An Engaging Friendship

by AmyJ

  After the usual pleasantries, and taking a moment to greet her uncle, the two ladies settled into the drawing room for tea.

  "Lizzy, you look tired. Are you feeling well?"

  "I am fine, Aunt." She paused, unsure of how much to tell her aunt. She did not want Aunt Gardiner to worry unnecessarily. "There is just a great number of things to do... and it is taking me longer to adjust than I had anticipated."

  Aunt Gardiner nodded slowly, reading between the lines. "How was sitting for your portrait? I do wish we could capture the children's likeness." With a chuckle she added, "Though it would be a miracle if I could make them all sit still long enough."

  "It went well," Elizabeth responded, using the drawing room face and tone she had been practicing. "Fitzwilliam was kind enough to ensure I did not get bored." Unbidden, a smile broke free and lit her whole being.

  "And plans for your presentation? I have heard the gowns can be quite

  elaborate."

  Elizabeth let out light laugh, and went on to describe the large hoops required, the feathers, ribbons and lace.

  "It does all sound very grand." Noticing her niece did not share in the excitement, Aunt Gardiner questioned her further.

  It took less cajoling than expected before Elizabeth began speaking of her

  experience with Madame ______. Once she began, she could not stop, and all

  that had occurred at Lanelle House, coupled with her frustration, came pouring out. At the end, she let out a cleansing breath and turned a sheepish smile to her aunt. "I apologize, Aunt. I did not mean to tell anyone else my burdens."

  Aunt Gardiner squeezed her hand. "With all that pressure, I am not surprised.

  Are you certain you wish to follow through with this engagement, Lizzy? No

  one would fault you if you did not."

  "I have made a promise, Aunt. I can not back out now."

  "Surely Mr. Darcy would not wish you to marry him if it will make you

  unhappy. I seem to recall you telling me he had given you leave to break the engagement if you desired."

  "If I fell in love with someone else, I can break the engagement." Elizabeth clarified. "Besides, I could not disappoint Georgiana. She has become like a sister to me." She forced an almost believable smile. "Please, Aunt. Do not worry yourself. I shall be fine. In another se'ennight I shall return to

  Longbourn."

  "If you are certain, I shall say nothing. But truly Lizzy, I do not wish to see you unhappily settled."

  "I am quite determined, Aunt. It will take only a little more practice on my part." Though her words were confident, her tone was not.

  Silence settled between them.

  "I know you feel honour-bound, Lizzy, but I can only think you take too much on yourself."

  "How can I not, when it means my family's security?"

  "A man of half Mr. Darcy's consequence could provide the same security. Are you certain Mr. Darcy worth all this exertion?"

  Elizabeth could only nod, and once again the only sound to be heard was that from the drinking of tea.

  On a suspicion, Mrs. Gardiner asked, "Lizzy, do you love, Mr. Darcy?"

  Elizabeth's eyes widened and she nearly dropped her cup. "No! No. We are only friends." She had only admitted her admiration to herself; she was not ready to speak on it with anyone else. When her aunt said nothing, she

  reiterated the default reason for the marriage. "He needed a companion for his sister, else he would not have offered to me. He has no tender attachment to me."

  Noticing the way Elizabeth flustered, Aunt Gardiner said, "Lizzy, I understand you care for Mr. Darcy, and his sister, and do not want to disappoint them, but he knew who you were when he proposed marriage. If he wanted a lady of the

  ton, he would not have offered for you."

  "I am only afraid he may come to regret his decision, and our friendship will suffer because of it." A sense of dread and insecurity resurfaced in Elizabeth.

  Their conversation was cut short by the sound of loud whispers just outside the door. Elizabeth looked at her aunt amusedly, who then called out, "Come in children and say hello to your cousin."

  Elizabeth could not help but laugh as all four cousins raced into the room, each trying to garner her attention by talking louder than the others. For the

  remainder of the afternoon, Elizabeth played with her cousins, while talking casually with her aunt about news from Longbourn, the upcoming wedding,

  and other goings-on.

  While Elizabeth was visiting her family, Darcy called on his aunt, who was

  genuinely happy to see him. After the two settled into a small sitting room with tea and biscuits, Darcy said, "I wish to speak with you about Elizabeth.

  Georgiana and I have a few outings in mind, but I did not wish to interfere with Elizabeth's preparations."

  Lady Matlock hesitated. "There is still much to do be done, but I see no reason why she can not join you for a few hours here and there."

  "I was under the impression that preparations for her court presentation were all but completed. Elizabeth mentioned her gown would need a final fitting, but everything else was decided."

  "They are, but there are other things she must learn if she is to be mistress of both Pemberley and Arryndale."

  "You believe her incapable of running a house?" His expression and tone showed his disagreement.

  Lady Matlock shrugged indifferently. "She shall do well. She is intelligent, and takes her duties seriously. Her diligence in practicing the pianoforte is evident."

  "And so you thought to have her practice her letters too?"

  Lady Matlock stared at her nephew for a moment, weighing her next words.

  "She shall be responsible for writing out many invitations, Fitzwilliam. A lady's handwriting says many things about her."

  "I had thought it was more important to judge a person by their words and actions."

  "Really, Fitzwilliam. You know the ton will be looking to find fault. I was merely trying to mitigate their means of attack."

  "There was nothing wrong with Miss Elizabeth's hand before."

  "Perhaps not from a man's perspective..."

  "From anyone's perspective." His tone was harsh and unyielding. "There was no reason to press her in this manner; I will ask you to cease now."

  "I did what I thought was best. I was only looking out for your best interest."

  She quickly amended, "And Elizabeth's."

  "How are you serving me by driving away the one person I..." He paused, realizing what he almost said. More composed, he said, "A scandal caused by a broken engagement at this late date can hardly be beneficial to anyone in our family."

  "You asked me to help her assume her duties, and I have." She stood, and prepared herself another cup of tea. "She needed to understand there was more to being a Darcy than fine garments and carriages. If she was not up to the challenge, it would be better for both of you to learn that now."

  Darcy glared at his aunt, thunderstruck. He set down his cup and saucer with a loud clank. "You were testing her! You think her a fortune hunter!" His face began to flush. "Pray, what conclusion have you come to?" The sneer in his voice was unbridled.

  "Really, Fitzwilliam. Knowing her situation, who would not? I have only sought to ensure she could present herself amongst the ton as an accomplished lady. A great deal will be expected of her. She needed to be prepared for that."

  He wondered if she knew how much she sounded like Lady Catherine. He

  would hold that card for later. "She will be my wife. If I have no qualms about her abilities, neither should anyone else."

  "Fitzwilliam..."

  "No!" Darcy interrupted sharply. "Either you treat her with the respect due my wife, or I will remove her from your house immediately." The intensity of his stare and his rigid posture said he would brook no opposition.

  "Of course," Lady Matlock obliged. "She may remain at Lanelle House until she returns to Hertfordshire, as a guest. Will
that suit?"

  He eyed his aunt, suspicious of her easy acquiescence, but his options were limited. He was ill prepared to return Elizabeth to Longbourn without his

  accompaniment, and did not wish to jeopardize her presentation at court by

  angering his aunt. He would assent for the time being, but he would also take his own measures to ensure Elizabeth's well being. "I thank you for your assistance. Miss Elizabeth's debut would have been more difficult without it."

  With that matter put to rest, they conversed on the upcoming wedding, their respective travel plans, and Darcy's plans for after the wedding. It was agreed that Georgiana would return to London with the Matlocks, but remain at

  Arryndale with Mrs. Annesley. Lady Matlock offered to look in on her on

  occasion, until he and Elizabeth returned for the Season.

  As he was preparing to leave, Lady Matlock drew herself up, though her mien was tender. "Fitzwilliam, I would like you to know I will be proud to call your Elizabeth my niece. You may not approve of my methods, but I had to satisfy my own conscience. Marcus goaded you into the engagement, and I had to

  know Miss Elizabeth was not taking advantage the circumstances. I would not have you taken in by an upstart because of Marcus' pride. Miss Elizabeth is everything you have said her to be."

  Somewhat mollified by his aunt's explanation, but not quite ready to forgive her presumption, Darcy bit down on the sharp retort that hung from the tip of tongue and merely said, "Again, I thank you, Aunt." Then he left the house.

  By the time Elizabeth had returned to Lanelle House for dinner, she was in

  much better spirits. Her mood was further raised upon seeing a note from Jane.

  She had been wondering when news would come, but noticing the direction on

  the letter had been written very ill explained the delay.

  With little time before dinner, she scampered to her rooms to read the missive and ready herself.

  Longbourn

  Meryton, Hertfordshire

  March 14, 18--

  Dear Lizzy,

  I was so pleased to read your letter. Your days sound tiring, even to

  me, but I have no fear you will represent yourself and Mr. Darcy

  admirably. But do take care, Lizzy. I would not like to hear of you

  becoming ill while so far from home.

  It is very kind of Lady Matlock to give you so much of her time and

  introduce you around town. Surely, it will make your Season that

  much more enjoyable.

  It is good to be back in the bosom of my family. Kitty and Lydia

  fought for nearly an hour over the gloves and ribbons I brought them

  from London, but since then have contented themselves with putting

  them to good use.

  Mama has decided that everyone is in need of new gowns for your

  wedding, and so there are regular trips into Meryton. This, of

  course, pleases Kitty and Lydia to no end, and seems to be an

  adequate distraction from the departure of the militia.

  Longbourn is much as it has always been. Mama's nerves are

  frequently under attack as the wedding nears. I am doing my best to

  temper her wishes, but you know how headstrong she can be. Even

  as I write, Mama has asked me to implore you one last time for a

  ball. She is quite certain that Mr. Darcy and his relations expect one.

  Do not fret, Lizzy. I know my soon to be brother would not wish one, and I shall remain your champion.

  While London has much to entertain, I find myself quite content with

  the simplicity of the country.

  Your loving sister,

  Jane

  Dear, sweet Jane, always determined to see the good in a situation. There was still a hint of melancholy, but her spirits did seem revived. Elizabeth noted the absence of any remark over Colonel Fitzwilliam or Mr. Bingley, and once

  again wondered the state of her sister's affections for either man. If only Jane were still in London.

  A knock on the door came, and as it was time to dress, Elizabeth tucked her letter away. She would think more on the matter later.

  At dinner that night Lady Matlock spent a great deal of time itemizing the

  remainder of the required preparations, as well as a few other household

  matters. She was polite and formal as she had always been, but there was

  something different in her tone. There was no implied criticism, nor

  exasperation nor pointed looks in Elizabeth's direction. She was simply stating a fact. It was the most enjoyable meal Elizabeth had at Lanelle House, save the few that Darcy and Georgiana had attended.

  After dinner, Lady Matlock claimed to have no interest in music and suggested they adjourn to her small private parlour for coffee and cakes. Elizabeth did her best not to appear dumbfounded. It had become tradition that after dinner,

  Elizabeth performed on the pianoforte while Lady Matlock and Lady

  Fitzwilliam critiqued her playing. She felt torn. Now that she was up for the challenge, it no longer seemed to be an issue. She could only wonder at the change.

  Once everyone was settled, Lady Matlock asked politely, "Did you enjoy your afternoon with your aunt, Miss Elizabeth? I trust everyone is well?"

  Elizabeth stalled for a moment, expecting some additional commentary, along the vein of how the visit had held up her lessons, but there was none. More stupefying, both ladies appeared genuinely interested. "It was lovely," she said cautiously. "The children were a bit under the weather last week, but have rebounded."

  There was a polite chuckle before moving on to other topics. There was some discourse on the upcoming season, particularly the other debutantes. There was talk of secret engagements, speculation on who would be the toast of the

  season, and potential matches.

  Unfamiliar with many of the families being spoken of, Elizabeth contented herself to listen and take careful mental notes as Lady Matlock had instructed.

  Dowries, incomes, potential matches, and connections were bandied about.

  Elizabeth was amused to find Lord Blakeslee offered as a potential match for many of them. His title, income and good name were all greatly prized.

  She could not help noticing, though, that in all the matches considered, not once was the compatibility of personalities questioned. The realization made her pity the subjects. Charlotte's marriage was an easy reminder that marriage could not always be about esteem and friendship, but to have those qualities so completely dismissed was new to her. It was not people being discussed, but strategies for building empires. Once again she counted her blessing to be

  marrying someone she loved - even if he only offered friendship in return.

  Her thoughts were interrupted when Lady Matlock stated, "Fitzwilliam

  suggested a stroll through Kew Gardens tomorrow. Do you have any

  objections, Miss Elizabeth?"

  Startled at being addressed directly, Elizabeth exclaimed, "No!" She blushed, and waited for the expected chastisement for her lack of attention. When it did not come, she said demurely, "That sounds lovely, if the weather is agreeable."

  Shortly after that, the ladies dispersed, and Elizabeth was left alone, without instruction or expectation of how to occupy her time. She adjourned to her

  room a little baffled. Not once that evening had Lady Matlock corrected her, mentioned lessons or practicing, or even sent an admonishing look. Her

  thoughts as to possible reasons why lasted only as long as it took to get to her rooms. She had more constructive things to do. She owed Jane a letter, and

  then decided to follow-up on the language lessons she had earlier that day.

  The next week passed quickly. Mornings were spent making and receiving

  calls with Lady Matlock and Lady Fitzwilliam. When there were no visitors,

  each lady was left to their own devices. Duri
ng those times, Elizabeth would pass time in the front parlour working on any number of activities, from

  language studies, to drawing, and even devoted a little time to casual reading.

  Afternoons were always spent in the company of Darcy and Georgiana. Either

  Elizabeth would call at Arryndale or the three would visit one of the sights of town.

  Their first interaction since Elizabeth's realization was a bit stilted, as she was now unsure how to act. Suddenly, the kisses on the hand meant more to her,

  and she began second guessing all of her words and actions. Had she upset

  him? Did he enjoy her teasing? Had she gone too far with it? Had she betrayed her feelings? Worse, she began analyzing all of his actions, looking for hints of his regard, only to dismiss them as nothing but friendly gestures.

  After ruining a perfectly good tour of the Gardens with superfluous analysis of every look, word, and deed, she had enough. For the remainder of their outings, she did her best to be her usual self. That is not to say she did not readily take his arm when it was offered, walk a little closer to him than in the past,

  appreciate moments Georgiana conspicuously left them alone, or flirt just a little more than she was wont.

  The few times she thought she detected admiration from Fitzwilliam, she

  quickly scolded herself with a firm reminder that he saw her only as a friend.

  Still, for one with an active imagination, it was not difficult to envision more tender scenes.

  She revelled in the attention he showered on her, only questioning a few times the sudden change in her daily routines.

  On one of Elizabeth's final nights in London, Darcy planned a surprise. Having learned of her preference for Mozart, he arranged for him, Georgiana and

  Elizabeth to attend a showing of Les Mystères d'Isis 1 at the King's Theatre.

  Elizabeth nearly squealed with excitement upon seeing the title printed on the libretto. She looked up at him, her face aglow with delight. "Oh, Fitzwilliam. I have wanted to see this! The reviews from the continent were most intriguing."

  Darcy covered her hand with his. "Are you well pleased?"

  Elizabeth felt her heart might explode. The warmth of his hand covering hers was almost too much. She had to look away. "Very much! Thank you,