Elizabeth, Charlotte and Mariah were left at the chapel door along with several of the other congregants, all staring at Lady Catherine's imperious departure.

Elizabeth vowed she would not be long at the parsonage before making her way out one of the many paths leading to the groves, though she was not at all sure what kind of reception she would find there.

While at the parsonage Darcy had been reluctant to initiate a renewal of their budding friendship. Of that Elizabeth was certain, especially after their first awkward meeting in front of their family members. His ignoring her throughout the Easter service at the Hunsford chapel seemed to confirm this, though he had surreptitiously asked her to meet him today in the groves. She found such opposing behavior quite puzzling too make out as she traveled the meandering path. While in deep ponder, still some distance from their arranged meeting place in the groves, she was startled when Darcy happened upon her.

She jumped. "Mr. Darcy!"

"Miss Bennet."

Elizabeth managed to quickly recover from her fright with a giggle and a slight curtsey. "Good day to you, sir."

Bowing, and with a voice that did not indicate equal surprise at the apparently not so unexpected encounter, Darcy replied, "Good day to you, and Happy Easter."

Elizabeth nodded. "And the same to you," she returned, adding, "I hope you find your family at Rosings in good health."

Darcy stated with less enthusiasm, "Yes, my Aunt and cousin appear...the same as always."

With his addition, his voice lost much of the warmth Elizabeth had grown to expect from him. She, therefore, remained silent to see what next he would say. After a pause, he inquired, "I see you are on a ramble as is your norm, though without any of your companions?"

"Mr. Collins had business that kept him at the chapel while Charlotte and Mariah decided to go to the village on an errand." She added with a tease, "I think Mariah wished for a bit of diversion after so lengthy a service."

To this he made no reply other than an arched bow. Instead, he asked, "You feel confident walking alone to not lose yourself in the countryside, Miss Bennet?"

Elizabeth could not keep a bit more tease from her reply. "Over the weeks I have become quite familiar with many of the paths around the parsonage, sir, so as not to get too lost."

He paused before asking, "May I join you for a time, then, if it is not an intrusion?"

Taken by surprise at his request, but unable to think of an excuse not to include this more amiable Mr. Darcy, she merely nodded. They turned their steps onto the path that led the scenic way back to the parsonage.

After another awkward silence, Elizabeth fixed on a topic she had some interest and asked, "I understood from the Colonel's conversation with Charlotte that you remained in London this year rather than making the trip to Pemberley prior to winter setting in?"

"That is correct." His answer was as succinct a reply as befit a suddenly reserved Mr. Darcy, managing with but three words to convey an answer without adding any more by way of an explanation to encourage her continuance on that subject.

Trying again to initiate some conversation, she then asked, "While you were in town, had you not chanced to meet my sister? Jane was staying with my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner these past several weeks?"

Darcy gave Elizabeth a passing glance only to quickly look off into the distance rather than directly at her, as though remembering his time in London over winter. He finally said only, "Unfortunately, no, I had not that pleasure."

Hurriedly she continued, "Jane wrote that she called upon Miss Bingley at the Hurst townhouse upon their return from Scarborough, and of being informed by her that Mr. Bingley was not frequently at home. Rather, that he was often in company with you and your sister. Miss Bingley implied that your family was quite taken with him."

At this information, Darcy frowned. "Miss Bingley exaggerates the frequency of our meetings. In truth, I believe we were in their company but once, having attended a night at the theatre as a group as had been prearranged before they left town for their holiday." His voiced softened as he added only, "Bingley and I seldom had the time to see one another while I was in town over winter, meeting but once or twice and never again in my sister's company."

Darcy's scowl remained, thinking of how he had curtailed going to the theater since, and how he even refused to visit his club after the incident the week after Christmas when Morris and Billingsford accosted him for the identity of the lady chess player he had escorted during the open house. He vowed not to show himself until he heard that they had removed from town.

From that day to the present, Darcy could not explain to his own satisfaction his feelings during the incident at the club. That he had no connection to Miss Bennet other than that of friendship had not stopped his vehemently denying his two friends access to her. His protective nature towards Miss Bennet that day reared in him which had rivaled what he often exhibited for his sister. His inability to find a correlation for his behavior had so unnerved him that even now he found speaking to her awkward. Thus, they each trod on in quiet reflection.

His glower, apparently indicating a sour attitude, discouraged Elizabeth from inquiring further of Mr. Bingley. Thinking instead, she was wont to ask why Georgiana had not written back after sending Lady Matlock the agreed upon sermon for Her Ladyship's judgment. Elizabeth had also longed to ask if Mr. Darcy had yet to complete the task they had required of each other before departing London. It was clear that, on her part at least, she still desired to renew the easy rapport that had formed between them during that time.

However, having received nothing in return to her letter and with the current somberness of Mr. Darcy clearly in evidence, Elizabeth was left to ponder if Miss Darcy had also felt the same reluctance to respond. This further tended Elizabeth's thoughts toward an unpleasant notion.

If they had been in Mr. Bingley's company, perhaps the man had cooled his ardor for Jane in favor of another lady who more fitted his sisters' approval.

Unable to gain any more information from her walking companion caused Elizabeth's mind to race to a further conclusion.

If Mr. Bingley is as fickle as his friend implied earlier, to have perhaps now altered the object of his affections to that of Miss Darcy herself, it would stand to reason her unwillingness to write of it, especially knowing of the gentleman's past attachment to Jane. If Miss Darcy thought news of the man having turned his sentiments onto herself might hurt the feelings to her newest acquaintance, would that not be sufficient cause to prevent her from penning any letter to either of us ?

Elizabeth's own demeanor grew somber due in part to thinking of Jane's continued sad disposition cast upon her by the situation of the Bingleys' neglect and of Elizabeth's growing suspicion that Mr. Darcy must have been partly responsible for it to succeed with such efficiency. She did not wish to believe what Wickham had eluded to, but with Darcy refusing to bother offering any satisfactory excuse for his friend's absence from Netherfield, she felt incapable of renewing the ease that had previously marked their relationship.

During the silence, she continued to wonder. That Mr. Darcy had previously stated they had, in fact, not been often in Mr. Bingley's company put Miss Bingley's wishful implication to rest, and gave Elizabeth a renewed hope to then inquire, "And what of your sister, Miss Darcy? Does she remain in good health?"

Darcy had noticed her change in demeanor. While willing to participate in their usual exchange of wagers and forfeits, Elizabeth seeming preoccupation with another matter of which she has yet to relate to him forestalled his offering another subject on which to speak.

"Yes," replied Darcy, "she..." slowly adding, "is staying with my Aunt and Uncle Matlock for the time being."

With her curiosity now piqued to ponder on that fact, Elizabeth needed no encouragement other than the opportunity provided to then inquire after the lady just mentioned. She asked in a teasing manner, "And did Lady Matlock have the opportunity to read both our attempts at sermon writing to judge the winner of that particular wager?"

Darcy's face appeared a mask, but Elizabeth thought she could detect some unpleasantness that could only mean his sermon was not the one favored by his aunt's discretion. A smile began to lift the corners of her lips as she gazed at him.

Seeing that she awaited some reply, Darcy merely said, "My aunt had yet to discuss with me whose prose she preferred before Richard and I departed for Rosings."

Elizabeth glanced at him, trying to discern the truthfulness of his statement and very curious for an explanation of the delay in making so simple a judgment of their amateur writings and more, the purpose of Darcy removing his sister from their own house to that of the Matlocks.

Arching her brow, as a clear indication she awaited a further reply, when Darcy failed to elaborate as to the reasoning for either event, it was apparent to Elizabeth that there was some reluctance on his part to speak on either topic. She, therefore, thought it judicious not to inquire further. Nor did she inquire after the health of his other relations, certain that Darcy would have mentioned it should that have not been the case

A feeble, "Oh," was all she could muster, turning along the path to have him keep in step with her, both remained silent for a time.

Darcy finally remarked, "At your mention of our shared attempts at sermon writing, I have brought you something." He removed a sheath of paper from his pocket and handed it to her.

Opening it, she realized it was a copy of his attempt that he had previously stated had been given to his Aunt. Gazing at him for permission to read it, he nodded motioning her to a nearby bench and stood a few paces away to give her the privacy to peruse what he had written. She read silently.

"...and as per the scriptures of his being informed of his espoused wife's condition, Joseph, the young carpenter, was at first confused at how to proceed. His life went from being planned out in a logical manner to a future life pitted with uncertainty. The man wished for some resolution that would not endanger his young betrothed, but he could not fathom how he could be expected to take her into his house after such a devastating preamble as she had admitted. Unsure if her own parents believed such a fantastical experience to which she attested, how could he? Joseph knew the law, that for such an offense as this, Mary ought to be stoned to death as an example to the others, but Joseph would not be party to that fate for his beloved.

In his mind, he could not believe that Yahweh would condemn her to such a fate, but at the same time, he could not see a way clear to live in the same village with all the populace believing she was such a woman who gave herself to a man before her marriage. What was he to do about her?

Determined to save her life, Joseph vowed to quietly divorce her, and thereby relegating her and her family to move away, thus preventing the burden of her sin upon them. Only then would Mary be safe to live out her life in peace. It broke Joseph's heart to know he would never see his lovely fiancée again, but if that was the only way to save her, he would give her up. Every night he prayed that he was correct in his thinking, that it would be better for her this way. I tell you, God listens to the prayers of every righteous man, and answers them, though at times not in the manner we may have conceived.

This was the case for Joseph. His dreams were filled with the Holy Spirit, telling him to not worry in taking Mary as his wife. The Lord had indeed breathed life into her, and that she was carrying the Son of God whom would be named Jesus. Joseph woke up in a cold sweat at so disturbing a dream. If he did as he was told, what would his life be like? How would he face all the villagers? Would they think the babe was his? Would they lose respect for him? Would they allow the couple to continue to live there without reprisal?

Then, the true ramifications of what the future held hit him with a striking blow. "How am I to raise this child? A simple carpenter, as was my father before me, and his father before him, how am I to raise the Son of God? Am I to teach him my trade as He grows, knowing that is not to be His fate? Should I give Him to the temple to be raised by the priests? What would Mary say to such an action? Has the Lord given her some direction as to how this is to be accomplished?"

Clearly, Joseph could now see his path was more complicated than the simple one of his own planning. His free will to do as he wished rather than what God had laid out for him now came into play. Would he, like Mary, obey the will of the Father? Would he allow himself to be but another instrument in God's holy plan for mankind, or simply turn away?

His faith was tested and proven strong. Along with Mary, they both gave themselves over to the Almighty. Together they would do the Father's will. We, as Christians have the same free will to go along our own paths in life, or we have the means to be like Joseph, and allow the Lord to lead us to Him. Surely our faith is strong enough to have Him show us the way. All we need do is pray for His guidance and have faith in His promise to carry us home to Him."

Elizabeth folded the page, wiping a stray tear from her cheek. Handing it back to Darcy, he pocketed the paper and in turn handed her his handkerchief to dab her eyes. "I had not the intention to cause you unease. I am sorry. Perhaps my talents in writing are not in the area of sermons."

"On the contrary," Elizabeth admitted, "It was a most insightful vision into the mind of a simply man put in an auspicious circumstance, and how he came to decide the fate of the world by his one action. I think anyone who heard such words would be moved to try to better their own lives."

Darcy actually blushed as such praise coming from one educated enough to give an intelligent critique of his words. "Thank you." Sitting beside her, he paused before asking hopefully, "Will you not allow me the same curtsey?"

She knew what he wished, and lamented, "Unlike yourself, I did not think to keep a copy of my sermon sent to your Aunt, and in truth, I do not feel it is anywhere near as powerful as the one I just read."

Still, he insisted, "Can you not speak of it? What subject did your thoughts settle on as you read the scriptures? How did you proceed to accomplish some words of inspiration?"

Elizabeth could see how much he wished to know her thoughts on the same bible verses they had independently shared, and sighed, "As a woman, I naturally tended toward how Mary‘s feelings would be about having such a fate overtake her life, especially for one so young and naïve." As Elizabeth thought on what she had written, her words came to the forefront. "As I read about what befell her, I wondered what Mary was thinking along the journey to Bethlehem that the law required of Joseph, and now she, too, as his wife, as they traveled to the city of his ancestors.

She was leaving all that was known to her, all her family and friends when she was great with a first child and no women to help her through the birthing should her time come before her return to their village. Although the Romans had carved out roads back then, I am sure they were only rough paths for the livestock and wagons to travel. Only such were available to them as comparison to the ones we travel today, so it must have been difficult for her to not complain while they journeyed. And because of the census, when her time came, there was not even a house into which she could rest, only a stable and hay."

Elizabeth shook her head. "I am certain Mary was frightened to be in such circumstances with only Joseph to aid her through. I can not imagine how anyone of my acquaintance who at her age could have endured it, and felt there must have been some extraordinary aspect to the child she delivered that night to give her courage."

Turning to Darcy, Elizabeth stared into his eyes as she continued, "We think of Jesus as the Son of God after His maturity, but in truth, there must have been an appearance of His holiness even at His birth, else how could those who witnessed His coming recognize Him as the Messiah? Did the angels who appeared to the shepherds surround Him at the stable? At His presentation in the temple, how did Simeon know Him?* Was there perhaps an aura about the babe?

And the travelers who followed the star to find Him with His mother and father, how could they know to whom they were led if His holiness was not pronounced in Him even then? The Christ Child must have shown his Godliness for those few people to recognize Him."

Looking away, Elizabeth's voice softened. "Now all these centuries later, would we recognize Him in those He left to do His work? Will any of us see Him in our fellow man as did those who witnessed the aspect of Godliness in that tiny baby? It is my contention that we can and do recognize Christ in us as we walk through our lives. It is merely in the act of looking for Him that we will find Him, perhaps in a wrinkled face or the eyes of a young lad or lass. That, too, was why He came to us, that we should all strive to know Him, to follow Him that He might lead us home."

As Elizabeth's speech ceased, there was a pause before Darcy offered, "You have given my Aunt a great gift, one in which she will relish when she has the chance to read your words."

Elizabeth gazed up at him. "That is most remarkable, sir. I would have thought how a woman views the Scriptures would be looked down upon as insignificant as compared to those of a man's insights."

This barb did not go unnoticed by Darcy who countered, "The Almighty has given both sexes the ability to see different aspects of His words, Miss Bennet, to relate them to their daily lives, that we might all see Him in each other, and follow His teachings." He paused before adding, "Thank you for allowing me the privilege of hearing your sermon. If there ever comes a time when your gender is allowed in the pulpit, it will be a good day, indeed, to hear how the Almighty's words are reflected from the viewpoint of the gentler sex."

At this she bowed her head at the complement, saying, "That is most kind, sir. However, as my sister, Mary, is wont to point out, many feel that had the Lord meant for women to become ministers, He would have given them that directive."

Darcy smiled. "When Our Lord preached to the multitudes, were there not women included in the crowd when he commanded them to profess His Word?" Elizabeth nodded, arching her eyebrow with an equal smile.

Darcy continued, "As time goes by, knowledge gives mankind the ability to see through new eyes to make progress. We have done away with slavery in our Empire when even five years prior, it would have been unheard of. Likewise, with knowledge comes wisdom to change those aspects of our lives that will be more beneficial," adding, "which might one day include ministers of your gender."

When she looked at him with renewed skepticism that such an occurrence would come about in the very near future, he merely tipped his hat. With a bow to indicate his departure, he asked, "Have you never read Paul's letter to the Romans, chapter 16?"

"I do not recall the specific passage, but at your recommendation I will endeavor to review it at my earliest convenience."

Their walk took them around the path along the grove of beech, both remaining in relative silence as neither seemed to know on what other topic to opine. Finally, coming to a subject she thought would lend itself to the lightness of their speech, she smiled, asking, "And how are you progressing in the use of alternative cutlery, Mr. Darcy?"

He admitted, "There has been little time to practice."

"Then perhaps you need some more weeks to accomplish the task," she replied though not without showing a smirk that he now owed her forfeit.

Her smugness caused her inattentiveness to the path, resulting in her stumbling over one of the tree roots erupting in the path. She would have fallen had not Darcy reached out to grasp her by the elbow and waist as she grabbed onto his arms, cautioning, "Have a care, Miss Bennet, lest you take a fall."

I...oh...thank you, sir," she managed, still clinging to his sleeves to steady herself.

"Of late all the paths are overrun."

"So, I see, Mr. Darcy. In Meryton, likewise, the tree roots have burst forth, intruding into the many paths I frequent."

"It is due no doubt to the drought over several months."

"Of course, a gentleman farmer such as yourself would know about such things," she tried to tease as she attempted to pull from his embrace. Both now felt some undistinguished awkwardness and quickly released their holds of the other, only afterwards to feel bereft by the lack of touch yet without an understanding of the implication.

They had come to the path leading to the parsonage and, with a bow Darcy reminded her that she was included in the invitation to dine at Rosings the next evening along with her relations. She barely managed to refrain from rolling her eyes at the prospect. "Yes, I am afraid Lady Catherine will have the privilege of my company yet again, Mr. Darcy."

He frowned at her response, but merely replied, "Until then, I bid you good day." With a tip of his hat he left her in great confusion at his conflicting behavior and her skin tingling where his hands had touched her.

I refuse to believe Mr. Wickham's avowals that Mr. Darcy remains cordial only as it gives him benefit. Though amiable at present, clearly this is not the same man who befriended me while in Meryton and London. Whatever could have happened to cause such reserve and recalcitrance that seems to diminish slightly whenever he speaks in absence of an audience? Is that what is causing my own unease in his company?

*Luke 2:25-35

Posted on 2008-09-08

Elizabeth followed behind Charlotte, Mariah, and Mr. Collins along the path to Rosings, not without some trepidation for yet another evening in company with Lady Catherine, one who subtly and sometimes not so subtly reminded everyone of the disparity in their ranks.

Glancing over at her cousin, she deemed him quite oblivious to her plight. Having accepted with alacrity the invitation to dine once more at Rosings, Mr. Collins strode with an air of importance, thinking himself a man of singular fortune. Her Ladyship's condescension had singled him out from the entire neighborhood to once again dine with her at the great house. To that point, he was now instructing them in a steady drone as to the obligatory salutations he professed always needed to be supplied to Lady Catherine by himself and by extension all in his family.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes, paying him little heed. Instead, thoughts of the lady's nephew's odd behavior was foremost in her mind.

When in company of his Aunt, will Mr. Darcy be his London self as he exhibited in the grove, or will his recalcitrance be in evidence as it was at the parsonage?

Remembering his reaction at the mention of those members of his family while she walked beside him on the peaceful paths through the trees that surrounded the estate, it was not difficult for Elizabeth to understand why the latter would be the case. Having been in company with the lady on several occasions now to be the recipient of such ungenerous remarks towards herself and her family, Elizabeth was wont not to care for Her Ladyship's company either.

It had puzzled Elizabeth exceedingly upon her initial meeting at Rosings and subsequent ones to understand the reasoning behind such animosity from Her Ladyship, a person Elizabeth had never before met. Being ignorant at the time of Mr. Collins' ongoing correspondence with his Meryton family from which he got his information, it was only when Mariah mentioned her mother's gossiping in passing upon this their fifth excursion to Rosings that its significance occurred to Elizabeth.

Of course, Lady Catherine must have been aware of my prior acquaintance to Mr. Darcy before an introduction could be made by Her Ladyship.

As Elizabeth now walked toward Rosings, she was indignant by her cousin's officious gossiping of her previous relationship with Mr. Darcy, which prevented Lady Catherine's lording over being of greater rank by such an introduction, as was her custom.

My acquaintance would curtail the proper fanfare to members of the first circle of society in the guise of her nephews, a service Her Ladyship would no doubt relish to set herself even further above us.

Add to that the fact of the apparent friendly atmosphere that must already exist between them as evidenced by the gentleman's alacrity in visiting the parsonage when they became aware of the identity of Mr. Collins' guests, which Elizabeth was sure her cousin had related to the guests of Her Ladyship. This certainly must have tainted any friendliness Lady Catherine might otherwise have displayed.

She must deem me quite unworthy of such an extended acquaintance, especially to the nephew destined for her own daughter.

It rankled to have Lady Catherine's resentful attitude directed at her and her family over something that to Elizabeth seemed so trivial. Hers and Mr. Darcy's friendship could not have been more innocent, never to be more than camaraderie.

At least when I spoke with him earlier, Mr. Darcy seemed more himself. Surely he and his cousin will have gotten over their initial surprise at my unexpectedly being in the area, and now with the invitation to Rosings will renew the amity we had in London. Then I can better endure the onslaught of the great Lady Catherine DeBourgh's barbs.

Her reverie was cut short when those of the Hunsford party ascended the steps and were shown into the parlor prior to dinner. Both Mariah and Mr. Collins remained in awe of the grandeur of Rosings to be aware of the newest arrivals, but Elizabeth could not help take note that both gentlemen seemed almost pleased to see them enter. Elizabeth raised a brow while making the attempt to not smirk.

Perhaps relieved would have been more appropriate of their demeanor, that they would no longer have the lion's share of the Rosings conversation, which her Ladyship dominated.

Having been prevented the privilege of presenting her other nephew, and obviously unaware that he had accompanied Darcy to the parsonage, Lady Catherine, showing in her smugness her ability to show off a member of the nobility, proceeded to make the introductions of the Colonel to the Hunsford party.

"May I present my nephew, Colonel Fitzwilliam. He is the second son of my brother, the Earl of Matlock."

Frowning at his Aunt, Richard then merely bowed gallantly. "Mr. Collins and Mrs. Collins, it is a pleasure to meet you again, and you, Miss Lucas." Turning to Elizabeth, he smiled. "Miss Bennet, I forgot to ask if you left your London family in good health, and all the Gardiner children."

Lady Catherine snapped her head around. "Nephew, what do mean?"

Richard turned to his aunt in reply, "Only that I was made acquainted with Miss Bennet and her uncle while in London."

Indignant, Her Ladyship gasped, "How can that be?"

"Initially, Darcy made Father aware of a mutual interest that he and Mr. Gardiner shared and of their subsequent meeting."

"What possible interest could my brother have in common with that of Miss Bennet's uncle?"

"Chess, Madam," remarked Darcy coolly, adding, "Both men have an avid love of the game, which initiated Uncle Henry's inviting Mr. Gardiner to his club during the last open house."

At the mention of Whites, Lady Catherine exhaled and spate out, "His club," clearly not amused by any mention of those establishments that catered to the vices of men. Looking with disapproval at Darcy, she pouted, "Why must you participate in such establishments, nephew, and likewise, involving a man of trade with my brother?"

Elizabeth was quick to defend her relation with, "My Uncle is a man of good character, and if he and the Earl share an interest in a game of strategy enough as to be invited for the day in an establishment that caters to that end, I see no harm in it. There were rooms for reading as well as resplendent food provided...and..." At seeing Darcy's eyes widen while Lady Catherine's narrowed gaze bore down upon her in wonder from where her information came, Elizabeth stammered, "Er...that is...from the account that my uncle related upon his return home from White's."

Lady Catherine scoffed. "A gentleman's club is no place for the likes of your uncle, Miss Bennet." She frowned at her two nephews, further remarking, "It is no place for any respectable gentleman to frequent."

Mr. Collins tried to interject his adamant concurrence with the opinion of his benefactress, but Richard intervened, "I respectfully disagree, Aunt. My father would not be a member of any establishment he deemed unsavory. White's is a respectable gentlemen's club where little of any scandal occurs. Father merely partakes in one of his favorite pastimes. After the passing of Lord Ellerwood left him without a partner of equal ability, Mr. Gardiner made for a worthy opponent."

Turning to Darcy, Lady Catherine indignantly accused, "And I suppose that although you are considered a master chess player, Nephew, you chose not to oblige Henry with a game, leaving him at the mercy of the likes of Miss Bennet's uncle?"

While Elizabeth was ready to come to the aid of her uncle's reputation, Darcy was even quicker to come to the defense of both. "It would have been my pleasure to play opposite Uncle Henry, Aunt. However, with previous engagements on both our parts, it disallowed us a game that day."

Richard noted at how quickly Darcy had inconspicuously raised his hand to quell Miss Bennet's obvious pique and how she quickly deferred to him, almost too quickly. Catching his younger cousin's eye, he and Anne exchanged a glance though neither made a reply to Darcy's reasonable explanation that gave Miss Bennet's uncle the opportunity to be in company with Lord Matlock.

Evidently Lady Catherine likewise thought it so as she then acknowledged, "I suppose chess is a lesser vice than what could be had at one of those clubs. At least, there were no women attending to distract the game."

"Indeed," Darcy remarked, his mask of indifference in place to almost hide his smirk. "That would have been quite a distraction."

However, he failed to keep from glancing at Elizabeth, both almost smiling at some unspoken truth. This exchange was witnessed not only by Richard and the ever silent Anne, but also by Lady Catherine who did not know what to think of it. She narrowed her eyes but before she could remark further, dinner was announced and the entire party rose to follow the servant.

Richard was quick to offer Elizabeth his arm as they made their way down the hallway, leaving his other cousins to walk in together. Lady Catherine smiled at this pairing but then frowned at the first couple. She hoped Richard giving Miss Bennet attention would not give her expectations in that regard either, and vowed to have a talk with him later in the evening.

Dinner began in quiet conversation finding itself scattered amongst those around the table as one exotic course after the other was served. Mr. Collins was the first to remark, much to Lady Catherine's delight. If there was one thing she prided herself on, it was her ability to display her superiority by way of giving her guests culinary experiences to which they could not have otherwise afforded. Serious conversation was of secondary concerns so long as complements were lavished where they were due, at Lady Catherine's feet.

At Mr. Collins inept use of a fork while trying to remember his little comments he had previously written down to now offer Her Ladyship, Elizabeth suppressed her smirk while a sudden thought stuck her that he might have better luck with the set of chopsticks her uncle had supplied to Mr. Darcy. Her mind continued to wander as Mr. Collins droned on.

When Darcy had freely implied in the grove to not having grasped the perfunctory use of the Chinese method of cutlery, perhaps he has reneged on attempting to eat with the chopsticks, thus owing me a forfeit.

It was not until the main course was served that the man in question chose to show his adeptness by taking the set of chopsticks from his jacket pocket and deftly balancing a piece of pheasant between them before placing it confidently in his mouth.

Darcy chewed in triumph, seemingly without notice by all except the one he wished to impress. With his smug gaze on Elizabeth, she remained silently staring at him from across the table, her own smirk no where to be seen.

Shaking her head, she again wondered if, in her pique of indignation, she had missed one of Darcy's unspoken challenges to endure such abuse as she had with Miss Bingley that night at the theatre.

Surely I would have noticed had he given me a sign, covert or not.

It was only when Richard commended on Darcy's abilities that brought his antics to everyone's attention, including his aunt's.

Lady Catherine demanded, "Nephew, what do you mean by using...twigs at my table?"

Holding the chopsticks aloft, Darcy nonchalantly took up his fork and knife with his other hand. Explaining, "I was merely demonstrating that I am proficient in the use of a style of cutlery frequented by those of the Orient, Madam."

Elizabeth was quick to further this explanation, "My uncle imported several oddities from China, Your Ladyship." She sighed in his winning their wager as she continued, "Mr Darcy must have thought it challenging to learn the proper use of them."

Mr. Collins looked as aghast as his illustrious patroness to have Mr. Darcy deign to emulate any actions of those not of the Christian faith. Across the table Charlotte fought hard to keep her countenance at something she was sure had been introduced to Mr. Darcy by her friend, while Mrs. Jenkinson and Mariah seemed merely more confused than offended.

Anne remained as quiet as ever, but raised her twinkling eyes to Elizabeth to make her aware for the first time since their acquaintance that her cousin's antics were an amusement to her and of whose idea it had originated.. Her arching eyebrow told Elizabeth that Anne clearly thought positively of Darcy's ability to waylay her mother with such a prank.

Lady Catherine ended her sputtering with a tirade, "Well, there will be no more of such nonsense while we are dining! Nephew, you will henceforth use proper implements! And you, Miss Bennet, I will not have your uncle encouraging my nephew with any more of such imports!" She clattered her plate with her knife for emphasis.

"Yes, mum," Elizabeth said in humble supplication followed closely by Darcy's own, "Of course, Aunt." Neither sounded the least bit remorseful as Richard chuckled.

Mr. Collins gazed at his cousin, looking appalled at her at having given the nephew of his patroness such a notion. Charlotte kept her eyes determinedly on her plate in order to keep from bubbling over into giggles at such a wondrous display of adeptness. She could not fathom how anyone could use such eating utensils, and secretly wished for an opportunity to have a hand at trying them.

Thankfully, Richard took up the conversation to a more neutral subject of his inspecting the back pastures, inciting his Aunt's pique towards him at his inquiring whether she planned to allow the neighbors to rent it for grazing. This launched Her Ladyship into a tirade over the price she wished to charge for their use only to have its exorbitance understandably refused by many of the tenants. The subsequent conversation left the two miscreants in peace for the remainder of dinner.

After dinner the party removed to the drawing room where the servants had set up card tables. For a time all participated in various games though Elizabeth knew from her time at Netherfield that the activity was not one favored by Darcy. She wondered at his acquiescence but was not so distracted that she neglected her cards. Even with Mariah as partner, she managed to win enough hands to win the game.

Lady Catherine was not amused to have her show off before her nephews and so shortened the time allotted for cards. After ordering the tables put away, Lady Catherine then demanded Elizabeth play for them. Truly wishing not to antagonize the great lady but the onslaught of a headache coming on did not put Elizabeth in the best of spirits. She attempted to demur with, "I am not inclined to play tonight."

Mr. Collins began his admonishment, "But Cousin Elizabeth, you cannot deny Her Ladyship-"

Lady Catherine refused to dismiss her, "Miss Bennet," Lady Catherine refused to dismiss her. "You play adequately enough to entertain us for a time."

Elizabeth noted that neither gentleman offered to reprimand their Aunt for such behavior. Even Charlotte, though embarrassed for her, could offer her no recourse that would not make the scene worse. Before the other two persons in the room could offer, she asked, "Let me turn pages for you, Lizzy."

Richard, wishing for that moment to be relieved of the nearness to his Aunt, seemed to find his voice as he charmed, "Allow me the honor, Miss Bennet."

"I thank you, sir," whispered Elizabeth, resigned to the task Lady Catherine demanded of her.

Each time she dined at Rosings it was the same thought tonight Elizabeth was not in the mood to argue at the futility of the situation and dutifully making her way over to the instrument. Sitting down, however, still feeling put out with such commands, Elizabeth grabbed the first piece of sheet music upon the pile and defiantly began to play.

Charlotte, who had begun to rise to make the same offer as Richard, settled beside Mr. Darcy, both having witness Elizabeth's pique, each able to reason for her mood, which had soured the longer the evening lengthened. They all listened as she played the Haydn concerto that was obviously unknown to her, resulting in Elizabeth fudging and slurring her way through the difficult passages. Due to her complete focus on the notes on the page of the unfamiliar work rather than their feel and tone she did not exhibit her best interpretation of it. Darcy wondered at her choice of music which was totally new to her eyes.

The piece was mercifully short with Elizabeth stilling her hands at the close. Before the last note of her rendition had died away, Lady Catherine was first with her usual criticism, spoken with honesty if not kindness, "You will be never truly proficient, Miss Bennet, unless you take the time to practice."

Elizabeth arched her brows, quickly readying a retort for such a rather rude comment, but before she could voice it, Her Ladyship then continued with her train of thought by addressing Darcy. "Has Georgiana's diligence to practice remained as fervent as ever, Nephew?" Without waiting for his answer, she added her own admonishment, "You should remind her to practice." To this statement, Elizabeth sighed.

At least I am not the only recipient of such excessively verbose advice.

Being in such close proximity to the Colonel sitting beside the piano bench, Elizabeth was enough over her own ire to note that both gentlemen tensed at the mention of Mr. Darcy's sister. Pausing before making his reply to his Aunt, his voice remained calm as ever with his admission, "I have not the need to remind Georgiana to practice as she finds little time for anything else of late."

Stealing a glance at gentleman to her right, Elizabeth was curious as to the reasoning for her new friend's lack of other enjoyable outlets she remembered them participating while in London. Richard, however, excused himself before she could ask him. Instead he remarked, "Well, I for one, Miss Bennet, thought your exhibit delightful, and when next you dine with us I hope you will be willing to entertain us with another rendition."

There was but a brief pause before Mr. Collins made to reply. Not waiting to respond in the affirmative to yet another invitation to Rosings, he offered his most humble obliging, "Shall we say...Sunday week?"

Richard glanced at an equally astonished Darcy before mumbling, "Well...I..."

Charlotte began to whisper, "Mr. Collins, we cannot know if Her Ladyship is available."

Elizabeth's mind begged for a reprieve as she looked from the two gentlemen to the great lady.

Please, please, please say you have a pressing engagement. Say anything to keep us from attending.

Lady Catherine stared, open-mouth first at the gall of Mr. Collins, then at her nephews. Not one who normally minces words when she was disinclined to entertain, she thus began, "I... had not thought to-"

Before she could finish, a small voice in the chair beside her was heard to say, "I should like that, Mother."

Every eye in the room was drawn to the frail form of Anne DeBourgh, causing her sallow cheeks to blush.

"You would?"

Anne reminded her, "We so seldom have visitors, Mother."

"But Anne," began Lady Catherine. "They are of no consequence or-"

Anne persisted, "I find it interesting to listen of news from London and of the country."

"Are you sure you are well enough, Miss DeBourgh?" This came from Mrs. Jenkinson who could see her mistress conflicted and wished to support her. She began fidgeting with Anne's shawl.

"Yes, Ma'am, I am quite well, I thank you," Anne's voice came out breathless. She turned to the other lady at her side, asking, "Say they may come, Mother."

"Of course they will come if you wish it, dear Anne," Lady Catherine proclaimed her words most commanding voice. It was not a mere request.

Richard leaned in from his chair beside Elizabeth, pretending to whisper, but spoke loud enough for the rest of the room to hear as he teased in his charming way. "Darcy finds himself rather at odds with nothing to do on Sunday evenings."

Elizabeth merely dropped her head and sighed in defeat. Without acknowledging the Colonel, she rose from the pianoforte and returned to her seat beside Charlotte.

Meanwhile Lady Catherine, "Very well, they will come at the dinner hour." Without requiring a further response, went on to another subject entirely. Lizzy heard no more of the great lady's ramblings, though she must have made a good show of listening, answering with the required brief response before Her Ladyship continued her speech.

Sipping from her cup, Elizabeth was more intent on observing the two gentlemen until it was time to depart. Noticing that both Darcy and Richard seemed to visibly relax at their Aunt's continued disinterest in her niece, which caused Elizabeth to wonder with greater curiosity as to the reason, especially as regards Georgiana.

A goodnight's sleep was sufficient to restore much of Elizabeth to humor to dress early and remove from the parsonage for a pleasant walk about the grounds of the parsonage, the burgeoning spring bursting through every open area to display an abundance of color.

Just returning at the breakfast hour, Elizabeth opened the door to be accosted by both Mariah and Mr. Collins, each talking at once to state what had occurred in her absence.

"Lizzy! You will never guess!"

"Cousin Elizabeth, where have you been? We have little time to traverse the distance before we are late!"

Thinking of something dire, Elizabeth turned to the only sensible person in the room, asking, "Charlotte, what has happened?"

Tying the ribbons of her bonnet, her friend gave her a withering look before admitting, "We have just been summoned to Rosings."

"What?"

Mr. Collins took over as he tried to usher the three women out of the door, saying with some discomposure, "Lady Catherine has just sent us an invitation to take tea with Miss DeBourgh in the gardens of Rosings."

Charlotte was less enthusiastic, thinking of the tasks she had planned for the day, now to be postponed until a later time. "It seems, Lizzy, that your speech about the benefits of fresh air for Miss DeBourgh's constitution did not fall upon deaf ear, as you had imagined."

"But...but..." Elizabeth began as Mariah was pushing her out the door. "Why so sudden a decision?" she asked, adding with some degree of indignation, "Surely, a date could have been agreed upon to have us in as much leisure as those at Rosings."

Mr. Collins thrust a paper into her hand as he attempted to hurry them along the path. "As you see, it is all quite clear, Cousin Elizabeth."

After the fiasco the previous night with Mr. Collins' maneuvering the subsequent near-forced invitation to dine Sunday next, a note written in Lady Catherine's own hand summoning the entire Hunsford party to Rosings that very afternoon for tea in the gardens was surprising to say the least.

"Make haste! Make haste! You know my thoughts on punctuality!"

As they trailed behind the other two both Charlotte and Elizabeth rolled their eyes in unison.

A few days hence Lady Catherine deigned to allow Anne access to the outside gardens adjacent to the house and the warm sunshine. Charlotte and her sister, along with Elizabeth had been invited to attend without any notice. Mr. Collins, of course, accepted with even greater alacrity to join the party within a half hour of receiving the note.

Worried that Anne might become too chilled or too feverish, Richard assured his Aunt that he would watch closely to keep anything untoward from occurring. Lady Catherine relented for once to allow the outing with the proviso that Mrs. Jenkinson remain constantly at Anne's side. That elder lady acquiesced readily. Thus the impromptu invitation was sent and the Hunsford party soon arrived.

As Lady Catherine planned to remain in the study with Rosings' steward to discuss some of the estate items that concerned Darcy, Mr. Collins chose to return to the parsonage to work on his sermon.

Having settled on benches within the beauty of the springtime blossoms and sunshine gave Anne an ease she was seldom allowed outside except for very fine days. That is until the ever present Mrs. Jenkinson, always hovering, began adjusting the cashmere rug across Anne's lap and fretting over the sun shining on Anne's cheeks, then asking if she were too warm. After but a few moments Anne's exasperation was pronounced to the point that Richard, in an unspoken communiqué with his cousin, intervened.

"Mrs. Jenkinson, would you do me the honor of a stroll to the end of the lane and back?"

The lady was reluctant to acquiesce to his request and leave her charge, and only agreed when both Elizabeth and Charlotte assured her that they would manage for the few moments it would take them to traverse the distance. Gallantly offering his arm, Mrs. Jenkinson could hardly refuse, and nodded as she rose to place her hand on his sleeve Offering the other arm to Mariah, together they all ventured forth, leaving Anne in Elizabeth and Charlotte's amiable company.

After several minutes of conversation relating a Hertfordshire antidote, both Elizabeth and Charlotte began to giggle. This was followed by the unprecedented event of Anne joining in, her as of yet unheard of laughter left both of her companions surprised that the young lady possessed that ability. This brought about more laughter, which seemed infectious enough to continue until upon the strolling threesome's return and having Richard clear his throat to bring them all back to sense.

From his vantage point at the upper window, Darcy watched the gathering while casually listening to his Aunt's steward drone his report in a dull voice. Seeing the joyous scene unfolding below Darcy could not help but smile at Miss Bennet's capacity to bring some lightness to the otherwise dreary existence of his young cousin. He compared the effervescent of Miss Bennet to that of his friend.

Like Bingley, neither does Miss Elizabeth have what would be considered the best of family situations, but both possess that enviable quality of bringing some small amount of happiness to others. I wonder if that is perhaps why I am drawn to them?

Lady Catherine noticed his inattentiveness and leaned over to witness what was occurring in the sunny garden below their window. Her face pinched with indignation, knowing that Bennet woman was making her Anne laugh in a most unladylike manner. She was about to say something to that effect when Darcy made a startling remark to quell her original response.

"Anne appears very pleasant when she smiles. Do you not think so, Aunt?"

Lady Catherine was taken aback, wondering if perhaps Darcy was finally warming to the idea of marriage to Anne, and for once in her life chose her words with greater care. "Yes, nephew, I think you are correct. Perhaps this Miss Bennet could be of benefit to our Anne's continual improvement."

Darcy was then called away by Mr. Everton asking a question regarding the percentage of the tenants' crop shares, leaving Her Ladyship to watch those in the garden from her vantage point. The three others had joined the ladies on the bench, all of whom appeared to be pleasantly enjoying in the warm sunshine. Lady Catherine's eyes narrowed.

Yes, perhaps there is a way that I can make use of this girl to my advantage.

Excusing herself and removing from the study, Lady Catherine made her way downstairs, entering the gardens from the patio doors to the surprise of the entire party.

Richard smiled. "I say, Aunt, are you done with your business with Darcy and your steward? Are you ready to partake in the glory of the spring morn?"

"No, I am come to assure that Anne is not becoming too fatigued."

"I am not, mother," remarked Anne, dropping her eyes to the lap.

Elizabeth patted the young woman's hand, offering, "Miss DeBourgh has expressed an interest in learning the pianoforte and asked if I would be willing to teach her a simply etude."

"I...do not think her health would allow-"

Richard scoffed, "Aunt, how much effort would it take to sit at on a bench and move her hands slightly to push down the keys? Surely it takes less effort than reining her pony cart."

"Truly, Mother, I would like to learn something easy to begin with, and Miss Bennet has offered to teach me. Later, I am sure my cousin Darcy could recommend a master to come should I wish to learn more in the conventional manner."

"I do not know if that is wise," began Lady Catherine, unsure of the ability of a country girl not to teach Anne the wrong way of playing then would have to be unlearned."

Richard offered, "It can do no harm to have her learn a simply tune to pass the time, Aunt."

Charlotte then spoke, "Mrs. Bennet once told my mother that at the time Lizzy and Mary were learning, they were taught by a master from London." Mariah bobbed her head as a confirmation of this statement though still unable to open her mouth before the great lady.

Lady Catherine inhaled loudly at the sight of all their eager faces, feigning her begrudging relent with, "Then...I suppose while...Miss Bennet remains at Hunsford, you may utilize what little talents she has to learn a small amount, Anne." She added her addendum for emphasis to her own concerns, "But I insist that Mrs. Jenkinson stay at your side to insure you do not over tire yourself."

"Absolutely, Your Ladyship," the elder companion promised. "I shall be close enough to turn pages for Miss DeBourgh."

"Then I suppose it would be of some small benefit for you, Anne, but now you must return to the coolness of the house. Come."

"Yes, Mother," Anne sighed, rising with Richard's assistance while smiling at the small victory attained.

Darcy, watching from the upstairs window, while not knowing all that was said, could discern that Anne seemed happy with the result. He smiled, truly appreciative of what joy Elizabeth brought to aught around her until Mr. Everton calls his attention back to an estate matter.

Posted on 2008-09-20

Throughout the remainder of Elizabeth's stay, there was a time aside each day for her to walk to Rosings in order to give Anne a music lesson. By first instructing her on the fundamentals and then having her practice at the pianoforte for a time, their lesson ended with Elizabeth teaching Anne a very simple piece that Anne could accomplish after only a bit of effort, thus, encouraging her to practice afterwards if her health permitted.

Being in Anne's company for this extended amount of time gave Elizabeth the opportunity to see her sly personality shining through, which had thus far had been given little means to be brought forth. Smiling, Elizabeth was determined to draw out by way of her simple instructions at the keys along with innocent inquiries into her life and family.

The tactic appeared to be working for soon the small, sallow expressions frequented by the young lady gave way to genuine smiles. As their time together increased Anne began to initiate conversations that before she would only condescend to remark on and only when asked. Elizabeth was reminded of another bashful family member.

I wonder if shyness is a Fitzwilliam family trait since it was also displayed to a greater degree by Miss Darcy?

Even Mrs. Jenkinson, while remaining ever hovering at Anne's side to give to her companion added support and to remind her not to over tire herself, allowed her expressions to take on a new cheerier demeanor during Anne's lessons. Neither spoke much to Elizabeth as she instructed and encouraged Anne.

In truth, Anne found Elizabeth to be a lady of maturity beyond her years, able to converse intelligently with those older than she on a variety of interesting subjects to the obvious delight of her cousins. When out of earshot of her mother, Anne told them of her enjoyment at what had previously been discussed with the well informed Miss Bennet.

In addition, she saw Elizabeth had not the inclination to be intimidated by her mother or the obligation toward acquiescence, as were so many in the household. Witnessing Elizabeth refute opinions contrary to those of her mother left Anne in awe, admiring Elizabeth in accomplishing a task that neither of her cousins seemed prone to attempt.

For Anne, she merely smiled at such much needed amusement to be had with the Hunsford party's continued acceptance of invitations from Rosings when all their other neighbors had finally refused to come to dine only to be abused by the great lady.

At this early stage in their fledgling relationship, Anne had yet to find her voice to say much to the Hertfordshire lady nearer her age but who was confident enough to repeatedly defy one who had for many years never been challenged by even the men in the family.

As she practiced at the pianoforte for a few more minutes before Mrs. Jenkinson requested she rest, Anne thought again of the audacious Miss Elizabeth Bennet arguing with her mother in that witty fashion of hers.

I hope dinner tonight will prove to be as entertaining as the previous ones.

Quiet conversation ensued throughout dinner with superficiality; revolving primarily around Lady Catherine watching to note and commenting on everyone's approval on every dish, beaming at giving her guests what they would not ordinarily have available to partake in when at her table. If it happened that one or the other had previously fared in a certain food, she asked how it compared to the way it was prepared at Rosings, the appropriate answer could only be that the superior dish was, of course, at Rosings.

Elizabeth had the delight of partaking in many exquisite meals at her Aunt and Uncle Gardiners, and at even at Longbourn where her mother prided herself on her table to equal or surpass even a superior fare. She decided, however, not to provoke Her Ladyship over so trivial a matter as food. Dissembling instead, Elizabeth had perfected the art during her time at Kent to the point she defied any to surpass her in her ability to prevaricate without revealing how she truly felt on a matter. It was only Lady Catherine who could, at times, provoke Elizabeth.

Upon returning to the drawing room after dinner, and with the removal of the card tables after less than a half hour, there was little to be done but listen to Lady Catherine pontificate on several of the parish. She did so without any intermission, delivering her opinions on every subject in so decisive a manner as proof that she was not used to having her judgment controverted.

Apparently nothing was beyond Her Ladyship's notice for after the coffee was served, she began to inquire after the domestic concerns of Pemberley's tenants. Thinking of the alluded lapse existing from many of those at Rosings her steward suspected, Her Ladyship intended to discover which of Darcy's tenants were working far below their capacity. She presumed that when the marriage took place merging the two estates, she could be aware of which ones were to be let go.

However, Darcy would not satisfy her curiosity, opting to answer with but his brief nod that on the whole he was well pleased with all his tenants. He had not the opportunity to say more before Lady Catherine peppered him with rhetorical comments berating the inconsistency of servants in general and most especially the greater populace of the surrounding area that his estate supported.

Darcy gave no response as he felt she needed none to continue her unjust harangue while Elizabeth pursed her lips to keep her own response from emerging. In fact, she noted, everyone in the room including Her Ladyship's two nephews, seemed to just allow her tirade to continue unchallenged.

Perhaps they are hoping Her Ladyship would require breath at some point in time and quit her speech.

That being the case, at the juncture where Lady Catherine did take a much needed intake of air to cause a lull in talking, Mr. Collins agree with the righteousness of his benefactress' firm belief of such action.

When he also gave way to needing a breath, Lizzy made mention of her involvement with the tenants of Longbourn, relating how she and Jane often visited them to be aware of their needs, and of those who did not always come to inform Mr. Bennet should anything unexpected arise. "I find that those who work the Longbourn's lands are more apt to better their productivity when they are respected by the owner."

Lady Catherine turned her head slowly frowning at who would dare to interrupt, and more, was audacious enough to contradict her opinions on the matter. Her calm voice belied the ire as she patronized, "I am sure your father relies on you or one of your sisters to visit the tenants to relieve himself of the task so that he might remain with his precious books."

Neither rising to Lady Catherine's malice in her set down nor content to back down from another insult towards her father, Elizabeth replied sweetly, "There is not the need for him to do so when we are more than willing to make the effort for him, Your Ladyship. My father is made aware of what we find and report on that he may act accordingly, which allows him to forgo that aspect of land ownership." Smiling, she added, "When was the last time you availed yourself of the same task? Oh, but I am sure you have delegated that responsibility to your nephews or your steward, to have them give you a report upon their return."

Lady Catherine sniffed dismissively, "It would be unseemly for the mistress of an estate to investigate those who work for her," adding, "Such a propriety it seems your father chooses to disregard for the sake of expediency?"

Elizabeth shook her head, smiling, "Apparently so, however," she admitted with some smugness that she could not completely veil, "I do so enjoy walking the winding paths beyond the gardens of Longbourn, though they are wonderfully tranquil. Are they not, Mr. Darcy?"

Turning to Elizabeth, Darcy's eyes held an expression she guessed to mean that she not try to include him in their conversation before he schooled the look. He replied simply, "They are indeed well kept, Miss Bennet. Your father is to be commended for his diligence in their care."

Lady Catherine scoffed. "They could be nothing to Rosings."

Not one to be left out of the discussion of his expected inheritance, Mr. Collins interjected, "As to that, Your Ladyship, I can fully attest, having been at residence at Longbourn for the good part of a fortnight. Though I have only walked extensively the paths immediately surrounding the main house, I can assure you that my Cousin Bennet has meticulously maintained them, if without in a more formally manicured fashion." Taking a much needed breath, he continued with his effusions, "Of course, they pale in comparison to that which is the pride and exquisiteness of the gardens of Rosings Park."

Her cousin's bow in supplication made it difficult for Elizabeth to keep from rolling her eyes at such excessive praise Nonetheless, she could not help but smile while confessing, "Indeed, Mr. Collins speaks the truth, Your Ladyship." Looking directly the great lady for emphasis, Elizabeth further admitted, "My father's estate was designed long ago as to be deliberately uncontrived, giving way to the natural flora where possible as befits the woods and pastures surrounding the area. I fear you will not spy a single topiary in all of Longbourn grounds."

With Mr. Collins bobbing his head several times in confirmation, Richard offered, "That sounds similar to the way Uncle Darcy planned out much of the gardens around Pemberley House, unobtrusive and tranquil though," he added laughing, "probably on a much larger scale I grant you, Miss Bennet."

Lady Catherine protested, "Nephew, how can you even compare the rich expanse of Pemberley in any way to a small country estate?"

Stifling an exasperated sigh, Richard said, "I merely suggested a common design feature, Aunt, not that the two estates were in any way similar in size."

Seemingly satisfied with such an answer, Lady Catherine had finally tired of her line of questions and opinions and turned to Elizabeth, requesting in a commanding tone, "You will play for us, Miss Bennet."

Feeling the beginning of a headache coming on from such tedious conversation in company with Lady Catherine, Elizabeth gave her a significant stare, a retort springing quickly to mind.

Will I indeed?

Seeing her friend's defiant manner, Charlotte verily sprang to her feet cutting through Elizabeth's reverie as she made the offer to turn pages. Her apologetic expression left Elizabeth without the means to bow out gracefully from her duty of entertaining the great lady.

"Very well, Your Ladyship," Elizabeth conceded as Charlotte was already pulling her over to the pianoforte while the rest of the ladies and two of the gentlemen moved to the couches and settees nearby.

As the two ladies settled down on the bench before the stack of available sheet music, Darcy wondered if this exhibit would be a repeat of the other night, when Elizabeth had seemed so out of sorts. He discretely came in front of the instrument to quietly inquire, "Miss Bennet, if it not too much to ask, would you play the piece that Georgiana wished you to learn?" He added in a whisper that only she could hear, "else you owe me a forfeit?"

Elizabeth could not help but noticed that, like during dinner, when his eyes twinkled in the aftermath of his successfully manipulating the chopsticks, a smug expression vied to be exposed beneath his mask of indifference in his challenging her to fulfill her half of the wager. Now, however, those same eyes held her gaze as his expression was one of sincere curiosity mingled with mild mischief, more in keeping with the Darcy she had known in London.

Unable to deny her old friend, she arched her brow. Smiling, she squirmed on the bench and nodded. Glancing toward Charlotte, she asked her to find the specific concerto. Taking a breath and placing her fingers over the keys Elizabeth began to play slowly at first. Her spirits grew lively at the return of her London friend's playful demeanor and of their shared needling of the illustrious aunt.

When she began to focus on the concerto Darcy was mesmerized with the beauty of the notes at Elizabeth's execution. Though not flawless, he conceded that she must have been diligent in her practice to succeed in displaying the eloquence of mastery the piece required. With a nod Darcy silently conceded that she had fulfilled her wager. She finished without the fanfare that was her due for such a difficult work, but Darcy whispered, " Miss Bennet, I doubt even my sister could find much lacking in your performance."

Elizabeth let escape a small gasp as she shook her head, not so easily assuaged by such flattery, and freely admitting, "But it was not without fault, Mr. Darcy. My less than stellar performance is due more to my lack of confidence in adhering strictly to the notes of the composer. No, it was not perfect, sir. If, however, you are inclined to be generous and concede that I have fulfilled the wager, I will ask only that we call this one a draw."

Darcy nodded, adding, "Georgiana will be delighted when she hears you play the piece."

Elizabeth did not refrain from arching her brow at such gallantry in his obvious biased statement. Unsure when she and his sister would ever meet again, it did reveal the return for the moment of her friendly companion she had known in London. She chose to remain silent, choosing to continue to play with ease a piece she knew by heart, almost vexed why this more amiable Darcy does not remain in evidence for longer than a moment at a time.

Endeavoring to keep him so, she admonished herself in her teasing but gentle manner, "I have yet to live up to one aspect of the forfeit as regards the grooming of a horse." She played effortlessly as she admitted, "I have had plenty of opportunity while at Longbourn as Nellie is seldom taken out due to her extreme age, and would therefore be a grateful recipient for anyone's attentions." She feigned a pout. "But I have found every excuse I could fathom to postpone my obligation to you, and feel wretched that I am unwilling to do your bidding on the matter."

Darcy believed her sincerity until he glanced her way to see a smirk barely concealed beneath her smile as she executed a rather difficult passage in the music, leaving him to misunderstand and therefore be in doubt as to whether she was trying to renege on the forfeit. To test her, he casually stated, "There are horses here at Rosings for which you can fulfill your wager."

When her hands froze over the keys leaving the room in sudden silence, Darcy had his answer. Stumbling for a bit, her face pale, Elizabeth renewed her playing and merely nodded, "Y-Yes, I am sure you are correct. I suppose it matters not which horse gets brushed so long as there are witnesses to my attempt." With a flush overtaking her paleness, she teased, "I would but stipulate that the horse be as docile an animal as old Nellie rather than a cold-hearted beast that would stomp me should I look at him cross-eyed."

Darcy smiled, "I think that can be arranged."

Resigned now to her fate, Elizabeth sighed, "Then you have merely to name the day and time, and I will endeavor to arrange my absence from the parsonage-"

Lady Catherine's voice boomed from the adjacent room. After having the audacity to talk throughout her entire performance, Her Ladyship demanded, "Miss Bennet, Nephew, of what are you speaking? I must have my share in the conversation!"

Darcy actually did rolled his eyes before turning toward his aunt. "We were talking of horses, Madam.

"A subject near and dear to my heart," the Colonel began. "There is nothing more important to a cavalry officer than his mount. To have one of great talent is to his best advantage."

Lady Catherine pontificated, "When young, I loved to be out on the hunt, jumping hedge and stream with such abandoned, my father worried for my safety and forbade me jump over the tallest hedges."

Richard could not resist asking in jest, "And you obeyed your father implicitly, did you not, Aunt?"

Her faltering pause coupled with a blush and her slight smile of remembrance told them all that she had not. However, not to lose dominance in the conversation she insisted, "I always had the greatest respect for my father." Staring at her youngest nephew, she added, "Young people should always obey their elders!"

Glancing then at the young lady at the pianoforte, Lady Catherine smirked, asking what she already assumed the answer, "Miss Bennet, are you proficient a horsewoman?"

"I am not, Your Ladyship," Elizabeth freely admitted, adding, "With so many paths available in which to walk around Longbourn and Meryton, I never found the need to learn to ride with any efficiency."

"That is a pity, indeed," remarked Richard. "There are a great many remote locations afforded one at Rosings and other parks accessed when only on horseback."

Lady Catherine commanded the conversation, with, "It seems, Miss Bennet, of you having further been deprived in your education, owning to your father's proclivity to his texts. Smirking, she added, "Books are your father's true passion, I believe."

Elizabeth refused to be pulled into yet another of Her Ladyship's condemnation of her family's inferiority, and merely replied, "That would seem to be the case, and yet, if one thought the activity of parading in the park paramount to a young woman's education, then I am glad to being deprived."

Trying to further Anne's suitability to her nephew rather than to engage Elizabeth in a verbal sparring match, Lady Catherine professed, "Exhibiting is of great importance when viewed as a means of establishing yourself in good standing while in ton by displaying such an accomplishment as horsemanship in Hyde Park, is that not so, nephew?"

Darcy frowned, gleaning his aunt's reasoning for this line of conversation, and merely agreed with the logic of such a statement. "There are many excellent riders who show off their skills to advantage while riding in the parks of London, Aunt."

Lady Catherine turned her head toward Elizabeth at Darcy's tacit agreement with her statement, saying smugly. "For those lacking the efficiency in that activity, the opportunity is closed to them. Why even Anne, though her health forbids her to ride, is quite proficient with her phaeton and ponies."

A glance at Elizabeth and her friend for emphasis, Lady Catherine did not even try to hide the unkind smirk appearing on her face. Elizabeth was reminded of those young ladies she had seen in the London parks over the Christmas Season, deliberately making their mounts prance to gain notice of certain gentlemen.

I do so dislike the way that people display themselves to gain the admiration of each other.

She thought it less like a park, and more like an enormous ballroom filled with ladies and gentlemen preening themselves and parading about like peacocks for their own mutual admiration. "There are more important pastimes in life besides the ability to rein a horse, Your Ladyship."

Mr. Collins admonished her. "Cousin Elizabeth! How can you disagree with Her Ladyship when she is instructing you?"

Even Richard would not defend her. Instead, he answered, "Yes, Miss Bennet, I cannot agree you."

Lady Catherine continued to control the tone of the conversation, saying, "I think she was referring to more academic pursuits, are you not, Miss Bennet, your father being a great reader?"

"I was."

"To which your family has equally been deprived, owning again to Mr. Bennet's propensity to his literary collection above that of the welfare of his children's education by hiring a governess sending you all off to a woman's seminaries."

Finding this continual censure of her and her family quite trying, Elizabeth chose to retreat with what little dignity was afforded her, and thereafter, remained silent on the subject, most especially after a brief exchanged glance she witnessed between the two gentlemen in which neither saw fit to bother to curb their Aunt's censure.

That neither man had come to her defense was telling to Elizabeth, who wondered if they were in agreement with their aunt or if she had grossly overestimated her friendship with them finding Elizabeth of such a distance acquaintance that it was not worthy enough to bother defending. With no opportunity to question them out of earshot of their relation, Elizabeth knew not what they thought, and chose to misunderstand their silence as their own kind of censure.

With Elizabeth's refusal to offer her own opinion, choosing instead to smile at such audacity, Lady Catherine smirked, thinking she had succeeded in making both of her nephews aware of the unsuitability of the likes of Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

Had she truly been clairvoyant, Her Ladyship would be dutifully upset to find that neither man thought anything of the sort. Rather, both found that in refusing to continue voicing an opinion contrary to that of their aunt after such haranguing; Miss Bennet had been elevated in their eyes as being the more refined of the two.

After the rather considerable pause it was Charlotte who gave the entire party a gracious way to extricate themselves from the awkwardness of the evening by saying, "Your Ladyship has been most kind with this gracious invitation, but now as the hour is drawing late I-"

Lady Catherine took up where Charlotte's statement was tending and continued, "Yes, I think Anne should be growing quite fatigued from all the activities. We should call the evening to a close."

"My dear," began Mr. Collins, not wishing to ever depart Rosings, but upon hearing Lady Catherine's dismissal, he had to change the direction of his address to his wife from censuring to one of allowing his effusions to appear toward his benefactress. "Thank you, Your Ladyship for so gracious an evening. We are all honor to be included in your present company-"

Without bothering to listen to the remainder of his insipid speech, Lady Catherine acquiesced to their departure, motioning to one of the servants to have the carriage readied for their return to Hunsford.

Mr. Collins groveled, bowing though he was still seated. "That is benevolence, indeed and-"

"Yes, yes," Lady Catherine brushed off his comment with a wave of her hand. "I am most attentive to such things." The servant was out the door before she stood, forcing everyone else to do likewise.

"I will bid you good night, then," she said, exiting the room, adding as she gained the door, "Come along, Anne, and Miss Jenkinson."

At that the Hunsford party was left with Mr. Collins bowing again with such supplication you would think his benefactor was royalty

Charlotte turned to the remaining gentlemen who could not fathom their aunt's incivility, and said in a courteous voice, "I want to also thank you both for an enjoyable evening. My sister and I had a wonderful time, did we not, Mariah?"

Turning to her, Richard could not but smile at the wide eyed girl who had not spoken one word the entire evening, and now was obliged to make some verbal statement. She meekly whispered, "yes, thank you."

The party made their way into the foyer to obtain their outer ware with both gentlemen following in their wake. With Darcy remaining resolutely silent, it fell to Richard to act the gracious host. "You must come again, Miss Bennet, and grace us with your playing. I found it a most enjoyable pastime." Leaning close, he added in a lower voice, "That is when I could hear you over my Aunt talking." His smile meant to leave her at ease, and with his disarming manner he succeeded to a small extent.

Smiling back, she curtseyed. "You are most kind, but I find my company greatly failing to amuse some of those present this evening."

Not bothering to glance at his cousin for whom the statement was directed, Richard refuted, "No, I am sure you are mistaken, Miss Bennet," adding. "In any case, tomorrow I will be on tour inspecting some of the grounds tomorrow, and will call on the parsonage later in the day. I hope to see you there."

"We shall see," was all she could agree to before exiting the door.

Mr. Collins could not leave the nephew of his illustrious benefactress in any doubt as to an acceptance of the invitation and stated firmly, "We will make sure to be at home when you come, Sir. I am most grateful for all your benevolent condensation towards myself and all my-"

"My dear, the carriage is waiting," Charlotte interrupted to have her husband scurry out the door without more notice of the two men. "Thank you again," she added as she ushered her sister from the premises.

Both men sighed as the door closed. "Well, that was an interesting evening's fare with our Aunt in great form." He had been disgusted with his aunt's behavior toward Miss Bennet, wondering why she had been singled out for such abuse and coming up with but one reason.

"At least it is over and done with," Darcy replied in kind, having been too occupied with other worries to pay much heed toward his overbearing aunt. "If you are going to ask me to join you in partaking in some of Lady Catherine's stores, I am not averse to the notion."

Raising his brow at Darcy being the first to ask for a libation, Richard silently motioned him toward the library where a decanter of cognac awaited them.

In the meantime, Elizabeth was quiet during the entirety of the carriage ride home, thinking when neither gentleman rallied to her cause in lieu of remaining tacit toward their Aunt's rude display, she was a-sea as to their motives, for she could detect a tinge of something between them, something she could not put a name to.