Elizabeth reveled in the open fields and familiar paths of Longbourn and the brisk air of the late autumn morning. She had missed her walks while in London. Though it would be bittersweet saying goodbye to her favorite people and places in Hertfordshire, she knew she would return again. And she was looking forward to seeing Warwickshire and Raber Hill. She had grandparents waiting for her, and a niece and nephew to meet.
She was feeling more comfortable with the Hursts every day. She was seeing herself in them more and more. The events of last evening had highlighted the similarities between her and her father. Upon entering the carriage to return to Longbourn, Mr. Hurst had immediately explained his intervention with Caroline. "I will not apologize, though. I am sure you are quite capable of handling the Miss Bingleys of the world, but I needed to do this as your father. I will not allow my family to be mistreated and sit idly by." His anger was more evident than it had been at Netherfield.
Elizabeth understood this and appreciated both his approach to Caroline as well as his protective manner. Somehow it made her feel more secure in her situation. It was real and a little messy, so different from the somewhat reserved care and courtesy that had characterized her relationship with her father thus far. He held her at arm's length, as if afraid to get too close should he lose her again. She thought it her turn to make the next move.
When they all retired for the night, Elizabeth wished the Bennets good night as she always did. When she approached the Hursts, she quietly wished them a good night, calling them mother and father as she kissed them each on the cheek. It was the first time she had addressed them as such, prior to this she had simply not called them anything. Of course, she had referred to them as mother and father when conversing with others, but she had been hesitant to address them as such more directly. Mrs. Hurst clasped her in a quick embrace. Mr. Hurst's face was radiant with a giant smile, then, placing his hands on her shoulders he leaned forward to place a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Good night, my Zibby." It felt right.
Elizabeth's musings were interrupted by sounds of footsteps approaching. She looked up to see Mr. Darcy striding toward her. He seemed to be looking for something. She noticed his stride quicken when he saw her, and he began tugging on and smoothing his waistcoat and jacket under his open great coat. She could not help but be amused at his uncharacteristic fussing. "Good morning, Mr. Darcy," she called out.
"Miss Hurst, good morning. I am afraid I interrupt your solitary ramble."
"You certainly do," she replied, her amusement growing; "but it does not follow that the interruption must be unwelcome. I shall be happy for the company."
He fell in step beside her, allowing her to lead the way. "I thought you might wish to be alone in order to reminisce at your leisure. Do tell me if I am imposing upon you."
"Not at all Mr. Darcy. I am glad for the companionship. I fear I have been left too much on my own of late. To deal with my situation, you see."
"And you do not wish it so?"
"I value quiet contemplation as much as the next person, but I am a social creature. I have never been so alone while surrounded by so many." Elizabeth wondered at herself, revealing such a thing to the gentleman when he only asked if he could join her on her walk. "I am sorry, Mr. Darcy, I am sure you did not set about on your constitutional with thoughts of exploring my inner reflections."
"On the contrary, it was my particular purpose." Darcy cringed as the words came out of his mouth. It was much too forward. "Pardon me, I have been far too bold. I did not mean to express that thought aloud."
Elizabeth stopped walking and turned to face Darcy. "As you have, might you elaborate, Mr. Darcy?"
Darcy turned and took a few steps away. "I should have brought David or Georgiana," he mumbled almost to himself.
"You wished to speak to me on another's behalf, sir?" She asked, perplexed, as he turned back toward her.
"No, God, no. In fact, I wish to speak to you on my own behalf, and for rather selfish purposes. May I speak frankly?" Elizabeth nodded, indicating he should continue. "Um, when you said you were glad for the companionship on your walk, did you mean you were glad for any companionship or my companionship, specifically?"
"I do not know if I put much thought into my comment. I suppose I meant it in a more general sense." Seeing his face transform into the mask he wore when they first met, she suddenly understood Mr. Darcy's 'selfish purposes'. Feeling a hint of excitement, she pressed on, "But it does not stand that the two are mutually exclusive. One may enjoy desserts in general but prefer an apple tart in particular."
Darcy's mask lifted and he had to chuckle, "Am I an apple tart, then?"
"Mr. Darcy, this is a most inappropriate conversation." Elizabeth blushed so deeply she could feel the heat radiating from her cheeks.
"Yes, yes, it is," he agreed easily. "I am sorry if this seems indelicate, I am cognizant of the how overwhelming everything must be right now. The last thing you need is yet another change with which to contend, but…"
"But?" Elizabeth asked breathlessly.
"Miss Hurst, Miss Elizabeth, for that was the name you held when I first realized my deep regard for you, do I have reason to hope that once your world settles you might welcome a courtship? With me, I mean?" He looked at her earnestly, as if willingly her to respond in the affirmative.
"Eliza! I am so glad to see you!" Charlotte Lucas appeared out of nowhere it seemed. Darcy and Elizabeth stepped back quickly, neither had noticed how closely they were standing until that moment.
"Miss Lucas, it is very good to see you. I trust you have been well these past weeks." Once the pleasantries were completed, Darcy took his leave. "Ladies, I am sure you have much to discuss. I will see you at Longbourn this evening. Good day to you."
Charlotte laughed after he departed. "I say, Lizzy, Mr. Darcy is a man smitten. It is unfortunate you leave for Warwickshire so soon. He would have been a very promising suitor."
Elizabeth's gaze lingered on Darcy's retreating figure. "I do believe you are correct, Charlotte."
~~IOAF~~
When Darcy returned to Netherfield he found himself accosted once he entered the breakfast room. Georgiana and David had both been waiting to hear the results of his errand. Once they realized their impatience had the same cause they were determined to join forces to ensure satisfactory progress was made toward a romance between Darcy and Elizabeth.
"Brother, I have been about to burst waiting for you to return. But you are back so soon, did you not find her? Or did it not go well? I am so sorry, Fitzwilliam." Georgiana spoke rapidly, finding it difficult to contain her simultaneous enthusiasm and dismay.
"Georgiana, this is not the proper time for a discussion of this sort," Darcy said quietly, tilting his head ever so slightly toward the other occupants of the breakfast room.
"You need not worry, Darcy. The purpose of your early morning task is well known, at least among those of us in this room." David gestured to include Tessa and Henry.
"I will thank you not to include us in your schemes, David. You know how I feel about matchmaking." Tessa held her hands up before her as if in surrender.
"Brat."
"Bully."
"Ignore them, Mr. Darcy," Henry began. "Oh, I am sorry Miss Darcy, I was not referring to you but rather the siblings Hurst. This is a frequent scene that plays about between them. We shall, of course, respect your privacy, Mr. Darcy. Will we not, David?"
"No, I do not think I will. It does concern my sister after all," David looked pointedly at Darcy.
"How do you even know? Never mind, it does not matter. I think I may require your help."
Miss Darcy was disappointed to hear this, "What happened? What did you say?"
"I did not have the opportunity to say much for we were interrupted. What I did say was too abrupt, I fear. You might say it lacked eloquence." He distracted himself by filling a plate from the breakfast items on the sideboard.
"Did she not give you any indication of how she received your words?" Georgiana poured her brother some coffee, considering how she might advance his case with Elizabeth.
"As I said, we were interrupted. I believe I took her by surprise. That cannot be good. She obviously was not expecting my attentions and does not think of me as a suitor."
Tessa felt compelled to interject, "I am not getting involved, mind you, but is not productive to speculate about her feelings. It would be best if we just let Lizzy speak for herself. One way or another she will let you know if she welcomes your attentions or not."
Darcy agreed that it would be best to allow Elizabeth the opportunity to respond before enacting further plans. Hopefully, they would have a chance to speak tonight at Longbourn. The Bennets were hosting a large dinner party for the neighborhood so Elizabeth would have a chance to farewell those closest to her.
The day both dragged on but then passed far too quickly for Darcy. Twelve hours in a state of uncertainty had made him more nervous than was his wont. He was never particularly sociable but he had become more so while in Meryton and in the presence of Elizabeth and the Hurst family. Yet, tonight, he had reverted to his previous behavior. Given the crowd of people eager to talk to her he had not had a moment to exchange much beyond the briefest of greetings. His persistent scrutiny of Elizabeth at least had some purpose this evening as he analyzed every gesture and word for double meaning.
Just before the last course was served, Mr. Bennet made a toast to Elizabeth and the Hursts, and the happy occasion for which they all gathered. For all but Darcy it had been a splendid meal. However, when a servant set a plate before him, he saw a slice of a beautifully prepared apple tart. He looked quickly to where Elizabeth sat several seats away. She was in conversation with Sir William Lucas and did not see his gaze. Was it a coincidence, he wondered? Then he overheard Mrs. Bennet speaking with her sister.
"I had planned a very elegant trifle for dessert, but Lizzy insisted on apple tart this morning and there was no dissuading her. It seems a bit rustic compared to the rest of the menu, but you know I could not but indulge her."
Darcy stared at his plate and smiled. Once again, he glanced toward Elizabeth and found himself staring straight into her eyes. He raised an eyebrow in question, to which she responded with a quick nod, followed by a grin. His own smiled widened to match hers. When Elizabeth turned away to focus once again on Sir William, Darcy picked up his fork ready to savor this special treat. He happened to look toward Georgiana who had her hands held in front her as if in prayer. After a few seconds he noticed her small movements and realized she was silently clapping. She did not know the significance of the apple tart, but she had seen their wordless communication.
He then turned his eyes to David. He, too, had seen the exchange if his smirk was any indication. However, Darcy was too happy to care and tucked in to his dessert.