After sitting on the kitchen floor, for what seemed to her to be hours, Lizzy finally got herself up still holding the exquisite necklace in her hands. Her mind was so clouded not only by the events of tonight but of the past several months. Standing in the darkness of the kitchen Lizzy knew three things to be true in this world. One, she was not going to tell Jane anything about what just transpired in the kitchen. Two, she was not going to be able to wear this necklace tomorrow but instead hide it away. Finally three she was going to do the one thing she had been putting off for several months; talk to Mr. Darcy.
The first two tasks would be easy compared to the third, but she knew that she would have to be strong and confront her fears head on.
Lizzy took the necklace and message from Mr. Darcy and enclosed them back in the velvet wrapping, she then hurried down the hallway to her father's study and behind a stack of books on the bottom of her father's many bookcases she hid the glorious gift away.
Straightening her dressing gown and pulling her shawl tightly around her shoulders Lizzy left her father's study to find Jane and present her with Mr. Bingley's gifts.
The whole of Netherfield Park was silent and slumbering in anticipation for tomorrow's wedding celebration; everyone that is except the master Mr. Bingley and his closest companion Mr. Darcy.
Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy had been up for hours in the library drinking brandy and talking of the future. Bingley was so blissfully happy, which Darcy presumed only made him want to drink more. Smiling and laughing Bingley began to repeat himself for what seemed to be the eleventh time that night.
"Darcy, my friend, Jane is so good, so beautiful, so lovely. I am so lucky." Bingley hiccupped and continued on with his recurring speech. "I cannot believe I almost lost her, how foolish I would have been, thank God you told me to correct my mistake."
"Yes, you are very lucky Charles. She will make a wonderful bride." Darcy said, all the while emptying his glass.
"That reminds me! It is about time you settle down." Charles spoke while lowering himself on the nearby sofa. "As I recall in London you mentioned something about finally finding your match."
Darcy watched Bingley as he continued. "Don't you remember Darcy we were in that jewellery store in London, the one where I bought Jane's wedding gifts? You said "she" would love that necklace, the one that was in the case. Darcy don't you remember I began questioning you about who the "she" was and you tried to tell me you were talking about Georgiana." Yawning Charles continued. "You were about to tell me the truth I believe when Caroline burst in demanding we leave immediately because the weather was about to turn."
Rolling over on his side Charles turned to look at Darcy who was seated in a large arm chair opposite refilling his glass a brandy for the final time.
"Well Charles I must admit that you are right. I do believe it is time I settled down and married, and you are correct again I have found the woman I aim to marry." Darcy twirled the now half empty glass in his hand, taking a deep breath he continued. "So much has happened Charles and I fear …"
Darcy had now realized he had been talking to an incapacitated Charles. Snoring loudly from the sofa Charles was in no attitude to hear of Darcy's woes.
Standing, Darcy finished the remainder of his nightcap and walked over to the closest window. His thoughts were heavy with memories of tonight's dinner and the gift he had left behind at Longbourn.
How glad Darcy was that he made it through dinner. He was usually a symbol of self-control but tonight he could not help himself and every chance he had Darcy found himself staring directly at Miss Elizabeth.
As dinner began they had actually caught eyes and for a moment Darcy could swear he say the hint of a smile forming on her lips. Those lips Darcy thought.
Darcy knew that Charles was going to entrust Elizabeth with the task of handing over the wedding gifts, and he saw tonight as his chance. Slipping his own treasure into the basket proved to be a challenge especially since Miss Jane Bennet watched him throughout the entire evening. Slipping away before dessert Darcy found the basket stashed away in the kitchen, and there he tucked his gift for Elizabeth away. Returning to the party Darcy again began his game of stealing glances at Miss Elizabeth, praying that no one witnessed his descent into madness.
Thinking back to that day in the jewellery store in London, Darcy could not help and speak his truth aloud. When he saw the diamond and emerald necklace he knew in an instant it belonged around Elizabeth's neck. Her neck, how he longed to feel her skin, to place the necklace around her neck, to call her his own, to …
A rather loud snore came from the direction of the sofa Charles was laying on and Darcy knew that he would have to be content with his dreams tonight. Staring out of the library window Darcy wondered what Elizabeth's reaction would be to his gift. Whatever her reaction was, good or bad; Darcy did not care at this moment. He longed to see her regardless if she wore the necklace or not. Darcy also recognized that tonight Elizabeth must be thinking of him, she had to be thinking of him, especially after receiving his secret gift. With that pleasant thought Darcy stared up to the heavens and began to look at the glorious stars beaming down back at him.
Tomorrow he thought, he could not wait for tomorrow!
Laying in bed beside Jane, Elizabeth continued to battle for sleep. Her mind was consumed with thoughts of two things; the hidden necklace that seemed to be mocking her from downstairs and Mr. Darcy who seemed to be calling for her miles away.
Sleep. Elizabeth prayed for sleep, but as Elizabeth knew too well sleep brought with it dreams.
Elizabeth corrected herself. "I pray for a dreamless sleep." Elizabeth said aloud before closing her eyes.