"The only way to have a friend is to be one." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Chapter 6
Georgiana arrived at the Bingley household earlier than she was accustomed to for a visit. Miss Bennet had requested that they start their shopping before noon and Georgiana had not questioned it. She was glad to spend more time with her friend and went so far as to ask Elizabeth to return with her for tea once their shopping was complete.
Georgiana was shown to Mrs. Bingley's morning room and was greeted by both Jane and Elizabeth.
"Good morning, Miss Darcy." Jane said with a smile.
"Good morning to you, Mrs. Bingley, Miss Bennet." Georgiana replied.
Elizabeth laughed lightly before stating, "Would it be terrible to request that we use our Christian names, Miss Darcy?"
"Oh, I would like that very much, Elizabeth." The younger girl said with a smile.
"Wonderful, then I must also be Jane to you. Charles thinks of you as a younger sister and it has been such a pleasure to know you better." Jane said.
Elizabeth rose, "With the formality banished, shall we go, Georgiana?"
"Yes, of course."
Elizabeth leaned down to kiss her sister's cheek, "Have a lovely day with Charles, Jane."
As the carriage pulled away from the Bingley home, Georgiana spoke again.
"Oh, Elizabeth, I feel so rude! I did not speak with Caroline before we left."
With a slight smile, Elizabeth said, "Worry not, Georgiana. Caroline never arises before noon."
Elizabeth and Georgiana arrived at the Darcy townhouse laughing and quite ready for tea. They settled into the parlor once Georgiana instructed the servants to serve the refreshments.
"Elizabeth, please tell me more of your home in Hertfordshire. Are you quite homesick for your family?"
Elizabeth looked thoughtful for a moment before replying, "Not very, no. However, I am sure that I would be if I were not staying with Jane. We have always been the closest. Charles has also been very kind to me."
"Your younger sisters must miss your company."
"Perhaps. However, my mother had been quite cross with me before I left so I am certain that they appreciate the reduction in scolding being heard in the house."
Georgiana appeared troubled by this before quietly saying, "I am sorry that you are at odds with your mother."
Elizabeth touched her friend's hand before saying, "Truly, it is nothing too terrible, Georgiana. My mother and I often find ourselves at odds; however, I do love her and know that she loves me…in her own way."
"It must be wonderful to have a home so full of family. My cousins are wonderful and I am glad to spend time with them; however, I have often wondered what fun it would be to have a sister." Georgiana said with a smile.
"Yes, sisters can be a gift… at times. They can also exasperate, embarrass, and generally torture you if it crosses their fancy. My youngest sisters are quite exuberant. Although you are of the same age, your difference in comportment is striking. You do your brother proud, Georgiana."
At this, Elizabeth's young friend frowned and looked quite upset. She then said softly, "I think not, Elizabeth."
It was an odd reaction to a compliment that Elizabeth meant sincerely. She was about to ask after her friend's health when Georgiana distractedly knocked over her teacup and spilled its contents upon her dress.
"Oh, Georgiana. It did not burn you, did it?"
"No, no, I shall be fine. I am not always the most graceful of creatures." She replied with a small laugh.
Elizabeth was glad that Georgiana seemed to recover quickly from whatever had caused her to be upset.
"If you will excuse me, Elizabeth, I'll just go change into another gown." Georgiana said as she rose from her seat.
"Of course, take your time." Elizabeth replied.
After her friend left the room, Elizabeth rose and wandered to the window. She contemplated her visit to London as she watched the carriages pass on the street in front of the townhouse.
Elizabeth had been relieved beyond measure when Charles and Jane extended the invitation for her to stay with them in London this Season. The escape from her mother's ravings of denied suitors was enough to entice her even though accepting the invitation also ensured she would have the near-constant company of Caroline.
Elizabeth had given little thought to what adventures could be had while staying with the Bingley's. She was meeting new people constantly and Caroline assured her that it would only become more hectic as the Season progressed. She was very glad to have met the Darcy's. Although they were beyond wealthy, both siblings appeared to be well-informed and pleasant conversationalists. Georgiana was sweet and enjoyed many of the same pursuits that Elizabeth did.
Mr. Darcy. Well, he was certainly different from what Elizabeth had expected. She could not deny that he was the handsomest gentleman of her acquaintance. However, even beyond that, Elizabeth thought that there was a witty streak hidden beneath the formality he normally showed while in company. She had to just think on the circumstances of their first meeting to prove that. She smiled as she remembered his dumbstruck face when she apologized for bursting into Charles' study.
Elizabeth heard the parlor door open and turned to find the subject of her thoughts.
"Good day, Miss Bennet."
"Good day, Mr. Darcy"
"I thought to find my sister here. Perhaps I could find her in Charles' parlor?" He said with a smile.
"Oh, no, sir. We have not switched siblings on you and Charles. Although, I would have to say that he would benefit from the change." She said with a laugh and then continued, "Miss Darcy was needed in her room but said that she would return shortly."
"I see. Well, then perhaps you would allow me to keep you company while we wait for my sister to return?"
Elizabeth dipped a curtsy and said, "Certainly."
They both took a seat and then Darcy broke the silence.
"I believe the mission of the day was music. Were you successful in your endeavor?"
"Yes, we were. I was overwhelmed by the quantity stocked at the establishment. I was able to procure a new song that I am sure to do injustice to. Your sister was also delighted to find something new."
"Wonderful. I look forward to hearing what Georgiana was able to find."
"Georgian seems quite taken with the pianoforte. From what she tells me, she practices religiously."
"Yes, she has always favored playing the instrument. Although she generally studies diligently, I can admit that there were times that I was forced to be the unkind brother and instruct her that more was necessary."
"It must be difficult to have charge of a young woman when you are still a young man yourself." Elizabeth said thoughtfully.
Mr. Darcy cracked a smile and responded, "You think me a young man, Miss Bennet?"
"Oh, I do apologize, Mr. Darcy. I did not mean any offence." She quickly replied.
"Please, do not apologize. I believe we are well-versed in speaking our mind while in each other's presence."
Although Elizabeth blushed at this reminder of her outspokenness, she laughed.
"Tis true, sir."
Darcy smiled again and then said, "I was a young man when my father was taken from us; however, I do not consider myself to be young now."
"I believe such great responsibility has the power to age a person. I am sorry for your loss, sir." She said earnestly.
"Thank you but it was a long time ago." He replied.
"Yes, yet I am sorry all the same." She replied quietly.
They were both quiet for a moment, lost in their own thoughts of loved ones when Georgiana entered the room again.
"Will, I am sorry I was not here when you arrived." She said with a smile.
Darcy rose and walked to his sister and dropped a kiss upon her head.
"Yes, I was surprised to find poor Miss Bennet abandoned by you." He teased.
"Well, all the better that you arrived to entertain her since I was so terribly rude." She replied.
"I believe I will leave the two of you to continue your visit in peace. Have a pleasant day, Miss Bennet."
"Thank you, sir." Elizabeth replied with a smile as the gentleman turned and left the room.
A/N: It seems that you prefer the chapters with Darcy / Elizabeth interaction so I hope that you enjoyed this. Thanks for reading & reviewing!