Chapter 2: Like a sin in a suit

"All things truly wicked start from innocence." -Ernest Hemingway

A hour later, Elizabeth was left alone in her new bedchamber, which was vastly bigger than the previous one in Longburn. It was enormous and she seemed like a small ant inside, but the fact that she had to spend most of her days in such a room did not displeased her at all. The chamber was in the third floor, as all the other bedrooms and her own room was next to her lovely cousin. Elizabeth was still stunned by the greatness of the house and of what she had seen. She could not believe that such an estate, was now her residence, because everything seemed far more perfect, expect maybe one, the master of the house.

But, before she could take another look around, she heard a knock and immediately the door opened. A young girl stepped in, introducing herself as her private maid, who was here to help her get dressed for dinner, because it was about to be served. She also informed her that the dinner time was very precise and the master did not liked to be kept waited, so it was better for her to get ready soon enough.

"What dress should I bring, madam?" she quietly said.

"The dark grey" Elizabeth replied friendly. She was not yet used to the fact that all her dresses were dark coloured now, for it was a costum for young ladies who were in mourning, to wear such dull dresses, but most of all she could not get used to the fact of the loss.

"Yes, m'am" the maid replied as she tighten Elizabeth's corset.

"How long have you been working here?"

"More than three years." the maid said soflty. "And I am very satisfied"

"Really?" Elizabeth asked as though she did not believe her.

"Yes, most certaintly. I could not have a better or a kinder employer."

"How so?"

"Mr. Darcy is very kind and help us in any given chance."

"I see" she murmured.

Yes, she could see his kindness, at least he was kind enough to allow her to stay with them. It was obvious that he was forced to do so, nevertheless he proved to be a true gentleman. But, it was something upon him that Elizabeth did not like and not sure yet she decided that she should not let the prejudices blur her judgement.


Dinner was a pleasant affair; the dishes were delicious and the conversation was delightful. They were now seated on the drawing room, drinking the usual black tea with lemon and of the time, Georgiana engaged Elizabeth to conversation and she seemed to take very interest in her tastes and how her life was previously. Elizabeth replied to all the questions with great civility and a friendly smile. Darcy did not speak at all; not entirely, but most of the time. His voice was only heard when Georgiana addressed to him or she teased him. He used to seem so caring whatever concerned his sister and he spoke of her with great pride, the kind of pride that made Elizabeth admire him.

"Do you play, Elizabeth?" Georgiana suddenly asked her, breaking the silence.

"Yes, but I do not want to excite your anticipation" she paused "It seems that I hardly have the patience or the dedication to be truly expert."

"But, I would love to hear you play" she smiled brightly "maybe we can play a duet."

She laughed "No, that would not do. I do not wish to ruin your playing"

"You are too modest" she replied.

"Will you play for us, now Georgiana?" It was Darcy's voice, which was heard and immediately Elizabeth turned her face to look at him, just to see his eyes fixed on her. She smiled politely to him, trying to break the silent akwardness, but as she did, he immediately turned his look away.

"Yes, what should I play?" she asked as she stood up walking away towards the pianoforte.

But, before Darcy could reply, Elizabeth interrupted "What about the Swan Song?"

Darcy froze. "Are you fond of Schubert?"

"Yes, indeed I am, are you not?" she asked.

"I do not mind Schubert" he said and a small smile was formed upon his lips. That was indeed a pleasant surprise for both of them. Couple of seconds later, when Geogiana had already started her performance, Darcy spoke again, looking at her eyes "Do you ride?"

Elizabeth, who was seated next to him on the couch, felt his akward moves of his legs, but without hesitating she replied "I used to..." she paused "It is many years since I have not"


Five hours later, when everyone was retired, Elizabeth had not even tried to close her eyes, for she was afraid of what she would see. The face of her father, who loved excessively too much were always the first thing she saw, everytime she closed her eyelids. She could see him as though he was alive, in their library reading a book as usual, or sometimes walking with her in the garden. As she remembered all these, some tears fell down her cheek, but immediately she wipped them, not allowing herself to cry once more. She grabbed a candle and exited her room, walking down the stairs, entering the big library. But, as she closed the door behind her and turned her face to look the room, she saw someone in front of her. She saw a chest first, as she turned her look and immediately realizing how improper was that, she moved her look up, just to see Mr. Darcy's severe face.

"I am so sorry" she murmured, trying to hide her blush and she took a step back.

Darcy moved forward, closing the big distance between them "What are you doing here?" His eyes fell upon her form, she was wearing a white icy nightgown and a dark green robe and her brown hair was loose, forming curls. Even though her attire was totaly inappropirate, Darcy noticed how dangerously beautiful she looked with her hair down and how much the white colour suited her. He was fascinated by her, but that was not allowed to be thought or said. There must have been many years since he was so intrigued by a woman's appearance and to be exact, to be even tempted. He and his cousin Richard, when they were young and foolish, used to spend most of their nights with the company of young ladies, who welcomed their passionate affections, but that was over when they got older and wiser. And Darcy had promised to himself that the next time, he would be such improper with a lady, it was going to be in his wedding night.

"I could not sleep" she said and interrupted his thoughts. But, thank god she did, because it would be terrible if she would realize the impach she and his wicked thoughts had upon his member. "...so I hoped to find a book.."

"I see" he said and took a step away, making space for her to move forward. "You can choose whatever you fancy"

Darcy walked away and sat on his desk, trying to continue his reading, but im vain he could not. He just looked on the pages, not even attempting to just read some words. Elizabeth walked to the selves and grabbed a book, which caught her attention. But, instead of opening it, she immediately putted away and sat on the couch with something else she found on the table next to her.

When Darcy's eyes fell upon her once more, his eyes got widen "What are you going?" Elizabeth gushed as she heard his hash voice and turned her look at him, but Darcy spoke again "Young ladies are not supposed to read the newspaper."

She laughed a little, but as she saw that he was completely serious, her expression turned to severe "I do not think that informing yourself about what is happening around the world is so unacceptable that society does not allow it."

"Young ladies should be satisfied with reading novels, afterall the bussiness world is not their occupation." he said as he stood up "Your sex has a very specific task to accomplish."

"And what is that?" Elizabeth asked as the tone of her voice got higher.

"Young women should get accomplished and as for the married ones, succeding in the obligations of the marriage and being a mother."

"I see, but dont you think that you are underestimating us? " she laighed ironically as she saw his eyes getting darker. He approached her in nerve and when he was almost beside her, she spoke again " I really wish to know, what do you think that young ladies are allowed to do. I mean, of things that are actually intellectual stimulating."

Darcy froze; for he could not believe his ears. Could that young lady, who seemed so calm and gentle, possess so uncommon ideas? But that was not what made him furious, it was the fact that he could see the truth behind her words, he could see that she was not so entirely wrong. He could see his interest in her getting deeper, for she was not like the ladies of the ton and that what something that made him curious, in a good way.

"A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing and the modern languages to deserve the word and besides all these she must possess a certain something in air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions, or the word would be but half deserved."

"I would be not surprised if you have not met a single woman of such capacity and taste, application and elegance as you described, all united."

Darcy froze and without having anything further to say on that subject, he just replied "I think it is time for you to retire"

"Yes, I think I should" she said coldly and left the room without saying anything further.

Darcy sat on the couch, as he saw her disappearing from his sight and put his hands on his face, just to cover it. He, then took some deep breaths to calm himself not only from the odd things he heard her say but from his thoughts he had previously for her. It was thoughts that should not be allowed to run through his mind again, neither should he pursue them. And that was the moment, when he realised that there was a charm about the forbidden that made it unspeakable desirable. The truth was that he did not know why her face and her form kept coming to his mind, as desperately as he tried to avoid them. But they did and that was something that frightened him. But, it was not right and it would never be, maybe if he laid in bed, then he would be able to forget everything. And that was what he intended to do.


It this chapter I wanted Darcy and Elizabeth to come closer, by getting to know each other. But, the last scene in the library was pretty unexpected, it came to my mind out of the blue, so I thought to give it a try and I hope that you like it. Tell me your opinion about this chapter, please.