Hi everyone!
Thank you for still being here and reading this story.
Special mention to the following reviewers:
JohnnyFlynnFan, Happy Lizzy, Lisa, liysyl, ChrisM0519, Maria Teresa C, Margie, Guest, Another Lizzie, RHALiz, Gedoena, Jansfamily4, Guest, Deanna27, Levenez, MrsSP9, MK543, woirhgwuehi, Motherof8, dreamiedreamer
Kindly check if you have read the other 3 chapters posted this past week or so before proceeding.
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There was such a succession of rain in the next few days which led to the residents of Longbourn and Netherfield to be confined indoors. The roads were muddy and not suitable for passage by walking or riding. This meant that Elizabeth was stuck in the house and could not engage in her daily exercise. The Bennet girls utilised this time to help with Lydia's improvement and education, including reading, playing the pianoforte, mending and trimming bonnets, singing, dancing, and drawing. Not once was a complaint heard from the youngest daughter, who listened and adhered to their guidance most attentively.
"You do miss Mr Darcy, Lizzy, do you not? But do not fret, for he is sure to call on you as soon as the skies clear," Jane said when she observed Elizabeth absently staring out the window one time.
Elizabeth just gave her sister a tight smile, admitting to herself that she did think about Mr Darcy a great deal recently. The pair of them had overcome some difficulties and misunderstandings but she remained unsure about whether the gentleman held her in any esteem or, as she hoped, some degree of affection. In her mind, she worried he may consider her family as too troublesome and not worth getting entangled with more than was necessary.
Despite missing Miss Bennet's smiles and gentle manners, Mr Bingley, as amiable as he was, fared much better than his friend Mr Darcy, who had not yet solicited Elizabeth for a courtship. Mr Darcy tried to absorb himself in books, though there was not a great variety in the library collection. He often found his mind drifting to thoughts of a certain dark-haired young lady. Time and again he paced or stood by the window looking in the direction of Longbourn, wondering what Elizabeth could be doing.
"How many pages have you read from that book these last few days, Darce? From where I sit, it appears that you are still in the early chapters," Richard teased. "I swear I have seen you hold the book upside down a few times as well. Have you acquired that as a new pastime or talent?"
Darcy levelled a scowl at him, irritated with his cousin's good humour while he was in an unsettled mood.
"You worry too much, cousin. Have more faith. I think that should you finally dare to ask Miss Elizabeth for a courtship, you will not be disappointed."
"I do not want her to accept my suit out of gratitude, Richard," Darcy replied in a quiet voice.
"She is warming up to you, Darce. I saw the way she looked at you that last time in the gardens. And she even touched your hands. A woman whose heart is untouched would not behave in that manner. She is growing to care for you," Richard reassured him.
"I pray that you are right," Darcy answered.
"Trust me. I am always right," the colonel said confidently.
When Darcy did not give a verbal response, Richard added,
"I should think that Georgiana should be near London by now, provided the weather is better during her travels."
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A day later, Georgiana arrived in London and was warmly received by her aunt Eleanor, the countess of Matlock.
"Oh, Georgiana, we have dearly missed you! You are looking very well! I hope you had a good and safe journey," greeted her aunt.
"I missed you all too, aunt. It was fortunate that we had mostly sunny weather during the course of the trip. Thank you for welcoming me into your home," replied Georgiana.
"I am always happy to receive you here. Now, you should get refreshed. You have come a long way. Your room is ready. I shall see you later when you have rested. We have much to discuss," the countess said.
"Oh? I pray everyone is in good health. I hope there is nothing I should be worried about," Georgiana sounded concerned.
"Pray do not be distressed. It is mostly good news," her aunt reassured.
The young lady did not spend a long time in her room as she was eager to learn about what her aunt intended to discuss with her.
What good news? What could it possibly be about?
Is cousin Richard getting married?
Will I be involved with the wedding preparations?
Oh, I cannot wait to know.
"Georgiana! You need not come down in such haste. I expected you would be resting until it is time to dress for dinner," said her aunt.
"I am not too exhausted now, aunt. I just wanted to find out about your news," admitted Georgiana.
"I shall tell you shortly. Let me call for some tea first," the older lady said.
After their refreshments arrived, the countess dismissed the servants so their discussion would not be overheard.
"Does your news involve a wedding, aunt?" the young Darcy speculated.
"Do you already know then?" her aunt asked in surprise.
"I do not know anything, aunt. That was only a guess. Am I correct?" Georgiana sounded hopeful.
"It may involve a wedding. Nothing is settled yet," the countess started to explain.
"Oh! Cousin Richard must be courting someone! Who is it, aunt? Is she someone I know?" the young lady became excited.
"No, it does not involve your cousin. It concerns your brother," her aunt finally revealed.
"Fitzwilliam? He is courting someone? Please tell me everything you know," Georgiana begged.
"Well, from Richard's last letter, your brother has not asked the lady for a courtship yet. It seems he is not so skilled in this department," aunt Eleanor continued.
"Who is he planning to court? And why has he not asked the lady yet? Surely, no woman in the whole of England would refuse his suit. He is the best brother one could have," Georgiana replied.
"I appreciate you adore your brother, Georgiana. But this lady, a Miss Elizabeth Bennet from Hertfordshire, does not seem too impressed with Fitzwilliam," the countess said, not disclosing the part about Darcy being discouraged by the lady to make an offer previously, based on his own story.
"Miss Elizabeth Bennet! He mentioned her name several times in his letters to me. He wrote that she could sing and play the piano quite well, often preferred reading and walking over playing cards, and could hold her own in the discussion of various subjects. Thinking about it now, it did sound from his correspondence that he admires her. But why would she not welcome his suit? Fitzwilliam is a most eligible gentleman," the young lady wondered.
"It seems the lady is not easily affected by a man's wealth or station. Richard, who is also currently in Hertfordshire, reported to me that your brother could do with some assistance in this respect," the countess said.
"Why is cousin Richard in Hertfordshire? I know my brother is there to help his friend Mr Bingley with his newly leased estate. What is cousin Richard's business there?" asked Georgiana.
"I think I ought to tell you what happened there. It is better that you get the information from us rather than from gossip. But be prepared, as you may feel upset about this development. It concerns your brother's childhood friend," her aunt spoke carefully. After Georgiana nodded, the countess continued, "The man was an officer in the militia stationed at Meryton. He recklessly indulged in his usual bad habits and he has now been arrested. Your brother and cousin helped in this endeavour. I suspect that by now, the man has been transported away from that village. He would never be able to cause any more harm, Georgiana. Society is now safe from his evil ways."
The wise and kind countess observed Georgiana's reaction and waited for her to say something. After a while, the young lady released a deep sigh, gave a small smile and said,
"Thank you for the information, aunt. I am greatly relieved to hear about this news. Please do not worry about me. I have largely recovered from last summer's… experience, and I am determined to put all that behind me. It is time to move forward and not live in the past."
"I am so proud of you, Georgiana. You must always remember that. You have a beautiful, caring soul. One day soon, I hope you will have another female figure in your life who can guide and nurture you," said the countess in a soothing voice.
"Well, we need to help Fitzwilliam win the hand of this Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Will you go with me to Hertfordshire, aunt?"
"I shall talk to your uncle about that. I am sure he can be convinced for your and your brother's future happiness. I myself am very curious to meet your brother's choice. When do you wish to go?" aunt Eleanor asked.
"Tomorrow, if possible."
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I have to rethink about what happens next as my ever-changing outline is now unusable. Work will be starting soon so apologies in advance if I cannot update as often. I promise to try. I updated 4 times recently so hopefully the story has moved forward.
Caroline gone. Wickham gone. So I guess most of what is left is bringing ODC together. Of course, it will be HEA. But they need help, especially Darcy, so we are bringing in reinforcements.
Thank you for all the actors/actresses suggestions. Very interesting choices. I admit I do not know some of them and had to look them up on the internet. ;-)
Next question:
Which alternative pairings do you think would also work? Or do not like? Feel free to add new characters, like a long lost Bennet brother… or Caroline's lost twin who is an angel like Jane. LOL.
I know some do not mind E with Colonel F. But… the colonel is looking for a woman with money. I will always love ODC together, but I cannot claim no other pairing would work. But maybe not as good as ODC.
I think Jane with a stronger man would be nice. Maybe Jane with the Colonel…
The colonel could have a few options actually, as he is single in the story… some like him to end up with Charlotte or Mary. But again, the money issue. Maybe Anne who is not too sickly. Caroline? Poor colonel…
I am not a fan of Colonel F with Georgiana. To me, it feels awkward for him to be paired with his ward. Who can pair with Georgie?
Till next time. Hope you had a good Easter!
Stay safe, everyone.