Netherfield

November 14th, 1811

Awaking at dawn break Lizzy found herself unable to sleep, thinking about Jane. She went to check on her sister, who was fast asleep without a fever. Since sleep was evading her, she decided to go out for a walk. No one in the house was awake as Lizzy got dressed and made her way to the path that she had taken many times; she first moved to Netherfield at the tender age of 14 along with Jane who was 15 and Mary who was 12; her father sent them there to learn to become proper ladies, from their aunt. Lizzy started on the path to Oakham Mount, and was so distracted by her thoughts, that she did not hear the approaching horse.

Darcy who could not sleep with thoughts of a certain woman on his mind, decided to go for a ride at dawn to clear his mind. He started on a path that took him to an elevation with a great view. Darcy discovered it one day when he was attempting to escape Miss Bingley's excessive fawning. As he was riding along, he could see a figure of a woman ahead. It looked very much liked the women who invaded his dreams; he could not escape her in his dreams nor in real life. "I must be hallucinating." He restored the pace of his mount to slow stride and approached the lady from behind.

"Miss Elizabeth!" boomed Darcy's deep voice

Lizzy turned around "Mr. Darcy!" and curtseyed

"Why are you out here at his time of night, alone?" Darcy scolded, while dismounting his horse

"I could ask you the same sir," Elizabeth challenged

Darcy looked at her in discontentment, at her reply.

Lizzy finally responded "Alas I cannot sleep, and the view from Oakham Mount is a personal favorite of mine."

"Please let me escort you." Requested Darcy

"Do I have a choice in the matter?" Elizabeth said amused

"No." Darcy said staring at Lizzy with a stern look, while tying his horse down to a tree.

Lizzy walked ahead of Darcy at a quick pace trying to leave him behind, but he had the height advantage and used his long legs to catch up and keep up with her pace.

Realizing that she couldn't out walk him she decide to talk to the gentleman.

"So Mr. Darcy, what compelled you to venture out on this early morning?"

"I could not sleep." Darcy said boring into the eyes of the woman who caused his restlessness.

"Ahh you too, so how did you find Oakham Mount?"

"I ventured out for an early ride and I came across it after, I first arrived."

"And what of your opinion?"

"It is a nice spot, with a nice scenery, but I prefer the wilds of the north."

"I do also; the peak district is wonderful."

"You have traveled there?"

'Yes with my aunt and uncle." Lizzy said briefly trying to avoid the subject of her relations, whose house Darcy was living in.

"How does your sister fair, sir?" inquired Lizzy remembering their very first civil conversation

"She is well and with my aunt, who says she is greatly improving, since I took your advice and wrote her."

"I am glad that she is well."

"Thank you for your advice, Miss Elizabeth, my sister and I have a simple life where we ζουν σεμνά 1, and it is difficult for either one of us to be in company of those who we are not close with."

Lizzy looked at him in surprise because Greek was not a language that the fairer sex was expected to know, yet Darcy looked at her expectantly. "I would have never thought you were an Epicurean, Mr. Darcy."

"I am not, I do agree with their philosophies to know the workings of the world and to live modestly."

"Not many of your station would agree with you. "

"I suppose you are correct." Darcy said as they reached the top of the elevation, where there was a strong breeze blowing.

Lizzy walked over to the edge of the cliff, staring at the sunrise

"Miss Elizabeth, you should not be that close to the edge." Darcy interjected

"Mr. Darcy, have no fear, if I fall over no one would believe that you pushed me. My family is aware of my tendency to act brash." Lizzy said teasingly and smiled at Darcy

Darcy looked at her in displeasure.

Sensing his displeasure Lizzy said "I will have care." And closed her eyes, tilted her head back and embraced the blowing wind.

Concerned for her safety, Darcy moved closer to the edge to stand behind her, when bonnet blew off of her head and into Darcy's hands. Darcy looked up to see Elizabeth's hair flowing in the wind.

Lizzy opened her eyes and turned around to see Mr. Darcy holding her bonnet. She quickly pinned her hair back up, into a simple style; she blushed as she turned around and started to walk towards him to retrieve her bonnet.

"Allow me." Mr. Darcy said as he closed the distance between them. Lizzy's breath hitched at his closeness. "Turn around." He said. Lizzy followed directions and turned back to face the edge of the cliff; as Darcy pinned her bonnet back in her hair. His fingers lingered on a curl of her hair at the nape of her neck.

"Thank you for your assistance, sir" Lizzy said in a soft voice, trying to catch her breath.

"My Pleasure." Darcy whispered in Lizzy's ear, as Darcy stepped to stand next to Lizzy too close for propriety's sake.

Lizzy noticed the gentleman's expression had soften and the pair stood in silence watching sunrise in silence until Lizzy said, "We should depart, I would like to be there when Jane wakes up."

"Of course." Darcy replied. His expression had gone back to his normal taciturn unsociable mask; they retrieved Mr. Darcy's horse and walked back to Netherfield in silence.

Once the house was in sight, Lizzy said "Thank you for your escort, sir." curtseyed and walked away.

Darcy bowed and said "It was my pleasure Miss Elizabeth."

As the couple went their separate ways little did they know, Miss Bingley, was watching their interaction with great displeasure. At that moment decided that she would do whatever it takes to expose the interloper and get Mr. Darcy.

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Lizzy went inside Netherfield though the servants quarters to avoid seeing Miss Bingley or Mrs. Hurst and having them judge her again. Though she doubted the lady was awake. She probably still kept town hours. Once Lizzy made it safely to Jane's room, she checked on her sister. Jane was still sleeping peacefully. Lizzy took the time to relive Jenny from her duties and to make another infusion for Jane.

Jane awakened shortly after, Lizzy arrived with another infusion, and a maid with a breakfast tray for Jane. Lizzy was glad to see her sister awake.

"Lizzy" Jane said in a soft voice "Thank you for caring for me, I know it must be a trial, staying here and dealing with the mistress of the house, when you do not like her."

"It will be all worth, it to see you better, dear Jane." Lizzy replied

"Mary sent a note yesterday saying we should expect the arrival of our aunt."

"Oh dear, I do not see why they would come."

"It is obvious dear Jane, they see how much Mr. Bingley likes you and want nothing more than to have his attention on one of our dear cousins."

"I cannot see our Aunt being that malicious."

"She wants her daughters well settled because they are in a precarious situation; she is living off of the charity of her brother."

"Papa wouldn't leave them destitute."

"He wouldn't, if she would listen, but she is not reasonable, and knows she is wearing Papa's patience. When she comes I will deal with her."

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Shortly after breakfast the announcement of visitors rang through the halls of Netherfield. The butler announced " A Mrs. Bennett, A Miss Bennett, A Miss Bennett and a Miss Bennet." Lizzy heard the names and rushed out of the room before Jane could say anything.

Lizzy slowed her pace as she reached the drawing room and walked in.

"Lizzy, where is Jane, I have come to remove you both back to Netherfield, so we do not trespass on the Bingleys hospitality, over a trifling cold."

"I am afraid Jane is too sick to be removed." Lizzy replied

"Removed!" cried out Mr. Bingley "It must not be thought of. My sister, I am sure, will not hear of her removal."

"People do not die of trifling colds." replied Mrs. Bennett

"If Mrs. Bennett thinks it best-" Miss Bingley started saying before being interrupted

"She is a great deal too ill to be moved. Mr. Jones says we must not think of moving her. We must trespass a little longer on your kindness." Lizzy said ignoring their suggestion

"I agree." Darcy said shocking the entire room including himself. Immediately after his suggestion he turned away facing the window once more.

Miss Bingley dare not contradict Mr. Darcy and said "Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth are welcomed here as long as it takes for Miss Bennet to recover."

"I am afraid it is quite impossible to leave Lizzy her to care for her dear sister as I need her assistance at home. Miss Lydia may take her place and care for dear Jane."

"Ma'am you do not need me at home. I assure you." Lizzy replied

"Yes, I do there is pressing estate business that needs to be handled while your father is away." Mrs. Bennett replied smugly

"I assure you there is nothing that needs my attention, that cannot wait until father returns; Mary can handle any issues , in my stead." Lizzy replied.

"You handle estate business?" Miss Bingley questioned looking at Lizzy condescendingly.

"Yes, Miss Bingley, however would anything get done on an estate while the men are away on business." Lizzy said staring back at Miss Bingley

"A steward, but I suppose Longbourn does not have that luxury."

"We have one that is fully capable, but some decisions can only be made by the Master or Mistress of an estate." Lizzy responded and looked in the direction of Mr. Darcy, fully expecting his signature look of disapproval to be directed at her. He was still staring out the window, but Lizzy swore in his reflection on the glass, he had a smile upon his face.

Mary changed the subject "Mr. Bingley are you finding Netherfield to your liking or are you quite ready to hurry to town?

"Whatever I do is done in a hurry," replied he; "and therefore if I should resolve to quit Netherfield, I should probably be off in five minutes. At present, however, I consider myself as quite fixed here."

"That is exactly what I should have supposed of you," said Elizabeth.

"You begin to comprehend me, do you?" cried he, turning towards her.

"Oh! yes—I understand you perfectly."

"I wish I might take this for a compliment; but to be so easily seen through I am afraid is pitiful."

"That is as it happens. It does not follow that a deep, intricate character is more or less estimable than such a one as yours."

"Lizzy," cried her aunt, "remember where you are, and do not run on in the wild manner that you are suffered to do at home."

"I did not know before," continued Bingley immediately, "that you were a studier of character. It must be an amusing study."

"Yes, but intricate characters are the most amusing. They have at least that advantage."

"The country," said Darcy, "can in general supply but a few subjects for such a study. In a country neighbourhood you move in a very confined and unvarying society."

"But people themselves alter so much, that there is something new to be observed in them for ever."

"Yes, indeed," cried Mrs. Bennett, offended by his manner of mentioning a country neighbourhood. "I assure you there is quite as much of that going on in the country as in town."

Everybody was surprised, and Darcy, after looking at her for a moment, turned silently away. Mrs. Bennet, who fancied she had gained a complete victory over him, continued her triumph.

"I cannot see that London has any great advantage over the country, for my part, except the shops and public places. The country is a vast deal pleasanter, is it not, Mr. Bingley?"

"When I am in the country," he replied, "I never wish to leave it; and when I am in town it is pretty much the same. They have each their advantages, and I can be equally happy in either."

"Aye—that is because you have the right disposition. But that gentleman," looking at Darcy, "seemed to think the country was nothing at all."

"Indeed, Ma'am, you are mistaken," said Elizabeth, blushing for her aunt. "You quite mistook Mr. Darcy. He only meant that there was not such a variety of people to be met with in the country as in the town, which you must acknowledge to be true."

"Certainly, nobody said there were; but as to not meeting with many people in this neighbourhood, I believe there are few neighbourhoods larger. I know we dine with four-and-twenty families." Mrs. Bennett said loudly.

Lydia giggled thinking her mother had out witted Mr. Darcy, Kitty looked confused at the situation,while Lizzy and Mary looked at each other embarrassed at their aunt's behavior.

"Mr. Bingley can me and my sister borrow your study, I need to go over some estate business before she leaves."

"Certainly, let me or Darcy know, if we can be of assistance."

"We thank you." the ladies said as they headed off to the study. Upon reaching the room Lizzy closed the door behind themselves.

"Should we have left them alone?" Mary asked her sister quite panicked

"I dare say they can do no worse than what they have already done. Mary, How did Kitty and Lydia end up coming here without Mrs. Govern?"

"Lizzy, it was awful, after breaking our fast Aunt Bennett called the carriage. I was practicing on the piano forte in the next room and I heard everything. Aunt Bennett informed Kitty and Lydia, who were with Mrs. Govern for their lessons, that she needed their assistance in bringing Jane home. I had already informed Aunt Bennett, that Jane was very ill and you and her would not be back for DAYS. Mrs. Govern said that Kitty and Lydia could not go, based on the instructions father had left, and that Jane would probably have to stay at Netherfield. Our Aunt then told Mrs. Govern that she needed to speak with Lydia, then moments later she called Kitty also. I had a bad feeling about it, so I went out and saw Kitty getting into the carriage. I climbed in behind her and Aunt Bennett ordered the carriage away, right before Mrs. Govern walked out."

"I cannot believe that they did that." Lizzy said with a scowl on her face. "They are going back to Longbourn, this instant, I will have the footmen make sure and none of them are able to leave until father returns." Lizzy said stalking off to the drawing room with Mary following.

"Oh how exciting!" Lydia squealed as her cousins walked back into the drawing room.

Lydia and Mrs. Bennett looked elated, while Darcy and Kitty looked uncomfortable, and Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst looked exasperated.

"What have we missed?" Mary inquired

"A ball! Mr. Bingley will give a ball!!" squealed Lydia and Mrs. Bennett

"Too bad you will not, be able to attend." muttered Mary

"It is time for you to take your leave." Lizzy said to her aunt

"You will not kick me out of this house; you have no right, just because my sister and brother were fortunate enough to allow you both to live he-"

"Mrs. Bennett!" A masculine voice said at the door of the room.

"A Mr. Bennet" Mr. White announced

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1- ζουν σεμνά - Live Modestly in Greek, a saying of the Epicurean Philosophy of living life to gain the greatest amount of pleasure.

AN: A bit of a cliffy.