I am so so so sorry for the delay and for this very short chapter. I seem to be unable to post a chapter until i am very confident about it. please forgive me once again. i sincerely hope you like the chapter and will stick with me.
They pulled apart after what seemed like ages. She sighed contently and buried her head into his chest. They sat like that for a long time and talked about everything and anything. But soon they had to start back to London.
"I am glad you have agreed to go to my aunt's dinner party with me tonight." He said as they drove back. "I hate social gatherings."
She laughed and answered "I am a little nervous too but then again my courage always rises when someone or something tries to intimidate me. We'll be fine."
Elizabeth, however, was more nervous than she cared to admit. Although she was ready to face the challenge, she couldn't help but wonder how she'd fit in. Thankfully, Jane was also going to be there and so was Georgiana.
…..
She slipped her hand into his large, warm one as he received her at his aunt's place. Beside them, Jane and Richard were lost in their own world. Taking their time, they made their way into the house. It was a big mansion, and seemed full of people; however, it was quite a silent affair. Soon, the introductions were made and Elizabeth let out a sigh as everything seemed to go quite well. She had been afraid that the others might show a sense of supremacy but after spending close to an hour with everybody, Elizabeth find out that they only showed a sense of self satisfaction. Darcy's aunt, a Lady Eleanor, however, seemed to be quite a sensible lady. She and Elizabeth had developed a good rapport soon enough. Of course, only when Darcy would let go of Lizzie that is. He spent the night right at her heels and for the first time, seemed to enjoy a party.
"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight, Elizabeth?" he asked, grabbing her attention.
She smiled archly and said "only about a 100 times."
He grinned back and answered "well, that is still less, it would seem."
"darling! You have to stop complimenting now or I'll have an inflated ego by the end of the night." She blushed but in a flash, mischief returned to her eyes and she said "oh well, at least then maybe I'll fit into this lot."
He laughed aloud at that and a few around were astonished, to say the least, to see Darcy so naturally laughing. Jane, who was standing along with them and Richard said "that was unkind, Lizzie."
"But not untrue, sweet Jane." Said Richard.
…
Meanwhile Aunt Eleanor pulled Georgiana into a corner and
"So, Georgie, tell me a little about Elizabeth Bennet."
"Well, Aunt, Lizzie is simply the best! She is witty, she is sweet, she is beautiful and so very intelligent. She loves reading just like FitzWilliam and me!" she chirped away quite happily, bouncing on her toes. Her aunt laughed pleasantly at this description and said "All that I have already deciphered for myself, dear. She does seem to be all of that. But do Tell me about her family and her studies and her job."
"oh! Well, she is from a family of 7. She has 4 sisters. You have seen Jane. The others are younger and I hear the youngest is of my age. Lizzie and Jane always talk of them fondly. And Lizzie lives with them still but is looking forward to moving out sometime soon. She has appeared for a few interviews at some publishing houses and is waiting for a call back. She has just finished college from Cambridge. She has got a degree in literature."
"you seem to like her a big deal, Gigi?" came a voice from behind her. She turned around to see a face she most definitely didn't want to ever see.
"Caroline!" she exclaimed.
"You seem surprised to see me here. My family is so closely tied to yours! Ofcourse I'd be here. However, I see that there are a few invaders here tonight." She said and smiled in what seemed to be a sickly fashion.
"Excuse me! Is my list of invitees unacceptable to you, Miss what-is-it-again?" asked Lady Eleanor, raising her chin as she studied Caroline top to bottom. She turned on her heel and left before Caroline could answer. Georgie followed right after her aunt.
"Why did you invite her if you didn't wish to have her here?" she asked, concerned for her brother.
"I did not invite her, she came along as a date to one of the officials I invited." Her aunt replied, sharing her concern.
"I have to tell William. What if she confronts him."
"yes, you should. She wont hesitate knowing that Darcy will not make a scene in the middle of a dinner party!"
Georgiana scuttled to her brother who was pleasantly distracted by the lady on his arm.
"Sorry Lizzie! Can I borrow my bother for a minute?" she asked as she gave her brother a deliberately long glance.
"of course! But no longer than a minute .."said Lizzie, smiling mischievously , as she let go of Darcy's arm.
"Is everything alright , G?" he asked, still slightly dazed from staring at Elizabeth's charming smile for so long.
"Caroline is here." She replied, wasting no time.
"Yes. I saw her." And continued upon seeing Georgiana's confused face. "I know that I always try to escape her presence but its been so long, Georgie, and I have grown up. Just looking at her used to make me feel like avoiding every woman on the planet but I can't risk it this time." He said as he cheekily peeked at his Elizabeth.
"because you love Lizzie!" exclaimed Georgie loudly, earning a disapproving look from her brother but it was worth it, it seems, because FitzWilliam Darcy was blushing.
"NO. Because I have grown up and can't be brooding over something that happened almost 7 years ago. Also , remember, my little lady in yellow asked me not to brood over something for long." She said, smirking as he pulled back into Elizabeth's company.
"Your little lady in yellow! I thought you forgot about her. Will you tell Lizzie about her? Will you tell how often you think of this little lady?" teased Georgie. Darcy laughed at this as Elizabeth looked on confused.
"I met a little girl once when I was about 12. She gave me priceless advice that day, asking me to brood as less as possible." He explained. Lizzie giggled at that and the conversation turned to Darcy's brooding, to which Richard contributed a lot. …
Elizabeth drove back to Longbourne the next day but only after stealing many goodbye kisses from Darcy. Afterall, it would be 2 long weeks before Darcy can make it to Hertfordshire to meet his friend, Bingley. Lizzie's drive was short as her mind was busy contemplating telling her mother about Darcy.
Darcy was drowned in work but anyone and everyone could tell that he was distracted. Darcy also had to look forward to visiting his Aunt Catherine in Kent that week.
Please review. I love that interaction between us. And like i said, i am here to learn from you all. Hope you liked the chapter.
