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Parts 1-4
The farewell between herself and Mr. Wickham was perfectly friendly; on his side even more... in his manner of bidding her adieu, wishing her every enjoyment, reminding her of what she was to expect in Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and trusting their opinion of her -- their opinion of every body -- would always coincide, there was a solicitude, an interest which she felt must ever attach her to him with a most sincere regard; and she parted from him convinced that, whether married or single, he must always be her model of the amiable and pleasing. Pride & Prejudice, Chapter IV of Volume II
The visit at Huntsford had been progressing more pleasurably than Elizabeth had envisioned. The enjoyment afforded by Charlottes company and the beauty of the burgeoning spring could not be denied. It even outweighed the odiousness of Mr Collins' company and Lady Catherine's officious interest in everything. A slight alteration to the parsonage's small social circle was anticipated within the next few days as Lady Catherine expected a visit, in her opinion long overdue, from a nephew and niece. The niece hardly received a mention from the great lady though - she was too busy holding forth on the attributes of the young man, a certain Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy.
The Lady had been half way through a long lecture on the privilege the young women were to be afforded by their introduction into his society, when an interruption by Mr Collins informed his patroness of their previous association with Mr Darcy.
Mr Collins quickly regretted his information, as it became quite clear that that Lady Catherine was rather put out at the loss of her power of introduction. Elizabeth watched with wry amusement as her cousin tried to back away from his statement and down play the contact that had existed between the ladies and Mr Darcy, but instead succeeded only in increasing Lady Catherine's disapproval.
Elizabeth's eyes wandered to Anne to see of the mention of Mr Darcy had the power to bring more animation to her features, or indeed any animation at all, but Anne appeared to be as disinterested in this conversation as she was in any other.
Regardless of Lady Catherine's excitement on the subject, the anticipated arrival of the Darcys gave Lizzy no expectation of increased pleasure. She already knew Mr Darcy to be an arrogant and unpleasant man, and Wickham had advised her that she'd find Miss Darcy was cut from the same cloth.
The actual event however, did afford an agreeable change, as the Darcy's had brought with them a cousin, one Colonel Fitzwilliam, and despite his being related to both the de Bourghs and the Darcys, he proved to be a true gentleman, full of ease and well-informed conversation.
Elizabeth liked him from the first, when both he and Mr Darcy had visited the parsonage on the day of their arrival, and her pleasure in his company grew as she began to gain insight into his intelligence and character on his, not infrequent, visits to the parsonage over the following week.
Mr Darcy had been only seen at church, but he had condescended to introduce his sister to Elizabeth and Charlotte. She found her just as she expected. Though out of sheer courtesy, Elizabeth had tried to initiate some form of light conversation, she'd found it difficult to obtain a word from Miss Darcy above a monosyllable. The Bingley sisters may well have raved about this young lady's superior accomplishments, however Lizzy couldn't help but think that the simple addition of basic politeness would have given great enhancement to her achievements.
"I was a little taken aback to find Miss Darcy so shy," was Charlottes comment to Elizabeth later that day. "I would have thought that with her wealth and consequence that she'd have more self assurance."
"Did you say shy?" Elizabeth exclaimed. "I would say that 'aloof' would be a far more appropriate term. She thought herself too far above our company to be bothered with even exchanging light pleasantries."
"You surprise me Lizzy!" Charlotte answered with a slight note of disapproval in her voice. "I had far more respect for your powers of discernment than that. I don't really understand your determination to dislike the Darcy family so much."
Elizabeth was momentarily disconcerted by Charlotte's words, but very little reflection assured her that her assessment of Miss Darcy must be correct. Hadn't Wickham himself, an intimate of the family for so many years, told her of the young lady's pride. If his insights on the Darcys were not to be given credence, whose could be?
Charlotte's gentle words however played on her mind a little throughout the afternoon, and she had to continue to suppress little pangs of conscience that she felt at the possibility she may have been harsh in her judgement of the girl; after all she was only sixteen. When the matter again crossed her mind, as she dressed for their engagement at Rosings that evening, Elizabeth decided that in all fairness she would leave room for the possibility that it was the negative interference on the part of Miss Darcy's brother that had created the distance between Miss Darcy and Wickham. It was quite plausible that a young and inexperienced girl could be led astray by the strong dislike that Darcy obviously held toward Wickham.
Feeling happier with this more charitable theory, which clearly laid the blame for Miss Darcy's deficiency at the feet of her older sibling, Elizabeth determined to continue to be polite in her dealings with younger lady, and at least give her the benefit of the doubt.
Apart from a short exchange on her arrival however, Elizabeth realised it would be outside her reach to give more attention to Miss Darcy, as they were seated in separate parts of the room. Instead Elizabeth found herself in the company of Colonel Fitzwilliam and was left with very little attention for anyone or anything else in the room as she relaxed to enjoy his conversation and opinions. She did not agree with his taste or ideas on everything, but this only made their exchange much more dynamic and interesting. The pleasure of his company however, was cut short by Lady Catherine.
``What is that you are saying, Fitzwilliam? What is it you are talking of? What are you telling Miss Bennet? Let me hear what it is.''
``We are speaking of music, Madam,'' said he, when no longer able to avoid a reply.
``Of music! Then pray speak aloud. It is of all subjects my delight. I must have my share in the conversation, if you are speaking of music. There are few people in England, I suppose, who have more true enjoyment of music than myself, or a better natural taste. If I had ever learnt, I should have been a great proficient. And so would Anne, if her health had allowed her to apply. I am confident that she would have performed delightfully, and how do you get on Georgiana?"
Elizabeth looked across at the young girl who seemed mortified at having the focus of every one in the room moved to her. She stammered a reply that it was difficult to catch the sense of, before Darcy intervened and spoke with affectionate praise of his sister's proficiency.
``I am very glad to hear such a good account of you,'' said Lady Catherine; ``just remember that you cannot expect to excel, if you do not practise a great deal.''
Miss Darcy looked confused as to how she should answer her forbidding Aunt and she again looked to her brother for assistance.
``I assure you, Madam,'' he spoke on her behalf, ``that she does not need such advice. She practises very constantly.''
``So much the better. It cannot be done too much, and I charge you not to neglect it on any account. I often tell young ladies, that no excellence in music is to be acquired, without constant practice. I have told Miss Bennet several times, that she will never play really well, unless she practises more; and though Mrs. Collins has no instrument, she is very welcome, as I have often told her, to come to Rosings every day, and play on the piano forte in Mrs. Jenkinson's room. She would be in nobody's way, you know, in that part of the house.''
Mr. and Miss Darcy looked a little ashamed of their aunt's ill breeding, and made no answer. More over Miss Darcy was extremely concerned for Miss Bennet, believing that she must be feeling as humiliated as she would herself, in the same situation.
Elizabeth however, was not at all concerned by Lady Catherine's opinions or advice. She was concerned for Miss Darcy though, as it was obvious that the whole exchange had thoroughly discomforted her.
"Miss Darcy, I've often heard your playing spoken of with high praise," Elizabeth said, hoping to end the awkward silence that had settled on the room before Lady Catherine could take up her lecturing again. "Colonel Fitzwilliam has asked if I will play for him a little later and I was wondering if you might go through some of the music with me to help me choose some pieces."
Miss Darcy looked shyly pleased with the idea, not only was it a compliment to her, but it would also remove her to the other end of the room, away from her aunt's questioning and notice.
She quietly accepted Elizabeth's proposal.
As Elizabeth stood to move toward the instrument, she could not resist the urge to glance at Darcy, half expecting to see some sort of concern over whether Elizabeth's company was strictly appropriate for his precious sister.
Darcy caught her eye as she looked across, but there was no gravity or worry in his countenance, instead he gave her a smile that held warmth and gratitude, leaving Elizabeth completely taken aback - until she recalled that even Wickham had given him credit as a brother.
~/~
Part 2
Although Miss Darcy was hesitant to begin with, Elizabeth's easy manners began to work to make her a mite more at ease. With the bond of music as a point of commonality Elizabeth was able to draw her out a little more, and was beginning to like what he saw.
Under her extreme reserve Miss Darcy showed definite signs of good taste, good sense, and humour, and though not confident enough with Elizabeth yet to venture far with her own opinions, she listened to Elizabeth with a restrained amusement and pleasure.
Though Darcy sat in 'conversation' with his Aunt, very little of his attention was on Lady Catherine herself. Fortunately the great woman never really required much from her company than the occasional compliment and deference to her opinion, and as Mr Collins was part of the circle that was more than adequately supplied.
His eyes were more often than not, turned toward the pianoforte where he was pleased to see Georgiana actually engaged in conversation with Elizabeth. He could not see their countenances from where he sat, but he could tell by her posture that his little sister was beginning to relax just a little. He'd begun to feel that he'd made a mistake in bringing Georgie to Rosings this year. She seemed more intimidated by her aunt than ever, and was finding little companionship in Anne. On top of which, since the incident in Ramsgate, she seemed to be unableable to fully overcome her embarrassment in front of her brother and cousin, leaving Darcy to despair of her ever fully being able to leave that experience behind her. It was so good to see her looking a little more comfortable.
Darcy was brought out of his revere by his sister's soft laugh from the end of the room, and he registered it with astonishment. It was a sound that he'd not heard for months on end and it brought with it such a sense of relief that it was almost overwhelming.
Colonel Fizwilliam had also noticed Georgiana's laugh and looked across at Darcy with a grin. He too had been concerned at the deepening of her introversion and insecurity since the affair with Wickham.
"Should we join the party?" he asked, before moving across to seat himself at Elizabeth's side.
Darcy remained where he was for a while, thinking of Elizabeth. His emotions had been very ambivalent on hearing that Elizabeth was visiting the parsonage. It had taken him some months after leaving Hertfordshire to really purge his mind of thoughts of her. She attracted him more than he liked, but he could not, and would not, forget the inferiority of her connections. He had somehow been unable to help himself visiting on their first day at Kent, and within minutes he again felt the danger of being too much in her company.
He hated how she effected his self-control. He did not want to like her so much, but every time he was with Elizabeth he was more drawn to her. Although he had deliberately avoided seeing her all week, his thoughts had never been far from her. He had steeled himself to be indifferent to her this evening, but it had all been to no avail. He'd had to repress pangs of jealousy upon seeing her obvious enjoyment in his cousins company, and her attentions to his sister had given his feelings an increase that he was not at all happy with.
He looked across again as Elizabeth started playing. Lady Catherine listened to half a song, and then talked, as before, to Darcy; till the latter walked away from her, and moving with his usual deliberation towards the piano forte, stationed himself so as to command a full view of the fair performer's countenance. If he was going to be obsessed with her regardless of his intentions, he might as well enjoy her company as not. Elizabeth saw what he was doing, and at the first convenient pause, turned to him with an arch smile, and said,
``You mean to frighten me, Mr. Darcy, by coming in all this state to hear me? But I will not be alarmed although my playing may not come up to the standards Miss Darcy's does. There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate me.''
``I shall not say that you are mistaken,'' he replied, ``because you could not really believe me to entertain any design of alarming you; and I have had the pleasure of your acquaintance long enough to know, that you find great enjoyment in occasionally professing opinions which in fact are not your own.''
Elizabeth laughed heartily at this picture of herself, and said to Colonel Fitzwilliam, ``Your cousin will give you a very pretty notion of me, and teach you not to believe a word I say. I am particularly unlucky in meeting with a person so well able to expose my real character, in a part of the world where I had hoped to pass myself off with some degree of credit. Indeed, Mr. Darcy, it is very ungenerous in you to mention all that you knew to my disadvantage in Hertfordshire -- and, give me leave to say, very impolitic too -- for it is provoking me to retaliate, and such things may come out, as will shock your relations to hear.''
``I am not afraid of you,'' said he, smilingly.
``Pray let me hear what you have to accuse him of,'' cried Colonel Fitzwilliam. ``I should like to know how he behaves among strangers.''
``You shall hear then -- but prepare yourself for something very dreadful. The first time of my ever seeing him in Hertfordshire, you must know, was at a ball -- and at this ball, what do you think he did? He danced only four dances! I am sorry to pain you -- but so it was. He danced only four dances, though gentlemen were scarce; and, to my certain knowledge, more than one young lady was sitting down in want of a partner. Mr. Darcy, you cannot deny the fact.''
``I had not at that time the honour of knowing any lady in the assembly beyond my own party.''
``True; and nobody can ever be introduced in a ball room.''
``Perhaps,'' said Darcy, ``I should have judged better, had I sought an introduction, but I am ill qualified to recommend myself to strangers.''
``Shall we ask your cousin the reason of this?'' said Elizabeth, still addressing Colonel Fitzwilliam. ``Shall we ask him why a man of sense and education, and who has lived in the world, is ill qualified to recommend himself to strangers?''
``I can answer your question,'' said Fitzwilliam, ``without applying to him. It is because he will not give himself the trouble.''
``I certainly have not the talent which some people possess,'' said Darcy, ``of conversing easily with those I have never seen before. I cannot catch their tone of conversation, or appear interested in their concerns, as I often see done.''
``My fingers,'' said Elizabeth, ``do not move over this instrument in the masterly manner which I see so many women's do. They have not the same force or rapidity, and do not produce the same expression. But then I have always supposed it to be my own fault -- because I would not take the trouble of practising. It is not that I do not believe my fingers as capable as any other woman's of superior execution.''
Darcy smiled, and said, ``You are perfectly right. You have employed your time much better. No one admitted to the privilege of hearing you, can think any thing wanting. We neither of us perform to strangers.''
It was then that Elizabeth noticed a look half way between confusion and concern on Miss Darcy's face. She had listened to the exchange with astonishment bordering on alarm. She had never before seen her brother the object of open pleasantry. Elizabeth's lively and sportive manner moreover, did not seem to have offended him at all. Georgiana didn't quite know what to make of it.
Elizabeth, sensing the nature of Georgiana's feelings, and not wanting to lose the ground she had earlier made in penetrating her reserve, decided it was time to change the subject.
"Miss Darcy, I would truly be grateful if you would now favour us with a song, I'd love to hear you play."
Elizabeth's request was delivered with a natural sincerity that made it hard for Georgiana to refuse. She looked up at brother who smiled his encouragement. Elizabeth moved from her seat at the instrument and Georgiana only hesitated a little before taking her place, although nervousness was clearly written on her features. She always found it threatening to have attention focussed on herself.
As she began to perform though, she forgot her fears as she lost herself in the music. Mr Darcy had been right about his sister's talent; her performance was a delight. Elizabeth listened with rapt attention, totally enchanted with the young girls interpretation of the music.
Upon finishing Georgiana was a little embarrassed, but also pleased by the warm and appropriate praised she received by the three that were primarily her audience.
Lady Catherine however, entered the conversation with her usual lack of tact and discernment. "That was a pretty piece Georgiana. You have quite a good taste, mind you I don't think that your taste is quite equal to Anne's. Anne would have been a delightful performer, had her health allowed her to learn.''
She then continued her remarks on her performance, mixing with them many instructions on execution and taste, ignoring both her nephew's and Elizabeth's attempts to turn the conversation.
Elizabeth soon took Georgiana's place at the instrument as she could receive Lady Catherine's remarks with an indifference and all the forbearance of civility. As Georgiana could no longer be prevailed upon to return to the instrument, Elizabeth remained at the piano till her ladyship's carriage was ready to take them all home.
Upon rising to leave Elizabeth found herself wondering how an insecure girl like Georgiana was to survive a prolonged visit with her Aunt, and acted upon a protective impulse that had been developing over the evening. She certainly needed her time with Lady Catherine reduced or at least diluted.
"Miss Darcy, it's been such beautiful weather that I have been often taking the opportunity to walk out and enjoy some of the lovely grounds here about. I was wondering if you would like to join me on my ramble tomorrow. Some of the walks about here are truly delightful."
Georgiana's face brightened at the prospect, and she looked to her brother to see what he thought of the idea.
"That sounds like a lovely idea Georgie. You've been shut up inside far too much of late." He then turned to Elizabeth and smiled. "Thank you for including Georgiana in your plans."
"It's my pleasure. I look forward to her company," Elizabeth replied, a little disconcerted by his smile. She had seen it directed at her too many times this evening and was having a little trouble reconciling this Mr Darcy with the one she had known at Hertfordshire, and found herself having to remind herself of the type of man he really was.
~/~
Part 3
The next morning Elizabeth made her way across to Rosings to meet Georgiana at the pre-arranged time. As she walked her mind was on Miss Darcy, and on how she had managed to let a prejudice formed months earlier blind her to the young girl's true nature. It was a little humbling to Elizabeth, who generally had pride in her discernment, to acknowledge that she had been so wrong and so ungenerous in her thoughts.
"Well, I intend to make amends now," she sighed to herself as she arrived at the great house.
Miss Darcy was prepared and waiting, but it took the girls a full 20 minutes to get away from the Aunt's instructions as to how they should pace themselves, where they should walk to, what they should see, and even how they should react to it!
Elizabeth had no doubt that their 'briefing' would have gone on for much longer had not Mr Collins arrived and distracted Lady Catherine for a moment. It was one of those rare occasions that her cousin's presence turned out to be a blessing.
After the difficulty in making their escape from the house, the joy of being outdoors and away from the notice of Lady Catherine was intensified, and Elizabeth was rather amused when Georgiana let out an audible sigh of relief on turning a corner and taking a path that led away from Rosings.
The girls only talked a little at first. These exchanges were usually initiated by Elizabeth and were of a general nature. They talked of the weather, the gardens, the view and, as they had on the preceding evening, they spoke of music.
It was the discussion of music that again seemed to help Miss Darcy forget her self-consciousness a little, and allowed Elizabeth to draw out more of the girl's feelings and opinions as the morning wore on.
After about 50 minutes rambling at a slow pace they sat themselves down on a bench in a small grove of trees to rest a little, and Miss Darcy expressed her thanks to Elizabeth for the invitation to join her.
"It's particularly nice of you considering that it's probably not your first wish to have a girl five years your junior as a companion."
Georgiana was surprised as Elizabeth just laughed at the notion.
"I think that you'll find only four years difference in age Miss Darcy," she smiled. "I am not yet one and twenty, but as for disparity in ages, aside from my eldest sister Jane, Charlotte has been my closest friend for many years and she is seven years my senior."
"So you do not find my company too much of a chore?"
"On the contrary," Elizabeth reassured her. "I'm finding it a pleasure and can't imagine why you'd think otherwise. Good taste and intelligent opinions are always desirable qualities in a companion."
Georgiana blushed at the compliment and looked out at the distance.
"I feared you might have only asked me as a favour to my brother."
Elizabeth was aghast, not only at the idea that she would ever willingly bestow a favour on Mr Darcy, but at Georgiana's extreme tendency to think so lowly of herself.
"Your brother has asked no favours of me Miss Darcy," Elizabeth answered carefully, sensing the risk that Georgiana had taken in sharing her fear. "I hope I'm not overstepping the bounds of our acquaintance here, but it concerns me that you would undervalue yourself so. I was not just being polite when I said I was enjoying our morning together. I truly think that you should be less suspicious of your own attractions."
Elizabeth thought she could read some relief in the features of her new young friend, but she could also see that she was embarrassed at having exposed her insecurities in such a way. Her decision though, about whether or not she should pursue the matter further, was taken from her as both girls were distracted by the sounds of hoof beats approaching at a rather fast rate. Before either of them could fully register what was going on, two horses thundered past them at alarming speed.
Darcy, who was riding the stallion that was slightly in the lead, somehow managed to espy the girls on his way past them. He drew in his steed and began to walk it back to where his sister and her fair companion were seated.It was a few moments before Colonel Fitzwilliam registered that he was now riding on his own and also reigned in his mount.
Elizabeth watched as the two men approached, and couldn't help but notice how well they looked atop their horses. She was a little disconcerted to have to acknowledge that though Col Fitzwilliam looked remarkably fine, Mr Darcy looked even better. The wild ride had put an exhilaration in his eyes, and given his appearance a slightly dishevelled look which, she actually thought, became him very well.
She continued to watch as he swung himself down with an easy grace. If she had not been quite so preoccupied herself she may have noticed Georgiana watching Colonel Fitzwilliam with a more open admiration.
"Good day ladies," Colonel Fitzwilliam typically was the first to speak as the girls stood up to greet them. "Have you been enjoying your walk on this glorious morning?"
Georgiana smiled and answered in the affirmative, giving Elizabeth time to bring her mind back from whence it had wandered.
"I must say I was surprised to see you and Mr Darcy turn back," Elizabeth smiled at the Colonel. "The way in which you were riding made me think that you must have been on some very urgent business, a matter of major importance to the country at least... or I alternatively thought you may have had a battalion of the French Army at your heels."
Georgiana laughed at this.
"Well, I'm not at all surprised by their riding in such a manner. They sometimes become childishly competitive in each others company."
The men looked at Georgiana almost in shock. While Georgiana her self seemed to be in more shock at actually having spoken those words aloud.
"What have you done to my sister, Miss Bennet?" Darcy laughed, "I've never heard her say such things, mind you, I've often suspected she may be thinking them."
Georgiana seemed to relax at the realisation that neither her brother nor cousin had taken offence at her words.
"You know Georgie, I think that I was about to overtake him at any moment," the Colonel smiled conspiratorially at his young cousin. "He just pulled up so as to take away my opportunity of winning."
"I won't dignify that with an answer Fitzwilliam," Darcy replied, "as I know that my younger sister is far too wise to be led astray by guileful whisperings..."
Darcy abruptly stopped as he noticed Georgiana's face suddenly drain of colour, and he could have kicked himself for his last ill-conceived statement. In his pleasure at seeing his sister more at ease, he had forgotten to vet his conversation of anything that could have over-tones of the Wickham fiasco.
Elizabeth, who had been enjoying watching the exchange, could not understand what had just happened. One moment everything was light and easy, and the next it was as though an overlying darkness had descended upon her three companions. Colonel Fitzwilliam seemed the first to recover, and he moved toward his younger cousin and took her arm.
"It looks like you may have had a little to much sun Georgie," he said has he led her toward the bench again and sat her beside him, talking to her now in soft tones that Elizabeth could not quite distinguish.
She turned to Mr Darcy who was looking somewhere between dangerously angry, and frustrated with himself. Elizabeth felt all the awkwardness of being witness to something clearly of a private nature, and she immediately felt the outsider. Having not a clue as to what was actually going on, Elizabeth could only desire to make herself as unintrusive as possible, and maybe be of some little use.
"Sir," she addressed Mr Darcy. "Would it be of some aid if I walked back to Rosings and asked for the phaeton to be sent to collect Miss Darcy?"
It seemed as though it took a few moments for him to register that she was speaking to him.
"No... no... thank you for the thought, but I'm sure she'll be alright to walk back in a moment. I think she'll be happier if our Aunt doesn't learn of this, she sometimes becomes a little overwhelmed with her attentions."
Elizabeth could easily imagine the fuss that Lady Catherine could make over such an incident, and silently agreed with Darcy that almost anything would be preferable to alerting the aunt to Georgiana's indisposition.
The Colonel looked up to his cousin and, as if a silent message had been sent, Darcy moved over to take his place by his sister and Colonel Fitzwilliam walked across to join Elizabeth.
"Have you been enjoying you morning's walk?" he asked, making it quite clear to Elizabeth that he'd rather not talk of the reason for Georgiana's sudden affliction.
"Yes, we've appreciated the beauty, and also the opportunity to get to know each other a little better. She's a lovely girl, well worth the effort to get to know," Elizabeth replied, quite happy to speak of other things. "I must say that after having the acquaintance of her brother for some months now, I expected to find her very different than she is."
"Oh, you'd be very surprised. There are more similarities between them than you'd expect."
Elizabeth did not want to agree with The Colonel on this, but it crossed her mind that Wickham had said much the same thing. "But she is too much like her brother..." She could see his countenance as he said it, and hear his voice, "...very, very proud."
No, she totally rejected the thought. Despite her first impression, all it had taken was a few minutes of unprejudiced observation to convince her that she was only exceedingly shy. Elizabeth still felt contrite at how much she'd let her pre-conceived notions colour her initial assessment of Miss Darcy.
"You are right Colonel Fitzwilliam. Such a notion does surprise me. I see very little that is the same in them, but I suppose that her brother cannot have had sole guardianship for these years, without influence.
``He doesn't have sole care'' said Colonel Fitzwilliam, ``that is an advantage which he must divide with me. I am joined with him in the guardianship of Miss Darcy.''
``Are you, indeed? I must say that you are lucky in your charge. Young ladies of her age are sometimes a little difficult to manage, and if she had a greater share of the same spirit as Mr Darcy, she may have been more inclined to her own way.''
Elizabeth could not help but notice that Colonel Fitzwilliam looked a little discomforted at this observation, but before he could reply they were joined by the Darcys, Georgiana still looking a little pale, but much recovered.
Elizabeth immediately enquired as to how she was feeling.
"I am well Miss Bennet. I'm sorry to have worried you."
"I am just pleased to hear that you are feeling recovered. I would hate to think that my dragging you about the country had a detrimental effect on your health."
"Oh no!" Miss Darcy protested. "I'm sure that I feel much better for the exercise."
The Colonel and Darcy had drawn aside and were talking between each other.
Mr Darcy soon returned to the girls, but the Colonel walked away to where the horses had moved off grazing.
"I hope you don't mind, but I've taken the liberty of sending my horse back with Colonel Fitzwilliam so that I can escort you home safely."
"William, I'm fine..." Georgiana began to protest.
"I know Georgie, but would you mind humouring me a little for my peace of mind?" Darcy asked gently.
Elizabeth, though accepting the wisdom of one of the men escorting Miss Darcy home, wished that it could have been Colonel Fitzwilliam rather than Mr Darcy. Under normal circumstances she would have been very tempted to simply excuse herself from his company and return home alone; or at the very least, walk quickly to be rid of his company sooner. Georgiana's presence though, made these options unacceptable, and she resigned herself to being in Mr Darcy's company for the next half-hour at least.
Part 4
They turned toward the house with Darcy lending Georgiana the support of his arm. It was not purely out of politeness that he offered his disengaged arm to Elizabeth, but he found his offer refused as she protested that she was not at all fatigued.
It was an annoyance to Elizabeth when Darcy was polite, as it disturbed the perverse kind of pleasure she found in her dislike of him. Witnessing his kind attentions to his sister diluted the enjoyment that her ill opinion of him gave her, and receiving his civility toward herself lessened it further. In so many ways she would have preferred his aloof and withdrawn manners of Hertfordshire, because at least they were consistent with his true character.
The three said very little as they began walking back, and this presented a strong contrast to the light interplay that had been going on only a few minutes before. Elizabeth was at a loss to explain exactly what had happened to change the mood so completely. She would have been happy to have credited the blame for any awkwardness to the account of Mr Darcy. Indeed, his own reaction almost indicated that he felt himself responsible for Miss Darcy's sudden discomposure, but try as she might she could not find anything remotely offensive or critical in his words. What was it that he'd said again? ...something about her not easily being led astray... she couldn't remember his words exactly.
She ran her mind through the circumstances once more, but rather than making her any wiser she only found more to confuse. If she were not mistaken, Colonel Fitzwilliam had been discomforted by her throwaway comment on the manageability of girls Miss Darcy's age... Was it remotely possible that there had been some difficulty involving Miss Darcy in the past?
No, Elizabeth strongly doubted it. It crossed her mind however, that were she able to talk with Wickham he might be able to throw some light on the subject, but then again, his understanding seemed less than perfect when it came to Miss Darcy.
It occurred to Elizabeth that the prolonged silence was beginning to seem unnatural, and she made some comment on the picturesque of a certain view they were afforded.
"Yes, it is quite beautiful Miss Bennet," Darcy rejoined, glad of any topic of conversation that might prove a diversion to Georgiana. "Georgie, It would be quite a nice aspect for you to sketch."
"Oh, do you draw Miss Darcy?" Elizabeth asked with interest.
"A little," Georgiana exerted herself to speak, "and not very well."
"She actually draws quite well," Darcy contradicted, "but she sometimes sets such impossibly high standards for herself that she ends up little satisfied."
Elizabeth laughed. "Well that's one problem that I don't have, but I can relate to what you are saying because I see it in my eldest sister. She may be ten times better than me, but she will never recognise it."
Mr Darcy mentally denied the image of Jane Bennet being superior to Elizabeth, but he didn't want to think about Jane Bennet just now. His conscience still pricked him a little over the role he had played in separating her from Bingley, so he was pleased when Georgiana spoke and turned the conversation back to art.
"Do you draw Miss Bennet?"
"Not at all. Even if nature had given me the talent Miss Darcy, I doubt if I would have the patience required to pursue such an art. I am quite willing to admit a great ignorance on the subject. I only know what I like and what I don't like."
Elizabeth's natural manner again set itself up in contrast to the affected and false behaviours Darcy had often witnessed in the more fashionable women of his acquaintance. Though very willing to make fun of others, they would never laugh at themselves. Elizabeth's honesty and spirit were like a breath of fresh air.
Although he personally found her presence distracting and, for his own peace of mind, would rather that she were far away, he was really pleased for Georgiana's sake that there was such a companion available to her during their stay at Rosings - someone with whom she could feel comfortable and at ease.
As they continued on their way Elizabeth noticed Darcy was promoting conversation between herself and his sister. For her part she felt that this interference was unnecessary, as she was quite happy to talk to Georgiana without his encouragement. It put her in the dilemma of having to choose between her desire to displease the brother and her inclination to please the sister. She wished she could do both at the same time but unfortunately that alternative did not appear to be before her, until she finally came upon a topic of conversation that couldn't possibly upset Miss Darcy but one that Mr Darcy seemed a little uncomfortable with, and addressed him directly.
``My eldest sister has been in town these three months. Have you never happened to see her there?''
She was perfectly sensible that he never had; but she wished to see whether he would betray any consciousness of what had passed between the Bingleys and Jane; and she thought he looked a little confused as he answered that he had never been so fortunate as to meet Miss Bennet.
``How very suddenly you all quitted Netherfield last November, Mr. Darcy! It must have been a most agreeable surprise to Mr. Bingley to see you all after him so soon; for, if I recollect right, he went but the day before." As she mentioned Bingley, Elizabeth could not help but turn to Georgiana, who had been set up as a rival to Jane, but there was no look in her that spoke of any particular regard. "He and his sisters were well, I hope, when you left London.''
``Perfectly so -- I thank you.''
She found that she was to receive no other answer -- and, after a short pause, added,
``I think I have understood that Mr. Bingley has not much idea of ever returning to Netherfield again?''
``I have never heard him say so; but it is probable that he may spend very little of his time there in future. He has many friends, and he is at a time of life when friends and engagements are continually increasing.''
``If he means to be but little at Netherfield, it would be better for the neighbourhood that he should give up the place entirely, for then we might possibly get a settled family there. But perhaps Mr. Bingley did not take the house so much for the convenience of the neighbourhood as for his own, and we must expect him to keep or quit it on the same principle.''
``I should not be surprised,'' said Darcy, ``if he were to give it up, as soon as any eligible purchase offers.''
Darcy dearly wished she would talk of something else, and was saved by Georgiana exclaiming at the sight of their cousin walking toward them.
"Oh, look who has walked out to join us again!"
This time Elizabeth did not fail to notice the animation on Miss Darcy's face, and it suggested a partiality for the cousin that had not previously occurred to her. She had not known Georgiana long enough to really draw any conclusions from her manner, but even the suspicion that the young girl may have feelings for Colonel Fitzwilliam was enough to make Elizabeth reassess her own manner toward him.
The Colonel was without a doubt a very pleasant companion and Elizabeth enjoyed his company a great deal. She would not however, risk upsetting Georgiana by particularly courting his attention now that she suspected her interest in him.
"I couldn't bear the thought of my cousin having the company of two attractive women while I was all alone," the Colonel smiled upon his arrival.
"You had the horses for company," Darcy threw back.
"I hardly think that an adequate compensation," Fitzwilliam laughed. "You're not comparing these ladies to our mounts, are you?"
"No, indeed!" Darcy defended himself. "Such a thought never entered my head and I wonder at your mind even conceiving such a comparison."
The Colonel just rolled his eyes as he gave up the idea that he could actually win a verbal round against his cousn.
Elizabeth, aware that it would be quite natural for Colonel Fitzwilliam to now take his place at her side, called Miss Darcy away from her brother on the pretext of showing her something in the garden, so when they resumed their stroll back to Rosings the two girls walked together, talking amongst themselves, and the two men followed behind.
"I must say that the view one is afforded from here is not at all bad," the Colonel commented to his cousin in lowered tones. He was not looking at any aspect of the country side, but at the gentle sway of the young ladies walking in front. "Miss Bennet has a very pleasing figure and Georgiana has quite grown up in the last year or so."
Darcy did not at first reply. He wasn't sure if he was most discomforted by Fitzwilliam's admiration of Miss Bennet or that of his little sister.
"I ask you to remember that it is Georgiana you are talking of here," he finally answered, forcing the aside the twinge of jealousy he felt regarding Elizabeth.
"Yes it is, and she is no longer a child," Fitzwilliam laughed. "I know you'd be happier if you could keep her a child forever, but I'm afraid that's quite outside the realm of possibility. You should be proud to see her growing up so well Darcy, despite the drama of last summer, and I must say that I've been enjoying the glimpses of the less reserved Georgiana that we've been getting over the last few days."
Darcy smiled at this.
"Yes, I think Miss Bennet is the ideal companion for her at the moment. I hope their friendship grows."
It was a hope that Darcy found realised over the next few weeks. Often when Charlotte was busy with Parish duties Elizabeth sought out the company of Miss Darcy, or 'Georgie' as Elizabeth now called her as they were on a first name basis. Georgiana was developing a very high opinion of Elizabeth, despite occasionally becoming almost alarmed at her liveliness, which sometimes seemed to edge toward impertinence .
Though she had not yet the courage to broach such a subject with her friend, Georgiana was suspicious that Lizzy had discerned her growing partiality for her cousin. Whenever Colonel Fitzwilliam joined them, Elizabeth seemed to encourage Georgiana's conversation with him and withdraw a little from the interaction herself. Georgiana was grateful for her friends efforts, as she felt totally inadequate as to know how to go about the promotion her own interests in this regard, and she had a feeling that, if Elizabeth really wanted to, she could totally captivate the Colonel's interest all for herself.
Elizabeth herself acknowledged that she was really drawn to Georgiana, whose intelligence, gentleness and eagerness to think well of people, reminded her many ways of Jane.
Apart from the irritating manner of Mr Collins, Elizabeth found her only source of real discontent during this period to be her concern for Jane's spirits. There were passages in her letters that showed that she was still struggling to support her positive outlook, and was not fully at ease with herself.
Although Mr Darcy, who spent far less time in her company than Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam did, was usually polite and occasionally even amiable, and although he was always kind and solicitous in his attentions to Georgiana, Elizabeth could not shake the feeling that he had played a role in the disappointment of her own sister. So, when she coupled this suspicion with that which she knew of his character from Wickham, she still could not like the man.
Next!
