The Quest of Time: Now or Never
First of all, I am so, so, so sorry everyone, I took forever to update. I was so busy that I didn't even have time to die. I had few job interviews and had to release the project I am working on and I was working on my other stories too. I know, these are only excuses and doesn't justify the way I have been ignoring my readers and this story. But I really love this story and will never give it up in the middle. I am determined to complete it. So, my dear readers please forgive me and come back. Please come back and read and review the story. I really would love to know what you think about the story and if you liked the chapters or not.
Also need to thank honuangel, Gentileschi, Marivan, Irene Blake, geril, Eloise (I'm so sorry, I cannot reply to you, but I assure you I will try to update the story soon. Thank you for your love and support) and Miriam. You guys are great, you colour my world with your amazing reviews and kind love and support. I cannot thank you enough. Please keep your reviews coming. I really love you guys so much.
Chapter 9
The sunlight fell into his eyes waking Fitzwilliam Darcy up. He was disoriented for few moments unable to recall what he was doing in the middle of nowhere. He sat up straight, rubbing his eyes, looking around and saw the burnt woods from the fire in front of him and finally the events of last night made an impact in his mind. He looked all around, craning his neck and there was no sign of Lizzie or her electric blue tent.
Darcy stood up with a jerk, panicking that Lizzie went back to her time and he missed everything by his deep slumber. When he stood, he saw a blanket slip down on the ground. He held it in his hands, it was soft and red in colour. His lips formed a small smile, Lizzie must have put it on him in the middle of the night thinking he was cold. She was angry at him but she still cared, made him comfortable in his sleep. His smile soon turned into a frown as soon as he realized that he will never see her again. She didn't even bother to wake him up, say goodbye before she returned to her own world. He wrapped the blanket around him, inhaled it hoping to get a faint smell of her.
"Good morning Mr. Darcy. Feeling cold?" Darcy heard a voice from behind. He turned around a little startled, losing his balance but somehow managing to remain on his two feet.
He smiled when he saw Lizzie standing on the side of his horse, petting it, rubbing its neck gently. No wonder he didn't see her, she was hiding away from his sight behind the horse. She looked tired. He felt guilty thinking he was happy that she could not return to her home.
"Miss Bennet, you are still here?" He asked trying to remove all trace of happiness from his voice.
"Yeah, looks like I'll have the pleasure to stay in nineteenth century a little longer. Ohh joy!" She said sarcastically.
Darcy smiled despite her sarcasm, somehow he could not get angry at her that time. "Maybe now you could make an effort to enjoy your unwanted stay here." He added courteously.
Lizzie rolled her eyes and said amusingly "I'll try my best but can't make any promises."
Darcy sighed, she did not want to stay there any longer than necessary. He shook his head lightly when he realized that he was staring at her petting the horse. The morning sunlight made her face glow and she was right when she said that the blue highlights in her hair gave it a personality. It was contrasting to the warmth of her brown eyes, instead it brought it out even more.
He silently folded the blanket and handed it to Lizzie, "Thank you for the blanket Miss Bennet."
"No problem. You looked cold when the fire died." She shrugged her shoulder lightly and packed it in her large bag.
Darcy nodded his head and said "Are you ready to return to Pemberly?"
"Yes, but I need to get my car first." She answered.
"Of course. I will show you the barn you can hide it." He suggested.
"Great." She agreed.
Darcy was astonished, she was in better mood today. Despite her failure to go home, she did not look distressed or anxious.
"You should take some rest after some breakfast." Darcy said kindly.
"I think I'll just directly go to sleep and give 'It's a nightmare and I'll soon wake up from it' theory another go" she said amusingly.
"I apologise to be the one to say this, but your theory is gravely incorrect." He said dryly.
She sighed "I already know that. But denial is bliss." She added the last part humorously and he could not help smile at her attitude.
Darcy and Lizzie made their way back to her car in comfortable silence. No one wanted to discuss their argument or their understanding from last night. Both enjoying the peace and quiet of the woods and their truce.
Lizzie placed her bag inside her car and followed Darcy on his horse to the Pemberly. He helped her hide the car in the barn and she said good night to him with small chuckle and made her way to her quarters.
Darcy did not get to see Lizzie for the whole week since that morning. She never joined him for the meals or in the study or library. He was frustrated that she took the promise to be invisible from him so strongly and he could not disturb her either because he promised to stay out of her way.
Though every evening Anne came to him and handed him a note from Lizzie which had a small message 'Camping tonight at the same place. No need to worry or come after me. Hope it'll open tonight. Fingers crossed. – L'.
Darcy smiled reading the same message every day, at least she was trying to be a little cooperative. She was listening to his desire to notify him if she was going somewhere but she did not want him to be there with her. Every morning Darcy asked Anne if she returned from her camping trip and every time Anne said yes, baffled by his question.
Lizzie had conjured this elaborate tale that she was studying and experimenting on the nature and habitat of nocturnal birds and animals residing in the woods. That is why she had to stay up and camp there every night to learn their characteristics and sleep whole day. Anne seemed satisfied by that story but Mrs. Reynolds was not. She asked Darcy many times what Miss Bennet was up to in the woods every night and he narrated the same story over and over again. He was sure Mrs. Reynolds could sense he was lying and did not bother him again, but she kept an eye out for Lizzie and her wired behaviours.
Finally on the eighth day when Darcy's patience with Lizzie gave up, he decided it was time to have a word with her. He paced near the stables at the same time she left for woods everyday taking that same path. He saw her coming out from the kitchen's back door. No wonder he never saw her when he was strolling at the main door and sometimes back door of Pemberly hoping to catch her on her way out, she was sneaking out from the kitchen door all that time.
"Going for a ride at this time, Mr. Darcy?" Lizzie said with an amusing smile as she approached him.
"The inappropriate time does not seem to affect your decision to walk into the woods all alone Miss Bennet, so why should it bother me." Darcy answered impatiently.
"Because I'm on a secret mission. Are you on one too?" Lizzie said annoyingly. The man had a nerve, he just couldn't keep himself out of her way. Forget about talking nicely, he always seemed ready to bite her head off.
Darcy ignored her question. Could she ever be pleased to see him, ask him how he had been all that time? He had not seen her for days or knew how she was and what she had been doing. Instead every time she had a witty remark to throw him off of his comfort zone.
"About you secret mission Miss Bennet, I have to say that if the portal did not open until now, it might not open again anytime soon. I hope you realize that it might not open at the same place either. So you should not endanger yourself camping in the woods every night. And now people are talking about your activities too." Darcy voiced his opinion honestly.
"Thanks for your amazing insight, Sherlock. How could I've been so blind to not see it? Stupid, stupid Lizzie." Lizzie said sarcastically and hitting her forehead dramatically at the last part.
Darcy was furious at her. Not only did she make sarcastic comment about his intelligence, she was making fun of him too. And who was Sherlock? Was it the same person as Einstein she compared to him earlier, he wondered irritatingly, not understanding her retorts.
Darcy opened his mouth to object but she cut him in the middle and said sternly "First of all, I've already made up a story to explain my camping situation and I don't care what people think about it or my actions for that matter."
Lizzie glared angrily at Darcy and said "Second of all, I don't think you are worried about my safety in the woods because you already said that it's safe. I think you are angry that people are asking you why you are letting me do these things and that you are unable to control me."
She took a large breath and continued "And finally, I already know that the damn portal will not open anytime soon. I'm not just sitting there, waiting for it to open. I'm carrying out some test and experiments for my follow up studies. And I've managed to get some good readings, just need to solve my power problem so that I could analyze my data. So stop meddling into my affairs and leave me alone."
Lizzie said the last part little strongly and stomped out of there without giving Darcy any opportunity to say a single word. Darcy stood there, watching her retreating figure, surprised by her outburst. He did not want to talk to her so harshly but he could not help himself and blurted out the worries in his mind in haste. He was furious at himself for being so impatient with her, making her angry and ever doubting her intelligence. He had no idea she had been doing so much all that time. She could have mentioned it to him, instead she kept him in dark regarding the work she was doing. How was he supposed to know about her experiments? He realized he was silly to think she was waiting for that portal to open, helpless and powerless. She did not need his support or strength, she was more than capable to handle everything herself. And he admired her for that.
Next day Darcy was waiting in his study for another message from Lizzie, but Anne did not show up. After waiting sometime, he summoned Anne to ask if Miss Bennet had left him a note and she informed that she did not venture into the woods that night.
Darcy relaxed a little, he feared that she would leave without saying anything to him but she did not. He figured that she might be angry but she was still there. He decided he will talk to her during the dinner but she did not show for the supper and Mrs. Reynolds notified him that she was having her meal in her room. Darcy considered to go talk to her or simply call for her but thought better of it and decided to give her some time to cool her anger off.
Darcy woke up bright and early next day, he was thinking of ways to talk to Lizzie, hopefully she would join him for the breakfast. He was looking outside his window contemplating to take advantage of waking up soon and going for a ride but he saw Lizzie coming out of the house, stretching a little and then running into the direction of the Pemberly's secluded grounds.
Darcy was astonished to see her go into those grounds where not many people go. It was nothing there, only enormous fields with grass and wild plants growing. He was scared something might have happened to her or why someone would run into there so early in the morning. He grabbed his coat and made his way out of the house to the same direction as her.
He could see her running fast, out of her breath going in no particular destination in general, just running. He increased his pace, keeping her in his eye sight all the time observing her, thinking what she was doing. After coming more than a mile away from the Pemberly he saw her stop suddenly in the field. He approached her, he was still very far away from her but he looked around to see what could have brought her there at six in the morning.
Darcy saw Lizzie panting, she was bending down holding her stomach with one hand and her knees in the other. After few seconds she collapsed in the ground and Darcy ran worried that something might had happened to her. Darcy was still many yards away from her then he saw Lizzie standing, she took off her jacket, tied it to her waist and drank from a bottle which was tied on her waist too. Darcy stopped at his place, what was that woman doing?
Lizzie jumped a couple of times at her place, stretched her legs, arms and shoulder and quickly did few push-ups and crunches. Her whole body felt like it was throbbing with her every heart beat and breathe she took. She felt rejuvenated and charged. She hadn't had a good run in days, sleeping during day, working in night, her whole body felt cramped and constricted. Her inner biological clock was all messed up. What better way to recharge herself with new life and energy than a good run. She knew no one would be awake so early, she could easily stretch her legs and will even get to see the new and ignored grounds of Pemberly. Taking a final gulp from her bottle, she stretched again and started the run to return before anyone sees her. She always ran with IPod plugged in her ears but since her battery was dead she was still singing a song in her head.
Lizzie focused on her breathing and was running quite fast and all of a sudden she collided with a hard object. Where the hell that tree come from... oh wait, it's not a freaking tree. Lizzie rammed hard into Darcy's chest. She did not see where he came from all of a sudden out of nowhere and she lost her balance and hit him hard.
They both fell into the ground together. Darcy was holding Lizzie in both his arms, took most of the impact to the collision as well as the fall. He was flat on the surface and she was on top of him, he was encaging her protectively. He could feel her shallow breaths on his chest, her small sweat covered body in his grip and still she smelt as strawberry and flowers. What perfume she was wearing, Darcy wondered.
"What the hell..." Lizzie whimpered still entangled in his strong hold. She lifted her head and saw Darcy lying on the earth, his eyes closed.
"Shit." She cursed as she tried to free herself to get up but fell on Darcy's chest unable to loosen his iron steel grasp.
Darcy opened his eyes when he heard her curse and sense she was trying to free herself. He released her and she sat right next to him on her knees panting.
She looked worriedly at him and asked "Mr. Darcy are you alright? I'm sorry I didn't see you there. Are you hurt?"
Darcy sat up rubbed the back of his head and said "I am fine Miss Bennet. Are you hurt?"
Lizzie relaxed, letting go of a big breath and said standing up "I'm fine. I'm so sorry I smashed into you so hard."
She gave her hand to Darcy for support, he took it keenly, stood up and said "It's alright Miss Bennet. I do not suppose you saw me standing there."
When finally he looked at her standing so close to him, he stared at her with wide eyes. She was all red and blushed due to running, covered in sweats wearing a very tight white tunic with short sleeves. It shaped her every curve and he could even see the form of her taut abdomen by the way the fabric was clinging to her body. Darcy forced his eyes away from her figure and stared at a random place right in front of him hoping Lizzie did not notice him looking at her in such ungentlemanly manner.
"I swear I didn't" Lizzie explained. She noticed he was trying not to look at her. She was confused, what was wrong, then she realised he was avoiding to look at her because of her clothes. She rolled her eyes and untied her jacket from her waist and wore it zipping it up high to her neck, just in case.
Darcy looked her wearing her red jacket, smiled nervously and asked "What are you doing here so early in the morning, Miss Bennet? You are not looking for a portal I believe?"
Lizzie still breathing heavily explained "No, no portal hunting today. I just wanted to stretch my leg so decided to have a nice run."
"Run? To stretch your legs?" Darcy asked astonishingly. What person in right mind ran like some wild animal was chasing them to stretch their legs?
"Yeah, it's a good exercise." Lizzie said but seeing the quizzical expression on Darcy's face she clarified, "You know, when you run, it's just your legs and the ground beneath it. You only concentrate on your breathing and are free of all worries. I run to clear my head."
Darcy identified with Lizzie, running was to her what riding was to him. "I understand what you mean Miss Bennet. Dare say I ask what is bothering you so much?" he asked kindly.
Lizzie sighed and said "Just been thinking about my next step. What to do now."
She started walking in the direction of Pemberly and Darcy was by her side, matching her rather fast pace. He asked sympathetically "What have you decided? Please do tell me if I could help you with anything, Miss Bennet, because I certainly want to help you."
Lizzie looked at him for a moment and then said politely "Thank you for your offer Mr. Darcy because there is something I could use your help with."
"Anything at all Miss Bennet. I am here to assist you." Darcy said eagerly.
Lizzie laughed and said "I actually don't need your assistant Mr. Darcy. But I wanted to ask if you know anyone who is good with building things, good with tools and metal work."
Darcy frowned at her answer but recovered himself and suggested "There is a young man who works for me, he repairs and builds if the carriage or any other tools in the stable is broken. I believe he will be able to assist you with your request."
"Oh, thanks a lot Mr. Darcy. That'll be great. I promise I won't take too much of his time and hinder your work. I need only some things from him and I could do the rest." Lizzie said appreciatively.
Darcy glad by her enthusiasm said "It is my pleasure Miss Bennet. I assure you, you can take his help as long as you want. It will not hinder any of my work."
"No, don't worry, I won't overstep my bounds and cause you any trouble" Lizzie promised and asked "What is his name?"
"His name is Philip McAlister. And I am certain he could help you with anything you want to build. I will ask him today to come to your assistance." Darcy said graciously.
"Thanks a lot. That would be wonderful." Lizzie gave him a warm smile and asked again "And I also need a dress Mr. Darcy. I need to go to the town to get some supplies."
Darcy nodded his head and said earnestly "I will ask Mrs. Reynolds to provide you with some of Georgiana's clothes and ask Andrew to prepare a carriage for you."
Lizzie shook her head "No, a carriage won't be necessary. I would rather walk because God knows I need to see more of this place other than the woods."
Darcy smiled and asked "Do you need my assistance to show you the around the town and shops and escort you?" He knew it from before that she would not agree to it, she liked to do her work alone.
"Thank you for the generous offer but that is not necessary. But if you don't mind can Mr. McAlister accompany me instead? I could use his help to find the right people and shops for the things I need." Lizzie said thoughtfully.
"That can be easily arranged. I will ask him right now to escort you when you are ready." Darcy agreed. He was finally happy to help her somehow. Even if he was not doing anything himself but he was making things easier for her in his own small ways.
"That would be great. Thanks a lot Mr. Darcy. I am very grateful for everything." Lizzie said sincerely.
Darcy's heart swelled seeing her warm smile. After so many days they were having a civilized conversation without anyone of them getting angry and furious at each other. He wished things between them were like that all the time, so that he could ask her the questions he was dying to ask all these time.
The morning passed in a whim for Darcy. Lizzie joined him for the breakfast, she was dressed in Georgiana's clothes and it suited her well. She looked like a sophisticated society lady in that dress and she carried it with confidence and grace. Mrs. Reynolds also gave her Georgiana's hat, long red cape and shoes. Lizzie thanked him and Mrs. Reynolds many times for everything and even confessed that she felt like she was dressed for a costume party as Little Red Riding Hood. And when Darcy inquired about the costume party or the Red Riding Hood she heartily explained everything, all the fairy tale he was not familiar with without getting angry once.
He also inquired about the work she had been doing in the woods and she tried to explain him about calculating the Gravity force, latitude, longitude, the velocity of wind, atmospheric pressure and many other environmental factors all that time which will be useful for her to predict the behaviour and occurrence of the portal by analyzing and recreating all the previous factors and variables. Darcy nodded politely but he could not understand half of the things she was explaining to him. Despite that Darcy could not help himself enjoy her company. He found her to be amusing, intelligent, charming and engaging and realized that she had a talent for telling stories. She was so animated and passionate when she started to explain him some fairy tale or a scientific theory he did not know, that he easily got dragged into her world. Her zeal was contagious.
Lizzie finally excused herself from Darcy after couple of hours to finish her work in town. She could sense that Darcy wasn't much of a talker and they never had such long conversations before. Every time they talked earlier, it ended into a bad argument and Lizzie was trying very hard not to roll her eyes at his assumptions of her time and her society. She could tell he wanted to ask many questions and as per their agreement she tried to explain it to him as best as she could. She thought she would lose her cool when she was trying to explain him the fun concept of costume party and he snorted at her. The man could be so arrogant at times but she bit her tongue because she promised not to curse in front of him.
When Lizzie stepped outside, she saw a young boy no more than seventeen year's old waiting for her. He was tall, green eyes, kind face with amused smile on his lips, he was whistling and tapping his foot but stood straight as soon as he saw her. Lizzie knew just having one look at him that she would like him and they would get along very well.
"Good morning Miss Bennet. I am Philip McAlister. Master Darcy said to help you and do whatever you ask from me. I am here to serve you with my life. What can I do for you?" Philip said with a huge grin and a theatrical bow to Lizzie.
Lizzie laughed at his enthusiasm, she was right, she instantly liked the boy. He had this likeable charm about him which no one could resist. She mused "Hmm, the first thing you can do for me Mr. McAlister is address me as Lizzie."
"Only if you call me Philip or Phil if you like me" Philip said with a wink.
"Then Phil it is, because I like you." Lizzie replied and Philip gave a warm smile.
"Where shall I accompany you today, Lizzie?" Philip said offering his arms to her.
"To a jewellery store, Phil" Lizzie said gladly taking his arms and making their way towards the main gate.
"May I ask what you are buying for yourself, Lizzie?" he inquired.
"I'll show you once we are there?" Lizzie said mischievously.
The whole journey to the town flew for Lizzie in Philip's company. He was an engaging young lad, she found a lot about him and his family. His father worked for the Darcy's and when he fell sick, Philip took his place. He used to accompany his father in his work and learned the nooks and corners of the trade from him and now he was doing what he was meant to do, according to his father for two years now.
Philip was also interested to know what Lizzie was doing because all the servants in the Pemberly were aware that she stayed in the woods for many nights and he was very eager to know why. Lizzie explained her story and her pretend background to explain what she was doing. Philip was asking many questions about her work and the place she was from. Lizzie liked the boy, he was intelligent and had thirst to learn. He actually reminded her of herself when she was of that age.
Philip turned out to be very helpful for Lizzie. He knew many people in the town, all the blacksmiths and other people who had the right things she needed. He was a smooth talker and helped her to bargain the things at the right price and also persuaded the shop owners to get the things which they did not possess in few short days which otherwise would take weeks to get.
To show her appreciation Lizzie bought a large cake for him from the bakery and asked him to share it with his friends and young sister he had. On their way back to Pemberly, he would not let her carry anything at all. He expressed his desire to help her with her experiments and Lizzie said he could help her if he had free time after finishing his usual work.
Philip was very grateful to Lizzie, she was kind to him and told him about so many different things he never knew about. He wanted to learn and know more from her and be a part of her experiments. He was little apprehensive about Lizzie first because he had heard many rumours about her wild behaviours from other servants. They said that she was erratic and hit Master Darcy once, she wore strange clothes and talked differently and most of all she did bizarre things in the woods in the middle of the night. But once he talked to her, got to know her, he found her to be friendly, funny, smart and so very peculiar. He had never met anyone who talked and acted like her and the things she knew was so impossible for anyone else to know. But he liked her, liked her a lot and was grateful that Master Darcy chose him to assist her.
Once they were in Pemberly by two in the afternoon, Lizzie asked Philip to put all the things in the barn Darcy had prohibited anyone to go. She assured him that she was allowed to work in there. He apprehensively helped her to place few tables, and tools as per her request and many glass bottle, beakers and containers for her. He also gave her a lamp, oil, coal and many other fuels to create fire because she needed them for her experiments. He promised her that he would quickly finish his work and give his hand in anything she was doing. He wanted to see what she could do with the copper, zinc and few other things she had bought.
While Philip was hurrying to finish his work as soon as possible because he was already behind spending whole morning with Lizzie and also he wanted to help Lizzie afterwards, he did not notice Darcy approaching him.
"Have you helped Miss Bennet with her work, Philip?" Darcy asked the boy.
Philip was startled by his sudden appearance replied "Good afternoon Master Darcy. Yes I had showed all the shops and helped her buy the things she wanted."
Darcy nodded and inquired "What kind of things she required?"
Philip shocked by the question answered honestly "She wanted to buy few chemicals but none of the shops carried such chemicals. They had never heard of some of the names she was telling, Sir. They were asking if she was teasing them by making up such names. She then bought some basic metals like copper, zinc, sulphur and few other random objects like weighing scale, glass beakers, and tubes. To tell you the truth Sir, I was hoping she would be buying some clothes or ribbons. I have no idea what she will do with such things. She wanted few more substances but shops did not have such things with them so she placed an order and asked me to inquire and get it if I was in the town. She is one peculiar person Master Darcy but very intelligent. I have never met anyone like her before."
Darcy agreed to the boy's assumption with a small smile. How true he was saying that about her. He asked nonchalantly "How did Miss Bennet pay for her purchases?"
Philip looked at Darcy apprehensively and replied timidly "She sold one of her lockets to the town's jeweller Master Darcy." He felt like he was betraying Lizzie's trust by saying it to Darcy but he could not hide that fact from him after he explicitly asked him.
"Oh, I see." Darcy said thinking about something and added thoughtfully "Do you know where Miss Bennet is right now?"
Philip panicked, how was he suppose to tell him she was in the barn he prohibited anyone to go. He did not want Lizzie to get into trouble, should he lie to his Master to save her. Darcy gave a stern look to him.
Philip gulped and said hurriedly "Master Darcy, she is working in the barn you asked us not to go. I believe she do not know it is out of bounds. She said she was allowed there. Sir, it is not her fault, I forgot to mention that the place was out of limits." He tried to shift the blame onto himself so he would not get angry at Lizzie.
Darcy smiled at the boy's attempt to save Lizzie "It is alright Philip. Miss Bennet is allowed to work in there. Help her with anything she needs and if she trust you, you can go there too."
Philip gave a genuine smile and said "Yes Master Darcy. She said I could help her if I had free time after finishing my regular work. She is a very nice lady Sir, I like her. She knows so many different things."
Darcy agreed "Very true, Philip. She definitely knows many things. I suggest you finish your work quickly and give Miss Bennet a helping hand if she needs."
Philip respected his Master for his kind nature and said gratefully "Certainly Master Darcy. I will assist her as soon as I am done here."
Darcy nodded to the boy and asked Andrew to arrange the carriage. He had an important business to take care in the town.
After couple of hours Philip quickly finished his work and made his way in the barn. The place looked completely different from before. Lizzie had made quite a few changes there, the place was more illuminated with all the windows open, lamps lighted and had a strange smell. And the table looked like a desk of an Alchemist. It had lots of jars and beakers arranged with tubes, a burner and some kind of transparent liquid simmering in the beaker. He saw Lizzie writing something in her notebook and measuring some substance in the scale very delicately and accurately.
"Lizzie, you have completely transformed this place" Philip said with amazement.
Lizzie looked up from her notebook and said with a smile "I hope it looks better than before."
"Definitely, it does" he agreed and then pointed at the jars on the table "What are you doing?"
"Making Sulphuric acid" she answered.
"Why do you need an acid?" he wondered.
"I need it to do my experiments." Lizzie explained.
"What are you experimenting about?" he asked enthusiastically.
"I'm trying to create electricity." Lizzie said with a smile.
"How are you going to do that?" Philip asked quizzically.
"It's easy. I did the same experiments in my school in fifth grade. But at that time the teacher gave us all the chemicals but now I have to make all the chemicals myself." Lizzie explained.
Philip stared at her with an open mouth, he was completely astonished by Lizzie. He blurted out "You did this in school when you were young?"
"Yes, I did." Lizzie looked at him quizzically and asked "They don't teach you chemistry at your school?"
Philip little taken aback by her question replied "I do not go to school, never been to one either. My mother taught me to read and write."
"Why didn't you go to school?" Lizzie asked with shock.
"The schools are only for the children of aristocrats and rich, Lizzie. Someone like me cannot afford to go there." Philip said disappointedly.
"What? Education is the right of every child. This is preposterous, school charging so much money for children's education. What is with this century?" Lizzie said horrified.
Philip laughed at her reaction and said "Is it not the same for you in America?"
Lizzie recovered herself, she had no idea about the education system of nineteenth century. She said truthfully "Well, the schools at my place are free, only the Universities are expensive. But still you can get scholarships for that."
"You went to University too, Lizzie" he asked with amazement, looking at her in awe.
Lizzie smiled and answered "Yes, I went to a technical University and studied engineering. I'm so grateful that my education is helping me now to solve my problems."
"That is amazing. I have never heard of a women studying engineering" Philip said in wonder.
"Well, many women and people from simple background go to University from the world I'm from. I'm sure you can go to University too Phil, because you are so smart and intelligent and have aptitude for learning." Lizzie encouraged him.
Philip blushed at Lizzie's complement and said "Thank you so much Lizzie, but I cannot."
"Do you want to study and go to University or not Phil?" Lizzie asked.
"I most certainly wish to Lizzie but ...." he said uncomfortably.
Lizzie interrupted him and said positively "Then there are no ifs or buts Phil. We will find a way to make it happen." She patted his back encouragingly and assured him "I'm sure if you ask Mr. Darcy for help, he is rich, he could lend you the money for your education and if he doesn't I'll talk to him."
"Thank you Lizzie, you do not have to do that. I will talk to him and my family myself at an appropriate time." Philip said appreciatively.
"You're welcome Phil and you definitely talk to them. So do you want to learn how this experiment works?" Lizzie asked.
Philip nodded enthusiastically and Lizzie said amusingly "So let's begin your first lecture of Chem 101."
Philip listened to every word Lizzie told him. She explained how she burned sulphur to create sulphur dioxide gas and diluted it in water to create sulphuric acid. Then she showed him how to make zinc sulphate and copper sulphate by mixing the metals they had bought with the acid. Philip was amazed by her deep knowledge of chemicals and she said she only learned it in school many years ago, not in the University.
Lizzie was happy to explain the basic principles of chemistry to Philip, the boy had thirst for knowledge and asked so many questions to her which she happily explained. She even wrote down all the chemical equations and design principles of simple battery on the barn wall to make the idea more clear for him. He helped her with all the experiments and was very intuitive with the chemicals and metals. Lizzie so desperately wanted to help that boy, he had a huge potential and bright future ahead of him and with proper guidance he could easily get into a good University and make something of himself.
Philip saw with wide eyes as Lizzie poured the solution of zinc sulphate and copper sulphate in two different jars. She connected the two jars with a piece of paper covered in cloth dipped in salt water, she called it a salt bridge. Then she finally put two wires into each jar and connected it a small glass bulb she said she removed from her flash light. He had never seen anything like that in his life before.
Philips was completely dumbfounded and shocked out of his mind when Lizzie fully immersed the salt bridge touching the liquids completing the connection of the two solutions in different jars and the spherical glass object she called bulb actually glowed making a bright light.
"Eureka, eureka." Lizzie shouted at the top of her lungs as soon as she saw the bulb of her flashlight lit up. She couldn't believe she finally managed to create electricity. She was so afraid earlier that the metals she got were impure and she would not be able to create the strong enough chemicals and recreate the experiment she once did when she was ten. But thanks to the Almighty Goddess of Science, she was successful.
"How in the Lord's name did you manage to do that Lizzie?" Philip said all astounded.
Lizzie removed the salt bridge, she did not want to spoil all the solution and separated the flashbulb. She was ecstatic and hugged Philip all thrilled. The boy was laughing too, seeing her joy.
"The magic of science my dear friend, the pure magic of science." Lizzie squealed as she hugged him.
"I have never seen anything like this before. What is this thing called and what you will do with the electricity?" Philip asked, he wanted to ask so many things from her.
Lizzie let go of him and got her car battery from one corner she had removed earlier and said joyfully "This is a simple Daniel cell. And with the electricity I'll recharge this bigger battery and use it later to run few things I have and do more experiments." She said showing him her car battery.
Philip saw Lizzie put a large black object on the table and connect both the wires into it. She was overjoyed when she inserted the salt bridge again and saw that it was working.
"God, I'm good. Can't believe its working. The batter is actually recharging." Lizzie said with twinkle in her eyes.
"You are certainly extraordinary Lizzie." Philip said in admiration.
"I couldn't have done this without your help Phil" Lizzie said raising her hands to him.
Philip looked at her raised palm quizzically and raised his eyebrow in question. Lizzie smiled and explained "You're suppose to hit it with your hand. It's called 'High-Five'. It's a sign of camaraderie and success. Something which friends do."
Philip smiled and hit her raised palm enthusiastically and said "Thank you Lizzie. We certainly achieved a great thing today and I have learned a lot from you. I hope we can do more of these experiments."
"Of course we will. We are lab partners now." Lizzie said happily.
"And friends too." Philip added.
"Yes, so let's celebrate our victory Phil." Lizzie said with joy.
"Certainly. What do you want to do?" Philip asked.
"What do you usually do with your friends? Go out on a pub and have some drinks." Lizzie asked.
"Yes, sometimes. Other times we go to the town centre and dance when there is a festival or any event." Philip answered.
"Well, we can't leave the experiment in the middle and go anywhere today. So let's celebrate our great success with chocolate for right now." Lizzie said rummaging through her bags and finding a large bar of chocolate.
She broke it into few pieces and offered it to Philip. He took it and asked "What is this Lizzie?" He had never seen anything like before, something covered in shiny paper.
"It's heaven on earth. Just try it and you'll know I'm telling the truth." Lizzie said mischievously sitting on the other table, taking a bite of her own piece of chocolate.
Philip smiled and tasted it and said "Hmm, I have to say, it does taste divine."
"I told you so." She replied humorously.
"Excuse me Miss Bennet...." both Lizzie and Philip turned hearing the voice and looked at the door.
Lizzie jumped from the table and said "Hey Anne, want to try some chocolate. I swear it's good." And handed Anne one piece.
She took it apprehensive and looked at Philip. He said amusingly "Trust me Anne, Lizzie is telling the truth. It is heavenly."
Anne glared at Philip angrily and said "What are you doing here Philip? Master Darcy said no one is allowed here. And why are you being disrespectful to Miss Bennet calling her Lizzie."
Philip smiled teasingly and said with pride "Lizzie and I are lab partners and she asked me to help her with her experiments. Master Darcy knows about it already. You can ask him if you believe I am lying. And I am calling Lizzie by her name because we are friends and she asked me too."
"Yes, that is true Anne. I've also asked you to call me Lizzie too." Lizzie defended Philip.
"But you are too scared to do that. Are you not?" Philip teased her.
Anne growled at him and said "No I am not, I call her Lizzie when we are alone, but not in front of anyone else. Unlike you, I do respect her."
"Ohh, really...." Philip said mockingly taking a step closer to her.
Lizzie rolled her eyes at Philip and said "Did you want to ask me something Anne?" trying to distract them.
Anne gave a final angry glare at Philip and said kindly to her "Master Darcy was inquiring when you will be ready to join him for the supper."
"Oh, could you please apologise to Mr. Darcy from my behalf Anne. I can't stop my experiments in the middle and leave the barn to have the dinner." Lizzie explained.
Anne looked at her sympathetically and said "You should not miss your supper Lizzie. I shall bring you your food here and convey your message to Master Darcy."
"You're a darling Anne" Lizzie said hugging the young girl. She really did care for her a lot.
Anne blushed and said small thank you. Lizzie asked her nicely "Anne, could you please get the food for two people, for Phil too?"
"Could you, Anne?" Philip pleaded with a mocking smile.
Anne glared furiously at him and then looked at Lizzie and said "Certainly Lizzie. I will see what I can do."
"Thanks Anne you are a sweetheart." Lizzie said as Anne left the barn giving a final warning glare at Philip, who was smiling at her.
Lizzie looked at Philip, the way he was looking at Anne, teasing her, smiling at her and sighed when she left. It was so obvious to her.
"So, how long you've been fancying her?" she asked Philip raising one of her eyebrows.
Philip was completely taken aback by her question. He nervously ran his fingers through his hair and replied hastily "I do not fancy her. Not at all Lizzie."
"Ohh really!" she said the same thing he had said before.
Philip started to shift the jars on the table avoiding Lizzie's intense gaze. She smiled and feigned a sigh "Too bad then. I think Anne is an amazing girl. You two would have been a cute couple. Maybe she could find someone else."
Philip stared at her and said softly "You really think we could be good together."
"Yes, I most certainly know it in my heart." Lizzie said adoringly.
"But I do not believe she likes me." He voiced his doubt solemnly.
"That can be easily fixed. Don't worry Phil, I'll help you with that." Lizzie assured him.
"Oh, Lizzie, you have no idea what would that mean to me." Philip said his eyes all lit up.
Lizzie smiled confidently at him to show him it was possible and she would definitely help him. She loved seeing people in love. At that time she missed Chris so much, she wanted to be with him, held him in her arms. So what if she was not with Chris at that time, she could at least help a young couple to find love.
Anne didn't bring the food herself but send it by the hands of another maid. Lizzie spent the whole evening talking and teasing Philip. He finally opened up to Lizzie and told his tale about meeting Anne for the first time at Pemberly. She listened intently to him, giving him suggestions and clearing his doubts about the psyche of woman. Finally at ten at night she said good bye to Philip after fully recharging her battery and finishing her experiments. She stored the remaining chemicals in the barn into a nearby cupboard and took the battery with her. She was so happy realizing that finally she would be able to charge her laptop and do some real work to find her way back home.
I tried to write a really long chapter to compensate for my long absence and hastened my time line. Hope you guys like it. I'll try to update soon.
Happy reading :)