RECAPS:
Chapter 10: Anne's perspective on marrying Col. Richard Fitzwilliam. A brief look on what's going on inside Fanny Bennet's head. Darcy realising his mistakes and a failed attempt on apologising.
Chapter 11: Lizzy was afraid of Lord Ashbourne thinking that he would physically harm her. The Gathering at Lucas Lodge. Darcy realising that he love Elizabeth.
"Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn is your mysterious lady in London." Richard did not say it in a form of question but as a statement. They have just got back from the small gathering at Lucas Lodge and the two headed straight to Netherfield's study. The others (save for Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins who left earlier that afternoon to attend some business matters and to fetch Mrs. Jenkinson from Bath) have already excused themselves to retire.
"She is." He should have been surprised that his cousin found out but he was not. Richard did not join the military and earned his rank as Colonel at an age of eight and twenty for no reason. What Darcy was surprised about, was his cousin's silence after confirming his guess. "Are you not going to pester me for details?"
"Knowing you, cousin, the two of you did not part in good terms in London – most likely because of your mouth. And I believe that seeing her at the Assembly has taken you a surprise hence your slight on her – once again, not making a good reunion because you couldn't control the words that leaves your mouth."
"You've met Miss Elizabeth in London?" Another voice joined their conversation and Darcy did not know whether to be glad or not that it was only Anne who heard them. He thought that she had already retired. But then again, knowing Anne, she was probably looking for Richard. Defeated, Darcy answered, "Yes."
Anne nodded thoughtfully at him before saying, "You know, Ashbourne, seeking Miss Elizabeth on every gathering – even if your purpose is to apologise for your misdoings – is not wise."
"I know that."
Anne narrowed her eyes at him. "Do you, cousin? Do you not see how uncomfortable she is around you? You are spoiling her meetings with her friends."
It hurt to hear Anne's words and Darcy could not help but vent some of his frustrations to her. "Do you think I do not know that?" His voice was even but some of the anguish he had been feeling for the past week was evident in his tone. "You know I always prefer doing things privately, Anne. And I called at Longbourn with Bingley, multiple times! She is not there. I even took a habit of going out on morning rides in hopes of meeting her. It was all for naught."
"Well, you deserved it." Anne said crossing his arms. "She would not avoid you like a plague if your offense had not been grave."
Darcy knew that Elizabeth was avoiding him, but hearing it out loud cut him deep. His expression must have betrayed what he was feeling because Anne's next words gave him hope. "But I supposed that you've had enough grovelling and I might just have some information that may be of good use to you…"
Silence followed Anne's words and Darcy looked at her impatiently. To Darcy's irritation, Richard only watched them in amusement. Darcy glared at him. His look seemed to do the work because Richard let out a laugh and said, "Do not tease the Marquess, Anne. I believe his begging is already reserved for Miss Elizabeth so I daresay he would not even say 'please' if that's what you are waiting for."
Anne was still not moved.
Darcy sighed. "I will not impose myself on her anymore, cousin, if that is what you are on about. I only wished for her to know that I regret my actions. If she does not wish to see me after that, then I will respect her decision. However, I do not promise that I will not try to be in her good graces once again."
"That was a lengthy replacement for 'please', cousin." Darcy ignored Richard's comments and focused on what Anne had to say.
"Very well." Darcy sighed at Anne's response and listened carefully as she told him of what she knew. However, his relief at learning new information about Elizabeth was accompanied with confusion and worry. "Where did you learn all of this, Anne?"
"I happen to overhear some conversations earlier. I merely took note of the facts."
"Shall I recruit you as a spy for the regiment?" Darcy heard Richard asked but his mind was far away. He was overwhelmed with questions. Elizabeth was staying at Longbourn's Dower House? Why would she need to stay there when her family was at Longbourn's manor? Was her relationship with her mother that bad? He thought, remembering how Mrs. Bennet responded to his thoughtless comment at the Assembly. Whatever it was, Darcy would find out.
But first, he needed to apologise. This time, for certain.
-p&p-
"Miss Lizzy," Elizabeth lifted her pointer finger to her mouth to signal for Alexa to keep quiet. They were not yet familiar with the new footmen so Elizabeth was more careful. Even Alexa's hushed tones were not allowed, at least until they managed to escape Longbourn's premises.
After seeing Alexa nod in understanding, Lizzy picked up a medium sized rock and tossed it on a tree opposite their direction. When Andrew, one of the new footmen, turned his head at the sound, Lizzy made a run for it and beckoned Alexa to follow her quickly.
Thank goodness the new footman bought her trick. If it was Mr. Graham, he wouldn't fall for it. Archie, on the other hand, would have helped them escape.
Only when they were a good ten minutes away from Longbourn's borders did Lizzy felt safe to speak. "What were you about to say earlier, Alexa?"
"It would be a pointless question now, Miss Lizzy. But since you asked, I will answer." Alexa sighed. Then with an almost exasperated tone, her Abigail said, "Why are we doing this again, Miss Lizzy?"
Knowing how much Alexa disliked her family members save for her two middle sisters, she answered Alexa in a patient tone. "We talked about this last night, Alexa. Jane is sick at Netherfield and I wanted to make sure she is well." Her elder sister might not always be nice to Lizzy but she was kind to Mary and Kitty. That was enough for Lizzy to care for her in return.
This time, Alexa did not hide her displeasure and rolled her eyes openly for her mistress to see. "Why take such measures at defying Mrs. Winters, Miss Lizzy? I can understand if it was for Miss Mary or Miss Kitty but Jane?! She was almost as bad as Mr. Bennet for not taking action at Mrs. Bennet's behaviour."
If her tone of voice was not enough then not calling Jane 'Miss' was proof of Alexa's disapproval for Lizzy's actions. Even if her Abigail only tolerated her parents and other sisters, Alexa always made sure to at least respect them in terms of address.
"I know you do not like Jane, Alexa, but she is my sister. However, I thank you for indulging my wish to see her even if you are against it."
"As if I could deny you anything." Alexa fondly said. "I daresay that if you tried speaking to Mrs. Winters instead of us sneaking out, she would have acquiesced to your request of seeing your sister."
"I do not know about that." Lizzy sighed. She knew her freedom in London was restricted but it had never been so in Hertfordshire. That was why it shocked Lizzy when Mrs. Winters refused her request last night to see Jane today. It was normal to be accompanied by them on visiting the tenants but usually she could ramble by herself alone most of the time. What had changed that she could no longer do so now?
The remaining of their walk was spent in silence. While Lizzy was fond of walking, she would have loved it if Apollo was there with them. But looking at her hem, which appeared to be six inches deep in the mud, Lizzy was glad for the exertion. She and Grandma Claire used to walk like this, not caring if their dresses got dirty. They made sure to use their old dresses for that of course; they didn't want to vex the laundry maid.
-p&p-
"What are you doing here?" Jane asked as soon as Elizabeth entered the room. Her voice was hoarse and weak.
"You need not to strain yourself. I only came here to check on you." Jane opened her mouth to speak but Lizzy beat her to it. "Fear not for I am not here to stay. I only brought some herbs for the Cook to give you. I know that it soothes your throat quickly when you drink it."
Before any more words could be said, Lizzy left the room. "Get well, sister."
She wanted to tell Jane that she didn't have to obey Mama's machinations (for surely, Mrs. Bennet was the one who would make Jane ride on horseback despite it being so obvious that will rain) but that would only be for naught. Jane would take Mama's side and Lizzy did not visit to argue with her sister.
"Miss Elizabeth, how is your sister?" Elizabeth let out a small smile at Mr. Bingley. She could tell that he cared for Jane and was happy for her sister.
"Still recovering but I believe with enough rest, she would be back to her old self."
"I am glad to hear it, then." Mr. Bingley smiled. "Will you stay here until she recovers?"
Elizabeth shook her head. "I would not wish to impose, Mr. Bingley and I am sure that I will also be needed at Longbourn."
After declining an invitation for nuncheon and bidding goodbye, Lizzy headed to the gardens. It was where Alexa was supposed to be waiting, according to Mrs. Norton, Netherfield's Housekeeper. However, upon reaching her destination, it was not her Abigail who greeted her.
There, standing beside the wooden bench, with hands behind his back, was Lord Ashbourne.
Darcy had seen Miss Elizabeth Bennet before she reached Netherfield that morning. He had been on his way to try his luck again at going to Longbourn in hopes of encountering her when voices had interrupted Boreas in his tracks. If he had been surprised that the voices came from Miss Elizabeth with the same lady's maid she had back in London, he had been more surprise by the subject of their conversation.
Apparently, the eldest Bennet sister wasn't what Darcy had thought her to be. It had seemed that there was more to the Bennet family than Mrs. Bennet's unpardonable behaviour.
Before the two ladies could catch him eavesdropping, Darcy had quietly steered Boreas to the opposite direction. Together, man and horse had taken the long way back towards Netherfield. As soon as they had gotten back, Darcy had led Boreas to the stables and he had rushed towards the entrance of Netherfield.
However, upon seeing her approached – the hem of her gown six inches deep in mud and eyes made brighter by the exercise – he had hid himself. Anne's words from a couple of days ago had played in his head. "Do you not see how uncomfortable she is around you? You are spoiling her meetings with her friends."
He would let Elizabeth talk with her sister first, and then he would talk to her.
He had done just that.
Now, Elizabeth was standing right in front of him, her expression a mixture of surprise and alarm. It was the same expression that had adorned her face on their last encounter at Lucas Lodge. However, unlike the last time, Darcy would not beat around the bush. This time, he would speak directly.
"Miss Elizabeth, I wanted to talk to you for quite some time now." Darcy said hurriedly, afraid that this opportunity to talk to her might escape his grasps once again. "I noticed that you have been avoiding me and I could not blame for that. Indeed, my actions towards you were unpardonable so I would expect no less from you." He swallowed as she continued to watch him silently. "However, you must allow me to tell you how deeply I regret my actions."
Looking at her eyes, he carried on. "I've been a selfish being all my life. As a child I was given good principles, but was left to follow them in pride and conceit. I supposed dealing with the Ton and being fawned over by them only strengthened that. I have a handful of friends but the people around me were more deceitful than loyal. That's why my initial reaction when your station in life was anger. In my mind, I thought you have deceived me, but believe me after the shock has worn out from our conversation during our last encounter in London I regretted my words immediately."
Elizabeth remained silent but he could tell that she was uncertain of his words.
"I was the one at fault. I shouldn't have accused you. I had the power to know the truth, the connections. If there was someone who deceived anyone, then it was me."
"If what you are saying is true, then why would you slight me in public?"
"I don't know how to talk to you after our last meeting."
"You are afraid of speaking to me and apologising but you have the courage to insult me in front of other people?" Her voice was laced with hurt and anger.
"You know first-hand that I certainly have not the talent which some people possess, of conversing easily with those I have never seen before. I cannot catch their tone of conversation, or appear interested in their concerns, as I often see done." He said, remembering the time when Elizabeth had witnessed his encounter Mr. Stewart, one of Richard's acquaintances, in the Gardiner Warehouse.
"You say that but you converse with me well enough." She huffed.
"It's because you're you, Eliza – Miss Elizabeth." Darcy countered, moving his hands to express his meaning. "You have this way of drawing me out of my shell and having me talk comfortably about almost anything." That was the farthest explanation he could say without revealing his feelings.
"So I have a way of drawing out insults from you as well?"
"No!" Darcy exclaimed. "I –" he stopped not knowing what else to say. It was not like he could say more for he Elizabeth's lady's maid had already spotted them.
"Miss Lizzy!"
Elizabeth glanced at him one more time before making her way to the young woman.
"Miss Elizabeth," he called when she was halfway there. When she stopped, he rushed up to her bringing out the sealed parchment hidden in his pocket. "Will you please do me the honour of reading this letter?"
With one last look at her face and a bow, he departed.
-p&p-
"And where have you two, young misses, been?" Sitting on the couch with a cup of tea in her hands, Mrs. Winters raised her brow on the two girls, patiently waiting for an answer.
Guiltily, Elizabeth and Alexa sat down on the seat across Mrs. Winters and began explaining. When they're done, the older woman sighed. "No matter how good your intentions were, you still sneaked out. To go to a stranger's house no less!"
"You were never this protective in Hertfordshire Mrs. Winters…" Alexa pointed out.
"Very well, I believe I must explain further seeing how stubborn you two are." Pouring herself another cup of tea, Mrs. Winters began telling them about Graham seeing a gentleman riding near Longbourn almost every morning. "We do not know his name or his appearance. Graham told me that two other riders were riding alongside him as well."
After Mrs. Winters informed them about Mrs. Gardiner's latest letter, which composed of news about Mr. Price – the former business partner of an Earl whom her uncle exposed – Lizzy could not blame Mrs. Winters for being overprotective. According to her Aunt Maddie, Mr. Price died in a heart attack two months ago and his son had paid the Gardiners a visit regarding what happened. Her Aunt's letter implied that the young Mr. Price was out for revenge. Apparently, he was angry that the Gardiners put his father in prison and he believed that his father would have lived longer if it was not for the Gardiners' meddling.
This made Lizzy guiltier for disobeying Mrs. Winters. So when the older woman banned her from going outside unless she practised all her lessons for three straight days, Lizzy obliged without complains. "You could still visit Apollo but no riding around the estate for now."
After saying her sorry once again, Lizzy retired to her chambers. Seeing as they were both shock from all that Mrs. Winters told them, Lizzy was certain that Alexa would not be asking her for information regarding Lord Ashbourne that night.
Now wearing her night gown, Lizzy settled herself by the window to read the letter that Lord Ashbourne gave her.
Okay, so sorry for the delay in posting this... I was unsure of Lizzy's talk with Darcy so I altered it and this was the outcome. Frankly, I was not satisfied with that scene, however, it had to be done. All I can say is that I'm sorry if it was not to your liking.
Hopefully, the next chapters could make up for it. Worry not, we're getting to the bottom of this story and soon your questions will be answered... starting with Mr. Wickham.
Anyway, what do you guys think?
