An Engaging Friendship

by AmyJ

  I would suggest you stay and listen to what these gentlemen have to offer,"

  Colonel Forster said.

  Wickham turned so he could see the three others. Colonel Fitzwilliam stepped forward. "Despite the slanderous remarks you made against my cousin,

  Wickham, he is too much of a gentleman to simply let me run you through." He turned to Colonel Forster and added, "That, and I would not wish soil the colonel's office. Blood is such a trial to clean."

  "D-Darcy... C-Colonel F-Fitz-Fitzwilliam" Wickham stuttered. "How lovely to see you."

  Darcy glared at the man. "Only the memory of my father has kept you alive, Wickham. I suggest you confess everything to your commanding officer

  immediately."

  Realizing he was trapped, Wickham spat out, "And if I do not? What difference can it make? You have me. That was your objective all along."

  Colonel Fitzwilliam stepped close to Wickham and gripped his shoulder

  tightly. His fist then made contact with Wickham's gut, causing him to instantly collapse to the floor. Fitzwilliam leaned over Wickham and hissed in his ear,

  "That was for Georgiana." He pulled Wickham up roughly, and said loud

  enough for everyone to hear, "The difference, Wickham, is the physical condition in which you arrive at your next destination."

  Seeing Colonel Fitzwilliam's fist ready again, Wickham said, "Very well." With a sneer said, "The debts are mine. Darcy did not know I was in town until yesterday."

  Darcy stepped forward and nodded. Colonel Fitzwilliam threw Wickham into a

  chair. "Now that we have that straightened out," Darcy said. "Let us discuss your future."

  Nervously, Wickham looked between Colonel Forster, Colonel Fitzwilliam,

  and Darcy. "In a few days time, you will be escorted to London's sea port where a position for you on a merchant ship has been arranged." Darcy said.

  "The captain has assured me and Colonel Fitzwilliam that he will enjoy keeping an eye on you. You will have to start out on his ship as a deck hand, but if you work hard, you could make yourself a pretty profit and become

  independent in six or seven years."

  "And if I refuse?" Wickham arched his brow in challenge.

  Colonel Fitzwilliam eyed Wickham with an evil gleam. "I would prefer it, Wickham. Working off three hundred and thirty pounds in debtor's prison

  should only take a couple decades."

  Wickham coughed lightly, at the thought of even a year in those living

  conditions. "Very well, Darcy," he huffed. His face was hard, doing nothing to hide the contempt he felt.

  Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy nodded to Colonel Forster. "I thank you, sir for your assistance in the matter," Darcy said as they headed towards the door.

  With a parting shot, Colonel Fitzwilliam said, "Wickham, I would not advise trying to escape." He put his hand on his sabre and smirked, "You will be watched, and it could get dangerous for you." He turned to leave, missing the way Wickham paled.

  That evening, the Darcys and Colonel Fitzwilliam dined at Longbourn. Mrs.

  Bennet had outdone herself over the affair. There was game, fish, a sundry of corner dishes, a pudding course, and a dessert course.

  As this was the first dinner to include Darcy, congratulations were expressed by all. Mrs. Bennet was as effusive as expected and spent a prodigious amount of time fawning over Darcy, much to the man's discomfort. Her pleasure knew no limits when she was informed not only would she have over three months to plan the event, but her daughter would indeed be married by special license.

  Elizabeth had been a bit taken aback by news of the special license. She

  exchanged a look with Jane, whose smile helped calm her. It is just a

  license, she told herself. If she had thought about it, she should not have been surprised; it was what people of Darcy's status did. She looked to Darcy and

  forced a smile. Things were done differently in his circle, she reminded herself; she could adapt. Seeing Darcy's discomfort, her attention was once again

  turned towards him and attempting to curb her mother's tongue.

  Darcy persevered through the dinner with all the grace his upbringing had

  taught him; though he was more than grateful for the respite the separation of the sexes brought.

  Elizabeth could not help but notice the way he had withdrawn and wondered if he would always be so uneasy in the presence of her family. She knew her

  mother was more excitable and vocal than she should be, and that her younger sisters lacked refinement, but they were family and she loved them anyway.

  She hoped someday, Darcy would too.

  When the gentlemen rejoined the ladies, Darcy appeared recovered, though

  was still quieter than usual. He was about to join Georgiana, Jane, and

  Elizabeth, when their two sisters removed themselves to join Colonel

  Fitzwilliam on the other side of the room, leaving him alone with Elizabeth.

  The betrothed couple exchanged an amused look. "I think I need to start monitoring Georgiana's reading material. It appears she has been reading too many ladies' novels." Elizabeth could not help but laugh.

  The morning after their first dinner at Longbourn, Darcy was in the breakfast room early when Colonel Fitzwilliam entered. He nodded a greeting, receiving a slap on the shoulder in return. "Darcy, I know you are set on Miss Elizabeth, but I dare say you have made an error in judgment." Darcy's eyes narrowed in warning. He would not listen to any objection his cousin had to his

  engagement. Elizabeth may not have been what others expected of his wife, but he enjoyed her company, and she was good for Georgiana. His cousin

  continued. "Her sister, Miss Bennet, is beyond words! She is the dearest, sweetest angel I have ever beheld!"

  Darcy rolled his eyes and said drolly, "Apparently she has that effect on men."

  Richard quirked a brow at what his cousin's statement implied. "Certainly, she is not..."

  Understanding what his cousin was about to say, Darcy shook his head. "Of course not!" he protested. "Bingley described her as an angel as well. It took him only one dance to come to that conclusion," he added dryly.

  Richard snickered. "Yes, well, I doubt she scolded him the first time they met."

  He grinned at the memory. After a moment, he asked, "Has uh... Bingley called off the chase, so to speak?"

  "You will have to ask Bingley. He has returned to London; and had intended to return with me, but business has delayed him," Darcy said, giving his cousin the story Bingley had initially told him.

  "Have he and Miss Bennet reached an understanding?"

  Darcy shrugged. He was unsure what to tell his cousin. Bingley could still

  return. Not only that, but he questioned his cousin's intentions. He had been in Miss Bennet's company a few times, but it was not long enough to form an

  attachment. "I have not heard that one exists."

  Richard grinned broadly, baring his teeth. "Bingley was a fool to leave her!"

  Darcy only rolled his eyes. Good grief. Apparently, a few visits is

  enough. "Richard, need I remind you, you are a second son, and she has no dowry."

  "I would live in a shack if it meant having Miss Bennet!"

  "My solicitor will be most pleased to hear that," Darcy rejoined.

  Richard slapped his cousin on the shoulder again as he took a seat. "Not until I have won the beautiful Miss Bennet, Darcy!"

  Darcy stifled a scoff, and the two ate in silence for a while. Finally, Darcy asked, "Have you arranged Wickham's transportation?"

  "Must you bring him up over breakfast? You are going to ruin my appetite."

  "I did not think that possible. And yes, I must, before Georgiana joins us."

  "Yes. I spoke with Colonel Forster, and it has been arranged. One of his lieutenants and two captains will escort Wickham to the coast, and ensure he takes up the position with the merchant ship." Darkly, Colonel Fitzwilliam
added, "It would have been easier though, if you would have just let me run him through."

  Darcy ignored Richard's last comment and asked, "How soon does the

  profligate leave?"

  "Tomorrow."

  "Good. I do not like restricting Georgiana's activities, particularly when she is with Elizabeth." He did not mention that until Wickham was gone, he would not rest easy.

  "And I suppose it has nothing to do with the time this ordeal has kept you from lovely fiancée?"

  Darcy only glared at him. Richard was purposefully baiting him, and he did not appreciate it. It was one thing for Georgiana to assume he was in love with Elizabeth; it was quite another for his cousin to make such comments.

  The following day, the Darcys and Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived at Longbourn.

  Despite the cloudy skies, a walk was suggested, and the group, including Jane and Elizabeth, made their way to a large meadow just on the other side of a small wooded area.

  Elizabeth watched with some humour as Georgiana - using a rather paltry excuse - took to walking with Colonel Fitzwilliam and Jane, thus leaving her and Darcy to trail behind them. The two walked for some time in silence,

  Elizabeth holding Darcy's arm.

  "This is one of my favourite paths," Elizabeth said, trying to make some conversation.

  Darcy nodded absently. A few minutes later, he asked, "Are you warm

  enough?"

  Elizabeth replied in the affirmative and again they were quiet. After several more minutes passed, she said, "I thought to invite my mother and Lydia to Pemberley shortly after we are settled."

  Once again, he nodded.

  Frustrated, Elizabeth asked, "Fitzwilliam, what is bothering you?"

  Darcy forced a small smile. "Forgive me, I was lost in thought. It is nothing."

  "Very well. My mother will be so pleased to hear you have agreed to have her live with us at Pemberley." She looked down at the ground to control her laughter as Darcy fumbled for a response.

  Finally, she said, "If I promise not to tell my mother of your kind invitation, will you tell me what concerns you?"

  Darcy blushed slightly and then said, "It is nothing, really. I should not give his words any credence." Seeing Elizabeth would not so easily be placated, he continued. "I was only contemplating something Wickham said. He mentioned that were it not for my attachment to you, I would not be well received here."

  He tried to shrug it off, but seeing Elizabeth purposefully looking around, he became concerned. His body instantly became stiff and he stared straight

  ahead. "It is true! Your neighbours think me some ogre, and you should be pitied for being engaged to me?"

  Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "Not exactly." She stopped their progress. "In truth, they do not know what to think of you."

  Darcy's brow wrinkled.

  "Fitzwilliam, I know you are... reserved... but most people do not see it that way. Some think you taciturn and consider yourself above them." Darcy

  flinched and Elizabeth added, "We are a small community in which everyone knows each other. We welcome newcomers readily and openly."

  "I am not comfortable in crowds," he muttered. He knew it was a feeble excuse.

  "I know that, but put yourself in our place for a moment. A new neighbour enters the neighbourhood, and he eagerly avails himself to us. In contrast, there are his two sisters who did everything they could to demonstrate their

  superiority. Given the two examples, and your reticent nature, you were placed in the camp with the sisters..." She looked down at the ground, embarrassed.

  She had not wanted to hurt him, but knew honesty would be best.

  "I see," came the semi-curt reply. "Might I ask which behaviour of mine caused me to be cast with the likes of Miss Bingley?"

  She hesitated to continue the conversation. Part of her wished the subject

  would simply be dropped, but knowing Darcy as she did, she knew the injury

  was done, and he would not rest until he was acquitted. "At the Assembly, the first night, you did not dance with anyone but me, Miss Bingley and Mrs.

  Hurst, even though there was a shortage of men. And the night at the Lucases', you did not speak with anyone but Georgiana, my father and me. " Attempting to lighten the mood, Elizabeth said, "I shall acquit you of all charges if you can name but one of the Goulding girls." She turned them down the path and they continued walking.

  Darcy pursed his lips tight and his brow knitted together tightly. After a few minutes, he said lowly, "I suppose I have been a bit reticent..."

  Unable to hold in her laughter any longer, she blurted out, "Most certainly!

  Else you would know the Gouldings do not have a daughter."

  Unable silence her infectious laugh, Darcy joined in. "You tricked me!"

  Impishly and unrepentant, she smiled up at him, taking his arm once again.

  "Nonetheless, my point is made."

  Darcy sighed heavily and pressed his free hand to his chest in defeat. "I have been got."

  "Fortunately for you, there is a perfect occasion in which you may begin to acquit yourself."

  "There is to be another assembly?" A flicker of panic crossed his visage.

  Elizabeth suppressed a giggle and replied, "No. Charlotte Lucas' wedding to Mr. Collins is but a few days away; Mr. Collins arrives on the morrow."

  Darcy was unsuccessful at stopping a groan from escaping.

  "Consider it penance," Elizabeth said saucily.

  "Very well, I shall make an effort. They are your friends and neighbours; it is the least I can do for you."

  Once again, Elizabeth felt that odd quiver in her belly. What was is about him that inspired such odd feelings? Surely, she had never reacted this way to

  Charlotte or Jane, or even the Lucas boy. She quickly changed the topic to

  something more neutral. They quickened their pace to catch up with the others, and the remainder of the walk was spent in light banter and conversation.

  The arrival of Mr. Collins at Longbourn for his wedding was everything and nothing that was expected. Mrs. Bennet welcomed him with the barest of

  civilities, though it was a vast improvement over taking to her bed as she had the last time. Elizabeth could only attribute the change to her engagement to Mr. Darcy and her mother no longer fearing the hedgerows.

  Mr. Collins had only relieved himself of his travel dust and settled into the drawing room for tea, along with Elizabeth, Mary, and Mrs. Bennet, before her engagement to Mr. Darcy was announced.

  Before the conversation could continue, Charlotte Lucas and her mother, Lady Lucas arrived. Elizabeth looked on as Mr. Collins rushed to his betrothed and greeted her with a kiss on the hand and a low bow for her mother. She could not help the wave of relief she felt at not being the recipient of his obsequious gestures.

  After a pleasant but strained exchange of greetings, everyone settled in with tea and cakes. While the matrons exchanged gossip of the town, Mary, Charlotte, Elizabeth and Mr. Collins tended to their own conversation. After bestowing a few rehearsed attentions on his fiancée, Mr. Collins turned to Elizabeth. He pressed a letter into her hand from Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and then

  pontificated about "his esteemed patroness'" disappointment and how one should not aspire to "quit the sphere to which one is born."

  Elizabeth exchanged a look with a very red Charlotte. It was no less than she expected, but it did not make the experience palatable. Despite the urge to excuse herself, for Charlotte's sake, Elizabeth bore it all with grace. Then, later that morning, when she was at last alone, she pulled out the letter from Lady Catherine and began reading it. From what Darcy had told her, she was not

  expecting warm wishes of joy; she was not disappointed.

  That afternoon, the Darcys arrived with Colonel Fitzwilliam. Thankfully, by then, Mr. Collins had gone to Lucas Lodge to discuss details of his wedding, and they were spared his attempts to ingratiate himself with them.

  Almost upon
their arrival, Darcy noticed Elizabeth was out of sorts. Despite the cold weather, he suggested a stroll in the gardens. The others declined, but Darcy was determined. After promising to remain within view of the house, he led Elizabeth out of doors.

  "Are you well? You have been quiet."

  After sending a stone tumbling, Elizabeth murmured, "It is nothing really." She forced a smile.

  "Elizabeth... you are not being honest with me."

  "Truly, Fitzwilliam. I am well." She smiled a small genuine one. "It is nothing with which to concern yourself. I received a letter from your aunt, and I am afraid my vanity has not quite recovered."

  Darcy's brow wrinkled in confusion. "Not Lady Matlock..."

  "Lady Catherine."

  "Oh..." His face became stone-like. "May I read it?"

  Reluctantly, Elizabeth pulled the letter from her pocket and handed it to him.

  Watching his face darken, and then seeing him crumple the missive, made her regret the action. "Fitzwilliam, please. Lady Catherine has every right to voice her opinion."

  "No! There is no reason to write such tripe, much less send it to someone so wholly unconnected to her." He took a moment to reign in his anger. Then, taking both her hands, he held them against his chest. "Please do not take any of this to heart, Elizabeth. It is her disappointed hopes alone that are speaking.

  She does not speak for me or the rest of the family. Lord and Lady Matlock

  will adore you."

  She bowed her head until the brim of her bonnet was resting against his chest.

  "I know," she said softly, but her voice was heavily laced with dejection. A moment later, she stepped back, her hands still in his, and forced a smile. "I suppose I should consider myself fortunate." She smiled impertinently. "I do not have to be concerned about receiving an invitation to Hunsford or Rosings any time soon."

  Darcy chuckled and looked down at her. He was caught by her dark, sparkling, inviting eyes. For a moment, he was tempted to accept the invitation. Then, remembering himself, he took a half step back and dropped her hands. He

  gently cleared his throat. "Then it is settled between us. No trips to Kent."

  After a few more minutes in the gardens, they rejoined the others indoors.

  Elizabeth and Darcy sat in the Bennet pew of the Meryton church. There were a few bouquets of dried flowers near the altar, but it was not overly ornate.