In this chapter I did some changes, I try to introduce your opinion, let me know if you like :) ... in the next chapter we change the scene and some new people arrive... enjoy ;)
Chapter 22
In the morning a series of unexpected conversations arose
-You can read his mind- Georgiana whispered to Elizabeth who was looking questioningly at the Colonel who was still talking to Mary
Elizabeth looked at her and said- I couldn't-
-Of course you can -she said in a whisper Georgiana- we are Hilmen, we can do it even when they are protected-
Elizabeth looked at her with bewilderment, -just look at him and try to penetrate his thoughts, although you will not see everything, you will look at his object and his feeling or intention, try-
Elizabeth directed a once again her gaze at the Colonel
-won't be able to feel it- Georgiana whispered
-You read my mind- Elizabeth whispered back, since it was just what she thought
-Just a little- the young woman replied with a smile
Elizabeth continued looking at the Colonel, and what she saw pleased her: the Colonel was completely absorbed in the conversation with Mary, his feeling was warm and he saw no ill intentions, a smile emerged on her
Georgiana intentionally sounded slightly After the cup of tea, Elizabeth's gaze returned to her, who was looking at her expectantly...
-How it is possible? - said Elizabeth
-The mind, the will, even the feelings, can be manipulated by few, as Hilmen is a natural ability, Unlike the magicians and fairies who must develop it-
-And the protection?- continued Elizabeth
-The protective spells are made on certain kinds of thoughts, memories, sensitive information, but it is never total, the immediate thoughts as they happened now are visible to those of us
-the mind is protected in some spaces; it is never total-
-Correct, my cousin's mind, because he is a soldier, is strongly protected on many issues, to see them you would have to force him, the ability is not enough, but we can see it immediately, just as you did it now-
-And manipulation spells are easier on an unprotected mind-
-Yes, I learned it the hard way, and although I don't always do it now I tend to read more the minds of those who come close to me While an immediate thought may differ from the actual intent, the sentiment is hard to distort.
Mrs. Annesley called them in for a practice and all the ladies went after her, while the ladies practiced mind-warding spells and tried to read each other's words. magic that the others were doing, an unexpected conversation arose in Darcy's office...
-Inform me about the details of the ladies you have as guests- said the colonel to his cousin, while playing with a pen
-You don't know yet, yesterday you went to the park with them and I guess you talked to both-
-Don't ask her dowry, or connections, or anything, I can do my research, but you already know so tell me- (I'm certainly talking about music, art and even botany, Mary was quite educated)
-And what can interest you in that, you need an heiress not only a lady with magical quality, and you will not be able to save the Fitzwilliam house if that is what you think-
The colonel was uncomfortable with the comment -I am not a mercenary, despite what my father thinks-
Darcy said nothing but looked at his cousin, he had noticed his inclination towards Mary Bennet, but he doubted it was serious….
-Stop trying to read my mind man-
Darcy gave a half smile and continued his telepathic work
-Enough Darcy, it's fine I'm interested in the lady- Darcy raised an eyebrow, Mary was very different from the ladies Richard was interested in -Yes It's different, both Bennets are-
-You only know 2 of them- Darcy said mockingly, seeing the genuine interest that his cousin showed
-Well, you will tell me or not what I ask you, her conversation is sensible, she is kind, quite intelligent, although should diversify her reading, I want to know more about her-
-Mary Bennet, well you know generally the third of five daughters, of the Collins house, her father is a Man of the King, with peculiar qualities, like his three older daughters. Longbourn are among the prominent families of Hetfordshire, their maternal ties are not the best their uncles are merchants and barristers, they will be presented at Court and then from there I don't know what to expect…. I think her gifts are small for your tastes, there was talk of 1,500, but I don't know for sure, Sir Bennet is a cryptic man with a lot of information stored, so it could be more-
-And of course you didn't investigate further-
-Certainly I didn't -
-Of course, a man with a property of more than 10,000 a year and heir to 2 magical Houses, very little cares if his girlfriend brings a shilling to the marriage-
-Richard-
-Yes I know it's not your fault, however not all of us have your luck….-
-You know that she is not my girlfriend, and also that I will not absorb everything for myself, you will have funds and I will let you go your way- said with a bit of bitterness
-Thank you Darcy- he said a little worried
-I haven't decided yet, but she has my interest-
-Don't rush-
-You from experience-
Darcy nodded, the Colonel looked at him but unless Darcy spoke he didn't have the ability to read minds, so he was guided by intuition… Darcy had not spoken of his failed proposal nor did he intend to, but, although e Mary was not Elizabeth, the letter she had just read from Charles informed that he had been tested by Mr. Bennet, so there was no guarantee of anything, Mr. Bennet would not let go of his daughters easily.
"Tell me what's in the bag," said an anxious Colonel
Darcy remained silent
-Can't believe his father refused, the lady did," said the Colonel.
-If you have a conclusion, why ask?" said Darcy, avoiding his cousin
-Certainly they are peculiar-
-They are, and so is her father, he is not very willing to let them go and I don't think he negotiates like many do either, so don't be hasty-
The colonel nodded and stared thoughtfully, he certainly wasn't in the best position to court a lady, he was the second son, although he had funds saved he was not yet ready to retire and start a family, Mary seemed sensible to him, she was not as vibrant as her sister, but there was something in her that called him…. The dowry, the house, the qualities, if all that had to be considered, but many wealthy women had no qualities and they were laughter and more laughter, many empty heads she had seen over the years that did not interest her…. I could offer him a courtship perhaps….
...
The day passed and Elizabeth was waiting, the dinner had her a little nervous, she knew that she would attend with Darcy and he would protect her, but they would not be together at all times, so she had to know how to detect and protect herself from any threat that could attend. ... yes, she was the ton and they were noble but her Father had been emphatic that they should not trust anyone... and some of her new dresses ordered by her Aunt had been delivered to her, when the time came she asked the maid of Georgiana helped her with her hair, she took a breath to calm her anxious energy, when the time came she went down slowly and there at the foot of the stairs Mr. Darcy was waiting for her.
Hearing her footsteps, Darcy turned and saw her come down in a dark blue dress with gold trim, looked majestic, he offered his hand which she took gently and looked at her blushing when he said - It really is an honor that a lady as charming as you accompanied me -
-Thank you sir. You are very kind.
-"I don't recognize your splendor at all," he said, bowing
She continued walking and they both left for the carriage under the attentive gaze of two young ladies from the stairs
Introductions and more introductions since they arrived, the gentlemen were pleasantly surprised with Elizabeth although she came arm in arm with Darcy, who looked stoic and sure introduced her as his friend and protégé, belonging to the Collins house and daughter of the newly appointed King's Man, Sir Bennet, she could be a fine addition to any household, the ladies especially those with expectations in Darcy felt threatened, she was his protégé and although it was not common, it did not prevent him from being interested in her; she had an atypical beauty and a member of a magical house which meant dowry and qualities, she was a real competition for the ladies.
At dinner Elizabeth sat between Lord Metcalf and Darcy, the conversation was fluid and they touched on various points
-I understand that her father was a professor at Cambridge some time ago
-Yes, more than 20 years ago, since then he administers Longbourn
-I met his late uncle Oliver , and I do not recall hearing of his family or properties in Hetfordshire despite the short distance to London -
My lord I do not know everything related to the late Sir Collins, the estrangement occurred years ago with my father perhaps my grandparents, so I assume his silence
Lady Susan was tenacious and she was about to kill- You could say that they are upstarts of that house-
Darcy intervened before Elizabeth answered- Hardly any house could be said to have all its members fully participating in society, nor do they all decide the same about the estates and his relatives, Sir Bennet has evidently preferred to remain in the country and has done very well, Longbourn is a magnificent estate I would say the best of s In your county, your family is one of the most respected and the ladies are the most prominent ladies in the place-
Elizabeth was surprised by Darcy's words and felt grateful. His intervention allowed her to pause and gently replied to the lady- My lady, we are Bennet we bear the original name of the house although we do not shout it all our ascendants preserve the magical purity, my father is the 4th generation that precedes the last Hilmen, we were only distanced
now Darcy was the surprised one... now he understood everything better, but there was still a piece in that puzzle… Lord Metcalf inquired a little more about his sisters, and Lady Susan as well as the other ladies felt even more threatened 4 more girls, if they were all like this Elizabeth they would get the best matches the next seasons
Mr. Donnalson did not lose an iota of conversion, that lady or one of her sisters could be the answer to his needs, he just had to see how close he was to Darcy, who showed a slight interest in Elizabeth, observed that after her and Darcy, only Lord Joshep was Hilmen, the others had qualities but less than them, she felt how the ladies evaluated her in everything and several gentlemen as well.
The conversation between the ladies was tense, and they inquired about Elizabeth's achievements and training, they tried to make her feel less but Elizabeth cunningly evaded and even ridiculed the attempts to make her feel less.
Lord Winderford approached Elizabeth
-Miss Elizabeth managed to understand that you do not have brothers-
-You are correct, my lord-
-Certainly your father is a strategist, in the absence of a brother he strikes up friendship with a strong protector like Darcy
She raised her eyebrow
-The young man is known to be a true lion over those in his charge, he is not manipulable and is all honor, however I assure you that he is not half as nice as my Rhys I hope to be able to introduce you soon -
She smiled and nodded
You will be in London for a long time-
- After Christmas I understand my family will attend the season, but Christmas we will be Longbourn
- I hope then at the honor ball, to have the pleasure-
She smiled and the gentleman left while Darcy He approached - He would like to participate in a table- she looked at him smiling
- She shouldn't monopolize his company-
- I wouldn't oppose it-
- Let's go then-
They approached the installed game table together and the t At the end of the game they sat down, the ladies whispered and although they were not like Miss Bingley or Lady Susan, they were not very open either, Miss Victoria Wilson who was also practically new to the ton was one of the friendliest of the night. Elizabeth appraised Darcy today he was stoic, he didn't frown like in Hetfordshire, he spoke little and was aloof with the ladies, the few small smiles he gave were for her, he definitely wore a mask in society.
Her meditation was interrupted when Miss Stuton approached the table and offered the gentlemen a few drinks, Elizabeth noticed how there was a trace between the glasses, there was a spell there, when Darcy went to take the glass - Elizabeth said- Mr Darcy should keep your mind then don't complain because I got over you-
Darcy looked at her and smiled, she looked at his hand and he nodded, he had also noticed the trail but it felt good that she wanted to warn him- That won't happen - he looked at Miss Stuton and narrowed his eyes, undid the spell and then nodded turning his attention to the cards
- Tricks, every once in a while they throw the hook to fish - Sir Devon said quietly - while he shook his head
- Darcy should get married now and the attention will decrease - he said Lady Metcalf
-I'm considering it- she said looking at Elizabeth who blushed and the table shook a little, and her companions looked at her, which made her feel more embarrassed...
Sir Devon said smiling - Apparently it's not him the only one who avoids the subject
Lady Metcalf waved her hand and calmed the atmosphere, looking first at Elizabeth and then at Darcy, she said - If you choose well, you don't have to avoid it, what you have to avoid is arriving out of hurry or commitment-
- Wise words my lady- said Devon smiling
The night continued without incident, and once in the carriage Darcy said- I hope you enjoyed the evening-
- Yes, thanks for the evening-
-The pleasure was mine- he said looking at her with intensity, while it seemed that a mist surrounded them
Elizabeth felt so many things, that she couldn't think rationally, for a moment she just looked at Darcy's lips and felt attracted like a magnet, she had to avoid him otherwise she would do something improper -I see that she has softened her gaze towards my family- she said looking at her hands and playing with her gloves, trying to break whatever was happening, where the chaperone was, she didn't even notice that the chaperone sat in front….
His heart was softening is not the word, I look at them differently, no family is perfect Elizabeth- he nodded
She smiled softly, she liked it a lot when he said her name in such an intimate way, but he kept silent, they shared a look and then she looked out the carriage window, this was getting out of control….
Darcy breathed and even if he wanted to touch her he just sighed, his mark burned, but he was sure she wouldn't see any reflection, and even when he looked into her eyes it was brief, he knew he couldn't distinguish any change, I wanted one more moment to touch her, just touch her , but the time was not enough and the carriage stopped announcing its arrival.
When you entered the hall a footman was waiting for his Lord
-James what's wrong- said Darcy
-An expressed Mr. arrived- and offered him the envelope
He took it and read briefly, he looked up at Elizabeth who warmed up briefly before retiring - Miss Elizabeth I must go north shortly, I must shorten our stay in London, you can stay here until your Father comes for you or go with your uncles if you feel more comfortable-
-I think it is best that we go with my uncles- she said with aplomb but wanted to know more
-I really understand I'm sorry to shorten your stay- he said looking at her deeply
-Don't worry sir-
- I'll leave after breakfast, Georgiana will go with my uncles and leave later, so noon would be a good time to go with her relatives, I will write to your father about the change that has arisen
- I understand, sir, good night- she said with a brief bow
-Good night-…Elizabeth… he whispered in her mind, she looked into his eyes and really could not distinguish that she saw there, he smiled and walked away, they were not alone the moment had passed, decorum was prevailing.
Both were left with a sea of mixed feelings. Darcy had to leave the death of his great-uncle Jacob Fitzwilliam meant that he had to assume control of the house and the territories, something that he could not delay as with the Darcy house, because his Fitzwilliam relatives were more conflictive and also part of those lands were the ones that they were under stress by the movements of the lian and the workers.
At breakfast Georgiana was sad to leave, Darcy was fully ready to leave….
- You would like me to write to you- she said shyly to the ladies
. Mary nodded and Elizabeth replied - of course dear, it would be very nice to know how you are doing in the north
- I hope my brother comes back for the season and brings me with him- she said looking at Darcy
- It is most likely, it is possible that the whole season we will be in London, however, my time will be scarce to entertain - he answers the ladies
- Your next appointment is expected - Mary continued
- If for that reason we need to go north to advance things and assume all the administration jointly- said Darcy
- Our father I suppose will be in similar procedures so it is likely then that we will visit you in the season because we will also be in London- said Elizabeth who looked at Darcy and then addressed Georgiana at the final
- I really prefer to be at home, but apparently it will not be possible until the summer- said Georgiana
- I think we would all prefer the same- said Elizabeth
Breakfast continued and at the end Darcy hugged Georgiana goodbye
He said goodbye to Mary, and when he was in front of Elizabeth he looked at her wanting to record every feature of her, he couldn't claim her even if he wanted to, he sighed - See you soon Miss Elizabeth
- Until we meet again - she said he softly, social conventions did not allow anything more than words and bows
He gently took her hand and said looking into her eyes- I hope that it will be soon that our paths cross... he kisses her hand and whisper in her mind... so as not to separate us anymore- she could notice how his eyes dilated, and changed their color from blue to intense green, Elizabeth's heart was racing, she squeezed her hand before letting go, and smiled at him, she had just realized that she really didn't she detested this man and would miss him very much, and she was almost sure that he was the one she should recognize as her irisurt, not only her eyes changed, that energy she had felt last night and the electricity through his touch….
Seeing him leave made her wish she had given him something, the words he said in her mind seemed to give her hope but that might be the last time she saw him, Darcy left, the ladies chatted some more but Elizabeth felt a part of her shake. She had left, she wasn't sure how she felt about Darcy, and the next few days to get back to Longbourn were long and tedious, some walks in the park, other dinners she attended with her uncles, two brief visits from the Colonel as she had returned to the service, they also briefly visited Stone House to locate a few things and check that everything on the property was kept in order, she had to get used to the constant surveillance of two footmen, they met more and more people, she attended tea with Lady Metcalf, but she was just waiting to hear news from Georgiana, to find out about Mr. Darcy
- Lizzie what do you read that has you so abstracted - asked Mary
- Spell and counter-spells, it's a book I took from Stone house
- Do you plan to cast a spell on people- said Mary curiously
- Not really, I would say that I plan to avoid being cast a spell or better understand what I should do to avoid spells-
- Dear you should not worry so much about it- Madeline said that she heard her niece's last words when she entered the room
- Believe it or not aunt, at the dinner I attended with Mr. Darcy a lady tried to
Mary and her aunt were surprised,
-It was subtle, but it was, he skillfully undid the spell quickly, he was not doing it because of his power but Because of the knowledge you have, then I do believe that it is necessary that we take care of learning more about the qualities and abilities, you are a magician aunt and you may not use your magic regularly, but you know how to use it if you need it
- You're right Lizzie, I know how to use it and recognize it, although I don't use it commonly in my environment people with magical qualities are rare
Mary looked at her sister -In the Darcy house and its surroundings everyone had qualities, I didn't think they used magic so much, but I think it's my ability to admit what I failed, it makes sense that dad told us to trust each other, but for that we must know more, will you lend me that book-
Lizzie nodded and said-I think we could go back to look for other similar ones, it's very good you interest in other readings, there are several that may interest her- Mary was colored, although the Colonel marked an interest in her and subtly recommended several texts, Mary still did not feel confident, she considered herself insipid and after the marked disinterest of Collins to his person did not want to get excited…. the conversation went on and on and on until they returned to Hetfordshire