Beginning, Section II

Jump to new as of March 30, 2003
Jump to new as of April 5, 2003

Part IV

September turned to November and the weather was cold. The days were very short and Elizabeth was spending a lot of her spare time quilting. The village was going to have a large arts and crafts festival over the Thanksgiving weekend and she decided to rent a table, hoping to make some extra money for Christmas. She wanted to get something nice for Jane this year and if Georgiana took to quilting she thought she would get her some tools.

Mrs. Brown had Friday and Sunday off and Elizabeth did the cooking on those evenings. On this particular Friday, Mr. Darcy was working from the house. She was feeling adventurous and decided to make homemade pizza. She had no idea what toppings he might like but she thought mushrooms and cheese would be neutral enough. While she kneaded the dough he walked through the door.

"Miss Bennet, Georgiana will be coming home for the Thanksgiving weekend and she needs a spare trunk. There is a large trunk in the attic that would be suitable. I would like you to clean it out. I believe it contains some of my mother's old clothes and coats. You can bag them and I will dispose of them and then I'll bring the trunk down. I want to bring it with me when I go to pick her up on Wednesday."

He stood near the kitchen window and looked out to the patch of garden they had worked on together, imagining the rows of flowers like a painting inside the window.

"How long will your sister be visiting, sir?"

He didn't turn to face her.

""She'll only be here until Sunday and then she must go back?"

Elizabeth hesitantly asked a personal question.

"How is she getting along at school?"

"I'm afraid she's unhappy." He was more thinking out loud than talking. Elizabeth stopped flattening the pizza dough and looked up to him. She never thought he would answer with anything more than 'fine'.

His hands were spread out with his palms down on the counter and his shoulders shrugged forward.

"Is there anything that can be done." She offered what she could.

"I don't know." He straightened and turned, Elizabeth looked down to the pizza, barely looking at what she was doing, her hands were almost shaking.

He noticed her hands and knew he had become too personal.

"Is that pizza?"

"Yes."

"I thought the cheese went on top of the sauce" He laughed to break the tension and stole a mushroom from the bowl on the table.

Elizabeth laughed, realizing what she had done. She moved for a spoon to scrape off her mistake.

"No." He touched her arm lightly. "Please, I'm not hungry, just order something for yourself if you like. I'm going to ride."

He left and Elizabeth cleared away the mess. Without dinner to prepare and clean up after she decided to take the free time to work on her stonewall. She and Pryce had picked out the stones at the garden center and had them loaded into the truck.

She fetched her old coat and gloves, pulled on her work boots and headed out the kitchen entrance. She pulled the truck around and started in on her project. As she worked, placing stones and readjusting position, she thought of Georgiana, poor girl, alone at school, trying to fit into a new place. Lizzy walked back to the truck, looking for a small flat one to fit on top. She looked up when she heard horse hooves.

He stopped just short of the hemlock tree to the left of the garden. She watched him dismount, he had a black sweater and old brown leather jacket on, his face was ruddy from the cold and as soon as he had swung down he took a long draught from a water bottle that was inside Havanna's side pack.

"You have hidden talents Miss Bennet. Housekeeping, quilting, gardening, cooking and now masonry."

She was relieved that cooking had made the list, considering some of her past blunders but wondered how he knew about the quilting.

"Yes, a jack of all trades but master of none I'm afraid." She smiled warmly and walked to the truck for another rock."

"But you are still young, something might rise to the surface." He followed slowly behind her.

"Perhaps." She looked for a large stone with the edge slanted.

Darcy reached in and plucked out what she was looking for, he handed it to her and they walked back, stride for stride.

Lizzy bent down, pushing the stone up to its neighbor, she felt him watching her and she turned to him and rose up, "Would you like to help me sir?"

He turned to cough, more than once. She waited for his answer, noticing that he still seemed a bit winded from riding. He continued coughing and walked back for the water bottle. He drank a few times and the coughing subsided. Lizzy thought of the inhaler she had seen him try to conceal, so she turned her head, pretending that she hadn't noticed his coughing.

He walked back, "I'm afraid Havanna is spent, I should bring her back to the stable." He grabbed the reigns, nodded his head and led the horse away.

The ritual of evening tea had been established and accepted by both Darcy and Elizabeth without invitation. She knocked softly, insecure about what mood she would find him in, his spirits over Georgiana being low, not wanting to jar his reflections, hoping he was on the track of a solution to her unhappiness.

She heard the same coughing she had heard outside, when he saw her enter he waved her in, straightening in his chair and laying his book aside.

He accepted the tea and took a sip before speaking, replacing the cup to the saucer, seemingly restored he looked over at his book.

"I have been thinking about your stonewall Miss Bennet and remembered this volume on gardening of my mother's. He exchanged the cup for the book and flipped to the table of contents. There are quite a few chapters I think you would find interesting, he continued to read the chapter titles to himself silently, avoiding the reaction in her eyes."

She walked behind his chair and held the wing, looking down at the book. Her eyes scanned the words but she read none of it.

He turned to a page with a stone wall, similar to her idea.

"Is this what you had in mind? Here they have used a raised bed but I think it would look quite good around our garden as well"

Hesitation marked her voice but she willed it to respond, "It is very nice." He turned the page and she forgot her grievances. "Oh, a spot for shade." The photo showed a pergola with greenery on top.

"Do you think it's possible?"

"To the left of the hemlock, Pryce is very capable with buying building materials."

" I would like to build it myself,...sir"

Darcy gazed at the pergola, the length and weight of the beams, the mass....she can't do it, he thought, not properly anyway, he wanted to say yes but it wouldn't come.

In her enthusiasm Lizzy hadn't noticed his silence, she bent down next to his chair to have a closer look at the page.

"I may need some help placing the heavier beams?" She didn't look up.

"Pryce I think is not up to that challenge but....if I have some extra time I could help you."

"May I" Elizabeth took the book into her own hands and flipped through the pages.

He knew he should offer her a seat but she was so close to him, kneeling on the floor beside his chair. He marveled at the color of her skin and the smallness of her mouth.

"Oh look this one is made of all natural materials. It says here the wood can be found, borrowed or bartered for." She giggled.

He watched while she read, settled back in his chair and hoped that she would never stop.

"The wood should be cedar but other types would be acceptable." Her brow furrowed. " Do you have cedar in these woods?"

"Yes, I believe so. If I ride out tomorrow I'll explore a bit."

She noticed his steady gaze and closed the book.

"I should be leaving, thank you for the ideas."

"Please, keep the book for a while." He took up his tea unsure if she would accept.

"I think it would be safer in here."

His countenance stiffened, he knew it wasn't enough.

"All right but let's leave it that you may come in and look at it any time....as well as all the other books."

She had crossed the room to the desk and replaced the book. She relented, with a feeling of dread but said, "Thank you."

The locks on the steamer were a warm worn brass and Elizabeth rubbed the dust off them with a cloth. It was old, not the flat rectangular shape with stickers but their was a rise to the top and it wasn't black but green. As she worked on the dust the color of the leather became deeper, like a dark moss.

Once the trunk was clean Elizabeth opened it up. It was full of women's clothes. Lizzy sunk her hands down into the trunk, she guessed at the materials from the textures she felt. There were silks, taffeta, velvets, cottons. The top portion contained more of the fancy dresses and accessories, one was a beautiful deep green velvet dress, much the same color of the trunk. When Lizzy picked it up the skirt billowed out supported by the tulle and taffeta underneath. Mrs. Darcy must have looked beautiful Lizzy mused. What must her life have been like, here alone with her children, while her husband, was always away on business. She remembered Darcy's explanation for her interest in gardening, " to combat loneliness." It sounded more like a fight than a distraction, as if she was proving something, like the picture, where Pryce is holding up Mrs. Darcy's arm in victory. She had seen that intensity in her son. Elizabeth hugged the dress close and longed for Jane.

After cleaning out the inside of the trunk to satisfaction Lizzy began loading the clothes into bags.

"This is such a shame." Lizzy couldn't bear the thought of Mrs. Darcy's clothes being given away or thrown out. She had an idea and worked quickly. In one bag she placed the clothes that were severely damaged by age or moth holes but in another bag she placed the salvageable garments. The accessories and handbags she put aside for Georgiana. Only stopping a few times to sneeze from all the dust Lizzy had finished her work by lunchtime. She tied up the garment bags, pulling the saved clothes over by the window. When she stood up she saw Mr. Darcy riding Havanna back towards the stable.

She knew he would come up to retrieve the trunk and collect the clothes and perhaps see the other bag. Sizing up the trunk she walked over to it and lifted the end. She had enough time to drag it down the stairs and run back up for the clothes. She lugged the trunk to the steps and pulled it toward her but at intervals had to push it from coming down to fast. She made it to the landing, setting it down while she cleared her throat from the musty stairway. Again she descended down, she almost made it to the bottom but she tugged to hard, anxious to be finished the trunk barreled into her knees toppling her to the floor. She must have screamed reflexively for within seconds there were footsteps on the stairs.

"Miss Bennet, are you hurt? What happened?" Darcy moved the trunk and knelt down in its place.

Elizabeth was rubbing her right knee. "Oh I'm fine. I'm sorry to alarm you."

Darcy's countenance changed, he stood and turned. " Miss Bennet I told you that I would carry the trunk down, along with the clothes." He looked down at the trunk, "really this is much to heavy. You should have waited, you could have been seriously hurt." His voice was curt. " Why didn't you wait for me?"

Elizabeth managed to stand up, although her knee still throbbed. She needed a quick excuse.

"I...um I was afraid the must and dust of the attic may not be good for you." Elizabeth rubbed her knee as she spoke.

Darcy turned to face her looking confused. "Not be good for me?"

It was obvious that Elizabeth was in pain, she tried to step forward but winced when she put pressure on her knee. Darcy moved in and grabbed her hand, with his other hand he lightly supported her waist.

He continued his questioning, his tone becoming more defensive, "I don't understand what you mean good for me? Must and dust?"

Elizabeth limped toward the main staircase accepting the support.

"I'm sorry sir, I assumed you had allergies or some distress and thought being up in the attic might exacerbate the problem." Lizzy let out a long sigh when they reached the stairs.

Darcy flushed with anger and embarrassment.

"Miss Bennet if I need a diagnosis I will see a physician. Please do not decide for me what I am and am not capable of." He was speaking in a loud voice but continuing to support Elizabeth gently.

Elizabeth laughed, motivated more out of pain than humor, "Sir I will not presume to diagnose you ever again but may I be so presumptuous as to prescribe myself some ice in my room. I don't think I can make it down the stairs right now."

Darcy, realizing how thoughtless he was behaving, smiled down at her and laughed as well.

"Yes, of course."

They turned and he escorted her to her room.

Chapter V

He only let go to open the door to her bedroom, trying to concentrate more on Elizabeth's movement and less on himself. She broke away from his hands, limped to the bed, throwing bits of material to the floor, clearing a little spot for herself.

Darcy watched the pink and white bits fall to the floor as if they were cascading over a waterfall. She was talking but he didn't hear, his eyes and mind were sketching the details. He was arrested with the desire to know it all, the colors, the furniture, the lighting, the scent, the where and why. He turned his head toward her, tapping on a strength that was his only companion.

"Sir, did you hear me? I think I'll be fine. If Mrs. Brown could just bring me some ice."

"Yes...I will fetch her directly." His tone was even and his demeanor calm, detection was impossible save for a slight flutter of the eyelids.

Elizabeth put her head back on the headboard thinking about the plastic bag under the window in the attic. He won't be interested in anything made out of his mother's clothes. He wants to throw them out, forget about the past. The tears burned her eyes and she tried to see past them, force them to stop. "I should do the same, throw it all out." It wasn't just clothes for her, it was the thoughts, the memories that flashed in when she wasn't busy, the images of her mother wasting and her father, looking like he hadn't slept in months. She wiped her eyes feeling selfish. Maybe it's not just the clothes for him either....?

Mrs. Brown's steps were light on the stairs, she guessed that she was being waited upon and had, in the time of descending the first step to touching the floor, formulated the answer to Mr. Darcy's questions, the asked as well as unasked.

He stepped out looking anxious, "How is her knee? Did you tell her I would take her in for X-rays?"

Mrs. Brown patted his arm, "now sir, she's fine. The ice has reduced any swelling and before I left she got up and walked about the room. I did tell her to rest awhile, if that's all right, just to be sure."

"Of course."

She could see that he was not satisfied and it was her confirmation that more had passed between them than a steamer trunk. Elizabeth was not forthcoming either but her tears were clue enough.

Mrs. Brown cautiously added, " yes her knee will be fine...but..."

Darcy's eyes heated, "there is something else?"

"Sir, it's not my place but ...well she is so young and pretty, to be here...alone all the time, working or in her room. I think she maybe lonely or depressed."

Darcy considered the words and how he should respond. He pictured her alone in the little bedroom upstairs, feeling betrayed to know that she wasn't always happy, working away, unencumbered by sadness. Mrs. Brown's suppositions caught him off balance.

"I think that is none of my concern Mrs. Brown. As long as Miss Bennet continues to execute her duties in the same fashion we have no business to inquire into her life." The coolness of his tone had the desired effect on Mrs. Brown and she spoke of the "poor" Miss Bennet no further.

Darcy abandoned the house for the grounds, heading for the north woods, he thought of the first night he had met Miss Bennet, her barefoot, his uptight demeanor, he shuddered at his behavior, that night and for the many subsequent episodes. Is this what I've become? Mrs. Brown said, "Miss Bennet may be depressed." And yet to him she seemed the most lighthearted and warm person he had met in many years. Is she slipping into this self, this light heart, this generous form, and then when she is alone she is her true self? Perhaps this is what I have been doing? I step into Mr. Darcy, hiding behind him, using him.

His meanderings of foot and mind had somehow, impossibly, led him to a fallen cedar tree. It was heavy, but the color and quality were perfect, but how to get it out of the woods and to the garden?

"Havannah", he spoke to the forest.

Steam swirled to the ceiling as Elizabeth checked inside her pot of boiling potatoes. She replaced the lid, satisfied with their progress and moving on to the pile of green apples on the counter. She brought them to the sink in order to core them, "the key to perfect pie is very thinly sliced apples" her mothers voice warmed her as she worked the apples.

"Well we haven't had a white Thanksgiving in such a long time." Mrs. Brown moved next to Elizabeth.

"Who is that?" Elizabeth squinted, trying to focus on a moving figure through the snow.

"I think it's Mr. Darcy on his horse, but they are moving so slowly?"

As the horse and man inched closer it became clear they were dragging something behind, inch by inch they were advancing. The strain on the horse was visible and Mr. Darcy let go of the reins with one hand and patted him gently.

"Elizabeth, do you know what he's up to?"

"I don't have a clue." Looking out with curiosity.

When they reached the garden and turned a bit the cedar log came into view. Darcy jumped from the horse detached the harness and unstrapped the log. The snow was coming down swiftly, covering the log within seconds of it becoming still on the ground.

Elizabeth turned with embarrassment, not wanting to share her delight and gratitude with anyone.

"I have no idea what that boy is up to but I better make some coffee before he leaves to pick up Miss Georgiana." Mrs. Brown shook her head disapprovingly, "Maine, to far away, that little girl should be here. We've got plenty of wonderful schools right out the front door." Elizabeth was use to Mrs. Brown's opinions on everything and usually tuned her out while she busied herself, but when she spoke of the family her interest piqued. There was really so little she knew about her employer, save for a few old photos and some confusing impressions. "I don't think she wanted to leave, poor thing, but then who would know what she wants." She looked over to Elizabeth, lifting the coffee spoon that was filling the pot, "there was something wrong there...I think. Reynolds might have known but she never told me."

Before Elizabeth could respond Darcy came through the door. He had discarded his coat and gloves but water glistened where snowflakes had melted in his hair.

"Do you think that you could stretch your dinner preparations to include three more for the holiday?"

"Oh yes well of course sir, but I should check the table linens." Mrs. Brown plugged in the pot and hurried out to the dining room.

Darcy turned to Elizabeth, smiling at Mrs. Brown's enthusiasm.

"I have invited Charles Bingley and his sister Caroline for the weekend"

"But sir you said three additional guests."

"True...I believe Charles will be bringing a companion with him."

Elizabeth lit up. She knew their relationship had been speeding up a bit but they had no idea they might be spending Thanksgiving together.

Darcy was not disappointed with her reaction. He poured himself some coffee and turned to lean against the counter as he warmed his hands on the mug. Her smile assured him he had done the right thing in calling Charles. He looked down, feeling guilty about how easily Charles accepted his apology, how ready he was to resume their friendship after he had challenged his judgment.

"I see you have found some fallen cedar, hope it wasn't to much for Havanna." Elizabeth sat down to begin peeling apples, overwhelmed by her feelings and unable to look up at him.

"Once the purpose is set, he becomes quite focused on the work...he's a bit older now but his power still surprises me."

"Shall I put some of that coffee in a thermos for your trip? Oh and it's a very long drive, maybe a sandwich." Elizabeth left her apples to search for the thermos she had seen by chance.

"Oh no, please. I'll make do on the rode. I should be off now. The others will be arriving at about 2 tomorrow. We should, if all goes well be back shortly before that."

He turned to leave, wishing their conversation could be more intimate. He was nearly through the door when he heard the words, they were soft but not tentative.

"Be careful."

Chapter VI

Lizzy shut the lights off in the kitchen, preparing to make her way upstairs, before leaving she crossed to the back window. The garden and most of the stone wall were covered in a crusty snow, the storm had relented hours ago but a bitter cold had set in, draining the last colors of autumn. An arrow shaped shadow pointed out from the cedar log, as if claiming its position, adjacent to the garden.

On her way upstairs she heard the phone ring in the office. She hurried to answer it, fearing for all the travelers.

"Hello."

"Lizzy, are you all right? You sound funny."

"Oh Jane,....I'm fine. Where are you?"

"I'm at Charles' apartment in the city. I'm sorry I didn't have time to call before he made these arrangements. I wanted to check with you first, but it was all very short notice. Evidently, Mr. Darcy or...um William was very insistent on us coming, and since their relationship has been strained lately, I wanted to say yes for Charles' sake."

Jane kept talking but Lizzy hadn't heard anything after the "William". In her excitement over seeing her sister she hadn't thought that Jane would be calling Mr. Darcy, William. The clarity of the situation brought Lizzy down into the desk chair.

She recovered momentarily to assure Jane that she had made the right decision.

"It'll be fine, just pretend it's my house and I can't stop to socialize because, as the hostess, I have far to much to do!" Jane laughed at Lizzy's good nature.

"This is going to be quite a round of pretend for me Lizzy, for to do it justice, I must also imagine that you and Mr. Darcy are husband and wife." Jane laughed with such assuredness that Elizabeth could do nothing else but join in the joke.

"Remember, Jane that I will be at the village craft fair all day Friday. I'm sorry, if I had known about your plans I wouldn't have rented a table."

"Oh don't worry Lizzy. Charles and I will come by to visit you and shop around."

"Great, I think it's going to be fairly nice. They're going to have over 50 artisans. In the flyer it said this was something like the 30th annual craft fair. I guess we'll see."

"Sounds like I better take some more cash out for the weekend."

Lizzy had stood up, feeling better after talking with Jane, and remembered something she had mentioned.

"Jane did you say that Charles and Mr. Darcy were not getting along?"

"Well I'm not sure but about two months ago I was at a party at Caroline's apartment in the city and William came round. Charles and Caroline were giving him a hard time about not getting out enough to socialize. He got really defensive. Then later he and Charles were in the kitchen together for a while when William came out very calmly but with a very glassy look about him, and left the party without a word of goodbye to anyone. I asked Charles several times if they had a fight but he insisted they hadn't. I believed him for a while but then when we didn't see William for a month I asked him again. He still denied any disagreement but this time it was hard to believe. My first impression was that they were the best of friends. I dropped the inquiries because I became suspicious that the fight may have been about me?"

"About you, I don't believe it Jane."

"I don't mean fighting over me I mean that maybe Mr. Darcy does not approve of me for Charles."

"Jane, that's nonsense, you are the most beautiful and loving person I know and I'm sure everyone sees that...even Mr. Darcy."

White birches, scrub pines and maples blurred the side windows of the car as it droned forward. Darcy had no mind for the fall colors, he was determined to collect Georgiana and head back to the house without delay. Despising the idea of wasting time staying over night in a hotel he informed Georgiana that they would be leaving all the earlier on Thanksgiving morning.

The hallways of the Gray Academy dorm rooms were stark and Darcy's heels resounded on the uncarpeted hallway. He knocked on the door gently, hoping Georgiana was not at a late class.

"Come in."

Darcy turned the metal doorknob. Georgiana's back was turned to him. She was sitting on the bed writing notes on a legal pad.

"I think you should add a Who is it? To your 'Come in'"

Georgiana dropped her pad and turned to see her brother standing in the doorway with a smirk on his lips.

"You're early, I still have one class. Oh, maybe you can walk me over?"

Darcy hesitated for a moment than motioned for the door.

"Uh, don't forget your coat, it's turned cold."

Georgiana led the two through the paths of Gray. Darcy took the opportunity to observe his sister from this unfamiliar vantage point. Her blond hair was pulled back at the sides, secured by a bone colored clip, allowing her lightest tones to be exposed. She walked straight up, filling her tailored blue coat to proper proportions. Darcy enjoyed watching her, she wasn't like the other young girls here, she did none of this obnoxious hair twisting, or giggling, she moved calmly along the path, no doubt preparing herself for her class.

"This is it. What will you do while you wait for me?"

"I did bring that trunk for you, perhaps I'll go back and move it into your room."

"Here are my keys. I'll come back after class and we can get some dinner."

They parted and no sooner had Darcy started back on the path than someone called out his name.

"Mr. Darcy"

A woman, looking to be in her late thirties was walking quickly on a path to the left of him, seeming to be coming from the administration building. As she drew closer Darcy recognized her as the Dean of students he had met briefly when he had first come to Gray to enroll Georgiana.

"I don't know if you remember me Mr. Darcy? I'm Dean May. If you have a minute I'd like to speak with you about Georgiana."

Darcy's eyes locked on hers, he tensed the muscles in his neck.

"Certainly." He finally blinked his eyes and followed her back the way she had come.

They made their way to her office on the main floor and seated themselves at a small conference table near the window.

"I must tell you Mr. Darcy that I am very concerned about your sister." Dean May leaned in toward the table.

Darcy studied her face, her hair was short and brown, cropped close to her head, her complexion was smooth with just a hint of tan, left over from some cape vacation. He felt the pseudo sincerity in her voice, what could she know of concern, it would take to much time away from her wardrobe selection.

Staring away from her eyes, focusing on a gold and diamond encrusted dragonfly pin on her suede lapel, he muttered, "Is there some problem with grades?"

They both knew this statement was a throw away.

Dean May shook her head slightly, "No, Mr. Darcy. Georgiana, as you are well aware excels in all her subjects. If she continues here she will undoubtedly be the valedictorian of her class."

His eyes moved from the pin to the window behind her shoulder, "If' she continues?"

"I think Georgiana is very unhappy here. We are coming to the end of November and she hasn't made any real friends, she avoids social situations and parties and even makes a habit of bringing a book to the dining hall."

Darcy observed the last yellow leaf blow from a maple limb, it had started to brown and curl at the edges causing a rocking motion as it floated to the floor.

"I see." Darcy brought his attention back to the table.

"I know that Georgiana had some problem at her old school but I don't know all the particulars. I believe there was a romance involved?"

Darcy put his hand to his head, looking down, trying to compose his feelings. The word romance sickened him.

"Georgiana was taken in by an older and very calculating man. He used his former relationship with my family to gain her trust and then he violated that trust. I assure you there was no 'romance' involved."

Darcy's demeanor conveyed the full weight of his meaning and Dean May shuddered in response.

"She couldn't have been more that 15 years old at the time. I am very sorry. I understand your wariness now but please let me make a suggestion that I think will aid in your sisters recovery."

Darcy turned his head to hold her gaze

"Allow me to place Georgiana with a roommate. I have someone in mind. She is very outgoing but also very motherly. I have been thinking about this match up for awhile and I feel it could be mutually beneficial."

Darcy stroked his right eyebrow, he hated this, Georgiana should be able to handle this alone. She just needed time, room to be alone, maybe a hobby? She certainly didn't need a cloying teenager, imitating her mother and staring at her with sympathetic looks.

"Yes."

Dean May quelled her approval sensing this would annoy Mr. Darcy and instead changed the subject.

" Are you celebrating the holiday in Maine or back home?"

"We will be departing early tomorrow. I really must be going now. Thank you for seeing me."

Darcy rose and left the office.

May swiveled in her chair, looking out on the campus, thankful for her small inroad.

Chapter VII

The house was seldom uncomfortably warm, at least not as long as Elizabeth had been employed, but this Thanksgiving morning forced her outside to find a doorstop for the back door. She stepped down the back stoop, pulled her sweater over her chest as a shield to the bitter cold. The frost crunched under her boots as she made her way up to the garden. A small stone, more decorative than supportive would be suitable. She plucked it from the corner and turned.

Darcy and Georgiana had only moments before pulled past the garden towards the garage. They were approaching the door as Elizabeth came forward.

"Oh, sir, you made excellent time. The other guests haven't arrived yet.."

Elizabeth moved closer as she spoke, with two hands on the stone, her sweater had opened to reveal a velvet green blouse, edged with a small ruffle around the neckline.

Darcy set his lips to avoid showing his pleasure.

"Are we to have stone soup today Miss Bennet or shall it be the traditional American Turkey?"

Lizzy remembered her stone, looked down at it then raised her eyes, with a laugh that Darcy was sure curled the wisps of black hair about her face.

She retorted to his tease in kind, "Sir, I assure you, the guests will have turkey."

He hesitated but could not resist the allure of familiarity. "As you see I have luggage in my hand as I enter, may I not be considered a guest in my own home, just for this day?"

Lizzy, delighted by his unusual playfulness, caught his eye for a moment. Darcy broke the moment by opening the door with his free hand, allowing the two ladies to enter.

Sage, turkey, and cranberries scented the air like an earthy perfume. The fatigue Darcy was feeling from the long drive overcame him for a moment and he closed his eyes, allowing the warm steam from the boiling pots to fill his lungs. He exhaled and turned when he felt a sharp breeze prick at the back of his neck. Elizabeth had opened the door slightly and he watched her while she crouched down, fitting the stone in as a door prop.

"William I'm a little tired. I think I'll take a nap before Charles and Caroline arrive."

Lizzy moved around the table toward Georgiana, she had shed her sweater to reveal a longish black skirt, and the rest of her green velvet peasant blouse.

"Would you like a cup of tea before you retire?" She posed her question to both.

Darcy was beginning to feel uncomfortably warm, for more reasons than the cooking. He was the first to decline.

"No thank you, I will take this luggage up to Georgiana's room and then I must check on the horses. I hope to ride out before supper."

Georgiana agreed to the tea and promised to be back down after changing. Elizabeth stirred the cranberry sauce and put the tea on to boil.

"Well I've set the table and all your potatoes and turnips are precooked and inside the fridge waiting to be heated." Mrs. Brown bustled into the kitchen from the dining room. "You've made the apple tart and I made the pumpkin and mince. Are you sure you'll be all right with the gravy dear?" Mrs. Brown looked deep into Lizzy's eyes as if she could predict her gravy prowess from her expression.

Lizzy laughed as she tied her apron around her waist, "I assure you Mrs. Brown everything is in hand. I watched my mother make gravy many many times and then eventually had to take over for her. Please don't worry."

"Remember Pryce won't come over for dinner until you fetch him. He'll think he's getting in the way and probably start heating up some soup for himself around 5, so you have to go over for him before then."

"I won't forget. Now you must go and enjoy your own family." Lizzy finally shooed her out.

When Mrs. Brown had gone Lizzy went into the dining room to look at the place settings. She had put out the Royal Doulton service. A good choice Lizzy thought, elegant but pretty. She hesitated for a moment, thinking about whether to put one more finishing touch on the table, whether it would be appropriate or not. She decided to take a chance, thinking it would match perfectly with the plates. In the bottom drawer of the dry bar near the front window she removed a handmade table runner she had stitched together, after admiring the service displayed in the china cabinet. The center panel was quilted in a pattern called the mariner's compass. Slivers of cranberry, tan, moss green and pale yellow cotton pieces were sewn into a circular compass rose. A tan, linen look, material flanked the compass and was hand quilted with a subtle wave pattern. The edge panels were green velvet that came to a point on either end, with a single green tassle, attached at the point. After rearranging the glasses and making sure all was perfect she headed back to the kitchen.

"Miss Bennet, I wanted to show you what I've been working on."

Georgiana was seated at the kitchen table, two teacups had been set out and the teapot sat between them.

Lizzy approached, feeling a little uncomfortable. Georgiana pulled a plastic bag towards her, that was also sitting on the table. She carefully removed a lavender 14x14 inch panel. When she unfolded the material Lizzy let out a breath of amazement. Georgiana had made a miniature schoolhouse quilt, using lavender, dark purple, green check and yellow patches.

"This is very good. Miniatures are quite difficult but you have lined up everything perfectly. How is it that you have caught on so quickly?"

"I took some books out of the library and found a wonderful store within walking distance of Gray. The women were so helpful."

Lizzy took the piece into her hands and studied it more closely.

"If you have some time over the holiday I could help you put a backing on this with some batting inside and some hand quilting on the edges. I think this would make a wonderful pillow."

Georgiana was very pleased put her teacup down and said, "I'm free Friday evening."

Lizzy slipped the panel back inside the bag and thought about the craft fair, no doubt she was going to be tired but she didn't want to discourage Georgiana's enthusiasm.

"Friday evening will be fine. And now I must tend to my meal or we will all be having stone soup for dinner"

Elizabeth took out some dough from the fridge, taped wax paper to the kitchen table, and gathered extra flour and a wooden rolling pin.

"Let me clear the teacups for you." Georgiana cleared the table while Elizabeth set to flouring and rolling out her dough.

"Have you ever made biscuits?" The question was innocent but not well thought out by Lizzy. As soon as she asked she realized it was inappropriate.

"Many times. Mrs. Reynolds always let me help her in the kitchen on holidays, as long as my father hadn't invited any business guests. Georgiana turned, scrunched up her face, looking like a wise gnome and began to recite, "my dear, biscuits are good for no one if you work the dough to vigorously, it will rebel against your rule and become tough and mean. A nice biscuit is achieved with a light touch, just a bit of shaping, then leave the darlings to themselves, they know what to do."

Elizabeth was impressed not only by Georgiana's uncanny imitation of Mrs. Reynolds but also that she would allow Lizzy to see it.

"I hope I can live up to those biscuits?" Elizabeth laughed while she moved to start placing them on a cook sheet. She was feeling, all of a sudden, acutely aware that this would be the first holiday without Mrs. Reynolds cooking the meal and overseeing the day.

"Have you heard from Mrs. Reynolds since she retired?"

"No actually I haven't. I have asked my brother several times for the address but he has forgotten to give it to me...He did promise to take me for a visit at Christmas time."

Lizzy noticed that Georgiana seemed very bothered by this line of questioning and decided to drop the whole subject, when the girl looked up, almost near tears.

"You know I never got to say goodbye properly. William insisted that I not come home early from school and so I missed seeing her here for the last time."

Elizabeth had gently placed the last biscuit in place, she turned to face Georgiana, while wiping her hands on her apron, she walked toward the girl, silently moving to her side and placing her arm around her shoulder, noticing the thinness contrasting with her more full figure, it was difficult to pull the girl into her body to properly console her. She accepted the affection but was unnatural in her response.

"Now I am sure that you will have a lovely Christmas visit with Mrs. Reynolds and I don't see any reason why you couldn't get started on a little quilt project for her after we finish this one."

"Oh yes", she raised her head, pulled her hair behind her ears, "I think she would like that."

Elizabeth removed her arm and walked to retrieve her cookie sheet for the oven. " I think your brother has plans to ride out. Do you plan to join him?"

"Yes, I should get ready." Georgiana gathered her quilt and headed out, but stopped at the door. "Elizabeth,....thank you."

Lizzy did not respond verbally but smiled to show her feelings.

Darcy dressed in his riding clothes quickly, only stopping to retrieve his inhaler from the bathroom, he shoved it down into his pocket and left for the stable. Once outside, the chilled air was sharp on the intake and he reached for the blue inhaler. His mind turned to Elizabeth as he held his breath, allowing the medicine to penetrate. He reviewed her image as if he had a slide projector in his mind, freeze frames of moments he had been alone with her, the newest was in the kitchen this afternoon. The green velvet, the gray stone, the black wool skirt, dark colors and grainy textures floated around her luminous complexion, heightening its impact. He took his second puff, almost immediately feeling relief.

How was this day going to turn out, he mused, as his strides became longer. Elizabeth seems well at ease, scurrying about the kitchen, intent on surrounding everyone with comfort, but how will she feel when Jane arrives as my guest and worse yet as Caroline Bingley's friend. The tension of the situation did not cloud his happiness, in fact, the thought of everyone being home for the holiday save for Mrs. Reynolds was buoying up his spirits. Georgiana's experience with George Wickham last year had increased his awareness to just how solitary he was, with no one to discuss his management of this tragedy he became acutely aware of both his loneliness and, an old and most repulsive feeling of insecurity.

He stepped into the stable, the warm smell of animals and hay struck Darcy between the eyes. He was transported back to his childhood. He could see himself walking toward the stable, bundled up in a blue pea coat, red scarf and brown knit ski hat, he had made it out to the stable from his room and leaned on the wall to catch his breath. Thanksgiving had always been centered around horseback riding at the Darcy home, because his parents came originally from England they used it more for a holiday to entertain friends. The morning had the same crisp chill, just the same amount of frost. The boy appeared pale, a twinge of blue colored his lips like a washed out watercolor. A voice resounded in his mind as the boy struggled to make his way toward the stalls. "He doesn't like riding, that's why he is unwell. He knows this is my favorite time of the year and he's just trying to spite me. Spoiled! Spoiled to the point of inducing some illness just to get out of things. Disgusting. I won't stand for it." He had heard his father's voice up in his room that morning, he laid in his bed willing himself to level his breathing, and desperately trying to convince himself that he would be well enough to ride that afternoon.

Reynolds had come up to check on him and refill the humidifier. He had asked her if all the company was out.

"Yes dear, they'll be halfway to the woods by now." Reynolds turned to leave but then looked back, "you'll ride next year, I'm sure of it. I reminded your father before he left that you had done some wonderful jumps at your practice last month. He seemed very pleased indeed. He said to make sure you get plenty of rest so that you may come down for dinner this evening." The boy smiled at her, realizing, even at the young age of 10 that Reynolds was good to the bone, all the while knowing perfectly well that she was lying to spare his feelings.

Foolishly thinking the fresh air may help his situation he slipped out to the stable, making his way, losing energy with every step. Darcy watched the boy drag himself to Chestnut, his mother's little mare. He untied the ropes and managed, by some miracle to ride him out of the stable. Darcy looked out to the old garden field while the boy cantored toward the woods, hanging round the horse's neck. He put his head down and turned before he saw him slip off, falling between the drooping stalks of withered sunflowers.

Jane knocked softly on the kitchen door before entering.

"Lizzy, it's so good to see you." The two sisters embraced.

Jane stepped back to view her sister. "Lizzy, I haven't seen you look so good in a long while."

"Oh...I may have shed a few pounds, before the cold snap I had been doing quite a bit of heavy gardening. Although with the holidays upon me I had better watch myself. Tell me, how is Mr. Bingley? And dare I say his sister?"

"Charles is wonderful."

"And?" Lizzy raised her eyebrows, expecting more."

"And, well....his sister is very difficult." Jane had lowered her voice but a smirk played on her lips and that made Elizabeth relieved. Jane was taking Caroline in stride and not letting herself get flustered. She admired her sister's easygoing way with people.

The ladies looked up from their quiet tête-à-tête when Bingley walked in the kitchen. He moved towards Jane and placed his arm on her back.

"Elizabeth," he tried out her first name cautiously, but after seeing no reaction from her he proceeded with confidence. "I t is wonderful to see you. The dining room is looking very elegant this afternoon.

Lizzy knew why Jane had succumbed to Charles' charms, he took time to notice all the little details and niceties that women took such pleasure in. Mr. Darcy on the other hand did not have that social grace, or familial, thought Lizzy. It was so obvious that Georgiana was completely miserable half the time and it seemed that he never gave it a second thought.

"Do you know where Darcy has gone off to. I have searched his usual haunts about the house but it seems he has decided to spirit about the grounds."

Jane and Lizzy laughed at the image of Darcy as a ghost, because they were sisters they had conjured up almost an identical picture of the Master himself, black riding boots, black turtleneck, riding crop indeterminately whipping through the air, looking translucent, eternally bound to walk in strides without a destination.

"I believe he wants to ride out before supper. I think you'll find him out at the stable, helping to prepare the horse."

"Will you ride Jane? Or perhaps you would like to visit with your sister for awhile?"

"Oh Jane, please ride out. I'm busy here and besides we can visit tomorrow at the craft fair."

Jane agreed and Elizabeth found a few moments alone in the house to check on all the last minute preparations. While crossing through the foyer to the Library she heard some music from the parlour, or what Darcy called the music room although no one ever played any instruments.

She entered and saw Georgiana quite lost in a beautiful piece that she recognized was by DeBussy. Elizabeth stayed by the door until she had finished.

"Georgiana your playing is lovely. I have never heard you before."

"Yes I haven't much felt like playing lately."

Elizabeth sat down beside her and began to play. She laughed as her fingers reacquainted with the keys. All she could remember from her 5 years of lessons were a few worn out Christmas tunes and a couple of show favorites.

"You play very well Elizabeth."

"You are much to kind."

"Excuse me but if I could interrupt this little concert I need your housekeeper."

Caroline had walked in, unbeknownst to the ladies.

"Would you be so kind and mend these riding pants for me quickly Miss Bennet, you see the small tear there. I'm afraid they might rip further on the ride. William is very insistent we keep up with him and sometimes he is in a mood to put us through our pace. I think he enjoys challenging me, he knows I don't get all the exercise that I should."

Elizabeth could not help think Mr. Darcy might be actually trying to lose Miss Bingley on these energetic rides, but she suppressed the smile and dutifully moved towards the pants. She ran upstairs with them, knowing she could zip them off on the sewing machine.

Darcy came in, looking perturbed and saw Elizabeth disappearing up to her room, turning he saw Caroline at the opening to the music room and thought something might be up.

"Caroline, have you seen my sister? I'd like to ride out before supper. I don't want to interfere with the timing Miss Bennet has planned."

Caroline furrowed her brow and could not remember William ever worrying over anyone's timing for anything.

"Look no further, she is here playing the piano."

"She is?" Darcy moved inside the room his formality had disintegrated when he saw her seated at the piano. They stared at each other for a moment, acknowledging the significance.

"I don't want to interrupt you but we must get a move on if we are to ride out."

Georgiana conceded, not wanting to interfere with her brother's obsession.

"Yes I'm coming just now...Did you know that Miss Bennet plays the piano?" The question escaped without much regard to reason. She was curious how well he knew her.

"I had no idea." He turned seemingly uninterested in the information. They were all passing through the foyer when Elizabeth rushed out and down the stairs. Darcy watched her descend and noticed she had a small locket about her throat that had not been there this morning.

"Your pants Miss Caroline. I'm sorry it should have been quicker but my machine jammed and I had to do it by hand instead."

"Well I certainly hope they'll stay together while I'm riding."

Elizabeth put her head down, trying to control her tongue but failed... "I'm sure the stitches will hold through riding but I wouldn't put them through the test of supper."

Darcy let a laugh escape before he could check himself, but he quickly recovered and diverted everyone's attention. "It seems we will not have any time to ride if we stand here much longer. Shall we ladies." He motioned to proceed. Caroline disappeared to change and Georgiana set off a bit ahead of her brother.

Darcy, in the moment before he exited turned to Elizabeth, she looked up at him, with eyes half closed, waiting for a harsh lecture on the propriety that was needed when dealing with his guests.

Instead of a rebuke he looked down and very quietly said, "I see we must add to your talents, comedian.....oh and I hear piano player as well."

Elizabeth took a moment to comprehend his meaning.

"I feel that these two talents are not my most flattering." She put her head down, embarrassed by her lack of self control.

Darcy had not anticipated her reaction and knew she was misunderstanding his meaning.

"Sometimes opportunities to practice new talents arise at odd moments but I think spontaneity lends an attractive quality to those times."

Elizabeth was confused and began to blush, unsure and uncomfortable with this familiar situation.

"Thank you." She turned and said, " I must finish up in the kitchen."

They parted on new ground and both were insecure about their footing.

Chapter VIII

Elizabeth looked out the kitchen window, billowy gray clouds floated high above the back woods. Usually her favorite part of the day, 4 o'clock, when the sun's angle ignited the trees, painting them in a red orange glow, instead were now only a muted purple. She expected the riding party back any moment and so opened the oven to lift out the Turkey, allowing time for it to rest.

Who would carve? Mr. Darcy? She hadn't thought. Her father had always done the carving. She shook her head in memory of him sharpening the blade on the carving knife. Guests always looked a bit frightened at his intensity but she and her sister had relished in this Thanksgiving tradition, possibly because they knew his true nature to be so gentle and loving and they delighted in watching the guests looking a bit terrified. Lizzy wondered if he knew he was in one quarter, giving such pleasure, and in another quarter, his guests, such fear...probably not, that was what she most loved about him.

The back door opened abruptly and Darcy stuck his head in, careful not to step in with his dirty riding boots on.

"We are back from our ride and will be changing for dinner directly, we should be down within the half hour.... " He hesitated and then added, " Is that acceptable?"

Lizzy looked up from her Turkey, thinking about that first dinner she had served him a dinner, salvaged from the floor. "I believe that will be perfect timing. Would you like to carve or shall I make a go of it?"

" I will carve."

She turned to him and simply said, "good."

The party of guests assembled in the library, Darcy had just lit a fire while Charles poured cocktails for everyone. Caroline twirled the olive in her martini and came to stand by the fire.

"William I wish you'd take me up on my offer to help you redecorate. You need to put your own mark on the house."

Darcy placed his wine on the mantle and knelt down to stoke the fire.

"You're mistaken Caroline, the house has made its mark on me."

Caroline laughed, dismissing his comment as a quip.

"I think I'll check with Miss Bennet on dinner."

"Oh yes of course, Miss Bennet." Caroline smiled as he left the room, hiding her disgust.

Darcy entered the kitchen eyeing Elizabeth at the stove, sleeves rolled up, whisk in hand.

"Miss Bennet, we will move into the dining room if you are ready for us now."

Elizabeth turned to tell Mr. Darcy that he could bring the turkey out to be carved, but caught a glance at the clock.

"Oh my gosh. It's five, he's opening the soup." She handed Darcy the whisk, grabbed her sweater and ran for the door. "I'll be right back, don't worry, just stir." Lizzy made a whisking motion with her hand just before she stepped out the door.

Darcy stared at the door for a moment, whisk extended in the air, confused about what just happened. He thought, perhaps she had lost her senses, stressed maybe from all this work. Did she forget something? On the stove, behind him, something was bubbling. He turned to see a tan liquid sizzling inside a roasting pan. He remembered his directions and started to stir, but things were not going well, the liquid seemed to be disappearing. He looked around for help and spotted a bottle of wine on top of the stove, he added a bit and things seemed better.

"Here we are, it's warmer in here." Elizabeth stepped up into the kitchen with Pryce following behind her.

Darcy knew now where she had gone. He watched as she stepped around the old man, gently coaxing him to the table and propping him up with her energy.

"Sir, you have done an admirable job on such short notice." She smiled and reached for the whisk.

"I think the wine saved me from disaster." He looked down at her.

"Drinking or adding?" Lizzy teased him tentatively, unsure of his mood and hoping he was understanding of her disappearance.

He laughed out loud. "Adding, I assure you. Charles has taken care of the cocktails."

"Oh I had not seen you there Master Darcy." Pryce immediately rose from the table, with considerable stiffness. Darcy noticed how diminished he looked.

"Yes Pryce, Happy Thanksgiving." Darcy turned to Elizabeth, wanting very much to be gone from this scene, ashamed by his revulsion of Pryce's ever increasing infirm, " I am ready. I'll take the Turkey out with me."

"Very good, sir"

He set the turkey down on the table, knowing the guests would make their way in upon smelling the scent. As he began carving he noticed the center of the table and the quilted runner.

"Something is drawing me in to this room?" Charles entered with Jane beside him. "I think your sister has outdone herself."

Jane laughed, knowing that Charles was the only one who could refer to Elizabeth as her sister and as the housekeeper/cook and feel comfortable with the situation.

Caroline was the last to enter the dining room, just as Elizabeth was coming in from behind Darcy's chair with a heavy tray of bowls and gravy. She set her tray down on the dry bar and began placing the soup out at everyone's place.

"Elizabeth I know you must have made the centerplace, it's so beautiful does it have a name?" Georgiana questioned.

Elizabeth had not wanted attention to be drawn to her during the meal but she could see now that putting the runner on the table had been a mistake.

"Oh yes, it's called a mariner's compass." Lizzy finished passing out the soup and was making her way toward the kitchen when she heard Caroline.

"I find it so amusing that some people think that just because you are on a certain level you will be interested in sailing and all things maritime."

Jane glanced at William and he met her eyes in a moment of understanding.

Elizabeth had heard her and chided herself for feeling so comfortable when she knew it was all so impossible.

Darcy started to carve the turkey quietly as the others conversed.

"I feel fortunate that my father was not an avid sportsmen. I think those types go overboard with their sons sometimes. I remember a chap at boarding school living in total fear when his team hadn't won. I mean it was a real nightmare for him." Charles had tried to turn Caroline's intended cut into dinner conversation, hoping that Jane had not felt the full impact.

Caroline, foolish as she was, continued without hesitation.

"Well that may be true but where is that boy now. I can assure he's the head of a firm, a successful lawyer....a professional in one manner or other because his father did not give up on him. I think the problem with the world today is that no one is pushing people on, everyone accepts their life and then scorns everyone else who is in a better position later."

Darcy slid slices of turkey onto a platter and handed it to Georgiana for her to begin passing it round. Elizabeth had returned and was silently pouring water into glasses. Jane, Charles and Darcy each held their breath, hoping this would be the end of a poor subject when a voice came from the head of the table, next to Darcy.

"I think many of those boys would have been much better left alone, you are correct, I believe, in your assumption that they are 'professionals' but my fear is that is all they are, motivated by fear and competition they have ruined many lives including, in some cases, their own.

All eyes had rested on Georgiana when she rose, let her napkin fall from her lap and went out through the kitchen door. Darcy feared she was thinking about Wickham and excused himself to follow her.

She ran past Pryce and out through the back door, she made it up the hill, near the cedar log and completely broke down. Darcy was by her side within seconds.

" Georgiana, what is it? Why are you so upset?" He asked desperately. "Don't pay attention to Caroline, she has motives for everything she says and none of them make any sense." Georgiana had turned to him, unable to look up.

"Please tell me what is it? I can't help if you won't tell me?" There was a touch of anger in his voice now. He felt that he was at the end of a long rope that had stretched to a fray.

"We have all these guests, Miss Bennet has worked all day. You are making a scene."

" It's you! You are the one I was thinking of."

She looked up and saw the recognition pinch at the corner of his eyes. He caught his anger and covered his instinct to withdraw.

"Yes....yes I see what you mean. Lets go inside and finish dinner and we can discuss all my shortcomings." He laughed gently and hugged her.

"Wait William there's something else. It's about Elizabeth."

"What is it?"

"It feels very strange to have Jane here as our guest while Elizabeth is serving the entire dinner and not joining us."

"Yes, I agree but I think that Miss Bennet would be more uncomfortable to sit down in the middle of her job. Dinner will be over soon and it won't seem so strained. Let's go in now so we don't have to extend it any longer."

Jane had left her place at the table, joining Elizabeth in the kitchen.

"What is happening?"

"I'm as confused as you are Jane. The only thing that seems very clear is that we don't know the whole story."

"What story?"

"I believe something must have happened to Georgiana, either recently or in the past that has upset her so deeply and profoundly that she has become disconnected."

"Have their been other incidents before today?" Jane asked worriedly.

"Yes, just this morning in the kitchen. At first I thought she was missing Mrs. Reynolds, but now I'm sure it's more."

As the sisters stood closely conversing Darcy and Georgiana walked back in the kitchen.

"Miss Bennet, we are sorry for the delay. May we continue with this delicious meal?"

Lizzy turned round to see brother and sister arm in arm. The expression on Darcy's face was serene, as if everything had been smoothed over but Elizabeth was suspicious that this display was part of the underlying problem.

"Yes of course. I knew you had just stepped out for some fresh air and so I took the liberty of placing all the dishes out. Everything is ready and waiting." Lizzy smiled warmly at both of them.

William nodded his head at Elizabeth, relieved and grateful for her words.

The rest of the dinner proceeded much more quietly and after dessert the guests began to wander into the music room with their coffee. Caroline had seated herself at the piano and was entertaining everyone with some classical music. Elizabeth began quietly clearing the dishes tracing back the events of the evening.

Darcy entered the dining room and crossed to the dry bar. Elizabeth had set out a tray of liquers to bring into the music room. He poured himself a brandy and turned, resting back on the dry bar.

"What does the compass signify?"

Elizabeth, still holding a pile of dishes, put her head down and smiled.

"I hadn't intended it to signify anything actually. I'm ashamed to say I just thought it would look nice with the China." They looked at each other and laughed.

Darcy took a sip of his drink, settling back and crossing his legs. Elizabeth looked over, anticipating where the conversation might go.

"I was wondering if you might like to join us for a drive north and then maybe some dinner out tomorrow, you've worked so hard today and I thought you might like to spend some time with your sister. I'm sure Jane and Charles will come along and of course Georgiana.

Elizabeth continued collecting the silverware, moving around the table, dismantling each place setting.

"That's very kind of you but I think I mentioned to you that I'm not available tomorrow because I'm in a craft fair in the village."

"Oh yes of course." Darcy had no recollection of this but tried to sound nonplussed.

"I'm afraid Jane is also coming... as well as Mr. Bingley" Lizzy smiled sheepishly, realizing she was foiling his plans.

"....and possibly Georgiana." Darcy finished her thought with good humor.

"Oh, it seems I've ruined all your plans."

"No....no." Darcy's voice was a bit throaty.

Elizabeth had made her way to the place setting directly in front of him and he straightened up to let her continue.

"Perhaps you'd like to come along." He saw her shoulders shake a bit from giggling.

"Miss Bennet, you think that I would not attend a craft fair."

Lizzy was desperately trying to suppress her amusement at the thought of Mr. Darcy at a village craft fair.

"Miss Bennet , just what are you implying? Darcy mocked lightly.

Elizabeth had come full circle around the table, she stood, leaning against Darcy's chair.

"I think of these delights a little goes a long way." Lizzy turned her eyes toward the table runner. Darcy laughed and nodded in agreement.

Chapter IX

Three rows of white tents supported by metal frames ran the length of the village square. There was activity in almost all of them, there was a hum about the activity that comforted Lizzy while she set her own booth up. She used the table to display, runners, placemats, small purses and a new item she had this year, a quilted cell phone holder.

Next to the table were several quilt stands she had lugged from the house, to show off he bedspreads and wall hangings. There were two she was most proud of this year, one she was sure would sell today, it was a wedding ring quilt she had done in earth tones, a departure for this type of pattern, but knowing that quite a few people would be coming from the city, she thought it might not be a pastel kind of crowd.

The other large piece was a wall hanging done in a three dimensional cube design, a block print, using sky blue, dark blue calico and black with a hand quilted white background. She had miscalculated the amount of dark blue and black needed so used the leftovers to make a quilted jacket. The blue and black patches complimented her hair and eyes and she was pleased after all with her mistake. Unfortunately, the jacket was more for looks than warmth and even though she had layered it had turned particularly raw.

At around 12:30 Lizzy was coming back from a break, they had opened the town hall for restrooms and refreshments, and just to warm up a bit. The crowd had been steadily increasing since 10 am, and she had almost missed him, but his height had won out over everyone. She recognized the shape of his hair, moving slowly up the constructed lane of tables.

"Well, this is something now." Lizzy whispered to herself.

She quickly put away what she had been working on, not wanting to spoil the surprise and took up a chenille scarf she was knitting for Jane.

Georgiana, being a full head and shoulders shorter than her brother had been walking next to him all the while.

"Elizabeth."

Lizzy looked up when the young girl made recognition and started her way over. She saw Mr. Darcy, walking slightly behind, hands in his long black coat, being more buoyed up by the crowd then walking of his own volition.

Elizabeth stood up to greet them.

"Hi, I wasn't sure if anyone was coming, it has turned so cold today."

Darcy said nothing but could not help himself from staring at Elizabeth.

"You have worn your hair down today, it looks so different all around your shoulders, it's longer than I had thought." Georgiana commented.

"Yes, I really need to get it cut but I've been so busy lately."

Georgiana began looking over all the things on the table. Elizabeth moved around to watch her, not above being gratified by her reactions.

Darcy moved a bit closer to her, standing at her side.

"There are quite a few excellent craftspeople here, the pottery is quite well done."

Darcy looked down, hoping to alleviate Elizabeth's obvious embarrassment.

"Oh I've seen the pottery. I love the brown and dark green vases." Georgiana turned to face Darcy and Elizabeth. "How have you found the time to make so many things?"

Lizzy had no quick answer. In the moment before she spoke she scanned the work that had been done over the past few months and it made her sick, the piles of baby blankets, so delicately constructed, adorned with ribbons and lace, the table runners, placemats and napkins weighed upon her like a lingering cough.

She shivered slightly, feeling the cold that until now she had only spoke of, "I had not realized until now just how much there was."

"Miss Bennet, would you like some coffee? I saw a stand a few tables back?" Darcy offered.

"Yes, I'd love some coffee. Here let me get my purse."

Darcy waved his hand and was on his way before she could make her way round the table.

"Oh look there's Jane and Charles." Georgiana waved to get their attention.

"Elizabeth you must be freezing out here. We must get you something warm to drink?" Charles, it seemed to Elizabeth never let any attention go unnoticed. She wondered how much better Georgiana would be if he was her brother instead of Darcy.

"Thank you, but Mr. Darcy has just gone to find some coffee for us."

Charles nodded in approval. "Your work is very nice. You have an eye for color combinations, not all so obvious." Charles looked over all the items on the table, unsure if it would be appropriate to buy something.

"Well thank you. Jane, have you looked around yet?"

"No, but I see a lot of things I like." The sisters laughed together.

"In the next aisle, across from the hats is a jewelry tent, definitely stop there. His settings are really beautiful, they're kind of masculine and feminine at the same time. I think he has a shop in the city called 'extrusions'. I believe the name has something to do with metal work."

"Can't wait to check it all out." Jane caught Lizzy's eye and glanced at Georgiana, remembering her episode at dinner the other night. Lizzy nodded slightly, expressing that all seemed calm for the moment.

"Georgiana would you like to join us and walk around for a while?" Jane hoped to draw her out a bit, away from her brother, leaving him for another job.

"Uh.... I think I should wait..."

"Oh Darcy can catch up with us...or not." Charles smiled ruefully, confident that all present knew the degree with which his friend was interested in such a venue.

Georgiana laughed and set off with Jane and Bingley.

Lizzy took her place, back behind the table, taking up her scarf she began knitting but stopped, questioning herself where she had found all the time, and why she wasn't doing other things.

"I had to wait for a new pot." Darcy handed Lizzy her coffee. Elizabeth got up from her chair.

"Thanks, this is great." She wrapped her hands around the cup, raising her shoulders, trying to warm up.

Darcy looked out at the crowds, pretending not to look her way but all the while using his peripheral vision to capture every nuance.

"How long does this go on?"

"Till 5"

Darcy could not help thinking this was a very torturous way to freeze to death. He took a full view of Elizabeth when he saw her looking in the opposite direction. She was wearing a striking deep blue jacket, cropped short, a pair of jeans and brown boots. The blue of the jacket complimented her dark hair. She seemed thinner than he had thought, perhaps it was the youthful clothes and the hair.

"Have you sold much?" He shuddered at the lameness of his conversation, but the easiness of last night seemed to have drained away.

"No, I don't think quilts are in this year."

"Not even the cell phone holders?" Darcy looked up, trying not to laugh.

"No not even those." Lizzy laughed at herself.

They remained silent after that, watching the crowds and sipping their coffee until Darcy excused himself, saying that he would catch up with Charles, Jane and his sister.

He had pretended to be interested in the blown glass next door but as he fingered the delicate edges of the opaque vases he became engrossed in their movements across the way.

He noticed Georgiana almost immediately, crouching so intensely over whatever was on the table, so innocent in her articulation. Then of course there was the brother, Darcy, standing off to the side, dismissive of everything that had not sprouted from his furrowed brow. He shifted his weight, catching the shadow afforded by the draping tent, watching the scene of brother and sister play out like a child's puppet show. But what is this? A new character has been added to the 'Grim' classic, an interloper in the midst of their strange marriage. Ah, she is very pretty, but it's more than looks and figure, she moves with joy and spontaneity...with determination she could alter the future....I think not.

When William had left he saw this as a chance to intercede.

"I admire your work. The quality of the handstitching is fine and the earthy colors you've chosen give a different feel to some of these classic designs."

Elizabeth sat forward, interest piqued by the idea of a man noticing her work, not that some men hadn't passed compliments but to hear such particular comments over the very details she had so carefully prepared was gratifying.

"Thank you, most men wouldn't have noticed the details you've seen."

"I admit, I have a special interest in paintings and so it must transfer over naturally to handcrafts. In fact, I've been considering an exhibit at my gallery in the city, showcasing some local craftspeople," he motioned to take his wallet out but then seemed to make a judgment in his mind and abandoned the idea, "but I'm sure you wouldn't be interested." He ended, breaking his voice in a note somewhere between a question and a resolution.

Elizabeth, warmed by his quiet self effacing manner felt no trepidation in taking the offer seriously.

"I might be interested in a show, if the time fit into my schedule." She smiled and continued to trace the features in his face, noticing a smile on his lips that was being controlled so as not to be presumptuous.

"Let me give you my card, it has my gallery address, phone number, e-mail and fax. When I secure all the dates and spacing requirements I'll e-mail you, in the meantime perhaps you could send me some slides of your work or if you have digital photos." He handed her the card. "You can give me your e-mail or number when you send the pictures." He offered this last part with nonchalance, careful not to expose his enthusiasm.

Lizzy nodded, accepting all that he proposed and thanking him with involuntary ease.

He thanked her for her time and said he hoped everything might work out, then before turning to leave he allowed himself one probing question.

"I suppose I should ask if your schedule would allow a weekend or weekday show more readily?"

"Oh I work at an estate nearby with another woman, so I have the ability to take time off."

"Wonderful, I look forward to hearing from you." He left, meandering down the aisle.

Elizabeth continued on, selling a few items, but on the whole having a poor sales day. The sun was waning and by this time she had assumed her sister and the rest had taken refuge in a restaurant for a long leisurely lunch and then returned home.

Exhausted from the cold and the tedium of sitting Elizabeth dragged her boxes up to the back kitchen door, trying to discreetly transfer everything back to her room. When she came back in after retrieving the last few items she was met by Georgiana at the door.

"I have not forgotten our date for this evening. Let me just bring a few of these things upstairs and I'll be right back." Lizzy smiled, hoping that Georgiana wouldn't sense her fatigue.

"Are you sure you're not tired? It was a long day." Georgiana picked up one of the quilt racks and began walking with her towards the door.

Lizzy to tired to object, just nodded her head and said, "No."

They moved everything and decided on tea before tackling the pillow making. Darcy found them in the kitchen standing near the stove, deep in discussion. He saw the sewing materials on the kitchen table and was disappointed at the thought of spending a lonely evening in the Library.

"Georgiana, I think Miss Bennet is tired from her event." Elizabeth laughed to herself that Darcy could only bring himself to call what she did today an 'event'.

"Oh I'm fine, I was sitting pretty much the whole time anyway."

"Well...I've made a fire in the library, at least bring your things in there so you can warm up properly, you may use my table for whatever you need to do." He turned to look at the table.

Elizabeth was willing to help Georgiana with her quilt but she was to worn out to tangle with Charles' sister, although it would be nice to relax with Jane.

"I...uh...don't think ...well we might be in the way of all your guests."

Darcy knew what she was thinking. "Jane, Charles and Caroline have gone out to see a movie, they won't be back till later."

"The fire does sound good. Can I bring you some tea as well, sir?"

"Yes, thank you"

Darcy turned, quieted by the idea that he could position himself to watch and listen to Elizabeth for an uninterrupted two hours. He hoped only that all their thread broke and all their stitches had to be reinforced.

He retrieved the newspaper from the hall, and headed for the library to clear his writing table for the girls to work on.

They entered, crossing the room, Elizabeth set the tea on Darcy's side table and started pouring. Georgiana sat down at her brothers table and began spreading out her pieces of material.

"Here, Mr. Darcy." Lizzy handed him his cup and wondered why he was not in his usual wingchair but seated at one end of the brown leather sofa.

He laid his newspaper aside to accept the tea. "Thank you. I think we are cheating you out of your day off today Miss Bennet." He smiled, hoping to draw her into conversation.

"Oh I've had a very full day, she thought briefly of the man that invited her to be in his gallery show."

Admiring her black silk hair, he searched for another question to keep her in his close view. "Did you sell much?"

Elizabeth, a little surprised over his interest, hesitated. "....a few things, but not as much as I would have liked." Not wanting to sound depressing she added, "But I did get an offer to be in a gallery show."

"Perhaps that will help sales?" He tried to cheer her a bit, realizing he should have bought something.

"Maybe."

"Elizabeth I think this table is to small, I'm going to spread it out on the floor. Do you mind if we sit on the floor?"

"No, it's okay." She lied, but wanted to please Georgiana and so agreed, turning she kneeled down, crossing her legs Indian style, now just a foot or two from Darcy's feet.

The two women conferred on the borders for the pillow, choosing a deep red material. They pinned the sides, leaving the sewing machine sections for later. They worked like this for a solid half hour, the younger watching the older. They only lifted their heads when they heard a "Hmmm..." behind them.

"Are you stuck William." Georgiana winked at Lizzy.

"Yes."

Elizabeth turned to look over her shoulder and surmised that he was doing the crossword.

"Seven letter word for mythological weaver?"

"Oh, Arachne...I think?" Elizabeth offered.

"Yes...how about a four letter word for cut on the..."

"Cut on the..." Elizabeth knew the answer but waited, thinking Georgiana might give it a try.

"bias?" she quickly added.

"Yes, very good."

Lizzy, feeling the effects of the long day rested back on the sofa.

"Elizabeth how did you learn to sew and cook?"

Lizzy smiled at Georgiana, thinking about how young she was at her age. "My mother taught me over the years, she was wonderful, not so much for quilting though she was more a seamstress, before she married my father she designed and created costumes for the theater." Lizzy shuddered from a chill she hadn't been able to shake since the afternoon. "Jane and I have a few of the costumes still, we can't seem to part with them."

"Where do your parents live?"

Lizzy stared towards the fire, realizing that neither of them knew that both her parents were dead. "Oh they're both gone now."

Georgiana looked down, regretting her question.

Elizabeth leaned forward, knowing the girl was uncomfortable, ready to change the subject when she felt a cover drop down around her shoulders from above. She pulled it around her and closed her eyes for a moment.

"I have one more...an eight letter word for creating a new plant from and old one by cutting?"

Elizabeth opened her eyes, took up the white cotton thread, "grafting...?"

"Yes, I think that might work."

Patchwork X

Elizabeth laid in her bed, looking across at the mini-quilt draped over the sewing machine. The moon shed enough light on the material to give outline to the shapes but the true colors were distorted. She closed her eyes trying to remember exactly how red the border had looked when she and Georgiana attached it together, now it seemed a faded union blue. Perhaps her senses had been faulty, maybe the lateness of the hour or the glow of the fire had changed the intensity of everything.

Jane entered the room quietly and sat down on the edge of the bed. “Wake up Lizzy, it’s morning.” She rubbed her sisters leg gently, realizing she was in the middle of a dream.

Lizzy could hear someone calling her, but the voice sounded far away. She was in the library with Mr. Darcy. He was reading and she was drawing on a piece of paper, it was odd that although her hand was moving the pencil she couldn’t quite make out what she was trying to sketch. The telephone rang and she answered it . “Darcy residence.” It was the gallery owner, Mr. Wickham. He wanted to know if he could make a date for lunch with her to discuss her work. While she was talking with him her back had been turned from Mr. Darcy and she felt a gentle tapping on her shoulder, assuming it was him she promised Mr. Wickham she would call him back later that evening. When her eyes opened she realized the tapping was Jane trying to wake her.

“You still talk in your sleep.” Jane smiled.

Lizzy pulled herself up, wrapping her arms around her knees. “Did I say anything interesting?”

“A couple of yes’ and one garbled name that sounded like Wick.”

“I was having a strange dream. The name is Wickham.” Elizabeth reached to her bedside table to retrieve a business card, handing it to Jane she explained, “I met him at the fair yesterday and he’s interested in my quilts for a show at his gallery in town.”

“Hmm…. Do you think he’ll call you.” Jane’s eyes widened hopefully, thinking that this was exactly what her sister needed.

Lizzy thought for a moment and laughed, “Well, if dreams come true.”

The sisters stopped their joking when they heard someone outside the door. Lizzy rose, donned in grey sweats and a t-shirt she opened the door that was already ajar. She saw Georgiana walking down the hall towards the stairs.

“Miss Darcy can I help you with something?’ Lizzy felt it could be later than she thought.

“Oh, Elizabeth I was hoping to get the quilt back, you see my brother has changed his plans about when we will be leaving for Gray….you see he has decided on early this morning instead.” Georgiana delivered this piece of news with a face so unmoved by emotion that it elicited the exact opposite response she intended.

Lizzy knew she was out of turn even as the words left her lips, “No, it’s to soon. Why you’ve just come home and now you must leave already.” Georgiana watched in amazement as Elizabeth’s own expression changed from disappointment, to injustice to empathy, incorporating everything she herself had felt when her brother had informed her of this change of plans last evening. At the time she thought his decision for leaving earlier had come from nowhere but now as she stood before Elizabeth, seeing her feelings mirrored back to her, feelings she was so ill equipped to express, her brother's motives became clear. He realized last evening, while they all sat together in the library, engaged in an intimate evening that he and his sister could easily be drawn to this woman, using her to fill in all the gaps but in the process drowning her with their intensity. Georgiana smiled outwardly to convince Elizabeth that she felt no distress over leaving earlier than expected but inwardly she smiled to herself for the discovery of her brother’s sensitivity.

Jane had been listening from the bedroom but had come out in time to hear Elizabeth’s last few words.

“I think this scheme is for the best. I hope I didn’t disturb you.” Georgiana maintained her gaze, careful not to reveal the logical conclusion her thoughts were working out.

Elizabeth softened in her stance by the girl's reassurances, hesitantly turning to retrieve the quilt. She returned with the unfinished piece and reluctantly gave it over. “I’m sorry I didn’t have more time, it’s coming along quite nicely.”

Georgiana took it in her own hands and folded it carefully, “ Thank you for all your help but I think I’ll try to finish it off myself at school.”

Lizzy smiled, “It’s the best way to learn. If you run into any problems bring it home at Christmas time and we can work on it some more.”

“Oh I’d like that.” Georgiana said goodbye to Jane and Elizabeth and started down the hallway, moving quickly, anxious to see if her brother looked different, now that she knew he was in love.

Elizabeth turned to Jane looking exasperated, “I don’t know why he’s in such a rush with her all the time?”

Jane considered Elizabeth’s state before replying, “Perhaps there are good reasons that we’re not privy to…William doesn’t seem to be rash in his decisions, in fact from everything I’ve seen he is quite the opposite.”

Elizabeth admitted to herself that she and Jane saw Mr. Darcy from very different perspectives. Jane’s more distant and casual friendship afforded her a view that was probably truer. She was becoming embroiled in their private affairs and no matter what the kindnesses or warm moments she had shared with them she was taking to many liberties at guessing their feelings. After all, what right did she have, she was only the housekeeper.

Elizabeth gave Jane a hug, “I am so glad you came for Thanksgiving, Jane, it ‘s been wonderful just to see your face everyday.”

“Don’t forget Elizabeth, who it was that invited me.” Jane gave Lizzy a knowing glance.

“You are right Jane. Mr. Darcy is a very good friend to Charles and for that reason I see his character is basically good.”

Jane smiled, “ I don’t believe the guest list was constructed only to please Charles, Elizabeth.”

Before Elizabeth could respond to Jane’s insinuation both of them turned to see Mr. Darcy approaching. He was dressed in a white shirt, blue blazer and khaki pants, his hair was slightly damp from the shower, as he approached he put his hands to his waist, looking as though he were issuing orders out to some underlings at work. Elizabeth sensed that he was uncomfortable in front of the two women, one a guest in his home and the other his housekeeper.

“Miss Bennet, I’m leaving now with Georgiana for Gray. We have changed our plans and will not be here for lunch or dinner today. Mrs. Brown is already starting to prepare breakfast. I think perhaps, in light of the fact that you worked on a holiday, you may have today off as well.” At this point he looked down, a bit embarrassed by his own kindness. “I’ll be back sometime on Sunday.” He turned to Jane and looked up, “Jane it was a pleasure to see you again. I hope you have a safe trip home.”

“Thank you… and thank you for a wonderful weekend.”

“Please don’t leave on my account, feel free to stay another day.”

Both of the women thanked him and he was gone.

Jane did not pursue her thoughts on Mr. Darcy’s motives and Elizabeth, wishing to enjoy her day with her sister put these troubling thoughts to the side as well.

Darcy looked over at Georgiana, asleep in the passenger seat, her head had fallen forward slightly but she was secure in her seatbelt. He looked back at the road wondering if his worry for her would ever end. She had been more emotional this weekend than in past months. Her outburst at the dinner table on Thanksgiving was distressing... but it could be a good sign as well. Maybe she was finally letting herself feel again, even if it was only about his situation. He reminded himself that she had played the piano this weekend and seemed to truly enjoy herself at the craft fair. These two activities had one common motivator, Elizabeth. The image of her in the hall this morning convinced him he was becoming more and more attracted to her each day. Her reactions and laughter were no longer enough to satisfy him. He desired to know every detail, to capture every fact and thought, past and present that she parceled out about herself, eventually collecting all and owning her completely. These thoughts had drove him from the house this morning, the desire for her was becoming to hard to hide and he feared his exposure would surely bring rejection or flight. He knew she wasn’t ready for him or Georgiana, she was making her way through something and he was sure if they descended upon her as they both longed to do, she would be consumed by their needs and surely lose her way.

“Georgiana” He gently nudged her. “You have been sleeping…We have arrived…come now we must move along.” Georgiana roused, rubbed her eyes and got out to help with the luggage. They moved silently into the dormitory, up the stairs and down the hall to her room. They were both surprised to see the door open and music coming from inside.

“Have they switched my room.” Darcy and Georgiana entered to see a girl sitting on a bed that had been placed on the opposite wall from Georgiana’s own bed.

Before they could speak the girl stood up and quickly walked to the radio and shut off the music. She returned to her side of the room and looked at both of them. She smiled before she extended her hand “You must be Georgiana Darcy. I’m your new roommate, Charlotte Lukas.”

In the excitement and business of Thanksgiving Darcy had forgotten that Georgiana was to have a roommate. He quickly looked the girl over and immediately disapproved, she had on a much too short skirt, black boots and if he wasn’t mistaken there was a tiny gold ring just above her left nostril. Oh, he had agreed to a roommate but he hadn’t agreed to Madonna.

“I didn’t know I was to have a roommate.” Georgiana walked over to the girl, beaming.

“I think I forgot to tell you over vacation. Dean May had asked me if it would be alright and I agreed.” He looked over to Georgiana with an I’m sorry expression but was met with a wide smile.

The two girls walked over to the cd-radio player and began talking about music when Darcy excused himself abruptly but promised to be back shortly.

He made a beeline for the Dean’s office preparing how he would get rid of this roommate for his sister. Lost in thought he had accidentally walked past her office, but she had seen him and called him back.

“Mr. Darcy I’m so glad you’ve come by. Has Georgiana met Charlotte yet?”

He entered and remained standing even though the Dean had motioned for him to sit.

“Yes we have met her and I must confess this is not the sort of roommate I had envisioned for my sister.”

“I know Charlotte looks a bit unconventional but I assure you she is an excellent student and I think she could really use the drawing out.”

Darcy had been ready with a rebuttal but stopped before his words became sound. “Wait I thought Georgiana was the one who needed drawing out. It looks to me Miss Lukas doesn’t need much help in that department.”

“We all have our needs Mr. Darcy, some are more apparent then others. I think it would do Georgiana good to focus on someone other than herself for a while. By helping each other I think they may get past some of their problems.”

Darcy sat down and sighed, the more he tried to understand people the more confused he became. Could he be wrong about Elizabeth as well.

“Mr. Darcy what is it? If you think it is that bad of an idea I’ll change her back to a single room.”

He shook his head, looking past her “No we’ll try it.” Darcy straightened in his chair, “May I inquire as to the problems Miss Lukas has had.”

“Neglect, no one takes an interest in her. Her parents never come to the school, she is driven back and forth by a driver. I think she could use a good friend.”

Darcy rose, shaking the Dean’s hand and promising her to come by when he picked Georgiana up for Christmas.

Patchwork X I

Jane carried her suitcase into the kitchen, interrupting Mrs Brown and Elizabeth who were discussing menus.

“Jane, I wish you didn’t have to leave.” Elizabeth held her sisters arm. Mrs Brown turned to busy herself with some chopping but could not help herself from watching the girls together.

“It was truly the best holiday we’ve had in a long time.” Jane squeezed her back, both sisters feeling a bitter warmth.

“I see you’re all packed and ready.” Charles had roused the girls from their memories and had his usual effect.

“What can I say, Elizabeth, I’m in your debt. You have brought me a wonderful woman and have managed to arrest the Darcy household from pulling apart at the seams.”

“Why would you say that Mr. Bingley?” Elizabeth laughed, trusting in his good intentions.

“Well, I was worried, that when Reynolds left Darcy would be showing up in places with unmatched socks, stains on his ties and a general air of confusion about his person but you have seen to it that he is as he ever was.”

“Perhaps a bit of confusion would have caused a welcome change.” Elizabeth knew she was being a little unkind but she was still feeling upset with Darcy over rushing Georgianna back to school.

Bingley’s humor dropped a bit in acknowledgement. “Don’t underestimate the power of a warm homelife.” Bingley glanced into Elizabeth’s eyes for an instant before he turned to Jane, stroking the back of her hair, “We must be off, I’ll meet you outside, I think Caroline is still upstairs.” He kissed her gently and went off.

Lizzy walked Jane out to the car, thinking about what Charles had said, feeling depressed about being congratulated on perpetuating Darcy’s behavior. Yes, it was true that she had tried to make the holiday enjoyable and all the days that he was home but she couldn’t see how that would help change things. She shook her head, puzzled over his meaning.

“What is it Lizzy?” Jane could see that her sister was distracted.

“Oh nothing” she looked up at Jane realizing that she was missing her scarf. “You’ve left your scarf in my room. Let me just run up.”

Lizzy darted through the house, moving through the dining room but stopped short before the foyer. She heard Caroline and Charles talking and recognized her name.

“I know she is your girlfriends sister but she is totally inappropriate for this job. For one thing she is entirely to familiar with the family. I told you that when we came home last night she was sitting on the floor in the library, as if she were one of the family.”

“Oh Caroline we are not talking about an indentured servant. Elizabeth is a young, beautiful girl and you have to understand that Georgianna would naturally be enamored with her. I for one think her influence here has been very positive.”

“Charles how can you say that, did you see that outburst of Georgianna’s at Thanksgiving. And William has barely spoken to me the entire time I have been here. I think he’s depressed and I’m afraid the interference of that girl is upsetting his household.”

Charles suppressed a smile at the thought of not two minutes before making a speech stating the complete opposite. As far as Darcy not speaking to her he couldn’t bring himself to dash her hopes but he knew eventually he would have to, because, regardless of her insensitivities, he still loved her.

Darcy is fine but if you are truly concerned I will, on some pretext, have him go out with us next week and we can check on him.

His sister, unsatisfied with the conclusion but at a loss for any other schemes agreed, on condition to herself that she would work on a plan for Elizabeth’s ousting by the new year.

Elizabeth walked through towards the stairs, striving to compose her expression and concealing her anger for Caroline’s motives but all the while shivering with vulnerability, knowing that in some part her condemnation held some truth.

Upon seeing her enter Charles immediately led his sister towards the kitchen, feeling that if he ignored Elizabeth perhaps it would mean she hadn’t overheard them.

Bingley led Caroline out to his car, leaving Jane behind to say a last goodbye to her sister.

“Here I’ve found it.” Lizzy wrapped the scarf around Jane. “You need a new scarf, this one is getting shabby. I can’t have my sister moving through society looking fashion challenged.”

Jane smiled and embraced her sister warmly. “Now Lizzy I want you to keep me apprised about this gallery show. I’d love to come, if I can get away.”

Elizabeth’s mind was elsewhere as Jane spoke about the show. She had remembered something she needed to speak with Jane about but hesitated, thinking that once again she was becoming to involved.

“Lizzy, what is it?”

“Jane I forgot to ask you something while you were here….but you mustn’t tell Charles, in case he mentions it to Mr. Darcy.”

Jane looked on with concern and immediate approval, “of course Lizzy, but what is it?”

“How much do you know about asthma? I think Mr. Darcy suffers from some ailment but he is very reticent about discussing himself and…I wonder if he is taking proper care of himself.”

Jane thought for a moment, “You know that is interesting because I thought I saw him use an inhaler while we were horseback riding but he was so quick it barely registered in my mind…I don’t know that much but I can certainly research some information…but really everyone’s situation is different. One thing I do know is that they have a lot of new medicines and ways of controlling it.”

“I am probably making something of nothing…but if you think of it bring me some of information next time you come.”

Jane looked at Lizzy sympathetically, “Lizzy, you are very closed off here, you don’t even have a computer.”

“I know and I don’t know how I’m going to take slides of my work and send them by computer to Mr. Wickham.” Lizzy shook her head in thought.

“Lizzy, there must be a library in town you could use, I bet they have online services. I don’t know what you’ll do about the slides but maybe that’s a good place to start.”

“Yes, that is a good idea. I think I’ll try there next week.”

The girls gave a last embrace before Jane left Lizzy alone in the kitchen.

Darcy, unwilling to bunk in with the two girls in the now crowded dorm room decided to leave shortly after Georgianna was settled. He drove all afternoon and night, desiring the solitude of his home, his armchair, anxious to dissolve from his body, allowing the ink to drain from the sketches he had rendered of himself, longing to pool in a familiar spot and become completely still.

He arrived just before dawn, parked aways before the house, not wanting to wake anyone and walked up the bending drive. His eyes were dry from the heat in the car and he squinted at the silvery blue frost while hastening toward the backdoor to the kitchen.

He was disappointed when he opened the door and she was standing near the stove. He needed time to work this all out in his mind and her presence he knew would muddle his reflections and plans.

“Miss Bennet, I am surprised anyone is awake.”

Lizzy turned revealing a camera that was strapped around her neck. She poured boiling water into a ready teacup.”

“Would you like some?”

“Yes, thank you” He watched her, feeling himself wavering from his resolve. Her hand went up to the lens as she steadied it from bumping up against her. She had on a white t-shirt and jeans, her hips pulled at the pockets and accentuated the curve inward for the shape of her waist. She moved and turned to reach a cup.

“I hope your sister enjoyed her vacation”, she paused, to long, and therefore made obvious her concern, “although it was very short.”

Darcy shrugged, “Yes, I think she did.”

She held the camera with one hand and handed him the saucer and cup with the other. “You must have driven all night.”

“Yes I did” He sipped his tea, feeling his throat and sinus’ clear. “I see you are very busy this morning.” His eyes gestured toward the camera.

“I am not on duty yet. I’m taking some photos to make slides for an art show.” Her defensiveness and attempt at seriousness lagged when she began to laugh. “I don’t know… the whole thing is probably silly.” She said more to herself than in conversation.

He smiled at her private dialog and ventured another question, “Is it your camera?”

“No, Mrs. Brown heard me say that I needed a camera and she let me borrow her husbands.”

Darcy thought only for a second before he offered his next inquiry, “Do you know how to use it properly, you’ll need the correct lighting to show your work to its best advantage.”

In truth Elizabeth had no idea what she was doing but she couldn’t admit total ignorance in front of him. “I think I can manage.”

Darcy nodded in agreement, rationalizing that this outcome would be better.

“I took the liberty of spreading a few things out in the library to photograph. I had no idea you would be home so soon. I can move them to the kitchen.”

“No, it has the best light in the morning. Do what you need, I’ll use my bedroom to check e-mail. Please feel free.” With that, Darcy replaced his saucer to the table and moved to leave, departing just in time before temptation had overthrown his judgement.

Elizabeth moved to the library, wishing to finish before seven, when she really should start working. He was right, the light flooded the floor. She walked around two quilts, spread out on the floor, hoping that an inspiration would take hold of her. She started shooting some film, climbing up on a chair to get a better vantage point.

He laid, propped up on pillows, laptop resting on his crossed legs, reading and responding to e-mail occupying just enough of his mind so that he couldn’t give his desires his full attention. An e-mail from Charles caught his attention. He opened it, thinking it would be a perfunctory thank you for the weekend. Instead it was an invitation. He read on…” Caroline and I would like you to come out to dinner with us on Thursday, the weekend was wonderful but we left feeling that we didn’t get to see you much. I’ll meet you at your office after the gym. If that’s okay don’t bother to respond.”

He’d like to neither attend nor respond. It wasn’t that Charles bothered him but this seemed like another ambush. He couldn’t bear soulful looks from Caroline, conveying sympathy for his gloomy, lonely life at his crumbling estate.

He opened his eyes, looked over at his nightstand, eyes resting on an old photo of his mother. She was wearing a wool shirt with large buttons and a wide collar, it was obvious by the swell of her stomach that she was pregnant. She was holding a framed photo of a rose, she had won a prize for at her garden club.

In one fluid motion he flipped wires aside, slid the laptop over onto the bed and was out the door headed toward the attic stairs.

Elizabeth’s balance faltered when she felt someone behind her. She managed to catch herself by placing her hand on the back of the chair. She looked up at him expecting an apology for startling her but he looked to intent to have noticed.

“I knew they were still around.” He moved past her and propped up the spotlights against the window. “Believe me these will give you just the lighting you’ll need to frame your work in a slide correctly.”

Elizabeth climbed down from her chair staring doubtfully at a pair of very antique looking black lights.

“My mother used these to photograph some of her flowers.” He took one up in his hands and began scanning the room for only what Elizabeth thought was it’s perfect position.

His seriousness hinted at discomfort and for this she spoke in a way that would relieve him.

“I could use some help. The center of the quilts look clear through the lens but the edges are either blurred or missing.”

Darcy put his hands to his hips and understood the problem quickly. “We need to get these off the floor. Don’t you have a pole that you sometimes hang them on?”

“Yes. I’ll go get them.” Lizzy was amused by his attitude. She liked the way he was so matter of fact sometimes, there was no underlying meaning to his words, there was a task to be done, so get to it girl. She laughed grabbing the poles in her room and heading back down the stairs.

They worked for hours, positioning, lighting and shooting. When they stepped back Elizabeth saw Darcy grimace.

“Have we forgotten something?” She checked her camera.

Darcy brought his hand to his stomach, “Yes, my breakfast.”

Oh, Mr. Darcy, I completely lost track of time…wait, you haven’t eaten since lunch yesterday?”

“I think you may be right.”

“Let me clean up and I’ll go make something.”

“Good, I’ll be down in a bit.” Darcy folded up the lights and headed out to the stairs.

He propped the lights against his dresser and slid back onto the bed. He reached for his computer and clicked on compose message. In the subject field he entered “Not O.K.” and then went on to decline his friends offer.

He nestled back into his pillow and fell asleep.