4. Chapter 4

June 1, 2014 - Some of you have asked me to post even faster than once a day. Sheesh, peeps, I'm nearly blowing up the feed as it is. You should see my email and all the notifications I'm receiving! (Yes I know I can opt out but then how else would I have my vanity stroked?) I could post two chapters at a time every other day.

Anyway, the only bad Regency so far is some very modern expressions. When the big 'Oopsies!' come I'll leave note at the end of the chapter so as not to annoy the readers who get annoyed at author's notes.

Happy Sunday!

Chapter 4

After spending two long days in the coach returning to Hertfordshire, Elizabeth was excited to see the familiar landmarks drawing them closer to Longbourn. At last, late in the afternoon, the travelers beheld their destination. Squeals of delight from the Gardiners' four children filled the air as the coach pulled up in front of the house. Elizabeth was the first to descend into the welcoming throng and Jane was the first to greet her. As the sisters released their embrace, Mr. Bennet approached to give his favorite a kiss on the cheek, as much from affection as from relief at seeing her well.

"I am glad you have come back Lizzy. All I had to keep me sane whilst you were away is your dear Jane here. Between your mother and nieces and nephews I could barely get any time alone with her!"

"Father!" Elizabeth scolded, "Hush now. The last thing I want right now is for you to get Mama started!"

"You are right of course. I will behave myself this evening in honor of your safe return."

"Thank you, Papa. I see you understand me, as usual."

The children took turns receiving their hugs and kisses from their happy parents. More than once the phrase "did you bring me anything?" was heard as the party moved into the house.

It was hard to tell who was happier to see the other, Jane or Elizabeth. The two had an uncommonly strong bond between them. Jane thought nothing of pouring her heart out to Elizabeth and Elizabeth felt the same towards Jane. So Jane had no difficulty telling from her sister's body language that she was excited and had something to tell her that she did not wish to share with the rest of the family. But there would be no time to share confidences until the next day. As much as Jane wanted to talk with her sister she knew that Elizabeth was most likely exhausted and needed a good night's sleep more than a late night chat.

The next morning after breakfast the Gardiners left for their home in London. Mr. Gardiner needed to be at his business the following day and he was loath to part from his children again. As the families gathered to say their goodbyes, Mr. Bennet took his brother aside to thank him again for taking his Lizzy with them and for bringing her back safely.

"Of course I had to keep her from climbing up the rocky outcroppings to get a better view of the landscape a few times, but all in all she was everything that a lady should be."

"I am only surprised that she did not persuade you into letting her climb a tree as well."

"Well, there was one instance that I could see her thinking about it, but then she realized she could get a better view from the church bell tower."

Both men shared a chuckle over this only too believable escapade.

"We look forward to seeing you at Christmas. I hope you have a safe journey home," Mr. Bennet farewelled.

"Thank you again, Aunt and Uncle, for taking me with you. I shall write to you next week, Aunt," Elizabeth added as the last of the occupants of the carriage sat down.

"Goodbye!"

Elizabeth and her father watched the carriage until it disappeared from sight. Taking his daughter's arm, Mr. Bennet led her towards his study. "Now tell me all about your travels, the parts you cannot tell your mother, that is."

Elizabeth laughed and began to tell him of all the places they visited and, most importantly, her new friend.

"I do not think you should tell Fanny too much about Miss Darcy, Elizabeth. I think we can both imagine her response if she finds out her true station in life. If I were you I would prepare yourself to evade her inquiries as much as possible."

"Unfortunately, I agree. I shall correspond with Georgiana of course. I only hope Mama will not notice how fine the Darcy's stationary is. I will warn Georgiana in my first letter, which I should write this afternoon, to keep things simple. She will understand. I plan to tell Jane all about her of course. I could never keep anything from Jane!"

"Never say never, Lizzy. There may come a day when this will not be possible."

"I know Papa. I just hope that day does not come any time soon. I should go to her now. We have not had the opportunity to be alone yet. I was too tired last night and I would rather not wait until tonight. Goodbye, Papa."

Elizabeth found Jane in the front parlor. Wishing for privacy, Jane suggested a walk through the garden. The sun was shining pleasantly and soon Jane was lost in Elizabeth's descriptions of all the places she and the Gardiners had visited.

"But I saved the best for last, Jane. Whilst we were staying in Lambton we visited Pemberley, the home where Mary Clark's mother is housekeeper. Aunt Gardiner forbade Mrs. Clark from telling her we were coming so her mother was quite surprised and delighted when we arrived."

"Did she show you the house personally then?"

"Yes she did, and she arranged for the head gardener himself to show us the grounds. Well, some of the grounds. Oh Jane, Pemberley is magnificent! I wanted never to leave the place. Indeed Netherfield is nothing to it! And that is not the end of it. When we were beginning our tour we came across Miss Darcy alone in the Library!"

"That must have been awkward."

"At first yes, but Miss Darcy was very gracious, if not very shy, and quickly excused herself so that we could see the room."

"She must be a sweet girl."

"She is!"

"Lizzy, you say that with great conviction! How could you be so well informed?"

"Because I have yet to tell you what happened when we finished our tour of the gardens. Mrs. Reynolds invited us to her Study for refreshments before we headed back to Lambton. When we were admitted we were very surprised to find none other than Miss Darcy as well!"

"In the housekeeper's study?"

"Yes, not only was she there but she stayed with us until we left!"

"Truly?"

"But wait, it gets even better. Miss Darcy and I had the opportunity to converse with each other before it was time to go. I must say that she is a wonderful girl. A little shy around strangers perhaps but she is a delight to be with when she warms up to you. Anyway, as we were preparing to leave miss Darcy asked if I could return to spend the next afternoon with her at Pemberley!"

"I cannot believe it, Lizzy. Why would she so single you out? Well, I can understand anyone singling you out, but this is indeed a surprise!"

"Oh Jane, I am well aware of it. After my Aunt and Uncle gave me their approval to go, the next afternoon the Darcy Carriage came and picked me up and took me back to Pemberley. I met Miss Darcy's companion, Mrs. Annesley and then Miss Darcy took me for a walk through the woods."

"I certainly hope you did not tire her out!"

"Actually, I think I finally found my equal when it comes to walking. We had a delightful time. The longer we were together the more open she became. Before we made it back to the house she asked me to call her Georgiana!"

Jane could only look at her in amazement. Finally she ventured. "She asked you to call her by her Christian name after so short an acquaintance?"

"Yes, and I only agreed once I asked her to call me Elizabeth in exchange. I know it is quite astonishing. But Jane, the amazing thing is that I felt drawn to her as well. It was as if I was talking to a sister! Before we left she asked me to write. How could I refuse her, Jane? She is such a sweet girl and I feel… well, I feel protective about her. There is a sadness in her that is heartbreaking. She lost her mother at a very young age and her father five ago. She has an older brother of course, and a few other relatives but she seems very lonely at times. I hope our correspondence will bring some cheer into her life."

"Knowing you Lizzy, I am sure that it will."

"But I have more to tell! Before I left, Georgiana asked me to come back to Pemberley again! I told her I would have to ask Aunt and Uncle first. I had one more morning they could spare me so I went one last time to Pemberley. Georgiana played the pianoforte for me. Jane I wish I could play half as well as she does. When she was done she asked me to play for her. Then she suggested we spend the rest of the morning playing duets. I do not think I have ever had such a delightful time at the pianoforte."

"It sounds as if I have someone else to share you with now, my dearest Lizzy. I am sure you will remain strong friends. I am glad for both of you."

"Oh Jane, any other sister in England would be jealous. But not you dear sister, you are too good."

"Stop teasing me Lizzy. Come, I think you have a letter to write."

"As I said, you are too good!"

Jane was right, of course, so Elizabeth sat down in the breakfast room to write her new friend.

Longbourn, Hertfordshire

Dear Georgiana,

We arrived safely at Longbourn late yesterday afternoon. I'm afraid with all of the commotion of bringing the trunks in, unpacking and resting that it was time to go to bed and I had not the opportunity of writing my dear new friend to assure her of my safe arrival home. The Gardiners returned to London this morning and first my papa, then my dearest Jane would not leave me until I regaled them with my adventures and still I had not the chance to write my dear new friend to assure her of my safe arrival home. Then it was time for lunch and still I had not the chance to write to my dear new friend to assure her of my safe arrival home. But now I am free and here I am writing my dear new friend to assure you of my safe arrival home.

Nothing here has changed but the weather. It is warmer and drier than when I left but that is unremarkable because it is now the middle of summer!

I would like to tell you more of my family. My Papa is a private man who loves his books and his port. He spends much of his day reading when he does not have estate business to occupy him. I am the only one allowed unlimited access to his study where he keeps his books. We spend many hours there together. Sometimes reading by ourselves, other times discussing a book we have read. He has a very dry wit, so I pity the poor fool who plays into his hands.

Mama is, Mama. I sometimes wonder how my parents came to be united. She is so different from Papa. Since my eldest sister Jane turned 15 she has dedicated her life to finding husbands for all her daughters. I know this is her role in life, I just wish she would forget I exist sometimes when she is matchmaking! I need to stop here and ask you a favor. When you write to me, would you use a Lambton address? My reason for asking this of you is because I would never hear the end of it if she knew I was acquainted with such a "rich young lady who is in a position to put me in the paths of rich young men". I hope you understand.

I have told you a little about my older sister Jane. Jane is best described as 'an angel'. She is a goddess with the sweetest disposition to go with her beauty. She is so unaffected that she does not know how beautiful she really is. If she were not so amiable and I did not love her dearly I could be quite jealous!

My next youngest sister is Mary. Mary loves to read, especially Fordyce's Sermons. We are provided with bits of wisdom from Dr. Fordyce daily. At least she doesn't chase after any male out of drawstrings.

That brings me to my next sister, Catherine, or Kitty as she prefers. She also prefers to dress up her bonnets and read all of Mama's fashion magazines. She is too much under the influence of my youngest sister Lydia. Lydia, at 15 is near the same age as you but that is where the similarities end. Jane and I have tried to work with her but it has done little good. She is obsessed with being the first one married and Mama has aided this unwise desire by allowing her to come out already. I must say that if you need ladies to fill out a ballroom all you have to do is invite the Bennets and you would have no need to invite many other ladies!

I may tease about my younger sisters but I do love them all dearly. I believe, as they grow older they will settle down and become the ladies I know they can be, if Jane and I don't throttle them first.

I am very curious to know how you fared when your brother returned home? Were you able to tease him? Did he find you at all impertinent? You must tell me all!

I think I shall stop here. I know you can afford to receive longer letters but I have other things I must attend to before dinner. I shall look forward to hearing from you soon.

Your new friend,

Elizabeth Bennet

Three days later, Darcy and Georgiana were sitting down to lunch when the letters for the day were brought in to them. Georgiana's face lit with joy as she realized she had a letter from her new friend. Impatiently she broke the seal and began to read. Darcy was fascinated watching her face move from an initial anxiety to concentration and finally to mirth. Georgiana could not prevent laughter from escaping as she perused her letter. Satisfied, she put it down and turned to regard her brother.

"I take it that Miss Bennet arrived home safely?"

"Yes she did. Oh Fitzwilliam I could hear her talking to me as I read."

"Then you enjoyed her letter?"

"Fitzwilliam! Honestly! I know you heard me laugh and I am positive you were watching me the entire time I read it. I do need to ask your permission for something. Elizabeth asked me to use a Lambton address when I write. Is that permissible with you?"

Darcy furrowed his brow at this. "Why did she ask you to do that?"

"She has a very good reason for it and it makes me value her even more. I need to read a portion of her letter to you."

'Mama is, Mama. I sometimes wonder how my parents came to be united. She is so different from papa. Since my eldest sister Jane turned 15 she has dedicated her life to finding husbands for all her daughters. I know this is her role in life, I just wish she would forget I exist sometimes when she is matchmaking! I need to stop here and ask you a favor. When you write to me, would you use a Lambton address? I would never hear the end of it if she knew I was acquainted with such a "rich young lady who is in a position to put me in the paths of rich young men". I hope you understand.'

"She is right, and very wise in her request. I would also think it would help to find you some less elegant stationary in which to enclose your letters. Unfortunately I am well acquainted with such matchmaking mothers as she describes. I will ask Mrs. Reynolds to see to the paper for you."

"Thank you, Brother. If you would excuse me I shall go and answer Elizabeth directly."

"I doubt Miss Bennet wishes you to not finish your lunch so you can answer her."

"Fitzwilliam! I was finished before you. The only reason I had not excused myself was to be polite to you!"

"Go write your letter."

"Yes sir!" she sad mockingly as she dropped a curtsey to take her leave.

Pemberley, Derbyshire

Dear Elizabeth,

I received your letter as I finished lunching with my brother today. Since his return we have fallen into a quiet rhythm.

I wake

I dress

I eat breakfast, with Fitzwilliam

I study

I eat lunch, with Fitzwilliam

I practice my pianoforte

I have tea

I go for a walk

I dress for supper

I eat supper, with Fitzwilliam

I spend the evening in the Library, the music room or the drawing room, with Fitzwilliam

I ascend the stair to my rooms, with Fitzwilliam

I sleep, by myself

I miss our walks and our duets, Elizabeth. Mrs. Annesley cannot keep up with me and Fitzwilliam is usually too busy with the estate to join me.

I know you are interested in how my first foray into teasing my brother went.

Well, I became upset about something and Fitzwilliam came and knelt before me and took my hands to comfort me. Once I began to feel better I asked him to return to his seat because if a stranger had walked in on us at that time he would have thought him offering me marriage. After my brother got over the initial shock of such things coming from me he started to laugh. When I asked him, most impertinently, what amused him he said, "Who are you and what have you done with my sister?" He was pleased to see me so. I have continued to try and tease him because he encourages me to do so. I find that when we interact this way he then appears to me less of a father figure and more of a brother. I admit I like this new type of camaraderie between us. Thank you for encouraging me in it.

I shall be given some less elegant paper in which to enclose my letters to you. I talked with my brother about your request and when I explained everything to him he agreed with the wisdom of your request and even suggested the less fine paper. He is truly the best of brothers and the best man I know. Not that I am acquainted with very many men!

I shall close now. Please respond soon.

Your new friend too,

Georgiana Darcy

The letters between the two continued in much the same lighthearted manner. Elizabeth was delighted in the mischievousness Georgiana was displaying. Georgiana loved to hear about a world different from her own as if told by a master storyteller.

Come September, Elizabeth received her customary letter a few days earlier than expected.

Darcy House, Hanover Square, London

Dear Elizabeth,

As you see I am now in London. Fitzwilliam decided to bring me with him at the last minute. Actually, I begged to come. My Uncle and Aunt are in town right now and I wanted to be able to spend time with them rather than to be left alone at Pemberley. I find that I desire company more and more thanks to you. I was secretly, selfishly, hoping you might also be visiting your relatives in London at this time, but I know that is not the case…

…And so I am stuck with the visits of Caroline Bingley. I know she only comes for a chance to see my brother but he avoids her if at all possible!

Please write to me soon.

Your not so new friend now,

Georgiana

Longbourn, Hertfordshire

Dear Georgiana,

I hope your society in London is expanded beyond your aunt, uncle and Miss Bingley. She sounds so, so, typical of the ton!

The invariable monotony around here has suffered a somewhat unwelcome blow. The War Office, in its unquestioned wisdom, has decided to inflict upon us a regiment of militia in the nearby town of Meryton. My mother and two youngest sisters are ecstatic! I am doomed! I am sure she has paired me up with at least five officers already. Save me please Georgiana!But we bear this with all the grace and gentility expected of us. They cannot be stationed here for more than six months I am sure.

If you hear any frustrated screams coming from the direction of Hertfordshire, be assured that it is most likely me you are hearing!

If I can endure this, you can endure Miss Bingley!

Write back soon, I need the diversion from all the talk of red coats.

Your approaching to be old friend,

Elizabeth

Darcy House, Hanover Square, London

Dear Elizabeth

My brother has informed me that he is to accompany his friend, Charles Bingley and his family to an Estate he is leasing in Hertfordshire called Netherfield. Is it anywhere near your family's estate? If it is I think I shall beg Fitzwilliam to allow me to come with him. I know Charles wouldn't mind. The only downside to this is close contact with Miss Bingley. Yes, she is Mr. Bingley's sister. I would gladly put up with her for a chance to see you. Write soon so I can begin making any necessary battle plans.

Your now old friend

Georgiana

Longbourn, Hertfordshire

Dear Georgiana,

You may not believe me but I had just finished a walk that takes me right near Netherfield when I received your letter! Netherfield is but 3 miles from Longbourn. Make your plans accordingly.

Your newest old friend,

Elizabeth

Georgiana could not believe it. She would see Elizabeth soon if she had her way. So she began to execute her well-laid campaign to accompany her brother. She had no need to be have worried for Darcy really could not say no to her. After Ramsgate he preferred to keep her close when she was not safely at Pemberley. Besides, he was curious to meet her friend. It was obvious how much she enjoyed their correspondence and from what she had read to him, she sounded like a witty young woman. Yes, he would ask Bingley if Georgiana could come. He knew Bingley could not say no to her either.