27. Chapter 27

Previously...

Christmas festivities interrupt the Darcys from visiting the Gardiner household for several days. When they do visit, they learn that Elizabeth is returning to Longbourne the very next day. Georgiana attempts to secure a promise of an extended visit but Elizabeth, misconstruing Darcy's discomfort as a sign of his belief in her inadequacy, defers. She and Mrs. Gardiner do agree to visit Pemberley on their way through the Lake District in the Spring. Some days after this visit, Darcy and Fitzwilliam learn from James that he believes Elizabeth is engaged.

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XXVII.

Elizabeth was past the point of exhaustion when she dropped herself onto her bed – in a rather unladylike fashion – the second Monday after arriving back in Hertfordshire. Having been home for less than a fortnight, she could not fathom how her mother could have found so many crucial wedding tasks and trousseau items still left incomplete. Her fingers felt blistered, her eyes were surely rimmed in red, and her entire body was aching in ways and places she had not known existed. Had nothing been completed during her weeks away? Certainly she did not expect Jane to be exhausting herself in marriage preparations, but had not her mother and sisters been diligently engaged to the task?

And thinking of this only prompted further questions in Lizzy's weary, but active mind: what of her mother's behaviour toward her? They were not on happy terms when Elizabeth left for London, but Lizzy could not identify any clear signs of hostility since her return – unless perhaps she counted the wedding labours. And yet, when she attempted to speak with her mother about the situation with Mr. Collins, Mrs. Bennet always seemed otherwise engaged. Lizzy might have been suspicious had she not been herself distracted by her own concerns.

Before she could pursue those thoughts in greater detail, though, Jane entered their bedchamber. As Elizabeth had failed to snuff the candles in their room – being simply too tired for even this task – Jane observed straight away that her sister was still awake.

"Lizzy," Jane's voice was quiet, but clearly happy, "tomorrow I am to marry Mr. Bingley! I do not know how I shall sleep with so much joy overflowing!"

Elizabeth smiled wearily at her sister, but could not sit up.

"Lizzy, are you well?" Jane's expression and voice were concerned.

"Do not fret, dear, I am simply tired from all of the activity. I was rather busy in London and did not expect to be even more so here." Seeing Jane about to interject, Elizabeth continued, "Not that I am complaining! It gives me great pleasure to assist in making your wedding day special and beautiful. You and Mr. Bingley deserve nothing less."

"You are too kind to me," Jane offered with a soft smile.

At this Lizzy did raise herself slightly, "Nonsense. You are to have but one wedding day and I could not be satisfied unless it was perfect for you."

Jane's smile fell only slightly as she replied, "Thank you, Lizzy. I must admit that while I am eager to become Mrs. Charles Bingley, I am also a little afraid to no longer be Miss Jane Bennet. I have never lived in a house so grand as Netherfield and while I know I will still be near to you and Mama and Papa and my sisters, it seems somehow that it will all be very different. Do you think me quite foolish?"

Elizabeth felt moisture in her eyes. As always, for all of their differences, she and Jane were, in their essentials, quite alike and it gave her feelings some relief to know they were shared. In spite of her exhaustion, Lizzy found the energy to sit up and embrace her sister.

Pulling back slightly, she admonished, "Jane, I could never think you foolish, but especially not for such thoughts as those! I myself have been thinking nearly the same thing. I know that you and Mr. Bingley are as well-suited as any two people who ever lived, but it does not change the portion of myself that is sad to no longer have you here with me."

Jane smiled around her own tears and embraced Elizabeth tightly. With emotion, she added, "Lizzy, I am going to miss you terribly!"

Lizzy tightened her hold on Jane briefly before again pulling back. She held Jane's upper arms as they both allowed their tears to flow. "Jane, I will miss having you here too – more than you will miss me, I am quite certain! But we are blessed that you found love in a most convenient location! We shall be glad for that and I promise that we shall see one another nearly every day. And when you have children, I shall stay with you and help tutor them. Our separation will be of short duration and I am confident that Mr. Bingley will do everything within his power to ensure your unending joy and contentment. So please, dearest, be happy – for us both."

"Mr. Bingley is truly a wonderful man and he loves me so. You are right that we are blessed. But Lizzy, what do you mean that you shall stay with me to tutor my children? I am sure you will be married and beginning your own family by then."

Jane's assertion brought the image Elizabeth had been repressing to the fore of her thoughts: Mr. Darcy with his wife and children walking together. Against her will, a noise of sadness burst from Lizzy and she felt nearly unable to breathe.

Worried, Jane cried, "Lizzy! What is it? Are you well?"

Still struggling to contain herself, but not wishing to further alarm Jane, Lizzy took a breath and arranged her features as best she could. "Please do not be alarmed. I do apologize for my outburst."

"Lizzy, come, something has upset you. Please, will you not share it with me?"

Elizabeth released a deep breath. "Very well, but please do not interrupt as it will be difficult for me to say what I am feeling." Seeing Jane's nod, Elizabeth took another deep breath and pronounced the words she had struggled to withhold for nearly a month: "I believe I am in love with Mr. Darcy."

The shock Elizabeth expected to see on her sister's face was not present, only a mild confusion. Observing that Jane was waiting for more information, Elizabeth admitted, "I – well, I renewed the acquaintance with him when I was in London. We were in one another's company quite often, in fact. And I came to see that he is not what I had first thought."

Jane was not reacting as Elizabeth had expected. "Jane, why do you not seem surprised by this?"

"Well," Jane began sheepishly, "Aunt Margaret mentioned him in her letter. But when you did not speak of him, I did not wish to pry, so I did not say anything either."

"Oh," was all the reply Lizzy could offer.

"But now that you have spoken of him, I would ask why your feelings for Mr. Darcy would be so painful for you? Do you believe he does not return your regard?"

"Of course he does not!" Lizzy replied, nearly angrily, "How could he? We are not of the same world, he and I. Even if he might have been positively inclined toward me, I know his thoughts of my family!"

"What do you mean?" Jane was genuinely confused.

Elizabeth sighed; she had never meant to reveal any of this to Jane, but once down this path, she simply could not retreat. "I overheard him speaking with Caroline and Louisa, when we stayed at Netherfield in October, while you were ill."

"You were eavesdropping?"

Jane was never judgemental, but her surprised tone caused Lizzy to wince slightly. "I had not meant to, but before I could enter the breakfast room I heard Caroline and Louisa speaking about us and our family. I know I should not have listened, but once I heard the sort of things they were saying..." she let her words trail off; she did not wish to inform Jane of such a petty display, particularly not the night before those very same ladies were to become her new sisters.

Jane seemed lost in thought momentarily before she straightened her shoulders. "I take it that Mr. Darcy's opinions were in line with Caroline and Louisa's?"

Remembering his admiration of her eyes, Lizzy blushed, but replied, "In their essentials, yes."

"And has he continued to express similar opinions while you were in London?"

At this Elizabeth was forced to pause. "Well no, but he would hardly be expected to say such things to me. He is more gentlemanly than that!"

Jane was pensive for a moment before enquiring, "And you said you were often in his company in London?"

"Only for the last fortnight. Miss Darcy invited us to dine at their home."

"And that was the only time you visited with them?"

"No, we each paid calls a few times and Mr. Darcy came when Miss Darcy would call at Uncle Edward's home."

"I see," said Jane. "And was Mr. Darcy quite aloof during these visits?"

With comprehension, Lizzy straightened, "Jane, I see what you are implying, but simply because he was not entirely taciturn and brooding in our visits does not mean he returns my regard!"

"Certainly, you are right, Lizzy, but then please explain to me what evidence you have that Mr. Darcy dislikes you?"

Elizabeth was exasperated. "I did not say he dislikes me. I do think he views me in a friendly manner. I imagine he enjoys my company in a platonic way and perhaps even encourages my friendship with his sister. But that is the end of his regard."

Jane pressed, "But what makes you say so? Lizzy, when he was still here in Hertfordshire, he clearly preferred your company to others and Aunt Margaret said the same was true in London. She believes he admires you beyond friendship."

Lizzy took a breath to calm herself before replying, "He spoke negatively of our family's circumstance and connections, including to point out that those would decrease our chances of finding good matches. He seemed to pay particular attention to me here, but then left for London with no word. As he is not a man lacking propriety, one must conclude that he did not feel his attentions were marked and had not intended for any expectations to be raised. And finally," with another breath she admitted the painful truth, "a man may admire a woman without having any intention of pursuing an attachment. While Aunt Margaret may be correct – although I believe she is seeing through the eyes of a loving and wishful aunt more so than an objective authority – even if Mr. Darcy felt some interest in me, I believe I know enough of his character to say that he will do what is proper."

Jane frowned and asked, "And why would it not be proper for him to court you?"

"Jane," Elizabeth admonished, her tone becoming irritable, "You know the answer. He is a gentleman with the highest connections. His uncle is an earl! He is nearly royalty and I... I am not."

"But Lizzy –" Jane began, but her sister cut in.

"No, Jane. Please, I am quite tired and I do not wish to quarrel. Tonight is our last night together. Let us simply enjoy a good night's rest and then tomorrow, you will marry a handsome and loving man. I wish to focus my thoughts on my happiness for you. Please?"

"I would say one last thing," Jane pressed.

Lizzy sighed, but did not argue so her sister continued.

"Lizzy, I do not know what Mr. Darcy feels for you, if anything, but please do not allow comments made by him early in your acquaintance to prejudice your judgement of his designs on you. If he had but heard even one of the remarks you made at his expense after the Meryton Assembly, he would never believe that you could have such a tender regard for him now. You are the proof that an early impression may be altered. I beg that you will at the least not spurn any attentions he may offer."

"If I make this promise, will you then not mention the subject again?"

Jane sighed, "If you wish it."

Elizabeth gave her sister a small smile as she relented. "Very well then. You have my word, Jane. And now, let us not speak of it again."

And with that, the sisters began their night-time ablutions before turning in.

ooOoo

Despite the very early hour, when Jane awoke the next morning, she was unsurprised to discover that Lizzy had already risen and was no longer in their room. Jane smiled to herself as she imagined her sister striding purposefully up to Oakham Mount or strolling along one of the milder paths if the weather was not suitable for a long walk. She knew her sister well and in times of stress, a good walk often helped Lizzy to clear her mind. Jane hoped that Lizzy was not too cross with her for the promise she had wrought. In truth, Jane herself felt more than a little uneasy with her interference, but what else was to be done? She did not wish to see her sister's hopes raised only to then fall, but what if the gentleman did indeed feel some regard but was persuaded against making an offer due to Lizzy's feigned disinterest?

Jane was not given long to ponder these matters as her mother, Aunt Margaret, and Hill's niece, Sarah, soon entered and began the various preparations Mrs. Bennet deemed necessary for her daughter on her wedding day. And although Jane was not one to enjoy a fuss being made, thoughts of marrying her Charles soon took hold in her mind and she smiled and submitted with grace to each demand her mother made.

ooOoo

Walking from the local parish back to Longbourne as part of Jane and Mr. Bingley's wedding procession, Elizabeth felt a sense of relief and completeness she had not felt in some months. Jane was married to a man she loved, who loved her in return. And if that were not fortune enough, Mr. Bingley's income was quite comfortable so that should her father meet some untimely end, she and her mother and sisters would not be thrown into the hedgerows. What was more, her sister was the happiest Lizzy had ever seen and Mr. Bingley was much the same. Lizzy felt sure that this would bode well for their marital felicity. As she walked, Charlotte and Mary alongside her, Elizabeth smiled at the children and well-wishers they passed. She did not think of anything except the joy of the occasion and for her sister.

At Longbourne, where her mother had insisted upon an elaborate wedding breakfast in the Venetian style, Lizzy and Charlotte were enjoying discussions of Elizabeth's more entertaining encounters in London – with careful omission of the names of the accompanying acquaintances – when Mr. and Miss Darcy arrived. Elizabeth was not among the first to see them. In fact, she was still describing the excitement of her young cousins upon visiting Hyde Park when she felt a shiver pass through her, despite the warm room. Nearly the same moment, her friend's eyes became wide and she whispered with great fervour, "Lizzy! Mr. Darcy has arrived and with a companion!"

In spite of her manners, Elizabeth stopped speaking rather abruptly and turned so quickly that she nearly lost her balance. She could not compose her thoughts and she was afraid her emotions may be writ too plainly across her face, and yet she could do naught but seek him. Two weeks was all it had been and yet it seemed she had not breathed properly until her eyes met his. She felt a relieved breath leave her lungs, but then she could not take another as she realised he was coming directly toward her.

For his part, Mr. Darcy was almost giddy with relief at finally seeing Elizabeth again. Somehow in his mind, since James' comments, he had begun to imagine that if he did not get to her in time, she would already be married to that toad of a cousin! He nearly forgot Georgiana on his arm as he made their way through the crowded room.

Georgiana was all smiles and excitement when the four came together.

"Miss Bennet! I am so pleased to see you! I know it has been but a fortnight, but it has felt so much longer! I confess that without you, Mrs. Gardiner, and your cousins, life has been rather dull."

Lizzy did not see Charlotte's surprise at this clear familiarity. She returned her friend's greeting with almost equal warmth, "Miss Darcy, Mr. Darcy, it is such a pleasant surprise to see you again so soon! I had not realised you would be attending the wedding."

Elizabeth did not miss Georgiana's glance to her brother, who then felt compelled to offer, "Ah, well, it was – that is, we had not been certain whether we would be able to attend."

Elizabeth smiled – his nervousness seemed to put her more at ease. She offered, "Certainly. With the January weather in London, one never knows the driving conditions."

"Indeed," was all Darcy offered.

Recalling her manners, Lizzy blushed slightly as she made the introductions between her long-time friend and her new friend. "Oh my, I do apologise. Charlotte, please allow me to introduce Miss Georgiana Darcy. Miss Darcy, this is Miss Charlotte Lucas."

Both ladies offered the appropriate civilities and then Lizzy continued, "Mr. Darcy, you remember Miss Lucas, I am sure?"

"Of course," replied Darcy, seeming to have collected himself during the introductions, "Miss Lucas, how do you do?"

"Quite well, thank you sir." Charlotte blushed at Mr. Darcy's improved manner and Elizabeth felt herself becoming irritated with her friend.

Desiring to turn his attention back to herself, Elizabeth enquired, "Have you only just arrived in Hertfordshire?"

"Oh yes, quite," Georgiana answered. "We had hoped to arrive earlier but with stopping at the inn so I might freshen up before coming on, it all took longer than we had planned."

"We came straight here," her brother confirmed.

"So then Mr. Bingley does not yet know you are arrived?" Lizzy questioned, surprised but also gratified that the first person Mr. Darcy greeted was herself, even above the newly married couple.

"He does now," came Mr. Bingley's voice from Elizabeth's side. She jumped slightly, focused so much on her own mind that she failed to observe her new brother's approach. "And Elizabeth, we are now family. You may call me Charles."

His smile to her was warm, but though the smile did not diminish upon turning his gaze to his friend, the warmth did. "Darcy, I must admit I had not expected we would receive the pleasure of your company."

Darcy had the good manners to look contrite as he offered, "Indeed, our plans were not fixed until fairly recently. I do apologise for failing to notify you. May I offer my congratulations on your marriage?"

This last comment seemed to mean something of significance to Bingley as his brows raised slightly. For the briefest moment, Elizabeth would have sworn there was a silent conversation happening between the two gentlemen but almost as soon as she observed it, it seemed to end. Smiling in earnest now, Bingley graciously accepted, "But of course, my friend! It is the happiest day of my life, only second to the day my darling Jane agreed to become my wife." Then turning to Miss Darcy, he offered, "And Miss Darcy, please forgive my failure to properly greet you just now! It is, as always, a pleasure to see you and I am gratified you are here to celebrate our happy news! I must find Jane – you will adore her, of course."

He glanced about the room, not able to locate his bride. He looked to Elizabeth, "Elizabeth, might you...?"

Lizzy gave an involuntary look toward the Darcys but then nodded and with an "Of course," set off to bring back her sister to the group.

Darcy regretted Bingley's interference to remove Elizabeth, but decided to utilise the opportunity. Seeing that his sister and Miss Lucas were conversing – it seems Miss Lucas was interested to hear how Georgiana had made Elizabeth's acquaintance – he determined that this was the ideal moment to request an audience with Bingley.

"Bingley, while the ladies are occupied, might we speak privately for a moment?"

Charles seemed slightly wary, but agreed, leading the way to an adjoining room. Once there, he turned and enquired, "You wished to speak privately?"

The set of his friend's jaw told Darcy that he was braced for another fight. Darcy might have laughed were it not so plain a reminder of his failing as a friend. He took a deep breath and offered, "Charles, I owe you an apology."

Bingley's features registered his surprise at the direction of this conversation at once.

Darcy continued, "I had no right to attempt to interfere in your relationship with Miss Bennet, now Mrs. Bingley. I had thought I was being an objective friend and doing my duty in that capacity, but I can see now how I was quite mistaken. I hope that you will accept my sincere apology."

Charles looked closely at his friend for a moment, but seeing the deep sincerity, quickly offered, "It is forgotten, my friend."

"You are very generous, Charles. I wish I could say that I would be as gracious in your position had the roles been reversed. Indeed, it is a flaw in my character I am attempting to correct." He added the last as an afterthought, but Bingley was visibly taken aback.

"And what has prompted such a goal?"

Darcy barked a laugh without humour. "I wonder that you should need to ask."

Bingley understood and nodded, saying only, "I see."

"Indeed." And then turning back to his friend with an earnest expression, Darcy asked the question that had been plaguing his thoughts nearly continuously: "Bingley, is she engaged?"

"Why do you ask?"

Darcy's tone was frustrated. "Bingley, I have already apologised – " Bingley cut him off.

"No no, I did not mean to delay or equivocate. I simply wondered why you should think her to be."

"I beg your pardon. I had heard that her cousin proposed marriage to her."

Bingley smiled at the memory; "Yes, he certainly did."

"Well then, is the matter settled? Is she to be married to that toadying fool?"

Bingley's smile grew even larger, but he did not comment on Darcy's clear interest in the matter. Instead, he explained, "I must admit I do not know." Seeing Darcy about to interrupt, he continued, "Hold on, man, as I said, I do not know if Elizabeth will wed her cousin. I do know that her cousin proposed to her – publicly – but I do not know the lady's answer."

Darcy's intake of breath was his only reply; he could not speak.

Bingley indicated his desire to return to the festivities, but Darcy could only say that he needed a moment. Leaving his friend to take in this information, Mr. Bingley quit the room.

When Darcy was able to compose his features, he made to follow Bingley's direction back to the party. However, when he neared the doorway into the large parlour where the guests were gathered, he heard Mrs. Bennet's voice, grating as ever, but softer than he had yet heard. He knew it was wrong, but he could not prevent himself from listening, particularly as her subject was her second daughter.

"Well, you know how close my Jane and Lizzy are. She did not want to take away the attention from Jane by spreading her own news. Mr. Collins is naturally quite pleased with the match and Lizzy will someday be the mistress of Longbourn! How could she not be satisfied with such an offer? I will admit that there were quite a few times I despaired for finding that girl a husband! She's terribly headstrong and so loves to walk all about the countryside. Many men would not have a wife who was so wilful, but it seems her cousin is –"

What the lady's cousin was or was not, was not something Darcy cared to learn. He retreated back to the smaller room he had occupied with Bingley before locating a different exit. Thinking to come back around another way to the party, he was surprised to see a young lady – he could not make out her face from his vantage – quietly and cautiously making her way out of a servant's stairway and toward the back of the house. Something did not seem right about this to Darcy, so he followed at a distance. He was just in time to see Miss Lydia as she exited into the garden with a valise in hand.

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A/N:

I have a million reasons, but no excuses for the painfully long delay. If anyone's interested, you can feel free to PM me and I'll tell you all about the many, many RL demands and distractions. Otherwise, suffice it to say, I'm not finding the chapters flowing as easily as I would wish nor am I able to make as much time for writing as I want, but I am committed that I WILL finish this story. I promise. I can't promise when I'll update next, but I do promise I'm working on it.

Once again, I offer my incredibly deep and heartfelt appreciation for your patience! Thank you so very much for continuing to read and support this story! Your reviews, follows, and favorites mean the world to me and knowing you're waiting for an update gives me that extra push to keep writing! Thank you!

I want to give a special thank you to LostNtranslation for the most hilarious review, although I must admit your portrait of my life isn't even close, but I think I'd be willing to trade... ;)