The Law Of Attraction
* I do not own any of the characters or story belonging to Jane Austins Pride and Prejudice. I receive no $ or kickbacks by writing this story other than the pure enjoyment of some very thoughtful reviewers. Feed the hungry~ Please review!
Thankyou!
CarolynJames
****WIF****What if, by accident, Elizabeth Bennett overheard a very private 'TALK' between Mr. Darcy and his little sister during her visit to Pemberley. What If an understanding came in that moment,and a once poor opinion vanished. Bringing Elizabeth an eagerness to search and know more about this mysterious, strong-minded gentleman? Warnings: This story will contain OTK type disciplinary action for a much deserved cause. If this hurts you more than my character...Please move on and do not read!
The Year is 1812, August 4th. The Gardiner's are traveling the countryside with their niece, Elizabeth Bennett.
*A few changes in my story line...Elizabeth Bennett is barely 16 years old, a secret only known to a mere few family members. Her early maturity and intellect easily disguises her youth as she and eldest sister Jane (real age 21) remained inseparable companions throughout childhood. Her told-tell age of 19 and Jane 20, is known to all others. A fair lie, being one of many to keep Jane's 'Youth' and privilege. Mother Bennett insists that Jane be the first daughter married. (Of course ~to The wealthiest suitor in the countryside.)
Mrs. Bennett, has tremendous fears that her Beautiful Jane (The young-hearted) has not married and nearly 22 years old. Paranoia surrounds mother Bennett, believing that Elizabeth is causing her sister distraction and possibly receiving more glances of men than that of poor-dear Jane; therefore sending Elizabeth away from Longbourne to travel with her Aunt and Uncle.
*Also~Elizabeth never received the letter from Mr. Darcy. Darcy wrote his letter to Lizzy, explaining the accusations made towards him. Where upon delivering it to the parsonage, a Mr. Collins answers the door. Very dramatically he states that Miss Elizabeth has taken to her room and refuses to see anyone. Darcy express' the urgency to deliver the letter immediately and Mr. Collins willingly accepts. Shutting the door with a smug grin, Mr. Collins walks over to his mantle and tosses the letter into the fire. Ever so sure of himself, he states quietly..."You're welcome Mrs. Debourgh."
~6 Months have passed since Darcy proposed to Elizabeth Bennett and she ruefully declined~
And so my saga BEGINS...
The Year is 1812, August 4th. The Gardener's are traveling the countryside with their niece, Elizabeth Bennett. Heading toward Lampton, the Uncle suggests taking a tour of Pemberley. Despite Lizzy's objections nor care to see the Darcy Estate, her aunt and uncle insist that it will be most lovely and urged her to relax. Elizabeth only wished she could set her mind at ease. Wished her Aunt and Uncle understood why she feared being in his presence again. But the girl could barely understand her own feelings let alone share them with anyone.
Her last moments with Darcy were of pride and misunderstandings. Painful words left along with the memories of that raging storm. She should feel nothing of him but anger with his dreadful arrogance, hence were her last words spoken to him. At most this is what she felt after the days back home in Longbourne. It was the nights that began to trouble her and wake her from a fitful sleep. The "Feeling of being Afraid", she could not explain. Strong passion stirred within her leaving a rapidly beating heart every time she woke. What was this feeling she had for him? Why would she dream of him? Her dreams began to haunt her as much as she desired to enter sleep as soon as the sun would set. If it were not for her dreams causing conflicting emotion, she could feel at peace,with six months passed, visiting Mr. Darcy's Estate or even in his presence.
The trio was warmly received at the door, and welcomed in for a tour. Once upon hearing the Pemberley house keeper mention that Mr Darcy was not home, Elizabeth began to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings.
Elizabeth immediately embraced the warmth and contentment of the stately home. To be inside felt one with Mother Natures outside. The windows flowed beautifully along the landscape and the walls seem to breathe rhythmically with the outside air. Darcy once spoke to Elizabeth about her love of nature and similarities he felt with the likeness in his home.
Within no time, Elizabeth ventured off alone in a quiet state, deep in thought. Walking along hallways filled with painting and pictures of family.
Lizzy heard a piano playing, bringing her to a present state of consciousness. She decided to draw closer to the beautiful sounds and to the one playing. As she reached he opening doorway of the great room, the music player came to an abrupt stop. Startled that she might be detected, Elizabeth backed herself into a small window nook located down a dark narrow hall between two rooms. She sat quietly as she listened for the next sound to lead her.
~~~Suddenly, Elizabeth fell breathless and Silent. Hearing his voice, Mr. Darcy's voice.~
How could it be him? The housekeeper stated the Master of Pemberley was not due back for a day or two.
Unmistakably, it was Mr. Darcy's voice speaking firmly, calmly to a much younger voice. Ah', the piano player~she sounded very young. This must be Mr. Darcy's sister. Elizabeth now remembering he cared for his young 14-year-old sister with both parents deceased.
Honorably, Elizabeth tried to engage her thoughts elsewhere so as not to hear their private conversation echoing into the hall.
Darcy's deep voice lead her into a trance as she dazed back in time, to their last moments together. She felt softer, warmer inside... Listening to his voice, She closed her eyes, remembering the sounds of the rain, his breathing, the intensity of his eyes while professing his love. The lasting words still echoing in her chest. Now her heart began to pound wildly.
Why hadn't she felt this before or did she? Where was this desirable passion coming from?
A tinge of sadness pulled at her heart~feeling the loss of a man she once hated. Only if perhaps~ Oh' , who was she kidding. He must hate her after all that she did. Her anger so strong and powerfully thwarted...only if she understood then what she understood now.
It was passion she felt during the heat of their argument~'GRRR'~...a dull ache now rested the pit of her stomach.
"Young Lady, do not raise your voice in that manner. It is I, your brother and guardian, whom you are speaking. I will mind you to address me as you've been taught."
Elizabeth could not help but overhear Darcy's tone change as he continued speaking to Georgina. Her ears now fully attuned to the conversation between the two siblings.
"Please forgive me brother, but I fear you are not hearing what it is I'm saying to you! I will repeat myself with as much respect as I have received from you." Georgina responded cheeky.
"Georgiana", Darcy's voice seem to warn.
"Brother, please", she softened, "I have heard your request that I have no further contact with Wickham, and I'm truly sorry that I cannot agree to these terms. And besides, he will not have it either."
Darcy's voice now sounding barely below booming but calm as a nearing storm.
"Can not agree! Does not agree? And when little sister did you have contact with Mr. Wickham to hold such conversations?"
"Just yesterday, he showed up down at the north pond while I was out walking. I told him what you said and your opinion of him, especially on that he and I are never to marry. " *deep 14-year-old sigh* "Well, William, to say the least, he became angry with you and all your criticisms."
"Walking alone the Pemberley Property, I presume. A matter we will need to revisit soon after~"
*Heavy sigh*
"First of all Miss Georgina Darcy, Wickham's opinions nor temperament are of any concern to me. The fact that he stepped foot on this property is a deadly chance for him to take considering he has been warned."
"And you...little sister, have received thorough instructions and boundaries to be followed regarding Mr. Wickham. To ALL OF which, as you have just stated to me, do not agree to nor wish to abide with me on my terms."
"AND So~ given your story~ you are choosing to ACT on what you WANT!"
"Please, state otherwise if I have misjudged your intentions?"
The room fell silent for a moment accompanied only by the sounds of large pacing footsteps.
Elizabeth let out a large breath that she had held. She could not imagine what this little girl was thinking or how she was faring at the moment. Although her words were bold enough, Elizabeth drew from her own experiences how well one could hide the fear inside during a showdown such as this.
She was horrified that Wickham had obviously made his advancements on this little girl~so young in age. No wonder Darcy loathed this man.
Elizabeth most definitely misread him to be of a good character so many months ago with poor Mr. Darcy. How many other women had been hurt by Wickham's evil deception? How many times would Wickham force himself into Darcy's life to evade those that he loves?
Elizabeth began to fidget at the prolonged silence of the room. Trying to place Darcy's mood with his tone. Wanting to understand what he was thinking, feeling at this moment? A Young Man, and to have so much responsibility placed upon him in his early life.
Yet, Elizabeth couldn't help but feel a yearning in Miss Georgina's place. The young girl spoke her mind and expressed her feelings outwardly to her parental guardian figure, as Elizabeth would. But the difference she noted, the absence Elizabeth felt was in the care Darcy responded.
He wasn't nagging and needy about how the girls actions effected his life, as was mother Bennett in all situations regarding her daughters. Darcy held himself calm and assertive like. Addressing his concerns and clarifying that he had heard Georgina's words. She could not deny feeling slightly intimidated, but not scared. Darcy never yelled or lost control.
Elizabeth thought about her father/ daughter relationship. Although loving him so, she often felt sadness with the lack of presence, actions, anything reactory given out of concern for his silly girls and whereabouts. Through the years, Mr. Bennett requested quiet and to be left alone from his daughters. Those were the boundaries set by father Bennett.
Elizabeth Bennett sat in the dark corner window seat, feeling a glow as she admired Mr. Darcy for his thoughtful care to life. Clearly living by strong moral values and wanting that for those he loved. The Darcy parents must have taught this during the short life they shared.
Finally~Silence Broken~
In a solemn tone, Darcy spoke...
"Georgina, Please come over to me."
Georgina accepted her brothers out stretched hand.
"We've talked at length about Mr. Wickham, this is not a new occurrence, would you agree?"
"Yes, brother. I believe we agree to disagree." The girl stated softly.
"Then you have answered my next question, "Do you choose not to rectify your actions nor heed my warnings?"
"I can not hear you my dear. You need to speak up." Darcy said clearing his throat.
"I stand on the opinion that Mr. Wickham has been misjudged unfairly by you, my brother. I do not wish to cut him out of my life and I am not sorry for my planning to meet with him."
UT' oooooo~~~~yes ,Georgina gave way to more information ~she leaked~~~
Darcy's voice stiffened..."Am I to understand that you arranged this meeting at the pond with Wickham, ALL knowing I would be away on business?"
The girl must have nodded a yes, because Elizabeth didn't hear any other words spoken by Miss Georgina that day in the great room at Pemberley.
But what she heard next sent chills up her spine, and left her sitting breathless, in the dark corner of the hall. Rosie red cheeks and all.
Darcy heaved a great sigh~ and began dealing out his statement to his little sister in a clear firm tone...
"Georgina Darcy, You have expressed yourself with clear intentions today and that I want to commend. It is highly important that we continue to speak directly with each other as such."
"Although, I will now express my sincere disappointment that you choose to disobey my set boundaries to keep you safe. Noting, the deceptive act taken to see to your own desires. Deceit and lies will only lead to mistrust, in which I will now have to take in safe regards when you are not in my presence. "
"I am whole heartily troubled that we can not come to an agreement regarding Mr. Wickham. Our relationship is only made easier when we both agree."
"Today this is not the case. Given that I am your Legal guardian and only brother, it is my right to choose for you what I feel is best for your life and well-being; therefore, I stand on my decision that you and Wickham are never to see each other again. Never to speak nor converse through any contact. Mr. Wickham has been previously warned , by law, that any such contact with A Darcy Estate property or contact of persons, will be liable to be shot!"
*Big Sigh Again* Darcy continues...
"Not only has Mr. Wickham been warned of these earlier set boundaries~~~ Georgina, SO have you! By choosing to act against me, lie and deceive... a punishment will follow. Along with your punishment, come new limitations and boundaries to make sure of your safety and security . All remains until I can trust that you will abide by my word or Wickham be dead. Whichever comes first."
Darcy stops to clear his throat...
"Little sister, I want you to go upstairs to your room and right yourself for bed. I will see to you come evening~soon enough. A long time has passed since I took you in hand. If you remember correctly, we both had hoped it would be the last. You must realize with the course of actions you have taken, I have no other choice to proceed with your punishment.
Georgina gave a slight nod.
And that I am gravely sorry. Go now, I will see to you shortly. "
*Soft sniffles could be heard from the young 14-year-old girl as she wept climbing the large staircase.*