by April Karber
Elizabeth was surprised when Darcy sat beside her as soon as the gentlemen were allowed to join the ladies. She glanced quickly about the room to see if they were the object of any study, but only a red-faced Caroline seemed to give them any thought.
Darcy said not a word, and Elizabeth was reminded of when she had first seen him, when he had only appeared tall, dour, unreadable. She risked a glance up at his face now, wondering if she would find that man beside her. She found no sign of cruelty that she used to, no sign of disapproval either. His expression was the same as it had been the evening of the Meryton assembly, but her understanding of the man had changed. Darcy turned, meeting her eyes.
In the silence, all she could hear was the beating of her heart.
Finally, she felt compelled to speak, “We have a great deal to discuss, Mr. Darcy.” She referred, of course, to his involvement with Lydia’s wedding, but, as she quickly realized, he would be unaware that she knew of it. She searched for something else to say to make her statement more clear, but everything that came to mind was far too impertinent.
He looked at her in surprise and answered, “I realize my skills at conversation have not improved.”
“No, it’s just…” she attempted to explain when Fitzwilliam interrupted.
“I daresay they have not improved, Darcy. Though you were never one to take our aunt’s advice about practice.”
Caroline shot daggers in their direction, but turned to faithfully ensnare Georgiana in conversation in hopes that her brother would join them. The action only succeeded in capturing Elizabeth’s pity, however, and she moved to Georgiana’s aid.
“Excuse me, gentleman, I’ve only just heard Miss Bingley discussing Italian poetry and I would enjoy having a part in the conversation, if you will excuse me.” She bowed somewhat awkwardly and moved to the other side of the room as both men’s eyes followed her.
“What exactly do you find so difficult, Darcy?” Fitzwilliam asked in hushed tones.
“I was not yet prepared to broach the subject, Fitzwilliam, and you interrupted us,” Darcy replied, frustrated.
“I did not interrupt much. She is the most talented conversationalist I have ever met and yet your presence seems to do away with that quality in her. I don’t know how you do it.”
“We have shared a great deal of conversation, on the contrary. Though much of it has occurred while we were alone together.”
Fitzwilliam raised an eyebrow, “A waste then, if that is how you choose to spend time alone with a lovely lady.”
“Fitzwilliam.” Darcy warned.
“I surrender,” Fitzwilliam raised his hands in a gesture of peace, “so long as there are ladies present,” his eyes shone wickedly.
! ("! Chapter 27 The day of the wedding arrived, and Elizabeth began to sympathize with her mother’s nerves. It had all been taxing: the preparations, the cooking, the constant arrangements and worry, but it was nothing compared to the knowledge that when it was all over, it would mean the loss of her favorite sister.
The thought was just as unbearable to Jane, who had spoken to Bingley days before about bringing Elizabeth. Elizabeth had insisted that Jane not mention it, but Jane was adamant. Elizabeth knew that it was done in many families, that the next in line accompany the married sister on her honeymoon in order to make matches beyond their sphere, but she did not wish to intrude upon their travels and celebration. It was not yet decided when or where the honeymoon would take place, however, so Elizabeth hoped there was still a chance of convincing Jane to leave her.
Until their coach approached the Church where the ceremony was to be held, Elizabeth had not given a thought to seeing Darcy. She decided, for the sake of their future as mutual friends of the bride and groom that she would neglect to mention her knowledge of his interference with Lydia. He had not wanted her to know, and her mentioning it would surely cause him pain and embarrassment. They needed no further complications. Besides Bingley and Jane, they would no longer have anything in common. They would be nothing to one another but acquaintances, just as she had said to Lady Catherine. They could be nothing more.
But for the towering form of Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth enjoyed the ceremony immensely. No one could question the attachment of bride and groom, as there was no one smiling so eagerly in all of England. Jane had never looked more beautiful and Mr. Bingley complimented her very well with his bright eyes and dashing coat. Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth could not help but noticing, looked very well. His dark coat complimented his eyes beautifully, and Elizabeth caught herself admiring his form, accentuated by his formal wear. He had not noticed, she knew, but she felt as though she was the object of his gaze as soon as she looked away. The idea made her shiver, not altogether unpleasantly.
After the ceremony, Netherfield hosted a magnificent wedding breakfast that nearly the entire town attended. Even Mrs. Bennet admitted the logic in such a scheme, for she had, up until that moment, wished it had been held at Longbourn.
Elizabeth felt at a loss as to what to she should do. Her family was scattered about, socializing or otherwise boasting of the match. Jane and Bingley were acting as hosts, greeting and thanking everyone in attendance. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Darcy were nowhere in sight. Just as she spotted Maria Lucas and was making her way towards her, Darcy cut her off, offering her refreshment. Wine, she realized.
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy,” she smiled politely and took a large sip to squelch the tingling sensation of nerves fluttering in her stomach. How was she to school her natural response to him if he remained so attentive and handsome?
“It was a beautiful ceremony,” he said, looking into his own cup.
! (#! “It was. I have never seen Jane so happy,” she peered across the crowd at her sister who was shining with joy.
“Nor I of Bingley,” Mr. Darcy responded.
They were silent for a moment, and then Darcy spoke again.
“Have you given any thought to Bingley’s offer?” he asked, sounding as though he were not giving the subject much attention.
“I have not been aware of any offer, so I am afraid you can have no answer from me.” She worried that this would be about their honeymoon, if anything had been settled.
“I apologize, Miss Bennet, I thought that Bingley and your sister would have had time to speak with you.” He looked panicked.
“Please do not distress yourself or apologize. We will both have our answers soon enough, for here they come,” she spotted Jane and Bingley moving towards them. Bingley patted Darcy on the back and gestured for him to follow him.
“Ladies, if you will excuse us.” He and Jane shared knowing smiles and Elizabeth turned to Jane, prepared already for what she was to hear.
“Oh, Lizzy! Mr. Bing- Charles, has given me the most wonderful news. Surely you cannot decline us now. Mr. and Miss Darcy have asked that we join them at their home in Derbyshire for our honeymoon. You see, Charles has been eager to purchase an estate of his own and he has been made aware of some prospects near Pemberley. We are to spend a few months at the estate while we look for a home for purchase. Once we are settled we are to travel, most likely to Italy. Oh, Lizzy! I am so happy!”
Jane grasped Elizabeth’s hands, imploring her to answer.
“Jane, I am happy for you both and I believe it is a very good plan. However, I must decline the invitation. I am sure that Mr. Darcy extended the invitation with no knowledge that I would be joining you.”
As she said the words, she realized what Darcy had been asking her. What else could he have meant when he had referred to, “Bingley’s offer?” But why would he have invited her to Pemberley? Surely it would be an uncomfortable situation for both of them.
“I assure you, Elizabeth, that Mr. Darcy knew of our intention to take you with us and would be delighted to have you. He has said as much to Mr. Bing- Charles, and myself. And Miss Darcy has said much the same.” Jane said.
“Perhaps he knew of your inviting me with you and thought to extend the invitation when
he invited you to Pemberley out of politeness. Mr. Darcy is always the gentleman and I cannot accept under the circumstances. When you and Charles are properly settled in a home of your own, I will happily come to you.”
Bingley and Mr. Darcy returned with Miss Darcy, only to find the sisters at odds with one another. Miss Darcy was the first to speak, eager to hear an answer and not as eager to guess.
“Elizabeth, I trust that our invitation has reached your ears. I would have extended it to you personally, but I had thought it best for Mrs. Bingley to propose it,” Miss Darcy said. It was one of the first times Jane had been addressed by her new name, and she let a shy giggle escape before covering her mouth.
“I am ever so grateful for your kindness, Georgiana,” Elizabeth had nearly forgotten they agreed to call each other by first names, “but as I have just been telling my sister, I would like to suspend my visit until a time when all is more settled. I would not
! ($! wish to be a burden of anyone, least of all to you and your brother, or my sister on her honeymoon.” Elizabeth dared not look towards Mr. Darcy.
“I truly hope you will reconsider,” Georgiana almost pleaded. Elizabeth was touched by her emotional entreat. Georgiana looked to her brother for strength and continued.
“Even if the Bingleys’ plans change, even if their plans had never included Pemberley, you still would have been invited. Please do not trouble yourself with the notion of being an inconvenience for, as it is my wish, you will be nothing of the sort.”
Elizabeth wondered what Mr. Darcy’s true opinions of the proposal were. Though she was sure that he could not be happy with the arrangement, what she knew of him convinced her that he would not have been able to deny Georgiana anything.
Jane, she could see, was shaking with anticipation at the answer and Georgiana’s bright and innocent blue eyes sung with hope.
“Of course, when it has been laid before me in such a manner, by those whom I hold dear,” she looked at Georgiana and then Jane, “then I dare not deny.”
She found Darcy’s face then, and saw that he had been studying her, waiting for her answer. He was neither pleased nor disappointed, but rather resigned. When Georgiana looked to him, however, he gave her an appreciative smile and patted her gently on the shoulder.
Jane came upon her with a warm hug, and for a moment, she was both relieved and happy in her decision.
Chapter 28 “There will be many parties, to be sure!” Mrs. Bennet trilled as they packed the last of Elizabeth’s belongings. The room had seemed so empty since Jane had left, and now, with her effects all packed away, it was even more so. Elizabeth was glad to leave her room behind for a time, everything in it reminded her of Jane. They had shared it, after all, since Mary was born, and shared the same bed also. Now Jane was Mrs. Bingley, and Elizabeth did not know what future was in store for her. Her mother, however, was more certain.
“It is a pity that they did not offer for Kitty, for she would surely make the most of the opportunity. Let us hope that in a few months time, they request her company as well. Mary also. Or after you have been married, Elizabeth.” After thinking over that possibility for a time, she did not like this plan quite so well.
“Perhaps you may suggest the idea to them,” she decided, with a nod of her head, adding, “It is a pity Mr. Darcy is not an amiable man.”
“How could you say that he is not? He is the one who has invited the three of us to his home and means to entertain us for an extended period of time,” Elizabeth argued. She felt the need to defend him at every turn since she had learned of his involvement with Lydia’s wedding. If only her mother knew, Elizabeth wondered what she would say of the man then.
“That is all well and good, but if he means to be kind, I prefer it take the form of a marriage proposal.”
! (%! “Jane’s marriage has only just been announced in the papers, let us finish with clearing up what is left of the wedding arrangements about the house before we begin thinking of another.”
“This is valuable time, Lizzy! We must take advantage of it. Our name will undoubtedly be whispered amongst the most prominent members of the ton now that we are known to associate with the Bingleys and Darcys. You will hold a great deal of power amongst that society for a limited time and you must see to it that you secure a match before someone else is the talk of the town. I am sure Mr. Darcy means to entertain many a gentleman for the pleasure of his guests.”
Her mother painted a picture of her interlude to Pemberley differently than she had imagined. Mr. Darcy, she knew, preferred the quiet and solitude of the country. But, she realized, if he had meant to take Bingley under his wing, some members of London society might be called upon to attend them in the country. In this way, Jane and Bingley would have all of the introductions out of the way before the start of the season. Georgiana, too, might be best presented among the first circles in her own home, before her coming out the following season.
She was not frightened in any way by these thoughts, but rather disappointed. Pemberley, she found in her brief acquaintance of the place, had been calm and comfortable. It would be less so if crowded.
Chapter 29 After a journey of two days, Elizabeth, Jane, and Bingley stepped out onto the courtyard of Pemberley. Jane let out a gasp of surprise at its brilliance, and Elizabeth was scarcely less impressed upon seeing it again. Mr. Darcy and Georgiana greeted them and Mr. Darcy moved between Elizabeth and his sister to take each of their arms and escort them up the steps and into the great home.
“I imagine you will all like to refresh yourselves after your long journey. Your trunks have already been taken up to your rooms and you may rest until suppertime. We have a store of refreshments in the sun room if you care to indulge earlier, but I would like to warn you that I have ordered a large supper for today,” Georgiana was beaming, adapting well to the task of hostess whilst played amongst those she knew well.
As the Bingley’s moved to follow a servant to their room, Darcy addressed Elizabeth.
“Miss Bennet, if rest and refreshments do not entice you, I might suggest a walk in the East garden, or a visit to our library.” He looked hopeful.
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy,” she was moved by his attentiveness, “I am well enough acquainted with the grounds to know that a walk would be most pleasant, and I have heard enough of your library to anticipate it most eagerly,” she turned to Georgiana, “I thank both of you for having me in your home.”
“You’re most welcome, Miss Bennet,” Darcy bowed politely, and Georgiana smiled in agreement. Elizabeth was slightly discomfited of the fact that she, as the now eldest unmarried Bennet sister that she was to be addressed as “Miss Bennet.” Being referred to as “Miss Elizabeth” was far more comfortable, intimate. Yet, she realized, this
! (&! had not bothered her until she had been addressed by Mr. Darcy in this way. To Georgiana, she would remain “Elizabeth.” Perhaps she could persuade her brother to relax in formalities as well, just enough to be called “Miss Elizabeth” again.
Elizabeth saw to her appearance and changed for dinner before leaving her room with the intention of finding the library. She met no one as she left the guest wing and moved towards the common rooms, beginning to worry that she would not find it. She heard footsteps in the distance just as she was about to give up and return to her room. Thinking it was a servant, she rounded a corner and began speaking.
“Excuse me?” she asked quietly, not wishing to startle whomever it was. The figure turned towards her, his face meeting with the light that a nearby lantern gave off.
“Oh, Mr. Darcy!” She should have known that the chances of running into him would increase once they were staying under the same roof. This thought gave her goose pimples and a slight burning on her cheeks.
“A quest for the library, I presume? If I had known you would be down so quickly, I would have shown you after I suggested it. Are you sure you have had enough rest?” He looked at her carefully, as if to surmise her condition. Did she look
tired? She wondered.
“I found the journey here so comfortable that I do not think further rest is necessary. Your coach has been most accommodating,” she smiled to reassure him, but was not awarded a smile in return. She had never been able to accurately read his mood before, so she did not attempt it now.
He led her silently through the house, stopping when they had reached a single, unassuming door. He turned towards her, slowly opening the door.
“I hope you are not disappointed, Miss Bennet,” he said, meeting her eyes in such a way as to suggest that it was more than the library to which he referred.
“As long as there are books, Mr. Darcy, I don’t believe I will be,” she raised an eyebrow, looked past him into the room, and gasped.
It was so different than what she had expected. Though it was a vast room, the dark wood, floor to ceiling shelves overflowing with books, and oversized chairs caused it to appear much smaller and cozier. It was like she had wandered into an enlarged version of her father’s study. She did not know how long she was lost in running her hands along the books, committing every title to memory. It was when she caressed a title that she and Darcy discussed on their walks around Netherfield that she remembered Darcy waiting at the door. She looked up to catch him watching her intently, with a most curious expression, his eyes dark and full of emotion. She shivered and wrapped her arms around herself in embarrassment.
“Are you cold, Miss Bennet?” His low growl suggested he had specific means in mind to warm her and she tightened her hold.
Remembering himself, Darcy moved to the hearth and worked on the fire.
“Thank you,” she replied quietly while his back was turned. “Might I make a request, Mr. Darcy?” she asked, timidly. If she did not broach the subject now, she was afraid it would be too late.
“Anything,” he turned, giving her his full attention.
“I might ask that you not call me Miss Bennet, Mr. Darcy.”
! ('! “What addresses am I allowed?” He fixed her with a playful look, and Elizabeth worried as to the direction of the conversation.