Chapter 7: Getting to know "Lizzy"

Elizabeth woke up and refreshed herself. She checked on Jane who was still sleeping. Dr. James paid a visit and was positive about Jane's recovery. Elizabeth was happy. Finally, Jane was on the mend. Elizabeth wanted to share the news with Mr. Bingley.

She headed down to the drawing-room. She was surprised to find another gentleman there along with Mr. Bingley. Mr. Bingley introduced the colonel to her. Elizabeth immediately noticed the striking difference between the colonel and his cousin. The colonel slipped into a conversation with her easily and she was pleased with his manners. She was informed that the Darcy siblings had gone for a walk.

"Miss Elizabeth, I understand your sister has been unwell. May I enquire upon her condition?"

"She is much better. The doctor said she would be able to move around in a day or two."

"I am happy to hear that Miss Elizabeth, I am eager to get acquainted with your sister."

Elizabeth smiled.

"Will you be staying at Hertfordshire for long Colonel Fitzwilliam?"

"Maybe for a few more days, till I tire my cousin with my company and he sends me packing to town." Elizabeth laughed.

"Am I to understand that you are capable of annoying Mr. Darcy?"

"Indeed, even though he will never admit it, I can tire him in no time."

"I don't believe so, Mr. Darcy seems to be a very tolerant man from my observations."

"Have you studied his character in such a short time Miss Elizabeth, to give him such credit?"

"I have been trying to sir, but he seems a puzzle to me."

"My cousin is not true to his nature among new acquaintances, he always wears the Darcy mask."

"The "Darcy mask" sir?"

"Yes. He usually wears a solemn and stern face and hardly expresses his feeling or thoughts. He is more like his true self at Pemberley."

"Oh! I had no idea. I would be intrigued to know the other side of Mr. Darcy."

"Hopefully someday Miss Elizabeth. Do you have any other sibling's madam?"

"Yes, I have three more sisters. We are five in total."

"Oh! Five sisters. I wonder how it must have been growing up with that many. I only have an elder brother. I didn't have much fun growing up."

"By fun if you mean fighting for ribbons and bonnets, then I am sure we had plenty of fun sir."

"Ah! the ribbons. I remember once I tied my mother's ribbon on my brother when he was sleeping. I have had my share of fun with ribbons."

To this, Elizabeth laughed heartily and realized Darcy and Georgiana has just entered. She noticed the reactions of the siblings. One was smiling at her and the other was glaring.

Oh no! He has gone back to his old ways of looking at me. What did I do to earn his glare?

Elizabeth did not realize that Darcy's disapproving glare was directed to Richard and not at her.

Georgiana and Elizabeth were introduced. Elizabeth noticed that Georgiana was very shy and struggled to converse with her. She imagined how the poor girl might feel in Miss Bingley's company. She tried her best to draw her out.

Georgiana saw the difference between Elizabeth and the other ladies who tried to befriend her elsewhere. She realized Elizabeth was truly interested in getting to know her and not once did Elizabeth's eyes look at her brother during the conversation. She felt comfortable around Elizabeth.

Darcy watched them both. His happiness knew no bounds. If this could be the scene at Pemberley, I would not wish for anything else in my life. He thought.

He was interrupted by a voice he cringed to hear. It was Miss Bingley.

"Miss Eliza! I didn't know you were down. I thought you were tending to Jane."

"She is resting Miss Bingley."

"Oh! She may wake up and ask for you. Why don't you head upstairs?"

The entire room saw how Miss Bingley was trying to remove Elizabeth from Georgiana. Mr. Bingley intervened.

"The maid would call in case Miss Elizabeth is needed Caroline. Have the rooms been prepared?"

"Yes Charles! Miss Darcy, I will show you to your room. Please come with me. I have chosen a room with the most beautiful view for you. You will love it."

Georgiana rose to follow Miss Bingley. Before leaving, she turned to Elizabeth and said, "Miss Elizabeth it was nice talking to you. Will you be able to join us for lunch?"

"My sister is getting better Miss Darcy; I am sure I will be able to join you." She said to the pleased Georgiana.

Elizabeth looked at Darcy. He smiled at her approvingly.

The day passed swiftly. Jane was better. Elizabeth fed her some broth and bread.

Georgiana was growing tired of Miss Bingley's praises. Georgiana and Elizabeth were finally alone when Miss Bingley left to change for dinner.

"Miss Elizabeth would you play for us after dinner? My brother says you play very well."

"Your brother is too kind Miss Darcy. I play, but not very well. Your brother has exaggerated my talent."

"Oh no! My brother never exaggerates. He always says the absolute truth. Will you play for us please?"

"If you insist upon it I shall. I was looking forward to hearing you play. Miss Bingley said you play very well."

"I love to play, but Miss Bingley never thinks I can do anything below par." She looked down.

Elizabeth sensed Georgiana was uncomfortable about something.

"Do you like Hertfordshire Miss Darcy, does the country remind you of Pemberley?"

"Very much Miss Elizabeth. I don't prefer town, especially without my brother being around."

"I rarely visit London. My aunt and uncle live there. But I love spending time with their children."

"Oh, how lovely. You must call upon us when you are in town next time", Georgiana said with enthusiasm.

Elizabeth looked at Darcy. He smiled.

"Yes Miss Elizabeth. We would be happy if you can on call us at our London home."

"Thank you for your kind invitation, Mr. Darcy. I don't have any plans of visiting in the near future though." Does he really want to continue my acquaintance after leaving Hertfordshire? She pondered and met his eyes. There was sincerity in his gaze and something more than that.

"Do you like to read Miss Darcy?" She asked Georgiana.

"Yes, Miss Elizabeth I do."

"What kind of books entice you?"

"I love to read poetry."

"Do you like Wordsworth's poems?"

"I do. As a matter of fact, I have been reading the same while traveling to Hertfordshire."

"I enjoy reading his poetry too. "I wandered lonely as a cloud" is one of my favorites."

"I was in the middle of reading the same Miss Elizabeth."

Darcy watched with pleasure as Georgiana and Elizabeth conversed about Wordsworth. He noticed that Elizabeth allowed Georgiana to express herself freely without an

y interruption. He admired how beautifully she drew his shy sister out of her shell. He knew why he loved her so much. She was kind and compassionate. She reminded him a lot of his mother.

Dinner passed with Miss Bingley trying to lure Georgiana away from Elizabeth.

"Miss Darcy, I would like to know about your progress in your lessons? I am sure you are doing exceptionally well." She said with enthusiasm.

"Mrs. Annesley says I am progressing well Miss Bingley."

"Excellent. How are you faring in Italian Miss Darcy?"

"I am having some difficulty with Italian Miss Bingley."

"Oh! You may count on my assistance anytime Miss Darcy. My friends always come to me in case they need any help in learning the language. They always give me credit for my proficiency in Italian. The advantages of growing up in town is always great when compared to the country." She proudly said, glancing at Elizabeth.

Georgiana understood that Miss Bingley was insulting Elizabeth. She was embarrassed and looked down.

Darcy could not let her continue with her insults. Just as he was about to defend Elizabeth, he heard Elizabeth say, "Non sono d'accordo Miss Bingley."

"What?", sneered Miss Bingley.

"Oh! I thought you said you were proficient in Italian, that is why I spoke in the same. I meant that I disagreed with your opinion. Being a country girl, I have been as privileged as any other girl in town, with respect to my education."

She doesn't need anybody to defend her. Thought Darcy.

"So, do you speak Italian?" Miss Bingley asked with disgust.

"Yes Miss Bingley. I write as well."

"That is excellent Miss Elizabeth. Caroline has had a hard time writing in Italian, that she chose to give it up." Mr. Bingley said.

Miss Bingley's face reddened. This is an interesting dinner indeed. Richard thought and smirked.

"Charles, how dare you say that and show me in poor light? I am well versed in writing as well."

"I am not doing that Caroline." Mr. Bingley said.

"You are. You are trying to put me down in front of our guests," Miss Bingley sneered.

"Miss Bingley I am sure Mr. Bingley did not try to do that. I believe being proficient in any language is always a credit. But that credit does not have the power to enhance or lessen the status or value of an individual," Elizabeth said.

Georgiana awed at the intelligence and compassion of Elizabeth. She could have easily allowed Miss Bingley to go on and embarrass herself. But she chose to diffuse the situation smoothly.

Darcy looked at Elizabeth with admiration. How lucky he would be if he could win the affection of such a worthy woman.

"I agree with you Miss Elizabeth. Do you speak any other language apart from Italian?" Darcy asked.

"I do speak French sir. Many of us have been able to learn other languages. Charlotte, Miss Lucas is well versed with Latin as well."

"That is indeed commendable."

Miss Bingley saw it all. She had tried to make Elizabeth look inferior and had just made her look accomplished. She cursed herself for bringing up the topic of Italian.

Mrs. Hurst saw her sister's reddened face. She will never stop trying to charm Mr. Darcy. The man is smitten by Elizabeth. Wonder if she likes him too. She thought.

As dinner ended, they proceeded to the drawing-room for some music. As promised, Elizabeth took her position and played one of her favorite songs.

Georgiana looked at her brother and smiled. Indeed, he had not exaggerated, she played beautifully.

When Miss Bingley played, Georgiana noticed that she looked only at her brother and her performance fell flat towards the end.

When it was Georgiana's turn, she was extremely nervous to play in front of the room. Elizabeth sensed her nervousness and whispered in her ear.

"Miss Darcy, if you feel nervous just use this technique I practice when I play at large gatherings. I imagine myself stranded on an island that has a beautiful blue beach, and I get to play for the beautiful creatures of the sea. The best part is they would have no idea even if I played ill."

Georgiana laughed. She felt Elizabeth matched Richard in her sense of humor. When Georgiana played Elizabeth looked at Darcy. He does adore his sister; I can see it in his eyes. She thought. Little did she know that he had looked at her the same way when she played.

When they retired for the day, Darcy spoke to Georgiana.

"Georgi how are you liking it at Netherfield?"

"Oh, brother! I am so glad I came. I am happy to be here with you and to meet Miss Elizabeth". Darcy smiled.

"I take it you like her then."

"Yes, I do. She is so kind brother and makes me laugh."

Just as they were heading towards her room. They saw Elizabeth coming out of Jane's room. Darcy enquired about Jane.

"She is better Mr. Darcy. She had her dinner, and I am planning to read to her till she sleeps."

Georgiana made an unexpected request to Elizabeth.

"Miss Elizabeth could I see your sister? If she doesn't find it troublesome"

"Georgi, Miss Bennet may not like visitors now. Hopefully you can meet her tomorrow when she is out of bed," Darcy said.

Georgiana looked down.

"Mr. Darcy, Jane wouldn't mind at all. She would be happy to be introduced to Miss Darcy. If you don't mind, I can take Miss Darcy and be back in a couple of minutes."

Darcy looked at Elizabeth. How can I deny you anything Elizabeth? He thought.

"Sure Miss Elizabeth. Go ahead." He was gifted with a beautiful smile from her and his sister.

Jane was surprised to see Georgiana with Elizabeth. Once they were introduced, the three of them fell into a comfortable conversation. Georgiana looked longingly as Elizabeth fluffed pillows for Jane. Soon, Georgiana left Jane with a good night and hopes of seeing her downstairs.

Georgiana heard Jane calling Elizabeth "Lizzy" many times. I wish I could call Elizabeth that. Maybe I can call her that if William marries her. He likes her a lot. Does he love her? I hope he does. She will be my sister "Lizzy" then. She smiled.

Elizabeth wondered what Georgiana was smiling about. "Never" did she realize that the young girl wished her to become Mrs. Darcy. Never.