Elizabeth woke up early the next morning. She found it difficult to sleep most of the night. Her mind kept wandering back to Mr. Darcy. "What a prideful and arrogant man he is," She mumbled out loud. "Well, at least I won't have to see him again anytime soon…" she told herself as she rolled over in bed and looked out her window. The sun was just coming up over the top of the trees. It was going to be another beautiful day with plenty of clear skies and sunshine. It would be the perfect day to take pictures for her new client. She thought about what Charles said about taking pictures of him and Jane together. Only a guy who was very serious about his girl would be thinking about having portraits of the two of them done together.
Elizabeth sat up suddenly as it occurred to her. "I won't have to see Mr. Darcy again; unless Charles and Jane do get engaged. Then I would have to see him, and often. Darcy, being Charles's best friend would most certainly be his best man. There is no question that I would stand up for Jane as the maid of honor. And then there will be parties, and dinners that both of us would have to attend," she took in a deep breath and pushed back the covers. "Well if it happens, and it probably will, judging by the way Charles looked at Jane all evening then I will just have to deal with it," she smiled. "When Charles asks Jane to marry him, for her sake, I will learn to be civil and tolerate Mr. Darcy," she glanced down at her watch, it was still early, but she wanted to keep busy and occupy her thoughts with anything other than Mr. Darcy. She was already tired of thinking about the man.
As she got out of bed and walked past her mirror, she stopped to look at her reflection. "You may think she's attractive, but she does not interest me in the least." She heard his voice taunting her still. She shook her head. "Stop it...stop it this instant," she told herself. "So what if he thinks I'm average, so what if I don't interest him," Elizabeth glanced over at the photo of her and Jane together. She wouldn't let the thoughtless and rude comments of some stranger cause her to feel jealous of her dear sweet sister. It was true; Jane was more beautiful than all her sisters. But she had a kind and generous heart, and she never once made Elizabeth feel bad about herself. In school, they both had boyfriends, but she always knew that Jane was the prettiest of the Bennet sisters, and that was fine because Jane had such a good heart.
Elizabeth finished getting dressed and pulled her hair up into a ponytail. Her thoughts turned from Darcy to her mother; her words echoed in her mind. "Lizzy, you will never catch a husband if you don't try harder with your appearance." Elizabeth sighed heavily as she thought about how many times her mother had told her that. The thing was, it never bothered her before now. So why did hearing Mr. Darcy call her average looking bother her? There he was again, why was this insufferable man invading her thoughts. She took in a deep breath and forced her thoughts back to her mother. While it was true Mr. Darcy's behavior was rude last night. Her mother's conduct was every bit as obnoxious and rude as he was. Mrs. Bennet's carrying on as she did, was tiring. Her constant talk of money and the need to be taken care of caused Elizabeth great frustration. She knew from the stories her aunt and uncle told her about her mother's childhood had a lot to do with the person Fanny Bennet was today.
Elizabeth's mother came from a poor family. Her father abandoned them while Fanny was still very young. Mrs. Gardiner did her best to care for three young children on her own, but it was a struggle. Elizabeth's aunt and uncle went on to do very well for themselves, while Fanny found it more difficult. She was not a very bright girl, although she was very pretty. Fanny was a slow learner in school; she was often distracted, and too lazy to go beyond what was expected of her. It was not a surprise that as Fanny grew older and had children of her own, that she would think each of them just as incapable as she was. She had no faith or confidence that her daughters could take care of themselves and that lead to her endlessly worrying about them.
Elizabeth finished getting ready and stopped again to look at herself in the mirror. She thought about her dad. He was the exact opposite of her mother. She often wondered how the two of them came to be together. "Well they do say opposites attract," she said out loud as she took one last look in the mirror, then grabbed her camera bag and headed downstairs. She didn't want to be late.
Darcy couldn't believe it was already so late. It was the first time he had overslept since he was a boy. He glanced at the mantel clock; it was already going on nine o'clock. He took in a deep breath and tried again to get his tie adjusted properly. "Blast it!" he growled as he untied the knot and began again. It was a good thing he had Thomas postpone some of his appointments for the morning. He tried to focus on the task in front of him as he stifled a yawn. He shook his head in frustration, why he allowed himself to dwell on the events of the past evening was completely unknown to him. He finished with his tie and walked over to his chair to slip on his shoes, "I don't care how beautiful her eyes were," he mumbled to himself. "I don't plan to waste any more time thinking about Miss Elizabeth Bennet. In fact, it will be very easy to forget all about her because I don't plan on ever seeing the woman again. I doubt our paths will ever cross and Miss Bennet will fade away as a distant memory in no time at all."
As he sat there, he suddenly realized that if Charles did pursue a deeper relationship with Jane Bennet, it could be possible that he would see Elizabeth again. Darcy leaned back in his chair and thought about the way she stared at him after his comments about her appearance. Any other woman probably would have gotten angry or behaved as the injured victim, but she seemed to laugh at him for it. He had to admit, that was the one thing that sparked his interest in her the most. She challenged his statements about her and dared him to say more. In truth, the more time he spent watching her, the more appealing she was to him. Contrary to his comments to Charles, Darcy was not so indifferent to Elizabeth's appearance. The fact was he found her very attractive. He would even go so far as to say that she was beautiful. Perhaps not as beautiful as her sister, but still very beautiful. She had deep, soulful brown eyes, and he liked the way her long dark hair hung about her face and down her back. He found himself thinking about the way the green dress complemented her very attractive figure. It was the sound of his cell phone ringing that drew him out of his thoughts. "Yes Richard, I'm on my way right now. I realize we have that meeting this morning. I will be there in plenty of time," he told him before hanging up the phone.
Darcy shook his head in frustration; he had allowed himself to get caught up in thinking about Miss Elizabeth Bennet again. "This has to stop," he said as he hurried down the stairs and headed for his car. Darcy stopped suddenly when he saw someone on a motorcycle pulling up the drive. He couldn't tell who it was, but he was positive he didn't have any scheduled appointments for this morning. The guard knew better than to allow in unsolicited guests. He waited a moment longer to see who it was. Darcy watched as the person got off the bike and slipped off the helmet to reveal a very long dark brown ponytail. He noticed her figure. Much to his surprise, this was a woman who had just ridden up. "Excuse me?" he called out to her as she turned and faced him.
Elizabeth's mouth almost dropped open when she saw Mr. Darcy standing there in front of her. "Mr. Darcy!" she said his name, shocked to see him.
The first thing Darcy noticed, were her beautiful brown eyes. They seemed brightened by the surprise of seeing him. "May I help you, Miss Bennet?" he asked politely, realizing they still had not been introduced to one another.
"I'm here to see, Georgiana Fitzwilliam. I thought this was the address that she gave me, but it's possible my GPS has goofed up the directions," she said feeling very awkward.
"No, you are in the correct place, but I'm afraid that my sister doesn't see visitors without an appointment. The guard at the gate should not have let you in." Darcy was annoyed, not to mention shocked by her presence.
Elizabeth didn't miss the condescending tone in his voice. "I have an appointment with your sister," she told him as she placed her helmet on the back of the bike, then grabbed her camera bag and walked over toward the door.
"Just a moment," he said as he reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. Elizabeth waited while he called someone to verify that she wasn't lying. A few minutes later he hung up his phone and walked toward her. "Sorry, but I had to be sure that you did have an appointment to see my sister. I don't like her to be disturbed by solicitors, the press, or paparazzi. We have had photographers from the less respectable rags trying to get into see her. She doesn't like her picture taken, and I have gone to great lengths to keep her out of that kind of press," he explained. "It's rather unlike her to forget to tell me that she's having guests. May I ask how you know my sister?"
"I didn't know that the two of you were related," Elizabeth told him. "I understood Georgiana's last name to be Fitzwilliam, not Darcy."
"I have Georgiana go by my mother's maiden name to keep her out of the press. I don't want her to be hounded everywhere she goes. As I said, the paparazzi are always attempting to get her photo for the filthy gossip rags," he said.
"Well, I don't take people's pictures unless they ask me to. And I don't work for any of the gossip magazines," Elizabeth said. She had to admit that she was rather impressed with his concern for his younger sister and willingness to protect her.
Darcy was growing impatient. "I'm glad to hear it. But you still haven't answered my question. How is it that you know my sister?"
"No, I haven't answered you, have I?" she smiled once again relishing the fact that she had knowledge about things he didn't.
"I must insist you tell me how you know my sister," he told her trying not to sound as annoyed as he was feeling at that moment.
Elizabeth could see he wasn't going to relent, so she answered. "I'm a photographer, and your sister asked me to come by and show her some of my work."
"Your work, I don't understand? Why would she be interested in seeing your work?" he asked her.
"Well don't sound so shocked Mr. Darcy. I'm a very good photographer," she said. "I really don't feel comfortable discussing this any further with you, after all, it is your sister who asked me to come by."
"Yes, that might be true, but since I'm the one who will be paying your wages; and she's a minor under my guardianship I think I do have the right to discuss this with you," he said.
Elizabeth was just about to say something more when Georgiana appeared in the doorway looking both surprised and disappointed. "Elizabeth, you're here!"
Elizabeth smiled, "Yes, I was just telling your brother that I had an appointment with you this morning. I'm afraid by arriving early I have ruined your surprise for him. I'm sorry."
Georgiana smiled, "No, it is my fault entirely. When I realized, William was running late I should have phoned, please come in."
"Georgiana, may I speak with you for a moment?" Darcy said as he led the way back into the house. Rupert stood just inside the doorway and was instructed to show Miss Bennet to the living room until Miss Darcy could join her. Elizabeth followed behind Rupert; she only glanced over her shoulder for a moment to see Georgiana following her brother down a long hall and disappear into another room.
Darcy placed his briefcase down and leaned up against his desk; he motioned for his sister to take a seat, which she did. "Georgiana, I'm confused why exactly is Miss Bennet here?" he asked sounding more annoyed than he meant to.
Georgiana trembled just a little, suddenly feeling nervous. "William its part of the surprise that I was going to give to you. I met with Eliza…, I mean Miss Bennet, yesterday. I hired her to do my portrait and my graduation photos," she explained.
"Why would you do such a thing?" Darcy asked, his voice filled with frustration. "I told you I would find a photographer. I spoke with Caroline just last night about recommending someone."
Georgiana lowered her gaze. "William, I don't like it when you get so upset and snap at me," she said, her eyes filling with tears. "I wanted to show you that I'm trying to come out of my shell and I wanted to handle this myself. That was to be a part of the surprise."
Darcy instantly felt bad for being impatient with her. "I'm sorry Georgie. I didn't mean to sound so upset. It's just that these photos are very important and I wanted to make sure we have the very best photographer to do them."
"Oh William, Elizabeth is the very best photographer, at least for me she is. I love the photos she takes," she told him enthusiastically. "She has a very good eye and a unique way of capturing the person, not just the externals, but the whole person."
"Georgiana these aren't just any family photos. Your portrait will be hung at Pemberley as well at the Royal Museum here in town," he reminded her. "Our family's history is a vital part of this country's heritage, and every member of the Darcy family has their portraits hung there."
"I know that William, that's why I know that Eliza...I mean Miss Bennet is the one to do the job," she told him.
Darcy didn't say anything for several minutes. He could see by the look on his sister's face that she was very excited with the idea of Miss Bennet doing her photographs. He was happy to see that she was enthused about having her photo taken for the first time since he brought the matter up to her. Seeing his sister reach out to someone in friendship and take this meeting all on her own was another sign that she was beginning to come out of her shell. Darcy wasn't sure what he should do.
Seeing his hesitation, Georgiana suggested. "Let Miss Bennet take my photos, and I will also go to the photographer that you suggest. Then we can look at each one's work and see for ourselves who does the best job."
"Alright Georgiana, I will agree to this under one condition only," he told her.
"Whatever it is I agree," she said to him.
He gave her a stern look. "I want you to promise that no matter what my decision is in the end, you will not argue with me. If I don't find Miss Bennet's work up to the standard that's required, you will abide by my decision and trust in my judgment."
Georgiana jumped up and kissed her brother on the cheek. "I promise."
"Very well then," he said as he picked up his briefcase and glanced at his watch. He watched as she headed for the door before stopping her. "One more thing."
Georgiana stopped and turned to face him. "Yes, William?"
Darcy smiled at her. "I'm very proud of you for coming out of your shell and taking this upon yourself. I know how hard it must have been for you to arrange the meeting and to go out on your own."
She smiled and then left to go and tell Elizabeth the good news. Darcy thought about how his morning went; it seemed regardless of his plans to never see Miss Bennet, that fate was going to have him spending more time than he thought with her. He hoped he wasn't making a huge mistake in allowing his sister to spend time with this woman he barely knew.
Elizabeth sat on the sofa waiting for Georgiana; she was sure that Mr. Darcy was going to put his foot down and insist on some other photographer. She was a bit disappointed, she liked Georgiana and was looking forward to getting to know her better. Even though she had three younger sisters of her own, she wasn't close with any of them. Mary was way too opinionated, she was the intellectual in the family and liked all things nerdy. Lydia was too wild and spoiled to ever spend any time with. Kitty was at times more level-headed, but even though she was a full year older than Lydia, she was persuaded by her behavior most of the time. It was the sound of the door opening that caught her attention and interrupted her thoughts.
"I'm sorry to keep you waiting, Elizabeth," Georgiana told her as she came into the room.
"It's no big deal," she told her. "So is everything alright, or would your brother be more comfortable with having another photographer do the portraits?"
"Not at all," she said. "I explained to my brother that I was sure you were the right choice and he agreed."
Elizabeth was surprised. "Well alright then, let's get started."
Georgiana walked over and sat down across from her. "I was thinking about what you said. About choosing a place that was special to both William and me. I thought maybe we could take the portrait pictures in the gardens at Pemberley."
Elizabeth nodded her head. "Alright, where exactly is Pemberley?"
"It's about a three-hour drive to the north of here. It's not far from Derbyshire," Georgiana told her. "We could take the helicopter; it will only take about fifty-five minutes to fly there."
"You have a helicopter of your own?" Elizabeth asked astonished.
"Yes," she told her. "William owns one. He often uses it when he needs to be in different cities for business in the same day."
"Well alright then. I'm up for it," Elizabeth told her. "This will be my first helicopter ride."
"Are you nervous to be flying?" she asked not wanting to make her uncomfortable.
"Maybe a little, but I find that my courage always rises when I'm nervous or afraid," she told her.
"Our pilot is very capable, and I have never felt unsafe with him," Georgiana assured her. "You could take pictures along the way if you like."
Elizabeth smiled and said. "You read my mind."
Darcy found it very difficult to concentrate on the work in front of him. Try as he might he couldn't stop thinking about Elizabeth Bennet. Seeing her first thing this morning seemed to bring back images of her in his mind. He decided that his original opinion of her was completely unfounded. She was a very beautiful woman, with captivating eyes and an amazing smile. He saw genuine warmth from her when she met with Georgiana. Perhaps he should apologize to her for his statements about her looks, then again, doing so might seem like odd behavior on his part. After all, if she had hurt feelings by his comments she surely would have said something to him by now.
He leaned back in his chair and thought about his friend Charles. Caroline seemed to be very concerned by her brother's behavior and was worried that he might be rushing into things with Jane Bennet. Darcy reflected on his friend's actions at the party from the night before. While Charles did seem to enjoy Jane's company he didn't seem any more "in love" with this pretty girl than he had any of the others he spent time with. Jane didn't behave as if she were in love with his friend either. It was clear she enjoyed his company, but there were no overt displays of affection toward him, no hinting at marriage. So perhaps all this talk of getting too serious was just an overreaction on Caroline's part.
Darcy took in a deep breath; the thought of marriage did make him think about Jane's mother. It was clear Mrs. Bennet was thinking about marriage, even if Charles and Jane weren't. He wondered how much influence her mother's manipulating might have on the young woman. It was clear that Mrs. Bennet was the one in charge of the family. Mr. Bennet was nearly invisible at the party, allowing his two younger daughters to be completely out of control. Darcy was sure that the youngest daughter, Miss Lydia Bennet would probably wind up unwed and pregnant before too much longer. She was not a very smart girl, and there were plenty of eager young guys that would easily deceive her to get what they wanted. It was sad really that their father seemed so unconcerned and uninvolved in his daughter's lives that he would allow Lydia to hang out with guys that were at least five years older than she.
His thoughts again turned to Elizabeth and how very different they were from the rest of their family. He couldn't object to the way either one of them behaved. He sighed, his thoughts came full circle, they began with Elizabeth, and they ended with her as well.