Hi. I am back with a new chapter!
I was feeling down for a bit but I have picked myself up.
To the guest who called my short pieces "stupid", your comment will only make me a stronger person. I am human and bound to feel bad and sad at times but I will continue writing.
Now for the important people who deserve a huge THANK YOU:
roses0002, Mh, Eleoopy, ChrisM0519, PDS1, Kiwipride, lpinney, Lisa, Leslie E, Melken605, Deanna27, Guest, RHALiz, Shelby66, Levenez, tcdavis
Thank you for leaving a review. And thank you to all of you who have spent some of your precious time to read my stories.
Eleoopy: Thank you for your concern. As I wrote here before, I have every intention of completing any work I have started. I have experienced reading stories that have been left hanging for years and I know it can be very frustrating (not blaming the authors as real life can be a challenge).
Note: I will have close family call Darcy "Fitzwilliam" as that is his first name (or "Fitz" on occasion especially by the cheeky colonel). The colonel will be called "Richard" by family and "Colonel" by others. I have read stories which use the same – first name for close family -- so please allow me the liberty.
Stay safe, everyone!
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Mr Darcy was exhausted by the time he returned to Darcy House. It had been a long day and he knew that tomorrow would be a very busy and important day. He decided to retire soon after getting changed for bed so he could wake up early the following morning and have time to attend to several matters before commencing their journey to Hertfordshire.
Fletcher, the ever-efficient valet, had prepared everything his master required well ahead of time. The colonel was sitting comfortably in the carriage waiting for his cousin to board. Mr Darcy was leaving some final instructions with the housekeeper before they depart.
"Here you are, finally! You are so meticulous, Fitz! You should learn to trust your staff."
"You recall what happened with Mrs Younge."
"Ah, yes. That was most unfortunate. But your staff here has proven to be loyal to you for many years now."
"That is true and I pray they stay that way. I was just speaking with Mrs Clarke about Georgiana staying at Matlock House when she arrives in London."
"Mother loves Georgiana dearly. She wants her to be protected and have some company especially after what happened at Ramsgate."
"I know and I am really thankful to your family for caring so much for Georgiana. That was very thoughtful of Aunt Ellen to have my sister stay with her."
Darcy noticed that the box of sweet treats that he had intended for Miss Elizabeth had been opened. He then turned to Richard to see him reaching into the box and helping himself to some marzipan.
"Mmm. These are delectable, Fitz! I am glad you brought some candies for our trip."
Darcy quickly snatched the box and carefully closed it. He placed the box on his side, away from his cousin.
"I bought these for Elizabeth. I mean, Miss Bennet."
Smirking, Richard teased his cousin,
"And none for me, your favourite cousin? Well, at least I enjoyed a few pieces. You know, I do not think your Elizabeth will be won over by gifts."
"Miss Bennet," corrected Darcy.
"You will need to work hard to gain her favour. She does not seem the type to be easily impressed."
"Yes. I already know that," Darcy curtly replied.
"I can give you some suggestions--"
"No! I… I do not need your help."
The colonel raised his eyebrows and inwardly thought that it would be amusing to watch his awkward cousin woo a lady. All his life, Darcy had always been hunted by matchmaking mamas and their daughters. He would not have a clue how to act now that he was the one doing the chasing.
Darcy steered the conversation to their common enemy, Wickham. The two men discussed their plans then Darcy pretended to want to take a nap. He had his eyes closed for a few minutes, hoping his cousin would not resume his interrogation about him and Elizabeth.
"I know you are awake, Fitz."
This is going to be a long journey...
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Elizabeth woke up early that morning. She was mostly recovered and now only needed time to regain her former strength. Her fever was completely gone and her wound had been healing well. It had been her habit to take early morning walks in the past but she decided that she would wait until Mr Darcy arrived in the hope that they can take a stroll in the gardens together. She did not want to tire herself early in the day in order that she would have enough energy when Mr Darcy called.
Jane had kindly helped her dress and style her hair. Her sister suggested that she weave one of the wildflowers from Mr Darcy into her hair but she felt that might send the wrong signal. She acknowledged that she had more appreciation for Mr Darcy's character now but she was still unsure whether she could find herself loving the man. They had some things they needed to discuss first and she did not want to rush into developing any possible attachment so soon. Seeing Jane frowning at her decision not to use the flowers, she settled for taking the book he lent her downstairs and would continue reading it. She hoped that was a safer option that will show she valued his thoughtful gestures but not too forward as to actively encourage his suit.
Mr Darcy and the colonel arrived at Netherfield early that afternoon. As expected, Mr Bingley was already at Longbourn. The two men partook in some light refreshments and made themselves look presentable and ready to call at Longbourn.
Mr Darcy was first to come down and waited for his cousin. He was pacing nervously when his cousin appeared.
"At long last! Whatever took you so long?"
"Longbourn is only three miles away, Fitz. Why are you so impatient?"
"We need to talk to Mr Bennet and hopefully we will have time to see Colonel Forster today."
The colonel was aware that was one of the reasons his cousin was feeling anxious but he also sensed that he was quite eager to see Miss Bennet again. He would have to judge if this Miss Bennet was indeed worthy of his most eligible cousin. His parents would be anticipating to hear from him about what he thought about this young lady who had captured his cousin's heart. They had initially voiced their support for Darcy's decision but he also knew that their family would have reservations and even objections should the lady prove to be questionable.
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The two men arrived at Longbourn and the necessary introductions were made. The Bennet family admired the colonel's distinguished mien and his charming manners. Mrs Bennet was in awe after learning that he was the son of an earl. She was frantically trying to remember what she had planned for dinner and wondered if their offering would be sufficient for their illustrious guests.
The colonel made a quick study of the Bennet family members. Mrs Bennet was excitable and overzealous, but no worse than the matrons in the ton. Miss Bennet was gentle and classically beautiful, hence easily catching Bingley's eye. Miss Mary was diligently reading Fordyce's "Sermons to Young Women". She would most probably be the most suitable match for Mr Collins from amongst the Bennet daughters. Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia were young and understandably behaved childishly, definitely much sillier than Georgiana and a lot less refined in their deportment. As for Miss Elizabeth, there was something enchanting about her and he wished to discover what attracted his cousin to this young lady.
Mrs Bennet encouraged them to enjoy the sunshine and take a walk in the gardens. The three younger daughters begged off while the others quite happily agreed to this suggestion. Mr Bingley naturally offered his arm to Miss Bennet and they led the group of walkers. The colonel gallantly offered his arm to Miss Elizabeth, much to the annoyance of Mr Darcy who cautiously walked beside them. On one hand, he genuinely wanted to know more about Miss Elizabeth but on the other hand, he also wanted to elicit a reaction from his staid cousin. They walked slowly, with the colonel and Mr Darcy both fully cognizant of the fact that Miss Elizabeth had just recently recovered from her illness.
After some time, the colonel took pity on his cousin. He proposed that Miss Elizabeth rest on the nearby bench and motioned for his now scowling relation to keep the lady company while he examined the prettyish kind of wilderness further down the garden. From his brief encounter with the lady, his impression was that Miss Elizabeth was quick-witted and an engaging conversationalist. Although she might not be the most accomplished in the usual sense, there was something in her air, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions that sustained one's attention and interest. Thus far, he had found nothing objectionable.
Mr Darcy was becoming frustrated with their walking arrangement. He had stalled for but a moment, waiting for Miss Elizabeth to look in his direction, when his cousin stole the opportunity from him. He was almost certain that Richard did that on purpose to taunt him. They were the closest of cousins but Richard always had a competitive side. Fortunately, he realised that Richard was only being playful and would not do anything to hurt him.
Once he and Miss Elizabeth had seated themselves on the bench, Darcy found himself at a loss at to what to say. Miss Elizabeth peered at him expectantly and noticed that he was tapping his fingers on his knees. After hearing her sigh, Darcy suddenly blurted,
"Miss Bennet, I am glad to know that you are now recovered. But you look rather pale."
Elizabeth was surprised to hear this remark but tried not to take offence. Mr Darcy saw her reaction and closed his eyes, mentally berating himself for his less than complimentary opening line.
"What I meant to say was that you look quite well. At least for someone who had been ill…" Here he stopped himself before he said something worse.
Elizabeth observed his pained expression and gathered that he had not truly intended to sound critical. After all their misunderstandings and her previous misjudgment of his character, she was careful not to arrive at conclusions hastily.
"Mr Darcy, I am indeed getting better by the day. I hope to be able to regain my strength soon as I am very fond of walking."
"Yes! Yes, I know."
"I must also thank you for the beautiful flowers. And for lending me the book. It was very thoughtful of you."
Mr Darcy was pleased to note that she had a faint blush on her cheeks when she said this. He nodded and gave her a shy smile. Elizabeth could not recall a time when she saw him smile and thought to herself that he was even more handsome when he smiled. She, of course, dared not make her musings known to the man.
Not knowing what to say next, Mr Darcy fell into his customary business-like mode.
"I went to London to collect some documents. I am concerned about Mr Wickham's presence in the area and wanted to report his past misconduct to his superiors."
Elizabeth looked alarmed at this declaration and Mr Darcy worried that perhaps she still believed Wickham over himself.
"Did you read the letter?" he quietly asked.
"Yes, I did."
Elizabeth's eyes welled up with tears and Mr Darcy had no idea what to do. He wished to comfort her and wrap his arms around her but he knew he could not. He took his handkerchief out from his pocket and offered this to her. Elizabeth gratefully accepted his handkerchief and dabbed her eyes with it.
"I am so sorry, Mr Darcy. I should not have believed his stories. I had been wrong about you. To think how your sister suffered…"
Mr Darcy was relieved to learn that Elizabeth now discovered the truth about Wickham, and that she now thought better of him.
"Please do not blame yourself for trusting him, Miss Elizabeth. Mr Wickham is most experienced and skilled at deceiving people. The colonel and I will see to it that he is made to account for his misdeeds, Miss Elizabeth. I have brought this matter up with your father before I left for London and I promised to return with the necessary evidence."
Soon after, the colonel reappeared and he noted that Miss Elizabeth's eyes were red-rimmed.
I leave my cousin for a while to provide him a chance to be alone with his lady and he makes her cry. He is hopeless.
The party then made ready to return to the house with the gentlemen intending to seek an audience with Mr Bennet in his study immediately to discuss the pressing issue that was Mr Wickham.
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Yes! Darcy and the colonel are now in Hertfordshire!
Darcy and Elizabeth are now reunited. Awkwardly.
All will be well soon…
Or will it?