Chapter 12: A lift from the ground

The following week passed as quickly as it had come. Georgiana and Penelope spent most of their time together, but since Elizabeth did not fancy her at all she preferred to be left alone. Darcy, with the colonel, went riding or hunting and in the evenings, as usual, they were all amused by Georgiana's playing and the taste of tea in the drawing room.

It had been nearly five months since the day she arrived here and yet she could feel the same feelings that she felt when she arrived, alone. But, that only happened because of the new presence here, yes, indeed. She certainly did not hate her; but she had not pleasant feelings towards her either. She could see her efforts of approaching Mr. Darcy more, and himself giving her the attention she desired. No, that was not jealousy, it was certainly not. But, it was a feeling similar to it. She was only bitter that he did not pay her such attention as he did with Penelope. Maybe, because he enjoyed her company better than hers, of course that was true. Penelope Brown was an accomplished, rich and beautiful woman and Elizabeth was not - as he so frankly had pointed out. A very dangerous combination for Darcy to fall in, but maybe he had not fallen in yet, maybe he had not yet recovered. He must be still in love with her, she thought.

"Are you alright?" she heard a voice next to her.

She looked up, just to saw his face. Mr. Darcy's piercing blue eyes. "Yes"

"It is strange to find you here, I thought you would be with the ladies."

"Oh no," Elizabeth heartily protested, "Georgiana called the dressmaker. She said that she and Penelope were in need of new clothes."

"I believed that women are in fond of adjusting the new fashion," he paused and looked at her eyes "Are you not?"

"Not that particularly," she smiled weakly. "But, pray tell me, what are you doing here?"

"I need a book, there is something I want to show Richard"

Elizabeth smiled and Darcy melt. "Let me help you..." she replied and stood up.

Darcy told her the title of the book and Elizabeth started looking at the shelves. Darcy, who could barely breathe anymore, as her perfume overwhelmed him, kept his eyes fixed on her. She looked divine, and so tempting. When Elizabeth's eyes finally caught the title of the book, she tried to reach it, but it was too high. She stood on her toes and with a little jump, she grabbed it. But, she was supposed to land on the ground and she did not. She could feel her feet not touching the ground; she could feel a hand on her waist, someone right behind her, a breath on her neck and a warm embrace. After a second, Darcy gently let her go, but he did not move an inch. Elizabeth turned her face to look at him and she took some deep breaths to prevent her blushing. They were few inches apart.

"I am sorry," he replied with a severe look.

Elizabeth looked at him in the eyes and laughed, "Do not look so severe, you will break my weak heart." His eyes widen. He certainly did not want to break her heart, he wanted to treasure it in his own, keep it in his hands and feel its beating. She was not weak; on the contrary, he was weak. She made him weak. He smiled "I did not believe you could be frightened so easily."

She laughed again and he could feel her breath on his chest "But, I do." They looked in the eyes for a while, like it was eternity "Here is the book," she replied.

Darcy took it in his hands while he touched her fingers and immediately his look fell on her, just to see her looking back at him with her big eyes. He took a step closer just to feel her scent. He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. As his mouth touched her skin, Darcy could feel the blood boiling and shivered. "Thank you," he murmured.

"My pleasure," she replied and looked at his eyes, just as his look was fixed on her again.

But, just as he heard the door, he immediately let go her hand as thought it was burning. He took some steps away from her and turned to look at the person, who just entered. It was his sister.

"I found you at last," she said with a breath. "I have been looking everywhere for you, brother."

"Whatever for?" he asked seriously.

"Penelope and I need your opinion." she claimed. "We need you to tell us, which dress favor us best."

Elizabeth giggled and Darcy coughed. "I have business Georgiana."

"Richard can wait, we need you," she said and grabbed him by his arm, dragging him out of the room. "Elizabeth, please come," she yelled and she obeyed.

Just as they entered the room, they found an old lady fixing Miss Brown's dress, but as she saw them coming, she quickly stood up and removed herself from their sight. She wore a deep blue red with a beige ribbon on her waist and the sleeved had some embroiled flowers on them. She was very beautiful, indeed.

"I think she looks very beautiful, but Penelope believes that the color does not suit her… what do you think?" Georgiana said, making her friend blush from embarrassment. She never believed that she was actually serious of demanding her brother's help for such matters.

"I think Georgiana is right. You look very beautiful, indeed." He claimed.

Elizabeth sighed. She could not be in a worse position; she could just die right there. "I agree."

"I shall keep it then," Penelope said cheerfully. "There is a ball coming after all."

"Elizabeth, would you be able not to wear black?" Georgiana asked "I am really eager to see you with bright colours."

She laughed and Darcy looked at her. Yes, his sister was entirely right. He was eager to see her with bright colours too, when all her glory would be visible. "Yes, I would. I will part them in a week, actually."

"Splendid." Georgiana replied. "Then, you really need a new dress."

Elizabeth smiled a little "I think not" she paused. "If you excuse me..."

But, before anyone could protest, she had already exited the room. Darcy stood there speechless. Whatever happened?

"That was unkind from you, dear Georgiana." Penelope broke the silence "To insist upon having a new dress, when she has no money to pay for it."

It hit like rock to Darcy's ears. Maybe her words were harsh, but they must be true. Elizabeth depended on him and with no dowry at all, how was she able to accommodate her needs? He was supposed to do that. He could feel his legs weaker, as he realized how awfully he had neglected her. She certainly did not deserve it. She deserved more, much more.

In fact, she deserved everything.

Hello:) Thank you so so much for your lovely reviews and follows, you really have no idea how much they mean to me. Thanks to my lovely beta, who is always there, even with her busy schedule. Also, I need to apologize for not updating sooner, but I have a busy schedule and I will not be able to update so frequently as I did. But, I will make sure that the chapter would be longer. I hope you can understand.

This chapter is not a great one, not long either. But, there was something that had to be written. You see, I had to focus on the plot of the story, so I a sorry for interrupted their discussion. But, I promise the next chapter is going to be all about Darcy and Elizabeth. I think it is going to be the most important chapter. But, I would not spoil it by telling you. You will have to wait.

I know that I do not deserve any reviews for this chapter, but I would love to hear from you, anyway. See you soon xx