dear Reader, Another week has come and gone :) Just a note to say thank you to everyone who has been writing to me. To answer the question I have been getting from some, yes for those who prefer and enjoy reading it here I will keep posting every week. Thanks for letting me share my stories with you. Janie (MJ)

Chapter 26: Making Darcy Jealous

Elizabeth was early, stretched and yawned as she climbed out of bed. It was going to be a wonderful day she decided as she got dressed, grabbed her camera, then headed downstairs to go for her morning walk. She did her best to be quiet knowing that both Charlotte and Collins were still sound asleep. She opened the front door and greeted the day; it was beautiful out. The sun was already high in the sky. There wasn't a cloud in sight, and the birds were singing. She began walking down the driveway toward the main road. There was an old church that stood not too far from Rosings Park that she wanted to get some pictures of and with the brilliant sunshine this seemed to be the perfect morning to do it. She didn't get more than a few steps away from the cottage when she saw Mr. Darcy coming towards her. "Good morning," she waved and called out to him.

"Good morning," he said as he came up to her. "Are you heading out to get some early morning pictures?"

Elizabeth smiled, "Guilty as charged," she told him as she held up her camera. "What are you doing out so early in the morning?"

"Oh, when I come to Rosings I like to take early morning walks," he told her. "I don't get to go walking as much as I like when in London, but when I'm here or at Pemberley, I try to take advantage of the surroundings. Besides, it is good exercise," he said. "Where are you going to take pictures this morning?"

"There was a little church not too far down the road, that I thought I might get some pictures for my portfolio," she told him. "I don't know the history of the place, but I was thinking at one time it may have been the church that oversaw the area around Rosings."

"If it is the same place that I'm thinking of, then I do believe you are right about that," he said. Darcy stood there not sure what to say next. He knew she didn't like having people along when she went to get her photos; she had told him so at Netherfield. It was one of the reasons she got up so early to go, to ensure she could go alone. As much as he wanted to go along, he didn't think he should invite himself.

Elizabeth smiled, "Shall we go and investigate together?"

Darcy was surprised. "I would like nothing better than to tag along with you."

They walked the mile down the road with ease, and it took very little time before they arrived at the old country church. Elizabeth began taking pictures as Darcy stood back and watched her. He loved the way the sunlight played off her long dark hair and the way her eyes lit up when she got just the perfect shot she wanted. He loved her smile and the way she laughed. He stood there thinking, about how attracted he was to her. He couldn't deny it any longer; all the signs were there. He felt like he was a teenager again. His heart raced whenever he saw her. His palms got sweaty when he talked to her. She filled his thoughts each day and his dreams every night. She was beautiful and completely wonderful. As he stood there watching her take pictures, he suddenly realized for the first time in his life he was falling in love. He turned away from her and looked off in the distance. "Was it possible, was he falling in love with Elizabeth?" he thought to himself. The answer had been staring him in the face for a while now, but he didn't want to admit it. It was true his feelings for her had gone way beyond attraction.

He was beginning to fall in love with her. He turned back around as she called out to him. "Are you feeling adventurous? I was hoping to see if we can get inside?"

Darcy shook his head and realized he had gotten lost in his thoughts again. "Sorry about that I was admiring the morning and didn't hear you just then."

Elizabeth smiled, "I can't blame you, it is a perfect morning, isn't it," she told him as she walked back over toward him. "I love how everything is so quiet and peaceful. I can imagine how it must have been in times past when families would make the journey every Sunday morning to come together for times of worship in this beautiful little church."

Darcy smiled, "I do believe this was at one time the parish church that my great aunts and uncles would have come to as well. In fact, I think the pastor would have lived in the cottage that your cousin Collins and Charlotte now live in," he told her. "I remember reading about it in the library at Rosings. My great, great, great Uncle Thomas de Bourgh loved keeping a journal, and he wrote about his life and dealings with the local farmers and tenants to his properties. He also wrote about being very young and falling in love with the pastor's eldest daughter."

Elizabeth laughed, "Oh, and what did the pastor think of the very wealthy Thomas de Bourgh giving attentions to his eldest daughter?"

Darcy smiled, "Well it would seem from Thomas's journal entries at least, that the two were very much in love, but that her father didn't think it was prudent for them to pursue the relationship further. He sent his daughter to stay with his older sister, while Thomas's father arranged for him to marry a more suitable lady."

Elizabeth laughed, "Oh someone more suitable, the truth was Thomas's father didn't approve of his son falling in love with someone who was clearly beneath the family station. So, he promptly went to the pastor and arranged for the daughter to be sent away, so he could marry his son off to a wealthy young heiress."

Darcy nodded, "Yes, that's most likely how things happened," he said. He took in a deep breath, he thought about his own family and how they never would approve of Elizabeth. Georgiana would be fine with him being with Elizabeth, and he thought Richard wouldn't think less of her for where she came from. But his Aunt Catherine, Uncle and Aunt Fitzwilliam would not approve. The nature of his thoughts began to trouble him. The more he thought about his feelings for Elizabeth; he realized there were many challenges that would need to be overcome if he were to pursue a relationship with her. It wasn't only her background. There was also her mother and younger sisters to contend with. Perhaps he was getting ahead of himself. He needed some time to think more clearly about what this all meant. He glanced down at his watch. "We probably should be heading back."

Elizabeth glanced at her watch and nodded, "Oh yes, it is getting late. Charlotte will wonder where I have gotten to." She looked back at the old church and let out a small sigh. "Perhaps another day we could come back and investigate further. I would love to get inside and see what it looks like."

"Maybe," was all he said as they walked back toward the house. Darcy parted with Elizabeth at the cottage and saw Richard coming down from the main house toward him. "Good morning Richard," he said as he walked up toward him.

Richard asked, "Was that Elizabeth I saw you with?"

Darcy nodded his head, "Yes we ran into each and walked together for a while."

"I take it, Elizabeth is an early riser too," he commented.

Darcy nodded his head, "Yes I suppose she is," he told him.

"You seem to be spending a good deal of time with her," Richard commented.

Darcy became annoyed, "Richard, don't make more out of it than it was, we simply ran into each other, and out of politeness, we went for a short walk together. Besides weren't you the one who suggested I try to be polite for Georgiana's sake."

"I did say that yes," he told him. "So, you have no real interest in Miss Bennet beyond being polite to her for Georgiana's sake?"

Darcy stopped and looked at him. "Why are you asking me about Miss Bennett?"

He shrugged his shoulders, "I was just wondering? Elizabeth is very beautiful, and I assume she's not seeing anyone."

"Why are you interested in knowing if she's seeing anyone?" Darcy demanded to know.

Before Richard could answer his phone went off. "Sorry Darcy, I need to take this call," he said. He stopped walking as his cousin continued toward the house. He waited to be sure Darcy was out of earshot before speaking, "Georgiana I was wondering how long it would take before your curiosity got the better of you and made you call?"

"I will admit, I have wondered how things were going between my brother and Elizabeth?" she asked him.

Richard told her. "Well, as far as I know, he has not asked her out yet. He seems to be spending time with her, but this morning he said he was just trying to be polite because the two of you are friends."

Georgiana laughed, "I don't believe that for one minute," she said.

Richard laughed, "Neither do I, but you know how stubborn your brother can be. He will take weeks to examine his heart before he decides if he should act upon his feelings or not."

"Why is it he can be so determined and decisive in business, but so indecisive when it comes to the matters of the heart?" she commented.

"Georgiana, I have done my part. I have given him every opportunity to be with her," he told her.

"There is something more you could do," she hinted. "You could give him a little nudge?"

Richard had a feeling he knew where this was heading. "And how do you suggest I do that?"

"Well I know Aunt Catherine has her annual garden party soon, you could make him jealous by spending time with Elizabeth. You know, ask her to dance and show her some attention, maybe if he sees he has competition he won't be so indecisive," she explained.

"I could do that, but if Darcy ever finds out..." he started to say.

"He won't find out, besides we both know he likes her. He just needs a little bit of encouragement to make that leap..." she told him. "Please cousin Richard, after meeting her you have to see how perfect they are for each other."

Richard smiled, "I will admit he seems very happy when he's with her, and she's a very nice girl, but making Darcy jealous seems a bit extreme to me," he told her.

Georgiana told him, "Richard, you know him better than anyone if we don't nudge him a little, he will never get around to asking her out?"

Richard laughed, "All right you have made your point. I will give him a nudge, but if he still doesn't ask her out then I'm hanging up my bow and arrow and leaving love to Cupid," he told her.

"This will work, I promise you. William and Elizabeth will be dating very soon!" Georgiana said before hanging up the phone.

Darcy spent the better part of the afternoon going over business affairs with his aunt and Collins. He had to admit he was having trouble keeping his focus, partly because he found his thoughts kept going back to Elizabeth, and partly because Collins was so very annoying with his groveling and agreeing to every little thing his aunt said. Several times he had to stop and argue with her over trivial matters because Collins didn't have the backbone to stand up and tell her the truth about some of her ideas and plans. When they were finally finished, he was very thankful to have some time alone in his room.

Darcy walked over and looked out the window toward the cottage house. From the second floor, you could see all the way down the drive. He wondered how Elizabeth had spent her day. He found himself missing her company and looking forward to seeing her that night at the party. He would dance with her. He would take her in his arms and hold her close. For the first time in his life, he was looking forward to going to a party. He was just about to turn and walk away when he thought he saw two riders on horseback riding away from the house. He looked more closely and realized one of the riders was his cousin Richard, and the other was Elizabeth. He thought about what Richard had said to him earlier in the day. About Elizabeth being very beautiful and not dating anyone special. Was it possible that his cousin was attracted to her and that was why he was asking about her? He stood there watching them until they rode completely out of sight.

Elizabeth and Richard rode back up towards the stables a brief time later. Richard smiled, "You really are a very good rider," he complimented her.

Elizabeth laughed as she got down off her horse. "Thank you. I must admit you were right. I did enjoy myself much more than I thought I would. I'm only sorry I couldn't go out longer, but with Lady Catherine's party I do think I should get back and get ready soon, or my cousin will be in such a state of agitation he will need two bottles of antacid this evening."

Richard laughed, "Poor Collins, I'm afraid if he continues to work for my aunt for very long, he will find himself needing cases, not just bottles of antacid," he told her. "She has a way of carrying on if everyone does not arrive exactly when she thinks they should," he told her. "Let me give you a ride back down to the cottage, so you don't have to walk."

Elizabeth smiled, "Thank you, Richard, I would appreciate that, but I don't want to get you into trouble with Lady Catherine. I have heard how she worries about the wasteful use of resources, like driving a car when it is such a short distance to walk."

Richard smiled, "For a friend such as you I'm willing to chance her wrath," he told her as they headed out of the stables and toward the car. Richard opened the door for Elizabeth and then got in himself and headed to the cottage. A few minutes later he drove up to the front of the house and dropped her off. "Remember you promised me at least two dances this evening. I'm counting on you to help protect me from all the Debutante's my aunt has lined up for me to mingle with," he teased her.

"I will do my best." she laughed just before she stepped inside.

Charlotte was standing near the door. "Lizzy do hurry and get ready for the party. Collins was just about beside himself when he heard you went out riding so late in the afternoon," she said.

Elizabeth tried to be patient with her friend. She walked over to Charlotte took her hand in hers and said, "I want you to breathe. Take nice long deep breaths and relax. This is just a party like any other we have gone to."

Charlotte laughed as her nerves calmed. "You are right of course. I'm sorry I pounced on you like that as soon as you came through the door. It's just that Lady Catherine has had Collins running back and forth to the house all morning and then he spent the afternoon with her and Darcy. Needless to say, he has already taken two doses of his medicine. I think some of his anxiety has rubbed off on me."

Elizabeth smiled, "Well don't let it. Instead go in and be a calming voice to him and remember it is just a party. You are supposed to enjoy yourself this evening."

Charlotte nodded her head, "Thank you, Lizzy, I'm so glad you are here. I know I shouldn't be nervous, but this is my first party of Lady Catherine's, and I want to make a good impression." she said as she turned to go in and speak with her husband.

Elizabeth let out a sigh as she headed upstairs to get ready for the party. She promised to dance with Richard, but a small part of her hoped she would have an opportunity to dance with Darcy as well. She glanced down at her watch and hurried into the shower. It was getting late, and she did want to look her best this evening.

Darcy was waiting for Richard as he came down the hall. He opened his door and stepped out of his room. "Was that Elizabeth I saw you out riding with before?"

Richard nodded his head, "Yes it was," he told him. "She's a very good rider, you were right about that," he told him as he walked toward his room.

Darcy called out to him. "Richard, could I speak with you for a moment," he said as he opened the door to his room. "In private."

"Of course, Darcy," he said as he followed him into his room. "What's this about, has something gone wrong with the Bigelow accounts?"

Darcy shook his head, "No everything is fine on that front," he told him as he walked over toward the window. "I wanted to talk to you about Elizabeth Bennett."

Richard smiled, "Oh is that all," he laughed.

Darcy turned and looked back at him. "I want to know what your intentions are where she's concerned?"

Richard almost busted out laughing, but he held himself together. "My intentions?" he asked him. "Seriously?"

Darcy nodded his head, "Yes seriously. Miss Bennet is in our employ, and she's very good friends with Georgiana I want to make sure you remember that when you are with her," he told him.

Richard took in a deep breath, "Yes I know that she's Georgie's friend, and since I'm the one who hired her. I know she's working for us still," he told him pretending to be a little annoyed.

"Well then do you think it advisable for you to be going out with her?" he asked.

"Darcy, Elizabeth is a gorgeous woman, she's intelligent and funny, and completely charming. I would be a fool not to notice that don't you think?" he said waiting to see his reaction.

Darcy cleared his throat, "Richard surely you can see the need to be careful here in this situation," he told him.

Richard shook his head and narrowed his eyes, "Why would I be cautious if I like her, why wouldn't I go out and let her know that I do?" he told him. "Darcy, a woman like Elizabeth, is not waiting around for suitors, trust me. There are plenty of men who would line up to have a chance to be with someone like her. If I spent all my time analyzing and debating whether it's wise to be with her or not, I might very well miss my chance altogether."

Darcy was annoyed, "Richard are you telling me that you have feelings for Miss Bennet?"

Richard laughed, "Good grief cousin you almost sound jealous. If I didn't know better, I would think you had feelings for the lady yourself!" he told him as he turned to leave. "Don't worry Darcy I have only the best and purest intentions where Elizabeth is concerned."

Darcy growled under his breath and went back to get ready for the party. The things that Richard said played on his mind. Elizabeth was amazing, and Richard wasn't the only eligible man to be attending his aunt party this evening. Perhaps he was right, perhaps spending all his time analyzing and debating would cause him to miss any chance he might have with her.