Chapter 12 - September 30 to October 28, 1812

Their engagement period passed along as these things usually do. It was getting too cold outside for long walks in the garden most days, so Darcy and Lizzy usually found themselves in Mr. Bennet's bookroom reading silently or out loud to each other. Miss Bingley had made herself scarce most days, for which Darcy was glad. He had sent a letter to the newly minted Mr. and Mrs. Bingley telling them of their good news and letting Bingley know that his sister handled the news as well as could be expected. He did not feel the need to tell his friend that he would be buying many new pieces of crockery and glassware upon his return, if Miss Bingley's ladies maid could be believed.

Mr. Darcy was continually amazed at what he learned about Elizabeth. Hearing her argue philosophy with her father, or beat himself soundly in chess opened his eyes to the jewel that he had found. She spoke to her father in French, or Latin as the conversation required. Her knowledge of the ledgers of Longbourn surpassed her father's and he was amazed at the wide variety of books she could discuss intelligently. He had fallen in love with her for her looks and kindness, but was growing deeper in love with each piece of her mind that he uncovered.

Some days Georgiana would accompany him to Longbourn and Elizabeth and her sisters treated her like one of their own. Darcy would usually end up in Mr. Bennet's bookroom while the ladies talked of lace and cakes, practiced the piano and discussed novels. Mr. Bennet was glad to have a source of intelligent conversation when his Lizzy was otherwise occupied.

The Bingleys were to return from their honeymoon the following day. Darcy was anxious to see his friend again and he knew his fiancee missed her sister greatly. Their return signaled that his own wedding was coming nearer and he could not wait. It was an unseasonably warm day and the engaged couple were wandering in the garden with Kitty as a lax chaperone. "Are you excited to see your sister again soon?" Mr. Darcy asked her.

"I am, but I feel our relationship will never be the same as it was. She is now a married woman and her focus must be on her husband and hopefully on their growing family." Elizabeth blushed when she realized what she had said.

"I imagine Bingley will no longer have time to go gallivanting around the country with me either. Luckily, I will no longer have time for such frivolities shortly." He smiled at her. She blushed further. Their wedding was in one week and he was having trouble remaining a gentleman the more time he spent with her. "We should go in, I would not want you to catch a cold." They returned to the parlor and he shortly took his leave and rode back to Netherfield.

It had been awkward being at Netherfield without Bingley present. Miss Bingley had been an excellent, if reserved hostess. Darcy avoided spending any time with her, but luckily his sister was present and all the time he spent at Longbourn kept him busy enough to make the days fly by. He wondered if it would be even more awkward once the Bingley's arrived home and the dynamics would shift as Mrs. Bingley took over as hostess from Miss Bingley. He was glad that he and Georgiana would be leaving directly after his wedding. He and his wife would spend a week at Darcy House in London before traveling to Pemberley, at a leisurely pace in his best traveling coach, not on a mail coach or a post coach this time, thank you. Georgiana would spend the next month with her Aunt Maltock either at Matlock house in London, or at the Matlock estate in Derbyshire, not far from Pemberley. Georgiana would join them at Pemberley shortly before Christmas.

Mr. Darcy retired to his room where his valet would prepare him for bed. His valet was nervous and initially did not want to speak of his concerns, but eventually Mr. Darcy prevailed and Mr. Simpton was able to relay his concerns. He had heard Miss Duggan, Miss Bingley's maid, whispering to another maid that her mistress had requested a copy of all the guest room keys from the housekeeper. The maids giggled and his valet was forced to draw the conclusion that Miss Bingley was attempting to engineer a compromise before her brother returned. Mr. Simpton had been protecting Darcy from such machinations for many years and was not about to let this hussy get away with anything. It was decided that Mr. Simpton would sleep on a pallet on the floor in Mr. Darcy's room to prevent any cry of compromise from Miss Bingley.

Several hours later, Mr. Simpton awoke to the sound of the door lock clicking. He laid still and would bide his time. From the sound of his breathing, he knew Mr. Darcy was also awake, but laying still under the counterpane, still wearing a shirt and trousers. As per their plan, as soon as Mr. Simpton could be sure Miss Bingley was in the room, he stood up and quietly asked her "What do you think you are doing in my master's room, Miss Bingley?" As soon as Miss Bingley understood that her plans would not come to fruition, she quickly turned around and fled the room.

"Thank you Mr. Simpton, there will be a bit extra in your pay this month. Well done."

"Any time sir." was his reply as he locked the door again and returned to his pallet.