Note: Ok so I know I am spoiling you guys… Three chapters in two days! Don't get used to it though. I have been a bad girl and neglected my "chores" for the last two days because I needed some writing time. The next chapter probably won't be up for about another week, so I hope you enjoy! Thank you again to everyone who has shown their support for my story both through reviews and adding it to their favorites. I will try and respond to everyone who has posted reviews in the next few days, I was just on a roll and didn't want to stop writing today. Let the fun begin!
Chapter 11: Parlor Games
With their plan cemented, all three gentlemen made a perfunctory bow to Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst and went to where the other ladies sat to inquire of Miss Bennet's health. Once it was established that she was feeling much improved, but still a little weak, introductions were made.
Bingley had the honor of making the introduction between Jane and Fitzwilliam as the first seat exchange took place. Georgiana was the first to relinquish her seat to Mr. Bingley. Colonel Fitzwilliam stayed standing by Elizabeth's side to engage her in the easy conversation they had enjoyed earlier.
This decision was made on the spur of the moment by Fitzwilliam. He saw how eager Georgiana was to talk with her brother after weeks of separation, and also was quick to notice the love stuck expression on Bingley's face as he looked at Miss Bennet.
Well, Fitzwilliam thought, it seems my cousin is not the only one taken in by the lovely Bennet sisters. Bingley looks like a puppy waiting for a belly rub, I cannot recall ever seeing Bingley so attentive to a woman in all of his infatuations. I wonder if his feelings run deeper this time. I do hope the rest of the Bennet sisters prove to be as delightful as the eldest two, for that will make this trip all the more enjoyable.
Fitzwilliam had positioned himself so that he could easily speak with Miss Elizabeth while still discretely watching Miss Bennet and Bingley's interactions. Thus, while engrossed in a discussion with Miss Elizabeth about the unstable political situation in the Country, he was also able to size up Miss Bennet.
Fitzwilliam had learned to size people up rather quickly and accurately though his military experience, for it was essential to know who presented a threat in his line of work. He concluded that Miss Bennet was beautiful in every classical sense of the word. Even though she was still not fully recovered from her illness, she exuded beauty and elegance. Just Bingley's type; tall, blonde, elegant, with a softness of features and speech.
Looking at the sisters side by side, it was hard to believe they were even related. Their demeanors differed as greatly as their appearance to one another. Miss Bennet was soft spoken, civil, and shy, nothing at all like Miss Elizabeth who was at that moment giving him her decided opinion on the deplorable economic conditions that existed in England.
Miss Bennet, he decided reminded him a great deal of Georgiana. She was pleased by the obviously marked attention that Bingley was paying her, but she kept slyly glancing at Miss Elizabeth as if she did not trust her own judgment.
Georgiana had happily taken her brother's arm in the hope of some private conversation, which they had not yet had the opportunity for. Georgiana was content to take her brother's lead both in the direction they traveled, and the course he set for conversation.
Predictable, Darcy started immediately asking after Georgiana's studies, what she was reading, and how she had amused herself while in Town. She happily answered all of his questions, even though she knew that they would both rather be discussing Miss Elizabeth.
Georgiana, having answered all of her brother's questions decided to be bold and broach the topic that she knew he wouldn't.
"So brother," she said as nonchalantly as she could manage, "what do you think of Lizzy? I know you wrote me many letters in which you mentioned her, but I was pleasantly surprised that you did neither her beauty or character justice in your letters."
Darcy was slightly taken aback by his sister's bold words. He had expounded Elizabeth's virtues in length in his letters to Georgiana. True his words were somewhat guarded, not wanting to admit his full and true opinion to anyone, but he was shocked that his sister had actually commented on it.
Darcy had never before mentioned any woman that was not a family member to Georgiana (either in conversation or by letter) unless his opinion was asked. By his uncomfortable reaction, Georgiana surmised that she had correctly guessed the reason that he wanted the two of them to meet. She had a smug look of triumph as Darcy tried to form a reply.
"Well I… that is Miss Elizabeth… she… um… well she… you two seem to have become fast friends." he finally managed as a reply trying to avoid his sisters question.
"Yes we have," replied Georgiana trying desperately not to giggle at seeing her normally completely composed brother coming completely undone by a simple question. "I find Lizzy to be quite open and friendly. She put me immediately at ease. That however, was not my question. I wanted to know your opinion of her, Fitzwilliam."
For a man who was always in complete control of his emotions, Darcy was shocked to feel himself blushing at his inability to answer his sister's question. He also knew that Georgiana must suspect some attachment on his part to Elizabeth because she never called him by his given name. Luckily he was saved from any further comment, by Georgiana gently steering him back to where Elizabeth, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Jane, and Bingley sat.
Georgiana regrettably had not noticed her brother blushing because her attention was stolen from him by Miss Bingley rising and starting to make her way to the fireplace.
Georgiana's sudden change in course brought Darcy back to his sense rapidly. He and Georgiana reached the little grouping by the fireplace just before Miss Bingley. Luckily Darcy was recovered enough to speak immediately, not giving Miss Bingley the opening she had gone in search of.
"Miss Elizabeth," Darcy said as soon as they reached the little group "my sister has expressed a wish to get to know Miss Bennet better, and make sure she is not over exerting herself. Can I convince you to take a turn about the room with me? I can assure you that Mr. Bingley and Georgiana will make sure that all Miss Bennet's needs are met."
It was understood by Fitzwilliam, that Darcy's lack of mentioning in seeing to Miss Bennet's needs meant the task of distracting Miss Bingley would fall to him. It was not a task he completely relished, but seeing Miss Elizabeth's momentary unease at the thought of leaving her sister alone with Miss Bingley so close at hand made him resigned to his fate. He gave Elizabeth a barely discernible nod and reassuring smile, that went unnoticed by everyone else, but Elizabeth's relief was evident. This quick exchange of reassurance happened so fast that she was able to give a response without seeming to hesitate.
"I thank you, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth replied "I would in fact like to stretch my legs, and I am sure that Jane is eager to continue her conversation with Georgie."
Elizabeth rose; offering her seat to Georgiana then took Mr. Darcy's arm and quit the group. Once out of earshot of the others, she heaved a great sigh of relief and quietly thanked Mr. Darcy for his quick thinking.
Miss Bingley had been quietly ranting to her sister since Jane, Elizabeth, and Georgiana had taken up the seats by the fire place. When the gentlemen entered, she had finally thought that she could get back at the uncivil Eliza Bennet by claiming Mr. Darcy's attention.
When Mr. Darcy had engaged his sister in private conversation she was outraged knowing she could not join them, but still had a glimmering hope of stealing Colonel Fitzwilliam's attention away from Eliza.
Caroline sat primly down on a nearby divan with her sister, directly in the Colonel's line of sight. She had tried everything she knew of to catch his attention, fanning herself, batting her eyelashes at him, smoothing the bodice of her dress, but the Colonel never even glanced her way.
When nothing seemed to work and her temper was near bursting, she decided to take the direct route and insert herself into the conversation. It was her duty as hostess, she reasoned to make sure that her guests were comfortable and did not need anything. When she was once again denied both Mr. Darcy's and Colonel Fitzwilliam's attention she was on the verge of throwing a very unseemly temper tantrum.
Louisa Hurst had been watching the room with great interest ever since the gentlemen entered. Her own husband of course immediately started to doze on a sofa in the corner of the room to which she inwardly groaned. Where did I go so wrong? This is not the gentleman I married, he used to be so full of life and now nothing but food, drink, and hunting can keep his attention. Can my husband not be civil or at least feign interest in me while in company? His behavior is beyond mortifying, what must everyone think of me for marrying this buffoon? While suffering from great inner turmoil, she showed no outward signs, knowing that she would need to keep a close watch on Caroline.
While her own sister and husband were causing her grief, she tried not to think on it too much and instead watch the other occupants of the room so she would be fully prepared for the tantrum that Caroline was sure to throw later. On observing the behavior of everyone else in the room, she found that their behavior was very amusing to her. It fast became apparent that everyone in the room was trying to keep Caroline from becoming a nuisance.
Louisa had been trying in vain to keep Caroline's simmering temper at bay, but when Caroline had decided to confront the rest of the group she knew it would end badly. Trying to keep her sister from making a scene, Louisa had trailed behind Caroline as she made her way to where everyone sat by the fireplace.
Louisa knew that Mr. Darcy requesting Miss Elizabeth's company would be the last straw. Luckily everyone else was too engaged in conversation to notice that Caroline was trembling in rage. It was the work of a moment to try and diffuse the situation before Caroline's temper got the best of her, and so Louisa decided to play to Caroline's vanity.
"Caroline," she said while placing a comforting hand on her sister's arm "perhaps you would be gracious enough to entertain us with some music? I am sure that everyone would love to hear your superior playing."
These simple words seemed to do the trick of calming Caroline. Caroline's look changed in an instant from anger to triumph. Louisa was sure that Caroline would never turn down a chance to display her talents, but that is just what she did.
"Dear sister," Caroline replied in a false sugary tone "while I am sure that the Miss Bennets' who must rarely have the chance to hear truly superior playing would no doubt enjoy my performance, I must decline. For with a superior musician such as our dear Georgiana in residence, those of us with a truly discerning ear for music would find my performance lacking."
False modesty did not suite Caroline, and everyone in the room was doubly insulted not only by her insincere tone, but also by the insult that was hurdled at Jane and Elizabeth.
Elizabeth had stopped dead in her tracks at hearing Miss Bingley's insult. She had turned around prepared to make a biting comment right back, but the gentle pressure of Mr. Darcy's hand on hers made her grit her teeth and swallow her words.
She looked on for a few more moments before resuming walking with Mr. Darcy.
At least some good has come of that rude cow's demeaning remarks, she thought. Her moment of triumph at the insult to me and Jane allowed Jane to engage Georgiana in conversation.
Seeing Jane and Georgiana deep in conversation was the only thing at that moment that could have brought either Elizabeth or Darcy any peace. So with a triumphant smile to Caroline, and Mr. Darcy's hand still atop hers, Elizabeth turned her attention back to Mr. Darcy. Turning their backs on Caroline, they continued their turn about the room.
Getting Georgiana Darcy to talk was no small undertaking, as everyone who was well acquainted with her knew. Therefore it was to the amazement of all present that the brief few moments in which Miss Bingley's attention was otherwise engaged, that Jane Bennet was able to not only draw her into conversation but that she was talking with enthusiasm and animation.
Jane's sweet temper and skillful selection of topic (thanks to Caroline) found Georgiana and Jane completely engrossed in a lively discussion of music. Anyone looking on would think the two shy women had known each other for years, rather than just above an hour as was the case.
Much to Miss Bingley's disappointment, Jane demonstrated through this conversation just how broad her knowledge of music was. Both ladies delighted in sharing their opinions of plays and operas they had seen in Town. They found that they had seen many of the same ones and enthusiastically discussed their favorite scenes and composers, and debated their own opinions when they did happen to differ.
Everyone in the little group by the fire place looked on with astonishment, each for their own reasons.
Fitzwilliam was dumbfounded that his sweet shy cousin was conversing with such ease.
Bingley was staring openly at Jane, her passion for the subject making her even more beautiful than he thought possible, and excited at the opportunity to get to know more about his angel through listening to her conversation with Georgiana.
Louisa was relieved to see Miss Darcy at ease in their company for the first time ever.
Caroline, however was the only one who looked on disapprovingly. She had been made a fool of by Jane Bennet by proving her previous statement wrong, and Jane was now on good terms with Darcy's sister (a feat she had been struggling at for years with little success). It was her alone who looked on this scene with horror and dread seeing all her scheming to become Mistress of Pemberly quickly unraveling.
Darcy and Elizabeth watched this scene unfold from across the room. From their vantage point the whole thing looked a little silly. They were standing on one side of the very spacious drawing room while all the other occupants (excluding Mr. Hurst who was now snoring) were crammed around the fireplace.
Mr. Darcy took advantage of the opportunity presented to him. Everyone's attention was on Georgiana and Jane with no one nearby to overhear their conversation. Still he leaned in close to Elizabeth to make sure he was not overheard.
Mr. Darcy's closeness broke Elizabeth's enjoyment and triumph at witnessing Miss Bingley being put in her place. She became acutely aware of his increased closeness as she felt his warm breath on her ear and neck, sending shivers of delight down her spine and robbing her momentarily of rational thought.
"Miss Elizabeth," Darcy's voice was low and husky when he finally spoke "please allow me to thank you and Miss Bennet. I do not know that I have ever seen Georgie converse with such ease and enthusiasm, even among family. Please relay my thanks to your sister, as I do not want to interrupt their conversation to do it myself."
Elizabeth felt the words leave his lips as much as she heard them. She wanted to make some witty reply but words seemed to be failing her. His nearness and the warmth of his breath on her skin made her go slightly weak in the knees. She unconsciously tightened her grip on Mr. Darcy's arm to steady herself before making any reply.
"I… that is we are happy to help, Sir." She finally managed in a weak voice. "There is absolutely no thanks necessary I assure you."
Elizabeth turned slightly toward Mr. Darcy to see if he had noticed her reaction to his nearness, desperately hoping he hadn't. When she turned she was stunned to find that Mr. Darcy had not moved away and his face was now mere centimeters from hers.
Their eyes locked, and Elizabeth lost herself in the depths of Mr. Darcy's eyes. His eyes were darker than she ever recalled seeing them. It was not displeasure she saw there however, like she always assumed. As a maiden, she had a hard time grasping and naming what she saw in his eyes. Longing? Desire? She couldn't put a name to exactly what she saw there, but it made her stomach feel like it was full of butterflies, her heart race, and a lump form in her throat.
She had never felt anything so powerful in her life. It was overwhelming to be sure, but in a most pleasant manner. She knew not how long they both stood there lost in each other's eyes, for time itself seemed to have stopped.
They both suddenly snapped back to reality at the high pitched sound of Miss Bingley's shrill voice.Oh, God! They both thought. Life will be unbearable at Netherfield if Miss Bingley witnessed even a fraction of what just transpired… What did just transpire?