The Quest of Time

I deeply apologise for taking so long to update and I personally say sorry to EloiseD (I told you that I'd update during my X'mas holidays but this chapter just wasn't coming. I lost my flow at writing, I hate the way I wrote this chapter, nothing was coming the way I wanted to say but now I've exhausted myself and this is the best I can do right now. This is dedicated to you, hope you'll like it )

Thank you HawkAngel XD , OWLBETHERE, noukinav018, EloiseD , Avanell , Miriam, A, L'amant Aile , lotus elise, Irene Blake, Bonbonnett, Bookworm14, bellathedisenchanted , Neutrino Girl, Lusalma, vindictivelemon for your kind words.

I am really grateful for whoever read and review this story and I apologise again for so spare and late updates, I'll try my best to update sooner from now on.

Hope you like the chapter and happy new year everyone :-)

Chapter-12

"I am very certain that she is missing you too" Darcy was looking out of the window of the parlour, watching the beautiful garden of Rosings and was startled hearing his cousin's low voice, he did not even notice when he entered the room, how long was he standing there watching him lost in his thoughts?

He noticed the small curve of his lips and was irritated by the fact that Richard found his innocent yearning for a woman so quite amusing but he couldn't help himself asking with little hope "Do you think so?"

"Of course I do," Richard stood right next to him looking out of the window same as him to see what was of so interest to Darcy "she wrote in her letter, didn't she?"

"What letter" Darcy asked confused, Lizzie did not write any letters to him, was she in correspondence with Richard? That thought made him angrier, were her and Richard such good friends that they were exchanging letters and why didn't she write to him.

Richard gave him a strange look and tilted his head towards the desk "That letter."

Darcy looked at what he was pointing at and realized what Richard was talking about and suddenly went rigid. His cousin saw the change in his manners too and asked innocently with a sly smile "Were you thinking about some other pretty girl Darcy?"

"Of course not" Darcy quickly moved away from him and picked Georgiana's letter placed on the table "I was thinking about Georgi, I am about to write my reply to her request and that was what I was thinking about, only Georgiana and no one else" he said with strength and conviction so that his obstinate cousin would take the hint and won't press on the matter any more.

But Richard being Richard, no trick would work on him and he laughed loudly "And we met only yesterday."

Darcy ignored his sarcastic remark and concentrated on her sister's letter again, last year had been incredibly hard on her after what happened and she was trying very hard to mend her mistakes but he could not understand why couldn't she do that at Pemberly, why she wished to be part from him and stay at London, why was she afraid to be close to him and let him help with everything she was going through.

"Well, I am sure Miss Bennet misses you too Darcy, just as much as you" Richard said humorously, weighing his every expression and was glad when Darcy gave him a very deathly glare and threatened him through gritted teeth "You presume too much Richard and you mistakenly have a lot of faith in your good fortune and my patience too."

"Well, if I really had such a good fortune I wouldn't have been confined here in Rosings under the rule of Lady Catherine for two weeks, would I" Richard sulked like a child and then said with a small laugh "But I have to acknowledge your patience, not once you defied Aunt Catherine's request to stay longer."

Darcy snorted at his remark "You were at the dinner table too Richard, it wasn't a request, it was an order that we celebrate Easter here, I did not had a saying at the matter at all."

"Of course, not even the brave Knights and warriors can go against Lady Catherine's wishes." Richard stated it as a fact instead of a cynical statement because it was the truth, even Darcy knew that his Aunt was a force to be reckoned with.

She did not scare him as much as he was irritated by the fact that she was dominating and a difficult person to show your own point of view to and he did not wish to make things complicated by telling her the real reason why he wanted to return to Pemberly at once, as he thought it was the best idea that she remained unaware of the existence of 'a creature from the future' and he will be forever be grateful of Richard as he did not utter one word about Lizzie to her or their cousin Anne but he did not extend the same courtesy to him. Every opportunity he got, he brought her up in the conversation, he had no idea what answer he was looking for because even he wasn't sure how he felt for her.

"So, what is your final answer?" Richard asked casually and Darcy was once again confused, what he was talking about, for a split second he feared that his cousin could read minds and knew exactly what he was thinking about but seeing his bewildered expression, he clarified "Your final answer to Georgi's request?"

Darcy relaxed seeing Richard changed the topic and when he saw the letter in his hand of his beloved sister he sighed "I do not know what to do, she says that she misses me, she misses home and yet she wishes to stay at London for a little longer. But she had been away from home for a while and I wish her to be near me, as much as I love her, I can not grant her this request, I want her at Pemberly at once."

"Good" Richard said enthusiastically and patted his shoulders "because I was thinking the same thing as well. I know what happened caused distress to us all and Pemberly reminds Georgi of that God-awful and abhorring being born as a man but it is not the reason to stay away from home, it is time to put past behind us and start anew. Georgiana needs to be at home, with family and with people who love her and take care of her."

Darcy cracked a small smile, at that time he realized how much Richard's support meant to him, how much his words helped him to clear his doubts and cemented his decisions "Yes, I would not allow that lowly creature to stop my sister from living her life the way she deserves. And if she says she is still not ready to return to Pemberly, we will have to change her mind."

"Yes," Richard said with conviction "we are her guardians, she has to do what we ask her to do, she has to obey us."

Darcy laughed at that, who was Richard fooling with that statement "Because we are not puppets in her hands and comply to her every wishes, her every demands, it's the other way around."

Richard rolled his eyes at that "Even if we do, it is because she never makes unnecessary and unjust demands, she deserves everything and she is the sweetest girl in the whole wide world, who could ever say no to her."

"Yes, she is the best sister anyone could ever hope for" Darcy agreed, he missed her too much to even say it in words "and I have decided, I will go to London and take her back to Pemberly with me. Spring is the best time to be there, new flowers, new leaves, new surrounding, new people, it all will do good to her."

"You read my mind Darcy" Richard grinned enthusiastically "I would especially like Georgiana to meet Miss Bennet, she is a strong, intelligent and very independent lady, having a companion, a friend like her would be splendid for Gerogi, she could learn so many things and I am very positive, they will get along fine."

Darcy smiled at his enthusiasm, Richard was talking from his own experience and even he knew that a friend like Lizzie was all Georgiana needed to forget past mistakes and have some extra joy in her life. He said delightfully "Oh, I know Georgi would love Lizzie and she will love her too. Anne and Philip had told her many stories about Georgiana and she had asked me many times when she was coming home, she was dying to meet her" he laughed thinking of the time when she told him with a small pout that if she didn't get to meet Georgiana before she went home, she would regret it for the rest of her life "It's time those two wonderful ladies had the opportunity to form an acquaintance and hopefully a strong bond of friendship too."

Darcy was waiting for his cousin to agree with his remark but found him giving him a strange look and after a moment he chuckled amusingly "So, she is Lizzie to you now?"

Darcy bit his tongue, did he just address her as Lizzie in front of Richard, he always called her that in his head but he was very careful to not say it out loud, he had no idea how he slipped. He quickly clarified "It was by mistake."

Richard laughed even harder in amusement "Darcy, you are a bad liar and I have known you since childhood, so do not assume that you can fool me."

"Why would I ever dare to fool you Richard, you are an omniscient deity who knows what people do or think even if they themselves are unaware of it" Darcy said cynically.

"That is why it is futile to hide anything from me Darcy" Richard said wisely "so tell me when Miss Bennet became Lizzie to you."

Darcy was very uncomfortable with any prospect of sharing his truest feelings, his hidden desires with his most favourite cousin but he was more frustrated by not knowing himself what he was feeling. He trusted Richard and he knew he would keep everything he said in deepest confidence, just to make sense of everything he was feeling he finally said sincerely "I have no idea when and how that happened Richard, I truly have no idea."

Instead of mocking him, he was very grateful when Richard said quietly "I know what you mean Darcy, it is like that woman puts a spell on you and you lose all your control. Sometimes the things she says and does makes me feel like she is not even from this world."

Richard had no idea how true his last remark was but he was not ready to divulge Lizzie's secret to him, telling him his own secrets was hard enough. He asked solemnly "What should I do then?"

"What do you mean?" Richard was confused and he could clearly see Darcy was in perpetual discomfort thinking about the answer to that question himself, that was the only reason he was asking for his advice.

Darcy started pacing, he could not even make sense of his own chain of thoughts "When I first met her, she was intriguing… different, I have never met anyone like her in my entire life and I invited her in my home because she needed help and I was curious to know more about her world but now things have changed."

"Changed? How?" Richard asked cautiously, trying not to put Darcy on defence, he rarely opened up to him and the last thing he wanted to do that moment was to make a mistake and turn him into a closed safe thrown at the bottom of the deep ocean again, forever lost in his loneliness, in his own mind, without any method to bring him back again.

He nervously ran his fingers through his hair and gave a defeated sigh, he had to face the truth, there was no way out, it was useless to hide it anymore "With every passing time she is even more intriguing, everything about her captivates my imagination and I cannot stop thinking about her all the time. Being away from her for so long it made me realize how much I miss her. I miss her laughter, I miss her stories, I miss arguing with here, I miss everything." He curled his hands into a fist by the anger and frustration "And I know this is all wrong, I want it all to stop and I do not have any clue how to fight my own feelings anymore."

Richard rose from his place and put his arm on his cousin's shoulders to calm him down and said with small smile "Why are you fighting it Darcy? You are an exceptional man, you are brave, intelligent and loyal. What you lack in charm, you easily make it up for with your wealth, any woman would be lucky to be your wife."

Darcy laughed dryly at his cousin's remark "I am very lucky you think so highly of me Richard."

"Really Darcy" Richard ignored his cynicism and said seriously "What are you really afraid of?"

Darcy said impatiently "Where do I begin? She is not from our world, our society, she doesn't belong here, she speaks differently, she behaves improperly, she doesn't follow the rules of this society as a lady should, she has no place in this world… in my world. If those are not good enough reasons for me to stay away from her, there are other complications to think of, like the fact she doesn't like me, she will leave soon and go back to her home and I will never be able to see her again, ever." He hesitated for a moment but finally gave a disappointing sigh "And I am very certain that there is some other man in her life whom she belongs to, whom she loves."

"Hmmm" Richard said slowly "that is an awfully very long list of reasons for you to stay away from her." Darcy gave him a solemn look listening to that so his cousin tried to comfort him "But Darcy, there are equally long list of reasons for you to try to win her heart, change her mind and make her stay with you. I agree she is different from any esteemed lady in our society but I think her difference is what makes her special and I know it for a fact, those are the main reason she is the object of your admiration." He said with a small chuckle "If you agree with me, if you love her as much as I think you do, then I say fight for her, forget about rhyme or reasons and for once in your life forget propriety and follow your heart."

"I do not love her" Darcy said quickly to clarify all the assumptions Richard just made about him and his feelings for Lizzie.

"You do not?" Richard raised his eyebrow in puzzlement "You could have fooled me," and asked again "then what is it that you feel for her."

Darcy sighed and walked away from him and looked out at the window, trying to find the answer for that question, he tried to find answer for that question million times but always failed. Finally he thought about her, every thing he ever felt from the moment he saw her for the fist time and said slowly "I… I admire her courage, her independence, her mind." He saw a bird sitting on the branch of an oak tree and after few moments it flew up to the sky and his eyes followed it as far as he could see the sky through the window and things finally became clear to him and he said with a heavy heart "And that what it will ever be… a profound admiration, because this is not her place, she will go back to the place where she truly belongs and I need to remember that, I need to accept that."

"Darcy" Richard said seriously "not as your cousin but also as your best friend, I think it is my duty to tell you that you are making a huge mistake."

"No" Darcy turned around, his eyes were dark and his demure was cold and calculated "this is the right thing to do, for me and for her."

Richard was startled by his change in behaviour and tone, he wanted to talk to him more and change his mind but even he knew it was waste of his time and Darcy walked past him towards and door and said strongly "And I need to talk to Lady Catherine about my departure, I shall go to London and take Georgiana back to Pemberly at once."

That was the end of discussion about Lizzie and Richard was apprehensive about bringing her again in their conversation because Darcy was being very ill humoured and curmudgeon in his behaviour for the rest of the day but he was not complaining because he had the golden opportunity to leave the Rosings with Darcy the next day for London.

As much foul mood Darcy was in past few days and the way Richard looked at him from time to time with pity, it wasn't helping him either, he did not want anyone to feel sorry for him, the time away from Lizzie was an eye opening experience, he knew he couldn't have made all the decisions if he was close to her, his mind was completely devoured by her presence whenever she was near. The decision he made was not only to protect himself but it was also to protect her. He knew Lizzie felt obligated to him because he had given her shelter and protection and if he tried to act on his feelings, she might…. No, he was certain that she would definitely leave him and he did not want her to be destitute and all alone in the cruel world.

As soon as he stepped in his residence in London he heard the beautiful melody of piano, all his grim thoughts disappeared thinking about Georgiana. She was practicing in the parlour at the pianoforte, her fingers moving over the keys like a gentle wave of the ocean and he gently touched her shoulders to make his presence noticed.

Georgina looked up and jumped into his arms completely unlike a lady "Brother! When did you come? Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

Darcy laughed and swivelled around hugging her to his chest, that's what he needed at that time, his precious sister to forget about all of his problems "If I'd have told you earlier, I wouldn't have the pleasure to see your surprised face right now, would I?"

She laughed and kissed his cheeks "Yes, you wouldn't have and I'm so pleased that you came, I have missed you so much."

"As I have missed you" Darcy said with an eager smile "and now you do not have to anymore."

"You are going to stay here with me then" she asked eagerly, her face as innocent as a child.

"No, I came here to take you back to Pemberly with me" Darcy stroked her hair with affection and looked into her eyes to perceive her reaction and he was distressed when the smile fell from her face.

She anxiously clenched her hands together and said softly "But brother, I said in my letter that I want to stay here longer, you won't grant me my wish."

Darcy sighed and he looked around and mumbled silently "Where is Richard when you need him." He wasn't ready to do this alone, he could never see Georgiana that sad and upset and he was terrible at telling her no, especially when she looked so forlorn and pleading, it was am impossible task.

"Did Richard come with you as well" she asked little delighted and ran out of the room to look for him and she didn't had to go too far as he came into the parlour just as she reached the door and just like as Darcy, he also pulled her into his arms affectionately.

Things became little easier with the support of his cousin, Georgiana did everything as he had expected her to do, she begged and pleaded, she frowned and stomped her foot as an insolent child but Darcy was persistent and Richard was stubborn too and by supper that night it was decided that they would go back to Pemberly in couple of days.

He tried so hard to wash away all her fears, all her guilt but she was a sensitive girl and she was not ready to forgive herself yet when everyone else had forgiven her. She was hurting and it was not acceptable to Darcy, he told her about Lizzie, he told her that she would have a new companion unlike anyone she had met before and things will be different at Pemberly, better than before, he promised her that and vowed to keep her safe from everything and everyone. She was her only sister, her only family and he needed her close with him and she understood that too, she wanted the same things and at night before going to bed, in his arms with wet eyes she apologised again and said she was ready for a new beginning and that was all Darcy wanted, a new beginning for her beloved Georgi and hopefully a new beginning for himself too.

If only things would go to everyone's plan, it would be a perfect world for everyone. Darcy was in London for almost a week because Georgiana was taking ample time to pack her belongings and she wanted to meet few friends and acquaintances before she went to Pemberly. So instead of two days, he decided to go back in a week but he was glad that his sister was happier and she was definitely feeling lighter, the heavy fog over her playful mood had lifted at the prospect of returning to home, she was finally looking forward to it and she suggested that she wanted to take some gift for Lizzie as a gesture of friendship and she asked for his advice.

Darcy had no notion what would be a perfect present for Lizzie because he did not know her as well he wanted to. At first he decided for a sword because she was learning fencing from Richard but that was impractical and improper present for a lady but then he remembered something. He told Georgiana the incident when she jumped into the ice-cold lake to get her sister scarf and she was very pleased with the idea too.

He accompanied her in the search to find a perfect scarf and she wanted to get some ribbons too. Georgiana was excited in the anticipation to meet her and he was excited ten folds, he wanted to get her something himself and he went from one shop to another in search for a perfect gift for her, something as perfect as her gift to him. He still carried the cell-phone she gave him with him all the time but it's battery died days ago and he couldn't see her picture anymore, he was disappointed by the thought.

When they reached home delighted to find a perfect present for her, three letters were waiting for Darcy. The first letter was from Richard that he could not come to see them and say farewell as he had to report to his duty and he had to leave, the other was from his valet Andrew who informed him about the things in Pemberly, he was particularly concerned about the new project Miss Bennet was doing with Philip inside the house, not in the barn and the final letter was from his dear friend Charles Bingley inviting him to his new estate he was renting, Netherfield in Heartfordshire and he wanted his advice and opinion on the matters if he should buy it and make it his permanent residence.

Darcy had to delay his trip back to Pemberly for the second time as he could not ignore his friend's request. He thought it would be better to meet Charles and inquire how urgent his matters were and then decide if he should go to Hertfordshire or not. As much as he liked Charles and wanted to assist him with his new endeavours, he was worried about Georgiana, she was finally looking forward to go home and the last thing he wanted was to give her a reason to delay her return, he feared that she might change her mind and he did not have Richard with him to persuade her again. And there was a small proclivity towards Lizzie, as much as he hated to admit that, he was desperate to see her again and was always scared that she might not be at Pemberly when he returned. The longer he was taking to go home, the slimmer his chances were to see her again, she could return to her time any day and he wanted to see her last time before she went.

Three days later Darcy went to meet his friend at the Gentlemen's club, Charles had invited him at his residence but he preferred to meet him there instead of his home because he wasn't very keen to meet his two sisters at that moment. He saw Charles at a table with couple of his acquaintance and as soon as he saw him and stood up with open arms "Darcy, it has been so long."

Darcy shook his hand and returned his large small less enthusiastically than him "Yes Bingley, it definitely has been too long. How is everyone in your family?"

"My sisters are doing very well and yet unsatisfied, always complaining about trivial matters" Charles said with good humour "and that reminds me, Caroline was disappointed that you and Georgiana could not join us for dinner tonight and thus was being her pleasant self, I was very glad you suggested this place, I was eager to get away from the home, so thank you."

Darcy smiled as they both took their places "Please convey my sincere apologies for tonight to your sister, Georgiana and I had to finish some things before we leave for Pemberly."

"So, you are not coming to Heartfordshire with me" He inquired with disappointment.

Darcy knew his friend always counted on his support and he deeply regretted to not help him at that instant but he also knew that Charles was very kind and generous and most of all a good hearted friend, he would forgive him and would not bear any ill in his heart or feel betrayed by him and his lack of counselling in his matters. He said sincerely "Charles, I would like to help you with anything you need my assistance with but currently I have to take Georgiana back to Pemberly, this is important otherwise I would not have declined your offer."

"I understand Darcy" Charles sighed and patted his shoulders and said with a grin "Georgiana must come first before everything else."

"Thank you Charles" Darcy said with relief, he always knew he would understand his difficulties and he was eager to make it up to him, so he said enthusiastically "Once you are in Heartfordshire and if you really like the place or if you have any difficulty with anything, write to me, I'll come there at once and help you with any decisions you have to make and for Lord's sake, do not agree to anything, sign any documents in haste, without discussing it with other people first." He warned him, Charles was very easy going and trusted anyone who spoke few nice words to him, he felt it as his duty to make sure he was not taken advantage of his kind and trustworthy nature.

Charles laughed hard at that "You are always looking out for me Darcy and believe me I have learnt my lesson after you warned me about that slimy Mr. Krepton, I would not be fooled again" he said gratefully remembering the incident when an dishonest businessman was trying to sell him a ruined property and Darcy interfered in time to stop it. He always valued his counsel and he knew with him on his side, he would make the right decisions.

"I hope not" Darcy said amusingly and reminded again "and do not get carried away with the beauty of the place, buying a house is a permanent investment, you have to think wisely before you make any commitments."

Charles nodded and smiled mischievously "You are right but the property is not the only reason I am going there and inviting you to come with me."

Darcy gave him a confused look not understanding what else was he interested in, so Charles clarified with a shy smile "The property is lucrative but the place is well known for the beauty of its women and hospitality of the people, I am sure we both could find some beautiful and charming ladies to tempt us as well."

Darcy laughed listening to that "Good luck with that Charles, even if you do not like the Estate, I really hope you find something really precious there."

Charles said with a sly smile "And leave you all alone by yourself, Pemberly needs a mistress too Darcy, come with me, bring Georgiana too and we all could have a wonderful time there and we both could find someone precious."

"I do not want to find anyone else Bingley" Darcy said quietly, more to himself than to his friend.

"What do you mean by anyone else, have you already found someone?" Charles said excitedly, one would think that his trousers were on fire or he found a hidden fortune with the eagerness in his eyes.

"No," Darcy said quickly and regretted his slip of tongue again and said uncomfortably "that is not what I meant. What I was trying to say is that, I need to take Georgiana home and take care of her, I do not have time to think about anyone else."

"Oh," Charles said disappointingly and assured him "do not worry about Georgiana, she is wiser than you can imagine and if I found someone perfect for you, I'll write you and you have to come at once."

Darcy sighed and tried to convince his friend that he wasn't looking for anyone "Bingley, you worry about yourself and not me. Do not forget you have your sisters accompanying you, they will be more eager to find a beautiful lady for you and keep you busy to let you think about anything else."

Charles said grumpily "I don't know, sometimes I feel like Caroline doesn't want me to find love, as if she is afraid that her importance would decline in the family once I have a wife."

Darcy bit his tongue before he said something upsetting about Caroline, he felt that the same thing from her in more than one occasion but he tried to comfort his friend, instead of wedging problems between the siblings "Bingley, I am sure Caroline wants what is best for you and anything she did in past to make you feel that way was to protect you. She is your sister, of course she wants to see you happy."

"Yes, you are right" Charles smiled and agreed to him "it was foolish to think that way, she looks out for me the same way I look out for her."

Darcy nodded too and the rest of the afternoon was passed talking about Charles plans for the Estate and property, their business and final words of caution from Darcy to him, warning him to not make any foolish mistakes.

Later that evening at supper Georgiana informed him that she had finally finished all her packing and pending tasks and was ready to leave for home and he was ready to go back to Pemberly too, ready to see if she would be there waiting for him. He was anxiously hoping that she was eager to see him just as much he was eager to lay his eyes upon her after being more than a month apart.

Thank you for your patience, hope you liked that chapter

Happy reading :-)