Chapter 10: Plans

Elizabeth was confused. She had always prided herself on being a good studier of characters. But she doubted that now. The man she had detested ever since the day she had met him, confused her greatly now. He almost seemed to be a different person. He still was serious and aloof, but she noticed his eyes soften when he looked at her. She could make out the expression now, as he looked that way when he looked at his sister too.

As she climbed the stairs, her thoughts circled around Darcy.

He has accepted an invitation to Lucas Lodge. Why would he care to be in the company of the people he detested before? Did he not avoid Mr. Lucas's company at the assembly?

She was too busy in her thoughts that she did not hear Georgiana talking to her.

"Miss Elizabeth, are you well?" Georgiana asked with concern.

"Oh! Yes Miss Darcy, sorry I was lost in thoughts."

"Are you still worried about your sister Miss Elizabeth?"

"No Miss Darcy. Jane will join us for dinner today. She is gaining back her energy."

"That is lovely Miss Elizabeth."

Miss Bingley saw them together and was furious.

I cannot let this go on. I need to separate these two. Maybe I can take Miss Darcy away from her for a day. Maybe a picnic somewhere far away. She will definitely not leave her sister and join us. I can get Miss Darcy for a whole day and maybe tell how unworthy it is to make friends with this chit.

She had a plan. She went to find the housekeeper. Miss Bingley wanted to find a spot to picnic, far away from Netherfield.

During dinner, Miss Bingley proposed her plan.

"Miss Darcy, I am planning for us to go on a picnic this week. I am indebted to provide some entertainment to you in this boring country. I have found a perfect place for us to picnic. Charles,

the housekeeper said there is a beautiful lake an hour from here. Shall we plan to go tomorrow?"

"Caroline, the men have an invitation at Lucas's tomorrow. Shall we plan another day?" said Mr. Bingley.

Darcy looked concerned. Somehow, he felt Miss Bingley did not have good intentions regarding her proposal.

"Charles, can you not cancel your plans with Mr. Lucas? What is there at Lucas's that will amuse you all? We can go for the picnic tomorrow."

Darcy spoke up.

"Miss Bingley, we have already accepted the invitation. I personally would like to get to know Mr. Lucas better. I did not spend much time conversing with him at the assembly. "As he said this, he directed his gaze toward Elizabeth. He saw the shock on her face. He wanted her to know that he was trying to make amends for his ill behavior.

"Mr. Darcy, the weather is beautiful and I am sure Miss Darcy would like to see the country. If you cannot accompany us, I suggest that Louisa, I, and Miss Darcy can entertain ourselves well enough." She gave a bright smile fluttering her eyelashes.

"Caroline, I am sure Miss Elizabeth will be able to join as well," said.

"Oh! How could she join us, Charles? She cannot leave Miss Bennet alone."

Georgiana was worried, she did not want to endure Miss Bingley's company alone, as much as she liked to go on a picnic.

Jane spoke up.

"Miss Bingley, I am sure Lizzy can go. I have been feeling well. I would not want her to miss the picnic. Lizzy loves the outdoors. And this lake is one of her favorite places."

Miss Bingley was furious. She did not imagine Elizabeth would be part of their party. Her face easily communicated her displeasure.

It was decided that they would go on for the picnic that week depending on the weather. Georgiana was excited as Elizabeth would accompany them. Darcy was happy and sad as well. Friday kept getting closer and Elizabeth would leave soon. He had accustomed himself to the comfort he experienced from her presence, and he simply could not imagine life without her anymore.

Georgiana bid good night to Elizabeth and Jane and headed to her room. She was surprised to find Miss Bingley outside her door. She was apprehensive about the conversation, she was likely to have with her.

"Miss Darcy, I wanted to talk to you in private."

Georgiana winced inwardly. Before she could say anything, Miss Bingley carried on.

"Miss Darcy, I hope you are finding your stay here comfortable. Do you find your room comfortable?"

"Yes, Miss Bingley I do. Thank you."

"Excellent Miss Darcy. If you need anything at all please do let me know. I take great pleasure in the comfort of my guests. Even the ones who do not deserve it."

"What do you mean Miss Bingley?"

"Oh! Miss Darcy, you must know that I am referring to the Bennet girls. You see they may look elegant and behave like well-bred ladies. But you must see the rest of their family. They are the most vulgar people I have ever met in my life."

Georgiana was shocked. She felt extremely uncomfortable and looked around to see if she could find her brother and get rescued from Miss Bingley.

Yes! You dumb girl. Look shocked. I have to distance you from that ill-mannered Elizabeth.

"I understand you like Miss Elizabeth. But would you be happy to make friends with a lady whom your brother despises?" Miss Bingley said with an air of disgust.

Georgiana was distressed. Does William hate Elizabeth? No, it cannot be true.

"Miss Bingley please do not speak this way. My brother does not despise Miss Elizabeth. He has not mentioned anything of that sort to me."

"Oh! Miss Darcy. I think your brother may just feel uncomfortable about speaking of such things to a gentle woman like you. You are the epitome of all goodness. You are so innocent and kind, you can never see the act played by these lower circles. When your brother met Miss Elizabeth for the first time, he was vocal with his displeasure. He would not even dance with her.

Mr. Darcy has been very vocal about his ultimate disgust of the Bennet family. Mrs Bennet is a vulgar and uncouth woman. The youngest Bennet girls are flirtatious with every man they meet, I am sure one of them would elope soon."

Georgiana felt as if she has been slapped across her face. She felt giddy and wanted to sit down.

"Yes, Miss Darcy. I am your friend. I need to warn you to keep away from Miss Elizabeth. I do not want Mr. Darcy to be angry with you. As I know of his disregard for the Bennet's I am warning you." Miss Bingley said this with a stern look.

"Miss Bingley, I think I have a headache, please excuse me," Georgiana said and rushed into her room. She closed the door and started weeping.

She was angry with herself for not defending Elizabeth, but she was even more humiliated when Miss Bingley spoke about elopement.

All the painful memories which had been wiped away from her mind, haunted her now. She could not control her tears.

I am the most unworthy woman ever. What would Miss Bingley say about me if she knows about Wickham? What a disgrace I am to William.

She cried herself to sleep.

On the other end of the house, Miss Bingley looked at herself in the mirror.

Miss Darcy looked scared. I am sure she will think twice before talking to that chit again. What a filthy creature. She keeps wearing the same gowns. Does she think she is my equal? She is not even fit to be in the same room with me. I will make her kneel down before me soon.

Miss Bingley slept peacefully that night. Never in her dreams did she realize that soon, she would be kneeling down in a very uncomfortable position, and her plans of separating Georgiana and Elizabeth would never succeed. Never.