Finally! Sorry for the wait. Before you read this, it just happened and I went with it. I needed it. I also played around with my vocabulary. I hope you enjoy it.
"Can you please make haste, Cousin? Bingley and I are bored. You know nothing good comes from me being bored. Just imagine what I can do with the assistance of Charles here."
"I won't be but a moment longer, Richard. I am no less eager than you to be done with this work. Be glad it does not fall to you."
"But it does. The difference between you and I is that I finished mine upon waking. I did not waste time reading the morning paper. Priorities, Darcy."
Bingley sat and watched the cousins bicker with glee. His family had always been so formal. His fathers' passing had only made things more rigid with his sisters. Their constant pursuit of advancement in society was a major cause. Bingley was happy with where he was. If anything, his sisters tended to hinder his regard in the eyes of others. He didn't want to, but he felt he may have to do something drastic soon. He turned his attention back to his friends.
"Alright! I am done now, are you happy, Richard?
"Yes, now call to have your carriage made ready. They have been here two days. No more of this nonsense about propriety and letting them settle. I think you are scared to see if dear Georgie gets along with Miss Elizabeth Bennet or not."
"I fear no such thing. I just did not think they would appreciate us swooping in on them."
"Mrs. Westfield would be happy to host us. I imagine Mrs. Bennet has been wearing on her own nerves since an hour after their arrival. She will welcome the interruption."
The gentlemen chuckled at the thought. "I concur, Darcy. Let us be off. I have not seen my Jane in four days."
"My heart mourns for you. Your Jane, hmm?"
"Yes. I may not have asked her yet, but I have Mr. Bennet's approval. I just need to find the perfect time."
"That should be easy enough. The gardens at my family's Town home have been very nicely done for the occasion. We can go there this afternoon and pick a spot. Then all we need to do is get her alone. I am sure Miss Elizabeth would be willingly to help with that."
"That sounds perfect!"
Darcy scoffed. "Does the setting really matter that much? I do not see why you do not just ask her. This afternoon will be as good a time as any."
Richard and Bingley looked at Darcy with disgust. "Yes it matters. Goodness. Bingley, can you see him proposing to Miss Elizabeth? He'll probably insult her with his logic."
"Darcy, Jane has informed me that Miss Elizabeth is a bit of a romantic. Though she is as logical as you, she is female, and these details matter. I have two sisters who are very much involved in society. Ladies share these things amongst themselves. Trust me, you do not want to be an example of what a lady doesn't want."
"What would you have me do, then? Forgo my ascot and vest, stride across a field, and propose in the light of the rising sun?"
"That was oddly specific, but it would definitely leave an impression," laughed Richard. "Do I want to know where that came from? Do you read serials, Darcy?"
He refused to answer. Instead he called for the carriage and began putting his things in order. Richard and Bingley recognized that it would not do to antagonize him further, though that did not stop them from sending each other looks.
Once the gentlemen arrived at Carter House, they were shown to a large salon on the ground floor. What they found was enough to make the two cousins falter. Bingley saw nothing but his beloved. To him, her smile only heightened her beauty. He did not see the mischievous glint that could be found there. In fact, he was so focused on her, he didn't notice that all the ladies had the same look in their eyes, the same smile. This is what gave Richard and Darcy pause.
"Richard, Fitzwilliam, Mr. Bingley. How wonderful of you to join us. I would have thought you'd have been here days ago."
"We would have been, my dear Georgie, but your brother insisted that it would be inappropriate. My, my, Ladies. You are all so lovely today."
"Did you find us otherwise when last we met?" asked Kate.
Richard wasn't sure how to answer that. He laughed nervously. "Of course not. You are all lovely every day, I am sure."
"But you cannot be too sure of that, can you Colonel? You do not see us every day, therefore, you cannot say that we are lovely every day," said Lizzy. "Mr. Darcy, we appreciate your concern for our well-being, but rest assured that you shall always be welcome to call on us."
"Thank you, El… um Miss Elizabeth."
A quick glance around the room showed Darcy that his slip did not go unnoticed. He cleared his throat and looked at Bingley. Finding his friend consumed with gazing upon his beloved, he turned to Richard. It appeared as though he and his cousin were sharing the same boat.
Finally, Richard planted himself on the settee amongst the ladies and released a breath. "Well, who would have thought that adding two to your group would make you all so intimidating? Tell me, did you plan to make us squirm, or is this a spur of the moment idea?"
"You were right, Georgie. He is very straightforward," said Mary.
"Oh, yes. Richard has never cared to beat around the bush, unless it grants him some measure of entertainment."
"Cousin! Are you sharing all of my secrets?"
"Of course not, I have merely offered up a better understanding of your person to my friends."
They were enjoying this, Richard could tell. He looked over at Bingley, who had offered not a word during the entire exchange. He still stood just inside the door. "Come join us Bingley. I believe you'll find the view much better from here."
"Hmm. Right. Of course. It really is lovely to see you, Ladies. I trust your trip here was pleasant?"
"Yes, thank you for asking, Mr. Bingley. I trust yours was uneventful as well?" asked Jane.
"Yes, quite." Bingley went back to smiling and gazing at Jane, who reciprocated. After a bit more teasing, the group decided to play a game. By majority (the ladies) it was decided that they would play a few games of whist. This is how Marianne found them.
"Well, well. It appears we have been invaded. I am sure my brother will be ecstatic. Apparently. The addition of a few more ladies into his daily life is just too much."
"Poor Papa," said Lizzy, "it seems as though it is his lot to be surrounded by ladies."
"I can think of worst fates," said Richard.
"You would not bemoaned the lack of male heirs should your wife give you only daughters?" asked Kate.
"I will both parade them about and guard them with my life, as I am sure they will be a credit to my virility and as beautiful as their mother."
Kate blushed at that while everyone else smiled. Marianne had a curious look upon her face.
"Girls, where is your father? And your mother? I haven't seen either of them for hours."
"Is Papa not in uncle's study?" asked Lydia.
"No, I checked there. I haven't heard your mother in a while, heaven knows you can't help but know when she is near."
"Do you suppose they decided to visit some shops?" asked Mary.
The occupants of the room found themselves unprepared for what they were about to witness. First, they heard giggling coming from the hallway.
"Oh, Mr. Bennet, you should not tease me so. I will retaliate."
"Mrs. Bennet, I am afraid that is not much of a threat. That is my intention."
They then entered the room. Mr. Bennet came to an abrupt stop and turned a bit red. The other occupants' reactions ranged from confusion, shock, and a little disgust. Mrs. Bennet appeared to be the only one not affected.
"Mr. Bingley! Mr. Darcy! Oh, and Colonel! How good of you to come. It seems so long since we have seen you, though I know it has only been a few days. The girls have been greatly anticipating your arrival…"
"Mama!" said Jane.
"They do so enjoy being in your company. And Mr. Darcy, you sister is an absolute treasure. She and my two youngest have scarce been out of each other's presence. I dare say it shall be hard on them all when we must all go our separate ways…."
"Mama…." Said Kate.
"They stay up well into the night trading their secrets with each other, and doing those things young women do…"
"Mama…" said Lydia.
"I do wish they would keep it down though. If I do not get my rest, I fear I shall become very ill indeed. I do envy the young…."
"Mama, where is your cap?" asked Lizzy.
"My cap? Oh, Mr. Bennet, how could you not say something to me? You do take delight in vexing me. Well, rest assured, you shall receive yours."
With that, Mrs. Bennet, swept from the room. Silence reigned as all others looked to Mr. Bennet.
"Well, er, I trust you are all having a pleasant visit. If you have need of me, I will be in the study." He made a very hasty exit. No one said anything for a few moments.
"Does anyone else want to forget what we just saw?" asked Marianne. Everyone agreed, this was not something they wanted to remember.
Next up is the ball. It's either going to be a really long chapter, or it will be broken up into like 3 or 4. We shall see. Lady Catherine makes her appearance in the next chapter. We also meet the rest of Richard's family.