So, aspects of the story are changing now. I'm changing some plot things and timing things around. So, if you've read the story before, just be aware of that I guess. Chapter 7!
The day was colder than Elizabeth had anticipated. She hugged her coat closer to her and began to walk down the path. As she neared the gate, she heard a voice call out behind her.
"Lizzy! Elizabeth!" She turned to see John hurry down the path behind her. "Lizzy," he said breathlessly. "May I join you?"
"Join me?" Elizabeth looked at him hesitantly.
"Yes, I thought perhaps you could show me the area. Perhaps we could quickly fetch Jane and walk into Meryton. We could make an outing of it. With any luck we won't come home until supper."
"I suppose." Elizabeth seemed uncertain.
"What is wrong?"
"Nothing, it sounds like an excellent plan. We should fetch Jane and perhaps Charles and George. Although that's assuming that George is awake." Elizabeth's laughed.
"Give me more credit than that Lizzy. I am surprisingly observant you know. Something is not quite right." Then John smiled slyly, "You know, Lizzy, I have never seen you walk so regularly before. Especially without Jane."
"I do not know what you are talking about John. I love walks and have always gone on then quite frequently."
"Frequently, yes, but regularly no. You have gone for a walk every morning this week at the same time of morning. While I am certain that Hertfordshire is very beautiful, I feel that there is something else at play here. Out with it my dear!"
Elizabeth sighed, "I have been meeting and walking with Mr. Darcy."
"Lizzy!" John reprimanded her. "How did this come about?"
"Well, it was merely happenstance at the start. After the ball, I had Papa invite Mr. Darcy and his sister, Georgiana, to dinner, which I wrote to you about. It was a lovely party. I was walking about a week later and happened upon Mr. Darcy. He asked to join me and so we walked together for a time. It was very pleasant. A few days later, I happened upon him again and again we walked together. It happened a few times after that and I began to feel that it was no longer happenstance, but that Mr. Darcy had planned these encounters and I found I did not mind the deception. I enjoyed his company, so I began to go out for walks more frequently."
"Lizzy," John appeared rather concerned, "What if someone had seen you? It is highly inappropriate to keep the company of a man in such a manner."
"I do not see why it should be considered so wrong. We merely talk as I would talk with Jane or Georgiana or you. I have done nothing to tarnish my reputation."
John laughed, "Ah Lizzy, always challenging something or someone. Come, let me walk with you, so that I might meet this Mr. Darcy and judge if his behavior is gentlemanly enough to accompany my dear sister on her morning walks."
John and Elizabeth made their way back to Netherfield. "You were quite right Lizzy." John admitted, "He is very gentlemanly. I approve of your acquaintanceship with him. In fact, I have decided that I will seek to form a relationship with the man."
"I am glad that you see his good qualities."
"I do; however, I must caution you Lizzy. Mama would never approve."
"Well of course she would never approve. Walking in the woods with a man alone is hardly appropriate behavior." Elizabeth laughed
John smiled then frowned, "That is not what I was speaking of. He is a good man, but he is of too low a status for him to ever be an appropriate suitor Lizzy. Even Papa would agree with Mama on that score."
Elizabeth shook her head, "Why is it that you and Jane think that my respect for a man and my enjoyment of his company means that I intend on marrying him. My relationship with Mr. Darcy is currently nothing more than a friendship, much like that that exists between George and I, and Charles and I."
"Currently, Lizzy, but take care that your respect does not evolve into feelings of a more serious nature."
"I do not see why it matters so greatly the status the man. I have a large enough sum for us to live quite comfortably if I so choose."
"Perhaps you could Lizzy, but you know that status matters if your other sisters are to marry well." They had reached the house. "Let us forget the matter for now. I believe it is time for breakfast."
The Bennets, along with Mr. Wickham and Mr. Bingley, sat around the table, passing platters of sausages, roasted potatoes, and toast. A footman came in with the mail, handing it to Mr. Bennet. Mr. Bennet looked quickly through the small pile.
"Here you are John," he said handing a letter to his son.
"Charles, it is from your sister." John informed his friend.
"I cannot decide whether or not I should be insulted that she no longer sees the need to write to me." Charles laughed.
Mr. Bennet stared at the open letter in his hand, then said, "Well, Mrs. Bennet, I hope we are not short on rooms."
"Who has written Papa?" Elizabeth asked.
"My cousin Mr. Collins. The esteemed Lady Catherine DeBourgh has suggested that he visit Netherfield. No doubt she would like him to take note of the cost of the fireplace."
"I do not like the man very much." Mrs. Bennet informed Mr. Bennet
"I had figured as much my dear."
"Well, is she not justified in feeling that way? The man came to visit us all of the first time when John was gravely ill seven years ago." Elizabeth reminded her father.
John laughed, "From what my delirious state allowed to remember, he was rather a ridiculous man was he not."
"Yes, quite ridiculous." Mr. Bennet smiled.
"Do have him come father." John requested
"John!" Elizabeth exclaimed, "The man was exceedingly inappropriate in his behavior when he came here."
"We all handle some situations with a certain amount of inappropriateness," John smiled slyly at her. "I say we should have him here. We could all use some entertainment I think."
"I must say I agree most whole-heartedly." Mr. Bennet announced.
"I suppose we may find a room for him here." Mrs. Bennet conceded.
"That is the spirit my dear Mrs. Bennet."
Mr. Collins arrived a fortnight after his letter had been received. He was just as a ridiculous figure as Mr. Bennet had recalled. He walked with the pomp and circumstance of a duke and flattered the ladies until they could stand his conversation no longer, except for Mary, who found enjoyment in discussing Fordyce's Sermons with him. One night within the first week of his stay Elizabeth leaned in close to John and spoke softly so that the man himself would not hear her, "I cannot believe you encouraged Papa to invite him here. His company has become unbearable."
"I thought I should be entertained by his attempts to acquire a wife from among my sisters." John laughed.
"You are cruel John Bennet."