Okay, first things first, sorry about not updating for a while. The last days of school are coming up and I needed to study for finals…. Anyways, sorry for keeping you waiting, and I promise to try not to do it again.
Chapter 11
Darcy glared murderously at the trees where Wickham had disappeared, his hands clenching around the reins of Bingley's horse as his friend made arrangements for the Bennet sisters to make their way home. Beside Darcy, his horse shifted nervously, sensing his tension.
Damn you, Wickham, Darcy swore mentally. Damn that vampire for following him here. Damn himself for letting that undead snake get near Elizabeth.
As if sensing the direction of his thoughts, Elizabeth Bennet turned in Darcy's direction, her green-gold eyes troubled. She carefully disengaged herself from Bingley's kind attentions and made her way to Darcy's side.
"Mr. Darcy-," she started.
"Don't talk to me," Darcy growled, interrupting her harshly.
Elizabeth drew back, looking hurt.
"What?" she asked.
"Don't talk to me," he repeated testily, his ice-blue eyes glancing around at the trees around him. He didn't see Wickham watching them, but that didn't mean anything. For all he knew, the filthy vampire could be standing right next to him behind that copse of hickory trees. "I thought I told you to stay away from the vampires."
"Just because you've given orders to your sister and your cousin not to tell me about your progress on tracking the vampires across God's creation, doesn't mean I'm going to stop fighting vampires wherever I find them," Elizabeth replied testily.
"Yes, you seemed to be putting up quite a fight against Wickham while you were walking into his arms," Darcy hissed.
Elizabeth blushed furiously and turned away. Despite the circumstances, Darcy couldn't help but notice how adorable she looked when she was embarrassed.
"He…was stronger than I'd anticipated," she admitted grudgingly.
Darcy snorted and looked away as painful memories washed over him. Stronger than she'd anticipated… that pretty much described the Wickham he remembered.
"Just stay away from him, and any other vampires you might meet, got it?" he sighed.
Elizabeth opened her mouth as if she wanted to argue but shook her head instead and walked stiffly away. Darcy watched her go and sighed with relief. True, she might hate her now, but if she listened to his advice for once at least she'd be kept safe from that murderous snake Wickham.
Elizabeth walked up to the small group that was her younger sisters and Bingley, her thoughts still focused on Darcy. That pig! Well, granted he was far too handsome to be a pig, but still. How dare he say that she wasn't a match for Wickham? Elizabeth Bennet could do anything if she wanted to!
"….about the ball, Mr. Bingley," Lydia simpered, dragging Elizabeth out of her thoughts.
Elizabeth looked up, her eyebrows raised with renewed interest. A ball? Vampires tended to flock to balls like antelopes to a watering hole; the ballrooms crowded with dancers usually meant that someone could disappear unnoticed for at least a night before the alarm was sounded, making it simple for the vampire to get away clean. It was the perfect time for Elizabeth to grab some vampires and prove to Darcy that she could easily handle any vampire who crossed her path.
"Ah, yes," Bingley said cheerfully. "When did you fair ladies say that you wanted the ball to be?"
"How about during Michaelmas?" Kitty asked shyly. "It's only a fortnight away."
Bingley nodded seriously and flashed Elizabeth a small smile.
"Might I see the elder Miss Bennets there as well?" he asked cheerfully.
Elizabeth smiled back, knowing that he was talking about Jane.
"You may expect us, Mr. Bingley," she said politely.
Bingley grinned again and looked back at Darcy, who was watching the party with sullen intensity.
"Might I count on seeing your fair sister and gallant cousin as well, Darcy?" he asked.
Darcy nodded once and looked back towards the trees with narrowed eyes.
"I suggest we send the Bennets on their way, Bingley," he said curtly. "It's getting late and I would hate to see them miss supper."
Yes, and you'd hate for us helpless girls to get eaten on the way, Elizabeth thought harshly.
Yet, despite herself, there was a small part of Elizabeth that was saddened by how much Darcy underestimated her abilities. For unknown reasons, it was important to her that Darcy realize that she could take care of herself in a fight as well as he could.
Okay, so maybe the stress of vampire hunting is actually getting to me, she thought.
Bingley helped hand them into the waiting chaise, with Darcy watching the edge of the trees warily. When Elizabeth's turn came to be handed into the chaise, however, Darcy moved to take her hand from Bingley.
"Remember, no more vampires," he whispered. "Please?"
Elizabeth looked down at him, feeling the heat of his hand against hers. It suddenly occurred to her that it would be strangely comforting to be held by someone else instead of bearing all of the weight herself.
"I can't promise that," she sighed quietly.
Darcy's eyes hardened and he nodded coldly before moving hastily away.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters!
