Hello my lovely readers. Thank you all for commenting/following this little story, your response to chapter six made my day. I hope you will like chapter as well.
Huge thank you to Jen for her help with my atrocious grammar. ;)
As you have certainly noticed before, I write every chapter either from Elizabeth's or Darcy's perspective - so we never get to see the whole situation. (This is really important) I started marking every chapter with the name of the person which is the main narrator - there are only Darcy's thoughts in "Darcy" chapter and Elizabeth's in "Elizabeth".
Chapter Seven
Darcy
When Darcy entered the parlour, he silently cursed as he once again ran into the clutches of Mrs Robbins. If he had not been distracted by his latest dream where his physical relationship with Elizabeth had progress far beyond the bounds of propriety, he would have checked the parlour to see if it was clear before entering. Since it would be ungentlemanly to turn around and run, he sat down across from Mrs Robbins and quickly began eating. If he could not make a timely escape, hopefully someone else would show up soon.
"Mr Darcy," she started in her sickly sweet voice then smiled seductively. "You have been missed and I feel like I have not seen you in days." He smiled briefly when she pouted with a gesture that would have looked irresistible on Elizabeth. However, on Mrs Robbins, the look was not becoming.
Unfortunately, Mrs Robbins interpreted his smile as encouragement and continued. "I fully appreciate that you are keeping an eye on my wayward brother amongst the country savages, but it takes you away from us." She pouted again and Darcy fought the urge to grimace.
"I apologize, Mrs Robbins, but your brother invited me here to help him with estate matters so I have been quite busy." Darcy replied formally.
"Oh, Mr Darcy." She laughed shrilly. "You are such a busy man, however, life is also about pleasures. You work so hard, you deserve a reward.
Darcy cringed, uncomfortably tugging at his cravat. Where is that blasted Bingley this morning? "I am only doing my duty to my friend, Mrs Robbins." He emphasised the Mrs, but he doubted that her marriage vows meant anything to that woman.
"And you are doing a splendid job, if I may say so." Mrs Robbins complimented him again. "You rightly deserve the pleasures that life offers you."
He felt her foot moving up his leg. That damned woman is going too far this time! "Madam-"
He was interrupted by Bingley barrelling into the room. "Ah, Darcy, here you are. Mr Simmons was asking something –um what was it again? I think something about road repairs? I told him you will discuss it with him after breakfast, he is waiting in my study."
Darcy was so relieved by Bingley's interruption that he did not have it in him to feel irritated with Bingley for shirking his duties again and leaving it all for him.
"I cannot let him wait, I will go now." He quickly folded his napkin and stood up. "If you will excuse me, Madam." He bowed and nearly ran out of the room followed by Bingley who walked at a more sedate pace—both missing the hateful look that Mrs Robbins threw at her twin.
When they were in the hallway, Bingley stopped his friend. "Do you mind speaking to Mr Simmons alone? I have not yet had breakfast and I find myself quite hungry."
"I have no problem in seeing to this matter for you, but you need to deal with this type of situation, if you want to learn from me," Darcy protested.
Bingley just waved him off. "I know but I cannot think clearly on an empty stomach and moreover, is this not the type of thing which a steward should solve?"
"Yes, a good steward is capable of taking care of an estate quite effectively. But if you do not understand these matters, how will you know if he is swindling you or not?" Darcy impatiently replied.
"Oh, I have you, my dear friend and I will trust you to find me an exceptional steward." Bingley patted Darcy's back in a good humour just as his stomach growled loudly. "You see, even my body agrees that I need a good meal right now. See you later, my friend." He chuckled and left Darcy standing in the hallway alone.
Charles, I am afraid that the life of the gentleman is not for you. Why do you insist on buying an estate when you clearly have no intention of taking care of one? Why do you not stay with your business which is much more fulfilling for you?
Darcy sighed. He completely understood the desire of the Bingley family to rise above their roots but what if it makes Charles unhappy? He is clearly suffocating here, away from all distractions of town. Must this duty to his family overshadow his own plans and dreams?
At least he has Miss Bennet to moon about here in Hertfordshire. But it seems that he raised expectations again by singling her out. I warned him the last time to pay attention to all ladies, not just one. He can't single out one lady without speaking to her father. Hmm, her father, who would have thought that he would be Thomas Bennet, my father's friend. Darcy decided that it would be prudent to speak to Bingley as soon as possible. He would not let the Bennets suffer ridicule should Bingley's admiration of Miss Bennet come to nothing.
Darcy was just finishing his business with Mr Simmons when Bingley came to collect him for their morning calls. First they visited Mrs Long, and Bingley's flirting with her nieces further convinced Darcy that his friend was not as attached to Miss Bennet as the neighbourhood thought.
Mrs Long was merrily prattling about her new purchase, curtains for all her public rooms. It took a will of iron not to start tapping his leg impatiently and begin counting the minutes on the mantle clock when they would finally leave for Longbourn. Darcy could not wait to see his Beth, and now that he found out who her father was, he was looking forward to make a closer acquaintance with him.
Wanting the time move more quickly, Darcy thought about his visit to Longbourn the day before, and about certain dark-eyed young lady. Beth would never make me to talk about curtains. Curtains! Who cares if you use "peach" or "salmon" colour. It all looks pink to me. Pink like Beth's blush. Yesterday she looked so sweet, just like the peach I would love to taste-
His thoughts were interrupted by high pitched giggling. "Do you not agree, Mr Darcy?" Miss Long, he was not sure which one she was, leaned in towards him and flirtatiously fluttered her eyelashes. "I think it is very fortunate that the militia decided to camp here for the winter."
"Of course, madam," he really had no idea what was her name, "local shopkeepers and workers will profit from their stay, it will certainly put many pounds in their pockets."
"Oh Mr Darcy, why would I think about something as dull as business?" she laughed too loudly again. "We will have many partners for dancing, and I can say that I have never seen a more handsome young man than the one in regimentals. There is just something about the red uniform..."
Darcy suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. He thanked God silently that Georgiana had never been like this. Their mother taught her how a true lady should behave and he was very happy for that.
Mr Bingley did not seem to like the competition and immediately protested. "You wound my feelings, had I not danced with you at the assembly?"
"Of course," Mrs Long intervened, afraid that her niece was spoiling her own chances. "You, sir, are above any officers that we should meet. "She shot her niece a furious look when she opened her mouth to protest and continued, "The militia will be a diversion but nothing compared to your arrival." Darcy almost snickered. There was no chance at gaining more than a fleeting bit of attention from Charles when a blond beauty such as Miss Bennet was in the area.
However, for the moment, Bingley seemed appeased and continued his banter with the ladies for another fifteen minutes. No one tried to include Darcy anymore, he looked as forbidding as he was at the assembly, and the young ladies did not like a frowning man who would not joke with them. Darcy was really happy when Bingley suddenly realized that they were expected at Longbourn soon and quickly ended the visit so he could rush to his angel.
Upon arriving to Longbourn, the gentlemen were immediately admitted to the parlour, where they were greeted by Mrs Bennet, Jane and Mary. Darcy was disappointed not to see Elizabeth so he decided to linger for a while and then excuse himself and visit Mr Bennet's study. In the meantime, he resolved to study Jane Bennet's reactions to his friend so he could determine his next step.
Starry-eyed Bingley did not notice the devious glint in Mrs Bennet's eyes when she asked him about his life in town and its difference to country.
"I have to admit Mrs Bennet, that I prefer Town to the country. It is so full of life and colours, one can never get bored here. Of course," he winked at Jane cheerfully, "even the country can prove to be lively and beautiful."
Jane blushed and immediately looked into her lap, just peeking at him shyly through her eyelashes. "We are very glad that you decided to spend your time here, Mr Bingley." She stated bravely. Darcy noted that even Mrs Bennet looked surprised at her daring.
However, even the pleasure of seeing her daughter actively trying to catch a man, would not deter Mrs Bennet from her mission. "Do you like balls, Mr Bingley?"
"Oh, I love dancing." Bingley proclaimed enthusiastically.
"Hmm," Mrs Bennet pretended to ponder on something. "Netherfield has a quite large ballroom." She said, as if deep in thought.
"That is perfect. I will certainly host a ball there." Bingley replied excitedly. He did not seem to notice that he had been manipulated. "My sisters will definitely be pleased with the distractions, I know how women enjoy planning these kind of events."
"Mr Bingley, how very nice of you. I think you will please many young ladies and particularly my Jane." Mrs Bennet smiled winningly.
Jane looked at him and merrily nodded. "Yes, Mr Bingley, you are the very best man of my acquaintance, so very kind to your neighbours."
"And may I request the first set, Miss Bennet? I want to have the most handsome lady on my arm for that occasion." He leaned towards her seductively.
Mary frowned at his familiarity and lecherous looks but Mrs Bennet pretended not to notice. Darcy shook his head discreetly. Oh, Beth, where are you?
Bingley spotted Darcy's pained look and decided to help his friend out. "Darcy, did you not say that you needed to discuss the road repairs with Mr Bennet? There is quite a stretch which borders the two estates." That was not strictly true. Although Longbourn and Netherfield did share a bit of road, it was not the one which was being rebuilt at the moment.
Grateful, Darcy nodded at his friend. "Of course, that is an excellent idea, Charles."
"Mr Bennet is in his study," Mrs Bennet waved her hand impatiently. "You will always be welcome to join him there, Mr Darcy." Glad to get rid of one watchful chaperone so easily, Mrs Bennet only needed to do something about Mary.
Darcy nervously knocked on the study door. He almost felt like a suitor, coming to ask for his lady's hand.
"Come in." The firm voice of Mr Bennet's sounded from the inside.
"Good day, Mr Bennet, I-oh" Darcy did not expect Elizabeth in the room. She sat with her father at the table, the unfinished game of chess in between them.
"Mr Darcy." She smiled at him happily. "We were wondering when you would join us."
"Hmm?" Darcy was still stunned from the unexpected lovely sight she presented. The morning sun from the window illuminated her like a halo, her dark eyes sparkling with pleasure – he dared not to hope that his visit ignited this reaction, it could have been the challenging game.
"We heard you enter some time before," Mr Bennet replied humorously, "we were wondering how long it would take to you to run away from my wife's clutches. Care to join us? We are just finishing our game."
"I would love to." Darcy eagerly sat down on the chair closest to Elizabeth and gazed at her admiringly as she beat her father in only two moves.
"Check mate." She stated resolutely and grinned victoriously at Darcy.
"That was a very well-ordered play, Miss Elizabeth." He complimented her immediately. "I think I recognized the last move as my father's favourite."
"Yes, it was." Mr Bennet agreed. "We often played through correspondence and Lizzy was always a quick learner just from looking at the board."
The discussion of chess continued until they were interrupted by another knock on the door. It was Mr Bennet's steward. Unfortunately there seemed to be a problem with some tenants which required his immediate attention.
"Why do you two not go for a walk in the garden, it seems that the weather is even nicer than yesterday. I will join you as soon as I finish here. I would like to challenge you to a game of chess, Mr Darcy. I want to see if you fulfil the expectations which were given me from your father's stories." Mr Bennet lightly teased the young man.
"Of course, sir, it would be my honour." Darcy bowed ceremoniously and gingerly offered his hand to Elizabeth. Another time alone with Beth, I do not know what I did to deserve it. For a moment, he suddenly stopped himself. I was disapproving of Bingley trying to get some alone time with Miss Bennet only few minutes ago and now I am doing the same with Beth? Elizabeth was smiling at him so he quickly turned his attention to her, even though the unpleasant comparison persisted at the back of his mind. He would revise it later.
Darcy led Elizabeth to "their" bench with a spring in his step. She seemed pleased with his company, they were alone and the sun was shining. What could go wrong?
Their encountered Jane and Bingley on the path, and from what Darcy overheard, Bingley was describing Lady Rushwood's ball which they attended before coming to Hertfordshire. Though Jane was obviously hanging on his every word, Darcy could not understand what she could find so interesting about overheated rooms full of strange people that smelt awful.
When they finally sat down, they discussed the arrival of militia and what it would mean for the locals. Elizabeth can at least appreciate their value for the business, nothing like that Miss-something in the morning who only cared for uniforms.
After a while, Darcy finally found his courage and asked haltingly. "Miss Elizabeth, we discussed my sister yesterday and I had an idea. If you would be amendable, could you please start correspondence with her? I will write to her tonight to explain our friendship and perhaps...She really needs a friend." He tried giving Elizabeth what his sister always called "puppy eyes," and surprisingly it seemed to work.
"Mr Darcy, I would love to help your sister, however, I am not sure, if she would trust me since you told me that she doesn't trust easily." Elizabeth was looking at him with a curious expression.
Of course, this is Beth, she always thinks about others first. "Oh, do not worry, Miss Elizabeth, she trusts me and if I tell her you are the best lady of my acquaintance, she will believe me."
"In that case, I will await her letter and I will try my best to cheer her up." Elizabeth smiled prettily, obviously pleased with his compliment.
He was delighted to see her cheeks get pink for she looked exceptionally beautiful that way. The pink slowly gave into red and the blush spread down her neck to her décolletage and lower- Damn it. This is not behaviour of the gentleman.
Fortunately, Elizabeth's attention was distracted by her younger sisters who apparently were returning from Meryton and had accosted Jane with Mr Bingley, showing them their new ribbons. Darcy quickly stood up, taking his hat off and holding it in front of him to hide his embarrassment. He casually angled a bit away from Elizabeth, desperately trying to focus his thoughts on Mrs Robbins to help him with his problem. "Miss Elizabeth, it seems that your sisters arrived, we should join the conversation."
As Elizabeth was rising, they saw that another person had joined the group in front of them. Mr Bennet's business with steward must have concluded since he seemed to be lured out by the general merriness in the garden.
Darcy offered Elizabeth his hand and although she was disappointed that their time alone ended so quickly, she knew that they could not stay for long as it would quickly raise expectations from all neighbours. Elizabeth hated being the subject of gossip.
Lydia spotted them first and waved in excitement. "Lizzy, come here, we were just about to tell Jane and Mr Bingley that our aunt Phillips invited us to her card party tonight and there will be officers. Lieutenant Denny has a few new friends which he wants to introduce to us. You should meet Mr Wickham, such a handsome and charming man."
Thank you all for reading and see you in two weeks.
Please review. *Darcy's puppy eyes*