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As soon as they had left the sight of Mr. Darcy, Miss. Bingley dropped Elizabeth's arm wearing a look of disgust as if she had been dirtied by simply touching. Her offended features were glaring at Elizabeth with such obscene loathing that it took a great self-control to not taunt the rejected woman further. Sometimes it was unwise to poke the bear as her father and told her but he always added as long as you can outsmart it by all means poke away, his philosophy was sketchy morally at best but she loved him dearly.
"I don't know what you are playing at Eliza but I would advise you to stop." Miss. Bingley seethed distancing herself whilst rubbing her arm as if removing invisible dirt. Elizabeth raised her eyebrow not even trying to comprehend the bizarre outburst.
"Mr. Darcy is mine. Mine! Not yours, you are just some country chit beneath his station he wouldn't even look at you twice." For some unknown reason her words actually hurt Elizabeth but she refused to show her emotion, for that would be letting the wretched woman win.
"I find you are mistaken Miss. Bingley. Not about myself or Mr. Darcy having designs upon each other as it quite absurd to even consider it. If you are contemplating the idea it shows the true fact about your relationship with Mr. Darcy." She paused watching Miss. Bingley's facial features change hiding her amusement until she was finished. "You for some delusion reason entertain fantasies about becoming Mrs. Darcy, but you must come to the realisation that it is just that a fantasy. Mr. Darcy shows you no attention beyond the civility you are demanded by being Mr. Bingley's sister. "
Miss. Bingley's face gained colour as her temper rising her face soon matching the red streaks in her hair. Elizabeth couldn't help but compare her appearance to that of a blowfish that she had seen as a child.
"That is a lie! Mr. Darcy-" here she was cut off as Elizabeth raised her hand sadly shaking her head.
"If you and Mr. Darcy as almost at an understanding why are you not permitted to call him his christian name?" She pondered aloud the question she knew would truly prove or disprove her observations.
"I-i-i" Miss. Bingley couldn't form a valid reason, she screamed in frustration. Startling Elizabeth who watched in disbelief as her hostess grabbed the nearest ornament that was in her reach and threw it in angrily at the wall. Mrs. Hurst who hearing the commotion and recognising her younger sisters screams of a tantrum hurried to escort her away before she did anything to further embarrass herself. Leaving Elizabeth to watch them walk away, dryly commenting to herself that she really had a way with people today.
She continued on her quest to find Mr. Jones, she would not allow that vile man to add neglect to his list against her family even if she was tempted to do something rash. She was wondering how long it would take the men to carry Mr. Collins up the stairs she couldn't help the hope that they might accidentally drop him, to see if it would knock some sense into him.
She found Mr. Jones talking to Mr. Bingley and an unknown gentleman in the entrance hall, he was looking tired in his old age she noticed - she had heard talk about his nephew taking up his practise. It had been the talk of Meryton, well before Netherfield had been let to Mr. Bingley. She looked at the unknown male after finding some resemblance between the doctor and him she concluded that he was the infamous doctor's nephew. When she had asked him he was quick to reassure the residents that his nephew wouldn't take his post until he was confident that he would be up to the job.
"Ah, here she is now. Miss. Elizabeth, I was just telling Mr. Jones how sorry I was that he made this journey unnecessarily." Mr. Bingley interrupted her musings as she approached.
"How fortunate for you then, Mr. Bingley to prove me wrong." She announced with a smile. "Mr. Collins has taken ill, he fainted. Martha is seeing him put into his room. If it is no trouble Mr. Jones, would you mind checking on him to ensure it is nothing serious."
She asked sweetly, the old man couldn't refuse. His eyebrow raised at the name as it stirred a memory from years ago.
"Mr. Collins? I seem to remember that name." He muttered, whilst taking off his coat and putting down his hat again. "Would this be the same Mr. Collins that fainted when you were a little girl."
"Now why would you remember such an old event Mr. Jones?" She questioned, as she slowly led the man to the floor that Mr. Collins was allocated.
"It might be my dear, because when the lad awoke he was screaming about a toad." He replied smiling slightly at the memory.
He had been called to Longbourn by Mrs. Bennet worried that the heir to Longbourn had died. She was in a right frenzy when he arrived, so much so, he had given her a sleeping drought to calm her much to Mr. Bennet's relief. He was admitted to the room where the boy was sleeping, he had just finished ruling out a fever when the child awoke, screaming the house down in his wake.
"The toads! The toads!" He cried, it had taken Mr. Jones almost an hour to calm him. He even had to restrain him repeatedly as he had begun clawing at himself to rid himself of the toad well that's what he told Mr. Jones. The words that struck him as odd was when he had finally calmed down as was drifting back to sleep.
"Tell Miss. Elizabeth I won't do it again. I won't do it. I don't want the toad. No more toads." When he had remarked as such to Mr. Bennet the old man had chuckled slightly, before calling his daughter down. Then he questioned her actions. Miss. Elizabeth he noticed seemed to mellow with age, new acquaintances often think she is outspoken and has a sharp tongue. However, anyone that knew her as a child could recognise that she had learnt to control her tongue.
"Yes, Papa. Good evening Mr. Jones how was your day?" She had answered she was always polite to him, an inquisitive mind like her father asking never-ending questions.
Mr. Bennet was seated in a chair staring at Miss. Elizabeth with an amused look, "Mr. Jones informed me of the most peculiar development, concerning Master Collins. You wouldn't know anything about any toads would you Lizzy?"
"Which toad are you referring, Papa? The toad of a boy who does not head warnings or the toad I out down his nightshirt to teach him a lesson?" She asked simply, not hiding what she done.
It was one thing Meryton could count on, it was Miss. Elizabeth owning to her pranks but her blunt approach to life was soon accepted by the community, after all she was a Bennet.
"Here we are, Mr. Jones. I assure you no toads were involved. Unless you count the man himself." She stated bluntly making Mr. Jones smile.
"What a relief, I do not believe I would be able to encounter another reaction like his. Even with Mr. Johnson to help me. Miss. Elizabeth may I introduce my nephew Mr. Johnson." He gestured as he introduced the two.
"Nice to meet you. I hope you are finding Meryton to your liking. Now I will leave you to it. I wish for your sake Mr. Jones that he does not awake soon." She replied civilly before walking back down the corridor to Jane's door.
She noticed as she went along that there were footmen that had not been there before.
"Excuse me if I appear to be rude, Mr. Morris. but why are you here?" She asked the young Mr. Morris as she recognised him along the line up. He had been searching to go work at another house like his sister did before him but with his father's age he had stayed at Netherfield until he could secure a job to support Mrs. Morris.
"Mama, has positioned us here. I'm sorry I can't be of more use, you'd think the woman would tell her own son why but apparently not." He replied with a fond smile when mentioning his mother.
"And you don't need an explanation Johnathan. " Mrs. Morris scolded as she appeared carrying a tea-tray. "I thought Miss. Bennet and yourself would like to take lunch in her room." She said simply as she balanced the tray to knock on the door.
Elizabeth moved to help her open the door and lighten her burden. "Jane, what would we do without dear Martha. She is taking such good care of us, say we shall never leave." She called as she entered the room spotting her sister dressed in a light gown doing some embroidery.
"Don't let Hill hear such things Lizzy, she will have your head. Martha, you didn't have to trouble yourself so. Would you like to join us, you seem like you could use a break." Jane asked she like Elizabeth had known Mrs. Morris since they were children.
"Thank you Miss. Bennet, but I must see to Miss. Bingley's fit. It appears someone has upset her." She answered massaging her head temple as if to relieve her stress.
"Sorry, Martha. I did not think she would have such a vigorous tantrum." Elizabeth declared gaining a confused look from Jane. "I didn't say anything wrong Jane. She tried declaring that Mr. Darcy was hers and I just questioned that belief."
Jane scolded her sister for questioning their hostess it wasn't polite even if the hostess was wrong. The sisters apologised to Martha for the extra work they seemed to be creating.
"Nonsense girls, think nothing of it. Someone had to tell her, her brother wasn't and Mr. Darcy tried to repeatedly. Let's hope she listens to your words Miss." Martha brushed aside their apologies, relaxing know she knew the reasoning of her mistresses fit she could estimate the length of the tantrum. Sadly, if Mr. Darcy was out of the house and Miss. Bingley was displeased she tended to smash ornaments on times she threw objects at the servants and her brother. It was safe to say that no one would be displeased with Miss. Elizabeth putting the spoiled woman in her place.
"Well I wouldn't put all your hopes Martha, she is very persistent in her goal. Before you leave, could you answer why there are now footman along the corridor?" Elizabeth asked, guessing at the reasoning but if the woman admitted her actions she would be thanked profusely.
"Aye I can. Mr. Darcy requested it, after Mr. Collins was taken to his room." She answered smilingly knowingly at Elizabeth, she knew the gentlemen had the brunette in mind when he had requested it.
"Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth repeated, it was not the answer she was expecting.
"Why would he do such a thing? Has something happened Lizzy?" Jane asked troubled to the grave look on both womans faces when they mentioned Mr. Collins, the cousin she was still to meet. Martha quickly took her leave after they heard a large and probably expensive smash echoed through the large house.
Elizabeth after pouring the tea proceeded to tell Jane about her encounters with Mr. Collins. Explaining that she hadn't wished to worry her when she was ill.
"...it was then that I thought it would be best to introduce them. It just tickled me when i realised that Mr. Collins was boasting about an engagement and he didn't even realise that the gentleman was actually in the house. So I say: Oh my apologies, you two haven't been properly introduced. Mr. Collins meet Mr. Darcy of Pemberely, Lady Catherine's nephew. His face was a real picture, he looked like he had just seen a ghost. Then he fainted, fainted like a fragile flower."
Jane sat stunned for a few moments working through the distressing news that she had just received. She couldn't bring herself to believe that anyone would say such terrible things.
"I do believe you Lizzy, it's just hard to understand why someone would be so horried." She explained seeing her sisters patient face she took hold of her hand whilst expressing her sorrow that she had to deal with him on her own.
"Do not fret dearest, I am capable of taking care of myself. The man is too stupid to understand half my words." She exclaimed, " I am just happy he has no designs upon you, for you are too kind to be able to refuse anyone."
Jane reluctantly agreed to her sister statement reasoning she found it hard to disappoint anyone. Jane decided she wanted to take a turn out in the gardens. She was not as nature friendly as Elizabeth but she did appreciate the beauty all the same, it was something the two sisters shared they would often walk around Meryton and the fields but Mrs. Bennet stopped it when she refused to let Jane go out declaring it was an unladylike activity to walk ankle-deep in mud.
"Are you sure you are well enough dear?" Elizabeth asked before handing her sister her warmest cloak then donning her own.
"I only want some fresh air not a very taxing activity Lizzy." She reasoned before holding onto her sister's arm when they left the room. They encountered Mr. Bingley as he was passing from finishing his lunch, he had to do a double take when he saw Jane.
"Miss. Bennet are you allowed to be put your room. I'm not saying you're not allowed, you don't need permission to leave your room of course. That was not what I meant at all." He muddled his statement finding himself very flustered this was not how he imagined this meeting to go.
"Jane is well enough to take a turn outside Mr. Bingley, but just incase she needs a stronger arm then myself might you join us." Elizabeth executed her scheme with precision that would make her mother proud. He readily agreed asking them to wait a moment, he returned shortly wearing outer wear and escorted the ladies out.
Upon entering the gardens, Mr. Bingley was too occupied with Jane and vise versa to notice Elizabeth had slipped behind them offering them a sense of privacy but keeping a suitable distance to chaperone them.
Elizabeth watched the interaction between her sister and host, delighting in the obvious pleasure each others company brought them. She couldn't help but feel a small pang of loss at the prospect of loosing her sister, she consoled herself with the logic that Mary often said on the topic.
"Just think of it Lizzy, not as loss. We are not loosing our sister to strange man, well lets hope he won't be strange. Instead we are gaining something we have never had before, a brother." Elizabeth could remember the cold winters day that they sat In front of the fire resting on the floor talking about what they wanted for the future. Elizabeth found herself often missing Mary's company and wisdom she was the smartest aside from herself and would always be up for a debate about any topic that Elizabeth could think of.
Mary was often overlooked by Mrs. Bennett something that her and Elizabeth had bonded over and laughed at the follies of their ridiculous mother, as equals in wit they shared a bond with their father that the other three couldn't comprehend. Although Elizabeth was Mr. Bennett unquestionable favourite he did hold a soft spot for Mary who he saw was the other sensible daughter he had even more so then Jane for he reasoned his eldest refused to see the bad in people.
So caught up her in pondering of Mary's activities whilst Jane and herself where away she couldn't help but jump slightly when she heard a voice quite close to her.
"Lizzy, I did not intend to startle you. I would not have described you as one easily startled." Georgiana declared after looking at her new friend with a cynical eye.
Elizabeth laughed at her own actions before replying, " I would dread to think of you describing me to anyone Gigi, for you would surely not have a pretty picture to paint. As it happens i do not make a habit of being so easily startled unless I am otherwise engaged as my thoughts were." Georgians glanced at the couple before them, speculating that they had been the reason for her straying thoughts she nodded in understanding.
" it would appear that you were quite captivated by your thoughts. Do they hold more interest for you then this beautiful garden, I would have speculated that nature would not be out done so easily." Georgiana stated, slightly encouraging her friend to speak her mind whilst a noting the insult she paid to herself. Elizabeth looked at the luscious gardens around her, enjoying the beauty that nature shared with the world.
" nature could never be out done but thoughts can soon intrude on the beauties that we see. I was thinking of home, as Jane is recovered I believe it would be wise to leave tomorrow." Elizabeth explained to her companion, shaking her head as the young girl seemed crushed at the news if their intended departure.
" tomorrow? So soon? Can't you stay a while longer? I know Mr. Bingley does not see you as burdens and I hold no wish to see you gone." She tried her best pleading eyes to try to persuade the stubborn woman.
"Oh Gigi, must you try the eyes. I insist upon mentioning that with three younger sisters your method of persuasion has no weight any more. We must go tomorrow, in all honesty we should leave today but I can't be that cruel to them as they now have the chance to be together properly. We can still talk dear Gigi, I am not dying nor am I moving country. I am returning home only three miles, we can still converse." Elizabeth laughed at Georgiana's attempt, then scowl at the realisation of Elizabeth's words.
The couple in front had turned around noticing their party had expanded without them realising they blushed slightly. It was then that Elizabeth reminded Jane upon her promise not to tax herself, before suggesting it was wise if they returned to the house as to be able to see Mr. Jones off and collect his verdict on Mr. Collins condition. Her idea was agreed as no one could find a reason to extend their stay in the gardens.
After entering the house Elizabeth left her sister in the company of her host and friend before going to find Mr. Jones who she had been informed had yet to leave. As if materializing from her thoughts the man appeared before her retrieving his coat and hat.
"Ah, Miss. Elizabeth I was just asking about your where abouts. Mr. Collins is resting peacefully but did wake up asking forgiveness once again. He said if memory serves that 'he was not in the right frame of mind when he spoke to you this morning and offers his dearest apologies.
' That was what he said, right Matthew?" He asked whilst turning to speak to his nephew who smirked slightly before adding," indeed uncle but you forgot that he asked that he not be punished."
Elizabeth tried to contain her scowl at her cousins flimsy apology and excuses to his previous behaviour, she nodded before asking about his condition and of anything had been the cause of his faint.
"From what we can gather, miss, he fainted from shock it could have been some news he had just received or he could have been overworked. He should be fine by dinner time. If he faints again i would suggest he stay in bed until he feels recovered " Mr. Johnson answered after his uncle had requested him to do so.
Elizabeth observed him to be a professional man but held no hint of arrogance as Mr. Jones last apprentice had. It wouldn't be long before the poor man would be swamped for dinner invitations at the houses of all eligible single ladies, she would guess her own home included. Mr. Johnson was not overly handsome nor plain, he was to inherit a large sum on the death of his mother's brother who had earned the fortune through trade and as a result of having no heirs of his own had ensured his property passed to his nephew who he was quite fond. This information had circulated Meryton the day Mr. Jones had announced his intentions of having his nephew work for him, Elizabeth couldn't help but sympathises towards the man.
The gentleman soon took their leave, after assuring Elizabeth their was nothing medically wrong with her relative. She stood collecting her thoughts before she went to join the others in the room. She caught the ends of a discussion, as she discovered the whole party had congregated expect Mr. Collins who was resting in his room and much to Elizabeth's surprise Miss. Bingley was included in the group.
"How thoughtful, Miss. Bingley, but I must refuse." Jane said looking truly sorry that she had to refuse. Elizabeth watched as Mr. Bingley became sad and startled at this news, obviously he had hoped she would accept.
"Miss. Bennet I assure you it would not tax your health but actually improve it. It has been highly recommended by the highest doctors." He tried to reason looking crushed.
"It is not my health that would be the problem I assure you I am quite recovered. It is just that if as proposed we go horse riding tomorrow it would exclude Lizzy." Jane said quietly to Mr. Bingley, Elizabeth startled at hearing her name as reason for her sister's refusal. It was true that she had not been on a horse after her accident but she refused to allow her own attitudes to influence Jane's actions and happiness.
Miss. Bingley smiled smugly, leaving no doubt to whose idea it was. Leaving Elizabeth to puzzle over how she knew about her dis trust of the large animals.
"Surely, Lizzy wouldn't feel excluded If i stayed behind to keep her company." Georgiana amended allowing Jane time to consider the idea.
"Now Georgie surely you wouldn't want to spend your time in the house when you could be riding. It is one of the Darcy's family traits I believe, Mr. Darcy surely you would not encourage your sister to abandon her own enjoyments for Eliza." Miss. Bingley cut in, drawing Mr. Darcy away from the window he had been preoccupied by. The Colonel simply shook his head at his cousins antics before answering for him when it became clear that the gentleman had not heard the question.
"Miss. Bingley, I can assure you as Gigi's other guardian I do insist that she follow her own pursuits and is not to allow others to influence her actions. That being said I do not believe Miss. Elizabeth has requested her company and it was offered readily. Therefore I must deduce that my cousin is sincere in her pursuit and I would ask not speak to others as if she is incapable of thinking for herself." He answered causing the woman to try to cover her scowl quickly as Mr. Darcy had decided to take part in the conversation, the odd answer peeved his curiosity to as to know the topic.
"What is it with that you speak of?" He asked turning from his past activity directing the question towards his relations, however before either could speak it was Miss. Bingley who saw it as her personal obligation to inform him of the topic.
"Mr. Darcy with your wise mind perhaps you can deduce what we must do." Miss. Bingley exclaimed venturing nearer to him then the gentleman would have prefered. "It seems we have hit a dilemma, I proposed that we all take a morning ride tomorrow before Janie returns home. However, she will not agree to it because Eliza would be left out. Then Georgie self lessly volunteered to abandon her own pursuit of joy by remaining home to keep Eliza company."
Mr. Darcy nodded in understanding before retracting his arm from Miss. Bingley's grip before moving so he was perched on the window sill. He was quite aware that Miss. Elizabeth had been in the room throughout the discussion and quickly made eye contact with her before averting his gaze least anyone else notice before she wished it be known.
"Well, Darcy what is your solution." Bingley asked wanting an answer to be able to ride alongside his angel. He hoped that Darcy could find a solution that would best everyone in the group, he did register the sinister way in which his sister had taken to mentioning Miss. Elizabeth and thought back to her earlier tantrum.
He had gone to investigate the loud smashes of what he guessed were expensive ornaments, calculating the costs as he went along he was not as completely dimwitted as he first appeared. He found the source to be his sister after asking what had brought about this she had thrown a large vase at his head. Louisa (Mrs. Hurst) advised him to leave before he got hurt, heeding her advice he turned tail and left.
He would have to have a talk with his elder sister concerting Caroline, she was quickly becoming out of control. Her attentions towards Darcy appeared to lessen slightly but with it came an increase in her scheming against other guests in the house. Mr. Bingley refused to prolong his friends exposure to his sister and was starting to contemplate his aunts offer.
"Well, Mr. Darcy you must share your wisdom. Do we leave someone behind or abandon the outing all together as to keep Eliza entertained." She questioned trying to turn the situation into Elizabeth's fault.
"Unfortunately, I have no magic with which I can achieve your goal. Unless I could succeed in getting Miss. Elizabeth to join us." He mused allowed slightly catching Elizabeth's gaze at his statement she raised her eyebrow in challenge.
"I do not think that is possible Mr. Darcy therefore we must find a different action, maybe her cousin will keep her company." Miss. Bingley stated ignoring the dark look that crossed Mr. Darcy's face when the Bennet's cousin was mentioned. Georgiana wondered what had occurred for her brother had been deep in thought after he had joined them on a ride. Colonel tried every tactic he had acquired over the years to lighten his cousins mood but to no avail, he and Georgiana had promised each other to discover the change in Darcy's mood.
"How would you reason that Miss. Bingley? Do you so doubt my cousins skills of persuasion?" Colonel asked taking joy in watching Miss. Bingley trip over herself to make amends for the supposed insult she had made, Elizabeth had to hold her breath at the display otherwise she would have given herself away too soon.
"No. I think nothing of the sort. Mr. Darcy surely has superb persuasion skills. I would never insinuate such a comment I assure you. I only meant that I was only thinking that as Eliza does not ride it must be as she has not learnt. " She answered surprising most the room who had not expected her to say such a thing. Jane and Elizabeth both expressed relief that knowing she hadn't found out the truth but bewilderment about her statement no one had ever said that about Elizabeth's choice to walk then ride.
"Why would you think that?" Jane asked aware that there had been no actions to prove such a theory yet she couldn't contradict Miss. Bingley, she knew that Elizabeth didn't like to remember the incident as she had been bed bond for far too long and it had stripped her of the joy of riding something she used to love.
"Mr. Collins was saying only yesterday at how it was a pity that Eliza did not ride, I only assumed from his comments." She responded trying to appear the picture of innocence. as if to insult Elizabeth hadn't been her primary goal in the very beginning of proposing the idea.
However, she had not expected the woman to be in the same room as to defend herself, she knew that against Elizabeth her intellect didn't quite match but she could show her worth to Darcy through belittling her in any way possible.
"My cousin would be surely referring to the fact that I do not ride anymore. I assure you Miss. Bingley that you have presumed too much from a few words exchanged in the end of a taxing day." Elizabeth alerted the room to her presence, staring down the woman who dared to insult her and even had the audacity to do it behind her back in a sly under hand way.
"Further more I do have not seen you ride at all Miss. Bingley. Using your own methods of reasonings it would only take me a few seconds to say that you do not know how to ride either." She states watching as the white frozen shock was replaced by red trembling anger in the face of Miss. Bingley.
"I most certainly do know how to ride, as all accomplished ladies ought." She was quick to defend herself from the accusation, refusing to allow Elizabeth a chance to try to degrade her accomplishments.
"Sure you claim you can. Although you hold prove of such, I have not seen you ride therefore I must believe you can not." She continued, absently wondering if the woman would throw things once more but quickly discarded the thought as she noticed the way the red heads eyes kept darting to Mr. Darcy.
Seeing her sister was too ruffled to reply Mrs. Hurst tried to calm the situation. "But I can vouch for her, as I have seen her ride as has everyone in this room bare you and Miss. Bennet."
Elizabeth looked over at Jane upon the mention of her name, she quickly looked for any sign that the days activities had been too taxing on her, seeing only the slight discomfort at confrontation Elizabeth turned her attention to the elder sister.
"Yes Mrs. Hurst you could. But alas, how am I to know you are speaking the truth? For I have not witnessed with my own eyes that she can ride." Elizabeth repeated trying to get the women to understand their error in presumptions.
"Yet you won't credit the testimony from herself or others how is your judgement founded upon logic?" The Colonel asked hurrying along the end goal, knowing the point the maiden was trying to show.
"That Colonel is a good point. However, you must remember I am drawing conclusions using Miss. Bingley's own method not my own. For if I wished to find a solution to the situation that arose just, I would have probably asked the person that presented the situation. Not everyone else, doesn't that make more sense to you Miss. Bingley." Elizabeth asked hoping to lessen her sisters discomfort by resolving the issue quickly.
"It appears I made an error. I did not mean to make incorrect assumptions Eliza." Miss. Bingley refused to actually say the word sorry to the country chit who had once again made her look bad in front of Mr. Darcy.
"No need to apologise Miss. Bingley I am sure it's easily done." Elizabeth muttered sarcastically before dismissing her. "Jane how are you feeling dearest, you didn't over tax yourself again."
The room dispersed into little groups of chatter, no one noticed nor cared when Miss. Bingley announced she was going to check everything was in order for dinner. Eventually, Mrs. Hurst was engaged in conversation with Mr. Bingley and Jane after her husband had retreated to their room for a pre dinner nap. Elizabeth had taken up Mr. Darcys and stood looking out looking out the window looking towards the familiar landscape near her home.
She turned when she heard her name being called, she recognised the voice before she saw his face. She smiled at Mr. Darcy in response encouraging him to proceed noticing he seemed to want to talk.
"I thought you did not avoid riding if it was necessary." He challenged using her own words against her, the twinkle in her eye was bright as she considered his words.
"That was what I said indeed, how observant Mr. Darcy." She replied not revealing all at once.
"Yet you will not join us tomorrow?" He asked slightly hoping that she would prove him wrong, he chose not to analysis why he was hoping it.
"When did I say so? I do believe sir, that you all made the automatic assumption that I would not join you." She revealed not committing to the idea but pointing out his error anyway.
"Oh yes, it does appear that events did transpire as such. What pitiful company you must deem us." He sympathised.
She nodded seriously. "I would never say that my company is pitiful, after all I have Gigi and Jane do so bring me joy."
Mr. Darcy tried not to feel so sad at being left out of her good judgement. "Yes my sister is very good company, I do try to keep her to myself."
Elizabeth searched his face seeing the smile disappearing quickly from his face. "What are you going to do Mr. Darcy when she comes of age? Do you propose to lock her in a tower?" She questioned trying to cheer him up on a subject that he appeared to dislike the thought of.
"I had thought of that but there are too many people slaying the dragon and they are hard to come by." He explained, taking the topic lighter than normal.
"Oh yes, for what obstacle does a tower pose without the fire-breathing dragon to guard the beautiful maiden locked from the world. " Elizabeth agreed, basking in the smile that her teasing created.
"Exactly, I shall have to make do with hiding her in Pemeberly, no ne will look for her there." He declared.
"For what suitor would brave your stern mask as to seek for her hand. " she laughed at his scowl, "Mr. Darcy you should not scowl, save your menacing face for those that it has effect upon."
He frowned slightly trying to understand her meaning, was it just a passing comment or did she imply something deeper.
"You announce yourself immune, Miss. Elizabeth?" He raised his eyebrows at her.
"I do not think myself immune, more accustomed to your menacing scowl as I am to Mr. Bingleys quick smiles. Yet you both hold your masks too often to break them quickly. Amongst friends they crack but they do not disappear." She observed, looking over the room at the people who could affect her life for the better or ruin it in one decision.
Whatever answer he had been expected that was not it, although he had schooled his features Elizabeth saw the hitch of his eyebrow at her words.
"I did not realise you were a studier of character, Miss. Elizabeth." Was all he could say in his surprise.
"Yes, but intricate characters are the most amusing." He smiled in response and joined her in watching the other occupants in the room.
"The country," said Darcy, "can in general supply but few subjects for such a study. In a country neighbourhood you move in a very confined and unvarying society."
"But people themselves alter so much, that there is something new to be observed in them forever." She amended.
"Yes but you must own that town offers more of a variety." He argued.
"I must acknowledge it but shouldn't you also admit that town doesn't offer as many intricate characters, people have no individuality they are clones of each other." She disliked society in town for they couldn't show independence nor be different from each other without being shunned. If Caroline Bingley was any example then she wouldn't find town of any interest other than to bring her amusement with their ridiculous actions.
"Mr. Darcy, you and Eliza seem deep in discussion. Pray do share what topic are you debating." Miss. Bingley called from across the room situated behind her sister as she had just returned.
The couple started slightly at the loudness with which she spoke, before a sly smile crept upon Darcy's face the sight of it made Elizabeth uneasy, he was planning something.
"I was just persuading Miss. Elizabeth to join our outing tomorrow, before they return home." Darcy declared, causing Miss. Bingley to shriek in disbelief.
"Seriously?" At the sharp glances she received she hurriedly tried to rectify her rudeness. "Oh most charming. Mr. Darcy your superb skills have prevailed once more, surely we couldn't have reached an agreeable ending to this unfortunate dilemma."
Jane stared wide-eyed as Elizabeth, understanding from her expression that she was as shocked by this revelation.
"Really Lizzy? Have you agreed to join us?" Jane asked knowing her sister she couldn't fathom the idea.
"Mr. Darcy said he was persuading me dearest. Not that he had succeeded." She answered wiping the smirk from Mr. Darcy's face. Whilst Miss. Bingley was recovering from the news that she was actually not going to be with them tomorrow then to find that she wasn't rendered the woman speechless and required her to take a seat to gather her thoughts.
"Lizzy, would you like to join us? I know everyone has their own opinion about the matter but no one has actually asked if you'd like to go." Georgiana remarked joining in the conversation, as her cousin had become more interesting in the drama unfolding. fortunately, Jane's and Mr. Bingley's reunion couldn't or refused to be interrupted by external factors as they were deep in conversation once again.
Elizabeth smiled at the observant younger girl, arching a brow as she tried to plead with her eyes once again. "Gigi, how clever of you to notice what everyone has over looked. I would love to join your outing, however I don't have a habit to wear so it wouldn't be proper of me to do so."
Darcy had completely forgotten the need of the proper attire, as well as Elizabeth's lack of it. Miss. Bennet had it because she had ridden on horseback to Netherfield. He had gotten his hopes up to only have them dashed by her 'however', he would now be stuck with Miss. Bingley trying to show her the excellent skill she has on horse back.
Miss. Bingley's victory was short-lived as the Colonel voiced a solution, "surely Miss. Elizabeth you could borrow one of Gigi's spare ones. I know she always travels with at least three options, you are about the same size."
Georgiana readily offered her this option, already calculating which dress would suit her friend better.
"With such generosity how can I refuse. It seems everyone is scheming to see me back on a horse, dear Jane how could you let them abuse me so?" She teased her sister, getting a questioning look before Jane returned to her conversation with Mr. Bingley. "And you Gigi, to conspire so. I thought you a friend."
"Prone to dramatics Lizzy? I have no need to conspire at all. I was just offering a solution to Miss. Bingley's problem, as the gracious hostess she surely would not be satisfied with neglecting her guests. Isn't that so Miss. Bingley." Georgiana smiled sweetly, unaware that she had caught said hostess at a lost for words.
"Huh? Oh yes, yes defiantly." Miss. Bingley muttered absently, whilst plotting in her head. She was then disturbed from her planning when a servant announced that their meal was ready.
Mr. Hurst had returned she noticed, as well as Mr. Collins no one had remembered him when planning their day out yesterday. She noticed the boisterous man was oddly quite compared to the previous, she would have said it had been an effect of his illness but the looks he cast around the room suggested otherwise. Also, Miss. Bingley noticed the way the sisters tensed up when he entered the room.
"How interested." She muttered absently before proceeding to test her theory.
"Mr. Collins, I hope you are feeling better." She called, "Eliza did say it was nothing serious, I hope she is not mistaken."
Mr. Collins glanced slightly in his cousins direction tried her best to ignore the mans leering glances and continue her conversation about music with Georgiana.
"Nothing serious Miss. Bingley I assure it. I just had a shock that was all." He replied vaguely before reverting once more to silence.
Watching the subdued man gave Miss. Bingley an idea. She smiled wickedly before taking Mr. Collins arm and announced that dinner was ready. By taking his arm she ensure that he was seated by her where she could build the foundations of her plan.
"Mr. Collins I hope you don't find me too rude in asking, but I couldn't hold my tongue any longer. Are my assumptions correct that Eliza is to be the next Mrs. Collins." She whispered to him as not to be over heard by the other guests, Elizabeth gave them a skeptical look before her attention was diverted by a question.
"That was my intention, Miss. Bingley, but alas she does not seem a clergy wife after deep reflection I have decided it be best if I fimd a wife my esteemed Lady would approve." He paused briefly to breath, here Miss. Bingley seized her chance.
"Why ever not? I have heard Eliza speak of her fond wish to be able to serve under your patroness." She whispered, making him believe her words.
"Really? For it does not seem so." He muttered looking at his cousin once again picturing her as his wife.
"Yes, but you mustn't tell her I told you. She told me in the strictest confidences." She continued sewing the seeds letting him believe he had thought of the idea himself. " Mr. Collins surely you have realised how she purposely ignores you and refuses to look upon you."
Mr. Collins listened silently, working out what she was trying to saw in a matter of seconds. If his cousin really did love him it would be unbearable for her to see him in close proximty as she must control her desires in public.
"Of course Miss. Bingley, the deepest descreation will be used. I thank you for this information, without it we might never become so happily married." He stated as if they were already married and it was a done deal.
Miss. Bingley could bearly contain her laughter, she knew as did everyone in the room that Longbourn is entailed to the next male heir, being Mr. Collins. Mr. Bennet would insist they marry out of duty. Now to ensure that, Mr. Collins fully believed her tale she proceeded to encourage his growing obsession.
"Do you ride Mr. Collins?" She asked smiling wickedly, Elizabeth watched them from the corner of her growing uneasy the more they conversed.