Ch. 35 – Walks and Wickhams

"It cannot be! This was said when I was out of the room?" Elizabeth was not certain what emotion to feel. She was assaulted with sadness, incredulousness, anger and mortification. Sitting under the counterpane, Elizabeth stared wide-eyed at her sister.

Jane nodded; taking in her sister's pale complexion, she was not certain that she should have told Elizabeth, and then her sister laughed. "Are you quite alright?" Jane asked.

Elizabeth could not help her humorless laugh at the irony of the situation. If she did not laugh, she was sure to cry. "Poor, dear Georgiana!" she exclaimed, not caring about the insult to herself by her mother.

Once the initial shock had receded, Elizabeth sobered thinking of Georgiana's feelings. In a worried tone she quietly said, "I do hope she is not too upset over Wickham. As her sister, it will be my responsibility to shelter her from harm physically and emotionally, especially since Fitzwilliam is her guardian. I do not ever want that man near Georgie, and I might extend that to include his wife—and possibly our mother."

The declaration caused Jane, who knew Georgiana's history with the scoundrel; feel even more remorseful that she was incapable of thwarting her mother's conversation. "Should I not have told you, Lizzy? I would have paid Georgiana more attention and directed the conversation if I had thought Mama would be so unkind." Jane blushed thinking of Bingley's distracting tactics and her shame in bringing up the subject with her sister increased.

Elizabeth reached over the pillows to take her sister's hand; the gesture was to reassure her that Jane had done nothing wrong, though Jane could see that their mother had once again caused Elizabeth some anguish. The conversation was breached with the intention to share a laugh over their mother's lack of finesse; she was incapable of conversing for long with anyone about the daughters who were not considered her favorite.

While at Darcy House, Mrs. Bennet had singled out Miss Darcy to ask about fashionable London dress and décor, since she had to agree to educate Elizabeth. Mrs. Bennet had steered the conversation thus, "Oh, if only my dear Lydia were here! She would know what to do. You would like her Miss Darcy; she is about your age and so fun and full of life. Oh! I digress. She is very attune to fashion and would know the fashionable fabrics and styles. She always had a very keen eye, did Lydia. She would have convinced Elizabeth to make proper choices for her wedding attire, I am sure! She was always taking apart her bonnets to make them even more beautiful with ribbons and flowers." Sighing dramatically she had continued, encouraged my Georgiana's kind smile not realizing that the young girl's face was becoming ashen as she retreated into herself with the incessant talk about Mrs. Wickham. "Anyway, I just know you shall get on when you meet. Her husband is so handsome too! So charming! Of course, you must remember Mr. Wickham yourself. They are quite the romantic couple, the Wickhams. It was dreadful dealing with the gossip of the jealous people saying that she had eloped; you must know that it cannot be true. I am certain that it is the most romantic of all stories."

Looking down at her entwined fingers, Jane continued, "I am sorry, Lizzy. I did try to intervene in the conversation, but Mama kept going on as if she did not hear me. Now that I think on it, you must be right. Georgiana did make a hasty retreat once you returned to the sitting room."

Elizabeth had been chewing on her lip thinking over the matter and how she could ask her mother to leave the subject alone in the future. She felt horribly for her future sister's sensibilities. At Jane's heartfelt apology she said, "All will be well. I will talk to her when she comes in the morning."

P&P

When Mr. Darcy arrived at number 5 Gracechurch Street Monday afternoon, no one was in residence. The servant who answered the door informed him that Mrs. Gardiner had gone out with Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Gardiner was about business, and Mr. Bingley had recently left to walk with the Miss Bennets and the Gardiner children to the park with their governess.

Darcy signaled to his driver just before he moved to the carriage house, calling him back he requested to be left at the park. It was not far and the small party accompanying the Gardiner children stopped on the outskirts of the park, having recognized the Darcy equipage, to wait for that gentleman to descend.

The carriage was waved off and the merry group continued on their way with the additional gentleman to happily escort Elizabeth. She was very pleased that he was able to join the outing and emphasized her statement to the fact with a radiant smile. A smile which relaxed him as no soothing balm could have done.

"I am pleased to be in your company once again. The business of meeting with Mr. Jenkinson was less than pleasant." He placed his left hand over her fingers which lightly held his arm, squeezing affectionately.

"That must mean that you did not like the man?"

Darcy smirked at her, "That is putting it lightly, my love. I will not elaborate farther and ruin the rest of our afternoon." After a moment he frowned, "Where is Georgiana? Did she not come with Mrs. Annesley?" He did not give pause for a response; rather he became frustrated and aired his thoughts with increasing annoyance and exasperation. "This will not do. How am I to control my wayward sister? I had thought she would consult me as to her whereabouts, especially after our last discussion. What game is she playing?"

It was Elizabeth's turn to squeeze Darcy's arm with affection, hoping to calm her troubled fiancé. "Fitzwilliam, I would prefer to have you around for a long while; do not worry yourself to an early grave. I was hoping that she would be with you, however since she is not, I think I shall write a letter for her. You may deliver it when you return home. I believe your sister became distressed last night. I do not blame her for staying away." Elizabeth had a thoughtful, yet sad, expression as she watched her young cousins break into a run into the open park with their governess following in their wake.

Darcy was dumbfounded and stopped their progress, absentmindedly noting that Jane and Bingley walked on. He turned to look intently into the eyes of his beloved and carefully said, "I did not know she was distressed. She seemed fine this morning."

Elizabeth shook her head, "I do not know that for certain. Jane told me last night that Mama had spoken to her about the Wickhams; that she was sure their elopement was not scandalous since they were such a romantic couple and how Lydia had such a keen eye, she was much more suited to picking my wedding attire than I am myself. Did you notice Georgiana's escape last night? I am so sorry Fitzwilliam. I did not question her tiredness. I should have seen or…"

Darcy's anger at Mrs. Bennet had made him clench his jaw and become flushed as he listened to Elizabeth speak. However, the evidence of his anger evaporated the moment she began to apologize. "No Elizabeth," he said with force, taking both of her hands in his. "You will not blame yourself for your mother, nor apologize for her actions or slight. I believe I ought to shoulder the blame. Your mother does not know after all."

Elizabeth was shaking her head. "This is not your fault."

Darcy raised his eyebrows and contemplated the stubborn woman in front of him. "Then it is not your fault either. I shall speak with Georgiana." He continued to look into her eyes for a moment. "Now we should not dwell on what cannot be undone. I dearly desire to kiss you."

His words lifted her spirits immediately. Her lips smiled and her eyes dared him. She caught her breath when his eyes moved to her lips as his thumbs drew lazy circles on her exposed wrists.

Suddenly he smiled, "My love, I would not give anyone the satisfaction of seeing you in a passionate nor compromising position. However, I shall have my kiss in good time—preferably behind a closed door." Darcy lifted her gloved hand to his lips before continuing their stroll.

Even with the conversation directed on a more pleasant course, Elizabeth could not help voicing her thoughts, "Dear Jane did her best to redirect Mama's attention, even if she was unsuccessful. It is so dreadful that Georgie will be related to that man through our marriage."

Darcy looked askance at her, "Does your sister know?" Darcy was not sure what to think, although he had no doubt to Jane's discretion. Wickham's history with his family had been such a diligently held secret that some of the people he was closely acquainted with did not know—only Elizabeth was ever told.

Elizabeth nodded sadly, hoping that he would not be upset or troubled by the knowledge that she had confided his secrets. When he quietly asked her when Jane was told Elizabeth felt horrid when she answered truthfully in a low voice, "After I returned from Kent. Together we decided not to confide even the meager details of his depravity to my family since the militia was to leave Hertfordshire anyway. In hindsight…"

Darcy refused to think on their time in Kent and his dastardly proposal. Instead he acknowledged her admission with a nod and hugged her arm closer to his side, which also brought her closer to his body. "Let us think on it no more. We must practice some of your philosophy, to think of the past –"

"—as its remembrance gives you pleasure?" Elizabeth finished the sentence when her beloved left off, and giggled.

The group enjoyed a little time in the park watching the children play. Soon the cool weather prompted their governess to encourage her charges to return to their home. The children were not as happy to go as they were to come; they dragged their feet and voiced their displeasure. Masters Michael and Benjamin kicked at rocks and asked their cousin Elizabeth if she would bring them back tomorrow.

The mood lightened when Elizabeth agreed, though it was Darcy's promise that inspired their smiles, laughter, and curiosity. "When you visit Pemberley, you may play in the park and its woods all day long. In fact, the park is so large that if you stayed a month complete, you would still not be able to explore all the grounds."

Michael's eyes were wide open in excitement, "Are you in earnest? Surely there is no park that big!"

Darcy smiled and shared a glace with Elizabeth before replying, "Oh, yes! I would not lie to you. There are dozens of climbing trees, a lake to fish and swim in, and directly in front of the house there is a huge wide open area to play ball."

Benjamin skipped and clapped his hands at the intelligence. "Can we leave soon, Mr. Darcy? When you marry cousin Lizzy? Do you have many ponies? Do they stay close to your home? Do they stay in your park?"

Elizabeth interrupted the steady stream of questions, "Ben, if you would like Mr. Darcy to answer you, you must pause long enough to listen to a reply."

The young boy was heard to grumble an apology before Darcy replied, "You may visit whenever your parents will allow it. Yes, there is a large stable where all the horses and ponies are kept. There is also a large pasture where they graze. The stable is not far from the house."

The little boys began talking animatedly about riding ponies and running outside all day with no studies to keep them indoors. They soon ran ahead to tell the girls and left the couple shaking their heads in their wake.

"Thank you, Fitzwilliam. You are very good with them. I am surprised they did not finagle a promise from you to play ball with them."

"There is no need to thank me, ever. If they so choose to ask the question, I would gladly take them fishing or play ball at Pemberley. When we are home."

They were approaching the Gardiner's dwelling when Elizabeth breathed, "Home" with the sound of reverence in her voice. She liked the statement very much; when we are home. So much promise was held in that statement that it gave her goose flesh down her arms and caused her to shiver in anticipation. Pemberley would be a fine home and would nurture their love and children as they grow. She felt her longing for their life at Pemberley like a physical ache in her heart.

Darcy watched Elizabeth as they made their way to the open front door and understood, feeling deeply about his home and having Elizabeth at his side as its Mistress. "Soon, my love. We will be there together soon."

The children were sent to the nursery to enjoy snacks and a story while the young lovers entered the drawing room for tea. Mrs. Gardiner returned with Mrs. Bennet after tea and the rest of the afternoon progressed with lively group conversations as well as some discreet private discussions.

When Mrs. Bennet excused herself to prepare for the ball, Darcy looked at his time piece astonished that the day had nearly passed. He looked to Bingley and was forced to interrupt his friend's conversation with Jane and Elizabeth since Bingley was oblivious to the passing of time when he was near Jane.

Darcy and Bingley had just decided that they must take their leave to dress for the ball when a carriage arrived and Miss Darcy was announced with Mrs. Annesley. Taken aback by her appearance, Darcy moved to inquire after her wellbeing as she greeted the occupants of the drawing room. "Georgiana, are you well? I had expected you sooner." His gaze took in her appearance, though she appeared to be as contented as usual.

"I am very well, Brother. I only wished to spend some time at my instrument and time quite escaped my notice. I am glad that I came though. I was hoping to help Jane and Lizzy dress for the ball."

Darcy nodded, hoping that Elizabeth would be able to discern her emotional state since Mrs. Bennet's harangue the night before. He then took his leave with Bingley in tow. Elizabeth smiled when they departed, glad that Georgiana had come since she had completely forgotten to pen a letter to her.

Once the ladies had closed the door to the room upstairs, Elizabeth quickly went through the motions of collecting her evening attire before sitting next to Georgiana on the coverlet to ask her if she was truly well.

Georgiana had not lied about her feelings; she did, indeed, believe herself to be unaffected. However she was confused since she felt that she should have been more affected by the intelligence that Wickham had eloped with another lady, who shared a great love, and most importantly, would be related to her by the marriage of her brother.

She wondered at her indifference, understanding that she was not in love as she had supposed at Ramsgate. Perhaps it was her need for independence and desire for adventure which had persuaded her to accept his indecent proposal. Besides her great desire for romance, Georgiana had been keen to observe the relationship her brother shared with Lizzy and was more convinced that her feelings for Wickham had never been love at all. She was grateful for the knowledge that took so long to realize. That morning she spent at her pianoforte had been therapeutic. She had finally come to terms with her scandalous decision and forgiven herself—and him. More importantly, she spent time in prayer, thanking G-d for her brother's interference and the fact that she was not now an unhappy Mrs. Wickham. She hoped that Lydia Wickham was indeed as content with her choice as Mrs. Bennet had believed.

Georgiana tried to communicate her thoughts on Wickham to Elizabeth when she joined Jane and Elizabeth in their room to assist them with dressing. However, she was uncertain how successful the endeavor was. Both Elizabeth and Jane were so concerned for her that she truly felt like their sister.

"Lizzy, I promise you that I am well. Your mother did nothing wrong by talking about her youngest daughter. I can only hope that Lydia is as happy to be Mrs. Wickham, as I am to be Miss Darcy still."

Elizabeth had no choice other than believe her and offer her a hug. "Georgie, I will let the subject drop then. I do hope to be there for you if ever you need the ear or shoulder of a sister. Always remember that."

The ladies shared smiles and Georgiana had to blink back the tears in her eyes at her good fortune in gaining such a splendid sister.

The rest of the time before Darcy and Bingley arrived was spent laughing and styling hair. As the time passed the excitement over the ball increased. Elizabeth and Jane were both excited to dance with their betrothed and Georgiana was happy to share their excitement, though secretly she was just as pleased to remain at home away from the crowd, and hear the details about the ball at a later time.

The reaction of the gentlemen to their appearance was just what they had hoped it would be. Jane glowed in her pink and ivory gown, her puffed sleeves emphasized her delicately slender neck and arms.

Darcy did not notice Jane's attire as Bingley did; his eyes were mesmerized by his beloved Elizabeth in ivory and gold. He thought she resembled Aphrodite incarnate. He had to remind himself to breathe and rather than reaching out to touch the creamy exposed skin of her partially exposed shoulders, as he wished to, he clasped his hands behind his back and bowed formally, speaking her name.

AN: Thank you for your patience! This was long awaited and took some time to fill in all that I wanted in this chapter (I also spent a lot of time away from the computer so I had to transcribe my handwriting for some parts- remember what that's like?).

Please review! I would love to hear your opinions and suggestions for the ball and other character issues.
Also, looking to future chapters, (specifically after the wedding) are you more interested in the meat and potatoes or explicit, juicy M rated details?