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Chapter 42-The elder Misses Bennet Return

Posted on 2011-01-16

When Elizabeth and Jane arrived at Longbourn a sennight later, they were both imposed upon firstly, to tell of the news of the Gardiners. Once all were assured of the little Gardiners' recovery their family then pressed Jane and Elizabeth for any happenings in London they witnessed while there. Kitty and Lydia asked Jane of news as to the latest fashions whereupon she told of excursions shopping and of going to a play and once to the theatre. A discussion ensued of who she saw as well as what the ladies wore.

When queried, Lizzy spoke of her rambles around the parsonage and the village of Hunsford, which neither of her younger sisters took any notice. Of more interest were her visits to Rosings Park where Elizabeth expounded on all its windows that their cousin had admired. "Indeed, they shone in the sunlight to blind us as we approached the house." At this Mr. Bennet merely smiled over the top of his news sheet.

When Mrs. Bennet asked of the decoration Elizabeth freely admitted to its being as elegant as Mr. Collins attested, though she neglected to add how garish she thought were the overly ornate paintings and sculptures. Nor did she mention in her description that the fashionable furnishings were both uncomfortable to use as they were uninviting to the eye. Her neglect of accuracy of description left Mrs. Bennet to form the opinion that she would enjoy a visit.

Mr. Bennet sat in silence, suspecting at the true meaning behind what his second eldest daughter neglected to profess of the décor of Rosings.

When Mrs. Bennet then began to ask even more pointed questions about whom each had met on their visits, it was clear she would leave neither of her eldest in peace until they confirmed her worst fears. Elizabeth admitted to having not been in company of anyone of consequence excepting for Lady Catherine's nephews, neither of whom Mrs. Bennet presumed had been of any use for her daughters when Elizabeth arrived in London. Upon returning from Rosings unattached, Mrs. Bennet was quite put out.

At Jane returning from town after six weeks and yet was likewise not engaged to any of the men Mrs. Gardiner was sure to have introduced to her brought their mother to near distraction.

Wringing her hands, Mrs. Bennet lamented, "What am I to do with girls who are unwilling to promote themselves to eligible men? You will both die old maids! And then what will become of us?"

This brought a loud snort from Lydia and a giggle from Kitty followed by an admonishment from Mary. Behind their mother's back Elizabeth and Jane exchanged a knowing glance agreeing that they should remain silent to avoid another harangue, especially when each noted their father's smile to have their unease abated. In truth, Mr. Bennet was quite content with both his two sensible offspring once more under his roof. Unlike their mother, he at least was happy that neither had managed to attract any gentleman of high standing.

Mrs. Bennet continued in this vein, speaking now of the return of Mr. Bingley and of how Jane must secure him before either of Mrs. Gouldings' nieces, with, "Oh, I see how artful they are! They are nothing compared to you, dear Jane, but you must do your best to attract him when next you meet."

"Mama, I am sure Mr. Bingley will be as he ever was."

This non-committal but reaffirming response seemed to placate her mother somewhat who still insisted Mr. Bennet allow Jane a new gown to impress the young man. To further the peace that he could sense would prevail for but a while, Mr. Bennet acquiesced without much fuss, thus avoiding the further discussion of lace until Lydia insisted upon her own new gown.

Following an exchange with her father, Elizabeth raised her brow and sighed complacently as if to say, 'some things never change.' Before returning to his paper he then glanced toward his eldest to see if she was likewise accepting of the usual family turmoil erupting from the talk of fashion. To the two who knew Jane well, neither Elizabeth nor her father were at ease with Jane's façade of serene countenance, but since she had yet to confide in either, they were unsure how to proceed.

Elizabeth could detect the visage of sadness emanating from her placid sister, which only fueled her already growing ire toward Bingley's family and more, his friend who she was sure must have had a hand in keeping the man from Jane though without any proof.

After how I was treated at Rosings at the hands of his Aunt without him raising a finger in my defense, it is clear Mr. Darcy does not think of the feelings of others below his station.

Determined in her belief of Darcy's insensitivity to those not of his immediate circle and thereby a direct obstruction in the affairs of the heart between her sister and his friend, Elizabeth found her mood darkening with the need to remove herself outdoors for reflection. Trudging through an especially difficult path due to the overgrown roots toward Oakham Mount, she did not find her solace as to how to remain civil at their inevitable next meeting with the two gentlemen.

Upon her return, Elizabeth heard her mother above stairs with Mary beginning anew her nervous tirade as regards Mr. Bingley. Finding Jane, the two older sisters sought the solitude of the morning room with its cheery sunlight filtering through the windows.

Jane attempted some sewing, mischievously smiling at the thought of offering Lizzy a sampler. At Elizabeth's glare, she instead handed her a bonnet to pin in a newer fashion for another to sew. They sat together, Jane simply glad to have her dear companion with her again at Longbourn.

As Elizabeth inspected Lydia's attempt to re-make Kitty's bonnet in a more stylish fashion with new ribbons suddenly both sisters came bursting in. Lydia was ecstatic while Kitty, following close on Lydia's heels, seemed much less so, coughing from the excursion of running from the foyer to be momentarily without the ability of speech.

Fluttering a note before their faces, Lydia cried, "Jane! Lizzy! You will never guess what has happened when Hill brought in the post?"

"I would wager to guess that you received a letter, Lydia?" Lizzy could not help herself only to be hushed by Jane.

"La! It is from Mrs. Forster!" Lydia paused enough for one breath while still excitedly fluttering the page before Elizabeth's eyes, saying, "She has invited me, as her special friend, to come to her and the Colonel now that the militia have decamped to Brighton!"

This announcement was followed by her plopping down a very unladylike fashion into the first available chair, still clutching Mrs. Forster's note to her breast. A deep sigh escaped her lip and a dreamy expression was fixed upon her face at the thought of a whole camp full of soldiers. "Is that not the most wonderful news, Lizzy?"

Kitty, over her coughing fit, pouted, "Mrs. Forster should have invited me as well, Lizzy. Though I am not her particular friend, I should be allowed to go with Lydia, for I am two years older!" At that she stomped her foot and ran from the room in a snit with Lydia sticking her tongue out at her retreating figure.

"She is just jealous that Mrs. Forster chose me over her."

Elizabeth was not at all pleased by such an unwise choice of so unbridled a sister. After motioning for the note to peruse herself, she announced, "Do not crow too loudly over your sister, Lydia. Papa has not yet given his permission, nor is he likely to with such childish behavior as we have just witnessed."

Lydia did not worry over such a triviality. Grabbing back the note, she flounced out of the room, humming at her good fortune. "Papa will not refuse me, Lizzy, once I tell Mama."

Of that Elizabeth was certain. Her mother would think the excursion such an opportunity to guarantee having at least one of her daughters married, even one too young to realize its significance, that she would not give up on the scheme without a great deal of strife towards her husband.

Jane thought the idea in a more positive manner. "I am sure the Colonel and his wife will keep her safe enough, Lizzy."

Elizabeth pursed her lips, uncertain that even a militia colonel had the capacity to keep their youngest sister out of mischief.

Both then heard Mrs. Bennet shriek as the news, they heard her jump from her bed, demanding to see the note. After another wail, she must have taken Lydia's hands to have them together dance around the room much to the groaning of the upper floorboards.

Mrs. Bennet shouted, "My dear, dear, Lydia, such wonderful news! Oh! You will be in company with Mrs. Forster and the Colonel when they attend all the balls and assemblies in Brighton. Come, we will speak to your father. He must allow you several new gowns!"

Having heard enough, Elizabeth rose from the sofa and made her way into the study to address her father as to her opinion on the matter. Upon acquaintance with those officers quartered at Meryton over the winter, she knew they for the most part seemed harmless, but with the addition of an entire camp and the further incentives of gaiety existing in a city such as Brighton, she knew not how a senseless girl like Lydia could help but become overwhelmed in mischief. Elizabeth also knew trying to influence her father into a decision contrary to what of her younger sister and their mother desired would be an uphill battle. With her mother's disappointment with her two elder daughters, she would be determined to give her favorite daughter the chance to marry. With their father's penchant to avoid conflict, Elizabeth knew making her point would prove a near impossible task, but she had to try nonetheless.

Chapter 43 - Darcy and Elizabeth meet at the Phillips

Posted on 2011-09-13

That evening at the Phillips' charades had been accomplished with Elizabeth's team reigning victorious. Having not been formed for ill humor, Elizabeth was usually able to find the humor in the folly or defect of others in keeping with her character study as witnessed by her behavior of not lording over those defeated. When Bingley and Darcy arrived he watched as Elizabeth, surrounded by gentlemen seeking her favor, laughed and teased them. While he wished to be the recipient of her smiles and witty repartee as she charmed each of them, Elizabeth gave but a glance toward the door before resuming David Lucas' cards.

Not sanguine to divulge to anyone other than Jane any ill humor of her own or low opinions harbored in her heart for those she felt had wronged her, especially those formed regarding Mr. Darcy and his relations after her excursion into Kent, Elizabeth determined to avoid any conversation of them.

The only inkling her father had of it came in the guise of several missives to him from Mr. Collins and another to his father-in-law, Sir William Lucas. Feeling it was his right as the heir presumptive of Longbourn and obliged as a clergyman to inform both elder gentlemen to give his unwarranted opinions that Mr. Bennet knew were those of Lady Catherine DeBough than her toadie. As the current master of Longbourn, Mr. Bennet took little notice of such disparaging remarks by his cousin, knowing their Collins to be rather obtuse.

With both the Lucas and Bennet families arriving early for dinner and cards at the Phillips, the two elder men of the households chose seats together by the fire with a discussion beginning on the topic when Sir William spoke of having received a missive from the Hunsford parson. Mr. Bennet merely nodded, realizing Mr. Collins would likely be keeping up a correspondence Lucas Lodge.

"Mr. Collins states his disappointment in how Elizabeth conducted herself while there, feeling it unbecoming the daughter of a gentleman and must have been a defect in her upbringing. While there I saw no untoward behavior though I left shortly after. After having spoken recently to Mr. Darcy of it, he was of the same opinion as myself."

Sir William then asked Mr. Bennet if a similar note from the Hunsford parson was received by the Longbourn's master, Mr. Bennet nodded. His inclination to make light of the unctuous man's inability to dissemble was tempered by the fact of Mr. Collins now being his friend's son-in-law, so he said only,. "He must have mistook my Lizzy's playful intent for we each know how well liked she is wherever she goes."

With the other gentleman's nod of agreement, the matter was then forgot in lieu of the departed militia, both chuckling as to all the differing opinions that event had excited in the female populace of the neighborhood. Longbourn had been in uproar over Lydia's invitation. Mr. Bennet had yet managed to defer his permission after talking to Elizabeth on the matter. He promised his wife he would decide in the next few days. Mrs. Bennet took this to mean he was of a mind to allow the excursion but wished to vex them before giving in to hers and Lydia's demands.

After charades when several tables had been set, the games being well underway. With the teams of Lydia and Kitty victorious at one of the tables, Elizabeth continued to watch David Lucas attempting to keep the pair from completely rousting his team. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy arrived at that point of the evening.

Bingley, still being without a hostess at Netherfield and therefore left to the mercy of invitations throughout the area, had engaged his party to this evening. As predictably amiable, Mr. Bingley was accepted by all, everyone happy to renew the acquaintance regardless of whatever the reason was behind so long a delay in his returning to the area.

Even Jane appeared cautiously happy to see him when he approached the settee where she and Mariah had settled. Elizabeth, standing beside a card table in further recess of the room, made the appearance of having yet to note the late arrivals.

Darcy frowned thinking Elizabeth was ignoring him in favor of teasing David Lucas for his choice of trump card, choosing to remain near his friend while Bingley queried Jane about the Gardiner children.

Kitty, thinking much the same as Darcy, could not understand Lizzy's less than charitable mood with either gentleman, especially Mr. Darcy whom she thought could be friendly when he chose.

Still of the same mind when she and Elizabeth removed to the tea cart for coffee, Kitty asked, "Lizzy, why did you slight Mr. Bingley's friend? I thought you liked his company."

"I am sure I do not know your meaning," Elizabeth replied innocently, sipping from her cup. "I had my eyes focused on Mr. Lucas when he was playing his hand."

Now eyeing the room, her gaze fell directly upon Darcy who had been staring from his vantage point. Her head finally bowed in acknowledgement of his presence as did his, but he took note that her eyes no longer held the gay sparkle he previously beheld when she spoke to Mr. Lucas. They were cool in barely implied civility, a look he was much familiar with at town functions when one wishes nothing to do with the other.

Being distracted by another of her neighbors asking if she were well, Elizabeth returned his smile, her laughing eyes returning to shine upon him as she was overhead to say, "Oh, Mr. Sweeney, you know I am not made for dreary thoughts," adding, "at least not for long."

The look she gave Darcy from across the room belied that statement.

No, you reserve those dreary thought only for ones you harbor ill will towards.

Darcy was likewise distracted by a gentleman visiting from the north who asked him questions of Derbyshire, for which Darcy was more than happy to oblige answering. Each had been in pleasant company until the evening's end, but neither was satisfied without the means or privacy needed for any meaningful conversation to resolve their differences.

Since her return, he had as yet been unable to spy Elizabeth out walking alone during his morning rides, so had not that opportunity for quiet discussion during those early hours of the day. He began to wonder if she was deliberately avoiding him.

Bingley had previously accepted an invitation to luncheon with the Bennets before he departed Netherfield, a fact which Mrs. Bennet curtly reminded him, noting that the next day would suffice, and for which he eagerly obliged her. There was but a few minutes before dinner was announced, leaving not a moment of privacy to speak long with the elder Miss Bennets.

It was not until at dinner when Elizabeth leaned toward her sister and Mr. Bingley, who seated together, to begin a quiet conversation.

"Aw, Miss Elizabeth," Bingley said warmly as he bowed his greeting. "I am so happy to finally see you again. Miss Bennet has been telling me your nursing skills were again required, this time to aid your cousins over their illness."

Returning his smile with a warm one of equal measure, Elizabeth sighed. "Yes, I had not anticipated their being needed again after Jane's cold."

Still concerned, he asked, "But you left them all well?"

Laughing, Elizabeth confessed, "To my knowledge everyone in my family are now in the best of health." Gazing about the room to note that Miss Bingley was not hanging on Mr. Darcy's arm, she inquired, "And I hope yours are as well, Mr. Bingley."

Bingley's smile faltered before his recovery quickly. "Y-Yes, Miss Elizabeth, all my family members are well, but at present remain in the North."

Agreeing that being out of town during the summer months is for the best, she continue conversing with him and Jane of everything insignificant, from the dry weather and subsequent altered terrain to the sounds of the songbirds in spring and the smell of the grass in summer. All this time she ignored Darcy, who observed in silence, his scowl deepening at her obvious unease in his company while his friend was easily accepted wherever he went.

Wishing to divert attention from her sister's anxiety with the presence of Mr. Darcy, Jane declared, "I am certain the neighborhood is quite pleased now you are come, Mr. Bingley."

Mrs. Bennet, who had suddenly joined in, added with more enthusiasm, "Oh yes, Mr. Bingley, The neighborhood has been sadly empty these last months and the entire area has suffered for your absence from Netherfield."

Bingley's gaze drifted to Jane's countenance, and smiling sadly, he declared, "I hope that all will welcome me back, Madam. I have been away too long."

Fluttering her handkerchief, Mrs. Bennet effusions continued, "We were all quite desolate without your company and could not account for such a long absence."

Bingley frowned. "I had thought you had been informed that it was a personal matter of some import?" He looked at Jane to note her frown before she sighed.

I suppose that is as acceptable an excuse as any, if somewhat vague.

His statement caused Mrs. Bennet to open her mouth to protest, but then, wishing not to be thought as lacking in knowledge, merely said, "Yes, yes, of course, we were told such by your friend." She nodded towards Darcy. Then taking a breath said before he could reply, she dismissed him with, "Well, and so, now you are back among us to stay?"

Confused, but not wishing to disconcert the lady, Bingley returned a smile, saying only, "Yes, now I am returned, Madam, I hope to remain for a while yet."

Closing her eyes, Jane willed her heart to quiet, fearing it could be heard by the rest of the company. Despite her best efforts, she could not quell the peaceful smile that lit her face as her thoughts eased somewhat.

For the first time that evening Darcy saw Elizabeth express true happiness upon seeing her sister's soft smile. Her laughter mixed with the company over more neutral topics as she thought, Jane, you have been sad for too long and is now content.

The next day when Darcy and Bingley approached Longbourn, they saw the youngest Bennet sisters partaking in a game of croquet on the front lawn. Jane and Elizabeth waited on the sidelines to take their turns. Both Kitty and Lydia played better than Mary, who bemoaned at her quite anemic shot, "I would much rather be indoors reading."

Kitty quipped back, "But you know mother demanded we all be out of the house to give her poor nerves some peace while she supervises the luncheon meal to be soon served for the gentlemen."

Several of the officers who had remained behind the regiment to facilitate the convoy of supplies, had come to take their leave of the Bennet ladies, but instead eagerly joined in the amusement of the croquet match and laughed at the exchange.

Lieutenant Saunderson stutter his encouragement of Mary, "I-I-I can aid you improve your aim, M-M-Miss Mary, if you w-w-would allow me."

To this Lydia and Kitty erupted into giggles with Lydia saying, "Oh Mr. Saunderson, do, please, else Mary will never reach the middle of the lawn!"

Not to be excluded from the activity, Bingley dismounted, asking, "I say, if you have extra mallets, perhaps we may join you as you appear to be just beginning the match?"

Turning to see who had called out, Jane nodded with a smile and chose a mallet for each.

After thanking her Darcy noticed that Capt. Carter had bowed to him before renewing his game, noting the gentleman scanning the lawn to see the absence of a certain lieutenant from their party. After his recommendation to Col. Foster, Wickham had been one of the officers ordered to Brighton with the enlisted men.

Both Darcy and Bingley began to play, each taking their turns to manage the large wooden balls through the wickets and towards the end post while attempting to avoid being too near others, so as to avoid being batted away from the goals. Darcy also attempted to come near Elizabeth and one of her younger sisters on the far side of the lawn in order to ask for a moment to speak with her.

His plans went awry, however, when Lydia also made a move in the same direction, hitting both Elizabeth's and Kitty's balls resting quite near each other. With a streak of meanness, Lydia chose to send Kitty's blue ball careening into the brushes to the farthest side of the lawn and Elizabeth's in the opposite direction from Darcy's. His efforts to speak to Elizabeth would have to wait for another time.

Chapter 44- The Fencing Lesson

Posted on 2011-09-24

The spring brought about a renewal of much needed walks for Elizabeth to keep out of the way of her mother's constant requirement of her aid in a hopeful culmination of Mr. Bingley's asking for Jane's hand. Elizabeth, who still doubted the man's constancy, would rather let nature take its course with the two.

If they are meant to be together, then give them the time and inclination.

There had been the obvious gossip about Mr. Bingley's return to Netherfield with speculation as to what it might mean to any of the young ladies of the neighborhood, but most especially Jane. Since he had yet to visit Longbourn, it was assumed that romantic interests from that quarter were now on the wane if not long given up on entirely, so Mrs. Long's daughters and the nieces of Mrs. Goulding wondered if one of them might catch his eye.

Jane kept her countenance as serene as ever. To those who did not know her well it appeared her heart had been quite untouched by Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth, however, could always detect the visage of sadness from her sister, which only fueled her still discontented indignation toward Bingley's family and more to the point, his friend who, if not directly having a hand in keeping Mr. Bingley from Jane, must have known more than he admitted to her when they were in Kent.

Darcy was the one person she was not inclined to meet amicably, for she felt he had proven at Rosings to be no friend of hers. Elizabeth determined that the less dealings with the man, the better she would be her countenance. Walking along, she shook her head with a laugh.

I am beginning to sound like Mama in her fit of nerves at the man.

While still in her reverie, knowing she would soon need to return to Longbourn and the now despondent Kitty to keep entertained, with Lydia bound for Brighton with the Forsters, Elizabeth had only managed to rid her thoughts of the insufferable Mr. Darcy when she came upon the very man himself.

Darcy had ridden out early for the second day in a row in order to absence himself from the confines of the manor house. Hoping for the return of merely his friend, Bingley had also brought with him Caroline, his still determined sister. This left Darcy to delay his return to Netherfield as long as possible. Allowing his horse a free reins to gallop down a lesser used path, it was only by a fortuitous accident he encountered Elizabeth several miles on the outskirts of Longbourn where the paths diverge into a small meadow between the estates for the livestock to graze. His voice revealed the serendipity at their meeting.

"Good day, Miss Elizabeth."

Her animosity for him was so great as to cause her to barely keep a civil countenance with her silent curtsy. While he stared from his vantage point atop his horse as he heard her frosty, "Mr. Darcy."

His eyes narrowed, recognizing her tone that barely kept vexation in check as he viewed the frown threatening to overspread her face. An uncomfortable silence lengthened to cast a pall over an otherwise cloudless, sunny morning.

At length she grew impatient with his refusal to speak, and picked up a slender branch, whipping it around to hear the swishing sound made by her action. He watched her for a few moments before he made to draw her out.

"I trust you and your family remain in good health, especially your young cousins?"

"Yes, we are all well, sir," she answered, adding nothing more to the conversation, thus allowing the silence to extend to yet another awkward length.

Noting her still retaining the stick, he suddenly smiled. "I have decided on your next forfeit, if you will agree."

Her threatened frown now came to the forefront while her mind registered what he had said. Having been the recipient of several of his forfeits, it was not that she was fearful of being in any danger from the man, but how could she now welcome a renewal of ease in his company after all his offenses?

"I am sorry, sir, but I am not in humor to…"She stopped as she noted his smirk.

Owning that she had actually enjoyed beating him in more than one contest, Elizabeth suddenly appeared almost eager to know of his plan. Smiling, she asked, "And pray, what is it you wished me to best you?"

Darcy's brow rose as he calmly stated, "I would teach you how to fence."

Elizabeth allowed a most unladylike snort to escape until his gaze told her he was serious in his intentions.

"I beg your pardon, sir, but is that not the kind of exercise needing some more appropriate apparel than how we are now attired?" For emphasis she spread her skirt to allow its being a cumbersome garment in which to fence.

"For you to learn the fundamentals along with several stances and a few of the moves required in besting your opponent, we will do just fine in what we are presently attired. Shall we begin?"

Arching her brow, Elizabeth nodded in agreement that the exercise might be the means of ridding her of the unpleasant tension regarding the gentleman by putting him in his place.

Dismounting and tying his horse to a nearby sapling, Darcy picked up his own wooden rapier, testing its flexibility by swishing it about as a sword, then began. Showing her the proper form of the various stances, he continued informing her of rudimentary instructions while simultaneously demonstrating several of the steps to complete a parry, advance, lunge, retreat, as well as some the blade work to inflict little or great harm to one's opponent.

He noticed the intensity of her concentration as she watched to gain as much knowledge as possible from his rudimentary instructions for the rules of cessation. As he continued his footwork she went so far as to lift her skirts in order to better closely mimic his steps, slowly at first in the intricate cross-over steps.

She smiled when she reproduced his actions with greater swiftness without faltering, allowing a complement to escape her lips while repeating his moves now with some dexterity. "I can see now why you are an excellent dancer, Mr. Darcy. It seems this form of exercise uses many of the same movements."

He nodded with sarcasm, "The greater difference between this and dancing is, of course, that when dancing your opponent is not attempting to run you through with a blade, rather with wit."

To that she nodded, giggling in acknowledgement of his growing ease of manner as he watched her repeat several additional moves, correcting her arms and shoulders once or twice, requesting she lower her position to remind her to keep centered, demonstrating the stance once more.

Finally, feeling they were ready to begin, he saluted with his 'wooden' blade, and said, "En garde," to take the beginning stance, his demeanor changing to all seriousness.

Smiling, she did likewise, trying her best to acquire the same intensity his stare exuded. In the back of her mind she thought how much she would enjoy beating him at his own game…again. Only now, however, adding to her confidence was her resentment of his loathsome behavior toward her sister as well as his allowing his aunt's abuse of her to continue while they both were in Kent. She intended to avenge herself on him.

Extending his arm to engage her branch, they cautiously parried in a circular manner to have him watch her sense of style with each movement. Slowly picking up the pace, he lunged encouraging her to show how she would perform the same move, correcting her less and less as their display of parry and thrusts continued.

Before either realized, a half hour had elapsed with Elizabeth perspiring from such exertion of the exercise in the warming day. Darcy took note of her eyes glazing with a kind of ferociousness one attributes to a person mad with the passion for the hunt. As they continued to parry in silence with her lunges becoming bolder, showing no mercy, her intent it seemed, was to inflict as much damage as possible. She once pushed her way upon his person with their wooden blades crossed, each remaining for a time against one another with only their labored breathing to break the silence before he pushed her off.

Finally Darcy decided to give her some respite from her obvious growing bloodlust that he was beginning to suspect came from more than what usually overwhelmed many a novice. He held up his hand just as Elizabeth was in mid-lunge only to find her refusing to give way and leaving him with no recourse but to defend himself from her continued abuse.

Laughing, she cajoled, "Ha! You thought you had me, did you? Take that!" She lunged again towards him.

Darcy frowned at her displaying this less than sportsman-like behavior, that of unrestrained, unrelenting dominance over another person that he thought most unbecoming. Flicking his wrist with the barest of movements, he sent her weapon fairly leaping from her grasp while his eyes had never left hers. He caught her wooden blade with ease as it came down within arm's length.

He stared at her with disapproval, something she at first had not the means to notice due to her heightened state of exhilaration and utter astonishment at being so easily disarmed. She gasped at such physical prowess he had just displayed, surprising her anew.

"How…how did you manage that?" In an insistent voice she demanded, "Teach me that move!"

He shook his head, aware of how much their mock battle had raised his own pique. As he flung both pieces of wood far from where they stood, thus disposing of the weapons, he admonished her. "First, you must learn to stop your actions when a halt is called, lest you harm your opponent unintentionally."

"You did not call a halt, but merely raised your hand, sir."

They both heard his own voice display impatience as he crossed his arms across his chest, patronizing, "I distinctly recall explaining at the beginning that raising one's hand is the signal to halt an attack."

Frowning but still much caught up still in the exuberance of the activity, Elizabeth was inexplicably perturbed not only by his reluctance to continue but with her less than triumphant objection, and so reacted to his indignant tone with one of her own, stating, "I…if you did so, I must have forgotten in the excitement of our exercise, though I think I would surely have remembered so important a detail had you informed me of it."

He stared at her without reply as he digested her every word, including the insult at the end of her apology? In truth, even he could not recall exactly every instruction he had given her either, so should have given her the benefit of the doubt. His own belligerent attitude seemed to draw strength from hers, however, to add to his growing ire.

Bowing in acknowledgement of her statement, he nonetheless failed to keep the haughtiness from his voice. "Now that you are aware of it, I hope there will not be a repetition of your actions. Had we been using true blades, even blunted ones, that act would have been a terrible breach of conduct."

Arching her brow, Elizabeth now clearly understood his mood but was no longer in any humor for a continuation of his condescending lecture of her conduct without allowing her to further defend herself. Abruptly she turned away from him with a huff, and began to take her leave.

He stopped in mid-admonishment to ask, "Where are you going?"

She did not even bother to turn around to curtsey, but said over her shoulder in a firm but calm tone, "Out of earshot of your blatant attempt to intimidate me into some kind of remorse for an action that was clearly unintentional, but for which you seem incapable of forgiving. I bid you good day, sir."

He felt the ire in her words, but would not back down from his original supposition that she was at fault in not recognizing the gravity of such a situation should they have been using actual swords. "Had this been a school, and you a proper pupil, the instructor would have reprimanded you far worse than what I have said."

Unable now to abide his tutelage any longer, Elizabeth whirled around and expressed her thoughts in an icy tone. "This is not a school. You are not the instructor and those sticks are not swords."

Again she turned to leave him to his exercise, but he would not let it go, and mumbled, "Had you been a man-"

At this Elizabeth turned around to face him once more, seething at his arrogance, her voice now low and threatening. "Had I been a man, sir, I would throttle you for such a haughty insult of my error that I am sure any respectable instructor would have excused without rancor as being accidental in a novice!"

Taken aback by her continued outburst, Darcy, while still not agreeing with her, nevertheless, did wished a remedy of the tension that had flared between them. Taking a step towards her he saw her hand come up in the now familiar command to halt his movement. He did so without question, especially after she warned, "Do not follow me, sir! I wish solitude from your insufferable presence!"

His calmness evaporating in an instant with her tirade, Darcy seethed as he stood motionless, watching her departure. Still in a pique, he turned in the opposite direction, determined to ride as far away from her as possible.

Such an infuriating woman!

Stomping toward his horse grazing peacefully on meadow grass, Darcy's furor began to cool enough for rational thought. He could not understand how this forfeit had gone so wrong when all the others had been diverting in their enjoyment by both of them, even the incident in her uncle's warehouse that had gone awry had not resulted in a show of such animosity that now prevailed between them.

Sitting on a nearby log, Darcy pondered if the fault was with him. Without an understanding as to why she had become so annoyed with him, he began to review what had occurred. At first he wondered if his choice of words had upset her but soon realized that it was not merely his phrasing that had caused her anger to flare, but rather his own intractable arrogance in demeaning her that must have provoked such of response.

She must have thought I despised her for my railing at her failure to follow so simple an instruction.

He could never despise her, but his long established habit of projecting his haughtiness must have given her reason to suspect it and react to the injustice of what, until now, she had never experienced from him. Castigating himself for such behavior that until now he had no reason to curb, Darcy stood to go after her in an attempt to apologize. Following the path she had chosen, he began to wonder if her fury came from another source.

Had her cool attitude towards myself been something I initiated at Kent? Could she be angry over something other than my admonishments of her fencing skills?

His reverie was interrupted when his foot was caught on a vine within the path where several roots overgrown as well as branches that had blown down during a recent storm. Just as he untangled his boot Darcy heard a loud snap followed by an alarming, "Oh!" This could not have come from anyone other than Elizabeth, which made him hurry his steps around a clump of trees to come upon her bent over her foot.

"Elizabeth! What has happened?"

She tugged at her ankle, which was firmly lodged between two branches, as she hissed, "I was trying to walk atop the fallen branches only to slip, and now my foot is wedged between one of them and a tree root." She continued tugging, mumbling, "Oh, bother!"

Had she not been in some discomfort, the image of a damsel in a distress in such a fashion would have been comical as he witnessed her continuing attempt to free her foot. The irony was not lost on Darcy that she would be made to stay put for his apology.

Coming forward, he rested his hand on her shoulder and gave a gentle but firm command, "Calm yourself," to stem her constant tussling that he be allowed him to view the snare first hand. Seeing that the branches were tightly pressed against the roots on either side, Darcy could not fathom moving them without aid.

At his seemingly idle gaze at her predicament without rendering her any help as he attempted to collect his thought on how best to proceed, she sighed and sat down on the log. "Mr. Darcy, if you can be of no aid to me, the least you can do is to go seek others, lest I be made to remain here for the rest of my days."

He chuckled, sensing that her good humor had not been too severely damaged beyond redemption by their disagreement. Sitting beside her, he admitted, "I was trying to formulate a plan of action. In the meantime, please forgive me for my outburst earlier. I am unused to students without full knowledge of the rules engrained in them. I now realize I must have rushed you through them."

She nodded, accepting his apology, owning, "It was not all your fault. The intensity of the lesson made me forget a lot of what you said at the beginning. Having a sword bear down upon me, even a wooden one, called up such exhilaration in myself, many thoughts fell by the wayside."

Darcy nodded at her astuteness that being attacked physically would have one's mind seize upon only those thoughts needed in order to survive such a volley. He frowned, thinking again of the last time a rapier was involved in one of their forfeits.

"Do I truly act with such disdain toward those below me in a similar a manner to that of Mr. Caruthers when he thought me merely one of your uncle's employees?"

Elizabeth paused to know how best to give voice to something that had obviously brought about a review of his previous behavior and attitude. Her lack of response was proof enough to Darcy that this was the case, leaving him dissatisfied with such a negative opinion of himself. "I see."

Elizabeth tried to soften the blow to his ego with, "Though you are more often than not reticent to put yourself forward, which can be construed as aloofness, and admittedly, you are at times brusque to those who displease you, my coming to know you better allows me to give you a bit of leeway for some of your behavior."

"Still, I should have been more patient with you."

"Yes, you should have been," she admonished followed by a smile to take the sting out of her words, indicating she had forgiven him for his most recent offense. Suddenly she winced. "But at the moment my ankle is beginning to throb, so if you cannot see your way clear to free me, can you not soon depart to go for help?"

Berating himself, Darcy murmured, "Yes, of course, I beg your pardon."

Squatting down, he tried to pry apart the limbs encasing her foot just wide enough for her to pull it free, but the branches would not give way. Searching for a loose branch, Elizabeth pointed to one that seemed suitable. Smiling, Darcy realized she had the same idea as he but could not reach it. Pushing the end of the branch perpendicular to the one trapping her foot, he soon realized it would take his entire weight to force the fulcrum to pry the two branches wide enough for Elizabeth to extract her appendage. When he could exert nothing more, he called, "Now!"

After one good tug she pulled so hard she landed on her backside, her foot completely out of her boot. He managed to retrieve it before he released the branch. After a quick examination to see it was undamaged but for some minor cuts in the leather, Darcy handed it back to her, offering her his other hand to help her stand.

Elizabeth hobbled over to the stump to replace her shoe. Out of courtesy Darcy turned away so as not to see the dainty ankle peering from beneath her skirts.

At hearing her groan while forcing her swelling foot into her unyielding boot, he turned back, asking, "Are you unwell, Miss Bennet?"

He watched her stand and attempt to put weight upon her injured foot only to wince, stumbling clumsily back toward the tree stump to break her fall. Instantly Darcy was at her side, holding her elbow as she lowered herself again.

"You cannot walk all the way back to Longbourn on that ankle."

She gazed up at him as those he had grown two heads. In pain and exasperation, she lashed out, "Thank you, Mr. Darcy, for feeling the need to state the obvious!" Thinking of the certain possibility that she would not be able to accompany her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner on their journey to the Lakes, she mumbled in exasperation, "This was all your fault!"

Her accusation succeeded in unleashing his more volatile emotions once more to have him snap back, "How can the fault possibly be any of my doing?" Having managed to raise his ire again to the point of true irritation he towered over her but he did not intimidate her.

"Had you not suggested fencing as a forfeit, I would not have been out of sorts while traversing this path, and-"

"You would have been out here regardless of my suggesting any forfeit. You would have tried to make your way across the fallen branches just as you did, only to be here without anyone nearby to rescue you!"

Elizabeth did not back away from his accusation, saying angrily in her own defense, "I mightn't have gone down this path to become ensnared had I not been angered by your ungentlemanly behavior."

His own barely controlled anger, Darcy coolly asked in a low voice, "Are you completely certain that is the true reason for your anger with me, Madam?"

To this she could make no retort, for when she wandered about on her rambles, she might have gone down any number of paths. She managed only to glare at him, folding her arms across her chest before turning away in an effort not to return his defiant stare, which did not inspire Darcy to chivalry.

I should leave her to fend for herself! I should...

He sighed, knowing he could not leave her in such a condition.

How could I call myself a gentleman if I did such a thing?

Taking a deep breath to rein in his own testiness, he finally sat on the log. Pulling her down to sit beside him, he finally asked in a cooler tone, "Are you quite finished trying to lay blame?"

"I…" Elizabeth turned towards him, intent on using him as her continued scapegoat when she saw his stern gaze chastised her into realizing who was truly at fault.

Dropping her eyes, she sighed, "No, Mr. Darcy, there is no point."

Taking her own needed deep breath, she, too, calmed enough to sheepishly allow, "And you are quiet correct. This entrapment was of my own doing." She added with a shrug, "And I thank you for extricating me from the snare."

His nodded, but each remained in silent stubbornness for quite some time at their forced togetherness, allowing each to regain composure enough to attempt civility.

She finally began a true apology with, "Mr. Darcy, my earlier outburst was uncalled for, showing vehemence that I know not from where it came, except that I was already vexed with you-"

"Miss Bennet, you need not say more."

Already beginning to suspect the true nature for her animosity toward him, he faltered as he admitted his part in why he thought she found him so much at fault, "Over winter, I… requested Georgiana not to write to you."

Elizabeth gasped, clearly stunned at his admitting to being instrumental in curtailing his sister's correspondence with her. Ready to renew her pique with him, she attempted to stand causing her to wince as she put weight on her ankle only to have Darcy take her by the elbow to again aid her again to sit.

Folding her arms across her chest, she challenged, "Why ever not? I thought you wished for me to be her friend!"

"Yes, and that is still true, but…" his voice wavered as he tried to find the words, "due to a circumstance that occurred after your departure from town, I felt it would be in my sister's best interest not to put her in a position of trying to avoid writing of it to her newest acquaintance."

At this he held Elizabeth's rapt attention, her curiosity immediately overtaking her anger, but not entirely.

Is the occurrence related to what I overheard he and his cousin speaking of on the path at Rosings?

She gazed into his disconcerted face. "This circumstance to which you refer, am I now trustworthy enough to be privy to it? Or is it of so personal a nature that you would rather continue not to speak of it with anyone other than the Colonel, your cousin?"

His head snapped up to stare at her, now ascertaining that she had suspected them of collusion at Kent. Looking away, his voice was halting, as though he would rather not divulge whatever had occurred.

"It is of a very personal nature, more involving Richard than myself. As such, he would normally not wish it known, but I feel you are due some explanation as to Bingley's and particularly my absence from the area, especially after we told you of our plans to return to Netherfield in January and failed to do so without any notice."

Elizabeth nodded.

So, I am now to finally receive the reason for his complete neglect over winter?

Elizabeth stared at him in silence, her crossed her arms indicated she was still vexed but willing to listen.

"Pray, continue then."

He took a deep breath before blurting out, "There is no easy way to say this. Two weeks after the feast of Christmas, my aunt collapsed, gravely ill."

Elizabeth gasped, her hands flying to her mouth in earnest concern for a lady who had welcomed them into her home unannounced, and was kind to her little cousins. She exclaimed, "Lady Matlock? But, she still lives?"

Darcy nodded, continuing, "We were not made aware of it until Richard sent word. He had managed a few days away from his regiment. We hurried over to Matlock House only to have Uncle Henry say that there seemed a paralysis on her left side and that her speech was slurred. No one knew if it her heart was also afflicted with the apoplexy. The doctor had already attended her, proscribing tea from willow bark* to help ease her pain."

"I am so sorry," Elizabeth said, touching his arm in true sympathy.

"Georgiana and I removed from our own townhouse to the Matlock's to be of any assistance we could. It took several days before my aunt regained some control over her speech to sound sensible again. She was adamant that no one know of her illness. Consequently, she refused to tolerate those of society who would come to console, most being insincere and therefore useless, wishing only to spread the rumor far and wide of her malady."

At this Elizabeth nodded.

To have people visit when one was ill was not the best of times to call. Better to refrain from attending until the person was enough recovered to appreciate the gesture.

Darcy disrupted a pebble with his foot as he went on. "Wishing not to argue with her, my uncle agreed to her terms. It was decided that the public would be kept in the dark, only having it known that the family was not allowing visitors at this time. The ruse promoted was that they were in preparation for departure to the Matlock estate the following week."

"I can see how the Countess would wish it so, but it must have been difficult for a girl like Georgiana, to have a favorite aunt fall ill."

"You should have seen how undaunted was Georgiana in her unstinting attendance to our aunt. I had to force her give over her attentions to one of the servants or one of her cousins in order that she not fall ill herself from fatigue." Darcy smiled recalling his sister's stamina. "I was prodigiously proud of her."

Elizabeth smiled with her own admiration of the young lady who had not appeared to possess such fortitude.

Darcy then sighed, "Georgiana wished to have you aware of what had happened, owning that your words would have given her sincere comfort. But due to at my aunt's insistence, I asked Georgiana not to write to you of it. She thought I meant for her to give up the correspondence altogether for the time being. I now regret my actions. Had she received your letters I am sure they would have given her support during this trying time."

Shaking her head in disgust, Elizabeth discarded her notion of his enjoying society over winter, ashamed of ever believing a word coming from Caroline Bingley's pen. "So, your winter was not one spent in idleness pleasure, wiling away at the opera and theatre or balls as Miss Bingley implied, but one of constant worry over the health of a favorite aunt."

Darcy shook his head, frowning at the idea, but said only, "Aunt Eleanor had improved somewhat after a number of weeks. Though her health remained precarious, my sister and I thought it best to remain in town over winter."

"And no one else was to know of her being struck down?"

At this Darcy explained, "Upon Bingley's return from Scarborough in late January, with his astute observation, he knew something was amiss when we met at the theatre as had been previously arranged before Christmas."

He smiled at the memory of his friend that night. "During one of the intermissions, Bingley took me aside and stated that though he would not press me for the particulars of what was upsetting me, he nonetheless offered his support in whatever capacity would do me the most good."

Elizabeth nodded. "Yes, that sounds very much like your friend."

"After the play ended, I asked him to join me at my house later that evening after he had taken his sister and brother home. They were residing for a week at the Hurst townhouse while Mrs. Hurst remained in Scarborough."

Elizabeth's brow arched at this new bit of information that Mrs. Hurst was still not returned from visiting their family in the north. Wondering what could possibly have delayed her, she asked, "Miss Bingley and her brother did not remain in London over the winter?"

Darcy shook his head. "Bingley has never disclosed the reason of their absence from town society during the season though I am certain it had not been Miss Bingley's preference. My concerns were for my Aunt, so when we were alone in my study, I informed him of her illness on the proviso of his complete discretion. He agreed and was understandably concerned for both her and the Earl's health, asking the same questions as you."

Darcy paused, glancing over at Elizabeth's somber expression before owning, "Since Bingley had the year previous also had an elderly relative similarly fall ill, I had a justifiable need to discuss her illness with him to request what more might be done to aid my aunt."

When he saw her nod in agreement of his logic, Darcy added, "Although I did not wish for my aunt's illness to be written of, had you and your sister still been in town and had we continued to meet, I would have found great difficulty in not telling you as well."

Elizabeth shook her head. "Unlike Mr. Bingley, to my knowledge none of my family or those of our neighbors ever came down with such a malady. I would have been of little use to you. All I could have offered you and your sister were my prayers and sincere wishes for Her Ladyship's speedy recovery."

Darcy sighed with regret at his denying Elizabeth's support for both his sister and his aunt. "I now realize that both Georgiana and my aunt would have benefited greatly from such sincere condolences."

After a pause, she asked, "But why did you not tell me of this when both you and your cousin were in Kent at Easter? I would have thought better of you two had you not always been so secretive, in such contrast to that which you displayed in London."

Darcy frowned at her confessed low opinion of him beginning during their time at Hunsford though she had successfully hidden those feelings from him at the time.

Another quality to prove your superiority over that of Aunt Catherine.

"The aloofness that the Colonel managed to disguise with charm was not as successful on your part. I knew something had altered our relationship and was of a mind that you had merely grown tired of my company, was attempting civility for your Aunt Catherine's sake rather than any desired to renew our friendship."

He shook his head in a quick denial. "Aunt Eleanor was not near recovered, but wished for Richard to accompany me in attending our relatives at Rosings as we usually did in spring. Had we failed to do so, Lady Catherine would have become suspicious, demanding to know the reason for our absence. I am sure you can surmise why the Countess did not wish for her to know. She does not get on well with her sister-in-law."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes with her retort, "Having been acquainted with both your formidable aunts, it is not difficult to understand the chafing between two such strong personalities."

"Neither Richard nor I felt you would divulge the knowledge of his mother's illness, but he chose not to relate it out of deference to her, and not from any reflection upon you."

Her arched brow told him of her disbelief in his cousin's reasons not to inform her.

"At the time I was not inclined to defy him."

At this he saw her frown as she stared at him, asking, "And your reason for telling me this now is…?"

"Regardless of how you thought of me at Kent, I felt in order to cease this growing animosity between us, I owed you an explanation." He added, "I also thought it is best for you to know when you meet the Countess again to find her still infirmed."

Elizabeth's mouth fell open at this remark, failing completely to understand his meaning to such an implausible statement.

Doubting there would ever be a repetition of meeting the Earl and Her Ladyship to renew their acquaintance even were she to visit her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner in future, Elizabeth declared, "Though it an unlikely occurrence, still, I am grateful you feel you can trust my discretion to have me privy to such intimate knowledge of your family. I thank you, sir."

After another sigh, she added, "I should have listened to my Aunt, and Jane who both spoke of my jumping to conclusions without enough information to form my wayward conclusions."

He nodded, "Sometimes wiser minds are those who are further from the forefront to see more clearly," implying that the subject was now closed to further discussion.

*Willow bark was a herbal remedy before modern aspirin

Chapter 45 - Trusting

Posted on 2011-09-28

Darcy and Elizabeth had lingered long enough to have her again attempt to stand upon her injured foot. She voiced her wish to try.

"Take my hand, then," offered Darcy.

Elizabeth did as he bid, leaning heavily upon his arm while trying to put weight on the still swollen ankle. It did no good. Clearly she could not walk to either Longbourn or Netherfield since both estates were several miles distant. Each realized the lengthening of the morning and how they would be missed should neither appear soon.

Elizabeth sighed, "I still am at a loss to see how I am to return home to have someone tend to my injury."

"At this point we have no other choice." Darcy glanced at her.

Elizabeth frowned, at first failing to understand his meaning. When suddenly her eyes grew large upon realizing what he was suggesting, her head shook in vehement denial. To disguise her growing trepidation, she declared, "You should be the one to ride for help while-"

"I will not leave you in this condition, at the mercy of whatever comes out of the woods."

She snorted, trying to tease him into doing as she wished. "I think I can manager the few rabbits and a wary fox, Mr. Darcy."

"There are also boors still roaming about."

"Yes, I have see swine, sir. They are usually too busy rooting for truffles to take much notice of me."

"But since you are in no condition to run, should a badger come your way or a wolf, he might think you easy prey to-"

"That is quite enough, Mr. Darcy! I will not have you filling my head with imaginary animals chomping at my injured foot."

"Then you agree that we must ride to get you aid."

Her fear began to overcome her bravado at his actual voicing the idea but Elizabeth strove to remain calm, saying, "that will not be necessary."

She tried to move from his grasp only to have him hold her arm tighter to keep her from stumbling. Darcy felt her trembling, but did not fully comprehend its import. He tried logic. "Elizabeth, do be sensible. There is no other means available to take you back to Longbourn."

With her fear growing near evident, she became adamant, stating with determination, "My ankle is not so very bad now. Should I go slowly, I can manage it."

Still not recognizing her obstinacy as a defense against her well hidden fear, Darcy continued his attempt to persuade her in a rational manner, "At how slowly you would be made to travel, it would long be dark by the time you return, if you managed not to stumble over another of the season's exposed tree roots, doing more damage to yourself."

In her mind, Elizabeth knew he was making perfect sense. Even with him beside her all the way home to keep from falling, it would take them a great deal of time at such the slow pace she would require. Her voice hitched as she sat back down on the stump, pleading, "There must be some other way."

Being reminded of her dislike of his mount, Darcy manner remained gentle but firm. He bent down until his eyes were level with hers as he owned, "Much as I would like to offer myself at your service, Madam, I fear carrying you for several miles is even beyond my physical capacity." This brought a teasing smile to her face as she envisioned the haughty Mr. Darcy toting her back to Longbourn. Her mother would be in uproar at the sight!

Darcy continued, "I know it is not of your choosing, but you must realize it is the only way to quickly get you to safety."

She shook her head, but he nodded, adding, "And you must ride for several miles."

Turning away, she again tried to stand to put some distance between them. To prevent her falling, he was obliged to again take hold of her arm.

Her fear would no longer be suppressed as she cried, "No, I beg you!"

Darcy was stunned at her outburst, especially after being so near his horse in an earlier encounter.

She had previously agreed to sit upon my mount and even groom one without the kind of reluctance that she now displaying.

Failing at first to account for her unequivocal refusal now of the only sensible solution, coupled with her continued attempts to run from him, had she the ability at that very moment, Darcy made the sudden realization that there was more to this than merely being ill at ease around horses.

To have her spirit fail to rise with this intimidation when other trepidations gave her little pause…?

Offering again the solution that she had come up with previously, she implored him, "Y-You go by horse and return with help while I wait-"

"As we have already decided, I will not leave you here alone, and in pain."

Wringing her hands at a situation that left her without another choice, her pleading look devastated him. Never had Darcy seen her in such a state of agitation.

She is petrified beyond mere fear at my forcing her to face such terror. Oh my God! What have I caused her to endure with my insensitivity?

Gently, he held her by the shoulders, gazing into her frightened eyes, and whispered, "Elizabeth, calm yourself."

He saw her fix her stare upon him, swallow and then nod.

Sighing, he spoke again in a whisper. "You know you must sit atop my horse."

Feeling her trembling increase, Elizabeth continued to stare at him before she closed her eyes to gain what little strength she could muster before nodding once more. He saw how she tried to rein in her fear as she resigned herself to her fate. Finally she mumbled, "I know."

"Allow me. Put your arms around my neck," he said tenderly as his hands slipped under her legs and about her waist. He scooped her up, hugging her to his chest.

While he walked the short distance to where his mount was tethered her face touched his shoulder, allowing her to inhale the mixture of cologne and his scent through his coat. Had there not been such pain in her foot and fear in her heart, Elizabeth might have felt a renewed awkwardness at being this near to him and being carried in such a strong embrace. Her fear did not allow her to think on the impropriety of such a tender scene.

Suddenly, realizing how very near they had come to the animal Elizabeth's panic came to the forefront. All pretenses at bravado abandoned her as tears flowed unbidden. Breathing in shallow pants and with trembling too visible to ignore, it confirmed what Darcy now suspected. What she had managed to hide from him previously when he had her set her on his horse was now laid bare. After all their talk of horses at Rosings…

She is absolutely terrified.

Leaving off admonishing himself for teasing her so then, one thought followed through to the next.

Is she so fearful she will refuse to ride?

Hesitant to know how else to get her to safety if that were the case, his mind fell upon the only solution available to him, that of teasing her into a challenge. With a resigned tone in his voice, he stated, "I wager, short of tying you up and laying you across my saddle, you would not willingly get upon my horse." Seeing her pleading look, his dimples appeared as he asked, "Shall I get my rope?"

Through her tears, Elizabeth could still manage to laugh as she shook her head. "I beg you would not! What would my father say should he see one of his daughters slung over a saddle like a sack of potatoes?"

"A very lovely sack of potatoes," Darcy offered, smiling. Again she laughed before he added gently, "You know you must resign yourself to sit upon the saddle for the ride of several miles back to Longbourn?"

She nodded, still crying. "I know."

Gazing into her eyes, he asked in earnest, "Do you trust me, Elizabeth?"

Trying to avoid looking at so large and frightful a creature, she leaned into his shoulder. Clinging to his coat lapels, she tried to distract herself by taking in the wonderful scent of sandalwood and maleness. He felt her continued trembling within his embrace even as she tried to become resigned to the inevitable.

How could I not trust him after weeks of our getting to know one another through silly forfeits and contests? Even after all our misunderstandings at Rosings when he had the burden of keeping such a secret from Lady Catherine's knowledge, and my own mortification at so misjudging his character when he was completely righteous in his reasoning?

Even after their testy arguments that ensued after his attempting to teach her how to fence, it showed how much she had trusted that he would never do her harm. He felt her nod against his shoulder.

"Then close your eyes and do not open them again until I say. Can you do that, Elizabeth?"

Sniffing to hold back more tears, she nodded again and obeyed.

"Now for the sake of pretense, imagine that I am placing you on the back of a wagon with you legs dangling."

"I…do not think-"

"Focus on my voice, Elizabeth. Can you picture the wagon in your mind?"

She nodded without any confidence in her ability to imagine anything of the sort. All she could think was of being placed upon the frightening beast that was being deceptively calm at the moment. Darcy gently lifted her atop the still tethered horse. Holding her there for a short time, he realized that her fear would not allow either she or the animal to become accustomed to the other. As a confirmation of his horse sensing the frightened person on its back, it let out a nervous whinny.

This determined to his next action. Darcy spoke softly, trying to put them each at ease. While still holding onto Elizabeth's waist, he unhurriedly loosened the reins. Placing his foot slowly in the stirrup, he quickly swung into the saddle, his legs instinctively hugging the animal's sides. His mount shied a few steps, then sensed the confidence of an experienced rider and instantly calmed. Elizabeth's fear increased at his sudden movement, however, and gasped, grabbing Darcy about his middle in a hug so fierce that nearly robbed him of breath.

His voice was a whisper in her ear at his arm held her tightly, "Shhhh, calm yourself, Elizabeth," teasing, "Do you not like riding on a wagon?"

She uttered a small gasp before replying, "I fear my imagination has failed me utterly at present, sir, especially when I can feel my wagon breathing beneath me."

At her words, Darcy's chuckle rumbled through his torso. Kissing the top of her head as though trying to soothe a frightened child, he whispered, "Soon I shall have you home." He felt her shudder as he heeled the horse into a walking gait, guiding it down the path from the meadow and into the main forest one.

As they rode in the dappling light and shadows of the deserted path, Darcy sensed Elizabeth was no better off than when he first put her atop the horse. Her breathing remained shallow and her shudders increased. More to the point, she spoke not a word, which gave him an awareness of just how she badly she faired.

This is no ordinary fear, but some deep seeded terror from some long ago trauma.

He tried to divert her with, "Is your injured foot still in pain?"

"I…I cannot feel it…I…" Her eyes fluttered, and he thought at first she would swoon.

He wished her to remain calm as he placed his hand over her eyes, admonishing, "Aw, did I say you could open your eyes yet? I think not. This wagon has yet to reach its destination." He was rewarded by a tiny giggle. Trying to divert her further, he added, "Use your other senses, Madam. What do you hear?"

At first she could hear nothing but the pounding of her own heart, but as if able to rise to his challenge, she took serious his request to keep her mind focused, concentrating on the sounds around them. "There are birds."

Good, very good, Elizabeth.

Darcy chuckled, admonishing, "Yes, of course, there are birds. There are always birds no matter the area or the time of day, are there not? But now, to it, what kind of birds can you distinguish by their calls that are about at this time of year, and hour?"

Trying to obey him to keep her fears at bay, Elizabeth's breaths came out still in little pants as she concentrated on the sounds around them to begin to distinct the various fowl. Her voice seemed quieter than usual, so unsure of her own abilities. It was the first time she had displayed such a trait since he had known her.

"Meadow larks?"

"Yes, I can hear them too." He gradually increased the speed of the horse, hoping she would not take notice.

Taking a needed deep breath, she spoke again with a bit more spirit. "Although it is very late in the day for them, and," she continued, "I…I can hear a robin, and some kind of jay or mocking bird, and the cawing of a crow."

Darcy encouraged, "Do you hear the owl?"

Elizabeth cocked her head and paused and then a giggle accompanied her shudder. "Yes," admonishing, "He should still be sleeping."

"Can you hear any birds of the domestic variety?"

Again Elizabeth concentrated on what he was hearing. "I can hear chickens, oh, and Sir William's rooster!" This brought another round of giggling as she related, "Lady Lucas threatened to have him for supper should he continue to crow at all hours of the day and night. She thought him quite useless as an early morning alarm."

Through all their diverting banter over the course of several miles at their now steady cantor, Darcy noticed her violent shaking against him had not abated, signaling that her fear had not diminished in the slightest, but that she had merely attempted to mask it as she had done so often. He was in awe of her capacity to endure while grappling against such a hardship, of trying to cope with a situation that gave her no choice of transport other than that which most frightened her.

What was that Richard had once said as the description of a hero in battle? Facing one's fear because there was no choice?

Darcy felt that same regard for Elizabeth at this moment. Hugging her tighter, he whispered, "Hold on, Elizabeth, we are almost there."

After what seemed an eternity to Elizabeth, Darcy slowed his horse as they came near the back lawn of Longbourn House. Stopping by the copse of trees hiding their approach from the house, she stated, "There is a bench beneath the large oak tree where you may place me."

Gazing at her, he remarked, "Your eyes are still closed. How do you know where we are?"

Her voice came out breathless as she admitted, "When you slowed to round a corner, I could hear the brook to the right and smell the lavender bushes lining the edge of the back lawn. I knew we must be near to Longbourn."

Merely raising his brows in admiration of her ability to discern her surroundings without sight, he requested, "Keep your eyes closed until I remove you from-"

"The w-wagon," she finished his sentence, trying her best at humor though she was still visibly shaken.

"Precisely."

Dismounting, he held her waist and lifted her gently from the saddle to at last have solid ground beneath her feet. Her eyes fluttered open to gaze into his, which were still filled with concern for her welfare. With one arm around her shoulder and the other at her elbow, he helped her hobble to the bench. Only when she was securely seated did he remove his hands from her still trembling person.

Squatting beside her to make sure she focused on him, Darcy asked, "Will you be comfortable enough until you are discovered? I do not feel at ease leaving you alone."

Elizabeth now managed a smile at finally being away from his horse. "Yes, I shall sit here for a while to give my ankle rest."

Not satisfied, he then asked, "Should I not go to the house to have someone tend you?"

"No, my sisters often stroll the garden walks, and will soon notice my presence."

At their sudden awkward silence, she tried to change the topic with, "You were quite the hero today, Mr. Darcy. I cannot thank you enough."

Unable to be assuaged of his guilt, he admitted, "You were right, you know."

"Well, of course I was," she acknowledged jovially, clearing showing that she was not formed for ill-humor, and could not long dwell in low spirits now that she was restored firmly on the ground. This was the longest she had ever found fault enough of someone to carry a grudge. Though mortified of her own misguided behavior, she was glad to be done with it.

Seeing her then frown at being without an understanding as to what he was referring, he explained, "Had it not been for me, you mightn't be in your present state of injury. I beg you would forgive me."

Elizabeth shook her head refusing, "No, sir, I will not." His look of disheartened alarm made her continue, "For there is nothing to forgive, Mr. Darcy. The fault was mine, and even if there weren't, you have redeemed yourself with such chivalry, how I could possibly hold anything against you?"

He shook his head. "I do not deserve such kindness for the harm I have caused you and for the fright you had to endure at my hand."

"But you have it nonetheless, sir, and," she added, holding her chin high to give him no room for denials, "You will have to accept it with the same gallantry I now come to expect from you."

Her smile seemed to curtail a further discussion of a matter she deemed unequivocally closed.

Darcy sighed, finally nodding his agreement of her logic without acknowledging his agreement with her assessment. Rising, he took possession of her offered hand. Kissing the top lightly, he caressed her fingers longer than was necessary before relinquishing her hand.

"I bid you good day then, and promise to call on you tomorrow to see how you are fairing."

"Good day to you, Mr. Darcy."

Walking the few paces to deftly mount his horse, he turned its head toward the hidden path connecting to one leading to Netherfield. Gazing once more at her now serene countenance, he assured her, "Know that I will never require you anywhere near my horse unless it truly a necessity or it is of your own choosing."

Elizabeth now found she could laugh aloud, "For that, sir, I am eternally grateful." She watched him depart the way they had come.

Their subterfuge would have never been discovered but for the one bedchamber of Longbourn with back-facing windows whose occupant had come up to allow himself a moment's peace before luncheon. Had he not witnessed the exchange between the couple making their way from behind the copse of trees, their secret would have been only between they two and not the third party who sighed openly. Beginning to suspect the couple's more intimate relationship that he have only now discovered, Mr. Bennet knew he would have to address this breach in propriety of his most sensible daughter before the day was out.

Mr. Bennet's forehead creased upon re-reading the express that had arrived but an hour ago from Brighton. In truth, he did not know what to make of such a missive from his youngest and least sensible daughter. To have her send such a letter as he had just perused left him feeling at a loss. One thing was assured. He was now obliged to depart that afternoon to retrieve her as soon as humanly possible no matter the agitation he would have to endure from his wife and her nerves. Removing his spectacles from his nose he carelessly threw them on his dressing table, wishing for the hundredth time that he had fathered a son to be of use to him now in his time of need.

Chapter 46 - Having Words with Mr. Bennet

Posted on 2011-10-05

Returning without either of his sisters and thus lacking a hostess left Bingley at the mercy of his many new neighbors for invitations to dine. This was especially true of his closest one where he oftimes found himself at table seated beside the fair Miss Bennet. Her blush and shy smile gave him encouragement to hope that she felt as affectionately towards him as he did for her, regardless of their time apart.

During the evening meal a few days since Elizabeth's ankle mishap and Mr. Bennet's unexpected trip to and from Brighton to convey his youngest home, Mr. Darcy was likewise included in the invitation. Mr. Hurst, who had inexplicably decided to remain in resident for a few more days, was likewise included to sup whether or not either man found topics interesting enough on which to opine. The latter was inclined to say little while indulging himself from the bounty of Mrs. Bennet's table, a spectacle she found more flattering than the appalling way Mr. Collins's equal eagerness had to partake food.

"I am glad to see that one of you gentlemen enjoys a good meal," she remarked. "Sir, I hope it is not too long before we can expect your dear wife join us in the country as well."

This brought some slowing of Mr. Hurst's indulgence as he glanced up at the end of the table, realizing Mrs. Bennet was awaiting some reply.

"Yes, well," he faltered. "My plans are to depart by week's end to retrieve her from Scarsbourough, Madam."

To this news Mrs. Bennet smiled, nodding. "That is very good to hear, sir. I hope she fairs well so far north. I find the weather too severe for my sensibilies."

Mr. Hurst resumed his eating with only a cursory, "Our family is in the area, so my wife has many to support her while there."

At this response the lady of the house nodded again then began a conversation with her youngest, admonishing her for cutting short her tarriance with the Forsters, to which Lydia, too, made an equally a curt reply.

"Oh, Mama, it was not as amusing at was planned, and I soon grew tired of the same group we held to."

Kitty stifled an snort in her napkin but had not time to respond before Lydia resumed speaking.

"Have you any news from Mariah Lucas?"

This inquiry sufficiently stemmed the topic of Brighton as both Kitty and Mrs. Bennet began a litany of the latest gossip surrounding Meryton. Kitty expressed an most unladylike smugness in light of her sister's lack of enjoyment for Brighton, especially since she had not also been invited as Mrs. Forster's particular friend.

The effective ploy by Lydia to change the subject, however, did not go unnoticed by her father who had gotten little from her on their journey home. He thought back on his conducting her back to Longbourn.

After a few words with Colonel Forster satisfied him that nothing untoward had occurred Mr. Bennet hoped Lydia merely homesick. Siting a family situation that brought him hither, they left Brighton as soon as Lydia's already packed trunk was loaded onto the carriage.

Thinking his plan to have her feel her own insignificance in such a setting had come to fruition, in the carriage, Mr. Bennet was disconcerted with Lydia's lack of sufficient excuse for leaving. She answered his inquiry by saying only, while she thought to enjoy the company of an entire camp full of soldiers, she also reluctantly admitted it would be such a joke to return home a married woman ahead of any of her sisters. At her father's stern gaze Lydia's defense was that her mother would have been well pleased. In response to his asking her why she would harbor the desire to be accountable for an entire house at sixteen years of age, she replied that going to balls and flirting with officers was the extent of her notion of the responsibilities by a mistress of the manor. Mr. Bennet sighed at his daughter's apparent lack of education, keenly feeling his own culpability in her deficiency. He remarked that for someone as young as herself, the idea of balls and flirting, bonnets and lace was natural, but he would wish her to wait several years more before deciding to leave her home to be in charge of servants, tenants, children, and the like that a wife would have to contend. She had merely nodded without further reply, fidgeting with the ribbon on her bonnet, leaving him at a loss as to how best to aid her. He still felt she had not been completely forthcoming as to why she wished not to remain with her friends, but was grateful that she had the presence of mind to send an express for him to retrieve her without delay lest something worse had occurred. Hoping his eldest would speak to the youngest in due time to elicit some new insight into the incident Mr. Bennet could do nothing at the moment.

Coming out of his reverie to note the guests at his table this evening, especially the tall, reticent gentleman quietly conversing with Elizabeth, Jane and Mr. Bingley, an additional thought crossed Mr. Bennet's mind.

For now, I wish to gain a further comprehension as regards another daughter.

When dinner concluded and the party moved to the parlor where tables were set up for cards, Mr. Bennet approached the taller young man, stating, "Mr. Darcy, I would like a word with you in my book room, if you please."

"Of course, sir," Darcy easily complied, wondering what the gentleman wished to speak of that could not be said in front of the rest of the family.

Mr. Hurst, suspecting Mr. Bennet's topic of interest upon which to favor his young friend, turned to the others in the room to draw their attention, inquiring, "Who is to join me for cards?"

Closing the door behind them, Mr. Bennet motioned Darcy into one of the leather, wing chairs by the fire and offered him a glass of port. Seating himself in the other chair, Mr. Bennet partook of the rich liquid, savoring the flavor of his favorite brand.

Remaining silent for a time he noticed that Darcy was not at all disconcerted with the lack of speech. Rather he seemed inclined to patiently wait for his companion to begin the reason for his need in sequestering them.

"You have no idea why I have asked you in here?"

"I do not, sir. Have you the need of my aid on an estate matter? Do you require my counsel in some capacity?"

"Actually, yes, I do wish your advice on a matter of some import, if you would oblige me."

"Certainly, sir. Of what does this pertain?"

"Two days ago a few hours before the midday meal, I was in my chambers above stairs refurbishing my attire for luncheon when I happened to gaze out my window. From my vantage point I could clearly see into the back lawns of my property to take note of an approaching horse from one of the forest paths, a horse carrying two riders."

Here, Mr. Bennet stared pointedly at the younger man who merely sighed in resignation that he and Miss Elizabeth had been found out, not merely by one of her sisters or a servant, but by her father.

Darcy nodded, saying only, "Yes, sir, it was myself and your daughter," refusing to say anything more to impugn Elizabeth's honor.

At Darcy's unforthcoming with a further reply, Mr. Bennet asked, "And this is all the explanation I am to expect from you on the matter?"

"What else would you have me say, sir? You admit that you are aware of seeing our approach from the back lawn."

"I demand to know the circumstances of how she came to be accompanying you, on your horse!"

Darcy said tersely, "Miss Bennet had turned her ankle severely enough that she could not walk. The only way to return her to Longbourn in a timely fashion was to place her atop my mount."

Having intimate knowledge of his daughter's uncommon fear for which the entire household was aware, Mr. Bennet waited as another silence ensued before stating, "I cannot imagine her being easily persuaded to do so, sir, without being trussed up like a Christmas goose."

Darcy said only, "No, sir," almost smiling as he thought of his own similar suggested solution as to using his rope.

With another silence beginning, Mr. Bennet further asked, "I understand the logic to have her ride, sir, but how came you to also be on the horse with her?"

Fidgeting in the chair, Darcy explained in a more serious tone, "She and my horse remained quite ill at ease of the other until I chose to join her."

Mr. Bennet leaned back in his chair. He could well imagine how skittish so spirited an animal would become with a terrified rider on its back, and equally, how calm that same horse would be rendered at the hands of so accomplished an equestrian as Mr. Darcy. It was having them sitting in such close proximity, possibly to be witnessed by anyone who might come their way that bothered her father the most.

Mr. Bennet had to ask, "And how did you manage to keep her from attempting to jump from a creature she has been terrified of since childhood?"

Darcy continued to fidget as he begrudgingly admitted, "I required her to keep her eyes closed and to imagine herself being transported in the confines of a wagon." Rather sheepishly he continued, "Additionally, for the duration of our journey I requested she concentrate on all the sounds of various fowl in the vicinity."

"Ha!" barked Mr. Bennet, amused, "William Lucas' rooster!"

"The very one, sir, among others," admitted Darcy, thinking Mr. Bennet might be more sanguine to his solution until, upon gazing at the gentleman, noticed the humor in his eyes had diminished.

With Mr. Bennet's continued glare Darcy paused before adding rather haltingly, "Feeling that to ride to the front door in such a fashion might cause some talk, especially from her mother, Miss Elizabeth asked that I take her to the far side of the lawn to be soon discovered by one of her family. Though I was loathe leaving her without assistance, am I to gather that was what soon occurred?"

"You wished to save her reputation that would necessarily be tarnished should Mrs. Bennet witness the two of you and speculated to the many servants and her gossipy sister, Mrs. Phillips?" When Darcy remained silent, Mr. Bennet added, "Mine are not the only upper windows from which any number of persons could have witnessed your attempted subterfuge, young man."

Darcy frowned. "I admit neither of us had thought of that particular happenstance, sir." Darcy drained his glass in one swallow without tasting the wine.

Mr. Bennet finally took pity on the young man at last, offering to refill his glass before allowing, "That is precisely how Lizzy explained the situation."

Darcy's head snapped up to looked into the twinkling eyes of her father as he admitted, "Yes, yes, it was I who came out to happen upon her, Mr. Darcy."

"Sir, disguise of any sort is my abhorrence, but I could think of no other way to keep Elizab…Miss Elizabeth's honor intact while quickly getting her to a place of safety."

At the young man's near miss of familiar address, a troubling thought occurred to Mr. Bennet, something for which his daughter had failed to inform him, and now required a more complete understanding of their relationship. For now, he would make his inquiries of the current participant.

"You seem to know my daughter quite well for one who until recently has seldom graced my door, Mr. Darcy." The younger man noticed this was not a question, rather a statement of fact. "How has this come to be?"

Choosing his words carefully, Darcy admitted, "Along with our being frequent guests of your relations in Gracechurch Street during the Christmas season, we…have met on several occasions when attending dinners at Longbourn's neighboring houses, as well as…along the paths between the parsonage at Hunsford and Rosings Park when we both were in attendance there. We have on occasion come across one another between Netherfield and Longbourn before our departure and now that she is returned."

Mr. Bennet refilled his own glass. "Yes, my Lizzy does tend to wandered about the countryside, especially around Meryton, usually with one or more of her sisters. When she is apt to roam further than they are capable, we have, over the years, come to know all her special haunts so to eventually locate her reading or communing with nature. Sir, on what do you converse when in her company?"

Darcy offered, "With us both being avid walkers and equally avid readers to have several favorite paths to trod and favorite authors in common, there have been a great many subjects upon which we have opined."

"Shared opinions, Mr. Darcy?"

"Some, others profoundly opposite," Darcy stated, beginning to chuckle at the thought, but stopped himself, realizing the serious bent of the discussion.

"It does not offend you to have one of the gentler sex regale you with her thoughts?"

"Sir, the manner in which you have taught your daughter to state her opinions leaves nothing to contend with but to perceive the facts as she lays them out."

Mr. Bennet frowned. "You tolerate her decidedly opposing views, do you? From what I have heard of your formidable Aunt, Lady Catherine, I would have thought a man of your stature would much rather she keep her opinions to herself."

"And I have been taught that opinions, no matter the source, if based on a keen understanding of the subject at hand, should always be respected, though they sometimes run contrary to my own views."

This admiration by the young man toward his daughter's intellect settled Mr. Bennet's thoughts not at all. Rather, it caused him more disquiet to wonder if Lizzy had similar views of the gentleman in question.

Not wishing her to be trifled only to later be discarded, Mr. Bennet made his point. "I would ask that you refrain from keeping company with my daughter in other than more suitable settings to avoid any impropriety. With five unmarried daughters, you can understand my desire to keep suspicion of scandal at bay. Do I make myself clear, Mr. Darcy?"

With her father having seen them in so compromising a circumstance on the back lawn, a scene which was in truth quite innocent and of necessity to return her to safety, Darcy was reminded of the other exchanges that had transpired between the two of them in her favorite haunts that were well known to her family.

Had they been witnessed to be possible sources of scandal, and had Mr. Bennet been aware, he could have justifiably asked far more of me.

"Yes, sir, quite clear," was all Darcy could say in reply.

"Well, very good, then, off with you now to join the rest of the entertainment."

Thus, being summarily dismissed by Mr. Bennet, Darcy rose to quickly exit the bookroom. Mr. Bennet refilled his glass and sat behind his desk thinking the matter accomplished with very little effort on his part. He sipped his port, trying to fortify himself for his talk with his second eldest daughter. Worried too about his youngest whose continued lack of enthusiasm towards silliness, required a further interrogation of her as well, after he has spoken to Jane of it.

"But only after I have spoken to Lizzy," he said to the empty room, wondering how he could approach it.

Chapter 47 - Dinner Party at The Gouldings

Posted on 2011-10-12

A week later, in keeping with their engagements accepting invitations by his neighbors while the repairs of Netherfield were being finished, Mr. Bingley along with his party were thrown in company with the Bennets. He found this agreeable to him with Jane's serene countenance displayed at his attentions, which was enough encouragement for him. Try as they might, the Misses Hightower could not dissuade him away long from his constant place beside Jane, much to their chagrin. Since they were due to return to school in a few days it was their last chance to secure him, but it seemed he was already spoken for if not officially, then at least by what they were witnessing.

The Gouldings' dinner had been passable but the rich food did not sit well with Darcy's mood, coupled with the fact that since his conversation with her father, Darcy had made a point of being always in company whenever he and Elizabeth met, leaving her no opportunity to converse as playfully as on their previous encounters.

Confused at this more subdued attitude on Darcy's part, she was unable to fathom the reason for it, especially after his showing a growing interest, which, of course, encouraged thoughts by others of a bourgeoning attraction. While Elizabeth tried to disabuse them of that notion, stating she and Mr. Darcy merely shared a friendship. Without his taking the time of late to further their friendship she wondered if he had tired of her company in favor of retreating into his shell of quiet detachment that had been his modus operandi when he first arrived at Netherfield.

Have I finally bored him as one of the hundreds of town ladies who covet his company?

It somehow disheartened Elizabeth that he no longer wished to converse with her as in the past, which left her participating less in discussions during the meal. At the conclusion of dinner with the separation of the sexes, Jane leaned over to whisper to Elizabeth that some pins had fallen from her hair. She excused herself briefly to re-pin the escaping curl before making her way to return to the ladies in the parlor where Mrs. Goulding planned some entertainment.

Moving toward the rooms occupied by the gentlemen, the smell of cigars permeated the hallway coupled with loud laughing at bad jokes and bragging of successful endeavors of one kind or the other. She determined to continue on without taking notice.

When Elizabeth walked past the open door she heard her name called out from within and paused when she recognized her father's voice. She smiled coming to attend him.

I am glad that for once you agreed with Mama to join the family at one of the dinner parties hosted by our neighbors.

Seeing him motion her to perch on the arm of his chair, Elizabeth was surprised to find the opposite one occupied by none other than Mr. Darcy, the chess table between them and a game in obvious progress.

"Mr. Darcy," she greeted in a civil voice.

"Miss Bennet," he said, rising to bow, which required her to give him a slight curtsey before he again took his seat while her father drew her attention.

Reaching for her hand, he said in obvious enthusiasm, "Lizzy, I have cornered Mr. Darcy here to judge a chess match-"

"Of which you are apparently losing, father," she remarked as her eyes viewed the remaining chessmen peppering the board.

He patted her hand, smiling, "Yes, yes, I know. You see, this is the match in which my brother Gardiner and I have been playing by correspondence. I set up the board to the positions of how the game currently stands that Mr. Darcy might give his opinion."

Elizabeth nodded at her father's determination to triumph, and trying to let him down gently, she said, "There is no way for you to win this match against Uncle Gardiner, father. Though you have bested him in the past, this one seems a hopeless case."

To this Mr. Bennet laughed. "Well, yes, of that we are all in agreement, Lizzy. Seeing that he has taken most of my key players in the match, I requested Mr. Darcy view the board in order that he might suggest a possible move or two that I may avail myself to lose with more dignity than I am currently offered. Did you know that Mr. Darcy was a master chess player?"

The two young people glanced at one another, sharing a silent exchange of communication in which Darcy warned her to be careful of her words in relating their knowing more of the other than was proper. This exchange was fortunately not witnessed by Mr. Bennet, for by the time he gazed at his daughter when she gave no immediate reply, both she and Mr. Darcy chose in unison to view the chessmen on the board.

Elizabeth opened her mouth, admitting only, "I had been made aware of it from Mr. Bingley when I attended Jane at Netherfield in November. It seemed a sore point for the man that he had not the ability to best his friend whenever they chose to play. When he found my familiarity with the game, Mr. Bingley asked if I would entertain him while Jane slept."

"I wondered how he found out that you played. Did you tell him who taught you?"

"Actually," Darcy said, joining their conversation for the first time since her arrival, "it was I who surmised that she had that ability from conversations I have previously overheard from her in the past."

Mr. Bennet laughed. "Then I am free to confess that it was I who taught her at a very tender age upon her return home in quite a dither from a visit to Lucas Lodge."

"Father," Elizabeth warned, her cheeks taking on an embarrassing blush at realizing which childhood tale he was about to impart.

"Oh Lizzy, do not mind an old man ramblings. I love retelling the utterly charming story of my precocious child. Now, where was I?"

Closing her eyes, Elizabeth turned her head, pursing her lips to better able endure her father's regaling Mr. Darcy of something she did not remember with impunity.

Darcy's attention was rapt. Wishing to know the whole story, he encouraged him with, "She came home in an agitated state from Lucas Lodge, and…?"

"Yes, well, she vowed that she would never again play the game of checkers with anyone, especially not with either of Charlotte's younger brothers because of their poor sportsmanship at losing to her."

Darcy watched as Elizabeth shook her head, finding textures in the plaster of the ceiling to be of much interest.

Smiling, he inquired, "How old was she at the time, sir?"

Mr. Bennet laughed. "I recall she was not yet eight or nine, so you can imagine how any boy would have a sore spot when losing to a young girl, most especially by one much younger than they. It seemed that even at so tender an age she managed to best her elders at their own game."

The fact that she had on several occasions done the same to him caused Darcy to blush as his eyes locked on hers, which succeeded in having her cheeks darken further in embarrassment even as her chin rose a bit in what Darcy could only view as pride and which he found even more charming.

She has changed little since then.

Listening with eyes animated to know the outcome of the story, Darcy leaned nearer to her father, asking, "And so, what did you decide to do in the face of such a pronouncement?"

"Why, I marched her into my study and set up the chessboard, explaining the rules as best I could for a child her age and showed her how each of the chess pieces moved about the field of play. We began her lessons that very day! Over the years, she has studied how both myself and my brother Gardiner strategize to amuse one another, but I have to admit she sometimes finds our games rather too staid for her liking."

Chuckling, her father added, "Perhaps there is a bit of the checker player still residing within her for she fancies a faster version of chess with the added advantage of moving the men with the speed of those jumping over one another as in her former pastime."

"Indeed," Darcy agreed, his lips twitching as he struggled to keep his smile from escaping as he glanced at her.

"Oh, father, must you tell everyone that story?"

"I find it amusing still, Lizzy," he cooed, kissing her hand.

"But it is so very old. I am no longer that little girl." Her eyes again met Darcy's whose own twinkled at his gaze.

Of that, Miss Bennet, I am not quite certain.

"Bingley did mention to me that he had played several games with Miss Elizabeth. However, he did not appear at all pleased by the activity as she managed a victory with each game, some with the alacrity of a checker match."

Feigning indignation at his being determined to embarrass her, Elizabeth defended her easy wins over her opponent with, "Father, from the outset of each game, I recognized which gambit Mr. Bingley was using, and so knew most of the moves in advance, it seemed pointless to take up much time before dispatching him."

Her mouth pouted in such an amusing way as to force Darcy to look elsewhere than her face to keep his countenance. Glancing again at the board of the ill fated game, he suggested casually, "I wager you cannot move one of your father's remaining men to forward the game before its inevitable demise. "

Thankful of a change of subject, Elizabeth's brow arched at his challenge and gazed now with equal interest at the pieces still left on the board. After a moment with a frown denoting deep thought, she chose to move an altogether different piece, much to Darcy's surprise. Even Mr. Bennet sat up showing shock at so bold a move.

"Lizzy, why ever would you make that move?"

She smiled at Darcy triumphantly at her easily winning another wager. With both he and her father so focused on winning the match neither had seen to move the bishop directly in way of Uncle Gardiner's queen.

"If the game is hopeless, then let Uncle's win be much dearer to him to give him reason to pause on the side caution when next you play."

Without asking, Darcy immediately moved one of Uncle Gardiner's men in effort to counter Lizzy's audacious one. Without needing to think it through she then took his queen with her knight, saying at the same time, "check."

"No!" Darcy could not believe that neither he nor Mr. Bennet had seen such a subtle move that only a novice would think to use a knight to do the deed. Without his queen, Darcy was left with only his bishops and rooks to defend Mr. Gardiner's king.

Mr. Bennet gazed at the board of the previously hopeless game, which had turned around so unexpectedly into a possible win for him over that of his brother Gardiner. He stared at the board trying to see the next few moves that would be made by his opponent.

A feminine voice asked in a mischievous tone, "Are we at a stalemate, Mr. Darcy?"

"I can see no possible way for either to be victorious, Miss Bennet."

"As I previously stated, that was not my objective, sir. Without the aim to win, I was left to devise a strategy that would leave an opponent likewise unable to triumph."

"A draw, then, with each player finding merit in the other's ability?"

"Exactly, Mr. Darcy," she stated with the added warmth of knowing she could ask him for another forfeit, but more importantly with the knowledge that she and Mr. Darcy were still as friendly as ever.

She rose from her perch to kiss her father's cheek, whispering, "Do not be too long. I think Mrs. Goulding has made plans." As she departed the room to find her sister, she added over her shoulder, "Winning a skirmish is not the only road to victory, sir."

Darcy stared at this woman who he knew to be just as competitive as any man he had ever known, who had bested him on several occasions and now at an activity in which he excelled, only to profess that winning a game was not the ultimate goal.

What could she possibly mean by so paradoxical a statement?

Staring at the door from which she exited, his mind no longer on the chess game but on the conversation between them, his thoughts were in a jumble. He knew not what to make of her and merely stared with his mouth hung open while envisioning her gaze upon him with her dancing eyes and a mischievous smile. Neither he nor Elizabeth had noticed how serious Mr. Bennet had become at witnessing their exchange. Did he suspect the young man of still trifling with Lizzy? He wondered.

Or perhaps it is the other way around.

When the men returned Darcy found himself soon in the midst of lively discussions with both Mrs. Goulding and her husband, Elizabeth and her father, all offering some nugget of wit over the merits of a favorite author's latest works. Darcy, though always at ease in company with Miss Elizabeth, was likewise amused by the sometimes rivaled opinions forwarded by Mrs. Goulding who seemed more a blue stocking. He found it was with dismay when the evening came to a close.