Its Jack and Coke over here. It's gotta be super sweet for me. Cannot stand the dry stuff.
Mrs. Gardiners expression betrayed her diversion at seeing the two of them red faced and breathless before her. Her children even paused their games to watch their normally docile cousin behaving so wildly improper.
"Mrs. Gardiner, you simply must give your permission for our game," Charles said with a wild grin and a breathless tone. "Miss Bennet has the most charming competition in mind, and it is the perfect thing to do on a day like today."
"What a glowing request. I should like to hear more of it," she said with a smile, as her children gathered like chicks to a hen. Mrs. Gardiner leaned down to pick up her youngest, Penelope. The girl sucked her thumb while studying the couple before her. Her oldest boy, Edward, butted the second boy, Ezra, with his shoulder. Ezra looked peeved but stayed silent, in hopes of later revenge when their mother was not quite as close. The third daughter, Clarice, held onto her mothers skirt, while studying Charles in a bashful fashion.
"Do you remember when Lizzy and I were small and we would pull each other on the ice, to see how far we could slide?" Jane said. Mrs. Gardiner broke a gleeful laugh, which startled Penelope enough for the toddler to hold onto her mother with both hands. Mrs. Gardiner absently mindedly patted the girl and nodded, still laughing.
"There's a little pond just a five minute walk from here," Charles said excitedly, "we've already challenged Darcy and Miss Elizabeth. You're the only one standing between us and our victory." Mrs. Gardiner tossed her head with another laugh.
"Very sure of yourselves I see," her eyes glittered at Jane, "very well, go and have your fun. But take Edward and Ezra to chaperone, and you go as well Florence." The children's nurse smiled at her employer, the two women united in trying to tire the boys. Ezra's eyes gleamed as he and Edward jumped up and down to celebrate. Clarice tugged on her mothers dress, to whisper in her ear.
"Of course you can dearest, but you must hold Mr. Bingleys hand the whole time," Mrs. Gardiner said. Clarice burned bright red, shook her head and hid behind her mothers skirts again. "No? Perhaps next time then." Mrs. Gardiner gave promised threats to her boys to ensure their behavior, a look in her eye that made both boys stand a little straighter. She squeezed Jane's hand with a smile, but sent the same forceful look to Charles, who stood a little straighter before she headed home with her two youngest.
"I'm so excited!" Jane said, turning to Charles.
"Your aunt might be more frightening than Caroline," he said with a grin.
"Just with one look?" Jane queried as they began their walk back to Lizzy and Mr. Darcy, "I heard Caroline had to resort to violence for you to be nervous of her."
"That's her favorite story to tell," Charles laughed, as the boys dashed to Lizzy, their nurse's hawk-like gaze almost unblinking. "But yes, your aunt gave me the same jolt of fear as Caroline does on her worst days." Jane covered her smile to hide her laugh, the excitement and enthusiasm for the competition intoxicating.
Mr. Darcy, on their arrival back, did not have the same zeal for the idea as Charles did, he even frowned. But when Lizzy gushed in a joyful manner, with Edward and Ezra hopping about her like rabbits, his face changed. Lizzy spoke so animatedly with the boys, with Charles and Jane, that Mr. Darcy could hardly tear his eyes away. Charles nudged Jane and winked.
"Well let's head off then!" Charles said, slapping Mr. Darcy on his shoulder, causing the man to turn a shade of pink that couldn't be attributed to the cold. Ezra and Edward held onto both of Lizzy's hands as they skipped off quickly, a rapturous trio. Mr. Darcy kept up, his long stride coming in handy. Florence rushed behind.
Jane looked at Charles face, a buoyant expression as he looked at the group. At the happiness that he caused. In Mr. Darcys case, a happiness which was seldom experienced . Janes heart swelled and a smile came unbidden to her lips. When Charles looked down to see her, he looked more euphoric.
"I think I've come up with an answer to your question," Jane said, walking along. Charles followed her speed and pulled her close as they walked.
"I'm afraid I can't remember my own question," he said with a smile.
"You asked me why I act so differently with you and seem to close up with other people," Jane explained. Realization dawned on Charles and he looked at her expectantly. "I think I act differently because you see me the way I am, and not the way I ought to be." Charles looked a little confused, and gave her a look that made her happy to continue.
"I feel as though I have to play a role in a play I never agreed to. And the play continues no matter where I stand, at home, in an assembly, visiting others. I always hated the play. But then you came, and you took away my script. Not only that, but I'm pulled off stage, and out of the theater. In our early days I felt exposed while talking to you, because I had lived in the play for so long that being outside it was frightening. But now, I feel so much more free and open because you make me feel like Jane, and not like the eldest, cannot be so beautiful for nothing, Miss Bennet. And I like being just Jane, though I have much to discover about her."
"I see," Charles said with a nod of understanding. "Then I must also thank you for also saving me from the accursed play." Now it was Jane's turn to be confused. "My sisters demand that I play my part as the wonderful supporting cast to push Caroline to greater heights. I'm afraid if you hadn't come to visit them, I might have given in to their request."
"Oh?" Jane asked, hearing the shrieks of the boys as they approached the pond.
"Yes, I've never put it as eloquently as you, but I've felt the pressure from this play as well. Like maybe I got the wrong script, but I'm the comedic relief. Everyone likes me to be sure, but only to a certain point. I'm not quite a tradesman, but I'm not a nobility either. Nobles and tradesmen alike are suspicious of me. They'll work with me, but there's a wall, like nothing I say will change what I am. I can't imagine passing this position down to my children. To be held at arm's length by everyone they meet. My sisters assure me that I'll get the correct script if I were to marry the correct actress. Save my children from inheriting the wrong script as well. But then I met you. And you seemed to have the same incorrect script. But I like it better the way you described it. You've pulled me off the stage." Charles reached over and tugged her ear at this pronouncement.
They walked into the open field of snow, where Lizzy and the boys were so impatiently waiting for them.
"Why do you walk so slow Mr. Bingley!" Ezra demanded, throwing his arms out at Charles. Mr. Darcy face crumpled into a repressed laugh.
"Yes, Bingley," he smirked, "explain to Mr. Ezra why you are tardy." Lizzy let out a giggle, but looked bewildered at herself.
"Easy enough answer," Charles said with a grin, "because I'm terrible at sharing and want to keep Miss Bennets company to myself." Lizzy blushed immediately and Florence, who had been watching them, held a smile. Mr. Darcy shot a glance towards Lizzy before abruptly changing the subject.
"There's your answer Ezra, now Bingley and I will go and test the ice. You and Edward figure out what to use for this Skikjoring," Charles squeezed her hand briefly and slide over to Mr. Darcy. Lizzy walked over to Jane, pursing her lip.
"Very demanding, and here Mr. Bingley was engaging in the apparent sin of enjoying your company. Insufferable," Lizzy spoke quietly, watching Edward and Ezra examine their scarves.
"I don't think so, did you see his smirk? He keeps his face as still as mine, but can't you read my face? And he is very sarcastic. Can't you not see Papa saying the same thing?" Jane offered. Lizzy looked blank, and then introspective.
"Well, I have been noticing your mooncalf expression whenever Mr. Bingley is around. And I suppose I could see Papa saying that, and I would laugh if Papa had said it."
"I heard you laugh when Mr. Darcy said it," Jane said, glancing at Lizzy. Lizzy did not seem keen on continuing the conversation. So they turned their attention to the men, who also seemed to be discussing the past conversation.
Charles made Mr. Darcy smile, before he slid onto the ice. Charles's laugh echoed over the ice as he gave one, two little hops. He took three steps forward, gave a little hop, two more steps and a hop. Mr. Darcy for his part, crouched down, and knocked on the ice. He took three skips backward, before running and jumping onto the ice. His footing was surprisingly sure, and he slid past Charles in a low stance. Mr. Darcy slid nearly to the center of the pond before running out of momentum.
"My, that looked exciting," Jane said, while Lizzy nodded eagerly with bright eyes. Edward and Ezra were ecstatic at this new trick and hopped about, begging Florence to let them try it.
Charles walked the rest of the way towards Mr. Darcy. "Show off" could be heard floating across the ice. The two men walked to the center, where Mr. Darcy crouched again to knock on the ice. Charles waved at the group, declaring the safety of the ice. Charles and Mr. Darcy rushed to the edge of the pond, to Jane's mild confusion. But the reason for their haste was solved.
Edward and Ezra dashed forward, leaping as Mr. Darcy had not done. Much too vigorous, much higher. Both boys' feet slid out from under them and they crashed into the ice. Jane gasped, and grabbed Lizzy's hand. Lizzy gasped and slapped a hand over her mouth. They started running for the boys, by the time the men had gotten to them. Florence walked to the edge of the pond.
Mr. Darcy hauled Ezra up, asking if he was hurt or scared. Ezra shook his head, betrayed by the tears rolling down his face. He broke away and ran to Jane to hide his face in her skirts. Charles smirked as Jane knelt down to hold the boy's face between her hands, wiping the tears with a handkerchief. She whispered encouragement to the dear one, who sniffled with disappointment.
"Well boys," Charles laughed as he gave Edward a hand up and dusted the snow from the boy. Edward kept a brave face, but an embarrassed one. "If you're going to try an adult trick, you must know there are adult sized consequences." He grabbed Edward's hands and spun him to face the center of the pond. He muttered quietly to Edward, who shifted his stance, nodded and smiled. Charles then pushed the boy forward. Edward did not get very far, but he did not fall.
"Did you see that?" he cried, "did you see?" Mr. Darcy did an incredible feat. He laughed! Out loud! Lizzy looked shocked. Mr. Darcy laughed, and proclaimed Edward had gone farther than he had when he was that age. Edward lifted his head with pride, and gave a little run before sliding again, shakily, but successfully short.
Ezra, after wiping his nose with Jane handkerchief, stepped cautiously over to Mr. Darcy, grabbing and holding his hand. Lizzy looked on in curiosity. Jane and Charles watched Lizzy hopefully. Florence watched them all, diverted and knowing that the boys were not terribly hurt, only terribly embarrassed. Her intrusion on the scene would only further embarrass the boys, making the situation worse.
Mr. Darcy, for his part, leaned down to properly hear Ezras whispers. He gave a smirk, a nod and rose back up regally. "I believe we can do such a thing Mr. Ezra." He picked up the boy and walked farther into the pond.
Charles came to stand next to Jane, claiming her hand with his, out of view of Lizzy and Florence, but not Mr. Darcy.
"How do you know the trick?" Lizzy demanded with a grin, her eyes dancing with mischief.
"Back home in the north of course! No better place to practice than the icy winters there. Darcy is much better at it, as he has more chances to practice," Charles said. "And crashing into the ice is a rite of passage for us," he said looking at Florence. Florence laughed at this.
"It seems various injuries are rites of passage for boys," she said.
"Scars are a tribute to a wonderful childhood," he agreed. They watched as Mr. Darcy pushed Ezra, who slid all the way to the edge of the pond where Lizzy had walked down to catch him. She scooped him up before he could take a step. He quaked in her arms, but his face held a brillant, elated smile. "I went farther than Edward!" he proclaimed.
When Edward heard, he opened his mouth indignantly to say only what little boys can say in competition. But Charles spoke before Edward had a chance to.
"Well, now we have to teach the ladies, so they can join in the fun," Charles said, walking down the pond with Jane in tow. Jane could only laugh.
"Very presumptuous of you sir, to think that us country girls need to be taught," she said. Charles looked at her with a disbelieving grin, before releasing her hand and bowing, gesturing towards the pond. Jane, gathered her skirts up, just to keep them in control, not to shorten. She took three quick, very lady-like, strides and launched herself over the ice.
She loved the feeling of the world rushing by, whether sliding on the ice, or riding a horse. It made her feel like she could race the wind, and follow the wind wherever it went. She always hoped it would take her out of her life, out of the infernal play she was stuck in. But it seemed to blow Charles into her life. Charles was the one who held open the doors to experiences such as these.
She came to a stop in the middle of the pond, farther than Mr. Darcy had gone. And, she thought, my boots have a heel. She turned around to see Lizzy applaud and Mr. Darcy give a slight bow. Charles had slid out to join her on the ice, but had to walk several strides to get to her.
"Astounding!" he proclaimed, "amazing!"
"I'm only sorry I didn't come up with any adjectives for yours."
"You can use the same ones"
"Astounding! Amazing!" she said with a delighted laugh. He looked perfectly proud, as though he had won a great event.
"And, I know just how to break Miss Elizabeth from her preconception," he said.
"Amazing, how?" Jane said in good natured confusion.
"You'll just have to wait and see," he goaded, "mostly because I don't really know how, but I know how."
"If anyone can do it, it would be you," Jane said, turning to watch Mr. Darcy speak to Lizzy. She missed Charles' look of gratitude. Lizzy tossed her head, with a laugh, and spoke to Mr. Darcy. She then flipped about, skirts in hand and dashed to the pond. She did not take three lady-like steps. She ran, full tilt, several steps. Lizzy hardly got any height in her jump, but she shot across the pond. She passed Jane and Charles, still with speed, and still laughing. Jane and Charles glanced at each other, before exploding in laughter.
"What do you think they spoke about?" Charles asked, holding Jane's shoulders as she lost her balance due to laughter. She could only shake her head.
Lizzy on the far side of the pond had run out of momentum at just the right place and she stepped like a lady onto the far bank. She turned about to face Mr. Darcy, and gave a dramatic bow. Mr. Darcy could only join in the applause. He did so with relish.
"Miss Elizabeth, come back!" Charles cried, "we have to get on with the competition!" He turned back to Jane, "and I stand by my original statement. We are going to win. We'll just have to make sure to keep them in miscommunication until we do so."
When they had all gathered together they created the rules of the competition. It would be Ezra against Edward, Lizzy against Jane and Charles against Darcy. They could choose their runners, but Edward and Ezra could not pull anyone else in competition. The boys protested until it was allowed that they could pull in between races.
Originally Darcy and Charles were content to pull the ladies and the boys. But Lizzy demanded they enter the game, if only to give her and Jane the second chance to compete.
Mr. Darcy, sweetly, asked if Florence would like a turn. The lady smiled but declined. Lizzy's face was purposefully blank.
Two scarves were produced to be used. Ezra and Edward clamored to be first. Edward chose Charles and Ezra chose Mr. Darcy. Florence heaved a sigh of relief, dreading that they would both choose the same man.
With Lizzys shouted "Go!" Both men trotted off, a steady slow pace to get each boy used to the game. Soon, shouts of "Faster! Faster!" could be heard, and the men complied. Soon, they were racing in earnest.
It was unclear who won, but Edward graciously offered to pull Ezra back. Thankfully, he started slow, as the men had, before running as fast as he could. The boys were soon back, jabbering a narrative of the race. They were met with smiles and well timed laughs. Charles and Mr. Darcy stood at the far side of the pond for a minute, before slowly walking back.
"Are you tired sir?" Jane asked as Charles walked up. "Would you like to rest, or have me pull you?" Charles gave a breathless laugh, but shook his head.
"I can muster enough for you J–Miss Bennet," he said.
"It has become quite a struggle for me too, Ch–Mr. Bingley" Jane said with a twinkle in her eye. Charles looked happy, but shoved his hands in his pockets.
"I'm glad you have the same issue, are you ready to beat Darcy and Miss Elizabeth?" he said.
"Is that what you've decided?" Lizzy laughed. Mr Darcy too looked amused. "Well, see if you can hold true to those words. Mr. Darcy, if you please," she said, taking the end of the scarf and stepping onto the ice with a determined smile. Charles nudged Jane and gave her a wink.
"Well, I for one, am just relieved you've given up being a spoilsport with my friend Darcy," Charles laughed, leading Jane down to the pond as though she was the queen of England. Lizzy barked a laugh and tossed her head. But her eyes held a startled realization.
"In a competition between friends no one can dare be a spoilsport!"
"Does this mean that you and Mr. Darcy are friends then, Lizzy?" Jane questioned, stepping farther onto the ice, both the pond and Lizzy's patience. Mr. Darcy's eyebrows rose up, and he watched the happenings with amusement and great interest.
"Don't look so amused sir!" Lizzy shot out, "my answer to such a question depends solely on our victory. Lest I become a spoilsport again!" Charles bit back a swear as Jane and Mr. Darcy laughed.
"I fixed it too soon!" he whispered in lament, "Darcy cannot lose under such a statement!"
Darcy did not lose. He even challenged a rematch, which he won again. When the ladies pulled the men, Lizzy won her part as well.
"I suppose this makes us friends Miss Elizabeth," Mr. Darcy said with a self satisfied, if breathless smile.
"I am a lady of my word, friends we shall be. Until you tire of my unending impertinence!"
"How could I tire of such a feature?" Mr. Darcy said, a softness creeping into his voice. Jane, noticing Lizzy revert slightly, spoke up.
"I've said much the same to Lizzy, her intelligence and so-called "impertinence" are some of her greatest features," Jane said with a smile directed at Lizzy. Lizzy's eyes softened slightly, with a hint of confusion.
On the way home, Ezra demanded to walk next to Mr. Darcy, which escaped the notice of no one.
