Note on a character: I realize I have neglected Miss Baxter so while I plan to go back and give her some more to do in previous chapters/summers I am rectifying that error going forward here so please forgive the fact that she may seem to be coming out of nowhere since she has been more on the sidelines of late.
Though the sun beat down on the landscape – unencumbered by clouds – the roads still remembered the previous day's drenching. Generally, it was a well-maintained lane that offered a smooth journey between the houses. This afternoon the wheels sank several inches into the mud and the carriage lurched periodically as it encountered holes created by yesterday's driving rain. They were forced to stop twice to remove large branches that had been deposited onto their path. These obstacles did not lessen the enthusiasm of the party. They arrived in good spirits and ready to celebrate.
"Welcome," Mr. Darcy greeted his guests with a broad smile as the ever-efficient Mrs. Reynolds ushered them into the entryway where the family waited. The parties merged quickly offering birthday wishes to Lizzy and Georgiana. After wishing Lizzy a happy birthday Miss Baxter pulled Mary aside to ask after a piece on the pianoforte the younger girl had been working on when last they spoke.
"I can see it," Darcy said to Elizabeth.
"See what?" she asked, only slightly distracted by his signature almost smile that brightened his brown eyes.
"You have clearly grown into your sixteen years since we last met."
"I am glad you noticed," Lizzy smiled up at him and although she wished his words meant he was prepared to see her as a woman and not a girl she was determined to be grown-up enough not to indulge herself in fantasy. As the best friend of his sister, she knew it likely he would always cast himself in the big brother role when it came to her. This sad reality seemed to hold less heartbreak in this moment than when she contemplated the matter outside of his presence. "I think perhaps I have grown."
Lizzy stepped closer to Darcy, placed her hand atop her head and then moved it to where her head reached on him though she did not bring it quite far enough to touch him.
"You can see I am now nearly the height of a Fitzwilliam Darcy shoulder."
"Not quite, Miss Lizzy," he countered, and her heart fluttered at his use of her nickname. It then took flight, bringing her entire stomach with it, when he took her hand in his and moved it down an inch. Even through their gloves Lizzy felt the heat of his fingers. "I believe you are closer to the height of a Fitzwilliam Darcy upper arm."
"Quite so," Elizabeth answered, her words a mere whisper. It was all she could manage. He still held her fingers in his!
"And I am nearly as tall as Lizzy!" Georgiana declared, breaking the spell as she bounded up to the pair. As she measured herself against Elizabeth, Darcy released her fingers and though this made breathing and appearing normal so much easier Lizzy dearly missed the connection.
"So it would seem," Elizabeth responded once she felt she could trust her voice. She was surprised to find that indeed her young friend was only two or three inches shorter than herself. How had she not noticed? When they met three summers ago the difference was much greater. They had both grown since then but clearly Georgiana had done the lion's share of it.
"Perhaps next year you will be the taller one," Mr. Barlow speculated as he and the other adults approached the younger group.
"I think I may catch up to Lizzy first," Mary said.
"That seems right as you are almost there already," Mr. Gardiner agreed. It was true, standing side by side Mary and Elizabeth were already nearly the same height.
"Let's not rush the growing up, please." Mr. Darcy said. "Shall we begin the picnic?"
"How can we picnic when the ground is still so wet, not to mention all the fallen branches – is there a place you found that is unaffected by yesterday's storm?" Elizabeth asked.
"There is indeed," Mr. Darcy answered, with a mischievous grin. It was a becoming expression on the older gentleman that Lizzy had rarely witnessed. "If you would all follow me."
And they did. Up the sweeping front staircase, turning right at the landing and proceeding down the wide hallway once they reached the top. Though she had been in this part of the house once or twice it was more an exception during her visits as this was the wing with the more formal rooms open to the public during some of the year. Georgiana had taken her on a tour one rainy day last summer and she had been in awe of the dining room with a table set for thirty. Before she could ask why it was arranged as if ready for a party the girls heard Mrs. Reynolds speaking with visitors in the hallway. They fled through a side door and nearly ran back to the family wing.
Elizabeth was surprised when Mr. Darcy halted the progress of the group outside the ornate double-doors which she knew led to the ballroom. Mrs. Reynolds greeted them and then, at Mr. Darcy's nod opened the doors.
Much of the large room looked as it had last time she saw it. Ornate gold-gilded wall panels, three giant chandeliers glistening from the high ceilings, massive paintings of Pemberley in each season adorning the four walls and two enormous white marble fireplaces facing one another toward the far side of the space.
Elizabeth's eyes were immediately drawn to the centre of the room. Directly under the largest chandelier a half dozen blankets were arrayed on the floor. Two were nearly covered with food laid out on silver trays – biscuits, meat pies, strawberries with cream, cakes, sandwiches, candies and more. The other blankets had pillows grouped on their corners. It was a delightful and picturesque display. It was all arranged under a large archway adorned with ribbons and flowers – in every shade of pink and purple.
"How lovely!" Mrs. Gardiner exclaimed.
"And games too!" After taking in the all the food and drink displayed on the blankets Lizzy noticed that on the far side of the room there was a colourful set of bowling pins set up at the end of a thick carpet. Two black balls sat at the other end. There was a table with cards and another with what appeared to be various accoutrements that could be combined to play any number of table games.
"We were not quite able to accommodate all the outdoor games, but we did our best," Mr. Darcy said.
"I would say your best is quite good," Mr. Gardiner said, turning to take in the entirety of the space.
"Yes, it is," Georgiana agreed. "Father how did you do all this without my noticing?"
"I had a great deal of help with all of this of course," he declared. Clearly enjoying the surprise and delight of all his guests and most especially the birthday girls. "Miss Baxter was crucial to when it came to distracting Miss Darcy."
"I now understand your sudden passion for complex embroidery."
"Indeed, but in the end the project, though initially intended as a distraction, is turning out quite well. Your aunt will love it."
"And it must be noted the idea to persist with a picnic despite moving indoors came from Fitzwilliam."
At this acknowledgement the gentleman in question looked almost shy as he explained, "I knew how much both Georgiana and Miss Elizabeth enjoyed the event last year and thought it possible to replicate given a large enough space."
"It appears you were quite right," Elizabeth said. "I would never have thought of it, but it is perfect, really perfect." She held his gaze for as long as she dared, wanting to convey her appreciation, but fearful of showing too much she looked away after a moment.
"Let's serve ourselves some of this delicious fare and then we can begin the games," Mr. Darcy said moving toward the food covered blankets.
Miss Baxter moved in between Georgiana and Lizzy, taking their arms. Mary walked alongside Elizabeth. "Mr. Darcy insisted we have rewards this year for the winners this year, wait until you see."
"Prizes!" Georgiana's excitement was shared by the entire party.
"He is so certain of his victory I think the family jewels may be among the prizes," Darcy said. Everyone laughed at this and teased Mr. Darcy as they took seats amid the blankets and pillows and began to fill plates and cups.