Well, a bit iffy about this chapter. But hopefully you guys will like it! Again, the characters belong to Jane Austen as I can only dream of being as amazing as her. So. Read on.
Mr. Darcy lay in bed, willing sleep to come. Sleep, however, remained out on its leisurely stroll and would not be back for a while. In its place it left images of Elizabeth for the man to dwell on. And dwell he did. He saw the sparkle in her eyes as she spoke of things that made her passionate, the playful glint when teasing him, the burning when fighting for justice. He saw the deep color of her hair and that stubborn curl that would never stay pinned. Plump lips tortured him and her figure teased him.
She was such a compelling woman, so full of life and goodness! She mocked propriety's boundaries by managing to stay within them yet speaking of things no other lady has either dared or had the mental capacity to speak of! His toes were beginning to become sore from his being kept on them. He mind was being held captive by Elizabeth Bennet and he slowly felt his the ice that had formed around his heart melt. He daydreamed of her so often—seeing her in Pemberley, in his town house, on his arm anywhere he was—that it was starting to become a hindrance to his everyday life!
There is only one solution, William, his conscience declared. He rolled his eyes at himself. What could that possibly mean?
Court her.
…
The butler strode into the drawing room where Darcy's guests were convened.
"The Miss Bennets," he announced. Both Bingley and Darcy stopped the conversations they were a part of and quickly stood to face the door. As the women came in and curtseyed, the two gentlemen bowed, taking several moments to comprehend their presence.
Charles Bingley could hardly believe his angel was before him, a vision in an ivory gown embroidered with seed pearls. It folded seamlessly to the contours of her body, giving her an ethereal, heavenly glow.
Fitzwilliam Darcy likewise was having a difficult time acknlowedging Miss Elizabeth as a human being. Her lavender dress clung to her in a most pleasing way. Her curls were piled elegantly on top of her head, her pale neck glowing in the light.
Bingley approached Jane who offered her hand.
He took it, muttering, "Miss Bennet." Darcy was right behind him, looping his way to the younger sister.
"Miss Elizabeth." His eyes raked her appearance. He lightly sniffed the air around him. Lavender, he thought wryly. How appropriate.
"Good evening, gentlemen," Elizabeth began diplomatically. "Mr. Darcy, you have a lovely home."
"Thank you." He secretly harbored an intense satisfaction at the compliment. "May I introduce you to the rest of the party? Miss Elizabeth, Miss Bennet, this is Caroline Bingley, Louisa Hurst and James Hurst." His introduction made Caroline and Louisa bow their heads in recognition to the Bennet sisters.
"Miss Bennet," began Caroline, "I have heard so much about you from Charles! You as well, Miss Elizabeth." Both girls curtseyed humbly.
"You are too kind, Miss Bingley," Jane replied. Caroline waved her hand, brushing it off.
"Nonsense! Come, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth. Sit next to me. I would love to hear about your seasons in the ton. Unfortunately, this is the first I have been able to attend."
Elizabeth stood awkwardly as her sister was took the offer. Bingley of course followed her and was thoroughly chastised by his sister to allow the lovely Miss Bennet the seat next to her. Bingley blushed a brightly then shifted to the other side of Caroline. Though happy for Jane—quite the attention paid by Bingley's sister!—Elizabeth knew not what to do with herself. There didn't seem to be much space in the circle with no other seats available and Mr. and Mrs. Hurst seemed rather unsociable.
"Miss Elizabeth?"
Lizzy looked up to find Mr. Darcy staring curiously at her. She raised her eyebrows in acknowledgement. He took her hand and guided her to where the rest of the party sat, allowing her to socialize with the rest of the group. He quickly received two chairs from the other side of the room. Elizabeth felt a light blush appear from his gentlemanly actions.
"So, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, what did you think of Lady Matlock's ball the other night?" Caroline began. Both Jane and Elizabeth exchanged looks. They had not realized Caroline was even there.
"It was absolutely lovely," Jane replied. "Lady Matlock is the ton's greatest party planner. It's always wonderful to open a season at such a magnificent ball."
"Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth began. Caroline's eyes noticed the attention that was about to be paid and quickly interrupted.
"Mr. Darcy, would you not call it splendid?" He visibly deflated at having to address this woman versus the lovely creature next to him.
"I would."
"I didn't get to see you all night! Were you much engaged?" she asked.
Elizabeth stiffened. Darcy glanced at her, hoping he could get out of this situation. "Yes, Miss Bingley, I was quite busy. I had not been to a ball such as that for quite some time. There was much mingling to do."
"Mr. Darcy-"
Elizabeth was cut off once more. "Mr. Darcy, do tell me the sort of acquaintances you have. Do you have many friends here in London?"
"I have a few acquaintances here, but no real ties. Now, Miss Elizabeth, I believe you were trying to say something?" He turned his full attention towards her and Caroline's eyes narrowed. This one posed a problem. A very popular and wealthy problem.
"Yes, Mr. Darcy, I thank you. I was speaking to Lady Matlock at the ball and have I correctly discovered you are her nephew?"
"Are you saying you do not trust my aunt enough to take her word for it?"
"Oh, no! Mr. Darcy, I meant no such thing!"
"She will be most put out that such a favorite of hers does not trust her!"
Mr. Darcy had done well up until this point at keeping a straight face, however he couldn't help but let a shadow of a laugh escape. Elizabeth, who was horribly afraid of having offended this man and his family visibly relaxed at this. However, she quickly became playfully incensed and took out her fan and lightly administered several whacks his arm.
"Oh, Mr. Darcy! You are an insufferable man!" He allowed himself a full laugh now, pathetically attempting to defend himself from the attack of the fan. It felt good, laughing, he decided. He hadn't laughed so freely in so long…and now he had forgotten why.
"I beg you, Miss Elizabeth, I was merely jesting and would appreciate it if you replaced your fan back onto your lap," he chuckled. Bingley, who was completely absorbed in his angel, looked up briefly at the sound and had to do a double take. This was a scene he did not often have the opportunity to witness.
"Darce, what have you done to antagonize Miss Elizabeth so?!" he cried. Darcy could hardly muster the composure to ignore him and turn to Jane.
"Miss Bennet, I must inquire. Is your sister much in the habit of attacking unsuspecting gentlemen?" Jane laughed and decided to play along.
"I must reply in the negative sir. I assure you she is not generally so violent and must ask what you have done to set her off?"
"This gentleman," Elizabeth began, eyes dangerously narrowed, "decided to tease me most unpleasantly!"
"Oh dear. Elizabeth is not to be teased! Mr. Darcy, what will we do with you?"
"I think your sister has done quite enough," he ventured. Elizabeth huffed. 'Insufferable man' was muttered once more and silence ensued. This span of silence was most satisfactory to Mr. Darcy. In that time he was able to gaze at the object of his budding affections, allowing himself to see just how the light danced in her enchanting green eyes in exhilaration. The slight flush on her cheeks brought a certain life to her face as her lips freely smiled.
Freely smiling was something he found himself more apt to do recently. Seeing Miss Elizabeth do it so often…it seemed only natural to him now.
Caroline, on the contrary, had watched the entire scene, utterly frozen. What had Miss Elizabeth just done?! Surely she knows who this is! Mr. Darcy of Pemberley and Derbyshire! Is she slow? Is she stupid? Is she…is he laughing? Is he not horribly insulted and scandalized by this complete lack of decorum and manners? It was completely inappropriate! But he seemed so…happy. This was completely unacceptable. As the ruckus died down she decided it was time the spotlight was once again on her.
"Miss Elizabeth," she began, a large and utterly fake smile glued to her face, "how…spirited you are. I'm surprised your mother supports such…behavior." The company froze at the barbed remark.
"Miss Bingley, I assure you my mother has tried to break me of my emotional habits many a time, however I simply find it unfair that I am not to have fun."
Caroline winced. Women were not to have fun. Women were to have babies with rich husbands. She was about the respond when Mr. Darcy got there first.
"Miss Elizabeth, I must admit the first time I saw you I decided you were the type of creature only to be tamed in a ballroom, and for my accuracy I am glad," he admitted.
"Glad, sir?" Elizabeth asked, eyes twinkling.
"Glad, Mr. Darcy?" Caroline blanched. "Why ever would you be glad about such a thing? Do you wish to have an acquaintance who will embarrass you in public?"
All present members of the party tensed—save the Hursts who were sitting bored and boring not too far off—and Charles whipped around to his sister. "Caroline, is that how you address an acquaintance?"
"Mr. Bingley, I assure you, it is merely a misunderstanding. Caroline was merely referring to her belief that this is a normal occurrence and that I walk around London hitting unsuspecting gentlemen with my fan. I may now clear up this misunderstanding by informing her that I do not and that she need not worry for the reputation of anyone I may choose to associate with." Elizabeth's cool address caused Mr. Darcy to gaze at his Elizabeth in admiration.
His Elizabeth? He thought dubiously. She was not his Elizabeth!
Yet.
Charles paused. It was possibly just best not to get involved. Let women work out their problems amongst women, for the all-mighty Lord himself would be hard pressed to understand them.
Charles had always been a little slow in understanding the customs of ladies.
And several other things.
Caroline continued her observation of the younger Bennet girl and Mr. Darcy. She was not pleased with what she saw. Not at all. He seemed animated and amiable and worst of all, he actually seemed happy! He didn't seem happy around her! And if he didn't seem happy around her, there was no way on God's green Earth that he was going to seem happy with anybody else. That's what she was there for. To make sure everybody else's company made him absolutely miserable!
"Miss Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy mentioned before that you seemed to be a favorite of his aunt's. Do you see her much?" she inquired. She had to know the extent of the damage control she was dealing with. No use undertaking a project without her research, after all!
And of course, as long as she was talking to her, Mr. Darcy couldn't. Caroline Bingley did nothing for only one reason.
"Not as often as I would like, sadly." Caroline had to keep herself from rolling her eyes.
"Well being in the company of such a lady would be nothing but beneficial." This time Darcy had to work to keep his eyes from rolling.
"Caroline, as true as that is…I suppose…she is a lady of great company. She has quite the charming wit and I must say time spent with her is time well spent. She is exceedingly wise, as well, in matters that I have little experience," Elizabeth said delicately.
"Tell me, how did you meet?" Caroline inquired. She had yet to be in Lady Matlock's company for more than her introduction at the ball. She didn't even know how one went about getting put in her sights!
"Well, we share a dressmakers so our paths crossed one day the previous season as we were purchasing a gown for a ball we were both invited to."
Caroline's eyes widened. They shared a dressmakers? Who were these Bennets and how had she not heard of a family who were able to visit such a shop?! She had heard of the places Lady Matlock frequented from some girls she spoke to during the ball, and it that shop was one of the most exclusive in London!
"Miss Elizabeth," she gasped. She tried to get a more coherent answer out but all that came was an airy, "How?"
Elizabeth was truly puzzled by the woman that sat before her. She was a woman with flaming red hair, which on its own would have been quite beautiful had she not insisted on wearing bright orange gowns that seemed to clash with everything that was Caroline Bingley. It made her pasty skin look completely washed out, her hair looked out of place. It was a very bold color to begin with. This Miss Bingley seemed to be under the impression that attempting to insult her manners in public exhibited superior manners and conduct of her own in order to appeal to those who could help her situation yet she seemed so conceited in her own position that it was utterly inconceivable to her that no one fell to their knees in her presence! Yes, Elizabeth was puzzled about this woman's judgment and understanding.
"How? By…going to the dressmakers?" Elizabeth knew she was being impertinent now, but she could not help it. She simply had no other way to answer such an odd question.
Caroline's eyes narrowed once more yet a strained, high pitched and incredibly annoying laugh came out. In the sickliest sweet voice Elizabeth had ever heard, Caroline responded, "Oh, Miss Elizabeth, you have quite the sense of humor, don't you! Of course, by going to the dressmakers! But how one such as Madame Devroulez?"
Caroline was enraged. How did this little chit deserve to go to the elite when Caroline could not? How did she get the honor?! And how was it fair she thus turned out to be an important enough a person that Caroline would now have to shift some niceties in her direction?!
"Well I personally find it unnecessary however my father and mother insist."
"But how would one get an appointment there?" Caroline inquired. She made it sound so simple! Perhaps it was easier than she thought! That would be a gleeful proposition. Then she could really impress Darcy!
"It's just a place we've always gone."
Well that was helpful, Caroline thought dryly. Turning to Mr. Darcy, she said "Mr. Darcy, doesn't Georgiana go to Madame Devroulez?"
"She does."
"Is she in town now?"
"She is. She is staying with our aunt."
"Whatever for?"
"I thought some time with a female family member might do her some good. After being locked up at Pemberley, I believe it will beneficial. Especially since she will be preparing to come out soon."
Darcy was getting tired very quickly of Caroline and her insistent questions. If only he could escape. And take Elizabeth with him...
"Dinner is served."
That would do it.
He quickly rose and offered Elizabeth his arm.
"Miss Elizabeth, I feel it is my duty as host to make sure you arrive to the dining room safely." His mock seriousness was almost too much for Elizabeth as she replied, "Well, Sir, I am flattered at your concern for my safety. Please, I put my life in your hands." Bowing his head in acceptance of his duty, he was all ceremony as he left the room with her.
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