Elizabeth sat curled in the window of Mr. Bennet's library, her feet tucked beneath her and a book in hand. Mr. Bennet had escaped the house under the premise of excercise, though undoubtedly he was drowsing on a bench, well hidden by conveniently placed shrubbery. Mrs. Bennet had taken the Miss Bennets to Meryton to visit her sister, while Elizabeth stayed home with the excuse of a headache. She had not felt the inclination to go out to wake her father, but was enjoying a very rare moment of solitude.

She was so engrossed in her book that she failed to notice the sounds drifting from the hall. A soft knock at the door, intended to announce an entrance, was quite unheard by her. The intruder coughed rather awkwardly.

Lizzy looked up, startled. Her eyes widened, and her cheeks colored in confusion.

"Miss Bennet," Darcy bowed.

"Mr. Darcy!" she sprang to her feet. Realizing her mistake, she quickly curtsied. "I, er..." Surprisingly, Mr. Darcy smiled. "I thought you were in London,' Lizzy finished helplessly.

"With good cause- I was in London."

"Oh. Yes, of course."

"Is Mr. Bennet in?"

"No, I believe he is walking." Elizabeth began to recover from her shock. "Do sit, Mr. Darcy. I apologize for my strangeness, I did not expect visitors. My family has gone to Meryton."

"I hope I have not interrupted your solitude, Miss."

"No, Sir, not at all. I should rather like a bit of fresh air. Do you mind walking?" Elizabeth felt a definite need for the clarity that exercise might provide.

"No, I am happy to oblige. I have not yet had the pleasure of exploring your gardens."

"They are not as large nor as fine as those of Netherfield or Pemberly, but I daresay they possess their own merits," Elizabeth was rather confused at the present situation ans was growing less amiable towards the gentleman as she remembered the disappointment of his absence five days prior.

"I do not doubt it for a moment, Miss Elizabeth," Mr. Darcy answered with unexpected gallantry as he offered the lady his arm.

w.w.w.w

Miss Elizabeth directed her eyes away from her companion as they walked, determined that he should be the first to speak. Her wait was rather shorter than expected, as Mr. Darcy seemed an uncharacteristically ready conversationalist.

"I fear you may think me rude for not keeping my dinner engagement, I hope your mother was not offended?"

"Not at all sir, I am sure you had good reason."

"Unfortunately so. I should have been happier to stay."

Lizzy looked up quickly, expecting to find some trace of a smirk on his face.

"I've really come on an errand for Bingley," Mr. Darcy continued, "I've been instructed to extend an invitation to your family for dinner tomorrow evening."

"I shall be glad to pass it on."

"In that case, I must take leave of you," he bowed. "Until tomorrow, Miss Elizabeth."

w.w.w.w

"I am sure you are going distracted, dear Lizzy. Whatever is the matter?" Jane teased.

"I hardly know..." Lizzy looked vaguely confused.

"It seems that I cannot leave you even for an afternoon, surely you were sick with loneliness." Jane laid back on her pillow with a curious smile. "I hope you plan to tell me about Mr. Darcy."

"What about him?"

"Come, come, Lizzy. I am not so easily deceived."

"This is a welcome improvement, I was sure you could never suspect anyone of deception!"

Jane smiled, but was not deterred. "I somehow doubt your encounter with the gentleman this afternoon was so uneventful. Are you then still resolved not to think of him? What he in someway rude or uncivil?" Her brow was knit with worry.

"Oh no, dearest Jane. He was civility itself. I might even say he was amiable."

"Praise indeed from your lips!" Jane took her sister's hand and searched her eyes earnestly. "Do you love him, Lizzy?"

Elizabeth's quickly hid her expression of surprise. She looked away from her sister and remained silent for some time.

"I hardly know."

w.w.w.w

I realize this post is abominably tardy, and I hardly think you care for my excuses, so I'll simply let this chapter speak for itself. :)