A/N: Sorry I haven't updated in so long, people!
Dedicated to Christy, who got me started reading JA, and to Pandora, who wrote me my longest review yet.
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Darcy watched the Gardiner's carriage disappear along the drive, then turned and walked slowly back to the manor, meditating on the day's unexpected events. He had been completely astonished to find Elizabeth on the grounds, and even more surprised and confused that she didn't meet him with the same coldness as their last meeting had been-the impression he had was one of shame. Since Darcy now felt that his letter to Elizabeth had been self-absorbed and written while he was very bitter, he had never imagined that so large a change could have been wrought in her countenance by his words. As it was, shock to find her so close was still evident in his thoughts as he mentally reviewed their meeting. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were extremely agreeable people, and Elizabeth had been right in saying that he used to be too proud-before his infamous proposal; he would have disdained meeting a lawyer and his wife. But now. Anything that his love said he took to heart, acting upon it with fervor, and it made him a better man for it. If only now she could love him! But Darcy had no hope there. Her feelings in April had been much too decided to bring about such a change. Still, he felt sure that Georgiana would like to meet Elizabeth, for her enjoyable wit would help make his beloved sister bolder. He remembered with a small, loving smile every time her eyes had fallen on him that day, and the few times her beautiful lips had curved into a smile of amusement or appreciation. Her embarrassment to be found at Pemberley after their conference in the Rectory at Rosings was touching, and reinforced in Darcy's mind how perfect her sense of right and wrong was, added to all else that he loved in her-her ready wit and humor, her fine eyes, the gentleness that she showed other human beings, her compassion.he could go on naming her virtues endlessly, as he had lost himself in doing so many times before, staring into space and just remembering. But this day brought the sweetest memories of all-how she had responded to his tentative questions with friendliness that did not seem to be false-or did he just wish it to be so? It all melded into Darcy's mind, in which only one fact stood out clearly. He loved Elizabeth. That he knew, that he would always know. Sighing deeply at his confusion, Darcy gently eased the doors of Pemberley open and slipped in.
In his study, he eased himself into his armchair and was soon gazing entranced at the fire, thinking of nothing in particular, though all his thoughts were of Elizabeth. He was startled when a gentle knock at the door announced the presence of another person.
"Come in." The door opened inward, and Mrs. Reynolds emerged, carrying a tray of tea perfectly balanced.
"I brought you some tea, sir. You looked like you needed it when you came in, if you'll excuse me for taking liberties." She set it down on the table next to him and started poring Darcy a cup-it steamed and smelled very strong.
"But of course. Thank you very much." He sipped the hot cup. "And I like it very much. Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds."
"Your welcome sir." She hesitated a moment, and then went on. "I had a few visitors that I showed around Pemberley today sir-a certain Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and a Miss Bennet. I hope you approve?" She seemed anxious to receive his blessing to her showing visitors the beautiful house.
"Of course. I met them myself on the grounds. Very agreeable people. Tell me, what did they think of Pemberley?"
"Oh, they thought it very grand, sir, very grand indeed. The young lady claimed to know you, and she seemed very impressed by your portrait in the gallery." Darcy got the distinct impression that the housekeeper was teasing him, but he was too warmed by the thought that it might be true.
"Truly?" he asked, his voice betraying a little too much enthusiasm and happiness.
"Yes," she answered, smiling at his pleasure, and then went on, frowning now. "Another portrait had a great impact on her also. That of Mr. Wickham struck her in some way, I believe." She shook her head meditatively, then bowed and went out, shutting the door on the conflicting feelings that this cryptic statement aroused in Darcy-old hatred, wonder, and.(an unreasonable, he told himself) jealousy.
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A/N: So, what did you think? Like it? Many thanks to my reviewers and I'm very sorry I didn't update for so long.
Kitera-Matar: I'm definitely writing more!
Pandora: Thank you so much! That means a lot to me. Did you like Mansfield Park? That's my second favorite, tied with S&S. Oh my gosh, now I'm worried about what your sister will say. Do you like this next one? I didn't think it was good enough for someone to bother printing it out! I LOVED Pride and Prejudice it is my absolute favorite and I've read it like 3 times already. I always try to imagine what the other characters (especially Darcy) are thinking, because JA gives us a few provocative hints. But that's why we love her!
Siriusly Weird: Do you really think so? Thanks * blushes*!
Mooncancer: Someone's going all soft. Thank you, I can't believe everyone thinks it is this good!
Dedicated to Christy, who got me started reading JA, and to Pandora, who wrote me my longest review yet.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Darcy watched the Gardiner's carriage disappear along the drive, then turned and walked slowly back to the manor, meditating on the day's unexpected events. He had been completely astonished to find Elizabeth on the grounds, and even more surprised and confused that she didn't meet him with the same coldness as their last meeting had been-the impression he had was one of shame. Since Darcy now felt that his letter to Elizabeth had been self-absorbed and written while he was very bitter, he had never imagined that so large a change could have been wrought in her countenance by his words. As it was, shock to find her so close was still evident in his thoughts as he mentally reviewed their meeting. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were extremely agreeable people, and Elizabeth had been right in saying that he used to be too proud-before his infamous proposal; he would have disdained meeting a lawyer and his wife. But now. Anything that his love said he took to heart, acting upon it with fervor, and it made him a better man for it. If only now she could love him! But Darcy had no hope there. Her feelings in April had been much too decided to bring about such a change. Still, he felt sure that Georgiana would like to meet Elizabeth, for her enjoyable wit would help make his beloved sister bolder. He remembered with a small, loving smile every time her eyes had fallen on him that day, and the few times her beautiful lips had curved into a smile of amusement or appreciation. Her embarrassment to be found at Pemberley after their conference in the Rectory at Rosings was touching, and reinforced in Darcy's mind how perfect her sense of right and wrong was, added to all else that he loved in her-her ready wit and humor, her fine eyes, the gentleness that she showed other human beings, her compassion.he could go on naming her virtues endlessly, as he had lost himself in doing so many times before, staring into space and just remembering. But this day brought the sweetest memories of all-how she had responded to his tentative questions with friendliness that did not seem to be false-or did he just wish it to be so? It all melded into Darcy's mind, in which only one fact stood out clearly. He loved Elizabeth. That he knew, that he would always know. Sighing deeply at his confusion, Darcy gently eased the doors of Pemberley open and slipped in.
In his study, he eased himself into his armchair and was soon gazing entranced at the fire, thinking of nothing in particular, though all his thoughts were of Elizabeth. He was startled when a gentle knock at the door announced the presence of another person.
"Come in." The door opened inward, and Mrs. Reynolds emerged, carrying a tray of tea perfectly balanced.
"I brought you some tea, sir. You looked like you needed it when you came in, if you'll excuse me for taking liberties." She set it down on the table next to him and started poring Darcy a cup-it steamed and smelled very strong.
"But of course. Thank you very much." He sipped the hot cup. "And I like it very much. Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds."
"Your welcome sir." She hesitated a moment, and then went on. "I had a few visitors that I showed around Pemberley today sir-a certain Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and a Miss Bennet. I hope you approve?" She seemed anxious to receive his blessing to her showing visitors the beautiful house.
"Of course. I met them myself on the grounds. Very agreeable people. Tell me, what did they think of Pemberley?"
"Oh, they thought it very grand, sir, very grand indeed. The young lady claimed to know you, and she seemed very impressed by your portrait in the gallery." Darcy got the distinct impression that the housekeeper was teasing him, but he was too warmed by the thought that it might be true.
"Truly?" he asked, his voice betraying a little too much enthusiasm and happiness.
"Yes," she answered, smiling at his pleasure, and then went on, frowning now. "Another portrait had a great impact on her also. That of Mr. Wickham struck her in some way, I believe." She shook her head meditatively, then bowed and went out, shutting the door on the conflicting feelings that this cryptic statement aroused in Darcy-old hatred, wonder, and.(an unreasonable, he told himself) jealousy.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
A/N: So, what did you think? Like it? Many thanks to my reviewers and I'm very sorry I didn't update for so long.
Kitera-Matar: I'm definitely writing more!
Pandora: Thank you so much! That means a lot to me. Did you like Mansfield Park? That's my second favorite, tied with S&S. Oh my gosh, now I'm worried about what your sister will say. Do you like this next one? I didn't think it was good enough for someone to bother printing it out! I LOVED Pride and Prejudice it is my absolute favorite and I've read it like 3 times already. I always try to imagine what the other characters (especially Darcy) are thinking, because JA gives us a few provocative hints. But that's why we love her!
Siriusly Weird: Do you really think so? Thanks * blushes*!
Mooncancer: Someone's going all soft. Thank you, I can't believe everyone thinks it is this good!