I apologise for the delay in update, as well as any mistakes in my writing.
THANK YOU for reviewing, following and especially for reading my story.
Sdanceqt: Thanks for the review
Julianabr: I realised that after, but I thought that he would have some worries about asking the man for his daughter's hand.
Lisa Cooper: Thank you. Glad you're enjoying the story.
Aspen Valley: Great to know you're enjoying it.
Guest: I hope you didn't wait too long.
miriamtkr: You'll have to wait to see :)
NYT: Which one indeed?
Guest: I envisioned Elizabeth a few years older so Edward will be older as well.
Three days had passed, 72 hours since they had said good-bye to the Bennet's and Georgiana overheard her brothers heartbroken words. He had to be wrong, she was adiment that Lizzy only loved Edward as a brother. She had tried to talk to her brother, but each time she mentioned Elizabeth's name her brother swiftly changed the topic, they watched as he withdrew more into himself until finally they (Richard and Georgiana) deemed it fit to intervene.
They cornered him in the late afternoon whilst the other occupants were pursuing different entertainments, as to avoid being interrupted.
"This has to stop, old chap." Richard started prying the book that he had been 'reading'.
"What could you mean. I was reading that, if you'll return when you are making sense i can read my book in peace." Mr. Darcy muttered, looking at his relatives with a wary glance.
"You've been staring at the same page for the last ten minutes brother, don't try to deny it Fitz, I was watching." Georgiana responded, she smiled as her brother looked at her slightly as if re-evaluating who stood before him.
"My mind momentarily wondered, there is much to think about." He said sighing deeply before reverting his attention back to his family who stood staring at him with worried expressions, he knew he had isolated himself more than usual but seemed futile to do anything about it. "I've been thinking about going back to Town, just for a few weeks, to deal with business."
Georgiana looked skeptically at him, unsure if he wanted her to accompany him or not as she worried about how to word her question without offending someone until he added the word 'alone'.
"Alone? You want me to stay here?" Georgiana asked in a small voice, trying to hide how upset she was that he was pushing her away again. Darcy was refusing to look at his sister just nodded never making eye contact, so he easily missed her expression but Richard did not, calmly he asked Georgiana to leave she fled the room before tears could spill.
"Why are you leaving?" Richard asked making a point to stand in his cousins eye sight, daring him to look away.
"I know it may seem odd, and cruel to not wish Gigi with me. I just can't do it." Darcy replied shaking his head, frowning at the ground. He didn't speak for a few more moments but was forced to do so by Richards prodding.
"Can't do what, Darcy?" Richard asked his voice suddenly serious, using the commanding tone that he had often used on his men to move them to motion.
"Pretend that I don't care, Rich. Shake his hand and pay my respects when they announce their engagement. Its killing me just to think about it, ive never felt this way about anyone and it scares me Rich." Darcy admitted his frustration having worn him out making him look older than he was.
Richard stared, shocked into silence, he hadn't expected his cousin to admit his feelings. Apparently this had unnerved him enough for his cousin to act out of character, Miss. Bennet had a great influence over his cousins.
"Darcy, I've tried to tell you that Ed doesn't think of her that way. You can't sulk over something you're not even sure is true. Running away instead of facing it won't help you either." Richard stated, feeling defeated he and Georgiana had tried to persuade him of the truth but he refused to listen.
"I know what I heard. It's for the best anyway, I shouldnt have even entertained such thoughts of marrying beneath me. I'll be leaving for town in a few hours, after the Lucas party." Darcy reminded Richard before walking out the room, eager to ride away his frustrations.
Meanwhile, the Bennet's staff had had little peace since Mr. Collins was deemed bed bound by Mr. Jones. He was continuously ringing the bell, for assistance on one thing or another. Sometimes he just rang it to lecture one of the poor maids on how to do their job.
At first Elizabeth hadn't been aware of this, she was busy catching up on the work she had missed due to her unexpected stay at Netherfield. Mending and sewing occupied her waking moments for the first day of her return, as she helped Mary finish the baskets that had been promised to the tenants. She was only made aware of her cousins activities on the third day, when she was trying to locate Mrs. Hill to talk about the books and allowance for the kitchen.
"Sarah?" she called spotting her maid as she passed the doorway. "Do you happen to know the location of Mrs. Hill?"
Sarah nodded in confirmation, then began to tell her mistress of the staffs demand from Mr. Collins.
"Mrs. Hill said to ignore him if he rang the bell for us, for we have our own work to do. She dealin with 'im herself miss, been up an' down those stairs more in the pass day then she has in a whole year." Sarah concluded, she liked Miss. Elizabeth she was always ready to help the staff and deal with the situations where her parents wouldn't.
"Thank you Sarah, i'd do as Hill says. You may go back to work before you get any trouble." She said softly, internally fuming but knew better to express it in front of the staff incase they misinterpreted the direction of her anger.
Walking up the stairs she greeted her cousin who was about to take a walk to Meryton with her sisters.
"Come one Lizzy, you must join us. I doubt Jane and I can control the terrible duo on our own." He declared pleading her to accompany them.
"Ask Mary." She called, gladly laughing at his expression.
"I did, she claimed to be busy. I think she just didn't want to walk with the duo." He pouted prettily, sulking that he didn't get his way. "It seems my charms are failing me. I used to be able to persuade you both to walk with me."
"Mary is visiting Mrs. Black today, I forgot. Why don't you accompany her if you wish to avoid the duo? I'm sure Jane will have no complaints." Elizabeth answered, still laughing at his expression.
"That is why you are the clever one dear cousin." He exclaimed, kissing her cheek as he passed.
Elizabeth just smiled, rolling her eyes as he smiled brightly and walked off to tell Mary of the new idea. Turning she continued up the stairs, knocking before she entered her cousins chambers.
Mr. Collins sat dressed in his usual attire, for he had been told to help improve his recovery he should take short walks around the landing as he room wasn't large. He sat spouting nonsense to a very bored looking Mrs. Hill who nodded whilst wringing her hands behind her back, a tell that she was loosing patience. Elizabeth recognized the familiar gesture from when her sisters and herself and worn the housekeepers patience.
"Mrs. Hill! Finally, I have been looking for you everywhere." She exclaimed, making Mr. Collins jump slightly which caused him to moan in pain as his foot settled back down.
"My apologies Miss. Elizabeth, Mr. Collins was just giving me explicit advice on how best to clear the chimneys." The housekeeper responded, being too well-trained to voice her annoyance.
"Quite right, cousin. Lady Catherine, has told me repeatedly that all servants must be properly educated in how best to clear a chimney. If they do not know how then they are not worth employment." He started to launch into his normal lectures but was cut short by Elizabeth raising her hand, so surprised at the gesture he was instantly rendered silent.
"I'm sure what you are about to relay is very interesting Mr. Collins. However I do not have the spare time to sit and listen as I have a household tend. I'm sure Lady Catherine has informed you of the necessity of a well run house." She eyed him warily, whilst Hill stood watching admiring the firm but civil way in which Elizabeth led Collins onto the topic she wished to address.
"Yes indeed, cousin. You will get on fine with Lady Catherine I am certain. You understand and are humbled by her wisdom as I am -" once again he was interrupted by the lady. Collins looked over at the housekeeper cautiously as she made an odd coughing sound; oblivious to the fact she coughed to cover a laugh.
"Mr. Collins, I assure you that I don't pretend to understand your meaning. However, I am short on time for us to sit and discuss them at length." She started, glaring him into silence when he moved to speak. "I do have a request of you though cousin, for you to help aid me to honour Lady Catherine's teachings."
He nodded eager to know what he could do to aid his patroness.
"Stop harassing my staff." She spoke quickly before he could protest. "I have been informed that you have been constantly asking for the assistance of one of my staff. In order for me to humble Lady Catherine's teachings on running a household efficiently, I must have all my staff working and not distracted unless it is truly urgent. You do agree don't you Mr. Collins?"
He nodded vigorously, in his haste to agree, it was taking a lot of self-control for the two ladies not to laugh at the spectacle he was. "Indeed cousin, you are very wise to note my Lady's teachings. It benefits you and increases your intellect that you recognise the help of someone higher than yourself."
Elizabeth settled for nodding as words her abandoned her, after extracting a promise from Mr. Collins that he would no longer interrupt the staffs work unless completely necessary she lead Mrs. Hill out the room shutting the door behind them.
Both women remained quiet, until they reach the kitchen where Mrs. Hill praised Elizabeth highly for quick resolution of the problem. Trying to reason why she had hesitated in telling Elizabeth of the nuisance that Mr. Collins had become.
"That is nonsense Hill, you should have told me the day he started doing it." Elizabeth told the housekeeper who shook her head and was stating that they could have handled it, declaring Elizabeth too busy to bother.
"You truly are an amazing woman. When I am busy it is not even a smidge of how busy you and everyone else is. Which means I could have been informed, you are just to stubborn. Fortunately, it is resolved, well hopefully I would hate to have to resort to using toads again." She mused aloud laughing at the disapproving look on the housekeepers face.
"Miss. Lizzy, you know we all love you dearly but we are quite capable of looking out for ourselves without you ruining any chance of marriage, for no man would wish for a trouble maker as a wife." Hill reprimanded, smiling at the grimace that cross Elizabeth's face at the reminder of marriage.
"You sound like my mother, dearest Hill. What has become of you?" She teased before trying to start the books. "Where do we begin?"
"Nowhere Miss. Lizzy." At the puzzled expression that crossed her face Hill elaborated. "You will go outside and enjoy the good weather before it rains. Don't even attempt that look, the books can wait until tomorrow. Your health will not if you insist on wearing yourself out."
After a staring contest of sorts, Elizabeth finally caved when Mrs. Hill handed her one of her favourite pastries and sent her on her way. Being unsure where to go at first Elizabeth wandered aimlessly across the fields but finally decided on meeting Jane in Meryton to help with her younger sisters she progressed to her destination.
As an apt walking she reached Meryton in a short amount of time. Knowing as she did how her sister had the tendency to dawdle and Jane the incapability to ask them to hurry she knew she would find them in the ribbon shops.
"Jane!" She called spotting her sisters blonde hair speaking to two gentlemen, as she neared she realised that she knew them. "Mr. Bingley and Colonel a pleasure." She curtseyed a greeting before asking about the location of her sisters.
"They are with Aunt Philips in the shop, speaking to a Lt. Denny." Jane answered before asking about her appearance.
"Hill practically threw me out, demanding I take a rest." Elizabeth laughed before asking about the health of Georgiana as Jane had asked about Bingley's sisters.
"She is well. Her confidence has been boosted, she has been forever corrupted by you Miss. Elizabeth what say you as defence?" He teased, he looked slightly on edge as if worried.
"I admit nothing, your charges are simply circumstantial Colonel." She smiled at him, enjoying the easy banter. The group turned at the sound of a horse, to see Darcy dismounting and advancing.
"Darcy! We had thought you too busy to join us." Richard declared, a tight smile on his face. Elizabeth noticed that Darcy seemed tired, as if he hadn't been sleeping well.
"Are you well, sir?" She asked the gentleman when he finally stood still. He looked at her, his eyes drowning in sorrow she was instantly worried for him. He gave the sharp reply of no before remaining silent - mask in place.
Elizabeth tried not to let his action affect her, even if it hurt her to watch him use the mask with her. The mask, that meant he deemed those he was talking to beneath his notice. Unexpectantly, Elizabeth felt the urge to cry she blinked rapidly turning away from the tall gentleman.
Lydia and Kitty joined the group attached to the arms of two red coats. Elizabeth recognised Denny, as he had been invited to dine with the family the evening previous. The other gentleman was a handsome blonde, with murky brown eyes - the complete contrast of Darcy, Elizabeth mused.
On their approach the two cousins turned in unison to see the party of four advance from behind them. Elizabeth had a clear vantage point to see the expressions that crossed their faces.
"Lizzy, when did you arrive?" Kitty called from the arm of Denny as she reached her sister.
"Eddy said you were too busy, to have fun anymore. Ha! What an old maid you have become." Lydia added, oblivious to the pointed looks given from Jane or the tension emitting from the gentleman. Two red-faced with anger the third white with fright.
At the mention of Edward, Darcy flinched subconsciously an action that was noticed by the blonde stranger - causing him to smirk wickedly.
The smirk made Richard take a few menacing steps towards the man in red. Darcy quickly grabbed his arm, restraining him from advancing further. The smirking gentleman's face was instantly wiped clean of any amusement, he instantly took several steps back.
"Think of Gigi, the Bennet's don't need to see this." He whispered, tugging his cousin further away from the soldier. Richard nodded reluctantly, formulating plans in his head.
"Wickham, long time no see. What a wonderful surprise." Richard said through gritted teeth, his smile looking more predatory than polite. "You have joined the army I see. How grand! I was just on my way to talk to Colonel Forster myself." At these words Wickham paled more, a trace of sweat could be seen travelling down his cheek.
"You know the Colonel ? How wonderful. Well I suppose it should have been clear as you knew Mr. Darcy." Lydia exclaimed, drawing the attention to her as she was beginning to feel neglected, Elizabeth noted the hard look that Lydia gave Darcy . The man looked at Darcy before starting to smirk mockingly at the tall gentleman before then admitting the acquaintance, this mockery seemed odd to Elizabeth as if there was something yet to happen. What had happened between these two?
"Don't be modest, Wickham. We practically grew up together, you could say Miss. Lydia that we know each other very well." The Colonel spat his name as if it a disease that he wished to rid himself of. The look of pure hatred in Darcy's eyes sent a shiver of fear down Elizabeth's spine, before she scorned herself internally.
"Lydia, Kitty I think it best if we be on our way. Pleasure to meet you." Elizabeth said before curtseying to the gentlemen and practically dragging her younger sisters, trying to prevent the scene of embarrassment that Lydia appeared about to show. Saying her farewell to her suitor Jane followed suit, allowing the gentlemen to settle things between themselves.
Bingley was debating whether to escort his angel or try to defuse the situation that looked as if it was about to get physical. Eventually the choice was taken from him as the women walked away and Darcy went toe to toe with Wickham. Richard looked as if he wanted hit something a menacing expression that caused Denny to make his excuses before walking swiftly away in the opposite direction without looking back.
"Darcy, what are you doing here?" Wickham asked, trying to appear care free but failing.
"That is none of your concern, however, I have been looking for you. You left a trail of debts and dishonored actions in your wake, it wasn't hard to collect said debts." Darcy used a normal volume, appearing calm and collect - the mask concealing his rage. "You must know where I am going with this."
Richard stood to the left of the men whilst Bingley stood to the left, both nodding gravely when Wickham looked at them confirming his suspicions. Debters Prison.
"Come, old man, you can't do that. Darcy would never have allowed it." Wickham's voiced quavered slightly before he finished his sentence, he saw no hesitation in Darcy's expression, nothing. Darcy simply looked at the man before him and took a step back, allowing his cousin to speak.
"I suppose it may seem harsh. What say you to the Navy?" Richard asked smirking at the horrified expression that crossed the man in red's face. "I'll take that as a no, Debtors prison it is then Darcy."
The two gentlemen looked at Bingley, as if to allow him to suggest an idea. He simply shook his head having no suggestion to offer.
"Now. How shall we do this? Will you come willingly Wickham or are you going to cause a scene?" Richard questioned, whilst forcibly guiding a reluctant Wickham to the local magistrate who happened to be Colonel Foster -after the man had given his consent to go willingly.
"Bingley, you may return to your angel. Give them our assurances that everything is fine and our apologies if we caused any upset." Darcy released a breath of relief before leaving Bingley to aid his cousins.
Elizabeth released her sisters at a safe distance to ensure they would not return to the scene. She trailed behind as they made their way to their Aunt Phillips who was well-known for her wagging tongue and was treasured by her younger nieces who sort gossip to entertain their days.
"Lizzy, you act like such an old maid. No man will ever want you if are always such a sour puss." Lydia criticized before running into the house ignoring Jane calling her name in rebuke.
"Leave it Jane, I will speak to her later in a less public place." Elizabeth sighed before following her sisters into the house, musing over Lydia's glares directed towards Mr. Darcy.
She didn't have to wait long to discover, Lydia was many things but respectful of others privacy she was not. unfortunately, this meant she was repeatedly at the start of any harmful gossip circulating which lead to some dislike by other girls in Meryton. Elizabeth had just settled into a seat when Lydia began to tell the news she had discovered to her Aunt who listened with apt attention, causing Elizabeth to shake her head at her aunt who acted as if she wasn't at least 20 years her nieces senior.
"I just met the most handsomest man I have ever seen, but poor Wickham has been victimized for his looks. You'll never guess who by aunt." Lydia exclaimed, impatient to appear more knowledgable then her sisters. Kitty went to speak, Lydia cut her off refusing to let anyone divert attention from herself. "Mr. Darcy!" She exclaimed dramatically.
"Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth, Jane and their aunt all said in unison though each with a different tone. Jane expressed it in confusion as if Lydia was presenting false information whilst Elizabeth exclaimed it in shock and their Aunt squealed in excitement eager for some gossip on the sombre man who had frowned upon the town's society.
"Yes, I told you didn't I. Wickham was the late Mr. Darcy's stewards son, they grew up together Mr. Darcy and Wickham I mean. Mr. Wickham's father was a dear friend of the late Darcy's and treated Wickham like a son, you can imagine how Darcy came to despise the boy who held his fathers affections." Lydia paused for dramatic effect, whilst ensuring the group was paying her the attention she needed.
"Well that's hardly any mistreatment Lydia, a man may dislike who ever he pleases it doesn't cause the other any harm." Elizabeth said in frustration when Lydia let the silence grow. The youngest Bennet smiled wickedly before launching into her story once more.
"You haven't heard the best part. The late Darcy paid for Wickham's schooling, paid for a gentleman's education with the intention that he joined the church. However, Mr. Darcy soon passed away leaving the current Mr. Darcy in charge. He asked Darcy the living he was owed and was turned away. Poor Wickham was forced to join the army just to survive, as he was denied the living he was promised" Lydia stopped to let her information sink in, allowing the more enthusiastic listeners to react.
"Poor Wickham, no wonder Mr. Darcy looked displeased to see him." Kitty murmured appropriately, knowing their was more to the tale by Lydia's expression.
"Oh but you haven't even heard the best part." Lydia teased her aunt and sister with the information they craved whilst her elder sisters shared a look of disbelief.
"Well don't hold us in suspense any longer, speak up child." Aunt Phillips encouraged, eager to be the first to hear what promised to be juicy gossip.
"Here is where our tale turns to two lovers. Wickham always loved Miss. Darcy, they planned to be married just as the late Darcy had wished. However, he discovered that once her father died that Miss. Darcy was a proud woman who wouldn't even speak to those she considered below her station." Lydia's words were heard with a silent outrage by Elizabeth on behalf of the slander against her friend. "But he said he would not disgrace the current Darcy with his misdealings out of respect for Mr. Darcy's father."
"How extraordinary! What a tale, oh poor Mr. Wickham." Aunt Phillips started to say fanning herself violently as if over excited by the story.
"Surely Mr. Darcy could not have done such a thing." Jane said, unsure if parts of the story was true.
"Jane you see the good in everyone. Even you can not justify the mistreatment of Wickham." Lydia scolded her elder sister much to the irritation of Elizabeth who was in wondering how best to cut this vicious lie short before it damaged anyone involved.
"No Lydia, she can not justify lies. The story you have just told contradicts itself and is riddled with faults, I believe you have been fooled sister." Elizabeth stated clearly, making her aunt petition for an explanation. Gossip was always best when it had foundations.
"Whatever could you mean Lizzy? You heard the same account I did yet have found a different outcome. Do explain yourself." She demanded of her niece, silencing Lydia who was in a fury over being called a fool by her sister.
"First if Wickham did not wish to tarnish the Darcy name, why would he tell the story to a mere stranger that he has not be acquainted with for longer than a few hours at most." She asked the room, aware that none had spotted this.
"Obviously, his aim was to spread his story under the deception that he was being noble by respecting the late Darcy's memory." Kitty answered her sister, to the surprise not Lydia who had anticipated her sister to be on her side.
"As we do not know that was his purpose for certain, we can only speculate but it does seem peculiar." Jane added, unwilling to think bad of Wickham through speculations and rumours.
"True dear, however next we must ask ourselves how authentic his tale really is." Elizabeth said causing Lydia to jump up.
"I heard it from Wickham himself Lizzy!" She declared, only sitting after her aunts reprimand to be quiet and listen to Elizabeth's evaluation.
"That maybe, yet everyone is the hero of their own tales." Lizzy quickly continued aware of the fit her sister may indulge in if she was ignored for much longer. "Take the living he was owed for example. He said he was promised it, if this was true then surely Mr. Darcy would have put it into his will."
Aunt Phillips nodded her head that this would be true, her husband worked in law so she was aware of the binding agreement that was a will.
"Correct Lizzy, if he was promised as he says then Mr. Darcy could not deny such a living if it was explicitly written in his father's will." Aunt Phillips explained, shocking her elder nieces with her sophisticated air, as they were accustomed to her immature ways.
Lydia stood up once more in frustration, "I still don't understand how it excuses what Mr. Darcy has done."
surprisingly it was Kitty who explained the situation to her sister, "It shows that Mr. Darcy did nothing wrong, whilst enlightening us to the possibility that Wickham wishes to tarnish the Darcy name for having false promises." She explained calmly, allowing Lydia to understand the information.
"Probably for the treatment that Miss. Darcy gave him." Lydia exclaimed, suddenly excited at the prospect of actually having gossip of worth.
Elizabeth shook her head whilst Jane visibly winced at the increase of volume. "Dearest, we have met Miss. Darcy she is not as Wickham painted. She is not proud but very shy, I know you may not wish to think bad of Wickham but whilst his tale may hold some truth it is not reliable."
"Indeed, Jane you are right. It will not do to spread such slander as Mr. Darcy is a very well-connected man, it will not do to be his enemy." Aunt Phillip declared, whilst ensuring that Lydia would not disgrace the family by speaking such slander to anyone.
The youngest Bennet sulked momentarily before being reanimated by the announcement of Mr. Bingley's arrival hoping that the Colonel would be with him to entertain her with stories of his troops, any solider was an attractive diversion from her disappointed hopes. However, she was further disappointed when Mr. Bingley and Mr. Bingley only entered the drawing-room where the women had gathered.
Mrs. Phillip immediately ordered a fresh pot and maneuvered it quiet cleverly that Bingley and Jane were sitting comfortable together at a distance to the group but not so much that the rules of property weren't followed. Lydia was soon captivated by the gossip about the merchants and was quickly returned to the high spirits she entertained.
As the time to return home grew near Lydia spoke directly to Mr. Bingley. "Are you going to hold your word Mr. Bingley." She called rudely, completely oblivious to the blush of shame that crept onto Jane's cheeks. When he expressed his confusion she elaborated. "You promised us a ball, I was wondering when this ball you promised was to be held."
Mr. Bingley seemed deep in thought as if trying to remember when he promised a ball, before smiling at Jane but turning to answer Lydia. "I must offer my apologies for I had quiet forgotten. However, I shall speak to my sister and see how long is required for her to organise a ball." He answered good-naturedly. "I would expect a week would be enough."
The group left soon after his reply and departed ways as the women turned to walk home whilst Mr. Bingley went towards Captain Fosters as he accepted an invitation to dine there.
The Bennets returned home, meeting a flustered Mary and a rather amused Edward greeting them as they exited the main road to the smaller one that lead to their home. Jane and Elizabeth smiled at Mary knowingly causing her to blush and scowl angrily at them whilst Edward good naturedly listened to his youngest cousins tell him all they had learnt excluding the false hoods they expected Wickham wanted spread.
Elizabeth was listening to Mary whilst she described her visit to Mrs. Black. She was an old tenant that had lived on the Longbourne estate since their father was a young man and was old without anyone left to care for her as her children moved away. The Bennet sisters took care of her and ensured that she had everything she needed.
They entered the house without fuss until Lydia located her mother to tell her the news, Elizabeth counted down from three when she hit one a squeal emitted from the room that her mother was allocated. Elizabeth shook her head before deciding to seek refuge with her father in his study whilst taking the chance to discuss some tenant business.
"How was town?" He asked smirking slightly upon seeing the frown that crossed his daughter's face as she rubbed her head to rid herself of the headache that had embezzled itself in her brain.
"Odd." She said before sitting down in front of her desk. Ignoring the raise of her father's eyebrow at her words and started tidying papers that were scattered across her desk from the last few days of unorganized rushing.
"Do enlighten me Lizzy." Mr. Bennet asked curious as to his daughter's uncharacteristically sombre expression. Her hesitation was clear, peeking his curiosity more his Elizabeth never felt shy to share her thoughts to him.
Elizabeth knew she was unfairly making her father wait, after she had let slip her thoughts as was habit. Eventually, she turned to him concluding internally that it may help put things into perceptive she told her Father of everything that had been uncovered that day.
"This Wickham, blames Mr. Darcy for his own misfortune." Mr. Bennet was stating it as fact, but Elizabeth agreed anyway as if it was a question. The elderly man lent back in his chair, clasping his fingers to his lips he thought silently for a moment. "Well Lizzy,I have said many a times that you are the only sensible child I created today proves it. Although your sisters finally saw sense they would not have, if you had failed to point out the errors in the tale."
Elizabeth shook her head, denying her father's words. "Papa, it was Kitty who saw sense quicker then the others. We have always classed her as silly as Lydia. Yet, can we own to having a conversation with her without Lydia present?" Her question had been mulling in her mind since she saw her sister stand up for herself against the wildest Bennet. Mr. Bennet looked thoughtful, his calm face contorted into a frown of thought as he pondered his daughter's question.
"I can honestly say I have not, ever since Lydia was born they were inseparable." He muttered sadly. "She showed no potential unlike you three, Jane was patient and allowed me to teach her for my enjoyment. However, you and Mary both display similar characteristics of myself that would be why I am most fond of you two, as without you I would be starved of intellectual conversation of any kind." His easy smile didn't hide what his daughter could see in his eyes, worry and shame. Elizabeth deeply loved her father, although she was not blind to his faults she was aware that he only took interest in things that appeared promising.
They both were forced to own that they did not truly know their family, as they didn't make the effort. A silent air-filled the study as both thought on what had been said, one thinking of ways to rectify the error the other wondering if it was too late.
Several minutes had passed in this manner before Elizabeth voiced her opinion. "Papa, Aunt has requested our presence in Town, Jane however is reluctant to leave. I believe she may be falling for Mr. Bingley much to mama's joy. So I ask that you send Kitty in her place, Aunt surely won't mind and it enables me to see if she possess the sense I believe she does." her speech was met by a thoughtful expression as Mr. Bennet thought about the possibilities, eventually he nodded his consent before noting the time they both made their way out of the sanctuary before Mrs. Bennet came looking for them.
Dinner was as loud as normal, with Lydia speaking over everyone to be heard whilst the elder sisters shook their heads and talked about their day in quiet tones. After they had finished dining the moved to the drawing-room where Mary started telling her elder sisters about her visit to Mrs. Black.
"Is anyone as generous and kind as you dearest cousin?" Edward teased his cousin who blushed at his words.
"I am no more kind then Lizzy and neither as kind as Jane for she is the most selfless creature we know. One who could endure Mr. Collins without frowning, as well as think about everyone before herself." Mary deflected quickly, drawing the topic to Jane who blushed deeply before denying such claims. The group rolled their eyes at Jane as it was expected even Mrs. Bennet yelled across the room that her Jane was too modest, before having her attention diverted by Lydia who talked louder as to regain her mothers focus.
Mr. Bennet had chosen to return to his study, pleading business matters needed to be reviewed. However, Elizabeth was aware that everything had been order when they left the study and ne was just eager to start the new book that her Uncle had sent with Edward for Mr. Bennet.
Desiring some music, Edward asked his cousin to play for him declaring her skills to be fair superior to any other he had heard. Elizabeth rolled her eyes at his antics before excusing herself to attend to Mrs. Hill who had requested her presence.
Upon encountering the housekeeper she was immediately told of her cousins complaining.
"I did not wish to bother you, miss. However, tis the third time today he has had Sarah in tears over calling her incompetent. I would have dealed with it myself, had you not requested that i tell you if he did anything more. Plus him being to inhert the house, i am certain he could persuade Mrs. Bennet to dismiss Sarah and I know she may be a bit slow at times be she a hard workin' girl." Mrs. Hill said, leading Elizabeth to Mr. Collins rooms unsure if she had spoken out of place and was about to apologise for interrupting her evening.
"I would not allow such a thing. Sarah has done nothing wrong and I will not allow this man to censure this household with no foundations. Mrs. Hill I thank you for bringing this to notice, tell Sarah that although the heir Mr. Collins has no power as long as my father is still alive." Elizabeth reassured her housekeeper before they entered the toads layer.
Once again they found him seated in the chair, this time he was beside the table looking at his plate with disgust so much so that he did not notice the arrival of the women.
"Something to your distaste cousin?" Elizabeth asked daring her cousin to criticise the food that was divine.
"It would appear that my dietary requirements are not being met Miss. Elizabeth. I have repeatedly told that servant girl my preferences and twice I am given inedible food that I can not touch." Mr. Collins angrily replied gesturing to his plate as he spoke,his face turned pale from the glare that Elizabeth gave him but he trudged through reiterating in his mind that it was a look of lust and not of hate. "Furthermore, I ask nay demand that you fire the incompetent fool at once. It does Longbourn no good to hire such an invalid, your mother will be sure to agree with me and my Lady Catherine has spoken repeatedly on the importance of keeping well-trained staff. They are sneaky and not to be trusted to do their duties unsupervised otherwise the job is not done correctly, as my Lady Catherine's dutiful servant it is my pleasure to teach those uneducated on these topics the importance of her words."
As her cousin took a breath, she jumped in seizing her chance before he could insult her more. "I thank you Mr. Collins, your Lady's wisdom has surely enlightened me to my errors. However, I must caution you, if I even suspect you are correcting the ordering of my staff without my consent or knowledge; which is ultimately hindering the possibility of fulfilling the ability of having well-trained staff, as your Lady states. Then I will personally write to her and inform her Ladyship of the neglect you are causing for her words to take effect. Do not doubt me cousin, for if you remember I have made the acquaintance of her nephews who both have assured me they will be more than happy to assist me in this case."
Elizabeth threatened, she was forced to remind herself that she was too old to put a toad down his back as she once did although imagining it was somewhat calming. She interrupted her cousin whose tongue was tripping over itself to make amends of the insult he had unknowingly issued to his patroness.
Once free, Elizabeth bid goodnight to Hill and promised to converse on the subject in the morning when she could think clearer, then she decided to say goodnight to her family before retiring for the night.
"Elizabeth! Where have you been?" Her mother called when she re entered the room, it was as she left it but Edward was now playing the piano whilst Jane and Mary aided him. They had been teaching him how to play for years and he was a fine musician when he was serious; but he enjoyed playing alongside his cousins so requested the honor whenever possible.
"Lydia has just told me the most delightful news! Surely, you knew as well. How cruel of you to keep this information from me all day. If I didn't know any better I suspect it was on purpose,for my poor nerves what a horrid thought. No, my Lydia is the only good one among you apart from Jane of course. For she cares for her dear mother, unlike my other daughters" Mrs. Bennet's tirade continued, it was worse when she was tired the sisters had noticed so they paid her words no heed.
Thankfully, upon his hearing his wife Mr. Bennet decided it would be best to retire. He recovered his wife from the drawing room, bid his family goodnight, then led his wife up the stairs talking to her softly as he went. Elizabeth watched with a fond smile. People may say what they wished about her parents marriage but it was clear the love they shared when they were together, be it looks or simple smiles at each other as the family ate or intimate moments when Mr. Bennet carried his wife up to bed.
"I think it would be wise to heed our parents advice. Come on Kitty, I assure you that your bed will be more comfortable than the sofa." Jane roused her sleeping sisters, tapping them gently before following them up the stairs asking Sarah to help them into their nightgowns before the maid retired.
"What about you miss" she asked, knowing it was her job to help all the Bennet sisters and not just the youngest. Jane just smiled and said they were capable of undressing themselves and encouraged Sarah to go to bed as she had to rise earlier then any of them.
"Thank you, miss." Sarah said around a yawn, before ascending the stairs to aid the youngest Bennets with Jane following sleepily but entering her own room. Edward was staying in the room next to Collins, he bid the ladies a fair night at the top of the stairs before walking the opposite direction.
"Come Mary, you shall sleep in our room tonight." Elizabeth insisted as she dragged a semi reluctant Mary Into the room, where they didn't fall asleep until the early hours of the morning.
Edward knocked on the door awaiting entry, he stepped through the door frame upon the acceptance of the person inside. Striding inside the room he shut the door behind him before perching on a chair. The room remained in silence as the occupant watched Edward un-tie his cravat and shrug out his jacket before leaning against the chair.
"Now tell me cousin, what are you designs?" Edward spoke first, breaking the tense silence that had impregnated the room upon his entry. Mr. Collins looked at the gentleman that sat before him and was unsure of how to answer him. He had felt the protective anger from the same man as a small boy not unlike Miss. Elizabeth but he knew Edward could cause him harm now, whereas Elizabeth was deeply in love with him.
."Designs, sir? I assure you, I cannot comprehend your meaning." He answered his voice cracking as he reached the end of his defence.
"Now,now cousin. There is no need to be coy. What are your intentions towards Miss. Elizabeth? Are they noble?" Edward tried again, framing the words as to prevent suspicion of the real reason for his . Collins wiped his brow, with his ever-present handkerchief.
"Oh yes, yes. I-i I erm... my intentions. My intentions are indeed noble, I can assure you of that. I have no wish to prolong the agony my dear cousin must be feeling at the lengthy wait between our return and my proposal. Lady Catherine has repeatedly reminded me that it does no good to prolong the inevitable. I had planned to ask for a private audience today, but my cousin has rightfully enlightened me to my errors in my patronesses preachings. So I resulted in asking for her hand tomorrow, I can assure you that I can make her a very happy woman and offer her a comfortable home, as well as the title of being mistress to her family home." Mr. Collins stopped speaking as he recognised laughter emitting Edward.
He was confused as to what could seem so humourous and voiced it so."I see many flaws in your plan, sir. However, it is not my place to judge another's proposal." Edward answered once gaining his composure. His words initiated a small panic in Mr. Collins, who thought frantically at what he could have said wrong about his intentions.
Finally he relented so asked the smiling man at what the problem is."I will enlighten you gladly. First, would it not be best to wait until you are able to walk outside your chambers before proposing. Miss. Elizabeth will not accept a proposal from you if you can not ask her properly. For you will appear weak in her eyes, something I am sure you do not wish to be so in her eyes." Edward kept a straight as he watched his words take effect on the man.
He knew he was being deceitful by allowing the man to believe that he had any chance with Elizabeth but he could only prolong the inevitable for so long as Mr. Collins himself stated.
"Very true. What would you suggest?" Edward smiled wickedly at the question. He had overestimated Mr. Collins will or maybe he had underestimated the man's need to be told what to do, as his patroness always tells him what to do.
"Mr. Bingley has decided to throw a ball at Netherfield..." Mr. Collins listened with apt attention as Edward told him what he should do.
Meanwhile, the gentlemen of Netherfield were gathered in Birlings study nursing a glass of brandy each. The ladies had returned early, Georgiana had said she felt unwell and was sent a tray to her room. The Bingley sisters retired after arguing pointlessly with Charles over his revelation, it made Mr. Darcy's head hurt just remembering the pitch that Miss. Bingley reached.
"Charles! You can't be serious. A week! You give us a week to throw a ball. Do you have any concept of how much planning and preparation is needed? No you do not. So why would you even suggest such a thing in the first place?" Her screeching could be heard across the house by Darcy who was successfully hiding in the library after admitting defeat against his cousin to stay at Netherfield until after the ball. Where he would have Bingley as a travel companion.
"Gigi shall be able to attend, right Darce?" Richard asked his cousin as he settled himself in the deserted chair next to the brooding man. The master of Pemberly looked up only to register that it was only him and Richard left in the room. "Left a few minutes ago." He answered the questioning eyes of his cousin before he spoke.
"I suppose it will be acceptable, she will be officially out next year. Therefore, it would be better for her to feel comfortable in crowds otherwise the Ton will eat her alive." Darcy answered after a moments thoughts, though adding that it was ultimately his sisters choice.
"I thought so too. Here it is relatively small gathering and she feels relatively at ease with the two eldest Bennet sisters." Richard commented, tactfully ignoring the twitch in Darcy's lips as he spoke the last two words.
"Yes, she does appear to be coming out of her shell. We are fortunate that she has female companions to help her confidence. We know that would never of happened with us." Darcy stated laughing at the mock hurtful expression on his cousins face.
"How rude. I will have you know that I am a most sought after conversationalist. I have heard Miss. Bingley comment repeatedly on your sophistication in speech and preach how all good men should try to replicate your speech pattern to be of any high standing." Richard mocked, taking his turn to laugh at his cousins shocked expression. The horror froze expression on the usually grim man caused Richard laugh harder, as he tried to tell his cousin that he was just joking.
Darcy was still glowering at his cousin minutes after he was informed of the joke, he muttered darkly about it not being fit to joke about such a thing especially with the lavish attentions Miss. Bingley's had been showing recently.
He had noticed that her attentions had increased upon the removal of the Bennet's, she wore a smug complacency that unnerved him greatly. He had resulted in letting his favourite hound sleep with him as to protect himself from her.
"Thank my stars for Orion, or I would not feel safe." Darcy stated, leaning down to scratch the dog's head fondly as he lay sprawled at his feet. Hearing his name the hound looked at his master wagging his tail eagerly.
Ever since Darcy had discovered Miss. Bingley's fear for his four-legged companion, he had secured Orion at the foot of his bed whenever he was in a Bingley household. However, it had taken longer then expected for Orion to get to Netherfield and had only arrived after the Bennet's left.
"Most men would appreciate and even enjoy the attentions Miss. Bingley is showing you." Richard remarked, sipping his scotch quietly as he watched the famous Darcy scowl spread across his face.
"Since when was I, most men? Obviously non of these men have met this particular social climber." Darcy retorted, clearing his face once he realised he was scowling as Elizabeth's words drifted into his mind about his repelling scowl. Without realising a smile tugged at his lips as he reminisced causing Richard to tease him some more.
"Come Darcy, are you to give up a chase before its even started?" He asked pulling his feet onto the desk scattering papers everywhere. "Darcy giving up before his given his opinion,its unheard of."
"I am not giving up. Nor do I have an opinion. It was never a contest, Miss. Bennet is not a prize to be won." Darcy said, thinking over his cousins words.
"You are giving up, as you are not even going to sway her choice. All is far in love and war. Until the announcement is official she is considered fair game, by the rules of society. " Richard announced challenging his cousin. If there was one thing his cousin couldn't stand was a challenge upon himself be it on honour, Intellect or strength. "All I am saying Darcy, is that even if you were to try and win Miss. Elizabeth's hand you wouldn't be able to. I mean Ed is the perfect man for her."
Darcy scowled deeply, outraged at the insinuation that any was worthy of Elizabeth as well the insinuation that he wouldn't be able to win her hand even if he tried.
"What would have you believe such nonsense?" Darcy challenged disliking greatly the insinuation.
"Well unless you are willing to disprove my point you have no ground upon which your argument can be formed." Richard stated before leaving his cousin alone to nurse his scotch in the study.
"May be I should." The words floated across the room as Richard shut the door, he smiled as he commented to no one in particular that the plan was in motion.