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Part Eight (Chapter 16)

Posted on 2013-06-09

Lizzy was glad to be finally home, the picnic had indeed been better in theory, not practice. Oh, no doubt most of the young ladies enjoyed themselves and Mr Fitzwilliam and Mr Bingley could never be displeased. But Lizzy was glad to be rid of them all.

"Lizzy, what did Mr Darcy say to you? You did not seem at all happy after you spoke," Jane pulled her sister away from the carriage stopped her before they entered Longbourn.

"Nothing of consequence…. we should see to Kitty."

Kitty was lying on her bed, her ankle securely wrapped, but for a young lady deprived of fun she seemed very buoyant in spirit; eagerly listening and questioning with no sense of ill-use over her accident. Although Lizzy sensed Kitty would be happier hearing any voice but Lydia's!

"And did Mr Darcy, in the end, have a pleasant time?" Kitty looked at Lizzy, which surprised her. Why should her sister think that she was the arbiter of Mr Darcy's mood?

"No, he did not. I am not sure what he does enjoy. He does not enjoy balls, he does not enjoy picnics."

"Lizzy, that is unkind; you wrote how well he appeared in his own house amongst his own people. He is perhaps uncomfortable - " Jane was all goodness.

"Perhaps, Jane, but does he have a reason to be uncomfortable here?"

He should not be uncomfortable around her; he was not so at Pemberley. There he was all kindness and ease. If it were merely her rejection, he should have been uncomfortable there.

She knew Mr Darcy did not feel at ease around strangers, but there were no strangers here at Longbourn any more!

"Lord, no!" cried Lydia. "Such a proud disagreeable man. He does not improve on closer acquaintance, always lurking and looming about, judging everyone he sees."

Lizzy winced at her sister's words, but she could not disagree with the lurking and looming and judging.

"Lydia, I think that is unfair!" cried Jane.

"It is perhaps true," said Lizzy quietly. "His relations are very different; they do not seem displeased or judgemental!"

She tried to imagine Mr Darcy rescuing Kitty and denying his own pleasure for no other reason but that Kitty was injured and in need of assistance. She could not imagine him putting himself out so, unless, of course, the young lady in question was a particular friend of his.

"He is still a good man," insisted Jane. "I shall not let anyone dispute that."

"No one is disputing that, Jane, but he is not even tempered! He is charming and all that is good in Derbyshire and all discomposure and stiltedness here. We are not so shocking that he cannot bear to be about us. He only has the Bingley sisters for his opinion there!"

"You do not know what his opinion is! Perhaps he is ashamed of ever holding such an opinion!"

Lizzy was mortified she had spoken so openly and had to leave the room before she said anything more. She shut herself away in her bedroom but she could not expect to be alone for long.

"Lizzy! Now, I do not wish to press you but…"

"Oh Jane! Why must Lydia mortify me? I feel ashamed because I am ashamed of my sister, and then I feel ashamed of her behaviour. I do not know what to think."

Jane sat on the bed and looked kindly at her.

"And Mr Darcy does not assist. He does not know what to feel or think either and thus he is himself and then he recollects himself and…oh why is it such a muddle? I wish he had proposed at Pemberley."

"You wish he had proposed?" said Jane.

Lizzy stopped and thought over what she had said. Had she meant it? She had not thought of it before it had come tumbling out, but that did not mean …

"Yes. I think I do. Although I do not know what I should have replied. I expect I should have said yes. But now I am not sure what I should say. There I would not have thought whether he would separate me from my family. He was so kind to Aunt and Uncle Gardiner after all. There he displayed his best temper and I should not have wondered whether he was prone to fits and starts and whether I wanted that in a husband. It should have been easier."

"Mr Darcy is not even tempered, it is true, but he is not a violent man. I should call him passionate from your descriptions. He needs someone to tease him out of his bad humour."

"Is that my role in marriage: to be a tease?" said Lizzy with a laugh. "Oh, Jane, I can laugh myself out of a bad temper, but can I do that for two?"

"He is a good man, a respectable man. He cares for you, so he is not a stupid man either."

"Oh, Jane! But will he propose again? I do not know."

"We may hope he does, and that he waits until you are more sure of your mind."

Lizzy sat upon the bed next to her sister with a sigh. "Sometimes I think it should be much easier upon women if they could propose to the gentlemen."

"I should not dare!"

"Yes, how mortifying to be rejected. I could not bear it, and yet I think I wish Mr Darcy to expose himself to the possibility again. And my pride will not allow me to be so obvious in case I am the one rejected." Lizzy flopped back on the bed. "At least you shall be married and I will have something to do."

"I do not know why you are so insistent on teaching my ten children to sew very ill. I do not intend to have ten children and you are quite a competent seamstress." Jane mused before Lizzy pulled her down beside her.

"Oh, I do believe we could not have had a pleasanter time, do you not agree, Caroline?"

Darcy tried not to laugh at the look on Miss Bingley's face; he could only see her from the side as they were placed next to each other but he could imagine it in its entirety. It was one he himself might make.

"Indeed, Charles, to travel such a distance to sit upon the ground, I do not know when I ever had such fun."

Bingley did not attend to, or perhaps notice, his sister's sarcasm and continued to regale the party with his delight.

"You, I am sure, Mr Darcy, were glad your sister has not yet arrived. To be exposed to such exuberant young ladies and…ankles." Miss Bingley spoke warmly.

"Indeed, Georgiana has not had many female companions and would be likely overwhelmed."

"I was very glad to see that Miss Bennet did not indulge in the waywardness; I have always said she was a very good sort of girl. It is much to be lamented that her family should be as it is."

Darcy could only nod. What else could he say? He agreed with Miss Bingley. Miss Bennet and Elizabeth were the best of their family.

He did not know how they had grown to have so much sense and refinement when it seemed they had no guidance. There were glimmers of sense in the next two daughters, but that was all.

Miss Bingley, sensing Darcy was not in a talkative mood, turned to her other companion.

"You had the good sense to flee the picnic, my lord, and in quite the gallant way." Miss Bingley paused, "I hope you do not have any apprehension that Miss Kitty deliberately drew your attention?"

"Since I observed her twist her ankle and she could have had no notion I was there, I think I am safe to draw the conclusion that it was indeed an accident. You should not worry about me, Miss Bingley, I am an old hand at those sort of tricks." Ash calmly continued with his dinner.

Miss Bingley lapsed into silence until the ladies removed.

"Darcy, you cannot really have disliked the picnic?" said Bingley, passing him the port.

"We have different temperaments, and I did not dislike it."

Darcy had not liked it either; there had been far too much exposing of young ladies ankles and not enough quiet talking with Elizabeth.

He loved her still, which no longer surprised him, but how strong was that love with all the inducements to quit her? Could their love be just about themselves?

If he decided in the positive, he would have to lay himself bare once again and he was not sure he could be rejected again. But how could he know if his proposals should be welcomed? She was a lady, and no doubt did not wish to be rejected herself, so it would be difficult to tell. Her calm acceptance of his presence could be friendship and a desire to make amends for her first impressions, or it could be a flowering of love, but how to tell one from the other?

"I am sure Darcy is meditating on the fact we were allowed glimpses of the fair maidens," sighed Freddie. "You missed the fair maidens, Ash, although I am sure you have seen many a fair maiden in your time."

Darcy tried not to laugh at his young cousin. Ankles were perhaps not so very shocking and Freddie needed some experience of ankles at his age. It was a pity perhaps for Freddie that Miss Catherine had injured herself.

Darcy would have asked Freddie, but Mr Hurst grunted and insisted the port be circulated faster.

"Must we every day be newly mortified, Jane?" said Lizzy shutting the door firmly. They had not been home from church two minutes before Lady Lucas had shepherded two of her daughters up the drive looking as if she were a thundercloud.

Lizzy and Jane had known that Lydia had led Mr Bingley and Mr Fitzwilliam to the young ladies, but had been so sure that it had only been the shock of what the gentleman might had discovered if they had been moments earlier that had made the girls giggle and blush. They had not known that Emma Lucas had still been in a state of undress. If they had not been distracted by Kitty's being hurt, Jane and Lizzy might had sensed Lydia was playing a joke.

Jane looked as if she might cry. "I should scold you for overuse of that word but it is very lowering, and I feel quite…"

"Oh, Jane, do not worry. Lady Lucas is not so shocked! She just wishes it to be known she is shocked."

"We should have taken better care!"

"How should we have done so? Would you have tackled all of the young ladies and tied their shoes and stockings on? I grant you, perhaps we should have suspected Lydia but…when must she answer to her own crimes?"

"She is sixteen and I am quite seven years older," said Jane, "I think in this case we are to blame."

Jane would not be persuaded from this, or from the fact it was not their responsibility to apologise to Lady Lucas.

"Mama and Papa should take their responsibility too! But no, Papa finds it amusing and Mama will not think as she ought. At any rate, Lady Lucas may change her mind when she discovers that the escapade did no injury to Mr Fitzwilliam's regard for Emma."

"Poor Kitty, I do hope she does not take it hard, if Mr Fitzwilliam does come to care for Emma. Although they did seem very taken with one another... Kitty and Mr Fitzwilliam, I mean."

"Yes, no one could ignore their behaviour to one another," said Lizzy. "I quite hope that Mr Fitzwilliam does move his interest or at least be not so direct in it!"

Jane smiled. "You are such a good sister, Lizzy, to be so worried about Kitty."

Lizzy did not disabuse Jane of this notion, but Lizzy was thinking more of herself than Kitty.

It was not to be thought of that Mrs Bennet could forget Lady Lucas's impudence in objecting to her daughters' behaviour and it was the sole topic of conversation even the next morning, and Lizzy had to call upon all of her patience to sit reasonably silent.

"Well, I should not go walking to Lucas Lodge so often if I were you, girls! The young gentlemen will never visit them when they can visit here, so they will soon learn their error when they are left to languish. Who would visit such plain girls?" Mrs Bennet declared this when the ladies retired to the parlour for their morning activities.

"Mama!" remonstrated Jane. Lizzy left it to Jane to try and plead their mother into a better frame of mind.

Kitty seemed distracted by the window and began whispering to Mary, who left the room and returned with Kitty's shoes. Lizzy found this behaviour strange until the door opened and Lord Ashbourne was announced.

Mrs Bennet was all aflutter that she had been caught unawares, but Lord Ashbourne did not seem to note anything amiss. He had come, it seemed, to inquire into Kitty's health.

Lizzy tried not to express her feelings when it became clear that Mrs Bennet had entirely forgotten about Kitty's ankle. Again she admired the viscount's manners in not noticing this unmotherly behaviour.

"I also came to inquire whether Miss Catherine would wish to take the air, if she is recovered?"

Lizzy saw Kitty stand very swiftly for a young lady so recently injured and wondered at it. "I am quite recovered."

"Of course she will take the air," said Mrs Bennet. It was not to be thought Mrs Bennet would suggest a chaperone so once again it would fall to her or Jane, thought Lizzy.

"Kitty…" said Lizzy in a low voice, "you cannot go alone."

But Lord Ashbourne had thought of this as well and explained his curricle was quite comfortable for three. He was a very gentlemanly man, thought Lizzy with a smile. Quite avuncular.

The surprise was not at the suggestion, and the taking up of the suggestion, of a chaperone; it was the fact Kitty asked Mary to come with her. Lizzy would not choose to have taken the air with Mary, if she were Kitty; it would be a most peculiar ride with Lord Ashbourne and Mary!

Lizzy moved to the window seat to see if Lord Ashbourne had been the advance party, but she was to be disappointed. The other gentlemen did not come near Longbourn.

Part Nine (Chapter 17)

Posted on 2013-06-18

Lizzy had thought it politeness that had brought Lord Ashbourne to Longbourn the previous day: his attempt to cheer up a patient with what he had in his gifting. But she was astonished to discover the next day Lord Ashbourne arrived again to take Kitty and Mary out in the curricle.

It was very particular and attentive.

"What do you make of it, Jane?" said Lizzy.

Jane looked puzzled. "Of what?" Jane was busy embroidering.

"Of Lord Ashbourne."

"It is very handsome of him."

"He could be shooting with the others; I would think that a vastly more pleasant occupation for him! Is that why Mr Bingley neglects you?"

"Charles does not neglect me; he had some business in London." Jane blushed. "Some arrangements for us."

"So Lord Ashbourne is alone at Netherfield, with only the superior sisters for company? That explains much."

"Oh no, I think Charles went to London alone, he only means to be a night."

That was peculiar then, but perhaps the viscount wanted to know Kitty better if he thought his brother might fix his interest.

It seemed that Lord Ashbourne must have a great deal of questions, because they did not return for an age. Lizzy tried not to look out the window for them, but she could not help it.

"They have been gone a very long time," said Lizzy.

"Have they?"

Lizzy was exasperated at Jane's lack of interest and went to find Hill.

"Hill, did Kitty say when she was expected back? They shall miss dinner if they are not careful!"

"Back, Miss Lizzy? Did you not hear them running upstairs? They have been here this quarter of an hour at least." The housekeeper shook her head at Lizzy.

Why did they not come by the drive, thought Lizzy as she walked upstairs. She was going to her room, she told herself; she was not spying on her sisters.

There was no need for subterfuge in the end because she ran into Mary.

Mary was in her slip and carrying the gowns and pelisses that she and Kitty had left the house in. Lizzy could see that they were caked in mud.

"Mary! What happened?"

"There was some mud," Mary replied unnecessarily and flatly.

"How could there be so much mud?" Unless the two young ladies had started to roll around in it, Lizzy could not understand it. Even less could she understand Mary doing anything of the sort! Kitty might wish to show off for a handsome man, but Mary would not.

"I must get these downstairs, otherwise they will be entirely unsalvageable," said Mary.

Lizzy followed her down the servant's stairs.

"Mary, nothing improper happened, did it? You can tell me if it did, I should not judge you."

Mary stopped and looked at her. "I am unsure of your definition of improper. I suspect it would be vastly different from my own. But if you are suggesting Lord Ashbourne made improper advances…"

"That is not what I am suggesting," said Lizzy firmly.

"… or that Kitty and I behaved improperly, you are wrong. There was a little splatter of mud, that is all. There was some rain last night, I believe."

Lizzy was still perplexed and since Jane would only nod and say 'Oh yes, it did rain a little last night' when Lizzy relayed the news to her, she was forced to ponder on her own.

Darcy reloaded his gun, promptly shot a tree and decided to retire for the day.

He'd wanted to go to Longbourn, although Bingley's absence would have made an impromptu visit a little awkward.

But Ash had taken himself off that morning to goodness knows where and Freddie however had preferred to shoot. Darcy would not go alone and so he was stuck at Netherfield.

His spirits lifted when he noticed Ash's curricle returning to Netherfield. It was not so late in the day that they could not call at Longbourn. He hailed his cousin.

"Darcy!" said Ash, jumping down and handing the reins to an obliging groomsman.

Darcy stared at the mud. "Where have you been... or should I ask, what have you been doing?"

"I took two of the Miss Bennets for a drive," said Ash.

Darcy grimaced; if Ash had already been to Longbourn then he could not accompany Darcy back again. "Did you take them through a bog?"

Ash laughed. "Not at all."

"Which Miss Bennets?" He had a sudden fear that Ash had taken Elizabeth.

"Miss Catherine and Miss Mary."

"Did you not drive them out yesterday, after you inquired into Miss Catherine's health?"

"Yes, may I not do it more than once?"

Darcy had much to say to that, but nothing his cousin would like to hear, he was sure. Two trips into the country, no matter how many sisters were clinging on behind, would raise expectations.

What would the neighbourhood do if it seemed as if one of the Miss Bennets was being courted by two eligible brothers?

Darcy followed his cousin into the house. "You do realise it looks peculiar. I do not remember you ever showing such attention to a young lady."

"Have I not?" Ash looked surprised but he kept walking, making it necessary for Darcy to lengthen his strides to keep up.

Ash knew very well he had not; he was very precise in not raising expectations. If one was an eligible bachelor, one had to learn such niceties. Darcy was always telling Bingley not to be so open, but it did not matter much now he supposed.

This did not answer Darcy's question as to whether Miss Catherine was being shown such deference on Ash's behalf or Freddie's? There was little point asking Ash directly as Darcy knew he would not get an answer. Nor was Freddie likely to answer either.

Darcy's knowledge of the Bennets made him think that in some unspecified point in the future that Miss Catherine might make the sort of wife that Freddie would need. His knowledge of his cousin, however, made him think that it was Ash who had the interest.

If it were, he had picked a terrible flirtation for his cousin's sake! If Ash broke Miss Catherine's heart, Elizabeth could hardly feel more cordial towards him!

"This is beyond everything, Jane!" said Lizzy, watching the curricle containing Lord Ashbourne, Kitty and Mary leave Longbourn. "What does he mean by it?"

"Perhaps he enjoys their company?" said Jane.

Lizzy shot her sister a look. "What is the fascination? I am sure he has many young ladies he may devote himself to. Does he mean to separate his brother from Kitty by the use of such flattery?"

Jane put down her sewing. "I hope he would not be so cruel."

"He would not see it as cruelty. His brother is very young and could do better than Kitty as a bride."

"But if Kitty should fall in love with Lord Ashbourne only for …"

"If she does fall in love with him, she proves her inconstancy!" exclaimed Lizzy. "Perhaps that is what he does."

Jane looked pained. "Should I ask Charles?"

Lizzy turned back to her sister, "No, I do not think we need to worry your Mr Bingley. He takes Mary with them and Kitty is likely to be falling in love every second moment for some years yet. What does Papa say? A woman likes to be crossed in love; although I did think her very much struck with Mr Fitzwilliam."

"So did I! But then I wondered…Lizzy I did not tell you this," Jane lowered her voice even though they were alone and in their own house and Lizzy felt a surge of affection for her sister, "because I did not tell you about Brighton how I should have liked to. I forgot to tell you that Colonel Fitzwilliam was attended by his brother."

Lizzy sat down abruptly next to Jane. "By his brother? What do you mean?"

"Only that Colonel Fitzwilliam and his brother found Kitty on the street in Brighton."

"Which brother?"

"That I do not know. Kitty only said 'brother' and she was in such a state. This was when they had first arrived home. Afterwards, I did not wish to press her on the matter. It was only when both Mr Fitzwilliam and Lord Ashbourne arrived that I remembered and wondered. I did not know whether to say anything. There is not another brother, do you think? The behaviour of both …"

"No, neither has acted as if they were intimately acquainted with the sad business of Brighton. Although Kitty was very shocked to see Mr Fitzwilliam." Lizzy frowned. "But I cannot imagine that he would be very helpful at such a time, that seems more Lord Ashbourne's manner."

"I agree, although if it is so, he displays an uncommon sensitivity; I should have no notion he had seen either Lydia or Kitty in such a sad situation."

"Perhaps that is why drives out with them. He knows Kitty would not be a good wife for his brother."

If Lizzy hoped that the attention would not go to Kitty's head she was mistaken. Kitty looked quite devastated to be home again and spent much of her afternoon staring into the distance and sighing. Then she would look at her hands and sigh again.

"Kitty, are you quite all right? You have been staring at your hands for a quarter of an hour," Jane sounded concerned, which was why Lizzy was glad she had asked. If Lizzy had inquired, Lizzy was sure she would have sounded scolding.

"I am perfectly all right. I was just thinking about our all possibly driving, or walking, to Oakham Mount tomorrow. Lord Ashbourne suggested it. A picnic for the one I did not get to enjoy."

Lizzy wondered at Lord Ashbourne and what his scheme was.

"That was very kind of him," said Jane. "Have you been enjoying your excursions?"

Kitty's whole face lit up and Lizzy felt her heart sink a little. Her little sister unaffected by the addresses of a charming man? No, indeed.

"Very much so!" Kitty cried and she would have said more, Lizzy was sure, if their mother had not interrupted them.

"There you are, Kitty! I am very cross with you! You have been neglecting Mr Fitzwilliam! You have abandoned him!"

Lizzy saw that Kitty looked confused. It was hard to tell whether she had forgotten about Mr Fitzwilliam and was now remembering him or whether it was regret that she had two gentlemen admiring her and had now a difficult choice to make.

"Mama, I do not think you could call it abandonment!"

"Perhaps Kitty does not care for Mr Fitzwilliam anymore!" laughed Lydia.

"Now, Kitty, I know that Lord Ashbourne is a much better looking man than we had been led to believe. I do not trust that Mr Darcy as far as I could throw him. But you cannot be a simpleton. Mr Fitzwilliam is a certainty my dear. You capture him now, before he's had time to look about!"

Lizzy did not agree with her mother about many things, and indeed most of what she had just said was nonsense, but Mr Fitzwilliam was certainly a better prospect for Kitty - a harmless childish flirtation - than Lord Ashbourne, who, Lizzy sensed, knew just how to injure a woman's heart.

"Mama, Kitty is eighteen; there is time enough yet for her to …"

"I was eighteen when I was married. Lydia would have been sixteen if not for unfortunate circumstances. You only think it very young because you will be one and twenty soon and what have you to show for yourself? You refused Mr Collins, and it is only due to the good nature and beauty of your sisters that we are not all in the hedgerows."

Lizzy gave in gracefully and hoped that Kitty had heard a least the part that reminded her that she did not have to chase and choose a husband quite so soon.

"Is there to be no sport today?" asked Mr Hurst.

"Unless you profess to be a swimmer, I think not," said Darcy.

"What wretched luck, "said Bingley. "I return to see Jane and this is the weather I receive."

"You might still ride over," said Ash. "Or order the carriage."

"My brother had better attend to Netherfield. He should not wish it to fall about his ears when he brings our dear Miss Bennet here."

Miss Bingley seemed the only one pleased by the rain. Darcy could not blame her; she could not come shooting, and even if she were proficient in the saddle, this was not hunting country.

Since the gentlemen chose to divide their time between shooting and Longbourn, Miss Bingley had little to do except converse with her sister. No, it was natural she should be happy that the party was confined indoors. It just did not mean that Darcy must also be happy.

He could at least employ his time well and write to Georgiana, although he was not sure whether he should address his letter to Pemberley or town. He had arranged it so that she might go to London to see their aunt and uncle before coming to Hertfordshire.

Darcy told himself it was only sensible, but in reality he wondered whether he wanted a way of putting Georgiana off. His sister had sensed his feelings for Elizabeth and would no doubt wonder why they were not yet engaged.

He would not normally worry about her unduly interrupting his plans, but with Ash and Freddie in attendance there was some danger. Georgiana might be emboldened by them.

Although that was not an entirely unpleasant thought, Darcy mused.

Part Ten (Chapter 18)

Posted on 2013-06-22

The third day of rain frayed tempers. Bingley, who was so normally even tempered, seemed the most affected and even if the rain cleared the following day, it would be Sunday which would curtail any plans to meet with the ladies of Longbourn.

Darcy was pleased to have time to read and have some solitude, although not as much as he should like.

"Well, I am pleased to have your company at last. I did not come into Hertfordshire to be so marooned," said Miss Bingley. "What book do you read, Mr Darcy?"

Darcy was saved from answering by Bingley's petulance.

"You could come to Longbourn with us, Caroline; there is no reason why you should stay away from your new sister."

Miss Bingley laughed, "I welcome Jane with all my heart, Charles, as you well know. But what are the attractions of Longbourn to me? I shall not be talked to there any more …indeed, even less than I am here with Louisa." Miss Bingley flipped idly through a magazine which lay discarded by her side. "Oh see here, look at the London theatres! That is amusement indeed! I should have liked to have attended. Why must you have chosen to remain here all these weeks, Charles? You are secure of Jane, after all!"

Bingley turned from the fire and looked as angry as ever Darcy had seen him.

"You may leave whenever you choose, Caroline, I do not compel you to stay here."

Miss Bingley looked upset by her brother's words and Darcy did not much feel like being part of a sibling fracas.

Ash did not enjoy the prospect either, for he sat forward to address Miss Bingley no doubt in the hope of distracting her. "You enjoy the theatre?"

But Miss Bingley did not attend to him. "What do you mean, I may leave? Do you expect me to leave? I am your sister! Is this to be how I am treated, I am only useful until you are married?"

Ash stood up. "I do not think Bingley means any such thing. He is a gentleman and he knows his duty to his family."

Bingley looked mortified that he had been so unpleasant.

"Caroline, I beg your pardon. I beg all of your pardons. No, I do not wish you to leave. Your home is my home."

"I shall be regulated to visitor," said Miss Bingley in some distress. "Miss Bennet will hardly welcome me."

Darcy thought Miss Bingley's fears were well founded; only one in a hundred women would forgive Miss Bingley's behaviour towards them and her interference in their courtship. How lucky for Miss Bingley that Miss Bennet was that one woman.

Bingley tried to reassure his sister and mentioned Mr and Mrs Hurst, which was entirely the wrong thing to say.

"I must live with Mr Hurst?!"

"I only meant you had the choice!"

Ash and Darcy judged this moment to be the best one to leave Bingley and his sister to themselves.

"I am glad my sister does not make such scenes," said Darcy as they retired to the billiard room.

Ash racked up the balls. "Give her a few more years." No doubt he was thinking of his sister, Belle.

"When do you mean to quit Netherfield?" asked Darcy.

"Should I mean to quit Netherfield? I should stay for the wedding, do you not think?"

"But after that you and Freddie will go, I assume? Newmarket, the Quorn?"

"I had not thought that far ahead."

"I do not believe you." Darcy knew his cousin's languorous temperament was a study, an affectation. My lord of Ashbourne seemed to care little for anything but fashion and sport, but his family knew differently.

Ash looked at him and silently challenged Darcy to continue to call him a liar. That Darcy would not do, he respected his cousin too much to press him if he did not wish to be pressed, and Darcy knew in any competition he was likely to lose.

"Now, shall we play?" said Ash.

Darcy inclined his head. He wanted to talk, but he did not wish his partner to be keeping his own counsel, while Darcy was laying himself bare. Perhaps it did not matter as he could imagine some of his cousin's expressions to Darcy's concerns.

"Why does it still rain!" cried Lizzy. She was sick to death of being trapped. She'd donned her bonnet and almost set off on a walk the day before until her mother had caught her and lectured her for her stupidity.

"Wishing will not bring the good weather back," said Jane calmly.

"At least Netherfield must be wishing for a return to clear skies as much as we are," said Lizzy.

"Yes, Mr Darcy might think better of us after close confinement to his own party for so many days."

"That is not what I meant, Jane."

"Is it not?" Jane sounded innocent and Lizzy wondered where her good natured sister had gone.

"Well, not entirely. I find I do miss him and think quite fondly of him."

"Such warm feelings."

"Do not tease me, Jane."

Jane put aside her work basket. "I do not mean to tease you. I know you do not see things so certainly as I do, but I cannot believe that you will not be made happy, however that might come to be."

"Happiness does not come to all that deserve it," said Lizzy. Mary started up a new dirge in the adjoining room and Lizzy sighed, "Mournful music. Although I think she is playing better. Less study and more passion, and her hair!"

"I believe that is Kitty's doing," said Jane. "I think it looks very well."

"I am surprised Kitty managed to convince her to change it. Oh look at us, Jane, we are reduced to gossiping like fishwives about our own sisters. We must get out!"

Jane just laughed at her. Lizzy was silent for a little while longer before she grew restless again. "Kitty seems very busy. I am surprised how diligent she is about sewing Papa's shirts. So industrious!"

"More industrious than you have been," said Jane.

"Indeed. I should have thought her even more downcast than I am for the rain. But she seems unaffected except for her peculiar conscientiousness."

"We misjudge her then, she cares only for Lord Ashbourne and Mr Fitzwilliam as an acquaintance ought."

"I wish I could believe that."

If any part of Lizzy had believed, it was extinguished when Kitty's efforts at shirt making were revealed.

"Papa, is that my shirt?" Kitty sounded excited.

"It is indeed," said Mr Bennet, coughing. "Let me take off my dressing gown and display myself."

Mr Bennet did and Lydia burst out laughing. Lizzy herself could hardly contain her laughter; how peculiar their father looked!

"Lydia! It is a very fine shirt, Kitty." Jane was more composed.

"Indeed, it has two arms and a hole for the neck," said Lydia throwing herself back in her chair laughing heartily.

"I am afraid, my dear, that you have made these shirts for a somewhat taller man, who is, I fear, far more athletic than myself."

Mr Bennet indeed was not tall enough for the shirts, nor was he as broad in the shoulders as they required.

"But they are well made?" said Kitty. Lizzy was surprised Kitty had not begun to sulk.

"Oh yes, the stitching and seams are perfection. But may I be permitted to change?"

"Sorry, Papa," said Kitty.

"It was a very fine effort, Kitty," said Jane. "I should have helped you with the proportions."

"Whatever, or whoever, were you thinking of," giggled Lydia.

Until that moment, Lizzy had not thought Kitty could have been making the shirts while thinking of someone else, she had just thought her sister a bad judge of measurements.

Lizzy looked at Jane and saw her sister was thinking the same: had Kitty been thinking of Mr Fitzwilliam or Lord Ashbourne?

Lizzy wondered if she should inquire, but Mary commented that the rain had stopped and Lizzy could not prevent herself from rushing to the window.

"I expect we shall see Mr Bingley here very shortly," said Lizzy. "I am surprised he did not ride through the rain for you, Jane."

"Lord, Lizzy, they are engaged now; he is secure of her, he does not have to dance such attendance," said Lydia biting into her toast. Lydia, had a peculiar idea of love. More proof she did not feel as she ought, thought Lizzy with disappointment. A gentleman to Lydia was just a method by which she could obtain freedom, money and notice.

"Charles, it has only just stopped raining, you cannot mean to leave immediately?" Miss Bingley sounded horrified.

"I should have rode through the rain except …" Bingley stopped, clearly not wanting to remind his sister of their quarrel.

"You cannot all mean to go!" Miss Bingley was dismayed.

"Should you wish to accompany us?" said Bingley.

"It has only just stopped raining!" said Mrs Hurst unnecessarily. "Do you wish us to have our dresses entirely spoilt by the mud? You are unaware of the cost of silk, Charles."

"Lord Ashbourne, you are not also abandoning us?" said Miss Bingley, seeing that Ash was dressed for riding.

It was Ash's fault, thought Darcy. He had played the gallant in almost ordering Bingley out of his churlish behaviour.

Darcy knew he had been short with Miss Bingley in recent days; she could not help but talk in a callous fashion about the ladies of Longbourn and Darcy found he could not stomach it. He had not liked it last year, but now it was unbearable.

He was sure Freddie would not like it either, but he just avoided Miss Bingley. Of Ash, Darcy was not sure; certainly Miss Bingley's manner of recommending herself to him would not appeal, but of her chosen topic of denunciation Darcy was not sure.

It seemed Miss Bingley was not sure either, for it fell to Ash to have Miss Bingley's attention over the previous evenings and mornings.

Darcy felt a little sorry for Miss Bingley; it seemed she was forever choosing gentlemen who would never choose her.

"I am afraid if I do not ride Ajax, he will quite disown me," said Ash mildly.

"Oh, do not worry about such a thing. I never ride Fancy!"

Another sign that Miss Bingley did not understand his cousin, Ash would never look on such profligateness (for keeping a horse one did not use and want) and disregard for a horse's needs with a good eye.

Miss Bingley held no sway with them and the four gentlemen set off for Longbourn.

Darcy felt his heart jump when he saw Elizabeth and he thought she was very glad to see him. Indeed, the household welcomed them all with open arms.

"Shall we not walk in the garden? Three days of straight rain and four sisters I find drive me quite wild to be outdoors."

Darcy could not but smile at the wistful tone in Elizabeth's voice. He was surprised the rain had kept her indoors so long.

"Lord Ashbourne, should you not like to walk in the direction of the home farm? You may find it interesting."

Darcy could not help but overhear Miss Catherine and wondered at his cousin that he should be taken in by such obviousness. If Ash was not taken in then Darcy did not know what he could be about.

"Might I? Then let us of course proceed in that direction."

"Mr Fitzwilliam, do go with them to the home farm. I expect you will see many similarities with your fine estate at Cheveley. You may even bring some cheese back for lunch. They do a prodigious cheese." Mrs Bennet insisted from the doorway.

"I should be delighted," replied Freddie.

Darcy might have been pleased at Mrs Bennet's intervention if he had thought it had stemmed from any sense of propriety. He knew she was trying to promote a match between her daughter and Freddie.

He was distracted from these thoughts by Elizabeth.

"It is not the home farm, but there is a nice walk in this direction." They turned their steps towards it almost as one.

"Mr Darcy, I wished to speak to you a little. Do not be alarmed, it is nothing so very bad. It is just …" Elizabeth stopped.

For a moment Darcy wondered if she was to speak to him, and he did not know what he thought about that.

"…my sister, Jane, has only just told me she believes that one of Colonel Fitzwilliam's brothers was also at Brighton and assisted my sisters."

Darcy nodded. "Lord Ashbourne was in Brighton, Miss Elizabeth."

Elizabeth nodded. "Thank you. We were not sure you see which of the brothers it was. I am not sure whether I have the courage to mention it to him directly; I do hope he understands our gratitude."

"He would not wish to be thanked for doing his duty. As I believe I mentioned before."

"I thought you were talking about the Colonel, but they are probably not so very unlike, being brothers."

"You are not like your sisters," said Darcy.

"Is that a compliment? I am not sure a lady likes to be so complimented, it sounds as if there were something amiss with my sisters." Elizabeth looked archly at him.

"It is a compliment. I thought that young ladies liked to be discernible from their sisters. Brothers certainly wish to be discernible from their brothers. I mean no disrespect to your sisters, I only mean that - " Darcy stopped and wondered how best to choose his words, but maybe he did not need to finish his sentence as he saw some colour come into Elizabeth's cheeks. She would understand that he meant he found her pleasing above all other women. It would be better if he did not declare himself so openly.

"I understand your meaning, sir," said Elizabeth with a smile that made Darcy hope that she did truly understand him. "We should walk on."

"Yes, and you might tell me about the garden."

"Our garden? It is nothing to Pemberley's."

"Perhaps, but I had little to do with the creation of Pemberley's. It was all my mother's work."

They walked on idly in this fashion and Darcy felt his bad temper, caused by the rain, melt away.

Part Eleven (Chapter 19)

Posted on 2013-06-29

Darcy smiled as he looked at the letters on the tray. Georgiana's hand stood out.

"What does my cousin say?" asked Freddie from around a mouthful of toast.

"I do not know since I have not had a chance to read it," said Darcy. Normally he would not read at the breakfast table, it was impolite, but only Freddie and he were at the table and if Freddie would not mind his manners, then neither would Darcy.

Half of her letter was written from Pemberley and was chiefly composed of the excitement of going to London and then to Netherfield and her regrets at leaving Pemberley. The second half was written the day before from the Matlock townhouse.

Darcy smiled at the light and easy tone, so different from the Georgiana of the previous year. It was certainly correct that time healed all wounds, even those inflicted by George Wickham.

He smiled less at Georgiana relating a conversation she had had with her aunt. Lady Matlock, it seemed, could not conceive of the reason her stepson and son were remaining so long at Netherfield.

'There must be some very pretty girls, my aunt declares. Otherwise she cannot understand it; your remaining must be natural as Mr Bingley cannot bestir himself without your guidance. I kept your confidence and did not mention Elizabeth Bennet. I do hope you have proposed and are waiting to surprise me in person, otherwise I cannot understand it, Fitzwilliam. I did not understand why you did not ask at Pemberley. '

There were perhaps drawbacks from Georgiana recovering. Darcy folded the letter and thought on her words.

Why had he not proposed at Pemberley? Georgiana, of course, did not know about Kent. She suspected Darcy had had a disappointment but no doubt she thought it was an argument or Elizabeth flirting (quite innocently) with another man and Darcy had been overwrought. She would certainly never suspect that Darcy had proposed and been refused in such a brutal and honest manner.

For that was the reason he had not proposed at Pemberley; his spirits and hopes had been lifted but it had seemed unfair. He wanted Elizabeth, but not if seeing his beautiful grounds was the only thing that had changed her mind. That was certainly unfair to her sense of justice and goodness, but he could not help wonder.

Pemberley was also not neutral ground. It was his dominion and it seemed unjust to propose to Elizabeth there, where she was so unequal. Not unequal in the way he had spoken about her situation in life at Kent, but that at Pemberley she was a stranger with little support.

Kent had been the ideal place to propose, neither of them had the upper hand.

Maybe that was the reason he felt unable to propose even now? This was her home; she was supported by all of her family.

That and time hadn't quite healed all his wounds yet.

"So my cousin does say something, certainly interesting enough for you to stare off into space and not notice I have stolen your toast," said Freddie.

Darcy stole his toast back before answering. "Your mother is surprised at your remaining at Netherfield. She thinks there must be pretty girls involved."

"Dear Mama," said Freddie fondly. "She is not concerned for me. But I think she and Mrs Bennet could have many a conversation about intractable children not marrying for their convenience. She cannot understand why Ash and the Colonel are still unmarried."

Darcy had never thought of Lady Matlock as one of those ladies and told Freddie so.

"Well she is quite subtle; she understands her quarry, you see. But she has tried very hard to introduce eligible parties to both of my brothers. She thinks she should have succeeded with Ash at least! Richard requires an income and one does not wish to look a fortune hunter, whereas surely Ash's needs are not so exacting."

"She is not concerned about me?" said Darcy.

"Of course she is. Did you not notice the two young ladies at Matlock this summer?"

Darcy tried to recall, but his heart and mind had been too full of Elizabeth and his hurt for him to see anything.

Freddie nodded, "She was very disappointed. But she won't be soon, will she! I expect she will throw a party."

Darcy stiffened; he did not wish to talk to Freddie about Elizabeth. "I do not pretend to understand your meaning."

Freddie just grinned and Darcy wondered whether he might have made a mistake and Freddie was not talking of him.

He continued to wonder when he discovered that before the rain Miss Catherine Bennet and Lord Ashbourne had proposed an impromptu picnic at Oakham Mount. Now that the rain had ceased they revived their plans.

Bingley and Miss Bennet declined due to some fear of rain which Darcy could not understand at all, but made no complaint, he was indeed looking forward to this picnic.

"Jane should have not deferred to Mr Bingley; she is not so prone to catching cold, and it really does not look like rain."

"Jane has not your temperament, or my temperament. She is happy to defer to others if it does not materially disadvantage her."

Lizzy was walking with Kitty to Oakham Mount for their picnic, and it was glorious to be out of the house. Even Mr Darcy seemed to have no complaint.

"Mama discussing the wedding breakfast for the twelfth time today is a very great disadvantage."

Kitty spoke a great deal of sense, but Jane would ever be docile and obliging and if Lizzy had not managed to jolly it out of her in almost twenty one years, it could not be expected that impending marriage would change her.

"Oh I agree, but we must remember our mother is happy. She will not achieve her greatest happiness until we are all married, but perhaps Jane's marriage will calm her."

"That is not likely!" replied Kitty.

Lizzy shook her head, "No, it is not likely, is it?"

Their mother would not doubt turn her mind to the next possible match. Lizzy wondered if Kitty thought of herself. Mrs Bennet no doubt thought the next prospect was Kitty and Mr Fitzwilliam, or at least Kitty's prospects in general.

"And Jane living so close!"

"You should not wish to live close when you marry?" said Lizzy. They had never spoken of gentlemen and marriage. Kitty and Lydia's giggling over the handsomeness of their acquaintance had not seemed very serious before. Now Lizzy was not so sure.

"I should not wish to live in isolation, but walking distance! …I think you should wish the same, Lizzy."

Kitty was right. Lizzy did not wish to be separate from her family, but she would not wish for her mother to be able to burst in on them at any time. Mr Darcy should not - Lizzy tried to clear her head. Her future husband would hardly like a mother-in-law in such close proximity. A Mr Bingley was not in Lizzy's future, she was very sure.

That Kitty should feel the same way made Lizzy wonder if she was thinking of a particular location or a particular estate.

She and Jane were still confused by Kitty's behaviour. She happily talked of Mr Fitzwilliam but she continued to show herself extremely eager to jump to Lord Ashbourne's command. The affection she showed was very real and obvious. Lizzy thought that even their mother might now be noticing and it usually took a great deal to dislodge a thought from her mind. Yet when asked what they did on their rides, Kitty just looked a little blank and said they did not talk of anything of significance.

Lizzy chose to test her sister.

"Indeed. Mr Fitzwilliam is very handsome."

Kitty eagerly agreed with Lizzy so Lizzy continued, "His brother is also very handsome."

Kitty did not answer; instead Kitty stated that Mr Darcy was very handsome and far less disagreeable than before. Lizzy could not help her blush and was annoyed at herself for giving herself away.

She had no other opportunity to talk to Kitty because her attention was claimed by Lydia and Kitty went to walk and talk with the brothers in question.

Lizzy took the gentlemen to see the view and although Lord Ashbourne and Mr Fitzwilliam took their fill and returned to the picnic baskets and perhaps Kitty, Mr Darcy remained with her.

"I know it is nothing to the views in Derbyshire."

"They are different, that is all," he replied. "Do you often walk this way?"

"Yes I do, it is a favourite walk of mine," said Lizzy, then she smiled. "And I do not tell you so you may avoid it."

He looked a little puzzled and Lizzy was a little hurt that he did not recollect her telling him so frequently at Kent about her favourite walks. Then she spoke so that he might avoid her, but he had thought that she was encouraging him.

Presently, she could clarify her meaning, but Lizzy chose instead to point out Purvis Lodge.

They walked a little more in comfortable silence. "Your sister seems very pleased to be going to London. The Matlocks are kind to her?"

"Yes, should they not be?"

Lizzy blushed; she had been thinking of Kitty rather than Georgiana when she spoke. Of course they would be kind to their niece, but Lizzy rather thought they would not be happy to know of the expectations being raised in possibly more than one quarter with regards to her sister!

"No, I just wondered if they were…"

"Like or unlike Lady Catherine?"

"She is a very formidable lady. I was quite terrified of her and your sister is very shy. I was hoping she had relations who were less forceful. For her sake."

"You dissemble," said Mr Darcy and Lizzy's foot slipped on a rock due to her carelessness. Luckily, Mr Darcy caught her arm and explained his meaning. "I do not think you were ever terrified of my aunt."

"I am capable of being terrified, but no, your aunt did not have me cowering in front of her. I should not have tried to claim that, not with your being there to witness our interactions."

"I wish all of my relations could have seen you. We often choose to humour my aunt in order to prevent an argument."

"Well, I do not claim to be entirely sensible all of the time, Mr Darcy. It would be better not to provoke all of the time."

"I would miss it if you did not."

Lizzy turned to hide the look upon her face. "So the Earl is unlike his sister?"

Mr Darcy took the change in subject well. "He has a scientific mind. Rationality is his watchword! He is a great patron of the sciences. I am very blessed to have him to guide me. As are his sons."

"And Lady Matlock, is she scientific?"

"No, she comprehends but it not a passion of hers. The first Lady Matlock entered into my uncle's feelings more."

Lizzy wondered how Lord Matlock had found his first wife amongst society ladies. A Lady who appreciated the sciences was difficult to find, particularly she imagined amongst the ton.

Darcy tried not to let his disappointment show when he realised he had misjudged Elizabeth. He knew her to be an excellent walker, so it had not crossed his mind he had never seen her on horseback.

He felt foolish standing between Fancy and his own Obero;, why had he allowed Ash to talk him into this excursion? They would have been better off suggesting a walk to the young ladies, rather than arriving at Longbourn with ladies mounts.

Darcy ignored the fact that when Ash had suggested the plan Darcy had heartily supported it.

When it had been discussed over port the evening after their Oakham Mount picnic, Darcy thought that a ride should be just the thing to continue their conversation from that day. He'd been so encouraged by Elizabeth that he had not stopped to wonder whether Elizabeth could ride, or indeed if she even liked riding.

No, he'd imagined that they should ride together, perhaps a little faster than the others, find a pretty spot, and be as private as they wished. Darcy had thought he might have something particular to raise with her. He might not declare himself but he wanted to give her no doubt of his own feelings so that he might judge her own.

Now that was likely to be impossible!

"I am afraid I had a fall as a child and, as such, am not fond of them. I admire them, but from a distance."

Darcy thought she looked distressed to own to such a fault.

"Well I am not going riding," said Miss Lydia, "How dull. I am going to Lucas Lodge and then to Meryton."

"That could be accomplished faster on horseback, Miss Lydia," said Ash easily but Miss Lydia did not heed him, instead gave him a look and scampered off.

Darcy could not be so easy or ignore such behaviour. Lydia Bennet was sixteen; she was not a child to be so ungoverned. It reminded him of the very real faults of Mr and Mrs Bennet, to raise such a woman. It was miraculous not more of the Miss Bennets were so.

At last Elizabeth agreed to the ride, perhaps to make them forget about her sister's rudeness. However his luck was not to hold.

Ash's was, though, which made Darcy envious. Bingley and Miss Bennet went forward easy and merry, Miss Bennet on the mare that Bingley had specifically chosen and had brought from London to welcome Netherfield's new mistress. This allowed Miss Catherine and Ash to fall behind allowing them to talk privately if that was Ash's design, which Darcy was still not sure of.

Darcy, however, was forced to remain with Elizabeth and an unwanted chaperone in the guise of Freddie. Elizabeth was not such a bad rider as she claimed, or Miss Bingley's Fancy was unlike her owner and was effortless to control.

He looked behind them to see that Miss Catherine had seemed to have driven her horse into a hedge.

Darcy did not know whether he admired her or nor for it. Miss Catherine certainly did not allow for the possibility of being misunderstood, although she had chosen the wrong man to play her tricks with.

He knew he was being unreasonably irritable. Everything just seemed so easy for everybody else. Bingley and Miss Bennet just had to smile at one another and their fates were sealed! He did not understand what Ash was about but nothing ever gave him any trouble.

"See you are much better than you thought you were, Miss Elizabeth," said Freddie.

"It would still be faster to walk!" replied Elizabeth.

And now Freddie found it easier to talk to Elizabeth than he did!

Darcy spurred Oberon and went ahead hoping his mind would clear with a little air. He was not allowed his moment of privacy because Elizabeth came along side him.

"It seems she will not allow us to be parted," she said with a smile and a teasing tone. Elizabeth was referring to the mare.

"Indeed."

Elizabeth spoke lightly some more but Darcy did not hear her; he was looking behind him and saw Miss Catherine in his cousin's arms.

"Your sister indeed cannot bear to be parted from my cousin," said Darcy.

Elizabeth looked behind her and looked concerned. "Kitty is not a proficient rider, it is true. It is kind of Lord Ashbourne to be so patient with her."

"She is certainly proficient in other things."

The colour rose in Elizabeth's cheeks and Darcy did not know what devil prompted him to say such a thing. Freddie was looking at him astonished.

"I do not understand you, Mr Darcy," replied Elizabeth.

"I mean, Miss Bennet, your younger sisters are better hunters than my best pointer could ever be."

Part Twelve (Chapter 20

Posted on 2013-07-10

There were moments when Lizzy did not appreciate Jane as she ought, and this was one of them.

"I am sorry if you did not wish to ride."

"It is not your fault, Jane," Lizzy hoped Jane would cease her questioning.

"I know your dislike of ..."

"Jane!" Lizzy exclaimed. "Unless you are the reason Mr Darcy was born into this world, you are not the reason I am cross."

"Mr Darcy? I thought that you ..."

"I did too, Jane." Lizzy broke her thread in her haste and sighed. She had thought that they were ...friendly did not seem the word, but it was the best she had. She had thought that they understood each other.

"Was it Lydia?" said Kitty. "She was very rude, I thought."

Lizzy cast her sewing aside. "I am glad you saw that her behaviour was not as it should have been. That was only the start. If Mr Darcy was Mr Bingley, Jane, he should take you off to the wilds of the north and never allow you to see your family again. Except those he finds agreeable."

Jane did not seem to know what to say to that and Lizzy did not blame her; she was not sure herself why she'd said it. She had thought they were comfortable and then he had snapped and once again judged her family.

"Certainly you quit your house to become a man's wife...but that does not mean he has the right to dictate to one."

"I think that is precisely what a husband is allowed to do," said Jane reasonably.

"You say so because you know you are marrying a man who will deny you nothing."

"I do not think Mr Darcy a cruel man; you said yourself that his servants at Pemberley spoke nothing but praise for him."

"Oh, so a wife is to be a servant?" Lizzy knew she could not be rational so she left the room.

Her mood was not improved when Jane joined her.

"Lizzy, did you know that Kitty knows about Mr Darcy's former regard for you?"

"That is all we need. How did she discover it?"

"I do not know," said Jane. "She thinks it common knowledge. Perhaps that is why Mr Darcy was irritated. He strikes me as a private man, and if others should know of his rejection..."

"Well, I could accept his anger if he had not spoiled my day."

"What did he say, Lizzy? I cannot think him so very intemperate."

"Nothing I did not know already. That my sisters are ungovernable and he does not like them. " Lizzy took a breath, "Kitty flung herself at Lord Ashbourne. Why does she not understand how it looks?"

"And you were not planning to draw Mr Darcy off privately?" said Jane.

Lizzy rolled her eyes, "That is different."

"How?"

"I have some hope, and I should not have flung myself bodily at Mr Darcy."

"She dismounted because she worried for her safety. She is not an able rider, as you well know."

Lizzy shook her head. "Oh do not be reasonable with me, Jane. Why must Mr Darcy have such an uneven uncertain temper? Why must he have told me that his good opinion once lost is lost forever? I cannot make him out."

"I think you like that you cannot make him out," smiled Jane.

Darcy cursed himself for a fool. Could he not hold his tongue and his temper? Once again, his rash words had spoiled all their comfort.

He had spoken out of pique, but she was not to know that. She thought he was speaking from the same place as his words in April. She could not know, unless he told her, and he doubted that she would listen now, that he was envious. He wanted his Miss Bennet to look at him with adoring eyes and trust him enough that he would catch her.

He knew that Elizabeth's personality was not her sister's and certainly he was not his cousin. Thus he knew it was not possible, but it did not mean he did not wish for it.

Although perhaps not quite the same level of adoration: he wanted a spirited woman who could argue back, not one who would never speak a word against him. He'd not known that until he met Elizabeth.

At least it was only three days until Georgiana would be with him; he always displayed better when she was around.

"To whom do you write so secretly, sir?" Miss Bingley looked over from the card table toward Ash at the writing desk.

"It is not a secret, I write to my cousin."

"Georgiana?" Miss Bingley sounded hopeful.

"Indeed."

"Oh how I long to see her! Do tell her I long to see her!"

"You will see her in three days," said Darcy shortly. "Why are you writing to Georgiana?"

Ash looked at him an eyebrow raised. "Am I not allowed to write to my cousin?"

"Well you shall see her in three days," replied Darcy.

"I am strangely familiar with that fact. I am making a request of her."

"What sort of request?" Darcy stood up to go look at the letter. Ash shielded it with one arm.

"Darcy." It was not the sort of tone to be argued with so Darcy stalked away to pick up his book. "I understand you must be a protective sort of brother, but this is outside of enough. If you must pry, I wish her to bring her mare with her."

"Oh, so we may all ride!" said Miss Bingley, who had come round to the idea of actually making use of her Fancy.

"Indeed. I had also hopes of teaching one of the Miss Bennets to ride. Darcy will have chosen an ideal sober mount for a young lady."

No one had to ask which Miss Bennet he meant.

"You are very solicitous," said Miss Bingley turning back to the card game.

"Indeed you are," said Darcy. He dropped his voice, "You need not be. I think Freddie is quite safe now."

"I did not think Freddie to be in any danger, of what do you speak?"

Darcy did not answer him, instead he went to bed.

He woke in no better mood and decided to spend his morning improving his mind with extensive reading. But even in that he was to be frustrated.

"Here you are, do you not go to Longbourn? It seems only Bingley is to go this morning." Freddie took no notice of the fact Darcy did not look up from his book. "You know, you had better make up an argument as soon as possible. I find it best to apologise immediately to a young lady and you cannot do so from here."

That had been the other outrage; Darcy had spoken so rashly in front of Freddie! Allowing Freddie to come and offer advice!

"I, of course, bow to your better knowledge of the female sex," he told his cousin drily.

"Well, you may be older but I do not think you wiser." Freddie dropped onto a sofa and stared at the books with some distain. "You know I was never in love with Kitty."

"Kitty, is it?" said Darcy, turning a page.

"There are too many of them to be really bothering with the formalities. It will be better no doubt when more are married. Less Miss Bennets." Freddie played with a fringe.

"I had not thought you in much danger of being irrevocably in love. You have many years before you should fix your interest."

"How very rational. Perhaps that is your problem, you are too rational: you should just take Lizzy ... "

"Frederick."

"Oh very well...Miss Elizabeth and ..." Freddie stopped because Darcy had closed his book and fixed him with a look.

"Well, you may do better with actions rather than words."

"I shall not discuss this with you." Darcy paused. "What does your brother do, do you think?"

Freddie laughed and put a finger over his lips. "I shall not betray a confidence." Freddie took himself off, no doubt not trusting himself to keep his brother's confidence if he remained any longer.

Darcy's idea was that what had begun as an attempt to prevent a romance between Freddie and Miss Catherine Bennet had evolved into Ash taking a liking to amiable company.

Indeed, with the choice often being between Mrs Bennet's and Miss Bingley's company, no wonder Ash had taken to driving about the countryside with a young lady who no doubt regarded him rather like a deity.

This idea was shaken a little when finally the day dawned that Georgiana would join him and in anticipation of her arrival Darcy decided to ride off to meet the carriage. At least while riding Freddie could not ask him why he did not go to Longbourn.

He was not two miles from Netherfield when he saw a curricle being driven by a familiar team of greys, but the team was moving so slowly Darcy could not credit it. Neither could be quite believe who was holding the reins.

Ash sat between the two Miss Bennets in an attitude of repose; Darcy noted that Miss Mary Bennet did not look so sanguine.

"Darcy! Are you off to meet the carriage?" Ash greeted him with a wave of the hand.

"Yes." Darcy stared at the little party for a while longer. "And to what does this tend?"

"What does it look like, Darcy? I am being driven about the country."

It looked as if it was being ambled about the country and that he was teaching Miss Catherine to drive a team. However, he could not understand it. He looked to confirm it was indeed his cousin's favourite greys, that it was Ash and that it was indeed Miss Catherine controlling them.

"Well, if you think it best."

"I am very safe, I assure you, Mr Darcy; you see I have not progressed beyond a very slow shuffle," Miss Catherine retorted with far more spirit than Darcy thought she possessed.

He took his leave of them, but he could not help look back over his shoulder.

Ash was loath to allow him or any other person of his acquaintance to take any of his horses! And yet he was happy enough to allow ...

This spun a different complexion on proceedings that Darcy did not have time to process as he was soon upon Georgiana.

"Oh, Fitzwilliam, you did not have to come meet me!" cried Georgiana from the carriage.

Darcy had not thought that his sister would hang out the window of the carriage for the two miles back to Netherfield, exposing herself to all of the countryside while she chatted to him riding alongside. He cringed that he had often thought ill of other young ladies for doing the very same thing.

Although no one hearing Georgiana's effusive praise of everything she saw and expected to see would think Miss Darcy at all in the same line as her brother.

Netherfield bore the brunt of her excitement, until she lapsed into some silence after being greeted by the Bingley sisters. Darcy wished Georgiana was not so reserved in company, but he had hopes she would be more open with Elizabeth.

"We are so glad you have come, Miss Darcy. They quite abandon us every day for Longbourn and the Miss Bennets. You will save Caroline and I from quite murdering each other; sisters can never be alone for too long."

The Bingley sisters were to be disappointed because Darcy had determined to take Georgiana to Longbourn the very next day. Darcy was glad to note any concerns over Georgiana being exhausted from the journey were waved away by Georgiana herself.

Darcy had tried to explain to her that he and Elizabeth had no understanding and indeed they were at the present in a misunderstanding, but he found his sister would not listen. He had hoped he might take her in the carriage so he might prepare her for the Bennets, but he had apparently left a request he had not known he had to make too late.

"Georgie, are you quite sure you wish to go in the curricle," said Darcy a trifle desperately. "I could call the carriage?" Ash would not prepare Georgiana for Mrs Bennet and the multitude of persons she was to meet.

"I am quite happy here. I have not spoken to Ash since my arrival and you cannot fear he will overset us!"

Darcy sighed and mounted Oberon. Ash did not allow him to ride so very close to discover of what they spoke. He could only see that Georgiana laughed a great deal and they put their heads together very close as if they were discussing things of great importance.

Lizzy was so glad to see her Aunt that she embraced her for a full two minutes.

"Lizzy, what is this? We have not been parted for so long, and this is a happy occasion."

"Oh I know, Aunt, but I have missed your counsel."

"Have you indeed," Mrs Gardiner unfolded several of her gowns. "I must admit I was surprised I was not being asked to attend two weddings."

Her aunt was always so perceptive. "I do not think that will happen."

"You find you do not care for him so very much?"

"I think perhaps he does not care so very much for me! No, I think he does. I just think... oh it will not be comfortable, aunt. We tease and vex each other."

Mrs Gardiner smiled. "Well my child, you would not be happy with so a gentlemen so acquiescing and reasonable as Mr Bingley. You require excitement."

"But how to tell when that is all it should be and not a sign that I should be made unhappy."

Mrs Gardiner put down one of her pelisses. "I did not think it was you who read all the novels. You do not think Mr Darcy has a dungeon below Pemberley, or attics with very good locks, do you? He is, I am sure, the type of young man who if roused to feeling would find it quite difficult to say no to his beloved. Particularly if she was such a woman as my niece."

Lizzy rolled her eyes and could not speak sensibly to her aunt any longer on the subject.

"Now, here I have found my presents for you all, let us take them downstairs."

They gossiped over the lace and other fine things Mrs Gardiner had brought from London until they were interrupted. It Kitty who saw them first, as she normally did.

"Oh, we have visitors!"

Mrs Gardiner joined her immediately. "Well, you did say there was a fine party at Netherfield, Lizzy."

Lizzy and Jane joined them at the window.

"Is that lady Miss Darcy, Lizzy?" asked Jane.

"Yes," said Lizzy, looking at Miss Darcy sitting beside her cousin. She looked unchanged from when they had met in August.

"It is a great honour that Mr Darcy should bring her to call so soon; he makes a habit of it, I see. Are they often at the house?"

Lizzy ignored her Aunt's teasing and turned away form the window.

"Often at the house!" exclaimed Mrs Bennet, who had clearly noted their visitors from her rooms upstairs and had come to greet them. "Why, sister, they practically live here. I have quite some hopes from some of the party."

"Why not all of the party?" said Mrs Gardiner. Lizzy could not understand how her Aunt could tease their mother. She should not encourage Mrs Bennet to think of every single gentleman as their own!

"My girls would do for anybody, but even I cannot expect such good fortune as to have them all marry my daughters!"

The Netherfield party seemed a little discomposed to be intruding upon Longbourn so soon after it had received houseguests. Mr Bingley blamed his memory for not realising, but Mrs Bennet would not hear his apologies and waved them away.

Mrs Gardiner spoke civilly to Lord Ashbourne and Lizzy was surprised to hear that he had no plans to remove himself after the wedding on Monday. Their little part of the world could not be very exciting for him, and even a slight amusement with Kitty could not compare to the delights open to a single rich Viscount.

Miss Darcy came to sit by Lizzy and distracted her from the conversation.

"I am so very glad to see you again, Miss Bennet."

"And I you, Miss Darcy."

Miss Darcy smiled at her. "You have such a lively family."

There was no judgement in this Darcy of her high-spirited family.

"Sometimes they are too energetic for me," said Lizzy. "You will be able to escape at Netherfield. I understand the library is not as good as Pemberley's, but I am sure it is very fine, and they do have a pianoforte."

"Oh I do not think I shall hide myself away entirely. I have every intention of getting to know everybody better!" said Miss Darcy with a smile. Lizzy saw her look over towards Kitty. "Is that your sister, Catherine? I am afraid I found it hard to attend to all of the introductions."

"Yes, that is Kitty. And I do not blame you; five daughters can become quite confusing."

"Oh, I did think that must be her. Do excuse me, Miss Bennet," and to Lizzy's surprise, Miss Darcy went to talk to Kitty.

Her curiosity got the better of her, that and her fear that something might be said to upset Miss Darcy. She went to stand close by them, but their conversation was about horses. Lizzy was surprised to hear that Miss Darcy wished Kitty to learn upon her own mare.

She was even more shocked when it was discovered that Miss Darcy enjoyed the novels of Ann Radcliffe. She could not help but look at Mr Darcy in some surprise.

Lizzy had tried not to think of Mr Darcy, or watch him but now it was involuntary and she could not look away. He looked somewhat bashful that his sister's taste in novels should be so exposed and Lizzy had to laugh at him.

She was glad he took it in good spirits.

Lizzy was overjoyed to stand up with her sister, and that Mr Darcy stood up with his friend, that Monday morning and watch as Jane plighted her troth to one of the best men in England.

She was sad to be losing Jane and sad that she was herself not to be married, but that was selfishness.

Any depression in her own feelings was heartily made up for by her mother. Upon walking back towards Longbourn for the wedding breakfast all Mrs Bennet could speak of was how her other daughters should be soon married if she had her way.

Part Thirteen (Chapter 21)

Posted on 2013-07-20

Lizzy was desperate to see Charlotte. Of course, she'd seen Charlotte at the wedding, but they'd had no opportunity for a private chat. She looked well, and Lady Lucas had shared with them, and everyone else in the neighbourhood, Charlotte's special news. Mr Collins had however already shared his news about the impending olive branch in his congratulatory letter to Mr Bennet on Jane's engagement. So Lady Lucas was disappointed in the reaction to her news, particularly amongst the Bennets, whom one would expect to have a lively interest in Collins heirs.

Lizzy had expected to see Charlotte the day after the wedding, but Lizzy was disappointed and she'd had to make do with Miss Darcy.

That was uncharitable; she found her friendship with Miss Darcy grew, particularly as the younger girl unfurled, but it was not to be compared with the depth of feeling that Charlotte and herself had shared. Lizzy needed the advice that Charlotte could give as both married woman and one who was most certainly not Mr Darcy's sister.

But that was the problem: Charlotte was now married and was not at her own disposal, thus Lizzy had to wait.

When she finally did have Charlotte to herself, Kitty had already taken up residence in the parlour and was sewing. Kitty's sudden interest in household matters perplexed Lizzy, but it did not seem a passing fancy .Indeed, Lizzy had sought to distract herself and found that Kitty had already done everything Lizzy had inquired about. It was most unlike Kitty.

Even though Jane's wedding had been discussed and discussed again to the limits of Lizzy's patience, she did not mind talking over it over again with Charlotte and discussing all the other news. Somehow it was like Jane was with her again. Lizzy loved her sisters, but they did not have the same views on life as she did.

However, it seemed Charlotte had her own reasons for seeking Lizzy out.

"I wanted time to talk to you privately; Lizzy, I am afraid I forgot myself." Charlotte could only mean she'd forgotten herself in front of Lady Catherine. She was the only person of Charlotte's acquaintance that could have any impact upon Lizzy's happiness. Lizzy was of the opinion that her ladyship's impact could only be minimal, but to Charlotte who was daily shown condenscion by the mistress of Rosings, the interference of Lady Catherine would loom large.

"You? Forget yourself in front of Lady Catherine? Never!"

"Not in front of Lady Catherine, Lizzy, in front of Mr Collins. I was speculating after Jane's engagement and I did not perceive that Mr Collins would not understand it was the fancy of a friend. He, of course, spoke to Lady Catherine. She was highly displeased and I am surprised she only decided a letter was to the purpose."

Lizzy shifted in her seat. She knew her friend had had thoughts about Mr Darcy's regard long before Lizzy herself had known of them. However, she had not thought Charlotte capable of sharing them with her husband!

"Why should this concern me, Charlotte?" Lizzy tried for nonchalance. She did not know why she tried, considering this really was the subject she wanted to discuss. Nonetheless, this was not what she'd wanted to hear. Lady Catherine might mean nothing to her, but she quite possibly had some sway over her nephew who already did not think well of Lizzy's family.

"Confess, you know my thoughts about you and Mr Darcy. Now that I am here, I think it less idle speculation and am sorry if Lady Catherine's letter should dissuade him."

"Mr Darcy and I?" Lizzy tried to laugh, but she knew it was false, and Charlotte would know it was false. "Oh Charlotte. I confess my opinion of him has changed so completely. But I do not know what to think, or what to do."

"Then let me repeat to you my advice of November last: you had better show even more affection than you feel to leave him no doubt."

"He has already proposed, Charlotte, at Hunsford, and he was refused. I cannot show so much affection and be rebuffed. Particularly when I am not so very sure! Indeed he has a very pleasant house and his manners are extremely charming when around his intimates. But he has returned to Hertfordshire and the worst of his manners are still there. He is silent and grave. I cannot say that I am in love because of his well situated house?"

"There are many baser reasons, Lizzy! You will be well situated. If you like him, then why should you not be happy?"

She should have expected that from practical Charlotte, but Lizzy found she had not so much. To marry a man for practical reasons when he wanted her for his wife due to impractical ones seemed a betrayal.

"But is he really the man I could esteem higher than all others? Would the loss of him be really too great to bear? Several pleasant dinner parties and realising his goodness - is that love? I wish his aunt would come and cause trouble, then I should know whether his presence was necessary to my happiness. That and his opinion of my family...he seems determined to think ill of them."

Kitty suddenly stood up and swiftly exited the room. Lizzy had forgotten that her sister had been sitting there and blushed to have spoken so in front of her.

Charlotte smiled at her, and inclined her head towards the door.

"Your sister follows my advice."

"In showing more affection? No, she shows just the amount of affection she feels."

"I mean in leaving the gentleman in no doubt of her own feelings. I thought perhaps it was just my mother's idle gossip. After all, it seemed as if Mama was promoting Mr Fitzwilliam and then it was his brother. I understand she now has hopes for Mr Fitzwilliam and Emma." Charlotte spoke lightly.

"That, Charlotte, is the problem, her initial inconsistency! And now she has her pinned her hopes where she will be disappointed and in the meantime is thinking herself above her other friends."

"Perhaps not, and she is being productive. There can be nothing lost in her devoting herself to tasks that will materially improve her situation in life. I am all seriousness, Lizzy; these little tasks she has set herself can only recommend her to other gentlemen."

Lizzy sighed, "She does not think of other gentlemen!"

"Nor do you," said Charlotte with a smile.

"But my affairs are not discussed up and down Hertfordshire. Is it really such a topic of - oh you do not have to tell me. I am surprised you can tell Kitty's seriousness from the fact she is sewing shirts!"

Charlotte laughed, "That and I have seen them at the wedding breakfast, and seen them driving past the Lodge at least twice since I arrived. You see, I do not judge purely on other people's opinions."

Lizzy could not help but laugh. "I could but wish no one would have any opinions!"

"Well he is a handsome single viscount; you cannot expect this neighbourhood to ignore his every coming and going, can you? You should be happy. It has diverted notice from Mr Darcy's attentions to you."

"Yes and his insults of my family."

Lizzy relayed what Mr Darcy had said to her during their ill-fated riding expedition.

"That was badly done. He was most likely blaming himself for choosing so poor an activity to recommend himself to you. That and you did not make the most of it!"

That made Lizzy exclaim, "Charlotte, what do you mean?"

"Well, it sounds very much like your sister took the opportunity, and you did not."

"Should I have done what Kitty did and throw myself into Mr Darcy's arms? The idea is insupportable!"

"But he should have been in no doubt of your feelings for him. You wrote very warmly of him from Lambton. Yet now you seem unwilling to admit your feelings, because Mr Darcy still finds himself reserved around those he does not have a close relationship with?"

"It is a little more than that, Charlotte. I do not see that it was mere pique that his romantic advances were hindered!"

"Well, have you asked him?"

Charlotte was not Jane, but sometimes she did get to the heart of the matter quickly and effectively.

Darcy frowned when he noticed whom his personal letter was from. He'd noticed that morning that two letters were from his steward, one of which had gone astray, and they, of course, required immediate attention, but he'd only registered that the third letter was not from his steward.

Now he saw it was his aunt's hand. Lady Catherine wrote regularly, never irregularly, and he had already received his monthly missive.

Darcy opened the letter and cursed himself for having applied himself to his duty first. Lady Catherine by some method or other had discovered Elizabeth. Or rather she had discovered Darcy's affection for Elizabeth.

To say his aunt's language was immoderate was an understatement. She spoke of Pemberley being polluted by Elizabeth and seeing everything that he'd once thought about Elizabeth's situation in life and her family written so starkly, Darcy wondered how he'd ever thought such things. Of course Lady Catherine, unlike Darcy in his worst time, did not see that Elizabeth's personal recommendations outweighed anything else.

Darcy would have to respond, otherwise Lady Catherine would no doubt take it upon herself to come into Hertfordshire herself. Darcy had no fear that she would involve the 'head' of his family. Lady Catherine considered Darcy to still be primarily a Fitzwilliam and thus he should naturally defer to the Earl. However, Lady Catherine considered that her brother had some severe defects in his ability to provide strong leadership, a willingness to listen being no doubt first on her list, and had for many years considered herself to be the Earl's representative in all family matters.

He was ready, however, to just throw the letter aside and leave the difficulty of composing a reply that would not make his Aunt order her carriage the moment she read his intemperate words for a later date. That was until he saw his Aunt's closing remarks.

"I will not make the journey at present, because I have every faith that your cousins will prevent you from serious error and because I have heard of these scandalous falsehoods for some time and it is only the seriousness of Mr Collins' present tidings that have compelled me to write.. I have already written to Lord Ashbourne and I have every faith that, while he displays undue levity in most situations, he will realise the severity of the consequences this entanglement would entail."

His aunt was not clear: had she written to Ash as well as to Darcy, or had she previously written to him? Was that why he had invited himself to Netherfield? Why he remained and why he seemed to be paying extraordinary attention to Miss Catherine Bennet?

Darcy found Ash, in another corner of Netherfield, writing letters

"Letters of business?"

Ash looked up from the writing desk. "No. Why?"

"I have finished answering my steward's letters, now I have turned my attention to my Aunt's letter; Aunt Catherine that is."

"And you wonder if I too have received a missive?" Ash did not wait for Darcy to respond and passed him a sheet of paper that had been sitting above his own.

There was little new; Lady Catherine extorted her eldest nephew to separate Darcy from Elizabeth and remind Darcy of his duty.

"Is this the first letter Lady Catherine has written to you on the subject?"

That did make Ash stop writing. "I beg your pardon?"

"I wondered if ... "

"You wondered if I were on a secret mission from our Aunt? " Ash turned in his seat and fixed Darcy with a look.

Darcy's shoulders slumped. "Only for a moment. I apologise. I am afraid I am overset."

"By a simple letter?" Ash's eyebrow rose.

"I find myself unable to read any objections to Miss Bennet. Even objections I might have once held myself."

Ash laughed. "Well, I suggest you allow me to soothe our aunt's fears."

Darcy stiffened. Lady Catherine's fears could not be soothed. They had their basis in reality. "May I see the response?"

"You do not trust me?" But Ash pushed his chair back and allowed Darcy to view what he had been writing.

"I am highly gratified by the faith you place in me, Aunt. I will endeavour to deserve it. I can reassure you that under no circumstances shall Darcy act in a way that I myself would not. His views on the marriageability of a woman born into such a family as the Bennets will soon be aligned with my own."

"I think that should be sufficient," said Ash before he signed with a flourish. His signature invited comment and his cousin clearly waited for some praise of his penmanship, but Darcy could only stare.

"Good god!"

"You feel Lady Catherine will not accept my assurances?"

"No, she will, but Good God!"

"I believe you said that already," Ash sounded amused.

"You are in love with her. It is not some passing fancy!"