"Sometimes, the best way to help someone is just to be near them." - Veronica Roth
Chapter 15
My dear friend,
I cannot begin to tell you how awful my world is at the present time. I am certain that you have heard of my poor father and brother. Oh Elizabeth, I have never known such pain as I feel in my heart. Even if my father and George were not always attentive towards me, I did love them so! I hardly know what to do with myself. Visitors continue to call with their condolences and I only want to hide away in my rooms.
If possible, I believe that John is even more miserable than I. He must deal with this loss as well as take on the responsibilities that were meant for George. Can you believe that a friend of his actually congratulated him on his newfound wealth? Appalling! Poor John was so struck that he sent the man away and retreated into the study for the remainder of the evening. It has been quite upsetting to see my sweet, jovial brother so utterly devastated. Oh dear, I believe I must end here for fear that I soak this missive through with my tears. I had hoped to visit with you this summer; however, I do not believe that will be possible now.
Take care, dear Elizabeth,
Amelia
Elizabeth allowed the tears to flow freely as she closed the letter that she had received only this morning. She leaned heavily against the tree behind her as she wiped her eyes. A noise caught her attention and she looked up to find Mr. Darcy walking towards her.
"Good day, Miss Bennet." The gentleman called out as he approached.
Elizabeth did her best to regain control as she stood from her spot but was unable to find her voice. Mr. Darcy quickly saw that she was upset and hurried his steps. He only stopped when he reached her side and asked with concern, "What is it, Miss Bennet?"
Finally, Elizabeth was able to respond with a small voice.
"Be not alarmed, sir. I am only feeling terrible for my friend and wish there might be something that I could do to help alleviate her suffering."
As she quickly wiped away the new tears that had formed, Mr. Darcy noticed the letter in her hand.
"I take it that you have heard from Miss Waldegrave, then?" He asked carefully.
"Yes, and it is entirely dreadful. How can I even attempt to help ease her suffering?" She asked even as more treacherous tears slid down her cheek.
Darcy retrieved his handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to Elizabeth. She nodded her thanks before drying her eyes once again. Mr. Darcy turned away slightly before responding.
"In my experience, just the knowledge that you have a friend to listen to you when you need it brings comfort. Losing a parent as well as a sibling…well, there is not much in this world that can so thoroughly shatter a person. However, with time and the support of those who care…I am confident that your friend will heal. Not forget…but heal."
Elizabeth was startled by the emotion behind this speech. Realizing that Mr. Darcy must be thinking of his own losses in the past, her heart broke anew. Reaching a hand out, she gently laid it upon his arm. He did not turn towards her but chose to direct his gaze to the small hand that gave a tender squeeze before she spoke.
"I am truly sorry if I have upset you. It seems that in allowing myself to become overwhelmed with the Waldegrave's misfortune, I have inadvertently brought you pain."
Elizabeth was surprised when Darcy laid his hand upon her own before speaking.
"Not at all, Miss Bennet. I could not help but think of the past when I heard of the Earl's death. I do not wish such a tragedy upon my worst enemy. It shall take time but I believe that both the Colonel and Miss Waldegrave shall be able to move forward with their lives."
He looked into her eyes before removing his hand and offering his arm.
"May I walk you back to Longbourn? Or, perhaps you wish to spend more time before returning?" He questioned.
A panicked look crossed Elizabeth's face at the mention of walking back to Longbourn together.
"Oh, no, sir. There is no need for you to escort me home. I am quite capable of the journey." She said with a little laugh as she attempted to cover the desperation to keep him from Longbourn. She saw that her words caused Mr. Darcy to look confused and even a bit hurt? Elizabeth wished to be open with Mr. Darcy as he was with her just moments ago. She let out a great sigh and then spoke.
"Please sir, take no offense. It is just…well, my mother was none too happy that I had failed in acquiring an Earl during my stay in London after Miss Bingley so kindly spouted her tales on Easter. I believe it might be best if she not spy me walking with the great Mr. Darcy of Pemberley?" Elizabeth looked at him hoping for his understanding.
Mr. Darcy stiffened slightly but bowed before saying, "Of course. Good day, Miss Bennet."
Elizabeth dipped a quick curtsy before saying, "Good day, Mr. Darcy."
He nodded before walking briskly in the opposite direction towards Netherfield.
Elizabeth slowly walked the path towards home. It was only when she opened the gate that she realized that she still held Mr. Darcy's handkerchief.
The night before the Darcy's were due to return to London, the Bingley's invited the Bennet's to dine at Netherfield. Elizabeth was mortified by her mother's increasingly obvious machinations to throw her and Mr. Darcy together. As happy as she was to spend time with Georgiana, Elizabeth looked forward to a reprieve from her mother's badgering about Georgiana's rich brother.
After dinner, the party gathered in the music room. Miss Bingley gladly demonstrated her skills at the pianoforte after Georgiana declined the honor. Mr. Darcy was immediately summoned to turn the pages. Everyone in the room could see that he was less than thrilled with the privilege yet Miss Bingley wore such a satisfied smile that Elizabeth began fearing for her sister-in-law's state of mind.
Once Miss Bingley completed two songs, Miss Darcy asked Elizabeth to join her so that they might perform a duet that they had practiced during her time in Hertfordshire. Elizabeth readily agreed and the two took their seats on the bench. Mr. Darcy visibly relaxed and offered to continue his service much to Miss Bingley's chagrin.
All in the room were captivated by the performance. Georgiana's superior abilities were complemented by Elizabeth's natural grace at the instrument. When the song concluded, the ladies smiled at the applause provided. Mr. Darcy offered them both an arm and escorted them back to an open seating area. No sooner had the trio sat down, then Mrs. Bennet called across the room to request Miss Darcy's assistance.
"Miss Darcy! Be a dear and help me describe to Jane what will best compliment the lovely scarf you helped Lizzy purchase. I do so trust your judgment." Mrs. Bennet bellowed.
Slightly embarrassed by the attention this request caused, Georgiana stood quickly and said, "Of course, Mrs. Bennet. I would be happy to help in any way I can."
Mrs. Bennet responded with a smile, "Thank you. Such a sweet girl."
As Georgiana made her way across the room, Mrs. Bennet made eye contact with Elizabeth and it became clear what her intention had been to draw Georgiana away.
When Elizabeth turned back to Mr. Darcy, she was certain that he also understood the ploy. The two sat mute for some moments before Elizabeth could no longer stand the silence.
"I understand that you will be traveling again soon, sir."
"Yes." Was the gentleman's clipped reply.
Determined to lighten the air again, Elizabeth continued with a sly smile.
"It is a pity that Georgiana cannot join you. She spoke so highly of your aunt."
This comment worked as Mr. Darcy turned a shocked face and asked, "Georgiana spoke highly of our aunt Catherine?"
At Elizabeth's laugh, Mr. Darcy could not help but chuckle too.
"I see now that Georgiana must have spoken to you of our aunt; although, I doubt it was highly." He said softly.
"I meant no offense. I only wanted to chase away the cloud that was hovering over your head, Mr. Darcy."
With a smile, he responded, "That is certainly an office you are most qualified for, Miss Bennet."
Soon after, the Bennet's returned to Longbourn after bidding the young Darcy's farewell. Since no opportunity presented itself to allow her to return Mr. Darcy's handkerchief undetected, Elizabeth felt that it was acceptable to keep it.
A/N: Hello Dear Readers! I hope that you enjoyed this chapter, let me know if you did. : ) Kent is coming up next and you need to buckle up! On another note, I'd like to request that any extensive construction criticism be sent to me via PM. I appreciate all of your comments and love to respond; however, I am unable to do so if you post as a 'guest'. Thanks for your understanding!