An Engaging Friendship

by AmyJ

  assumed she did the same at Longbourn.

  "I rarely ride, unless I am at Pemberley. Our horses are generally needed in the fields, or by my father."

  Darcy jumped off his steed and took a position next to Elizabeth, his horse trailing behind. "I had forgotten."

  Elizabeth chuckled. "You forgot your frustration at how unaccomplished of a rider I am?"

  "Apparently so." With a chuckle of his own he added, "Though now that you mention it, I recall once or twice seeing you take a tumble."

  Elizabeth cringed at the memory. "I shall thank you not to bring up such painful memories." Turning back to get a glimpse of Darcy's horse, she asked,

  "And who is that? Surely it is not Odin."

  "No, Odin is still at Pemberley. He is getting on in years and is not good for long distances or hard rides. This is Achilles."

  "And I was expecting Thor or perhaps Loki." The last was said with a mischievous grin.

  "Thor perhaps, but never Loki." He shook his head in feigned dismay. "A horse named after the Norse god of Chaos can only end in disaster for horse, the

  rider, or both." With a chuckle he added teasingly, "Loki is a name more apt for you!" He only smirked when Elizabeth gasped, pretending to be wounded.

  "Richard named his horse, which he bought only days before me, Hector."

  "And so you had to name your Achilles," Elizabeth finished for him with an amused shake of the head.

  Darcy shrugged and nodded. The two walked in silence for a little while before Darcy said, "I must thank you for your kindness to Georgiana yesterday."

  Elizabeth smiled. "I enjoyed seeing her again. She has become a very beautiful woman."

  "She is but sixteen," Darcy said, sharper than he intended, causing Elizabeth to chuckle.

  "We have already established you are a kind older brother, I see I shall have to add protective to the list as well."

  Darcy shook his head, recalling how well Elizabeth knew him. Then changing

  the topic he said, "Georgiana enjoyed your company very much, and is already pestering me for another visit."

  "I would very much like to see her again as well; though I shall have to remember new stories about you to tell." She let out a light laugh.

  "Speaking of tales," Darcy said with a mischievous smirk, "Pray, what story did Miss Bennet threaten you with yesterday?"

  At the reminder, Elizabeth blushed and dropped her gaze to the ground, but

  Darcy was not about to relent. "Oh come, it can not be all that embarrassing.

  As you so aptly pointed out yesterday, you were only four."

  Elizabeth shook her head with her lips pressed tight. After a bit more badgering from Darcy though she gave in. "Oh very well. Since I know you will not give up until I tell you. Better I tell you now when no one else can bear witness."

  Darcy grinned at having won the battle and bit his lower lip in anticipation as Elizabeth grudgingly began her tale. "I overheard my father speaking of Easter dinner, and a little while later something about having the new lambs rounded up. Putting the two conversations together, I thought my father was rounding up the lambs with the intention of serving them for Easter dinner."

  Understanding the possibilities of this story, Darcy pursed his lips together tightly in an effort to stop the laughter that already threatened. Despite her friend's reaction, Elizabeth continued. "Naturally, I had difficulty with the idea of the young innocent creatures being slaughtered so I devised a plan to save them."

  By this time, Darcy's hand was pressed against his lips, but the occasional tremble of his shoulders belied the amusement he felt.

  Elizabeth bit her lip for a moment to keep from laughing herself. Then she said,

  "I decided I was going to keep the lambs safe until after Easter, by keeping them in my room."

  Darcy could no longer hold back and barked out a chuckle. "How many did you get in your room before you were caught?"

  Elizabeth raised her chin proudly, and said, "I was able to make several trips to my room, carrying alfalfa and some hay, and was dragging -- as I was not big enough to carry them -- my second lamb up the stairs to my room before I was discovered."

  At this, Darcy could no longer contain his amusement. He doubled over, holding his stomach laughing. "And my mother thought it was bad when she found a frog in my bureau!"

  Red faced, but clearly stifling a giggle of her own, Elizabeth let out a decided humph.

  Darcy regained his composure and wiped the tears of laughter from his eyes. "I knew you should have been named Loki!"

  Elizabeth threw Darcy a glare and then shook her head with a chuckle. "Well, now that I have amused you. I should be returning home."

  Darcy nodded and the two started back from whence they came. Before they

  parted had separated by many steps, Darcy said, "I want to thank you again for everything you did for Georgiana." The earnestness in which he gave his thanks both now and earlier that morning had surprised her. Upon noticing

  Elizabeth's arched brow, he explained, "She had a... disappointing... summer and has not been herself of late. I think you changed that."

  Though she was intrigued, Elizabeth could tell Darcy was not ready to speak about it. Instead of pressing the issue, all she said was, "Georgiana is a very sweet girl, and a credit to you. Tell her she may call on me whenever she has time."

  "I shall. Thank you again, Li'l Beth. "

  Elizabeth blushed slightly at the earnestness in Darcy's voice. Looking for a lighter topic, she said, "My family is to attend the Lucases Friday night."

  "Bingley mentioned something about it, so I believe we shall be attending as well."

  Elizabeth smiled. "Very well, I shall see you and Georgiana at the Lucas' if you are unable to call before then."

  "Until later," Darcy said, with a bow, just before he mounted Achilles and rode towards Netherfield.

  A few nights later the Bennet's and the Netherfield party again found

  themselves in company, this time as dinner guests at Lucas Lodge. After

  greeting a few of her friends and neighbours, Elizabeth found Darcy and

  Georgiana sitting together on a settee in conversation with themselves.

  "Mr. Darcy, Georgiana," Elizabeth greeted. Jane was next to her and bobbed a curtsey. They each took a seat next to them. "Georgiana, you can not keep your brother all to yourself. He must mingle with the others, or they will think him quite disagreeable. We can not have that now, can we?"

  Georgiana stifled a little giggle behind her hand. "No we can not." She gave Darcy a significant look.

  After glaring a moment at Elizabeth, Darcy stood. "Very well. I shall ‘mingle'

  and leave you to the care of the Miss Bennets."

  Elizabeth and Georgiana giggled as Darcy walked towards the side of the room to speak with Mr. Bennet and Sir William Lucas. With Darcy away, Elizabeth

  said, "Now, tell me Georgiana, how do you find Hertfordshire?"

  "I have not had the opportunity to see much of it yet, but what I have seen is pleasant."

  "Do you walk much? Perhaps you can persuade your brother to let you join me on one of my morning walks. I can show you the best paths of Hertfordshire."

  Just before Georgiana answered, Elizabeth saw her sister excuse herself for the company of Mr. Bingley. She was pleased to see the adoring expression on the man's face as he approached her sister, and was quite certain the man would be requesting soon the right to court Jane.

  Georgiana's eyes lit up at the prospect. "I will ask him. Do you think he would let me? He usually goes riding in the morning, and can not escort me."

  They were soon joined by Charlotte, who was followed closely by Darcy.

  Evidently, the admittance of Charlotte to Elizabeth and Georgiana's

  conversation was invitation enough for him to return.

  "I see your brother does not trust me with your care. Perhaps we will have to include him in our plans," Elizabeth teased, looking slyly
at Darcy.

  Darcy thought to inquire after ‘our plans' but was interrupted by Charlotte. "Do not concern yourself, Mr. Darcy. It will be Lizzy's turn soon to be teased,"

  Charlotte said. "I am going to open the instrument, Eliza, and you know what follows."

  "You are a very strange creature by way of a friend! --- Always wanting me to play and sing before anybody and everybody! If my vanity had taken a musical turn, you would have been invaluable; but as it is, I would really rather not sit down before those who must be in the habit of hearing the very best

  performers." On Miss Lucas's persevering, however, she added, "Very well, if it must be so, it must."

  As Elizabeth stood to open the pianoforte, she noticed Georgiana studying the floor. She leaned over and said, "Do not worry. You will not have to play if you do not want to." When she saw Georgiana visibly relax again, she proceeded to the instrument.

  After playing a couple songs, Elizabeth returned to the small group. Georgiana, Darcy, and Charlotte expressed their appreciation for the performance, and then quieted again to listen to Mary.

  As if thinking the same thing, Elizabeth and Darcy turned their attention

  simultaneously to the couple who was talking in hushed tones in the corner.

  Elizabeth smiled warmly at the scene. Bingley was playing the lovesick fool

  with great competence, and Jane was blushing prettily at the attention. She glanced quickly at Darcy and was dismayed by his visible discomfort. She

  could only imagine the thoughts running through his head. She was aware of

  the low status of her family and the inequality of the match, but was irritated that Darcy of all people would so openly show his disdain towards it. "Pray, what is it you find so objectionable in the match between your friend and my sister." Her tone did nothing to hide her annoyance towards him.

  Darcy returned a stunned look. Had he really been that transparent? He could only guess what she must be thinking. "Nothing at all," he clipped.

  Elizabeth raised her brows in clear disbelief. "Pray, enlighten me to the target of that fearsome scowl. For certainly its object will be in need of the

  apothecary soon!"

  The corner of Darcy's mouth twitched at her teasing, but he quickly sobered again. How could he tell her Bingley's reputation when the object of his

  attentions was her sister? Then again, how could he not? Hesitantly he said,

  "Would you like a bit of air?"

  Elizabeth nodded curiously, wondering what great secret Darcy was about to

  impart.

  As soon as they were out of the main room and away from prying ears, Darcy

  said, "I am only concerned my friend does not errantly lead your sister."

  Elizabeth's brow creased in confusion. "Mr. Bingley appears every bit a gentleman. He would not toy with a lady's affections."

  Darcy dropped his gaze to his shoes for a moment. He did not want to malign his friend, but the fact that Elizabeth's sister was the object of his attentions caused him unease. If Bingley were to unwittingly hurt Miss Bennet, it could jeopardize his and Georgiana's relationship with the Bennets. Discussing such a delicate subject with Bingley though was not a pleasant prospect. Carefully, he said, "He would never do so maliciously, but..." He hesitated for a moment.

  "His attentions are not always as steadfast as they should be."

  Elizabeth audibly gasped. "He's a cad!" she hissed. "Oh my poor Jane! I must warn her!" She moved to warn Jane, but Darcy caught her arm.

  He protested vehemently against that caricature of Bingley. "Li'l Beth, you misunderstand. Bingley is a good man. It is only he does not know his own

  heart yet. He is impulsive and often gets carried away. I only mention this to you because I would not want to see your sister hurt."

  Elizabeth stood still, contemplating this information. Narrowing her eyes at him, she replied, "You would rather I let your friend abuse my sister's naivety and good heart?"

  Darcy shook his head and sighed. He knew she was justified in her concern; he would react no differently if it was Georgiana, but rash actions could do

  irreparable harm to Bingley as well. "Not at all. Perhaps a word of caution rather than warning her off him all together though?"

  After a moment's thought, she took a deep breath and seeing the wisdom of that course of action, agreed. Her concern for Jane did not diminish, but Elizabeth also knew Jane's heart had been touched, and she would therefore take a

  warning better than a plea to swear him off all together.

  She spent the rest of the evening speaking with Georgiana, Darcy, and other friends in attendance; though never far from her mind was her discussion with Darcy. How was she supposed to inform Jane of Bingley's nature without

  hurting her? She briefly considered her interference to be rather officious, and thought of not saying anything at all. In the end though, she could not bear to see Jane hurt, especially if she could prevent it. She was glad she had agreed to only giving a warning. At least this way, she still left it up to Bingley to redeem himself. She prayed he would.

  That night, Elizabeth was resolved to inform Jane of what Darcy had told her.

  She knew it would be difficult, but reasoned a little pain now to avoid a broken heart would be well worth it.

  Elizabeth watched Jane from the mirror as she brushed out her hair. Jane was curled up on the bed grinning from ear to ear with a dreamy look about her.

  Her sister's countenance was not making the task ahead any easier.

  Again, Elizabeth entertained thoughts of remaining silent. Jane looked

  unbelievably happy, as she deserved, and her news would only upset that.

  However, her sister's happiness was paramount and a little caution now would be better in the long run. Resolved, Elizabeth went headlong into the fray.

  "Thinking about someone in particular?" Elizabeth teased. She stifled a chuckle when Jane started.

  "Oh Lizzy," Jane responded with a giggle. "He is everything a man should be."

  She let out a soft wistful sigh and then blushed.

  Elizabeth pursed her lips, trying to keep her resolve. She perched herself on the bed, and took Jane's hand. "Jane, I know Mr. Bingley seems perfect, but do not betoo hasty in giving him your heart."

  As expected, Jane's happy demeanour vanished, and was replaced with a

  rumpled brow. "Of course," Jane replied flatly.

  Elizabeth groped for the words to soften the blow. Before she could say

  anything though, Jane added, "You have not spoken to him. He is a good and kind man, respectful and modest. How could I ask for anything more?"

  Elizabeth smiled wanly. Deciding it would be best to be straightforward, she said, "Mr. Darcy told me that Mr. Bingley tends to fall in love rather quickly."

  She looked up to meet her sister's eyes and said, "And just as quickly falls out of love."

  Jane's eyes widened. "He is not a rake!"

  Elizabeth put a hand on Jane's shoulder as her stomach knotted in sympathy. "I never meant to imply that. Mr. Darcy only mentioned it because he did not

  want you to get hurt. He says Mr. Bingley is a good man, just one who is not sure of his own heart." She cringed, seeing Jane's implacable look. It was a look she knew well, and knew her sister was offended.

  "You believe a man who you were determined to meet as an indifferent

  acquaintance a mere se'nnight ago?" Pulling away, she continued. "You have seen the particular attention he pays me. But you have not seen the way he

  looks at me. I am quite certain of his affections."

  Elizabeth forced a smile, knowing her words were already too late. It was

  evident in the veracity with which Jane defended Bingley. With this realization, there was only one thing to do. She needed to set the record straight with

  respect to Darcy. Whether Jane heeded the warning now was up to her. "Mr.

  Darcy and I have talked and have worked out our differe
nces. And yes, I

  believe him. He has known Mr. Bingley for several years. Jane, my dear Jane, if Mr. Bingley truly has feelings for you, then I could not be happier. You are my dear sister, and I only want your happiness. I could not bear to see you with a broken heart."

  "I will be careful, Lizzy." Jane clipped; though Elizabeth knew from her sister's tone and demeanour, it was too late. Jane had only agreed to placate her and end the discussion.

  Chapter Five

  The morning after dinner at Lucas Lodge found Miss Bingley at sixes and

  sevens. With only her sister Mrs. Hurst to keep her company, she silently

  stewed and schemed in the drawing room. It was the room where she was most

  likely to have an opportunity to speak to Mr. Darcy, other than the library.

  The source of her agitation was easily discerned; it was Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

  Miss Bingley knew how to deal with the other ladies of the ton, but 閃iss Eliza'

  was different. Mr. Darcy openly admitted to being an acquaintance of hers, and not just an acquaintance, but a friend! How was she to combat that? True, Miss Eliza was not nearly accomplished as she, but the chit had apparently known Mr. Darcy far longer.

  After being unable to come up with a scheme that would not show her in bad

  light, she decided on a tactful retreat. "We have to leave, Louisa!" Miss Bingley blurted, "We have to return to London and bring Charles with us before he ruins us all!" Agitated, she began to pace.

  Mrs. Hurst shook her head. Her sister had been in a devilish mood since the assembly, and was in high dudgeon this morning. "My dear sister, calm down and tell me what has happened."

  Miss Bingley told her sister that she had seen Darcy and Elizabeth leave the room the previous evening at the Lucases', returning ten minutes later. She swore both Elizabeth and Darcy looked flushed, with tousled hair.

  Mrs. Hurst creased her brow in contemplation. She did not doubt what her

  sister had seen, and agreed it was most disturbing. "She is merely an old friend.

  It does not mean he has any designs on her."

  "But he and his sister conversed with her almost all evening!" Miss Bingley shrieked, exasperated. "And at the assembly, he danced the first set with her.