A/N: Thanks for the love and reviews. Updated the chapter again. No cliff hangers!
Finally a respite in the it unceasing continuous rains met Elizabeth in the morning.
Elizabeth seized the opportunity, quickly changing into her walking attire and stepping out into the crisp morning air. The fresh breeze invigorated her, but the storm's aftermath painted a bleak picture. Hoping the paved formal gardens had fared better, she headed in their direction.
As she entered the garden, Elizabeth's heart sank. Despite the high walls, the storm had wreaked havoc. Determined to restore the garden, she discreetly began to use her gift. Broken bricks repositioned themselves, fallen statues rose back up, and the garden slowly regained its former beauty. Confident that no one else would be awake, she was startled when Mr. Darcy appeared.
Anxiety welled up inside her. Had he seen what she was doing? How would he react if he had? She hoped the low hedge surrounding her had shielded her from his view. Mentally berating herself for being careless, Elizabeth remembered Jane's and her Uncle Gardiner's warnings about using her gift in public.
Mr. Darcy, meanwhile, marvelled at the garden's miraculous recovery. He credited the high walls around the garden and the diligent Netherfield gardeners for the swift restoration, planning to compliment the head gardener later. As he walked further, he was surprised to find Miss Elizabeth, looking ethereal, early in the morning. Darcy was completely spellbound.
Determined to compose herself and act naturally, Elizabeth greeted him, "Mr. Darcy, good morning. I hope you had a good night's sleep. Netherfield is known to be quite drafty.""
Darcy, snapping out of a spell, responded, "Pemberley is much draftier. It is my home back in Derbyshire."
Relieved by his simple answer, Elizabeth felt assured that Darcy had not witnessed her secret. Feeling light-hearted again, she decided to steer the conversation. "Mr. Darcy, you are a learned man," Elizabeth said, accepting the arm he offered.
"Yes, I believe myself to be," he replied.
"I am currently enjoying a novel by Mr. Jonathan Swift called 'Gulliver's Travels.' Are you familiar with it?"
"Indeed! It is one of the books that made me introspect much about our society. Swift is a master of contradictions!" Darcy said, delighted. He had known she liked to read, but now he knew they shared similar tastes in books.
Elizabeth was a bit taken aback at Darcy's lively response. She had not pegged him to be an enthusiastic person.
"I find it a biting commentary on human folly." she responded teasingly
"I cannot dispute such reasoning, as it is the truth. But then, isn't every book ever written a commentary on human folly?" Mr. Darcy asked.
"I concede to your point. Every book written is a play on human folly, but that is what makes it entertaining. I would say it is the same for our lives," Elizabeth said.
"Indeed, Miss Elizabeth. Still, I would not want any woman of my acquaintance to live a life like a heroine from a gothic novel," Darcy said.
"Oh lord! No, indeed!" Elizabeth laughed. "Novels are a fascinating read, not meant to be emulated!"
Darcy smiled, but inwardly wondering whether he should have told Georgiana this. He had assumed she understood that life differed from novels, yet he knew villains were a reality.
Jane woke up a bit early to the sounds coming from the adjoining room of Lizzy preparing for her early morning walk.
The constant rain which had persisted all night had stopped allowing some weak sun rays to pass. It was a beautiful day with the fresh smell of wet soil and grass hung in the air.
The events of last night flitted through her head. As she thought about them , a vision filled her mind. Snapping out of it, she quickly started getting ready for breakfast. She had seen that Colonel Fitzwilliam would be in the breakfast parlour in quarter of an hour, and she would soon have the opportunity to talk to him alone.
Richard had barely slept a wink. The constant thud of rain along with the frequent thunder had kept him awake. He had heard the sounds of the battlefield in the thunder, just like cloud gazing, he mused, playing with the food in his plate.
Jane entered the dining room and saw Colonel Fitzwilliam sitting alone at the dining table looking haggard, her heart went out to him.
But before she could greet him, he noticed her. "Miss Bennet, Good Morning" said Richard.
"Good Morning Colonel , I hope you were able to catch some sleep last night. The storm was quite loud." Jane commented, filling her breakfast plate.
" It was loud and sounded quite serious, is it always so in Hertfordshire? I would not have come here, had I known this beforehand", Richard replied.
Jane looked at him, wondering what was hurting him which had put him in such ill humour.
"I apologise, do not take my words to heart, I have been in ill humour since last night. I wasn't able to get much sleep last night"
Jane interrupted his apology," It is alright, I have four younger sisters, I know an injured person when I see one, even when they are trying to hide it" she said with an apologetic smile as she sat in front of him.
Richard looked up at her sharply. He had not told anyone about his injury, nor had Darcy. Was it so obvious?
A whirl of emotions flitted across Colonel Fitzwilliam's as Jane watched him trying to come up with an appropriate response.
"Your injury is not obvious, apart from the occasional wince while walking ." said Jane.
"Four sisters help a lot!" Richard quipped trying to find a way out of this conversation, seeing none, he decided to face it, with a deep breath he said," I am home for recovery. I got shot in my leg when I was trying to save my batman."
"I see. How is he?" Jane asked
"Ha! You must be the first woman to ask after my batman! Most just ask me why I bothered in the first place." Richard said very bitterly. "Yes he is alive and recovering in our London home" Richard added, his eyes hollow and far away.
"It must be hard, trying to live with people unaware of the realities of war, and above that constantly listening to their petty complaints and problems about their small restricted society!" Jane said with real empathy.
Richard looked up and saw Miss Bennet truly for the first time. She was a beautiful woman, with a slight upturned nose. She had cornflower blue eyes. But most of all the understanding on her face and the compassion and kindness in her eyes shone forth.
Richard felt overwhelmed with the kindness and compassion he felt from her.
How had the kind eyes of a stranger brought him to tears? He could hardly remember the last time someone speak with him with such understanding and kindness.
Shaking his head slightly, Richard brought himself out of his thoughts. He recollected the conversation and replied, "Yes it is very difficult"
Jane continued her breakfast in silence giving Colonel Fitzwilliam time to collect himself.
"Our steward Mr. Morrison is a wonderful man. Very well respected in the community. He had just been honourably discharged by the army when he met my uncle. " began Jane, silently finishing her food.
Colonel Fitzwilliam listened, waiting to know where it was going.
"As you are well aware the half-pay the government pays the injured soldiers doesn't go a long way in the London winters, and Mr Morrison was planning on getting married."
Richard grunted. He was well aware of the amount paid to the injured soldiers discharged from war. It was pitiable, and for a man, trying to start a family, it was neigh on impossible.
" We were a young family then, Papa had just inherited and grappling with the sudden death of his elder brother. He had planned to hire a stewart. But when he came to know about Mr. Morrison he insisted on hiring him."
"Your father is a true gentleman , Miss Bennet"
"He is. I still remember people telling him all sort of things, that 'It is a mistake keeping an army man near five growing young girls', ' Do you expect an uneducated uncouth man to learn to be your stewart?", said Jane. "He turned out to be a most respectable man. I feel people are very unfair to people who give their all selflessly to their country".
"You are very wise Miss Bennet. I agree with you wholeheartedly"
Bingley was at the breakfast table alone, dreaming about the beautiful Miss Jane Bennet. Darcy was walking past the breakfast parlour when he saw Bingley sitting alone looking dreamily in space. Seeing Bingley like that settled it for Darcy, he changed his route and decided to give his friend some company.
" Good morning Bingley", Darcy greeted.
"Darcy old man! How are you here so late! Did my morning habits rub off on you?", Bingley remarked in a jolly manner.
Darcy smiled slightly, whilst making a cup of coffee on the side board.
" You are quiet. It means you want to discuss something serious. Out with it Darce" Bingley said, laying down his utensils.
"You are quite good at reading me as always. I have desired to discuss this subject with you for a couple days. It is about Miss Bennet. I do not think she is quite suitable for your station in life", said Darcy
"Miss Bennet? She is a beautiful young lady, with perfect manners and a kind heart. She seems to be a most wonderful sister too!", Bingley said.
"Yes, I agree with you on all those points. But you should not forget Longbourn is entailed, relations in trade and she has little to no dowry. With four younger sisters, should her mother be widowed, Miss Bennet's husband would be saddled with a widowed woman for life along four unmarried dowerless ladies." Darcy said quite discourteously.
The noise of a pair of boots was heard outside, but as no one entered the gentlemen continued the conversation.
Bingley took a deep breath and let out and slowly chewed his food. "Darcy, I understand what you mean. But you must know, our circumstances are different. I come from trade, Miss Bennet for all her faults is still albeit a poor gentleman's daughter"
"You spoke about her perfect manners. Did you forget to notice those of her sisters' and mother's", Darcy asked trying to unsettle Bingley.
"I did not Darcy. Miss Elizabeth like Miss Bennet is a wonderful young lady. Her younger sisters are full young and Mrs Bennet is naturally as nervous a lady with five unmarried daughters should be!", Bingley finished with a flourish.
Darcy sighed and said, "Bingley I am worried for you, you have the tendency of falling in and out of love, one angel after another and breaking your heart in the process. We are not in London. Hertfordshire is a small community, and you have already begun to raise expectations.
Bingley wiped his mouth with the cloth and got up and addressed Darcy, "Expectations! Nonsense! You do not need to worry, I merely admire Miss Bennet for beauty and kindness. But I am not in love with her and I doubt she is too ."
Bingley was a lost cause after that and Darcy gave up to freshen himself from his wonderful walk with Miss Elizabeth.
Elizabeth stood in her rooms with a hand holding her beating heart. She had thought to get some coffee after her walk and had accidently walked in on Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley discussing her own family. Oh her horrid luck! And she had thought Mr. Darcy improved on acquaintance.
Lizzy was quite distressed after the morning incident and unwilling to be in company more than necessary. So it was only a couple minutes after Jane and herself had entered the drawing room that dinner was called and the party adjourned to the dining room.
The dinner was a mildly infuriating for Lizzy. Mr. Darcy was being the perfect gentleman, solicitous, attentive and courteous. Even Miss Bingley was a gracious hostess. On the other hand, someone seemed to have stepped on Mr. Bingley's tail and Colonel Fitzwilliam seemed to have decided to mimic Mr. Hurst.
Of course it could not be said Miss Bingley's dinner table without some gossip.
"Mr. Darcy, have you heard of Mr. Irving, of course you must have, you are a member of White's unlike Charles" Miss Bingley said.
Bingley scowled. Mr. Darcy nodded, and Colonel Fitzwilliam looked up at the mention of his friends name.
Elated to have the whole parties' attention Miss Bingley became substantially more dramatic.
"You would not know them dear Jane, Miss Eliza, for the Irvings are an old respected family of the ton. Sadly their elder son was not much respected. Was the worst kind of gambler and was a member of that dreadful four horse club. A complete degenerate and always in debt. A good thing he died, not that it saved his family from ruin." Miss Bingley thankfully paused to breathe for Jane had feared she might faint.
"Yes, it was a very bad business", said Mr. Hurst, surprising everyone, " he was good at cards too, no idea how he owed so much to the moneylenders"
"It was terrible indeed!" Cried Mrs Hurst with the intention of furthering the narrative only to be immediately cut short by her younger sister.
"Mr Irving's death lead to his younger brother into inheriting the estates. And he turned out to be such terrible man. He sold all the family estates and now poor Mrs. Irving and Miss Irving are without a place to live for this summer." said Miss Bingley in a malicious carrying voice.
"Well Miss Bingley, did you not say, the late Mr Irving was in debt, maybe the current Mr Irving had to sell the estates to pay off all the creditors?", Elizabeth asked Miss Bingley, feeling bad for this unknown Mr Irving for being a subject of such vicious gossip.
"Caroline did you know Mr. Irving used to be our classmate at Cambridge? Darcy was very fond of him." Bingley said with intent to cause Miss Bingley some grief.
Caroline paled, desperately trying to come up with something kinder.
" The Irvings do not have a place to stay for summer as they had to sell their country home, as Miss Elizabeth said to pay off David's debts. You were right about one thing though Miss Bingley the death of Mr. David Irving was a great relief. The only kindness he could do for them was to die", Colonel Fitzwilliam said curtly.
The dining room was quiet. No one knew what to say after such a statement damning the dead.
So everyone was surprised when it was none other than Mr. Darcy who broke through the awkwardness. " Henry Irving is good man. Though our country estates were far, our London homes are very close by, when we were but boys, Richard, myself and Henry used to enjoy each other's company. Sadly recent years have not allowed us much companionship. Thank you for bringing his situation to light Miss Bingley, I will be sure to extend my assistance to him.
Elizabeth saw Miss Bingley unable to formulate a response.
Mr. Bingley took up the mantel and said to Mr. Darcy," Well Darcy, Caroline is surely pleased to be of use to you " Bingley commented, one of his most ill-natured comments till now, making everyone wonder what was wrong with him.
After dinner as per the custom, the company repaired to the drawing room. The atmosphere in the drawing room took a while to thaw out after the conversation in the dining room.
"I say, it is wonderful to be stuck amongst friends during a storm!", exclaimed Bingley as he entered the drawing room, giving a slight bow to the ladies.
"That is fine sentiment Bingley", Colonel Fitzwilliam said, then turned and addressed the ladies.
"Oh Charles, a close knit group of friends is much better!" Miss Bingley said looking slightly at the Bennet sisters
Elizabeth caught her meaning and whole heartedly agreed with her sentiment. She herself would have preferred a better group of friends to spend the time with during the storm. But for Jane's sake she bit her tongue to stop herself form giving a scathing response. Instead she said "Miss Bingley, how I agree with you , I too would always wish for such a group whenever I am stuck inside for the duration of a storm"
Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Bingley hid a smile and scattered to find their own occupation.
Miss Bingley simply smiled at Elizabeth before following behind Mr. Darcy.
Mr. Darcy had drifted off into writing a letter to his sister and was currently being praised by Miss Bingley. As events would have it, Miss Elizabeth had taken to read her book on a settee near the writing desk , where Mr. Darcy was currently engaged.
Mr. Bingley was enjoying a conversation with Miss Bennet along with Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Mr. Hurst was sleeping while Mrs. Hurst was playing the piano softly , more for her own amusement than for others.
Elizabeth caught a snatch of a conversation between Mr. Darcy and Miss Bingley which captured her attention.
"How evenly you write Mr. Darcy and your handwriting is so neat, and you wrote to her yesterday, what an excellent brother you are. Dear Georgiana must be so happy to receive your correspondence", Miss Bingley said in a sing-song voice.
" You must advise Charles on this matter too, he is terrible at writing a well-informed legible letter!", she whined.
Darcy silently agreed with her, Bingley was a terrible correspondent, half his letter was always illegible.
'No, a person doesn't become a good brother by writing letters frequently and neatly.
Yes he knew he write neat letters, because if he didn't, his men of business would stop dealing with him. And no Georgiana would not be happy, there was hardly anything which made her happy these last couple months.' Darcy thought.
And he doubted Georgiana read his letters, every day, for he only received once or twice a week of no real substance, but at least she had told him she enjoyed reading his letters and the excitement of the Hertfordshire company. So of late his letters to Georgiana read like a common gossip rag, Darcy internally sighed, as long as she was happy.
"Mr Darcy, you are always so silent and poised, the perfect example of a respected gentleman of the ton. I always tell Charles to follow into your footsteps" Miss Bingley complimented Mr. Darcy.
"I believe that actions speak louder than words Miss Bingley. Some young men rattle around looking like fools, I like to believe I am not one of them." Mr. Darcy replied.
Elizabeth was Intrigued by Mr. Darcy's response and decided to take part in the conversation.
She looked in his direction and said," Mr. Darcy, it is true, that actions speak louder than words. Yet, I find that words, too, have their own place"
Darcy, sensing her challenge, responded thoughtfully, "Miss Bennet, I have always believed that words should be used sparingly and with purpose. Too often, people speak without considering the weight and power of their words."
"Indeed Mr. Darcy, words have power, they can cause pain when callously spoken, which they often are in our polite society, especially when the person is not present" Elizabeth replied, feeling justified of her barb.
Mr. Darcy recalled the breakfast conversation, but dismissed it almost instantly, but not without feeling a prickle of doubt at his conduct.
"Miss Eliza I feel .." Miss Bingley stopped mid-sentence and the meaning of Elizabeth's words trickled in her head, as she remembered her words from the Lucas Lodge and quickly changed her words"…I feel we must have some music, it is getting far too depressing" declaring such, she floated away with a swish of fabric toward the piano, leaving Elizabeth wondering the sudden change in Miss Bingley's demeanour.
A silence filled the room by Miss Bingley's sudden departure from the conversation, the lack of conversation causing Bingley, Richard and Jane to stop their conversation and look around. Mr. Bingley got up to join Darcy and Elizabeth, which eased the occupants a bit as they went back to their previous activities.
"Miss Bennet , I want to apologise to you for my behaviour this morning during breakfast, I have been raised as a gentleman, I assure you." said Colonel Fitzwilliam.
"There is nothing to apologise for. And I would rather you not apologise for honesty Colonel. I value honesty. It is very rare we find friends who are honest with you, and I am glad you were able to confide in me. And I hope I can call you my friend?" asked Jane.
"I would be honoured to call you my friend if you will Miss Bennet, I can but hope you would be free to speak the truth in my company should you ever wish to ". Colonel Fitzwilliam said solemnly.
" I will remember your sentiments colonel, should I ever find a need to speak without holding back, I will come to you" Jane said, smiling her sweet smile.
" The man you spoke about, Mr. Morrison, I would like to meet him, I wonder how he deals with his injury" asked Colonel Fitzwilliam. Trying to shake off the spell Miss Bennet had woven around him.
" He will be glad to meet a fellow army man, I am sure he would be of service to you" Jane responded.
There was a general call for cards, and Jane and Richard were summoned by their relatives to take part in the activity.
It had been a relatively nice day, the company had been pleasant and the conversations interesting. Despite Miss Bingley's shortcomings, she had been an excellent hostess. The food was excellent, the tea had been well presented. The evening arrangements and entertainment well organised.
Jane and Elizabeth discussed the day's events in Jane's rooms.
As soon as Elizabeth entered Jane's rooms, Jane asked her to repair the bridge right away in the morning.
"Oh!, But what happened to staying at Netherfield to get to know Mr. Bingley?" Lizzy asked.
I can't Lizzy. I just saw Mrs. Carlsons in giving birth to the twins the day after I need to warn the mid-wife, for she is in for a long labour. I must ensure mama and Hill are available and the.." Jane continued
" Breathe!" Lizzy exclaimed ."I will repair the bridge only enough to not raise any suspicions and then I think we might be able to reach home by tomorrow itself. And if you need any help I will be there. "
"Oh , thank you, Lizzy! I am so worried about her" Jane look a deep breath to calm herself.
Elizabeth's mind had been dwelling on Mr. Darcy throughout the day, and dutifully it drifted back to him. Mr. Darcy had surprised her with his behaviour, but what she had overheard had hurt her deeply.
And what had he said, which was not true? The entail, the want of proper manners and lack of dowry. All was true.
Elizabeth told Jane what she had over heard, Jane admonished Elizabeth for evesdropping on a private conversation.
"What he said was not untrue, but perhaps the way he said, could have been better. From what we have seen of him so far, he is straightforward man Lizzy, and furthermore he expressed his opinions in the presence of his close friend", said Jane
"But Jane Mr. Bingley even though he defended us, took into consideration Mr. Darcy's words!" Elizabeth said emphatically.
"But of course he would Lizzy, he is Mr. Bingley's confidante, do I not take you words and opinions into consideration, before anyone else?", Jane asked.
"No, you are quite stubborn and are not influenced by what I say. Or you would have heard me out about Miss. Bingley and Mr. Darcy." Elizabeth said doing a fare impression of Lydia.
"Lizzy" Jane sighed, and said," Both of them are good people"
Lizzy snorted.
"People can be good yet misguided, or proud and at times even prejudiced. We can only help those close to us, and not people completely unrelated to us", finished Jane.
"But how do you feel about Mr. Bingley's words Jane?" Lizzy asked.
" I can understand the need to know more about a person before falling in love, I have grown to prefer the same, how can I blame him for the same sentiments?" Jane replied. But before she could interrupt her again, Jane asked Lizzy," Lizzy enough about me, tell me what did you think of Mr. Darcy had you not overheard him?"
Elizabeth sighed and answered," He is an intelligent, well read, responsible gentleman and a good brother."
"Now, do remember that Lizzy, for this is your true unbiased opinion, no do not argue!"
Elizabeth sighed, knowing arguing with her stubborn sister would come to nothing.
So she decided to ask about what both of them had been thinking about since their arrival here.
"Jane, did you find out anything more about the colonel?" asked Elizabeth.
" No nothing more, Lizzy, he is just deeply and terribly hurt, and I cannot find a way to help him" Jane replied.
"I hope you find a way. If you need help, I am always here" Lizzy said.
"Goodnight Janie", she kissed her on her cheek as she stood up from the bed and straighten her clothes.
"Good night Lizzy" said Jane as Lizzy slipped back into her bed chamber.
" Darcy, come in!" Richard answered Darcy's usual knock.
Darcy came in and went to the decanter, after asking Richard, he poured out a measure for both of them. They enjoyed their drinks in silence savouring its flavour and the crackling of fire in the grate.
"Miss Elizabeth Bennet, the subject of your reverie, I guess" , Richard said, out of the blue.
Darcy's eyes quickly met Richard's before once again going towards the fire, he deliberated how to respond before finally asking, "However did you know?"
"Darce I have known you for long and never once have you spoken to a woman for so long and this ardently. And no other woman has ever dared to argue with you" Richard said.
"I take issue with the word argue, we do not argue. It was a debate between friends." said Darcy.
Richard laughed, and shook his head and Darcy's blindness. It was too soon to tell him that he was falling in love with Miss Elizabeth. Patting Darcy on his back in brotherly manner he moved away from the topic.
"Who kicked the pup? Why was Bingley so sullen at dinner?" Richard asked.
" I spoke to Bingley. I advised him on a subject, he did not seem particularly happy with it" Darcy sighed. " It is a small community, he needs to take care to not raise any expectations. You know his ways towards the fairer sex" , said Darcy.
"You mean he is flirt, yes I know that. And yes, woman of Miss Bennet's calibre deserves someone better than a flirt". Said Richard.
"Bingley is not a flirt. You think she deserves better? Don't you think Bingley is the best she could do, given their circumstances?
She might not get as much as she deserved, as she is bound by her circumstances but,
she is extraordinary woman, and I truly hope she can find someone worth her.
Darcy looked at him puzzled wondering where this was coming from, he saw Richard, deep in thought.
"I saw you both conversing this evening? What did you speak of which made you think so highly of her?"
"Richard's eyes had drifted towards the fire, they slowly came up to meet Darcy and he smiled goofily, quite an unusual expression for Richard, "Well I believe what Bingley says, she is quite the angel".
Richard laughed out loud, he knew he looked quite mad. But what was he supposed to tell Darcy, that he was half in love with Jane Bennet, after spending a single day with her?
No Darcy would think Miss Bennet was a witch and order a hunt!
"Darce, don't be alarmed, we just spoke about my injury".
Darcy raised his eyebrow, he was alarmed
"She recognised I was injured and asked me about it. Miss bennet told me an interesting thing". said Richard changing the subject, "Their steward, a Mr. Morrison is a military man, honourably discharged due to an injury. I have decided I would like to pay him a visit.
Darcy looked a bit shocked at his cousin. He would no doubt help Richard, his cousin was now freely talking about his injury and willingness to meet another injured soldier, that was a small miracle.
" I am due a visit to Longbourn, to call on Mr. Bennet. I was invited to play chess with him."
"I shall accompany you then"
They finished their drinks and bid each other good night, and retired for the day.