7. Chapter 7

A/N: To anyone who was having problems accessing this chapter, I am sorry! It was posted and working and then the next day, it was no longer able to be accessed (by me either!). Hopefully this is resolved now by my deleting the old and re-posting. To anyone who got an alert but already read this chapter, I am sorry for the confusion and inconvenience because this is the same Ch. 7 as before, just re-posted due to technical problems!

VII.

Jane and Elizabeth had spent a pleasant afternoon and evening together before coming downstairs to join the rest of the household following dinner. Elizabeth was exceptionally pleased to see Jane's smiling countenance after returning from her intriguing walk with Mr. Darcy. Strangely though, Lizzy found she was not disposed to discuss this with her sister. It was almost as though it were a secret or somehow too intimate to share; she chose not to reflect on the idea that there had never before been anything she felt unable to share with Jane and rationalized that Jane's health did not permit such things at the present. Despite Lizzy's omission, as was their custom, the sisters were perfectly able to entertain themselves and each other for the better part of the day.

Throughout the day, Elizabeth had watched Jane closely for signs of fatigue, pains, or the return of her fever. However, upon seeing nothing of concern, both ladies ate a light dinner and then Elizabeth assisted Jane in changing into a suitable dress – something comfortable and not too fitted, but still of good quality – in order to join the party downstairs.

Elizabeth could sense Jane's emotions – a blend of discomfort and excitement – when they entered the drawing room. In fact, Elizabeth, too, felt her own apprehension for the evening's activities. On the one hand, she was eagerly anticipating Jane and Mr. Bingley finally having some time together and she was sure that this was the perfect opportunity for that gentleman to get to know her sister better (particularly without outside interference from their family).

On the other hand, she was experiencing not insignificant amounts of nervous anticipation for herself! She chided herself silently as she admitted that this was due to an interest in seeing Mr. Darcy again. She was forced to, once again, remind herself that a man of his standing and fortune would have no designs on her and that she would be best served to keep her own growing interest in check lest she suffer an extreme disappointment. And besides, she thought, perhaps this morning was merely an anomaly as he had no one else with whom to converse. I expect this evening he will be thoroughly engaged by the rest of his party and barely say two words together to me.

Upon entering the drawing room, every eye – except those belonging to Mr. Hurst as it appeared that gentleman was apparently asleep on a sofa, if his prone form, closed eyes, and occasional snores were any indication – immediately turned to the sisters. Mr. Bingley sprang up from his seat and hastened to Jane's side. Elizabeth noted this and was pleased.

"Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth! How delighted I am to see you up and well! Please, Miss Bennet, come in and sit before you tire yourself!" He offered his arm for the short walk from the door to the fireplace and Jane shyly took it while looking to the floor. He guided her to a seat directly next to the fireplace, on the side furthest from the door, and then insisted on adding a blanket so that no drafts or temperature fluctuations should impede her recovery.

"Miss Bennet, if you will permit me, I do believe this to be the best seat for you. I have seen to it that the fire is strong and if you will take this blanket as well, it will protect you against any drafts from the windows."

Elizabeth noted that the windows were clear on the other side of the room, but smiled nonetheless at Mr. Bingley's excessive attention to her sister.

Jane's reply was polite, but not as enthusiastic as many ladies' might have been; "I thank you, sir, that is most kind of you." Mr. Bingley seemed exceptionally pleased regardless and promptly seated himself as near to her as propriety would allow. If his chair continued to inch closer to her over the course of the evening, it was certainly not by design and no one in the party seemed inclined to notice.

The gentleman's sisters also had exclaimed their pleasure at seeing Jane looking so well and able to join their party, but then quickly resumed their prior occupations.

Mr. Darcy's attention was quickly caught by Miss Elizabeth's entrance, but he knew the proper thing was to inquire after Miss Bennet's health: "Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, good evening. Miss Bennet, I trust your recovery is progressing well?"

"It is, I thank you. I am feeling much restored."

Mr. Bingley interjected, "I think perhaps we have your sister to thank for your expeditious recovery; it seems, Miss Elizabeth, that your efforts were handsomely rewarded!"

Elizabeth, who had brought her sampler to work on, had seated herself in the only other armchair; this seat provided a direct view of Jane and Mr. Bingley, but not Mr. Darcy unless she turned her head.

"Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Bingley, but I cannot take all of the credit. Naturally, Mr. Jones' remedies, as well as your excellent staff's prodigious care, and then of course Jane's strong constitution must all play a much larger part," was Elizabeth's humble reply.

"Lizzy, you are far too modest! She is a most devoted and caring sister; having her here to assist in my recovery was most appreciated and I do believe I am recovered faster for it," was Jane's warm reply, to which Elizabeth only smiled happily, gave a small nod of acknowledgement and gratitude to her sister, and then resumed her embroidery.

Mr. Darcy and Miss Bingley also returned to their books and Mrs. Hurst, who was seated on the sofa nearest Jane and Charles, turned her attention to their conversation when she felt bored of her own thoughts.

Charles was giddy with the joy of having his angel so close! It had been near torture for him these past days knowing that she was so close – within his very house – but unapproachable without proper chaperoning, which had been scarce. Now, he had her almost entirely to himself and he was close enough to touch her if he only reached out.

"Miss Bennet, you must tell me if there is anything I may get to increase your present comfort."

His smile was radiant, but touched with genuine concern. Jane could not help her answering smile, "I thank you, Mr. Bingley, both for your kind attention now and for your exceptional hospitality while I have recovered. I assure you that I am needing nothing at this present time."

"It has been my privilege, I assure you! While I would never wish you to be ill, I have nonetheless been most grateful for the opportunity to provide whatever care and comfort I might render during your time of need. In addition, it has been a pleasure for me to get the opportunity of furthering my acquaintance with your sister and, I feel, yourself as well, through her. She has told me many stories of the two of you growing up!"

Jane was surprised to hear that her sister had been regularly conversing with Mr. Bingley and she wondered why Elizabeth had not mentioned this to her. She coloured in thinking through all of the embarrassing stories Lizzy may have told of their youth, but knew that, of course, Elizabeth would never do something to humiliate her. "Mr. Bingley, I am afraid you have me at a disadvantage as Lizzy did not tell me she had told you stories of us. Please, will you share with me what you know?"

Bingley was struck by how artless Miss Bennet's request was; the lady truly was genuine and good through and through. "But of course, Miss Bennet! Be assured that your sister spoke of you in only the highest terms. Now, of herself, I cannot make such a claim..." and here they laughed as they both knew Elizabeth to be rather self-deprecating.

Mr. Bingley proceeded to share with Jane his favourites of the stories Elizabeth had shared and Jane added her own commentary to each. The gentleman enjoyed her blushes and averted eyes whenever he spoke of her accomplishments or amiable qualities, and revelled in her modesty and goodness – she always attempted to give credit to others rather than herself and was always seeking the best in those around her. It was a refreshing experience for Charles, who was too used to conniving and vain ladies.

Elizabeth glanced up periodically from her sampler to see Jane and Mr. Bingley entirely absorbed in one another's conversation; she smiled at their obvious affection and well-suited temperaments. She did not believe she had ever seen her sister more enamoured and it made her heart sing with joy for her most deserving sister!

Mr. Darcy, whose chair was not well-situated to observe either Miss Elizabeth nor Bingley and Miss Bennet without drawing notice found he must therefore make himself be primarily occupied by reading his book, or at least attempting to. However, even to this, he could not commit himself as Miss Bingley continually interrupted him with questions and observations.

"My, Mr. Darcy, how quickly you read!"

And then: "Mr. Darcy, would you please explain how the child Tom came to be in the care of Mr. Allworthy? Who are the boy's parents?"

And later: "Mr. Darcy, I find this story to be most scandalous! What do you think of the decision to raise the boy with Mrs. Blifil's?"

Mr. Darcy endeavoured to remain polite, but found patience to be a struggle when the lady had chosen her own book! If she had not read the first volume, she ought not have begun the second. He did his best to keep his answers minimal but civil and eventually even suggested to her that perhaps she may find another book more to her liking. At this, she put her tome down and moved to stand behind him so that she might read over his shoulder!

"Madam, perhaps you may wish to engage yourself with another activity as it is quite difficult for me to attend to my book whilst you read it as well." He was attempting politeness of tone and speech, but not sure if he succeeded with either.

Miss Bingley seemed not to notice and announced to the room at large: "How pleasant it is to spend an evening in this way! I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book! When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library." With this exclamation, she glanced about the room for a response, but only received a tight smile from Miss Eliza. However, seeing that lady gave her an idea.

"Miss Eliza Bennet, let me persuade you to join me in taking a turn about the room. I assure you it is very refreshing after sitting so long in one attitude."

Elizabeth was surprised, but not unwilling as she had always preferred nearly any activity to stationary pursuits. She stood and joined Miss Bingley presently. This action afforded Miss Bingley the success she was seeking in that Mr. Darcy was immediately attentive to the events in the room rather than those within his novel.

Seeing this, Miss Bingley promptly invited the gentleman to join: "Mr. Darcy, would you care to join our little party?" She smiled and batted her lashes in a way she believed would encourage him, while her companion merely continued to smile politely.

Mr. Darcy had no intention of giving Miss Bingley what she wanted despite being extremely grateful to that lady for encouraging Miss Elizabeth out of the chair where he had a poor view of her. Now that he could see her properly, he was gratified to note how well she looked: a soft yellow dress that was cut lower than her morning gown – he had to force his eyes from lingering, her hair up in soft ringlets, and her cheeks rosy from the room's warmth. He gave a slight smile at his flirtatious thought and responded: "Thank you, no. I can imagine but two motives for your choosing to walk up and down the room together. With either, my presence would only interfere." He hoped to have ignited Miss Elizabeth's curiosity.

However, Miss Bingley was quicker, "What do you mean, sir? Miss Eliza, whatever do you think he means by such a speech?"

"Indeed, I do not know. Perhaps we shall ask the gentleman. Mr. Darcy, might you explain the meaning of your cryptic response?" Elizabeth was all sweetness in tone, but her arched brow and the sparkle in her eyes showed her amusement.

Mr. Darcy was delighted! "I have not the smallest objection to explaining them. You either choose this method of passing the evening because you are in each other's confidence and have secret affairs to discuss," Not likely, he thought, "or because you are conscious that your figures appear to the greatest advantage in walking;" here, his smile widened, "if the first, I would be completely in your way, and if the second, I can admire you much better as I sit here."

Miss Bingley's shriek of how shocking this speech was did not pull his focus from Miss Elizabeth's face, which had coloured at his reply and caused a surge of pleasure within him.

Miss Bingley prompted Elizabeth: "I never heard anything so abominable! How shall we punish him for such a speech?" Despite her feigned shock and appal, Miss Bingley secretly felt her plan was working rather well.

For her part, Elizabeth was feeling slightly faint; she neither knew what to make of such a remark nor how to respond. She opted to deflect: "I know not, Miss Bingley. If you wish to punish him, intimate as you are, surely you know how it is to be done."

"But upon my honour, I do not! I assure you that I am not in the habit of needing to correct so upstanding a gentleman as Mr. Darcy! Why, before this evening, I might have sworn he had never made an improper comment in his life!"

Elizabeth could not help but remember his rude remark from their first assembly together and quite unintentionally said, "Except perhaps around me." Although her voice was quiet and her comment was intended to be a thought alone, her voice was heard clearly by both Mr. Darcy and Miss Bingley.

Both of whom froze at her remark. Mr. Darcy felt he was found out! He thought he had been so clever to flirt in a general way with both ladies, so Miss Elizabeth would not feel singled out. How had she seen through his game so easily?

Miss Bingley, on the other hand, regained her speech first and spluttered, "Why, Miss Eliza, whatever do you mean by that?"

Elizabeth, realizing that she had spoken aloud and that they both assumed her comment to be in response to Mr. Darcy's current statements, blushed heavily with embarrassment and attempted to rectify the error: "No! No, I apologize, I did not mean... that is, I was thinking of something else and I did not mean to imply, Mr. Darcy, that your comments just now were in some way meant exclusively for myself. I realize, of course, you were only teasing us." She could not meet his eyes.

Darcy experienced such sudden shifts between terror, excitement, disappointment, and relief that he felt nearly ill. Still, he managed an approximation of a smile and a weak, "Of course."

Miss Bingley, sensing Elizabeth's discomfort and thinking perhaps it was worth exploring further (and exploiting, if possible) gripped that lady's arm tighter, smiled widely, and said, "Come, come, Eliza! Now you have made me curious! You simply must tell us what thought had you so distracted!"

Elizabeth, having no intention whatsoever of admitting to having overheard Mr. Darcy's pronouncement that she was "barely tolerable" and "not handsome enough to tempt" him, least of all in front of Caroline Bingley, fibbed a little: "I... was simply reflecting that Mr. Darcy cannot be without any faults! Such a thing is not possible for anyone." And here she hazarded a glance at that gentleman whose face gave nothing away, but thankfully neither did he appear angry nor hostile.

Miss Bingley had not yet formed an idea of a response before Mr. Darcy spoke, "You are quite right that no man may be without fault. However, it has been the study of my life to avoid those weaknesses which often expose a strong understanding to critique or ridicule. Still, Miss Elizabeth, you already know of one failing I possess."

She relaxed seeing that he was not disposed to be angry at her earlier remark, "I know of one? Are you implying, sir, that there are more? Oh dear me, Miss Bingley, your account of Mr. Darcy is sadly mistaken! Come, Mr. Darcy, you must give us a full accounting of your various defects so that we may analyse them and choose which will best serve to punish your earlier, quite wicked comment!"

He was captivated by the upturn of her lips, not quite a smile, but enticing nonetheless. "Oh, but Miss Elizabeth, you must believe me quite foolish if you think I should readily volunteer such information! No indeed, as you have professed to be a studier of character, I should think that you would be ideally suited to such a challenge."

They were now standing directly facing one another, the rest of the room briefly forgotten in the enjoyment of their game. Their words had flown so quickly back and forth that poor Miss Bingley was quite unable to interject her thoughts! They each seemed to realize at the same moment how lost in the battle they had become and both turned away at once to relieve the tension.

Caroline spoke, although her voice was less confident and there was an undercurrent of irritation present that was not discernible previously, "Miss Eliza, I did not know you studied characters! Pray, do tell us what you have learned of Mr. Darcy's."

Elizabeth was conflicted: she found herself unwillingly intrigued by that gentleman and knew it was for the best to avoid him, but conversely, she found that she did not wish to quit his company! She answered Miss Bingley's inquiry with a touch of satire, deciding this was her best option for deflection: "As you have said, Miss Bingley, Mr. Darcy is apparently a man without fault."

Darcy started slightly at this and knew this could not truly be the lady's opinion; why should she not say what she really thinks of me? "Miss Elizabeth, you have already agreed this is not possible and furthermore, need I remind you of my poor showing in engaging with my neighbours?"

Elizabeth's lips lifted slightly in a smile, "Oh but Mr. Darcy, as you have already pointed out to me, that is an issue with your manners not your character! Of your character, I believe I know but little."

He could not make out whether she was teasing or serious, but found himself once again admitting more to her than he might have intended: "I am sure I have faults enough of character. My temper I dare not vouch for. It is, I believe, too little yielding – certainly too little for the convenience of the world. I cannot forget the follies and vices of others so soon as I ought, nor their offences against myself or those for whom I care. My feelings are not puffed about with every attempt to move them. My temper would perhaps be called resentful. My good opinion once lost, is lost forever." How does this woman manage to make me forget myself so completely?

Elizabeth was stunned by this speech. She could see that Mr. Darcy was now rather uncomfortable with his level of honesty and wished to lighten the mood again, but found she knew not how. She felt all of the seriousness of his confession and could not stop herself from an honest commentary: "That is a failing indeed. Implacable resentment can often hurt its owner as much as its recipient."

Mr. Darcy recognized her reflection was insightful and wise, but it injured him nonetheless. He felt as though he had bared his soul and been rejected. His tone was softer when he responded: "There is, I believe, in every disposition a tendency to some particular evil – a natural defect, which not even the best education can overcome."

Elizabeth could sense more than actually perceive the injury in Mr. Darcy's tone and demeanour. She attempted to instil some small amount of levity: "So, by your account, your defect is to hate everybody?" She gave a small smile and hoped it would carry the correct message.

It seemed to suffice because Mr. Darcy managed to also give a wan smile as he replied, "If you believe that, then yours must be to wilfully misunderstand them."

At this, Elizabeth smiled more fully and was about to answer when Miss Bingley, who was beyond exasperated with being entirely left out of the conversation, cried, "Do let us have a little music! Louisa, you will not mind my waking Mr. Hurst?"

Louisa, who had been intermittently listening to their brother and Miss Bennet's conversation, was not expecting the address, but replied, "Of course not," as she highly doubted her husband would awaken anyway, given how much wine he had consumed at dinner.

At this, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy shared a brief look before both sat down in their respective armchairs to attend to Miss Bingley's flawless performance. Despite the lady's clear skill, neither Elizabeth nor Mr. Darcy were adequately diverted from their discussion.

Too soon for Miss Bingley's taste, she observed the two armchairs containing Mr. Darcy and Miss Eliza Bennet were no longer facing directions away from one another; in fact, they now seemed positively cosy in their placement! She increased the volume and level of difficulty of her performance in the hopes to recapture the assembled room's attention, but to no avail; she merely provided increased privacy for Darcy and Elizabeth's conversation.

For his part, Darcy had told himself that he was moving his chair solely to observe Miss Elizabeth's countenance in order to ensure that she was not offended by his reply. However, when he turned his chair to find the lady must have done the same thing – and was looking directly at him! – he could no longer help the small smile as he inquired, "Miss Elizabeth? Did you wish to say something?"

The lady looked pensive, but not hostile. At least that much is good, he thought.

"I – yes, I wish to inquire... You are very cautious, I suppose, as to the creation of your opinions? That is to say , you said that once your good opinion is lost, it is gone forever and I wish to know whether or not you are careful then in forming a good or poor opinion?"

An astute question, he smiled, "I am."

"That is well, for it is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first."

Whereas before he had felt rejected by her reflections, now he felt her curiosity and the slight edge of challenge to her statement; it did not hurt his opinion of her and, in fact, rather had the opposite effect. "May I ask to what these questions tend?"

Elizabeth's thoughts had, once again, drifted to her two overheard remarks by that gentleman about herself, but she could not share this with him. "Merely to the illustration of your character," said she, "I am trying to make it out." I need to know which is your opinion of me!

"Indeed! And what is your success?" He was smiling again – perhaps that is a good sign?

She shook her head, both in an attempt to clear her confusion and in answer to his response: "I do not get on at all. I hear and see such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly."

He was unsure if he was pleased or disappointed by this response; his smile seemed to falter slightly as he answered, "Perhaps with further acquaintance I shall become less puzzling."

At least he wishes to continue to be in my company; she smiled modestly and inclined her head as she answered, "Perhaps."

With this armistice in place, both turned their attentions back to Miss Bingley's performance, shortly after which, the party retired to their respective rooms for the evening.

A/N: Thank you all for sticking with me! I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it! I posted this early because it was ready, but I have a busy weekend so it may take me a bit longer to post the next chapter but I promise it will happen!

As always, reviews – constructive and supportive alike – are SO appreciated! They really motivate me to keep working on it and help me to improve, so THANK YOU! Also, thank you to all those who added this story or me to alerts and favorites – I'm honored!