An Engaging Friendship

by AmyJ

  It had been a while since he had dealt with an angry Elizabeth, but a peace offering could never hurt.

  Armed with two bouquets in his hand, he marched up the stairs to the house.

  Before knocking on the door, he took a deep breath. Distant, but friendly. I am just here to see Li'l Beth. He repeated the name a few times, making sure he was master of himself, and then he knocked on the door.

  He was greeted promptly by a servant, and shown into the front parlour, where Mrs. Gardiner was tending to her sewing. "Mrs. Gardiner," he greeted. Then, extending the larger of the two bouquets, he offered, "These are for you."

  Mrs. Gardiner declared it beautiful, and then handed it to a maid to put in a vase. "The others are still out, but I expect them back any moment."

  Darcy took the seat offered, and did his best to make small talk with the lady.

  Aunt Gardiner accepted his apology with a gracious, light laugh. Then, after a few awkward moments, they reached the topic of Lambton. On a topic Darcy

  felt comfortable speaking, time passed quickly, and before he knew it, there was a commotion in the front of the house.

  He heard a gentle laugh he immediately recognized as Elizabeth's, and almost instantly, his heart began to race. Li'l Beth, Li'l Beth, Li'l Beth. He repeated the mantra until his heart beat returned to normal, just in time to see Elizabeth turn the corner, her arm hooked with Georgiana's.

  "Fitzwilliam!" they greeted in unison.

  "Did you enjoy yourself, Pea Head?" He received first a scowl, and then a kiss on the cheek as Georgiana passed him to take a seat.

  He turned to Elizabeth. "Good morning, Elizabeth. I apologize for my delay."

  He kissed her hand and then presented her with the bouquet he still held.

  Taking a half step closer, he said, "These, um, these are for you." He shifted awkwardly, as she held the fragrant blossoms to her nose.

  "They are lovely. Thank you." A faint pink touched her cheeks.

  Plunging ahead, he said lowly, "I must apologize for my behaviour the other night. I... " He was cut short by the sight of Colonel Fitzwilliam, escorting Jane into the room. Surprised by the presence of his cousin, Darcy sent an inquiring look to Elizabeth, who simply mouthed, "Later."

  Seeing as that had to suffice for now, he greeted Miss Bennet and his cousin, and then followed the party back into the parlour.

  Tea was a pleasant event, with light, easy conversation. By the time it was time to return to Arryndale, Darcy had been fully restored to his former self. Her presence, her smile directed at him, her fine eyes that sparkled with intelligence and twinkled with laughter, it was all that was needed to calm the tempest that had been raging inside him these last days.

  As much as he did not want to leave, he knew it was time. The moth had

  dabbled long enough with the flame.

  After taking his leave of Mrs. Gardiner, he and Georgiana were seen to the

  door by Elizabeth, leaving Jane and Colonel Fitzwilliam to follow. Georgiana stood off to the side, allowing the engaged couple a moment of privacy.

  "What is my cousin doing here?" Darcy said, asking the question that had been niggling at him.

  "I thought you knew," Elizabeth whispered defensively.

  "No." He fought to keep the irritation out of his voice. Why did everything have to be so complicated? Seeing Jane, newly adorned with a flower, and

  Colonel Fitzwilliam by her side, he said lowly, "May I call on you tomorrow?"

  He had promised to keep his distance, but this was necessary, he rationalized.

  He needed to determine what, if anything, existed between his cousin and Miss Bennet.

  "I am to call on your aunt again tomorrow morning, but perhaps in the afternoon, we might take a stroll, if the weather cooperates?" Elizabeth suggested.

  A large grin unconsciously appeared, and threatened to split Darcy's face.

  "Would you be opposed to lunch at Arryndale with my sister and me, and then a stroll?" He cringed inwardly, wondering why he could never seem to keep his resolve in her presence. He only needed a few moments of her time, now they were having lunch. At Elizabeth's nod, he placed a kiss on her on hand. "I shall retrieve you from my aunt's. Until tomorrow."

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  In the carriage on the ride back to Arryndale, Darcy quietly stewed, while

  Georgiana and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, chatted. The urge to throttle his cousin was great. It was one thing to flirt with courtesans, but Jane was his betrothed's sister! How dare he!

  The carriage had barely come to a halt before Darcy leapt from it. He handed down his sister, and left his cousin to follow them. As they climbed the stairs, in his lord and master tone, Darcy said, "A word, Richard."

  After handing Cardwell his beaver, gloves, and cloak, he proceeded in silence to his study. The echo of his cousin's heavy boots followed him.

  "How is it you came to be at the Gardiners?" Darcy accused while closing the door.

  "I arrived here this morning, just as Georgiana was leaving. I decided to escort her." Richard replied casually, while pouring himself a glass of port.

  "Since when did you become interested in escorting Georgiana around town?"

  Richard feigned injury before giving a curt answer. "Since her destination included the current residence of Miss Bennet." He offered his cousin a drink.

  Darcy was in no attitude for his cousin's joking. Richard's actions had wide implications. If Richard hurt Jane, Elizabeth would be perfectly justified in being angry at him and calling off the engagement. He narrowed his eyes and made his best intimidating glare.

  "What are you thinking, Richard?" Darcy ground out heatedly, before accepting the drink.

  "I am thinking I greatly admire Miss Bennet, and wish for her to get to know me better."

  His cousin's unperturbed tone only deepened Darcy's irritation. "She is to be my sister!" he barked. "Not some common tart. I will ask you not trifle with her."

  "I would not trifle with Miss Bennet. My intentions are honourable, if you must know."

  The seriousness behind Richard's tone caught Darcy unawares. Was it possible this was more than a casual flirtation? He stared at his cousin, waiting for the joke to be exposed.

  "I do not understand why you are surprised, Darcy. You bore witness to the attention I paid to her while in Hertfordshire." He took another sip from his glass.

  "I thought you were... you were distracting her to give Elizabeth and me some privacy." Darcy stammered, searching for a way to explain things to himself.

  Of course he had noticed the time his cousin spent with Jane. It was nothing more than a simple infatuation though.

  When Richard quirked a brow in response, however, Darcy realized his error.

  His cousin had no idea of his feelings for Elizabeth. As far as Richard was concerned, Elizabeth and he were only friends; friends that did not require privacy. "All right." Darcy threw up his hands. "So you paid her some attention last December. It was a temporary diversion!"

  "You decided it was temporary. I did not."

  Darcy blinked in disbelief. Did Richard feel something towards Miss Bennet?

  Preposterous! He had not been in love while at Netherfield; he had not been in Hertfordshire long enough. "Richard! You are a second son, and she has no dowry," Darcy said, standing abruptly. "Nothing can ever come of this... this infatuation." He paced agitatedly behind his desk. Why could he not simply get married according to plan? Why did it seem everyone in his family was

  determined to be an obstacle?

  "I told you before that I would live in a shack if it meant having Miss Bennet as my wife."

  "You said that in jest!"

  Several more minutes of silence passed as Darcy tried to determine his course of action. He needed to be careful. His cousin could be stubborn, and seemed to take a special delight in frustrating him. A direct attempt to discourage the relationship would be futile. He slumped back into his chair. Then, with a f
lash of brilliance he tried another tactic.

  "Does his lordship know?" Darcy asked, knowing full well that not only did Lord Matlock not know, he also would not approve. He was pleased to finally see his cousin deflate. Now perhaps he can be made to see reason.

  "No, he does not. Nor do I intend to ask for his permission." Richard replied, avoiding Darcy's eyes.

  "He will not take the news kindly. He may even disinherit you."

  "He may." The colonel shrugged. "But as you said yourself, I am a second son.

  The family lineage is my brother's responsibility. And, after your marriage to Miss Elizabeth, father can not complain about the connection. Father may

  bluster about the lack of fortune for a few days, but in the end, it will not matter."

  Darcy rolled his eyes. His cousin was persistent, and purposefully neglecting reason. This only compounded his usual annoyance at the way his cousin

  minimized the importance of family connections and fortune. "Did you at least ask Mr. Bennet's permission to call on his daughter?"

  When Richard's interest suddenly turned to the floor, Darcy once again shot out of his chair. "Richard! Have you lost all sense of propriety?" he bellowed. Good Lord, this is all I need. A daughter with a damaged reputation due to his own cousin's actions was all Mr. Bennet would need to insist the engagement be broken.

  "You were so blasted eager to leave, I did not have time. Besides, I did speak to Mr. Gardiner, and asked his permission."

  "At least that is something," Darcy muttered as he returned to his seat.

  The two sat in silence for several minutes. Instead of trying to discourage a burgeoning relationship, Darcy was now trying to determine how to mitigate

  any damage Richard had caused. His thoughts were interrupted by Richard

  saying, "There is something else you should know, Darcy." Darcy took a steadying breath. The colonel's hesitant tone did not bode well.

  "I... uh... took the liberty of using the box you sent to Hertfordshire last Christmas. It stowed away a small gift for Miss Bennet. I hid it in the gift you gave her, so no one else in her family would know of it. It was a small bauble, nothing more. I doubt any one will take note of it."

  "Mother Mary and Joseph!" Darcy cursed. "How dare you, Richard! Does Mr.

  Bennet know?"

  "If he did not, he most likely does now. Mr. Gardiner knows."

  Darcy's chest heaved slowly as he struggled in vain to check his emotion. As Richard continued to tell of the hair pin he had given Jane at Christmas, it became more evident that not only had his cousin lost his reason, but all sense of propriety as well! Richard was playing a dangerous game, in which he

  would not be the only loser. The question was how to explain the situation to Richard, without exposing his feelings for Elizabeth.

  After his marriage to Elizabeth, Bingley, Wesley, Richard, or the rest of the ton could romance Miss Bennet all they wanted. He would even give him his

  blessing. Now, however, he could not take any chances. Maybe he could find a way to appeal to his cousin's sense of honour. After all, as a soldier, Richard could be sent to the continent any day.

  In the end, guarded acceptance proved to be the best course of action. Nothing else had worked, and if Richard thought him obliging, the appeal Miss Bennet presented might disappear, and he would soon lose interest.

  "Very well, if you are determined to have Miss Bennet, and she loves you in return, you have my support. But I urge you very strongly, to think on it before it is beyond you."

  The colonel emptied his glass, and then held it up in salute to his cousin. "Not to worry, Cousin."

  Of course I am worried, you big oaf. If things go awry, Mr. Bennet will exact his revenge on both of us.

  Elizabeth sat in front of the vanity, watching the mirror as Joyce curled and twisted her hair. To the right of the mirror, sat the nosegay she had received from Darcy only yesterday. It was a sign of hope. After the night at the theatre, she was certain Darcy would terminate their engagement. Then yesterday, not only had he brought her flowers, but his easy manner seemed to have returned as well. She dared to let herself hope.

  They would have a chance to speak freely this afternoon, though she suspected their conversation would concern Colonel Fitzwilliam and Jane, more than

  their engagement.

  "One more pin," Joyce said. Elizabeth fought to keep her head still as the maid pulled her hair taut and then secured the knot to her head. "There you are, miss." Joyce said, obviously pleased with her effort.

  With a tilt of the head, first to the right and then to the left, Elizabeth examined the overall effect. It was simple, but elegant; fashionable, but not ostentatious.

  "It is lovely, Joyce. Thank you." Elizabeth said. Though her aunt's maid was not French, as was common in the noble houses, no one could say she was

  lacking in skill.

  Moments after her gown was buttoned and brushed, the sound of a carriage in front of the house alerted her it was time to depart. She gathered her gloves, fan, and reticule, and made for the front doors. It would not do to be late.

  Unlike her last tea with Lady Matlock, this was a specific invitation, and they would not be alone.

  Elizabeth entered Lanelle House feeling more sanguine than she had on her

  first visit, and was able to take a more appreciative view of its décor. She noticed a small parlour near the front of the house with beautiful lace window

  coverings. At this time of day, the room glowed with natural light, giving it a warm, cosy feeling. She could easily imagine whiling away hours reading in

  that room during her stay.

  She followed the manservant to another parlour that emitted feminine voices.

  When she entered, she saw Lady Matlock, who led her to a table where two

  other ladies were already sitting with cups of tea.

  "Miss Elizabeth," Lady Matlock greeted, "My sister, Mrs. Granville, and my brother's wife, Mrs. Stephens."

  Elizabeth immediately noted the resemblance between Mrs. Granville and

  Lady Matlock. Both had the same cool blue eyes, and the same pronounced

  chin, auburn hair, and tall stature.

  Mrs. Stephens, on the other hand, was stouter in build. Her naturally rosy, plump cheeks gave her an endearing, almost impish look. Noting the lady's

  black gloves and black crepe that trimmed her hat, Elizabeth said, "I am sorry for your loss, Mrs. Stephens."

  The lady nodded, and a smile barely touched the corner of her lips. "Thank you Miss Bennet. It was a cousin by marriage. We were not particularly close."

  "Were it not for the untimeliness of it all," Mrs. Granville interjected, "Priscilla would have hosted your engagement ball." She laughed lightly. "I dare say Priscilla had been secretly planning Darcy's engagement ball for some years."

  "Yes. Well, that was when I had thought my Virginia might unite three family lines, but..." She let the sentence hang, but directed a pinched look towards Elizabeth.

  A single crease marred Elizabeth's brow. She could not tell if Mrs. Granville had purposefully baited her sister, or intended to insult her. Nor could she discern the level of disappointment Mrs. Stephens suffered in not gaining

  Darcy as a son.

  Uncertain of what else to say, Elizabeth said, "I hope your daughter has found her happiness, and her disappointment was not long standing."

  "She was married in her second season to Baron _______," Mrs. Stephens retorted proudly, "and has already borne an heir."

  "I congratulate you," Elizabeth said sincerely. An awkward silence fell on the group before Elizabeth hastily added, "Allow me to thank you now, Mrs.

  Granville, for your generosity. Mr. Darcy and I appreciate any effort on our behalf."

  Directing the conversation to a more neutral topic, Lady Matlock finally spoke.

  "How did you find the theatre, Miss Elizabeth?"

  The question opened the subjects of theatre and music, topics a
ll present could speak on confidently. Though the overall conversation was pleasant, Mrs.

  Stephens and Mrs. Granville had not shied from making a few rather poignant marks with respect to Elizabeth's inferior upbringing.

  It was at first disconcerting, but noting the careful eye of Lady Matlock upon her, she did her best to appear nonplussed. The lady had warned her, at their first tea, such comments would not be uncommon; there were many who would

  be displeased Darcy had chosen to marry below him. Lady Matlock had also

  told her it was imperative that she appear unaffected. "Any weakness will be exploited, and will only increase the ton's scrutiny," she had said. "Indifference is your only weapon."

  Recalling the lady's words, Elizabeth could not help but wonder if this tea had been staged. In the end, however, it did not matter. Doing her best to follow the lady's advice, Elizabeth ignored some remarks, and retorted teasingly to the others.

  Once the subject of the theatre, music, and masters was exhausted, they

  returned to the topic of the engagement ball. Mrs. Stephens was less peevish this time, and a great deal was discussed, from the dishes to be served at the meal, to the guests who would be invited, the china that would be used, and recent alliances and falling outs that had occurred amongst the houses that would have to be accounted for in the seating arrangements.

  Unfamiliar with any of the families, Elizabeth silently listened to the buzz.

  How did they manage to keep all those details straight? More importantly,

  would she be expected to do the same? She had never put much stock into the gossip of Meryton; what difference did it make how much Miss Watson spent

  on a gown? Or what compensation Miss King's uncle received to care for his

  niece?

  Just when Elizabeth was certain she could take no more gossip, the butler

  entered the room, announcing Darcy and Georgiana's arrival. Elizabeth could not help smiling at the welcomed relief.

  After a round of polite inquiries, Mrs. Stephens and Mrs. Granville declared their approval of the plans for the engagement ball and took their leave.

  "I was not expecting to see either of you today, Fitzwilliam," Lady Matlock said once her sisters left. Elizabeth detected a hint of annoyance, though it could have been surprise.