A/N- There were astonishingly few reviews to the last chapter. I understand that you all probably find the chapters fine and that there isn't much to say, but I'd appreciate reviews anyway. I'd like to know if people are reading and enjoying this story.
'We must call on Mr Bingley soon.', said Lizzy one day at the breakfast table.
Mrs Bennet smiled to herself on hearing that, confident that her matchmaking plans were working well and that it was Mr Darcy that Elizabeth wanted to see, not Mr Bingley.
'Why so?', questioned Jane.
'He is courting you, Jane! You need to encourage him, do you not?'
'He is well aware of my feelings towards him, Lizzy.'
'Even so, without encouragement he might never do more than like you. You ought to make the most of every opportunity you can command his attention.'
'Lizzy is right, Jane. I am glad to see her thinking wisely for once.', said Mrs Bennet.
'He already does more than like me.', commented Jane, spreading butter over her bread. She had already guessed what Lizzy's intentions were, and enjoyed teasing her sister immensely.
'Do you not wish to see him again, Jane?', pleaded Elizabeth.
'Of course I do, but we met only a week ago. I can't chase him like a lovelorn schoolgirl! He knows where we live, he shall call if he wishes to, and even if he does not, we shall meet in a couple of days at the Lucases' party.'
'Even so, there is no harm in calling on them today, Jane dear. The two of us can first visit the Bingleys and then meet your Aunt Philips.', suggested Mrs Bennet slyly.
'I think that would be a good idea.', conceded Jane.
Lizzy refrained from shouting aloud.
'Very well, I shall join you.', she replied, calmly sipping her orange juice and trying to hide her agitation.
'There is no need of that, Elizabeth. Will you not trim this bonnet for me? I think Mr Bingley will admire it so the next time he sees me wearing it.'
Elizabeth had no way to refuse without declaring her wish to see Mr Darcy, and all she could do was content herself with a glare at Jane when no one was looking. She was especially annoyed when Mary also joined her mother and Jane with a deep wish to see her Aunt Philips again.
'Mary!', cried Elizabeth when her mother and Jane had left to prepare themselves for the call.
'Yes, Elizabeth?', asked Mary.
'Mr Darcy mentioned that he was very fond of tulips. Could you tell him that the buds he saw in the woods the other day will probably have blossomed by tomorrow?'
Mary frowned.
'Why do you not tell him yourself?'
'I am certain he would want to see them right away, and I daresay it will be a long time before I see him again.'
'Very well, sister. I shall convey the message.'
'Thank you.'
'Should I also tell him how eagerly the tulips are awaiting him?', asked Mary.
Elizabeth gasped.
'Oh Mary! You must not tell anyone anything! I love Mr Darcy and I think he cares for me as well, but no one must know a thing till we reach an understanding. Please!'
Mary nodded.
'Your secret is safe with me, Lizzy. But promise me that you will do nothing that may damage your reputation.'
'I promise, Mary.'
'Also, I wish to accompany you when you meet him in the woods tomorrow. It would be highly improper for you to meet him alone this way.'
'Of course, I would love to have you with me, but...'
'I will let you speak privately, of course.'
'You are a treasure, Mary! I promise to tell you every detail later.', said Elizabeth embracing her sister enthusiastically.
Mary smiled contentedly as she went to prepare herself for the impending call, pleased that her sister had chosen to confide in her and determined to prove herself worthy of the faith Elizabeth had placed in her.
The three women placed themselves comfortably in the carriage, each very happy. Mary was thinking of how to accomplish her mission, and Mrs Bennet congratulating her own matchmaking skills. Jane smiled happily at the thought of meeting Mr Bingley again. Despite her teasing remarks at the breakfast table, she was desperately eager to see him once more. As the carriage approached Netherfield, she felt as though she could sing with joy. For a minute, she felt guilty at keeping Elizabeth from similar joy, and then banished the thought from her head, thinking that she would later make it up to her sister. Mary only concentrated on finding a way to convey the message she had been entrusted.
They carriage arrived at Netherfield, and the women alighted. The parlor maid enthusiastically led them into the parlor where Mr Bingley, Mr Hurst, Mrs Hurst, Miss Bingley, Mr Darcy, another gentleman and a lady, neither of whom Mary had met before.
Mr Bingley hastened to introduce the visitors to the gentleman and lady, who turned out to be Miss Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, sister and cousin of Mr Darcy.
Mr Bingley quickly drew Jane into conversation, and it was apparent to all that the couple had missed each other.
Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst conversed easily with Mrs Bennet, leaving Mr Darcy to lament the absence of Elizabeth. He briefly entertained the idea that she was avoiding him and that he had frightened her off with his bold declarations, but then thought that she had certainly not looked alarmed in the woods.
It was in the midst of his internal debate that he noticed Mary glancing at him again and again while she spoke to Georgiana about some wild flowers.
'I am excessively fond of these flowers!', Georgiana was saying.
'And do you also not like wild tulips, Mr Darcy?', asked Mary, noting his interest in the conversation.
Darcy nodded.
'Lizzy told me that you were looking forward to seeing them blossom in our woods.', persisted Mary.
'Indeed I am.', he replied, even though he could recall no such conversation.
'I believe she said that they would be ready by tomorrow. Lizzy is so eager to see them.', said Mary again, hoping that Mr Darcy would catch the message.
'I shall be there to see them.', he replied, having guessed the meaning behind Mary's words.
'I'll come as well! And so will Edward, will you not cousin?', asked Georgiana enthusiastically.
'Of course, I would be delighted.', replied Colonel Fitzwilliam, also guessing that Mary's words were not what they seemed.
Darcy could only shake his head in frustration.
'Very well.', he said, thankful for a chance to see Elizabeth even at the cost of his sentiments being revealed.
A/N- Are you all still in and reading? I do hope that everybody hasn't abandoned this story.
