I want to address an issue that a few people have complained about(no not my terrible spelling and grammar). John is engaged to Caroline because I want Elizabeth to have some sort of conflict in her life. I don't plan on making Wickham what he was in P&P, so i decided that to replace that kind of conflict I'd have John engaged to Caroline. I hate her too, but if Elizabeth's life was totally perfect I really would a hard time believing my own story. I thank everyone for your reviews though! It was really good to hear your opinions on the subject. The comments are making me think about possible future plot points, but we'll see.
(This is part of the original author's note. I felt like this was the most important thing I said. And it's still true. I'm honestly still think about how I want the John/Caroline plot line to go. I'll figure it out sooner or later. For now, please just enjoy the chapter!)
The day was brisk, but beautiful. The sky was the brightest blue and not a speck of white could be seen in it. The sun shone through the branches of the trees that enveloped Elizabeth. She walked slowly, taking in the beauty and peacefulness of the scene, staring in awe at the blueness of the sky. Elizabeth smiled to herself.
A voice brought her out of here reverie "Miss Bennet!"
Mr. Darcy emerged from behind a nearby tree. Elizabeth smiled pleasantly, "Mr. Darcy, how many times must I remind you to call me Miss Elizabeth."
"Once more I think Miss Bennet." Darcy laughed. Elizabeth shook her head with false disappointment. "Would you care to join me for a walk?"
"That is quite the scandalous suggestion Mr. Darcy!" Elizabeth laughed, "To walk in the woods with you with no chaperon present! People might talk and then were would our reputations be."
"I am willing to take the risk if you are." Darcy gave her a slight bow and held out his hand to her. Elizabeth took it laughing and the pair began their journey.
"It is so beautiful out is it not?" Elizabeth said.
"Some would consider it a cold and windy day and therefore unpleasant." Darcy noted diplomatically
"Not I! There is not a season I love more than autumn. The leaves are always the most striking colors. It is the perfect season to paint pictures, which makes me wish that I had actually attempted to learn to paint and draw"
"I've never seen any of your drawings, but I'm sure they're marvelous."
"There is a reason why you or anyone else have never seen them Mr. Darcy and it is because they are the exact opposite of marvelous."
Mr. Darcy laughed and then both fell into a calm silence. Darcy looked at his companion. Elizabeth truly was the epitome of the perfect woman. Her physique was one that he found to be without flaw. Her conversation and manner of talking displayed that she was indeed well educated. It was evident that she was well read and imaginative. Darcy found that he envied her easy and open nature. As Darcy studied Elizabeth, he suddenly noticed the slight frown that had found its way onto her face. "What is wrong?" she questioned.
Elizabeth looked startled. "Wrong? Nothing is wrong."
"I'm sorry," Darcy apologized. "You just appeared to be bothered by something."
"I am simply wishing that my brother was able to leave London when he had originally planned to."
"Are you and your brother close?"
"Me and John? Yes, I suppose you could say that we are. I do not believe we are quite as close as you and Georgiana, but we do get on very well."
"Georgiana and I? Being very close? I believe that you have made a mistake in that matter Miss Elizabeth. We do get on well enough together, but the gap in our ages has put our relationship at a disadvantage."
"Not as much as you might think," Elizabeth said in a sure tone. "Georgiana is very fond of you.
"Fondness and closeness are not quite the same."
"Ah, but you and Georgiana are of similar temperament and therefore you seem to have the same opinions."
"And you and your brother don't?"
"We do for most things, but not all."
"What do you find about him that is disagreeable?"
"When he does finally arrive Mr. Darcy I wish for you to judge for yourself and so I shall not influence you with my own opinion." Elizabeth was smiling once again. "Do you mind if we begin walking in the direction of Netherfield?"
"Not at all." Darcy returned Elizabeth's smile and turned her in the direction of the estate.
Elizabeth was sitting quietly in the library with a book in her hands. The house was completely silent and serene. Elizabeth closed her book and then her eyes. Taking a deep breath she sat there for some time. The sounding of the bell was what shook her from her silent reverie. She placed the book on one of the tables in the room and then stood and exited the library. As she made her way down the large front staircase, a young maid came running up and almost collided with her.
The maid looked up and upon seeing that it was Elizabeth that she had stumbled into she blushed deeply. Dropping into a curtsey, the maid said, "Pardon me Miss Elizabeth. There is some company downstairs for you. They're in the drawing room."
"Thank you." was Elizabeth's simple reply and she continued down the stairs.
She opened the door to the drawing room to find it completely empty. Taking a few more steps into the room Elizabeth still saw no one. She turned to go when suddenly she was swept into a large embrace. When finally released, she stepped back to see who was her swift attacker. Before her stood a man; tall with dark wavy hair that was messily falling into his face. On his face he wore a large grin and his eyes danced in laughter. Elizabeth gave him the sternest look she that she could possible muster. "George Wickham, you will regret that you ever put together such a scheme. To trick me and then attack me from behind!"
"I will admit Lizzy, that that was not the greeting that I had hoped for. However, I guess it will have to do." Wickham's already large smile became wider.
"You didn't come alone I hope." Elizabeth looked around eagerly for a glimpse of John.
"I did not; however, I did not come bearing the person you are hoping for."
"Then I must ask you to leave George."
"You kick me out before you even know who it is that I have brought with me?" Wickham took a step back acting insulted.
"Who is it that you've brought then?" Elizabeth asked.
"Why, Charles Bingley of course!" Wickham exclaimed.
Charles emerged from behind a sofa on the far end of the room. Elizabeth walked over gleefully. "Charles Bingley! It has been so long."
Charles smiled, "Far too long..." he hiccupped and then looked over at Wickham, "You were right, George...grown into quite the beauty...almost as beautiful as her sister."
"Good God George, what did you do to him?"
"Nothing...we stopped at a little local pub on the way."
"Are you mad, George? Bringing him here in this state. You're lucky my mother isn't home. You know how she hates those pubs."
"Mrs. Bennet...how is your mother Elizabeth?"
"Marvelous, now help Charles upstairs to a room. If he's still like this when the others arrive then we can tell them that the journey has left him quite fatigued."
"Right...upstairs..." Wickham smiled again.
Elizabeth sighed; an intoxicated George Wickham and Charles Bingley was the last thing she wanted to deal with.