Hey Guys, I have no valid excuses for my lack in publishing this chapter as its only a short chapter and I've had it sitting on my laptop for a while. I hope to have defeated my writers block that has been plaguing me from the last few chapters and complete the story within a reasonable timeline.
THANK YOU, to those that still want to read my little story I ask of you a little patience and hope the chapters to come will be worth the silly wait.
A grateful thank you to those that follow, favourite and review this too.
Can only say sorry for the wait and here is the next chapter.
He had finally seen her, looked into her beautiful sparkling eyes, and rejoiced as the sparkle returned to her eyes as the evening progressed. It was with a gentle smile that the tall figure of Mr Darcy, slumped into his seat, ignorant to the bumpy road beneath his feet and the light drizzle that had started. He was happily thinking on her words to him, her laugh, as well as her giggles - each was like the sound of angels to him.
"My sentiments have not changed from what they were, my views have been quite altered, sir," she had whispered shyly to him as if afraid he would be scared by her bold reply. He chuckled at the errant thought, quite aware of the irony of such a thought for surely she would be afraid if she were ever aware of the extent his mind had been on her the past weeks. It had taken all his years of training to not enclose her in his arms in that instant and bestow a kiss on her, cementing in his mind and heart that she was truly to be his. He was fortunate for the interruption of little James as he was becoming acutely aware that his restraint would only stretch so far. Especially with her admonishing her own virtues before him.
He hoped that all his planning and restraint in courting her slowly and allowing her to see her place beside him would be successful. His thoughts betrayed him for a second as the seeds of doubt sprouted. What if she said "no"? Shaking his head to rid himself of such thoughts he scolded himself. Elizabeth would never intentionally give him false hope. Especially if she did not wish for him she would have told him. He was certain of that.
The negative thoughts didn't last long as he was reassured by Elizabeth's words and character that she wouldn't toy with him on this matter. Darcy was thankful that his sister was drifting in and out of sleep throughout the carriage ride, knowing if she was awake she would be questioning his interaction with Elizabeth and demanding that she be told all the details. As happy as he was to tell the world of the words shared between them, he was selfish enough to want to keep the moment between them a secret until it was necessary for others to know.
The lull of the carriage was slowly dragging Georgiana into a deep sleep. She was fighting it as much as she could but was at a loss to defeat it she discovered. She had tried to keep her eyes open but soon found her head bobbing as the wave of fatigue spread through her. She was deep in the world of dreams when they arrived home and was gently shaken awake so she could get out of the carriage. Shuffling, she was helped out the carriage by her brother and she leaned sleepily on his arm, scowling crossly as she heard his chuckle float down to her.
"Don't think you have thwarted me, brother," she grumbled grumpily as she was lead sleepily to her room. Reluctant to awaken fully from her half-asleep state she kept her eyes shut allowing her brother to guide her gently.
"I do not pretend to understand you, sister." Had she been fully conscious she would have seen the cheeky grin that was stretched across his face, a smile that had not graced his lips since he was younger. He quietly bid farewell to his cousin as they parted ways on the staircase.
It was with a sleepy grin that Anne shuffled off to her chambers aware she could be of no help to Darcy in her current fatigued state. She decided she would tease him regarding his happy grin or have Richard do it for her. Not long after Anne had allowed her head to hit the pillow, she was asleep deep in a dream of a white wedding and a handsome soldier awaiting her at the end of the aisle.
Georgiana, upon realising that she had been spoken to, managed to reply with an incoherent grumble, as sleep once again threatened to take her. Cautiously Darcy helped his sister escape the layers of her outer garments that he had forgotten to take from her at the threshold and kissed her on the cheek, bidding her sweet dreams as he left her to the care of her ladies maid.
Walking back through the halls he didn't restrain the wide grin that had been threatening to appear from the moment Elizabeth consented to a courtship. He was filled with such happiness he knew not how to express it. The grin that overtook his face at the mere thought of walking through the halls with Elizabeth on his arm, walking through their home rather than just his home was a small sign of his affection for the petite woman that had successfully captured his heart. It was with these blissful thoughts that the master was soon closing his eyes too.
As peaceful as Darcy's evening had transpired due to the fatigue that had rendered both his cousin and sister reluctant to tease him of the evening's event, Elizabeth was not gifted that luxury.
Jane and Mary sat expectantly on Elizabeth's bed as she went through her nightly routine, both wearing matching grins that promised many questions. Try as she might, Elizabeth knew that she couldn't prolong the routine for her sisters had more patience than she.
After dragging out her routine for as long as she possibly could, she slowly made her way over to the expectant faces of her sisters.
"Jane, Mary, to what do I owe the honour?" she asked, deciding to claim ignorance to their presence. Neither was amused or fooled by her antics and merely raised a questioning brow.
"Must you play coy?" Mary questioned, "We all know why we are here."
Elizabeth, plastering her best wide-eyed innocent look, blinked her eyes and replied, pretending to think on what Mary had said.
"Oh, do tell us, Lizzy," Jane commented, her manner matching the giddiness often exhibited in her younger sisters.
Elizabeth couldn't grasp the words that would describe to her sisters about the moment she had shared with Darcy. She was unsure if she wanted to share such a tender moment with her sisters.
"You do not have to tell us Lizzy," Jane quickly amended, "We shall wish you no ill will, if you want to keep it to yourself for a moment longer. We are all allowed to have our secrets from time to time."
The kind words though spoken through Jane were agreed upon by Mary as they looked upon Elizabeth with calm faces that reaffirmed them.
"It is not that I have no wish to share, it is just that I have no words that can explain how it felt, how I still feel. My emotions are a whirlwind, I am beginning to feel like mama in the beginning of her fits of nerves. All these thoughts and feelings at one moment surely cannot be possible; for one person to feel so much should be outlawed. It is so hard to concentrate on mediocre things when I want to shout from the rooftops no matter how unladylike it may be." Elizabeth breathed dramatically, climbing upon her bed to stand in the climax of her speech much to the giggles of her sisters.
"Oh Lizzy, we are so happy for you." Mary jumped up alongside her sister to pull her into a tight hug. Although her sister had yet to reveal any particulars it was plain that she was the happiest she had been since coming to the Gardiners'. The reason for that was obviously the appearance of a tall, dark haired gentlemen.
"Poor Papa," Jane commented, as the content silence had begun to calm the excited air. "He is to lose Mary soon and Kitty is to follow. I doubt Mr. Darcy will wait longer than that to ask for your hand Lizzy and we are to lose you as well."
Pulling her older sister into a tight embrace, the Bennet girls settled comfortably together in the large bed.
"You must know Janey, that your Mr. Bingley is more likely to be impatient and whisk you away before Lizzy's Mr. Darcy could even attempt to get Papa's consent," Mary teased, earning a playful swot from her older sister as the blush crept across her cheek under the flicker of the candle light.
"Then who is left, but Lydia. Poor Papa, indeed," Elizabeth repeated, giggling at the thought of Lydia trying to explain ribbons and lace to their father.
"He has managed to escape talk of ribbon and bonnets using us as shields, yet he is to be left to the eccentric babblings of Lydia with Mama." Mary chuckled. "We shall have to rescue him as often as possible."
"Yet Papa would miss Mama too much if we were to whisk him away, every time lace was mentioned in the house," Jane joined in, enjoying the silly telling of an unlikely tale.
"True, oh wise sister of ours. What do you suggest we do to solve this great tragedy?" Elizabeth teased, a mock serious façade etched onto her face, almost believable except for the mischievous glint in her eye and the slight twitch where she was refraining from smiling.
"I do not think Papa would ever bear us any ill will, especially over following our hearts' desires and we are soon to all follow one and other," Mary commented. "As we all know, Lydia shall have no desire to be the last sister to be married so shall inevitably rush into the first marriage that she can in order to best us in some way."
The elder sisters frowned at the words. Although spoken in truth, they had no wish to think of such things for they hoped much more for their youngest sister even if she was quite competitive by nature.
"Maybe not, Mary. Lydia has much improved over the past weeks. Mama and Papa are neither inclined to give her all that she wishes as they were once, just to enable some peace in the household," Jane supplied, aware of the momentous changes her parents were trying to make in regards to the youngest Bennet who had grown wild under their indulgence.
Elizabeth, although aware of the truth in Mary's words, was reluctant to taint her elder sister's words with any more negativity. She was aware that her dearest sister had changed the topic subtly as to stop any further discomfort that Elizabeth would have felt and for that she was very grateful.
Whether based upon a mutual understanding between the sisters or an unseen exchange; the sisters did not bring up the topic of what had occurred that evening with Mr. Darcy. Each sister settled for bed easily after their exchanges slowly turned to exhausted yawns.
Elizabeth awoke the next morning with the lingering smile that had been transfixed upon her face from the previous evening.
Settling at the breakfast table she was informed by her aunt of those with whom they would be giving morning calls before she was to go to Darcy House for luncheon with Georgiana and Anne. It was a habit that they had fallen into throughout her stay in London. As a business man who was always happy to further expand his business, Mr Gardiner's acquaintances were constantly expanding and as such his wife's band of associates and friends were consequentially expanding as well.
Throughout her stay Elizabeth had gained more acquaintances within whom were those she would happily consider friends and would accompany her aunt quite happily to meet new friends to further expand her own circle. They were due to call upon one of Elizabeth's new acquaintances who she was quickly considering a trust worthy friend.
However, through her experiences with women of the Ton mostly centring around the fickle nature that Bingley's sisters had exhibited whilst in Hertfordshire, Elizabeth had learned to be cautious of whom she trusted. She soon discovered that the parlours of many fashionable ladies were secret challenges to test their guests to see if they were worthy of their company. These were the types of people that Elizabeth found great amusement in for they portrayed such intricate characters that had several layers that could be studied at alternative moments.
Fortunately, Elizabeth's wit and intellect had unbeknown to her made her the topic of many morning visits. The most respected women of the ton had come to desire sense in a young lady amongst their ranks and listened with genuine interest when told of Elizabeth's nature. This had consequently seen her further many acquaintances with a variety of people, with whom the Caroline Bingleys of the Ton perceived above the young girl's sphere.
However, with Darcy's elaborate plan in motion, the verbal exposure that Elizabeth had received through the parlours of London had only served to cement a respectable reputation for the young lady that was soon to be invaluable. Especially if her name was already respected by those of the Ton whose support could make or break a lady's season as well as the matches she was likely to make.
Elizabeth, although generally unaware of the extent of which she had become known amongst the Ton, was not blind to the increase of stature of the ladies with whom she had begun to associate in contrast to her initial visits alongside her aunt. Yet it would not frighten someone whose courage only rose with any attempt that could serve to intimidate them.
It was with such a frame of mind that Elizabeth had been able to integrate herself successfully within the matrons of the ton quite unknowingly. She had been in rather high demand amongst the most sensible minded of the Ton, so much so that she and her aunt were forced to return calls daily, rather than await them, for they had soon discovered that if they did not do so the Gardiners drawing room would soon become crowded with a multitude of women. Although this in itself was not a conundrum an issue often arose when two of the matrons who had a severe dislike for the other came into contact. After an uncomfortable situation that Elizabeth had been forced to smooth over whilst the ladies had traded barbs and created a stilted morning call, Elizabeth and her Aunt had deemed it beneficial to avoid such encounters in the future.
Lady Radcliffe, an impressive women who had long outlived her husband, stood gracefully to welcome her guests. The widow had long surpassed the expectations that marrying into a title had provided for her and had been respected amongst the Ton as a woman of means even without her links due to her title. It had been a well-known tale amongst those newly out; that the infamous Lady Radcliffe could ruin your future in town without saying a signal word. Yet as time progressed the great Lady had taken to fewer outings. As good stories do the tale had become a myth of sorts told in the process of taking the daughters out of the nursery into society to ensure they acted with decorum.
Elizabeth proceeded through the formalities with a mischievous smile as she remembered being told the tale as a young child. The formidable woman before her was a frightening woman indeed if you were to ever cross her path.
"Mrs Gardiner! Miss Bennet, how wonderful to see you again and in good health as well," Lady Radcliffe announced, her own lips pulling into a sly grin.
"Why, my Lady, you could never believe us to ever consider visiting you if we were in anything but excellent health. Such accusations astound me, for you to think such of my character has deeply wounded me," Elizabeth exclaimed, whilst trying to keep a straight face at the amused look upon the Lady's face and the slight eye roll that her aunt bestowed upon her.
"I trust you are in good health, for otherwise I would have been forced to inform the Ton of such a tragedy," Lady Radcliffe replied, her stature everything an intimidating matron of the Ton should be. "Such a thing would surely ruin any chance of you having fashionable visitors."
"Do not give me false hope, surely such a scandal would make me a spectacle and I will be forced to be without such desirable visitors. I would not have such peace," Elizabeth moaned, seating herself comfortably in the two seater her aunt had saw fit to wait upon until their exchange was concluded.
"I concede such a point. As a creature with such vanity as I have witnessed this will only serve to reward you," Lady Radcliffe teased, smiling kindly at the petite lady. "I shall think on a suitable punishment throughout the morning and inform you of it before you leave."
"You are much too kind my Lady," Elizabeth replied, her laughter barely contained in her voice.
Mrs Gardiner, who had begun to expect to witness such greetings between the pair could only chuckle as they exchanged harmless barbs. "I do not know if I wish for there ever to be a time, that you two shall greet each other as most would expect of you."
"Aunt, surely I am not to be at fault. It was the great Lady who saw fit to insult my character; I was only defending my honour," Elizabeth explained cheekily, looking at her aunt with wide, innocent eyes.
"Miss. Bennet, I hope you are not insinuating that I, Lady Radcliffe, one of the most distinguished ladies in the Ton – No … the world - is at fault," she defended, feigning mock outrage at the younger woman's comment.
Elizabeth rearranged her features to appear shocked, "To be in the presence of such a distinguished lady is a true honour. Pray tell me, how does one deal with such common people so far below one's rank each day?"
The great lady appeared to think upon the question for a moment before responding with a dramatic sigh. "I have no true understanding of how I can be so kind; my own benevolence astounds even me at times."
"To be in the presence of such modesty. I do wish Elizabeth that you'd take Lady Radcliffe's example in being such a humble person. As a Christian we should all follow such a woman for surely she will be a saint." Mrs Gardiner's comment was all the encouragement the ladies needed before they laughed at the folly of their pretensions.
The ladies shared a conspiratorial grin before the arrangement of the tea was settled and the servants thanked, then dismissed. The parlour was momentarily quiet aside from the clink of the cups touching saucers as each lady appreciated the warm refreshment.
"It is refreshing to have guests that can see the same amusements as I. Your wit always keeps me upon my toes." Lady Radcliffe toasted her guests cheerfully. "Now tell me, what has happened to bring such an extraordinary spark that has been most certainly missing until now? I have noticed such a thing even with these tired old eyes of mine."
A bright blush inflamed Elizabeth's cheeks as for the first time in their acquaintance she squirmed under the scrutinising eye of the woman opposite her. The blush revealed more to the great lady then any words could have in that moment.
"Come child, happiness is rare amongst our people, for greed and rank is all that occupies them at this time. True happiness is precious indeed; it is not to be feared or hidden. Do tell me who has brought such a transformation in your beautiful eyes." The words were spoken softly, as was Lady Radcliffe's habit yet they did not lack the encouragement or meaning of any speech that had been shouted across crowds.
Elizabeth eyed her ladyship warily. In their short acquaintance she had developed an undeniable fondness for the widow who had so tired of the greed and trickery within the Ton that she chose to be known more as a myth than an actual person. The blush already warming her cheeks, Elizabeth could not prevent the immediate picture of Darcy that popped into her head the moment the question was asked, nor could she prevent the subconscious softening of her features or the gentle smile that graced her lips at her thoughts.
"Why do you assume it as a Who?" Elizabeth challenged, aware that she had already revealed herself but reluctant to admit defeat. The elder ladies smiled at her knowingly each having experienced the same secretive smile and bright blush. Due to their own experiences they were aware of the feelings within Elizabeth that could be preventing her from surrendering to the truth.
Lady Radcliffe narrowed her brown eyes at the brunette, admiring her stubborn streak but aware that she had the advantage. "A young woman does not blush at the mention of a spark in her eyes unless there is a reason to do so. It would appear that you are surprised that I noticed such a thing in you, as if you had hoped that the who or what had not such a significant effect upon you. You should feel no embarrassment. It is perfectly natural, and my dear, do not further insult my intellect, I may not be as young as I once was but I am not yet blind to the image of a woman in love."
"Love!" Elizabeth exclaimed, true shock showing through her blushes, "Surely it is not that obvious just by looking at me. Is it Aunt?" In her hasty questioning it took her a moment to realise that she had just fallen into the trap so cleverly laid before her. "Bravo your Ladyship. Well played," she commended sincerely.
"It wasn't as easy as it could have been my dear. Do not feel so harmed for you withstood the trap longer than others of my acquaintance," Lady Radcliffe replied easily, a smirk pulling at her features making Elizabeth laugh once more. The Lady remained silent as she looked at the bright young woman expectantly. Sighing with defeat, Elizabeth decided to give the Lady some information.
"If you must know, someone who I have dearly missed during my stay in London was announced in the dining room of my aunt's house only last night. I had thought I would never see them again. We are from different worlds. I tried to do the right thing by leaving. It would have be easier for us - there would be no reason for false hope or delusional expectations. No broken hearts." The last words were spoken quietly but seemed to be a shout in the quiet of the room as each lady was absorbed in the young lady's tale. "It was truly foolish of me to think that I had not yet been affected. I had been blind to what my heart had already accepted. I could love no other but I could not have what I loved. Fate had intervened in the cruellest manner so I saw fit to distance myself from the memory that haunted Longbourne. You can imagine my surprise when I entered the dining room yesterday not only to be reunited with my beloved sisters but to have my deepest wish to be answered. It feels like no time has passed between when we were last together - almost as if these last few months haven't happened - but I wouldn't let my heart play me a fool, I had my reasons for leaving. I went to repeat them as well but I was beaten before I could even speak a word, lost in those blue eyes imploring me to give us a chance. That I would be shown that I had nothing to fear. I know I cannot shield my heart for it has already been penetrated, I am left to trust and have faith - which I shall have - and the spark you see is the hope that has been returned to me. All hope is no longer lost."
Elizabeth had not meant to reveal so much, she was often used to be being a very private person, often only leaning on her sisters for emotional support when it was necessary. However, she had no control over the waterfall of emotions that spilled through her words as she was lost in the memory, barley giving conscious thought to the fact she had revealed more of her inner thoughts to the two ladies that sat in the room then she had consented to giving her dearest confidants. The words had been spilt and Elizabeth could feel no shame or remorse in having told her aunt and a woman that she perceived as a dear friend the truth of why she finally felt like herself again.
It was with great difficulty that the audience to her tale could restrain the tears that threatened to fall at such a heart-warming story. Mrs Gardiner who was more informed of some of what had transpired due to her correspondence with her other nieces as well as Lizzy was able to control her emotions quicker than the Lady of Ton.
Falling silently, the tear descended onto the Lady's cheek before she had captured it amongst the soft folds of her handkerchief. Chuckling lightly at herself the tear was quickly hidden and her emotions under check once more.
"Oh dear, it appears I have bored you quite to tears," Elizabeth laughed. The light hearted air that surrounded the group at the start of the call had been pulled down into deep contemplation before Elizabeth saw fit to try to lighten it once more.
Smiling sweetly at the woman opposite her the great Lady laughed softly at the attempt to lighten the mood. "It would appear that my heart has not yet turned into dust from my old age. Such a bothersome thing making me feel." The lady chuckled before sighing, "Miss Bennet, never give up hope; for hope is all some have. Those without hope - we do not look towards the future. I wish your young man will put your fears to rest, for you are deserving of the highest circles, not because of wealth or station but because of your character. I see your true worth as does this young man of yours. It is only a matter of time before the whole of the Ton is made to see it. The only person opposed to accepting it is you, my sweet. You are worth so much more then you believe."
Elizabeth blinked rapidly in the hopes of scaring off the threat of tears at such kind words. Jane and her sisters had often presented the same point over and over to her but the years of degrading words from the hands of those higher as well as her own mother had forced Elizabeth to accept her lot. That was until Darcy intruded into her life and turned it on its head. To hear it from such a respected woman enlightened Elizabeth to the necessity to have her own mental preparations more than anyone else's words could have in that moment. However she was not willing to let go completely of all her doubts. She would not enter into the courtship only to be later ruled by her fears. That was not the person she either desired or aspired to be.
"Well aunt, it looks like my courage shall only increase in the eyes of those who attempt to intimidate me," Elizabeth proclaimed, raising her chin in defiance, already prepared for the oncoming battle.
After the emotional spill that had been witnessed within the parlour the rest of their call seemed inconsequential in comparison, as the ladies gathered up their garments before leaving to ensure Elizabeth kept her appointment with Georgiana.