Just a little birthday fluff today. I suppose I dedicate this toooooo well, to myself.

The part about the cherry tree is true. My mother was picking cherries the day I was born and it put her into early labor. I was born today, June 16th, 30 years ago but was not due until August 23rd. It was very scary for my parents, though I assure you my mom remembers.

Anyways, I hope that you enjoy this little birthday nugget.

Elizabeth Bennet's Birthday

Posted on Monday, 16 June 2008

"Lizzy, Lizzy, wake up!"

"Jaaaaaannnnneeeee, what do you want, please let me sleep, it's barely eight in the morning."

"Eight, why Lizzy, you are generally up by dawn, what is the matter with you today?"

"Matter, nothing, I just want to sleep a little more."

"How can you sleep, today is one of the biggest days of the year. It is your birthday and I got you something very special."

Elizabeth perked up a little at the thought of a gift. "Special, what is it?"

"I'm not telling, put on your clothes and come downstairs, you shall see in a bit."

Elizabeth pulled herself to a stand and quickly donned her light pink morning dress. It was one of her favorites as it made a soft glow to her features against her fair skin and chestnut curls. Quickly tying her hair up with a pink satin ribbon she headed downstairs to greet the day.

Mrs. Hill had just finished laying out breakfast featuring an assortment of Lizzy's favorite foods. Elizabeth went over and placed a loving hand on Mrs. Hills arm and kissed her on the cheek thanking her for her thoughtfulness. Mrs. Hill had always loved Lizzy in particular for her carefree and wild ways, reminding her of herself as she was growing up. In addition Elizabeth always thought of others and Mrs. Hill knew that by Lizzy her special effort would be recognized and appreciated.

Elizabeth and Jane took their seats next to their father as the remainder of the family filed in for breakfast.

"Well, what is this all about?" Cooed Mrs. Bennet as she walked in. "I did not know that today was that very special of a day. I know it is the day that I do my annual Cherry picking as I have since I was a girl, but would that call for all of this too do?"

"Mrs. Bennet my dear, are you sure you do not know what this is a special day?" said Mr. Bennet.

"Indeed I do not know, what must I know, what is today?"

"As you said it is your annual Cherry picking day, as if has been since you were a girl of 10. Can you not think of what happened on this annual even many years ago my dear."

"No, I can not; if I could I would not be asking you now would I Mr. Benet?"

"No I suppose you would not." Elizabeth was near hysteria by now for each day on this year in the past her mother had ranted and raved how Elizabeth almost caused her death on this day. "Let me refresh your memory." Then in a high pitched woman's voice Mr. Bennet continued. "You ungrateful child, you know not what I suffered as I brought you into this world, all these fluttering and spasms in my frame, you don't know what I suffered."

"Mr. Bennet, shocking abdominal reply, what shall I do with you? You should not mock me sir."

"Mock you, my dear; never I just wanted to make sure that you accurately remembered the importance of the annual cherry picking event. Had you not been sitting in the tree picking cherries that morning Lizzy would not have been born so early and nearly caused your death as you so eloquently say."

"Well I never, take that back, you know I am a lady and that I would never sit in a cherry tree to pick cherries. I merely walk behind the gardener who picks them. I would rather you say I gather the cherries."

"What difference doe sit make suffice it to say that your picking or gathering cherries on your annual cherry day caused the early birth of your second daughter Elizabeth and that Madame is what we are having this big too do about this morning."

All five of the sisters were outright laughing at their parent's exchange, holding their sides and trying not to choke on their food.

Breakfast continued in the normal fashion and upon completion Jane and Elizabeth went for a walk through the park. "Thank you Jane for that wonderful breakfast. What planning it must have taken you to ensure Mrs. Hill and cook made all of the right dishes."

"Lizzy, that is not your gift. I had nothing to do with that. That was all Mrs. Hills' doing. Not mine. She had no encouragement besides her wish for your happiness on this blessed June day. Your surprise from me is yet to come."

"Oh Mrs. Hill what a sweet dear she is."

"Come Lizzy, let us take a walk to Oakham Mount." Just as the two were arriving at the mount Jane pulled a pink sash from her pocket.

"Turn around Lizzy?"

"What?"

"Turn around; I must cover your eyes as you are not to see the next part until I tell you that you can."

Jane covered Elizabeth's eyes with the sash and led her to the base of her favorite tree, setting her on the rock just under it.

"Stay here Lizzy and keep your eyes closed. You must promise me. I must go get it from its hiding place just up the path. I will not be but a moment."

"Very well Jane, I will just recline here and enjoy the sunshine on my face this fine morning."

Jane ran up the path as Elizabeth reclined against the rock, fanning out her dress around her and turning her face towards the sunlight to feel its warmth. This is the sight that arrested Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy as he was riding through the side trails of the mount. Never in his wildest dreams had he anticipated seeing her today. He was on his way from London to Derbyshire. Everyone was expected later next month for a summer visit and he needed to prepare a few things before returning to town for Georgians. She was constantly in dreams, but seeing her thus was even better than his dreams. Quietly dismounting so as not to have his horse scare her he began walking towards her.

"Jane dearest you returned more quickly than I anticipated, you must hurry, as you know I hate surprises. I must know what you are about. Oh I knew you would consider my 20th as a special birthday. You are evil, I know you said you would surprise me beyond all else since I did get you so on your 20th, but you have gone to greater lengths than even I anticipated. Jane? Jane? Is that you? I thought I heard you? Oh well I suppose not."

Elizabeth stopped talking and readjusted her skirts just a bit, settling back for her wait.

Darcy was extremely close now. So close in fact that he could touch her should he wish to. His mind was reeling. So today is her birthday, her 20th. Should I say something? Should I do something? It sounds like she is expecting Jane back, perhaps I should go undetected. But go he could not, he was frozen in place as he stood there looking down at here serene face soaking up the rays of the sun. Go he did not do, but something he did. He leaned over and planted a long soft kiss upon her delicate lips.

Elizabeth was stunned. What is going on? What is this? Oh it is very nice... If only this were Mr. Darcy, but he is far away from here. Elizabeth's longing for Mr. Darcy began to be felt in the way she returned the kiss. This passion that she displayed fueled him further and soon the two were in the throws of every desirous and sensual kiss that could ever be.

Oh he is pulling away, whoever he is he must not, this is so nice I can only imagine a kiss with Mr. Darcy could feel half as good as this. Elizabeth quickly wrapped her arms around him to keep him there a moment longer. As she did he deepened the kiss to a level neither knew was possible and the two shared in the passion that they had each hidden from each other for so long. Reality shortly dawned for each and as they were pulling away their ears were arrested with "Surprise, Lizzy!" as Jane returned carrying a crown of flowers and a small package.

"Lizzy!"

"Jaaaannnneeee, what, what, I promise it is not what you think it is, well it is but I mean... what, where am I?"

"Lizzy are you alright, you look a little flushed? Did your coverlet overheat you?"

"Yes, I mean no, Jane, what is happening?"

"Why Lizzy what do you mean. Today is your birthday I just woke you up so that I could share it with you. It is nearly eight o'clock. Generally you are up by dawn. Quickly now get ready and come down I have a surprise for you."

"Jane, surely you can at least give me a little hint. Is it a walk in the garden and then a stroll to Oakham Mount?"

Jane's mouth dropped in the closest thing to upset that Jane could be "Why that Kitty, I swear I am going to kill her, she promised me she would not say a word if I let her in on my secret."

"Truly Jane, I know of no such thing I am guessing for I just had the most amazing dream and it feels so real. Let us see how today goes and then tonight I will tell you all about it and let you know whether or not it was a premonition. I truly hope it is for that would be a spectacular 20th birthday. I shall hurry and be right down. Have you seen my pink morning dress?"