Ch 13
The weeks leading up to the Netherfield ball passed quickly.
The arguments between Darcy and Elizabeth continued, but Darcy couldn't help but notice a definite shift in their disagreements. Where once they fought over their dislike of each others characters, Darcy noticed they were now arguing over literature and farming technics.
One such day while they were strolling in the Netherfield gardens with Jane and Bingley as their "chaperones"...
"Beatrice was not in love with Benedict until her friend mentioned that he might have feelings for her," said Darcy.
"That is completely untrue. When the messenger shows up at the beginning, the first thing she asks is if Benedict had survived the war," replied Elizabeth.
"Yes and then goes on to belittle him at every turn. Making fun of his duties in battle and trying to cause those around think less of him," shot back Darcy.
"But if she wasn't truly concerned for him, she would not have immediately asked after his well being. She was worried for him and wanted to know he was safe," said Elizabeth unwavering in her opinion.
"She wanted to know that she still had her favorite toy to play with and nothing more," finished Darcy who was now standing rather close to a glaring Elizabeth.
Even though he could not get her to agree with him, Darcy could not help but to be pleased by her. She was extremely intelligent, well read and determined to have her point heard. Not to mention her eyes were afire with something other than hate for him. Yes, he liked their arguments very well indeed.
"There you are Mr. Darcy! Georgiana and I have been looking for you everywhere," cooed Miss Bingley.
Darcy looked up from Elizabeth to notice Miss Bingley and Georgiana walking their way. Clearly by the eye roll that Georgiana was giving, she was more being dragged around by Caroline to give her an excuse to see Darcy.
"I was just showing dear Georgiana here all the wonderful work I've done to ready Netherfield for the ball. Georgiana suggested we ask you for your opinion on the punch," continued Caroline.
Darcy once again looked to his sister to see her shaking her head, to indicate she had no such idea.
This caused both Elizabeth and Darcy to smirk.
"Won't you come with us Mr. Darcy to sample some choices?"
"Sampling punch! why I know few things I'm better at," beamed Richard as he stepped from behind a hedge.
Darcy wondered just how long he had been hiding there.
"Darcy is absolute rubbish at those kind of things. Luckily he has me around to help in this instances," said Richard continuing to smile.
Darcy could not begin to express how much he loved his cousin at that moment.
"My cousin is right Miss Bingley. Himself and I always choose the punch for the balls at Pemberly," assisted Georgiana.
"Oh ... well ... of course. If you think that is the best... But I think Mr. Darcy's opinion would be valuable to have," hedged Caroline.
"Miss Bingley, my sister and cousin have my full faith to make the right decision. I know I can trust them," said Darcy sending them a grateful smile.
Caroline was fuming as Richard and Georgiana lead her back arm-in-arm towards the house, while discussing what they felt about the making of a truly great punch.
"It must be nice to have your own guard to save you from unwelcome situations," laughed Elizabeth.
Darcy turned to her smiling "Yes I must admit it is a great relief to myself. Once I knew of Miss Bingley being in town, I actually considered hiring mercenaries to keep me safe."
Elizabeth laughed hardily at this.
"It is lucky, I think, that you have a military man as a close family member. I may disagree with you on Shakespeare but I feel we are of the same mind when it come to your safety. I glad to know my betrothed is well looked after when not in my presence," smiled Lizzy while coloring slightly
'It must be the cool breeze tinting her cheeks,' thought Darcy. 'But she certainly does look lovely.'
"Let us head inside to warm ourselves. I heard there may be some punch that might help," smiled Darcy extending his arm.
"Yes that sounds delightful. Lead on Mr. Darcy," grinned Elizabeth, but thinking she was already plenty warm.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
The Netherfield ball was upon them before anyone knew it and the ladies of Longbourn were all eagerly getting ready.
"Do stop fixing Lizzy's hair! She has already caught a husband. Work on Jane as she had yet to secure Mr. Bingley," boomed Mrs. Bennet while scurrying from Elizabeth and Jane's room.
Lizzy and Jane both sighed exasperatedly at this, causing them both to giggle.
"Thank you Hill but we are both fine. I'm sure Mama's nerves will be needing you soon anyways," smiled Lizzy.
Catching her breath, Jane turned to Elizabeth "It is true though, Lizzy. I do wish to look my best for Mr. Bingley. He is by far the most admirable man I've ever met."
"Why Jane Bennet, are you in love," teased Elizabeth lightly nudging her sister.
"Are you?" replied Jane.
Elizabeth instantly colored and turned back toward her mirror.
"I no longer know, Jane. How could I love someone who has basically forced me into a marriage? No, I must admit I do not love him... but I feel as though I could. I even find the idea of being Mr. Darcy's wife not quite as distasteful as I once did," said Lizzy trying to sound complacent without being over eager. After all, it wouldn't do well to fall for a man whose feelings did not match her own.
"If it helps Lizzy, I think Mr. Darcy is quite taken with you as well," replied Jane.
"What makes you think that," asked Elizabeth trying to sound completely uninterested and failing.
Jane smirked saying, "Well, other then the fact he can't take his eyes off of you. He smiles more at you than anyone else including his sister and seems truly content in your presence."
"Are you sure you're not referring to Mr. Bingley's reactions to you? " joked Lizzy while arching her eyebrow.
Both sisters were now blushing profusely and laughing quite loudly. They continued to joke with each other in a similar fashion till the carriage was called and they departed for Netherfield Park.
As the carriage pulled up to the front Mr. Bennet gave one final warning to his younger daughters.
"Girls, think of this as a test that will determine your level of social activities for the next ten years," said Mr. Bennet without any hint of humor in his voice.
All the girls nodded (while Lydia rolled her eyes) and on that note the ladies of Longbourn exited and walked up the elegantly light stairs of Netherfield.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Darcy was waiting in the foyer slightly off to the side of Bingley as Charles and Miss Bingley greeted their guests. Suddenly, his attention was drawn to the main door.
Miss Elizabeth had just entered with her elder sister, arm in arm, smiling and taking in the site of the lovely decorated hall.
Darcy suddenly realized he couldn't breath. She really was remarkably breathtaking.
"You always were the lucky one," said a voice behind Darcy's left ear.
Darcy turned to see his cousin staring at the same spot he was just previously looking.
"I don't know what you are talking about Richard," replied Darcy.
The colonel smirked and looked at his cousin, "Darcy don't be a fool! It doesn't benefit you at all to hide your feelings from that lovely creature. She's everything most men would hope for in a wife and she basically fell into your lap. I just think it would do well to give her more of a hint as to what you feel for her. You may have her hand my dear cousin, but you will have to work to get her heart. Most women don't tend to fall for men who treat them with a little more than cold civility."
"Oh! and we're so honored to have Mr. Darcy of Pemberley staying with us this visit," rang Caroline Bingley's voice through the crowd standing by them.
Darcy turned towards his cousin with his eyebrow raised.
"I said most women," smirked Richard.
By now the Bennet sisters had made their way over to where Darcy and Richard stood.
"Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth, might I say how charming you both look tonight. I don't think any other woman here could quite hold a candle to you," beamed Richard as he bowed to the ladies.
Darcy was already starting to fume at his cousin. He should have been the one who got to compliment Elizabeth first, not Richard.
"Thank you Colonel. It's a pleasure as always to see you," smiled Jane also bowing.
Elizabeth bowed also at this but was instead looking at Mr. Darcy shooting daggers at his cousin. 'Interesting,' thought Elizabeth.
Once Mr. Bingley, who was standing nearby, heard Miss Bennet's voice, he immediately swooped over to escort her in, leaving the hosting duties to his incensed sister.
"Well, if you will allow me Miss Elizabeth to show you in," said Richard, offering his arm.
"I'd be delighted," replied Elizabeth again observing Mr Darcy who looked as though he was ready to call his cousin to a duel. This thought made Elizabeth's heart flutter. 'Could he really be jealous over me? Maybe Jane was right about his regard for me.'
Darcy followed the couples in, openly scowling at his cousin.
Once they stopped by the refreshment table, Darcy immediately claimed the other side of Elizabeth.
"Richard, Elizabeth looks rather parched. Would you be so kind as to fetch her a drink," asked Mr. Darcy without even trying to remove the cool tone from his voice.
"Of course cousin. If you'll excuse me for a moment Miss Elizabeth," said the Colonel bowing and retreating only a few steps away.
Elizabeth had to smile into her fan to keep Mr. Darcy from seeing how amused she was by his blatant gesture to get her away from his cousin.
"You look very well this evening Miss Elizabeth. Are you enjoying yourself so far?" asked Darcy.
"Yes, Mr. Darcy. I must admit I am enjoying this evening very much so far," smiled Elizabeth amusedly
"And back before you could miss me," beamed Richard handing Elizabeth a cup of punch.
"Yes. Quite true," replied Darcy emotionless.
There the threesome stood in stony silence.
"Oh! Mr. Darcy," a shrill voice broke through their musings and caused Darcy to cringe. "I do believe you agreed to open the ball with me," said Caroline appearing by the group.
"Oh the devil! I forgot," swore Darcy under his breather causing Elizabeth to once again hide in her fan while Richard coughed into his drink.
"I'm sorry?" asked Miss Bingley.
"I was going to say yes of course. How could I forget," covered Darcy.
"Wonderful! That means you're free for the first two dances Miss Elizabeth, and it would be my honor if you would stand up with me," grinned Richard.
"Yes of course. That would be lovely," smiled back Elizabeth.
Richard could practically feel the heat radiating off of Darcy as Miss Bingley led him away.
The dance opened beautifully. Bingley claimed Jane's hand for the dance and the two looked as though they had been doing it for years. Elizabeth was equally glad to have such an agreeable partner who also danced remarkably well. They laughed and carried on but Elizabeth could not help but notice Mr. Darcy during this time. Not only was he the most striking figure she had even seen, but his dancing skills far outshone everyone present. She also could not help but be impressed at his ability to never fault a step but continue to glare at her partner.
"I do love to tease him so," said Richard following Elizabeth's line of site. "I must say I've never seen him get quite this worked up before. Its very interesting."
Elizabeth looked back to her partner blushing slightly.
"I'm sure he's just unhappy about his current partner," joked Elizabeth.
"Yes he does seem infinitely happier with another," continued Richard.
Elizabeth remained silent at this. Her thoughts were too full to speak. 'Could the Colonel honestly mean that he thinks Darcy is happy with me? Everyone seems to be indicating it but could it be possible? Both of us to find love in an arranged marriage? Not that I love him...'
Richard watched his dance partner as numerous emotions and thoughts crossed her face. 'Yes, these two will do well together.'
The dance ended shortly after, and before Richard could get to the side his cousin appeared before them.
"Miss Elizabeth, would you do me the honor of the next set?" asked Mr Darcy.
"Of course Mr. Darcy, it would be a pleasure," answered Elizabeth flushing slightly for reasons she didn't wish to dwell on at the moment.
Darcy took Elizabeth's hand to escort her to the floor but not before shooting his smirking cousin one last icy stare.
Elizabeth had never danced with someone of Mr. Darcy's skill. She imagined him the kind of partner that made everyone he danced with look well.
"Well Mr. Darcy, despite your dislike of the amusement, I must say you are in fact a fine dancer," commented Elizabeth.
Darcy paused not knowing what to say. He was never one to carry on a conversation whilst dancing. Especially not with a woman who could fluster him by the tiniest of actions.
"... Thank you," replied Darcy.
'Think of some to say. Her dress! No, you already commented on her appearance. Maybe the size of the room or the number of couples.'
"The room is quite an adequate size for the number of couples," continued Darcy.
Elizabeth was glad she had to turn away at the moment in the dance and was able to hide her smile. A few weeks ago, she would have scoffed at that comment as being cold and conceited. Now she knew it to be coming from an utterly uncomfortable man who was trying his best to carry on a conversation.
"Yes indeed," replied Elizabeth smiling as they met back up. She then decided to change the topic to one she knew he would be more at ease with.
"It is unfortunate Georgiana can not be here. I do enjoy our time together," said Elizabeth hoping to draw him out.
"I am glad to hear that. I must confess she is equally fond of you. Since we have become better acquainted I must admit, my anxiety over Georgiana entering society has been greatly diminished. You are to thank for that," said Darcy looking deeply into Elizabeth's eyes.
She was absolutely lost for words. And so they both remained silent for the rest of the set but never breaking eye contact.
When it was over, Elizabeth was obliged to dance with several of the neighbors and was unable to converse any further with Mr. Darcy.
Even the dinner set when Mr. Bingley gave his congratulations speech to the couple, they were still several people apart. Although no matter where she was, she was never out of Mr. Darcy sight.
"Just admit it already," said a voice to his right.
"I thought you went to check on Georgiana," replied Darcy.
"Yes and she is fine. She said she can't wait to talk to Miss Elizabeth since she doubts my authenticity of the events," smirked Richard.
"I always knew she was a smart girl," said Darcy.
"Quit changing the subject. It will do you good to deny your feels any longer."
"And what feelings are those? " asked Darcy exhaustedly.
"That you love her."
Darcy instantly stiffened up at this but made no reply.
"I see you're not denying it," pushed Richard.
Darcy responded in a low cold voice, "I am not a fool cousin. Elizabeth may care for me. She may even like me on some level but she does not love me. And I will not put my heart out there to be hurt and humiliated. I am glad we have reached an understanding and, don't get me wrong, I am very pleased to be marrying a woman whom I actually love. Her wit, intelligence, liveliness, warmth, beauty and kindness makes me feel luckier then I ever thought I could. But I will not make her pity me for loving her when she only tolerates me."
Just then Elizabeth caught Darcy's eye from across the room where she was in conversation with her aunt. Breaking out a rather wide smile, she gave a slight wave and returned to her discourse.
"Tolerates you my foot. I never thought I'd see the day you were so blinded by love," chuckled Richard.
"Enough of this conversation. I should really speak with my future parents before the ball ends," and with that Darcy walked away leaving his cousin shaking his head.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Several hours later, the ball ended with everyone declaring what a success it was. Darcy found his future in laws rather more subdued than usual, which he was grateful for and went to bed thinking of a pair of flashing hazel eyes and dark curly hair hoping one day she felt for him what he felt for her.
"Oh Lizzy! what a grand time I had. I hope no one thinks it too impertinent that I danced so often with Mr. Bingley. But he kept asking, and why should I say no? He was after all the only man there I honestly wanted to dance with," said Jane as the sisters readied themselves for bed.
Elizabeth was so happy for her sister. She had never seen Jane smile so much.
"I'm just glad everyone heeded father's warning to behave themselves. Mary refrained from playing in front of everyone, Kitty kept her giggles to a minimum, in fact, there was almost a solid hour where Lydia was so quiet I don't even remember seeing her," commented Elizabeth.
"Well, you wouldn't have seen her unless she was standing next to Mr. Darcy since that was where you were looking all night," joked Jane.
Lizzy responded with a pillow right to her sister's face and both sisters tumbled onto the bed laughing.
"I must admit Jane, I am rather pleased that Mr. Darcy is to be my husband," sighed Elizabeth almost out of breath.
'Rather pleased my foot,' thought Jane exasperatedly but reasoned it was best to start this conversation when they weren't so tired.
"Well let's rest now. We have all day tomorrow to discuss our hearts desires," grinned Jane.
Lizzy responded with another pillow thrown at Jane as the two girls laughed themselves to sleep.
AN: Hello again. Thank you as always to my lovely reviewers and readers. You really are what makes writing this story so enjoy! Also thanks to my beta and please forgive us for any mistakes in this chapter. Both of us had to rush through reviewing it this week. See I finally gave you guys a long chapter :). Well long for me anyways. Some times I read peoples' stories and think when did you have time to write this?! I didn't even have time to brush my hair this morning (Thank God for the messy bun).
Anyways the Shakespeare play Darcy and Elizabeth are fighting over is Much Ado About Nothing. My fav is actually the Scottish play but I think Lizzy and Darcy discussing people who are to stubborn to admit they are in love with each other was a little more on point with this story.
Yes I had Darcy admit his feelings first but don't worry, Elizabeth is not far behind. So I know this chapter was also kind of fluffy but there are some gray skies ahead. Don't worry they're not too gray after all I'm not that angsty of a writer if you haven't notice.