My most profound apologies for my last chapter I hope to rectify that as soon as possible.
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Waking up the following morning Elizabeth couldn't help the relief she felt at the knowledge that it was a few hours before she was returning home. She rose early leaving Jane undisturbed she dressed quickly before leaving the room. Noting the lack of footman she felt slightly troubled at the aspect of leaving Jane, however, as she stood there puzzling over her decision she saw Henry approach.
"Morning miss, Martha got me stationed up here for a while." He noted the relief that flooded her face then was replaced quickly by worry. "Don't worry I got a chair, I'll be fine I'm not about to keel over anytime soon healthy as a horse. i only have to stay here until you all disperse for your picnic ride."
He patted his chair as to reassure her of its existence it surprised her slightly as she hasn't noticed it before. She bade him adieu before deciding she best do her task first then break fast with Jane.
Passing any maid or footman she smiled and nodded her passing wanting not to disturb their duties, Martha was a very strict housekeeper and ran a tight ship because of the impromptu picnic that was being made last-minute she was not ado very pleased. However, Elizabeth had to acknowledge that she received Miss. Bingley with patience and calmness that Elizabeth could never have possessed. The woman was truly a saint, it doesn't mean it was wise to anger her.
Upon entering the stables Elizabeth took deep, soothing breathes to calm herself, she couldn't help the nerves that shot through her whole body at the aspect of getting back on a horse. If it was excited or slightly scared nerves she couldn't which was the most noticeable she hoped the former but knew it was some of the latter.
Knowing she needed to do this otherwise she could never be comfortable on any horse that Mr. Bingley provided her with. Jane would offer her Buttercup but Elizabeth never felt comfortable on the mare as it had always been Jane's horse plus she had always ridden her own mare, Star, the horse that had been a faithful steed for many years before the accident that left both horse and rider unable to walk for some time after. However, the difference was that where Elizabeth recovered her mare did not. It no longer felt natural to ride a horse, she had felt guilty even looking at another horse as if she was betraying her loyal mare for a while after the accident. Even now, that the guilt had subsided she was not comfortable with the prospect of riding any other animal.
Passing each stall she looked at each horse saying hello to Buttercup when she reached her stall and handing over an apple she had been carrying as an old habit when visiting a stable, Hermes was not in the stables that Elizabeth could see, she wondered briefly about the location until reasoning that had probably taken Hermes out for a run before the horse was forced to endure a slow trot because of the company his master kept.
Georgiana had said it was he custom to do so, she had noted that the little girl seemed to talk of her elder brother a lot more than would be necessary, always in a positive way that made the man appear almost saintly. If Elizabeth didn't know any better she would say that Georgiana was hoping for some relationship to form between the two, obviously Georgiana didn't understand the duty her brother would have when finding a bride for himself. Unknown to Elizabeth, at that moment the man who was on her mind was contemplating ignoring that very aspect, and going so far as to consider a courtship with her.
She turned away from Buttercup and was struck by the sight of a light brown mare that seemed to be waiting patiently for Elizabeth to come to her. The mare looked similar to Star aside from the lack of a white spot in between its eyes. Cautiously she raised her hand towards the horse, it seemed to sense her hesitation and bobbed its head in encouragement. Elizabeth laughed slightly at the notion, " patience is a virtue you know" she scolded the horse, when she reached the horse she let it smell her hand before laughing when it nibbled her fingers.
"I don't have anymore apples if that is what you are hoping for." The mare neighed softly before settling down when Elizabeth began to brush her nose.
"I wonder what your name is, i hope it's something to match you otherwise I shall be most disappointed a beauty such as you must have a name to match." She mused as she began to relax for the first time since she agreed to the idea.
"That is her name." The deep rumble had Elizabeth jump in the air and Mr. Darcy use all his effort not to laugh as she glared at him.
He had thought she had heard his approach especially as his horses shoes made a loud sound on the path. He apologised any way for his mistake, Elizabeth waved it off saying the fault lay with her for once.
"What is her name?" She asked whilst turning her attention back to the mare.
"Beauty." Mr. Darcy stated. "Don't look at me like that, it was Gigi that named her. I should be getting pity not mocked for the name of my horse."
"My sincere sympathy goes to you Mr. Darcy, how menacing people may find you when they discover your horse is named Beauty." She teased exerting a smile from the tall gentlemen.
"I should hope so, it does me no credit i rely on my imposing manner to up hold my reputation amongst the Ton." He declared, moving to stroke the horse.
"What ever will they say when they discover the name of your mare. I see now why Hermes is preferred, how shameful of your master Beauty to neglect you because of your name. " She spoke the latter of her sentence to the horse, who neighed in agreement causing her to laugh at the horse once more.
"Your accusations wound me. It is not because of your name that I prefer Hermes. He is faster that is all." He reasoned the mare watching as Beauty huffed at him and turned her back upon him going to eat the oats in her stall. " you have turned my own mare against me. Is this to be my punishment."
Elizabeth simply arched her brow before turning to Hermes who had until recently been waiting patiently by his master. She stroked his nose when he came near her, a pure look of joy consumed her face during the interaction. It confused Darcy so much he decided to risk her rath by voicing his questions.
"Why did you stop?" He asked first trying to ease into the topic, although he knew that there really was no subtle way to ask.
"Stop what? Elizabeth replied puzzled, she peered at him through her lashes refusing to devote her attention to him until he explained his question.
"Riding. I know the subject must not be one that you wish to discuss." He was quick to reassure her that he demanded no answer. His first word had her on alert watching his expression as she hid her emotions behind her own mask.
"Why would you suggest that?" She watched as he toyed with what words to use, obviously he was trying not to agitate her further then what he perceived her to be.
"It is only a guess, from the way your sister looked at you yesterday when you were speaking to Miss. Bingley on the topic. Even your own action betrayed your declination in speaking of it with your brief statement that you used to ride. Which would lead me to believe that you used to ride often." He said, waiting to see if she took offence.
"Miss. Bingley, is perhaps correct in her praise of your intellect." Elizabeth smiled as he realised what she just said.
"What do mean by saying perhaps." He asked allowing her to avoid the topic for now.
"Well if you find Miss. Bingley's utter devotion to your every opinion or accomplishments to be completely accurate then she has painted a great man without flaws. " Elizabeth reasoned.
"Miss. Bingley is too high in her praise of me. For I have never stated myself as such." He sighed just thinking of Bingley's sister and the increase in which she had tried to gain his affections was enough to make his head ache.
"The great Mr. Darcy admitting he has a fault, quickly pinch me. To ensure I am not dreaming nor are you a figment of my imagination." She exclaimed smiling widely at his stern frowning face.
"I hold no such pretenses. I have faults enough, but they I hope they are not of understanding. My temper I dare not vouch for. I cannot forget the follies and vices of others so soon as I ought, nor their offences against myself. My good opinion once lost is lost forever." He admitted puzzling slightly over this announcement.
Elizabeth was quiet whilst meditating over his confession."Well that is a failing indeed sir, you have chosen your fault well I can not laugh at that. You are safe for now."
Mr. Darcy gave a small smile at her comment, wondering how long his safety would last. "May I ask why you are out in the stables so early?" He questioned trying to steer her back to the topic he wished for her to answer.
A deep mischievous sparkle lit up her eyes when she turned to face him once more. "You may sir, but if I deign to tell you must be seen." She tactically avoided his question with a sweet smile and arch brow. He found her so enduring that he found no offense at her not answering him.
"I can only hasten a guess to your motives at such actions." Elizabeth had to admit that her curiosity at the working of his mind intrigued her to ask about his deductions.
"As it stands I can hold two reasonings that are logical and a third as a guess," he paused briefly waiting for Elizabeth to gode him on when she didn't say a word he continued anyway. "The first being that you are to meet someone here, to discuss a secret perhaps that being the motive then I am sorry for my intrusion."
He stopped once again as she laughed away one theory, he had hoped it would be false though why he could not state.
"Next madam, would be that you wish to select a horse to ride this afternoon having none of your own." Elizabeth nodded at this statement but asked for the third all the same.
"You must keep in consideration that my third isn't logical and is a guess." He was interrupted by her demanding him to stop beating around the bush.
"Your third motive could only be that you tire of the company you keep, and seek a more intellectual conversationist." He blushed slightly as he realised that his statement could mean himself instead of the horses which was his intent.
"Yes because horses give such stimulating conversations." Elizabeth replied understanding both ways in which his words could be taken. He sighed in relief when she chose not to make their conversation uncomfortable.
"Not so much conversationist but good listeners, for they hardly complain." He whispered, resisting the urge to brush the piece of hair that had escaped the confines of the pins.
"You would know this from personal experience of course, sir?" She questioned straightening up before wiping her hands on the side of the dress. It had been beneath her notice how alone they were, now though she realised that she needed to return to the house before Jane awoke.
"Well one is only fit to give advice if they have the experience to aid." He explained, Elizabeth liked this playful side of him. No doubt that few people actually got to see it apart from his family and close friends.
"I would suggest you bestow your wisdom from Lady Catherine. She seemed to be most knowledgable on all aspects of life." Darcy laughed at that statement, unable to take it seriously. Elizabeth felt positively proud that she had made him laugh and thought it was the most amazing sound she had heard.
"Why do you not laugh so, in front of others?" Elizabeth blurted before she had registered that she had said the words out loud. Mr. Darcy seemed startled at the sudden change, he looked at her deep in thought watching as she flushed a deep red.
"I believe I have already informed you." Mr. Darcy replied cryptically, making Elizabeth frown in confusion this made a smile spread across his face.
"I do not converse well with others, I find I am at I'll ease at such events and do not possess the care free air that I see emulated from so others."
Elizabeth arched her eyebrow before challenging him, a notion that had become familiar to him within their short acquaintance. "Surely it is all about practise sir."
"Practise?"
"Yes, i suspect if you practise trying to be a more social creature, as you did at the dance, then you will be able to be more free in public." Elizabeth explained.
"Practise? How should I practise this task, Miss. Bennet?" He teased. Leaning towards her slightly, she smirked her eyes dancing with mirth as she met his gaze unflinching.
"How do you learn anything Mr. Darcy? With the correct tutor of course."
"Do you happen to know what person would fit the description." He asked.
"Well, Mr. Darcy as you asked I do believe I can give you a positive answer." Purposely being vague as to make him draw his own conclusion or use his persuasion skills to find the answer.
He waited for her to continue but as the seconds passed he realised she wasn't going to allure to anything more. "I only know one person myself, Miss. Bennet, that would ever be possible to be an able teacher on the subject." He announced playing her at her own game.
Elizabeth paused briefly to register the formal address of her, he had never been so formal before she hoped it was in a teasing tone. However, she didn't let herself hope too much,until she was certain it was not one of dismissal as she detected none in his voice she was safe to think of the latter.
"What creature of such grace and social charm have you selected." She asked unable to contain her curiosity or the hope that surfaced at his words.
"She is a beauty, one full of charm and grace. We converse easily, as if we have known each other for years. In my opinion she will be the most fitting tutor, what excellent advise you give Miss. Bennet." He admitted, slyly watching her reaction as she dropped her hand from Hermes.
Elizabeth felt jealousy towards this unknown woman, scorning herself for it she forced a smile before applying for the maidens name. Her emotions were in turmoil which added to her confusion as she watched him smile shyly at her.
"Can you not guess? It is you, Miss. Bennet." His whispered words echoing around them. He raised his hand as if to touch her face.
He stopped quickly at the jerk from Hermes, he shook his head as if to clear it watching the blush settle into Elizabeth's cheeks.
"I think Hermes has been neglected by you for long enough sir." She muttered changing the topic once more.
"Aye. He does seem most impatient to be back in his stool." He conceded knowing she was right but he was not yet willing to give up this moment. "You have yet to answer my question Miss."
Elizabeth looked at him in confusion. "Which do you speak, sir?"
"Why you do not do something that you love." Mr. Darcy asked starting intently into her captivating eyes. "It is obvious from the way you interact with the horses, Miss. Bennet, that you do not dislike them."
She smiled sadly at his understanding, choosing to go and stroke Beauty once more. She was silent gathering her thoughts whilst Mr. Darcy waited patiently for her to continue.
"You are very observant, I must remember to tell Miss. Bingley so she can add it to your accomplishments. I used to ride, all the time. My mother would forever be in a fit of nerves over the amount of skirts that were torn or ruined through mud. I didn't care, I loved the sense of freedom it gave you. My father gave me the most beautiful horse I had ever seen as a gift she was just a foal as I was just a girl. I remember him saying that we would grow together. She was christened Star, Lydia picked the name as the mark on the horse's nose looked like one." Darcy noticed that Elizabeth's mind was in the past and was about to ask her to stop if it pained her so but she spoke captivating him once more.
"Star was an amazing horse, a loyal steed throughout the years. Two years ago, I was taking her on her morning run as was normal. I still can't remember properly what caused it, maybe a hole in the ground, a stray animal that caused her to spook or even just her age but I remember waking up two days later unable to move for a week. Jane came into my room, her face red from tears, I couldn't understand what she was saying. Star died, she couldn't find the strength to move."
Elizabeth was drawn out her musings by the tender touch of Mr. Darcy's handkerchief wiping away a stray tear. "You must think me a sentimental fool, for I had not the heart to ride another after."
Mr. Darcy frowned deeply before objecting venomously to her words. "Contra I find even more reason to admire you, now for your loyalty. You really are a unique, spectacular creature to behold Miss. Bennet."
Mr. Darcy sensed himself to be on some danger of falling for Miss. Elizabeth even with her inferior family ties. As they interacted he realised she was everything he was in need of in a wife. However he couldn't nor wouldn't face his families disappointment by failing in his duty, as Georgiana's guardian, to ease her entrance into society by having an advantageous marriage to Mr. Darcy.
To be married below his station would cause both his sister and new bride to not be accepted by the Ton and be a social outcast, he held no such wish for his sister, Elizabeth he has noticed didn't feel attracted to the appeal of Town and its society.
"I think everyone should be breaking fast." He coughed awkwardly before straightening when he realised he had been leaning towards her. She seemed to be on the same wave length she was about to take her leave of him and the stables but not before he called to her.
"You can ride her, Beauty, I mean. If you'd like as you don't have a horse to hand." Mr. Darcy asked coyly, not wanting to force her to accept his offer. She hesitated thinking over the implications of riding Mr. Darcy's horse.
She looked at the horse before her smilingly slightly, " it seems you Darcy's are most insistent in me riding. I would never expected such united mutiny." She exclaimed dramatically.
" it pains me to tell you Miss, but, a Mutiny can only occur on a ship or within an army where there are sailors or soldiers as we are neither I must object to your statement." He amended, enjoying challenging her wit and sparring with her.
She simply arched a brow before asking innocently, " Colonel Fitzwilliam is a soldier is he not? Therefore your argument has no weight to it. I can continue to describe this tag team as mutiny as long as I count your cousin in the ranks. If you will excuse me I must check that Jane is well enough for this little excursion."
Mr. Darcy was left tongue-tied at his own error and forgetting his cousin during his reasoning. He watched her go with a sense of loss before shaking it off a quickly as it had come reprimanding himself for entertaining such thoughts, slowly he led Hermes to his stall before deciding to brush him down to help clear his scattered thoughts.
Elizabeth left the stables at a quicker pace than was necessary she felt her heart beating faster than normal and placed a hand on the base of her neck to try to calm it. She smiled at herself when she thought of the frown that had replaced the smug smirk from the great gentleman.
As absorbed in her thoughts as she was, Elizabeth didn't notice Miss. Bingley until they almost collided. She was stunned when she finally registered what she was seeing, Miss. Bingley looked too smug to allow Elizabeth any comfort.
She nodded as she passed not liking the bad feeling that embezzled itself into her stomach. As quick as propriety would allow she was up the stairs and rounding the corridor to her temporary lodgings as soon as she could.
"Henry, would you like a book to read?" Elizabeth asked politely as she noticed him, even if it wasn't strictly proper for her to do so.
"I am alright Miss. Bennet. Your cousin is already up wearing his riding wear I believe, he seems most eager for today. He asked about your whereabouts before going to find you." He revealed, knowing what the clergyman was about .Henry felt it was his duty to warn and protect the kind lady.
"He made no move to enter the room did he?" She asked fearful for a moment.
"No, he was rather odd though regarding the door." Henry commented smiling slightly.
"How so?"
"Well Miss. He was walking like a right puffed proud peacock when he left his chambers, like the ones in the book our Sarah had. Looking mighty pleased with himself, he came and asked his questions of me. Then he did the most peculiar thing, he went to go down stairs as I said to look for you. Instead of walking straight, I gave the door a wide berth as if it would bite him." He chuckled as he remembered the strange young man's actions, Elizabeth couldn't help but chuckle in relief. Smiling she left Henry to his thoughts and entered the room.
She looked over the room spotting Jane looking out the window watching something or someone with avid attention as well as a secret smile. Quietly, Elizabeth went to inspect what her sister was smiling at. She felt no surprise when she saw the object to no one other than their gracious host.
"Jane, you are half in love with him already." Elizabeth declared with glee watching as a pink blush spread across her sister's face. Refusing to acknowledge her sister's pitiful denials, Elizabeth started to speculate the reaction that such an engagement would extract from their mother.
"Mama, will surely take all her dues. For without her you would not have wed so well, as a dutiful daughter you must allow her to regularly visit." Jane frowned slightly at the thought, no matter how much she loved her mother even she had difficulty seeing any positive outcome with that situation.
"What do you suppose she will say when she takes note od your affections dearest?" Jane teased, choosing to decipher her sister's feelings above her own. Elizabeth blushed slightly a certain gentleman taking the fore front of her mind at that sentence.
"I cannot pretend to understand you." Elizabeth said.
"Lizzy, why must you deny it? It is easy to see that Mr. Darcy admires you. Before you call it absurd or illogical, think about it. Why else would Miss. Bingley appear to undermine you at every turn or his sister try to show him in the best light?" Jane reasoned.
"When did you notice any of this? I would have said that Mr. Bingley held the majority of your attention." Elizabeth deflected again, not wishing for someone to tell her what she was denying was the truth.
"You forget that I know you better than anyone else Lizzy. You are denying the truth for some reason. Will you not tell me?"
"If I were to tell you oh sweet Jane, then first I must admit that I am denying something." Elizabeth smiled before quickly changing the topic. "Breakfast is ready when you are dearest, don't forget your Mr. Bingley awaits."
Jane muttered a half-hearted denial before choosing to let the topic wait until her stubborn little sister was ready to admit it to herself.
Breakfast was a relatively quiet affair, Jane was engaged into conversation with Mr. Bingley where his sisters both seemed quiet and sullen. Even Collins was quiet, casting glances every now and again at his cousin who was laughing at a tale Georgiana was telling with the help of the Colonel. Both Mr. Hurst and Mr. Darcy were content to sit in silence and watch the conversations but not to give any input.
After, the large party dispersed into smaller groups. The gentleman apart from Hurst and Collins excused the self to take care of some business matters. Collins said he needed to write to Lady Catherine and left the room accompanied by Mr. Hurst who expressed a desire to rest.
The ladies likewise broke apart, the Bingley sisters each gave their varied excuses and left leaving the Bennet sisters to entertain Georgiana.
They were not at a loss at what to do and the sound of music soon filled the halls of Netherfield. Elizabeth had reminded Georgiana of her promise to practise a duet and Jane offered to turn pages having no desire to play the instrument herself. Georgiana soon gained confidence which increased her playing, whilst also subtly aiding Elizabeth on tricky passages, Jane soon took up the sewing she had been doing throughout her stay and watched with a smile at the interaction between Georgiana and Elizabeth.
Even if Elizabeth was oppose to entertaining such ideals, Jane was not and amused herself by trying to guess how long her sister would insist upon the charade of denial. This led Jane to dwell on her own heart and decipher where her affections lay.
The morning passed pleasantly for the ladies they noted as they went to change into the correct attire for riding. However, for the three gentlemen that had locked themselves away in Bingley's study it had not been as pleasant.
Darcy had related to them his concerns about Mr. Collins, asking his closest friends to help teach the man a lesson without force.
"Why Darce, old man, its great to see you have turned to my way." Colonel smiled wickedly before getting comfortable.
"Are you sure we should do this? What happens if it back fires."
"Bingley pull it together. Do you really think Darcy hasn't thought though every possibility maliciously?" Richard yelled laughing when he recognised his victory. "The real question we should be asking is why our quiet little Darcy has suggested such a thing."
Darcy looked away from the duo as to hide his impending blush as he thought about his reasons. Bingley smiled knowingly and decided to speculate theories.
"Well Richard we can only image that he is being forced against his will." He started
"I doubt that Bingley, Darce here doesn't do anything against his will unless it involves aunt Cathy" Richard shot down the idea quickly.
"Maybe he wishes to change?" Was the next idea to be scoffed at.
Darcy, looked on with a detached air that couldn't fool his friends. He hadn't being teased in general he discovered unless it was being teased by a beautiful woman with enchanting eyes. He was abruptly brought at his daze by the excited yell of his cousin.
"I know!" He smiled triumphantly settling himself so he could see Darcy's facial reaction. "It's because of a certain Miss. Bennet."
Darcy paled whilst Bingley went a red leaving Richard to quickly rectify his slip before something happened.
"Miss. Elizabeth Bennet I mean. Apologies for the confusion Charles." Richard added but not without seeing his answer was right.
Bingley seemed genuinely confused at the revelation, "Miss. Elizabeth? What does she have to do with Collins?"
"Everything." Richard stated as if it were obvious. "What say you Darcy? Try to deny it."
Darcy met the challenging eyes of his cousin and felt defeated; he needed to unload before he did something irrational. Slumping into the chair he couldn't fight it anymore, he admitted his attraction to the hypnotizing Bennet.
"The way Collins looked at her, I was ready to call him out on it. I can't explain why, we have no understanding and he would secure a safe future for her and her family. That being said I made it very clear what would happen if stepped out of line again however, I believe the idea should be indorsed. " sometime during his speech he had taken to pacing in front of the fireplace.
Bingley and Richard shared a look, devious smiles plastering their faces.
"Look, our Darcy has finally found love." Richard cooed pretending to dab fake tears away. Bingley laughed when Darcy growled his denial at such thoughts.
"Of course not Darcy. We believe you. Just tell that to Caroline because she seems to see Miss. Elizabeth as competition. I dread to think what she has planned." Bingley stated shuddering at the thought.
"I have noticed she has been poor persistent of late. I had not thought I had let my affections show." Darcy murmured rubbing his chin as he thought about his best friends sisters behaviour recently.
"You didn't but you know how Miss. Bingley becomes if she even sees you looking at another person." Richard added "it wouldn't be a surprise if she was jealous of your hounds or horses as you pay them more attention then her. No offense to you Bingley of course."
They struggled to keep a straight face at such a statement.
"No I must admit my sister does bring it upon herself. Is it unbrotherly of me to look forward to see Miss. Elizabeth render her speechless again?" He asked curious as to if he should feel some loyalty to protect his sister.
"Not at all, it is by her own design anyway." Richard reasoned as Darcy nodded his assent.
"Well let's hope she doesn't throw another fit." Charles exhaled feeling his options were exhausted when it came to his older sister.
"Again? How much did she break this time Charles?" Darcy asked, knowing Caroline fits could range from nothing to priceless artifacts being broke.
"Nothing major just two vases that were hideous to begin with." He answered massaging his temples before resting his fingers on his cheeks.
"Why she break to vases? I do doubt it was because of the hideous design, if that were true she wouldn't have brought them." Richard enquired, staying with Bingley was always entertaining he mused.
"Caroline didn't take some news very well, Louisa said that it concerned you Darcy." Bingley stated smiling at the startled face of his friend. "It appears that Miss. Elizabeth had the audacity to ask if you two were soon to be engaged, that is Caroline and you not Miss. Elizabeth. I was told by a rather angry Caroline that she asked why they still were in formal terms."
"She broke down upon the realisation that the union was just a fabrication of her mind?" Richard guessed shaking his head in disbelief when Bingley nodded.
Darcy however, was soon lost to any form of conversation as he thought on the implications of Miss. Elizabeth setting Miss. Bingley straight on his behalf. Did it mean something?
He was not left to wonder for long as he was informed of the time and advised to don his horse riding attire.
He was the first to be ready and waited the arrival of the others in the base of the stairs. He was joined in quick procession by the rest of the gentleman, including Mr. Hurst.
Georgiana was next chatting amiably to Mrs. Hurst who smiled shyly at her husband before taking his arm. The Bennet sisters arrived alongside Miss. Bingley who Darcy could tell was smiling falsely.
His attention was captivated by Miss. Elizabeth as she reached the bottom step, she smiled lightly at him. All he could register was how stunning she looked in the blue gear. It complimented both her figure and complexion. Although, he had brought it for Georgiana he couldn't help but take notice of how much better he looked on her.
Caroline's eyes narrowed, as she noticed that Mr. Darcy's attention was not on her. With a whispered word it was soon taken care of.
Mr. Collins approached his cousin with caution, even with his knowledge of her love for him, he couldn't forget the horrible toad incidence.
"Cousin, will you allow me to apologies profusely for my unkind words, spoken without meaning I must admit that I have not been myself and it is my deepest wish that you grant me another chance." He bowed, taking notice as Mr. Darcy had been of how her habit better fitted her. "My esteemed Lady Catherine, assures me that ladies as such can often humble someone like me and I do wish for us to be on better terms before I leave."
Elizabeth failed to seek a way in which to deny him without appearing rude. She could only murmur an assent before he clapped his hands merrily at her agreement.
"Wonderful. Marvelous. Allow me to escort you cousin." He declared again she could find to refuse him, after sending a desperate glance to Jane who could only shrug, she was forced to accept his arm.
Mr. Darcy watched in muted fury as Mr. Collins escorted the woman he was meant to have on his arm. His scowled deepened more when he felt the vise like grip of Miss. Bingley cling to his arm.
To think I was actually believed I stood a chance to enjoy myself he muttered darkly to himself as he led Miss. Bingley as to what could only be described as an afternoon of surprises.
My apologies once again for any errors...
REMIMDER that I'm now looking for a Beta.