Through Each Other's Eyes

by Aleena Ashe

  Feigning offense she teased, “No pleasure?” To see the Master of Pemberley so obviously flustered caused Elizabeth to laugh all the more. “Mr. Darcy, as we said once before, there are occasions in which we will each be compelled to handle the other’s… person. I am sure you were completely honorable. Do not fret, let us take a look at each other’s lists.”

  *****

  “Are you quite serious with this list Mr. Darcy? These are all responsibilities you shoulder, even as a guest of Mr. Bingley?”

  Confused, Darcy looked up from Elizabeth’s rather extensive list to answer, “Every one. Is there something in particular that is troubling you?”

  “No, not one, but the sheer volume is worrisome. I am not sure how I shall keep it all straight.”

  “Most of my responsibilities will be handled by my steward for now. I have already written to him to tell him I will be indisposed for the foreseeable future. I will need you to post the letter, of course, after you seal it. My seal is in the top drawer of the writing desk in my room at Netherfield.”

  “Oh, that was brilliant of you! Of course, I shall post it after luncheon. Sadly, I have no one who can help you shoulder my responsibilities. However, by comparison, they seem rather light. Are there any you had questions about?”

  “Well, I do have a question but I am afraid it is not on the list.”

  “Certainly Sir, I am sure there are many things I have taken for granted and so did not address them.”

  “Thank you. I am wondering if there are any books in your father’s library that are off limits to you. You see, I am hoping to find one on human anatomy. I think it may come in handy should I have questions about...” And here he became rather more uncomfortable, “Well, for example, if I were to be in need of information regarding… well many feminine... things.” Darcy had barely been able to get the words out and had not made eye contact even once during his speech. Much to his surprise and to his great relief, Elizabeth seemed only marginally uncomfortable.

  With an understanding and a reassuring smile, she calmly put his fears to rest. “No books are off limits, which may surprise you as you begin your search. However, I believe the book you may find most helpful is likely to be in Kitty or Lydia’s room. It is a book my aunt Gardiner sent to Jane after my mother refused to tell her anything other than ‘menstruation is God’s curse upon women for tempting Adam with forbidden fruit’. It has been passed between us sisters ever since as the need arose. You can simply ask for ‘the book’ and they will know which one you mean. However, it will be some time before that knowledge will be necessary so let us pray that we are returned to our normal selves before then!”

  “Now, let us discuss lighter subjects. Tell me about more Georgie. She sounds delightful.” When they felt they absolutely must leave or a search might ensue, they mounted Hector once again and headed back to the field in which they had met. It had only been a little over two hours but each felt that they had grown infinitely closer. Before turning back toward Longbourn, Darcy handed Elizabeth another piece of paper. It was another letter. “Please do not read this until you are safely ensconced in my room, then burn it. It contains information about my dealings with Mr. Wickham which I feel is important for you to know since I have ascertained in my short time with your sisters that he is a great favorite among them. I intend to share this information with your father as well - telling him that it came from you, Mr. Darcy - so that he may decide how best to proceed. I hope that upon reading it, you will understand my obvious disdain for him.”

  With that, he turned and walked in the direction of her home, leaving her to ride back to Netherfield alone.

  Chapter 9

  Darcy

  ***This chapter contains parts of Mr. Collins’ proposal from Pride & Prejudice. Sadly, I do not own any part of Jane Austen’s work.***

  Darcy returned to Longbourn with a burgeoning hope for his future. A future that he was more and more confident included Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Walking in the door, he was immediately assailed by Mrs. Bennet’s shrieks. “It is about time you returned! Mr. Collins has been waiting patiently to speak with you all morning, my dear! Come now, into the parlor with you.”

  As he was being pulled into the parlor, he was flooded with relief for his conversation with Elizabeth that morning. He knew what was about to occur… Mr. Collins - that grasping sycophant - was about to propose. To think that Mr. Collins actually believed he was worthy of such an intelligent, lively, clever woman. Bah! Darcy wasn’t even sure if HE was worthy of her which, admittedly, was quite a reversal of his earlier opinion. Nevertheless, he was resolved to try to earn her love and respect.

  Entering the parlor, he saw Mr. Collins standing by the fireplace. He took a step farther into the room, trying to determine the best place to sit that would allow for a quick retreat when he heard the door shut behind him. He was alone… with Mr. Collins; he shuddered at the thought.

  Seeing Elizabeth, Collins’ eyes lit up and he smiled an expectant smile. “Cousin Elizabeth, I am glad you have returned. Please join me,” he said as he moved toward the settee which would just accommodate both of them. Darcy sighed but did as he was asked.

  “You can hardly doubt the purport of my discourse, however your natural delicacy may lead you to dissemble; my attentions have been too marked to be mistaken. Almost as soon as I entered the house I singled you out as the companion of my future life. But before I am run away with by my feelings on this subject, perhaps it will be advisable for me to state my reasons for marrying -- and moreover for coming into Hertfordshire with the design of selecting a wife, as I certainly did.''

  The idea of Mr. Collins, with all his solemn composure, being run away with by his feelings, made [Darcy] so near laughing that [he] could not use the short pause he allowed in any attempt to stop him farther, and he continued:

  ``My reasons for marrying are, first, that I think it a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances (like myself) to set the example of matrimony in his parish. Secondly, that I am convinced it will add very greatly to my happiness; and thirdly -- which perhaps I ought to have mentioned earlier, that it is the particular advice and recommendation of the very noble lady whom I have the honour of calling patroness. Twice has she condescended to give me her opinion (unasked too!) on this subject; and it was but the very Saturday night before I left Hunsford -- between our pools at quadrille, while Mrs. Jenkinson was arranging Miss de Bourgh's foot-stool, that she said, "Mr. Collins, you must marry. A clergyman like you must marry. -- Chuse properly, chuse a gentlewoman for my sake; and for your own, let her be an active, useful sort of person, not brought up high, but able to make a small income go a good way. This is my advice. Find such a woman as soon as you can, bring her to Hunsford, and I will visit her." Allow me, by the way, to observe, my fair cousin that I do not reckon the notice and kindness of Lady Catherine de Bourgh as among the least of the advantages in my power to offer. You will find her manners beyond anything I can describe; and your wit and vivacity I think must be acceptable to her, especially when tempered with the silence and respect which her rank will inevitably excite. Thus much for my general intention in favour of matrimony; it remains to be told why my views were directed to Longbourn instead of my own neighbourhood, where I assure you there are many amiable young women. But the fact is, that being, as I am, to inherit this estate after the death of your honoured father (who, however, may live many years longer), I could not satisfy myself without resolving to choose a wife from among his daughters, that the loss to them might be as little as possible, when the melancholy event takes place -- which, however, as I have already said, may not be for several years. This has been my motive, my fair cousin, and I flatter myself it will not sink me in your esteem. And now nothing remains for me but to assure you in the most animated language of the violence of my affection. To fortune I am perfectly indifferent, and shall make no demand of that nature on your father, since I am well aware that it could not be complied with; and that
one thousand pounds in the 4 per cents, which will not be yours till after your mother's decease, is all that you may ever be entitled to. On that head, therefore, I shall be uniformly silent; and you may assure yourself that no ungenerous reproach shall ever pass my lips when we are married.''

  By this time Darcy had heard quite enough! How dare this unworthy buffoon insult Miss Elizabeth so while proclaiming his violent affection. The uncomfortable thought that these had also been his own objections once upon a time, refused to fully surface. It did, nevertheless, niggle away in the back of his mind, leaving him more than a little ashamed of his previous attitude. It was absolutely necessary to interrupt him now.

  With perhaps more compassion than he felt, Darcy attempted to respond as Elizabeth might - politely. “Sir, I thank you for the compliment you pay me, however I must decline.” With that, Darcy made to stand and leave the parlor to hide away in Elizabeth’s room. However, no sooner had he gotten to his feet than did he feel Mr. Collins firmly grab his wrist to forcibly prevent his escape.

  Without thought, Darcy simply reacted. “Unhand me, Sir!”

  Collins flustered and let go but persisted in his attempts to keep Elizabeth in is company. Stepping in front of her, he stammered, “I am aware that it is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept, when he first applies for their favour; and that sometimes the refusal is repeated a second or even a third time.”

  Aghast, Darcy simply stood and looked at Collins with an appraising eye. How could he be this self-assured? This toad of a man had not only proposed (an insult in itself) but now he refused to accept rejection. If a man ever spoke to Georgie this way, he would not be held accountable for his actions. Darcy would not allow this to unacceptable speech to continue.

  “Mr. Collins, I am not one of those ladies who would toy with a man’s affections, hoping to encourage his pursuit! You must accept this as my final word, I do not love you and I will not marry you.”

  With that, Darcy left the room, verily barreling into Mrs. Bennet, Kitty, and Lydia who had been listening at the door as he strode determinedly past. Before he made it up the stairs, chaos erupted. Mr. Collins finally seemed to realize he might have been rejected, Mrs. Bennet was hollering after Elizabeth to come back downstairs, while Kitty and Lydia burst into uncontrollable laughter.

  Once in Elizabeth’s room, Darcy flopped onto the bed in a most unladylike manner. “Insufferable man is right!” Just then, Jane quietly knocked as she entered the room.

  “Lizzy? Are you alright?”

  Sweet, gentle Jane. She really was consistently serene. Darcy knew now that Jane would not easily show her feelings for she was so used to hiding them. He supposed someone had to be the voice of reason in this otherwise turbulent home. Lizzy was many things - many of which he had come to admire - but she was not always reasonable. Jane had fulfilled that role.

  “Yes, Jane. I am. I cannot believe that mother wants me to marry him! We do not suit at all. I am convinced we would only make each other miserable. Does that not matter?”

  “Of course, in time, mother will see that. She is just so worried that if something happens to Papa…”

  Interrupting, Darcy said, “Yes, I know. We will all be thrown out into the hedgerows.” Rolling his eyes, he added emphasis to how ludicrous he thought the idea was.

  “No, Lizzy. Really think about what will happen if Papa dies. We have no money to speak of, no relations who have room - much less the money - to put us up, and no appreciable skills or prospects. We really would be left penniless with nowhere to go. Not that you should be the one to have to save us but that is where Mama is coming from.”

  For the first time, Darcy thought to about the very real problems the Bennet ladies would face if they did not succeed in marrying comfortably. In his mind Mrs. Bennet was far too pushy with her daughters, shoving them in the direction of any eligible bachelor, however perhaps her motives were not as purely mercenary as he had once thought them to be. In all likelihood, she really did care about their happiness, somewhere deep down inside.

  “You are correct, as usual, dear Jane. Perhaps I have been too hard on Mama. But that does not mean that I will rethink my refusal of Mr. Collins.”

  Jane laughed quietly on her way out of the room and said, “I should hope not! I will see you at dinner, Lizzy. I am going to go work in the garden. It looks like we may have a freeze so I want to cover some of the last flowers.”

  Chapter 10

  Elizabeth

  Upon returning to Netherfield, Elizabeth was almost immediately accosted by Miss Bingley. Well, perhaps ‘accosted’ is a bit strong. ‘Sought out’ might be more accurate. Apparently, Miss Bingley wanted to get Darcy’s opinion. Placing her hand on Mr. Darcy’s arm, Miss Bingley began to explain the issue. She felt it was necessary redecorate but Charles did not. If she was expected to act as hostess, the ‘hideous papers’ in the public rooms (which Elizabeth quite liked) would need to be replaced. Not being in the mood to deal with Caroline’s fawning over Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth bade her forgiveness instead.

  “Forgive me, Miss Bingley, but this discussion will have to wait. I find I am in dreadful need of a change of clothes after such a long ride.” Then she turned to the nearest footman, “Samuel, please have a hot bath prepared,” and headed up the stairs without a backward glance for Miss Bingley. Miss Bingley, of course, stood for a moment shocked, and then insulted.

  Once in Darcy’s room, Elizabeth relaxed. Being around Caroline Bingley always put her on edge for she had clearly set her cap at Mr. Darcy. Though Elizabeth was sure many women had, it bothered her that Caroline seemed to think she was entitled to be the next Mistress of Pemberley. Her mien was so haughty, like she was better than everyone else. Elizabeth was not even sure that Caroline held affection for Mr. Darcy, only that she coveted his position in society and his wealth.

  Elizabeth found she was excessively relieved that Mr. Darcy did not hold any affection for the woman. Not only so she would not be put in an awkward position but also because she discovered herself to be strangely protective of Mr. Darcy due to the reversal of their circumstances. She believed, or rather hoped, Mr. Darcy felt the same.

  She began to undress and ready herself for the bath when she caught sight of her reflection, or rather his reflection in the mirror which stood in the corner of the room. Though still in breeches from earlier, she had removed his shirt and the sight of a shirtless Mr. Darcy had at first startled and then fascinated her. She stepped toward the lovely, cheval mirror and simply stared at him. He was surprisingly lean and muscular for a gentleman which suggested he was not a stranger to physical labor. Somehow, she was not wholly shocked by the idea that he might take a more active role in his estate than she once would have believed.

  Without thinking she raised her, rather his, hand and ran it along his chest. It was so different. Where she was soft, he was hard and he had a light cover of hair that ran down the center of his stomach. Before she knew it her breathing changed and she felt a change in his body… down there. ‘Oh dear, have I done something wrong?’ She slowly unfastened his breeches to assess the problem. ‘Oh heavens, it looks quite swollen. I don’t recall injuring myself. No, this only just occurred.’

  She decided to ‘inspect’ it for any signs of what may have caused it to be in this state. What she found was not what she expected. Her very touch appeared to increase the swelling and was quite pleasurable. Just then she caught sight of the mirror again which pulled her out of her haze and she quickly moved away to the bath.

  Stepping in, Elizabeth shivered. ‘I guess I stood there longer than I realized as the water is now quite cold.’ The cold water also quickly took care of the other problem she had, “Oh thank goodness,” she sighed. While not completely sure, she felt as if she had unintentionally crossed a boundary. Would Mr. Darcy be angry or embarrassed? She had not meant for anything untoward to occur. Had it?

  ***********

  “There y
ou are, Darcy!” Bingley called as she walked by the study doors. Elizabeth stopped and seeing only Bingley in there, decided to enter. Walking over to the brandy cart, she poured herself a small glass - hoping that is what Mr. Darcy would have done. “What can I do for you, Charles?”

  Here Bingley became very concerned. “Are you alright, Darce? You never drink early in the day, or much at all come to think of it.”

  Drat. I am trying too hard to manly. “I am quite well. I had an excellent ride with Hector this morning and now I thought to look in on you. What plans have you for the day?”

  Not completely convinced, and yet not one to challenge his dear friend, Bingley let the matter drop. “Well, we have been invited to the Lucus’ party tonight. I hear the lovely Bennet ladies will be there.” That last bit he added with some enthusiasm.

  Smiling, Elizabeth teased, “Is there a particular Bennet lady you wish to see?”

  “Miss Jane Bennet, of course! How could you even question?” Then it dawned on him that Darcy was teasing him. “You jest! See Darce, I knew you hit your head harder the other day than you cared to admit. First you drink in the middle of the day, now you jest! Shall I call your physician from London?” Bingley made this speech only half-jokingly; he had noticed Darcy was acting a little out of character. Nothing outlandish, just different.