"You never lose by loving. You always lose by holding back." - Barbara DeAngelis
Chapter 29
"Welcome to Derbyshire, Elizabeth!"
Georgiana could not contain her happiness as she embraced her friend. Elizabeth felt a bit rumpled after the long journey from Hertfordshire; however, she found herself smiling at Georgiana's enthusiasm.
When Georgiana released her, Elizabeth looked up to find deep blue eyes fixed upon her. Gathering her courage, she stepped towards the gentleman and returned his bow with a quick curtsy.
"Welcome to Pemberley, Miss Bennet. I hope that you enjoy your stay here."
Elizabeth could hear the apprehension in his voice and thought it best to put him at ease.
"Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I have arrived with every intention of enjoying myself." She said kindly.
He smiled and extended his arm, hoping to escort her into the house; however, Georgiana saved Elizabeth the decision as she quickly snatched up her friend's hand and pulled her up the steps along with Jane. Darcy attempted to hide his disappointment and mounted the stairs to follow the group of ladies with Bingley. He could hear his sister chattering to Elizabeth and Jane of all of the plans for their visit.
Once they entered Pemberley, Mr. Darcy introduced them to his housekeeper who would show them to their rooms. Darcy bowed once again before turning to allow his guests an opportunity to refresh themselves. He was surprised to hear a throat clear and turned to find Charles looking at him expectantly.
"Darce, I wondered if I might have a word with you while the ladies retire to their rooms?"
"Of course, Charles. Would you care to join me in my study?"
At Charles' nod, the men walked silently into the Master's study. Darcy poured them both a drink and took a seat. Charles' was uncharacteristically quiet as he took a sip of his drink.
"Darcy, what are your intentions towards Elizabeth?" Charles stated with force as he stared at his long-time friend.
Darcy was quite taken aback by his friend's uncharacteristically fierce mien. He sputtered a bit before once again gaining control and standing.
"I…I intend to do everything within my power to make her my bride."
Surprise then relief crossed Bingley's face before he relaxed.
"Well, thank God for that! I knew that you would not cross so many lines of propriety if your intentions were not pure. However, you must understand, that I needed to be sure. Elizabeth is my sister now and Jane's dearest relation. I will not abide any disrespect or lapse of propriety while she is under my care. I am sure that you would do no less for, Georgiana?"
Darcy could not help but bristle at the comparison between Georgiana and Elizabeth; however, Bingley had certainly made his point. Darcy would never allow Georgiana to receive letters from a non-family male, gentleman or not.
"You are correct, Charles. You need not fear for Elizabeth on my account. I have been an utter fool thus far in my dealings with her."
"Yes, I gathered as much." Charles said with a smile.
Darcy scowled at his friend.
"I fail to see the humor in this situation." Darcy then looked concerned and looked towards his friend.
"Did Elizabeth come to you with this? Did she ask that you take up her cause to keep me at bay?" He asked.
Bingley's smile disappeared at his friend's obvious distress.
"No, it was Jane. Elizabeth spoke with her and Jane was justifiably concerned for her sister. I am afraid that you will not find an ally in my Jane, Darce. She is sweet as an angel but extremely protective of her family. You have more than one lady to win over during our stay here if you wish to further your suit."
"Does…Is Mr. Bennet aware of my subterfuge?" Darcy asked quietly.
"No, I wanted to address my concerns with you before taking it to her father. Do not cause me to regret that choice, Darcy."
Darcy could see the determination in his friend and, though it rubbed that his ire was aimed at himself, he was happy to see his friend mature into his role as protector.
"As I already stated, it is my greatest wish that Elizabeth will one day accept my hand. Though, I do not know how I shall accomplish it given my poor behavior thus far."
"Well, I look forward to watching as you are reduced to a mere mortal like the rest of us. Now that I am satisfied you will behave as the gentleman that I know you to be, I will join my wife and put her mind at ease." Bingley stated as he moved towards the door.
Darcy watched Bingley leave as his mind swirled with possibilities for this visit. He was brought out of his thoughts when his friend turned back to speak over his shoulder.
"I wish you luck, Darce. You have set your sights on a worthy, yet singular woman. Elizabeth is not like those ladies of the ton." Bingley added before he closed the door.
"No, no she most definitely is not." Darcy whispered to the empty room.
A/N: I am sorry for the lengthy delays again. Life does intervene. I am working to complete this story by the end of 2015. In the meantime, I have written a little holiday two-shot to help get the creative juices flowing again. Check out my bio to find it, it's called Thanksgiving with the Bennet's. Happy Thanksgiving to my American readers!
