Hi all. Thank you for sticking with my story.
Special thanks to these lovely readers who left reviews:
ColleenS, RHALiz, Guest, Deanna27, A Hertfordshire Lady, MK543, Shelby66, ChrisM0519, Vesper1931, Pam, Guest, Levenez, tanseynz, Maria Teresa C, Jansfamily4, Guest, Rosalieemmamailie, PDS1, Guest
RHALiz: Sorry to frustrate you but do not worry. I am trying to wind this story down. I am not usually a great fan of rushed endings, where Darcy and Elizabeth just end up together so suddenly in a chapter or two. I prefer for ODC to have more time. I find it more satisfying. Maybe that is just me. By the way, based on my calculations, we are only on Day 12 in this story. Darcy has been in love with Lizzy for a while so he is way ahead of Lizzy in terms of developing feelings.
Guest Pam: Thank you for your honest review and your time. I do love hearing from readers, and I am very thankful that some people enjoy my work. But -- I would like to have a chance to respond to questions and comments, and I can't send DMs to guests. Regarding your review-- Sorry to disagree but no, I am not playing "victim", merely explaining my thoughts. I am not "begging" for reviews. I am sorry if I gave you this impression. I only hope that reviewers show a minimum level of civility. I accept that people may not always agree with me or like what I write and that is okay, but... being rude is a different matter. Thank you.
If you are so inclined, please read on…
/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/
Sunday morning arrived and the residents of both estates started preparing for church early.
"Lizzy! Thank goodness you are finally here! Where have you been? Look at your hems, six inches deep in mud! Quickly, you need to get dressed for morning service!" admonished Mrs Bennet with a dramatic flair.
"Mamma, I only took a short walk. Do not worry, I will be ready in a little while," Elizabeth replied.
"A little while? You have dirt all over your skirt. There is no time to have a bath now. Just wash your ankles. Hurry! Betsy, can you style Lizzy's hair when you are done helping Jane?" Mrs Bennet ordered. Elizabeth did not say any more so as not to compound her mother's anxiety. "Oh, what will Mr Darcy think when he sees you in such a state! You need a miracle to tame your hair," her mother continued.
When Elizabeth and Lydia returned from their shopping expedition yesterday, they had been told that they had missed Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley. Despite feeling disappointed, Elizabeth knew she could not blame Lydia for suggesting the trip into Meryton. They had little time left before Mary's wedding and they needed to finish making the wedding presents soon.
After some time, the Bennet sisters finally came downstairs, simply but carefully dressed. Mrs Bennet fussed over some small details all the way to church – the colour of their ribbons, their choice of bonnets, the paleness of their complexion and more.
"Mamma, we are going to church, not to a ball," Elizabeth whispered.
"Hush, child! You, especially, need to look your best. Mr Darcy will be there and he will surely be looking for you. Sometimes I wonder why he singles you out. I guess he places more value on intelligence and liveliness in a wife, rather than beauty and grace," Mrs Bennet said. Before Elizabeth could protest, they were at the entrance, and silence was expected.
"Oh, they are already here!" Mrs Bennet hissed, much to Elizabeth's horror. Her mother turned to her, pinched her cheeks and was about to adjust her neckline had she not swiftly turned away.
The Netherfield party was settled in their pews, waiting for the start of the service. Mr Bingley appeared delighted to see Jane, who smiled back shyly. Next to him were the Hursts who acknowledged them with a polite nod. Mr Darcy stared at Elizabeth intently which made her feel ill at ease. Colonel Fitzwilliam beamed at them, then gave the elegant lady next to him a meaningful look. The handsome young lady next to Mr Darcy gave his arm a squeeze.
Who are they? Is that Mr Darcy's cousin Anne? She is very beautiful. And that must be her mother Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
Throughout the service, Elizabeth felt uncomfortable. Although she dared not look again in Mr Darcy's direction, she could sense his penetrating gaze. A couple of times she took a peek at the young lady next to the gentleman and admired her natural charm and delicate features. She knew she had no right to feel jealous, but she could not help it.
They would make a handsome couple, though she looks a bit young. They would have such adorable children. She is exquisite, wealthy, well-connected. Oh, I have no hope!
On the other hand, Mr Darcy willed for Elizabeth to return his gaze. He had waited for days to see her again, but she seemed to be avoiding his eyes.
Why would you not look at me, Elizabeth? Have I done something to cause offence? I missed you. Did you not miss me?
Sighing, he thought to himself that he had no right to ask these questions. It was not as if they had any form of understanding. Perhaps being away from each other the past few days had not affected her at all.
Jane noticed Elizabeth's agitation and discreetly guided her out of the church as soon as the service ended. Some churchgoers stayed behind to greet their fellow villagers, including the rest of the Bennet family and the Netherfield residents. Mr Darcy introduced his aunt and sister, but wondered where Elizabeth and Jane had disappeared to.
"Oh, Lizzy! Lizzy, where are you? Jane?" Mrs Bennet scanned the interior of the chapel to no avail. They were in the presence of a countess and her two eldest daughters were nowhere in sight!
"Mamma, they could just be waiting by the entrance to get some fresh air. It was rather crowded inside during the service. I think the entire village attended the service today," Mary offered, to prevent her mother making another loud proclamation.
"Oh, yes! You may be correct. My Lizzy is very fond of the outdoors. She does not take well to being confined," Mrs Bennet explained as they started to walk out. "There you two are! I knew you would be outside. Did I not tell you, Mary?"
Mr Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam jovially greeted the two eldest Bennet sisters, while Mr Darcy merely bowed. Seeing that his cousin had seemingly lost his power of speech, the colonel initiated the introductions.
"Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, please allow me to introduce my mother, the Countess of Matlock," he started. Jane and Elizabeth dutifully performed a low curtsey, still unrecovered from the mild shock of being in the presence of a high-ranking lady. Georgiana nudged her brother with her elbow and gave him a pointed look.
"And this is my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy," Darcy presented his impatient sister.
Elizabeth felt relieved and embarrassed about her earlier thoughts when she mistakenly assumed Miss Darcy to be Miss de Bourgh. After the curtseys, Georgiana stepped forward and addressed her new acquaintance,
"I am glad to finally meet you, Miss Elizabeth. I have heard so much about you," she said excitedly.
"Not as glad as I am to meet you, Miss Darcy. News about your many accomplishments have reached us," Elizabeth shared.
"Brother, what have you told Miss Elizabeth?" Darcy simply smiled, content to see the two most important ladies in his life together.
"It was not only your brother who spoke well about you, Miss Darcy. Your friends Mr Bingley and Miss Bingley, and the good colonel here, have all sang your praises," Elizabeth replied.
"My brother, my cousin and Mr Bingley only have good words for you. I hope that we will become better acquainted," Georgiana said.
"We will be honoured to have you all join us for refreshments at Longbourn, unless you are all otherwise engaged," Mrs Bennet issued the invitation. The Netherfield party happily accepted, making Mrs Bennet proud to be able to host the countess and Miss Darcy.
Back at Longbourn, Mrs Bennet was busy ensuring that an excellent array of food was laid out for their distinguished guests. The visitors were suitably impressed with her generosity and appreciated her efforts. They kindly accounted her spirited manner of speaking to her wishing to make them feel welcome and to demonstrate her hospitality.
Georgiana relished the time she spent conversing with Elizabeth while partaking in the refreshments offered. Darcy occasionally contributed a few words but his heart was filled with warmth when observing how well the two ladies got along. For now, he could blissfully sit there and listen to them chatter, satisfied to know that his sister undoubtedly approved of Elizabeth.
Upon learning that the Bennet sisters had intended to employ their time with needlework that afternoon, Georgiana enthusiastically voiced her interest in the activity. Elizabeth was careful not to disclose that this was based on their schedule of activities to help educate Lydia, who had never truly developed the skill and resilience for threading in the past.
"Oh, I am sorry. I do not wish to intrude on your plans," she quickly stated, ashamed that she may have sounded like she was inviting herself to the session.
"You are most welcome to join us, Miss Darcy, that is, if your brother would agree," Elizabeth said.
"Of course. I am glad she has some female company. I think... it would probably be best if I take my leave and allow you to attend to your needlework. I do not wish to be a distraction," he reluctantly announced. Darcy wished to remain in Elizabeth's presence, even if he just watched her dainty hands and her lovely face while she concentrated on the task.
"A distraction, sir?" answered Elizabeth, with one eyebrow raised.
"I… I mean, I would not have much to do except watch you… I mean, watch while you… I… I do not want to be a bother…" he stammered his reply. "My cousin is currently playing chess with your father. Bingley is… happy to follow whatever Miss Bennet does… Hurst is still occupied with food…"
"And you, sir? What would you like to do?" Elizabeth dared to ask.
"I… I would like to stay… if you have no objections," he admitted.
"I have none, sir. However… you may not find the activity interesting… after all, embroidery is not such a… manly pursuit… you can always find a quiet corner to read..." Elizabeth replied, silently hoping he would not change his mind.
"Is that a challenge, Miss Elizabeth? Are you saying that I do not possess any talent in the craft?" Darcy posed the question.
Elizabeth stared at his hands and his large fingers, then flashed him a teasing smirk. "You are welcome to give it a try..."
"That settles it. I am not one to back down from a challenge, Miss Elizabeth," he declared confidently. It was not his natural inclination but if it allowed him the opportunity to spend more time with Elizabeth, he was not going to relinquish the chance. His sister wanted to clap her hands gleefully but managed to control herself.
The ladies gathered their materials and positioned themselves in the parlour. Georgiana moved to another seat by the windows, near Kitty and Lydia, claiming to need more light. The couple she left behind failed to notice her lame excuse.
A few days ago, Elizabeth had started copying designs from their patterns book so Lydia may use her work as a guide. She decided to use that sampler to introduce Mr Darcy to the craft. As the minutes passed, the gentleman found himself sitting closer to Elizabeth while he studied how she stitched a simple floral pattern onto the fabric. He listened intently as she explained then panicked when she passed the sampler to him.
"Come now, Mr Darcy. I have completed a flower. You can at least attempt to stitch a small leaf. Just imitate that one there," she encouraged him and pointed to the one she was referring to, their fingers inadvertently touching. It was not the only time that happened during their shared activity, and perhaps not all instances were accidental, which both of them did not mind. "Here, I will start it off and you can finish it."
Later on, Elizabeth embroidered the letter E from her initials. After she formed the left part of the letter B, she passed the framed cloth to the gentleman beside her. Darcy hesitantly accepted the sampler, fearing that he might ruin her fine handiwork with his clumsy fingers. His motions were slow and deliberate, but he found it hard to prevent his hands from shaking, with Elizabeth in such close proximity. He froze when Elizabeth reminded him that he was supposed to finish sewing a letter B. It was good that his head was bowed down as he felt his face flushing, mortified to be almost caught making a letter D instead. Oblivious to his thoughts, Elizabeth sympathised with him and suggested that he may practise with Georgiana at another time, even reasoning that he may do better if his hands were fully recovered from bruises and injuries.
The guests took their leave mid-afternoon, apologising for having overstayed. Mrs Bennet summarily dismissed their worries, and sincerely stated that they would always be happily received in their home.
"We thank you, Mrs Bennet. As you know, Miss Darcy has only a dull, older brother for a sibling. I am sure she will be happy to enjoy the company of your lovely daughters while she is in Hertfordshire," the colonel said.
"I hope one day, we can hear you play, Miss Darcy. Lizzy and Mary also play the pianoforte. Perhaps you can perform a duet," Mrs Bennet suggested, and Georgiana shyly nodded.
"Mrs Bennet, we would like to invite your family for afternoon tea at Netherfield tomorrow, should you be available," Mrs Hurst said. "Perhaps we can have some musical entertainment then." She had already accepted that her brother would soon be engaged to Miss Bennet and wished to promote a harmonious relationship with her future family. Upon reflection these past days, she had concluded that the Bennets behaved more respectably that her younger sister Caroline. Moreover, Mr Bennet was a member of the landed gentry and as such, was above them in rank.
Mrs Bennet readily accepted the invitation, pleased that Mrs Hurst appeared more friendly with them now. Unknown to the others, the countess and Georgiana were both eager to make secret plans about what they could do to help Darcy and Elizabeth grow closer.
/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/
I should be able to post another chapter this week. I would like to conclude this story before September, so hopefully within 3 months.
Thank you to all the replies to my previous question. Quite a few of you also want a stronger rival to Darcy too. ;-)
Next question:
If you were to work in one of the P and P households, which one would you prefer?
Pemberley – gorgeous master and views, but lots of cleaning and maintenance needed due to the sheer size of the property, I'd probably get lost and get told off. I guess being a companion to Georgiana is tolerable.
Longbourn – reasonable size house, but not many servants so more work for each, not sure I would like to hear Mrs Bennet's daily screeching
Rosings – uh, maybe not… but maybe I could help Anne… escape her mother
Netherfield – when Jane and Bingley get married maybe, they would be very kind to their servants, without Caro please
Parsonage – not an appealing thought to be near Collins and Lady C
Gardiners – I guess another option, help mind the children
Hurst townhouse in London – er…
Anyway, that is it for now… till next time.