OUT OF THE BLUE CLEAR SKY: (A PRIDE AND PREJUDICE VARIATION)

by SANDRA P. HIGGINS

  Elizabeth was returning home from a short walk when she spotted a grand coach as it made the turn toward Netherfield. Now she wondered about this strange feeling of happiness that overwhelmed her and she actually started to giggle and she blushed profusely. She was proud that such a man would search for her and later befriend her and she quickly hurried home to prepare for the evening, but she could not stop thinking of Mr. Darcy.

  He may be described as the most sought after bachelor in all the land but he and I are friends and I care for him. Yes, I have a good feeling about this man. What shall I do if he asks to kiss me?

  When the coach arrived at Netherfield Darcy and his friend came out to greet Georgiana and helped her and the others inside as servants came out to assist with moving the trunks.

  Georgiana passed up the opportunity to refresh as she toured the house with the two men.

  “This is a grand estate, Mr. Bingley. How do you like your neighbors?”

  “Our nearest neighbors are the Bennets and they have five daughters.”

  “Have you found any woman who you wish to know better?”

  “I enjoy the company of the eldest Bennet daughter, Jane and your brother appears to be interested in the second daughter, Elizabeth.”

  Georgiana expected a reply from her brother but he left Bingley’s words go unchanged. She next saw a happiness in her brother’s face that she had rarely seen and now she was eager to learn more.

  Later, after refreshing a bit she and her brother went for a walk in the gardens.

  “William, I am so pleased that you and Mr. Bingley have invited me to visit. The timing is perfect as I have just completed my studies and Mrs. Annesley has already left for Liverpool.”

  “Is there any later news about her mother? I believe she may be away for several weeks helping her mother with her sickness.”

  “That is true but she was in good spirits and hopefully her mother will recover soon. Anyway, I do not expect her to return until the new year. Do you see yourself being here or in town or at Pemberley for Christmas?”

  “We will have to wait and see. At least it should be more pleasurable without Mr. Bingley’s sisters.” Darcy could see his sister’s happiness in what he said and nothing more was needed.

  “My big concern is how you are doing now that you have finally met Miss Elizabeth? Mr. Bingley said you are attracted to her.”

  “You are correct and I will not deny it.”

  “Georgie, she noticed that I was staring at her in the bookstore in town and told me that she had noticed you as well. She said you are pretty and asked if you were a great reader. After that I said you were interested in many things including reading but that you enjoy playing the pianoforte and most of your subjects and I said you read more than most people.”

  “So what can you tell me about her family?”

  “I only briefly met her mother and father that night at Lucas Lodge when Sir William Lucas introduced me to them. Of course I also met all her sisters. You will have an opportunity when we go to Longbourn to meet the other sisters. Let me see, the youngest daughter is Lydia and she is about your age. The next sister is not two years older and she is Catherine but is called Kitty by her family and friends. The middle sister is Mary and of all the Bennet daughters, she is probably the one who reads the most. Much of her reading includes Fordyce’s Sermons. According to Miss Elizabeth, Mary is often at the pianoforte practicing her playing but she plays loudly and this greatly disturbs her father.”

  “You have not told me about Elizabeth and the other sister?”

  “I was about to get to that Georgie, but I believe that Miss Elizabeth is not yet one and twenty and her sister, Jane is twenty-two. I believe most people would consider that Jane is the most beautiful of the sisters and perhaps the reason is she is so kind hearted and can find no trouble and no issues with anyone she meets. In many ways she is much like Charles Bingley. At the dinner party I noticed both she and Charles were either talking or staring at each other most of the evening.”

  “You cannot hide your smile so you are holding the best for last, are you not?”

  “In her own way, Miss Elizabeth is very different from all the women I have ever known. She has an excellent memory and it is as good or better than any person I have ever met. It appears she was educated by her father who graduated from Cambridge and taught her most of what she knows.”

  “Are all her sisters that well educated?”

  “No, for she told me that she is her father’s favourite and he alone educated her. He wished to teach all the sisters but the others refused and were taught by their mother.”

  “Then he had plenty of time to devote to her. Why was she in town?”

  “In my letter I told you she was visiting her Aunt Gardiner to help with the children. Her uncle is the owner of Gardiner Importers and Exporters. The man has a growing business and is well respected. He is Mrs. Bennet’s younger brother.”

  “That is a good thing.”

  “Miss Elizabeth rises early and takes daily walks before breakfast. Her father worries for her safety but he cannot stop her walks. She said she is always looking around in case trouble is lurking but she walks so early that she has rarely seen another person.”

  “Then has she had any problems on her walks later in the day?”

  “I have not asked her but she normally walks with a sister to go into Meryton but sometimes she goes there by herself but she has not mentioned any problems.”

  “But you would not allow me such freedom.”

  “No, Georgie, as your guardian I would not allow that. Just yesterday she and I were walking and she slipped and fell down an incline and sprained her wrist. I was with her at the time and was not able to stop her fall but saw her most of the way home. We agreed not to tell anyone and I have already told you. Please do not say I told you?”

  “William, I promise you I will not say anything. I suppose she would get in trouble with her father and mother if they learned of her walking with you and getting hurt during your walk?”

  “She did tell me that she might later tell her father of our walk but she would not dare to tell her mother because such news would lead to expectations of marriage between myself and Miss Elizabeth along with the marriage between Charles and Jane.”

  “But why the urgency to see her daughters married so soon?”

  “Georgie, the problem is that Longbourn is entailed along the male line and the Bennet’s never had a son. Once Mr. Bennet passes the others will be turned out of their home and left to fend for themselves.”

  “Then I can see why her mother is hoping that you and Mr. Bingley will save the day. Did Miss Elizabeth tell you of her mother’s plans regarding her daughters?”

  “She did tell me these things and even laughed at my stories about the women of the town forcing their daughters on me.”

  “Then your friend does not appear to be a fortune hunter, do you think?”

  “No Georgie, she is not that way at all. I think she is as innocent in matters of the heart just as I am. Miss Jane Bennet told Mr. Bingley that her sister will only marry for the deepest love.”

  “Then I am hoping to learn over the coming weeks if she and you have a future together. You have never met a woman who you have been interested in. Brother, you must see that she is not a choice that our family would get too excited about. One obstacle is Aunt Catherine would object and so might our uncle. To put it her way, Miss Elizabeth and her family are not from our sphere.”

  “I can agree with you that Aunt Catherine would cause problems, but Uncle Fitzwilliam and Aunt Marilyn have been pushing for me to get married and to produce an heir for Pemberley and Darcy House. I am not worried and neither should you worry. We will let that decision be made later and I think you will want her as a sister.”

  After their talk they returned inside and prepared for the trip to Longbourn.

  * *

  Back at Longbourn Mrs. Bennet took a particular interest in her daug
hters visit to Netherfield. Mr. Bennet had an earlier conversation with her after meeting the man at Lucas Lodge and then as the two eldest daughters were upstairs preparing for the evening he asked his wife not to interfere between the couples. He told her that he did not want the men to feel uncomfortable at Longbourn and that their daughters were women and they did not have to answer to their parents as if they were children. In reality, he feared his wife would scare away the men and the mother now saw the wisdom in making Longbourn a place where the men would be comfortable visiting.

  Elizabeth was the first to arrive downstairs and her mother greeted her there.

  “You look lovely, Lizzy. I am certain Mr. Darcy and his sister will enjoy the evening as much as you.”

  Just then Jane appeared and her mother greeted her the same way and gave each of her daughters a necklace to wear. Jane chose the pearls and Elizabeth the gold necklace with a gold cross. After inspecting each daughter’s hair, they returned to the parlor to await the arrival of their friends from Netherfield.

  Moments later Kitty heard the coach and saw it arrive and all the Bennets awaited their visitors. Darcy took Georgiana’s hand and helped her from the coach. Moments later, Mrs. Hill announced their presence as the guests joined them in the parlor where Darcy introduced his sister.

  “We are honored to see you all, and Miss Darcy, I hope you will enjoy your stay in Hertfordshire? My daughters would like to invite you for tea on the morrow and then perhaps you might all walk to Meryton or you can stay here?”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Bennet, and I am pleased to accept the offer. My brother will bring me here and return for me later.”

  Darcy was uncomfortable with the way Mr. Bennet looked at him and figured that Elizabeth had told him of their walk earlier.

  “Miss Elizabeth, you are hurt,” replied Mr. Bingley.

  “I fell yesterday on a walk and have sprained my wrist, so I have a sling to keep it protected.” Darcy’s eyes met Elizabeth’s and saw that Mr. Bennet was watching both of them.

  As the older man walked to the coach, he watched as Darcy was about to assist his Lizzy inside. Now be careful Lizzy to protect your wrist, and Mr. Darcy, I expect to see my daughters home before midnight.

  “Sir, I will see to that,” replied both Darcy and his friend at the same time.

  “Papa, Jane and I will return before midnight.”

  Moments later the coach left for Netherfield.

  * *

  “Oh my!” exclaimed Jane as she entered the grand house. “Lizzy, it looks so different from what I remember.”

  “You have a fine house Mr. Bingley,” Jane said.

  Netherfield House was indeed a grand house. It was situated on a large acreage with several tenant farms. The new furnishings were fine and the house was decorated in a manner that would satisfy most visitors. The doors were of walnut and so was much of the wood paneling and the shelving in the library. Italian marble covered the ballroom as well as some other rooms. All the rooms had tall ornate ceilings and tall windows that brought sunlight into the house for most of the day. The front of the house included a circular drive that was widened at the entrance to the house and was very helpful when a large party of guests visited such as for a ball or other such occasion.

  Mr. Bingley next smiled at the sisters and proudly showed them around and Darcy noticed how both sisters brought Georgiana into the conversation. Already he could see Georgiana gain confidence in stating her opinion and asking questions. He had never seen her this way before and watching her mature before his very eyes pleased him greatly. Elizabeth and Darcy caught each other’s eye as Georgiana smiled at him and both knew they were witnessing Georgiana’s social maturing.

  After showing the house they walked outside and Mr. Bingley discussed his plan to improve the gardens and give the house a better look for the gardens were in need of much work and many of the plantings were long in tooth and changes were needed.

  Lastly they visited the library and already some of the books had been put on the shelves by one of the servants. Darcy soon noticed Elizabeth perusing some of the books and saw the excitement in her eyes as she ran her fingers over the leather binding and gilded pages.

  “Mr. Darcy, these books are of the very best quality. My father could not afford to buy a book of this quality.”

  “I did not pay for these books but most of my books are of this quality.”

  “Is your library in town as large as this one?”

  “My study is about this size but I have more books. I think these are a good start and later I will bring more.”

  “You have your library in your study?”

  “No, I keep a few hundred books in my study and the adjacent library has over a thousand.”

  Elizabeth was shocked to hear this news when Georgiana next spoke.

  “Miss Elizabeth, I would be honored if you could visit with me before Christmas and I will be happy to show you the library and anything else you wish to see. I do think you will enjoy the experience.”

  “Thank you, Miss Darcy, I should enjoy visiting with you and your brother.”

  Elizabeth smiled at Darcy who seemed very pleased at this turn of events but as she began to put the books on the shelves in an orderly manner, a book fell and hit her wrist on the way to the floor. She now winced in pain.

  “I am so sorry, Mr. Darcy. I did not see the book about to fall and it grazed my wrist.”

  Darcy took her to a settee and carefully examined her wrist. The touch of his fingers against her bare skin was new to her and made her relax but as she studied his face she felt her heart beating wildly and when he looked at her and smiled she blushed crimson.

  “Miss Elizabeth, I promised your father that I will look after you and I will keep that promise.”

  “Now, my friend, as I call out the title, I need you to suggest where it should go and I will place it.”

  This went on for over half an hour and many of the books were shelved.

  Jane and Mr. Bingley were nearby perusing books but left the shelving task to Darcy and Elizabeth and Georgiana.

  While everyone was still in the library it was Elizabeth who brought up the subject that the women should address each other by their first name. Of course this did nothing to help Mr. Darcy or Mr. Bingley until they became engaged. Still it was a sincere gesture and already Georgiana and her new friends were beginning to feel a sisterly bond.

  The dinner went very well and the friends spoke of many things and the men served the Bennet ladies some of the wine Darcy had requested Georgiana bring with her. Though Georgiana did not drink any wine, both Jane and Elizabeth had two glasses and Georgiana joined the others in several toasts to Netherfield, the beauty of the ladies and their new friendships.

  Georgiana did not join the others in returning to Longbourn but retired to her room where she thought of her good fortune to have such friends.

  “Thank you for the dinner party, Mr. Bingley,” said Jane, unable to stop smiling.

  Elizabeth then thanked both men and said she too enjoyed the evening with Georgiana and both of the men.

  “If I can be so bold I propose we go to Meryton with you gentlemen whilst our younger sisters visit with Georgiana?”

  Darcy now looked at Elizabeth and both he and Bingley declared that was a good idea but Darcy next spoke. “We will see you at two and will take the carriage. Now try and protect your wrist, Miss Elizabeth. I should not want your father to think I had not protected you.”

  “I do thank you Mr. Darcy for watching over me and my sprained wrist.”

  She flashed him a big smile and moments later she and her sister entered the house as the men returned to Netherfield.

  “That was even a better time than I imagined, Lizzy? I am just so happy. Mr. Bingley and I have so many things in common and I just love his countenance.”

  “You do seem to get along well with him. He told Mr. Darcy that he was very pleased that his sisters were not present and I certainly can underst
and that.”

  “But Lizzy, you and Mr. Darcy also have much in common. I was watching both of you and it turns out that Georgiana was doing the same. She is a delightful young woman and her brother is very proud of her. I am certain our other sisters will get on well with her.”

  “Mr. Darcy said his sister is not unlike you, Jane. Think of it, you are of a similar height and are slim with blue eyes and fair skin and blonde hair and you have a similar countenance and each of you are beautiful inside and outside.”

  “That is kind of you to say such things Lizzy, but I have noticed that Mr. Darcy rarely takes his eyes off of you. Could you consider such a man for a husband?”

  “It is too early to speculate on our future together. Jane, it is best not to think of such things. He would not offer for me when he has his pick of practically any single women in all of England.”

  “You are wrong, Lizzy. His looking for you in town tells me he cares for you. I think he may be in love with you.”

  Elizabeth did not want to continue this talk for she was tired and did not want Jane to know of her feelings for the man or that he kissed her in her dream the previous night.

  As Jane returned to her room, Elizabeth went to the mirror and looked at the face staring back and blew out the candle. She had enjoyed her evening better than she had thought but dared not entertain thoughts that Darcy might love her. But more and more that was what she wanted. Now in bed she thought of earlier when Jane and Mr. Bingley were talking amongst themselves and when Georgiana told Elizabeth how excited her brother was when he first saw her in the bookstore and that Darcy got little sleep because he was thinking of her but Elizabeth had similar thoughts about him.

  Later she caught herself smiling about her feelings for the man and she did not really care if she had trouble sleeping, for he was worth it and he had already said the same thing about her.

  The next day the visitors from Netherfield stopped at Longbourn for Georgiana’s tea with the remaining Bennet daughters but the gentlemen joined with Jane and Elizabeth to visit Meryton. After the tea the younger sisters and Georgiana soon went upstairs to visit and many questions were asked as the sound of girls giggling could be heard upstairs.