I had hoped to have a longer chapter but it wasn't going right. So instead of making you wait for me to get over my block I shall give you this chapter in all its glory.
I thank you for your patience.
A huge THANK YOU to my beta FuzzyMammoth for correcting my many errors.
Also, to anyone who has reviewed, followed, favourited and read this story.
Darcy swallowed audibly as his eyes met the stern face of the usually jovial Mr. Bennet. The aging gentleman was seated as he always appeared to be behind his desk, leafing through a large text. Darcy tried to think of any recent actions of his own that would cause such a response from the gentleman, drawing up blanks he stood nervously feeling like a school boy once.
Mr. Bennet watched with interest as Mr. Darcy fidgeted, playing with his hat in a fashion similar to Mr. Bingley. For the gentleman's appearance he could not account for nor could he give any credit to the mans nervousness. It would have brought the elderly man great amusement had he discovered that he himself was the source of unease in the Master of Pemberely.
Mr. Bennet raised his eyebrow expectantly allowing Mr. Darcy to speak first.
"Sir, I have come to give you back the deeds of Longbourne." He announced handing the thick parchment over, laying it flat on the desk. Mr. Bennet was amazed he never thought he would have full control over his house again.
"How?" He uttered barely able to speak from his astonishment.
Mr. Darcy then dove into the tale of his interactions with Collins. Explaining that he had warned Collins of the repricautions of any actions Darcy perceived as indecent. Understanding the gentleman's character as he did he had sent for the required paperwork to own the house by extension breaking the entail. For once Collins signed over Longbourne to Darcy with Edward to witness the act the entail would be useless for the house then belonged to Darcy. He expressed his lack of desire of running yet another household and produced another piece of paper, this time transferring the deeds from Darcy to Mr. Bennet once more.
"All you have to do is sign your name there and Longbourne is yours once more. It will then be able to progress through the female line." Mr. Darcy declared, he still had not taken a seat and would occasionally glance at the door expectantly as if he was awaiting someone.
Leaning back in his chair, Mr. Bennet watched as the man became nervous once more. Mr. Bennet couldn't help noting that his speech was properly the longest he had heard the gentleman speak without his Lizzy in attendance.
"What do you wish for in return, Mr. Darcy." He asked, disliking the notion of being indebted to anyone. "Everything has its price no matter how small, what is yours."
Darcy was confused as to the turn of events, in all honesty he had not expected anything for his actions as he was just returning the house to its rightful master. When he voiced this the silver-haired gentleman scoffed at such an answer declaring it preposterous.
"No man does anything without a motive shall we say." Mr. Bennet commented, chuckling when the man began to fidget once more. "You have done much for my family, yet you have not known us for long I am grateful for all you have done. However, Mr. Darcy I detest false information and you sir are providing me with such. I am not a fool and I shall not be treated like one in my own home, we both know why you did what you did. Who you did it for. I would like to know of your intentions Mr. Darcy before you leave my study."
Darcy sat heavily on the seat opposite Elizabeth's father, he needed advice from someone who knew Elizabeth better than he did. He knew what he felt but was unsure if she could look past the expectations they both faced as well as the critical remarks she would be forced to endure as his chosen bride.
"I love your daughter sir. I can't put it any clearer than that. She has bewitched me with her sparkling eyes, her beautiful smile but mostly her sharp mind. Her ability to out wit myself outstands me and draws me to her, she is everything I have ever sought for in a wife and more. Yet I can produce no plausible outcome in the future that she agrees to be my wife. She desires not to be friends nor to be acquainted with myself." Mr. Darcy admitted his head in his hands as he poured out his heart to Mr. Bennet.
With difficulty Mr. Bennet rose from his seat, using the desk for support he made his way beside Darcy. He perched on the edge of the desk as he began to speak.
"My daughter is stubborn in her views, her mother often dispares about how stubborn my children are. I can not aid you in this sir, for I do not pretend to know my daughter's heart. If I where to hazard a guess I would say that the divide between would only be produced because your union would have a negative effect on those she cares for." Mr. Bennet said, knowing he shouldn't betray his daughter's heart but also knew that if aided her desired union she would not be as displeased with him. "Her worry over any repracautions of your union must be quelled, her fears rule her judgement at the present time. She has left for Town, not long ago. If I were to aid you I would suggest you show her that she has nothing to worry about. However, I shall not for I do dislike the notion of loosing a beloved child so soon after being separated from one already."
Mr. Darcy absorbed these words with eager hunger, taking note of all the advice he had just been given. He digested each information slowly, aware that his future happiness depended upon a well thought out plan which had to be executed perfectly otherwise he had no chance of acceptance.
Nodding to himself, Mr. Darcy was startled to his feet upon the reflection of his location. He apologised for his lack of attention and stood to take his leave. Upon his exit he thought he heard Mr. Bennet call out good luck to him yet he was unsure.
Elizabeth stretched as she was handed down from the carriage by her uncle. She was greeted with a kiss on the cheek by her aunt and uncle, the children who had been allowed to wait up for their cousins arrival clambered eagerly into the hall demanding her attention at once. The girls wished to be showered with praise for their embroidery skills whilst the youngest boy waved sleepily at his elder cousin as his elder brother tried to demonstrate his sword skills with a wooden sword.
"Come now children, I think its time for bed." Their mother declared, causing an eruption of groans from the children. "Don't give me that, can't you see your poor cousins tired?"
She along with Elizabeth trudged behind the children as they raced up the stairs to be in bed first. Each where gifted with a kiss on their forehead from both ladies and were wished peaceful dreams. Once their task was complete the ladies retired to the sitting room where they discovered Edward Senior and Edward Junior were conversing over a glass of brandy.
"I was just congratulating Eddy on his engagement." The master of the house declared to his wife who smiled at the words.
"About time too, I never thought he would ask her. Poor Mary to be stuck with him for the rest of her life." Mrs. Gardiner teased, pinching her sons cheeks as she passed.
"Ma! Stop." He whined as he shrugged out of her reach. "I shall make the finest husband of all."
"What he lacks in courage he makes up for in modesty." Elizabeth commented sarcastically.
"I'm afraid it runs in the male line dear." Mrs. Gardiner mock whispered to her niece, much to the verbal outrage of her son.
"Yet am I not the finest husband of all my dear?" Her husband asked taking her hand in his, staring into her eyes.
"Well as you are my only husband dear I can not say. For what am I to compare thee to?" She replied, giggling slightly at her husbands frown.
"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day." Mr. Gardiner responded only to be silenced by the rooms joint laughter.
"Leave off you daft beggar." Mrs. Gardiner commanded before turning her attention back to her son. "You chose a fine bride dear. We shall be very proud to call Mary our daughter." Mr. Gardiner nodded his head in agreement with his wifes statement.
"Ay, I shall be proud when I can declare to the world that she is mine." Edward stated sporting a large grin. "Yet it does not seem we shall be solitaire in our marriage state for long."
This gave his mother an opening to interrogate her niece about certain tidbits of information she had gained from various sources.
"What of Mr. Bingley? Does he care for our Jane as much as she does for him?" Mrs. Gardiner asked aware of the unofficial courtship between her niece and her suitor.
Edward laughed merrily before declaring Bingley head over heels in love with Jane.
"He looks at no other lady, nor does he notice anyone when Jane is before him. I would bet that if she were to tell him the sky was green he would say the sky is green."
"He is of a gentle, kind nature he shall do well with Jane. I do not think I shall ever meet a couple so sweet-tempered." Elizabeth added, trying to avoid her aunts questioning of herself.
The Gardiners nodded in agreement for they couldn't imagine Jane with an unkind gentleman. Elizabeth blinked repeatedly before yawning, she said her excuses and hurried off to bed.
After changing into a modest nightgown, Elizabeth freed her hair from its pinned and platted it into a neat braid that decorated her shoulder as she lay in bed pondering her emotions. Her thoughts did not wait long before turning their attention to Mr. Darcy. She wondered what he was doing, if he was perhaps thinking of her too.
Try as she might, Elizabeth was unable to quieten her secret desire of crossing his path whilst she was in town for had he not had told her of his plans that held the same destination. To her credit Elizabeth had not remembered this particular information until she was seated in the carriage already on her way. She was able to quickly reassure herself of the unlikely hood of such an event for she could not picture Mr. Darcy anywhere near Cheapside.
Sighing deeply she snuggled into her pillow, sleep greeting her in her dreams she relived her dance at Netherfield with Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth slept peacefully blissfully ignorant of the plan that was being put into motion.
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner turned to their son for some knowledge about Elizabeth's behaviour. They both noted that she seemed reserved, Elizabeth wasn't one to burden others with her own but they could see that her mind was acutely diverted.
Edward seemed hesitate at first, however he knew that his parents would find out the truth even if he declined them the information.
"She is pining for her lost love." He explained, welcoming the diversion of attention for once. No matter how much he loved his parents he both pitied and eagerly awaited their change of attention to his younger siblings. His eldest sister wouldn't be out into society for a while yet, therefore leaving his mother happy to play matchmaker for him. Fortunately, it had been a simple choice for him from the moment he met Mary he promised her that they would wed.
"Lizzy, pining? Our Lizzy has finally allowed someone to capture her heart?" Mrs. Gardiner remarked asking for clarification. She had never dreamed that her stubborn niece would find her soul mate as she desired from the men eligible in Hertfordshire.
"He must be quite a man to have won our Lizzy. Yet you say pining, could it be he does not return her sentiment ?" His father asked, he thought of Lizzy like his own child and disliked such a thought.
At the serious face of their son, the Gardiners grew worried their niece wasn't one to give her heart lightly or recover rapidly or at all if it were to be broken. Edward could see by his parents expression that the feared the worse for his cousin he was unsure of how to ease their fears.
"As far as I can tell, their affection is mutual. If anything it is worse than Jane's with her Mr. Bingley, for they are always sharing smiles their eyes follow each other when they are apart and I have only ever seen this gentleman smile in her presence." Edward shared, he was happy for them for they were perfect for each other.
The information they received only served to increase the confusion that had taken over the Gardiners as they listened to Edward speak.
"So why is it a lost love?" Mrs. Gardiner enquired, what she had just been told described a beginning of an eternal love.
"I do not rightly know. They had been growing close, however something was said at the Netherfield ball I am sure for once we returned in the morning she was as you see now and eager to leave." Edward admitted. He was concerned for his cousin, he wished for her to be as happy as he was yet was powerless as to how to change that.
Looking at the time Edward stood to take his leave, he had to return to his own home he bid farewell to his parents and left them to their own company. Edward strolled through the halls of his humble abode, thanking his housekeeper he allowed her to retire as he took his meal in his study greeting the stack of letters scattered over his desk with a secret chuckle.
"Mr. Gardiner?" His housekeeper asked before she retired for the night. "There is a gentleman here to see you."
Edward looked at his clock, it was too late for visitors his curiosity was sparked. "Tell him I am not receiving visitors at this time and request he come back tomorrow."
She nodded, leaving to deliver her masters message to the mystery caller. The tall gentleman's piercing blue eyes looked at her upon her re-entry of the parlour where she had left the him under the watchful eye of one of Edwards footmen.
"I'm afraid sir, Mr. Gardiner is not receiving this evening he has just returned from his travels." She stated.
The gentleman nodded, the housekeeper was aware that this particular gentleman came from wealth from his attire. He handed her his card and related his request once more.
"I will be most obliged if you tell him once more I am here please." He repeated handing her a shiny coin for the trouble.
"I give no promises sir, but I will try once more." She replied, leaving him once more.
Edward looked up when she rapted on the door once more. "I am sorry to disrupt you sir. The gentleman is most insistent he asked I give you this."
She was startled when a barked laugh came from Edward, he shook his head smiling widely at his housekeeper.
"This particular gentleman would be. Please Mrs. Johnson bring him to me, if it is not too much trouble." Edward requested, he arranged his features into a stern mask his face emitting disapproval while his eyes laughed at the gentleman that sat in front of him.
"May I ask why you are in my home at such an unsocial hour sir?" He asked, trying hard to keep his straight face.
Mr. Darcy raised his eyebrow at such a question, he had not taken Edward to be a simpleton who would be ignorant of any reasons for his attendance.
"Would you not hasten a guess at my appearance?" He retorted aware of the others game and deciding to play his game.
"Oh I have many excuses for you to be here, yet I would not allow the chance of embarrassing myself by voicing one to have it proven false." Edward explained throughly entertained by the conversation.
"We can continue as such for the rest of my visit sir," Darcy commented. "Or we could get to the point that I wish to bring to your attention.
Edward who like his cousin and Uncle enjoyed a verbal spar was more intruged than disappointed in the abrupt end of his game. "Indeed sir, what would this point be."
"I wish to make Elizabeth my bride." Darcy announced, so bluntly that Edward couldn't help but to laugh.
"Was that so hard to admit Darcy?" He mocked, knowing that he had caused the man some confusion. "We have spent the last week taking bets on when you would allow yourself to seek my dear cousins hand."
Darcy blushed at the realisation of his foolish actions, if he had been so stubborn in accepting his feelings he may have been engaged by now. However, he was unsure of how to respond to the knowledge that people had been conspiring behind his back. He wanted to be mad but he was also pleased that they accepted such a union so early on.
"I expect that your support will be given willingly than." Darcy asked, happy to have yet more support for his union when he had feared none.
"What a foolish question, tell me what your planning Darcy and I shall do my best to aid you." Edward informed him.
The night grew on as Darcy detailed to Edward what he had planned, he needed the gentleman's advice on how Elizabeth would respond to such a proposition. He was cautious of overwhelming her all in one go and causing that to make her unlikely to accept his suit.
They parted ways each happy with the conclusions they had composed, both retired eagerly awaiting the forthcoming days.
Elizabeth had fell into the Gardiner's routine easily, she felt comforted by the familiarity of it which was a contrast to her scattered thoughts. She woke up and broke her fast with her family before she was left for an hour to reflect on her own thoughts whilst the children went to their lessons, her uncle went to work leaving Mrs. Gardiner this hour to run over the meals as well as her mistresses duties with her housekeeper. Elizabeth would take this time to read or write-through her correspondence depending on what was required.
As she had just arrived she was obligated to write of her safe arrival to her family, she penned said letter quickly leaving the post to be posted at the earliest conveince. The letters did not consume as much of her time as they would have otherwise leaving her time to herself, she decided to occupy her time by practising her pianoforte skills. It was a subconscience habit she exhibited when troubled by something.
Her aunt recognized this and listened to her piece to determine the reasoning for such a display. The ballad she played was one of lost love, Mrs. Gardiner completed her meeting with her housekeeper with ease before seeking out her nieces company. She made sure to bring with her one of Elizabeth's favourite pastries as an enticement to feel better it saddened her to see her niece behave as such.
"Lizzy dear, do you want to talk about it." Mrs. Gardiner asked once she had succeeded in diverting her nieces attention from the piano to a seat where they could talk with ease.
Elizabeth looked at her aunt a moment before consenting to her aunts wish to understand her moods.
"I do not know where to begin, it happened too fast for either one of us to grab it. Now it is over before it had a chance to even truly begin." Elizabeth said, letting her aunt see her pain.
Gathering her niece into a tight hug Mrs. Gardiner muttered soothing words as she had when Elizabeth was a child.
"You do not have to speak of it, if it brings you such pain." She told Elizabeth.
Predictably Elizabeth refused to be brought down by her bittersweet thoughts, "Perhaps speaking of it with you may aid me to continue like I did before."
Elizabeth launched into the tale of her affair with Mr. Darcy, revealing all of her feelings to her aunt knowing that having an unbiased view would help reassure her conscience that she made the right choice. Her aunt was an attentive audience, she showed the suitable reactions to each part of the story.
Elizabeth during the retelling of her experience had (in true Mr. Darcy fashion) began pacing in front of her seat.
Mrs. Gardiner was stunned into silence once her niece had completed her tale. She had never heard of such a tale, she was concerned for her niece even if she had prevented their attachment deepening into any proposals she still felt what she did for Mr. Darcy.
"Lizzy, are you happy with your choice?" She asked unsure of what comfort she could provide her niece. For she could not heal a broken heart nor make the desire of said heart appear to try to persuade her niece to marry him.
"I am quite content aunt. I have resigned myself to spinsterhood, I shall care for Mary's, Jane's and even Kitty's children like a devoted aunt should." Elizabeth responded, she allowed her aunt no more time on the topic as she revealed Kitty's upcoming courtship.
The ladies spoke no more on such a topic as the children had been freed from their lessons and were eager for their cousins attentions. She laughed as they clambered for her attention, she was patient and willing to entertain each of them. Although not as patient as their cousin Jane, Elizabeth was still a favourite with the children for she was always eager to play whatever game they decided and had on occasion even invented some for them.
As the weeks had passed since Elizabeth's arrival in Town, she had swiftly been able to appease her cousins giving them all the attentions they decided. Once more she was quick to appease her younger cousins in the early morning by offering to take them to the park with their governess for a time to allow their Mother time to prepare the house for a dinner party she was hosting that evening. The meal was to impress some of Mr. Gardiner's new clients that had recently requested his aid.
Elizabeth was curious to who the mystery guests were to be, for her relatives where being uncharacteristically reserved in the information they shared. It wasnt that they hadn't shared the information with Elizabeth it was the way they had responded to any enquiry by giving as little details as they could without seeming rude.
Eventually Elizabeth grew tired of trying to trick her relatives into giving her more facts then she had already received. She instead focused her attentions on her cousins who grew tired of being confined indoors. After ensuring each was wrapped warmly in there outerwear before she dare venture outside with them.
The children clung to Elizabeth's side until they reached the confides the park, she ran ahead with the children leaving their poor abused governess trying to catch up. She allowed the children some freedom whilst she seated herself to catch her breath.
"It is quite a taxing activity, is it not?" A familiar voice called from behind Elizabeth, whose attention had been fixed upon her youngest cousin watching him trail behind his older siblings.
At the voice she turned gasping at who she saw. "Gigi!" She squealed, exiting her seat to hug the youngest Darcy. "What are you doing here?"
Elizabeth looked around to see if her companion was on her own, she had no desire to see the brother for she was unsure what her reaction would be to him. Before Georgiana could respond a sharp cry was heard from the children.
"James?" Elizabeth called making her way over to the sobbing child. "Hey, shh you're alright child I got you." Elizabeth soothed him as he clung desperately to her side, he hid his face in the crook of her neck taking comfort from her hold.
"It appears the children have grown tired Miss. Bennet, perhaps it may be time to return home." Miss. Jones suggested quietly, as she gathered the tired looking children.
Elizabeth nodded her consent to the idea before smiling apologetically at Georgiana. "Do not think that I have forgotten your lack of answer Gigi."
The blonde lady smiled knowingly at her new friend.
"What question would that be Lizzy?" She asked the picture of innocence and sweetness an act that rewarded her a glare from her companion whom shifted her weight to support the clinging child.
"Have I asked that much of you?" Elizabeth retorted earning her a smug smile. She could feel her friends reluctance to answer and if she had the time to try and retract the knowledge she held Elizabeth would. however, she was reminded of her duties by her cousins calling over name.
"Come on Lizzy. We are going now." Amelia called, impatient to return home she had grown tired of the cold and hugged her coat tightly to her.
"I'm coming Amelia." Elizabeth replied laughing at her cousins expression. "It seems I must free you of my company. I shall say farewell for now, yet know I shall find out what you are hiding eventually Gigi."
The mock threat made Georgiana laugh slightly, "eventually you shall." She whispered a grin breaking through, Elizabeth raised her eyebrow at the remark before being called once more by an impatient Amelia.
Elizabeth carried the young master James cradled in her arms until they turned onto Gracechurch street where he requested to be placed on the ground. Once it had been assured that he was capable of walking unaided his request was granted. Together they trudged into the halls of their london home and began freeing themselves of their restricting attire.
"Come Lizzy, make haste, our dinner guests shall be arriving shortly and you're not even dressed yet." Her aunt scolded her softly, herding her niece and children up the stairs to dress.
"Why do we have to dress up Mama, they are not here to see us." Helen whined, as her knotted hair was combed through until it was smooth curls.
"Because your father has decided to allow you to join us for the meal. Your brother shall be here as well." Mrs. Gardiner explained as she aided Miss. Jones in the dressing of her children. At this news the children were most eager to be as compliant as possible, excited to be able to experience what sophisticated adults did in their dinner parties.
Elizabeth on the other hand was not being as cooperative as her young cousins. She was searching for a gown to wear that was suitable but felt at a loss as she was unaware who the guests might be. In the end Elizabeth decided on a simple yet elegant dress that she had yet to wear, it was the very one that Mrs. Gardiner had dragged her out of the house to buy at the start of her visit.
She was aided in doing her hair by her aunts ladies maid, she was knowledgable in all the latest hair fashions and was able to make quick work of the perfect arrangement for Elizabeth's hair. Upon spying herself in the mirror once it was complete, Elizabeth was not lax in giving the young maid compliments. The maid blushed before deflecting the compliments to Elizabeth for having such lovely hair.
Realising that neither would accept such praise Elizabeth chuckled, "it seems we are at an impasse, I shall not accept such praise yet neither shall you. I propose we accept equal praise and part ways each decorated with sufficient praise."
The lady's maid laughed slightly, she liked Miss. Elizabeth she treated her with respect and no different because she was a servant. Her last employer had not treated her as kindly as the Gardiner's had so it was a shock to her to be respected and spoken to like a real person.
"Ay, Miss. Bennet you must be on your way otherwise you shall be late for your dinner." She spoke ushering her out the door.
All of the household staff were aware of how important it was to keep the guests as much of a surprise as possible tonight for Miss. Elizabeth to be happier then she had the past week. They all admired the young miss and wished her the greatest of happiness.
Sighing Elizabeth finally left her room although feeling apprehensive of what the evening was to hold, she had never been as out of the loop as she was currently. Descending the stairs she was greeted by the arm of her cousin who had been elected to escort her into the parlour where the guest awaited her.
"Tell me Edward should I have reason to worry about whom lies behind that door?" She asked him cautious of how secretive everyone had been. She had guessed widely at who the supposed guests were.
Edward paused, wondering how best to answer her enquiry. "It all depends cousin, is there a reason for you to fear who awaits you?" He replied, answering her question with one of his own.
Shaking her head Elizabeth laughed, she should have known she wouldn't get a straight answer. She was fussing over nothing, they would have warned her if their was reason to be so cautious. Elizabeth chuckled at her own foolishness, ever since she had arrived in Town she had not been acting like herself. Maybe it was time to regain control of herself she thought to herself as she entered the parlour with Edward.
Who awaited her made her laugh in glee, "Jane! Mary!" She called smiling widely as she was greeted with hugs by both her sisters. "I did not think you were due for another week."
To say she was surprised was a understatement, however she could not be mad at her aunts trickery for she was too pleased with the outcome.
"We wanted to surprise you dearest," Jane stated, looking over her sister with a critical eye.
"Mama, is needed at home to help aid Kitty in her recent engagement." Mary supplied, waiting for her sisters reaction to the news of Kitty's short courtship. After the initial surprise Elizabeth requested the details of how it had occurred.
"I received word she was happy with such a union, yet I was not informed of any expectation of a proposal so soon." Elizabeth informed her sisters who admitted such thoughts of their own.
"As long as Kitty is happy we shall support her." They agreed, content to move the topic to Mary's wedding plans she was due to be wed in just a matter of weeks.
They had travelled to Town in order to get Mary's wedding trousseau, their aunt having a husband in trade knew all the best textile factories that would help them selecting the best material available.
Elizabeth was easily caught up with the Hertfordshire gossip, some news she was surprised with others she had suspected for a while. Lydia she was told was beginning to show signs of reforming.
"She no longer confides herself to her room, she has been well-mannered and polite. Not once has she talked over someone or demanded anyones attention." Jane revealed. "I believe she is becoming the young woman she is capable of being."
Elizabeth and Mary shared skeptical looks at this news, they were aware that Lydia may be behaving for now yet they had no illusions that it was a permanent fixture. Their aunt like her two younger nieces was cautious to burst Jane's bubble of how well Lydia is behaving.
"That is great dearest, I do hope it continues." Mrs. Gardiner replied smoothly. She turned upon the entrance of her children to the room. Each expressed their happiness at the sight of their cousins.
They did it with decorum however, aware that if they acted unruly then they could be sent to the nursery. Edward and Mr. Gardiner followed them into the room, Elizabeth had not realised their absence whilst her attention had been consumed by her sisters appearance.
Mary was questioned by Amelia and Sophia about the wedding plans, each girl was excited with the idea of marriage.
"Will we get to go?" They asked eager to attend.
"As long as you behave," Edward called from behind them, moving so he could be seated by his betrothed. His sisters giggled as Mary blushed when Edward bowed over her hand.
Elizabeth smiled at the interaction she was seated by her aunt and Jane watching as Mr. Gardiner took part in his sons game of soldiers, crawling all over the floor to reach the correct pieces.
"Mama?" James asked, seeking his moms attention once he had if he received. "Are we allowed to eat yet?"
His question received a slight giggle from his cousins who smiled warmly at him as he blushed thinking he had done something wrong.
"Not yet dearest." She whispered to her son, "we are not all here yet."
James looked puzzled at this information before shrugging slightly and asking his mother to read a story whilst he waited for their guests.
"Of course dearest." She replied, then taking his hand in hers together they went in search of a book to occupy the time with.
"Now Jane, you have yet to tell me of your Mr. Bingley." Elizabeth turned to her sister, watching as a slight blush crept along her cheeks.
"He is wonderful," she answered, looking dreamily at the mention of the young man.
"You did not deny that he was yours dearest sister, is their something you wish to inform me off?" At the brightening of Jane's blush, Elizabeth laughed slightly amused at how her sister had caught herself out.
"You must not tell anyone for now Lizzy," Jane made her sister promise before she continued. "He proposed."
"What!" Lizzy cried, before lowering her volume at the startled look on her sisters face. "Why have you not said so?"
Jane smiled sadly before shaking her head at her sister, "It is not right to do so at this time." She admitted. "I will not overshadow my sisters engagements with news of my own. You know how Mama, will react. She will not hesitate to make the rounds of the neighbourhood to announce, whilst poor Kitty is ignored once again. I shall not allow it, Char- Mr. Bingley understands."
Elizabeth was amazed, truly no one else could rival Jane's selflessness even if they tried to do such. She couldn't help but smirk at the near slip of calling Mr. Bingley his christian name.
"We are content with a long courtship." Jane answered, Elizabeth's unspoken question. "You can reassure yourself of such this evening Lizzy."
Elizabeth looked over at her sister at the realisation that their party was not yet complete. "Mr. Bingley is to come here this evening?" She questioned, aware that if Bingley were to come then there was a chace his friend followed.
Jane nodded, aware by her sisters expression that she was trying to calm herself. As soon as she had entered the room Jane had noticed how tired her sister looked. To an outsider Elizabeth may look like herself a little more reserved than normal however, to Jane she could see the strain of her sisters smile as well as the lack of spark in her eyes.
Her sister she could see was hurting internally and was trying to not let it show. Jane thought she knew the reason of such actions, and wished for her sisters recovery.
"Our guests have arrived." Mrs. Gardiner announced as she walked into the room, helping her husband to collect the figurines that lay on the floor. The room was presentable in a matter of seconds and the whole party rose to greet their guests.
"A Mr. Darcy, Miss. Darcy, Miss. De Borough, Mr. Bingley, and a Colonel Fitzwilliam." The footman announced before granting the people entry to the room.
Elizabeth stopped breathing, her heart thumped loudly in her chest she was aware of her sisters eyes on her person yet she was clueless on how to react normally.
What was the correct reaction at this moment she wondered idly. She was about to lapse eyes on the gentleman that Elizabeth loved with all her heart but couldn't have because of the social divide. A man she had been hoping to see since her arrival and had entertained her dreams every night since. He was finally in front of her.
She allowed herself to breath as her eyes raked his tall figure, taking in every detail, a notion that was being copied by the gentleman himself.
He had been nervous about the reception he would receive by his love, she seemed sombre and startled as he entered the room. Catching her eyes he smiled slightly, hoping to see her smile gone from her eyes was the spark to match the smile she had gifted to those in the room before she looked at him.
Mr. Darcy tried to think of ways to return the spark in her eyes, he had worried that she would lose her affection for him if he waited too long. However, he had been persuaded to postpone his initial desires to reassure himself and Elizabeth that his admiration was no passing fancy.
However, his concern was short-lived for once they caught each others gaze it was as if it was only them in the room. he smiled slightly unsure of how she would receive and his immense relief at the knowledge that he saw no resentment in her eyes made him happier then he had been in weeks. Disappointment and anxiety had been his close companions as well as determination, each had secured its hold upon the gentleman and had refused to be removed since.
Fortunately his anxiety was washed away as easy as lifting a feather, as her smile ignited the spark in her eyes that had been so sourly missing. in exchange the gentleman's smile brightened as compensation for her radiation of joy.
Ignorant of others, they were unaware of the glances being exchange by anyone else at each other. it was as if they were having their own private conversation. The occupants of the room felt somewhat intrusive at such a tender moment and did their best to allow as much privacy as was possible. As it had been arranged the occupants left the reunited couple to talk in some privacy, the door was left ajar as to leave no speculation of indecent behaviour by the pair.
Elizabeth could see the sorrow in Darcy's eyes and could match it with her own, conveying how much she had missed him in a signal glance. Darcy was sparked full of hope at this revelation. However he was shut down during their silent exchange by the sharp shake of her head.
"Please, give me a chance Elizabeth." he whispered, her name spoken as if it was the most sacred thing in the world. "Allow me to put our fears to rest, unite us and satisfy everyone as well."
Elizabeth blinked twice digesting this offer before she decided to respond. "You have given yourself quite a challenge sir. i had known you like to succeed at everything you try your hand at but this is not one of those times. It is an impossible if not rare moment that everyone is satisfied."
Darcy rolled his eyes causing Elizabeth to giggle slightly at his lack of properiety. Shielding her view of anything but himself; he stole her hand grasping it tightly in his own. First he raised it to his lips as he bestowed a lingering kiss upon her ungloved hand before entombing her hand between his chest and hand.
"My heart is yours now and forever, I shall not change that." He spoke softly, watching her blush under his gaze. "You have to say but one word and I shall allow us to remain civil as your request. If your sentiments were what they were before you left Hertfordshire then allow me prove that I am worthy of you."
A traitorous tear escaped the boundaries of Elizabeth's lashes, before being captured by the tender touch of Darcy's thumb upon her cheek. Staring at the earnest look of his eyes Elizabeth could feel her resolve dissolved she closed her eyes as she enjoyed his touch.
"My sentiments have not changed from what they were, my views have been quite altered sir." She proclaimed basking in the glow of Darcy's happiness before continuing. "Not only are you the best of men, Mr. Darcy, but you are humble to. I must beg your permission to allow me to show I am worthy of you."
Darcy was taken back by such a proclamation, "Dearest you are more than worthy of me. I fear it is I who is not worthy of your goodness, your selflessness nor your kind smile.".
Shaking her head Elizabeth disagreed knowing that she would never be able to bring anything to help any marriage between the two, be an advantageous one that would be expected of a gentleman such as Darcy.
Yet she was prevented from remarking on his word upon the entrance of young James who was seeking his favourite cousin after managing to be escape the sight of his parents and governess.