My sincere thanks to all those that had followed my story . THANK YOU.
Once again I apologies for any errors in advance.
"Jane?" Elizabeth whispered opening the door as quietly as possible. She left it slightly ajar as she approached her sister.
Her blonde hair was spread across the pillow in a ruffled mess that made Elizabeth smile and smooth it gently. Her sister didn't stir from her slumber but slept peacefully on. After reassuring herself that Jane wasn't going to wake up anytime soon she kissed her forehead before exiting the room.
When the ladies left the port was brought into the dining room, Darcy had been hoping to have a word with the Colonel about the change in Georgiana. His hopes were dashed with one simple explanation, Mr. Collins. It was truly baffling how the man could talk so much without the need to restore his oxygen supply.
His was now preaching about how his great Patroness was even to the point of blasphemy, Darcy was trying to tune out the man and prayed that Charles wouldn't prolong their torture longer then society dictated the separation.
Someone the little man had taken his companies silence for encouragement as he continued to speak.
"Yes, it is most unfortunate the loss of contact between the Bennet's and i, with Longbourn being entailed and all you would think that Mr. Bennet would at least be pleasant to me. However, my gracious benefactor has amended his actions and as my esteemed patroness has installed in me that it would be best for me to unite myself with the Bennet's as to aid them after Mr. Bennet becomes deceased. The elderly man surely cannot survive that long, I have particularly noticed he has a distinctive cough. Lady Catherine being the great woman who she is, has encouraged me to find a wife during my stay at Longbourn for what daughter would not find it an honour to be the mistress of their family home one day. I can't see them receiving any higher honour then my own advances. Especially as they have little dowry, it is quite pitiful but I mustn't apply the blame upon the ladies for it is not their fault. All they have to recommend them is little beauty and even less amount of a dowry but it is my duty to align the houses as Lady Catherine has told me. It is in the best interest that we should form a union. Yes she is very smart when mentioning this to me. I do not think I have met with a woman who could be equal to her beauty, her wit and her grace." Mr. Collins explained after downing his drink, giving no thought to the insults to the Bennet's nor the horrified faces of both Bingley and the Colonel. Darcy, was still stunned at the fact that Mr. Collins thought it would be the highest honour they would be bestowed upon the Bennet sisters.
Bingley was trying to decipher which Bennet he had set his sights on, he decided he needed a little time to cool his temper before he acted irrational, he was hoping with his entire being that he hadn't set his sights on Miss. Bennet.
"Mr. Collins and Mr. Hurst would you be kind enough to rejoin the ladies I am sure that they would benefit from your patrons wisdom as much as we have Mr. Collins and Mr. Hurst I do believe my sisters will be wondering where we have got to." Mr. Bingley asked forcing a smile to cover his inner turmoil.
"Certainly, everyone can benefit from her extensive knowledge." He praised before he was cut off by Mr. Bingley,
"Indeed. Mr. Hurst would you please tell Caroline that I will join her shortly but I need Mr. Darcy's assistance on a delicate matter between tenants." Mr. Collins nodded eagerly before departing to join them. Mr. Hurst raised an eyebrow before leaving the room to rejoin his wife.
"Do you wish me to leave Bingley who was your excuse a ruse to free us of Mr. Collins?" The Colonel asked smirking as the blush crept across the red-heads face.
"You wish to know if we believe as you do, that Mr. Collins is staying here because he has a specific interest in one of the Bennet's in this house?" Darcy asked bluntly understandings his friends motives clearly.
"It makes sense, that he is staying here to protect their reputations if he has designs on one of them. Especially since Gigi says that there are three more sisters at home."the colonel reasoned, knowing Bingley's tendency to fall in love easily but also recognising the true alarm that had spread through him when Mr. Collins had made his announcement.
"Yes three younger sisters, aside from Miss. Mary the younger two are quite undisciplined which may account for him deciding to align himself with one of the elder two." Darcy stated trying to work through the mans mind in hopes of reassuring his friend.
"Wouldn't that mean he would go for the eldest? The eldest are meant to be married before the younger sisters are allowed to be pursued." Bingley stated with a slightly sad tone,
"Yes, but why would he be here if he had designs on Miss. Bennet. He hasn't met her recently and wasn't aware of her condition until today, he wouldn't waste his time here when the object of his affections can not receive any attention from him. Also, he stated that they held little beauty, which leads me to believe that he hasn't met nor has designs upon your Miss. Bennet Bingley." Darcy concluded.
"She is not my Miss. Bennet." He argued half heartedly his spirits picking up at the reassurance of his friend. Startling both gentlemen the Colonel started laughing, when his actions were questioned he replied simply,
"God help Mr. Collins if we are right that Miss. Elizabeth is the sister he has designs upon." He chuckled, unable to see the feisty maiden tie herself to the oaf.
"We shall know soon enough." Darcy replied chuckling as well, trailing behind Bingley as he led his guests to the ladies.
Elizabeth had joined the group not moments before the rest of the gentleman had filed in, upon her entry she noticed Mr. Collins had forced Georgiana to listen to his patrons belief of what a young lady should do.
"Mr. Collins, you must not monopolise Miss. Darcy all evening surely your patron has informed you of the necessity of giving thanks and private reflection after such a feast?" She implored successfully diverting his attention from Georgiana and conveniently startling Mr. Collins into silence.
"Quite right you are cousin, how forgetful of me. How gracious of you to remind you of my duties." He breathed sending her a leering glance that made Elizabeth clench her fist in response.
It was at that moment that she noticed the entrance of the remaining gentleman. Saving Mr. Collins from the retort she had been about to give, although her dislike for the gentleman went unnoticed by himself it didn't by the gentlemen who had been previously speculating his designs.
"God help Mr. Collins indeed." Bingley muttered as he watched the death glare that Elizabeth gave to her cousin he couldn't stop the relief at him not having designs on his angel but he also couldn't stop the pity for Elizabeth.
"I hope you have resolved the issue, Mr. Bingley." Georgiana said breaking the silent tension that had consumed the room.
"What? Oh. Yes, yes all sorted now." He hastened to answer, before he asked Elizabeth how Miss. Bennet was fairing.
"She was sleeping peacefully when I just checked, her temperature has returned to normal hopefully she will be recovered enough to be returned home." She replied before thanking Mr. Bingley for his kind hospitality once again to prevent him from arguing the point as his expression implied he was going to.
"I do so hate to be ill myself." Miss. Bingley, announced drawing the attention to herself. Mrs. Hurst was quick to agree before the sisters both added their own hopes that their dear friend recovered swiftly.
"Georgie why don't you play for us?" Caroline asked her voice loud and frightening to the shy girl who shook her head."It is such a shame, don't you think Mr. Darcy? Poor Georgie so much talent but she rarely performs. Cant you persuade your sister to gift us with her excellent playing."
Before Darcy could say a word Elizabeth butted in, "Surely if Gigi does not wish to play then you must not use other means to try to force her into something that would bring her no joy. Why don't you perform for us Miss. Bingley, maybe hearing your playing could encourage Gigi to do the same." The tone of her voice dared no argument and Georgiana was grateful for her new friend.
"What a wonderful idea, Eliza. I was about to suggest the very same thing. Mr. Darcy would you turn the pages for me?" She asked batting her eyes at him. As the gentleman he was raised to be, he rose over to the piano positioning himself as far from Miss. Bingley as the job of turning pages would allow, doing this ensured no accidental touches that Darcy had discovered she maneuvered whilst she played. Pouting slightly at his position she tried to persuade him to come closer.
Elizabeth had observed the interaction of the supposed courting pair all evening. What she had concluded was the same as her immediate impression, that Miss. Bingley was living in a very delusional world. She couldn't pity the woman for Mr. Darcy made no move to encourage her affections if anythink he was cold almost venturing into rudeness in his continuous rebuffs of her.
Miss. Bingley it had appeared had chosen the longest song in the selection leaving the rest of the group to talk amongst themselves. Mr. Hurst and Mr. Collins seemed to be talking about the cost of furnishings within the room, whilst Mrs. Hurst seemed content to play with her bangles contributing occasionally to her husbands conversation.
"Colonel I hope your conversations have been ton free, for I have been most neglectful in my promise" Elizabeth commented whilst smiling as she watched the awkward way in which Darcy was now moving in an attempt to prevent Miss. Bingley from 'accidentally' caressing his arm.
"Miss. Elizabeth, so now you remember your duties. No I shan't think I will accept your apology, the torture I was forced to undergo in your absence has scarred me for life." He wailed smirking as a scowl crossed Georgiana's face.
"I am sorry my company pains you so cousin." She snapped glaring at her cousin. "For if I was informed, I would left you quite happily to be entertained by our gracious hostess."
Colonel looked momentarily surprised at his cousins teasing, Miss. Elizabeth had brought out a more confident side in his young charge that he had never seen before.
"We should do so Gigi, I think it a fitting punishment don't you? First he says your company harms him, then he believes I was seeking forgiveness." Elizabeth stated the twinkle bringing her eyes to life.
"I must surrender now, I can see when I have been caught. I must plead forgiveness and appeal to the fondness you have of me Gigi not to make me suffer." He pleaded, alarmed by the evil smirk that crossed his normally sweet cousin.
"I suppose I could, as it is that for some unknown reason I am quite fond of your company. Fine, I shall not make you suffer." She released his alarm and had begun to giggle at his hurt expression.
"I must blame you, Miss. Elizabeth, you have corrupted my charge." He accused though his stern gaze was lost within seconds.
"Me? I most certainly did, it was just too much temptation for me to prevent myself." Elizabeth teased smiling fondly at Georgiana.
"A confession I hear?" He cried, making Georgiana shush him as Miss. Bingley looked sharply over at the trio.
"I do think she is displeased." Mr. Bingley teased as he stood beside the Colonel.
"Where did you go old man?" The Colonel asked as he had notice Bingley leave the room.
"Mhmm... oh, I needed to clear my head of somethings." He muttered a vague response to the ladies but the Colonel nodded his understandings. Even if he wasnt partial to the ladies he felt angered at Mr. Collins statement.
As the song finished it was met by polite applause, Darcy quickly made his escape seating himself in a chair that he had claimed as his during his brief stay.
"Georgie, surely you wish to play now." Caroline called making the girl wince at the shortening of her name.
"I find I am still indecisive, Lizzy you must play for us." She reasoned passing the attention from herself. Elizabeth frowned as she noticed her young friends motives.
"I have already told you that I play ill at best." Elizabeth stated trying to force the younger girl into getting over her shyness.
"Oh but you play beautifully dear cousin. Even if you are prone to making multiple mistakes and do seem to sing a bit flat." Mr. Collins interjected causing Miss. Bingley and Mrs. Hurst to snigger into their hands. Darcy looked at Elizabeth's face she seemed more amused than offended by her cousins remarks, she stayed silent waiting expectantly. "As Lady Catherine advises, practise makes perfection. She would have been one of the most accomplished ladies on the pianoforte had she ever learned to play. Still she hasn't let that stand in her way for no matter many people enjoy as much as Lady Catherine."
"It is a shame that she didn't learn isn't it then. Gigi, I'll only play if you agree to play a duet with me." Elizabeth said her voice thick with sarcasm that Mr. Collins ignored.
"Would you like to select the piece?" She asked her friend who had slyly brought her back into focus. Darcy and the Colonel were both surprised at Georgiana's willingness to perform, especially as they knew how uncomfortable Miss. Bingley made her.
Elizabeth selected a short piece that she knew she could play with little errors, she showed Georgiana the piece as she seated herself on the bench. She said that she knew the song too, and they began to play.
Georgiana though the superior player out of the two couldn't help but marvel at the emotion that Elizabeth poured into her song, that was before they were required to sing.
Elizabeth told Georgiana to start, the timid girl sung lovely all her words were in key even if she was quiet in her delivery.
Her relatives watched in true disbelief, that this was their Georgiana. The girl who refused to sing even for them, Darcy had to admit that Miss. Elizabeth was having a positive effect on his younger sister. Even if he found himself inappropriately drawn to her he couldn't shake the voice that told him she would be an excellent sister to Georgiana. He was to marry into an advantageous marriage that would further help the Darcy name and help Georgiana's transition into society be smoother. No matter what he told himself he was still drawn to those intellectual, sparkling eyes.
He was captivated by her voice as she joined Georgiana, slightly encouraging his sister to sing louder and giving her the confidence to do so. Darcy could hardly think coherently, his mind was bewitched by her voice, the emotion that she poured into it was almost angelic. Darcy didn't doubt that with the right song she could bring the hardest of men to tears with just her voice.
When they finished the song they were met by a stunned silence before loud applause was given by the gentlemen. Georgiana felt her face turn bright red the flush reaching to the tip of her hair, she turned to Elizabeth who was applauding her.
"See, you were amazing." She whispered "even if you had to overcome my awful playing."
Georgiana tried to reassure her that it was no such thing, trying to reason that Elizabeth was the reason for her success.
"Mr. Collins, I hope my singing wasn't too flat for you." She said smiling triumphantly as the gentlemen fell over himself with his reassurances. Winking at Georgiana she bid the room adieu.
She left the room quickly, entering the room that she shared with Jane she quietly changed crawling in bed beside Jane.
"Lizzy?" Jane croaked opening her eyes as the bed moved.
"I am here dearest, I didn't mean to wake you go back to sleep we can talk in the morning." She whispered wary that her sister needed rest to become better.
"I have slept the day away, Lizzy. I do not need more sleep, unless you are tired then I am sorry that I kept you awake." Jane replied shuffling on her side so she could make out the figure of her sister in the dark.
"No dearest I am much to amused to sleep." Was the response she received.
"What of Miss. Bingley's claims? Are they truly as in love as she says?" Jane asked, hoping for her new friends sake that she would be settled soon. At the sigh that emitted from her sister Jane suspected her views were to be shattered.
"From what I could see, Miss. Bingley is trying to attach herself to Mr. Darcy in any way possible. She agrees with every opinion he has so much that she contradicts herself repeatedly. She tried numerous times to show her superiority over myself by undermining my every word." Lizzy paused letting Jane digest the information.
"Surely you would not have allowed her to do so otherwise you wouldn't be so amused." Jane observed calmly whilst trying to think of a logical explanation.
"How well you know me Jane. I was civil as Mother insists and clever enough to prevent her insults from harming anyone but herself, I would dare say both our parents would be proud of me. Well mama could probably argue that you would have done it with more grace." She mused at the thought.
"Lizzy,you know I would never of had the wit to defend myself quite like you." Jane tried to make her sister smile.
"Aye, and I can never have as much grace or beauty as you do. What a fine pair we make." Lizzy laughed washing away her insecurities. "However, if Mr. Collins thinks he can stare at me like I a hanging piece of meat then he has a fate worse than toads in his future."
Jane shook her head at her sisters words, unable to defend the man as she was yet to be re-introduced.
"What of Mr. Darcy's affections?" Jane asked curious as to if the affection was one-sided. Fortunately, for Elizabeth, Jane couldn't see the small smile that appeared on her little sisters face when she thought of said gentleman.
After a moment silence Jane lightly nudged her sister to see if she had fallen asleep.
"Ouch. I was trying to find the right wordings a way in which you could make no excuses for Miss. Bingley's delusion. No need to resort to violence, I thought I was the impatient one of us two." Elizabeth grumbled, returning her sisters shove.
"Just tell me Lizzy, quickly." She demanded after swatting away her sisters further attack.
"To think you only use me for the information I can give to you. What use shall I be when you are able to leave these four walls behind." She teased, sensing her sisters amusement.
"You have spent far too much time with Papa, for you are becoming just as dramatic." Jane accused laughing as her sister moaned about the injustice she had been dealt with such a cruel sister. "Lizzy, just tell me the truth. I promise not find excuses for Miss. Bingley."
"Very well then. Mr. Darcy, as far as I can decipher, only tolerates her company because she is the sister of his best friend. I have seen no encouragement from his side and he tries to limit his contact with her as much as possible." She finished cautious of Jane's reaction for she cared deeply about others happiness and would be saddened to see Miss. Bingley bestowing her affections on someone who didn't return them.
"Then why would Miss. Bingely believe herself almost wed to him?" Jane asked confused, she couldn't comprehend anyone intentionally setting the self up for heartbreak.
"I would say because she is a delusional social climber that has been fixated on becoming Mrs. Darcy presumably from the day that she met Mr. Darcy." Elizabeth stated, trying to stifle a yawn unsuccessfully.
"You should sleep, walking all this way then having verbal disputes with guests it's a wonder you are still functioning correctly." Jane teased moving so her sister had more room on the bed, both remained silent lost in their thoughts until they drifted to sleep.
Elizabeth was startled awake by the rattling cough that Jane had, touching her forehead she noticed she had worsened. Her face was drenched in sweat and her eyes were sparkling with fever in the early morning light.
"Oh dear Jane." She muttered as she wiped the sweat off her sisters forehead. Elizabeth quickly dressed in a blue gown before rushing to find Martha.
Thankfully, the woman was easy to find.
"Martha, I am sorry to disturb you so early but I need some cool water Jane's temperature has shot up. We need to get it back down quickly.
"Certainly, Bettie will be up with it as soon as it is done Miss. You may want to return to your room and finish making yourself presentable." Martha lowered her voice at the last sentence whilst gesturing at Elizabeth's hair that hung loosely down her back.
She blushed brightly, thanked the housekeeper before departing after bestowing a kiss to her cheek. As soon as Elizabeth ran back to her room Martha sprang into action calling Bettie to get the requested water.
"Mr. Darcy, good morning. Would you like some breakfast prepared sir?" She asked, she liked Mr. Darcy even if he didn't speak much he was polite and didn't speak down to the staff like Miss. Bingley.
"No at the present time, Mrs. Morris. I am going for my morning ride. Did I hear someone else awake? He asked certain he had heard Elizabeth's voice but saw no sight of her.
"Miss. Elizabeth has been down to request some cool water for Miss. Bennet's temperature has spiked. Are you sure there is nothing that I can get you?" She asked mothering him in a similar way in which Mrs. Reynolds did, he gave his wish that Miss. Bennet would be on the mend before leaving.
When he returned from his ride he was informed that Mr. Jones had been sent for at the request of Bingley as he heard Miss. Elizabeth protesting the need.
"Mr. Bingley, although I am grateful for your attention to my sister I must insist that Mr. Jones has no need to be sent for. " she said clearly unhappy, it soon became apparant that she was unaware that he had already done so without her consent.
"If Miss. Bennet's condition has worsened it is no trouble to ask Mr. Jones to check that she is alright." He stated stubbornly, it was a rare side of Bingley that few people saw he usually preferred to hide behind his care free mask.
"Her condition has not worsened. I have tried to tell you multiple times, the spike shows she is ridding herself of the cold. I do not see the need to make Mr. Jones travel here to tell you this himself." She said standing strong, Darcy watched with some amusement.
"I am afraid it is too late to reason with him now, Miss. Elizabeth ." He intruded marvelling at the light in her eyes. They were memorizing. "He has already sent for Mr. Jones." He revealed, watching as she shook her head in disbelief,at Mr. Bingley scolding him as if he was a child.
"Mr. Jones will have other more urgent patients to look after, did you not think to consult with me before asking Mr. Jones to make a pointless trip." She enquired exhausted with the impulsive natures of others. She shook her head at him before leaving to tend to her sister.
As she neared the door she spotted Mr. Collins about to enter.
"Mr. Collins, that is not your room." She exclaimed, her patience gone her temper increasing as she watched Mr. Collins slowly wandered his eyes up her body stopping at an object that was defeintly not her face.
"Mr. Collins! What do you say for yourself?" She asked making him look her in the eye.
"I was... I was.. I was looking for you." He squeaked his voice breaking as he lied.
"You were looking for me after you just saw me downstairs?" She asked perplexed at his dishonesty.
"Yes, Well I was unsure if you had returned to your room." He started to stutter.
"Don't even try to weasel yourself out of it Collins. You are still the sneaky, creepy little boy that you were when we were kids, never leaving Jane alone. I will not have you ruin her chance at happiness with Mr. Bingley. You were always too stubborn to take no for an answer even now you still are the only difference is now you wear a cloth to disguise yourself. If I catch you anywhere near or even suspect you have been close to this door, then one little toad will be the least of your worries. Do I make myself clear." She threatened her voice filled with enough denim to make him take a few steps away from his cousin.
unfortunately, Mr. Collins took her protective stand as her showing him that whilst her sister was soon to be taken she was not. Unknown, to them Mr. Darcy had bore witness to the scene has had been drawn to the landing by Elizabeth's raised voice. He was slightly in awe of the woman as she protected her sister, he didn't appreciate the way Mr. Collins looked at her he felt the urge to make Bingley throw the man out the house.
He continued to his room to change undetected, from both the pair he had witnessed and Miss. Bingley. Darcy had hoped that after the years passed she would have taken the hint that he wasn't interested. He knew that Bingley saw no union between the two of them nor did he wish for it. He needed to decide what to do about the scene he had witnessed. Should he talk to Bingley about it or ask Elizabeth if she needed any help or just act like it never happened. He didn't know what to do.