"Lizzy, I have come to deliver this young man to you." Mr. Bennet led Mr. Darcy to the sitting room where Elizabeth and Kitty were quietly talking. "Have the others gone already, then?"
"Once Mr. Bingley arrived with Mr. Darcy, Mama and Jane whisked them all away. Even Mr. Collins, Mama said everyone would be exceedingly interested to hear about Lady Catherine De Bourgh," Kitty explained, though her expression suggested she did not agree with her mother's assessment of Mr. Collins' reception.
"How is it you two remain?"
"I coughed and Mama said it was best that I not go out. She did not want me to risk such a bad cold as Jane just had. She said Lizzy could watch over me and keep me company."
Mr. Darcy was disappointed, "If you are ill Miss Catherine, I should not impose upon the household at this time."
"I did not know I was ill until Mama told me. She usually scolds me for coughing. Lizzy says it is just a precaution and that all will be well, so you can stay if you want."
"Thank you. I hope it is just a precaution and you may visit with your friends soon."
"I do not mind. The house is hardly ever this quiet and I like talking with Lizzy. Did you know that Mr. Collins talks ever so much, and it can be ever so tiresome?" She blushed when she remembered it was impolite to say such a thing in front of a guest, especially one related to Mr. Collins' patroness.
Mr. Darcy raised his fist to his mouth and cleared his throat, trying to mask the laughter that wanted to escape. He knew his own sister would be mortified at such a slip and he also knew the best way to handle it. He nodded and said very seriously, "I have a very small family, it is just my younger sister and I, but I can imagine how very welcome every bit of calm is when one is accustomed to so much activity. Do you mind if I join you and Miss Elizabeth today?"
"You have a sister, Mr. Darcy? How old is she?" Kitty peppered Mr. Darcy with questions, and he was happy to answer them.
During all this time, Elizabeth remained quiet, watching Mr. Darcy. She noticed immediately when he entered, he had, indeed, worn the grey and blue waistcoat, with a blue tailcoat. He presented a very pleasing figure and she sighed contently. Then, hearing his gentle conversation with her sister she found herself quite smitten. She looked over at her father, who still stood just inside the room. He gave her an amused smile and inclined his head toward the chattering twosome before he surprised her and sat down to join the conversation.
Elizabeth was jealous, Mr. Darcy came to call on her, not her family. That thought lasted only a brief moment. She realized it was irrational to think that way. More importantly, if Mr. Darcy had any lingering reservations about her family this meeting could be very telling. She finally turned her attention to the others but still remained silent.
"Lizzy, Miss Darcy, is only a year younger than me and she went to school and learned so many fun things! And she likes novels! Mr. Darcy thinks she might like to correspond with me." Kitty was beaming.
"Would you have liked to go to school, Kitty?" Her father asked.
"Well, I do not know. It does sound fun. Imagine being able to say you can draw and speak different languages and paint and play the harp. It would be ever so impressive. And, I guess, living with other girls would not have been so very daunting. I do that every day, after all. But I think my mind flits about too rapidly to be good at anything, at least that is what Lydia says. And you have to learn boring things, too. I probably would not have done very well at that. I am not as smart as Lizzy."
Mr. Darcy suddenly felt a protectiveness well up inside him. It was not too dissimilar for what he felt for Georgiana. Prior to that day he had never spoken a word to Kitty Bennet, but now he found he enjoyed her enthusiasm and inquisitiveness. He thought his own sister had far too little of those particular traits. So, when he heard Kitty make light of her own abilities, he wanted no more than to reassure her just as he would Georgiana. He was glad that he did not need to, for Mr. Bennet beat him to it.
"Kitty, Lizzy has learned many things, but that is because she has cared to do so. She is accomplished in areas that align with her interests. I think maybe you just have not been lucky enough to discover what gifts you possess yet. Is there something you would like to try?" Kitty was suddenly bashful at the attention and did not say anything.
"Miss Catherine, you mentioned playing the harp. Does that interest you?" She nodded. "I believe there is a harp in the music room at Netherfield. I would be happy to ask Bingley if you might use it. If you would like that I will have it tuned for you." Mr. Darcy promised.
"Oh, yes, Mr. Darcy that would be ever so nice." Darcy could not help but smile every time Kitty used 'ever so' as a descriptive. He caught Elizabeth's eye and his smile grew. Her own expression was one that she herself would have recognized as dreamy admiration, however, Mr. Darcy simply noticed a warm smile and eyes full of emotion. He wished he knew what she was thinking.
Elizabeth had not said but a few words since Mr. Darcy entered the room, but in her mind the flurry of thoughts were a jumble before they all dropped away and left her with one resounding thought. She was falling in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy.
~~OJ~~
Elizabeth finally found her voice and they all had a very agreeable day. Elizabeth was surprised that her father had not immediately retreated, leaving them to entertain themselves. He excused himself only after they remembered Kitty could not actually read music and he went to his study to see if he still had the instructional resources Elizabeth and Mary had used when learning the pianoforte. He found one quickly and settled Kitty with her book while he returned to his book room, neglected so many hours ago, leaving Elizabeth and Darcy to speak alone.
"I have never called on a lady before, have I bungled it too badly?" Darcy asked suddenly.
"I have never had a gentleman call on me, but in my limited experience I would say you have done very well."
"That is a blessed relief." Darcy's casual tone belied his very real concern. Discussions of sisters and music was not what he intended nor was the meandering conversation that followed. He had not even thought to bring flowers for Elizabeth.
"Why would you think you had 'bungled it,' as you say?"
"We did not really have a chance to truly learn more about one another."
"On the contrary, Mr. Darcy, I have learned a great deal. It has been a most revealing day as a whole." Elizabeth's expression held a hint of smugness that Mr. Darcy could not account for.
"Your powers of perception are superior to mine, then. I feel that I am at a disadvantage. Will you tell me, or will you continue to tease?"
"Oh, tease, most definitely. After all, I cannot deny you the challenge or pleasure of discovering of what I speak." She laughed as he shook his head in feigned annoyance but also at her own bold flirtations.
"Why do I get the sense that challenge and pleasure shall be the characteristics that define our relationship?" They both sat stunned for a moment before Darcy tried to make his apologies only to falter. "Miss Elizabeth, I assure you I did not intend…"
"What a provocative thing to say. I suspect you are correct but perhaps we had better find a new topic of conversation. For instance, I believe the others have returned." Despite Elizabeth's nonchalance, she had blushed fiercely and when her sister entered the room a few moments later with Mr. Bingley and Mr. Collins, Jane took note of two beet red faces.
"Jane, where are my mother and sisters?" Elizabeth wondered, thankful for the distraction.
Jane inclined her head subtly toward Mr. Collins, "They are a bit fatigued from the activities of the day. They have gone upstairs to rest. And Mr. Darcy, my mother has asked me to extend to you an invitation for dinner. Mr. Bingley has already accepted, and we would be pleased if you would join us as well."
"Mr. Darcy, it would indeed be a great honor if you would dine two nights in a row at a table that will one day be mine." Mr. Collins completed his outrageous statement with a bow.
Darcy ignored him for he did not think he could otherwise mask his disdain, but he could still enact the plan he had been forming since his conference with Mr. Bennet. "I thank you for the invitation, Miss Bennet. Your mother sets a excellent table. I shall look forward to dinner. Bingley, we should return to Netherfield so the ladies may have some time to themselves. Also, I have a letter I must finish. I am a very poor nephew and I fear I have neglected my aunt Catherine for far too long. It is especially egregious considering this time of year is so difficult for her."
"Of course, I hope she is able to find some solace through your correspondence." Bingley replied smoothly, having no idea of what his friend was referring.
"Why ever does Lady Catherine need solace? I am not aware of any difficulties she may be experiencing. You must disclose all to me." Mr. Collins demanded.
"I am sorry, sir, but my aunt's personal misfortune is of no concern of yours." Mr. Darcy did his best imitation of his aunt at her most imperious.
"Misfortune! It is my sacred duty to see to her spiritual wellbeing. You cannot deny me my right to offer succor."
"My aunt is a very private woman, a very independent woman. She does not allow any sign of weakness to show. You must realize this."
"Of course, of course." Mr. Collins said impatiently.
"Her husband, my uncle Lewis De Burgh, departed this world almost fifteen years ago. That sad anniversary is approaching soon." Mr. Collins was aghast that he did not know this. "Did you not say that it was my aunt who persuaded you to visit Longbourn at this time? It would not surprise me if it was done with the intent that she may grieve his loss in private. She is strong but even she has these moments of sorrow.
"So strong," Bingley echoed.
"How can this be? I must return to Rosings Park at once. I cannot let her, nor your dear betrothed, suffer without my comfort and support." At Mr. Collins words, Darcy mentally damned him. Until that point, it had been going so well.
"Betrothed?" Elizabeth said through clenched teeth. Darcy thought she looked quite jealous which he had to admit he found very encouraging.
"Mr. Darcy is engaged to his charming cousin Anne De Bourgh, Lady Catherine's daughter." Mr. Collins declared to a mostly angry and confused audience.
"Mr. Collins you are mistaken. I am not engaged to my cousin or any other lady. If you heard that from my aunt, you have been misinformed." Mr. Darcy replied curtly.
"Of course, he has, though more likely he has simply misunderstood." Mr. Bingley chimed in. He was aware of Darcy's frustration with his aunt's insistence on a marriage between the cousins but after spending an entire afternoon with Mr. Collins Mr. Bingley knew the man would not accept that his patroness would be wrong. "Think, Collins. Can you not see it for the folly it is? Lady Catherine would surely settle for no less than an earl for her daughter."
Mr. Collins nodded his agreement. "That is true. I have more than once observed to Lady Catherine, that her charming daughter seemed born to be a duchess, and that the most elevated rank, instead of giving her consequence, would be adorned by her. It does seem inconceivable that she would settle upon a country gentleman of wealth yet who holds no rank among the peerage."
As Darcy thought on how to explain his supposed betrothal to Elizabeth, Mr. Collins returned to his previous state of agitation. "Your good aunt gives so much of herself to others through her noble condescension. And she feels so deeply. How can I do anything less than return to her immediately? My own state of wedded bliss will have to wait." He graced Elizabeth with a sickly smile. "I shall need to speak to Mr. Bennet, pack, and retire early if I am to be gone at first light tomorrow. You will kindly excuse me from dinner, Cousin Jane?"
"Of course, Mr. Collins, you must go where your high calling leads. We will not begrudge you that."
"Remember, my aunt goes to great lengths to hide her emotions. She will never admit to any vulnerability. Go with the knowledge that your mere presence will have to be enough to help her through these dark days."
"Excellent advice, Mr. Darcy." Mr. Collins hurried from the room, mumbling to himself.
Kitty had abandoned her book and come to join the others as the discussion with Mr. Collins was taking place. It was she who asked the question for which Elizabeth most wanted an answer. "You are not truly betrothed to your cousin, are you Mr. Darcy?"
"That is a very good question, Kitty. What has the country gentleman of wealth but no title to say on the topic?"
"Exactly what I said before. I am not engaged to Anne, and I never will be. However, Mr. Collins was not entirely mistaken. My aunt speaks of an arrangement between us as truth, though it will never come to pass. I can guarantee that. She claims that our union was planned while we were in our cradles by her and my late mother. It is not so. She hopes filial duty is enough to bind me. It is not, for I have far greater aspirations when it comes to marriage." He looked pointedly at Elizabeth. "Does that answer your question, Miss Catherine?"
Kitty looked between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy and her eyes widened with understanding. "It does, thank you. Does that mean you can court, Lizzy?"
"Yes, it does, Miss Catherine, and soon, I hope."
Mr. Bennet, having received the news of Mr. Collins imminent departure, had returned to the sitting room "Seeing as you have met the challenge you were given, Mr. Darcy, shall I put it in my diary?" It was then that Mr. Darcy noticed Mr. Bennet was holding his diary and a pencil. "I am quite at my leisure."