"A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself." - Jim Morrison
Chapter 18
Dinner at Rosings was a lavish affair considering the size of the party; however, Elizabeth enjoyed it immensely. Although Mr. Darcy was seating on the opposite side of the table next to his cousin, Miss de Bourgh, Elizabeth had the pleasure of getting acquainted with Colonel Fitzwilliam. He was open and good-humored and Elizabeth could easily understand why Georgiana was so fond of him.
It was not until the party adjourned to the parlor that Elizabeth was able to speak with Mr. Darcy again. He approached her as she studied one of the many ornate paintings adorning the wall.
"You appear quite taken with this particular work, Miss Bennet." Mr. Darcy said as they stood side by side staring at the painting in question.
Without turning towards the gentleman, Elizabeth responded, "Yes, I have not had the pleasure of viewing such a….vibrant work of art as this."
Darcy nodded and then said, "I see…it is the painting's 'vibrancy' that attracts your attention?"
With a solemn face, Elizabeth answers, "Exactly, sir."
They continue to stare at the painting for a moment before Darcy dares to lean slightly towards Elizabeth and whispers, "Liar. It is hideous."
Elizabeth turns quickly towards the gentleman in mock offence before they both chuckle as loudly as they dare.
"It is a shame that I have secured such an opinion in your eyes. You do not hesitate to call me a liar. I believe that we have already had this conversation, sir. You are my friend and, therefore, are not allowed to make such accusations against me."
"Ah, yes, I do recall the conversation in question. If I recall correctly, I believe you blackmailed me into submission."
This caused another chuckle from Elizabeth which, unfortunately, also drew the attention of Lady Catherine.
"Darcy! What are you and Miss Bennet discussing there? I must have my share of the conversation." The old woman demanded.
Darcy simply turned towards his aunt and said, "Nothing of great import, Aunt Catherine. Miss Bennet was admiring your latest acquisition."
Lady Catherine beamed.
"Yes, yes, I was determined to add such a great piece to our collection here at Rosings. I have an excellent eye for art. Your admiration of it shows that you too have discerning taste, Miss Bennet, above what your status would generally lend you."
Elizabeth bowed in thanks to the veiled barb.
In hopes of diverting the conversation following his aunt's rude comment, Colonel Fitzwilliam asked, "Miss Bennet, I have heard from both Mrs. Collins as well as my cousin Darcy that you are accomplished at the pianoforte. Could I persuade you to perform for us?"
"I am afraid that accomplished is far above the truth, Colonel. It seems that my friend and your cousin have been telling tales." Elizabeth said in attempt to beg off playing.
"Nonsense, Miss Bennet. Of course, you shall play the instrument this evening. Although I do agree with you regarding your level of skill, your playing is certainly adequate enough. You only lack discipline in practicing. I have told you that you are welcome to come to Rosings to practice during your stay. You shall never be truly accomplished without practice." Lady Catherine admonished.
Once again, Elizabeth dropped a curtsey to the great lady and simply responded, "Thank you for taking such an interest in my pursuits, Lady Catherine."
Lady Catherine smiled broadly and nodded, secure in the knowledge that she had provided great assistance to this country miss.
As Elizabeth moved towards the pianoforte, Mr. Darcy followed with the intention of turning pages for her. He was stopped shortly by his aunt.
"Darcy! Anne is in need of some refreshment. Fetch her a fresh cup of tea. Colonel Fitzwilliam is perfectly able to turn pages for Miss Bennet."
Darcy bristled at being ordered about in such a fashion; however, he did not wish to openly defy his aunt in front of the visitors.
"Certainly, aunt."
Colonel Fitzwilliam passed him with a wide smile. Darcy scowled in response.
When the Colonel reached the instrument, he bowed to Elizabeth.
"I am at your service, madam. I hope that I am able to fulfill my duty with even a portion of my cousin's ability."
Elizabeth smiled in response before saying, "I believe you will do fine, Colonel."
Once she found a song that she was familiar with, Elizabeth sat down and began playing. Halfway through the performance, Lady Catherine became bored and began speaking with the Collins' regarding a local farmer's recent distress.
"Despite my aunt's recent critique, I must say that your playing is lovely, Miss Bennet."
"Thank you, Colonel. You are too kind and, therefore, shall be delegated to the ranks of Mrs. Collins and Mr. Darcy for prejudiced opinions."
"Well now, I cannot speak for your friend since I have only made her acquaintance; however, I believe that being in the ranks of Darcy is a very fine thing indeed! You'll not meet with a more loyal or honest gentleman."
Elizabeth smiled at the obvious affection between the cousins. She threw a devious glance in the direction of Mr. Darcy, who was watching their exchange from his seat next to Lady Catherine.
"Really? You would say that he is a truly honest man?" Elizabeth questioned.
The Colonel looked slightly affronted by her doubtful tone.
"Absolutely, Miss Bennet." He responded with conviction.
"Hmmm, well that does pose a problem." She said as she continued to play.
"Whatever could you mean, Miss Bennet?" The Colonel asked throwing Darcy a glance of his own.
"The problem is that if Mr. Darcy is as honest as you say, sir, then he most assuredly believes me to be a liar." Elizabeth stated with an air of indifference.
Flabbergasted, the Colonel took a moment to speak.
"That cannot be, Miss Bennet. Where did you hear such nonsense?" He asked.
"Oh, it was Mr. Darcy himself, Colonel." She replied.
Before the dumbfounded Colonel could respond, they were both startled by the man in question appearing.
"May I join this tete a tete? From the look upon Fitzwilliam's face, it appears to be interesting." Darcy asked with a smile.
Without missing a key, Elizabeth responded, "Oh, do you wish to have your share of the conversation, sir?"
Darcy chuckled at Elizabeth's impertinence using his aunt's words.
"Only if it would please you, Miss Bennet." He said.
Colonel Fitzwilliam finally found his tongue.
"Darcy, Miss Bennet would have me believe that you have lost all of your senses. Tell me at once that you did not call this lovely creature a liar?" The Colonel demanded.
Darcy narrowed his eyes at Elizabeth as she continued to play with a smirk upon her face.
"Ah, now I see the direction that the conversation was going before my arrival. I shall be on my guard in the future, madam, as I now see what you are about. You wish to shock the poor Colonel with my behavior?"
"What's this? You mean to tell me that it is true, Darcy?" The Colonel asked.
"Calm down, Fitz. Miss Bennet has a true talent at turning events to suit her fancy when it puts me at a disadvantage. I do not know if I shall survive my friendship with her."
At this, both Darcy and Elizabeth laughed.
Colonel Fitzwilliam looked between the two and chose to remain silent. He had never seen his normally withdrawn cousin so at ease in company with a woman outside of their family. He smiled as he thought of the uproar this proclaimed friendship would soon cause.