Hello again readers. I am so sorry for the delay. I've had a busy week and I struggled to work out the direction of this chapter but here it is. Finally.
I know that I caused a slight debate between my reviewers over Darcy's treatment of Caroline. I know some of you thought this was out of character but I hope some of that has been explained in this chapter. If not do not hesitate to ask and I shall clear up the matter. The set down was also necessary as a plot device.
Reviewer of the chapter. Or reviewers are Astonishment, for reassuring me that I did not have to justify my decisions and supporting me since the beginning of this story, and justlovefanfiction2901, for finding my joke about Miss Bingley in chapter 6 funny. I'm not a great comedian so it was nice to know that someone appreciated my humour.
I was absolutely overwhelmed by the response for the last chapter. 18 reviews! My highest so far. On top of that I had 2 reviews for previous chapters so thank you all so much! It really motivated me to keep writing even though I had a slight case of writers block so thank you all!
Anyway. Here's chapter 8. Enjoy!
Darcy's dance with Jane Bennet had been rather splendid. She was a gentle woman of great beauty. She lacked Elizabeth's vivacity and sharp wit but Darcy could sense a quieter intelligence to the girl. She was more sensible than her younger siblings, including Elizabeth, and their mother. Darcy wondered how such a genteel lady could come from such a lively and, at times, silly family. Jane was shy and did not talk as much as her younger sister during the dance but Darcy recognised this shyness almost immediately as he had seen it in both his sister and himself. He had gently questioned her about her dance with Bingley after sensing that his friend had quickly formed an attachment to the blonde beauty. She blushed and averted her eyes quietly saying that Bingley was 'very pleasant company'. He hoped that Bingley would not get bored with Miss Bennet as a wife, if they did indeed come to an understanding, for even though she was undoubtedly kind-hearted she was almost as shy as he was. Maybe Bingley's never-ending energy will be good for her and indeed maybe her quieter nature will calm his excitement. He thought to himself. He smiled at the thought of Bingley finding his match in Miss Bennet. They would be the most loving couple in the history of England; their two kind souls deserved each other. He looked down at the letter he was writing to Georgiana. He must tell her about Miss Bennet and Bingley, she would be delighted.
'But Caroline' Charles whined to his sister, 'If you invite Miss Bennet round for dinner this evening then Darcy and I will not be here. We promised to dine with Sir Lucas and his family tonight. You must invite them to dinner tomorrow!' Darcy looked up from his writing desk at the two siblings. He wondered why Miss Bingley was inviting Miss Bennet to dinner at all. She had made no secret of her dislike to the Bennet sisters; especially Elizabeth.
'No Charles. I should like to get to know Miss Bennet and I will hardly get a moment with her if you are here. We both know you shall want her full attention. You will tell Sir Lucas I am unable to attend for I have prior commitments.' Caroline's tone made it clear that she would no longer argue about this and she swept out of the room to write the invitations.
'Can you talk to her Darcy?' his friend implored. Darcy looked at him in confusion. He was sure that nothing could convince Miss Bingley to change her mind on this matter.
'I can talk to her Charles, but I do not think it shall make the slightest of difference. Her mind is quite made up, and I do think she has a point. You should encourage her interest in Miss Bennet as it is clear you are rather smitten with the lady and it surely wouldn't harm to have your sisters approval.' Darcy hoped that this would be enough to convince Bingley that he did not need to approach Miss Bingley on the situation. He really did not relish in her company. He was thankful that Bingley was just as easy to convince as sister; both siblings looked up to his opinion and often regarded it higher than their own.
'I guess you are right but I do want to see her again. Why do you think I asked Caroline to invite her to Netherfield?' Bingley looked like a lost puppy as he realised his plan to see Jane Bennet had failed. Darcy took pity on his friend and quickly began formulating a plan that would end in them meeting both the elder Bennet sisters. He smiled to himself.
'What if we delivered the invitation ourselves?' Darcy's response caught Charles off guard as he had begun to sulk whilst staring longingly out the window.
'You mean we go to Longbourn?' Bingley's face lit up at the suggestion. Darcy chuckled quietly at Bingley's sudden change of mood. He had seen his friend fall in and out of love many times whilst at Cambridge and in the ton but never before had a woman affected him so violently in such a short time.
'Yes. We can deliver Miss Bingley's invitation to dinner whilst explaining to Miss Bennet that we shall not be there.' And I can see Elizabeth 'Just let me finish my letter to Georgiana then I will join you. I am sure Miss Bingley will have finished the invitation by then.'
'Yes yes, of course Darcy. What a splendid idea! I shall inform Caroline at once!' and with that he rushed off to find his sister. Darcy was left alone in the drawing room to finish his letter in peace. Once he had finished he read over it to ensure he had not made any mistakes.
October 16th 1811
Dear Georgiana,
I hope you are enjoying Bath as much I am enjoying Hertfordshire. You were quite right, dear sister. I find a change of scenery suits me very well indeed. You would be proud of me little one. The Bingley's and I attended an assembly last night at Meryton, the local village, and I danced at least half the dances; not one of them with Miss Bingley. My first dance was with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, a beautiful young lady with the same wit and intelligence that our mother had. You will love her Georgiana. She said she preferred to talk of farming and estates than of dresses and bonnets. She may not have the same refinement of those ladies in the town but her manner is much more engaging; she would be a good friend for you. As for Bingley he danced three sets with Elizabeth's elder sister, Miss Jane Bennet; the man is quite smitten. Miss Jane is mellower than her sister. I would say she is much like you in temperament. I think she could be a good match for Bingley if he is willing to overlook her low wealth and connections. I doubt Caroline will ever forgive him if he does.
I must admit I lost my temper with Miss Bingley but after three years of her following me around like a puppy, can you blame me? After she insulted the Bennet family, saying they were unrefined and country savages with no money or place in society, I swiftly came to Elizabeth's defence by reminding Miss Bingley that she is only the daughter of a trade man. I hope you can forgive me for my un-gentlemanlike behaviour in humiliating Miss Bingley in a public place. I just hope no one heard our conversation. I should not like to make a bad impression on the people of Hertfordshire.
You must tell me all about your trip to Bath so far. I look forward to your reply.
Your loving brother,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
He hoped that she would not read too much into his writing about Elizabeth and her family. He had not realised how much he had spoken about her until he read it back. He sighed. There was not much chance that Georgiana would not pick up on his infatuation with Miss Elizabeth; his nymph from the woods. No, Georgiana was much too bright to see past that. He hoped that it would not raise her hopes of him marrying the girl; they had barely had two conversations to her.
'Have you finished Darce?' Darcy jumped as Bingley's voice cut through his thoughts. He had not heard the man re-enter the room.
'Yes Charles. I shall send it on the way back from Longbourn. Do you have the invitation?' He already knew that he did as his friend was still grinning like a mad man. Bingley chuckled.
'Caroline was not happy to relinquish it, especially after I said you would be joining me. I believe I heard her mutter "that Elizabeth Bennet!' under her breath. She was rather jealous that you danced with Miss Elizabeth twice at Meryton and not once with her.' Bingley gave Darcy a knowing look as he hinted to Darcy's fondness to the second eldest Bennet girl.
'I danced with her the second time to ask her about her sister Jane. She seemed very shy and guarded with her feelings when I talked to her so I wished to get a deeper understanding of Jane and the rest of her family.' Darcy suddenly felt worried, had he not danced with any other girl twice at the assembly? As he thought back to the evening before he realised that he had not. He groaned internally as he realised that Elizabeth's scheming mother would probably be half way through their wedding plans already. He hoped she was still distracted with Bingley's and Jane's wedding plans.
'Oh come off it Darcy! Your eyes never left her. I feel sorry for Miss Lucas and Miss Mary. You were the most inattentive dance partner. Although I will admit you did seem quite engaged with Miss Bennet. If you had not been so taken with Miss Elizabeth I would be worried.' Bingley laughed again. Everyone who knew Darcy thought he was doomed to be a bachelor as not a single woman had ever captured his attention. It did not matter if they had wealth, a title, good connections and a high number of personal accomplishments. Nothing like that ever mattered to Darcy but this Elizabeth Bennet, who had none of those things, had certainly made a favourable impression on the young man.
'Are we going to see Miss Jane Bennet or not?' Darcy snapped. He hated that he had shown his infatuation of Elizabeth so clearly on their first known meeting. He would have to be more guarded in future.
'Why yes of course! We shall go at once! Before Caroline detains you at Netherfield with some silly excuse.' They both laughed at that before heading to the stables to saddle their horses.
'Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy.' Mrs Hill announced in Darcy and Bingley as they entered the small estate. Darcy looked around Elizabeth's home as he entered. It was nothing like his childhood home, Pemberley, but it had a certain charm to it. It was homely, rustic and well-furnished for a house of its size. Mrs Bennet clearly had an eye for décor as, although the furnishing was made of many different styles and looks, they seemed to blend seamlessly to create a lovely overall finish. His mother would have been proud to have this room in the halls of Pemberley.
'Why Mr Bingley! Mr Darcy! How good of you to visit Loungbourn! We are most honoured to have you staying here! Will you sit down? I shall have Hill fetch some tea. Hill! Some tea for our guests!' Darcy winced as Mrs Bennet shrieked to her housekeeper. It was no way to treat a servant but he could see Mrs Bennet was flustered at their presence in her house. He and Bingley had had no intention of staying for tea but, as they looked at each other, they both realised it would be too impolite to leave after the tea had already been summoned.
'Thank you Mrs Bennet. You are too kind.' Bingley said as he sat in the chair nearest Miss Jane Bennet. Darcy remained standing; not knowing where to sit. He was torn between wanting to sit near his Elizabeth and not wanting to encourage her mother in her matchmaking schemes. He felt his walls come up as they often did in social situations. He noted that he had not felt them before in the presence of Elizabeth. She had always prevented his discomfort just by being there but today he felt self-conscience. He was unsure whether this was because he was now in her house or because Bingley had mentioned how obvious his affections had been before.
'Mr Darcy.' Elizabeth's soft voice broke through his musings. He looked up to see her smiling at him with a familiar sparkle in her eyes. 'I believe my mother invited you to sit down. It would be most rude to ignore such an invitation, unless of course you do not intend to stay.' She looked almost disappointed as she said her last statement. He hoped this was because she wanted him stay. He sat down in the nearest chair; near Miss Mary.
'I was just admiring your lovely home Miss Bennet. I did not intend to be rude.' She laughed at this and he instantly relaxed; regretting his decision to not sit with her on the sofa.
'Why I am sure it is nothing compared to Pemberley sir. Tell me about Pemberley. From what I have heard it is a grand estate indeed.' Her eyes were filled with genuine curiosity. He smiled as he remembered she would rather talk of estates than dresses.
'Pemberley is certainly very grand. I feel very fortunate to have grown up there. The grounds are simply amazing.' He smiled to himself as he thought about his childhood home. 'We are currently re-furbishing the dining room. My sister, Georgiana, she had… a difficult summer last year. So I thought the project would be a good distraction for her. She has taken to it quite well.' He hoped that he had not revealed too much about Georgiana. He had not meant to mention her at all but Elizabeth had a way of making him open up. She looked sadden at his revelation about Georgiana.
'I hope your sister recovers quickly from her difficulties sir. I remember when my favourite dog, Peter, died a couple of years ago. I would not leave my room for weeks. Papa eventually lured me out by promising me I could help train the new pup. Of course Henry, quickly became the most disobedient dog of the pack.' She laughed at this. Darcy was thankful for her compassion and quick change of subject. He looked over at the rest of the party. Jane and Bingley were in their own conversation over by the window, Lydia and Kitty were comparing lace and bonnets whilst Mary was reading a book. He looked at the cover; 'Fordyce's Sermons'. So Miss Mary was the more subdued intellect of the family. Mrs Bennet sat by the door pretending to embroider but he saw that she was watching Bingley and Miss Bennet.
'I am sure Henry is a dog with great personality and liveliness' He said with a smile; remembering he had never responded.
'Oh he is, perhaps he is too much like me; too lively and disobedient.' She laughed again.
'Disobedient Miss Elizabeth?' He joined in her laughter. She really was a bright and vibrant young lady.
'Oh yes. Mother could never get me to embroider as a child. I much preferred to climb trees and paddle in the local stream.' She grinned widely and laughed 'I was always being told off for being covered in dirt and being too tanned for a young lady.' She flashed a playful smile to him and smiled back in return.
'Well I must have been disobedient as well as a child for I confess I was also much at home in a tree. Though I cannot say I ever shirked my embroidery duties.' They both laughed again. They admired the other in silence from the on until Bingley's loud and excited voice drew everyone's attention. Elizabeth blushed deeply and looked down at her lap as the moment was broken.
'Why I forgot to say! The reason Darcy I came to visit your home here was to deliver this.' He took the invitation from his jacket and handed it to Jane who blushed as their hands brushed. She smiled and took the letter. 'It's from Caroline. I believe she has invited you to dine at Netherfield tonight. Darcy and I wanted to express our deepest regrets as we cannot attend. We promised to dine with the Lucas' tonight.' Bingley really did look highly disappointed that they could not be there.
'Oh Mr Bingley, Jane would love to accept of course! It is such a shame that you cannot be there but I will forgive you if you and Mr Darcy accept our invitation to dine at Longbourn a week today.'
'Well I would be more than happy to accept that offer. Darcy?'
'I would be honoured to dine at such a fine home.' He smiled at Elizabeth as he spoke. He was happy that he would get to see her again so soon.
'Mr Darcy you are too kind! We are the ones who should be honoured by the presence by such fine, young gentleman.' Mrs Bennet beamed at the compliment. Elizabeth just shook her head and smiled to herself.
'I believe we should be on our way now that we have delivered the invitation. Thank you for your company Mrs Bennet, Miss Bennets.' He bowed, looking at Elizabeth, and then left the estate. He heard Bingley says his goodbyes and follow him. They both grinned at each other and mounted their horses. Darcy headed to Meryton to post his letter whilst Bingley rode back to Netherfield.
Darcy hoped the ride would help clear his head of his nymph from the woods but he could not be more wrong. Her eyes did not leave his mind for the rest of the day. Not even dinner with the Lucas' could take his mind off of Elizabeth and he barely spoke a word throughout the whole affair. He knew he would dream of her that night.
I hope you all enjoyed that. Please review/favourite/follow if you enjoyed that. To all those who have already favourited, thank you very much. It's an honour to know you enjoy my writing that much. Thanks again.
-Hollibella
