Chapter 14

The moment that Elizabeth dreaded came at the hurried speed these sorts of things tend to come. She dressed carefully for dinner, wearing a rose-pink dress with a delicate flower pattern. She accentuated her waist with a cream-colored lace ribbon. Overall, Elizabeth was pleased with her appearance with her unruly hair tamed into an updo. She did not even need to pinch her cheeks pink, as her nerves made her quite warm and flushed her face. She hoped it made her look well and not sick.

She was ready well before Jane, since their mother insisted Jane take a substantial amount of time to perfect her look to impress Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth waited in the parlor, with Mary, who was more interested in her book than in speaking with Elizabeth. Kitty and Lydia came into the parlor giggling to themselves.

"Lizzy! You look lovely," Kitty said, dropping down onto the sofa in a most unladylike manner.

"Thank you, Kitty," Elizabeth said, smoothing out the wrinkles of her dress absentmindedly.

"Are you trying to look more tolerable tonight, Lizzy?" Lydia giggled. The Bennets, spurred on by Elizabeth, had made a great family joke out of Darcy's comment from the assembly. Elizabeth no longer found any humor in it.

"That's enough, Lydia. I hope I do not need to remind all of you," Elizabeth looked pointedly at each sister in the room, "How important it is for Jane that we are all on our best behavior," Elizabeth's admonishment was cut short as Jane and Mr. and Mrs. Bennet entered the room. Mrs. Bennet was still fussing over Jane, trying to pinch her cheeks into a rosy shade, and Mr. Bennet had clearly been chastened into awaiting their guests in the parlor instead of hiding in his library.

Elizabeth was too nervous to attend to any of the conversations around her, and soon enough Mrs. Hill announced the Netherfield party before they entered the room, "Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, and Miss Darcy, ma'am."

Bingley's smiled brightly as he entered the room, his eyes immediately finding Jane's before bowing in greeting. Elizabeth's courage had not found her yet, so her eyes remained on the floor when she curtsied in honor of their guests.

"Mr. Bennet. Mrs. Bennet. Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, Miss Mary, Miss Catherine, and Miss Lydia, please allow me to introduce you to my guest. Darcy you know, and this is his sister Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley and Derbyshire."

Elizabeth glanced up to smile warmly at Georgiana, who smiled nervously in return to the Bennets. Her eyes traveled from Georgiana to Mr. Darcy, who was staring at Elizabeth intently. He did not smile, and judging by his slightly parted lips, was surprised to see her. He recovered quickly after he met her gaze, drawing his eyes away rather pointedly, closing his lips firmly together, and motioning for his sister to sit in an open chair.

"Oh Miss Darcy, welcome to Longbourn. Any friend of Mr. Bingley is a friend of ours. I wish Mr. Darcy had called on us this week so we may have met you sooner. Mr. Darcy, you must have been very busy to have forgotten to visit Longbourn, but I heard you have not called on anyone in the neighborhood which I daresay is unusual even for you, Mr. Darcy, though I am sure you have your reasons, and I must say we have not wanted for a pleasant time with Mr. Bingley's company," Mrs. Bennet cried.

"Mama," Elizabeth said tightly, widening her eyes pointedly at her mother. Her admonishment of Darcy was too much for Elizabeth. Mrs. Bennet was quickly moving on to another topic and ignored Elizabeth.

"You know, Miss Darcy, I have been asking Mr. Bingley to sit down for a family dinner since he visited last autumn. Everyone in the neighborhood agrees there is no finer table in the county, although some may find it simple for their tastes, and we cannot compete with the cooks at Pemberley, but I am sure you will find it to your liking, as we will have three courses…" Mrs. Bennet was speaking rapidly in a kind voice to Georgiana. Georgiana appeared relieved to not be able to fit any responses in as Mrs. Bennet prattled on, and she nodded politely where appropriate after recovering from the surprise of hearing her brother so reprimanded.

Elizabeth interrupted her mother's effusions again by drawing Georgiana into a conversation about her stay and whether Netherfield was to her liking. Georgiana replied nervously to her question and seemed reticent in speaking with Elizabeth, but soon Elizabeth's easy manners put her at ease. Elizabeth asked if the pianoforte and music selection at Netherfield was to her liking, and Georgiana had much to say on a piece she was currently practicing.

Georgiana's eyes would move to her brother frequently. Elizabeth noted the concern on Georgiana's face, and she cautiously looked towards Darcy. He had positioned himself near a window and was looking intently at something outside. Elizabeth tried to hide her disappointment. He had barely looked at her since entering, and he did not seem at all incline to engage in conversation with her, despite having the perfect excuse to approach her while she spoke with Georgiana.

Elizabeth felt Georgiana watching her closely.

"Miss Elizabeth, I must confess, I am very pleased to finally make your acquaintance," Georgiana said, dropping her voice.

Elizabeth smiled at her. "And I yours. Your brother speaks very highly of you."

"He used to speak of you often. When he wrote to me last autumn, he often mentioned you," Georgiana said quietly and with a shy smile. Elizabeth took note at Georgiana's use of the past tense and looked down at her hands, before finding her strength for a witty retort.

"Surely only to remark on the impertinence of my behavior towards him. I am afraid I never passed by an opportunity to be disagreeable.

"Oh, no!" Georgiana said hurriedly. "Of course not, I did not mean to imply that he wrote critically of you…" Elizabeth let out a small laugh that cut Georgiana off. Elizabeth did not notice that at the sound of her laugh, Mr. Darcy turned away from the window to look at her.

"I am sorry, Miss Darcy, you are not familiar with my sense of humor. I am only teasing. I am sure his letters were a faithful recounting of his time in Hertfordshire."

"Yes," Georgiana seemed unsure of how to proceed, but she was also afraid she would not have another opportunity to speak to Miss Elizabeth. The other occupants of the room seemed engrossed in their own conversations or, in the case of Mr. Bennet and Mary, their books.

"Miss Elizabeth, if you would allow me to speak freely for a moment," Georgiana said. Elizabeth hesitated, but then assented that she may.

"My brother does not speak of me about his troubles, but I know something is amiss. I was surprised when he wanted to return to Hertfordshire. He has been acting so very strange since he returned from Kent and then most recently London. I hope that whatever argument you may have had…well, Mr. Bingley and I have discussed it, and we just both hope that whatever misunderstanding there is between you and my brother, that hopefully things can be put to right. Since my brother agreed to come to dinner, I hope we may all have a pleasant evening and perhaps the two of you could be friends again," Georgiana stumbled over her words as she tried to convey her concern without thoroughly meddling in her brother's business.

Elizabeth searched Georgiana's eyes to try to puzzle out what Georgiana did or did not know. Elizabeth decided that Georgiana was simply a concerned sister, who saw her brother in distress and was using every bit of her courage to speak to the one person who may be able to relieve it.

"I assure you, Miss Darcy, that I bear no ill will to your brother. Quite the contrary. I wish only for his happiness," she said, trying to reassure Georgiana with the truth of her feelings. "I fear things have become rather difficult between us in ways I hardly understand myself, but whatever I can do to reduce his distress, I will. And I am so pleased to finally meet you; I hope we be friends as well."

Georgiana smiled at her sadly.

"You are very kind, Miss Elizabeth."

"Miss Darcy, I already like you a great deal, so there is no need to attempt to inflate my opinion of you further through flattery," Elizabeth said smilingly. Georgiana recognized this as a tease and smiled back. Elizabeth knew Mr. Darcy was still watching them intently, and she was determined not to allow it to bother her. She remembered how during his first visit to Hertfordshire, his always looked at her severely. Where was the man who walked with her almost daily? Where was the amiability she was beginning to grow accustomed to? Without daring to look at him, she could not even gauge his reaction to the loudness of Kitty and Lydia, who were now loudly gossiping with their mother.

Fortunately, they were interrupted by Mrs. Hill, who informed Mrs. Bennet that dinner was ready. There was little ceremony to enter the dining room for a small family dinner, and Elizabeth had sat down before she realized that Mr. Darcy was the last person into the room and the only empty seat, at Mrs. Bennet's righthand, was right next to her. Georgiana had taken a position of honor to Mr. Bennet's right, and Elizabeth was pleased to see Mary sit next to her. Mary would be a much more suitable dinner conversationalist than the exuberant Lydia or Kitty, who were across from Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Mr. Bingley sat in between Elizabeth and Jane, who was at Mr. Bennet's immediate left.

Mrs. Bennet made some comments to try to draw out a compliment or two from Mr. Darcy, who obliged her with an observation on the fineness of the dining room and how the table was set. Elizabeth heard the frost in his tone, though it went unremarked upon by Mrs. Bennet. Once she was satisfied with Mr. Darcy's praise, Mrs. Bennet turned her attention to Lydia for conversation, leaving Mr. Darcy to enjoy his meal in silence. Elizabeth thought he may do just that, until he finally spoke.

"I was surprised to see you here, Miss Elizabeth," he said, careful to not be overheard. Elizabeth turned her head to him, concerned. She marveled for a minute at how he truly had not the faintest clue she was a Bennet sister. She took a bite of her food to have a reason not to respond immediately. Darcy was not dissuaded.

"Bingley has called on Miss Bennet frequently, and I did not realize she was the elder sister you spoke of. Why did you not mention it?"

"Yes," Elizabeth finally responded, ignoring his question. She took a sip of her wine. "I am pleased to see Mr. Bingley renew his acquaintance with my sister. Jane enjoys Mr. Bingley's company very much," she said.

"Does she?" Mr. Darcy was taking great pains to remain concentrated on the food in front of him, but he had a faraway look in his eye, and he did not seem at all interested in speaking about Jane and Bingley, although he did take a moment to glance in their direction just as Jane was laughing lightly at something humorous Mr. Bingley had said. Mr. Bingley looked delighted to elicit such response, as he continued with the story he was regaling that end of the table with. Elizabeth struggled to think of something to change the subject. She glanced down the table to Georgiana, who was holding up quite well speaking about music to Mary, with an occasional observation from Mr. Bennet. Finally thinking of something to say, she asked Mr. Darcy about a book he had mentioned once during their walks, but his response was so curt that she stopped trying to speak to him altogether.

To Elizabeth's horror, Lydia and Kitty's volume increased with every glass of wine that they were allowed, and Mr. Darcy would only lift his eyes from him meal to glance annoyingly at them and then down to Georgiana, as if to make sure the Bennet sisters were not offending her sensibilities. Georgiana gave him a sympathetic smile but seemed content enough with her dinner companions.

Elizabeth grew annoyed as she watched his critical eye occasionally skim the table before looking lost in thought. Surely, he was thinking of all the ways her family was vulgar and unsophisticated. At the thought, Elizabeth put the glass of wine she was holding down rather forcefully. If Mr. Darcy had come to be sullen, judgmental, and indifferent, then he should have not come at all. No sooner had the thought struck her did she realize that perhaps he was feeling uncomfortable. She wondered if he was beginning to remember their time together. Nervously, she glanced at him.

Mr. Darcy took this glance as an invitation. "Miss Elizabeth, were you in Hertfordshire last autumn?" he asked. Elizabeth was not prepared for such a direct inquiry.

"I am often in London visiting my aunt and uncle," she looked away in her attempt to avoid the question without being entirely deceitful and tried to seem occupied with stabbing a fork forcefully into a potato on her plate.

"That is not an answer," Mr. Darcy replied. He put his knife down, and it clanged loudly against his plate. Elizabeth felt the eyes of the table turn in their direction.

"Pardon me," he said stiffly. The family returned to their own conversations, and Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth returned to their tense silence.

"Why did we not become acquainted until this visit?" he asked her, as if there had been no lapse in their conversation. Before she could reply, the next course arrived, and she turned to force Mr. Bingley to allow her into his conversation. She would apologize to Jane later. Elizabeth avoided Mr. Darcy's thoughtful eyes during the rest of the meal.

After dinner, the party retreated to the parlor to enjoy coffee, tea, conversation, and cards if Lydia was able to convince enough people to play. Elizabeth sat near Georgiana and Jane, and they began a pleasant conversation. Elizabeth engaged animatedly in the conversation to avoid Mr. Darcy speaking to her. He hovered near them, his eyes rarely leaving Elizabeth.

Lydia and Kitty were giggling conspiratorially in the corner, and soon the object of their mischief became clear when Lydia yelled, rather rudely, across the room.

"Mr. Bingley, the neighborhood still speaks of the ball you hosted at Netherfield. It was such delightful fun, I do hope you consider having another one during your stay."

"Do host another ball, Mr. Bingley!" Kitty added.

"Lydia, Kitty." Elizabeth warned, "You cannot ask Mr. Bingley for a ball every time he is in town. Pay them no mind, Mr. Bingley."

"I must agree with Miss Lydia on one count, Miss Elizabeth. I have never had a more pleasant evening in my life," Mr. Bingley said amiably. Elizabeth wanted to shake her head at him, or nudge his foot, but he was too far away. She sensed Darcy stiffen to her right as the conversation continued.

"Such a wonderful evening! Such fine company! I am sure you and Miss Bingley spared no expense. Netherfield was truly at all its glory. It would be very fine for you to settle in the country, Mr. Bingley," Mrs. Bennet exclaimed.

"I found the ball rather dull," Mary interjected, and no one paid her any attention except Georgiana, who gave her a sympathetic look. Georgiana was seated directly next to Mrs. Bennet, who despite having her fair share of daughters, enjoyed the opportunity to mother another one.

"Oh, and all the officers—" Kitty began. Elizabeth should have known. People who have little in common except one shared experience always delight in reminiscing together. She should not be surprised that Mr. Bingley's last visit was now a topic of conversation. She had been thoroughly embarrassed at the ball so was not inclined to speak of it on that account, but the first reason for her panic was because of the distress the conversation was causing Mr. Darcy. Out of the corner of her eye, he could see him looking at her in confusion. The space between his eyebrows had a charming wrinkle. It was time to intervene.

"Perhaps we should have some music! Mary, perhaps you may indulge us with—" Elizabeth began but Mary did not need even a complete invitation before she was at the piano ready to, in her mind, impress the room with her immense talent. Elizabeth had hoped Mary would choose a loud tune that would make continued conversation between more than two closely sat people difficult, and Mary did not disappoint. The piece was a loud but far too grave for evening entertainment.

This distraction served its purpose in stifling the conversation, and Elizabeth encouraged Mary to play another song. Unfortunately, this time Mary's tune was a little lighter. Some conversation resumed around the room. Elizabeth rose to obtain more tea. As she busied herself with preparing her tea, she heard Mrs. Bennet addressing Georgiana.

"Yes, the officers made for fine partners. Miss Darcy, you would have enjoyed it thoroughly. There were many fine gentlemen, and none of my girls wanted for partners. Well except Mary, but she never dances. Mr. Bingley danced with Jane two sets. He opened the ball with her, as was only right! Of course, Mr. Darcy even singled my Lizzy out for a dance, and as you know he detests the very idea of dancing. But no one could resist the temptation at such a ball, and even my Lizzy looked well, although she was nothing next to my dear Jane…" Mrs. Bennet kept speaking, but Elizabeth was too distracted to listen. Her cup rattled against the saucer.

She looked askance to Mr. Darcy, who to her horror, was now paying close attention to Mrs. Bennet's words unlike he ever had before. Why did that man choose to not drown her mother's voice out now? The more he listened; the less Elizabeth could read on his face. He was retreating behind the fortress of a neutral expression. Georgiana was riveted by Mrs. Bennet story; her brother had left for London the day after the ball and had written such a short missive, so she had never heard any of the details. Elizabeth turned to face Mr. Darcy directly. Their eyes met.

Mr. Darcy began rubbing his forehead as he grimaced.

"Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth asked, alarmed. She set down her tea and went to him while Georgiana excused herself from Mrs. Bennet to approach her brother.

"I am fine. It is just a sudden headache," he said, waving them both away.

"Perhaps we should leave," Georgiana offered.

"Yes," Mr. Darcy agreed. He looked at Elizabeth, his eyebrows furrowed and his gaze searching. Elizabeth said nothing, as what she needed to say could only be said in private.

Mr. Bingley was reluctantly rising and thanking Mrs. Bennet for a lovely evening. Hill was calling for their carriage. Mrs. Bennet began protesting them leaving so early, insisting Mr. Darcy was fine. Georgiana and Mr. Darcy bid everyone goodnight. Elizabeth's eyes never left Mr. Darcy, but he did not look at her.

Elizabeth followed them into the hall where they were gathering their things. Jane and Mr. Bingley were going to take a moment to say their good nights, and Mrs. Bennet was more than willing to allow them a little privacy in the hall. Elizabeth seized the opportunity to escort the Darcys out.

"Miss Elizabeth, it was very pleasant to meet you, and I do hope I can call on you," Georgiana said. Her brother was already outside, waiting in the cool evening air for Georgiana.

Elizabeth replied in kind and followed Georgiana outside. Darcy handed Georgiana into the carriage. He stood away from the door and near the back of the carriage to wait for Bingley, who was still speaking with Jane.

"Mr. Darcy. I can see you are distressed," Elizabeth began, unsure of how to broach the conversation, but wanting to offer some comfort to him before they parted. She wanted desperately to know what he remembered.

"There is no need for you to concern yourself with my present state, Miss Elizabeth," he replied so only she could hear. Stricken, Elizabeth stepped back from him. He realized how harsh his words had sounded, and he raised his arm as if to touch her before hastily allowing it fall limply at his side. He rubbed his fingers together, fidgeting.

"Many women have attempted to insinuate themselves with Georgiana to get to me, even going as far as to exaggerate or completely fabricate an intimacy between them and myself to encourage Georgiana's good will," Mr. Darcy began.

At the accusation that her mother was exaggerating their acquaintance, Elizabeth's resolution to honor his request was tested. She wanted to throw his ridiculous letter in his face, tell him he had in fact singled her out for a dance, which had annoyed her greatly at the time because he was the reason Mr. Wickham was not in attendance, and there he was now, in a most ungentlemanlike manner, accusing her mother of lying simply because he could not regulate his own impulsive feelings to prevent himself from doing something incredibly reckless like erasing his own memories. Insufferable man!

"Mr. Darcy!" she responded angrily, but he shook his head.

"Please, allow me to finish. I would never do any relation of yours the dishonor of believing they would act in such a manner." Darcy continued quickly. "But you must have an explanation for your mother's story, Miss Elizabeth. How can I have singled you out for a dance at Netherfield when you were not in Hertfordshire last autumn? When I have only known you less than a fortnight?" his voice was barely above a whisper, and Elizabeth heard the hint of panic within it. She studied his piercing blue eyes, puzzled, hoping she would somehow alleviate his present and ever increasing confusion and distress.

Elizabeth hesitated, and briefly considered allowing him to leave with the belief that her mother lied, to spare him the truth. How Elizabeth detested the way he and his situation unsettled her and made her question her every word. This charade was not sustainable. "I was in Hertfordshire last autumn," Elizabeth began. "We did-"

"Let us away, Darcy! Good night, Miss Elizabeth," Mr. Bingley said as he arrived to the carriage. Bingley's voice startled Darcy and Elizabeth. They had been leaning in far too closely to whisper to each other, and Bingley's sudden presence caused them to snap away from each other.

Mr. Bingley, completely unaware of the important conversation he interrupted, and looking very pleased indeed with whatever had been said between him and Jane, nearly jumped into the carriage. He settled himself across from Georgiana. Darcy looked helplessly from the carriage to Elizabeth, and then resigned himself to leaving. He bowed to her.

"Tomorrow. Meet me at Oakham Mount," Elizabeth whispered to Darcy as his head dipped. He looked up at her, struck, as if he wanted to say something, but then he entered the carriage without another word.

Author's Note: I am celebrating my birthday this weekend, and I am so pleased to be spending some of my time finalizing the last chapters of this story. It'll be all posted before the end of the month (keeping on a weekly update schedule)! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this one!