9. Chapter 9

Chapter 8

Elizabeth did not recall anything from her return journey to her Aunt Gardiners. She vaguely remembered taking her leave of Miss Darcy and the Colonel. Mr Darcy had accompanied her outside, handing her into her Uncle's carriage, with a simple farewell and a lingering look that spoke more eloquently than a Shakespeare Sonnet. It was that lingering parting gaze that kept Elizabeth occupied the entire journey home. She needed Jane to help her make sense of it all. She laughed to herself as she recalled her words during their journey to London. 'What could possibly happen in two months?' What could happen, indeed. In less than one week her entire world had been turned on its head. And it was all due to a certain, enigmatic gentleman from Derbyshire.

Elizabeth breathed a quiet sigh of relief as the carriage stopped in front of the well appointed Townhouse of her Uncle. She descended the carriage and quickly made her way up to the door. The efficient butler opened the door as she reached the top step. "Thank you Simmons."

"My pleasure, Miss Elizabeth. You will find the mistress in the Drawing Room."

"And my sister?" Elizabeth was eager to talk with Jane.

"She is also in the Drawing Room."

Surprised Jane was out of bed, she hurriedly removed her outerwear and went to join her Aunt and sister. As Elizabeth neared the door she could hear her Aunt talking, "...nice of Sir Reginald to pay us a visit. Such a kind and charming young man." Jane responded, but couldn't make out her sister's quiet voice.

As Elizabeth entered, her Aunt exclaimed, "We had almost despaired of you! We thought you must have gotten lost!"

Elizabeth kissed her Aunt's cheek. "Not lost, Aunt. Miss Darcy and I had a good visit. I apologize for making you worry."

"Not at all, Lizzy. I was merely teasing. I was just commenting to Jane that it was a pity both of you were not available for Sir Reginald's visit earlier this afternoon."

Elizabeth turned to her sister in concern, "Are you sure you should be up so soon?"

"I am well Lizzy; my ankle is fine if I keep it elevated, and I needed a change of scenery."

Elizabeth turned to her Aunt. "Sir Reginald paid a visit? I was sorry to have missed it."

"Not as sorry as he was, I am sure." Aunt Gardiner laughed merrily, with a knowing nod in Elizabeth's direction.

Elizabeth blushed. "I'm sure I don't know what you mean, Aunt."

"Don't be coy, Lizzy. You know exactly what I mean. I know you are not blind to the attention that gentleman paid you at his ball the other night. Or what it means for him to call so soon after."

"I'm sure he merely came to inquire after Jane. She did injure herself at his ball." Elizabeth was not going to concede to her Aunt's suggestion that Mr Lynton felt anything beyond solicitous concern for her sister's welfare.

Her Aunt shook her head in amusement. "If that were the case Lizzy, he would not have spent the entire quarter hour asking about you!" She said with a triumphant smile.

Elizabeth didn't know how to take her Aunt's report of Mr Lynton coming to see her. If she were being perfectly honest with herself, she felt a certain gratification that a gentleman of his station would condescend to pay attention to her. She had enjoyed his attentions at the ball. She found him all that a gentleman should be: kind, intelligent, handsome, and exceedingly charming. And despite his high status in life, he had a certain air of humility that she had found extremely attractive. She would have felt herself to be in some danger if she hadn't met him. Mr Darcy. Even now, thinking about Mr Lynton, she couldn't help but compare the two gentleman, and Mr Lynton came up wanting.

Seeing the conflicted look on the face of her niece, Mrs Gardiner quickly said, "I don't mean to distress you, Lizzy. I won't say another word about it if you don't want me to."

Elizabeth smiled reassuringly at her Aunt. "No, I am not distressed, Aunt." Seeing her Aunt's skeptical look, she reiterated, "Truly. I am not."

Her Aunt was not fully convinced, but Elizabeth knew she would not pry further.

"Is there someone else that has caught your eye, Lizzy?"

Her Aunt's unexpected question caused Elizabeth to start, jerking her head up, she exclaimed, "What? No, no, of course not."

Jane stifled a giggle and her Aunt's brow rose in amusement. "Hmmm..." Leaning towards Jane she lowered her voice and said, "Methinks the Lady doth protest too much." (1)

Jane looked at her sister to ascertain her frame of mind. She could tell the moment Elizabeth entered in an unusually subdued manner that she was mulling over something that was causing her some confusion. She knew it likely had to do with her sister's mystery gentleman, but she didn't know what could have transpired between this morning and tea with Miss Darcy. She would just have to wait until they were alone to discover what was weighing on her sister's mind...and heart.

Her Aunt stood up and walked over to sit besides Elizabeth on the sofa. Taking her hand, she gently said, "Lizzy, I do not want to force a confidence. But I want you to know that I am here to help you in whatever capacity you desire."

Her Aunt's sincere words caused Elizabeth to burst out, "I am so confused, Aunt!"

"Why, whatever has happened?" Mrs Gardiner could not believe that something so distressing could have occurred in so short a time.

Elizabeth looked at her Aunt beseechingly, "I will tell you all. Indeed, Jane knows most of it. I could do with some motherly advice and I trust you, Aunt."

Mrs Gardiners eyes glimmered with unshed tears. How Mrs Bennet could treat this dear girl so disdainfully was beyond her realm of comprehension. "I will do whatever I can to help you, Lizzy. Please believe that. Now, tell me what is burdening your heart."

Elizabeth took a deep breath and began. She told her Aunt everything, starting with the conversation she had with Jane prior to the ball and ending with the conversation she had with Jane the night of the ball and the morning after.

During the recitation, her Aunt remained quiet, listening attentively. She gave no outward indication of her emotions during Elizabeth's tale, except once. A raised brow and a small smile graced her lips at Elizabeth's physical description of the mystery gentleman.

When Elizabeth finished, she looked at her Aunt with a nervous smile. "Am I being nonsensical, Aunt?"

"What do you think, Lizzy?

Elizabeth took a deep breath and shook her head. "No, I don't think I am. But I have never experienced anything like this before. I have nothing to compare it to."

"That's because it is different for everyone."

"What is different?" Elizabeth looked at her Aunt in bewilderment.

"Why, falling in love, of course."

Elizabeth stared at her Aunt in shock. "I am not in love!"

Her Aunt raised her brows in amusement. "No? Well, perhaps not." Yet, she added silently.

Jane interjected. "How can she be in love with a man she has never even talked to?"

Her Aunt laughed. "How indeed?" Mrs Gardiner looked at Elizabeth with amusement, a playful gleam in her eyes. "I am guessing that is part of your confusion, Lizzy. Your interaction today with the gentleman has left you out of sorts. Am I correct?"

Jane gasped. "What do you mean, Aunt."

Mrs Gardiner simply looked at Elizabeth with a knowing look.

Elizabeth sputtered, "how did you know?"

Her Aunt laughed delightfully. "My dear niece. I recognized your gentleman the moment you described him. You forget, I have met him on several occasions. Even if he were not the nephew of my dearest friend, I would have known who he was by your description alone. Mr Darcy is a singular gentleman."

"Mr Darcy?" Jane exclaimed, incredulously. Jane turned to Elizabeth. "Lizzy, was he there when you visited Miss Darcy?"

"Yes, he was there." Elizabeth stated simply. "I was completely unprepared. I am afraid I did not make a favorable first impression."

Her Aunt kindly inquired, "Tell us what happened."

When she finished describing her entire afternoon, her Aunt burst out laughing. "Well done, Lizzy! He will not soon underestimate you! Yes, well done, indeed!"

Elizabeth looked at her Aunt in disbelief. "How can you say that, Aunt? I eavesdropped on a private conversation, ran into him, insulted and teased him! How is that worthy of your approbation?"

"Lizzy, you gave him a memorable, and I would say unforgettable first impression. He will not soon forget you!"

Elizabeth huffed in exasperation. "I'm not so sure of that, Aunt."

"I think our Aunt is right, Lizzy. It sounded like you were your delightful self. If he doesn't appreciate your wit and teasing, then he is not the man for you." Jane smiled in satisfaction at her sister.

"Now that we are properly introduced, we can remain indifferent and impartial acquaintances." Elizabeth said unconvincingly.

"We'll see." Her Aunt smiled smugly.

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Darcy was unusually nervous. He was currently pacing outside his sister's bedroom door trying to find the courage to speak to her. How could he be nervous talking to his sister? If Richard could see him now, he would never let him hear the end of it. Taking a deep breath, he squared his shoulders, gripping the package in his hand and knocked firmly on the door.

"Come in!" Georgiana's sweet voice called out.

Darcy smiled. All would be well. He entered and paused at the threshold. His sister was curled up in the window seat, a book lying forgotten at her feet.

Georgiana looked up at him and smiled brightly, eyeing the package he held with curiosity. Noticing her brother's subdued expression, her smile faded and her cheerful greeting died in her throat. "Brother? Is something troubling you?" she asked hesitantly.

"Yes. No." Darcy shifted from one foot to the other. He took a deep breath and walked quickly to his sister. "We need to talk."

Georgiana, her eyes wide with uncertainty, said, "Alright."

Darcy motioned to his sister's sitting room. "Let's go in here. It will be more comfortable."

Georgiana walked to her sitting room and tentatively took a seat. She had a feeling she knew what this was about. Her deplorable behavior that afternoon! She didn't like it when her brother was disappointed in her. She fidgeted nervously with the folds of her dress, smoothing out invisible wrinkles.

Darcy followed his sister but didn't take a seat. He gently placed his package on a nearby table and began pacing in front of the fireplace, pausing occasionally to run a hand through his hair.

Georgiana watched her brother with growing alarm. She decided to quickly apologize before he spoke. Taking a deep breath, Georgiana said quietly, "I am sorry if you are disappointed in me, brother."

Darcy turned to look at his sister in surprise. "Disappointed? What are you talking about, Georgiana?"

"My behavior this afternoon." In a flurry of words, she burst out, "I know I should not have mislead you about going to the bookstore, or laughed at you about the book. I know Miss Elizabeth didn't mean any harm, please say she can still be my friend!" Georgiana looked pleadingly at her brother.

Darcy stared in amazement at his sister. Did she really think he was angry? At her? How could she think he would disapprove of Miss Elizabeth? Darcy nearly laughed out loud at the thought. If only his sister knew...Yes, he needed to tell Georgiana. She would be overjoyed.

Taking a deep breath, he sat down and took his sister's hand and gently said, "Georgiana, I am not angry with you, nor do I disapprove of Miss Elizabeth." Quite the opposite, in fact.

"What? You are not angry? Truly? But I should not have laughed at you!" Georgiana cried out.

"I didn't mind." In fact, Darcy generally did not like being made fun of, but since the cause of the laughter was Elizabeth...he found that he did not mind it when she teased him. It made her eyes dance with delight; lighting up her entire face with good humor and intelligence. The effect was quite...mesmerizing.

"Brother?" Georgiana did not know what to make of the peculiar expression on her brother's face. She had never seen him look like that.

Darcy focused on his sister. "No, I am not angry with you."

Georgiana giggled. "Yes, you said that already."

"I did? Oh, yes. I did." Darcy stood and began to pace again.

"You have something to talk to me about?" Georgiana prodded gently. Now that she knew she was not the cause of his subdued demeanor, she was curious what he wanted to talk to her about. Georgiana paused. She couldn't remember her brother ever coming to her like this. It must be important. She watched her normally confident, assured brother pace nervously in front of her.

Darcy ran his hands through his hair. Just spit it out! Georgiana loves you, she'll understand. Before he knew what he was about he blurted out, "I'm going to marry Elizabeth." Darcy groaned. He closed his eyes, not daring to look at his sister. A weighted silence fell. Darcy finally turned to face Georgiana. She was staring at him, eyes wide in shock, mouth gaping open.

"Wh-what?" Georgiana stuttered.

"It's true. Elizabeth is meant to be mine."

"I don't understand. You, you like her?"

Georgiana's hopeful tone caused Darcy to sigh in relief. "Yes. Very much."

"But, what do you mean she is meant to be yours?"

"That is why I am here. What I have to tell you." Darcy gazed at his sister seriously. He didn't know where to begin. Despite Richard's assurances that Georgiana would be supportive, Darcy was unsure how his sister would react to his story. He went over to the table and took the package gently in both hands, holding it as if it were the most precious thing in the world.

Georgiana pointed to the package and said, "Does that explain what you just said, about Miss Elizabeth?"

Darcy smiled appreciatively at his sister. "Yes. It will explain my declaration." Darcy laid the package in his lap and carefully removed the cloth. He lifted out the framed drawing and gazed at it. Each time he looked at her picture caused his heart to beat erratically in his chest. Taking a deep breath, he wordlessly handed the drawing to his sister.

Georgiana took the picture carefully from her brother. She could tell by the way he handled it that it was important to him. She looked at the picture and immediately gasped. "Why, it's Miss Elizabeth!" Georgiana was astonished. How did her brother have a picture of Miss Elizabeth? "How? Why?"

"Look at the initials and the date in the bottom right corner."

Georgiana's gaze travelled to the correct location, which caused another gasp to escape. "Mother drew this? "she asked in disbelief. "How is this possible, Fitzwilliam?" She gazed steadily at her brother. "What does this mean?"

"What I am about to tell you I have told no one, save Richard."

"Not even father?"

"Especially not father," Darcy said darkly.

"I don't understand," Georgiana cried out.

"I will tell you. But please, you must promise me that you will not share what I am about to tell you with anyone. Promise me?" Darcy gazed steadily at his sister. He needed to know he could trust her.

Georgiana straightened up in her seat and said soberly, "I promise. I will tell no one."

Darcy took a deep breath and told his sister everything that his mother had shared with him nearly eleven years ago. It took quite some time. He stumbled through the part when he told his sister about his father. When he was done he simply sat and looked at his sister, waiting for her to break the growing silence.

Georgiana's mind was spinning. The principal thought running through her mind was how extraordinary it all was, closely followed by pure excitement. Elizabethwould be her sister! She looked at her brother, noted his anxious expression and simply said, "I believe you, brother."

Darcy smiled, in obvious relief. "Thank you, Georgiana. Please. Tell me what you are thinking."

"I am thinking of so many things, it is difficult to know where to begin!"

"I know the feeling." Darcy was relieved that his sister now knew the truth about Elizabeth. Richard was right, he should have told her long ago. "I am sorry that I haven't said anything until now."

Georgiana smiled and laughed. "Yes, I am sure you are. Especially in light of my acquaintance with Miss Elizabeth." Georgiana gave her brother a sly look. "To think I was writing to you of your future wife and you didn't even realize it!"

Darcy grimaced. "Richard said the same thing. I am slowly learning that it benefits no one if I keep everything to myself."

Georgiana burst out, "I am so glad it is Elizabeth! Truly, brother, she is wonderful." Georgiana grinned, and slyly said, "She asked after you several times during our tour of the house."

"Really? What did she say?" Darcy leaned forward eagerly, his eyes alight with avid curiosity.

Georgiana laughed merrily. "I'll tell you, but it will cost you."

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It was decided that Elizabeth would remain home to sit with Jane instead of going to church services, as Jane's ankle was still too weak to be up for long periods of time without causing her pain. Elizabeth was secretly relieved. She needed some quiet time at home to reflect on all that had occurred during the week. She was glad that she had confided in her Aunt. She had always been an example to Elizabeth, a woman that she looked up to and trusted implicitly. She was grateful that she now had her Aunt's sound and reliable advice to lean on.

After her Aunt and Uncle left for church services, she left Jane to rest and wandered to the garden, walking purposefully to her favorite bench beneath the large oak tree. She pulled out the letters she had received the day before from her father and Mary. As she reread them both, she smiled in pleasure. It was good to hear from them. Except for a hastily scribbled note to her father the day after Lynton's ball, she hadn't written once. In fact, she hadn't thought much about home since being in London. As much as she loved her home, she had been quite content to leave it at that particular time; her mother's silence weighing heavy on her heart and her conscience. She sighed. She would have to remedy that today. She would write a letter to her mother, extend an olive branch. She could read it or not, but she would make the effort. Maybe if she was feeling particularly sisterly, she'd pen a note to Kitty and Lydia as well.

Later that morning, after writing her letters, Elizabeth went to find a book from her Uncle's well stocked library. Perusing the shelves, she thought back to the incident in the Darcy's library the day before. Just thinking about the impropriety of eavesdropping brought a blush to her cheeks. And then she had teased and laughed at him when he called her out on it! He was a new acquaintance and didn't know her teasing nature. She didn't think he had been offended, but she didn't know for sure. Elizabeth closed her eyes in mortification. What must he think of her? She didn't care what reassurances her Aunt and Jane gave her, it was very badly done. Hopefully, she would have an opportunity to ask his forgiveness for her impertinent behavior.

Focusing her attention on the task at hand, she perused the books with real intent. She needed something that would take her mind off of Mr Darcy. She quickly passed over Shakespeare's Tragedies. Too dramatic. Something that made her laugh would do the trick. As she scanned the rest of the shelf, she paused, a smile lighting her face. Perfect. Pulling Much Ado About Nothing from the shelf, she went to her favorite chair and settled in.

Sometime later, she heard a commotion in the hall outside the library. Her Aunt and Uncle must be back, she thought absently. A few minutes later, a maid appeared requesting her presence in the Drawing Room.

Entering the room, she quickly took in the scene before her. Jane was serenely sitting on the sofa with her ankle propped, sewing. Her Uncle was pacing in front of the fire and her Aunt was sitting in her favorite chair with a very amused look on her face as she gazed at her husband.

"I don't care what you say, Marianne. It was very badly done. I don't know what you were thinking!" Uncle Gardiner's voice was a mixture of exasperation and forbearance.

Aunt Gardiner laughed. "Really, Edward. I don't know what all the fuss is about. I see no harm in what I did."

Uncle Gardiner leveled a look at his wife. "Let's see what our dear niece has to say."

Elizabeth went to sit next to her sister. She whispered, "What happened?"

Jane shook her head. "I have no idea. But whatever it is has made our normally good-natured Uncle quite angry."

Addressing her Uncle, Elizabeth said, "What has happened, Uncle?"

"Ask your Aunt." Mr Gardiner replied.

Elizabeth turned confused eyes to her Aunt. "Aunt, what is my Uncle so upset about?"

Mrs Gardiner smiled. "It is nothing that is worth all this fuss. It will all turn out, you'll see."

Elizabeth was more confused than ever. "What are you talking about? Please speak plainly, Aunt."

Her Aunt sighed and with a glance at her irate husband, said innocently, "I invited some people over for tea tomorrow, that is all."

Elizabeth raised a brow. "That's it?"

"Tell her Marianne, she has the right to know." Her Uncle began muttering under his breath about foolish females and something about meddling.

"After church services, your Uncle and I decided to go for a walk. It is such a beautiful day. While we were walking we came upon Mr Darcy and Miss Darcy. Of course, we stopped and greeted them."

At the mention of Mr Darcy, Elizabeth's heart starting beating faster. So her Aunt invited Mr Darcy and his sister to tea? She didn't see what all the fuss was about. She was going to extend an invitation to Miss Darcy for tea this week in any case. "That is all? You invited Mr Darcy and his sister to tea?"

Her Aunt cleared her throat and shifted in her seat. "Yes, I invited them to tea. They were pleased to accept." She smiled at Elizabeth. "Indeed, I don't know who was more delighted, Mr Darcy or his sister." She winked at Elizabeth.

"But why would my Uncle be upset for inviting Mr Darcy and his sister for tea?"

Her Aunt started fidgeting nervously. Elizabeth stared. What was going on? Her Aunt and Uncle were both behaving in a manner completely out of character.

"He's not upset that I invited Mr Darcy and his sister for tea. He's upset that I also extended an invitation to Sir Reginald for tea. At the same time."

Elizabeth stared at her Aunt in growing horror. She cried out, "What? Why would you do that, Aunt?"

"Lizzy, listen to me. It will be alright. A man needs to know he has a little competition; it always gets things moving in the right direction, you'll see."

Elizabeth looked at Jane disbelievingly. Her sister looked as shocked as she did. Elizabeth groaned. "I believe that I will be indisposed tomorrow."

"You'll do no such thing, Lizzy. All will be well. Trust me."

Her Aunt's reassurances did little to relieve Elizabeth's consternation. She was regretting her decision to tell her Aunt about Mr Darcy. What could she mean by it? Inviting two gentlemen who had shown an interest in her to tea at the same time? It could only end in one way. Disaster.

A/N: Oh boy! Lynton and Darcy in the same room with Elizabeth. What will happen? Tell me your thoughts. I have to admit I love a jealous Darcy :) Please review!

(1) Hamlet, Act III, Scene II