Notes: Thank you very much to my wonderful co-writer nanciellen

PPP

The Bennet family was among the first to arrive at Lucas Lodge. Elizabeth immediately sought out Charlotte to discuss her interest in opening a new school. Meanwhile, Kitty and Lydia conversed with Maria Lucas, while Mrs. Bennet, Jane and Mary socialized with Lady Lucas and Mrs. Long.

Twenty minutes later, Darcy was the last guest to arrive. He looked around the room until his eyes fell upon the radiant figure of Miss Elizabeth, and a smile naturally appeared on his lips. After exchanging pleasantries with his host and other guests, he approached Elizabeth and Miss Lucas, who were fully engaged in an animated dialogue. Elizabeth was wearing a pale-red gown that accentuated her beautiful dark hair. Darcy was utterly entranced, engrossed in her captivating conversation and smiling with delight at the sound of her melodious laughter.

Both ladies looked at Darcy and greeted him warmly. Then, Charlotte said, "Lizzy, since all the guests have arrived, it is time for you to delight us by playing one of the new pieces you have been practicing or one of your favorites."

"Perhaps our neighbors don't want to listen to my performance. We should ask them first." Elizabeth looked at both of them and smiled.

Before Charlotte could reply, Darcy said, "Miss Bennet, I enjoy music very much and seldom have the opportunity to listen to someone play, so I would like to listen to you."

"You know very well, Lizzy, that we always want to listen to you play," Charlotte smiled.

Elizabeth grinned, "You convinced me. I will play for you."

Elizabeth had a natural affinity and talent for music from a young age. Her grandfather went to great lengths to hire the finest piano and singing masters to guide her training. Those who had the privilege of hearing her play and, especially, sing were deeply impressed by the effortless mastery and fervor with which she did so. It was rare to encounter someone who possessed such extraordinary talent and affinity.

As she played "Moonlight Sonata", her precision and emotion moved everyone present. Darcy stood a few feet away, watching her beautiful face, especially her bright and expressive eyes, as she played masterfully. When she finished playing, everyone applauded enthusiastically, including Mr. Darcy.

"Brava, Miss Bennet, your execution was nothing short of exceptional. I have seldom heard anyone play better than you."

"I agree with you, Mr. Darcy. Her execution was masterful," Sir William seconded enthusiastically, even though he had spent most of the time talking with his guests instead of paying attention to the performance.

"Thank you very much. Moonlight Sonata is one of my favorite pieces, and Beethoven is my favorite composer. I can play it almost by heart."

"He is an exceptional composer, and I must say that Moonlight Sonata is a true masterpiece. However, my favorite composer is Mozart." With a smile, Darcy added, "If you play again, I would like to hear you play one of Mozart's symphonies."

Elizabeth nodded. "I like Mozart, as well, he is my second favorite composer. The next time someone asks me to play, I promise to do it."

"I am taking your word for it, Miss Bennet. I warn you; I have a very good memory. Perhaps you might play his 40th symphony."

Elizabeth smiled at him, and they continued talking for several minutes about music until dinner was ready. Since there were no cards at the table, they sat together and they continued talking about several topics, including the school.

To Darcy, the evening was one of the most enjoyable of his life, and that night, his dreams were about a lovely woman with the most beautiful green eyes.

May 1811

As predicted by Mr. Bennet, there were only four children and no adults among Longbourn's tenants interested in learning to read and write. Therefore, it was decided that another school was not needed at the present time.

Darcy gladly welcomed Elizabeth and Mary's assistance in teaching at the school. Jane eagerly joined them whenever her duties at Longbourn permitted. Hopefully, people will come to realize the benefits of being able to read and write, Darcy thought. With the Bennet ladies' help, he was sure more children would attend.

The children attend school three times a week, two hours each day. Whenever he could, Darcy would assist the ladies with the lessons. Moreover, he accompanied them on their way back to Longbourn by walking alongside them, and he return to the parsonage by horseback.

In early May, Elizabeth, Jane, and Mary arrived at the school a few minutes before the children; they were chatting with Darcy when a horseman stopped a few feet away and asked Darcy, "Excuse me, Sir. Are you Fitzwilliam Darcy?"

The three ladies and Darcy looked curiously at the rider, and Darcy replied, "Yes, Sir. May I help you?"

"Yes, Sir. My name is Edward Jones, the son of your brother's steward. I started working for him two months ago. I have a package for you from your brother." He gestured to a large satchel.

Darcy's eyes primarily focused on Elizabeth, and said, "Ladies, please, excuse me. I will return later." Darcy looked at Edward Jones and added. "Please, follow me to the parsonage, Mr. Jones."

After arriving, Mr. Jones handed him the satchel. Darcy then offered him a snack and lemonade while they briefly discussed the roads and Pemberley. Edward Jones then continued on his trip to London.

Upon opening the satchel, Darcy discovered four of his favorite books that he had left at Pemberley due to a lack of space in his trunk. Additionally, there was a ring that once belonged to his father and a letter from his brother. He eagerly opened it and read its contents.

Dear Fitzwilliam,

I am glad you are content with your new position at Netherfield. Knowing you might be missing some of your beloved books, I took it upon myself to send a few of your favorites to you. Additionally, I included one of our father's rings in the package.

I will be staying in London until late June.

Regards,

Frederick Darcy

Darcy returned to the school when the ladies were leaving. He walked with them to Longbourn. Elizabeth curiously inquired about the package, which sparked a delightful conversation about their mutual love for literature, and about Pemberley.

Elizabeth listened with rapt attention as he described Pemberley in detail, and commented with a smile. "For your description, Pemberley sounds like a beautiful and grand estate. Do you miss your former home, Mr. Darcy?"

"It is a difficult question, Miss Bennet. Umm, the answer is Yes and No. I miss some places, especially the library with so many books. However, I am happier living here. I enjoy the sense of community and purpose that comes with being a parson; I feel more useful here than I did at Pemberley"

Elizabeth looked at him warmly. "You are making several changes for the better in the community, Mr. Darcy."

"You and your cousins are, as well, Miss Bennet."

They both smiled, and Elizabeth asked, "Are you close to your brother?"

"We are not very close, but we have a good relationship. He is five years my senior, and when I was six, he went to Eton and then to Cambridge. When he finished his studies, I went to Cambridge. So, we have spent very little time together."

They continued talking for a few more minutes until they arrived at Longbourn.