The entire town of Meryton had been stunned by the news of Elizabeth and Darcy's engagement. Lizzie Bennet's disdain for Mr. Darcy was well known throughout the village, and the idea of Mr. Darcy succeeding seemed improbable. However, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth were married, and the news of their union soon fell from the lips of townspeople. There was other gossip to circulate, and certainly, while Mr. Darcy was a notable man, he was not worthy (in their opinion) of continued talk.
Elizabeth Darcy found herself thrown into a word of importance unlike anything she had ever known. She was now the Mistress of an estate that far exceeded her prior residence, and secretly, she loved it. Every room was filled with new treasures to uncover, not to mention the multiple libraries to explore. Mr. Darcy had told her that Pemberley housed three libraries; two were of substantial size, while one was tremendous. It gave Lizzie such delight to be afforded the pleasure of these rooms. However, among the grand rooms and even grander grounds, she found one particular item not affixed to Pemberley more worthy of her attention than anything.
Her husband, Fitzwilliam Darcy.
He was a treasure beyond anything she could imagine. While she knew, without a shadow of a doubt that his heart was her own, Lizzie still found Mr. Darcy to be a closed book. He was quiet and content within the confines of his own mind. Rarely did he venture to reveal a smile, unless in the presence of those he truly trusted. He was like a meadow, hidden among miles of trees and brush; difficult to discover, yet marvelous when found. It was her mission to unlock the real Mr. Darcy hidden behind his facade of stately pride.
One particular Saturday morning, Lizzie decided she was going to begin her journey of opening up that heart of Darcy's. Mr Darcy, Lizzie and Georgiana were seated in one of the drawing rooms, making gains in their various employments. Mr. Darcy sat at a little table by the window, writing various letters of business. Georgiana was working on fixing the trim on a bonnet, while Lizzie sat quietly reading one of her favorite novels. As Lizzie finished the fifth chapter, she closed the book and decided to take a turn about the room. Her legs were fatigued from sitting in one position for so long, and while admiring the various charms of the room was enjoyable, what she truly desired was to be outdoors. The sounds of the birds singing beckoned her like a long lost friend.
"Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth said coming up to the table. "Are you quite finished with your letter writing?"
He looked up at her, smiling softly. "I have only a few more lines, and then I am at your disposal."
She grinned. "Wonderful, because I am eager to walk outside for an hour or two, and I am in need of some company." Turning away from him, Lizzie addressed Miss Darcy. "Georgiana, I do believe we are due for a duet. Would you honor me with the pleasure of your company while I wait for your brother?"
Georgiana looked up from her bonnet. "I would be delighted!"
The two moved from the sitting room into the one of the many rooms with a piano forte. Lizzie smiled as she remembered her first visit to this particular room, when she had first met Georgiana. She was a shy girl, much like her brother. However, unlike Mr. Darcy, when you discovered her true personality, you were greeted with a spirited young lady. Sitting down to the piano, she began to leaf through the various duets until a suitable song was found. Music filled the air as Lizzie did her best to keep up with Miss Darcy's astounding abilities. She played with a grace and poise left for the most proficient of musicians.
"You are marvelous," Lizzie said, looking over at her quickly, before bringing her eyes back to the keys.
"Thank you," She responded softly. "Your playing is quite improved since our last endeavor together."
She laughed loudly. "You flatter me, Georgiana, but I will not be fooled. My playing is completely insufficient compared to yours." The duet lasted a few more minutes before the music stopped. Georgiana began looking for another piece, but Lizzie stopped her by addressing her. "May I ask you a question?"
She looked up and nodded. "Of course; anything."
"Has Mr. Darcy always been so...quiet?"
"Quiet? I do not understand."
Lizzie smiled at the innocence in Georgiana's eyes. "My dear sister, do not take offense to what I am about to say, but I feel I must be forthright. Your brother and I have been married for three months, and he hardly shows any difference between his being married or single!"
Georgiana's eyes widened slightly. "Oh Lizzie! Do not fret over such things! I now understand what you mean by 'quiet.' My brother has always been honorable and generous with anyone, particularly those he cares for. However, he does tend to keep to himself. All his thoughts and emotions are bottled up inside his heart, and his actions reflect that. It takes someone with fire in their eyes to bring it out of him. And you," She said pausing shortly to smirk. "are just the woman to take on such a task."
She laughed as a smile spread across her face. "Our good Lord willing, I will be successful at this undertaking you find me so suitable for."
"What is all this talking of?" Mr. Darcy said, walking into the room. "I could make out the sound of voices almost the entire time you both were in here. How is it that two young ladies can play and talk in the same moment?"
"We women never divulge our secrets, Mr. Darcy," Lizzie said smirking. "Are you ready for our walk together?"
He nodded just as she came up to him and slid her arm through his. Georgiana had such confidence in her ability to reach her brother, to see what was going on in the workings of his heart. As they made their way outside, uncertainty began to cloud her mind. Was she truly up for this sizable task? And would Mr. Darcy let his guard down so easily? She glanced over at him and smiled. Lizzie had captured his affections once, without her realizing; certainly, she could uncover them again.