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Darcy returned to his London town house with a heavy heart. When he had written the letter he had been so sure that he was perfectly calm and composed, but on further reflection he realised that he had been hurt and angry and was sure that his emotions had shown in his letter. He now deeply regretted not burning it.
While he was in his study a few days later, he received a letter from his aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh informing him that she was a little under the weather, but seeing as she was always complaining, he just sent her a note saying that he hoped that she would get better soon but that he had to return with Georgiana to Pemberley.
"That is a beautiful piece you are playing Georgiana. Is it new?" her brother asked her.
"No William, it's my favourite piece that I've been performing since I first learned how to play." His question had just made her realise just how distracted he really was. She was about inquire as to what was troubling him when a sharp rap was heard at the door.
"Come," Mr. Darcy said and Mrs. Reynolds bustled in, in an agitated manner.
"An express has just arrived from Rosings sir, and the messenger informed me that you must receive it immediately as it is of the utmost importance!"
Darcy took the express from Mrs. Reynolds.
Rosings, May 5th 18__My dear nephew and niece,
If you do not come here soon, I fear that I shall not see either of you again since my physician informed me that I may not live to see another Christmas. I wish for you both to come and see to my last wishes. Make haste!
Lady Catherine de Bourgh Darcy and Georgiana were both shocked by their aunt's news but were both packed within the hour and traveling to Rosings.
"I'm coming Mama. What is it?" she asked.
"A letter has just arrived from Hunsford for you, from Mrs. Collins"
The letter contained all the usual news from Charlotte, but she also informed her that Mr. Collins' great patroness Lady Catherine de Bourgh was very ill and had sent for all her family including the Darcys and the Fitzwilliams. Mr. Collins feared that she would not recover at all.
Lizzy wasn't particularly fond of Lady Catherine, but still she felt sympathetic towards Lady Catherine and her family. She was shocked by the news. Ever since she had received the letter from Mr. Darcy she had not thought of him as she had before. She was more comfortable towards any thought or mention of him and did not like to hear of anyone speaking ill of him and warmly of Wickham. She was deeply ashamed of all that she had said to him the evening he had proposed at Hunsford, but there was nothing she could do and now he also had his sick aunt to take care of. Lizzy wished that she knew he'd forgive for what she had said to him in the parsonage.
"I am sorry aunt at not being able to come sooner but I.." Darcy began, but was cut off sharply by Lady Catherine.
"Yes, well you probably should have been here sooner, but you are here now and I want you to promise me something."
Darcy, presuming it had something to do with his aunt's will immediately replied in the affirmative. "Yes I will do anything you wish of me."
Lady Catherine demanded to have the room cleared, with the exception of Darcy, who became slightly nervous at this. "Fitzwilliam, I wish to see my dear Anne settled before I depart for the next world." began Lady Catherine. Darcy had a feeling he knew what was coming. "You know it has been a dear wish of mine and that of your late mother Lady Anne Darcy, to see the two great estates of Rosings and Pemberley united in the marriage of our children."
Darcy could not let this continue, after all he believed that marriage should be based on love, and he loved only Elizabeth Bennet. "Lady Catherine, I know what you are thinking of, and I must stop you. My parents would have wanted me to marry for love, just as they themselves did. As much as I love and respect Anne as a dear cousin, I have no romantic feelings for her, and I am sure she feels the same way."
Lady Catherine was most seriously displeased. "Fitzwilliam, I am shocked that an educated man of the world like yourself does not realise that love comes after marriage!"
"I don't think that that statement is true, because I am quite sure my parents would not have married if they had not been truly in love." He exclaimed while pacing the room at the foot of her bed.
Suddenly, Lady Catherine started coughing uncontrollably. Darcy rushed over to help her. After taking a sip of water and having settled back against the pillows she pleaded her case. "Are you so heartless Mr. Darcy, that you would refuse the last dying wish of your mother's most beloved sister who has done so much for you and your sister?!"
Darcy knew she had him cornered. She had done a lot for himself and Georgiana, especially after the untimely death of his cherished parents. How could he refuse her?
Seeing her chance, Lady de Bourgh, decided to relate the attributes of his soon to be bride. "Darcy, you could not hope to find a better wife or mistress for Pemberley. She is perfect! She may not have been debuted in society, but she was brought up and taught by the best governesses and tutors in all of England! And had her health permitted, I am quite certain that Anne would be proficient on the piano-forte. Think of your sister!" With that, she dismissed to think about her proposal.
As he left the room, he saw his sister and Anne talking and laughing together and knew that Lady Catherine could be right. Anne was a few years older than Georgiana, and she certainly wouldn't dominate Georgiana as a stranger might do. They got on very well, and with the exception of Anne's health, they were quite alike.
After a couple of days of contemplation, and a long talk with Colonel Fitzwilliam, Darcy knew he must marry Anne. All he had to do now was get Elizabeth Bennet out of his head.
Posted on Tuesday, 3 October 2000
"Jane! Oh my dear Jane! I have such happy news!", Mrs. Bennet ran into the drawing room where Lizzy and Jane had been reading.
"Mama, what is it?" inquired Jane, genuinely curious.
"He has returned at last. I always said he would didn't I, but does anyone ever listen to me?!"
Elizabeth, not in the mood to put up with her mother's usual prattle spoke up
"Mama please just tell us who has come that has caused such great excitement in you!"
"Why who else but Mr. Bingley! I had it from your Aunt Phillips this morning!"
Jane had blanched noticeably, and Lizzy looked at her in concern. It was more than clear that Jane was still hurt from Bingley's seemingly lost interest in her.
"Your aunt Phillips told me today that he sent an express that Netherfield was to be made ready at once to prepare for his imminent arrival! Imagine, I could have a daughter wed by Michaelmas!"
"Mama, perhaps we could talk about this later. Jane and I were about to take a walk towards Oakham Mount."
"Well if you must you must I suppose. I expect Bingley to come calling quite soon and a bit of fresh air will do you the world of good dear Jane. You look a bit pale and it would not help, if you were to meet Mr. Bingley looking wan and sickly!" Jane looked up in astonishment, but left the room with Lizzy to prepare for their walk.
"Lizzy how can I ever thank you for getting me away from Mama! I love her dearly but I sometimes find her a trifle to presumptuous!"
"Oh Jane! You are always so good! There are not many people who would call her good, as you do, myself included I'm afraid."
As Jane and Lizzy strolled onwards, Lizzy was amazed at the beauty that surrounded her, she had always loved the outdoors, and this was one of her favourite walks. However her curiosity was much piqued on Jane's reaction to Bingley's arrival back in the county.
"Lizzy, I have got over Mr. Bingley, I do however dread what other people may think."
"Jane, please take care!"
"You do not believe me to be in danger Lizzy, surely"
"I believe you are in great danger of making him more madly in love with you than ever!" Lizzy replied good-humouredly.
Darcy was in London preparing for his marriage to Anne de Bourgh. He had felt better after telling Bingley the truth about what he had done in London and how it was possible that he'd been wrong in his judgment of Jane Bennet's character. Bingley had been angry at first of course, but soon afterwards had forgiven him and had sent an express to get Netherfield ready for his arrival. Darcy was expecting to hear of Charles' engagement within the next two weeks. He smiled sadly to himself, At least someone will marry the woman they truly love.
Posted on Saturday, 2 August 2003
It was two days later when Lizzy decided that she would tell Jane about Mr. Darcy's proposal. She could not keep her feelings hidden any longer; she had to tell someone how she felt, and who better than Jane, her most trusted and beloved sister?
Mr. Bingley was just after dining at Longbourn and Mrs. Bennet had made a show of herself, as usual! Jane was radiant as always but seemed even more beautiful that night, if it were possible. Lizzy was thrilled to see her sister so happy and was sure of her engagement to Mr. Bingley would be imminent. Later that night, after Mr. Bingley had left, Jane entered Lizzy's room and began to talk to her. She had noticed a change in her sister since her arrival from Hunsford and wanted to know exactly what is was that was troubling her sister. She sat down on the bed beside Elizabeth and started thus:
"Lizzy, I noticed an alteration in you disposition since you returned from your visit to Charlotte. I would hope, that you would think, that you could talk to me about anything, Lizzy. However I will not push you to confide in me, but I trust that you will tell me what is the matter when you are ready to."
Lizzy took Jane's hand.
"Oh Jane, you know me so well, I did not wish to distress you, especially since the desirable return of a certain young man." Lizzy replied mischievously as she watched Jane blush.
"However it is time that I tell you the truth about Hunsford. A lot happened. Yes a lot happened."
"Won't you tell me Lizzy?"
"During my time in Hunsford, I saw quite a lot of Mr. Darcy. He was visiting his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and whenever we dined at Rosings he was present."
After a moments silence Jane interrupted it with:
"Dear Lizzy, was he mean to you? Surely it is not this that has you so upset!"
"Oh no, no forgive me, my mind wanders. Anyway, one evening I complained that I had a headache and I remained at home while our cousin, Charlotte and Mariah went to Rosings. Shortly afterwards there was a knock on the door, and the arrival of Mr. Darcy was announced. I am sure that I have no need to tell you that I was quite surprised to see him enter. I would never have expected him."
Lizzy's eyes fell from Jane's face and looked at their locked hands on the bed. Jane gave her a gentle squeeze and an encouraging smile.
"Well you really won't believe this Jane, but Mr. Darcy proposed to me! There I am sure that I have shocked you, I can tell by the look on your face. I accused him of not proposing in a gentleman like manner, however I refused him in the most unladylike manner, I can assure you. I accused him of everything under the sun, including his treatment of George Wick ham. Now Jane I shall leave out all of the gory details, and skip to the next morning. I had decided to go out for a walk, when I met Mr. Darcy. I turned to go away, but he stopped me and did nothing but give me a letter then walk away."
Lizzy then proceeded to tell Jane all about the letter and what Mr. Darcy had said about George Wickham and his real dealings with Darcy. Of course she left out the part about Bingley and Jane, but even this was enough to astonish Jane.
"Mr. Darcy proposed! I can hardly believe it! Lizzy there is more to it, I can see it in your eyes. Lizzy what is the matter?"
"I can't remember you being this perceptive when we played 'eye-spy' as children!" Lizzy said in exasperation.
"Lizzy do you regret refusing Mr. Darcy?" Jane asked quietly.
Lizzy stared at her sister for a few moments, not sure what to say. What can I say, she thought, only the truth.
"Jane," she began slowly, "at the time I was so sure that I had done the right thing in refusing him, but so much has changed, I know the truth about Wickham and it was only my own vanity and prejudice that caused me to misjudge both Darcy and Wickham! To tell the truth Jane, I'm not sure how I feel about anyone at the moment, but I would, more than anything, like to apologise to Darcy for what I've done and said. It was unpardonable."
Jane had never seen her sister so serious in all her life; she was shocked by the distress that was so evident in Lizzy. She was sure that she cared greatly for Mr. Darcy; otherwise her actions would not have distressed her so.
"Lizzy, I am sure that Mr. Darcy forgives you for that evening, if indeed you did anything so wrong. He now knows that you were under the misguided notion of Mr. Wick ham's goodness."
Lizzy got up from the bed and started pacing the room.
"As indeed we all were Lizzy. It was not just you whom he deceived, if indeed it is true. Although I cannot see a man such as Mr. Darcy spreading such slander, especially as it involves his own sister. Perhaps there has been some sort of mistake." She mused as she chewed on her bottom lip. At this Elizabeth started laughing.
"Oh Jane, you always cheer me up, even without realising it. You are too benevolent. You will never be able to make them both good. Mr. Darcy is the only good man, even if he hasn't the appearance of it!" Lizzy replied her good humour restored, and a weight lifted off her shoulders after her talk with Jane.
"Thank you Jane I fell better already, at least I know you don't take after certain people in our family and go gossiping around the whole town!"
"Oh Lizzy, you shouldn't talk of Mama so!" Jane replied laughingly, "Now I must go Lizzy, I am so tired. Goodnight."
With that Lizzy went to bed, relieved that she had finally told Jane the truth, but now she had to be truthful to herself. Did she really love Darcy? She thought about it all night and just as she was falling asleep, she thought she heard a voice say, "Yes."
While Elizabeth's emotions were in turmoil over how she felt for a certain owner of Pemberley Estate, one thing was clear, she was delighted that her sister had found happiness with Bingley, they weren't engaged yet, but Elizabeth was sure that it would happen very soon. Mrs. Bennet was at her wits end trying to get Jane and Bingley alone together, and had come up with countless schemes to get them on their own. However, someone always disrupted her plans and even when they were left alone, Bingley had as yet not proposed to Miss Jane Bennet.
"Oh Lizzy. What is to become of Jane and Bingley?! If he does not ask for her hand soon, she will end up an old maid! Then what will happen to all my other girls. If she ends up an old spinster then how will any of her sisters ever marry rich men of at least £4000 a year! Oh my nerves, my nerves!"
"Mama please! Mr. Bingley has only been in the country for three days." replied Elizabeth, and then with a mischievous light in her eyes,
"Besides, if she ends up an old spinster, at least we'll have someone to make clothes for the rest of us, since she was the only one who was any good at sewing."
"Oh Lizzy! How can you talk so, you're just like your father. You've got no compassion for my poor nerves! None of you know what I suffer, and it's all for my daughters!"
"Mama do not get too upset, I'm sure that Mr. Bingley will propose to Jane before too long. After all he is in love with her"
"Oh, do you think so Lizzy? Well of course he's in love with her, how could he not be? She is the most beautiful young lady in all the country and he should be thanking God for being so lucky as to have met her."
With that Elizabeth left Mrs. Bennet on her own, as she was preparing to receive Mrs. Lucas who was coming to call.
Jane had already gone out for a walk, and as Lizzy had to write a letter to her aunt Gardiner she had decided not to go. However the day was too beautiful, for a girl such as Lizzy to remain inside and so she donned her bonnet and coat and went out hoping to meet with her sister.
It was such a beautiful day, the birds were singing, there was hardly a cloud in the sky and there was no one around. The temptation was too much, Lizzy decided to run across the path, unfortunately, she was running so fast that she ran straight into Jane and Bingley as she rounded a corner.
"Oh, Mr. Bingley, please forgive me," she said in embarrassment, her face turning the colour of a cherry.
"Don't worry it is a lovely day to be out. Such enthusiasm is admirable in a young lady. You were probably in a rush to meet your sister, indeed who wouldn't be?" he looked at Jane with such love in his eyes that Lizzy looked in confusion and then delight from one to the other. Suddenly he whispered in Jane's ear and left the two sisters alone.
"Well Jane, is there something that you'd like to tell me?" asked Lizzy impishly.
"Oh Lizzy! I am so happy!," Jane said in rapture as she embraced her sister.
"He loves me Lizzy! He loves me," she was in a state of astonishment as her sister laughed, delighted that at last Jane was happy and was going to marry the man that she loved.
"Lizzy, he loved me all the time, even in London! It was that he was not sure of my feelings that he was gone for so long. Oh Lizzy he loves me!"
"Of course he loves you! Oh Jane, I am so happy for you."
"He has gone to father already. How shall I bear such happiness? To know that I am giving such pleasure to all my dear family. It is too much, it is too much."
"Jane, you deserve nothing but happiness, you are the best person I know and if anyone deserves to be truly happy, then it is you."
"Dearest Lizzy, if only I could see you so happy, then my own joy would be complete. If only there were such a man for you."
"Well...if I am very lucky, I may in time meet with another Mr. Collins." With that they both returned laughingly to Longbourn.
"William there is a letter waiting for you in the study. It arrived this morning, I believe that it is from Mr. Bingley." Georgiana informed her brother as he walked through the parlour door.
"Thank you Georgiana, I think I'll read it now, please excuse me." As Darcy left he reflected on the change in his sister. He had told her that he was to marry Anne as soon as he'd deemed it possible. The light in her face had faded as he told her that Anne was to be the new mistress of Pemberley. It had been a very short conversation.
"William, do you love her?," she'd asked the simplest question and the most painful question that she ever could have asked.
"What is the matter Georgiana, do you not like Anne? You both have always got on so well together. I thought that you would have been happy."
"I love you both with all my heart and would be delighted if you got married because you loved each other, but I don't believe you love her William, and if you don't then you will only make Anne and yourself unhappy by marrying her."
"Georgiana, don't worry I will be the best husband I can be to her, I promise."
"Very well William. I have to go now and visit Kathriona, I promised her that I'd call on her today." So she left.
Georgiana had met Kathriona Lyons when she was but a child and they had remained firm friends all through the years. Miss Lyons had always been there for Georgiana, and Darcy welcomed the girl's friendliness to his sister.
Darcy thought about how often Miss Lyons had been there for his sister. She had been there when their father, George Darcy, died, and had more recently taken her to the Lyons' country estate when she had found out about the business between her friend and the notorious Wickham. Yes, Darcy mused, Georgiana is very lucky to have such a friend. Darcy entered his study and picked up the letter from Bingley. He was sure what it contained and indeed he wasn't disappointed.
15 June 18__Dear Darcy,
It has happened, Miss Bennet has agreed to marry me. I can hardly believe it, I am the happiest of men. You must of course be my best man, I will want you by my side. I am so happy that she has accepted me. She is an angel Darcy! An absolute angel. Send me your congratulations soon and arrangements for you to come to Netherfield.
Yours sincerely
Charles Bingley
Darcy put the letter down with a chuckle. Although most people would say that his friend could not write a letter properly, Darcy would not change his writing style for the world. He enjoyed Bingley's letters for he always wrote down exactly what he thought.
His own wedding would occur in a few months and Darcy wondered how Elizabeth had received the news. She probably thinks that we deserve each other, he mused. What he didn't know was that Elizabeth hadn't been told about his engagement, but that was all about to change.
"Mama, I have some good news for you. Mr. Bingley has made me an offer of marriage and I have accepted him."
Mrs. Bennet jumped high out of her chair and clasped her eldest daughter tightly to her.
"Oh my dearest Jane! I knew how it would be; I knew it would all turn out all right. He is such a handsome fellow and five thousand a year! Imagine all the jewels and the lace. Oh Jane the lace."
At this moment Lizzy entered the room.
"Lizzy, Lizzy have you heard your sister's good news? She's to be married. Oh Jane I am so happy. I was sure you could not have been so beautiful for nothing. He is the handsomest, richest man that I could have hoped for." she said enthusiastically hugging her again.
"You'd better be careful Mama, or else you'll kill her before the wedding and there won't be any money or good connections for the sisters at all."
"Hush child! If you'd accepted Mr. Collins we would have all been happier!"
Lizzy rolled her eyes and sighed in exasperation. Would her mother ever forgive her for not marrying her pompous cousin? Somehow, Elizabeth doubted it.
From the day of the engagement, Mr. Bingley became a regular visitor to the Bennet residence, calling every day, arriving early in the morning and not leaving until late at night. The only times that he did not come to Longbourn was when jealous mothers invited him to dinner, hoping in vain that he would fall in love with one of their daughters and break his engagement to Jane. However it would never happen.
It was on one day after Jane and Bingley had taken a walk to escape Mrs. Bennet and her plans for the wedding, that Mr. Bingley finally mentioned his friend. They were all sitting around the table having afternoon tea when Bingley brought up the subject of his best man.
"I have had a letter from Mr. Darcy. He is to arrive at Netherfield two weeks before the wedding. Being my best man, he will be able to observe how to act on his big day!" Bingley said smiling. Elizabeth froze, the cup of tea half way to her lips. Everyone looked at Mr. Bingley in confusion. Lydia was the first to speak up
"What do you mean Mr. Bingley? I'm afraid we are unaware of what you are talking about, but you must tell us now, for you started, therefore you must finish." For once Lizzy was delighted that her sister was so forward.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Mr. Bingley replied good naturedly, "Did I not tell you? Why Mr. Darcy is to be married. To his cousin, Miss Anne de Bourgh."
There was silence around the room suddenly interrupted by Jane and Lizzy's simultaneous gasps. Lizzy's hands had started shaking and she put down the cup to stop herself from spilling the contents over her dress, however she wasn't quick enough and although none of it spilled on herself, half of it fell on the tablecloth.
"Oh Lizzy, why must you be so clumsy! You would think after twenty years of practice you'd be able to hold a cup properly!" Mrs. Bennet scolded her second daughter.
Jane looked over in concern at her sister, she was sure that Lizzy loved Darcy and only needed time to admit it to herself. Lizzy had turned pale, very shaken and was staring in astonishment at Bingley. At last Lizzy spoke.
"Please excuse me, I.... have a sudden headache and would like to lie down for a little while, please excuse me."
"Lizzy, come back here!" her mother called her, but Elizabeth just walked slowly up the stairs.
"I can assure you Mr. Bingley that she was brought up with more manners than this, but she has always been willful. She was never like Jane. Jane was always such a good girl, I really don't know where Elizabeth gets it from, but I'm sure that it's not from my side of the family." she said pointedly looking at Mr. Bennet who was looking worriedly at the door that his second daughter had just left through.
After half an hour of sitting in stunned contemplation in front of the mirror, Lizzy was wakened out of her reverie by a quiet, gentle knock at the door. Without waiting for an answer, Jane entered the room and walked towards her sister.
"Lizzy, I hope that you don't mind me intruding on your privacy, but I noticed earlier that you looked quite pale and I had to come to make sure that you were all right." Jane said softly.
Lizzy looked up at her sister and for the first time ever, she couldn't tell Jane the truth about how she was feeling.
"Jane, I'm fine, really," she replied, "It was just a bit of a shock, that is all. I just came up to finish writing a letter to my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner."
"Very well Lizzy, I'll leave you to write your letter. Goodbye." Jane, knowing her sister's stubborn nature, left her, although she was sure that she was not writing any letter. Suddenly an idea came into Jane's head, wouldn't it be good for Lizzy to get away for a little while? Jane had to buy a new dress in town and she could always use Lizzy's help in picking one. With her new resolve, Jane hurried to her room, to write her own letter to her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner.
"My dear, I have noticed of late that you have not been in your usual spirits. I hope that you are not feeling unwell?" Mr. Bennet addressed her.
"Of course not father. I... just have been having a lot of headaches lately, probably due to Lydia and Kitty's incessant talk of the militia and mothers ceaseless talk of Jane and Bingley's wedding," she replied with a small smile on her face.
"It is a good thing then, that she has been persuaded to stay to look after things here than go to London with you and your sister. Seriously Lizzy, I had always hoped that all my daughters would find happiness, especially you and Jane. I know that Jane will be happy with Bingley, and I had always thought that you would be happy with someone more suited to your disposition. However I fear that I have been wrong in this assessment. I did notice Lizzy how you have changed since you heard that Mr. Darcy is to be married. Now, now don't get at all offended Lizzy. I just want to see you return to your normal happy self, and hopefully a stay in London will see to that. A change of scene and society has always done a body good." Mr. Bennet smiled lovingly at his daughter. Elizabeth was shocked, although she loved her father greatly, she had not thought that he was very perceptive especially where his children's feelings were concerned, he had always teased his daughters without knowing how he sometimes hurt them. Either, one of two things had happened, she had badly misjudged her father or she was not as good at concealing her feelings as she had thought! Either way, she wished to put her father's mind at rest.
"Father, do not worry about me so, Jane and I will have a marvellous time in London and I will come back so lively and full of talk of London that you'll wish I had stayed there!" she replied with the liveliness in her eyes that Mr. Bennet had missed. "Now I must go, Jane will be wondering where I have got to. Goodbye Father, I will miss you."
"Not half as much as I'll miss you Lizzy. Until you and your sister return I shall not hear one word of sense from one day to the next! But enjoy yourself my dear. I shall look forward to your return." With that Lizzy left her father to his books and joined Jane in the carriage on their way to London.
It was wet and windy when the two sisters arrived at Gracechurch Street. However the warm welcome that the girls received from their aunt and uncle, soon put the dreary weather out of their minds. Mrs. Gardiner, although being fond of all her nieces, had a special relationship with the two eldest Bennet girls, and so was quite concerned when she first saw Lizzy. She looked pale, and tired and although she seemed to be her normal happy self, something was missing. Nevertheless she decided that it would be better if she didn't comment on it.
Lizzy, although very tired, was delighted to be back in London. She was happy to see the Gardiner's again and was looking forward to spending some time with Jane in London. I would feel much better if she could just get my mind off.. Just then Jane walked into her bedroom to announce that dinner would be ready soon. So Lizzy went downstairs, determined to enjoy herself in London and to make sure that Jane was happy.
Jane, Elizabeth and their aunt Gardiner spent the next few days shopping in warehouses looking for wedding clothes for Jane. They had been everywhere and were down to a choice of three. After they'd finally chosen the right dress, Jane and Lizzy went into a shop to look for appropriate shoes for Jane on her big day. It was here that they met Miss Bingley with a young lady.
Miss Bingley greeted them civilly.
"Jane, Eliza, may I introduce to you a very good friend of mine, Miss Georgiana Darcy."
Lizzy looked at the girl who was Mr. Darcy's sister with great interest. At first glance you would be forgiven for thinking that she was condescending and believed everyone beneath her, but within a few minutes it became apparent to Lizzy that she was merely shy and wasn't sure how to act with strangers. She was a well-formed young girl, no more than sixteen, she had a good figure and had the same dark eyes as her brother. She was about the same height as Elizabeth, if not slightly taller, and held herself with great poise, probably brought about by years of training. However all in all Lizzy felt that she would like her.
"I am very pleased to meet you Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth. I hope that we will become better acquainted, if you plan to stay in London long enough." Georgiana Darcy said hesitantly.
Jane answered her, expressing similar wishes.
"Of course," said Miss Bingley, "we will call on you at your residence tomorrow morning. Where is it that you are staying dear Jane?"
"At Gracechurch Street Miss Bingley." Jane replied quietly.
" Oh, Gracechurch Street!" Miss Bingley condescendingly repeated.
Miss Darcy was obviously ashamed of the coolness, not to mention the spite of Miss Bingley's manner towards a lady who was soon to be her sister-in-law, and this raised her even higher in Elizabeth's opinion.
"Indeed, if I'd known that you were in town already, I would have called on you sooner Miss Bennet," Caroline said with a sneer, completely ignoring Elizabeth, "However Charles must have informed me incorrectly, he is in such a hurry to tell all that he forgets the small details." she said with a little laugh.
"Really Miss Bingley, I have never noticed anything of the sort. I have always found that Mr. Bingley is always ready to express his news, however excited he is, with clarity and preciseness. It is strange that we should both have different opinions about the same speaker." Elizabeth said, hoping to put an end to this talk which obviously made Jane and Miss Darcy uncomfortable.
"Well, Miss Eliza, I think that I would know my brother better than a. ..person who has only known him for such a short amount of time as you have. Anyway, I do believe we should be going Georgiana, we are to meet Louisa and Mr. Hurst within half an hour. Come. Goodbye Miss Bennet it was a pleasure to see you, and you Miss Eliza." she said this in such a way as to make her contempt obvious and in the process making both Jane and Georgiana blush. Within a minute they had left, and Elizabeth was glad to see the back of Miss Bingley although she would have liked to talk more to Miss Georgiana Darcy.
The next morning both Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst and Miss Darcy called on the ladies of Gracechurch Street. It was obvious from the beginning that both Caroline and Louisa would rather be anywhere but where they were, but Miss Darcy shyly looked around her and played with the younger Gardiner children who were present in the room. Indeed she seemed to find more enjoyment with the children then with the ladies. Lizzy observed her with the children and within a few minutes had been joined in their game, by the earnest entreaties of her young three-year-old cousin, Ashley that they needed another person for their game. However, soon the children were called away by their nanny to their studies and Georgiana and Lizzy were left on their own at the far end of the room.
"Miss Darcy, I understand that you are fond of music and play very well." Elizabeth began.
"No, I do not play very well.. although I am very fond of music. I should very much like to hear you play and sing, Miss Bennet. I have heard that you have a very beautiful voice."
Lizzy looked at Georgiana in some confusion. Who could have ever told her anything like that!, she thought to herself. Georgiana continued,
"My brother told me that he had rarely heard anything that gave him more pleasure."
"I am afraid that your brother has grossly exaggerated my talent, no doubt for some mischievous reason of his own." Lizzy said playfully trying to cover her surprise at such a thing being said about her from Mr. Darcy of all people.
"Oh no, that could not be so, he always tells the absolute truth.", Georgiana replied earnestly "He has always valued honesty and family loyalty, ....even if it makes him do things that he really does not want to." she added quietly to herself, nevertheless Lizzy heard her, Georgiana looked up and blushed for her outspokenness.
"Forgive me Miss Bennet, I was merely..." just then Miss Bingley interrupted her.
"Dear Georgiana, we really must go, we are expected at Lady Elliots house for luncheon. It has been a delight to see you again Miss Bennet, and I expect you all to dine at _____street, next Tuesday night. Good day." Thus all three of them left but not without Lizzy noticing a look of relief that was passed from Miss Bingley to her sister before they had even left the room.
Lizzy went down the stairs with a determined stride and entered the morning room. It was here that she found Jane, blushing prettily over a letter she held in her hand. At hearing her sister enter the room, Jane looked up
"I wonder," said Elizabeth aloud, "who could have sent you a letter that would turn you the colour of a tomato." Jane looked up at Lizzy's laughing face but ignored the comment, she was so excited. "Lizzy, he's coming to town. I cannot believe it. We have not been here long, but he insists that he has been too long separated from me and is coming to town on the pretence of 'business that cannot be delayed'"
Elizabeth was delighted for her sister, she was kind, beautiful, and had the most generous nature that she had ever seen. She wasn't surprised that Charles Bingley had decided to come to London, although it would perhaps mean seeing more of his sisters, which was not desirable for anyone!
Fitzwilliam Darcy arrived at his London townhouse tired and hungry. He'd been away at his estate, Pemberley, in Derbyshire, where he had business with his steward and some of his tenants. He loved going home to Derbyshire, but wanted to come back to London to see Georgiana. He had not seen her in quite a while and wanted to spend as much time with her as possible.
He went through his front door and gave his cape, hat and gloves to Greeves the butler. He then walked towards the music room where he heard Georgiana playing. When he walked into the music room he stopped dead in his tracks. Georgiana had her eyes shut and was playing a Mozart sonata, which she had just acquired. Every time he saw her Darcy thought she grew more and more like their mother. At first glance he'd been sure that it was Lady Anne Darcy. Darcy often felt regret when he thought how Georgiana had never had a mother. She could not remember her own mother, but Darcy could. He could remember how beautiful she was and how excited she had been by the arrival of a second child, more than ten years after the birth of her little William. He also remembered how heartbroken his father had been upon her death, three days after giving birth to Georgiana. But his mother had lived on in Georgiana as she grew up making her the apple of their father's eye.
Georgiana looked up and found, to her surprise, her brother regarding her with a wistful look.
"Dearest brother, I had not expected you until tomorrow afternoon. What has brought you into town early?" she asked smiling
"As much as I love Pemberley, Georgiana, it is not the same without you there. I admit I was feeling a little lonely so I decided to come a day early." After a short pause he continued, "Were there many letters while I was away?"
"All of the letters that arrived for you are in your study, William." Just as Darcy was about to leave, Georgiana called him back.
"Oh William, you will never guess whom I met while you were away?"
Darcy looked at her; he saw her eyes shining and a happy smile on her face. After a little thinking and coming up with nothing he addressed Georgiana.
"Well Georgiana, are you going to tell me or will I have to go through a list of names until I find the right one" he said laughingly.
"I met Mr. Bingley's fiancée, Miss Bennet, and her sister Miss Elizabeth Bennet"
William just stood there and stared at her. Elizabeth Bennet in London, he thought to himself, I cannot believe it.
Georgiana looked worriedly at her brother. He looked astonished and amazed that she should have met the Miss Bennets.
"Dear William, are you feeling quite well? You seem a little put out," she said slowly and hesitantly.
"Yes I am fine, Georgiana; just a little surprised that the Miss Bennets are in town. Tell me how did you meet them?"
"Well... Miss Bingley called upon me that morning and asked me if I would go into some of the clothiers in town to help her pick out a new dress. After we had picked it out, she decided that she really needed some orange shoes to go with the dress, so we went to another shop, where we met the Miss Bennets."
"Have you seen them since?" Darcy attempted to ask the question casually, but Georgiana knew that there was something that he was hiding from her.
"I called with both Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst to the Gardiner residence where the two sisters are staying."
"What did you think of them?" he asked eagerly.
Georgiana had never seen her brother like this before.
"I liked them both very much. Jane Bennet is pleasant and all that is kind. She is exactly the kind of woman I thought that Mr. Bingley would marry."
Please tell me that you like Elizabeth, Darcy pleaded in his head, Tell me that they are not to go away for some time and so I may have one last chance to see lovely Elizabeth.
"And her sister?" Darcy said calmly and casually, despite the turmoil in his mind.
"I spent a little while talking to Elizabeth Bennet on my own, and I found her delightful. She is very pretty and has a sense of humour that I quite like. Although she did seem surprised when I told her that you had complimented her on her singing."
"You told her what?" Darcy asked in astonishment.
"I asked her to play for us next Tuesday and..."
Darcy interrupted her, "Next Tuesday?"
"Yes we have been invited to dine at the Bingley residence along with Miss Bennet, her sister and their aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. That is why I asked Miss Elizabeth to play and sing but she refused. So I told her that you had said that you had rarely heard anything more pleasant," Georgiana said with a look of innocence on her face.
"What did Miss Bennet say when she heard this?"
"She said that you had exaggerated her talents, but she did look very surprised.....William have I done something wrong?" Georgiana asked fearing she had said something she should not have.
Darcy smiled at his sister's concerned face. "No, Georgiana, it is perfectly all right, there is nothing for you to worry about."
He left the room and entered his study, where there was a pile of letters sitting on his table. He lifted them up and started flicking through them until he found one with a familiar hand. It was from Bingley and he was writing to inform Darcy that he was coming to town on the morrow and hoped to see him very soon.
Darcy put the letter down with a sigh. Elizabeth Bennet was in town and although he could show her how much he had changed since that awful day in Hunsford, nothing could come of it. Except that she would not think so bad about me and in time may even see me as a friend, he thought sadly to himself. Her words ran through his head once again, 'had you behaved in a more gentlemanlike manner'...'I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever marry!' He wanted so much to show her that he had changed, but more than anything he wanted to be much more than friends with Elizabeth Bennet but he knew that his final wish could never be.
Jane was very excited that Charles was to come to London. On the day he was to arrive, she rose at a much earlier hour as she felt that he would arrive early, and indeed she was not disappointed. He arrived even before Lizzy had finished her morning toilette. They chatted happily amongst themselves while the younger Gardiner children played around them and the older girls asked questions like 'Did you fall in love on first beholding cousin Jane?' They all laughed and Jane did a lot of blushing while these questions were asked and usually answered in the affirmative by Charles Bingley.
Mr. Bingley dined with them that night and told them that he was to dine with Mr. Darcy the following evening.
"Charles," this was said with a little blush as she was still not used to using his Christian name in public, "why do you not invite Mr. Darcy and his sister to come here. Lizzy and I would both be delighted to see them, that is true is it not Lizzy?"
Lizzy replied in the affirmative. Although she was a bit wary of meeting Mr. Darcy, she thought it better to get the first meeting over with and then she would feel more relaxed, and of course she wished to be better acquainted with Georgiana Darcy.
Mr. Bingley and the Darcys arrived early the nest morning. Lizzy was slightly apprehensive about meeting Mr. Darcy again, but was determined to get through it. She only wished that she knew if he had forgiven her for all the horrible things she had said to and about him, not just at Hunsford, but also during the months of their acquaintance. Lizzy stood with her back to the door, but the guests had to come into the middle of the room to actually enter the room. Mr. Bingley entered first, and greeted everyone warmly in his usual friendly manner. Next Georgiana entered in as much grace as she could muster within her. She thanked them shyly for their invitation and while Jane was brushing these thanks away, Lizzy felt a tingle go through her body; the small hairs at the back of her head were standing on end and she knew that Mr. Darcy had entered the room. She couldn't raise her eyes to him. He came forward, first towards Jane and congratulated her on her forthcoming marriage etc., then the heart stopping moment as he stepped before her.
"Good morning Miss Elizabeth," he said quietly as his head bowed over her hand to press his lips against the soft skin of her hand. His heart was pounding and his eyes could not get enough of her beauty. She looked even more beautiful than the last time he had seen her at Hunsford, but he was determined not to remember that day.
"Good morning Mr. Darcy," was her whispery reply. Only after his head had risen fully did Elizabeth risk looking up into his face. As she did her eyes locked with his and he held her mesmerized. He seemed to be much taller than she remembered and much more handsome too. She didn't remember his shoulders being that broad. She blushed slightly at the thought and looked away to where Georgiana was watching the pair curiously.
Mr. Bingley introduced Mr. Darcy to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. Mr. Darcy soon struck up a rapport with Mr. Gardiner, and soon they were talking about fishing and all the best places for it.
Mr. Bingley then commented on how beautiful Pemberley was and that it had many great spots for fishing. Darcy agreed and issued an invitation to the Gardiner's.
"You must stop at Pemberley if you are ever in the region. I would be delighted to see you. I would then be able to show you our trout stream. Or if you would prefer course fishing we have trench pike and carp in the lake. I would be happy to provide you with all the rods and tackle."
Lizzy looked up, surprised. Never had she thought she would hear the great Mr. Darcy talking, never mind giving an invitation, to the very relatives he thought so beneath him a few weeks ago.
"Well, that really is a most generous offer Mr. Darcy. However, later this summer Madeline and I are going on a tour of the Lake Country, and hopefully we will be bringing Lizzy if we can convince her to come with us," Mr. Gardiner said with a huge grin on his face. He knew how much Lizzy wanted to go to Lake Country. She had never been and she had always wanted to see the lakes and all their beauties. Beautiful, Mr. Darcy thought as he watched Elizabeth's eyes sparkle with pleasure and surprise at the offer of the trip to the Lake District. She is so beautiful when she is surprised. I wish she would look at me like that. He started getting a bit uncomfortable and so he looked away, but found himself looking into the questioning hazel eyes of his sister. Feeling a lot more uncomfortable he declared out loud that perhaps a walk should be in order. He met a lot of surprised faces but was taken up on his offer immediately by Bingley, who wanted nothing more than to be with Jane alone to talk about their soon to be married state.
Mr. Gardiner declared that he could not go as he had business to attend and Mrs. Gardiner said that she had to stay with the children. That leaves Mr. Bingley and Jane, Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy and myself, Lizzy mused to herself. She thought that she had done quite well, avoiding Darcy at every turn and answering his questions civilly -- just -- although at times she thought she could feel his eyes staring at her, willing her to look at him, and when she did he was looking at something else or talking to someone else. It was very confusing.
The five of them walked towards Hyde Park. Bingley and Jane soon lagged behind the other three. The conversation was quite strained as they walked together. Darcy and Lizzy were very aware of the other and were both lost in their thoughts. Georgiana felt like a third wheel. She knew there was something more going on here and she was determined to find out what it was, especially if her brother was about to make the biggest mistake of his life.
While Darcy and Lizzy were wondering how they had got themselves into such an awkward situation, Georgiana spotted someone they all knew.
"Richard!" Georgiana called out warmly as she walked towards the smiling figure of Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.
"Why Georgiana, I have just arrived this morning and was on my way to call on you and my cousin. Darcy how have you been? I haven't seen you since Hunsford, and then you were in a less than pleasant mood!" he said laughing. Finally his eyes turned to Elizabeth.
"Miss Bennet, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance again. I confess I had not expected to see you again so soon, however I am far from disappointed."
Elizabeth blushed at the intensity of his gaze upon her.
Darcy looked at them both and felt the little green-eyed monster stir from his resting-place. He wanted to pick his cousin up, shout at him for daring to look at his Elizabeth that way and then throw him against the nearest tree, causing him serious head injury!!
Darcy was surprised at his reaction. He had never felt like this before. He was angry, ashamed, and dare he admit it, he was jealous. He looked down at the ground lest anyone should see his torturous emotions in his face.
Elizabeth was surprised by Colonel Fitzwilliam's behaviour towards her. She had thought when they first met that he was a pleasant man and had thought he was everything that Darcy was not. However, she had never thought of him more than a friend, and his behaviour towards her was somewhat embarrassing. She sneaked a quick glance at Darcy but was disappointed to see him looking at the ground. Suddenly alarm bells went off in her head.
What if he is angry? she thought. Perhaps he feels that I am overstepping my boundaries. She started to get angry. He may disapprove of my friendship with his cousin, but while I am with him I shall be pleasant and jovial whatever Mr. Darcy thinks!!
Georgiana looked at all of them in a lot of confusion. Her cousin seemed to be paying a lot of attention to Miss Bennet, who seemed to be welcoming it and her brother was looking at the ground seemingly disinterested in what was going on around him. I don't know what is happening, Georgiana thought glumly. Perhaps I should leave the match making to the experts. With that she let out an exasperated sigh and joined in the conversation. The colonel and Lizzy spent most of their time talking to each other, while Darcy walked broodingly with his sister, a little behind them.
Bingley and Jane were introduced to Colonel Fitzwilliam and Jane frowned, noticing the attention that Elizabeth was getting from the colonel. Elizabeth wasn't encouraging him, yet neither was she discouraging him. It was all quite puzzling, and when she looked at Darcy he seemed to have retreated into a cloud of darkness. However, they all went back to Gracechurch Street where Bingley invited Colonel Fitzwilliam to dine with the rest of the party at Bingley's residence.
"As much as I would love to join you all," he replied, his eyes on Elizabeth, "I am afraid that I have an engagement with an old school friend. Unfortunately I also must leave now, an....acquaintance is in town, and I promised to call on them."
Darcy could not help but feel a sadistic happiness in the knowledge that his cousin would not be at the dinner party tomorrow night to monopolise Elizabeth Bennet's attention. Darcy sighed at the thought of tomorrow night. He simply could not wait until after dinner when he would once again hear the melodious voice of the woman he loved.
Just then the very woman he was thinking of sat next to him. Lizzy was nervous about sitting next to this man. She wished to apologise to him for all the things she had said and done, but she also felt that in some respects she had been right. He was proud and sometimes arrogant. But that only endears him to you more, a little voice in her head said. Just as she was about to speak with him, Mr. Bingley interrupted them, saying that they really had to go as they had promised to meet Mr. and Mrs. Hurst. With a lot of frustration, both Lizzy and Darcy parted, neither of them doing what they had intended.
The Darcys returned home to find letters waiting for each of them. Darcy's letter was from his aunt. He took it up with a little frown creasing his forehead. It was filled with Lady Catherine's misgivings about the amount of time he was spending in town.
Your place is at Rosings beside your fiancée and your dying Aunt. I know your mother brought you up better than this!
Darcy could not help but feel a twinge of guilt at the amount of time he had been spending away from his aunt and Anne. After all, his aunt was ill and her daughter was the woman he was going to marry. He resolved to visit them soon. After tomorrow night's dinner, he thought to himself.
She arrived downstairs to the drawing room to find Jane and her aunt and Uncle Gardiner ready to leave for the dinner.
"Oh Lizzy you look beautiful." Jane said outstretching a hand to her sister.
"Not as beautiful as you, I am afraid Jane. That gown is stunning. I doubt that Charles will be able to keep his eyes off you at all tonight!" Lizzy replied, a smile curving along her face.
"Are we all ready to go?" Mr. Gardiner asked. After receiving a reply in the affirmative, they all left for the dinner party.
Darcy sat in the drawing room of Charles' house, clutching the stem of his wineglass tightly in his hand. This will be the last time I see her before Bingley's wedding, he thought silently to himself. He both dreaded and rejoiced in the fact that he would see her tonight. She meant everything to him, her happiness was his only importance, and if he could not make her happy then he hoped that she would meet someone who would make her happy. As long as it wasn't his cousin that is.
Bingley was talking quietly to Caroline, who was sulking because she had to spend her evening in such tedious company, and Georgiana was talking with Mr. and Mrs. Hurst. It was at this moment that Darcy heard the faint sound of the front door being open. Darcy could feel the excitement rise inside him.
Soon Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were issued into the room, and Darcy observed the greetings. They were welcomed warmly by Charles, in complete contrast with his two sisters who greeted them with as much civility as they deemed proper. Charles claimed Jane Bennet the moment she walked in the door.
Then she walked in. She was a vision of loveliness. Her dress was of the palest blue, with threads of silver running through it, giving her a shimmering effect as she walked across the room. He clutched the glass even tighter; it was all he could do to prevent himself from jumping up and claiming her as his own, as Charles had done with Jane.
Lizzy looked around the room searching for him. Suddenly she collided with a pair of warm chocolate coloured eyes gazing at her. It was he. He looked away after a time that seemed too short and she crossed the room towards Georgiana self-consciously knowing that his eyes were upon her. She chatted comfortably to Georgiana and Jane, while trying to ignore the disgusted glares of Charles' two sisters. Soon it was time for dinner and they all headed into the dinning room.
Lizzy found herself between Jane and Mr. Hurst, who was next to his wife and next to her Georgiana. Sitting opposite Georgiana was Mrs. Gardiner. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Gardiner sat at each end of the table. Sitting opposite her was Caroline and beside her was Darcy. She glanced nervously at him from time to time. During the dinner Jane and Bingley talked endlessly to each other, which left no other choice but to converse with either Mr. Hurst or Caroline. Since the former didn't seem much inclined with talking she was left no other choice than to talk, or rather listen to Miss Bingley as she tried to win over Mr. Darcy.
"My dear Mr. Darcy," she began, "I was very sorry to hear that your cousin could not come tonight. We have met only once before and I should like to get to know him better. However from what Charles has told me, I doubt that would have happened since Miss Bennet is here," she said, her gaze falling upon Elizabeth. Elizabeth looked up in surprise. She had not expected this; she glanced at Mr. Darcy. He did not look happy at all.
"I am afraid I do not know what exactly it is that you are talking about Miss Bingley. I have met Colonel Fitzwilliam only once and I was as friendly to him as I would be to any new acquaintance." she replied coolly.
Miss Bingley's face fell, she had hoped to make Elizabeth uncomfortable, to reduce her in Darcy's eyes. She still felt that he might have a small partiality for Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Eventually Miss Bingley looked away and started on her second favourite subject.
"How I wish that we were all at Pemberley Mr. Darcy. It must be beautiful at this time of year, just coming into summer," she said looking coyly into his face. Elizabeth was revolted. Darcy looked from one lady to, well, Miss Bingley, before answering.
"Pemberley is quite nice this time of year, Miss Bingley."
His answer was short and not as informative as Miss Bingley would have liked, as Lizzy could tell by her face.
Dinner passed along pleasantly and just as before, after the dessert Miss Bingley deciding that she would not be deterred, stated, "It has been several years now since Pemberley has had a proper mistress. Louisa and I were discussing this earlier. As beautiful as it is I am sure that it could do with a feminine touch to give it that certain, modern je ne sais quoi."
Darcy and Elizabeth stared at her dumbfounded. Lizzy could not believe that Miss Bingley had actually said such a thing! She was disgusted. She glanced at Mr. Darcy and it was obvious that although he was in shock, he was also exceedingly angry.
All Darcy could see in his mind's eye was Caroline Bingley tearing apart his family's antique furniture, the rooms his mother had so lovingly put together through the years and replacing them with gaudy, so called "modern" pieces of furniture. How dare she suggest such a thing, and say it so blatantly!
"Miss Bingley," he said, barely controlling his anger, "Pemberley is in no need of a mistress, and in case you had forgotten Georgiana is as Pemberley quite a lot of the time. It has quite a feminine touch to it already, and if it hasn't then I am sure that my...new wife will make any changes that she feels are appropriate."
"Er...Caroline, don't you think it is time that the ladies retired to the drawing room?" Charles said looking pointedly at Caroline. Sulkily she got up and led the ladies away.
Caroline had forgotten about Anne de Bourgh. She was such a quiet thing after all and Caroline had no doubt in her mind that if Darcy married her, he would be dreadfully unhappy. She did not give up hope that she could get Darcy to change his mind and marry her instead. After all, who wants a wife that will probably die within a few years, she thought to herself. She would never give him an heir like I could.
After thirty minutes, the gentlemen joined the ladies in the drawing room, and Miss Bingley immediately pounced upon Mr. Darcy and it was quite obvious that he was sickened by her behaviour. However Louisa soon asked Georgiana to play for them.
"Yes, do dear Georgiana. You must not be shy. We are practically family." Miss Bingley exclaimed.
Georgiana looked away uncomfortably, and began to play. She was obviously nervous, but the music quickly carried her away, and soon Elizabeth doubted if Georgiana even remembered they were in the room. She looked quickly at Mr. Darcy and found him looking very proudly at Georgiana. He was clearly a good brother. He sat some way behind everyone else, but unfortunately for him, Miss Bingley was sitting beside him, trying to divert his attention from Georgiana, but he would not be deterred.
As soon as Georgiana was finished, Caroline was up congratulating her on her performance.
"It was truly invigorating Georgiana. Would you play for us again?"
"I'm afraid I could not, Miss Bingley. However I know of someone who is meant to be a beautiful player." Miss Bingley looked clearly delighted thinking that Georgiana was talking about her.
"Miss Elizabeth Bennet." Georgiana announced as Miss Bingley's face fell.
Elizabeth looked up, slightly startled at her name being called. She was about to refuse but something in Georgiana's eye stopped her.
"Elizabeth, you did promise me that you would play for us. I have never heard you play and would very much like to hear you play, and I doubt that you would go back on a promise," Georgiana said quietly. A grin appeared on Elizabeth's face. Of course she would not refuse Georgiana.
"Well... I suppose I did promise you Georgiana, and you are right, I will not go back on my word."
Darcy saw her as a vision gliding across to the piano. He had been entranced from the moment she'd walked into the room, and it was no different. He watched as she sat at the instrument and sorted through the music trying to find a piece. Her brow was furrowed in concentration, but suddenly she looked up and found his eyes upon her. A slight blush crept across her face and he thought it the most delightful thing he had ever seen. However he looked away, only to find himself warring with another pair of eyes and these were not nearly as enticing! Miss Bingley. Would she ever leave him alone? Not even my engagement seems to be enough to deter that woman! he thought bitterly to himself. Am I to have no escape?!
He relaxed back into his chair as Elizabeth Bennet, the love of his life, began playing her piece of music. It was not as refined as Georgiana's there was no denying that, but it definitely appealed to him. She had a freeness about playing that he greatly admired. When she started singing, Darcy thought that his heart had stopped; he followed her breathing pattern and watched as she held each note, her voice warm as honey and her eyes had a soft light by the candlelight of the piano. Bingley had once called Jane an angel, but now Darcy knew that he was wrong. Looking at Elizabeth now he knew that there was no more heavenly creature than Elizabeth Bennet, and there never would be. She was above them all, a creature from above. How could he have ever thought, ever hoped, no expected, her to accept him as her husband?! His eyes left her form at the pianoforte and traveled around the room. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner seemed so happy to be together. They were obviously still very much in love, even after years of marriage. He had hoped that he too could have that, but he did not think it was possible now.
After Lizzy had finished playing her piece and had been congratulated on her musical talents by everyone, or almost everyone, she was determined that she would at least have a conversation with Mr. Darcy without another person in the way. It would be hard, especially since there were so many people in the one room, but she was determined to do it. Caroline took a place at the pianoforte, determined to impress Mr. Darcy with her musical talent, although she would never admit it, or show any indication of such a thing. Unfortunately for Caroline, she hadn't stopped to think that the only place available for Elizabeth to sit was beside Mr. Darcy.
Elizabeth sat down with all the grace and elegance that she could muster. She wasn't sure how to start or what to say. She was nervous and was made even more so when he shifted slightly in his seat. She glanced anxiously at him from the corner of her eye. Suddenly and quietly, she heard his rich deep voice, as he spoke in a whisper to her.
"You played that piece beautifully Miss Bennet," he started.
"Not very beautiful, not faithfully at all. I fudged and slurred my way through the whole piece."
"You could never slur your way through anything. If you have not practiced it is because you do not need to; you are so natural sitting at the pianoforte."
Elizabeth looked at him in surprise, she was certain that she had heard him wrong, yet her heart leapt, hoping that she had not. He was still looking at Miss Bingley playing the piano, but she saw that he was growing impatient and so averted her gaze to Miss Bingley again.
"I was surprised when I heard from my sister that you and Miss Bennet were both in town."
"Yes, well Jane had to get wedding clothes, and we thought that a break from mama might not be a bad idea!" she said, a smile coming across her face. He looked at her beautiful face. He loved the way her eyes would light up when she laughed. She was just so perfect.
"I was happy when Georgiana told me that she had met you. She was so delighted to have met you both. She is quite close to Bingley and wished to meet his fiancée before he married. I never thought that she actually would. She has talked about nothing but the Bennet sisters since I have returned." He gave a slight chuckle, but it had a hint of pain in it when he remembered the amount of time he heard Georgiana talking of Miss Jane and Elizabeth Bennet. She didn't realise how much pain she put him through, even by mentioning the name Bennet. How painful this was as well, to have her sitting beside him and not being able to tell her how he felt about her. Having to make small talk with her. Well he didn't have to really, but he preferred to talk uncomfortably with her than sit uncomfortably with her in silence. Anyway he did want to show her that he had changed.
They fell into an awkward silence, which Lizzy felt had to be broken.
"Is your cousin going to be in town long?" she asked, desperate for a subject. However she soon wished that she had not spoken at all when she saw him stiffen and answer her coldly.
"I am afraid that I do not know how long my cousin plans to stay in town Miss Bennet. I am afraid that I have not seen him since yesterday. However I am to see him tomorrow morning. I am going to Rosings and wish him to look after Georgiana for me when I am away."
"How is your aunt, Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth asked quietly.
Darcy sighed, "I have not seen her in a while Miss Bennet, but I have been assured that she is comfortable and I hear from her on a regular basis."
Suddenly Elizabeth turned to him, determined to apologise for that April evening. "Mr. Darcy I can take it no longer, I just want to apolo..." She was interrupted by Miss Bingley who, having ended on a very loud chord and a cold glare for Elizabeth, rose from the pianoforte and tensely asked Elizabeth if she would mind playing for them. Since Elizabeth felt she had no choice than to comply, she rose, frustrated at having been interrupted with Mr. Darcy. She never got the chance to speak to Mr. Darcy properly for the rest of the night.
Darcy had been surprised when Elizabeth had turned to him so suddenly. She had been about to say something important when Miss Bingley had interrupted them. It had almost seemed that she had been about to apologise for something. What has she to apologise for? he thought in confusion, but then stopped thinking to indulge himself in her beautiful music.
Later that day, after luncheon, Elizabeth, having decided to retreat to the library to read a good book, heard the bell ring at the front door and her curious nature getting the better of her, she entered the family room only to see...Colonel Fitzwilliam. As soon as he saw her he walked straight over to her and took her hand. Her eyes widened in surprise and she felt an uncomfortable blush cross her face. As she looked around her she found her aunt gazing at her in secret happiness, Jane and yes, it was her, Georgiana Darcy looking at her in slight confusion. Lizzy herself was astonished at the Colonel's behaviour.
"Colonel Fitzwilliam," she began uncertainly, "I am surprised to see you, sir...I had not expected to have the pleasure of your company so soon."
"Yes, I know, but fortunately for me, Georgiana it seemed could not bear to be separated from the Bennet sisters, and so insisted that we call upon you that very minute to have a good gossip about the dinner last night." His smile was very handsome and his eyes held hers the whole time. Georgiana blushed after being described in such a way.
"Did your brother not wish to accompany you Miss Darcy?" Elizabeth asked nonchalantly.
"I am sure that he would have, but he decided to visit my Aunt Catherine and cousin Anne at Rosings today. He will be gone for some time I am afraid." Her face was slightly downcast. A silent communication appeared to be taking place between Georgiana and the Colonel and he quickly changed the subject.
"Miss Elizabeth, Georgiana and I wondered if your sister and you would delight us with your company for a short while, while we take a turn around the park."
Elizabeth glanced nervously at Jane, and seeing her encouraging expression accepted the invitation.
June 16th 18__Darcy clutched the letter in his hand unable to believe what he had just read from his sister. Richard and Elizabeth, his Elizabeth, it was to be suspected, were attached to each other. He leaned back in the chair and sighed a sigh of vexation and resignation.Dearest William,
The world seems to have turned upside down here. Everybody has been acting unusual lately, and I cannot help but feel frustrated that everyone is keeping secrets from me.
I dined at the Lyons' yesterday, and was quite shocked at dear Kathriona's appearance. She has grown quite pale and looks quite anxious. I hardly know what to do for her. She has said that she is feeling unwell but I cannot help but feel that she is hiding something from me.
Since you have been away, I have spent quite a lot of time with Richard and the two Miss Bennets. They are both delightful creatures and I shall miss them very much when they leave for Hertfordshire in two weeks.
Richard has also been acting most strange lately. He seemed quite distracted, however, as soon as he meets the two Miss Bennets, particularly Miss Elizabeth, he is all ease and friendliness. It is quite puzzling. Is it too much to think that perhaps we may find ourselves with Miss Elizabeth as our cousin? She seems to welcome his attentions. It seems quite sudden, but I do not believe that he could find a better or kinder wife. I hardly know what to think anymore, dear brother.
Write to me soon.
Kindest regards,
Georgiana
Of course, she mused; some changes will have to be made to Pemberley if I am to live there. Although many thought Pemberley a beautiful house, Anne had always thought that it was old fashioned, none of the new styles that had arrived from the continent. Darcy had always thought them unappealing, but that would soon change. Anne did not relish going to Pemberley; she had spent all of her life living at Rosings and loved it immensely. Pemberley was so different and so far from Rosings. Sometimes just thinking of the distance made her panic. She wished she could just stay at Rosings, even with a manipulative, overpowering mother like Lady Catherine. She sighed to herself, knowing that it would never happen. The only good point upon marry Darcy would be that she would get to spend more time with her favourite cousin Georgiana. Georgiana and Anne were happy in each others company and Anne looked forward to spending more time with her. After dinner she sat quietly by her mother's bedside and started planning on how to make Pemberley more like Rosings.
Jane and Elizabeth were to return to Hertfordshire in a few days. Jane was very excited about her upcoming wedding. However she did feel guilty that she had not spent enough time with her sister. She had been so preoccupied with the clothes and Charles that she had had less time for her sister than usual.
Jane looked over at where Elizabeth sat now reading a book borrowed from the library. She wished that Lizzy would tell her the truth about her feelings for Mr. Darcy, but Jane could not bring herself to force her sister's confidence. She was worried about Lizzy, she thought that she loved Mr. Darcy, yet she appeared to be placating Colonel Fitzwilliam's attentions. Jane was very confused and unsure what was really going on in her younger sister's mind. She let out a short, quiet, tired sigh and Lizzy turned around.
"Oh Jane, I am sure that you are pining the loss of Mr. Bingley. Why we have not seen him for the past two hours, whatever will you do!" Elizabeth's amused voice carried across the room.
"Lizzy, I love Charles very much and want nothing more than to be his wife, but..." Jane's voice trailed off and Elizabeth looked anxiously at her sister.
"Dearest Jane, what is the matter? Surely you do not doubt the depth of Charles' love for you?" Lizzy had now moved over to sit by her sister's side and grasped her hand apprehensively.
"Of course not Lizzy, I have no doubt of Charles' love for me. However I do fear that when I move to Netherfield, our closeness will be severed, and Lizzy there is nothing that I would hate more than to think that our bond had been cut. It distresses me to think that you would feel that you could not talk to me about anything."
Jane was now the one gripping Elizabeth's hand tightly, and Lizzy could see sheen of unshed tears in her sister's baby blue eyes.
"Jane, nothing, and I mean nothing, could ever dissolve the relationship that we share. What could make you think of such a thing!"
"Lizzy, I have been so engrossed with Charles and the wedding that I was not there for you when you needed me. Meeting Mr. Darcy again must have been very hard for you, and I was too preoccupied to give you, my dearest sister, the support that you must have needed. I am ashamed of myself, Lizzy. I should not have let it happen." Jane cast her eyes downward and Elizabeth looked on at her in shock.
"Upon my word Jane, you have done nothing wrong. How could you? Meeting Mr. Darcy was a trial, but it was something that I had to do on my own. You could not have done anything for me. Now I think I have become more at ease in his company. Jane, you, have nothing to concern yourself with, except of course your wedding and the possibility that living as near to Mama, as you will be, may drive your husband to the madhouse!"
"Lizzy!" Jane said merrily, her good humour restored. Then in a more serious tone, "Lizzy, I wish you to be serious for a moment. I have noticed that Colonel Fitzwilliam appears to be bestowing a great deal of attention on you. Do you like him, Lizzy?"
Elizabeth considered her sister's question for a minute.
"I cannot say that I do not like him Jane, for I do. As a friend however, nothing more."
"Is the Colonel aware that you think of him only as a friend, Lizzy?"
"Indeed Jane, I have no reason to believe that he thinks of me anything more than a friend." Elizabeth bent her head unable to meet her sister's eyes because she knew that she lied. She had a suspicion that the Colonel thought of her more than a friend should but she wished to think that it was only her imagination. She did not want to hurt the Colonel's feelings.
Jane regarded her sister for a few moments.
"Very well, Lizzy, however I feel I should tell you that I am not the only one who is under the impression that Colonel Fitzwilliam wishes more than just friendship. Aunt Gardiner was in hopes that by the time we journey back to Hertfordshire, she may have two nieces engaged to be married."
Elizabeth looked guiltily at Jane. She had been very wrong to play with Fitzwilliam's feelings like she had. He had called everyday with Georgiana and had spent a great deal of his time talking with her, but Lizzy had always felt that there was someone else, that she was not the one he dreamed of sharing his life with.
Lady Catherine was feeling quite ill that morning. She sat up in her bed when her nephew walked into the room. He looked quite stressed and she wondered what it was he wanted to talk to her about since he rarely came to talk to her. He was usually too occupied with managing the Rosings estate while Lady Catherine was incapacitated.
Darcy was tired of waiting for all the arrangements to be made for his marriage to Anne. He wished to marry her sooner than planned, although he was a patient man he wished to get the ceremony over with. He had reached this decision after receiving more letters, not just from Georgiana but Charles Bingley as well, telling him how attached Elizabeth Bennet and Colonel Fitzwilliam were to each other. Bingley even speculated that they were already engaged but wished to keep it a secret until Fitzwilliam could talk to Mr. Bennet. Jane had of course denied this, but Charles was willing to hope she had 'been misled in her opinions'. Darcy had been saddened to hear of this and had resolved to marry Anne as soon as possible.
It didn't take long to convince his Aunt that he would prefer to marry Anne as soon as possible. He persuaded her that a large wedding could cause Anne to become unwell, and Lady Catherine soon relented in fact she appeared quite pleased about the new course of action. Anne was called in and agreed that it would be better for all concerned if the wedding were small and low profile. Mr. Collins was to perform the ceremony and before luncheon the next day there would be a new Mrs. Darcy.