A/n - I love the scenes at Netherfield, the misunderstandings seem obvious but totally can see how they would happen. I chose to write this story as a bit of a challenge, having never attempted anything fantasy before. Also most fan fiction doesn't try to cross the genre gap and I wanted to see if I could. I hope some of you like what I have done but I accept its a little more of an unusual taste in terms of story line. :)
Chapter 4 the first night at Netherfield, in which accomplishment is decided upon.
Elizabeth returned to her room and prepared the tea which she knew to contain magical restorative properties. She only managed to spoon a mouthful at a time in to Jane but once it was all gone she saw an improvement in her magic. Jane seemed to rest more comfortably and was tolerably improved by the time the apothecary came to see her. He left her some modern medicines and Elizabeth was happy to continue making hers also.
When three o clock came round Elizabeth felt she ought to go. Caroline had come to Jane's room to see how her friend was and Elizabeth was just talking to her about how and when to give the tinsanes. Jane, on hearing about Elizabeth's departure, became agitated and Caroline was forced to offer her a room. Caroline was secretly thinking that nursing Jane seemed like hard work and actually having Elizabeth would lessen her burden.
When Jane expressed such happy thankfulness she was forced to admit that it was for the best, and even felt a tolerably warm feeling towards Elizabeth. It only lasted until she left the room.
Elizabeth sat with Jane for a further few hours, reading from a book that had been provided. She was summoned to dinner at six and felt she could not ignore her host without being rude.
She joined the party for dinner and immediately felt underdressed for her gown, although pretty, was unadorned and clearly not of the taste of the current mistress of the house. She sighed in resignation and took her place between Mr Hurst and Mr Bingley.
Dinner was more interesting than she expected. Mr Bingley was kind and solicitous and she derived much amusement from Miss Bingley's attempts to keep Mr Darcy's attention on herself.
Once dinner was over she left the room to check on Jane, Miss Bingley began abusing her the moment she had departed.
"Her manners are so countrified. Such a mixture of pride and impertinence. She has no conversation, no style, no beauty. In short she has nothing to recommend her except for being an excellent walker!"
Louisa joined in. "Indeed. And her connections! I think I heard you say that their uncle is an attorney in Meryton?"
"Indeed. And another in trade in Cheapside"
"Perhaps we should call when we are next in town"
The sisters laughed gleefully at their little jest.
"They are still agreeable to me" Charles defended them
"Yes but it must very materially lessen their chance of marrying men of any consideration in the world" Darcy replied.
The sexes separated and Caroline and Louisa paid a call upon Jane before retiring to the drawing room. Elizabeth stayed with Jane until she managed to get another cup of tinsane in her but then, on seeing her sleep well, felt she had to join the party downstairs.
On entering the drawing room she found the whole party at loo and was invited to join. She suspected they were playing high and declined, instead perusing the selection of books. She found a volume on magic and picked it up.
"Do you prefer reading to cards? That is rather singular" the longest sentence Elizabeth had heard from Mr Hurst all evening
"Miss Eliza despises cards, she is a great reader and takes pleasure in nothing else"
Elizabeth cried out in response "I deserve neither such praise nor such censure. I am not a great reader and take pleasure in many things"
"My collection is not large, but there are more books in the library if you wish Miss Elizabeth" Bingley was all kindness.
"My brother has very little attention for his library. Is that not so Charles. Your library is extraordinary Mr Darcy"
"It ought to be, it has been the work of many generations"
"And you yourself have added so much, sir"
Miss Bingley simpered and continued to praise Pemberley and Elizabeth found the conversation so diverting she hardly paid any attention to her book, which was one she had already read.
"How does Miss Darcy do since the spring, has she grown? Will she be as tall as I am?"
"She does well, she is a little taller than Miss Elizabeth I believe"
"So accomplished. Her playing on the pianoforte is exquisite. How does she do at the harp?"
Mr Darcy was saved from answering by Mr Bingley
"I find it commendable how so many young ladies can find time to be so accomplished"
"What can you mean Charles?" Caroline was not happy that her conversation was interrupted
"Why I hardly meet a lady who is not described as accomplished. They play, they sing, cover screens, have some magic and I know not what"
"Your list of accomplishments is far too commonly used as complete. But I cannot agree that most young ladies are accomplished. I know only half a dozen that meet the criteria" Mr Darcy was happy to turn away from Caroline, although the new direction of his gaze brought Elizabeth in to view, as she had moved to stand behind Mr Bingley at the table.
"You must comprehend a great deal in the word then" the lady in question asked, giving him permission to look upon her
"I do"
"Indeed" Caroline cried, not liking that she was not quite part of this conversation "no woman can really be considered accomplished unless she has a thorough knowledge of drawing, singing, dancing, the modern languages. She must also possess something in her air and her manner of walking, her tone of voice and address to really be considered accomplished"
"And to all that she must add some more substantial qualities. The improvement of her mind by reading, and the improvement of her magical talent by study and practice. I would not consider someone to be really accomplished unless they were proficient in at least one area of magic"
"I am no longer surprised at you knowing six accomplished women. I actually wonder at your knowing any."
"Oh you cannot be so severe on our sex Miss Bennet. You may not know many in the country, but there are many accomplished women of our acquaintance in town"
Elizabeth merely raised an eyebrow at such a declaration
"I am curious Mr Darcy, do you rate magical talents in any sort of order of importance?"
"Well, there are commonly accepted levels of magical abilities more than mere sparks I would say. It is thought that earth and fire are more powerful than wind or water. But I think that actual ability in whichever is ones field is more important than what one was blessed with"
"I see" she barely repressed the smile she longed to show and was fortunate that Mr Hurst called their attention to the game.
Not long after Elizabeth decided that she had shown enough politeness and wanted to return to her sister.
"I best check on Jane. Mr Bingley might I take you up on you offer of a book from your library? I would so like for something to read to Jane when she is awake enough"
"Of course" he proceeded to give her directions when Mr Darcy stood.
"I will show you. I would like to collect a book also. I am out of this game anyway."
Elizabeth was a little shocked but followed him out of the room.
"Is there anything in particular you are looking for?"
Elizabeth frowned, she was not sure she would like to have more conversation with Mr Darcy, and she did not wish to give him ammunition to further his dislike of her.
"Maybe I should withhold my opinion until I have seen the library. Miss Bingley did not seem confident I would find much to my liking"
It was too dark for her to notice Mr Darcy smile and assumed his lack of response was censure for not having an opinion, or having one, who knew with that odious man.
When they entered the library she looked around and sighed. Unfortunately Miss Bingley was correct and the choice was limited.
She did find a section of old texts on magical histories and picked one she had not seen before. It would do for now. She also picked up a Shakespeare to read to Jane if she was awake later. She dropped a short curtesy to Mr Darcy and left without a word.
