25. Chapter 25

June 22, 2014 – A little early today so I can go watch the World Cup. Now I know you all are getting antsy about getting D&E together. Please, allow them some actual courtship time! To point they have been friendly acquaintances. Yes Elizabeth stayed with them in London but she was there for Georgiana. They never really spent the time together to be called friends or more than casual friends, if you will. Sometime in the next week of posting they will be engaged. And if your spidey senses are working, you'll catch that there is more than one couple courting at this time.

In case you are wondering the temple up on the hill is NOT the one from P&P 2005. Remember, this story was written before that movie came out. The place that inspired the structure is actually in Yorkshire, at Castle Howard. It's not the same in my mind, but it helped me form of picture of what might have been at Rosings if it was a real estate.

Chapter 25

Upon finding her brother in the house, Georgiana began to inquire after his morning's ride.

"Did you enjoy your outing, Fitzwilliam?"

"I suppose. Anne did not have much to say and Richard was annoyingly quiet. I had to try and keep up the conversation. Normally that is Richard's duty!"

"I told you Richard has feelings for Anne!" Georgiana cried.

"How so?" Darcy asked incredulously.

"Because he was quiet! Honestly, Fitzwilliam, are you blind? When has Richard ever been quiet around a woman? Never! I think he was nervous." Georgiana explained.

Darcy was silent. Could she be correct? "I agree that it is unusual behavior for him. Therefore, I will continue to watch the two of them in company."

"Very good, Fitzwilliam! The more you see the two of them together, the more you will be convinced that I am right!"

Easter Sunday Morning dawned bright and clear. The fresh crisp air filled Elizabeth's lungs as she walked in the park in the first light of day. Easter Sunday, Resurrection Sunday. The implications of the day weighed heavily on Elizabeth's heart. Her faith was nothing without this day. It was a time to ponder, a time to reflect, a time to be humbled, a time to give thanks.

Darcy was up early this morning, too. He awoke an hour before dawn and could not go back to sleep. He finally resigned himself to an early start and had his man prepare him for the day. With the rest of the house still asleep, he stepped out for a walk in the park. The silence was a welcome balm. He felt so alone and unsure of himself. He was always the one in control of his own destiny. Why did he now feel as though he had lost that control? He saw that there were things beyond his control, like his heart.

Before long Darcy spied someone up ahead of him walking in his direction. Within moments he recognized her. His heart leapt at the sight of her but soon began to sink into despair. The power she had over him! And she did not even know it.

"Good morning, Miss Bennet! He is Risen!" Darcy said as she approached.

"He is Risen, Indeed! Mr. Darcy!" Elizabeth gave the centuries-old reply. "It is a glorious morning. Have you been out long?"

"I left Rosings fifteen minutes ago."

"And I left the parsonage about the same time. I felt the need to be outside today. Today is a day for reflection and I find it much easier to do so out here where I am enfolded in God's creation."

"I agree. Would you care to take this way with me, Miss Bennet? If you had rather be alone I would certainly understand."

"I would enjoy your company, Mr. Darcy." Elizabeth replied and they walked along together in comfortable silence. Each one's thoughts were a myriad of remembrances. Darcy thought back to the night of the Netherfield Ball, to their dances together. Elizabeth seemed to understand the value of silence. It was one of the many things that surprised him about her. For a woman as skilled at conversation, to comprehend the power of the restraint of speech was remarkable. But then again, many things about her were remarkable. Once again he felt the feeling of loss begin to overtake him and he struggled to keep his emotions in check.

Elizabeth was also lost in her own memories of that night. What was it he had said? Oh yes, it was, 'Sometimes silence is preferable Miss Bennet, but not right now.' But now it was essential! How was she to think around this man? Her heartbeat had quickened as he had approached. She was so affected by him. How much more could she take before she let her feelings slip? Why did it have to be him? She glanced at his face. So beautiful, so noble, and so beyond her reach.

Before long they had come upon the place in the path that lead off to the secluded glade Elizabeth had discovered. Darcy seemed to recover himself and asked, "Have you discovered the glade at the end of this path, Miss Bennet?"

"Yes, I have, Mr. Darcy."

"Really! The path is so overgrown it is hard to distinguish. I am very surprised you found it so soon." Darcy said amazed.

"Mr. Darcy, I found it because I went looking for it. Tuesday I climbed to the top of the hill and as I descended I spied this glade. I knew its general direction so I went looking for it. It did take me about an hour to discover this path. When I set out on it I was soon rewarded by finding my goal. I decided to suggest this spot to Georgiana for a walk this next week."

"She has not been back there for many years. Did you find the bench, Miss Bennet?"

"Yes I did. It was a restful place to sit and read."

Darcy smiled. "My father had that bench made for my mother long ago. It was her favorite place to come when they visited Rosings. My father determined to surprise her for her visit one year. I must have been about six years old then."

"Happy memories, Mr. Darcy?"

"Some of my fondest associated with this place, Miss Bennet. You should bring my sister there again." Darcy told her.

"Then I shall, Mr. Darcy." They were silent for a few minutes. "I think I should be heading back to the parsonage now. Thank you for you company. I had a very enjoyable walk this early morning." Elizabeth said.

"The pleasure was all mine, Miss Bennet. I shall see you at the service then."

As he bowed over Elizabeth's hand Darcy could not resist the urge and he placed a light kiss upon her fingers. Elizabeth did her best not to physically react but he noticed. His dark eyes bore into her and she could not look away. Finally he released her hand, nodded his head, and turned back towards Rosings. Elizabeth stood there watching him until he disappeared around the bend in the path. She was trembling. At last she too turned and made her way back to the parsonage. 'Oh Lord, help me!' was all she could think.

The morning services were as unremarkable as could be. The congregants made their way through the familiar collect and Mr. Collins' sermon was mercifully short. Elizabeth suspected this was because he was eagerly anticipating the opulence of the table and fare at Rosings after the conclusion of the service. Her cousin enjoyed his food, even though others did not enjoy watching him consume it.

Back at Rosings, the party sat down to a sumptuous feast. Lady Catherine certainly knew how to keep a good table. With her hoped-for future son-in-law in residence, she especially aimed to impress. Darcy found it curious that his Aunt had Elizabeth sit next to her. He was even further astounded when Lady Catherine engaged her in a long discussion. Although discussion did not seem to be the proper word to describe it. Perhaps debate would be more accurate. Lady Catherine began to ask Elizabeth her how early she had come out. From there they waged a spirited argument on the proper age to enter society. Elizabeth held her own and Lady Catherine failed to treat her with the condescension normally associated with the lady's attentions. It dawned on Darcy that his Aunt was fond of Elizabeth. This was the first person to whom he had ever seen her react this way, outside of old acquaintances and some family members. Darcy had thought it impossible that he could respect Elizabeth any more than he already did. But now he found his respect increase even more.

Meanwhile, Georgiana was observing the interaction of her cousins Anne and Richard. They were seated across from each other. At first neither seemed inclined for conversation but then Richard began to make the effort to converse. Anne gradually became less withdrawn and by the end of the meal they were engrossed in a discussion about the gardens. Mrs. Annesley and Mrs. Jenkinson mostly kept their attentions to the other. It was obvious that both of their charges were quite capable of seeing to themselves at the table. Mr. and Mrs. Collins and Maria were forced to entertain each other.

After lunch the party moved into the main drawing room. Georgiana was asked to oblige the company on the pianoforte. Georgiana agreed only if Elizabeth would consent to sing the next with her. Quite serendipitously, the two had practiced much of Handel's Messiah together whilst Elizabeth was in Town. Georgiana had even prevailed upon her to sing the parts transposed from the soprano to the alto.

Whilst Georgiana played a piece by Mozart, Elizabeth left the room to warm up her voice. Ten minutes later she rejoined Georgiana, who had just finished her first piece, to begin their selections. Georgiana had brought her music from town expressly for this occasion. Once again Georgiana began the Sinfonia and Darcy snapped to attention. He remembered the last time she played this and knew what was to come. When Elizabeth finished "But who may abide the day of his coming?" Darcy was surprised when Georgiana transitioned into "He shall feed his flock" and then "He was despised". Elizabeth was going to sing each air written or transposed for the alto! Next she sang, "Thou art gone up on high" and followed it with "How beautiful are the feet" and finally "If God be for us". Georgiana finished with a pianoforte solo of "Worthy is the lamb that was slain."*

When the last chord had been played, the room was still. Each person was deeply affected in his or her own personal way. Georgiana herself had tears running down her cheeks. At last, Lady Catherine spoke in a quiet voice, quite foreign to her audience, "Thank you, Georgiana, Miss Bennet. I can think of nothing more appropriate on this day. You have given us a glimpse into the Mind of the Almighty I think." And with that she was silent. Still no one moved. Elizabeth was the one to finally break the spell. She turned to her young friend, smiled and said, "Thank you, Georgiana. I had no idea when we were practicing this in London that we would ever perform it all in front of an audience. Your playing was unparalleled, my dear friend."

"The privilege, once again, was mine, Elizabeth. I have great joy listening to you sing." Georgiana replied.

"Then it is best that you play and I sing if we are to show ourselves to the best advantage, Georgiana." This elicited the intended smile from them both and they moved to rejoin the rest of the party.

"It is quite obvious that you two have practiced your music together. I find it incredible that you should have done so much in Hertfordshire." Lady Catherine said in her once again usual commanding voice.

"Aunt Catherine, I invited Miss Bennet to stay with us in London for six weeks this winter whilst Mrs. Annesley attended her daughter at the birth of her first grandchild. Elizabeth and I spent many hours together working on these and other pieces." Georgiana answered.

"You did not tell me this, Miss Bennet." Lady Catherine cried.

"Your ladyship did not ask. I would have told you this if you had inquired. You had so many questions for me," came Elizabeth's retort.

Lady Catherine had to fight showing a smile. 'Well done Miss Bennet. I wish Anne would stand up to me like that!'"But you should have told me this when I asked about your acquaintance with my niece and nephew."

"If I had mentioned it, you would have thought me implying more intimacy with your family than exists. You would have considered such as an attempt to ingratiate myself towards your acceptance. I wish to be judged by my merits alone!"

This time a smile did escape momentarily on Lady Catherine's face. But she then schooled her features back into submission. "What you say has merit, Miss Bennet. I shall take it into consideration. Now tell me, have you met any others of the family?"

"I was introduced to Lord and Lady Matlock. I have not made the acquaintance of any of their children save Colonel Fitzwilliam here. But I did not meet him before he came to Kent." Elizabeth replied.

"Miss Bennet and Georgiana performed part of what they played just now for my Aunt and Uncle one night when we dined at Afton House." Darcy added.

"You seem to have me at a disadvantage, Miss Bennet. You have met most of my family and I have meet none of yours." Lady Catherine continued.

"That is true, Lady Catherine, but you have asked me many questions about them. By now you must feel as if you know them all well!" Elizabeth shot back. Anne could not contain a laugh and lady Catherine looked at her sternly. Anne quickly regained her reserved countenance.

Lady Catherine continued to hold court until it was time for the party from the parsonage to depart. Georgiana promised to call the next morning and Anne added that she would likely come too.

*All selections for G.F. Handel's Messiah

That evening after supper, Georgiana had a chance to have a private word with the Colonel.

"Richard, did you see the look on Fitzwilliam's face when Elizabeth was singing. I had a perfect view from the pianoforte bench."

"I must confess I was too absorbed in the music to notice anything else."

"Well, Fitzwilliam was surprised by the music and entranced by Elizabeth's song. I hope now that you believe me and are ready to help me play matchmaker."

"Georgiana, you are a bit young to be doing that. But I agree that Miss Bennet does seem to be a woman worthy of Darcy. I especially enjoy seeing her stand up to Aunt Catherine!"

"So does Aunt Catherine, Richard. I believe our dear Aunt likes Elizabeth!"

"I would not be surprised at that either. But that would change if ever Darcy become affianced to Miss Bennet." The Colonel replied sagely.

Georgiana sighed, "I believe you are correct, Richard. However, will you help me?"

"What do you propose and how can I be of assistance in your scheming."

"It occurs to me that the main difficulty here is keeping Aunt Catherine from interfering. The easiest way around this is to make her think my brother is paying attention to Anne. Anne likes Elizabeth and is disposed to help as well. I believe that we should make every effort to include Anne in our outings and to include Elizabeth as well. Since Aunt Catherine appears to approve of Elizabeth, I believe she will think Elizabeth a good companion for me. So then, when we are with Elizabeth I shall do my best to put her and Fitzwilliam in company together. Meanwhile, you can partner Anne. That way you can keep Fitzwilliam from thinking he needs to see to Anne. What is your opinion on this scheme?"

The Colonel was oddly very pleased. "I believe that is a very reasonable course of action. You need only think of way to secure time for Darcy with Miss Bennet. You and I can keep Anne company as needed. I believe the letter I am expecting from my parents to Darcy will help as well."

"What did you ask them to write, Richard?" Georgiana asked.

"I asked them to give him the Fitzwilliam Family talk."

"Which is?"

"Something you are not ready for my dear. In a year or so, I am sure my mother and father will tell you. But until then, you must trust me when I say that it is the most reasonable piece of advice I have ever received." The Colonel finished.

Georgiana was not pleased effectively being told no. She was sure she was old enough, but knew better than to push her guardian. What was a year after all? It must have something to do with courtship and marriage, but beyond that it was useless to speculate. She would have to wait until they returned to town to ask her Aunt Helen!

Monday morning Georgiana asked Anne to accompany her on a call to the parsonage. She wanted to establish Anne as a welcome caller on Elizabeth before taking the men along. Darcy and the Colonel went for a ride.

Elizabeth was delighted to see the two women from Rosings. Anne had quickly become a favorite of hers and Elizabeth was always happy to see Georgiana.

Part way through their visit Elizabeth brought up a subject that needed to be addressed.

"Georgiana, as much as I would like to spend as much time as possible with you, I am a guest of the Collins. I cannot neglect Charlotte."

Georgiana had considered this too. "What do you propose, Elizabeth?"

"I believe I should reserve the mornings for Charlotte. I would then be free to spend the afternoon in general with you." Elizabeth explained.

"I think that is a marvelous idea. Have you spoken with Mrs. Collins about this?" Georgiana asked.

"Yes I have. She agrees that this is an amicable solution. She understands the depth of our affection, Georgiana. She also realizes that Lady Catherine is pleased with me and that this will afford her more good will with that woman."

"Then we shall call on you tomorrow after lunch. Do you have anything in mind?"

"As a matter of fact, yes. Miss de Bourgh, can you walk much distance?" Elizabeth asked turning to address the other young woman.

"I manage much better than people believe but I do have my limits." Anne answered.

"I believe you can manage what I have in mind. Georgiana, will you please ask your brother to arrange transport to the place he and I talked of yesterday. He will know what I speak of."

"Of course, Elizabeth. You are not going to tell me where that is, are you?" Georgiana said.

"Patience is a virtue, Georgiana!" Elizabeth teased.

"A virtue I could sometimes do without!" Georgiana cried.

As the two women from Rosings left, they thanked Mrs. Collins for her hospitality. Maria was still in too much awe of the ladies to say much.

"Maria," Elizabeth started once they were gone, "You need not be afraid of Miss Darcy or Miss de Bourgh, they are both very kind and unaffected."

"I know, Elizabeth, but they both travel in the highest levels of society and it makes me feel inadequate when I am around them." Maria confessed.

"Oh Maria, that will not do! They are human beings just as you are. Georgiana particularly would be mortified to know that you were intimidated by her. I fear that much of the time it is the other way around when she is not familiar with a person."

"Really?"

"Georgiana is a very shy person around strangers, Maria."

"Somehow that makes me more at ease, Elizabeth. Thank you, I shall try to not be so timid around them."

"Good, because you will be in their company during the next ten days or so, until the Darcys depart. They will be calling tomorrow afternoon and you shall join us on our walk Maria," Elizabeth finished. Both Maria and her sister were very pleased that Elizabeth was taking pains to include Maria in her plans.

'Now where is that letter from Jane? Elizabeth briefly thought before her attentions turned to the rest of the day's activities.

I know, I know, you want to see D&E together. I'm getting there in tomorrow's post!