An Engaging Friendship

by AmyJ

  "Georgiana wished to have lunch with Elizabeth," was Darcy's smooth reply.

  Before his sister could point out he had been the instigator, he added, "I have found Elizabeth an abigail. She comes with references. However, as you are

  more knowledgeable on the subject, I was hoping I could trouble you with an interview; that is of course if Elizabeth approves."

  The corner of Lady Matlock's mouth twitched, as she nodded her assent.

  "I have also commissioned, Mr. John Linnell for Elizabeth's portrait.

  Unfortunately, Sir Lawrence has been commissioned by Sir Chicheley. Mr.

  Linnell shall be available the second week after the Granville. Will that be acceptable?" Again, Lady Matlock nodded.

  Having obtained his aunt's approval, he turned to Elizabeth, and assisted her off the sofa. After offering his aunt an invitation to lunch and receiving her

  dismissal, the visit was at an end. Lady Matlock remained a moment longer to reflect on the happiness and impetuosity of young lovers.

  Once in the carriage, Georgiana seemingly relaxed. "Have you had your

  portrait painted, Elizabeth?"

  "Many years ago. Your father asked me to sit for a portrait."

  "I seem to recall you did not enjoy it much." Darcy teased.

  Elizabeth's lips pursed for a moment. "That was only because you and Stephen, er Lord Fitzwilliam, threatened to dip my curls in an ink pot, and I was wearing my favourite gown."

  Georgiana hid her laughter behind her hands, while Darcy said with false

  gravity, "I did no such thing, and insist you acquit me of the charges. It was solely Stephen's doing."

  Elizabeth returned a suspicious nod. "Whoever it was, thankfully, Mrs.

  Reynolds caught wind of it and threatened to tell Mr. Darcy if anything

  happened to my daisy dress, as I called it."

  "Oh! Of course, I remember the painting now!" Georgiana cried. "It is in Fitzwilliam's study at Pemberley. You were very pretty."

  Elizabeth's mouth dropped open and she looked sharply at Darcy, who

  suddenly found the scene outside the window much more interesting.

  "Most of my father's belongings remain in the study," Darcy said uneasily.

  "But you ..." Georgiana began to say, before she was interrupted by Darcy. "I believe we will have to remain indoors today," he said. "The clouds look ready to burst. Perhaps I can show you the rest of the house, and postpone our stroll through Hyde Park?"

  Elizabeth assented, and for a moment all conversation ceased, as the group

  entered the house. Lunch passed without much fanfare. Afterwards, Georgiana expressed a need to return to her studies. Though Elizabeth was suspicious

  about the girl's claims, she could not complain. It was the opportunity she and Darcy required.

  Darcy rose, from the table and offered Elizabeth his arm. "Where would you like to begin?" he asked, lightly.

  They started with the public rooms, though skipped the library, the primary drawing room, and music room, as Elizabeth had seen them on previous visits.

  "You should feel free to mark any changes you would like to have done,"

  Darcy said.

  Despite Darcy's improved demeanour, and his invitation, Elizabeth was not

  about to make the same mistake twice. Making changes to a room's décor was

  a privilege for the Mistress of the house. Until she and Darcy were married, she would not make such a presumption.

  As they progressed through the house, Darcy provided small anecdotes about

  each room. Fully at ease with one another, Darcy proceeded to the true issues between them. "Did you enjoy your tea with my aunt?" Darcy asked.

  "I did." With an impudent smirk, she added, "It was most informative. I learned that Miss de Bourgh was not the only cousin for whom you were intended." At Darcy's confused look, she told him about Mrs. Stephens.

  "I see. Does this concern you?" He asked, a little too eagerly, looking for any sign of jealousy.

  "Not at all," Elizabeth quipped. "You would never trifle with a married woman." She giggled.

  Darcy rolled his eyes and sighed dramatically, belying the disappointment he felt. Then reminded himself that she was just a friend.

  After touring the armoury, the art room, and the portrait gallery, they entered the ballroom. Elizabeth could not help but gasp at the size of it. It was almost twice the size of the Meryton's Assembly Hall, and much more ornate. There

  were three chandeliers that hung from the ceiling and several sconces along the walls. The velvet curtains were bordered by heavy silk and lace. "Do host balls here often?"

  "No," was the succinct reply. "Forgive me," he said in gentler tone. "I have not, but my father hosted a few which I was required to attend. Though, now that I will have a proper hostess, they may become more common."

  Elizabeth chuckled at the dread she saw in his face at the notion. Seeing her opportunity, she said boldly, "Will you always be so uncomfortable in public settings?"

  Knowing precisely what she was alluding to, Darcy led her to a chair. He drew in a breath and then said, "I must apologize for my behaviour the other night."

  He pressed his lips for a moment. "I have never been comfortable being on display, and I..." he paused. He could not say he hated watching other men stare at her. "... I do not think I will ever get used to it, but it is expected of me, of us." He smiled wanly.

  Elizabeth felt a flood of relief wash over her at the word, us. Surely, he would not have said that, if he was intent on breaking the engagement. She bit her lower lip and dropped her eyes to the floor for a moment. Then looking up at him, she asked, "Was that the only reason you were displeased? I... I thought I might have embarrassed you in some manner."

  Darcy's eyes widened. "No!" he protested vehemently. "You did nothing wrong. I... I... It was nothing you did. I am heartily sorry for any distress I caused you." To think, she had spent all this time believing he was angry at her.

  He desperately wanted to pull her into his arms and assure her she had done nothing wrong.

  "Very well. I accept your apology. Though I see in the future I must remember to find a way to tease you from your brooding." She turned that impertinent smile he adored towards him.

  Darcy felt his heart pounding against his chest, and fought against the urge to kiss those impudent lips. It took him a moment to recollect himself, but once he was certain he was in control of himself, he swiftly led them from the room.

  There were entirely few too servants about that area of the house.

  They headed towards the music room, where they expected to find Georgiana.

  Knowing their privacy was to end soon, Elizabeth broached the topic that had long ago slipped Darcy's mind. "I too must apologize. I thought your cousin had informed you of his decision to ask permission to call on Jane. Had I

  known otherwise, I would have mentioned it to you earlier."

  "I spoke with Richard yesterday." After a moment, he asked, "Might I inquire of your sister's attachment to my cousin?"

  "I do not know." Elizabeth shook her head. "Jane has never been very forthcoming with her feelings. I believe she welcomes Colonel Fitzwilliam's attentions, but I can not say if her attachment to Mr. Bingley remains intact."

  She shook her head and sighed.

  "I see." He patted the hand in the crook of his arm. They continued in silence for a few minutes before Darcy added, "I believe it is best for both our sanity, we leave it to them to figure out."

  "Colonel Fitzwilliam is a second son," Elizabeth said. "Is he not required to marry an heiress? I do not mean to question his honour, but Jane has already been crossed in love once."

  It was Darcy's turn to shake his head. "It is generally expected he would; it would be impossible for him to maintain his standard of living without such a marriage." He sighed heavily. "It is ultimately his decision, though."

  Seeing the deep concern written on Elizabeth's face, he ad
ded, "I have spoken to him on the matter, and he seems quite adamant in his intentions."

  Elizabeth's smile did not reach her eyes, but she nodded. "I suppose that should bring some assurance."

  "I have warned my cousin against trifling with Miss Bennet, but there is little else in my power."

  Elizabeth reluctantly agreed. "I do not wish to see my sister, or your cousin injured, but I believe you are correct. Neither one would welcome our

  interference. It is for them to decide."

  "Then it is agreed. We shall not meddle with any of your sister's suitors."

  "Unless she is in real danger," Elizabeth countered.

  "Of course."

  With the serious business behind them, they entered the music room. Together with Georgiana, they passed the remainder of the afternoon.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Darcy was proud of himself. For the past two weeks - for the most part - he had kept his resolve. He had managed to keep his distance, while playing the

  dutiful suitor and not upsetting Elizabeth. With every visit Elizabeth paid to Arryndale, he greeted her with a kiss on the hand, and after the requisite

  amount of time had passed, he returned to his study, or anywhere a man could go to be alone, leaving her to Georgiana's company.

  While leaving the room each time took more effort than he cared to admit, that was not important. What was important was that he had remained in control. It did not matter that every visit was a new battle with himself; or that there had been times he stayed longer than he should have because she was looking too beautiful or being too playful; or that he rarely concluded any business while she remained in his house.

  The only thing that mattered -- or so, he convinced himself -- was he had

  remained disciplined, and if he continued to do so, his determination would pay off. Soon things would be back to the way they should be; he and Elizabeth

  would be good friends who entered a marriage of convenience. His heart would stop racing at the thought of seeing her; he would not have to remind himself not to kiss those pouty full lips; he would not feel terribly jealous of his sister, Miss Bennet, or anyone else who spent time with her; and he would not seek

  out excuses to speak with her. Any day now...

  Though Elizabeth's mind was not engaged in the same manner as Darcy's, no

  one could say she was idle. Indeed, Elizabeth soon found her time in London was not her own. First there was shopping with Jane and Aunt Gardiner. If she was not being fitted for a gown, she was looking at gloves, bonnets,

  undergarments, parasols, reticules, stockings, and slippers.

  Though Elizabeth felt the number and quality of garments being acquired was sufficient, Lady Matlock had other ideas. So, for every visit to the modiste with

  her sister and aunt, there was one with Lady Matlock and, if she was fortunate, Georgiana.

  She had lost count of the number of times she had been measured, and she had looked through enough lace and ribbons and material to last an eternity. Yet, there was always one more thing to purchase. Between the two matrons,

  Elizabeth was certain she would visit every shop in London before her

  trousseau was complete.

  Interspersed with journeys through Mayfair, Piccadilly, Cheapside, and Bond Street, she called on Lady Matlock - where she and her ilk shared news of town or discussed plans for the upcoming engagement ball - and looked after her

  cousins.

  Her only respite came in the form of visits to Arryndale, and quiet evenings on Gracechurch Street; yet even those always seemed to have an agenda.

  Most of those evenings were spent recounting her afternoons at Arryndale,

  calls upon Lady Matlock, and her latest purchases. This was all done while

  assisting her aunt with her mending, helping her cousins finish bonnets and samplers, and teaching the boys to play chess and checkers.

  Most of her calls at Arryndale were spent in the music room, playing the

  pianoforte. She and Georgiana learned a few duets and practiced many other

  pieces together. On occasion, Darcy would join them, though more often than not, he would greet her, and then retreat to his study, only emerging long

  enough to see her off.

  All in all, the two betrothed shared little private conversation. What discourse they did share gravitated towards matters of the house and estate, the upcoming ball, the wedding plans, and Elizabeth's preparations to remove to Lanelle

  House.

  The level of activity was both exhausting and exciting. At times it was difficult to believe that in but a se'ennight, the Granville ball would take place, and then Elizabeth would begin training in earnest to take her place as Mrs. Darcy. She had not envisioned taking on such responsibility so soon, and began to fret over her ability to add yet more to her list of obligations.

  On one particular afternoon, Darcy sat in the music room with Elizabeth,

  Georgiana, and Jane. Such visits had become frequent, but this time he

  indulged himself by remaining with the trio longer than he had generally

  permitted.

  He could not help admire his sister's talent and how much Georgiana had

  changed since making Elizabeth's acquaintance. Her playing, while always

  superb, had taken on a new depth in recent weeks. Georgiana played with

  confidence, and was not so fearful of trying new pieces. More than once he had

  witnessed her laughing at her mistakes rather than becoming frustrated and angry at herself, as was her previous wont.

  This afternoon, the two were learning a new piece, and Darcy could not help the mirth in his eyes as he watched the two women he loved best giggle and

  tease one another over fingering schemes. It further affirmed he had made the correct choice in marrying Elizabeth; and as soon as he was over this silly infatuation, life would be perfect. He exchanged an amused glance with Jane, and then turned his attention back to the pianoforte where Georgiana was

  playing, and Elizabeth was turning the pages.

  The rumble of distant thunder reminded him he was expecting his cousin,

  Colonel Fitzwilliam, and he wondered if the appointment would be cancelled.

  He checked his watch, and then took his leave of the ladies.

  A few minutes later, he heard his cousin grumbling in the foyer. "I do hope all this fuss is not over a little rain." Darcy said dryly.

  "Rain? I wish!" Colonel Fitzwilliam snarled. "Damn thunder spooked Hector; nearly threw me."

  "Let us hope it does not rain on the continent, then. The French are unlikely to be intimidated by an officer who can not keep his seat."

  "You will not sound so smug once I get a foil in my hand."

  With the challenge laid, the two proceeded to the armoury.

  "Any news from Whitehall?" Darcy asked, while warming up.

  "Anxious to be rid of me?" the colonel retorted, slicing the air to familiarize himself with the balance of his wooden blades. The cousins had taken to duel-bladed sparring, after witnessing a demonstration at a festival in Sussex the previous year. Neither one had enough faith in their abilities to use steel blades.

  "Not at all," Darcy replied honestly. The two gentlemen faced each other and saluted. In the next moment, they came at each other, the sound of wood

  against wood echoing through the room.

  "I need to make arrangements for Georgiana's care after the wedding. If you will be in town, I will leave her to you; otherwise I should speak with your parents." Darcy said, while twisting into a parry.

  "No word from Whitehall," Colonel Fitzwilliam grunted, blocking and retreating at Darcy's advancement. After a feint and a parry of his own, he took the offensive. "I shall attend your engagement ball, but after that I am uncertain," he added. He let out a victory whoop after soundly tagging Darcy in the arm and both men moved apart for a brief rest.

  Darcy thought to inquire further, p
articularly on the subject of Miss Bennet, but decided against it. He and Elizabeth had agreed to remain silent on the subject, and so he would.

  "Are you intending on keeping Mrs. Annesley on?" Richard asked.

  Darcy swallowed a gulp of lemonade. "I am, at least until the end of the Season. Elizabeth will be too busy, and I would prefer Georgiana not to be

  alone while in town."

  Richard nodded, while wiping the sweat from his neck with a towel. "I will inform you on my whereabouts as soon as I receive orders. With the reports

  and directives I have been receiving, I expect new orders soon."

  "To the continent?" The concern in Darcy's voice was genuine.

  Richard shook his head. "I can not say."

  Darcy nodded, knowing better than to press his cousin about such matters.

  Though he sorely wished to inquire on Miss Bennet's reaction to such news, he remained silent. His decision was further enforced when his cousin once again picked up his wooden blades.

  "You have been practicing... without me." Colonel Fitzwilliam accused, after just barely blocking the blade in his cousin's right hand.

  Darcy said nothing, but continued his attack. A few moments later, he heard the doors open, but could not see who had entered. The break in his concentration cost him though, and he lost the offensive.

  "Blast!" he shouted, from the blow he received in the leg, not long afterwards.

  At the sound of a loud clap he turned to find Lord Blakeslee. "You are getting better, Darcy. With a little more practice, you will be as good with two blades as you are with one." Blakeslee said.

  "Wesley!" the other two greeted almost in unison.

  Darcy wiped the sweat from his brow with a towel and then tossed it to

  Richard. "What brings you by?"

  "Nothing in particular, but if neither of you are too fatigued, I had Cardwell fetch me a foil and jacket."

  Not long after, the three were suited up and armed with more traditional

  fencing foils. It had long been determined that Colonel Fitzwilliam could best Darcy or Blakeslee one on one with some regularity. Since then, the three had taken to sparring together. Though two on one sparring was not permitted at the fencing club, all three gentlemen enjoyed the added challenge; so when they could, the three would practice at Arryndale.