Chapter 4
Jane and Elizabeth resolved to write to their parents to extend their London visit. They agreed to only mention Mr. Bingley's calls, as this would be enough reason for Mrs. Bennet to insist Jane stay, and Jane argued she needed her sister's support. Jane was, at first, uncomfortable with this deception but was soon won over by Elizabeth's pleas. "What if it comes to nothing, Jane? I will never hear the end of it!" Mr. Bennet was persuaded by his lady, and permission was granted.
Mr. Darcy was rising in Elizabeth's estimation with every subsequent meeting. She found they had many common interests, and without an undercurrent of animosity, they conversed easily. After the initial shock wore off, she reverted to her teasing ways, and was pleasantly surprised at the slight blushes that would arise on the formerly stern man's cheeks. This in turn would cause Elizabeth to blush and her stomach to do back flips.
During the third visit, the two couples took a walk in a nearby park. Elizabeth readily took Darcy's arm when it was offered, and she felt her heart rate rise at his closeness. She marvelled at the firmness of his arm under her delicate hand and the warmth of his body against her side. Once again her mind was turned to that kiss. She stole a glance at Darcy's face and her eyes widened at the look of pure adoration she saw there. She gasped and quickly looked away, hiding the blush and the smile that had quickly come to her face. Darcy covered her hand with his, and this gave her the courage to look up once again. Neither could find words, but their eyes spoke volumes. Eventually recovering, Darcy asked if he could bring his sister when he next called. "She particularly wishes to meet you," he had said.
"It would be an honor, sir."
When they returned to the house, and the gentlemen took their leave, Darcy bowed over Elizabeth's ungloved hand and pressed a soft kiss upon it. Again their eyes met, and Elizabeth's breath quickened. "Until tomorrow, Miss Elizabeth."
True to his word, Mr. Darcy came with his sister on his next call. Thinking back to all she had heard about this young woman (Wickham had called her proud, and Miss Bingley had called her the most accomplished of women) and discounting both sources as extremely biased, Elizabeth tried to form an objective opinion. She saw before her a tall creature, with the face of a youth and the body of a woman. After introductions were made, Elizabeth immediately set about to engage Miss Darcy in conversation, receiving very short answers. She often looked to her brother, who gave her encouraging looks. It soon became apparent to Elizabeth and her family that this lady was exceedingly shy. Drawing her further into the room, Elizabeth inquired about her fondness for music, a topic that finally brought some animation to the young woman's speech. Darcy smiled warmly down on the pair of them and turned to engage her aunt in conversation.
"My brother tells me you play beautifully, Miss Bennet," Miss Darcy said with a shy blush.
Stealing a glance at the man, Elizabeth blushed, too. "I'm sure he is too kind. In truth I hardly take the trouble to practice, as your Aunt Catherine was good enough to point out, but I do enjoy the pastime nonetheless."
Miss Darcy wasn't sure what to say to this pronouncement. She could not quite determine if the lady was in earnest. Finally she managed, "but Fitzwilliam always tells the absolute truth."
"In that case you must indeed be proficient, for he sung your praises most warmly. I should love to hear you play," she said, deflecting the praise from herself.
"Do you play duets?"
"Only when forced," Elizabeth replied with an arch look. She received a thoughtful look in return.
Upon taking their leave, and with the encouragement of her brother, Miss Darcy extended an invitation to the Bennets and Gardiners to dine at Darcy House the next evening. "The Bingleys and Hursts have also been invited," Mr. Darcy added. The invitation was enthusiastically agreed to.
The ladies of the house all agreed that Georgiana Darcy was a sweet girl who needed more encouragement to come out of her shell. Elizabeth had a little better notion of why she might be so withdrawn and was determined to befriend her, regardless of where things went with the brother.