Unspoken Moments…

Summary: The unseen moments as Elizabeth and Darcy work to comprehend the other's feelings towards each other as well as their own. The little interactions at Pemberly that made a big difference in their relationship.

Apart of the Pride and Prejudice Moments Series:

Unspoken Moments

Missing Moments

Drunken Moments

Heated Moments

It's actually not a series since all of them could be read individually, but they all have a similar feel to them and there are a few references to the other stories. The only reason I called it a series was because I thought it would look clever with the linking titles. Although, chronologically Unspoken Moments would be the first installment.

A/N: I apologize if my writing style in not in true form according to both Jane Austen's writing style and style adopted at that time period. I live in the present where we grossly butcher any eloquence in our language through poor use or slang. I'll try my hardest. Yes, I have read the book and watched the mini-series and watched the newer version, which I enjoyed immensely. In this story there is a slight part referring to a scene in the mini-series, which, as everything else in a fan fiction, I have taken the liberty to "borrow".

Disclaimer: As previously stated, I am only borrowing. Believe me, if I could, I'd own every last one of them and lock them away for my own entertainment. drools

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His hair whipped about his face as he sped on, cutting through the very air. If you were to look upon Mr. Darcy's face and observed that he was in deep concentration then you would have been deceived, but do not despair for that is what dear Mr. Darcy intended and from years of trying to present a constant face of complacent aloofness his success at his deception is not surprising. No, Darcy was not at all thinking about his hasty ride and the precautions he should be taking accordingly for the roads were very familiar and his steed trustworthy. His attentions were far from what they ought to be while traveling at such speeds, but it is easily understandable for Mr. Darcy was homeward bound.

As he sped past the scenery many a happy memory surfaced to his mind's eye, for which he was gladdened in having any interruption in the storm of thought that plagued him. Her eyes, her face, her smile, her laugh…these particular thoughts were close in bringing a smile of his own to his grave face, but it remained that way. For all the favorable images he could conjure of her, her angry voice rang in his ears. Her disdain for him, her assumptions of his motives, her just accusations of his arrogant behavior and conceit…these were the things that Darcy could not erase from his mind and what made it difficult, almost impossible to dissolve his grim expression.

He rode into the stables and seeing no grooms due to his unexpected arrival, he dismounted and personally unsaddled his horse. Darcy had a great affinity with horses, more so than with any other animal or person for that matter. He prided himself immensely on having an exceptional ability on knowing horses' performances only after a cursory examination. He was approaching the appropriate pen for his mount when his eyes lit on a magnificent beast as sleek and black as the night. Its eyes held spirit and its stance showed an impressive height and Darcy suspected that it would have a haughty gait, most likely a charger or used for gate jumping. Its qualities were familiar, normally preferred by his cousin Fitzwilliam. The solid black coat was a give away. Darcy took a liking to this horse immediately. Cautiously glancing about the stables, Darcy quickly put away his own steed and saddled up the new horse, which seemed just as eager to ride as he was.

Darcy rode out of the stables nearly in full gallop, reveling in the sheer amount of power the stallion possessed. Muscles rippled below him as graceful hooves fell upon the earth, creating a steady rhythm. Darcy felt like he was breathing for the first time in days, maybe even weeks. The trees and scenery blurred together as he sped past. If he could just ride away from his feelings as easily as he was now.

Her face resurfaced within his mind, closing his eyes against her disgust. When he opened them the comforting view of his home met his burning eyes. Indeed, his very soul felt aflame, his heart scorched. He pushed his mount still faster, hoping that the air would cool him, wishing that he could somehow leave her face behind, though it was in vain. He felt as if his body was smoldering. He needed relief.

His horse began to circle about the lake that glittered before his extensive Pemberly estate. The cool water beckoned him and he soon found himself dreamily sailing across its surface. As he slipped into the water, at least for the moment, he felt the burning thoughts extinguished, leaving only the wistful, fluttery little thoughts of love.

Had she said yes, had he been more civil or pushed his pride aside and allowed himself to grace her with his true feelings then she would have been at home to greet him or, more likely than not, she would have been riding alongside him and when his head surfaced it would then be filled with her disapproval of his leaping from his horse in such a irresponsible manner. He would smile at her and she would be unable to stay cross and probably jump into the water and begin a furtive game in trying to drown that smile that was able to cease her anger. They would laugh and dismay the servants at their playful antics. That is what his life would have been had Miss. Elizabeth Bennet loved him as he loved her.

Darcy began to trudge out of the lake, his lately customary black tailcoat (normally preferring blue) utterly ruined. To his credit he nearly made it ashore before stumbling on some unseen obstruction and fell clumsily back into the waters. When he resurfaced again his smile soon broke into chuckles and then guffaws at his stupid self. His laughter was then joined by a young lady's and although it was not the one he dearly wished to hear, it was no less desired. The delighted giggled belonged to his dearest sister, Georgiana Darcy.

"Brother! What are you doing there?" she called from her position upon the shore.

Wading over to her, he gave her an affectionate smile that no one but her was ever graced. "I was in need of refreshment."

Georgiana grinned and dropped the dry shirt and his favorite tailcoat she had brought for him. "Then I think I shall join you!" she cried and made to run and then hurdle into the lake.

Unfortunately her brother was already very close to the shore and, being the caring brother he was, made haste in order to catch his younger sister before she touched the glassy surface.

"Now I will have none of that. What kind of brother would I be should I allow my younger sister to follow my foolish example?" he asked, nuzzling her closer to him as they once again made for shore.

"Well, I think you'd be a much wiser brother since then you'd save yourself all the blame for getting me wet since it would have been my choice to jump in, but now by carrying me around like this you're going to soak through my dress and it will be all your fault," she jibed, grinning mischievously.

"And is that the way to thank the brother who went through all the trouble of searching for the exact pianoforte you had long pined for and sent it to you with utmost haste?"

The younger hugged her brother tighter, unashamed of showing her fondness for him, knowing that they would always be readily accepted and returned. They made their way back to the house and Darcy allowed himself to continue to smile as he unrelentingly ferried his sister. Balancing his sister with one arm, Darcy used his free hand to slick the wet hair away from his eyes. He closed his eyes and let out a long breath, savoring the sun filled air. He opened his eyes with the intent to once again draw from the comfort of his house, but instead he received something much different. He opened his eyes to a dream, his most desired and perfect dream. Her eyes were watching him with a light he had never seen in his presence before. Disbelief overwhelmed his as he saw her light and pleasing figure standing on one of the back terraces, trying to hide her smile. As his own smile began to fade from shock, hers dissolved entirely and became saddened.

"What is wrong brother?" Georgiana inquired concernedly, noticing the way his playful disposition dissolved so quickly. Darcy broke his gaze to look at his sister as he reassured her. When he looked back up Elizabeth was gone and Darcy despaired at the ache it gave him. His daydreams were very cruel.

As they approached the house, Georgiana insisted upon being put down so that she could call for some dry clothing. Mrs. Reynolds might very well have a stroke if she saw the young master dripping all over her meticulously cleaned floor and furniture. She gave her brother one last hug before departing into the house.

Smiling softly in contentment, Darcy went back to retrieve the horse who was faithfully standing in the same exact place where his rider had "dismounted". Darcy was in the act of walking it up back toward the stables when a voice as cold as ice stopped him in his tracks. All his previous feelings of happiness dispersed. Dread overwhelmed him as the heavy footfalls of his father grew louder upon their approach.

Darcy didn't look up. He seldom met the eyes of his father. That would just anger him further. Darcy stood, head bent, his white knuckles betraying his emotions as the grip on the horse's reins grew tighter.

The blow was immediate and hardly unexpected, but no less potent. Darcy stifled a cry as he stumbled slightly from the force of it, his father's yells reverberated around his head.

"How dare you, you irresponsible, worthless ingrate! That horse was not meant for your reckless stunts, nor was it meant to be even touched by your greedy hands! It was a gift for Sir Isaac Ferold's son, Richard. A much more respectable son than you will ever be."

Darcy reeled from a second blow, stammering, "I-I didn't k-know. I assumed it-it was Fitwilliam's."

Mr. Darcy fumed. "So you are reckless and stupid, which I tolerate generously, but that does not mean you may drag your sister into it. You are a useless excuse for a brother. She could have been hurt by your carelessness! Must I separate you from her? Your influence may very well corrupt her!"

Darcy swallowed. Years of experience had taught him his answers with near flawless perfection. "I apologize for my actions. It won't happen again."

Mr. Darcy struck a final time, finally sending Darcy to the ground with a dull thud. Mr. Darcy sneered at the form of his son, attempting to bring himself to his knees. The fire of his anger began to extinguish and his voice lowered to a normal level, although no less contemptuous.

"We have visitors. I have invited them to stay. One of them in fact claimed to know you. A woman, Eliza or something of that effect. They are unpacking their carriage parked in the front. Perhaps you can salvage a bit of good today and entertain them until lunch," Mr. Darcy said disdainfully.

Darcy nodded quickly, picking himself up as best he could and hastened to the front and away from his father. She stood alone by a fashionable carriage just as his father had said. She was his savior.

Trying fitfully to compose himself, Darcy called out to her. "Miss. Elizabeth!"

He caught up to her and bowed, Elizabeth returned the gesture politely, still refusing to meet his gaze, instead letting herself rove up and down his disheveled and still very wet appearance. Darcy, feeling the inspection on himself, panicked. Was there any evidence of his father's violence? No, just a smudge of dirt on the elbow of his shirt. He couldn't of possibly bruised so quickly. Darcy decided that the cause of Elizabeth's staring was merely from the fact that he had abandoned much of his outer clothing and was only clad in his white undershirt, sagging trousers, and waterlogged boots.

"Forgive me for my appearance, I did not expect visitors," he apologized quickly, hoping fervently that it would be accepted without further explanation.

"No, it's quite alright."

A few drops dribbled down his nose and he swallowed nervously. "I trust your family is in good health?"

She nodded. "Yes, thank you for inquiring. I am visiting Derbyshire with my aunt and uncle."

"I see…" Darcy just couldn't find the right words, "Are-are you and your family well?"

Elizabeth blinked. "Yes…we are all well."

He opened his mouth to say something more, but her apology cut across him.

"I'm sorry for intruding. They said the house was open for visitors and I had no idea. Your father had invited my aunt and uncle to stay and there was no way to stop them. I know I have already worn out my welcome, so I will understand if you choose to dismiss us. I'm truly sorry. Had I known you were here I would have stayed away."

Mr. Darcy shook his head and felt the hands at his sides grow heavy as his previous thoughts and misgivings resurfaced. She still did not care for him. It was understandable. He was pathetic. His mind screamed in denial, knowing that he was only repeating his fathers words, but his heart still sank.

The Gardiners made their appearance and there were quick introductions all around. Mr. Darcy made a point to invite them all to stay at his estate and enjoy any of the comforts of his home. The Gardiners were delighted and accepted the invitation. Elizabeth looked aggrieved.

She was still thoroughly embarrassed about their last meeting and thought it impertinent that she should stay on the very estate he had offered her. She was also wary of some sort of revenge that Darcy intended by allowing her to stay. However, she complied, noticing that when Darcy bowed them in he looked sincere…perhaps.

They parted in the hallway as the others made their way to a drawing room, left in the care of his trusted house keeper as Darcy dashed up the stairs to the solitude of his room. His mind lay in disarray. He didn't know what was more distressing; his father or Elizabeth. Already used to his father, Darcy liked to think that it was more of the surprising reunion with the latter, but deep in his heart he knew it was more of a darkened combination of the two. He sighed when he reached for the door handle, relieved to finally be alone.

When he opened the door however, his room was not as empty as he had hoped. Sitting cross legged upon the foot of his bed was his sister Georgiana. At his entrance, she swiped a hand across her face to erase the evidence of her tears and gave one last sniff before regaining her composure. She did not want to further burden her brother with her being upset. This should be routine for them, almost normal, but Georgiana, being the sweet girl that she was, could not so easily overcome the horror as her brother did. Sometimes Georgiana was sure that he would finally fall and give up, but he never did. Every time he would return and despite any pain he might bear he would always assure her that all was well.

"I've picked out some clothes for you," she said meekly, pointing at the outfit she had laid upon the bed beside her.

Darcy moved forward and set beside her saying simply, "You saw."

She nodded and her resolve broke, tears refilling her eyes. She had never been as strong as her brother. "I am sorry I got you in trouble Fitzwilliam. I shouldn't of jumped in. It was so stupid of me. You already have to suffer because of me and yet I just add more and more trouble for you. If I hadn't been born I wouldn't have killed mother things like this would never happen."

Darcy gathered his sister in his arms, shushing her quietly and rocking her back and forth. Georgiana was reminded strongly of the first time she had witnessed her father's cruelty. Unbidden the memory resurfaced, coming back as fresh as they were twelve years ago.

-O-

Georgiana giggled merrily as her nurse peeked into the room and left without noticing that the four year old child was not in her bed. Said child was sitting in her closet all in the effort to hide from her nurse. She had taken a nap earlier in the day and was not the least bit tired. Her curiosity had finally gotten the better of her and she devised a plan for better exploration. Not willing to wait any longer, Georgiana crept from her room and into the darkened hall. Moonlight shined through the ceiling high windows and her shadow followed her in trepidation.

It didn't take long for the little girl to become frightened. The darkness in every corner seemed to grow larger as she drew nearer and Georgiana was soon wishing she had stayed in bed. She could hear the wind outside and in her fear she ran blindly ahead, closing her eyes from the sight of the monsters leering from the dark. She tripped on one of the carpets and her flight was halted.

Whimpering softly, she sat up and noticed a dim light spilling from a crack in one of the doorways. Georgiana crawled forward, hoping she had found her nurse's room. As she approached she could hear a loud and angry voice, followed by a loud cracking noise and accompanied by a sharp intake of breath shortly after. Georgiana's mind constructed all sorts of monsters with huge claws and dripping fangs perhaps ripping through the furniture observed by a gasping Mrs. Reynolds. Georgiana stared through the gap, her breathing hitched at the terrible sight she was met with.

Sixteen year old Darcy lay in a crumpled heap on the ground, his father towering over him, a belt in his hand.

"Get up!"

The belt lashed across the boy's back with horrendous force. Darcy bit his lip in order to keep his silence. His back burned fiercely, having only a loose shirt to provide him any protection. He attempted to push himself off the ground, arms trembling. He was brought back down to the ground again by another lash between his shoulders. He felt his lip cut against his teeth as his face smashed into the floor.

Keeping his eyes tightly shut, Darcy felt another lash strike across his lower back. A small noise to his side caused his eyes to snap open. There, peering through the crack in the door, was his sister Georgiana. Her hand was covering her mouth in order to stifle a scream. She was looking directly at him and he could see horror reflected in her shining eyes. He tried to shake his head and mouth the words for her to leave when a hand abruptly grabbed him, forcibly wrenching him up by the hair. His father's hand twisted viciously within his brown locks, forcing Darcy to look up into his father's enraged face.

"Did I not tell you to get up? Why do you not heed my orders! Are you so incompetent that I must remind you what you are doing by defying me? Are you ready to give up Fitzwilliam? Would you rather have your sister take your place?"

Darcy shook his head as best as he could while still in his father's iron grip. "No, please father I beg of you."

"Reduced to begging too?" Mr. Darcy threw his son back to the floor, "Fine, now get up!"

Georgiana fled down the hall, tears obscuring her vision. How she found her room again, she would never know. Darcy chanced a glance to the door, feeling relief wash over him. He could not stand the thought that his sister would be witness to his moment of weakness. It was his shame, and his shame alone.

Georgiana lay under her bed, swathed in the blankets she had dragged off the mattress and sobbing softly into the sleeves of her night dress. When she heard the door open, she froze, her heart pounding. Dark boots approached the bed and Georgiana strained to remember who they belonged to.

"Georgiana?" Darcy's soft voice sent immediate comfort to the hidden child. "Georgiana will you please come out? I do not think I am currently able to get under there."

Georgiana wiped her eyes and half slid out, watching her brother suspiciously. "Is it because you are too big or because you are hurt?"

Darcy gave her the best smile he could manage. "A little of both."

He sat gingerly upon the bed. His father's meticulous aim had occasional miss-hits. He indicated that his sister to join him, hiding a grimace when she latched herself across his chest, her arms wrapping around his neck and back.

"Why is father being so mean?" she asked, leaning her head against her brother's supportive frame.

She could feel the sudden rise and fall of his chest as he sighed.

"Father is just sad. He misses our mother. He misses her so much that it actually pains him."

"Shouldn't he cry then?" Georgiana questioned. For all the world she couldn't understand at all what her older brother meant by pain.

"He does Georgiana. He just doesn't want anyone to see."

"Then why does he hit you?"

Darcy made no answer. Georgiana assumed it was one of those questions that adults didn't like to answer and would shake their heads and say that you weren't old enough yet. What Georgiana didn't know was that people didn't answer those questions because it was too close to home. Grown ups had long forsaken honesty for propriety and instead resorted to gossip for their knowledge. There is a reason why the old sages say that children are the wisest of ages.

Georgiana began to drift off, but before dreams could engulfed her in its vivid colors she thought she could feel her brother's voice resonating somewhere above the clouds and flying horses playing inside her mind.

"There's one thing I do know Georgiana and that's that he will never hurt you. 'Till death Georgiana, only until death will my protection waver…"

-O-

"Georgiana," Darcy called softly, breaking her out of her thoughts. He cleared his throat and indicated to the clothes. "This is an interesting selection of clothing."

Indeed it was very…contrary to his normal attire.

Finding her humor once again, Georgiana rolled her eyes. "You always wear such droll colors. During parties you always resemble a deeply brooding rain cloud! Bingley wears nice colors and he's still very fashionable.

"Yes, well his light complexion allows him to do so," Darcy replied irritably.

"And what is wrong with yours? Besides, I got these clothes from your closet. Why do you have them if you don't ever plan to wear them?" she inquired exasperatedly.

"So that Bingley can't bother me about my lack in variety," Darcy grumbled.

Nevertheless he began to pull off his still damp clothing with mounting agitation. Georgiana stood to assist him, but he declined saying that he could dress himself. Despite this Georgiana still went forth to aid her brother in his attempt to wrestle out of the sleeve of his shirt.

"You are rather saucy today," Georgiana exclaimed, "It is obvious you cannot take care of yourself and since you will not wait for a servant I shall have to do."

Darcy grumbled further at this as he begun to pull on the new clothing.

Georgiana watched him curiously. "Brother, is there something…amiss?"

"Apart from my clothing? No," Darcy answered decisively.

Georgiana helped him with the upper buttons and tsked softly. "Lighten up brother. Remember, dress to impress."

Suddenly on the defensive Darcy blurted out, "And just what are you implying?"

Georgiana looked perplexed. She hadn't really meant anything by that statement. "Brother, I think it's high time you explain a few details to me," her inquiry then took a most dangerous turn, "Is your behavior perhaps due to the new guests? Perhaps even that pretty young woman you greeted?"

Darcy was a little too quick to deny it and when Georgiana pressed further he conceded.

"She's…nice."

"If I remember correctly that was how your first described Caroline Bingley."

Darcy went to sit next to his sister on the bed with a heavy sigh. "I am acquainted with her from my stay in Hartfordshire while with Bingley and his sisters. We actually met on several occasions, including staying at Netherfield Hall together while her sister was there while ill. She's a very intelligent woman and always ready with a witty criticism at every turn. She actually makes idle talk interesting."

"Are you partial to her?" Georgiana asked bluntly.

Darcy colored slightly, but gallantly continued on. "Women's minds always seem to jump from preference to marriage and love in a single bound. I suppose I must forgive it since it is the only thing on your gender's minds, though I will admit that I am rather fond of her company."

Georgiana smiled coyly. "Oh? And may I dare inquire further as to why exactly you are of this opinion."

"To her I am not just Pemberly and half of Derbyshire. Elizabeth sees me…and treats me like-like a person, not some coveted prize or commodity. I mean, she respects me and my station but she does not see need to constantly have such a high decorum around our discussions or change her own head strong character. Not that…well, it's a little hard to explain," Darcy ended lamely, running his hand through his hair.

Georgiana hid her smile with her hand. "I see, well I shall meet you down in the dining hall."

"Why do we not go together?" Darcy asked perplexedly.

Georgiana rolled her eyes. "If you haven't noticed, in your haste to dress you've buttoned most of your clothes wrong."

Darcy looked down and winced, noticing that he had indeed missed a button or two, resulting in a misplacement and ill alignment of clothing. Most appalling.