An Engaging Friendship

by AmyJ

  Elizabeth was grateful to find the others not yet awake. The last thing she needed was her mother to discover their engagement at this early date.

  "Good morning, Papa." Elizabeth said with a smile.

  "Ah! Lizzy!" Her father responded. "What brings you to my haven this morning?"

  "Mr. Darcy and I would like to speak with you."

  Her father sat up in his chair. "Mr. Darcy is with you?"

  Taking his cue, Darcy stepped forward into the room. "Mr. Bennet," he greeted with a bow.

  Mr. Bennet gestured to the two to enter, and while Darcy found himself a seat amongst the pile of books, Elizabeth closed the door.

  The elder man looked curiously between his daughter and the gentleman sitting next to her. "What can I do for you? It is a bit early for your mother, so I know you are not trying to hide."

  Elizabeth smirked and then looked to Darcy.

  Darcy launched nervously out of his seat. "Sir, I have come to ask for your daughter Elizabeth's hand in marriage."

  Mr. Bennet's brows went skyward, and he looked from Darcy to Elizabeth. His shock was raised to new levels when he saw Elizabeth smile shyly and nod. "I

  am not up to date on the latest trends, but I did not think it was customary for the bride to be part of these discussions."

  Darcy shifted nervously from one foot to another. Goodness it was hot in this room! "Miss Elizabeth requested to be present, and I had no objections."

  Mr. Bennet arched a brow towards his daughter, who only nodded again. He

  turned his attention back to Darcy. "Very well. You say you want to marry my Lizzy. Why is that?"

  "In my short time in Hertfordshire, I have come to know Miss Elizabeth as one of the most admirable ladies of my acquaintance. I care for her and can provide well for her. She will want for nothing."

  Mr. Bennet leaned back in his chair and folded his hands across his stomach.

  His eyes surveyed the man standing there asking to take his favourite daughter from him. He looked to Elizabeth, who sat silently, blushing under that same man's avowal of his sentiments. "I am well aware of your financial situation, Mr. Darcy, and your reputation. But this admiration you express seems rather sudden."

  Darcy threw his hands behind his back to hide his nervousness, though

  Elizabeth could see him nervously rubbing the stone in his ring. "On the contrary, I have always considered Miss Elizabeth a dear friend. I care very much for your daughter, and she cares for me."

  "But you do not love her," Mr. Bennet deadpanned.

  "Not as a man loves his wife, but I do care and respect her a great deal, and she returns those sentiments."

  Mr. Bennet looked at his daughter. "Lizzy, what are you doing? Are you out of your senses, to be accepting him? I thought you were to marry only for love?"

  Elizabeth winced at her father's reminder of words she had spoken just two

  weeks ago. "Papa, I have thought about Mr. Darcy's offer of marriage for three days, and I believe I am doing the right thing. It is true we do not love each other as a husband and wife ought, but we do care for each other a great deal. I trust him, and in marrying someone I already consider a very good friend, I know I will always be able to respect my spouse." She gave him a knowing look. "There are worse fates than marrying your close friend." She smiled bashfully up at Darcy, who returned the smile. He was suddenly very thankful for her presence.

  Mr. Bennet closed his eyes momentarily. His daughter was right - unlike him, she would always be able to respect her spouse. With a resigned sigh, he

  nodded. "Lizzy, this has nothing to do with Mr. Collins, does it?"

  "No, Papa. I would not have agreed to the marriage if I did not believe I could be... if I could not respect Mr. Darcy. We have been friends for a very long time; I do not believe that will ever change."

  "Yet a month ago, we were both certain we should never hear from him again."

  Darcy blanched and opened his mouth to speak, but Elizabeth spoke first. "We have discussed that, Papa. I am content with the explanation and have forgiven him."

  He looked sternly at Darcy. "And what assurances can you give me, Mr. Darcy, that you will protect my daughter against your family. They will surely not be pleased by your choice." Mr. Bennet was aware he had crossed a boundary of propriety, but his daughter's happiness was at stake. He had done it

  intentionally, knowing it would throw Darcy off balance.

  "I will not pretend, sir, and assure you they will be pleased. In fact, I am quite certain Lady Catherine will object vehemently. However, my uncle, the Earl of Matlock has already promised to support my decision. But even if he did not, I am my own man, and I will not tolerate any disrespect to my wife. Though

  Miss Elizabeth is not from within the sphere of ladies which I am expected to marry, I have come to believe she would make a perfect Mistress of

  Pemberley."

  Mr. Bennet stood. His face was taut and his voice hard. "You have already extracted a promise from your uncle. How is that? Did you come here with the intention of making an offer to my Lizzy?"

  Elizabeth watched the two gentlemen nervously. Her father was rarely agitated, and she could see the tension in him.

  "My reasons for coming to Hertfordshire were as I stated when I first arrived. I am here at the behest of Mr. Bingley. Renewing my acquaintance with you and Miss Elizabeth was a pleasant consequence. As for my uncle's promise, it was extracted during a particular heated family discussion about my continued

  unmarried state. My intentions towards your daughter have always been

  friendship. In marrying her, I shall be grateful to never relinquish it."

  Elizabeth stood, taking up a position next to Darcy. "Papa, Mr. Darcy and I have discussed this all; his family, as well as our expectations for this marriage.

  I am satisfied with our agreement."

  Mr. Bennet again looked from his daughter to the young man next to her. "Is there nothing I can say to dissuade you?" Though he could already see her allegiance was shifting.

  "No, Papa. I am quite determined."

  "Very well, Lizzy." Mr. Bennet sighed. "I can see you will not be swayed. I will not object. I will caution you both though to think long and hard on this. Have you discussed a wedding date?"

  "No, sir," Darcy replied. The tension in his shoulders eased slightly.

  "Good. Then, I will insist a long engagement. It will give you both the opportunity to back out if you so choose." He looked sternly at Darcy. "I will

  not hold my daughter to this engagement if she changes her mind. I would rather weather the scandal."

  "I understand, sir. I would not wish it any other way," Darcy said solemnly.

  "Thank you, sir. I will leave for London the day after tomorrow to meet with my solicitor and will return with the settlement papers."

  "Papa, we would like to wait until Mr. Darcy returns before telling anyone else of our engagement."

  Mr. Bennet chuckled. "You will get no objection from me. I am afraid the house will not be the same afterwards. I would like the time to prepare for your mother's raptures."

  "Papa!" Elizabeth admonished.

  After the two left Mr. Bennet's study, Elizabeth walked Darcy to the door. They stood just outside it, in awkward silence, as they waited for his horse to be brought around.

  "Thank you again, Li'l Beth. You have lifted a significant burden off my shoulders. I promise, I will do everything in my power to see to your

  happiness."

  Elizabeth looked down at the ground uncertain of what to say. After a moment she looked up at him. "I believe between your sister's company, the grounds at Pemberley, and its vast library, I shall be quite content." Her eyes twinkled with amusement.

  "And Pemberley's master? Will he not also be amongst your forms of

  amusement?"

  Elizabeth laughed. "Of course! He is very important! Why there will be no one else around for Georgiana and me to tease! And then there are tedious m
atters of the estate that someone must see to."

  Darcy attempted a fierce scowl, but the dimples that emerged betrayed the

  smile he was suppressing. He gave an affected hmmph. "Our engagement is not yet an hour old, and I am already dismissed."

  At that time, Darcy's horse was brought around. Seeing Darcy mounted, the

  stable hand immediately departed, giving Darcy and Elizabeth another moment alone. "Shall I see you before you are to London... my fiancé?" she adding half mockingly.

  From atop his steed, Darcy bowed gallantly. "Of course, my lady." When Elizabeth giggled, he said, "I shall call with Georgiana tomorrow, if the weather permits. We will not leave Hertfordshire without saying goodbye."

  Elizabeth smiled. She watched as Darcy prodded his horse and made his way

  towards Netherfield.

  After dinner that evening, Darcy and Bingley absconded to the billiard room.

  While Darcy did not like leaving his sister in the company of Miss Bingley too often, he did not want to include that woman in this discussion.

  He had told Georgiana of his travel plans earlier that afternoon. He was

  secretly quite pleased at her disappointment to be leaving Hertfordshire. Her attachment to Elizabeth was obviously quite strong. It only solidified his belief that he was doing the right thing in marrying Elizabeth.

  Their second game was coming to an end when Darcy said, "Bingley, I need to return to London for a few days, maybe as long as a se'nnight. Georgiana will accompany me."

  "I hope it is nothing serious, Darcy. You know Georgiana is more than

  welcome to stay."

  "There is no cause for concern. As to Georgiana, I have already spoken to her, and she wishes to travel with me. Fitzwilliam is on leave, and she would like to see him."

  "How soon will you be departing?"

  "The day after next." He watched Bingley with curiosity. Bingley had asked about their departure with more than a passing interest. The man was planning something.

  "I have some business in London as well. Perhaps I will join you. We could travel together if you do not mind. It would allow me to leave the carriage for Caroline and the Hursts."

  "Of course. My carriage has plenty of room."

  Though he did not show it, Darcy's interest was piqued. He wondered at the

  true reason for his friend's eagerness. Bingley rarely had business; as he had no estate to run, most of his business was easily completed via correspondence.

  Whatever the reason, Bingley would tell him when he was ready.

  The travel arrangements were discussed over breakfast the next morning and

  were met with surprising enthusiasm.

  That same evening, Elizabeth sat in front of the vanity, plaiting her hair and trying to decide whether or not tell Jane of her engagement. She did not doubt Jane would keep her secret, but she was still coming to grips with the fact herself. She was to be the next mistress of Pemberley; the next Mrs. Darcy! It seemed so outlandish and surreal. She kept expecting to wake up from her

  dream at any moment.

  Perhaps if she said it aloud to someone else, it would seem more real. "I told him yes, Jane."

  "You told who yes?" Jane asked. After a second she exclaimed, "You are engaged then!" She jumped off the bed and gave Elizabeth a hug.

  When her sister pulled back, Elizabeth smirked. "I am to be the next Mrs.

  Darcy." She felt relief when Jane let out a giggle. She wanted Jane to be happy for her and not question her decision. She did enough of that for both of them.

  Jane hurried back to the bed, climbing under the counterpane. "Are you sure about this?" she asked?

  "I am certain." Elizabeth replied, trying to sound as determined as she could.

  "Mr. Darcy and I have agreed to an almost five month engagement. In that time, should either of us fall in love or decide to back out, we have given each other leave to do so."

  Jane furrowed her brow. "Only five months? Did you not want something

  longer?"

  Elizabeth's eyes went wide for a moment. Five months was already a very long engagement! She had been pleasantly surprised when Darcy suggested an April wedding. "No. Due to the reasons for our marriage, we dare not extend the engagement any longer. We shall be married near the beginning of the Season.

  With Papa's permission, I shall spend much of the early spring in town in

  preparation."

  "If you are satisfied with your decision, Lizzy, then I am happy for you. Mr.

  Darcy is a good man and will treat you well." Elizabeth smiled. If Jane was happy for her, she would be content with her decision.

  Chapter Twelve

  As planned, after a short visit at Longbourn, the Darcys, along with Mr.

  Bingley, returned to London. Bingley had been rather tight lipped about his affairs in London, but Darcy had not pressed that matter much either; he had other things on his mind.

  Not surprisingly, when Darcy and Georgiana arrived home, Colonel

  Fitzwilliam was already at Arryndale. He often split time between Arryndale and his parents' home, Lanelle House, when he was in London.

  "Darcy!" Richard greeted. "I see you have finally returned from Hampshire or some other forsaken backwoods. You appear whole and hale."

  "It was Hertfordshire, and as my letter stated, I am here only for a few days on a matter of business."

  Richard rolled his eyes at his cousin's well worn excuse. "How droll."

  Before Darcy could retort, Georgiana stopped the exchange by throwing her

  arms around her cousin and planting a kiss on his cheek. "It is good to see you, Richard. Will you be here long? I would like to freshen up before visiting."

  Richard looked over Georgiana's shoulder with raised brows, which was met by a knowing smirk from Darcy.

  "Go ahead, Pea Head. I need to speak with your brother," Richard responded warily.

  Georgiana glared at her cousin, before bobbing a curtsey and heading above

  stairs.

  Darcy struggled to suppress a snigger, as a stunned Richard watched Georgiana ascended the stairs. Before his sister reached the landing, Darcy headed into his study, leaving his cousin behind. He was pouring himself a glass of port when Richard entered.

  "You are Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, in Derbyshire, and that was Miss Georgiana Darcy, correct?"

  "Of course. What is the meaning of this, Richard?" He gave the decanter of port a short lift, in question.

  Richard responded by lifting his own glass of brandy and letting out a mock sigh of relief. "Ah, the Darcy scowl. So it is you. I was concerned. I was expecting my cousins. Instead, I am met with an almost giddy girl and a

  cheerful Darcy. Care to enlighten me of the change?" When Darcy rolled his eyes, Richard quipped, "Well, at least I know it is really you."

  Darcy sat in his chair and motioned for the colonel to take the one across from him with a nod. "Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

  "What about her?"

  "We have not spoken in years, but her father's estate is three miles from Bingley's. We were able to renew our acquaintance."

  "Yes, you wrote to me of it. Are you saying she invoked such a change in both you and Georgiana?"

  "Certainly in Georgiana."

  "Amazing!" After a momentary pause, his brow creased. "How?"

  "I wish I knew." Darcy's brow matched his cousin's. "Miss Elizabeth spoke with Georgiana one evening. By the following afternoon, Georgiana was a new girl."

  "As simple as that? What did she say?"

  Darcy rubbed his forehead, once again feeling the frustration of not knowing the contents of that conversation. "Neither will tell me, but Georgiana has informed me that she not a child anymore, and we must stop patronizing her."

  Richard chuckled, not sure how else to react. "Georgiana said this?" At Darcy's nod, he chuckled more heartily. "I would say your Miss Elizabeth worked a miracle if our little pea head is scolding you." The two sat in contempl
ative silence for several moments before the colonel broke it with a small snort.

  "Best not let my mother know; she will think the woman a miracle worker and employ her in an effort to get me married."

  "Speaking of marriage, I must ask you to wish me joy!"

  "And why would I do that?" Richard took a sip of his brandy and stretched out.

  "Because I am engaged! Why else?"

  Most of the brandy Richard was savouring sprayed forth. The remainder caught in his throat, causing him to cough violently. Still trying to recover, he choked out, "Engaged?"

  "To Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

  Richard threw his head back and laughed. "You had me there for a moment, Darcy. When did you develop a sense of humour?" His cousin's serious

  demeanour brought an abrupt halt to his laughter. "You are serious?" he hissed.

  "Miss Elizabeth Bennet?"

  "That is correct," Darcy replied, oblivious to the grin that was growing on his face.

  "Are you in love with her?" Richard asked, looking sharply at his cousin.

  "No, but I wish to marry her just the same."

  "But why her? If you are going to settle for a marriage of convenience, you could have any woman of the ton; one with good connections and a sizeable

  dowry to boot. All you have to do is ask." He threw his arms up, nearly spilling the rest of his drink.

  Darcy glared at his cousin. As if he needed a reminder of his status amongst the single women of the ton. "Because Miss Elizabeth is witty, kind, sincere, and generous. She cares a great deal about Georgiana, and we are friends."

  "You are in love with her!" Richard proclaimed with a crooked smile. Darcy had never spoken so highly of a woman.

  "Miss Elizabeth and I are not in love, only good friends." Darcy took a sip from his glass and slipped into his impenetrable mask. "My choices are Miss Bennet, someone like Miss Bingley, or Cousin Anne. If I am to be leg shackled, better with a friend than with someone whose interest does not lie beyond

  Pemberley's property line."

  "And any choice is better than Anne," Richard put in with a small shudder.

  Darcy nodded gravely. "I trust Elizabeth. She cares about Georgiana, and she cares about me. I could not guarantee even that with another woman."