(A/N)Hey everybody! A special thanks to those of you who reviewed the chapter I love hearing your thoughts. This chapter literally ran away from me because the whole first half was not supposed to be there lol but I got it back on track I hope you like the finished product.
Previously: "Umm . . . well . . . about that. . . I don't really know . . . that is, I'm not sure . . . well I'm not involved in. . . . Mrs. Reynolds and Georgiana handle all of those arrangements but I know that she would be happy to assist. I will write to her at once and ask her what she recommends." Darcy quickly turned his glass bottoms up and said "Well, I think I will retire now. Goodnight Bingley, Miss Bingley." Darcy bowed and was out of the room and up the stairs in a flash. This is ridiculous! I am a grown man practically running from a girl. As the thought passed he heard the fast paced click-clack of Miss Bingley's shoes and knew that he was not above a really really fast paced walk.
Chapter 4- Exercise- What if he caught her out walking
It had been five days since the gathering at Lucas Lodge and Darcy was about to lose his mind. It had rained for five days straight making it impossible to leave the house. And for five long days he had to think of ways to escape Caroline Bingley. There were only so many places he could hide before Caroline wised up and started beating him to his own hiding space.
First he chose the library knowing she rarely went there. This worked for the first two days but then she started to stay and ask him his opinion on books and lean over to see what he was reading "coincidentally" giving him a view of her bosom. On the third day, he tried Charles study but when she started coming around too often Charles kicked him out and told him to find his own hiding spot. The fourth day he tried a parlor that was rarely used and in the rear of the house, but she insisted on staying with him because she was his hostess and it was her job to "entertain him". The only good thing that came from her constant stalking was he didn't have any time to reflect upon a certain pair of brown eyes during the day but at night when he was alone they were the last thing he thought of before drifting to sleep.
On the fifth day Netherfield could be likened to the wilds of the jungle. Darcy played the part of the prey. The frightened gazelle ready to bolt at any moment. Caroline was the predator silently stalking until just the right moment to pounce. And Charles was the human spectator, watching for his own amusement.
Darcy was still in his room long after the breakfast hour. It had taken all of that time to think of a good strategy to keep him away from Miss Bingley. He studied her patterns and realized that she always waited until he was settled into a room before she made her strike. That was easy to solve, he only had to keep moving and could never stay in the same place for more than an hour. She also had a tendency to use the servants as her spies. More than once Darcy recalled a young servant girl come into a room he was in to pick up a random object then leave with it, then not five minutes later Miss Bingley would walk in. This was also an easy fix; Darcy could use a servant's entry into a room as an indication that it was time for him to move on.
Her most disconcerting tactic was to always find him alone. This last problem was the hardest to fix. There is strength in numbers but Charles is no help because he is off hiding as well and at that point it was every man for his self. Maybe I can pretend to be sick. No that will not work she would insist on nursing me back to health. It is ironic that she is about to run me into an early grave. Darcy started to pace in front of the fireplace in his room knowing that soon someone would come looking for him. Just as Darcy was about to make another pass in front of the fireplace his valet came through the servants entrance to clean his room. The light of hope lit Darcy's features and he left feeling confident in his plan. Darcy decided to go directly to the study to apologize to Charles for missing breakfast.
"Ah Darcy there you are. I was beginning to worry about you."
"I am fine Charles I just had a few things on my mind"
As Darcy was about to take a seat in the study Charles stopped him. "I told you two days ago that you cannot hide here. She has been checking every quarter hour to see if you left your room yet."
"And you call yourself a friend."
"I would ride to the ends of the earth with you but I would only do so without my sister." Charles and Darcy laughed until it hurt.
"How can you say such things about your own sister?"
"I may not be the smartest person in the world but nor am I stupid or blind. I know my sister better than anyone and that includes her faults. Now stop stalling and get out of my hiding spot."
"Fine I will go but if you ever come to me seeking refuge, know that it will be denied."
"That is a chance I am willing to take."
When Darcy left the room he heard the sound of Caroline's heels approaching from down the hall. Reacting quickly he escaped into the closest door he could find which just so happened to be a hall closet. I have reached a new level of pitiful. After hearing the study door open and close Darcy decided to go to the library and begin his plan. First Darcy picked five books he had been thinking about reading. Carrying them out of the library he set one book in each of the rooms he planned to use as a refuge. Next he returned to the library hoping he had missed her on her first pass. Normally she checked Charles study, the library, the back parlor room, the billiards room and then the music room. Always in that order. Darcy knew that if he had missed the first pass then he had about twenty to thirty minutes until she would come back. Arriving at the library he slipped inside, left the door slightly cracked and immediately moved to the back or the room. He considered hiding in one of the stacks but knew that there was a chance she would walk through the room and the stacks offered no route of escape. Maybe I missed my calling as a strategy expert in the military.
Darcy picked up the book he had selected for the library and began to read. Like clockwork twenty minutes later he heard Miss Bingley's heels coming down the hallway. Knowing he only had a few moments to act Darcy immediately went into code red. He set his book aside made sure it was in the same position as before and sprinted to the servant's door. Stepping inside as Miss Bingley entered; Darcy thanked God for his luck.
As Miss Bingley walked into the room she could swear she smelled Mr. Darcy's cologne. She would know his scent anywhere and like the predator she was she began sniffing the room trying to find out if he was still there or had just left. Walking towards the stacks she saw that he was not in the library and left to check some of the other rooms he frequented.
As he watched the door close from the crack he left in the servant's door, Darcy breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe if I just keep hiding in here I will not have to utilize my other hiding spots. Wow I haven't hidden from anything since I was ten. Thus the cycle continued for four hours until Caroline decided to take a seat in the library and await his return.
Darcy knew it was time to go to Plan B. It was a good thing he had a plan C, D, and E as well. Walking down the servants corridors Darcy passed a few workers but other than an odd look they did not give him any notice. Finally finding another door he found himself in the hallway outside the dining room. Walking quickly into the front parlor room, because that was always the last place she looked, he settled in to read the book he had selected to that room. After about an hour and a half, Darcy heard the familiar click-clack that made his blood run cold and quickly repeated the same process of hiding in the servant's door until she left. Surprisingly, this was the last time he had to hide because soon after it was time to dress for dinner. All this strategizing had given Darcy an appetite.
The next day Darcy woke later than his wont but hoping it was nice enough for him to escape the house. Quickly walking over to the window he pushed the curtains aside. The smile that lit up his face could have rivaled the radiance of the sun. Darcy was so happy he could have jumped and clicked his heels together; instead he called for his valet to have his horse saddled and have a bath waiting for him when he returned. Darcy was full of excited energy as he continued to fidget while his valet tried to get him ready for the day.
"Sir, if you keep fidgeting you will make me knick you." Gabe, his valet, said as he was shaving Darcy.
"You are right, I am sorry Gabe."
"It is alright sir. I would imagine you are eager to be out of doors after spending so much time in the servant's corridors and hall closets." Gabe tried unsuccessfully to hold in his smile but he could not contain it. Gabe had been with Darcy since he was old enough to need a valet. Although Gabe was older being in his late forties he looked significantly younger and acted younger still. Darcy had come to appreciate his valet's weird mix of professionalism and sense of humor over the years and could not help but smile in return.
"I have no idea what you are talking about" Darcy said while trying to keep a serious face. Gabe laughed so hard he had tears running from his eyes.
"Of course sir" Gabe said over a chuckle. After dressing Darcy to his normal level of perfection Gabe watched his master hurriedly walk out of the room.
Arriving at the stables Darcy saw that his horse, Poseidon, was already saddled and just as restless as his master. Man and horse tore out of the stables like a bat out of hell. Grateful for the fast pace that kept his mind focused on the road Darcy felt better than he had in days.
Back at Longbourn, Elizabeth was about to shove an embroidery needle into her brain. For five days her mother would not cease talking about Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley, Lydia kept pouting because the attention was not on her, Kitty followed Lydia's example like always and Mary was still sermonizing on the vulgarity of the waltz.
"Oh Lizzy I love you so much, you sweet dear girl. We are saved. Oh, ten thousand a year, an estate in the country, a house in town and probably a box at all the best theaters. Oh how grand you shall be. Hill, bring me my salts I am beside myself."
"Mama he has not declared any such intention. You should not say such things, especially in public."
"Nonsense you will be engaged before they year is out, you mark my words."
"And how do you know this?"
"It is in his eyes."
"What color are his eyes?"
"Green?"
Elizabeth was done. She threw her hands up and stormed out of the house. Maybe I am adopted. No, I have papa's eyes and some say Kitty looks just like me. Darn, well that excuse just got shot in the face. She was edgier than she had been in a long time and she needed a release for all her pent up frustrations. Finally settling on a way to release her tension, Elizabeth knew it was unladylike but she could not resist the temptation. Looking around to make sure nobody was about; she took a deep breath hiked up her skirts and began to run with all her might.
She ran until the problems of her family fled her mind, until the rumors did not matter and until those haunting blue eyes disappeared. Running through the woods was nothing new for Elizabeth. She had been exploring these woods since she was a child but when she started to slow down a while later she realized that she did not recognize her surroundings. Stopping fully she saw a path off to the side that looked familiar and decided to take it. After turning the corner it wasn't long after that she heard the sound of hoof beats quickly approaching. A second later the horse quickly turned the corner and was headed right for her at breakneck-speed. The horse and rider seemed to notice her at the same time. Lizzy frozen by fear could only watch as the rider tried to stop the horse that was barreling towards her. The horse reared back and thankfully Lizzy found her brain long enough to jump out of the way because the horse's front hooves landed exactly where she had been standing a few moments ago.
Darcy quickly calmed Poseidon and jumped down to help the lady he had almost killed. Darcy prayed the lady was not too badly injured. As he neared her Darcy saw that she was lying on her stomach struggling to get up because she was completely covered in mud and dirt. "Miss, I am so terribly sorry. I did not see you until the last minute when I came around that curve. Allow me to assist you." As Darcy reached to help the small girl to stand, he immediately felt the familiar tingling sensations in his hands and immediately let go, dropping her back to the ground. Realizing what he had just done Darcy blanched and said "Oh my gosh, again I am so sorry . . . my hand . . . uh . . . slipped." I cannot believe I dropped her! My hand slipped that was the best I could think of.
On the ground Elizabeth turned over to look incredulously at Darcy. Are you serious! I hope my hand doesn't slip and slap you upside the back of your head. After realizing that she was still sitting on the ground Elizabeth moved to stand up and Darcy quickly assisted her without further incident.
"Are you alright Miss Bennet? I am so sorry; it truly is a sharp curve."
"It is alright Mr. Darcy" said Elizabeth as she tried to take a step away from him but stumbled and cried out in pain. Darcy caught her before she could fall. Darcy immediately scooped her up and walked with her to a fallen tree just a little ways off the path into the woods.
"Mr. Darcy I must demand that you release me at once."
"I know this is a breach of propriety and I am sorry for that but I need to get you to a seat so you can rest and I can examine your ankle. " She feels amazing. Damn you, Charles. I never would have thought this way if it wasn't for our conversation after the dance. I can't even contemplate liking this girl. Society would never accept her as my wife. They would only see her as a country nobody who is after me for my money.
Elizabeth could not help but notice that he carried her as if she weighed nothing. She could even feel the heat from his body and the muscles in his chest and arms. Elizabeth felt her own body temperature rise but attributed it to the shock of the accident. After Darcy placed her on the fallen tree she felt an acute pain at the loss of his body.
Darcy knew there was a good chance that she was in shock; she hadn't said anything since he had picked her up. She is one of the most spirited women I have ever met, there is no way she would have been quiet this long if she was in her right state of mind. Darcy knelt in front of her and looked into her eyes to see if her pupils were dilated but when he looked at her his brain fell to his stomach and his motor movements slowed considerably. Damn those stupid eyes of hers. Please don't let me say anything stupid.
Mr. Darcy's nearness had a similar effect on Elizabeth. Damn those stupid eyes of his. Please don't let me say anything stupid. Elizabeth was the first to wake from her stupor and said. "Mr. Darcy, are you alright?"
"What? Oh yes Miss Bennet I am fine. How about we take a look at your ankle?" How can this little slip of a girl discompose me so? Examining her ankle Darcy saw that it was red and slightly swollen but nothing that would give her any lasting discomfort. "Miss Bennet there is nothing wrong with your ankle but it will hurt for a little while, you should put some cool rags on it and wrap it to ease the swelling. If you will allow me, I can ride you back to Longbourn on Poseidon."
"No thank you Mr. Darcy I am sure I will be fine walking back," Elizabeth said while standing. But she could not keep the wince from her face.
"Please Miss Bennet it is the least I can do after being the cause of your injury. Also it will be quicker and it is best to ice your ankle as soon as possible."
"Mr. Darcy I am sure that I am not too far from home and will be fine on my own."
"Miss Bennet, I have to disagree; you are a great distance from home, four or five miles at least."
Did I really run that far? At this information Elizabeth stopped to consider his offer. Her ankle did hurt but she did not know if she wanted to be alone with him for an extended period of time. Wary Elizabeth looked around him to view his horse, an imposing black stallion.
"Yeah. . . I think I would prefer to walk but I thank you for the offer."
"I know Poseidon can look scary but he really is a nice horse. Come and meet him, if you still are afraid then you do not have to ride him." Darcy hoped saying she was afraid of the horse was a sure way to get her on it just to prove him wrong. As it turned out he was right.
"I am not afraid Mr. Darcy, I do not want to impose upon you, that is all."
Trying to hide his smile at her false bravado Darcy said "It is no imposition to be sure. I would be delighted to escort you back to Longbourn." Wait, what am I saying? I need to stay far away from her.
Putting on a brave face that she didn't feel, Elizabeth responded, "very well sir you may introduce me to your horse." What have I gotten myself into? It is not that Elizabeth hated horses; she thought they were gentle beautiful creatures . . . from a distance.
As Darcy guided Elizabeth over to Poseidon he noticed her increasing anxiety and stopped before they got to close. "Miss Bennet, if you truly do not want to ride, you do not have to. It would be better for your ankle to ride but not for you state of mind."
Elizabeth was touched by his thoughtfulness. "Do you promise that your horse is nice?"
Giving her a slight smile he said "I promise."
"Alright sir, lead the way and we will see how Poseidon and I get along."
"Do you know how to approach a horse?"
Elizabeth laughed at his question. "I do live on a farm Mr. Darcy. I may not be very comfortable around horses but I do know the basics."
Darcy smiled at her in reply. "Alright let us go introduce you." Poseidon noticed that his master was approaching and walked to meet him. Feeling Elizabeth take a step back at the horse's approach Darcy put his hand up to signal Poseidon to stop. After seeing the horse immediately stop at Darcy's command Elizabeth started to relax slightly. "How about I go and take his reins and then you can approach him in your own time?"
"That would be agreeable." Elizabeth watched as Darcy walked to Poseidon and grabbed his reins. He seemed to say something to the horse that she could not hear but apparently the horse understood because he nudged Darcy's shoulder with his nose. Darcy smiled and rubbed the horse's nose. Elizabeth smiled at the interaction between man and animal. It was clear that there was affection between the two. Slowly, Elizabeth walked toward the duo, when she stepped on a twig that made a loud snap. Poseidon turned to watch her progress. When he saw her stop, Poseidon turned his head to the side in a way that said what are you waiting for and why did you stop? Elizabeth could not help but laugh at the comical expression on the face of the horse. In answer, Elizabeth took a deep breath and travelled the rest of the distance to Poseidon's side. Slowly she reached out to pet his side making her way towards his head she saw that Darcy was beaming at her. Elizabeth looked at her feet and blushed. While trying to avoid Darcy's eyes Elizabeth moved to stroke Poseidon's nose. "Hello, my name is Elizabeth. I must tell you that I am not very comfortable with horses so you must be very gentle and patient with me." Elizabeth smiled as Poseidon nudged her in silent agreement.
Behind her Darcy smiled at the interaction between Elizabeth and his horse and could not help but admire her for her courage. "If you are ready Miss Bennet I think you have been standing on your ankle for long enough and we should get you to the house quickly."
"Alright Mr. Darcy but you must help me up for there is no mounting block."
"Of course." Darcy guided Elizabeth to the saddle. Turning her to face him he looked down at her to see if she was ready. She silently nodded her head. Darcy put his hands around her waist and lifted her into the saddle with ease. Again Elizabeth marveled at his strength. Swinging into the saddle behind Elizabeth, Darcy wrapped his arm around her waist to keep her secure. How do I always find myself in a situation where I need to touch her? I seriously need to forget her; she is not of my social circle. But she feels so fantastic. Darcy hoped they would not be seen on the way to her house. He clicked his tongue and Poseidon responded with a slow walk.
"Is this pace alright Miss Bennet?"
Elizabeth laughed out loud "We are barely moving Mr. Darcy. I know that I said I am not comfortable around horses but I am not so terrified of them that we must move at a snail's pace."
"As you wish" Darcy squeezed his legs together and Poseidon moved a little quicker. Tightening his arm about her waist, he pulled Elizabeth closer to his body to make sure she would not slip because she was riding side saddle.
Oh wow, why does he always smell so fantastic? I can feel his breath against the nape of my neck. And WHY in the world is my body still tingling like this? I really need to stay far away from this man, he discomposes me so. They rode for about ten minutes in silence until Elizabeth could not take her thoughts anymore. "So, Mr. Darcy what brings you so far away from Netherfield?"
"I needed an escape." He replied.
Elizabeth waited to see if that is all he would say, after a few seconds she realized that it was. She tried to further the conversation by offering, "I left for the exact same reason actually. With a house full of so many women it can be a bit trying at times."
"Yes, I would imagine so" Darcy smirked.
Not exactly sure what he meant by his last comment Elizabeth decided to change the subject. "I do not know if you have heard but the Militia are coming to Meryton very soon."
"I had not heard."
I knew I did not like him! I am trying to be civil and he acts as if he would prefer to ignore me. He is the one who insisted on taking me home. Fine two can play that game. If you do not want to converse with me so be it!
Why can I never think of anything to say around her? We have had nice conversations in the past. Well we have had good conversations until I mess them up by saying something idiotic. You can do this Darcy, say something, anything!
"So how do you like Poseidon so far?" Really, that was the best I could come up with?
"He seems to be a very gentle animal."
"Thank you, I am very fond of him. I was present at his birth. I even named him."
"Why did you choose the name Poseidon?"
"I had just finished reading a set of novels on Greek mythology."
"What was the name, maybe I have read them?"
"I cannot recall the name but it was about a boy named Percy who was the son of the water god Poseidon and a human. He was called a demi-god. In the first book Percy was accused of stealing Zeus' lightning bolt."
"Oh! I have read those books they are fantastic, are they not?"
"Yes, I enjoyed them immensely" Darcy said in an excited voice. "I have never met anyone else who has read the series."
"Nor have I." Elizabeth looked at him and saw the big smile on his face. "You have dimples." She immediately blushed upon realizing she had actually said that out loud. Why is it that he can go from cold and aloof to nice and charming in the blink of an eye? Who is this man?
"Yes I do."
After a moment of silence Elizabeth tried to ease the tension by talking about the book series again. The pair chatted amiably about the series during the remaining journey. Once Elizabeth realized that they were getting close to Longbourn she suggested that they walk from there because she would not want to answer any questions about their delicate predicament. Nearing her house Elizabeth stopped and turned to Mr. Darcy "I know this seems odd but I must ask you not to tell my mother about my injury or call for the doctor."
"Miss Bennet, it would be best if you were seen by a medical professional."
"I have hurt myself worse than this many times, I will survive."
"Why do you not want to alert your mother to your injury?"
"I do not want to worry her." I also do not want to hear her rants on why roaming through the forest is unladylike behavior. Well I guess that is a moot point since I am filthy.
"Fine, I will not tell your mother."
Upon reaching the house Elizabeth saw that her mother was standing in the front door with a grin on her face. "Hello Mr. Darcy how wonderful of you to escort Elizabeth back home. You are all that is gentlemanly. Good Heavens Elizabeth what have you been doing in those woods. How many times do I have to tell you? Proper young ladies do not frolic in the woods." Just as her mother finished her sentence her father joined them in the front hall with one eyebrow arched indicating he expected to speak with them.
"Hello Mr. Darcy how would you and Elizabeth like to join me in my study?" As Mr. Bennet turned to walk away, both Elizabeth and Darcy knew that it was not a request.
When the pair walked in, Mr. Bennet was already seated behind his desk. He waved his hand offering them a seat. "So which of you wants to explain to me why my daughter has returned after hours of being gone with a slight limp, covered in dirt and a man?"
"I left early this morning and I really needed to clear my head so I walked farther than my usual. As I was walking around a corner Mr. Darcy and his horse came around the corner not a second later. At the last moment I jumped to the side. Mr. Darcy helped me up and escorted me back home."
"Thank you for making sure my daughter returned home safely."
"It was no trouble but I must tell you that Elizabeth has injured her ankle and it would be best if she received medical attention."
Elizabeth looked at him with an expression that clearly said TRAITOR! Darcy smiled at her expression and in a low voice said "I promised I would not tell your mother and I have not broken that promise." Smirking at her petulant expression Darcy returned his eyes to Mr. Bennet who stared at them with a curious expression.
"Very well I have no reason not to believe you, especially since Elizabeth actually does look as if she has been trampled by a horse. I will be calling for the doctor, Elizabeth, but only after you have washed and dressed."
Knowing it was his time to depart Mr. Darcy stood and bid them good day. Deciding to walk him back to his horse and play defense against her mother Elizabeth followed him. As they were nearing the front door Mrs. Bennet came out of the parlor. Here we go.
"Oh Mr. Darcy, you are not leaving so soon are you? You must at least stay and rest for a little while."
"I apologize but I am sure Bingley is worried, as I have been away for a few hours at least."
"Oh I am sure a few minutes will not matter."
"I am sorry but I must go, excuse me." With that Darcy strode out the door with Elizabeth still on his tail
"I am sorry about that."
"It is alright."
"I never had a chance to properly thank you for helping me today."
"You are welcome,"
Not knowing what to say next Elizabeth strode over to Poseidon and thanked him as well, promising an apple the next time she saw him.
Mr. Darcy mounted and tipped his hat to her and a second later he was off.
Elizabeth could not wrap her head around the enigma that was Mr. Darcy. One moment he is sweet and caring and the next he is rude and indifferent. Elizabeth vowed to think of him no more.
On his way back to Netherfield Darcy felt the loss of Elizabeth's presence in his saddle. Blast, now I won't even be able to ride my horse without thinking of her.
Coming up next: Chapter 5- Stubborn Mule- What if Lizzie got soaked too
(A/N) Yes I know they breached propriety but you can't say that you wouldn't want to ride a horse with Mr. Darcy. And I freaking love the Percy Jackson series and it was just too tempting to resist throwing it in (you should read it if you haven't) LOL.
Please review; I really want to know what you guys think about the story plus reviews make my day and make me write faster!
