A/N: A short chapter, I know, and I missed posting on Monday, but my kids had the day off. Have fun reading and please review!
Chapter 19
"Mrs. Collins, may I introduce Miss Darcy," Mr. Bingley said as a willowy girl, not quite a woman, stood before her.
Elizabeth curtsied, "How do you do?"
"I am well," Miss Darcy looked shyly up, then over towards Mr. Bingley.
"Miss Darcy plays the piano forte quite well, I should think the two of you could talk for hours about different sonatas, arias, and the such." Mr. Bingley gave Miss Darcy an encouraging smile, then left them alone.
"I never could understand why men thought that because two woman happened to share a talent or interest, that they would get on well." Elizabeth said to break the silence, to which Miss Darcy blushed. "There are a number of women who play better than I, though we do not get on together at all. But enough talk of men, shall we take a stroll?"
Miss Darcy nodded her head and the two of them took one of the garden paths. There were tables set up on the lawn overflowing with food and punch. It was such a warm day and perfect for a picnic. The wedding was to be tomorrow and Mr. Bingley had insisted on hosting a party at Netherfield. Mrs. Bennet had gushed at what a generous son-in-law she was gaining and hoped to look forward to more such parties at Netherfield in the future. Over in a shaded corner of the garden stood Miss Bingley, looking on is disapproval. Elizabeth had noted the absence of Mrs. Hurst and had been informed she had taken her lying in and was expecting their first child soon.
"It is a beautiful garden," Miss Darcy said as they strolled through the fragrant flowers and roses.
"Yes," Elizabeth agreed, "though I have it on good authority that your home far surpasses Netherfield."
Miss Darcy blushed, refusing to answer in either the affirmative or negative, which only made Elizabeth like her more.
"Do you have any favorite pieces?" Elizabeth asked, referring back to their previous topic of music.
"Oh yes, I do enjoy opera pieces, though have not yet mastered the art of singing while playing. I have heard that you play well and would love to hear you."
Now it was Elizabeth's turn to blush, "You have?"
"Yes, my brother," Miss Darcy looked toward her brother who was speaking with a guest of Mr. Bingley's, "he has mentioned hearing you play on a number of occasions and says you are quite good."
"I am afraid your brother exaggerates," Elizabeth looked away, trying to cool her face.
"Oh, my brother never exaggerates," Miss Darcy stressed.
They continued their stroll speaking of Miss Darcy's life; her lessons in London, her upcoming Season, etc... They made the full circle of the garden twice, and both agreed that a rest was due them.
"I see you have been introduced," Mr. Darcy came up to them as they both took a bench under a large oak. "Shall I retrieve refreshment for you?"
"Yes, please," Miss Darcy said.
Elizabeth nodded her head and soon Mr. Darcy returned with two plates filled with treats and two cups filled with punch. The women took their plates and cups, thanked their benefactor, and began to partake.
"Darcy!" Mr. Bingley came up to them then, Jane firmly in his grasp. "I am glad you cleared your scheduled and brought your lovely sister. It wouldn't be proper if you did not attend the wedding."
Elizabeth looked curiously up at Mr. Bingley, then at Darcy.
"Of course he wouldn't say a word, never did like drawing attention to himself." Bingley clapped Darcy on the back, completely oblivious to the look on Darcy's face to beg him to stop speaking. "I had all but agreed to give up the lease on Netherfield when Darcy convinced me I had to see it in Spring before making a final decision. If I had not returned I would not have realized how empty my life had been without my Angel." Here Bingley covered Jane's hand with his own and looked meaningfully into her eyes.
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows up at Darcy, astonished that he had lowered himself to that of matchmaker.
"Truly, brother?"