A/N Hello all! Thank you for the great response to the last chapter even though it didn't have any D&E in, I thought I should do some more background on Morecroft and Blake before everyone forgets about them! Anyway, uni is as busy as always dissertation is ongoing and module deadlines loom! At least I've chosen to do my dissertation within Georgian England so I can indulge in my love of the period whilst actually doing work instead of idly reading about it! Thanks for the patience for the long wait between chapters!
Chapter Twenty-One
The last two weeks of Lizzy's stay appeared to pass in no time at all. The two dinners that had taken place between the Darcy's, Gardiners and Miss Bennet were pleasant affairs. The food was excellent, conversation stimulating and a good time was had by all. At least on the surface it appeared so. Elizabeth was yet again confused by the brooding gentleman from Derbyshire. He had turned into the withdrawn and stoic man that she first encountered. She compared him to other gentlemen of her acquaintance. Colonel Fitzwilliam was a jovial fellow always at ease and was guaranteed to lighten the atmosphere, Mr Hughes, the Fitzwilliam's house guest, was another amiable man. She greatly enjoyed his company when he had sometimes joined her and Georgiana on their regular morning walks around Hyde Park where he spent their time enlightening them further on the sights he had seen on his Grand Tour.
It was such a contrast to the quiet intensity that emanated from Mr Darcy, he was always polite and spoke in general to the party but he no longer had any one to one conversations with her. Ever since that morning in her Aunt's parlour when he had enquired after her health he had been withdrawn, and she was disturbed by how much this unsettled her. She barely even knew him, after all she had only had a few conversations and meetings so she could not justify why her heart pulled when he would talk to her Aunt and Uncle with ease and yet would never venture to continue a conversation with her.
Perhaps it was Georgiana's constant glowing accounts of him that made her long to know more about the complex man. She knew herself to be of a curious nature and the puzzle that was Mr Darcy was a tempting character for study, his apparent avoidance of letting her decipher him was surely what was bothering her…
The last two weeks of Miss Elizabeth's stay was sweet torture for Darcy. It was hard to be in her presence and not want to devote his entire attention to her. She was simply fascinating, whether he heard it first hand or a recitation from Georgiana after one of their many walks, her views and intelligence drew him in, as the days went by Darcy was having trouble reconciling his heart with his mind. There were so many ways in which Elizabeth, how he savoured the name, would be a perfect wife for him. She was caring, beautiful and genuine, not to mention the flourishing friendship with his sister, the one person he cherished above all else, to have her love was a must for when he eventually married. Yet he could not forget that he did not really know her, what of her family? What were they like? She was not of the highest circles, that was a given, but she was a gentleman's daughter; however she did have relations in trade, which was unfortunate even if they were very amiable.
Years of family honour and pride, drilled into him from a young age was hard to ignore. He was taught to marry for love, but he was also told to give great consideration to wealth and connections, Elizabeth Bennet was testing his adherence to his parents' wishes and he did not know what to do. What was best for him, for Georgiana, for the family? It was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the wishes of his heart; he could no longer deny it. He was attracted, infatuated, longing to spend hours with her, but he could not let her know that she had captured his heart. So he set his expression firmly in polite interest whenever she was near, he would not give her hope if he was not yet sure whether he was willing to act upon his desires.
He was torn when he found out that she was to leave Town, he did not have enough time to come to a decision. Darcy would deliberate on any matter of importance until he had fully exhausted all possible consequences and outcomes, but when he had come to a decision he would act swiftly and directly. He was still in the analytical stage of deciphering his intentions towards Elizabeth and this was the last time he was guaranteed to see her. A ball was being hosted by the Fitzwilliams' as was their custom at this time of year, and then she would leave the next morning. Georgiana, who was too young to attend the ball had visited the Gardiners that afternoon to say her farewell, Darcy was at a loss when she returned subdued and close to tears at losing the closest friend she had ever had.
"I know that she must go William, she has not seen her family in weeks and she is very close with her eldest sister, but…" she sniffed and wiped the treacherous tears that were threatening to spill, Darcy gently pulled her close, his heart aching that his sister was upset and there was nothing he could do to help. He stroked her hair as she nestled against him, quiet sobs emitting from her fragile body.
"But you will miss her all the same, I know dearest. She has promised to write though has she not? Surely her letters will bring some comfort to you?"
A slight nod of the head was the only response he got. At a loss on what to do he pulled away slightly and bent down so he was eye level with her, a playful smirk dancing across his features.
"I know as your older, serious and boring brother I cannot begin to compare my company alone with that of Miss Bennet, but, I am sure coupled with a fresh batch of Mrs Lowes delicious pastries, a steaming mug of hot chocolate, and tales of mine and Richard's escapades as children your unhappiness might be lifted somewhat?" he teased with a raised eyebrow. He knew that Georgie would be upset so he had asked for a batch of his sister's favourite delicacies to be made and ensured that there were ingredients for hot chocolate within the house. She also always enjoyed hearing of the trouble that he and Richard had got themselves into as youths. Seeing that his sister's eyes had lit up with the mention of her favourite foods and promises of his childhood tales he chuckled and straightened up, bringing her close to his side as they made their way to the kitchens. They were nearly at the entrance when Georgie stopped and looked up at him with a soft and loving expression.
"Thank you William" he smiled in response and kissed the top of her head as he led her towards the delicious smells within.
Darcy descended from his carriage and made his way into his Aunt and Uncle's house. Usually he did not feel much excitement when attending these balls but tonight he was even more anxious. Tonight would be the last time he would see Elizabeth for an undefined amount of time. He was still at a loss at what he should do and was tempted to not turn up at all, but he knew he could not avoid it. His Aunt and Uncle would not permit his absence and his own longing to see Elizabeth one last time before she left was too strong to ignore. He subtly glanced around the room, not bothering to deny to himself that he was in search of her. He thought he heard her bell like laughter over to his right and was about to venture that way when his arm was caught in a vice like grip. He instantly stiffened and mentally groaned. There was only one woman who had the audacity to do such a thing. With a resigned attitude he turned to face his best friend's sister. Before he could even bow or try to disentangle himself she tightened her grip and began her usual false and unwanted attentions.
"Oh Mr Darcy! How are you? Georgiana? It has been such a long time since we have seen each other has it not?"
Darcy gathering as much patience as possible merely bowed his head.
"Miss Bingley, Georgiana and I are well thank you." Hoping that that would be enough to placate her for now he tried unsuccessfully to disengage from her grip. Luckily for him Richard had spotted his current situation and was making his way over.
"Darce! Glad you could make it! I believe Mother and Father are looking for you. Miss Bingley, I am sure you do not mind losing my cousin's stimulating company for now?" he asked with a cheeky grin that did nothing to sweeten the sour expression on her face. The colonel always ran interference whenever she tried to deepen her acquaintance with Mr Darcy. With a forced smile she almost graciously unfurled her fingers from Darcy's grip and went to find her sister in the crowd. With a sigh of relief Darcy turned to his cousin and clapped him on the shoulder.
"Thank you Richard, once again you have succeeded in rescuing me from the clutches of Caroline."
Richard laughed and patted him on the back as they moved through the crowd to the hosts.
"Not a problem Darce, as much as it is entertaining for the rest of us to watch, I would not inflict her ministrations on you for any longer than necessary."
Grumbling Darcy almost petulantly huffed.
"It constantly annoys me how she manages to gain invitations to events where she would not normally be invited. If she was not Charles's sister she would not have been admitted! He is not even in attendance tonight! He has gone to his new home in Herefordshire I think it was."
Richard chuckled at his cousin's ire and sneaked a mischievous glance at him.
"Well dear cousin, I am sure that there is one lady here that you would not mind if she were to attach herself to you."
Feigning ignorance Darcy shrugged nonchalantly.
"I do not know who you could mean Richard, Georgiana is too young for such a ball as you well know."
"I was not speaking of Georgiana Darce."
"Your mother, as delightful as she is, is not someone I would like to spend the entire evening with, she has a tendency to match-make and you know how much I abhor the activity, I am at a loss as to who you would be speaking of."
Grinning at his cousin's avoidance of the subject he lowered his voice so only Darcy could hear.
"I was speaking of one Miss Elizabeth Bennet, she looks simply ravishing this evening." Richard was delighted with the results of his remark. Darcy's eyes widened, his cheeks reddened and he swerved his head as though Elizabeth would magically appear near him. Laughing Richard once again clapped his cousin's back sporting a triumphant grin.
"I knew it Darce! Simply knew it! Nothing can escape these eyes cousin, nothing. Look at your face! Oh you have it bad do you not Darce?"
Seeing the pained expression that now adorned his face the Colonel turned serious.
"What is the matter Darce?"
"Do not speak of what you know nothing about Richard, please."
"I do not understand? Miss Bennet is a delightful creature, why should you not be taken with her?"
Darcy sighed, this was neither the time nor place to go into such intimate details, one could never know who could hear their conversation.
"Richard, please, we can talk of this later. Now is not the time." The colonel nodded in understanding, worried about the grim countenance that fell over his cousin's face before he rearranged it as they neared his parents.
"Mother, Father, look who I found lost in the masses?"
The Earl and Lady Matlock looked fondly at their son and nephew and the four entered into easy conversation. Lady Matlock and her son were both quietly diverted by Darcy's not so subtle glances around the room, they both had a more than fair idea of who he was searching for. Unfortunately Lady Eleanor did not know that Miss Bennet was of such a sore point for Darcy and the conversation soon turned to their new acquaintance as she spotted her dancing with Mr Avery, a pleasant young gentleman and quite eligible. Using the opportunity to see what her nephew's feelings were regarding the young woman she casually drew the conversation around Miss Bennet.
Keeping a close eye on Darcy's expression she casually observed her pleasure in making the acquaintance of Miss Bennet, and that the wonders she had done to Georgiana were simply wonderful. Something like hope was kindled in Darcy, his Aunt approved of Miss Bennet? Was her appreciation of Elizabeth strong enough for her to embrace her within the family? He mentally shook his head, he was reading far too much into the innocent comment. He still knew nothing of her immediate family or the situation she was in. He would not allow himself to indulge in such fancies when everything about her was still so unknown. Eleanor saw the glimmer of happiness spread across Darcy's features before they closed off once more. She could hazard a guess why William was so reticent in following his affection, after all she had at one point believed in the importance of wealth and connections above all else as well. Perhaps a little talk with him was needed at some point in the near future.
Meanwhile Darcy bowed to his relations and went in search for Miss Bennet, he had to speak to her, now that that tiny spark of hope had been ignited he wanted to be near her, talk to her before she left London, left him. He was near the dancing when he finally spotted her. She was…breathtaking. Her gown was a sensuous emerald that perfectly fitted her, her smile was radiant and her eyes, how they shone with laughter! He was flooded with equal parts admiration and jealousy, how he wanted to be the one to be so near.
Almost as though she knew she was being thought about Elizabeth's eyes glanced to her right and she caught herself staring at him. He looked so handsome, perfectly attired and his gaze, so unwavering so full of something, she felt her breath speed up. What was he doing to her? Never in her life had she been so affected and by a gaze alone! As the dance required her to break eye contact with Mr Darcy she felt bereft of his stare. Shaking her head she chided herself for being so foolish, he had made it perfectly clear he wanted nothing more than a casual acquaintance with her, she was his sister's friend and that was all. She would enjoy her dance with Mr Avery and the other gentlemen who had asked for a set and clear her mind of all thoughts regarding Mr Darcy.
As the night wore on Darcy was growing more and more irritated, every time that he would venture near Miss Bennet, she would be claimed for the next set and another chance at conversing with her was lost. It was now nearing the final set when he noticed that for once she was by herself. He deftly made his way over to her, determined to not make a fool out of himself.
"Miss Bennet." He formally bowed and watched as a blush suffused her cheeks as she curtsied in response. Perhaps he was not the only one affected?
"Mr Darcy." They both stood, unsure of how to proceed. She eventually broke the tense silence. "I hope you are enjoying the ball? It is beautiful is it not?"
Darcy breathed a sigh of relief that she had initiated some conversation.
"Indeed Miss Bennet, although as you know I am not fond of crowded spaces I find that I am not at all displeased with being here tonight" At least not any more.
"I am glad to hear it Mr Darcy, it would be a terrible shame if you did not derive at least some pleasure from being here. "
"I assure you it is always a pleasure speaking with you Miss Bennet" this sudden complement after avoiding doing such an activity for the past two weeks confused Elizabeth greatly, but she found that she was happy that he decided to open up once more. Remembering his love of Byron from their encounter in the bookstore they launched into a discussion of the book. They both thoroughly enjoyed the intelligent remarks of the other and when Darcy noticed that the last dance was about to be played he prayed that Miss Elizabeth was not already promised for the set.
"Miss Elizabeth" here Darcy paused as he took note of the brilliance of her brown eyes gaze back at him. He cleared his throat. "Miss Elizabeth, you are leaving us tomorrow and I hope that before you go I could claim a dance with you?"
An array of emotions that he could not fully make out crossed her features.
"Mr Darcy, thank you for asking but I am afraid that I am already engaged for the last set." She looked down at her feet before bringing her determined gaze up to his face; this gave him time to adjust the disappointed and pained expression that her answer caused him into a neutral one. " Sir, before we part ways, I just want you to know that… that I am thankful for making Georgiana's acquaintance, and that you and your sister have been so kind to my Aunt, Uncle and I just wanted to express my pleasure in making new friends."
Both Lizzy and Darcy were shocked at her bold statement, Darcy's intense gaze was almost too much for Lizzy to handle as she blushed in mortification at what she had said. Seeing her discomfort he wished to alleviate it. He knew now that he was too far gone and in a gentle tone he coaxed her to look up at him once more.
"Miss Elizabeth-"
"Ah! Miss Bennet! There you are, I was looking for you to claim our dance!"
Darcy and Elizabeth both stepped back from one another not realizing that they had moved closer to each other during their conversation. Darcy made sure to clear his annoyance from his face as he turned to the intruder. It was Mr Hughes, his Aunt and Uncle's houseguest. He boldly walked up to Elizabeth took her hand in greeting and placed a quick kiss on it before he bowed to Darcy. Darcy felt a sharp pain where his heart lay, he had never considered this. Never considered that her heart was touched by another, he had acted too slow, he saw the blush that adorned her face as Hughes kissed her hand. Was he too late? Still recoiling from this new revelation Darcy tried to appear neutral as he nodded to Hughes before addressing Elizabeth once more.
"Miss Bennet, I shall keep you no longer from your dance, I hope that you have a safe journey home." With one more gaze and a nod of his head he retreated from the couple before she had a chance to reply. In no mood to see Hughes and Elizabeth dance together he made his way over to his Aunt and Uncle to say his farewells before departing for home.
Lizzy on the other hand was in a very solid state of confusion, but she was not allowed to dwell on her strange interactions with Mr Darcy as Mr Hughes led her to the dance floor and engaged her in conversation straight away. She began to grow worried at the attentions that Mr Hughes paid to her; she did not want him to gather the wrong impression, that she wanted anything more than friendship with him. What bothered her more was that Mr Darcy obviously thought there was a deeper understanding between her and Mr Hughes then actually existed and why she cared if he thought that there was?
I hope this longer than usual chapter made up for the lack of updates! I'd love to know your thoughts on the chapter! Thanks for reading!
Amy