6. Chapter 6

June 3, 2014 - Load of original Austen in this one. Too much, actually. feel free to skim at the sections in question. I know I was tempted as I review the chapter. My ego thanks you for your continued offerings of comments, favs and follows. I'm all caught up now and have left each person a response if they left a signed review.

Chapter 6

Elizabeth was the first to rise the next morning. She was dressed and downstairs before any of the family was awake. She went to find Mrs. Hill to tell her where she was going, and to grab a piece or two of bread in case she got hungry along the way. It went against her ideas of independence to have to tell anyone where she was going on her walks but this was a concession she had made to her father years ago. Elizabeth was 14 when she realized that long walks were much preferable to sitting inside with her mother. Alas the day finally came when she was caught outside in a violent thunderstorm. By the time she made it home she was thoroughly soaked, her mother was in bed with hysterics and her father was showing uncharacteristic signs of distress. Only her promise to tell him, the housekeeper or the butler in what direction she was headed placated her father enough for him to allow her to continue her walks.

After a short word with Mrs. Hill she was off on the path toward Oakham Mount. She was not surprised when she spied Mr. Darcy and Georgiana approaching the fork in the path that would lead to the ascent.

"Mr. Darcy, Georgiana, I am very surprised to see that you are of the same mind as I, and so early in the morning!" she said trying not to smile.

"We were informed that this path leads up to a view that is particularly fine first thing in the morning." Mr. Darcy answered smoothly.

"Indeed, but where would you get such information? You only arrived in the country the night before last." Elizabeth parried.

"A man of my means has his sources of information, Miss Bennet."

"But are you sure that they are reliable?"

"If they are not then my sister here has a great deal of explaining to do."

"Fitzwilliam! Stop! She we take the path together Elizabeth?"

"Georgiana, how could I say no when I suggested it in the first place!"

With that the three laughed and began the slow climb. Once they reached the top Darcy left the two ladies to themselves while he inspected the countryside before him. He loved the smell of the soil, the grain, and the early morning dew. It never failed to stir within him memories of accompanying his father as he toured their estate. Would Bingley ever come to love that smell as he did?

While Darcy was alone with his thoughts Georgiana began speaking with Elizabeth.

"Thank you for suggesting this walk this morning. Fitzwilliam and I had a long talk last night and he helped me understand the difficulties you will be facing whilst I am in the neighborhood. I never stopped to think about it before. You always said I would be welcome in Hertfordshire, I just never imagined how much your mother would welcome me. You did try to warn me, but I am still happy I came."

"To be honest, Georgiana, I rather forgot about my mother when I first issued the invitation. But even if I had remembered I still would have issued it all the same. Truly I am glad you are here. I am just sorry you have to put up with Miss Bingley for the pleasure."

"What did you think of Mr. Bingley and his sisters?"

"Mr. Bingley is just what a young man ought to be," said she, "sensible, good-humored, lively; and I never saw such happy manners! So much ease, with such perfect good-breeding!"

"Yes he is, and his sisters?"

"Their manners are not equal to his."

"That was diplomatically spoken."

"Yes, I believe my sister was not as displeased with their manners as I was. But then again, Jane rarely if ever thinks ill of anyone. I must find it in myself not to voice my opinions of the those ladies for Jane's sake."

"Because Mr. Bingley likes your sister?"

"It was that obvious to you, too?" Elizabeth laughed.

"Mr. Bingley kept singing the praises of 'the angel' he met last night. I only assumed he meant your sister since he never seemed to stay away from her for very long."

Elizabeth smiled. "Did you enjoy yourself last night? I know you and your brother do not like to be much in company with strangers."

"Not everyone there was a stranger to me, Elizabeth. Your presence was the only reason I asked to go and I did enjoy meeting your sisters Jane and Mary and speaking with your father. He seems to be a well-read man."

"He is, but he will more often than not choose a position opposite of his own regarding a book just to see if he can unsettle the person he is talking with about it."

"How can you tell when he is serious?"

"Years and years of practice. Is Mrs. Annesley not with you Georgiana?"

"Her only daughter Rachael, was married last year and now is with child. The baby is expected after the New Year. When she found out that I had convinced Fitzwilliam to bring me with him to Hertfordshire she asked permission to go and see her Rachael to help prepare for the baby. She will then journey to Netherfield on December 1st."

"I hope she is able to assist her daughter, and enjoy this time with her. Is this her first Grandchild?"

"Yes, her son is not yet married. He is in the Army."

"Oh my, never let my youngest sisters know that or else they will be asking you for details of the young Mr. Annesley! What about your studies, Georgiana? I know your brother would not allow you to totally neglect them."

"Before she left, Mrs. Annesley and I discussed a schedule of study for me. I have brought some books, in French, which will serve the dual purpose of working on that language as well as becoming more familiar with those writings. I have their counterparts in English so that I can compare what I thought they were saying in French to what I believe they are saying in English. It should prove to be a most enlightening experience as well as a truer gauge of my progress. However, the major project we devised has nothing to do with books."

"I am interested, please tell me more!"

"Since I am due to come out next year we thought that it would be wise to further my education in 'life'. I am to observe people and how they interact with each other in different situations. I am to take close look at how different women manage their homes. It is hoped that by seeing people in such different settings than I have been accustomed to, that I will learn what I feel will work for me and what will not when I have a home and family of my own."

"My respect for Mrs. Annesley grows by the day. That is a very wise set of challenges to issue you Georgiana. It will help you become a greater lady than you already are."

Elizabeth smiled at her blushing young friend. She was growing into quite an accomplished lady! Observing Georgiana's progress as she reached her potential would be a fascinating, enjoyable experience.

"Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth called out to get his attention. "I thank you for bringing your sister out to meet with me this morning. It is time that I should be returning to my home. I hope to see you two there in a few days."

"Yes, Miss Bennet. If the weather holds we will call tomorrow."

"I shall look forward to showing you my home, Georgiana. Though it will not take nearly the time it took you to show me Pemberley!"

"I am sure you have a lovely home, Elizabeth."

"I shall leave the two of you here to enjoy the view a little longer. Good day, Mr. Darcy. Good day, Georgiana. Take care on your way down. It is not at all dangerous, but you are not yet familiar with the grounds around here."

After she had gone Georgiana turned to her brother who was once again lost in his thoughts.

"Fitzwilliam?"

"Hhmm, yes Georgiana?"

"Thank you for the time alone with Elizabeth."

"You are welcome, but I was content to be lost in my own thoughts for a while. It is so peaceful up here."

"I noticed your absentmindedness. Is there anything the matter?"

"No, I was just trying to decide how to proceed with Bingley?"

"Forgive me, I am not understanding you."

"I came to Hertfordshire to see him settled into the estate. I see many things that will keep him busy and train him if he ever buys his own. Unfortunately, he sees no such problems with Netherfield. I am trying to decide how I can help him see without seeming to be overbearing. It is a sensitive business sister. I do not wish to offend my friend."

"Of course you feel this way. I believe you are an honourable gentleman to treat your friend so. I am sure you will find a way to accomplish this without straining the bonds of your friendship."

"Thank you, Georgiana, for your continued faith in me. I think we should be going back now as well. I would not want to alarm Miss Bingley with our absence. Not that she will be out of bed and downstairs much before noon!"

They made their way back down again and back to Netherfield. Not surprisingly, they did not see its Mistress before noon.

Mr. Darcy called on Longbourn the next day with his sister. The visit went much as it could have been expected with plans made for a walk in two days.

When Elizabeth called at Netherfield for Georgiana to set out for their walk, she was surprised that Darcy insisted on accompanying them.

"Mr. Darcy, you will be allowed to accompany us only if you promise to give the two of us time alone. How are we to talk of things only girls do if you are within hearing distance at all times."

"Perhaps that is why I wish to accompany you then, to protect my honor and good name!"

"You will do, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth responded. "Just remember that I did try to warn you."

"Let us be off then before Miss Bingley decides to join us," warned Darcy.

"Then by all means let us go," the two ladies chorused.

Darcy gave each lady an arm and the three of them set off. Once they were safely out of sight from the house Darcy, true to his word, let the ladies go on ahead.

"Will you be attending the function at Sir William's tonight, Georgiana?"

"No, I think it best I stay home. My brother agrees with me that it is best that I remain here. To be honest, I could use an evening of peace and solitude."

"In other words without Miss Bingley fawning over you and your brother."

"You will take pity on him then?"

"I make no promises, but I will see what I can do. It is certainly good of him to allow us some privacy."

"I told you he is the best of brothers."

"I have always wanted a brother."

"Someday you shall have one when one of your sisters marries."

"That is true, but then I would be losing that sister to the home of her husband."

"It is inevitable, especially with one so beautiful as Miss Bennet. I wonder her still being unmarried."

"She is determined to marry for love, as I am."

"I hope I can find a man who will love me for something other than my money."

"If that is what you wish I am sure your brother will protect you from such unscrupulous men."

Georgiana colored at this. Elizabeth noticed but once again chose to let the younger girl disclose the matter when and if she was ever ready.

"Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth called. "How much longer do we have before we need to return to Netherfield? There is a fork in the path just ahead and I need to decide which way to go."

"I believe we have the time to take the longer path, Miss Bennet. I am curious who will be the one to return the most refreshed and I think a good long walk is the means to settle this question."

"How much?"

"A crown, just enough to make it interesting."

"Of what are you speaking, Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam?" Georgiana queried.

"That is between Miss Bennet and myself. It is of no consequence dear."

"Humph!"

"That is not very ladylike Georgiana!"

"Neither is speaking in riddles in front of me, Elizabeth!"

"True, but it will not get us to divulge our secrets. Right, Mr. Darcy?"

"I would never question a lady."

Upon striking out on the new path the party made its wandering way back to Netherfield. When they arrived Miss Bingley was visibly displeased to have been left behind. Darcy ignored her and had refreshments brought to the two ladies.

"Do you have an answer to your question, Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth dared.

"No, I think I shall have to wait until another time to have my curiosity satisfied."

Elizabeth smiled at this reply and made her excuses to leave and head back to Longbourn.

That night at Lucas Lodge Darcy spent most of the first part of the evening wishing he could have stayed with Georgiana. However, he could not leave Bingley and so he was forced to his usual prowl around the edges of the room. The regiment's officers were in attendance. For once he was thankful for the distraction of a red coat since it deflected some of the attention away from him. He was quite delighted when Miss Lucas opened the instrument and asked Elizabeth to play. Georgiana had told him that she had much enjoyed hearing her play. Now he realized that she was accurate in her praise. Miss Bennet's playing was enchanting! No, it was not technically as good as Georgiana's playing but there was something to her performance that drew you and set your soul into the magic of the song. The spell was finally broken when Elizabeth was succeeded to the pianoforte by her younger sister Mary.

In the aftermath of her performance Miss Bingley sauntered up to him.

"I can guess the subject of your reverie."

"I should imagine not."

"You are considering how insupportable it would be to pass many evenings in this manner"

"Your conjecture is totally wrong, I assure you. My mind was more agreeably engaged. I have been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow."

"And may I ask who inspired such reflections?"

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet!" repeated Miss Bingley. "I am all astonishment. How long has she been such a favorite? And pray, when am I to wish you joy?"

"That is exactly the question which I expected you to ask. A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony, in a moment. I knew you would be wishing me joy."

"Nay, if you are so serious about it, I shall consider the matter as absolutely settled. You will have a charming mother-in-law, indeed; and, of course, she will be always at Pemberley with you."

The next day Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst and Georgiana called on the ladies of Longbourn. In the course of the visit, Miss Bennet was invited to dine with them at Netherfield the next day, as the men were engaged to dine with the officers. Georgiana felt it very rude that Elizabeth was not included in the invitation and at the first chance to speak with her alone begged for her to ask if she could dine with the Bennets whilst Jane dined at Netherfield. Elizabeth understood her plight and asked her mother if she could extend the invitation. Seeing the opportunity to further the intimacy of Miss Darcy with Elizabeth, she quickly made the invitation.

"Miss Darcy, I'm sure you would find many more things to talk about with girls closer to your age. Would you care to join us when Jane dines at Netherfield?"

"I would be delighted, Mrs. Bennet. I shall have to ask my brother's permission of course, but I am sure he will agree. He knows how much I enjoy the company of Miss Elizabeth. I will send back a note to confirm my acceptance."

Mrs. Bennet made a note to talk with the cook about the meal tomorrow.

That next morning Hertfordshire awoke to gray skies. It threatened to rain all morning but the weather held. Mrs. Bennet insisted Jane ride Nelly to Netherfield.

"My dear, you had better go on horseback, because it seems likely to rain; and then you must stay until the gentlemen return."

"That would be a good scheme," said Elizabeth, "if you were sure that they would not offer to send her home immediately."

"Oh! But the gentlemen will have Mr. Bingley's chaise to go to Meryton; and Miss Darcy will have her own."

"I had much rather go in the coach."

"But, my dear, your father cannot spare the horses, I am sure. They are wanted in the farm, Mr. Bennett, are not they?"

"They are wanted in the farm much oftener than I can get them."

"But if you have got them today," said Elizabeth, "my mother's purpose will be answered."

She did at last extort from her father an acknowledgment that the horses were engaged: Jane was therefore obliged to go on horseback, and her mother attended her to the door with many cheerful prognostications of a bad day. Her hopes were answered: Jane had not been gone long before Miss Darcy arrived in her carriage and it began raining hard. Her sisters and Georgiana were uneasy for her, but her mother was delighted. The rain continued the whole evening without intermission: Jane certainly could not come back on horseback.

"I will send her back in my carriage, Elizabeth. All will be well."

"Thank you, Georgiana. I admit I am anxious for Jane."

The Darcy carriage returned, not with Jane, but with a note.

Elizabeth,

Your sister was caught in the rain and has taken ill. Miss Bingley has installed her in one of the guest rooms where she is resting now. I will stay with her tonight but I am sure she would do better if you were here with her. Please come in the morning. I will send our carriage at 10 o'clock. Please send some clean clothes for your sister back with the carriage. The driver has been instructed to wait for you.

Georgiana

Elizabeth slept ill that night with worry for Jane. She decided that she could not wait for the carriage and set out at a rapid pace for Netherfield taking no notice to how dirty her skirts were becoming.

Georgiana received her and took her directly to her sister, but not before the rest of the party took in her appearance. As soon as Georgiana and Elizabeth were gone Miss Bingley began abusing her.

"She has nothing, in short, to recommend her, but being an excellent walker. I shall never forget her appearance just now. She really looked almost wild."

"She did indeed, Louisa. I could hardly keep my countenance. Very nonsensical to come so early! Why must she be scampering about the country, because her sister had a cold? Her hair, so untidy, so blowsy!"

"Yes, and her petticoat; I hope you saw her petticoat, six inches deep in mud, I am absolutely certain; and the gown which had been let down to hide it, not doing its office."

"Your picture may be very exact, Louisa," said Bingley; "but this was all lost upon me. I thought Miss Elizabeth Bennet looked remarkably well when she came into the room this morning. Her dirty petticoat quite escaped my notice."

"You observed it, Mr. Darcy, I am sure," said Miss Bingley; "and I am inclined to think that you would not wish to see your sister make such an exhibition."

"She would have no need."

"To walk three miles, or four miles, or five miles, or whatever it is, above her ankles in dirt, and alone, quite alone! What could she mean by it? It seems to me to show an abominable sort of conceited independence, a most country-town indifference to decorum. Why could she not wait for the coach to be sent for her? "

"It shows an affection for her sister that is very pleasing," said Bingley.

"I am afraid, Mr. Darcy," observed Miss Bingley, in a half-whisper, "that this adventure has rather affected your admiration of her fine eyes."

"Not at all," he replied; "they were brightened by the exercise."

When the clock struck three Elizabeth felt that she must go, and very unwillingly said so. Miss Bingley offered her the carriage, and she only wanted a little pressing to accept it, when Jane testified such concern in parting with her, that Miss Bingley was obliged to convert the offer of the chaise into an invitation to remain at Netherfield for the present. Elizabeth most thankfully consented, and a servant was dispatched to Longbourn to acquaint the family with her stay and bring back a supply of clothes.

"Elizabeth, I am sure Miss Bennet will be very much relieved to have you here with her. I would have stayed with her, but I am sure she would much prefer her sister."

"Thank you for staying with her last night, Georgiana. Jane told me how much she appreciated your attentions."

"I would do anything for you and your family, Elizabeth. Shall I see you at dinner?"

"If Jane feels well enough for me to leave her."

"Very well then, Elizabeth. It is good to see you. I just wish the circumstances were different."

With that Georgiana went to see what time dinner would be served and to make sure a tray would be prepared in case Elizabeth could not join them. Somehow she knew Miss Bingley would conveniently forget until after it was too late for a hot meal to be sent up.