An Engaging Friendship

by AmyJ

  "Lord Blakeslee," Mr. Gardiner began once everyone was seated, "Have you known the Darcys long?"

  Wesley smiled amiably. "Indeed. My estate in Staffordshire is but twenty miles from Darcy's Pemberley. We also attended Cambridge together." With a small chuckle he added, "I recall having a row or two with Miss Elizabeth when I was younger, but I do not recall having the honour of knowing Miss Bennet.

  How is that, Darcy?"

  Elizabeth felt her cheeks burn at the revelation and dropped her eyes to her plate while the rest of the table shared in a chuckle.

  "Miss Bennet was not my father's goddaughter." Darcy replied nonchalantly.

  He was not certain what his friend's game was, but something was afoot.

  "I see," Wesley intoned. He had never known Elizabeth's connection to the Darcy family. He had heard the name infrequently over the years, but had

  never thought to inquire. "So you have never visited Pemberley then, Miss Bennet?"

  "Not that I recall with any detail," Jane replied politely. "I did once or twice, but I was very young, and do not recall them. My father and Lizzy were the

  only ones that visited every year."

  "Every year?" Wesley inquired. His intrigue was evident to everyone.

  Darcy cringed. He instantly regretted not telling Wesley more while they were at Pemberley over Christmas. Now it seemed his friend was intent on

  discovering everything. "My father insisted on seeing his goddaughter. Mr.

  Bennet was kind enough to bring Miss Elizabeth to Pemberley every summer."

  "And to think with all the time I spent at Pemberley, I recall Miss Elizabeth visiting only a few times."

  "Perhaps you have a faulty memory," Darcy offered, hoping to end the conversation.

  "Or perhaps you were hiding from me. I believe I had promised retribution for an incident involving poison ivy," Elizabeth replied, hoping to end Wesley's line of questioning. She had noticed Darcy's semi-stiff manner, and knew he

  was uncomfortable. She also was not keen on having their history aired in front of everyone.

  Thankfully, her ruse worked. After a round of laughter, Lord Blakeslee said,

  "Well, Miss Bennet, Pemberley is a pretty little estate." Then with a devilish smirk added, "But it is nothing compared to Trentholm Park."

  "If one prefers rocks to trees and lakes," Darcy deadpanned with the familiar response. He knew his friend was flirting with Miss Bennet, but given the

  choice between a little harmless dallying or the Spanish Inquisition, he would play along.

  "How was your Christmas, Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth asked, determined to change the conversation to something everyone could participate.

  Small conversation broke out amongst neighbours. Though she longed for

  some time for private conversation with Darcy, Elizabeth was careful to

  include the Honourable Julian Pierce, the younger brother of Lord Blakeslee, in the discourse. Julian was several years younger than his older brother, which was accounted for by a sister who had died when she was but a toddler. Julian was currently attending Cambridge with the intention of becoming a surgeon.

  He enjoyed music, art, and the theatre. He was well read, though perhaps not the avid reader his brother was.

  Throughout the dinner, Elizabeth looked for hints of the Blakeslees' acceptance or disapproval of her. She found them amiable people, and could not but take a liking to them. Of course, that was not the issue at hand. In situations such as these, her opinion mattered little.

  Their opinion of her, however, did; and on that front, she could determine little, until Lord Blakeslee suggested a night at theatre. That invitation allowed

  Elizabeth to relax a bit. After all, such an invite would not have been extended if he disapproved of her or her family.

  A nod from the Blakeslees would make the task ahead that much easier. She

  suspected many people of the ton would be displeased and might refuse to

  acknowledge her. If any of them were Darcy's closest friends, she could not help but wonder if he would break the engagement. The idea troubled her; not that she was in love with him, but the idea of parting on such terms would not bode well for their friendship.

  For his part, Darcy found it difficult to concentrate on any conversation. He could not take his eyes off Elizabeth, and at the same time was embarrassed at such a reaction. He was acting like a moonstruck schoolboy, over a friend no less! It made no sense. He was not in love with her; nor she with him. He

  admitted he had missed her lively conversation while at Pemberley; but that was not love. So why was he reacting this way? He certainly did not have this reaction towards his other friends. Of course, they were men, and such a

  reaction to them would be unnatural.

  Struck with a bit of insight, he began to relax. Yes. That was it. Elizabeth was his female friend, and one to whom he owed a great deal. His feelings were perfectly normal; they were a mixture of friendship and gratitude. Gratitude for her assistance with Georgiana, for their friendship, and most of all for helping him fulfil his obligation to his family.

  Feeling a bit more sanguine, and with dinner coming to a natural end, he

  suggested a separation of the sexes.

  After dinner, the men remained while the ladies adjourned to the music room.

  A bit anxious to hear his friend's impression of his betrothed, Darcy served his friend's port last. Thankfully, Wesley needed no prodding to spout his

  assessment.

  "Your betrothed is charming, Darcy," Wesley said, "It is hard to believe the little spitfire I recall turned into your Miss Elizabeth."

  Darcy accepted the compliment with grace; not that his friend's reaction would have changed his mind. He was grateful Wesley's support would be given

  willingly rather than grudgingly.

  "Her sister is also quite a beauty," Wesley remarked. "You did not do her justice."

  "I do not recall describing her at all." Darcy did not understand what everyone saw in Miss Jane Bennet. Yes, she was beautiful, but far too demure. She did not have the wit of her sister, nor Elizabeth's liveliness. However, seeing the opportunity to end the flirtation, in a low tone, he said, "We will speak of it later, but you are not the first to admire her."

  "Certainly not..." his friend hissed back.

  Darcy rolled his eyes, realizing he needed to dispel any misconceptions

  immediately. "Of course not! My cousin has shown a particular interest in the lady, as had another friend."

  "Richard and his demmed luck."

  Here we go again. Perhaps it is a good thing Richard is not here tonight. The two would have made fools of themselves over Miss Bennet. He made a mental note to keep the three of them from meeting at the same time. "I had heard you danced the first two with Miss Kendrick at the Twelfth Night Ball."

  Wesley blew out a puff a smoke. "One would think there was not a war going on with the idle time of the papers."

  Darcy chuckled. It will be my turn soon enough, he thought ruefully, knowing that once word of Elizabeth being in town circulated, the speculation and

  scrutiny would be relentless.

  "Never fear, my friend. My bachelorhood is in no danger." Wesley flicked his brow and added, "At least not from Miss Kendrick."

  With that, Darcy determined it was time to rejoin the ladies. His eyes shot towards the ceiling as he watched his friend take a seat near Jane and engage her in conversation. Good grief! It is no wonder Mr. Bennet has locked his girls away in Meryton. While he was tempted to intervene, he refrained. His duty was to Elizabeth tonight. He would deal with Lord Blakeslee another time.

  After Georgiana played a few pieces, a duet by Georgiana and Elizabeth, and some more conversation, the evening ended. Though Darcy and Elizabeth did

  not have much time to speak privately, tomorrow's carriage ride through the park showed promise towards that end.

  As Elizabeth readied herself for bed that evening, she re
played the evening in her head. She had not felt such joy over a reunion as she had when she saw

  Darcy... and Georgiana. To know they would spend the next month or two

  frequently in each other's company was reassuring. While the letters had been amusing anecdotes during their separation, they did not compare with being

  able to converse in person.

  The kiss Darcy placed on her hand reminded her of her purpose in London. It was surprisingly easy to forget that they would be married when enjoying the benefits of his friendship.

  She thought of her other conversations that night and was generally pleased by how the evening had passed. She liked Lady Blakeslee and Julian; and from

  what little conversation she shared with Lord Blakeslee, she could see why he and Darcy were good friends.

  "Mr. Darcy has a wonderful home," Jane said, interrupting Elizabeth's thoughts. "I have never seen its equal!"

  "I am surprised you recall anything about the home, " Elizabeth teased.

  "Lizzy!"

  "Pray, tell me, how do you find Lord Blakeslee?" Jane never believed anyone when they told her she was beautiful, and as a younger sister and confidant, Elizabeth felt it her duty to tease Jane about it at every opportunity. She giggled at her sister's crimson cheeks.

  "He was very charming and kind. I must own, I rather enjoyed his company, even if it was only for an evening."

  "But you forget, my dear Jane, we are to attend the theatre, and at his behest."

  Then as casually as possible, she added, "Darcy mentioned to me that he had also invited the Bingleys to dinner, but they were not in town." She cringed, seeing Jane still, and was even more relieved Bingley was not present. He

  would have only made Jane uncomfortable, and she deserved a pleasant evening.

  "Oh," was the whispered reply. After another moment, Jane said, "Miss Bingley was correct, London has a great number of diversions."

  Elizabeth looked pointedly at her sister, knowing Jane was holding back her true thoughts.

  "Lizzy, do not fear for me. I did not heed your warning, and I own I was dismayed when he did not return; but I am resolved to think of him no more."

  Elizabeth blew her sister a comforting kiss and began brushing out her hair. It seemed Jane was determined not to display any emotion in regards to Mr.

  Bingley. If that was the case, there was nothing Elizabeth could do. Though, recalling Darcy's comment about the colonel, she could not help but wonder if Jane perhaps was sincere in her resolution.

  After several minutes of silence, Jane said, "Mr. Bingley paid me particular attentions, and I welcomed them, but I was never certain of his intentions.

  Colonel Fitzwilliam and Lord Blakeslee are less..."

  "Reserved?"

  "Precisely... Please do not think less of me, Lizzy, but I find I enjoy their attentions." She blushed furiously. "Oh! You must think me completely immoderate now!"

  Elizabeth could not but laugh. It was perhaps the most feeling her sister had shown in over a month and she was pleased by it. "Of course not, my sweet Jane! You could never be anything but sweet and good."

  "Oh Lizzy! London is so much more diverting than Hertfordshire. It is a shame Papa does not like town." Jane reddened and shook her head furiously. "Oh dear, I am beginning to sound like Mama or Lydia!"

  The two dissolved into peals of laughter.

  After exhausting themselves, Elizabeth slyly looked at her sister. "And should either of them offer to you?" Much to her amusement, Jane buried her face in her hands to hide her embarrassment.

  "I dare not consider it! I have known the colonel but a few weeks, and met Lord Blakeslee only this evening." Jane took a moment to collect herself. "Let us speak on this no more. It does neither of us any good to speculate."

  Elizabeth obliged. She was pleased to see her sister in better spirits again; and would do nothing to dampen them. None the less, she wanted to speak with

  Darcy about both Lord Blakeslee and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Jane did not deserve to be disappointed again, and she would do her best to see that she was not. Her mind made up, she drifted off to sleep, happily wondering what tomorrow's

  carriage ride would bring.

  Chapter Twenty

  The following morning, Elizabeth sat near the front windows of the Gardiner home, tending to some sewing while waiting for the Darcys to arrive. Her head shot up at the sound of every passing carriage. After the sixth or seventh time, she could not but laugh at her own impatience. She was acting not unlike her cousins had earlier that morning while waiting for her and Jane to wake. Still, it did not stop her from watching the next carriage that passed, or quiet the

  feelings of anticipation.

  There were so many things to discuss, and she would be lying if she said she was not looking for some time for private conversation with him. It was,

  perhaps, the only benefit of letters; there was little concern for being overheard.

  Finally, a landau stopped in front the Gardiner home, and a moment later,

  Elizabeth could see Darcy handing down Georgiana. Her heart beat a little

  faster, and she was sorely tempted to greet the arrivals herself. That, however, was not how proper young ladies conducted themselves; so she forced herself to remain seated until the visitors were announced.

  "Forgive our tardiness," Darcy said. He then exchanged the usual kiss on the hand for stiffly holding out a nosegay of purple, lavender, and white flowers.

  "These... um, these are for you."

  Elizabeth accepted the bouquet, and then bashfully turned away. She had never received such a token from a man.

  "Georgiana insisted we stop," he added awkwardly. He caught Georgiana's look of exasperation and realized he should not have said that. He tugged nervously at his gloves. Perhaps courting is more difficult than I thought.

  Elizabeth looked up and smiled, though her cheeks were still a rosy hue.

  "Thank you," she replied softly. "They are lovely."

  To everyone's relief, the awkward moment was broken by a cry coming

  towards them. "Lizzy, Cousin Lizzy..." Ian called. "Jonathan stole my mar..."

  Upon turning the corner and seeing the tall stranger, he stopped short. His eyes widened and he stared. The pilfered marbles were all but forgotten.

  Amused, Elizabeth provided the requisite introductions. Though his eyes

  continued to be wide as saucers, Ian properly thanked the tall gentleman for his Christmas gift and then nervously stood next to his cousin.

  Darcy bent down to discuss the marbles with young Ian, but before he could

  fully ascertain the problem, Aunt Gardiner entered the room, followed by two other children, Samantha and Leah. Again, introductions were performed and

  everyone was invited to sit for a spell. Conversation was brief, and mostly consisted of Aunt Gardiner thanking the Darcys for their Christmas gifts,

  dinner the previous evening, and inquiring after their plans for the morning.

  When the children began to once again grow restless, Georgiana, Darcy and Elizabeth were excused for their planned carriage ride. Jane had already

  begged off today's activities, and though Elizabeth put up the requisite protest, she was secretly pleased.

  By the time everyone was comfortably arranged in the carriage, the awkward

  beginning of their meeting was forgotten. The three chatted and teased one

  another with topics ranging from sights and sounds of London that were not to be missed, to various planned and unplanned outings.

  When they had reached a lesser used path of the park, Georgiana declared a

  great desire to stretch her legs, and Elizabeth, desiring a walk herself, agreed.

  Being outnumbered, Darcy called for the carriage to stop, and handed out the two girls.

  The three wandered down the path a ways before Georgiana's gait quickened,

  separating herself from the other two. Elizabeth could not but chuckle a
t the young girl's actions; next time she would not be so well pleased when Jane

  begged off. It would be easier for Georgiana if she had a companion on such outings. At least the two together would not appear so awkward. Taking the

  offered arm from the man at her side, she teased, "We appear to have a most obliging chaperone."

  "So it would seem. Perhaps this is an indication that I should be concerned about those lady's novels she reads." Darcy lifted a corner of his mouth.

  "There is nothing to fear, Fitzwilliam. A girl must be allowed to indulge her romantic notions every once in a while; just as boys must have someone with which to quarrel." Seeing her companion's odd look, she snickered.

  "And what of your romantic sensibilities?" He cringed the moment the words left his lips, but Elizabeth's eyes crinkled with mirth.

  "I have had my share. Did I not tell you of the loquacious, if not eloquent, offer of marriage Mr. Collins bestowed upon me?" Darcy could not help but laugh.

  Not wishing for this particular conversation to continue, Elizabeth changed the subject. "I did not get a chance to tell you last night, but you have a lovely home."

  "Thank you." He was oddly relieved by her approval. "I would like to give you a more extensive tour soon. Perhaps I can enlist my aunt's services, so you may view the family apartments as well. It would give you a chance to begin any updates you would like to have made."

  With that statement, the enormity of her engagement struck Elizabeth. She bit her lip and turned away to hide her unease. While in Hertfordshire, it was easy to believe the impact of their arrangement would be minimal; the biggest

  change being the direction of her letters. Now, she was beginning to realize how naïve she had been. She was to be his wife, and that came with additional

  expectations. She would be responsible for running his house! She would be required to make decisions regarding the décor, the servants, their guests, even their meals! She swallowed. "That would be lovely... though I saw nothing last night that was in need of my attention."

  "You did not see many of the rooms. There are several that were last updated by my mother." He looked down at her and smiled. "I wish you to be comfortable in your home."