Friends Before Lovers

by Alicia Rogers

  "I am afraid that we must rally around dear Amelia Waldegrave for she has lost both her father and brother!" Caroline continued.

  Elizabeth and Georgiana both gasped.

  "Whatever do you mean, Caroline?" Charles asked urgently as Mr. Darcy walked closer to the group with a furrowed brow.

  Caroline practically preened with the attention focused on her.

  "It is quite shocking. There was an awful accident and both the Earl and his son were lost when their carriage fell into the Thames! All of London is abuzz with the news."

  "How horrible!" Charles exclaimed while Mr. Darcy nodded in agreement.

  "Oh, Elizabeth… poor Amelia!" Georgiana said. Elizabeth put her arm around her friend at the same time that a large hand was placed on Georgiana's shoulder. Elizabeth looked up to see Mr. Darcy casting a worried glance to Georgiana and then to her.

  "I knew that you would especially feel the lost, Eliza."

  Elizabeth turned back with a confused expression to Caroline. Then she recalled Caroline's teasing while they were in London. Her face paled and her hand flew to her chest when she asked, "Was it Colonel Waldegrave who died?"

  With a satisfied smile, Caroline responded, "No, it was not the Colonel, Eliza; although, I knew that would be your greatest concern."

  Elizabeth exhaled the breath that she did not know she was holding.

  "However, I fear that you will suffer a disappointment for now Colonel Waldegrave is the new Earl!"

  Elizabeth had been so focused on Caroline that she failed to notice that Mrs. Bennet was intently listening.

  Glancing between Caroline and Elizabeth, she asked, "Why would Lizzy suffer a disappointment upon hearing such news, Miss Bingley? She has told me of her friendship with Miss Waldegrave and my heart goes out to that poor girl; however, I am not aware of any connection that Lizzy may have with this Colonel?"

  Elizabeth immediately looked to Caroline with warning in her eyes. Alas, it was for naught.

  "Oh, dear! Did Eliza not inform you that she made quite the impression on the new Earl during her time in London? I was certain that she would have boasted of all of their dances. Shame on you, Lizzy, for keeping your poor mother in the dark of a prospective suitor."

  Caroline smiled even in the face of Elizabeth's murderous expression. Mrs. Bennet turned to her daughter and only muttered, "No, she did not share such news with me."

  Elizabeth attempted to placate her mother.

  "Momma, Miss Bingley is quite exaggerating. Miss Waldegrave and I are friends and her brother was merely being polite."

  Mrs. Bennet only nodded; however, Elizabeth saw with dismay that her mother glanced suspiciously towards the wealthy gentleman standing behind them.

  Chapter 15

  My dear friend,

  I cannot begin to tell you how awful my world is at the present time. I am certain that you have heard of my poor father and brother. Oh Elizabeth, I have never known such pain as I feel in my heart. Even if my father and George were not always attentive towards me, I did love them so! I hardly know what to do with myself. Visitors continue to call with their condolences and I only want to hide away in my rooms.

  If possible, I believe that John is even more miserable than I. He must deal with this loss as well as take on the responsibilities that were meant for George. Can you believe that a friend of his actually congratulated him on his newfound wealth? Appalling! Poor John was so struck that he sent the man away and retreated into the study for the remainder of the evening. It has been quite upsetting to see my sweet, jovial brother so utterly devastated. Oh dear, I believe I must end here for fear that I soak this missive through with my tears. I had hoped to visit with you this summer; however, I do not believe that will be possible now.

  Take care, dear Elizabeth,

  Amelia

  Elizabeth allowed the tears to flow freely as she closed the letter that she had received only this morning. She leaned heavily against the tree behind her as she wiped her eyes. A noise caught her attention and she looked up to find Mr. Darcy walking towards her.

  "Good day, Miss Bennet." The gentleman called out as he approached.

  Elizabeth did her best to regain control as she stood from her spot but was unable to find her voice. Mr. Darcy quickly saw that she was upset and hurried his steps. He only stopped when he reached her side and asked with concern, "What is it, Miss Bennet?"

  Finally, Elizabeth was able to respond with a small voice.

  "Be not alarmed, sir. I am only feeling terrible for my friend and wish there might be something that I could do to help alleviate her suffering."

  As she quickly wiped away the new tears that had formed, Mr. Darcy noticed the letter in her hand.

  "I take it that you have heard from Miss Waldegrave, then?" He asked carefully.

  "Yes, and it is entirely dreadful. How can I even attempt to help ease her suffering?" She asked even as more treacherous tears slid down her cheek.

  Darcy retrieved his handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to Elizabeth. She nodded her thanks before drying her eyes once again. Mr. Darcy turned away slightly before responding.

  "In my experience, just the knowledge that you have a friend to listen to you when you need it brings comfort. Losing a parent as well as a sibling…well, there is not much in this world that can so thoroughly shatter a person. However, with time and the support of those who care…I am confident that your friend will heal. Not forget…but heal."

  Elizabeth was startled by the emotion behind this speech. Realizing that Mr. Darcy must be thinking of his own losses in the past, her heart broke anew. Reaching a hand out, she gently laid it upon his arm. He did not turn towards her but chose to direct his gaze to the small hand that gave a tender squeeze before she spoke.

  "I am truly sorry if I have upset you. It seems that in allowing myself to become overwhelmed with the Waldegrave's misfortune, I have inadvertently brought you pain."

  Elizabeth was surprised when Darcy laid his hand upon her own before speaking.

  "Not at all, Miss Bennet. I could not help but think of the past when I heard of the Earl's death. I do not wish such a tragedy upon my worst enemy. It shall take time but I believe that both the Colonel and Miss Waldegrave shall be able to move forward with their lives."

  He looked into her eyes before removing his hand and offering his arm.

  "May I walk you back to Longbourn? Or, perhaps you wish to spend more time before returning?" He questioned.

  A panicked look crossed Elizabeth's face at the mention of walking back to Longbourn together.

  "Oh, no, sir. There is no need for you to escort me home. I am quite capable of the journey." She said with a little laugh as she attempted to cover the desperation to keep him from Longbourn. She saw that her words caused Mr. Darcy to look confused and even a bit hurt? Elizabeth wished to be open with Mr. Darcy as he was with her just moments ago. She let out a great sigh and then spoke.

  "Please sir, take no offense. It is just…well, my mother was none too happy that I had failed in acquiring an Earl during my stay in London after Miss Bingley so kindly spouted her tales on Easter. I believe it might be best if she not spy me walking with the great Mr. Darcy of Pemberley?" Elizabeth looked at him hoping for his understanding.

  Mr. Darcy stiffened slightly but bowed before saying, "Of course. Good day, Miss Bennet."

  Elizabeth dipped a quick curtsy before saying, "Good day, Mr. Darcy."

  He nodded before walking briskly in the opposite direction towards Netherfield.

  Elizabeth slowly walked the path towards home. It was only when she opened the gate that she realized that she still held Mr. Darcy's handkerchief.

  The night before the Darcy's were due to return to London, the Bingley's invited the Bennet's to dine at Netherfield. Elizabeth was mortified by her mother's increasingly obvious machinations to throw her and Mr. Darcy together. As happy as she was to spend time with Georgiana, Elizabeth looked forward to a reprieve from her mother
's badgering about Georgiana's rich brother.

  After dinner, the party gathered in the music room. Miss Bingley gladly demonstrated her skills at the pianoforte after Georgiana declined the honor. Mr. Darcy was immediately summoned to turn the pages. Everyone in the room could see that he was less than thrilled with the privilege yet Miss Bingley wore such a satisfied smile that Elizabeth began fearing for her sister-in-law's state of mind.

  Once Miss Bingley completed two songs, Miss Darcy asked Elizabeth to join her so that they might perform a duet that they had practiced during her time in Hertfordshire. Elizabeth readily agreed and the two took their seats on the bench. Mr. Darcy visibly relaxed and offered to continue his service much to Miss Bingley's chagrin.

  All in the room were captivated by the performance. Georgiana's superior abilities were complemented by Elizabeth's natural grace at the instrument. When the song concluded, the ladies smiled at the applause provided. Mr. Darcy offered them both an arm and escorted them back to an open seating area. No sooner had the trio sat down, then Mrs. Bennet called across the room to request Miss Darcy's assistance.

  "Miss Darcy! Be a dear and help me describe to Jane what will best compliment the lovely scarf you helped Lizzy purchase. I do so trust your judgment." Mrs. Bennet bellowed.

  Slightly embarrassed by the attention this request caused, Georgiana stood quickly and said, "Of course, Mrs. Bennet. I would be happy to help in any way I can."

  Mrs. Bennet responded with a smile, "Thank you. Such a sweet girl."

  As Georgiana made her way across the room, Mrs. Bennet made eye contact with Elizabeth and it became clear what her intention had been to draw Georgiana away.

  When Elizabeth turned back to Mr. Darcy, she was certain that he also understood the ploy. The two sat mute for some moments before Elizabeth could no longer stand the silence.

  "I understand that you will be traveling again soon, sir."

  "Yes." Was the gentleman's clipped reply.

  Determined to lighten the air again, Elizabeth continued with a sly smile.

  "It is a pity that Georgiana cannot join you. She spoke so highly of your aunt."

  This comment worked as Mr. Darcy turned a shocked face and asked, "Georgiana spoke highly of our aunt Catherine?"

  At Elizabeth's laugh, Mr. Darcy could not help but chuckle too.

  "I see now that Georgiana must have spoken to you of our aunt; although, I doubt it was highly." He said softly.

  "I meant no offense. I only wanted to chase away the cloud that was hovering over your head, Mr. Darcy."

  With a smile, he responded, "That is certainly an office you are most qualified for, Miss Bennet."

  Soon after, the Bennet's returned to Longbourn after bidding the young Darcy's farewell. Since no opportunity presented itself to allow her to return Mr. Darcy's handkerchief undetected, Elizabeth felt that it was acceptable to keep it.

  Chapter 16

  Darcy watched the passing countryside with seeming intent interest, just as he had for the entire journey from London to Kent. His companion continually interrupted his thoughts; however, Darcy found that he was unable to pay attention for long before he retreated into his head again. Just as the carriage entered Kent, Darcy's cousin determined that he would tolerate such behavior no longer.

  "Darcy! I say, man, what is it that has you so pensive? I have had more rousing conversations with my horse than you have provided on this trip."

  Darcy cracked a smile before replying to his cousin.

  "I can imagine you having stimulating conversations with your horse; however, I would wager that it took place after a night of over-imbibing of your father's port rather than during a leisurely jaunt to visit our aunt."

  "Oh, do not put me off topic. Come now, tell your dear cousin what troubles you." Colonel Fitzwilliam coaxed.

  Darcy rolled his eyes and then resumed his position looking out the window with his head upon his hand.

  "I am in no mood to indulge your request, Fitz." He replied in a somber voice.

  "Ah, it is a woman then." Colonel Fitzwilliam stated knowingly.

  This attracted Darcy's attention and he sat up and looked across at his cousin with an astonished face.

  "What? How would you know that?"

  Now, his cousin's smile grew wide and he laughed before he answered.

  "Oh ho! I did not know any such thing until you just confirmed it! Tell me, who is the woman who has finally captured the attention of my illustrious cousin, eh? Has my mother succeeded and finally thrown a decent woman in your path?"

  Darcy was flustered with his slip and sat back in his seat with a huff. Undeterred by his cousin's silence, Col. Fitzwilliam pressed on.

  "Perhaps the lovely Woodward has caught your eye?" He questioned.

  When Darcy remained silent, Col. Fitzwilliam asked, "Tell me you have not fallen for Miss Bingley's ploys?"

  Darcy looked affronted and muttered, "Don't be ridiculous."

  His cousin appeared relieved and sat back to regard Darcy while formulating his next guess. Darcy raised his eyes under the scrutiny and growled, "Truly, Fitz, you carry on like an old woman! Perhaps you should spend more time with our dear aunt Catherine this trip rather than disappearing into the billiards room each night. I am certain she would enjoy gossiping with you."

  At the mention of their aunt, Col. Fitzwilliam paled. In a concerned voice, he begged,

  "Tell me you did not bring a ring to Kent, Darcy?"

  To say that Darcy was astonished would be a great understatement. His entire body stiffened and his mouth fell open in surprise.

  "How could you possibly know that? Have you been bribing my man to learn of my personal affairs?" Darcy accused in anger.

  "No, of course not. But…this cannot be! Do not jest with me Darcy. I was only teasing earlier but I will stop this carriage at once if you tell me that you plan to offer for Anne." Colonel Fitzwilliam bellowed with a red face.

  "Anne?" Darcy questioned. His anger was replaced with complete confusion.

  "Yes, Anne! I will not let you do it! I will not stand for it! Aunt Catherine is all bluster and you know it. There is absolutely no reason for a man in your position to bow to the wishes of an old harpy."

  "Do be clear, Fitz. I have no intention of ever offering for our cousin Anne, as you well know."

  Now, the Colonel's face displayed confusion.

  "Yes, but…you just admitted to bringing a ring to Kent? Enough of this nonsense, tell me what you are about! If for no other reason, than out of respect of the fact that I am Georgiana's guardian and should be aware of anything that shall affect her." The Colonel demanded.

  The two cousins stared at one another in standoff before Darcy finally put his head in hands in defeat.

  "Fine, fine…I will tell you all if only to stop this confusing interrogation. Perhaps it will help me to sort out what to do…" Darcy trailed off as he again avoided his cousin's insistent stare by looking out the window.

  Satisfied and beyond curious, Colonel Fitzwilliam waited patiently for Darcy to continue. He had not long to wait.

  "It is true, I have met a woman whom I have come to regard highly. She is intelligent, witty…"

  "Beautiful?" Col. Fitzwilliam offered with a smile.

  Darcy ignored his teasing and continued.

  "I have never met a woman quite like her among the Ton. I am at ease in her company and she does not pander to my every whim. Quite the opposite actually." Darcy adds with a chuckle.

  "Well, then, what is there to decide? She sounds perfect for you and I shall wish you joy as soon as you have come to the point."

  "Unfortunately, her circumstances are not what they ought to be. I do not believe that I could marry so far beneath me without significant repercussions."

  "Her circumstances cannot be so low if you have had occasion to become so acquainted as you describe. Also, why are you carrying the ring about the countryside? Shouldn't we have canceled this blasted visit so that you might propose
to your lady?"

  Darcy groaned and leaned back into his seat before scrubbing his hands roughly over his face.

  "She is in Kent." He said in a small voice.

  Colonel Fitzwilliam became animated once again.

  "Ah! Now I see! You are the sly one, Darce. The dutiful nephew visiting his aunt with the hopes of ferreting out a fiancé while in residence! Poor Aunt Catherine shall be devastated!" He laughed.

  Then rubbing his hands together with a devious smile, he added, "No, she will not be devastated…she will be absolutely irate! Oh, Darce, thank you for dragging me away from Town. I would not miss this for the world!"

  Darcy scowled as his cousin continued to laugh.

  "I am happy that my troubles amuse you."

  "Come now, you know that I will support you and do my utmost to assist when our aunt begins her tirade."

  "There will be no tirade. I do not plan to offer for the young lady." Darcy said dejectedly.

  "What are you going on about? Why would you not offer for her?"

  "As I stated earlier, her circumstances are decidedly below my own. She has family in trade. Her mother is a notorious social-climber. Her younger sisters are absurd. She has little or no dowry to speak of."

  Darcy said all of this with a voice full of disdain and with an expectation that his cousin would require no further proof of why such a match could not come about.