2. Chapter 2

May 30, 2014 - I feel like a Rach* Star with all of the reviews. (*with apologies to Carolina Crown - drum corps, people!) I will try and answer you if you've left a signed review, but first I'm going to get a well earned massage.

And in case you hadn't noticed, this story has a completely different voice than No More Tears. It's much lighter and not nearly as emotionally draining. In other words, it's a fun read.

Chapter 2

31 July 1810

The next morning Elizabeth woke up with the same thought that plagued her the night before. Why does Miss Darcy appear so sad? She resolved to spend the afternoon attempting to draw her out even more.

The Darcy carriage arrived promptly at one o'clock. The townspeople strained to get a glimpse of who was inside. Surprise was evident when they saw an unknown woman leave the inn and enter alone for the ride back to Pemberley. Speculation was high as to who was being so favoured. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner only smiled at the news.

In no time at all Elizabeth was being shown to the front drawing room of Pemberley by Mrs. Reynolds. Before she opened the door to introduce her, the housekeeper pulled the young lady aside for a quiet word.

"Miss Bennet, I cannot thank you enough for all of your kindness toward Miss Darcy. She is normally so shy around strangers but she acts as if you are old acquaintances."

"Yes, I noticed that too. No one was more surprised than I when she asked me back today. I dare say we both received surprises yesterday."

"That we did! Now let me take you to see her."

As Elizabeth was announced, Miss Darcy arose along with another older, genteel looking lady.

"Miss Bennet! It is a pleasure to see you again. Thank you so much for coming. May I introduce my companion, Mrs. Annesley? Mrs. Annesley this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

"I am pleased to meet you, Miss Bennet."

"Indeed, the pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Annesley."

Georgiana then addressed the housekeeper.

"Thank you for bringing Miss Bennet. Would you please see that my things are brought down shortly for our walk?"

"Certainly, Miss Darcy."

The ladies sat and began an amiable conversation. Mrs. Annesley was amazed at how quickly this Miss Bennet was able to draw out her charge. It had taken her weeks to get more than a minimal response out of the young lady and here she was smiling and making attempts to tease.

"Mrs. Annesley, what kind of charge is Miss Darcy. Has she mastered her French and German yet? Does she read Cowper and Shakespeare? Please, I am dying to know!"

"I assure you she is a most diligent student. I never have to remind her to do her studies before the more pleasurable things. And she is most proficient on the pianoforte!"

"Really! I am pleased to hear it, though I am not surprised. Miss Darcy appears to be one of the truly accomplished women that everybody claims to know, but nobody ever can name!"

All three ladies laughed at this, while Georgiana looked a bit self-conscious at such praise.

"Miss Darcy, after what Mrs. Annesley has said, I look forward to hearing you play some day."

"Perhaps," was all that she would commit to say.

"If I am to show you some of the paths through the woods we should be off. Mrs. Annesley would you care to join us?"

"Oh no, I know my limits! I warn you, Miss Bennet, Miss Darcy can walk for miles and miles!"

With a delighted laugh Elizabeth replied, "Then it sounds as if Miss Darcy will be able to keep up with me!"

The two young ladies were off in no time down the path that lead next to the stream talking of all the inconsequential things young ladies are wont to do.

"Miss Darcy, I must say I envy you living in such an enchanting place."

"Yes, Miss Bennet, it is enchanting."

"Miss Darcy?"

"Yes, Miss Bennet?"

"Yesterday you said that you did not have the chance to meet many ladies your age. Why is that?"

"The answer is simple. There are not many young ladies my age in the area."

"Do you not travel to London? Surely you must meet with some young ladies there."

"I would rather be at Pemberley. As you said yourself, there is something magical about this place."

"Yes, I can agree, yet it does not help you from feeling lonely. Miss Darcy, I am honoured to understand that you asked me here today to help fight against those feelings. We have just been introduced to each other; you really do not know me well."

"But Mary Clark does. If you are good enough for Nicolas, you are more than good enough for me!"

Elizabeth appreciated the effort the young lady was making.

"But that still does not answer why you have not spent more time in London. Surely your brother would take you there if you asked."

"Miss Bennet," she sighed, "I am afraid my brother shows as much disinclination for company as I do. London holds little charm for people like us."

"I see. Well, if you ever are in Hertfordshire you must come and see me."

"I should like that very much."

"Tell me about your family, Miss Darcy. I know your parents are both gone and you have an older brother, but I know of no others."

Skillfully Elizabeth led her young new friend through speaking of her remaining family. Elizabeth sensed a strong affection between the two siblings and was pleased for Miss Darcy's sake.

"What about you, Miss Bennet? I have met your aunt and uncle. Do both your parents still live? Do you have brothers or sisters?"

"Yes, my parents both still live. I am the second of five daughters, not a son to be found, unfortunately."

"Why is that so unfortunate?"

"Our family's estate is entailed away from the female line. One of us will have to marry very well to insure our future."

"Oh Miss Bennet, I had no idea. I am afraid that I forget that I can chose to marry for love."

"Miss Darcy, do not feel sorry for me. I am not afraid of being poor. My Uncle Gardiner would help if something happened to my father. I could always work as a governess or as a companion like Mrs. Annesley."

"You would not marry?"

"Only for love, my dear, only for love"

"Oh!"

They continued their walk in silence. Each one lost in their own thoughts.

"Miss Bennet, would not your parents force you or your sisters to marry?"

"That is a complicated question and the answer is different for each of my sisters. As long as there were no impropriety involved I believe that neither Jane, my older sister, nor I would be forced to marry. My father holds us in too much esteem for that. I am not so certain about my younger sisters though. My mother, if it were up to her, well I would not be so sure for any of us. Fortunately, my father is alive and well, and I will soon be of age."

"I have asked very personal questions of you, Miss Bennet. I should not have done so, but I thank you for your honesty. I have such little experience in the world, and what I have seen I did not like."

"I understand your inquisitiveness; it is one of your many good qualities. As your new friend it is my job to exaggerate them as often as possible!"

The two ladies linked arms and continued on their walk.

"Miss Bennet?"

"Yes."

"I would like it if you called me Georgiana."

"Certainly," she laughed, "But only if you call me Elizabeth."

"I would love that, too," she grinned back.

As they were finally approaching the house Georgiana brought up the subject she had been trying to figure out how best to broach.

"Elizabeth, would you consent to correspond with me? I have so enjoyed our time together. I think it would be delightful to continue our 'new' friendship."

"The honour would be mine, Georgiana. When we are inside I shall give you the directions for Longbourn, my home."

"I asked Mrs. Reynolds to have tea ready for us in the Library. I noticed how much you seemed to enjoy that room. Would you join me there while the carriage is readied? I know you must return to Lambton soon."

"Of course. I would be delighted."

Once they were settled back in the library Georgiana made her last pitch.

"Elizabeth, how much longer will you be in Lambton?"

"We leave in four days to return to Hertfordshire."

"Would it be possible for you to come to Pemberley again before you leave? That is, only if you wish to come back. I know I am four years your junior. Many of the ladies I know do not care to spend time with such a younger person." Georgiana dropped her gaze to her hands.

"Georgiana!" Elizabeth cried taking the young girl's hands into her own. "I am very glad, indeed, that I know not the acquaintance of such ladies as you mention! For I cannot imagine their reluctance to be in the company of such a wonderful young lady as yourself. You may not believe me, but you are very mature for your age. I have never met a lady of sixteen with as much grace and poise as you possess, even though you try to hide it behind your shyness."

Trying again Elizabeth continued, "Georgiana, look at me. I cannot promise that I can return; I must first ask permission from my Uncle and Aunt. If they then approve I assure you that I would love to spend more time with you."

Slowly the young girl nodded her head. She was too overcome to speak, but Elizabeth, being Elizabeth, understood and just smiled while holding Georgiana's hand.

"Before I forget, let me give you directions for writing. I shall send you a letter when I return home to Hertfordshire letting you know that we arrived safe and sound. I would not want you to worry about me!"

Grateful for the change in subject Georgiana provided pen and paper for her friend.

"There now, that does it. Are you sure you can read my hand?"

"Elizabeth!" Georgiana cried, laughing again, "your writing looks better than mine!"

"Really! I shall have to await your first letter to judge for myself. Then again, maybe I shall ask Jane for I know SHE will give me an honest opinion!"

Just then the carriage was announced. Mrs. Reynolds walked the two ladies to the carriage.

"Goodbye, Elizabeth. Send word back with the carriage if you can come. I will ask the driver to wait for your response."

"I do hope I shall be able to return. Pemberley is so beautiful! I find it hard to leave."

After one last embrace, Elizabeth was handed up into the carriage and taken back to Lambton.

"Well, Miss Georgiana, I think you have found yourself a new friend. Nicolas will be jealous having to share you."

"Oh. Mrs. Reynolds, Elizabeth is so wonderful!"

"Elizabeth it is?"

"Yes, I asked her to call me Georgiana and she insisted I call her Elizabeth. If I could ever have a sister I wish she would be just like her."

"So do I Miss Georgiana, so do I."

Elizabeth was pleased to send word back with the coach that she was free the morning two days hence but that would be the only time she had available before she and the Gardiners left Derbyshire.

2 August 1810

As planned, the carriage was sent to bring her to Pemberley for one final meeting before she would have to leave the country. Elizabeth smiled as they pulled up to the house and she spied her new friend waiting quite impatiently for her.

"Miss Darcy," she laughed, "Do not you know that fashionable young ladies await their guests in the most pretentious drawing room in the house?"

Fortunately, Georgiana was becoming accustomed to her friend's teasing way. "That may be the way in town Miss Bennet, but here in the wilds of the North we prefer a more personable manner of greeting."

Proud of her young charge, Elizabeth laughed merrily at Georgiana's rejoinder. "Very good, Georgiana, we will make an impertinent lady out of you yet!"

Arm-in-arm the ladies entered the house filling the hall with the soft sound of feminine laughter.

"What have you planned for us today?"

Somewhat shyly Georgiana replied, "Last time you were here you asked if you could hear me play. Would you still like that?"

"Of course I would. Mrs. Annesley said you were most proficient on the pianoforte and I am eager to agree with that esteemed lady's every word about you."

"Stop it, Elizabeth, you are embarrassing me! Besides, you have yet to hear me play. I still have the opportunity to change your mind."

"No, I am sure you are quite good and I look forward to being proven correct."

They entered the music room and Georgiana showed the instrument to Elizabeth. She then commenced to play the new pieces she had been learning.

"I am very impressed, Georgiana. Mrs. Annesley did not exaggerate. I wish I could play half as well as you do."

"Do you play?"

"Aye, but very ill."

"I think you are better than you profess. Please, I would love to hear you play. Do you sing as well?"

"Yes," Elizabeth said somewhat reluctantly.

"Please, I would dearly love to hear you."

"Very well, Georgiana, but only because you have asked me so earnestly. I will play for you, but I am quite certain I could never approach your level of skill and proficiency.

Georgiana was enchanted. Oh, she realized that her friend made minor mistakes and lacked the polish that she herself had attained, but there was something magical in Elizabeth's performance. She definitely had the "it" that music masters waxed eloquently about.

"Elizabeth Bennet, that was marvelous. You honor me with your song. What say you to spending the rest of the morning playing duets? I rarely get to indulge in the pleasure."

"You are too kind in your praise, my friend. As much as I would love to walk in your park, I agree. A morning spent playing duets would be delightful."

An hour later Mrs. Reynolds brought the tea and cake Georgiana had arranged with her beforehand. As she walked down the hallway she could hear melodious music and laughter coming from the music room. As she opened the door she heard a dreadful chord followed immediately by more peals of laughter.

"Mrs. Reynolds! You have caught me out! I am afraid I am making poor Georgiana play very ill indeed this morning."

"Quite the contrary I assure you, I have never heard her play better." The housekeeper's eyes met Elizabeth's and they nodded in the shared knowledge that such a comment was less about Georgiana's proficiency on the pianoforte and more about the joyful laughter coming once again from the sad girl she had been but four days ago.

Unfortunately, such a delightful morning could not last forever and soon it was time to go.

"Do not be sad, my dear," Elizabeth said as she headed back to the Darcy carriage. "I may be going home the day after tomorrow but the next day will bring your brother. Now you must promise me to put into practice all the teasing you have been working on that you learned from me."

"Elizabeth! Fitzwilliam is more than twelve years my senior. I could never tease him like I tease you!"

"Hmm? Well, I of course have no brothers for experience but something tells me he would not be displeased. Shocked perhaps, but not displeased. Just pick your moment and see how well he tolerates it. Go slowly so he is not overwhelmed. And if all else fails, blame it on Mrs. Reynolds!"

"Miss Bennet! I very much like my position here! You must not put such ideas in Miss Georgiana's head."

Taken aback by the always-stoic housekeeper, Georgiana was about to apologize when she caught the twinkle in Mrs. Reynolds eye.

"Do you think he will mind, Mrs. Reynolds?"

"Miss Bennet gave you excellent advice my dear. And I will be here to help if Mr. Darcy decides to be difficult about it, which I predict he will not be. Thank you so much for keeping Miss Georgiana company, Miss Bennet. Be assured you will be missed."

"Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds. It was a honour to meet my Nicolas' grandmother!"

"Thank you for inviting me to Pemberley, Georgiana. Remember to write and remember you will always be welcome in Hertfordshire."

One last time the two ladies embraced before Elizabeth wistfully climbed into the carriage.

"Farewell, Georgiana, till we meet again!"

And with that she was gone. Back to Lambton. Back to Hertfordshire.