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"Edward" shouted Elizabeth as she saw her twin brother's carriage enter the drive. Elizabeth ran to meet him.
The twins were both handsome, her female copy of him, him a male copy of her. Both had dark black hair with tints of brown, and both a happy countenances, which won them friends on every side. They were famous for it, they often teased Jane that they were only second to her, which she most readily denied, but their most admired feature were their blue-green eyes which shined when happy and flared when angered.
They were their father's favorites, which did not surprise any. They drew pleasure out of each others company and were happiest when with each other. Jane was their confidant and friend to each.
She kissed him on the cheek "we did not expect you for at least another se'nigh"
"I found that I missed my hound"
"Oh" replied Elizabeth "I'm sure that, that will go over well with Papa. When he finds his only son cares only for hounds which are not even his own."
"My dear sister you are mistaken they are mine"
"No, no dear sir I remember a particular incident in which you pledged your indigent hound to me."
"How dare you." With that Edward started for Elizabeth who had started when her sentence was finished. The race finally ended when they reached their father's library.
"Papa I have brought you a surprise"
"What is it my dear?" Inquired Mr. Bennet
"Well it is rather obnoxious and very disobliging, but it is a relation so must be tolerated and is rather a ward."
Here was heard a mild scoff.
"Yes my child I think I know who you mean. My only mistake as a father."
"Yes Papa I'm afraid it is."
"My poor favorite what shall we do."
Elizabeth had been fighting it but now burst out laughing when Edward muttered, "Favorite indeed." He now entered with a look of hauteur on his face
"I am disobliging am I. Well I shall talk to Jane and see how she feels. At least I shall be welcomed there."
"I think you should not."
"Why pray tell."
"There is an assembly tonight and Kitty and Lydia some how have torn both their dresses and did not recall it until this evening. She would not like to be pestered." Elizabeth exclaimed with a touch of annoyance with her sisters. Then in a lighter tone, "Poor, poor Jane, I wish to help but I have no more idea of how to help then of how to be agreeable "
"My poor child. What pain you must feel. The troubles that face my child, I dare say it caused you much grief choosing you dress. I can imagine you sitting in your room for many hours saying over and over 'shall I ware white or blue.' How you bear it I find no answer."
"Sarcasm dose not suits you Papa." With that Elizabeth stalked out of the room with her head held high. They laughed at her as she left.
"...Jane do you think we shall have many Gentlemen at tonight's assembly. At our last assembly I was forced to sit two times at least."
"I hope so for your sake."
"Oh why should she care, she is sure never to be without a partner."
"I agree Kitty for Jane is quiet the handsomest of us all." Elizabeth walked in and smiled at Jane's mild protest.
"You look very happy Lizzy." Jane observed
"Yes and I dare you ask why."
"Is mother to order you a dress." Asked Kitty.
"Are there more Gentlemen to come tonight" was Lydia's guess
"I can not think unless our brother has come early."
"Yes Jane you have it."
"Oh I am so glad I can not wait to see him. Where is he?"
"He is talking to Papa."
"It is almost seven we must start to prepare. Though I hate not to see him. Here Lydia yours is finished."
The ladies then removed to their rooms to prepare.
The family was luckily on time for the assembly do to Jane's quick thinking and swift fingers. They entered in time for the second dance. As was their custom Edward first danced with Jane. They both danced well, and looked well. They were both tall and his dark hair complimented her golden. If the first dance was called excellent then the second would have been called superb.
Edward and Elizabeth had both learned to dance with each other, thus the excellent timing of each.
They were both lively and with their resemblance they were an interesting site. It was during the middle of the dance that Mr. Bingley's party arrived. The attention immediately left the unknowing couple and centered on the party just arrived. Edward and Elizabeth were hardly discomfited. They had been apart for so long that their attention was solely on each other. They shared jokes and in all had a marvelous time. The entering party immediately observed the odd couple that seemed to be so well suited yet so strangely unsuited.
Miss Bingley first pointed them out. "How singular they are, I dare say they are related"
Georgiana bit her lip at this. She had often found Miss Bingley quite funny, the way she always tried to tease her brother yet could not see how badly he hated it. Georgiana was rather young to be out but her brother had decided that as it was only a country-dance there would be nothing wrong with her going.
Georgiana had a merry heart but her shyness often concealed this. She noticed they strange couple immediately and she was very glad they had not missed the sight.
Sir Lucas immediately offered himself as an attendant.
"Who is that there dancing." Mr. Bingley asked first.
"Oh I see you have found our celebrities. They are the Bennet twins Edward and Elizabeth. There is their elder sister Jane. Would you care to be introduced."
Georgiana felt very bold and said she would be delighted. Bingley also wished it.
They were introduced to Jane first whom Georgiana found very agreeable.
"Miss Bennet, hello."
"Sir Lucas. Oh yes"
"May I introduce Mr. Bingley and Miss Darcy."
"Miss Darcy, Mr. Bingley, Miss Bennet"
The customary pleasantries were exchanged and it was soon obvious that Miss Bennet and Mr. Bingley got on very well. Georgiana decided she was not needed and she immediately asked to be introduced to the twins whose dance had ended some three minutes earlier.
They entered in the middle of a conversation that amused her greatly.
"So you believed her."
"Why should she lie."
"For many reasons."
"Name one."
"She was embarrassed."
"But why, she tripped it happens often."
"Does it."
Here he blushed "I don't believe you, she would not be so forward"
"You my brother are rather naïve."
"I do not know why"
"I shall only say this. I will not lead the dance at our family's first wedding nor will Jane."
"The first of your weddings that shall be a great sight." Entered Sir Lucas not actually knowing the topic being discussed. "Who shall be the first I wonder."
"Can there be any question sir. My sister Jane quite out shines us all." Answered Elizabeth with no small amount of pride.
"No Miss Lizzy I dare say it will be you."
"Yes, she will be married off before the spring. I recall her plighting her eternal love to the... " Edward was unable to finish his teasing as he found a sharp pain on his toes most likely inflicted by a ladies shoe.
"You are wrong brother you do not remember our plan I am to keep house for you and betroth you to the perfect woman when I find the faultless man."
"I see Lizzy, I am afraid sir that my sister is a hopeless case." Said a somewhat wiser Edward.
"Ah, Miss Eliza. If I do not see you married by next year at this time I shall relinquish my title."
"Indeed sir I would not wish that on you."
"I thank you, but here my friends may I introduce Miss Darcy."
"Of course."
"Miss Darcy I present you with Mr. and Miss Bennet."
"Miss Darcy."
"Mr. Bennet, Miss Bennet. I am so pleased to meet you. I have heard much of you."
"Really, well considering you have the advantage you must tell us as much about yourself as possible while we are here." Elizabeth truly was not always this forward, but she was giddy.
"Of course I shall, but I shall not have much to tell." Georgiana was usually very shy but there was something strangely inviting about this woman and her brother. Especially Elizabeth who made her think of her more of a sister then a common acquaintance.
"Then we will start from the basics. Were are you from."
"Derbyshire not five miles from a town called Lambton. Do you know of it."
"Why yes our aunt was raised there."
The conversation continued this way until the two ladies felt themselves on the way of being very good friends.
Darcy was walking round the room when he saw Bingley dancing with Miss Bennet. He had thought that it was very probable that his sister would stay very close to Bingley or find him. He began to look around for his sister who he found laughing with the couple they had seen dancing. When they had entered the room. He was very disdaining to them as he had seen many a handsomer persons. At least he thought. As was he was not impressed with them though yet how they resembled and yet were so different amazed him.
Georgiana seeing her brother alone and knowing his tendency to stay to himself at such assembles as these and her wish to have Miss Bennet visit her at Pemberley made her quick to ask to introduce her brother to them.
Mr. Darcy had never seen his sister so animated or enjoying company so much. He was delighted all the same with the great change in her and was in no way unwilling for this to become a habit. Their neighbor Mrs. Foust had often told him during her dinner parties that Georgiana was much to shy, "She must be brought out more" she would always say. He had always thought her rather presumptuous but as she was of the bringing up he himself was brought on, he felt only annoyance for her constant badgering.
So when she came to ask to introduce him they were both very happy with his answers of the affirmative. His reason merely being to see these brother and sister who had found the secret to breaking her out of her timid outer personality.
"Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth may I introduce my brother Mr. Darcy."
"Fitzwilliam may I introduce Mr. and Miss Bennet."
"It is a pleasure to meet you Mr. Darcy, I believe your sister has told us you reside in Derbyshire."
"Yes our estate is called Pemberley. Have you ever heard of it."
"No I believe not. Our aunt has always talked much of the town, but never of the houses."
"Was she born there?"
"No I believe not, Edward do you remember if our Aunt Gardiner was born in Lambton?"
"No Lizzy, I think it was in Grasion."
"Oh yes, I am sorry Mr. Darcy I think that is where she stayed with her father there a few years."
"Oh that is quite all right, I am rather bad with names and the people connected with them."
During this very interesting conversation a more important and significantly relating to the future of the people we just left.
"Miss Darcy I would be very honored if you would be so good as to be my partner in the next dance."
"Of course, though I have to tell you I am very unskilled at it. I very seldom have the chance to dance."
"I must confess I also have little time to attend such dances, but as it is my sister's birthday in less then two days I felt I must celebrate with her on the great day of our 20th birthdays."
"Congratulations, I had no idea."
"Yes, we are rather old timers."
"How could I refuse such an offer from a person who will soon leave their youth behind them forever?"
"There is something else well we dance I wish to discuss something with you about your brother and my sister."
A curious smile appeared on Georgiana's face.
"I hear the music starting I believe we must start."
"Brother, Mr. Bennet has just invited me to dance you would not mind so much would you?"
"No of coarse not. Go on."
The couple left leaving the others to their discussion on the trouble with names and the bothersome activity of connecting these names to not only faces but places as well.
"Miss Darcy I have something to tell you that we must guard against.'
"What is that?"
"I think my sister in going to try and make your brother laugh."
"Oh I hope so he is so solemn sometimes, but how can you tell?"
"It is impossible to live with someone all your life and not know them the way we know each other. Besides it is Elizabeth's self proclaimed mission in life to make everyone who looks the least bit unhappy to make them sing from the house tops with joy."
"That sounds wonderful, you see my brother is over ten years older than myself and is often solemn. She is very nice though I have always wanted a sister like her."
"Well that sounds strange but I have always wanted a brother."
"We have a very interesting circumstance. You need a sister and I need a brother."
They both laughed having the same thought and turned in the direction of Elizabeth and Darcy who seemed to be having a very solemn discussion.
"No sir, I think you have it easier. I must remember all things in my mind, not only that I must also remember the children and almost all other relatives. You have a secretary."
"Ah but I have tenants beside the other demands of society."
"I do not think you have it as bad as I."
So was their conversation until it was turned to Napoleon were it was found they had very different ideas on this subject.
"I believe that if we really wanted to capture the French we must act now and not wait until it is convenient."
"We can not expect to capture him that way. We must wait. You ought to see this Miss Bennet. If you expect simply for the French to become weak and we to destroy them it is impossible they have too much strength and they have a loyalty to Napoleon that many generals and kings only dream of. Tell me that our troops though very good will even come close to the strength of them."
"Then you do not have faith in our army."
"You mistake my meaning I have great faith in our army and our navy but I do not think that if we were to simply attack we would win."
"But if you think that by waiting it will become any easier. If he were to take over the rest of Europe would we be stronger and he weaker? I do not think that is reasonable. You must see that."
"But to waste innocent lives."
"What ever we do lives will be lost it is simply a matter of what is the most efficient and the most peaceful."
"Mr. Darcy I see you have started a conversation on involving Napoleon with my sister."
"Yes I am very impressed with her knowledge of the war."
"I dare say she knows more than many of the men in the war."
"You are very funny brother, I dare say you know less of it than my own mother."
"You have struck at my very essence I assure you my dear sister."
She put on a face of grave disdaining and answered him. "I am was very unhappy to see you so very misinformed so I am glad you know have the great knowledge of it."
"You are completely right sister. I regret it but of course you know all" He said as he bowed and gave her the most courtly bow he could manage.
"Oh, come Georgiana I do not think you wish to be exposed to any more of my brothers condensation." She took Georgiana's arm and led her away talking of many things.
The next day Mrs. Bennet of course called on Lady Lucas.
"I really do think Miss Darcy a sweet girl," Smiled rubbing in the fact that she had begun and acquaintance while Lady Lucas had only a few words with the obviously shy girl. "Such manners, her parents must have been very good." Though silly and somewhat lacking in what could be called tacked she truly had a good if somewhat mercenary, heart. Her sigh was very much that of sadness. She did feel quite bad but soon realized with no parents Mr. Darcy must have free choice of his wife no one could stop him from marrying below his 'class'.
"Yes a person can usually tell how well a persons parents raised their children by how well mannered the child is." Replied Lady Lucas with her eyes wondering to ward the younger of the Bennet girls who had attended with their mother.
"I do not believe a parent should be judged by how their children turn out." said Jane thinking of the poor Hewlett family who's son Robert had led a life of Drunken gambling not to mention other crimes which forced his otherwise respectful family to leave their small estate and his younger sister to break off an advantages engagement at the groom's family's insistent demands.
"To a certain degree they should," replied Elizabeth, "they parent's should not forget that they are responsible for the child's development. If the parent does not discipline the child then the child will not have the boundaries that are so necessary to their security. In the case of the Hewlett's as we all know they were a respectable family with the very bent of honour but they could not have helped their son. They had already spoiled him at the age of five; they could not have changed him for the world after that. Had he chosen to change himself the outcome could have been different."
"He was not so bad Lizzy."
Lizzy gave Jane a sharp look. Rebecca Hewlett had been her greatest friend and that she was now to spend the rest of her life as an unhappy girl who's fiancé of three years (two of which were secret) had had to leave her or be disinherited. No it had not been a strong love or he would have stayed with her, was Lizzy's only comfort to her grieving friend, who would not tell any one how much it hurt. Lizzy knew there was no comfort to give so she spent the last three months of Rebecca's life in Hertfordshire watching her friend turned somewhat bitter to the world at large and built a wall that only her family and Elizabeth could find a way through. Robert had not hurt her personally, he had hurt her dearest friend, which is worse, and she wished him to the very devil for it.
Mrs. Bennet tiring of a conversation she could not understand quickly told Lady Lucas of Edward's arrival. "Oh we were quite in a flurry, but we are so glad to see so soon to his birthday."
"Yes I know exactly how you feel..." So they continued for quite some time until the girls asked to see the garden while their mothers talked, then after they left of course the subject of Mr. Bingley's party came up again.
"I was quite proud of my dear Jane. You know he danced with her twice."
"I had not noticed," replied Lady Lucas with a wry smile. Though they were friends, Mrs. Bennet's bragging sometimes wore her patience.
"Ah yes, while he did and did you see Mr. Darcy talking to me Lizzy?"
"I did but after a while they looked as if they were arguing."
"Alas I do not think I shall ever get her married, you know she is turning twenty."
Lady Lucas took this as a slur to her Daughter Charlotte, which she very well should have, as it was Mrs. Bennet's intent. They both were not on their best behavior after a late night, and it was their tradition to argue after an assembly of any sort. So they continued until it appeared as if they could not stand another moment in each others company.
As they said their farewells Charlotte said something, which surprised Elizabeth greatly, " I am glad Edward is back for your sake though not for Miss. Darcy's, or my own." she whispered as she walked back in the house
This confused Elizabeth greatly; what ever could Charlotte have been talking of. Edward truthfully was a merry soul and sometimes was a flirt but she saw no reason to be worried. Charlotte knew how Lizzy felt about girls who fawned over her brother, and she knew that problems Lizzy had with these 'friends' afterward. She also knew how little Lizzy had to do with anyone who showed any interest in her brother.
When they reached home they found their father and brother had gone to see the north farm to see the tenets, and ask them how they felt about certain new equipment that was said to improve yields by fifty percent.
"You know father that I have been thinking a new irrigation system..."
"Quiet for a moment Edward. I need to tell you something, about Charlotte Lucas." Said Mr. Bennet nervously.
"Charlotte?"
"Yes."
"Lucas?"
"Yes."
"What have you to say."
"I believe..."
"Yes"
"I believe she holds some affection for you."
"But father we are like brother and sister. Besides if this farm is to be improved I must marry some one with at least a small dowry. And she is like my older sister." Cried a frightened Edward who to this point in time had never even thought of marriage to anyone, much less a practical older sister.
If he had ever chosen to, he could have gone very far in the diplomatic field, with the natural gifts he possessed. He was universally thought a very clever young man and the ladies found him very charming and unmistakably handsome. He had the natural gift for never offending anyone, and still getting his point, and his way. He was too honest and caring, those were his only faults. He would never do anything if he knew others would be hurt. He had no desire to hurt anyone's feelings and the fact that Charlotte Lucas could be hurt very deeply, hurt him.
"What should I do father?"
" I don't know son, it seems no one but I have noticed. Truly I just intended to warn you. I would be very cautious around her though. Give her no encouragement and don't let your mother know that is all we need! Oh Mr. Mottle..."
With that Mr. Bennet ended his talk with his son and moved on to a more comfortable subject, beans. Edward's thoughts stayed with what his father had said though. If Charlotte had an 'affection' for him what was he to do. He loved her as a sister and some may say he could have learned to love her more. But that was impossible; he would never let someone be closer to him then Lizzy. He didn't want anything to change he wanted to stay as they had as children. It was always Edward and Lizzy in the town. He knew they had separate lives. With him at Cambridge and her at home, they were still as close as any brother and sister could be. One vacation his friend had shown the slightest interest in Lizzy and Edward soon convinced his friend that it was 'in his best interest' to stay away from his sister. So had Lizzy done to many of her sister's and her own friends. This turned his thoughts to the Darcy's. For some reason he liked Mr. Darcy as a matter of fact he had no problems with Mr. Darcy and his sister. He thought Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy had quite the ring to it. Besides Lizzy should not be wasted on some young village man who would keep her in Meryton for the rest of her days. He knew she needed more. And he liked the way they acted around each other. They challenged each other, and besides it was fun to plot other people's lives. Georgiana had said they should talk it over at the Lucas's next party. He could not wait.
After a breakfast of Miss Bingley's wit both the Darcy's went out to see the gardens surrounding Netherfield.
"How did you find Meryton society Georgiana?"
"Despite what Miss Bingley thought, I found them charming especially Miss Elizabeth and her brother. Miss Bennet was very nice to me and so was everyone else. I have never felt so welcome in my life."
A look came to Mr. Darcy's face something between a bemused smile and concern for his sister. "Yes they were both amusing, but I don't think we will be staying here long."
"Brother I am in no danger." Smiled Georgiana, "Sometimes it amazes me how little people think I see. Don't worry about me, I think if anyone had any need for more caution it would not be me." Georgiana laughed at her brother's worried look. "I had to realize sometime that all people do not have my best interest in mind. I shall keep my guard up brother, but truly I see no reason to worry. All the young gentlemen were agreeable but not that agreeable. I feel nothing more then friendship for any of them."
"I shall trust you Georgiana but take care."
"I am assuming you are talking about Mr. Bennet, William but I can tell you I only danced one dance with him. Those are hardly ground for intimacy even for the most open people. What of you brother, you talked to Miss Elizabeth for over half an hour."
"She has sharp views when she cares about something I will give her that. I have never met a lady like her before."
"Indeed she didn't pretend to anything. I am so sick of those girls who are so very fake that try to become my friends. I do not like them above half. No doubt I could spit in their faces and they would do nothing but apologize for standing in my way." Said Georgiana with a look of disgust. "Had their conversation any point or their lives any greatness I would gladly welcome them but they simply live for clothes and the season. But sorry brother I have gotten off the subject."
A laughing face smiled down at his sister. "Though I would not wish you to depart form society forever Georgiana or find fault in every person of social standing you meet, I do wish you to be careful. "
"I shall brother. Besides Miss Bingley already has me engaged to her brother." Replied Georgiana with a laugh. "If I were to arose the least attention she would skin him alive. Besides I have only meet friends here. By the way do you think I could persuade John Coachman to let me take out one of the horses so I may visit the Bennets?"
"You know very well he will not refuse you."
"Then I shall ask him as soon as I am able. Why don't you come with me William? I am sure there would be nothing wrong in that."
"I should be glad to accompany you Miss Darcy."
"Thank you Mr. Darcy."
"I am glad we got to know the Darcy's Elizabeth." Said Edward trying to gauge his sisters feelings towards Mr. Darcy if she had any feelings at all for him or anyone else she had only spent a half hour with. " They were both charming." He tried again.
"Yes." Elizabeth replied absently. "Edward have you noticed anything about Charlotte Lucas. She seems very absent minded lately." Elizabeth was also trying to gauge Edward's feelings.
"She has, but I think she will get over it. She is not some silly chit who gets worked up and stays that way for years. As a matter of fact I once heard that..."
"Edward I think it is serious. I think she holds some affection for you."
"But Why!" Cried Edward, "Am I supposed to sacrifice my life just because she 'holds an affection' for me." He sat down angrily.
"Well, not exactly Edward."
"Sorry Lizzy but Father has already talked to me about it and I do not want to hear anymore of her. She is seven years my elder. She could have been my mother."
"Now Edward" replied Elizabeth with a little laughter in her voice. "There is not that great of a gap."
"But Lizzy I am only twenty, as a man I am to young to get married yet. If it was you and a twenty seven year old asked you to marry him it would be reasonable but..." Edward let out a sound of frustration.
"I know Edward but I thought I should warn you."
"While I think I could have handled it Elizabeth."
Elizabeth tried to keep her temper but besides being a best-loved brother he was also the most annoying. "I doubt that, you do not have to shout you know." Replied Elizabeth getting huffy; a sure sign if she had not been properly brought up her brother would have had a severely bruised nose. "I am sure no one wants to hear you."
"Some people should practice what they preach." Edward said under his breath, making sure Elizabeth could hear.
So far Georgiana had five minutes to reach them 'accidentally' on the road before he would not be able to stall Elizabeth. They had walked out with the intention of finding some flowers that Edward had claimed to see on the path to Netherfield. Elizabeth had not seen any flowers and in light of their past argument was beginning to see her brother in the vilest light. Suddenly to Edward's great relief hoof beats on the road. Lizzy began to turn back to the house, as it was almost three o'clock. In an effort to keep her where she was Edward decided to apologias.
"I am sorry Lizzy I did not mean it."
Though she was a fine girl Elizabeth Bennet was not known to forgive so freely. She always did forgive but it took her some time to do so. She turned to Edward hoping to show complete disdain. But to Edward's great relief he heard the voice of Georgiana and her brother.
"How Lucky Elizabeth. I had no idea they were to come this way." Edward was putting it most thick (he was a horrible liar), but Elizabeth was not paying much attention as she tried to gain her composure.
"Lizzy, Mr. Bennet how nice to meet you here," called Georgiana from her horse. "We were just going to Longbourn to meet you."
"How wonderful," replied Edward, "we were just walking along the road." Said Edward glancing at Elizabeth and giving Georgiana a significant nod as her brother examined a small bush.
Darcy, who had decided to loose his reign on Georgiana, immediately picked up on Edward's nod. He was very nervous but decided to let Georgiana make her own mistakes. Elizabeth on the other hand had no idea what was going on she only noticed that she was very uncomfortable with Mr. Darcy. She had no idea why and tossing away the most obvious reason she quickly put up what Edward called her 'wall of politeness'.
"Georgiana," she smiled, "Mr. Darcy," a hint of nervousness was detected in Elizabeth's voice, which Edward immediately picked up on. "It is so nice to see you. I was wondering when I would see you again." Edward was nearly ready to jump in the air so Elizabeth did care for Darcy's opinion.
"We were just looking for some flowers, but it looks as if it is time to return home, will you join us?" asked Edward with all the grace that had made him the toast of Cambridge society.
"Of course!" replied the overjoyed Georgiana. Now only the problem of how they were to get the other two alone. Immediately Georgiana got an idea, "Lizzy you look tired, come ride on my horse, no I insist." Georgiana started to get off her horse, Edward tried to warn her but it was to late. A very confused Elizabeth got on Georgiana's horse and they started off.
Edward and Georgiana started forward with Darcy and Elizabeth in the back, "Edward, what is wrong with Lizzy she seemed so pre occupied."
"I forgot to tell you before but Lizzy is a horrible rider."
"Oh dear, I had no idea. What are we to do?"
"Nothing now, I don't think we can do anything."
"With her so concerned about ridding her horse and my brother thinking I am contracting alliances with the entirety of Hertfordshire I do not think our little meeting is going to accomplish much."
"Alas, while I was just lectured on the importance of not showing a liking for any anyone except those I plan to marry.'
Georgiana laughed, "While I was just lectured on the importance of showing a liking for no one so it seems we are on the same boat."
"Or at least they think so." Replied Edward with a toss of his head. "We need to turn their attention away from us but I don't see how."
"I think one of them would have to suffer some injury and the other must save them say Elizabeth's horse was to run away..."
"...And your brother saved her and..."
"...Then they would have some sort of relationship."
"And that would grow into something more..."
"That would be perfect." Exclaimed Georgiana. "If only it would happen now it seems like all they are going to do is make sure we keep our distance. Maybe you have a trusted servant who could run up behind the horse."
Elizabeth and Darcy heard their respective siblings laughter. It brought a frown to Darcy's face, Elizabeth didn't notice. "Your brother is only twenty I think."
"I do not think of it as only." Replied a smiling Elizabeth in spite of herself, "I find twenty a very solid, reasonable age."
"I had forgotten you were twins." Replied Darcy with a smile. "In a female twenty is a very different age then for males."
"Yes a male should never think of marriage before he is at least three and twenty while a female should be married by then and have at least one child."
The shared some light laughter then continued in silence.
"For their next meeting I think it should be in a garden."
"A garden, why a garden?"
"It is romantic of course."
"But is almost September all the plants are dead."
"Ahh but their love will make the flowers bloom again." Replied Georgiana.
"So I see." Edward was thoughtful for a moment, "yes lets but what if we locked the doors so they would have to stay out for a little longer."
The kept their conspiratorial laughter to themselves.
Edward and Georgiana decided to take a short cut through a bunch of trees as it looked like the meeting was going nowhere and they might as well go home. As they talked of ways to lure them out side, the sound of galloping was heard. They looking behind them to see Georgiana's horse careening down the road and Darcy following.
"Oh dear" whispered Georgiana.