Chapter 15- Start of the adventure

The Netherfield residents woke to a beautiful day.

They broke their fast, and the women went to get ready for the picnic. The men were to ride to the lake after their shooting plans. Elizabeth asked Jane whether she felt comfortable for the journey. Jane replied that she was perfectly fine. Both the sisters noticed that Mrs Hurst looked tired during breakfast.

Elizabeth enquired if she was alright.

"Miss Elizabeth Louisa is fine," Caroline replied curtly, even before Mrs Hurst could answer.

Mrs Hurst looked down. She was not excited about the picnic.

Once Elizabeth was ready, she came downstairs and she saw Darcy waiting for them.

He smiled. He saw her descend the stairs. Her chocolate curls were glowing in the rays of the morning light. She wore a lilac gown. It suited her very well. Darcy could not take his eyes off her. He had waited at the bottom of the stairs to walk them to his carriage. He did not expect to see Elizabeth alone. She bewitched him.

Elizabeth did not expect to see Darcy alone either. They had not been alone in each other's company since the night in the library. He looks so handsome when he smiles. I wish he can join us soon at the lake today.

"Why am I not surprised at seeing you waiting Mr Darcy? I understand that you are not accustomed to waiting for five women to get ready for a picnic." She raised an eyebrow with a smirk.

"You are right, I am not. You are down early; you can exclude yourself from the list. I am sure it is the same case in Longbourn." Elizabeth laughed.

"Yes, we have tested our father's patience for a long time now. Trust me Mr Darcy, you would not want to be the only man under the roof with six women."

"I do not think it would be such a trying task, if one of them is you."

Elizabeth could not mouth a reply. She was stunned.

Darcy did not take his eyes off her. Elizabeth! Please understand my feelings.

He wished his eyes would communicate his feelings. Elizabeth felt drawn to him like never before. She saw the look of adoration in his eyes.

They stood gazing at each other till they heard the noise of a door slamming upstairs.

Darcy cleared his throat.

"Miss Elizabeth, I hope Georgiana has spoken to you. I would also like to invite you to Pemberley. I would be very happy if you can join us there for Christmas. I plan to extend the invite to your father and the rest of the family as well."

Elizabeth did not expect such an invitation from Darcy. So, he is serious. He is inviting me to Pemberley.

"I thank you Mr Darcy. I will have to discuss with my father. It is very kind of you to invite us, sir."

"Pemberley is more beautiful in spring. But Georgiana does not want to wait that long to have you there."

"She has told me much about its beauty."

"You will love the streams and the woods."

"I would love to see them."

"Are you excited about the picnic today? Georgiana has not been this excited in years."

"Yes, I am. The lake is beautiful at this time of the year. Hopefully, you all can join us soon."

Before Darcy could reply, Richard joined them, followed by Georgiana and Jane.

Mrs Hurst came down along with her husband.

Miss Bingley arrived last and she wanted to make it a spectacle.

She walked slowly down the stairs, hoping Darcy would be in awe at her beauty and appearance. She saw him stare at her. He should be spellbound. I am glad I wore this dress, my figure should be extremely appealing.

Miss Bingley was not even close to gauging Darcy's thoughts.

He was looking at her with utmost disbelief. She is dressed for a ball. He thought.

He looked away quickly. Richard found it amusing too.

He whispered, "Here comes your Christmas tree." Darcy coughed to control his mirth.

The party moved towards the carriages. They had arranged for two carriages as Mrs Hurst wanted to lie down during the journey.

Mr Hurst was still worried about her.

Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst got into the first carriage and the rest of the ladies hesitated to join their company. Elizabeth offered to go along with them.

Georgiana was disappointed. She knew that neither Georgiana nor Jane had the will to endure Miss Bingley during the journey.

Georgiana expressed her disappointment, but she realised that it would be rude to leave the Bingley sisters alone. Elizabeth assured her that while coming back they could go on the same carriage.

Darcy handed Elizabeth in. He somehow did not feel like letting go of her hand. Elizabeth looked at him and smiled.

"Hope to see you soon Mr Darcy. I will take care of Georgiana. Do not worry."

"I am sure you will. I hope I do not find you both climbing trees when I come there."

Elizabeth laughed and got inside.

Darcy felt something odd when he let her go. Good God! I will see her in a few hours. Why do I feel as though she is going so far away from me?

The men gave instructions to the footmen. Darcy spoke to Georgiana and assured her that he would be there as soon as possible.

He looked at the carriage in front of him. He suddenly felt worried.

"Darcy, what is wrong?" Richard asked.

"I do not know Richard. I just feel uncomfortable about something."

"Are you worried about Georgiana?"

"No! It is not that. I have a feeling that something is wrong. I cannot fathom why."

"Darcy the lake is close by and Hertfordshire does not have highwaymen. Just calm down."

Darcy kept looking at the carriage in front of him. He made up his mind.

"Richard, I am going."

"What?"

Darcy watched Richard's puzzled face, as he got into the carriage and sat next to Georgiana.

"Richard, tell Sir Lucas I am sorry for not attending the shoot today. He will understand. Join us once you all are finished with your plans."

Richard looked perplexed and smiled. The things they do in love.

Georgiana was elated to see her brother join them on their journey. Jane smiled as well. She was beginning to think that Darcy had feelings towards Elizabeth.

Both the carriages started. Darcy was happy. He had somehow felt anxious about the picnic. He was now peaceful that he was going along.

Elizabeth, you would be surprised to see me when we reach the lake. I would give anything to see that look of surprise on your beautiful face.

Darcy never realised that the expression he was about to see on Elizabeth's face later, was one he had never seen before, fear.

Never.