A/N - oooh so i managed to fond the reviews for the last two chapters. some mixed reactions to the improvememt in the D/E reactions. oh i love a bit of controvosy. ;)
thanks for all the thoughts. i do read them, and sometimes i will take an issue and try to rethink my characters POV. so thanks for the insight, that i may have not considered. Im not quite certain i understand those who seem so anti D/E. surely they are the defining couple of this story and without them whats the point? Of course that is just my opinion! but im not so happy taking insults for progressing their relationship. anyway. You can read if you want, or not. :)
those who are worried about liking H less, or less H time, dont worry. ive got more for you, just not this chapter! :)
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Chapter 20 - Continuing conversations.
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"What were you speaking of for so long with Mr Darcy?" Henry asked as the carriage rumbled through the streets of London, the streets quiet around them.
Elizabeth smiled in remembrance. "Nothing of import, his estate mainly."
Henry looked at her skeptically. "That is not a conversation that would keep you so exclusively occupied for an hour."
"Were we talking for an hour?" Elizabeth affected a look of innocence.
"Take care Lizzie. We have spoken of him and his intentions, we agreed you were right to refuse him. You would not wish to excite expectations you cannot fulfil."
Lizzie looked seriously at her brother "I do not wish to raise expectations. But I did enjoy his company." She flicked her eyes to her Uncle, Aunt and sister on the opposite bench, all engaged in conversation. "I cannot explain why I approached him, but I am glad I did. I very much enjoyed our conversation, I believe I have misjudged him to a degree."
Henry looked unhappy. "I...uh I spoke to him of you."
"Oh Henry!" She exclaimed then lowered her voice.
"I said I did not wish him to cause you further pain." He said in a lowered voice.
Elizabeth laid her head on her brother's shoulder. "I thank you for your concern, I do. But I am not in pain. I overreacted to his insult, no I am not excusing him." She held up a hand "but I should not have been so offended. And as to his proposal, you are correct. It was insulting to our whole family. But I believe we have shown him how wrong he was, and his behaviour towards us here in town has been flawless. I do not know what I want, but I enjoyed his company very much."
He kissed her head, as he used to when she was a child. "I shall leave well enough alone. If you wish to converse I shall not stand in your way. But you must promise me that if he makes you uncomfortable or unhappy you will tell me."
Lizzie raised her head, looking in to the protective gaze of her brother. "Of course I shall, I also promise to think on his attentions so as not to encourage affection which I cannot answer."
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Elizabeth was drawn back to the present, the carriage ride home from the Hursts dinner flashing in her head. She smiled at the memory. She supposed her brother's interference should cause some consternation, but she saw it for what it was and was grateful she had his support and his trust.
The gentlemen were announced, forcing Elizabeth's attention back in to the present, and pleasantries were exchanged. Henry had left in the morning to attend to some business in the city. Mrs Gardiner was sat with her nieces but had household chores to attend to and so suggested the four of them walk out to the local park. Mr Bingley was more than pleased with the idea of walking with Jane. Elizabeth felt that might be best, although her first and foremost feeling was embarrassment.
Once suitably attired and strolling, it was not surprising when Elizabeth and Darcy outstripped Mr Bingley and Jane.
"How do you do, Miss Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth startled slightly "I am well. And yourself?"
"I ..." he paused, finding the words "I enjoyed our conversation last evening, I was hoping you would welcome my visit, but if I am imposing..." he trailed off, unable to voice his worries. He had not disregarded Henry's wishes, he would not impose his company on Elizabeth and so he had decided he would offer the opportunity for her to refuse it.
"No indeed, my silence is due to my ..." she sighed "Mr Darcy, we spoke freely last evening, would you welcome candour again today? I find myself unusually impatient with social strictures, but one word from you will silence me forever."
That Darcy was surprised was evident, but a smile spread across his face and he spoke in an intimate voice that sent shivers down her spine. "I would that you will always speak plainly to me. I find I am singularly unable to understand you when confined by the veil of cordiality. I would much prefer truth, as you once said."
Elizabeth coloured, remembering the occasion, but her courage rose. "Sir, you have long been due an apology. I was most ungenerous to yourself on that day in Hunsford and I apologise most heartily. My words were spoken in anger and were not wise or just."
He raised a hand. "Please, do not trouble yourself, I also am hoping you will accept my apologies also. My actions were unpardonable."
Elizabeth laughed, a short rueful laugh, but one none the less. "Neither of us, if our behaviour were examined, could claim to have acted properly. Mayhap we should not quarrel over the greater share of the blame?"
Darcy smiled "I would be grateful to have your forgiveness."
"And I yours." They smiled at each other and hope blossomed in Darcy's chest like the first bloom of spring after a particularly frosty winter. The feeling warmed him.
Darcy spoke first "where might we go from here?"
Elizabeth indicated a path that wound towards an idyllic lake "this path seems lovely. I find myself eager to learn more of you. We are actually in ignorance of each other's characters and I would like to remedy that, if you are amenable?"
Darcy smiled "this path it is."
They started in silence and then both spoke at once. A small laugh served the purpose of easing the tension and Darcy indicated she should speak.
"Forgive me if I have chosen a poor topic to start," she smiled secretly "but what occurred between yourself and Henry? I caught many unhappy glances yesterday and he mentioned he spoke to you."
Darcy grimaced "I am afraid Henry, not unreasonably, has a rather poor opinion of my character and so would rather you not spend your time with me. I believe his words were that you have suffered enough."
Elizabeth grimaced and opened her mouth.
"Before you apologise on his behalf," he chuckled at her surprised expression "yes, apparently I have learnt to understand your look of surprise. His words were said with affectionate concern and I do not begrudge them."
She raised an accusatory eyebrow "and yet here you are."
One side of his mouth curled up in a wry smile "I never agreed to leave you be. I told him that I would continue to seek you out until you turned me away. I believe we came to a mutual understanding at that point." He shrugged "I suppose we shall see what he has to say once we return to the house."
Elizabeth's head was ducked, She was breathing through the surge of feelings assaulting her. He had all but declared he wished to pursue her, that he still had feelings for her and was willing to fight for her. He had also, inadvertently perhaps, shown her how much power she possessed over him. It was a heady feeling. When she raised her eyes she found him looking at her with concern and so she smiled to alleviate it.
"I am certain I shall bear that in mind, should I ever wish to rid myself of your troublesome presence." Her teasing smile showed him she was jesting and he laughed alongside her.
"Bingley has invited me to Netherfield for the wedding. I was hoping... would it be too much to ask to introduce my sister to you, if she would accompany me?"
"I should be delighted, but is not w.. oh."
"I believe he has been removed from the region and currently resides in the fleet."
She looked at him "so it was you? Who had him brought to justice?"
"Unfortunately his debts were just the most efficient way of removing him from general influence. There is no justice for many of his transgressions."
She squeezed gently where her hand lay upon his arm. "I am certain there are many fathers and brothers out there that owe you a great deal. But that is quite enough of that heinous man. I would certainly be delighted to meet Miss Darcy. Will you tell me if her? I believe you mentioned that you are having a sitting room made up for her at Pemberley, was it a room she favoured?"
He looked at her in surprise "Yes, it was east facing and so had lovely morning sunshine. She had taken to reading and writing her letters there..."
They strolled slowly, speaking of their siblings and their childhood, their likes and dislikes, their hopes for the future. Elizabeth was not certain she had ever had a conversation like it. So open and honest, revealing much and hiding little.
They both returned to the house on Gracechurch street with far more knowledge of the other than either could have presumed.
For Darcy, his feelings were only confirmed, heightened and deepened by the discourse. For Elizabeth, a warm feeling was developing, an understanding of the reticent but intelligent man who seemed to adore her despite her flaws. She found herself more accepting of his, for many of his stories of his youth told of burdens and expectations, of solitude and quiet. What man would not grow up serious and reserved when faced with such? He had spoken of how uncomfortable he felt in crowds, a feeling she could not help but feel compassion for. Society put such expectation on it's members, how much of a trial he must find it.
Henry was at home when they returned and narrowed his eyes at the pair.
Darcy bowed and turned to Bingley. "We are for Angelos, were we not?"
Bingley nodded
Darcy turned to Henry "Mr Bennet, would you care to join us?"
It was swiftly decided and the gentlemen took their leave, promising to call on the morrow, which was the ladies last day in London.