Chapter 10

Several days following the dinner at Netherfield, Mrs. Bennet was declared to have fully recovered from her injury. She and Kitty were busily occupied in the garden, when three horses with riders cleared the tree-line on the distant end of the northern paddock. Mrs. Bennet excitedly supposed that it was Mr. Bingley coming to call, and when she discovered her conjecture to be true, sent Kitty with much haste into the house to alert the rest of the family, for she herself was still slow to proceed despite her anxiousness.

The ladies of the house settled in the drawing-room, Jane and Lizzy were both a tempest of worry and wonder while they attempted to appear calm and welcoming. The visitors were shown to the room, and Mr. Bingley's fervent entrance was a notable contrast to those of his companions, Mr. and Miss Darcy, the former a figure of composed civility whilst the latter was demurely pleased to be present.

Mrs. Bennet welcomed her guests with high spirits, but her markedly favoring one gentleman's coming over the other did not go unnoticed by her daughters.

"I was so very pleased to hear of your return, Mr. Bingley," she asserted once they had resumed their seats. "Many wondered if you were to return at all. People did say you meant not to, but I was hopeful that you would. And now, here you are! Still it has been a long time since you went away."

The gentleman barely had the occasion to agree before Mrs. Bennet continued, "Much has changed since you were last here. Miss Lucas is married and settled, but they are visiting, so you might have met with them."

With her mother leading the conversation, Lizzy found her disquiet increased, so she took up some needlework and found relief in the occupation of her hands. She did make a few remarks to Miss Darcy who was sitting nearest to her, but Mrs. Bennet maintained control of the room and the discussion within it. On the mention of her friend Lizzy thought to venture. "Charlotte and I were examining the gardens yesterday, Mama. She does so admire your roses."

"Yes, well," replied her mother indignantly, "she would do well to maintain them as best she might when she is mistress of this house. Such work has been done to improve upon our gardens. I should hate to see them in ruin from carelessness."

Mrs. Bennet felt quite satisfied with this speech, she had little indication of the general unease about the subject and Lizzy was all the more despondent for introducing it. A quiet word from Miss Darcy managed to provide her some comfort.

"My own mother was also quite proud of her gardens, and they remain today, according to her designs."

The rest of the group did not hear her and Lizzy said quietly in response. "I do recall how lovely the gardens of Pemberley are. I'm sure your mother would be very pleased by this."

Mrs. Bennet took note this brief exchange, and she inquired about what they were speaking. When Lizzy explained, she remarked, "now that is a most excellent honor. That is true courtesy to one's mother." After a moment she did realise about whose family she spoke and this brought her to more news she felt Mr. Bingley was to be acquainted with.

"I'm sure, Mr. Bingley that you have also heard that one of my own daughters, Lydia, has married." Recollections of this brought Mrs. Bennet into most pleased spirits. "Yes, she is Mrs. George Wickham now."

Mr. Bingley replied that he had and made his congratulations. Lizzy did not dare look at Mr. Darcy and so she did not see how he responded as her mother continued with her delight of having a daughter married and her complaints against the reporting of the nuptials. To Miss Darcy she did look with some sympathy, though she appeared to already be familiar with the news. This surprised Lizzy and she could not help but wonder 'had Mr. Darcy informed his sister of the entire events surrounding Lydia's wedding? What could Miss Darcy think of his involvement in the matter?'

"They have gone to Newcastle, in the North I believe, and we do not know when we shall see them next. I suppose we should be grateful that he still has friends on whom he can count" Mrs. Bennet paused after her verbal barb towards Mr. Darcy before continuing with a hint to Mr. Bingley, "I should very much like to have all my daughters happily settled near."

The gentleman agreed with her that this would be a desirable thing indeed, and she found great joy in the expectation that as well as a charming and desirable neighbor, Mr. Bingley might soon regain his former position as the professed lover of her daughter.

Much sooner than she had hoped, and much to her daughters' relief, Mrs. Bennet exhausted her news and hints and so the rest of the party found opportunity to speak. Lizzy asked after the book she had let to Miss Darcy and found it was most appreciated. Mr. Bingley reported that Miss Bingley had been pressed to accompany Mr. and Mrs. Russell, who themselves had been invited to a hunting party and ball at their friends estate in Bedfordshire.

"They will remain there a few nights before returning." He explained, sharing a significant look with Mr. Darcy. Though that gentleman spoke little, he was frequently referenced by both his sister and his friend, which Lizzy considered to be some contribution to the conversation. It grieved her somewhat to note that his demeanour was still detached and she missed the alterations that she had been witness to in Derbyshire. There his manners were at ease and pleasing to her and her relations, and she learnt now that he could not be so in her mother's presence.

Still she allowed herself to revel in two regards, the first that he had come at all and the second that he had brought his sister, whom she was growing fonder of with each meeting. With little prompting, Miss Darcy described to Lizzy the parts of the country she had seen during their rides, and then timidly reminded her of the promise for a walk to see the local countryside. The day, though cool, was dry and grey, Mr. Bingley announced that it was perfect for walking, and so the group agreed to an excursion, with the exception of Mrs. Bennet who cared little for walking and thought it wise not to test her ankle.

The party set off, once the ladies were readied - Miss Darcy though dressed in her riding habit, believed it would be comfortable, and though they began as a group, a formation occured wholly based on the connections and wishes of those involved. Mr. Bingley fell easily into step beside Jane. She did not take his arm, but he was pleased to enter into a separate conversation with her, though he perceived hesitancy where there was once encouragement. Their pace did lag, and they were soon some distance from the others.

After some time and with encouragement from Lizzy, the younger three ladies found each other's company entertaining, though Kitty tired of the discussion of music which Mary, who had been somewhat badgered to join them on the walk, and Miss Darcy kept up. As they neared Lucas Lodge, she appealed to Lizzy about calling on Maria, and there she was left as the group walked on. And so, before she could fret further on the matter, Lizzy walked with Mr. Darcy as her company.

The two were silent for a time, she secretly puzzling over the complexity of their involvement, and perhaps he was doing the same. As a bend in the lane provided view for a moment of where they had come from, she did glance up and smile at the sight of Jane and Mr. Bingley, both dedicated to their conversation. Their coupling was so innate, a stranger would think they had never been parted. It inspired her then to gather the courage and speak to her own walking partner. He, however, was to precede her in this endeavor.

"I wonder if you might enlighten me, Miss Elizabeth," her name caught in his throat and she could not help but look to him, his own focus was on the distance. "How long has Mr. Woodworth been in Hertfordshire?"

She replied that it was a little more than a month, and they both sank into contemplative silence once more. Lizzy was greatly bothered that this was the first subject on which he would speak to her. Whilst she attempted to resolve this with what she thought his motives were, he spoke again.

"My sister has been quite delighted with the country, but I lack knowledge of the local area or personal history to act as a proper guide, I must thank you for offering to be such." He glanced at Miss Darcy as she walked behind them with Mary, the two in a deep discussion over composers and arrangements. "I should also give you credit for her growing fortitude while being in new society."

"I do not believe I am worthy of your gratitude," Lizzy contended, and before he could counter her, which he looked to do, she added, "and if we are to exchange thanks, I should express my share. I should have voiced my appreciation at the first opportunity I was given. Mr. Darcy you have acted with kindness for, what I suspect to be, two of my sisters. If my family are not to be aware of how you should be acknowledged, then let me do so now, on their behalf."

He was silent, his face somber and thoughtful, so she continued, for now she could not cease. She was filled with guilt for possibly distressing him, and fear that she may not have the opportunity again to express what had so long been left unsaid. "I am afraid I have been selfish in my gratitude, I could not continue to conceal it, despite what displeasure it may cause you. I will forever be thankful but if you wish it, I will be silent on the matter from now on."

He cautiously admitted then, "I am surprised that you are aware of any kindness done on my part for any one of your sisters, let alone two."

Lizzy quietly explained Lydia's thoughtless disclosure of his role in her marriage, and her own pursuit of information from her Aunt Gardiner. "You must not blame them," she pleaded, "once the first admission was made, of course I could not rest until I knew completely about the matter."

A small smile played upon his lips for the briefest moment, before he remarked quietly, "Your family owe me nothing."

"No, I am sorry to say it but you are wrong, sir," she insisted, " when I consider the mortification you must have endured, the trouble taken to discover them. You have preserved our name in society, you have acted with compassion and unselfish concern- my family owe you everything, and they have no understanding of it."

Mr. Darcy hesitated with a response, he seemed to carefully reconsider what he next wished to say. The silence did not last though, with chasm between them now breached, they spoke of more pleasant subjects. She recollected the places and rooms she most enjoyed of Pemberley, though she did forgo her thoughts of his portrait in the gallery. He seemed content to listen, though when she expressed her disappointment of their early removal from the country, he suggested that she should always feel welcome there.

She spoke with affection about her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, and when he assented to having an admiration for them as well, she asked about the business he had become involved in with her uncle.

"My aunt," she explained, "did not report the particulars, I believe she does not have much interest in it. I will not deny that I have much curiosity though."

Eager to please, he briefly detailed the investment both he and Mr. Bingley had made, which would allow Mr. Gardiner to expand his warehouses, and how the additional storage would permit Mr. Gardiner's business itself to expand.

"I have also offered," he added, "to introduce Mr. Gardiner to several contacts, who may choose to shift their patronage to his business, given my endorsement. I believe it will be quite profitable for all involved."

Lizzy was so moved by hearing this, she began to thank him again, but this time he would not hear it. He reminded her that he, too, would profit from this venture, and that perhaps she should consider him selfish. There was some distance between them and the others, and Mr. Darcy paused to look back for a moment. She followed his gaze to the direction of where Jane and Mr. Bingley meandered and when they began walking again, he asked, a hint of teasing in his voice "Earlier Miss Elizabeth, you thanked me on behalf of two of your sisters. Tell me, why did you specify two sisters, and not all, if you consider your whole family in my debt?"

"The other act of kindness," she began slowly, unsure how to approach this subject, "I only suspect, but has more recently perhaps restored the happiness of one beloved sister."

His smile was more obvious now, "If my deduction is correct, perhaps I have had a hand in such events. Though as I was lead to believe, it was my interference which has made such events necessary."

Lizzy supposed that with this, the subject might be left but Mr. Darcy continued, the increasing levity of his tone surprising and pleasing her, "Miss Elizabeth, I do believe we have both spoken candidly to each other on this matter in the past. Let us not be ambiguous for the sake for diplomacy. I will ask openly, this second sister you have mentioned, would that be Miss Bennet?"

She admitted that it was, and commented with caution, "Though our frankness at that time was an outcome of perhaps other subjects spoken of."

"I would wish to always be veracious with you," he replied quietly. "I would hope you would do the same." Lizzy dearly wished to ask more, but as they had come upon her intended destination she chose to only briefly agree before the others came within hearing range. They had climbed the rise of a small hill, and as it was slightly removed from trees and nearby houses, found the lane to reveal an excellent outlook of the surrounding country.

Mary and Miss Darcy were quick to join them, and the latter expressed much appreciation of the scene. The sky above them was filled with grey clouds, but in the distance this mass ended to allow soft, white clouds to float along the horizon, sunlight filtering through. From their place they could see patches of rain throughout the region, and Mr. Darcy observed one which was likely to head in their direction. Pointing this out to the ladies, he suggested they speedily return to Longbourn to avoid being caught by the rainstorm.

They were descending the hill when Lizzy did realise that members of their party were missing. "Where is Jane?" She worried aloud.

With more haste now they headed back the way they had come, hoping to discover where Jane and Mr. Bingley had got to. Just when Lizzy began to imagine the worst possible circumstances, they turned a corner and saw the two, as well as why they had been delayed. Mr. Edmund and Mr. Langley were intently listening to Mr. Bingley recounting what was evidently a dramatic anecdote. Whilst the lieutenant seemed to politely heeding the other gentleman, his cousin was suspiciously observing him and Jane. As she drew near, Lizzy could see the relief in Jane's composure at their return.

"We had called upon your home," Mr. Edmund explained as they all turned back, "but were informed you had only just departed for a walk. We hoped to follow the lane and meet with you all."

The introduction of the two gentlemen did require an adjustment in the groups formation, and so Lizzy found herself walking beside them, whilst Mr. Darcy fell behind to accompany his sister. Mr. Langley appeared quite dissatisfied with this arrangement and was silent, starring at the backs of Jane and Mr. Bingley resentfully.

"My brother, Henry, does send his regards," Mr. Edmund advised Lizzy, "He wished greatly to join us on our call, but has had to leave for London this morning. He should return within the week."

Lizzy responded listlessly and was quiet while she recollected the details of the conversation she had just had with the gentleman behind them. They had just reached the house when the rumble of thunder was heard, and then the skies opened. The downpour prevented both the Netherfield party and the Purvis Lodge gentlemen from departing, and so they were all escorted inside to await drier weather. Mrs. Bennet was at first quite worried for her daughters, but on seeing their safe return, and the installment of Mr. Bingley in the drawing-room once more, she was soon in high spirits again.

As she was not seated near Mr. Darcy, and felt little inclination to speak to any other in the room, Lizzy sat in quiet contemplation, observing the rest. Mr. Bingley was as attentive as ever to Jane, and did not seem to notice Mr. Langley's attempt to secure some of her regard for himself. Mr. Darcy had though, and he coolly observed Jane's reaction to both gentlemen.

She did have the opportunity from her seat to appreciate the forbearance of Mr. Bingley in responding to her mother. Particularly in comparison with the other gentlemen, his tolerance of her often ill-judged remarks was such to garner gratitude from Jane. Mr. Edmund, whilst civil, would often bluntly respond, and his cousin maintained an appalled countenance when he was called upon by her mother. As before, Mr. Darcy remained formal and cold when he was required to address Mrs. Bennet, though considering the ungracious manner she spoke to him, Lizzy could not fault him.

Mrs. Bennet was inclined to invite the guests to dine with them, but the rain soon ceased and she had less cause to retain them any longer. Through her own design though, and the eagerness of Mr. Bingley, an engagement was formed with all of the gentlemen for the following morning, to go shooting with Mr. Bennet. Though Mr. Bingley was her chief concern, Mrs. Bennet thought it rude to invite solely him while in the company of others.

The shooting party during the following day was considered quite a success by Mr. Bennet, as well as his wife, though she was discouraged that none of the gentlemen remained after for dinner.

"I find I now know most of the gentlemen better, some more than I would choose to," Mr. Bennet told his family jovially that evening. "The day was far more agreeable than I had expected."

Lizzy was also in a cheerful mood, as much of the day had been spent with Miss Darcy and they had spoken at times about one of the gentlemen. As the younger lady became more at ease in the Bennet home though she had also spent time with both Kitty and Mary.

"What have you learnt then sir? For you must share!" Lizzy teased her father and he winked at her before divulging.

"Well Lieutenant Woodworth can be a humorless one. I believe I saw Mr. Darcy smile more than he! He is quite ambitious though and should make some good use out of Purvis Lodge, whatever he does. I have little to say about Mr. Langley - he seemed sensible but did not enjoy the sport much and could be quite pessimistic. I was glad to have them present though, for I was disappointed to find not a folly with Mr. Bingley, nor Mr. Darcy!"

Mrs. Bennet harrumphed at this and Kitty did exclaim in wonder and began to defend Mr. Edmund, but he continued. "Oh yes, that Mr. Darcy, though somewhat contemptuous and mostly stern, he is very smart, not one to be underestimated I think, he even offered me some advice which may save us a small fortune in the future. I am quite indebted to him if the idea works."

Lizzy was very curious about this idea but stayed quiet.

"And what of Mr. Bingley then," Mrs. Bennet prompted, "Shall he be calling again to see Jane?"

"I do not see how his calling has, in any part, to do with Jane," her husband teased, now looking to Jane who blushed. "If this is your promising that he may marry one of my daughters again, Mrs. Bennet I will call you out on it. Over a year has passed and I have not heard of a proposal. Though I will say I would enjoy Mr. Bingley as a son-in-law, he's generous to a fault but also very likeable and practical. I believe he will greatly improve that estate over at Netherfield."

"So he will stay then?" Mrs. Bennet hoped.

"My dear lady, I believe today I advised him to buy the place."

Author's Note: A LOT of effort and love went into writing this chapter. It was actually re-written several times, yet I'm still really apprehensive about posting it! Minor editing may take place in the future.

Huge thanks to Porky1866, EngLitLover, kekepania86, BBForever, Deanna27, JrTT and those anonymous guests for the reviews. All of those positive comments and anticipation for the future chapters was definitely inspiring for me and might have been the cause of so much editing!