The story is winding down, with only two more chapters and a short epilogue after this.
Chapter 15 will be posted next Sunday.
Thank you all for the wonderful reviews. I can't say how much it means to me that this community has welcomes my little story.
I have a new idea percolating. It will be very different, and still needs work. As much as I would love to begin posting, it'll have to wait until I have most of it finished.
Chapter 14
Several days had passed since the ball at Matlock house and Madeline was growing concerned for her niece. She was pale and seemed out of sorts. Worse, she has stayed close to home, not even going out for a walk.
"Lizzy, I do believe going outside will do you good. You have not been for a walk since the ball. This is very unlike you, especially with the weather holding so fine. I am beginning to think we should call for a doctor."
"I am well, Aunt. I am simply having trouble sleeping."
"Then fresh air is exactly what you need. You always say it improves your mood. Go on now. The children are busy with their lessons and not a cloud can be seen in the sky."
Elizabeth found herself dressed and out the door within five minutes, with a maid to accompany her. Shrugging, she started walking towards the park, but at a far slower pace than her usual speed.
Walking through the gate, she paid no attention to which path she was on, not looking at all to what direction she took. The maid needed to touch her elbow a couple of times to guide her from bumping into something or someone.
She did not see William until his feet were right in front of hers on the path. Her head shot up and her eyes met his. After slight hesitation, both greeted the other with the basic courtesies.
He could see her eyes were slightly red rimmed and he felt even worse for the turmoil he may have caused her.
Taking a deep breath he began quickly, "Miss Bennet-"
"Mr Darcy-"
Small, embarrassed smiles were shared. "Miss Bennet, may I go first?"
She nodded, "But pray, let us continue walking."
Elizabeth moved forward and William fell into step beside her, his arms clasped behind his back.
"I owe you an apology, Miss Bennet. In fact I believe I owe you many apologies. From the first night we met, I was rude to your relations, afterwards I was rude to you. I have behaved in a most ungentlemanlike manner."
An uncomfortable silence rested between them, before he cleared his throat, "I uh, I overheard your conversation with Anne, at the ball."
Elizabeth sighed, "It was wrong of me to berate you to your relation. I was... upset... after overhearing your words to your friends and-"
William blanched and cut in, "I did not mean it. They were heckling me about you and would not leave me be. I am afraid I just blurted it out. I truly am sorry."
She shook her head side to side slowly, "That was the first thing you could think of to get them to ease their teasing?" He could see a faint twinkle in her eyes, and relief flooded him that she could still tease him so.
He smiled ruefully. "I think when the angels were handing out the talent for speech, they skipped right over me."
Huffing a soft laugh, Elizabeth contemplated his words. "It seems neither of us were at our best that evening." A few more steps, "Do you think we might be able to start over, and be friends, perhaps?"
"Friends?" His heart stuttered.
She tilted her head to the side, "Do you not wish it?"
Did he wish it? "O-Of course."
"Very well then," she curtseyed, "I am Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire. I am staying in town with my wonderful relations, who are in trade." She looked up at him with sparkling eyes.
William gave her a regal bow, "Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, in Derbyshire. I too have a wonderful family, but I unfortunately possess the unique talent of planting my foot in my mouth."
She laughed gaily, a smile lighting up her face. William's breath caught, to have the privilege of putting that smile on her face every day of her life. It was a heady thought, but one William shut down immediately. Friends, just friends.
"I have one more task to complete here today. I am afraid Georgiana is fretting."
"Ah, and that would be my fault. Please tell her I will send a note and see when she and Anne can meet."
He coughed, a pink tinge coloring his cheeks. "Anne is at the Matlock's for a time."
Her brows rose but said nothing in response, for which William was grateful. I hope that bit of drama will never see the light of day. Not my finest moment, even counting the ball or the evening of the musicale.
"I will tell Georgianna to expect your note."
-HBR-
With a new understanding between them, the level of comfort between her brother and her friend slowly developed and grew, and Georgiana was ecstatic to meet with Elizabeth on every possible day she was available. William frequently joined them and eventually, Lady Catherine and Anne moved back to Darcy house, as well.
Elizabeth began to look forward to the events she knew William would also be attending. He never failed to ask her for a set when there was dancing, especially the supper set, so they could continue speaking together. Now over their resentments and miscommunications, they found much in common in their likes and dislikes. While sometimes differences of opinions arose, all it took was a lift of Elizabeth's eyebrow to roll back William's hauteur. It was a habit he did not conquer, but he was in a fair way of being more aware of when it was inappropriate. However, with the ladies still flocking and pecking at him, it still came in handy and his mask showed many times over the course of an evening out.
Elizabeth found she liked knowing a gentleman, aside from her father, who came to welcome her thoughts and opinions, even when they contradicted his own. Her gift for debate, learned on her father's knee, was sharpened upon the waterstone of William's intellect.
One morning Elizabeth and Georgiana were alone in the music room, practicing duets. Anne had yet to join them and William had gone out.
"Lizzy," Georgiana was twirling a strand of her hair. "Do you like my brother?"
Elizabeth started. She was not sure how she felt about William, but was not about to reveal anything to his sister. "What brought on such a question?"
"You are spending a lot of time together."
"I am spending a lot of time with you. And your brother accompanies us."
"Yeeess… but you and he talk to one another so much."
"Georgiana have I been neglecting you?" Elizabeth smirked at the young girl.
"Oh no, Lizzy, not at all." She rushed to assure her friend. "It is just… I would be so very happy to have you as my sister." Georgiana rushed out.
"Georgiana!" Elizabeth laughed, pushing the young girl with her shoulder. "It is not appropriate to speak of such things. Your brother and I are friends. That is all. I would not wish to become fodder for rumors in town and I do not think your family would appreciate it either."
Georgiana hung her head, embarrassed.
"Come now none of that. I am highly aware of the compliment you pay me. Regardless of your brother, it would make me happy to have you as a sister of the heart."
"Really?"
"Really, you silly girl. Are we not good friends? You are as dear to me as any of my sisters. I daresay Anne is not far behind, but I would not wish to rile your aunt by saying so."
This elicited a laugh, which was Elizabeth's aim. She leaned closer, saying softly, "Pray no more talk of this, yes?"
Georgiana nodded.
This was not the only uncomfortable conversation Elizabeth had. It was only the next day when Madeline sat her down for a little chat.
"Lizzy, it seems you are enjoying the time spent with your friends."
"I am, Aunt. Since Mr Darcy and I agreed to be friends, it has been more relaxed and entertaining being in his- their presence."
Madeline searched her niece's face. "And young Mr Darcy?"
Elizabeth huffed, "He and I are friends. I am enjoying getting to know him, and we have much in common. Our tastes are quite similar even if we tend to disagree… I find time flies when we get started discussing books and plays. He even shares with me some of the work he is learning with Mr Darcy, the elder."
"It does sound as if you have grown fond of him."
Madeline could see her niece was uncomfortable.
"He is a friend," Elizabeth repeated.
"Very well, but know you can speak with me at any time."
Elizabeth raised her eyes to meet her aunt's, "I understand. I…" She stopped. "I do not believe there will be anything to say."
Oh Lizzy. I do hope you guard your heart.
-HBR-
Not all of those who noticed the new friendship viewed it with a kind eye.
One evening at the theater, Anne and Elizabeth were returning to the Darcy's box from the retiring room. They were accosted by a young woman about their own age.
She was pretty with blonde hair, a fashionable willowy figure and her gown was obviously costly, even to Elizabeth's eye. She walked near them speaking loudly to her companion.
"I do not see anything special about her. She is not really pretty. Her complexion has no brilliancy and although I have heard he called her eyes fine, I see nothing of the sort."
The jealous woman was looking Elizabeth up and down, making it clear to all who could hear exactly of whom she spoke.
Elizabeth felt Anne shaking next to her. Taking her companion's arm she raised her chin and responded loudly "Anne I do believe she is talking about me."
"No, Miss Bennet, that is not possible." Then she saw Elizabeth was not upset, but was grinning widely.
Elizabeth widened her eyes and put on a startled expression. "Whatever shall I do?" She tilted her head to the side and a smile spread across her face. "You know, I think … absolutely nothing." She finished loudly and gave the disagreeable woman her most charming smile. Sliding her arm through Anne's they turned away and together they went back to their box, leaving whispers and titters behind them.
Back in the box Elizabeth made sure Anne was well, but neither mentioned the scene to the others. However, later that night lying in bed, she pondered the incident. With all the time we are spending together I suppose gossip will spread. It is only a wonder I have not been approached by a jealous harpy before.
-HBR-
Another fine day found all three girls trolling the park with footmen and a maid to attend.
Their conversation was interrupted by a familiar male voice calling out. "What do my eyes see on this fair morn, but three beauties outshining the sun."
The ladies laughed, turning towards the speaker. Seeing both Colonel Fitzwilliam and William approach Elizabeth responded, "We are indeed enjoying the sun's rays, but outshining it is not for us to say." A twinkle in her eye gave proof she enjoyed the charming tease. "And where have you gentlemen been, while we have been basking?"
Both men puffed their chests out and William replied. "We got in a little exercise at Angelo's."
Looking between the two Elizabeth smirked "Who won in your battle of the fiercest man alive?" Elizabeth inquired playfully, and Georgiana and Anne giggled behind their hands.
William's chin rose as he tugged on his waistcoat. "Who wins is immaterial. It is about fine tuning our skills."
"I scored more points." Colonel Fitzwilliam offered, wearing a huge grin.
"Ah," Elizabeth looked at William from the corner of her eye to see if he was truly upset. "I am sure next time you will beat him?" She was grateful to find a sheepish grin on his face.
William sighed, "No. Richard really is quite good, he is fast and his instincts are even faster." He leaned in closer to whisper, "I have rarely managed to beat my cousin."
She pulled back to look up at him. "This does not disappoint you?"
He shrugged, "Well, no one loves to lose, but knowing my cousin can well defend himself brings me much comfort."
Her eyes move to rest on the gentleman who will soon be returning to the front lines. "I imagine it does."
The other had moved ahead of them and seeing they lagged behind, William offered her his arm, which she took.
For some time now she had been conscious of a warm comfort when near him. Today the feeling was there, though with a slight difference.
They two seemed to be walking a little closer together than usual. Was he aware his arm was holding her tightly to his side?
Elizabeth was engulfed by his presence. His tall, masculine figure was so near and so strong and so… so him!
Her body warmed from more than the heat of the day. Looking away she breathed slowly to cool down. When she felt herself enough to glance up at him, he had a smile on his face, and seeing it made her smile in response.
William spoke for the first time in several minutes. "Pray what has motivated that smile."
"Why, your smile, sir. You have smiled more in the past week or more, than I am sure you have the whole of your adult life."
She was charmed to see him blush. "If I do, it is because you inspire me to."
He placed his other hand over hers on his arm and met her eye. His gaze was warm and his expression soft. Her stomach gave a swoop. It was her turn to blush.
"When we first met, I was not a man my parents could be proud of. I have since learned, I am not proud of the man I had become. I hope, um, I hope you no longer despise me."
"Rest assured, I do not. Though it is not for me to say what sort of man you should be. It is best for you to judge if you are the man you desire and strive to be."
She bit her lower lip, "We have most definitely moved past our mutual dislike, and I have enjoyed the time I have spent with my new friend."
He looked forward again. Friend, is that what I am? Is that what I want? Since he could not rightly answer his own question, he let it go for now. "At the risk of beginning another debate, I will only correct one part of your comment." He caught her eye again. "I never disliked you."
His look was so intense, she could not hold it and lowered her eyes to where their hands were held together on his arm.
They walked on in silence a few more paces. Elizabeth filled the void before it grew uncomfortable, "I understand Mr. Vernon and Miss Abigail Mansfield are officially courting."
William checked her expression, and was relieved to see she appeared pleased. "Are they, indeed."
"Yes. They both have a passion for music. I imagine they bonded over that shared love."
"And, this does not distress you? I had thought perhaps there was some interest-"
"No, no. He and I were always only friends. I am very pleased for them both. In fact I rather take pride in their match, as I did bring them together."
The smile she raised up to him made his breath catch. Her hair was a fire in the sunlight, her cheeks rosy from their walk in the warm air and her eyes, their brown depths sparkled in joy and drew him in. All the other women he had ever met, dulled in comparison. No one was more beautiful than she, especially in this moment.
"Miss Bennet-"
"Lizzy!" Georgiana was rushing towards them.
Blast! Was he to be constantly interrupted whenever he spoke with her?
"Georgiana, is all well?"
"Yes, Lizzy, I just heard the most diverting story from Richard and I know you will want to hear it."
Elizabeth threw William a glance of apology and let herself be drawn away by her friend.
When the party broke up Richard took Georgiana and Anne home. William insisted on escorting Elizabeth back to the Gardiners.
"Will you be attending any more balls or events before the end of the season? Activities will begin to wind down."
"Yes, I know we have been invited to a few. Though I cannot recall the details at the moment."
"Well, if we should be at the same event, be sure to save me a dance."
"Of course. I must save you from holding up a pillar all night and from all the matchmaking mamas." She laughed at her wit, while he looked down at her with a fond expression.
"Thank you for escorting me home, sir."
"It is my pleasure, Miss Bennet." He took her hand and brought it up to his mouth, lightly kissing her knuckles. He gave a shallow bow, but did not release her hand until he was upright again, gently moving his thumb over the back of hand before finally letting it go.
Elizabeth's breath was shallow and she watched him walk away. She came back to herself with a start, one hand on her chest, and staring at nothing. She hurried up the steps into the Gardiner's home.
Madeline noticed a glow about her niece but held her council. Praying she would not be hurt by unrequited love. William Darcy may have improved, but there was no way to know if that included his desire for a society wife. Gently bred Elizabeth may be, but she was far from the level of society the Darcys were.
What do you think of the beautiful cover? Designed by the talented Lonnie.