An Engaging Friendship

by AmyJ

  After composing themselves, Jane asked, "Did Mr. Darcy say anything else today?" She did not dare look at Elizabeth.

  "No... What is the matter, Jane?"

  Jane kept her back turned and diligently brushed through her hair. At

  Elizabeth's persistence though, she murmured, "Colonel Fitzwilliam spoke to Uncle Gardiner today."

  Elizabeth's eyes widened, as big as saucers. "He has made you an offer? But when?"

  "No! Nothing like that. He has only asked to call on me." She looked down at the bed.

  For a moment, Elizabeth was speechless. "And you have agreed?"

  "Yes. Oh Lizzy! Please do not be angry."

  "I could never be angry at you, dear Jane." She proceeded carefully. "I am only surprised. I had thought you were waiting to see Mr. Bingley."

  "He may have changed his mind." The rejection was clear in both Jane's tone and demeanour. "Surely he knows of your engagement, and yet he has made no effort these last months to send word." She looked at Elizabeth questioningly.

  Receiving a negative response, she said, "Besides, Miss Bingley would not favour the match, and I could never come between family members."

  "Do not let Miss Bingley deter you, Jane," Elizabeth replied forcefully, still incensed at that woman's ill manners. "She means to make everyone suffer her disappointment, though everyone knows Fitzwilliam never had any inclination towards her. If Mr. Bingley is attached to you, he will deal with his sister."

  Then after taking a cleansing breath, she smiled. "But enough of Miss Bingley.

  Do you like Colonel Fitzwilliam, Jane?"

  Jane blushed. "He is very kind, and even though he is not like Mr. Bingley, he is a good man. He brings out a side of me I did not know existed. The way you bring Mr. Darcy out of his reserve."

  "I have no idea of what you speak Jane." Elizabeth clipped.

  "Lizzy!" Jane scolded. "You know very well what I am talking about."

  "If you say so, Jane, but it is only because we have known each other for many years." Noting the knowing look on her sister's face, she changed the subject.

  "Truly, Jane, I have no objection to Colonel Fitzwilliam. I only do not wish you to be hurt. He is a second son, and a soldier. He has very little for income."

  "I know that, Lizzy; but I am not in need of a great deal of comforts if my husband loves me."

  Elizabeth smiled. "It is all I have wanted for you, dearest. You are too good not be loved."

  "Thank you, Lizzy." With that, Jane blew out the candles and the two snuggled under the bed covers.

  Elizabeth lay awake for sometime afterwards, wondering if Jane had true

  feelings for Colonel Fitzwilliam or if he was simply a diversion from her

  broken heart; and what would happen once they encountered Mr. Bingley.

  Being friends with her betrothed, their meeting was inevitable. Then there was Darcy's reaction to consider. Would he be angry? Would he wish to break the engagement? He had mentioned Colonel Fitzwilliam's need to marry for

  fortune. Faced with the effects of their engagement, would he wish to

  reconsider? She was somewhat surprised to discover she hoped he did not.

  It had been two days since Darcy had spoken to Elizabeth at any great length.

  After the trip to the candy shop, he realized he was in very grave danger of feeling more for her than he should. That was simply something he could not afford to do. Elizabeth had made it clear she viewed him only as a dear friend, and he would do nothing to jeopardize that friendship. All he needed was a

  little distance, and everything would be fine. He resolved not to spend any time in her company until the evening of the theatre.

  To that end, he had escorted Georgiana to Gracechurch Street the day before for a visit, but under the guise of business, did not stay. Today, he and Bingley were on the way to Boodle's for lunch. It had been far too long since they had conversed. If only he could get Bingley out of this shop.

  With nothing to do but wait, Darcy casually looked over the collection of

  statuettes. Every once in a while, one would catch his eye, but would be

  discarded upon closer examination. He personally had no need for the

  figurines, but if he found one that resembled...

  He roughly turned from the table, and chastised himself for once again thinking about her. Why did she always seem to invade his thoughts at the most inopportune times? Like yesterday, when Georgiana had caught him staring

  blankly at a wall of books in the library, completely ignoring the open book in his lap. He had to admit, the excuse he had used then was feeble even to his own ears, and based on the giggle his sister had attempted to hide, she had not believed it either. At least she had the grace to fake it.

  He walked over to where Mr. Bingley was standing, just a little too closely next to Miss Crandall. He cleared his throat to alert them of his presence.

  "Forgive me, Darcy," Bingley said. "It shall be but another moment. You will not mind escorting Miss Crandall to her brother will you? It is on the way to the club."

  With no choice but to acquiesce, Darcy shrugged. "I will be outside." He was uncertain what interest Bingley had in Miss Crandall, but the lady's presence at least explained Bingley's sudden interest in porcelain. He would have preferred

  to leave the lady behind, but Bingley had given him no option. He felt his stomach rumble; the sooner they were relieved of Miss Crandall's company, the better.

  Thankfully, as promised, it was only a few minutes before the three were once again on their way. They rounded the corner, and much to his surprise, he

  found his betrothed walking towards him. Like an addict tasting opium for the first time in days, he smiled broadly at her, until he noticed she was holding the arm of his friend, Lord Blakeslee, and smiling up at him.

  "Darcy!" Blakeslee greeted. "I seem to have found something of yours," he jested.

  Darcy nodded and made a point of kissing Elizabeth's hand and then tucking it into the crook of his arm. "Blakeslee. I thank you for taking such prodigious care of my betrothed -- even without my asking." He hated the feeling of jealousy that emerged, especially when it was directed at his best friend. This however, did not stop him from giving Wesley a friendly warning.

  "I found a little something for myself as well," Wesley added.

  Noticing Jane for the first time, a wave of relief washed over him. His friend's interest was directed elsewhere.

  "Lord Blakeslee," Bingley greeted. "Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth."

  "Mr. Bingley," the two sisters greeted in unison. Elizabeth could not help the way her eyes widened. She had not expected the meeting between her sister

  and Mr. Bingley to take place in quite this manner. She looked to Jane and

  grew concerned at her sister's pale countenance. Regardless of what her sister had said, it was plain she still felt Mr. Bingley's defection acutely.

  "Mr. Bingley, would you introduce us to your friend?" Blakeslee said, cheerfully.

  "Lord Blakeslee, Miss Elizabeth, Miss Bennet, may I present Miss Crandall.

  Miss Crandall, Lord Blakeslee, Miss Elizabeth, Darcy's fiancée, and her sister Miss Bennet." Mr. Bingley replied, stiffly.

  Being a protective sister, Elizabeth could not help appraising the blonde lady that hung from Mr. Bingley's arm. She was pretty, but there was something

  about her air that reminded Elizabeth of Miss Bingley; and though she was

  admittedly biased, Elizabeth thought Jane to be more beautiful, no matter how much Miss Crandall spent on her gowns. Despite all this, she could not help but notice how the way Miss Crandall's yellow gown seemed to compliment

  Bingley's blue jacket and waistcoat, and had to admit that they did make a

  handsome couple.

  She tore her eyes away from the lady, hearing Mr. Bingley addressing her.

  "Forgive the tardiness, but allow me to offer my congratulations to you both on Miss Elizabeth's engagement," Bi
ngley said.

  "Thank you, Mr. Bingley," Elizabeth replied, hoping the anger she felt towards the man was not evident. Feeling unequal to maintaining a civil tongue towards Mr. Bingley or Miss Crandall, she turned to her betrothed. "Mr. Darcy, what brings you and Mr. Bingley out today?"

  "Bingley and I are headed to Boodle's for lunch, after we escort Miss Crandall to meet her brother. But..." He looked down at her, hoping for an invitation to join her and her sister. His previous resolve was all but forgotten.

  "There is no need to change your plans. We are to meet my aunt for lunch. We happened upon Lord Blakeslee at the bookstore, and he has been kind enough

  to offer his escort."

  "I am glad to see you are in excellent hands, and I will not delay you any further," Darcy answered, belying his disappointment.

  "Well then, I must see to my charges before their aunt wonders what has become of them." A moment later, Wesley called back teasing, "Have no fear, Darcy. I shall take excellent care of your fiancée."

  "Then it will be pistols at dawn, my friend," Darcy retorted, half in jest. He immediately scolded himself once again. He was acting like a lovesick fool! It had been but eight and forty hours since he had resolved to keep his distance.

  Yet the moment he saw her, he could think of nothing else but remaining in her company. He was fortunate, he told himself, that she had declined the offer. He would have to be more diligent in the future.

  The rest of the way to Boodle's was traversed in silence, except for the moment in which Miss Crandall left their company. Much to Darcy's surprise, Bingley had turned from his usual jovial, talkative self, to something more reminiscent of himself, sombre and taciturn. He could not help but wonder if Bingley still felt something for Miss Bennet. If that was true though, what he was doing

  with Miss Crandall? From what Elizabeth had told him, Miss Bennet was

  rather distressed over his friend's departure, so surely she would be receptive to his attentions...

  After finding a place at the club that would afford them a bit of privacy, Darcy prepared to question his friend over his odd behaviour. Before he could begin though, Bingley hissed out, "Why did you not tell me they would be on Bond Street today?"

  Darcy raised a curious brow towards his friend, his suspicions starting to

  become confirmed. "I only knew Miss Elizabeth and her sister to be out shopping; and from the way you had Miss Crandall hanging on your arm, I am

  surprised it matters."

  "You could have told me they were out shopping today," came the petulant retort. To this, Darcy snorted. As if I would share Elizabeth's every move.

  "Lord Blakeslee. He is courting Miss Bennet?" Bingley asked.

  Darcy took a moment to measure his friend's countenance. Unless, he was misreading his friend, Bingley was jealous; though he had no idea why. It had been Bingley's decision to remain in London last December. "He has shown her some attention."

  "Is anyone courting her?" Bingley asked, clearly feigning indifference. Darcy fought the urge to scoff. Bingley never could hide his emotions well; it was why he had always advised his friend to stay away from high stakes games.

  "I could not say," Darcy replied, being intentionally precise. "Miss Elizabeth has not informed me of anyone asking her father's permission to court Miss

  Bennet."

  Before anything else could be said though, they were interrupted by another mutual friend, Mr. Woodall.

  The walk back to the café began again in silence. Elizabeth could not help but feel for her sister; to see Mr. Bingley after all this time, and with another woman on his arm no less, had to be disheartening at best. If only Jane had listened to her and Mr. Darcy. Admittedly, she had hoped Bingley would prove Darcy wrong at the time, but faced with indisputable evidence, the only thing left to do was to console her sister.

  Realizing her sister was in no condition to carry on discourse of any kind, she took it upon herself to keep Lord Blakeslee from inquiring after the sudden change. "May I ask, Lord Blakeslee, is Haydn a favourite of yours?" Elizabeth asked.

  "Ah, you speak of the performance at the theatre we are to see."

  "I was curious if the performance is a particular favourite of yours, or if it was simply what you knew to be playing at the time?"

  Lord Blakeslee snickered at her impertinence. "I would not consider Haydn a favourite, but I do find his use of the different instruments intriguing. It is as though each one has a personality of their own and it is his duty to bring

  together the parts that complements each other." He looked to Miss Bennet and then back to Elizabeth. "And what is your opinion of the composer, Miss Elizabeth?"

  Elizabeth sighed internally, knowing Lord Blakeslee had seen in her sister what she had. Though, unlike her, he probably did not understand the reason. She smiled, "I am afraid you will find I am less schooled in the arts, and my observations tend to follow popular opinion; Beethoven and Mozart are both

  favourites of mine."

  "And of the two?"

  "I must confess to preferring Mozart, for you see, milord, I dearly love to laugh, and so much of Beethoven's music seems angry and dark."

  Lord Blakeslee chuckled. "Then it seems my friend, Darcy, will have to persuade you of Herr Beethoven's merits."

  A moment later, and before Elizabeth could reply, they found themselves in

  front of the café. Lord Blakeslee graciously declined the invitation to join them, and took his leave,

  "Darcy! Bingley!" Mr. Woodall greeted. "How good to see you."

  It had been a while since Darcy had been at the club, and he was pleased to see his good friend. He stood, along with Bingley to greet him, and then invited him to join them.

  "Allow me to offer you my congratulations on your engagement, Darcy."

  Woodall said, taking a seat. Darcy nodded deeply in acceptance, and smiled a secret smile that only appeared when he thought about Elizabeth.

  Woodall then turned to Bingley. "I had the pleasure of seeing your sister today, Bingley, when she called on my own." With a light laugh he added, "I believe the two of them were commiserating over the loss of Darcy's bachelorhood.

  Though, your sister mentioned something about an estate in Hertfordshire?"

  Darcy listened intently. He too was curious what Bingley had planned to do

  with Netherfield. He was fully surprised when Bingley said, "I was leasing an estate there, but found it not to my liking." He had been certain Bingley intended to return there in the spring. Before he could raise the question

  though, Woodall asked, "Then you are looking for a new one?"

  Bingley nodded and asked, "Your wife is in good health?" leaving Darcy to wonder when Bingley had made such a decision, and why. Unfortunately,

  Bingley had changed the subject, and he could not ask any more questions.

  "She is." Woodall said proudly. "We expect her time to come very soon."

  Darcy raised his glass in a toast. "My congratulations and best wishes then, for the health of both her and the babe."

  "Thank you," Mr. Woodall replied. "Now then, Darcy, my wife and sister would never forgive me if I do not at least attempt to pry the details of your engagement and wedding from you."

  Shaking his head in false dismay, Darcy smirked. Then, seeing a perfect

  opportunity to spread word of his family's previous connection to the Bennets said, "I am certain Miss Bingley will provide your sister all the details." Miss Woodall was known to be a bit of a gossip, and had entry into all the parlour rooms of the ton. Carefully playing his cards, he said, "However, so you do not go home empty handed, my betrothed is Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Her father was a friend of my father, and Miss Elizabeth was his goddaughter. We are to be married in April from my bride's home in Hertfordshire. After our wedding trip, we shall spend the Season in town." When he was finished speaking, he took a

  steadying deep breath. Bandying about his family business went against his very nature. Unfortunately
, in this instance, it was necessary to ease Elizabeth's acceptance amongst his peers.

  "I look forward to meeting her, though with my wife's condition, it may be some time."

  "Both my betrothed and I will be in London until the wedding nears. Send

  ‘round your card." Darcy offered, sincerely. He hoped his friend could provide some distraction from his usual preoccupation. He thought about her entirely too much. While she was his betrothed, she was his friend first. He needed to remember that

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Finally, the night of the theatre arrived. As Elizabeth readied herself, she vacillated between nervous self-doubt, and excited anticipation. It was the first public outing with Mr. Darcy since their engagement.

  From her discussions with him, she had some idea of what to expect, but

  instead of easing her mind, it heightened her anxiety. It was daunting to

  imagine being so sought after. She was, after all, still just Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn, an inconsequential estate in Hertfordshire. The true crux of her agitation, however, stemmed from the knowledge that the ton's curiosity over her was not borne from a desire to befriend her, but rather to find fault with her.

  She had no doubt that by the end of the evening, her vanity would be in tatters.

  She turned her thoughts back to her preparations, trying to remain calm. In the mirror, she could see her aunt's maid, Joyce, arranging Jane's curls. "There you are, miss," Joyce said to her sister. "I ain't never done hair for bein' in the company of a lord though." She watched as Jane studied her looks before giving her approval.

  Her sister was taking extra care with her dress this evening, and Elizabeth could not help wondering if Jane was trying to impress Lord Blakeslee. Why

  should she not? Lady Jane did sound well. Oh dear, now I sound like

  Mama. Alarmed at the notion, she quickly returned to her own preparations, pulling out the box that held the pendant Darcy had given her. She stared at its contents momentarily, still finding it difficult to believe she owned such finery.

  Joyce assisted her in putting it on, but before Elizabeth could appreciate the effect, Jane exclaimed, "Oh, Lizzy! That matches beautifully with your gown."