Awkward Meetings:
After successfully scaring away Mr. Collins, Elizabeth felt drained. Not to mention the severe Cabin Fever she was developing, the confides of the house was starting to enclose on her even more than the guests. Even trying to lose herself in a novel proved fruitless, as she realised she had read almost all of Mr. Bingley's library. His library was limited at best but the gentlemen was honest in his neglect reasoning that he wasn't an avid enough reader to start a decent collection. Mr. Darcy upon hearing her enquiries had offered her the choice of selecting any book from his own collection, that he had brought with him. She had thanked him politely but stated that she would make do, not wanting to bring any damage to his private collection even if she curious to how sincere his offer was. As she leant against the cold, wooden door she contemplated the option of asking Mr. Darcy if he would lend her a book.
She quickly scolded herself, for her own selfish thoughts. Here she was complaining when poor Jane was ill and bed ridden. Also, she couldn't even contemplate leaving Jane unattended, not now. As she entered the room she noticed that Jane's colour were almost back to normal, a slight paleness lingered but would soon be gone. Elizabeth was pleased with her progress, hopefully she would be well enough to attend dinner, maybe it was too soon to push her into accompanying her to lunch.
Although, aware that Jane needed her rest even if she was mostly recovered. Elizabeth couldn't bring herself to ask her selfless sister to vex herself because she was in ill humour to deal with Miss. Bingley's petty insults, her temper was short curtesy of her encounter with Mr. Collins.
Jane opened her eyes smiling when she saw her you her sister, but was instantly alerted to her younger sisters unease she became worried.
"What's wrong ?" She croaked, sitting up to see her sister clearer in the late morning light.
"Nothing, you look better. How are you feeling?" Elizabeth averted the topic quickly, knowing she couldn't burden her sister with her unease of their relative she should form her own judgements on the man.
"I am fine, much better. I am sorry if I scared you earlier, but I am much better now I think I will be well enough to take a turn around the room" Jane said acknowledging her sisters diversion, but chose to let it pass, knowing she would share her thoughts eventually.
"Are you sure? You know you have a tendency of trying to be back on your feet before its possible." Elizabeth reminded gently, smiling as she saw her sister set her jaw in a familiar sign of her stubbornness. Mr. Bennet always joked that all his daughters inherited his stubborn streak even if they didn't inherit his wit.
Jane used Elizabeth for support as she got her bearings for the first time in days. Once she was steady she let go of her sister's arm and strolled the length of the large room she had been resting in, taking a moment to look out into the gardens. Elizabeth watched as her sister started to relax, a gentle smile graced her face before she broke the silence.
"And you did not scare me dearest, so do not worry on my behalf. Your Mr. Bingley on the other hand, had a fit to rival Mama's he even sent for Mr. Jones despite my objections" the amusement was clear in her voice even if her disbelief at his actions had taken charge when she had spoken to him. She had forgotten her previous agitation of Mr. Collins and began to relax in the safety of her sister's company.
"He is not my Mr. Bingley, Lizzy, stop assuming, he is just being a good host." Jane argued, as a blush crept along her face and a smile graced her lips as she mentioned their host.
"Dear Jane, you are positively blushing. Is there something I should informed off? Or do I have to call out Mr. Bingley and defend your honour with my superb fencing skills." Elizabeth questioned, failing to be sombre at the arched eyebrow of Jane at her sentence. "Mama, shall be disappointed, if you don't return home married or have eloped with your love. I think she will be unbearable if you are not engaged at the very least I can hear her now."
Elizabeth teased, holding her hand to prevent Jane from speaking as she tilted her head as listening to someone whilst nodding her head as if in understanding of the unspoken words.
"Oh poor Papa, he shall have to suffer her fit during our absence. She has called for her smelling salts she is most displeased." Jane frowned at her sisters comment about to interrupt before she was startled, Elizabeth had continued imitating their mother to perfection. Her performance was scarily close to having her mother there live in flesh.
"Four days, four days. They spent four days in his home, as his guests at Netherfield. Not even an engagement came of it. I mean, Mr. Bennet none of my girls listen to me. I have told them repeatedly that they must secure their futures, Mr. Collins will surely throw us out when you die! How can you let them abuse me so? Why must they test my nerves, they never think of poor little old me. Ungrateful children, I have given them everything I possible, didn't I Mr. Bennet. I know my Jane isn't to blame, for with her beauty who would not wish to marry her. It's that Lizzy of yours, she is sabotaging her sisters chances because you let her run wild at home she does it in public. Mr. Bingley, would be surely so offended by her wild behaviour he will leave immediately for London. To lose such a gentleman, five thousand a year when are our daughters ever going to get another chance like that. They wreak havoc on my nerves without consideration insolent girls..." Lizzy couldn't finish her sentence as she had joined Jane in a fit of giggles, soon they were both gasping for air.
Whilst, Elizabeth was forgetting her worries momentarily Mr. Collins was busy planning how he would secure his chosen bride.
Mr. Darcy was still trying to work out what to do about the scene he had witnessed. He had resolved himself to take action, but to the direction he was unclear also he was held back by his consideration of Miss. Elizabeth's reaction to his intervention would she be pleased or be angered? There were too many unknown factors for him to immediately intervene.
He was pacing infront of the fireplace, in the study that Bingley had lent him to attend to business during his stay at Netherfield. It was in his current state that his younger sister found him, slightly worried by the limited amount he had seen her brother that morning.
She was immediately relieved to see her brother was well and whole in the house.
"Fitzwilliam, if you carry on you will wear a hole in the carpet." She teased getting his attention, she noticed his nervous habit of pacing but as she was unsure of the source she chose to not question it yet.
"Maybe it would improve it." He responded a trace of a smile on his handsome face, he had smiled so much during their stay here. It was rare for Darcy to smile with his immediate family, the fact that he was smiling more than normal was interesting to Georgiana.
"Yes, it is most unfortunate that Miss. Bingley chose such an ugly colour." She commented before reddening at the realisation of what she had just said. She was frozen in shock until she heard her brothers deep chuckle, that instantly released her from her state.
"Speaking of, I hope she hasn't been too.. too. I mean I know how she makes you uncomfortable with how...how" he struggled to put into words what Miss. Bingley was, without insulting her.
"Over bearing? Loud? Clingy? Delusional? All words I would use brother, no need to get tongue-tied" she replied smiling " actually, I have been inflicted with Miss. Bingley's company hardly at all thanks to Lizzy." Darcy noticed the warm affectionate tone that his sister used when mentioning her new friend he couldn't help but feel slightly pleased at the development.
"Has she? I wasn't aware that you have spent much time in Miss. Bennet's company." Darcy prompted wanting to hear his sisters interactions with the lady.
"Oh not that much time together, we spent yesterday morning and evening together. She saved me from Miss. Bingley when Rich abandoned me to her yesterday before dinner, she diverted the attention onto herself." Georgiana mused, curious as to why her brother wanted to know this information. "Any particular reason, that you want to know?"
Darcy took a moment to respond unsure how much he should disclose to his younger sister.
"Gigi, I am merely curious to your new friend. I know we don't make friends easily, a family trait unfortunately." He teased deciding not to worry his sister further then his actions had already.
She raised her eyebrows in disbelief before dropping the subject, she would find out one way or another.
"I was just wondering if you would like to join me and Rich for a ride? I'm sure Hermes would appreciate the excercise." She asked, knowing getting out into the world would relax her brother.
"Of course, but we must be sneaky. If Miss. Bingley finds out she will want to accompany us. That is not something I am hoping for" he replied honestly, he thought a change of scene would do him good.
"What tactics do you propose brother?" Georgiana asked, this was the frustrating side of staying with Bingley. She loved him dearly, for he had come like a second brother over the years but his sister wasnt bright enough to take a hint that made doing anything without her a hassle. It was pitiful, a small outing that should be simply turned into what felt like a military operation.
Darcy thought for a moment, as far as he was aware Miss. Bingley and her sister had intented to spend the day with Miss. Bennet after Mr. Jones had checked on her. Meaning they shouldn't be in this side of the house for a long time.
"You go out now, I will wait five minutes to ensure the coast is clear and then follow I just need to talk to Mrs. Morris on a matter." He answered knowing his answer would probably cause more confusion. If his little sister was confused she showed no sign of it and left after kissing him on the cheek. He left the room, upon spotting the nearest servant he asked them if they knew where Mrs. Morris, after gaining the information he required he thanked the servant and went into that general direction.
Elizabeth needed to get some air before she said something that she might regret in the future. Jane and herself had been rudely interrupted by Miss. Bingley who obviously deemed herself above such polite gestures like knocking. Her loud obnoxious voice reminded Elizabeth so much of her mothers it was a surprise that no one had asked if they were related.
Most of her issues lay in the underhand way in which Miss. Bingley was, in both character and deviousness. It had made her uneasy to leave Jane alone with the sly woman but after Bettie had told her that Mr. Jones had arrived she deemed it a necessary evil to leave momentarily.
As she was too lost in her worries of Miss. Bingley she wasn't paying attention to where se was going. She had successfully avoided all obstacles in her path be it maids or furniture, all until she collided with a very solid rather podgy stomach of her leering cousin. She shrugged herself out of his grasp as he made to aid her in her stumble.
"Mr. Collins, I was not looking where I was going I apologies." She muttered through gritted teeth how was it possible she couldn't avoid one lecherous man in a house as large as this, she wandered missing part of her Cousins speech no doubt it was something to do with his patron. The man seemed to be more devoted to that woman then he was his God.
"... yes it is a pleasure to run into someone as beautiful as yourself. As Lady Catherine says a woman may have many accomplishments but she will not wed if she is not easy on the eyes. And I assure you my divine cousin that even if you have little to recommend you, you are most certainly easy on the eyes. Well perhaps not a traditional beauty as your sister would ought to be by all accounts, you will do well. You will do well indeed. Lady Catherine will of course bless such a union, even if you are not as graceful as Miss. Anne. She is truly well-bred, it is no wonder she is to be mistress of the grand Pemberley one day" here Mr. Collins paused for breath allowing Elizabeth to say something.
"Mr. Collins I do not pretend to understand the meaning of your words. However, you have gained my curiosity. This Pemberely that you speak of, how is she to be mistress of that house? Forgive me but I thought she was to inherit Rosings." Elizabeth was quite bemused, all she could thug was that Darcy owned Pemberely didn't he? That was what he had told her, during their first meeting.
"Oh my cousin it is a simple mistake. My Lady Catherine being the divine woman that she is, has decided to unite the houses. Mr. Darcy and Miss. De Borough have been engaged since infancy. It was, as i understand it a dear wish of his late mother, Mrs. Darcy." Elizabeth couldn't contain herself any longer she started to laugh a deep laugh that startled Mr. Collins into silence as he puzzled over what could be so funny, he had no intention to make his statement amusing.
Mrs. Morris at hearing the laugh of Miss. Elizabeth decided to investigate the source. To her great surprise she saw the girl clutching her sides as if to contain herself. Mr. Darcy had just turned the opposite corner that Mrs. Morris had appeared from, he watched in amusement as Miss. Elizabeth noticing she had drawn an audience tried to stop her laughter but the utterly offended look on Mr. Collins face was enough to start her giggling again, wary of her audience she begged to be excused as she left Mr. Collins standing there mouth open like a fish. When she had composed herself she re entered the landing.
"Did something tickle you?" Mrs. Morris asked, glad that Miss. Elizabeth didn't seem so sombre as she had earlier in the day.
"You could say that, Martha. Mr. Collins was just telling me some interesting news." She declared the twinkle in her eye had Darcy's full attention, it was without thought that he ventured the into their conversation.
"What news could be interesting but seem to laughable to you Miss. Elizabeth?" He questioned, from the look on the slimy Mr. Collins face he didn't think the news interesting at all.
"Now why would you wish to know?" She replied "Do you care for a laugh ? Or do you wish to deprive me of my enjoyments?"
"I would wish for no such thing Miss. Elizabeth, however, by Mr. Collins expression I would have suggested that the news was not to be laughed at." He shot back quite forgetting the watching eyes of Mrs. Morris, unfortunately apart of Elizabeth's anatomy held Mr. Collins attention once again.
"Well that would be because he did not deem it so, I am unsure how you would receive such information sir." She stated truly puzzling if she should inform the gentleman of his supposed engagement. She was aware that he was not engaged nor was likely to be anytime soon, especially if Georgiana's account of him was anything to go off.
She had talked to the youngest Darcy about her view of matrimony during their time in Jane's room. Georgiana had declared, "Fitzwilliam has always been supportive in my decision to marry for love, he says that he won't bless any union if it holds no love. I hope he marries soon, I always wanted a sister if he married then I would be able to have one. It seems as if he will never marry, none of the ladies he met have interested him and he scares many of his admirers away with that scowl of his. Unfortunately, for him his hauntly expression doesn't detire some of the more persistent ladies."
Elizabeth smiled at the memory lost in her thoughts momentarily almost missing Mr. Darcy's reply to her statement.
"How are you expected to know unless you share this most serious Information that you seem so intent in concealing and depriving me of the opportunity to find it laughable. " he teased a small smile smirking his lips. However, the care free atmosphere was shattered with one word. Collins.
"You must forgive my cousin, sir. She forgets her place. Her mother has told her repeatedly about holding her tongue, to no avail. I am afraid Mr. Bennet is at fault, his neglect of his daughters has caused them to act most unladylike." He muttered with the tone, that anti-children adults used when explaining something to a child as if they couldn't possibly understanding what he was saying.
If looks could kill then Mr. Collins would have been blasted into oblivion, Darcy thought as he saw the glares both ladies were giving him. Mrs. Morris it appeared had to put a hand on Elizabeth's arm if that was to restrain herself or the young lady he was unsure.
"I believe you owe the lady an apology." He spoke with a menacing tone, that turned Mr. Collins insides turn cold. Yet the man was too stupid to think himself in any danger, for he didn't know with whom he was speaking.
"And why would I do that, I merely spoke the truth. It is wise for us to acknowledge the faults early on don't you agree sir?" He tried to sound intimidating but ended up sounding like a disappointed child.
"For if you do not. Then I will see to it personally, that you are removed from your post and do everything in my power to prevent you from ever inheriting Longbourn. Do not doubt me, for the only reason you are still standing in this house is because it is necessary for the Bennet's. " he threatened the little man who almost lost control of his bladder at the imposing gentleman before him.
"Yo...you. You hold no power over me. Only Lady Catherine can remove me of my post." He yelled trying not to look scared and failing miserably.
"Oh I am sure one letter from me to my aunt will be suffice to ensure your removal." Darcy countered slightly amused that the simpering man hadn't made the connection between himself and his aunt yet.
"Who are you?" He asked, very confused as to the turn of events.
"Oh my apologies, you two haven't been properly introduced. Mr. Collins meet Mr. Darcy of Pemberely, Lady Catherine's nephew." Elizabeth stepped forward not wanting to miss the look of pure horror cross her cousins face as he realised his mistake. She was not disappointed, he went stark white fanning himself as he started to hyperventalate. What she wasnt expecting was him to faint, neither did the other two witnesses for they didn't move as he collapsed to the floor.
"Good thing, Mr. Jones is already here isn't it." Elizabeth commented after a second silence.
"Mrs. Morris as much as it would amusing to leave him here, I would suggest you ask four maybe five" he reconsidered after looking over the stout belly that Mr. Collins carried, "man servants to carry him to his room. At the convenience of them of course." He added with a little devious smile on his lips.
Mrs. Morris nodded her head muttered about him always being a pansy child before going to find someone to aid her. Elizabeth, stood routed to the spot her face hot red as she finally registered all of Mr. Darcy's words.
"How did you know about the entail?" She asked, her voice depreived of any emotion. The entail was a touchy subject in their household, it was a known fact by the Bennet girls that they must marry for they had no secure home to have a stranger know wasn't a pleasant thought.
Darcy grimaced slightly at the defeated tone that she used, not used to this sombre side of her.
"Mr. Collins." Was all he said in response, he didn't need to say anything more. She nodded silently, refusing to meet his eyes.
"Thank you." She whispered, peeking at him through her eyelashes and laughing slightly at his stunned expression. "I can show gratitude Mr. Darcy, when it is deserved." She smiled at him, wondering what the man was thinking before his face lit up his face in a heart stopping smile.
Darcy didn't even notice he was smiling, the fact that Elizabeth took his aid with gratitude was not the reaction he was expecting.
"I would guess that not many people deserve your gratitude then?" He questioned enjoying putting the spark back into her eyes.
"Not that I have met, I am sorry my family have prevented you from doing what it was that you were doing." She said.
"I was... in all honesty Miss. Elizabeth I was trying to sneak out." He admitted slyly allowing her to laugh at his antics.
"Mr. Darcy? Sneaking? Oh whatever would the Ton say if they were to find out." She teased raising a brow at his confession.
"Nothing. For they shall never out, I trust you to keep this to yourself." He mock pleaded still smiling slightly, he knew he was meant to meet Georgiana and Richard but he didn't want to leave, not yet.
"Me? No, you must have been aware that me and the Ton are in regular correspondence. I suppose, I could let this matter slide. If sir, you tell me why or where you are sneaking." She replied smiling sweetly at him, curious to the source of what was force the great man to sneak.
Mr. Darcy looked around to ensure he wouldn't be over heard then leant towards Elizabeth slightly, "i was hoping to join Gigi and Richard for a ride. As for why I to do so I was trying to avoid-"
"Mr. Darcy!" Squealed Miss. Bingley, suddenly appearing from behind him as if she had been tracking him. He winced visibly before he felt her vice grip upon his arm.
"Oh, Eliza. I thought you would be with Jane. Mr. Jones was just finishing his examination. Miss. Jones what business do you have here?" She rudely questioned upon seeing her housekeeper approach, accompanied by five man servants.
"Mrs. Morris, needs to aid the men who are to carry Mr. Collins to his room." Elizabeth answered pronouncing each syllable of the housekeepers name before gesturing to the unconscious man, how Miss. Bingley had missed him was puzzling. She shrieked slightly as she took notice, clinging to Mr. Darcy will all her might, he was almost certain he would be left with marks.
"Oh, yes, of course. Take him to his room then don't just stand there." She demanded, before turning her attention to Darcy. Seeing his discomfort and taking an educated guess at who he was trying to avoid, Elizabeth decided to take one for the Darcy again.
"Miss. Bingley, as you can see Mr. Collins is not very well I need you to take me to Mr. Jones." She phrased it in such a way that she couldn't refuse not in front of Mr. Darcy without seeming heartless or rude.
"Certainly Eliza." She smiled, releasing Darcy and hooking arms with Elizabeth as if they were best of friends. "Mr. Darcy would you like to join us?" She batted her eyes at him as if she thought doing so what entice him to accompany him.
"I must decline, I need to speak with Mrs. Morris on a matter." He reasoned, before bowing stiffly as they left.
"Do you need my assistance?" He asked the man who looked as if he was in charge. The man looked over as Darcy spoke but shook his head before saying they could manage. He reluctantly nodded before asking his initial question to Mrs. Morris.
His enquire didn't take long and he was soon free of the house and its occupants. Mounting his horse he went in search of his sister and cousin.
I am unsure if I went off a bit on this little chapter.
Tell me what you think.