P&P: How Darcy met Elizabeth

by MJanie001

Modern variation of P&P, traditional style. Elizabeth Bennet is a young and upcoming photographer who is about to cross paths with the proud, arrogant, and handsome Mr. Darcy. From the moment, they meet Elizabeth finds him to be rude, controlling, and snobbish. While Darcy finds himself equally annoyed and intrigued by this new acquaintance with the captivating brown eyes.(c)

25. Chapter 25

Greetings reader: Happy Friday...Happy reading. Best regards Janie(mj)

Chapter 25: Dinner at Rosings Park

Elizabeth took in a deep cleansing breath as she came out into her room. "It really was a wonderful day," she told herself. "I can hardly believe it, but spending time with him was fun." She looked at herself in the mirror and smiled. "Mr. Darcy, you are a strange duck, and I find myself very intrigued by you," she said out loud. She grabbed a brush and began fixing her hair. She decided to leave it down for the evening. She had been wearing her hair up so much lately that it needed a break. As she combed her hair she thought about how Darcy's behavior changed over the last two times they were together. "He was truly very sweet today. He was not at all the difficult Mr. Darcy from before," she told herself. She glanced over at the clock. "Well we will see how things go this evening," she said as she walked over and grabbed her shoes.

It was the sound of someone knocking at her door that interrupted her thoughts. "Yes?" she called out.

Charlotte responded, "Lizzy are you almost ready? We don't want to be late."

"I'm ready and will be right down," she told her as she slipped on her shoes and headed downstairs. She saw both Charlotte and Collins waiting for her near the door, "It is a bit early to be going over, isn't it?"

"Lady Catherine likes to have dinner promptly at six o'clock," Collins told her.

Elizabeth glanced down at her watch, "Well it is only now 5:20 and it won't take but five minutes to drive up to the main house."

Charlotte took in a deep breath trying to control how annoyed she felt. "We are walking over Lizzy."

"Why on earth would we do that," she asked them.

Collins cleared his throat. "Lady Catherine believes in promoting good physical health for all her employees. She also prides herself on not being wasteful. She wants to preserve the environment for future generations to come. She feels that it is not necessary to start the car up to go such a short distance. So, we often walk over to the main house from here."

Elizabeth tried not to laugh, as she looked at her cousin. "Are you serious? You plan for us to walk the entire mile there and then back, and you expect Charlotte and I to do so in our shoes?" she said pointing down at her feet. She was wearing a pair of wedged sandals, with a lovely peach colored, knee-length, summer dress. Charlotte had on some flats and wore a yellow summer dress. Neither of them was dressed to walk such a distance comfortably.

Charlotte looked at her and then turned to her husband. "Elizabeth is right, walking in the heat of the afternoon would leave the both of us hot, dusty, and with very sore feet. We will take the car."

"My dear Charlotte I really must ask that you reconsider," he began to argue with her.

Elizabeth smiled, "I have an idea since you want us to walk, Charlotte and I will run upstairs and put on our tennis shoes, jeans, and tee shirts. That way we won't be miserable when we arrive. After all, if we are going for an evening walk I'm sure Lady Catherine would understand the need to wear sensible shoes and the proper attire."

Collins looked flustered, "Elizabeth we have been invited to dine at Lady Catherine's home. If my wife were to show up in such a casual state of dress, it would be considered an insult to my employer. She specifically has told me on several occasions that she dresses for dinner every evening, even if she's dining alone," he explained.

Lizzy arched her brow, "Well then we do have a problem, don't we?" she said as she walked over and sat down on the sofa. "Whatever will we do? Shall we take the car and hope her Ladyship understands, or do we change our clothes?"

Charlotte knew that look in Elizabeth's eye; she knew she wouldn't back down. She smiled and walked over to her husband. "I think being such a refined lady and knowing what is proper she will understand our need to take the car on this occasion. After all, we do want to look our very best."

Collins thought it over, "Yes perhaps you are right," he said as he walked over toward the door to his study. "Just to be sure, I think I will go into my study and let her know we are thinking of driving over," he said. Moments later he came back out with a smile on his face. "I explained to Lady Catherine our situation, and she agreed that in this case it only made sense to bring the car," he told them as if it were Lady Catherine's idea that they drive over, to begin with.

Charlotte smiled, "I told you she would understand."

Collins smiled then turned to Elizabeth. "Lady Catherine did mention wanting to talk to you about the pictures you are taking of Rosings as well as the ones you took of her niece, Georgiana."

Elizabeth smiled and said, "Oh I will be happy to listen to whatever is troubling her, but that's all that I promise to do."

"Elizabeth, you must realize Lady Catherine was not at all happy hearing that you were coming to take the photos of her family home. She's very concerned that they come out just so…" he told her.

"I'm perfectly aware of how Lady Catherine feels about my taking the photos of Rosings," Elizabeth told him. "You have told me several times how she feels since I arrived."

"Yes, that maybe but I feel the need to press upon you again that…" Collins began to say when Elizabeth interrupted him.

"I have said I would listen to her concerns, but really that's as much as I can do," she told him again.

"No that won't do," he told her. "You must be very careful not to say anything that would cause her to take offense. She has very particular thoughts and ideas about how each picture should look. I think it would be very beneficial for you to listen to what she has to say."

Charlotte looked over at Elizabeth and smiled. "Elizabeth said she would listen to what Lady Catherine has to say. But surely you can understand she was hired by the magazine to do a job, and in the end, she must take the kinds of pictures they have asked for."

Collins flustered a little. "Charlotte, I don't think you or Elizabeth fully understand just how vitally important this is to Lady Catherine."

Elizabeth had to bite her tongue to keep from laughing while he rambled on about how particular Lady Catherine was about anything pertaining to her home. The more he talked, the more panicked and agitated he became. Elizabeth looked over at Charlotte, who was patiently listening to him carry on. She didn't want to make trouble for Charlotte. She would continue to bite her tongue and practice patience where both her cousin and the Lady Catherine were concerned. "I will do my best," was all she said when he finally stopped talking.

Collins took out his handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his brow then he asked, "Charlotte did you pick up more antacid for me at the store? I have a very strong feeling I will need it later tonight."

Elizabeth smiled as Charlotte assured him she had.

Darcy stepped out of his dressing room after dressing for dinner. He thought about Elizabeth and smiled; he couldn't believe how very happy he was to be at Rosings this year. For the first time in a very long time, he was enjoying his visit, and it was all because Elizabeth was there too. He couldn't get over how at ease she made him feel. Usually, he hated having his photo taken, but he found he didn't mind it as much with her. He was just about to grab his jacket and tie when he realized that he didn't have to look so formal all the time. Leaving both his jacket and tie where they were, he went back into his closet and pulled out a pair of his khaki Dockers, and a deep green button down shirt. After taking a moment to change, he stopped and looked himself over in the mirror. He knew his aunt would have a few choice words for him for not dressing formally for dinner. Darcy decided to follow his cousin's lead and try to learn to relax more. With that thought in mind, he walked over to his desk and wrote down a note to remind himself he wanted to go shopping once he returned to London for some more casual weekend clothes. He was just about to go downstairs when he heard knocking at his door. "Yes," he called out.

Richard came in, he looked at Darcy's less formal attire and held back a laugh. "I presume Elizabeth's influence is the reason for you not wearing a five-piece suit to dinner this evening."

Darcy shook his head, "Not at all." he told him as he straightened his collar. "It's rather hot and muggy out, so I felt a full suit was a bit too much. It is, after all, a casual dinner party," he told him. He looked over at Richard and saw that he was wearing jeans and a button-down shirt as well. "Besides, look at you, you have never worn a suit to dinner, so Aunt Catherine can't have too much to say about me."

Richard did laugh this time. "Oh, but that's where you are making a mistake if you really believe that Aunt Catherine holds the two of us in the same regard," he told him as they headed for the door. "She always puts up with more from me because in her eyes I'm less than you. After all, you're special, why you're the first-born son and heir to the Darcy throne. I'm only the second son to the meager holdings of my poor father," he teased him.

Darcy rolled his eyes, "Which is a completely ridiculous way of thinking. For one thing, you work hard and make more in a year than your older brother does," he told him. "And your father's wealth is hardly meager, he has enough money to set you both up for two lifetimes," he reminded him. "I'm no better, or any more important than you. Aunt Catherine's notions are outdated, and completely off the mark on that score."

Richard laughed, "Well I see we at least agree on that point, but she will still ignore me and say something to you," he told him.

Darcy smiled, "You seem very sure of yourself cousin," he said as they walked down the stairs.

"I'm so sure that I would be willing to bet you?" he told him.

"And what is it you wish to wager this time?" Darcy asked him.

"If I'm right, you have to be the one to tell my mother I don't wish to date her friend's daughter," he told him.

Darcy wasn't that confident in his aunt's ability to hold her tongue. "Hmm not sure I like my odds now that I think about it," he laughed. "She was pretty angry this morning, and when your mother finds out you are not playing along with another one of her matchmaking schemes, she will be angry too," he told him. "I don't want both my aunt's angry with me."

Richard laughed, "True; Aunt Catherine was in rare form this morning," he told him. "After you dropped that last little bombshell and abandoned me at breakfast. She yelled at me for a full twenty minutes. She carried on about Georgiana's pictures then she wanted to know when I was going to finally show some sense and marry someone from society to improve my status and position in life."

Darcy smiled, "Ouch that must have been painful," he teased him.

Richard walked into the dining room first. "Miss Bennet, Mrs. Collins, you both look lovely this evening," he told them.

"Thank you, Richard," Elizabeth said.

"Yes, thank you," Charlotte said as Darcy came into the room.

Darcy looked over at Elizabeth; she was sitting at the end of the table near his Aunt Catherine. Elizabeth looked up at him when he came into the room and smiled. Darcy smiled back, while his aunt Catherine watched them both very carefully.

"Richard, you will sit here next to me, and Fitzwilliam you will seat next to Mrs. Collins," Lady Catherine told them. She looked up at Darcy and sighed. "Fitzwilliam, it seems you have forgotten that we have dinner promptly at six and we usually dress for dinner here at Rosings?"

Darcy looked over at Richard who was trying not to laugh. "I didn't forget Aunt Catherine. I just decided that in this heat it would be more comfortable to wear something a little less formal than a full suit."

Lady Catherine looked annoyed. "It may very well be warm, but that has never stopped you before in being respectful and honoring my wishes to dress for dinner." She looked over at Elizabeth, "I wonder what it is that has caused you to do so now."

Darcy didn't say anything more. He could tell his aunt was still in a bad mood. He looked across the table at Elizabeth. She seemed a bit uncomfortable sitting next to her cousin. He wondered why his aunt placed Charlotte between himself and Richard, instead of near her friend. He didn't have long to wait to understand his Aunt Catherine's motives behind the seating arrangements. She began in on Elizabeth almost as soon as they sat down. It was clear that Collins was placed where he was to agree with every criticizing statement his aunt made. He took in a deep breath and realized it was not going to be the pleasant evening he had hoped for after all. He didn't want to be rude to Charlotte as she was talking to him, but he wanted to keep tabs on his aunt. He wouldn't allow her to berate Elizabeth just because she didn't agree with his decision in what photographer to use.

Lady Catherine looked over at Elizabeth. "I was informed just this morning by my nephews that you were commissioned to do the portraits of my niece, Georgiana."

Elizabeth smiled, "Yes, Georgiana and I met." she started to say when Lady Catherine interrupted her.

"Yes, yes, I am aware of how she came across you, through the internet," she responded cutting Elizabeth off mid-sentence. "Tell me, Miss Bennet, where did you go to school? Who have you studied your craft under?"

Elizabeth told her, "I went to school in Meryton where I grew up. After that, I studied for a time at University in London, but I did not study photography under any one photographer. I began working with my sister and my business just kind of took off from there."

Lady Catherine narrowed her eyes, "Don't you think it might have been wise to study with someone for a while. You could have interned for a time to truly gain the skill and knowledge you need to excel at what you do?"

Elizabeth smiled, "No honestly I didn't think that was the route for me. I know what I like when I see it. If I studied or interned under another photographer, I would have learned to do things their way instead of the way that I wanted."

Lady Catherine seemed annoyed with her answer. "Surely you can see the value in learning from someone who has studied and worked hard to be truly good at their profession. Someone who has taken the time to learn his trade. To perfect it to such a level that makes them qualified, and worthy to do portraits of families that are more well-known in society."

Elizabeth thought about how to answer her, then said. "Of course, there can be value in observing another photographer's work, but I don't want to copy it. What would be the point? If my work were exactly like someone else's work then why come to me in the first place. I like the fact that I have been told my perspective is unique, that the photos I take make people feel good and they can be themselves. Georgiana is a very good example. She's a lovely girl with a beautiful smile who really wanted something different, but others might have wanted to have her pictures done in a studio with the traditional blue backdrop. In that case, I considered my client's wishes. I considered the occasion, and I considered the times we now live in. Together she and I decided it would be better for her to take her portraits outside. She had fun with it, and she was happy with the outcome. That's something you learn by getting to know your client, not by studying another person's work and copying it."

Lady Catherine looked over at Darcy. "Am I to understand that my niece's portraits, the ones that are to be hung in the royal museum, were taken outside in a field somewhere?" she demanded. "This will not do!"

Darcy looked up at his aunt. "No Aunt Catherine they were not taken in a field somewhere. The pictures were very tastefully done in the gardens, at Pemberley," he told her.

She shook her head in frustration, "Fitzwilliam how could you ignore propriety and tradition in such a way! You know as well as I do that the portraits have been done the same way without variation for hundreds of years!" she snapped at him.

Before Darcy could respond, Elizabeth told her, "Lady Catherine, the portrait photos were taken in the Rose gardens near the east wing at Pemberley. Georgiana remembered her brother saying that their mother's wish, was that when it came time for Georgiana's portraits to be done, she would love to see them done at Pemberley, instead of in a stuffy studio setting. It meant a lot to Georgiana, and she believed it would hold special meaning for her brother as well." She looked over at Darcy and smiled, she hoped he was not upset with her for jumping in as she did, but she just felt she had to set the record straight.

Lady Catherine seemed to calm down and grew quiet at the mention of her sister and her wishes. Darcy looked over at Elizabeth and smiled; he had great admiration for her. The way she stood up and voiced her opinion without cowering to his aunt gave him a new appreciation for her. Not many people talked back to Lady Catherine. Collins was a perfect example of that. He spent the rest of dinner agreeing with just about everything that his aunt had to say. The man barely took a breath all evening as he spent his time either praising Lady Catherine for her fine taste or agreeing with her on every subject she spoke about.

After dinner, they all went to the sitting room for some drinks. Darcy walked over to sit by Elizabeth, but Richard beat him to it, and he found himself standing just off to the side of the sofa watching the two of them as they chatted. Richard looked up and saw Darcy standing there. "Darcy, sit down here and keep Elizabeth company while I go get some more to drink," he told him as he got up and made his way over to the bar.

Darcy sat down, happy to finally have a chance to speak with Elizabeth. He leaned over and smiled, "I'm sorry that my aunt Catherine carried on so at dinner this evening," he said.

"It's fine really. I wasn't offended," she told him honestly. "I am sorry that she seemed to get so upset with you, though."

"Think nothing of it. My aunt often gets upset with me. Richard and I have gotten used to her mood swings," he assured her. "She has always been that way."

Elizabeth smiled, "It must make for interesting visits then," she told him.

"You have no idea," he laughed and said. "My aunt told me this morning that this year she has moved the date of her annual garden party up to tomorrow evening."

Elizabeth nodded her head, "Yes, it was the topic of much discussion during lunch. Apparently, this party is a very big deal for your aunt. Collins went on and on about it."

"I can imagine he would. To my aunt nothing is as important as this party," he told her. "Would you save me a dance ..." he started to ask her, but his aunt interrupted him.

Lady Catherine looked over and narrowed her eyes as she stared at Elizabeth. "What are you two talking about?" she demanded to know. "Really it is rude to whisper among yourselves when there are others in the room. Your parents taught you better than that Fitzwilliam. I can only assume it's the company you have kept lately, that has caused you to forget your manners," she snapped.

Elizabeth tried not to laugh. Lady Catherine acted as if she had just caught them committing some horrible deed instead of having a conversation. She looked over at Darcy; he seemed to be a bit embarrassed by his aunt's behavior. She felt sorry for him, so she turned to their hostess and replied. "We were discussing your party tomorrow evening Lady Catherine, and how lovely it will be."

Lady Catherine smiled, "Yes it will be a very lovely affair," she said. "Many of my friends from London will be attending. Of course, you will not know many of the people coming because of your background. But I am happy to offer you this opportunity to spend time with those who might help you along in your profession."

Elizabeth knew what Lady Catherine meant when she mentioned her background. It was her not so subtle way of saying that many of the guests would be influential and from high society, people she wouldn't normally be socializing with.

Darcy was about to object to the insult his aunt had just made to Elizabeth when he saw her eyebrow go up and the corner of her mouth turn upward, into a smile. She was not offended, he thought to himself. He saw that look before, and it made his heart beat faster.

"Lady Catherine I do appreciate the invitation to your party. It was very kind of you to include me on such short notice," she told her. "I'm not sure what you mean though when you said you are happy to offer me this opportunity. What opportunity might that be?"

Lady Catherine was astonished by her forward behavior. "Why to meet and mingle with those in society who might help further your career, of course," she told her impatiently.

Elizabeth smiled, "Oh I see." she said simply.

Lady Catherine told her. "Considering your background Miss Bennet I would have thought you would have a more appropriate response to such an invitation as this event will offer you."

"I did already say thank you for the invitation. I'm not sure what more there is to be said," Elizabeth told her.

Lady Catherine shook her head in frustration. "You must understand the great benefit coming to this party will be for someone like you, someone in your position. The fact that you have been chosen to do the portraits of my niece Georgiana will go a long way in advancing your career, and help you monetarily, surely, you can see that?" she demanded.

Elizabeth smiled, "I suppose it might with some who place a value on name dropping. But I prefer to stand on my own two feet and earn what I get through hard work. I don't really care to make a name for myself just because of who I happen to know."

Lady Catherine looked at her intently. "Are you implying that it is wrong for someone to be helped in their life pursuits by others who are more fortunate than they are?"

Elizabeth shook her head, "No not at all. I do however think it becomes an issue when the person doing the helping holds it over the head of the person they are supposed to be helping. Sometimes accepting help from those who consider themselves to be in a superior position in life can be a very costly endeavor," she said as she looked over at her cousin Collins.

Lady Catherine huffed and sat back in her chair. "And sometimes those who are given such opportunities and privileges know how to respond and are grateful," she commented. Then she turned to Collins and said, "I'm sure you will agree with me, won't you Mr. Collins."

"Oh yes, of course, Lady Catherine," he told her. "I am forever grateful to you for the opportunities that I have been afforded. I was speaking with my own dear sweet mother just recently, and I was telling her how lucky I am to have such a wonderful and generous employer."

Darcy held his tongue long enough. He hated the fact that his aunt was attempting to bully Elizabeth into groveling before her the way she did with Mr. Collins. "Aunt Catherine having seen Elizabeth's work for myself, I suspect that those who get caught up in such things as position, background, and status probably would not care for her work. It would be far too pure, too real, and honest for them. I have found that the kind of people who get caught up in such things prefer to wear a mask. They are the kind of people who want to be flattered, and told how wonderful they are constantly regardless of how they behave."

Richard could see that both his aunt and Darcy had reached their boiling point, and he took it as his cue to intervene. He went over to the grand piano in the corner and sat down at it. "Mrs. Collins, I believe you mentioned you like to play?" he asked as he began playing a tune on the piano. "Would you come and join me?" he asked her. "Perhaps we could play a duet together."

Collins looked relieved and encouraged her to do so. "Oh yes Charlotte please do play, you do so wonderfully," he told her.

Elizabeth smiled and looked over at Darcy; the fact that he defended her to his aunt made the entire evening worthwhile. When he looked back at her, she felt her heart skip a beat. She took in a small breath and found herself feeling quite wonderful.