Mrs Bennet did not return to the parlour instead headed towards the kitchen calling for Hill and cook to attend her, already planning the dinner to further impress Mr Bingley.
Elizabeth signalled for Jane to join her and caught the attention of Mary and Kitty. Kitty hastily gathered up all her sketches and scurried out of the room ahead of her sisters. Mary joined Elizabeth as Jane moved towards them.
"Jane, you have a claret habit that we think will look well on Mary, would you be amiable to letting her look at it?"
"Yes, of course," Jane said slightly surprised.
"Oh good, then while we do that you might share what you and Mr Bingley spoke of."
Jane smiled beatifically. "Mr Bingley and I spoke of nothing of consequence. But I was glad to see him. He informed me that he had been successful in completing his business in town and had no need to travel from Netherfield for the foreseeable future."
They entered Jane's room together, Elizabeth claimed a spot on the bed while Jane retrieved the habit in question. Hanging it from the curtain rod, she gestured to it. "I have never worn it, would you like to try it on, Mary."
"Yes," Kitty said decisively pulling Mary forward from her place by the wall. Moving around to Mary's back she swiftly began undoing the buttons of Mary's day dress. Mary tried to wriggle away but ceased when Kitty swatted at her.
"Be still! You need to try it on at the very least. Jane do you have a low stool Mary can stand on? We will need to pin the hems first, I think."
Jane moved to find a stool appropriate while Elizabeth dug pins out of Jane's work bag. Mary shot a desperate look at Elizabeth who laughed. "Come, Mary, it is not so bad as that, and at least we are not Mama."
As the sisters worked on pinning the dress to suit Mary and Kitty's design, Elizabeth asked after Mary's opinion of Miss Darcy.
"She is quite accomplished on the pianoforte and has been to some concerts in London I find myself quite envious of, although she has agreed to share the music she has brought with her with me. I look forward to seeing what the latest pieces are like."
"Well if she accompanies her brother who accompanies Mr Bingley, I should imagine you shall see more of her. I should like to get to know her as well."
"Do you like Mr Darcy?" Kitty asked Elizabeth curiously. "I shan't tell Lydia if you tell me, only you seemed not to like him at first, but he is very wealthy. I was quite frightened when he sat down with us, he has such a stern demeanour. I did not expect him to converse with us, nor comment on my sketches."
Elizabeth hesitated. "My first impressions of him were not favourable it is true; however, he has shown me marked preference that I would be foolish to ignore. In short Kitty, I do not know Mr Darcy well enough to know if I like him."
"You can get to know him while I get to know Mr Bingley. I would not be averse to sharing my future happiness with your sister," Jane encouraged.
"Mr Bingley proposed?" Kitty squeaked dropping the pins she was holding.
"No!" Elizabeth, Jane, and Mary replied in unison.
Kitty shrank back at the vehemence.
"Apologies," Jane said kindly. "But Mr Bingley has not proposed, he has sought a courtship with me which Papa has agreed to."
"But Mama, she has not been told?"
"No," Jane said. "I wish to get to know Mr Bingley, I am nearly certain of my regard for him, but I do not wish to raise Mama's hopes if it comes to nought."
"Goodness, when did that happen?" Kitty asked.
"At the ball", Mary answered.
"You knew? Why did I not?"
"Because you spent the evening with Lydia and the officers, Mary, Jane, and I spent the evening in company with each other," Elizabeth pointed out.
"I think it is unfair you excluded me just because I wished to dance," Kitty pouted.
The three sisters exchanged a glance. Jane, ever the diplomat, offered. "If you wish to, you can spend more time with us."
"Especially if Lydia is spending more time with Evangeline," Elizabeth added slyly. "You are welcome to join me on my walks."
"Really?" Kitty said in surprise.
"Only because Papa will not let her walk alone," Jane replied drily. "And I have no wish to walk six miles before breakfast."
"Hardly six miles!" Elizabeth cried in mock outrage. "Perhaps four," she conceded at Jane's raised brow.
"Well, I might," Kitty said. "I have never been to Oakham mount before sunrise before. I might like to attempt painting it."
"Then you will be very welcome."
"Are you finished?" Mary asked plaintively. "I would like to get down."
"Oh, yes," Kitty said helping Mary off the stool. "What do you think? If we all help, I think we can have it finished in a few days. Though I'm not sure that that trim is quite right. Perhaps we should walk to Meryton and see if there is anything more suited? Something more gold than yellow?"
"We could go tomorrow, perhaps if Mr Bingley calls and the weather is fine, we could all go," Jane suggested.
"Mama will certainly let us go, but to be seen in Meryton with Mr Bingley escorting you will only cause gossip." Elizabeth cautioned.
"No more than is already in circulation," Jane said with a dismissive wave of her hand. "I shall be accompanied by three of my sisters, there can be no cause to accuse me of impropriety, and it will also give you an opportunity to talk to Mr Darcy."
The plan was agreed to by the four of them, and they settled to quiet industry reworking the gown.
The next morning Elizabeth rose and knocked gently on Kitty's door. It cracked open to reveal her sister still pinning her hair up. Kitty yawned widely. "I do not think I have ever been up so early. I had to ask Sarah to wake me."
"Did she not stay and help you dress?" Elizabeth asked leading Kitty towards her dressing table and pushing her hands from her hair. Elizabeth ran the brush through Kitty's hair and finished the task of pinning it up.
"No, I let her return to bed. Let me collect up my things, and I shall be ready," Kitty said standing up and collecting up a cloth satchel from the end of her bed.
Elizabeth led the way down the back stairs to the kitchen where her tea was waiting. Upon seeing Kitty, Cook placed another teacup down along with another roll. Kitty gulped the tea gratefully, and upon seeing her sister pocket the roll did the same thing.
The morning air was sharp and cold. The grass was frosted and crunching beneath their feet as Elizabeth set off down the familiar path, Kitty came up beside her looping her arm through her sister's arm.
"Thank you for inviting me," Kitty said her voice quiet in deference to the morning's stillness.
"You are welcome to join me any time although you may want to hold your thanks until we return."
Kitty snorted her acknowledgement of her sister's humour, her breath clouding in front of her face. "It is so quiet and still."
"Yes, it is my favourite time of the day."
"Everyone is still asleep, it feels as if we are stealing away on some grand adventure."
Elizabeth smiled at the idea. "I used to think the same, although Papa is already in his book room and Jane and Mary may also be abroad."
"Jane and Mary? But Jane said yesterday she didn't wish to accompany you."
"Jane and Mary ride out in the mornings. Not every morning and mostly apart but sometimes together. Papa used to but found more often than not his horse was missing so has given it up."
"I feel like I have been missing out. What do you do when you cannot walk out?"
"I spend time in the still room in the mornings when the weather keeps us inside. Jane will often join me. No one would exclude you, Kitty, if you wished to join any of us. You sleep in, I doubt any of us thought you were unhappy with that arrangement."
"I do not sleep late," Kitty explained. "I do not rise this early, but I practice my drawing before breakfast. I find it is best to do so when Lydia is not present, she has no patience for it and thinks I should only draw gowns and fashion or portraits of her."
"You are very talented. When did you start practising in earnest?"
"I have always drawn," Kitty replied.
They crossed the fields carrying on the conversation and Elizabeth learnt that she had yet another sister that perhaps was not as she had initially judged. Kitty, away from Lydia and officers and drawn into a conversation that didn't mock or belittle her was not the silly girl Elizabeth had taken her for. Elizabeth began to think that her so vaunted powers of drawing characters were not as developed as she thought and in fact perhaps, she should give the occupation up altogether.
Once they reached the top of the hill, the dawn light was breaking. Elizabeth sat upon her rock leaving space for Kitty to settle next to her. Kitty pulled her sketch pad out and a piece of charcoal.
"I thought you wished to paint the sunrise."
"I do," Kitty said. "But that will come later."
Elizabeth settled down content to watch her sister and the sunrise. She began to quietly point out the landmarks as Kitty drew them, explaining where the borders of Longbourn's land was, where the Goulding's started and the wood that stretched over towards Purvis Lodge.
They were bathed in the warming light of the dawn when Elizabeth heard the snort of an approaching horse and twisted around to see Mr Darcy crest the top of the hill.
"Good morning Miss Bennet, Miss Kitty," he called out as he reined in his horse. Behind him, Miss Darcy atop her own mount reined in beside her brother.
"Mr Darcy, Miss Darcy," Elizabeth and Kitty replied, rising and curtseying.
Mr Darcy dismounted and lifted his sister down returning the greetings.
"My sister wished to see more of the surrounding area."
"We did not mean to disturb you," Miss Darcy said shyly.
"It does not follow that your disturbance is unwelcome," Elizabeth replied. "I was just observing Kitty as she drew the landscape."
"Oh. Might I see?" Miss Darcy asked Kitty. "Brother told me that you are quite a talented artist and that you draw gowns for your sisters."
Kitty blushed and smiled at the same time before beckoning Miss Darcy over. The two young ladies took seats on the rock, and Kitty handed over the sketchbook pointing out the same landmarks Elizabeth had pointed out to her.
"I had not thought to see you until later," Mr Darcy said. "That is, we were to accompany Mr Bingley on his call to Longbourn."
Elizabeth chuckled softly. "He is quite besotted then. How is your sister finding Hertfordshire?"
"Our ride has barely begun, I fear that neither of us rose as early as you and Miss Kitty this morning, this was our first destination."
"It is a pleasant ride, to begin with."
"You ride Miss Elizabeth?"
"No, I am no horsewoman, I leave that to Jane and Mary, they are both very accomplished. I prefer my own two feet. They often ride out early in the mornings around Longbourn's park before making their way up here. Jane has often met me here just as we have done so. Shall I expect to find Mr Bingley accompanying you in future?"
"Bingley is not an early riser although perhaps given the right inducement he could be persuaded."
"Is Miss Darcy to accompany you on your visit today?"
"Yes, she enjoyed her conversation with Miss Mary yesterday. She has had few opportunities to spend time with young ladies of her own age. She says your mother was very kind to her."
"Brother," Miss Darcy called out. "Miss Kitty has invited me to accompany her and her sisters to Meryton, do say we shall."
Mr Darcy glanced at Elizabeth.
"We are to the haberdashery to find some trim for Mary's habit. The walk is not far, and it will give Jane and Mr Bingley some time out from the scrutiny of Mama." Elizabeth hurriedly explained.
Miss Darcy had risen from her perch and come over to her brother an entreating look on her face. "Do say we can Brother, I have not yet had the chance to visit Meryton."
Mr Darcy nodded, "If you wish to accompany the Miss Bennets, we shall do so."
"Oh, thank you, Brother!" Miss Darcy said a delighted smile on her face. She clapped her hands and span away to retake her place next to Kitty on the rock.
"I doubt she will run through her pin money in Meryton," Elizabeth teased. "We certainly don't have the same variety as a Bond Street modiste."
"I have found, that while Georgiana has what my Aunt Matlock determines as a passing interest in fashion suitable for a girl of sixteen, that is not where her weakness lies. It is in sheet music."
Elizabeth laughed. "I can commiserate, I have always found the draw of a bookshop most difficult to resist, Papa was hardly any better, so it is a habit I have never learnt to curb. Much to my mother's frustration. What is new lace to the latest periodical, essay, or novel? I believe that you are guilty of such behaviours as well. Was Miss Bingley not praising you for always buying books?"
"Yes, but then I believe we have discussed my preference for those who enjoy extensive reading."
Elizabeth blinked then blushed. "Shall we join our sisters?" she said changing the subject abruptly. "I should think by now Kitty has finished her sketching."
Mr Darcy nodded offering his arm. Elizabeth took it though they only had all of six paces to go. Kitty's sketch was indeed complete, and she and Miss Darcy were flicking through the rest of the pages examining the drawings.
Kitty looked over her shoulder at the sound of their approach her eyes widening to see Elizabeth on Mr Darcy's arm. Elizabeth considered that she might have to ask Kitty for discretion when it came to the attention that Mr Darcy was paying her. She did not yet wish for either her mother or Lydia to go gossiping to their neighbours.
"Are you ready to return?" Elizabeth asked of Kitty.
"Yes, I think. If you do not mind, I wish to accompany you again to get the colours set in my mind."
"Of course, if the weather is clement, we can come as many times as you wish." Elizabeth disengaged from Mr Darcy's arm. Farewells were exchanged, and Miss Darcy crossed to her brother's side, he helped her remount her horse before mounting his own. Both parties lingered before final salutations were exchanged and the Darcy siblings rode back down the track with the Bennet sisters following on foot.
Back at Longbourn Elizabeth and Kitty slipped up the back stairs and into their rooms to change before going down for breakfast. Only Mary and Lydia were present at the table. Lydia looked at Kitty suspiciously as she took her seat.
"You were not in your room when I looked. Where have you been?"
"Out sketching," Kitty replied quietly as she began eating.
Lydia rolled her eyes dropping the subject in favour of another. "I am to Maria Lucas', then to Meryton. We are going to call on the officers. Shall you join us?"
"No," Kitty answered.
Lydia looked surprised at the answer then shrugged. "As you like, but I shall not make your excuses should the officers ask. Not that I think they will, but you can hardly remain a favourite if you don't attend."
Kitty looked torn but shook her head. "I shall not change my mind. You insist on visiting Evangeline, and I do not wish to be in company with her."
"Lord, you are becoming so dull," Lydia huffed. She rose from the table and with one saucy glance back at her sisters flounced out of the room.
Kitty kept her head down concentrating on her food. When she had finished, she quietly rose and was about to exit the room when Mary stopped her.
"If you prefer to go with Lydia I shall not mind for my part."
"I do not," Kitty said turning to her sister. "Lydia will not miss my company when she has the draw of both officers to flirt with and Evangeline." Kitty looked sad for a moment before shrugging it off. "Mr Darcy and Miss Darcy came across Lizzy and I this morning. Miss Darcy has permission from her brother to join us on our excursion to Meryton. I should prefer to do that."
Mary nodded. "Then I thank you."
Kitty nodded. "I am going to check my paint supplies, you will not mind if we stop for some if I am low on some?"
"No Kitty, of course not. We can speak with Mr Jones while you pick out your colours. I am sure he will be glad to see Jane is fully recovered after her illness," Elizabeth assured her sister.
In due course, Mr Bingley arrived along with Mr Darcy and Miss Darcy. Jane suggested the walk to Mr Bingley who agreed and the party set out. Jane and Mr Bingley led the group, heads bent together as they conversed. Kitty and Mary walked either side of Miss Darcy following Jane and Mr Bingley while Elizabeth found herself once again walking with Mr Darcy although he refrained from offering his arm.
"Do you often walk to the nearest village with your sister?" Elizabeth asked.
"No, neither my sister or I am such great walkers, the distance is near six miles. It is easier to go in the carriage or on horseback."
"Goodness is Pemberley so isolated?"
"In a way, the nearest village is Lambton which is a mile and a half from the edge of the grounds. The house, however, lies some four miles from the road."
"I fear Mr Darcy, that Miss Bingley has quite understated your home."
"Miss Bingley has only visited once, and she was not fond of the being outdoors. It is not surprising she was unaware of the exact size of the estate."
"Indeed, well you have told me of the rose garden, what other treasures do you have hidden away in this vast park of yours?"
Mr Darcy smirked. "We have a number of stands of horse chestnut trees, although I confess the best tree was to be found in Lambton, outside the blacksmiths."
Elizabeth laughed delightedly. "Tell me Mr Darcy, were you often in competition with the other children in the village?"
"Not with the boys of the village, but with my Fitzwilliam cousins certainly. Richard would swear that the conkers from Lambton would win over any he could find at Matlock. There is a small waterfall on the north side of the estate. The river comes across the grounds, forms a lake then runs into the woods. If you follow it for a mile or so, there is a small fall, perhaps twenty feet. It has been a favourite swimming spot for as long as there have been Darcys at Pemberley. Over the years the cliff has eroded away behind the fall and has made a ledge large enough to sit upon."
"It sounds quite lovely, I wonder at your ability to leave it."
"I do prefer to be at Pemberley more than anywhere, it is I suppose no different to anyone else. Do you not feel the same about Longbourn?"
"Yes, I suppose. I am fortunate to be able to spend time with my Aunt and Uncle in London. I confess that I am always glad to return home. As diverting as town can be with its balls and parties and performances, there is something special about the last few miles on the road home. Seeing those landmarks that are so familiar."
"What was the last performance you saw in London?"
"Oh," Elizabeth paused, thinking. "It was the Magic Flute, I acknowledge that my German is not good enough to understand it fully, although I had the libretto to follow."
"And what did you think of it?"
"I confess that I am delighted by Opera and thought that performance to be excellent. Have you seen it?"
"No, I did not attend the last time I was in town. Perhaps next time, I shall try to get tickets. Georgianna has not yet attended an opera, she may enjoy it."
Elizabeth nodded her agreement, and they walked on in silence.
Upon reaching Meryton, Kitty guided them down the high street pointing out the different shops to Georgiana. Upon reaching the haberdashery, they all proceeded inside, quite filling the small shop. Kitty took Mary forward to the displays of ribbon and trim pulling a scrap of the claret fabric from her pocket. Jane and Mr Bingley stayed by the door with Mr Darcy and Elizabeth, giving the three younger members of their party the room to look over the displays.
After a drawn-out discussion where Kitty and Miss Darcy combined forces to get Mary to agree on trim, the purchase was made the group left the shop to continue to the apothecary.
Inside Mr Jones greeted the Bennets with warmth. Kitty examined the pig's bladders of colour while Jane and Elizabeth conserved with Mr Jones about the current needs of Longbourns tenants.
"I saw Mrs Abbott yesterday. Young Jenny is showing improvement. I hope that she does not suffer so severely this winter as last." Mr Jones commented to the two elder Bennets.
"Yes," Jane agreed. "Jenny is looking much better. I took a jar of tincture to Mrs Abbott not four days ago. If you believe it is of some aid, then I shall make sure Mrs Abbott has enough to see her through the winter. Would mustard help, Jenny? I remember you mentioned using a mustard paste, before her breathing became too laboured, but it was too late for such action to be of use."
"Perhaps," Mr Jones replied. "It cannot hurt if you have it, if not I can deliver some the next time I am passing. Mrs Abbott should use it as Jenny starts showing the first signs of trouble. After a particular stage, it will not help."
Jane nodded. "Lizzy had Mr Johnson plant more seedlings in the spring, and I believe the crop was good. I shall have some ground up and delivered to Mrs Abbot with your instructions."
"Very good." Mr Jones said. Kitty stepped up to the counter with her selection of paints.
"Miss Kitty, have you found everything you require?" Mr Jones queried kindly.
"Yes, thank you," Kitty answered. "Although, do you think your colourman can make me up some more of the yellow I had last time? You don't have any here." Indicating the water bath the apothecary kept the bladders in.
"I believe so. Do you have the empty bladder still? It will be easier to match the colour if you do."
"Yes," Kitty nodded. "I shall bring it to you. Does your colourman still come on Tuesdays?"
"Yes, now if that's everything?"
Kitty nodded reaching for her reticule. Mary nudged her aside placing the coins down in front of Mr Jones. Kitty looked up surprised at her sister's actions.
Mary shrugged. "You are helping me with my habit."
"Thank you." Kitty beamed gathering up the bladders and placing them carefully in her reticule.
The group trooped back outside and along the street to the bookshop. Outside they paused only a moment before going inside. Miss Darcy and Mary headed over to the shelf of sheet music while Jane and Mr Bingley casually browsed the shelves with Kitty in tow. Elizabeth went to the directly to the counter followed by Mr Darcy.
"Hello Mr Brocton, has Papa's book arrived?"
"Good day, Miss Elizabeth, yes it has just this morning. Do you wish to take it with you? I can have it sent up to Longbourn."
"I shall take it, Mr Brocton."
"Very good Miss Elizabeth, if you would give me a moment to wrap it for you."
Elizabeth nodded, and Mr Brocton disappeared into the room behind the counter. Mr Darcy stood silently by her side his eyes on his sister who was discussing the merits of the sheet music she held in each hand with Mary.
"It seems your sister has managed to find music she does not yet own." Elizabeth commented as Miss Darcy approached.
Miss Darcy clutched a few sheets of music in one hand which she laid on the counter as Mr Brocton returned with Mr Bennet's book. He handed it over with a smile and Elizabeth took it with a word of thanks moving out of the way to allow Miss Darcy to complete her purchases.
Miss Darcy asked for some loose paper and spent a few minutes debating between two thicknesses before making her decision.
"I wish to copy out some of Mary's music," she explained to her enquiring brother. "I agreed to share mine in return, so we will need the paper to make fair copies."
Mr Darcy nodded wordlessly and stood to the side as she completed her purchase. He took the wrapped bundle from her, then gestured her ahead of him towards the door where the rest of the party waited.
Elizabeth exchanged farewells with Mr Brocton before joining her party out the main street. By mutual agreement, they turned back to Longbourn, Elizabeth and Mr Darcy reprising their roles at the rear of the party.
"Might I carry your parcel, Miss Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth glanced down at the book in her hands then at Mr Darcy's expectant face before cautiously handing it over. "I thank you, Mr Darcy."
He nodded in reply and Elizabeth folded her now empty arms behind her back, feeling wrong-footed by a simple act of courtesy.
Once returned to Longbourn the party settled in the parlour with refreshments. Mary, Kitty, and Miss Darcy all sat at the table in the parlour pouring over their purchases. At some point, they had come to an agreement to dispense with the formality of formal address and had become Mary, Kitty and Georgiana to each other.