As the day wore on, Elizabeth found herself restless. She could not sit still or concentrate on one particular thing for longer than a few moments. She could not even enjoy catching up with her aunt and uncle. She wandered every inch of her home, not wanting to wander her own thoughts. She was obviously nervous, the entire household was aware of that. It was only Jane that could see that her sister wasn't anxious out of fear or dread, but excitement. Elizabeth was excited for tonight's dinner at Netherfield.
"Lizzie, you look lovely," said Jane, trying to ease her sister's nerves, unsuccessfully.
"Are you sure? Maybe the green dress would be --" Jane grabbed her sister by the shoulders, pushing her into the vanity chair.
"Take a deep breath," Jane instructed brushing Elizabeth's hair. "You have no reason to be nervous, he has already proposed."
"People can change their minds," Elizabeth said plainly.
"I think the only mind that has changed is your own," Jane stopped brushing and started to pin up Lizzie's hair. "And, now that you might actually want to marry him--"
"I'm going to put on the green dress," Elizabeth interrupted, jumping up and disappearing into the closet.
"Wait, I'm not finished with you hair!" Jane shouted, but her sister was not listening. Elizabeth reappeared after a few moments, fully intending to ignore the previous conversation. She sat down and Jane resumed styling, but would not let the matter drop.
"I know you do not love him, Lizzie, but he loves you," Jane spoke calmly. "I wouldn't have believed it, if I had not seen it with my own eyes," she said more to herself than anyone else. "But is that enough for you?" Jane was finished now and met Elizabeth's reflection squarely, waiting for her answer.
"I think the other dress looked better, I'm going to change." She rushed into the closet again. Jane, being well acquainted with Elizabeth's stubbornness, decided to leave the issue alone, for now.
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The ride to Netherfield seemed excruciating long to Elizabeth. Jane and Mrs. Gardiner chattered happily, while Elizabeth remained in apprehensive silence. Mr. Gardiner soon took notice and did his very best to sound fatherly.
"You have been so quiet during our visit, Lizzie. Is there something wrong?" Elizabeth smiled at her uncle's concern but could not find a suitable answer. She could not brush him off, it would seem rude and only magnify her unease. She also could not tell him that she was desperately trying to decode her feelings for her future husband.
"I am a just a little nervous. I could not marry a man that you two did not approve of." The thought had crossed her mind, but it was nowhere near the top of her list of concerns.
"Any man that has chosen you, my dear, must be very smart," Mr. Gardiner said brightly. Jane and Mrs. Gardiner had overheard this and joined in.
"And, any man that could get Lizzie to agree with him on any subject, let alone marriage, must have an even sharper wit than she," Mrs. Gardiner added. They all laughed at this, and even Elizabeth allowed herself a smile.
"Is that Mr. Darcy's home? It's gorgeous!" exclaimed Mrs. Gardiner once Netherfield came into view.
"Actually, that is the home of his close friend, Mr. Bingley. He is staying there during the engagement, to be close to Lizzie," Jane corrected, trying to sound unaffected when speaking of the gentleman renting Netherfield Park.
"Mr. Darcy lives in Derbyshire, the Pemberly Estate," Elizabeth added.
"Your Mr. Darcy is that Mr. Darcy?" asked Mr. Gardiner, she nodded. "A smart man, indeed. My colleagues tell me he has an excellent business sense. I've been wanting to meet him for quite some time."
"And, the London ton has been throwing themselves at him for years," Mrs. Gardiner supplied. "It will be nice to finally meet the man behind all the gossip," she added sarcastically, making Mr. Darcy sound almost like a sideshow at a carnival.
See the amazing Mr. Darcy! Handsome, rich, yet loyal and kind! A walking paradox! Elizabeth giggle at the picture she had painted.
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Entering the house, they were led to the parlor, where Darcy and Bingley waited anxiously. Elizabeth nearly ran into the back of Jane, who stopped abruptly upon seeing the second of the two.
"Mr. Bingley! I, ah, didn't know you would be joining us this evening," she burst out. Jane, Bingley, and Darcy turned their confused looks toward Elizabeth, who only smiled mischievously. Before they had the opportunity to question her, she moved to introduce her aunt and uncle.
The Gardiner's liked Darcy immediately, and the gentleman shared the sentiment. In fact, the party conversed comfortably, without ever having to resort to the subject of Georgiana Darcy. Although Jane had done her best to avoid Bingley, he managed to position himself next to her at the table. Soon the two were immersed in their own world.
Mr. Darcy found that he shared quite a few acquaintances with the Gardiner's, and the three spoke of London society for most of the evening. Elizabeth found herself situated between these two comfortable dialogues and could not have been more pleased with herself. She had not seen her sister so happy in such a long time.
Turning to the other conversation, she found Darcy looking back at her. Her aunt and uncle were having a good natured disagreement, ignoring the rest of the table.
"Thank you," Elizabeth whispered, motioning to Jane and Bingley.
"I assure you, I cannot take credit for that." Mr. Darcy replied humbly. "Miss Elizabeth, I would like to tell my sister about our engagement, in person, if you wouldn't mind."
"You won't be gone for too long, I hope!" Elizabeth's voice betrayed her emotions, surprising both of them.
"You could join me, if you like. I would love for you to meet my sister," he suggested hopefully. Elizabeth's eyes lit up, thinking it a perfect idea. "I thought Jane could accompany you, but I don't think Bingley would forgive me for taking her away." Elizabeth laughed, and the two in question took notice at the mention of their names.
"Mr. Darcy has invited me to visit Pemberly," Elizabeth shared excitedly.
"We can leave, at your earliest convenience," Mr. Darcy added.
"Are you sure Mama would allow it?" Jane asked cautiously, not mentioning that she too thought it a bit improper for Elizabeth to be so far from home without a chaperone.
"We could join you, Lizzie. Surely, your mother could not deny you, with two responsible guardians," Mr. Gardiner offered.
"We were just about to visit The Lakes but the Peak District would be an excellent alternative," Mrs. Gardiner added amiably.
"Excellent idea. When shall we leave?" Mr. Darcy asked Elizabeth. She was not accustomed to having so many people at her disposal but enjoyed the platform, and decided that they would leave the day after tomorrow.
Moving into the parlor, the genders divided. The men discussed business, leaving the women to discuss everything else. It was a most successful evening, the guests not leaving until well after dark. The Gardiner's renewed their pleasure at meeting the two gentlemen and made their way to the carriage. Jane and Elizabeth lingered in their goodbyes.
"I had such a lovely time this evening," Bingley gushed to Jane.
"I'm so glad you have returned," Jane matched his tone.
"I can't wait to meet your sister, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth said enthusiastically.
" And, it was such a pleasure to meet your aunt and uncle, they are splendid people," Mr. Darcy replied.
"Will I see you tomorrow?"
"I'm afraid, I must go on ahead to Pemberly to prepare for your visit," he said sadly. Elizabeth's face fell in disappointment. For the second time that night, Mr. Darcy filled with hope.
"Well, now I am even more anxious to see Pemberly," she reasoned. When Darcy finally handed her into the carriage, Elizabeth again noted how well her hand fit in his. By the time she reached Longbourn, her cheeks ached from the wide grin on her face, but she couldn't help it. She smiled like a fool until she fell asleep, but even then it did not disappear completely, for she had some of the pleasantest dreams. The day after tomorrow could not come soon enough.
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Everybody is happy now, but I'm shaking things up in the next chapter. Thanks for the reviews, I'll update soon.