A/N - second chapter up tonight, go back if you've not read 25
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Chapter 26 - Magical entertainments, and entertainment of another kind.
The following evening Elizabeth prepared with extra care, something which elicited a raised eyebrow from Mrs Gardiner but no comment, thankfully.
The evening was pleasant enough, except for some barbed comments by Miss Bingley who was none too happy to find Eliza Bennet so close and so friendly with Miss Darcy.
After dinner the whole party was invited to try some magical entertainment. Mr Gardiner impressed the gentlemen with his mini tornadoes that were so well controlled they could pick up a scarf off the back of a chair and deliver it to a lady across the room. Mrs Gardiner could make a fine mist which when combined with Lizzie's bright flame created rainbows in the air. Everyone applauded such a display.
Miss Bingley and her sister did some tricks also. They were amusing but a little mundane for Elizabeth. Miss Darcy could not be persuaded but Elizabeth did manage to get her to sit at the piano and play while she sang, the combination was almost too much for Mr Darcy, who was lost in the fantasy of many such evening spent this way.
The only dark moment of the evening was when Miss Bingley, trying to upset Miss Bennet, mentioned her former favourite, Mr Wickham. The effect on Miss Darcy was swift and unfortunate. Luckily Elizabeth deflected the comment and immediately drew the attention away from Miss Darcy by inviting her uncle to combine his wind and her aunts water to creat a water spout, which had the desirable effect of taking everyone's attention off the very white girl who Elizabeth then sat next to and whispered to her about the magic involved in creating water spouts until the girl calmed down enough to rejoin the group.
If Elizabeth had looked she would have seen such a look of longing and love on Mr Darcy's face at that moment. Mrs Gardiner did not miss the look but said not a word.
The next trick that was suggested was some minor fireworks. Mr Darcy and Elizabeth worked together to create some low level sparks. Elizabeth did not wish to dilly too much ability in fire so their combined power hid her specific talent, although she also enjoyed working with Mr Darcy. She looked over to Caroline, who was sneering at them and whispering furiously with her sister. A seed was planted and Elizabeth felt a little mischievous after miss bingleys insult to herself and miss Darcy.
She offered a water display. She took control of a large vase full of water and floated the bubble up in to the air, she spun the bubble in to a flat surface of water and nodded at her aunt to send a few drops up in to the clear surface. The ripples, which effectively spread across the ceiling, caused a general murmur of appreciation.
She then smiled and proceeded to drop the entire expanse of water, catching it just before it broke over the heads of the guests. Everyone gasped, except Caroline who shrieked, and then burst out laughing. Caroline fumed, not noticing that Elizabeth had used her distraction to send a gust of air her way, tugging out a few of her hairpins and causing her ridiculous peacock feathers to droop. Elizabeth took control of the water and shifted it back in to the large vase that it had come out of, trying not to giggle at the dishevelled appearance of Miss Bingley.
She knew it was a bit childish, but it was well worth it.
Once the evening was over Mr and Miss Darcy led their guests out to their waiting carriage. Mr Darcy handed Elizabeth up in to the carriage, resisting the urge to give her hand a little squeeze.
Darcy considered the evening a success, the looks that he had exchanged with Elizabeth had spoken off friendship if not more. Her easy way of speaking to Georgiana promised a potential close relationship. Her way of deflecting cruel remarks and how she protected Georgiana was a good omen for her ability to navigate the ton, which could be cruel.
Yes, she was a delight to watch.
Darcy woke early and, after breaking his fast, decided that an early visit would not go amiss. He wished to invite Mr Gardiner fishing, in the hope that he could persuade Mrs Gardiner and her niece to join them for luncheon after their sport. If he could find time alone with their lovely niece, he would not complain.
Elizabeth was just about to leave for a walk when the maid brought her some letters from Jane. She begged off the excursion and sat to read the news from Hertfordshire.
It was not good news.
When she read the part about Lydia she exclaimed out loud.
"It cannot be"
She read on ...
'Oh Lizzie, I do not know what to say but it seems that Lydia's expectations of marriage are unlikely. One of the officers was led to believe that was not his intention. Colonel Forster was concerned and left the next day. Mrs Forster woke him very early to show him the note from Lydia and he left not long after. She obviously was concerned for her friend and we are grateful for her timely intervention. If not for that he may not have traced them to the part of London that he did. He cannot find their exact location and traveled on to Hertfordshire to bring our father up to date.
They have left for London and the colonel intends to show our father how far he got in his tracing. I, of course, informed our father as much as I could about our concerns with regards to Mr Wickham, to put him on his guard. I do hope it is as simple as an attempted elopement but I confess I long for your presence to reassure me.
Our mother is in bed and I dare not share any of my suspicions with her. I fear the shock would be too much to bear. Oh Lizzie I long for your return and for our Uncle's help. It may be that you can aid in the search too, if I remember correctly you were working on a spell to locate people were you not? Oh how I wish I had spent more time practicing my magic! That I might be of use rather than just being here feeling so troubled.
Your affectionate sister'
Elizabeth reached the end of her letter and jumped up with energy, as she walked towards the door it opened to admit Mr Darcy.
She did not delay, not meeting his concerned eye.
"You must excuse me Mr Darcy, I must go after my uncle, on business that cannot be delayed. There is not a moment to lose" he last word was more of a sob than speech.
"Of course, but you are not well. Allow me, or the maid to go"
With that he turned and ordered the maid to find the Gardiners and to send someone up with a glass of wine. He reached and gently took her by the arm and guided her to a seat, she went willingly trying valiantly to fight back the tears. Two tears leaked out anyway and he had to stop his hand mid way to her face, wanting to wipe them off.
"Please Miss Elizabeth, what might I get you for your present relief?"
A maid knocked and brought in the wine "here is a glass of wine" he said as he dismissed the maid.
"No. I am quite well, I am just distressed by some dreadful news" a few more sobs and Mr Darcy found himself rubbing her arm, wanting desperately to gather her in to the comfort of his arms. Her aura was scattered, little bursts of power shooting out in random directions, a few sparks and gusts of wind coming from the offload of the power. He focussed his energies and did what he could to reduce the effects, the sparks stopped. He was not so good at controlling the wind and so settled for just wrapping some of his power around hers, hoping to act as a dampener.
He then waited, not wishing to pry.
"It is news that cannot be hidden." She took a deep calming breath, knowing that what she had to say would cause a void to open up between them. "My sister Lydia has left her friends, she believes she has eloped, which would be bad enough. But she had thrown herself in to the power of Mr Wickham"
He stiffened at the mention of the name and stood, starting to pace as she continued talking.
"She wrote that she hopes to marry him, but I cannot believe it. You know him too well to doubt the direction of my suspicions. She is lost forever, likely in grave danger. I could of prevented it, I who knew what he was"
She looked up as Mr Darcy passed her, realising what she was saying and to whom. She watched him as his face lost all feeling, features settling in to the indifferent expression she knew so well from Hertfordshire. She noted with some surprise that he was calming her magic and she brought it under better regulation. As she did so she felt his power slip away, it seemed like a good metaphors for his attention and potential affections slipping away.
For what could survive under the weight of such a family failing.
"Is it certain, absolutely certain they have not gone to Gretna green?"
"Oh yes, they were chased to London but not beyond"
"What is being done to recover them?"
The detachment in his voice caused two more tears to leak out, he did not reach for them this time.
"My father has gone to London with the colonel. I hope that my uncle will join him. I may have an idea also but I need to go to my sister, Jane, first. I hope to be away in half an hour"
Her voice trailed off as she realised that he likely did not wish to hear such detail.
"I am afraid you have long been desiring my absence. I am sorry, deeply sorry. I am afraid this news means that you will be unable to meet my sister today"
"Oh yes, please apologise to Miss Darcy. Would you.." She paused "could you tell her that urgent business calls me home? If you could conceal the unhappy truth for as long as possible. I am aware it cannot be long"
He bowed and assured her of his secrecy before leaving. His indifferent expression never leaving his face. As he left she felt his power leaving the room, along with his affections and intentions. It left her feeling cold and alone. She shivered as she thought that she was unlikely to ever see him again.