Friends Before Lovers

by Alicia Rogers

"Of course, er…yes, I apologize, Miss Bennet." He mumbled as he turned around.

  In another quick moment, Elizabeth was once again appropriately clothed for company. She walked quietly up the path.

  "You may turn around now, Mr. Darcy." She said with a smile.

  The gentleman turned around but started again when he realized how closely Elizabeth was behind him.

  "I apologize again, Miss Bennet, for surprising you in such a…while you appeared to be enjoying the day." He said awkwardly.

  "I accept your apology, sir, on the condition that we never speak of exactly how I was enjoying the day?" She questioned.

  With a slight chuckle, Mr. Darcy bowed his acceptance of such terms.

  "If you were done admiring the stream, could I escort you back to the parsonage?" He asked as he extended his arm.

  Elizabeth slipped her hand on top of his arm and they began walking towards the main path. The silence was only broken minutes later when Elizabeth spoke again.

  "I do consider myself fortunate, though." She said cryptically.

  Mr. Darcy had regained much of his composure by this point. He turned to look at his companion with a furrowed brow.

  "Why is that, Miss Bennet?"

  "Well, I would not doubt that I am the sole person within the kingdom who knows that you are capable of an excellent fish impersonation!"

  Mr. Darcy looked completely affronted by this proclamation. Yet, as Elizabeth laughed heartily at her own joke, the gentleman could not resist joining her.

  Chapter 20

  The following week found the occupants from the parsonage once again invited to Rosings. It was a lovely day and Lady Catherine felt generous to share the beauty of her grounds with the parson and his family for afternoon tea. Although Colonel Fitzwilliam had informed his aunt that he had business correspondence to attend to, Darcy entered the parlor in time to greet their guests.

  Soon after tea, Lady Catherine suggested that the party adjourn to the veranda to enjoy the splendors that Rosings offered.

  "How kind, Lady Catherine!" gushed Mr. Collins.

  "Come, Mrs. Collins, Cousin Elizabeth." The stout man demanded as he ushered the ladies out the door.

  Mr. Darcy moved to follow but was interrupted by Lady Catherine.

  "Darcy, do not rush off in such a fashion. You must assist your cousin Anne." The elder woman stated with a smile as she gestured in the direction of Miss de Bourgh. That young woman did not raise her eyes to meet her cousin's gaze but only sighed as though it was a chore to join the party outside.

  "Yes, aunt." Darcy replied.

  Lady Catherine gave a nod of approval before continuing.

  "I believe that I will remain in the parlor."

  Darcy stopped to look back at his aunt with an expression of displeasure but only bowed in response before continuing outdoors with his cousin.

  Not long after, Colonel Fitzwilliam entered the parlor.

  "Good Afternoon, aunt. I see that I am too late to enjoy our company for tea."

  "Yes, you most certainly are tardy. It is quite rude to abandon your relatives while visiting. Perhaps your mother failed to mention that when teaching you etiquette." Lady Catherine said with a huff of annoyance.

  "Yes, well, I am bound by my vow to the Crown and dare not put off correspondence with my commanding officer. Even for you, Lady Catherine." Col. Fitzwilliam replied with a smile.

  When his aunt did not reply to this little speech, he asked, "Where is Darcy?"

  "Oh, he and Anne are enjoying the afternoon on the veranda with our guests from the parsonage."

  Upon hearing this, the Colonel stepped towards the doors.

  "Hmmm…yes, I can see that Darcy is quite enjoying his afternoon."

  Something in his voice caught the attention of Lady Catherine but the Colonel quickly turned back towards her.

  "I am surprised to find you remaining indoors while your guests are being entertained on your grounds." Colonel Fitzwilliam said alluding to his aunt's earlier reprimand of his tardiness.

  If his aunt heard the slight note of accusation in his voice, she did not address it but chose to don a look of contentedness.

  "Darcy and Anne are tending to the guests. It shall only allow them to become more accustomed to what their duties will be once they are wed."

  With a look of exasperation, Colonel Fitzwilliam endeavored to brooch the delicate subject.

  "Aunt Catherine, I wish that you would accept that Darcy is his own man. When it comes to choosing a bride, I believe he shall follow his own counsel."

  "Nonsense! Darcy knows what is expected of him. He shall not defy the wishes of my late sister. He has remained unattached all of these years in order to allow Anne the time to mature and prepare for her role as Mistress of Pemberly." Lady Catherine said with a knowing look to her recalcitrant nephew.

  Colonel Fitzwilliam thought it best to only plant the seed that disappointment may be in his aunt's future. He walked towards the door to the veranda and paused a moment.

  "Or, perhaps, he had not met the right young lady in all of those years."

  The Colonel walked out of the room. His words carried a sound of warning to them that affected Lady Catherine. She rose and slowly walked to the window. She saw that the Colonel had just joined Mr. and Mrs. Collins at the table. She was surprised to find that Anne was also seated at the table playing with the fringe of her lap blanket. Wondering why Darcy had abandoned his post at her daughter's side, she glanced over towards the rose garden.

  Lady Catherine's eyes narrowed as she watched her normally staid nephew laughing, truly laughing, with Miss Bennet! Her mouth set in a thin line, she quickly turned to exit the room telling the footman to inform her guests that she was retiring to her rooms for an afternoon rest. She required time to ponder how best to deal with a certain young woman from Hertfordshire.

  Chapter 21

  Darcy slowly made his way down the sloping path towards the stream. He thought that he heard a faint humming but could not locate where the sound was coming from as he navigated his way through the brush. Just as he emerged, a small gasp sounded and he squinted through the sunlight to ascertain who had usurped his favorite hideaway.

  He released a gasp of his own once his eyes adjusted and he made out the form of Elizabeth. She was radiant as she stood in the water with a look of surprise upon her face.

  "Elizabeth" he whispered.

  Slowly, a smile crept across her face.

  "You have found me again, sir. I am unable to escape you regardless of where I run."

  He quickly approached her and took her into his arms. They both sighed at the contact. Darcy could feel the lazy current of the stream flowing over his boots.

  "No, Elizabeth, it is I who cannot run away from you." Darcy said as he lowered his head to kiss her lips.

  Darcy had longed for this moment, to finally act upon all that he was feeling in his heart. Unfortunately, it was not to be.

  Darcy woke up with a start and quickly looked around the room to ascertain his surroundings. It was with a frustrated sigh that he realized what he had just experienced was only a vivid dream. He groaned as he fell back onto the bed and stared at the tapestry hanging above him.

  "I cannot continue in this fashion." He whispered to himself.

  He decided that today would be the day that he ended his agony. With a new vigor, he rang for his man to dress and seal his future. A future with Elizabeth at his side. With that happy thought, he secured the box containing his mother's ring in his pocket and descended the stairs with determination.

  It was still quite early so Darcy was taken aback when his aunt called to him from the sitting room as he passed by it in the hall.

  "Darcy, we must speak." Lady Catherine commanded and then turned to re-enter the room.

  Darcy's surprise was evident upon his face; however, he bowed and followed her into the room. Once he saw that his aunt was seated comfortably, he stood opposite of her, waiting.

  "D
o sit down, Darcy. My neck will not thank me for staring up at you during our discourse."

  "I am quite eager to ride this morning, aunt. Could we not speak once I return?"

  Lady Catherine slightly narrowed her eyes before responding.

  "Yes, I am well aware of how much you enjoy your rides about my grounds. However, I must insist that you attend me. I have a most important matter that cannot be delayed."

  Suspicious yet intrigued, Darcy nodded his head and then sat down to face his aunt.

  Lady Catherine's normally stern countenance softened before she began to speak again.

  "Darcy…you must know that you and Georgiana are quite dear to me. Nearly as dear to me as Anne."

  Darcy was puzzled by this unusual show of affection but nodded and said, "Thank you, aunt."

  She smiled slightly before continuing.

  "It is because I care so much for you that I feel I must speak up regarding your choice in marriage partner."

  Darcy now believed he understood where this conversation was headed.

  "Aunt Catherine, I have told you many times that I care for Anne only as a cousin ought. I have no intention of offering for her hand; although, I hold her in the highest respect."

  Lady Catherine's face pinched but she did her utmost to relax once again.

  "Yes, you have spoken your feelings regarding the match that was the dearest wish of my late sister and I. However, I am not speaking of my Anne at this time. I am referring to your attachment to Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

  Darcy was now on immediate alert.

  "Did you think that your affection for the girl would go unnoticed? Truly, I have not seen a young man so besotted in quite some time. I would not be surprised if you are on the verge of offering for her."

  Darcy remained quiet which was confirmation enough for Lady Catherine.

  "I see. Well, I can only hope that I am not too late. Have you already made an offer for her hand?" She questioned.

  "No, I have not. However, I do not believe that my choice in a marriage partner is any concern of yours, aunt." Darcy said forcefully.

  Lady Catherine sat up straighter, "No concern of mine? That my own nephew would fall prey to a fortune hunter…while a guest at my estate no less! This is not to be borne. You are too intelligent to fall for such scheming."

  "Miss Bennet has shown herself to be a friend to both Georgiana and myself. I have seen no evidence to conclude that she is a fortune hunter."

  Lady Catherine took a moment to control her anger before replying. She knew that she must tread carefully to win her point.

  "Darcy, I grant you that Miss Bennet is a lovely girl. I have quite enjoyed her lively presence during her visit. Lord knows that she had enough sense in her head to refuse Collins' offer…"

  At Darcy's sharp intake of breath, Lady Catherine stopped to see the look of surprise upon his face.

  "Oh! I see you were unaware that my parson made Miss Bennet an offer of marriage. Well, I assure you that he sought her hand fervently and was soundly rejected."

  Darcy could not control his feelings of indignation, "He is completely ridiculous, aunt!"

  "Yes, of course he is! However, you must ask yourself, why? Why would a young woman reject an offer from a respectable parson who is to inherit their family estate?"

  Darcy did not respond so Lady Catherine continued in a softer voice.

  "Perhaps she knew that greener pastures were ahead? Perhaps she felt that she should wait until her season in Town where her new, wealthy brother-in-law might introduce her to gentlemen of higher rank?"

  With Darcy's continued silence, Lady Catherine felt that she would press on once more. Laying her hand upon Darcy's, she looked every bit the concerned aunt.

  "I have never hidden my hope for you and Anne, as you well know. However, you are your own man. A gentleman with great responsibility. A man with a young sister who requires your guidance. Think of Georgiana, Darcy! What would such a match teach her? That nothing is owed to your family and you may wed any pretty face that catches your eye?"

  It was this comment that was Darcy's undoing. He abruptly stood and walked towards the door. Without looking back, he merely whispered,

  "Forgive me, aunt, but I must have some air."

  Lady Catherine nodded her understanding but remained quiet. Once she saw that her nephew left the house, she sat back heavily in her chair. There was a small part of her that felt sorry for the dejection that she saw upon her nephew's face; however, the greater part rejoiced in her triumph.

  Chapter 22

  Darcy walked the grounds of Rosings trying to make sense of the chaos in his mind. He knew Elizabeth to be well-mannered and a faithful friend. Georgiana seemed to blossom in her company. However, he could not help but acknowledge that many ladies had attempted to find their way into his personal life by using Georgiana. Wasn't that exactly the reason Georgie was uncomfortable with Miss Bingley? Could it be possible that he was falling prey to a fortune hunter without realizing it? So caught up in his thoughts, Darcy did not realize that he had arrived at the very idyll from his dreams until he heard a laugh.

  "I would say good morning to you, sir; however, I fear that this morning has not proven to be good to you at all. What has placed that scowl so firmly on your brow?" Elizabeth asked with a smile.

  "Forgive me, I did not realize that my countenance was so distasteful." Darcy responded grumpily, while still moving to stand near where Elizabeth was perched atop a fallen tree trunk.

  Elizabeth was surprised that her friendly jab was received so seriously. She stood and touched his arm.

  "No, forgive me, Mr. Darcy. Perhaps you have reason to be ill-tempered and I, in my usual manner, spoke with too much levity. Are you well, sir?"

  Darcy stared at the young lady before him trying to discern if she was earnest in her concern. Was he only seeing what he hoped to find? His lack of response did not go unnoticed by Miss Bennet.

  "Truly, Mr. Darcy, your silence is disconcerting. Have you heard from Miss Darcy? I hope that she is not unwell?"

  "My sister is quite well. Thank you for your concern." Darcy said in clipped tones.

  Elizabeth merely nodded and decided to resume her seat upon a fallen tree trunk.

  Darcy could see that his sharp responses were upsetting Miss Bennet; however, the thought that she might not feel for him as he did for her would not stop pounding in his head.

  A silence fell between them that was as yet unknown in the history of their friendship. Darcy wanted to ease the tension but knew not how to achieve it. He merely stood stupidly while she sat watching the stream. After some moments, Elizabeth spoke.

  "I have enjoyed my time at Hunsford…certainly, more than I had anticipated."

  "You did not anticipate enjoying time with your childhood friend?" He questioned.

  "Oh, yes, of course Charlotte is very dear to me. Perhaps it would have been more appropriate if I had said that I anticipated enjoying only my friend's company? I was pleasantly surprised to find a friend as well as an entertaining new acquaintance at Rosings during my stay."

  She smiled brilliantly at Darcy and it almost took his breath away. Unfortunately, the feeling was short-lived as he recalled his earlier conversation with his aunt. Could this flattery of both Darcy as well as his cousin by part of the arts employed to gain favor?

  "My cousin is quite affable, especially when in company with handsome women. However, he is well aware that his lifestyle will require a practical eye when he chooses a partner in matrimony. The second son of an Earl may not go where his heart leads."

  Elizabeth's cheeks pinked at his response and the implication.

  "Well, how lucky for your cousin that a second son's eye is so frequently drawn to the beauty of an heiress. Fear not, with Colonel Fitzwilliam's charm, I do not believe he will have a shortage of suitable young ladies within the Ton." Elizabeth responded with a light chuckle.

  The instant the compliment registered, Darcy was consumed with je
alousy.

  "That may be true; however, your own prospects have grown significantly now that your sister married Mr. Bingley. I'm sure that your mother would be quite happy that you have found yourself at a country estate among two eligible gentlemen."

  Darcy could see the sting of his words upon her face, which at once dropped the smile and reflected the hurt that he had caused.

  "What could you hope to accomplish from saying such a thing to me? Do you mean to humiliate or offend, sir?"