Update atlast I know . I hope you were all waiting for this because I received fabulous views ! Thank you all for loving the first chapter and here is the next . I apologize for Darcy not being bodily 'there' in the chapter but I absolutely promise he will be in the next !
Read and Review !
Disclaimer : I do not own Pride and Prejudice , nor any of Jane Austens brilliant characters . I just write the plot and bend the characters to my will ;)
The Mocking Crow x.X
" Childish I am but without pride I am not . " Lizzy muttered with a frown , seconds before she had hopped inside her carriage and deported herself from the vicinity .
She silently allowed a sigh of relief to escape her lips while brushing away a curl behind her ear . Only in the confines of the carriage did she berate herself for her behavior . She mentally scoffed in disgust at her cowardness . Then , began questioning her sanity . After all , she was sure to meet him sometime in society and what could possibly implore him to remember her at all ? Why , he must meet with so many young and privileged ladies a week , that he couldn't possibly keep track of them all . It was but an immature and childish move on her part she agreed once more . Unobtrusively conceited was what she was .
To rectify it , she resolved to allow the fated meeting to commence and when it did , she would boldly face him on with every inch of pride she could muster . With that in mind , Lizzy decided that she needed to focus on more important things than Mr. Darcy for the time being. She needed to keep Jane her first , and utmost priority . Hoping that it would divert her thoughts- if just for a little while . Folding her hands onto her lap , Lizzy began to formulate her words .
Casual she decided for either way she'd have Jane blushing red . She started with a soft smile at Jane and began her mission .
" I do believe Mr. Bingley and I shall be wonderful friends ." Lizzy said idly , inspecting her nails as if she suddenly found them very amusing . Jane had been distracted until she heard Lizzy . Already you play the part of a woman in love , Lizzy couldn't help but think .
" Ofcoarse , " no longer casual , Lizzy continued most adamantly , " the title of friend in correspondance to me would be quite correct , " Lizzy's feline smile taunting as Jane's fine features began to color .
" Now for you , my dear Jane , what shall you have to call him ? "
Looking slightly aghast , Jane covered her cheeks in embarrassment and attempted to glare at Lizzy . It was half-hearted on her part . " Please , do speak of this delicately Lizzy . Must you tease me ? I'm already as bright as our carriage curtains I'm sure ! " Jane cried in horror , pulling the material to her face to prove her point .
Gently tapping her chin , Lizzy pondered at the curtain and then at Jane's complexion .
" Actually , " she nodded in astonishment , " It looks more like that charming pocket hanky father used to wear . "
Jane cried out that Lizzy may be the most treacherous sister in the world and pronounced she just may never speak to her again .
" As if you have the heart . " she replied cheekily to that comment , diverting her eyes to the window as she heard the slosh of the wheels on water .
Jane let out a huff of indignation at her comical reply . A muted silence stretched on , with Jane refusing to speak to Lizzy as she so promised and with her sister looking enamored by the scenery outside ,
" Perhaps it will rain ," Lizzy thought aloud , seeming lost to her own thoughts .
" Yes ," The crimson lady said in resignation , " I do hope it does . Flowers cannot grow if they have not the nourishment nor the care ." Turning her head to her own respective window , Jane grew quiet and Lizzy was content to do the same .
The brunette kept her eyes on the grass , the flowers , the trees and of anything unusual she could catch sight of . Off in the distance , past a small wooded grove , lay something large and lumpy that obstructed a good portion of road . Idly , did she ponder what it could be . It was only when the carriage turned up a hill that Lizzy could gain recognition . Her eyes widened and she stopped breathing .
It was human , she was sure . Without thought , she began to pound against the wall of the carriage , desperately commanding the driver to yield and allow her exit .
" We are not yet reached . " he shouted back at her as she drove her head out the window to look at him and back at the slowly distancing body . " I care not ! You must stop ! Do not pay heed to the mud and please halt yourself here . "
Urgently , Jane inquired if she felt ill but could not receive a response before the carriage stopped in a lurch and her sister flew out without explanation . Her white train slapped against the soil of the damp ground as she ran with total abandon . The urgent calls of her companion lost to her as she kept forward . Her breathing became pants and the closer the body came to view , the harder she ran . Fearing the worst , she stopped a foot away ,
and breathed .
In .
Out .
She reminded herself shakily .
Lying on her stomach , bathed in mud was a ragged young girl with curly brown hair , that clung damp along her ruined gown . She seemed so pale , so fragile that Lizzy feared that death had taken her . Gently , she nudged the unresponsive body with her fingers before propping the head on her lap . The body was terrifyingly cold . Frantically , she began searching for a pulse while assessing the young lady's wounds . The girl appeared to have minor scrapes and abrasions along her knees and elbows . She seemed relatively fine physically , yet her conditon was raggled enough to scare anyone who came across her body . Holding her wrist , joy surged through her as she found the quivering pulse .
Jane watched with fright when she had finally made her way to her sister . She could only let out a soft gasp at the scene she deemed gore and begged pardon while she went in search of assistance .
Lizzy nodded , gently smoothing the young woman's hair from her face to offer her words of comfort . Tears glided from the girls eyes and Lizzy feared she were in pain internally .
" I have wished to hold my little sister in my arms like this . " Lizzy whispered covertly . The girl did not stir .
" But I cannot and when I shall be obliged to , I'm afraid she may be too old , too woman to fit in my lap the way you do . " Lizzy continued warmly , hesitant to embrace the young woman but wanting to do just the same .
The girl seemed to smile at that and shift closer to the gentleness of her voice . Perhaps it was maternal instinct that made Lizzy feel the need to speak and comfort . Perhaps it nerves . She hoped it were nerves . There was a small trickle of water that plopped onto the child's arm .
Silently , she lifted her head to the impending sky , cursed the gloom of the clouds , and gently shielded the cradled body from the onslaught of rain .
It began to shower .
" I may not mind mud , but a cold will do you and I no good . " she muttered to no one conscious .
The body curled closer to Elizabeth's warmth , sighing as if contentment filled her as her angel stared angrily at the rain and let out a sneeze . " Well , at least the flowers will live . " she said dryly , only to smile , sniff and gently swipe at her nose .
" And so will this little one , "
The rain began to pour more heavily , " if Jane ever comes back . " her eyes slanted . Wrapping herself tightly to the girl , Lizzy closed her eyes against the chilling cold . A crow as black as night came to settle a mere inch away from her . She glared at it angrily .
" I will not be your meal today . But you may be mine if I should ever regain feeling in my limbs again ." she threatened .
It seemed to smile at her while it flew away . Seconds later , she heard cawwing in the distance . She felt like the crow was laughing at her predicament - and planned to feast on her fate later if she did not survive it .
She let out another sneeze .
. . . x x X X x x . . .
Rosings
" You absolutely will not go riding today , Anne ." Aunt Catherine announced regally , while sitting in her usual seat that following morning . " It simply cannot be brought into fruition . " she continued on as she leisurely buttered a biscuit . Anne poked relentlessly at the assortments on her plate , totally submerged with thoughts of her own . She hated the gold rimming on the plates . She could not fathom how her aunt could bother with something so fruitless as to have her plates encrusted as she did . Her stomach churned at the thought of accidentally ingesting a small amount of rimming and having a terrible ache the next day . " Yes , it is best so . Why , you will surely fall off your steed-" Anne made a slight choking sound at her aunts ridiculous choice of wording .
Steed indeed ! Upon her word , it could barely be considered a pony ! "Do mind that cough now, dear." her aunt did not even spare her a glance as she supplied those words and began at the topic at hand . " And it will not do , for you have a very delicate constitution . Perhaps , we shall venture off to Bath and have you sample the waters before you accomplish this silly notion of yours . " satisfied with herself for the time being , her aunt placed an easy , old smile in Anna's direction and proceeded to enjoy her breakfast .
Anne grew tired of her aunts stubbornness . Ever since the day , Fitzwilliam , came galloping in front of the Rosings gates , Anne had felt a need like no other . A need to do something than sit , listen and recuperate . When he came inside to exchange conversation , she had asked to be introduced to his great stallion . William seemed surprised but gave her his brotherly smile and pulled her along to the stables . She had met her first real horse and resolved that it would not be her last .
The next few weeks she spent begging , pleading and pouting to be allowed to ride a horse . Her aunt was indignant that she was not to be humored and appeased her when Anne's constant yammerings drove her insane . Feeling victorious , Anne did not consider her aunt in accomplice with foul play . But she did , and did by presenting problems each and every morning as to why Anne could not ride . Perhaps it was to windy , perhaps it was to warm - mayhap , she need new gloves or saddle to ensure no risk of harm . When these problems did present themselves , Anne always found a solution to every one of them . She grew frustrated more and more each day and with each passing problem . " What shall we do if your hair becomes a mess and the neighbors are to see it ? Heavens , they shall think us savages !" a new spark of inspiration seemed to hit her aunt as she proclaimed her newest concerns .
Anne set her fork down irritatedly , the loud clink drew in her aunts attention with a frown . " Our estate is not small by any means , aunt . I am only strolling down and forth our drive , not off discovering the new world . Our neighbors shall not see me and I shall stay fit to fasten my bonnet just right enough to salvage my hair ."
" Yes , but-! "
" And I have had already produced a special saddle for myself so that I will not take a fall so easily and you consented to having it made just last week . "
Her aunts voice started to quiver as Anne's words took effect . " But what about Bath ? Surely you can wait till then . "
" And what pray tell should I do , if my 'delicate constitution' causes me to become ill on that long , strenuous voyage to Bath ? At least , at Rosings , our apothecary is planted nearby ."
" Why yes ," her aunt agreed reluctantly , biting her lip . " But you will not go , Anne . Not today . "
" Why ever not ? "
" Why because . . . Why because. . . " her aunts eyes rounded to the nearest window before settling on hers fantastically .
" Why because it will rain , child . " she waved to the window behind her estatically .
Anne slumped in her seat in utter frustration . She let out a miserable groan while her aunt continued to feast . She cursed that the one time her aunt felt happiness , Anne felt distraught .
" Rain , " her aunt grinned happily , " yes , it shall surely rain . " she repeated almost giddily .
Anne pleaded ill and returned to her bedroom only minutes later . Her nerve strengthened by agitation , she staged an elaborate plan to go off exploring on her own . She commanded the maids to retire and leave her to rest before hurriedly retrieving her riding boots from one of her compartments . Then , as an after thought , she put them away and decided she could not ride a horse without proper instruction beforehand . It would just prove her aunt right if she were to fall off her saddle and hurt her head . Smugly , she tied the bonnet around her neck , reached for a warm wrap and ran down the back steps , past the maids quarters and out the back door . It was a dreary day , but just being free made the day seem marvelous to Anne . She was free to do as she pleased this day .
At some point , Anne had become insufferably lost because she was free to do so. Her thin , satin slippers did not hold up well against the barriers of the damp ground and the soles of her feet . They ached and caused her pain as she walked . Her dress had become sullied by the few times she tripped and the one time she decided to roll down a hill for the sake of unreigned freedom . She grew fatigued and starving as hours seemed to drive by . Her plate was left untouched this morning as she could not bring herself to eat . She began to fall more often and find less strength to stand up and move on . She walked through a heavy wooded grove , hoping for civilization and found none when she passed . With her last supply of strength emptied , she fell to the ground and into unconsciousness .
She did not dream in that world . Everything felt to real for it to only have been a dream . However , Anne knew with certainty , the voice of her savior had the same sound as the voice of a mother .
Anne could only snuggle up closer and let silent tears slide .
. . . x x x X X x x x . . .
Currently
When Jane had retrieved the apothecary , she came to witness the scene of Elizabeth snuggling with child . She also came to witness the wrath of Lizzy as her teeth chattered from cold and her wits grew angrier by each flaming second .
" Where pray tell , did you seek assistance ? All the way in France I suppose ? " Lizzy said coldly in her sisters direction while pulling her blanket closer for warmth . Mister and Missus Gardiner , were speaking discreetly in the room next to the parlor .
Lizzy had been to damp and miserable to complain on the trip home . She now found solace in regaining movement in her toes and having saved a young woman's life . She gave out a sneeze . For the solace of this , she gave Jane .
Jane was feeling much to happy to feel true guilt . On her way to the apothecary , Mr. Bingley had stopped his carriage to greet her-even though they had just met not 20 minutes ago ! It was a true show of interest and Jane could not be brought down by Lizzy's mood . When he inquired of her destination , Jane broke out in a gasp , begged pardon and started once more to the apothecary . She did not notice the rain till then .
Pouring a cup of hot tea with one hand and giving Lizzy another blanket with the other , Jane offered an apologetic smile . " I do apologize Lizzy , but I came across Mr. Bingley along the way and-"
" Became so intoxicated by the sight of him , didn't you? " Lizzy finished dryly . Her mood slightly lifted by the satisfaction of being right . This was a sure sign of Mr. Bingley's interest in her sister . Besides the less than smoldering looks of adoration he adorned her with that is . Lizzy sneezed again .
Jane offered another feeble smile .
" Come here . " Lizzy motioned .
Surprised , Jane came forward only to be told to come closer . With her head at eye level with Lizzy's , Jane sat primly with her legs tucked beneath her and continued moving until Jane's entire face was close enough for Lizzy to take two fingers and give a good , hearty flick .
" Ow ! " Jane said incredulously , rubbing her forehead while Lizzy busted into laughter .
" Ought to teach you to never abandon your sister for a mere man ."
" But he isn't just any man now , Lizzy ."
" I am only making it a consideration that he is also a mere handsome man . And that he has the good sense to adore my sister . "
Jane beamed at her sisters forgiveness . " He says he wishes to call upon me- I-I mean us , tomorrow if we will allow it ."
" Ofcoarse , " Lizzy laughed , " we always make allowances for the flocks of admirers that come for you at our doorstep dear Jane . " she reached for her tea and blew on it before sipping .
" They were not all mine . " Jane reminded . Her smile became annoyingly smug when her sister began to choke on her tea . Jane patted her sisters back while she attempted to breath normally again .
" I believe I have tea up my nose . " Lizzy admonished with a sigh .
" I believe your avoiding the topic . " the blonde haired angel replied .
Now Lizzy was red in the face , from the previous coughing and the sudden involvement of her admirers . She found no pleasure in recalling any of their offers , and even less in Jane's happiness when she would receive one . Usually , Lizzy would plead ill when one of her apparent suitors came and did so every single time they proposed to meet . It stopped being a subtle message by at least three times un failed sickness .
" Well ? " Jane prompted . " What occurred with Mr. Welby ? " Jane asked eagerly .
Lizzy did not wish to provide Jane with an answer . Mr. Welby had indeed made a proposition to Lizzy to be his . But to be his mistress was more his angle . Lizzy was outraged , mortified and totally disgusted by his proposal . He did not return home unscathed .
" Well-" Lizzy started hesitatingly , she could not bring herself to lie to the sweet angel before her . Luckily for her , Mr. Gardiner appeared , though looking slightly forlorned , he nodded at the girls who followed him out . Lizzy's blanket swallowing her entire body as she shivered all the way to the guest room .
Once inside , their uncle provided the sisters with details of the young girls health .
" She seems to have extreme fatigue and a slight fever from the rain . "
Lizzy nodded understandingly , and reached to hold Jane's hand . She knew Jane would fear for the child's life , for a fever these days could mean death minutes later .
" I will attend to her personally ," Lizzy announced , giving a firm look to her uncle and the same to Jane . " I cannot abandon her halfway , uncle . I will not . " she repeated for good measure . Mr. Gardiner showed no change in expression but nodded his consent .
" Do what you will . A fever is not catching ." He proceeded up the stairwell , without glancing back and called for his wife . Imagine Mr. Gardiners surprise to see her safe asleep in their bed chamber . He smiled and closed the door , grateful for having such a treasure .
Meanwhile , Jane was feeling dismayed by her sisters dismissal . " I do wish to help , Lizzy . " she pleaded but Lizzy's mind was set . Jane needed to rest .
" What of Mr. Bingleys call tomorrow? " Lizzy reminded . The ploy seemed to work as Jane bit her lip in sudden hesitation .
Elizabeth patted her sister on the head , " There is your answer . " and commanded her to prepare for sleep .
" What of your sleep ? " she asked worriedly , stopping mid-step on the first step of the stair well .
Lizzy suppressed a sneeze and grinned instead , " It is not I , he shall come to see . " Blushing, she nodded an affirmative and bid her sister good night- and if possible , a good sleep .
Lizzy rubbed her nose tiredly , and set out to pour another cup of tea . Once that was accomplished , she would make her way to the patient .
She crept silently past the guest room door and closed it with as little gusto as she could could . Her guest lay peacefully asleep under the covers without a care in the world . Lizzy quickly examined her temperature and replaced her cloth with a cooler one . The child was not as hot as she had first been which was a wonderful sign . The fever is relenting she thought .
There was a chair near the bed that Lizzy sunk into . The first stirrings began minutes later , along with groaning and the pulling of covers . Suddenly , Anne shot up , as if realizing this was not her bed nor room and feeling frightened . Lizzy managed a wry smile when Anne had finally spotted her .
Although tired and somewhat sickly , Elizabeth was always a sight to behold . Her hair was unwound , silky and tirelessly long . Her lashes fringed and eyes a deep chocolate brown . But her nose was small and strangely red , as if she were sick . Anne could not comprehend what or who she was seeing . Dazed , she managed to inquire of her whereabouts , "W-where pray tell , am I ?"
" I don't believe knowing will help . But you are safe and that is really all that matters ."
She , this woman , was the angel that held her in her dreams . She was sure of it , for the voice and hers were exact replicas . The woman smiled uncomfortably at her intense gaze .
" May I be so inclined as to know your name ? " Lizzy asked hesitatingly at first , careful not to scare the girl by her asking .
" M-My name . . . ? " the girl repeated .
Lizzy nodded .
She will send me away once she finds out . Anne thought sorrowfully . Once returned , her freedom would be lost , her aunts lingering eye would be restless and Anne's intense longing would never be soothed . She longed to make this angel her friend .
" My . . . My name is Anne Smithers . I-I've no home nor relatives and was in search of a place of hire . I seemed to have gotten lost , and without the funds could not continue on walking . "
It seems legitimate enough , Lizzy thought mindfully , but her face , it tells me she is not a terrible person . She possesses the same countenance as Charlotte . Plain , but soft-hearted and kind . With dewy eyes and a thin physique . Anne squirmed under scrutiny , she worried her story had not been convincing enough . Though , when Lizzy clapped her hand with a giant smile and said her name was Elizabeth Bennett , Anne knew she was safe .
The rest of the night , both ladies spent quietly conversing . The subjects varied from family , to circumstance , to books and then to a subject entirely to foreign to Elizabeth .
Anne's fever was almost entirely gone by now and the brown eyed lady could finally cease her monitoring and relax . Lizzy had made her way inside the covers with Anne's insistance . " Do you have one ?" Anne whispered shyly when Lizzy had managed to settle herself comfortably . Lizzy's brown eyes blinked open in question .
" Have one of what ? "
Timid , and blushing , Anne elaborated , " A man who sings his love to you . "
Both girls were crimson at that point and Lizzy gave an awkward laugh . Anne waited patiently for her answer when Lizzy grew more and more silent . " I'm afraid not . " she answered finally . Anne nodded with a yawn and turned to face the other side .
Lizzy found it difficult to achieve sleep after that . It unnerved her to think that the moment Anne had asked that question , she had already had an image in mind . With broad shoulders , and dark curly hair , Mr . Fitzwilliam Darcy had appeared . But in this picture there was a sense of longing to it , a longing Elizabeth grew afraid was a want of attachment .
" He is handsome to be sure , " she whispered quietly , " but a woman is in need of more than a pleasing countenance . "
Anne did not stir and Lizzy closed her eyes with a long winded sigh . She never wanted to admit it , but the first time she had breached eyes with Mr. Darcy , was also the first time her heart truly leapt .
" He had beautiful eyes . " she relented .
Lizzy could ignore and insult the man all she liked . But she knew that she hated the man for injuring her ego and was frustrated that he was handsome enough to make her attracted . Still , she was glad he was in want of an amiable personality . For a face like his , added with charm could make him a most singular weapon indeed . Lizzy closed her eyes , heavy with sleep .
Only when she heard the soft breaths of Lizzys breathing did Anne shift . Curious and troubled by her new friends whisperings , Anne could not help but wonder ,
who the man was , that haunted her angels heart .
Yes , I know . I am such a tease with the whole Darcy and unconscious love at first sight thing . But I couldn't help it , they are just the cutest couple since ... since ... Frederick and Anne from Persuasion ! That's a good example . Frederick was SUPAH hot in the movie . But I digress :) I shall work villigently on the newest chapter and hope to update soon ! Thank you for reading and please don't forget to review and keep me going ;D
