Chapter 1
After the scandal involving the youngest Miss Bennet, Mr. and Mrs. Gardener invited her two eldest nieces Jane and Elizabeth to their home in London for a month. Both girls had seemed quite melancholy since the unpleasant event and their aunt thought that a visit to town would be just the thing to lift the young ladies spirits.
The visit to town distracted Elizabeth from her broken heart, brightening her disposition considerably. As long as she kept herself occupied with the many diversions offered in town, she could forget all about Mr. Darcy for a little while, or so she had tried to convince herself. It was Jane that worried her, it had been nearly a year since Mr. Bingley had taken leave of Netherfield, and still she suffered. Wanting to show her affection for her dearest sister Elizabeth took some of the money which she had been saving and went shopping for some very special gift.
Elizabeth enjoyed the fine weather, as she leisurely strolled down __shire Street exploring the plethora of shops on a lovely September afternoon. Her senses came to life she could smell the scent of fresh bread from the bakery, hear the rambling of street merchants, see children at play, and feel the gentle breeze against her skin. She savored them all and felt alive, but wished that Mr. Darcy were there with her experiencing the wonder of it all.
An elegant little jewelry shop caught her eye and she decided to investigate, hoping to find the perfect present for Jane. She was delighted to discover that it was just the sort of place that she had hoped to find. Most of the other jewelers only carried excessively large extravagant adornments, which often times bordered on the obscene. This shop however consisted of more modest delicate pieces that Elizabeth thought would look lovely on Jane. In a few moments time she found the perfect gift to suit her sister.
As she was purchasing the gift, she glanced over to her side, and to her astonishment found two familiar figures, who had both just entered the place staring back at her in even greater surprise.
"Miss Bennet, What a delight it is to see you once again," said the young lady in a most pleasant and sincere voice.
"I am most happy to meet with you and Mr. Bingley once again, as well,"
"I did not know that you visited town much, Miss Bennet."
"Not, much. My Aunt and Uncle invited my sister, Jane and myself to stay with them in London for a few months."
Though they all genuinely liked each other, there were other reasons besides enjoyment of one another's company that they continued the conversation for a lengthy amount of time. Georgian mentioned her brother at least twice in an effort to discern whether Miss Bennet held any particular regard for her him. Bingley attempted to gather as much information regarding Jane as possible, and was much relieved to discover that she was still unattached. Elizabeth both dreaded and longed to hear of Mr. Darcy, for she loved him, yet felt that any meeting with him would cause false hopes to arise in her heart. Before parting an invitation was issued by Mr. Bingley for Elizabeth and Jane to dine with them that evening.
Chapter 2
As Jane dressed for dinner she promised herself to be strong, and resist the mortification which threatened to engulf her. Charles had left her nearly a year ago without even so much as a good-bye, and now she had become shamefully aware of her anger towards him. In her mind she had tried every attempt to excuse his behavior, but the wound which he had inflicted upon her soul was too great for even her to forgive. She wondered how he could have the presumption to invite her to his home after breaking her heart in so cruel a way. Declining the invitation would be impossible; everyone would assume that she was simply too weak to face him once more. It would be accepted, and a mask of indifference would serve as her armor.
Elizabeth was confident that she and Georgianna could become fast friends for although the latter was quite shy she conversed easily with her. However, there was one rather sizable barrier to their budding friendship, Mr. Darcy. As Georgianna's brother he might not approve of her relationship with a young lady who's family were involved in such scandal; she would make every effort to avoid the gentleman, the shame and sadness that she would feel upon seeing him would be too much. In their conversation at the jewelers Georgianna mentioned that her brother had business at Pemberley and was not expected in town for a week, giving two young ladies ample time to develop a feminine bond.
Sometime before leaving they received a short letter from Bingley informing them that two of his servant had fallen ill; to ensure their safety the location of dinner that night would be moved to the Darcy's residence.
Georgianna derived much pleasure in playing hostess to Jane and Elizabeth, and to everyone's surprise lost all of her usual shyness around them. Both sisters were such excellent creatures that it was plain for her to see that they would not scrutinize her social performance as many of the more affluent women in town tended to do. This coupled with the departure of Miss Bingley to Bath the previous morning made for a pleasant evening. It would make her very happy indeed to see her dear brothers fondest wish come true, thus becoming to becoming a sister to the Miss Bennets.
Tormented by Jane's seeming disinterest in him, Bingley struggled to remain master of himself. Though Darcy and Caroline had half persuaded him that she held no particular regard for himself, he was convinced that she at the very least considered him a friend. It was not right, he knew that something was the matter; he would attempt to somehow speak with her alone before they departed for the evening.
Darcy was pleased that his business at Pemberley had not taken as half as long as he had expected. Well aware that he had too often neglected Georgianna in the past year, he was anxious to see her. Happily, he found himself back at the London house in time to enjoy dinner with his dear sister.
Chapter 3
As Mr. Darcy made his way through the house, the melodic voice of his beloved caught his ear. Forgetting himself, he rushed to the music room as if it were only a dream that might fade away if not caught in time. Bursting into the room he caught sight of his dearest Elizabeth standing next to the piano forte singing as his sister played an enchanting piece. She looked more radiant than ever, her eyes were bright and her cheeks were slightly blushing a light crimson color that was most becoming to her complexion. Darcy almost felt as if he could weep with joy as his eyes beheld her once again.
Elizabeth started when she finished her song, and found herself starring in the direction of none other than Mr. Darcy. For a few moment she stood there absolutely mute from the surprise, not knowing if she was feeling delight or discomfiture at his most unexpected presence. He was watching her with a most intense gaze, which she instantly misinterpreted as a look of scorn and censure.
"What must he think of me, a woman whose entire family has been disgraced by the scandalous actions of her own sibling, consorting with his own dear sweet sister. Surly, he would never approve of such an association, as he is probably of the opinion that it might prove damaging to her reputation. Oh, I should never have come", She scolded herself inwardly.
Quickly, Darcy approached her, struggling to think of an appropriate greeting, but none came to mind. He feared appearing too eager or worse yet cold and aloof; his appearance of indifference had been the cause of great inner turmoil once before, and he was determined to never repeat that mistake again.
"Miss Bennet,"
"Mr. Darcy"
As the two paused for a moment, Georgianna made some excuse to rejoin the elder Miss Bennet and Mr. Bingley on the other side of the room.
"I apologize for appearing unexpectedly just now. I had lost nearly all hope of seeing you again," Georgianna heard her brother reply to Elizabeth, and instantly suggested that they take a walk about the maze to see who could finish it first; in the secret hope that her brother would find a way to speak with her privately there.
After only a few moments of roaming through the maze Mr. Bingley literally bumped straight into Jane knocking her over.
"Miss Bennet, please forgive me. I did not-"
"It is no matter, for you could not injure me more than you already have. Excuse me, I will be on my way." Jane interrupted curtly.
"No, Jane. Wait, I will speak with you," stated Bingley in a most serious and commanding tone, most unlike his usual manner of expression,
Jane simply turned to face him, and waited for him speak.
Elizabeth had wandered the maze for sometime without success, which she knew was her own fault, as her mind was still engaged on her most unexpected encounter with Mr. Darcy. Resolving to delay thinking of him until the night was over she attempted to resume her exploration of the labyrinth. Winding her way around the next turn she stopped still in her embarrassment of seeing Mr. Bingley down on bended knee before Jane, and then seeing them both engaged in a most passionate embrace. Hoping not to be noticed Elizabeth quickly retraced her step backwards. Just as she had made it around the corner she turned to see Mr. Darcy, staring at her not 5 inches away.
"Mr. Darcy you startled me."
"I beg your pardon, but I could go no longer without expressing my love for you once more. I have examined my past conceited behavior and have tried correct my faults. Is there reason to hope that you might reconsider my proposal of marriage? He said whilst taking her hand in his own.
"Oh, yes. My feelings they are so different now. Where there was once disapproval, there is now absolute love and adoration. I would be honored to be you wife."
The End.