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I couldn't do this without Jen, my beta

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Chapter Six

Elizabeth

Elizabeth crept along the garden wall, slowly making her way towards the back gate. She felt like performing a victorious dance when she finally got there, but was suddenly interrupted.

"Lizzy! Where do you think you are going?" Mrs Bennet had eyes like an eagle. "There is no time for your ramblings."

Elizabeth sighed with resignation, already knowing that resistance was futile. "I was just looking…"

"Oh, no, no, no! I know exactly what you were doing. You wanted to disappear again," Mrs Bennet accused her. "You will stay here. We are expecting Mr Bingley and you will keep your sister company." Her mother took her hand rather forcefully and pulled her towards the house.

"Of course, Mama." Elizabeth came to terms with her fate. Maybe it won't be so bad. Maybe Mr Bingley will bring Mr Darcy with him. Initially, she hoped she would encounter him on her walk like the day before, but at this point, she would take anything. The more she got to know the gentleman, the more she admired him. Mr Darcy was his own master, responsible for his mother and sister. He clearly loved them and took care of his estate and tenants. He was everything she dreamed up for her future husband. It is a pity he does not like me that way. Well, I can be satisfied just to be his friend. She smiled fondly when she remembered their accidental meeting the day before.

The day before

Though Lizzy and Jane had returned home three days ago, Lizzy found that she already missed Netherfield. The peace and quiet away from her mother, her lively debates with Mr Darcy, even Mr Bingley's unpleasant sisters who proved to be rather amusing with their simpering, were always on her mind. Abandoning her usual path to Oakham Mount, Lizzy was pulled towards Netherfield. She had not yet reached the border of the two estates when she heard horse's hooves and a rider coming down the path. She immediately recognized Mr Darcy. He must have spotted her too, because he started towards her and after making sure that the ground was spotless, dismounted in front of her.

"Good morning, Miss Elizabeth." He moved to kiss her hand.

She blushed and curtsied. "Good morning Mr Darcy. We both seem to prefer this part of the countryside for our morning expeditions."

"I think there could be nothing more beautiful so early in the morning in the whole Hertfordshire as this particular view, Miss Elizabeth." He offered Elizabeth his hand and they both turned their footsteps towards her home, as it was getting late and she would be missed soon. They quickly resumed their usual banter and renewed their discussion of "Romeo and Juliet" from their days at Netherfield.

"I looked at all of your arguments, Mr Darcy, and I still cannot agree with you." Elizabeth shook her head as if she was mocking him. "My opinion stands. This tragedy cannot tell anything about true love."

"Truly, Miss Elizabeth? Not even my argument suggesting how they could not live without each other? I think that it is really very solid." Darcy gave her a charming smile.

"No, it only proves that they were both impetuous and reveals nothing about true love. They were infatuated, knowing each other for just a few short days!" Elizabeth continued making her point.

"Sometimes love hits you when you least expect it, it does not matter how long we-they knew each other." Darcy countered with confidence.

Did he say we? Elizabeth mused. Or was it another wishful thought on my side again? Taking a deep breath, she continued their argument, filing away his verbal slip for her later musings. "No, Mr Darcy. Although I agree that love could come unexpectedly and suddenly, they saw no reason. And while love is undoubtedly living for the other person, love also has to be reasonable and not look at everything through a rose coloured glass – that is infatuation." She almost gripped his hand too tightly when she thought about her growing feelings for him. As they came closer to Longbourn, the time came for them to part, lest they be suspected of untoward behaviour. Disappointed, Elizabeth looked his way long after he and Hermes were gone.

Although Elizabeth preferred to meet Mr Darcy alone on her walk, she realized that this behaviour was not proper and that it could hurt both of them if they continued and were discovered. At this point she would welcome seeing him under any circumstances, even if that meant in the company of her mother.

Mary, Kitty and Lydia went to visit their Aunt Phillips in Meryton, leaving only Jane and Elizabeth to welcome their neighbours chaperoned by their mother. Today's guest, Mr Bingley was charming as always.

"Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth. The Hertfordshire beauties." He went to kiss Jane's hands but knew better than to attempt to do the same to Elizabeth. Her cold behaviour at the assembly and her subsequent avoidance while she was staying at Netherfield showed him that his efforts in that direction would be wasted. Instead, he focused all of his charm at Jane, who soaked it up like a withering flower taking in every drop of water.

Jane was not vain and she loved her sisters to death, especially Elizabeth, but still, sometimes she felt the sting of jealousy when her younger sister received more than her share of male attention. What was the point of being one of the most beautiful ladies in Hertfordshire, if she came second to her own sister? Mr Bingley was young, handsome and quite rich. If she could secure him, he could take care of her family should something horrible happen.

Although Elizabeth was always the acute observer, today she totally missed her sister's changing expressions, as she was impatiently waiting to see if Mr Darcy would also show up. They all took their seats with Bingley sitting on the setae next to Jane who was delighted to serve him his tea. While Elizabeth was searching her mind for a suitable topic as an ice-breaker for shy Jane, Mrs Bennet was not one to be quiet.

"Dear Mr Bingley, my Jane is delighted to receive your call today, we all are. " She waved her handkerchief to emphasise her point. Jane blushed and ducked her head, peaking at Mr Bingley through her thick eyelashes.

"Oh believe me, Mrs Bennet," he replied while looking at Jane, "the pleasure is all mine."

Mrs Benet smiled, satisfied that it seemed like her daughter finally had a suitor. On the other hand she could only look at Elizabeth with disappointment until she noticed how distracted she was looking out of the window. Perhaps her second daughter did have an interest after all.

"And what about your friend, Mr Darcy, did he stay behind?" She cunningly asked Mr Bingley while again observing Elizabeth out of the corner of her eye. Elizabeth's reaction was almost undetectable but as a mother, Mrs Bennet knew what to look for.

Bingley reluctantly tore his eyes from Jane. "He should be here soon, he always goes on his morning ride and was a bit late today. I did not wait for him." Turning to Jane, "I wanted to see you," he gently added.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes at the lovebirds, their sweetness being too much for her. They reminded her of the discussion she had with Mr Darcy about Romeo and Juliet. This is what infatuation looks like. I was right, she smugly thought. Though given more time, it could grow into love.

Bingley soon proposed a walk in the garden, stating he did not see more beautiful flowers than Mrs Bennet's, especially so late in the year. "Would Miss Bennet be so kind as to show me?"

Jane was ecstatic, Elizabeth not so much as she had to chaperone them. However, her mood quickly improved when Mr Darcy was shown into the hall while they were getting their shawls.

The foursome went merrily on their walk, Elizabeth and Darcy quickly overstepping the other two who lagged behind and soon found a bench to sit on.

"Mr Darcy," Elizabeth immediately teased him. "I was beginning to despair that you would leave me here all alone with those two lovebirds."

"Lovebirds?" Darcy's head shot up as he quickly turned around, scrutinizing his friend's and Jane's posture very closely.

Elizabeth did not know what to make of his reaction. Did he not approve? He was frowning and looking very worried and unpleasant. Darcy suddenly relaxed and turned back to her. Elizabeth thought she heard him mumbling something like "doesn't seem too attached". What does he mean? Is he worried for his friend? Surely he knows that our family is respectable and Jane is more than any son of tradesman could hope for. However, Mr Darcy did not let her dwell on it for long, as he quickly managed to turn her attention to more pleasant things, namely his presence.

"I heard from Mr Smith that the master of the Netherfield plans to repair the road to the Meryton through the South Forest before the winter comes, is that your work, Mr Darcy?" Elizabeth curiously asked, having had previous experience with Mr Bingley's inactivity.

"Just the idea, my friend pays the workers I hired." Darcy always gave credit where it was due. "They should be done before the winter rains come, the road was in a horrible state, I wonder how the previous owners travelled in bad weather." He shook his head disapprovingly.

Elizabeth laughed at his dissatisfied expression. Darcy looked much like a little boy not getting what he wanted. "They usually stayed in Town at the beginning of the little season and returned in May." She remembered her friends with affection. "They both loved the rush and noise of the town, so unlike me."

"I also prefer the peace of the country." Darcy reminded her eagerly. "My sister always loved being in Town, but since that –"He stopped himself and looked at Elizabeth wondering if he should explain himself. Being satisfied with what he saw, he continued. "Miss Elizabeth, I realize we have known each other only a few weeks, but I already feel that I can trust you with a delicate matter. Perhaps you could help me."

Elizabeth blushed, feeling very flattered by his comment. "Thank you Mr Darcy, I will try my best to be of assistance."

He led her towards the bench and when she sat down, he remained standing, trying to find the right words. After a while, he started pacing, still not sure how to begin. It was disturbing to see him so upset. Elizabeth jumped up when he was passing her and stopped him, gently taking his hand. "Mr Darcy, let us sit and calm down, I will hear you out whenever you are ready."

This earned her a quick smile, although it was soon followed by a worried frown. She is so caring and would be a perfect sister for Georgiana. Why must my mother insist on Anne? Darcy took a deep breath and slowly began the tale about his sister who was once vivacious and joyful, but had lately become withdrawn and shy, spending her days playing sad tunes at the pianoforte. The merry girl who could lighten up the whole Darcy house with her singing was gone, and was replaced by a quiet wallflower with pale cheeks and red-rimmed eyes.

Elizabeth listened attentively, never interrupting, just offering silent support by squeezing his forearm which she unconsciously held for the whole time. When he was finished, she thought about it for a while and then she asked. "And this all began when she suddenly refused an offer of marriage from the man who – as you told me – loved her and she loved in return?"

"Yes." Darcy nodded sadly. "I just cannot get my head around it, what could have happened for her to act so harsh and without reason? She did not confide in anybody because she does not have any close friends. Although Georgiana has quite a number of superficial acquaintances, she does not give her trust easily. She is closest to me, but then she would not tell me anything because I am her brother." He looked at Elizabeth grimly.

"I do not know your sister, but from you told me, she had to have a very good reason for her behaviour. It almost sounds like she was the jilted lover. Did Mr Fitzpatrick know why she refused him? Did she tell him? She is behaving as if he betrayed her. Is there any chance that she could have seen him flirting with somebody else?" Elizabeth felt for the poor girl. What horrible thing had to happen for her to break her heart and that of her intended? "Hmm, it is probably something worse than flirting, simple jealousy would spark anger, not this overwhelming sadness. Forgive me for thinking about your friend in such a way, but is it possible that your sister suspected him of having mistress?"

"With Mr Fitzpatrick it seemed like love at first sight and he acted very secure in their love. I never looked at the situation from that angle," Darcy thoughtfully replied. He assumed that Georgiana just did not love him enough or that she was acting on whim. How could he, a man, guess the thoughts of young girl? Here he had just told Elizabeth and she immediately came out with an idea which he hadn't thought of during the six months that had passed since the engagement was broken. "You are a treasure, Miss Elizabeth."

Elizabeth blushed prettily. "You flatter me, Mr Darcy. I just gave you another option to consider."

"Oh, no, you do so much more." Darcy eagerly assured her. "You feel for my sister and you genuinely what to help her. I cannot think of another lady of my acquaintance who would be so selfless, most of them are interested in gossiping, not helping."

"Your sister sounds like a sweet girl, who would not want to help her." Elizabeth leaned closer to him. If she is anything like you, how could I not love her already?

Darcy's response died on his lips when he looked past Elizabeth towards Longbourn. She followed his look and immediately spotted her father coming towards them with a book in his hands.

"Papa." Elizabeth was surprised as her father did not often venture out if his library into the garden when there were so many people who might distract his peace of mind.

"Mr Bennet." Darcy stood up to let Mr Bennet sit but he just waved him off and sat on a nearby tree stump.

"You seemed to be having a serious discussion. I hope I did not interrupt something." However, his look was completely unapologetic.

Elizabeth reacted quickly, remembering their discussion from before. "It was just Shakespeare and his tragedies, Papa."

"Hmm…a serious theme indeed!" Mr Bennet smiled at them. "This sounds more promising than those two lovesick fools," he gestured towards Jane and Bingley sitting on a bench under the library window. "They just gaze at each other and speak about weather."

Mr Bennet lost in his amusement, missed Darcy's worried look towards the young couple, but again, Elizabeth did not. It really seems that he does not approve. Why?

"And how is your little sister, Mr Darcy?" Mr Bennet turned with curiosity towards the younger man. "When I last saw her, she was a mischievous child, not yet two and ten."

Darcy, who was initially wary, worried that Mr Bennet had heard some rumours about Georgiana. He tried to calm with a smile and replied, "She is not so little now. It has been seven years since that time, sir. She is now a young lady, nine and ten years old and gives me even more headaches as she gets older."

"Ah." Mr Bennet chuckled. "As a father of five young daughters, I cannot do anything but agree with you. You should be happy you have only one on your hands."

"Oh, Papa." Elizabeth admonished him. "You should not tell Mr Darcy such lies." Her cheeks burned, quite certain that she was red as tomato.

"Do not worry, my dear." Mr Bennet indulged her with a smile. "Mr Darcy does not look as though he would be scared off so easily. And I do not doubt that he is quite familiar with your proclivity for climbing trees by now." He laughed heartily, completely oblivious to his daughter's discomfort.

Fortunately, it seemed that Darcy's thoughts were miles away and he missed their quick exchange. "If I may ask, Mr Bennet," Darcy hesitated. "How do you know my sister?"

Mr Bennet smiled fondly, lost in his memories. "She hid in your father's library from her governess when she was supposed to be practicing piano. We accidently discovered her when your father wanted to lend me some books. You were at university at that time, I believe."

"Did my father lend you some of his precious books?" Darcy, remembering his father love for books and his strict orders to his children to touch them very carefully, was amazed. Then it slowly dawned on him as he only knew of one gentleman who could have had this privilege. "Your given name is Thomas. You were my father's dearest friend, Thomas."

Elizabeth was turning her head from one man to another, trying not to miss anything. Father knew Mr Darcy?

"I was curious when you would figure it out. We have never actually met, but George told me so much of you, that I already felt as if I knew you. He was very proud of you and would mention you several times in each of his letters." He wore a nostalgic smile which turned sad with another thought. "I am sorry I could not get to the funeral, I broke my leg two weeks before I received the unhappy news and our physician would not let me travel."

Elizabeth's thoughts were reeling. George? That George?

"I completely understand, Mr Bennet, I am sorry we did not meet sooner, my father often spoke of you." Darcy was looking at the older man eagerly, listening to anything he could remember about his excellent father.

Unfortunately, the conversation came to an end as they noticed Lydia and Kitty on the lane from Meryton. If they were back from their stroll, it would mean that the luncheon was ready and Mrs Bennet would be waiting. Both men promised to continue their discussion later.

That's all for today. I hope you liked it. ;)

See you in two weeks!

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