Hi again!
Thank you for your support. Special mention to these reviewers:
Deanna 27, Maria Teresa C, Saralee, Shelby66, Guest, ChrisM0519, Silimom224, 777kid57, A Hertfordshire Lady, Jansfamily4, Lisa, Guest, Levenez, RHALiz, Colleen S, nanciellen, LC-elsie, liysyl, Motherof8, Mystylight, PDS1
Mystylight: Caro may not have been formally introduced to Lady C but I would think she would dare to write a letter to Darcy's aunt. Anything to prevent the match.
LC-elsie: Thank you! Not all reviews are positive… but that's life.
Levenez: LOL. Darcy will not die a bachelor here.
PDS1 and A Hertfordshire Lady: Thank you. I know I will struggle when this story is over. I was down for about two weeks when I finished my Valentine's fic and that was only 5 chapters long! Not sure if there is a term for it… withdrawal issues?
With regards to Hurst, well… I thought it was funny and different to choose him. With the wedding happening the next day, there was not much choice amongst the people they know and are in the area.
Darcy and Bingley-- I want them to be good, honourable men in this story… I can dream, right? Maybe they are among the very few who respect women in every sense. Maybe they stayed to listen to Hurst and Collins but left as they did not want to hear any more, preferring to "explore" with their ladyloves instead.
I am bad at replying to reviews, sorry. I am not sure if it is expected that every review should have a reply. I reply if readers send a PM, or if there is a question asking for clarification (that is not answered in the next chapters, to avoid spoilers). I do read every single review, good or bad.
As some commented they wanted more ODC interactions, I tried to include a bit more here.
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The ladies at Longbourn arose slightly later than their usual on the day after Mary's wedding. Perhaps their early start the previous morning as well as the preparations for the event had contributed to their exhaustion. When they came down for breakfast, Mr Bennet had already finished his and escaped to his study. That did not surprise them as much as learning that Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy were there with him.
"I did not expect them to call so early," Mrs Bennet commented after they had moved to the parlour.
"We were a little tardy coming down," Elizabeth reminded her.
"Miss Darcy and Miss de Bourgh are not here though," observed Kitty.
"Perhaps Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy are discussing the marriage settlements for Jane and Lizzy with papa," teased Lydia, memories of yesterday's wedding still fresh in her mind.
Jane turned crimson while Elizabeth warned her youngest sister, "Lydia! Please avoid making such remarks. You know very well nothing is settled."
"La! Everyone knows it is merely a question of when. How about we place a wager on when--"
"Hush, Lydia! They are coming!" Elizabeth nudged Lydia with her elbow when she heard male voices in the hallway.
Warm greetings were exchanged, followed by a brief assurance from Mr Darcy that his sister and cousin had taken the carriage and should be arriving shortly. The men also apologised for calling so early and explained that they had consulted Mr Bennet about some tenant concerns, knowing the elder man was more acquainted with the locals and the area.
"Mr Darcy, Mr Bingley, I was wondering what your plans are for Christmas," enquired Mrs Bennet.
"Well, we will attend church services, of course, then… I guess we will have our Christmas dinner at Netherfield. My sister Louisa might have already started coordinating with Mrs Nicholls with regards to this."
"I was hoping that your party could join us here for Christmas dinner. My brother Gardiner and his family will be visiting as well and we can all form a merry gathering," invited Mrs Bennet.
"That is very kind of you, Mrs Bennet. We do not wish to be an imposition on your family," the amiable man replied.
"Oh, it will be no inconvenience at all! I am sure my daughters will be happy with your company," the mistress said with a wink.
"Very well. I shall let my sister know. Thank you very much for your invitation," the man accepted gratefully.
"And you, Mr Darcy?" Mrs Bennet asked in a hopeful tone.
"My sister, cousin and I will be delighted. Thank you, Mrs Bennet," Darcy accepted, very much looking forward to spending such an important occasion with his beloved and her family.
"Splendid! Oh, you must tell me all your favourite dishes so we can include them in the menu!" She looked at Darcy, thinking he must have several competent French cooks at Pemberley.
"I am sure anything you serve will be perfect, Mrs Bennet. You always set an excellent table," the gentleman smiled as he delivered his compliment. To be honest, he would eat raw carrots and overcooked potatoes, as long as he could be with Elizabeth.
"You ought to tell us. Lizzy, Jane, make sure they tell you. Would you kindly excuse me for a moment? I just need to speak to Mrs Hill about the numbers."
A few minutes later, Georgiana and Anne were announced, and they were equally thrilled upon hearing about the Christmas dinner invitation.
"It feels strange, not having Mary here." Kitty's voice contained an unmistakable tinge of sadness. "She would have been playing the pianoforte or reading quietly in a corner, had she been here." She looked to where her sister would have sat as she uttered these words.
Georgiana sent her a weak smile and offered, "Would you like to play together one time, Miss Kitty?"
"I am afraid I am not even half as skilled as you are at the instrument, Miss Darcy," she replied.
"I am sure you are better than what you think. We can select a simple piece to start with, if you wish," Georgiana said encouragingly. Lydia and Kitty soon led their two new female friends to the music room, leaving the two couples in the parlour.
"Miss Elizabeth, Mr Bingley and I are off to London after this call. My friend has some business to attend to in town," Darcy explained.
"Oh. I see," Elizabeth felt disappointed, not expecting the gentleman to be away again.
"I plan to surprise Georgiana and Anne with some Christmas presents. I was hoping you can help me with some suggestions," he asked in a tentative voice, now holding her hands. Looking across the room, Elizabeth observed that Jane and Mr Bingley were speaking in hushed tones, their hands likewise intertwined.
"You know them much better, sir," replied Elizabeth.
"Indeed, but you would know what young ladies like, what they would be happy to receive."
"It would be good to choose something they could use. Perhaps items of clothing like a scarf or a shawl. Hair ornaments and purses would be suitable. Books, sheet music and fancy trinket boxes are popular too. Pieces of jewellery, brooches, pendants…" her voice trailed off when she could not think of anything else to suggest.
"Are those the types of presents you give each other? I mean, between you and your sisters?" he asked while toying with her fingers.
"Oh, no. We do not spend a lot of money on gifts. We cannot afford to buy jewellery for each other. We usually make our presents, by knitting, drawing, painting…"
The gentleman went silent for a while before turning to face her.
"Is something the matter, Miss Elizabeth?" he asked, noticing the lady was no longer smiling.
"No. Nothing, sir. I am just thinking," she answered in a weak voice.
"We will be back late tomorrow, but we will see you in church on Sunday," he stated, observing her expression carefully.
Seeing that she merely nodded then bowed her head, he gently placed a finger under her chin and tilted her face up so he can look into her eyes.
"Something is bothering you. Will you not tell me? Have I done something wrong?" he coaxed.
"No, sir. It is just that… I did not expect that you will be away… again…" she admitted, embarrassed that she probably sounded immature. She shut her eyes and released a deep sigh.
"If you do not look at me, I am going to kiss you now, right here in your parlour," he whispered close to her ear.
When she opened her eyes, she was annoyed to see him smiling at her.
"Are you laughing at me?"
"No," he answered, his smile widening by a fraction.
"Then why are you grinning like that?" she asked, suddenly conscious that she sounded like a petulant child.
"I am simply amused."
"And pray, what is the source of your entertainment?"
"You, madam. I guess 'amused' is not the correct term. I think… I should say, instead, that I am pleased, flattered even, that you do not desire my absence. Believe me, Miss Elizabeth, the last thing I want is to be parted with you. But there are important matters I need to see to. I will miss you," he said and kissed both her hands.
"You will?"
"Very much. I will miss your engaging conversation, your beautiful face, your bright smile, your sweet teasing voice, but what I will miss, most of all, is…" His gaze wandered from her sparkling eyes down to her parted lips.
"Yes?"
"Being this close to you," he intimated with an expression that made her heart flutter. He let his eyes linger on hers before he turned her hands over and kissed the inside of her wrists, while she watched breathlessly.
"I will see you on Sunday?" she whispered.
"You will. Until then, I will think of you often."
The men took their leave once Mrs Bennet had returned, thanking her again for her hospitality. Georgiana and Anne stayed for a while longer, very much revelling in warmth of their newly formed friendships with the Bennet sisters.
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The following day, a footman entered with a note for Elizabeth. It came from Netherfield, and they were eager to know what the message contained.
"It is from Miss Darcy, asking if any of us could be spared to join them at Netherfield this afternoon. She wrote that Mrs Hurst has encouraged her to invite friends for tea," Elizabeth reported.
"She is such a sweet girl. Mr Darcy did very well raising her after their parents had passed. You should go, Lizzy," Mrs Bennet encouraged.
"Does anyone else want to go?" Elizabeth asked.
"Lydia and I promised to help mamma with the menus, Lizzy. Perhaps Kitty would like to go," Jane replied. She wanted to learn more about managing a household, and she told Lydia that would be part of her task for the day.
"I would love to!" Kitty agreed happily.
A little over an hour later, the two sisters were graciously received at Netherfield. Georgiana stated that Mrs Hurst had complained of a headache and sent her apologies for not being able to join them.
"I am so glad both of you could come," the young lady said.
"It is our pleasure, Miss Darcy. We thank you for inviting us. I hope both of you are well," Elizabeth replied and smiled kindly at Miss de Bourgh.
"I am very well, Miss Bennet. Unfortunately, my cousin Anne did not have a restful night due to coughing," Georgiana explained and looked towards her cousin.
"Mrs Jenkinson advised me to stay indoors this morning. That was why we did not call at Longbourn. But I am feeling much better now," added Anne.
"I also experience bouts of coughing at times, Miss de Bourgh. Perhaps we can compare the medication we use," Kitty remarked.
The ladies continued their conversation while enjoying some tea and assorted biscuits and cakes. As rain started to fall, Georgiana suggested that their guests wait for it to stop before they returned to Longbourn. Anne and Kitty, together with Mrs Jenkinson and the housekeeper, went to the stillroom, looking through "Culpeper's Complete Herbal" and discussing different remedies and their preparation.
"Miss Bennet, I must tell you how happy I am that you are my brother are courting. I have never seen him so besotted. In fact, I have never seen him pay special attention to any lady before. I was curious to know about you when he mentioned you in his letters to me. He had only good words about you, and I suspected then that he admired you. And now I can see why," Georgiana gushed when the others had left.
Elizabeth coloured upon hearing the young lady's effusions, and hardly knew how to respond.
"Oh, I did not mean to make you uncomfortable. Please pardon me," Georgiana apologised.
"Not to worry, Miss Darcy," Elizabeth reassured her and gave her a small smile.
"Will you call me Georgiana or Georgie?" the younger lady asked in a hopeful tone.
"I will, if you call me Elizabeth or Lizzy," was Elizabeth's reply, which made the other lady beam.
"Oh, I am so glad to have new friends in you and your sisters. Fitzwilliam is the best brother one could have but it is not the same as having a sis--, a… female friend. There are some things that I could not simply talk to him about…" Georgiana's voice trailed.
"Your brother dotes on you, Georgiana. He will listen to you," Elizabeth spoke in earnest.
"I know that, Lizzy. But… some matters… like… you know about what happened last summer. My brother explained to me that he told you about—" Georgiana could not finish her sentence.
Elizabeth reached for her hands and squeezed them gently. "Georgiana, everyone makes mistakes. Many people, including myself, have been taken by that man's lies. He is gone now. It would not do you any good to dwell on that unfortunate incident."
"But I was so foolish. I have let my brother down. He works so hard to manage our estate and take care of me, then I cause him more trouble," Georgiana said, her eyes moist with unshed tears.
Elizabeth pulled her in a tight embrace and whispered soothing words, "Do not blame yourself, Georgiana. All the fault lies with that evil man. He is not worth your worries. Your brother wishes you to be happy, and that is what you need to try to do. Do you think he wants you to wallow in misery?" Elizabeth felt Georgiana shake her head.
"It will bring him more pain to see you so broken. Trust me, time heals all wounds. You will have learnt a lesson from what happened, and it will make you a stronger, wiser person." She allowed Georgiana to cry on her shoulders, while she stroked her back to comfort her.
When they finally drew apart, Elizabeth wiped Georgiana's face tenderly with a handkerchief. "I have spoiled your dress, Lizzy. I am so sorry."
"Now, now, that is nothing compared to how I muddy my hems when I traipse around the countryside," Elizabeth attempted to lighten the mood.
"Fitzwilliam told me you walked three miles to nurse your sister, and how Miss Bingley was so unimpressed with your sudden appearance," Georgiana said with a giggle.
"Yes, I must have presented an awful sight," Elizabeth added, recalling the condescending sneer she received from the said woman.
"Oh, but my brother mentioned how your fine eyes were brightened by the exercise," Georgiana disclosed.
Elizabeth paused and wondered when Mr Darcy had started to develop feelings for her. Smiling at Georgiana and gathering her hands once more, she spoke in a careful manner,
"Georgiana, when you are ready, I hope you will talk to your brother about how you feel. It will be good for both of you. You will feel better after you open up to him."
Feeling more confident, the young lady promised to do so and thanked her trusted friend. Before she could say more, a carriage had stopped in front of the property.
"Oh, they are back! My brother and Mr Bingley are here!" she exclaimed.
A few moments later, the two men appeared by the entrance of the parlour. Georgiana immediately rushed to hug her brother.
"What did I do to deserve this welcome? Or is there something you want from me, Georgiana?" her brother teased, kissing her on the top of her head. He spied Elizabeth observing them, and wished that one day, she would give him such a treatment too.
"Miss Bennet, how good to see you. Are you here with your sisters?" Mr Bingley enquired, clearly hoping that Jane was also present.
"Only Kitty, sir. She is in the stillroom with Miss de Bourgh," Elizabeth answered.
"I see. Well, I hope you are not intending on leaving soon. It is still raining. Please stay for dinner. I insist," the kind man offered.
After seeing the Darcy siblings nod, Elizabeth could not refuse the invitation. The men then excused themselves to change out of their travelling clothes.
As Darcy escorted Elizabeth to dinner, he leaned closer to her and spoke quietly, "I missed you. I did not expect to see you today."
"Was it a nice surprise, sir?"
"It is the best surprise. Just what a weary man needs at the end of a long day," Darcy covered her hand with his, and Elizabeth sighed with pleasure.
Dinner was an enjoyable affair. However, the Hursts did not come down to join them.
"I hope Mr Hurst did not catch whatever made his wife so ill," Darcy remarked.
Bingley cleared his throat and replied, "I… I think both of them will… be well. I do not think there is any cause for great concern."
Darcy noticed his friend's heightened complexion but did not remark on this observation. His sister then asked him about his trip, and he was careful not to reveal certain elements of his business in town.
"Everything went well, Georgiana. I have arranged for the Christmas boxes for our staff at Darcy House since we will not be there for St Stephen's Day," Darcy explained.
"Your brother is the most generous master in all of England. He is giving his staff a week off this season," Bingley declared.
"Not all at the same time. I have tasked the housekeeper to organise a schedule. Servants also deserve to have some time off to visit their families and friends," Darcy replied, feeling embarrassed for this scheme to be announced.
"That is true. But I do not know of any other master who would do the same. No wonder your staff are so loyal," Bingley continued his praise.
Elizabeth turned to face Darcy and detected his discomfort. "Mr Bingley, I hope your business in town was successful." As she expected, the cheerful man was easily distracted from the previous topic of discussion. Astonished that Elizabeth seemed to have sensed his unease, Darcy smiled at her and mouthed "thank you".
Not long after dinner, Elizabeth and Kitty prepared to take their leave. To their surprise, Darcy insisted that he see them safely to their home. The ladies went in the carriage while the gentleman rode his horse.
"Lizzy, Mr Darcy is so different now, is he not? Sometimes I cannot imagine he is the arrogant man who insulted you at the assembly. He obviously thinks you are handsome enough to tempt him now," Kitty remarked. Fortunately, her sister did not really expect a response as she continued to chatter about their time at Netherfield.
Darcy was there to hand them down from the carriage. After thanking the gentleman, Kitty started to walk ahead of them, allowing the pair some privacy.
"Thank you, Mr Darcy. I wish you a safe return and a good evening," Elizabeth spoke softly.
He caressed one side of her face with his fingers then slowly, he leaned down and placed a tender kiss on her cheek.
"I will see you tomorrow, Miss Elizabeth," he said, sounding husky.
Elizabeth admired his agility as he mounted his horse, and waited until his commanding figure disappeared into the darkness.
"This must be true love…" Elizabeth was startled to hear Kitty's voice.
"Kitty! I thought you had gone inside!" she cried.
"Do not worry, Lizzy. I will not tell papa," Kitty said.
"You better not!" Elizabeth warned and shook her head emphatically.
"But… I might tell mamma!" Kitty teased as she ran into the house, closely followed by Elizabeth.
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On my count, the next day will be 22nd December (Sunday). Yes, I keep a calendar, following 26th November 1811 (Tuesday) as the date of the Netherfield ball as per canon.
Writing the last few chapters, I keep thinking—only two chapters left after this… SMH...
Thank you for answering the last question about friends and non-friends. Shame, no one wants to befriend Caro.
And thank you as well to your film/TV show recommendations. The only JA ones I have seen are PnP 1995, PnP 2005, Persuasion 2022, Love and Friendship (does Bridget Jones count? And Clueless?)
Next question: If you were to teach an accomplishment/activity to any PnP character, what would it be and who would you choose? Regency or modern day skills are accepted.
e.g. teach Darcy how to drive a car, teach scuba diving to the men, teach Mrs Bennet how to use a phone, teach Collins how to rap, teach Mr Bennet how to host a bingo game, teach Caro how to walk in stilettos, teach Hurst how to tap dance…
Thank you all and till next time!