An Engaging Friendship

by AmyJ

  The table, including Lord Matlock, instantly erupted in laughter.

  "Though, as you have keenly observed, milord," Elizabeth continued, "I have little to offer. Perhaps you should be asking your nephew why he chose to

  make me an offer. After all, as a lady, I can only accept or reject the proposal placed in front of me." Her eyes twinkled with mischief, and her lips curled impudently as she waited for Darcy's reply.

  Darcy, dabbed the corners of his mouth his napkin, and then lightly cleared his throat. Looking as serious as ever, he said, "I thought my reason rather obvious." He paused for effect. "It was for your sizeable dowry."

  This brought a new round of laughter. From there, dinner conversation was

  light and pleasant. Discussion topics came and went, ranging from music, to literature, to current affairs; side conversations began and ended, but, in general, a merry time was had by all.

  There was a brief separation of the sexes, and when everyone was joined again, Elizabeth and Georgiana played the duet they had practiced earlier that

  afternoon. There were polite cries for an encore, but Elizabeth declined, only after encouraging Georgiana to play. After Georgiana performed another piece, conversation broke out again.

  After some light discourse on music, the topic turned to reading. It began with a discussion on ladies' novels, but Darcy -- and by the looks of it the viscount as well -- could not appear interested in that discussion. In an attempt to entertain the gentlemen present, Darcy introduced the subject of a recent

  political treatise by Galt. He was shocked when Elizabeth announced, "I seldom read history or politics and never discuss them in mixed company."

  All this was said with certainty and a very straight face; and the other ladies chimed in: "Indeed, those books are rather solemn." "It is so difficult when reading history to know how much is embellishment." "I am content to take the false with the true, but it is rare to find a lady with a real interest in the subject."

  To learn that these ladies he held in esteem seldom read histories! To think he once thought all accomplished ladies improved their minds by extensive

  reading! The idea now seemed misinformed, or perhaps even foolish. But then he espied Elizabeth biting her lip, with a distinct glimmer in her eye.

  Impertinent woman; teasing him in his own home, in front of his own relations!

  How she had managed to garner the support of his aunt and cousin in the

  scheme, he would never know.

  "I know, for a fact, that Mr Bennet has a generous number of such books in his home, and Elizabeth has surely read most of them. Aunt Meredith, you will

  soon learn that Elizabeth finds great enjoyment in professing opinions which are not her own."

  "Mr Darcy! You would teach your aunt not to believe a word I say? It is very ungenerous of you. I had hoped to pass myself off with some degree of credit amongst your family. But you tempt me to retaliate. Shall I shock your

  relations with tales about you?"

  There was some small laughter, before the discussion of Galt's writing began again.

  Though she should have been paying attention to the conversation at hand,

  Elizabeth could not help noticing the way Colonel Fitzwilliam had once again singled Jane out, nor the way Jane blushed as he did so. He had escorted her sister to dinner, and was quick to regain her company when the gentlemen

  joined the ladies once again. Both times, Jane seemed to welcome his

  attentions. Is she doing it out of politeness, or does she truly welcome his advances? If so, what of Bingley? She looked to Darcy questioningly, but he seemed not to understand.

  Realizing it was hardly the time to discuss it, with the colonel's parents so near.

  She made a mental note to bring it up with either Fitzwilliam or Jane when an opportunity arose. At the moment, it was time to concentrate on attending to the earl's polite but probing attention.

  The night ended very different from its beginning. The Fitzwilliams had

  warmed to Elizabeth and her family. Lady Matlock, Lady Fitzwilliam, and

  Elizabeth had agreed upon a tea time, a shopping date, and an agreement for a walk with Georgiana in two days' time. Most important though, the support of the Fitzwilliam clan had been secured.

  Darcy lay in bed that night, very pleased with how the day had passed.

  Elizabeth had charmed Stephen and his wife, Lady Matlock, and even Lord

  Matlock. Her wit and grace and removed any doubts of her as a suitable mate.

  Everything was progressing as planned.

  He smirked with guilty satisfaction at the memory of his uncle offering both him and Elizabeth sincere congratulations on their engagement as the evening came to a close. With both the Matlocks and the Blakeslees' firm support, and Elizabeth's natural charm and grace, her acceptance was almost guaranteed. It was perfect.

  He closed his eyes, as yet another weight was lifted from his shoulders. There was the upcoming night at the theatre that could prove to be difficult, but most people would proceed with caution. There would not be time for a great deal of

  conversation, and most would simply be looking to satisfy their curiosity with a glimpse at the future Mrs. Darcy.

  The only disappointment of the evening was that he and Elizabeth had not had a moment of privacy. He had hoped to speak with Elizabeth about the theatre night after he gave her the necklace, but there was no opportunity.

  He adjusted his pillow and turned over. Tomorrow. Tomorrow he would ride

  over to Gracechurch Street and deliver the gift. Then they could speak about Lady Matlock's plans. He smiled at the idea. It was quite perfect, actually. He would ensure Georgiana was busy with her studies, and they could walk out a bit, just the two of them.

  The following morning, Elizabeth busied herself in her aunt's kitchen, binding small bouquets of herbs for drying. She smiled at the small bunch of thyme she had just cut, wondering if she would still have time for such tasks once she became Mrs. Darcy, Mistress of Pemberley. She pressed her lips together

  tightly to hold back a giggle that threatened. It was still difficult to believe that she would be wife to Fitzwilliam Darcy.

  Finished with the herbs, she moved on to the nosegay she had received the

  other day from Darcy. He continued to surprise her. When he had discussed

  making a show of their understanding, she had not expected gifts. She held the fragrant blossoms to her nose and inhaled once, before arranging them to be dried as well.

  Overall, she was pleased with how things had proceeded. Little had changed

  between her and Darcy since the engagement. In fact, their agreement had been rather beneficial. They could write, without fear of discovery, and they could visit without questioning the frequency or length of the visits. Yes. Things were progressing quite nicely.

  She held up the bouquet, looking it over one last time before finishing the bindings. A moment later, she chuckled to herself, remembering Darcy's

  nervousness at presenting the flowers and Georgiana's subsequent behaviour.

  She could not help wondering if flowers, much like the kisses on the hand,

  would be a regular occurrence. With little familiarity of the rituals of courtship, she was uncertain what else to expect. Then she realized she may be expected to return the gifts in kind. But what would be appropriate? What could she

  afford?

  Making a mental note to discuss the topic with her aunt, she continued on with her task. After tying a final knot, she looked over the bound arrangement

  before placing it on a drying hook. With a giggle, she thought, I think I could get used to fresh flowers on a regular basis. Perhaps courting is not so bad.

  Just as she was cleaning up, a maid entered and informed her that her presence was required in the front parlour.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  "Fitzwilliam!" Elizabeth cried. Her eyes were wide with surprise, and she stood frozen in the
entrance of the front parlour.

  At receiving such an inauspicious reception, Darcy began to question the

  wisdom of his strategy. He looked nervously from Elizabeth to Mrs. Gardiner and back again. Realizing he needed to say something, he stuttered, "I... I am sorry. I will come back at another time." He bowed, as if to take his leave.

  "No!" Elizabeth exclaimed, shaking herself from her stupor. "Please! Forgive me. I... I thought perhaps I had forgotten an engagement."

  Feeling a bit more relaxed, Darcy stepped forward, but was forestalled from bestowing his usual kiss on the hand, as Elizabeth still had them clasped tightly in front of her.

  "I apologize, my visit is unannounced." He smiled wanly. "I had hoped to speak with you last night, but there was no opportunity." Looking to Aunt Gardiner, he asked, "Would you mind if we take a brief stroll?"

  At her aunt's hesitation, Elizabeth offered to take Samantha and Leah with

  them. It was not that her aunt objected to the walk, but rather the absence of help. The children were being particularly difficult that morning, and Aunt Gardiner was a bit under the weather. Furthermore, she was trying to finish up a few items to take the charity house she planned on visiting later that morning.

  After giving the two a relieved smile, Aunt Gardiner left to gather and dress the two girls.

  "Are you truly well, Elizabeth? I can return another day."

  "I was only surprised." Guiltily she confessed, "I... um... was just thinking about you," she mumbled, "and then suddenly you appeared. It was as if..." She let the words trail off, suddenly aware of the intimacy her words had implied.

  The air thickened around them, and Darcy felt his heart racing. Unwilling to acknowledge the tension in the air, he pulled out the small gift, handed it to her, and then retreated a half-step. "I intended to give this to you last night, but there was not time." If he had hoped the gesture would thin the air, he was gravely mistaken.

  "Fitzwilliam, you know I do not expect such things." The blush she had tried to keep at bay now radiated full force. Bashfully, she opened the gift, while trying to ignore Darcy's penetrating stare boring into her.

  What she expected she did not know, but upon seeing the pendant set, she

  gasped loudly. Not even her father had given her such a gift. "Oh, Fitzwilliam!

  It is too much."

  A broad smile broke free and he expelled a breath of relief. "I wanted to."

  Unconsciously, he stepped closer to her, and when she looked up at him, their

  eyes locked. For a moment, nothing but faint laboured breathing could be heard.

  Finally, Darcy cleared his throat and looked downward at the velvet box in

  Elizabeth's hand. "I thought you might like something new to wear to the theatre." He could not help staring at her delicate, ungloved hand as she gently fingered the pearl tear drops.

  "Thank you, Fitzwilliam," she said with tenderness and an appreciative gleam.

  "They will go perfectly with the gown I intended to wear." Feeling a need to dispel the mood that had descended, she teased, "If I did not know better, I might think you are marking your territory." She arched her brow and smiled impertinently. When Darcy only stared at her, she laughed nervously and

  added, "Though, who could object to such lovely gifts." Finally, the corners of his mouth moved upward.

  A commotion and excited voices in the hall foretold their privacy was at an end. They each stepped back, putting some distance between them, and

  prepared to greet the young Gardiners.

  Samantha entered the room and gave Darcy her best curtsey; Leah imitated her sister as best she could, but was too intimidated by the tall man to look at him directly.

  "Where are we going?" Samantha inquired as her mother tied her bonnet.

  "Where do you think we should go?" Darcy asked. He looked to Elizabeth, who was pulling Leah's arm through the sleeve of her pelisse. Samantha too

  looked to her cousin for ideas and then shrugged.

  "There is a little shop just a few blocks away." Elizabeth suggested. "Perhaps we could go there. I believe my Aunt could use some Horehound drops." Her aunt returned a grateful smile.

  Samantha and Leah squealed excitedly. "Calvin's!"

  Pretending not to have heard the excited outburst, Darcy replied, "A candy store? I do not think children like peppermint sticks and gum drops. Perhaps some place else would be better..."

  Panicked, Leah impatiently tugged at Elizabeth's cloak. "Cousin Lizzy, Cousin Lizzy, I like gum drops! Will you tell Mr. Darcy I like them very much?"

  The adults in the room chuckled.

  "Very well, to Calvin's we shall go," Elizabeth said. She then turned a serious look at her cousins. "But, you must share everything with your brothers. Mr.

  Darcy will not be pleased if he hears there was fighting."

  The children nodded and gave their solemn promise. After receiving some final instructions from their mother, the two young girls led Elizabeth and Darcy out the door.

  Samantha, keen on demonstrating her maturity, led the party towards the shop, while Leah followed as quickly as her short legs permitted. Before they had even passed three houses, the two sisters were carrying on and holding hands.

  Elizabeth and Darcy watched with amusement as Samantha tried to teach Leah

  how to skip. After seeing the two girls well entertained, Darcy asked, "Did you enjoy your afternoon with Lady Matlock?"

  "I did. She is very kind." Elizabeth hesitated. "Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst called while we were having tea." She could not hide the annoyance in her voice.

  "I heard. Was Miss Bingley rude to you?"

  Elizabeth hesitated. "I was more concerned about her treatment of Jane." She paused. "While Miss Bingley must be nursing disappointed hopes, Jane has done nothing to deserve such cruelty." Seeing Darcy's grim expression, she said gently, "Fitzwilliam, there is no need to say or do anything. I would not wish to negatively affect your friendship with Mr. Bingley."

  "I will not allow anyone, much less Miss Bingley, to disrespect you. And certainly not in my home." He inhaled deeply, keeping his anger in check. "I will leave instructions with Andrews that she is not to be admitted unless she is with her brother."

  Elizabeth smiled at his protectiveness. "Truly, Fitzwilliam. I am able to withstand her remarks." She thought a moment. "I must remember to thank your aunt for coming to my defence. She..."

  Their conversation was interrupted by the two girls excitedly dragging

  Elizabeth through the doors of the shop. For the next fifteen minutes, both Elizabeth and Darcy's attention were on the two girls, who were kindly

  showing them the store's offerings. After selecting a few items, Darcy insisted on paying, and the quartet made their way back to the Gardiners.

  Once again, the youngest two walked ahead of their caretakers, each proudly carrying their own package. Samantha carried the gum drops; Leah carried the peppermint sticks; leaving Elizabeth to carry Aunt Gardiner's horehound throat drops.

  It took Darcy little time to return to the conversation that had been interrupted by their errand. "Lady Matlock defended you in front of Miss Bingley?" He asked with a half smile. "I am pleased to hear it, though not entirely surprised.

  My aunt took a liking to you."

  "I am very relieved to hear that."

  "You should not have been so concerned. I had every faith in you." Darcy said.

  He looked away, hoping she would not read more into the statement than he

  intended.

  Elizabeth averted her eyes, hoping her bonnet would hide her burning cheeks.

  The air about them seemed to once again become electrified. Having always

  turned to humour as her best weapon, Elizabeth said, "Perhaps you would have been less confident if you had been present the time Lady Matlock caught your cousin and me in a spitting contest on the second floor balcony at Pemberley."

  She laughed. "I was afraid when she saw me, i
t would be all she would

  remember."

  Darcy laughed. "I had no idea you were so accomplished. Could I persuade you to demonstrate your unique talent?"

  "Fitzwilliam Darcy!" Elizabeth cried, swatting him on the arm.

  Darcy laughed again and grabbed his arm in mock distress.

  With a roll of the eyes, Elizabeth said, "I can see the papers now... A certain lady said to be engaged to a well known gentleman of Derbyshire was seen

  expectorating near Cheapside... What would your aunt say then?"

  "Point taken. I shall have to wait until we are at Pemberley."

  Elizabeth quickened her step and sighed heavily. "You are insufferable some days." To this, Darcy could only grin. It was rare when he was able to get the upper hand when it came to teasing.

  Realizing they were almost out of time, Darcy returned to the subject of Lady Matlock and discussed the plans she had laid out yesterday. Though there was a bit of apprehension over all that would be expected of her, and her objection to Darcy paying for her new attire, Elizabeth agreed to the scheme.

  Upon their return, Darcy was invited to stay for tea, but declined. Elizabeth thanked him once again. Then, with a kiss on the hand, Darcy said his

  goodbyes and returned to Arryndale.

  That night, as Elizabeth and Jane readied themselves for bed, Elizabeth showed her sister the gift she received.

  "Oh, Lizzy! It is exquisite!"

  Elizabeth nodded, but her brow was crumpled.

  Concerned, Jane asked, "What is the matter?"

  "It is so expensive."

  Jane laughed lightly. "Oh Lizzy, Mr. Darcy bought it for you because he wanted you to have it." With a smirk, she added, "I believe you will simply have to get used to such gifts."

  "I suppose," Elizabeth sighed with a hesitant nod.

  "You are no fortune hunter, and Mr. Darcy knows it. Besides, what would Mama say if she found out you were returning his gifts?" The two girls laughed and spent a few minutes imitating their mother's dolorous complaints.