An Engaging Friendship

by AmyJ

  She smiled with satisfaction, and took some comfort in the idea that at least Jane would be returning to Hertfordshire soon and would no longer have to

  suffer the Bingleys. She, on the other hand, would not be so fortunate. Mr.

  Bingley was her betrothed's friend, and as such, she would have to suffer his company, and likely Miss Bingley's as well.

  A giggle escaped her at the remembrance of Miss Bingley. The woman was

  insufferable, but her gaudy appearance last night was almost laughable. She could not recall Miss Bingley dressing so ostentatiously while in Hertfordshire, but then again, perhaps their country manners were not so deserving.

  She yawned and stretched, much like a cat. Then, noticing the hour, returned to her room. It was time to dress. She was expected at Lanelle House to receive calls with Mrs. Granville and Lady Matlock later today.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  The day after the ball, calls at Lanelle House were cut short as family matters took the forefront. Colonel Fitzwilliam announced he was headed to the

  continent with the rest of his brigade, and his departure was only a few days away. It was therefore understandable that Lady Matlock was not in a sociable mood.

  The moment Elizabeth heard of Colonel Fitzwilliam's deployment, her

  thoughts were of Darcy and Georgiana, wondering how they fared with the

  news. Later, she would be surprised her thoughts had turned immediately to the occupants of Arryndale, rather than towards her sister, but such reflections would have to wait, as the carriage was pulling up in front of the large house.

  Before she could contemplate the rudeness of arriving without notice, Cardwell had the door opened, and was patiently waiting for her ascent.

  The commotion her arrival had created did not escape Darcy's attention, and as any good master, he had come to investigate. "Elizabeth!" he exclaimed in surprise. "Are you well? Is your family well?"

  Elizabeth fumbled for a moment. "Yes. Forgive me, I had heard Colonel

  Fitzwilliam's news, and wondered how you fared." She quickly added, "How is Georgiana?"

  Darcy grasped her hand and placed a quick kiss on it, touched by her concern.

  It seemed that with every interaction, he would fall deeper and deeper. It was dangerous, but it was futile to fight it; he knew that now. At the same time, his resolve was but hours old and still but a thought, a wish, and a dream. Until he had a plan of action, it was better to simply love her in secret. "Georgiana, I am afraid, did not take it well. She has locked herself in her room." His brow showed his concern.

  Elizabeth squeezed Darcy's arm. "I shall look in on her."

  "Thank you." The relief he felt was evident in the breath he released. "I shall have some tea sent to the small parlour in a bit."

  As expected, gaining entrance to Georgiana's rooms was not easy. Elizabeth

  had knocked twice and waited a good ten minutes before Georgiana's maid

  opened the door and admitted her.

  Elizabeth had barely reached the sofa on which Georgiana was lying, when the girl pulled her into a tight embrace. "Is it not awful, Elizabeth?" she cried.

  "What if he is hurt or never returns." A fresh set of sobs was released.

  Elizabeth returned the hug. "It is sad business, indeed, but you must have faith." After several more minutes of comfort, and some conversation, the

  young girl calmed, and was convinced to join Elizabeth and Darcy in the parlour for some tea.

  Darcy was relieved to see his sister emerge, if not in slightly better spirits.

  After an hour or so of playful conversation over details of the ball, Elizabeth took her leave.

  Darcy took it upon himself to see her out. "Thank you, Elizabeth. I am afraid when it comes to tears, I am rather ill prepared."

  "With four sisters, tears are a regular occurrence at Longbourn." Elizabeth blushed. "I apologize for arriving without notice."

  Darcy clasped her hand in his. "This will soon be your home. You are welcome any time." He then placed his usual kiss on it and held it for a moment between his own.

  An awkward silence settled between them, until Elizabeth, trying to appear

  unaffected, said, "I will see you tomorrow evening?"

  Darcy nodded. "If you are uncomfortable at my aunt's, you have but to say the word, and I will see you back to Longbourn."

  "Thank you, Fitzwilliam, but I am sure all will be well. I am grateful your aunt has agreed to sponsor me."

  Darcy placed another kiss on her hand and then watched as the carriage rolled away with her once again.

  As planned, the following day, Jane departed for Longbourn. The departure

  was filled with the usual promises of letters and hugs. Jane assured Elizabeth she was well, and glad to be returning home.

  Elizabeth thought she looked tired, and could not but agree that some time

  away from London might be just what her sister needed. There, she could

  forget Bingley. As for Colonel Fitzwilliam, well, they would have to wait and see.

  Once the carriage was out of sight, Elizabeth returned to the house to make final preparations for removing to Lanelle House.

  "Tell me, Aunt," Elizabeth said as they were packing the last trunk, "how did Jane take the news of Colonel Fitzwilliam? I did not have much time to speak to her."

  Aunt Gardiner smiled. "I imagine she told you the same as me. She was

  saddened to see him leave for war, but would not begrudge him his duty to

  King and Country." Aunt Gardiner shook her head with motherly concern and amusement. "It has been an eventful few days for her."

  Elizabeth nodded, guilt seeping through her. Had she made more effort, Jane would have shared more; she was certain of it. "I have been a wretched sister. I

  do not even know how much she favours the colonel. Nor did we speak much on what Mr. Bingley said at the ball."

  "You are an engaged woman, Lizzy. It is expected you will be distracted. Jane understands that." Elizabeth protested weakly, but Aunt Gardiner assured her all would be well.

  The last of Elizabeth's trunks were brought downstairs and loaded on to the carriage. With a final embrace, Aunt Gardiner said, "Our house is always open to you, Lizzy."

  Elizabeth smiled and kissed her aunt's cheek. "Thank you, Aunt. I shall visit as soon as I am able."

  Elizabeth arrived at Lanelle House in the early afternoon. Expecting to be

  given time to settle in, she was surprised when Lady Matlock requested her

  presence in an hour's time in the drawing room. Unpacking was to be left to her maid.

  When she arrived at the appointed hour, she was astounded to learn Lady

  Matlock had no intention of delaying her training. "We have a great deal to accomplish, and have not a moment to spare," Lady Matlock explained.

  A few minutes later, Elizabeth was introduced to Madame____, who was to

  instruct Elizabeth on taking her bow. According to Lady Matlock, Madame

  ______ had worked in Queen Charlotte's court for a number of years, and was therefore privy to some of its inner workings and her Majesty's preferences and nuances.

  She stood still as the women walked around her, commenting, as if she was a piece of art put on display. "Not as tall as I expected." "Stand up straight."

  "Hold your head up." "Do not smile so." "Lower your chin."

  Elizabeth did her best to follow their instruction, while wondering if this was the curriculum of London's private seminary for girls. If so, she was glad not to have attended. She could not imagine trading her romps through the paths of Meryton for instruction on posture. Nor did she believe her interest in history and mathematics would have been tolerated.

  After what seemed to be an eternity, Elizabeth was finally allowed to move.

  "Now let me see you walk," she was commanded. Elizabeth obeyed, confident in her abilities in this respect. She quickly learned of her misplaced confidence as another string
of corrections and criticisms followed her.

  By the time the dinner hour drew near, Elizabeth was exhausted and her rump hurt. How was one supposed walk backwards without tripping, when there was

  three feet of silk behind you? And what was wrong with allowing a footman to assist you in removing the obstacle?

  Elizabeth blew out a tired puff of breath. Both Madame______ and Lady Matlock had been adamant. Assistance was for young girls who did not know

  any better. She was to be a Darcy, and above such assistance. She would learn to move her entire train with a single sweep of her arm, and exit the room

  backwards. Practice would become an integral part of her day until she could execute the moves with confidence and grace.

  The entrance of her maid alerted Elizabeth to the hour. Georgiana and Darcy would be arriving soon.

  As Elizabeth made her way to the parlour, she passed the dining room just off to its left. She was surprised to see the formal table settings; it was as though they were expecting company. Her surprise must have shown, because she

  suddenly heard, "While in town, you must always be prepared for guests."

  Elizabeth turned to see Lady Matlock looking over the table.

  "Do guests often arrive unannounced?" Elizabeth inquired, with genuine interest. It was unseemly to arrive without invitation past the calling hour.

  Arriving at the dinner hour was simply not done.

  "No, of course not. It would be uncouth to arrive at the dinner hour without invitation."

  Elizabeth struggled not to let her confusion show, but Lady Matlock's next

  comment told her she had been unsuccessful. Something else she would have

  to work on...

  "Appearance is everything, Miss Elizabeth. It only takes being caught

  unawares once, and you will spend the rest of the season correcting for that mistake. A guest must always feel welcome in your home, no matter the terms of their arrival. As a lady of quality, especially in Town, the table you keep speaks volumes. It must always be presented advantageously."

  Elizabeth nodded. No wonder her father did not care for town. All these unsaid rules, all this keeping up of appearances; it was already tiring, and she was still on day one.

  Thankfully, the rest of the evening progressed with relative ease. The friendly faces of Darcy and Georgiana helped ease the tension, and minimized her

  feeling of inadequacy after the day of lessons. Lord Matlock, while not

  overflowing with welcome, was no longer indifferent to her, and the others

  continued to warm to her. She had hope that by the end of the month, she

  would be accepted as part of the family, and not be the interloper she was

  currently.

  That night, alone at a small oak writing desk, Elizabeth surveyed her rooms, in an attempt to capture them with words. Across the room was a large four-post bed. The décor was fine, but not ostentatious; the coverlet was a stiff,

  embroidered silk that looked as though it had never been used, and the

  matching bed curtains were lined with expensive Belgian lace. It was almost too pretty to disrupt.

  From her position, she could see the oak sofa in her sitting room, and briefly considered sleeping on that instead. That was more fitting of Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn. Knowing Lady Matlock would take news of her sleeping on the

  sofa as a personal affront, she decided against it.

  After finishing a brief note to her aunt, assuring her that she was well settled, she climbed into the large bed and under the mountain of blankets, missing the natural warmth that came from sharing her bed with her sister. She closed her eyes, telling herself she needed to get used to such accommodations, and more importantly to sleeping alone. She could not bring Jane with her to Pemberley, after all, and doubted Darcy would look favourably upon her sleeping with

  Georgiana.

  The following day started surprisingly early. Rather than the slow progression towards the day's duties, as she was accustomed to at Longbourn, Lady

  Matlock lost no time in resuming Elizabeth's preparations the moment they

  finished breaking their fast. After assisting in determining the dinner menu and table setting, a large portion of the morning was dedicated to her presentation at court, with more walking and bowing practice. When Madame _______

  departed around the lunch hour, Elizabeth thought she would have some

  respite, and was looking forward to a few hours of solitude. It was not to be.

  After lunch, Lady Matlock insisted on preparing for Elizabeth's portrait. The afternoon was dedicated to Elizabeth trying on gown after gown, having her

  hair styled, cheeks pinched, settling into multiple poses, and moving from

  room to room. It was finally decided that Elizabeth would be painted in the front parlour, wearing a white printed gown. She was to be settled upon a sofa, holding a colourful sampler.

  By the time the evening came, Elizabeth was exhausted. She began a letter to Jane, but soon caught herself nodding off. Deciding to finish the letter another time, she turned in for the night.

  While Elizabeth toiled away at Lanelle House, Darcy was busy at Arryndale,

  addressing the usual items of business that came with running an estate the size of Pemberley. Also atop his agenda was speaking with Bingley. He had

  promised Elizabeth; Bingley owed him a reason for his behaviour at the ball, and he would beat it out of him if need be. On to that end, he made his way to Boodle's for dinner with his friend.

  "Bingley!" Darcy greeted, genuinely pleased to see him. He noted Bingley's affable demeanour had returned. "I hardly see you these days."

  " I have been where I always am," Bingley replied with a smirk. "I believe it is you who has been difficult to find."

  "So I have been. Duties of a fiancé, I am afraid," Darcy replied, not at all apologetic. Polite inquiries regarding family were exchanged, and the two

  settled into a corner that afforded them some privacy. Through the meal, the two fell into easy conversation, discussing a particularly diverting fencing match at Angelo's and the recent horse races. Cigars were ordered to go along with the remainder of their bottle of wine. After taking the time to savour them both, Darcy shifted his seat, ready to begin his inquisition.

  He realized he was being all too easily read when Bingley chided, "Just spit it out, Darcy."

  "I have heard some disturbing rumours about you, Bingley. And then there was your behaviour at the ball. Is everything all right?" He locked eyes with friend, trying to impart the gravity of the situation.

  "Rumours? What kind of rumours?" Bingley was all attention.

  "Nothing for the scandal sheets; just that you have been keeping unusual company, have been visiting Watier's more than your wont, and are often

  heavily in cups."

  The instant Bingley averted his eyes, Darcy knew everything he had heard was true. If anything, Wesley had kept silent on the worst of it. Something indeed was wrong. Expecting Bingley to confess, he was taken aback when Bingley

  snarled, "And so my big brother feels obligated to check up on me?"

  "No! Of course not!" Darcy replied, not understanding the sudden venom in Bingley's voice. It was true their relationship had some parental aspects to it, but Darcy had never held it against his friend. He simply provided advice when he saw Bingley in need of it. "You are my friend, and the rumours concerned me, as they seemed a bit extraordinary."

  "I am perfectly fine. It was a few nights with some old friends. Perhaps we got a little carried away, but not everyone is as staid as you, Darcy."

  The pleasant mood was gone. Darcy did not quite understand it, but he was

  suddenly feeling defensive; as though he should apologize for his concern. Not wishing to cause a scene or provoke Bingley's ire further, Darcy held up his hands in surrender. "I only wanted to offer you my assistance, should you require it." At Bingley's curt nod, Darcy attempted to chang
e the subject. "Will you be travelling with the rest of the party to Hertfordshire for the wedding?"

  "No. I am headed north on some business, but I will attend your nuptials."

  "I am glad to hear it." Darcy replied, his voice markedly lighter. "It would not be the same without you. I was concerned when I had not received your

  response."

  "I suppose my secretary has been a bit negligent." With a twitch of his mouth, Bingley added, "And do not worry, I will not bring Caroline."

  Darcy did nothing to mask his relief. "I am sorry, Bingley, but I will not allow anyone to disrespect my fiancée. I simply cannot allow her to ruin the wedding.

  I had hoped not inviting the Hursts..."

  Bingley held up his hand. "No need for explanations. I understand perfectly."

  A bit later, the two parted on pleasant terms. Darcy wished Bingley luck in his business endeavours, and Bingley returned the well wishes on the upcoming

  journey to Hertfordshire.

  Darcy walked away from dinner even more confused than when it had begun.

  Bingley was not himself, but what had changed, he could not exactly say.

  There was a disgruntled edge to his friend that he had never noticed, and

  Bingley was being purposefully tight-lipped about his business.

  With Bingley headed to the north, and himself firmly fixed in London, there was nothing Darcy could do but wish his friend good fortune. He consoled

  himself with the knowledge that Bingley was his own man, and would come to

  him when he needed to.

  In addition to practicing for her coming out, Elizabeth's third day at Lanelle House was spent with a variety of masters. Lady Matlock had hired them to

  evaluate her capabilities in all the usual accomplishments of a well-bred lady.

  Unfortunately, reading and witty discourse were not amongst the list, but

  painting, drawing, playing the pianoforte, and several other items were. In the end, Elizabeth learned her years of half-hearted execution of these arts had caught up with her, and she would have to spend many hours rectifying the

  situation. As Lady Matlock was always quick to remind her, she could no

  longer hide away in the country; she was to be Mrs. Darcy, and was a reflection of all that the Darcy name stood for.