27. Chapter 27

June 24, 2014 - You all have no idea who close you came to not getting a chapter yesterday. Good thing I uploaded it early because I got busy doing something else and forgot to post it before I left for the evening. Yay for smart phones! Please make sure you read the sort note at the end.

Chapter 27

Elizabeth found herself with a free hour before dinner and decided to answer her sisters' letters. To save time and postage she decided to address them both in the same epistle.

Hunsford Parsonage, Kent

Dear Jane and Mary,

I received both of your letters this morning and decided to combine my responses into one missive.

By now, Mr. Bingley has called at Longbourn and I am sure Mama could not be more delighted! Before I left I charged Mary to be your chaperone in my place, Jane. I am confident that she will discharge her duties in a most obliging manner.

Charlotte seems to be quite content with her situation. The house is comfortable and well furnished. The park across the lane is most delightful. I have availed myself of it many, many times since we arrived.

Lady Catherine is everything I expected her to be. Take that as you will. I am surprised by the fact that she seems to like me, though. I do not think many have ever dared voice an opinion opposite her own. My willingness to stand my ground before her has earned her grudging respect, I believe. In my own way I am fond of her as well. She does not suffer fools lightly, how can I NOT be disposed to like someone like that!

Her daughter, Miss Anne de Bourgh, was not at all as I expected. She hides behind a veil of infirmity but she possesses intelligence and a keen wit. I have enjoyed our conversations together. I believe she will turn out well if she were ever to escape her mother's heavy hand.

Colonel Fitzwilliam is an amiable gentleman. After meeting his parents I expected as much. It is clear he holds all of his cousins in deep affection. He has a wonderful rapport with Georgiana and I believe he and Mr. Darcy have been very capable guardians for her.

As for Georgiana, I was very pleased to see her again. She continues in the development of a quiet confidence in herself. She may still struggle with being uneasy amongst strangers but when she is with her family and circle of acquaintance she has developed a wonderful poise. On Sunday we played more of Handel's Messiah for the company. She was masterful!

Mr. Darcy remains the attentive brother. It is clear that there is nothing he would not do for his sister. His kindness and gentleness toward her is always on display. If we had been so fortunate to have had a brother, I would have wished him to be like Mr. Darcy.

I miss you both. Please send me any important news!

Your loving Sister,

Elizabeth

The next morning Elizabeth and Maria accompanied Charlotte on her calls to the residents of the parish. Elizabeth was impressed how well her friend had slipped into the role of clergyman's wife. She seemed genuinely concerned for the people she looked after. If the residents of Hunsford Parish were not treated to imaginative sermons, they would at least be the recipients of kindness from the sermon maker's wife.

After lunch, Elizabeth and Maria made their way to Rosings to spend the afternoon with Georgiana and Anne. Elizabeth wondered what they could do to pass the time away from Lady Catherine's watchful eye. They soon arrived and were shown into the room where Georgiana, Anne, Mrs. Annesley and Mrs. Jenkinson were. Georgiana informed them that she and Anne had decided on a walk through the gardens near the house. As the ladies passed through the hall on their way outside, they came across Darcy and the Colonel walking from the library in the direction Lady Catherine's Study.

"Will you two gentleman accompany us on our visit to the gardens?" Elizabeth asked. Darcy was pleased that she wished their company.

"No, Elizabeth, Richard and Fitzwilliam have sacrificed themselves for our sakes! They are on their way to see my Aunt on estate matters," Georgiana informed her friend. Darcy again was pleased to see a slight look of disappointment momentarily flash across Elizabeth's face.

"What we will endure for the sake of the ladies, Darcy!" The colonel replied melodramatically, hand over heart. "Off to face the lioness! With apologies of course to you, Cousin Anne." The Colonel bowed smartly to the ladies and quick marched away, leaving Darcy in his wake.

"Shall we see you again before dinner, Fitzwilliam?" Georgiana asked.

"That depends entirely on Richard. If he can restrain himself well enough we should be through all our business in two to three hours. If, however, he persists in his more provoking attitude we shall be much longer. I fear a long afternoon." Darcy admitted and took his leave.

Georgiana and Elizabeth led the party to the rose garden. Maria was very much overwhelmed to be in the company of Miss Anne de Bourgh. Anne realized the young girl's unease and began to try and make her feel more comfortable.

"Miss Lucas, have you enjoyed your visit with your sister?" Anne thought if she could get her to talk, the poor thing would relax.

"Yes, I have, Miss de Bourgh. Charlotte has had me accompany her on her calls and we have spent many hours together in the drawing room. We never had this much time together at home. Mama always had something for one of us to do, so this has been a peaceful change for us. Elizabeth has been kind enough to allow us this time alone, even before Miss Darcy came to Rosings."

"Miss Bennet appears to be a kind and loyal friend. Coming here must not have been the most agreeable prospect for her, considering her history with her cousin."

"You know about that, Miss de Bourgh?"

"My mother knows almost everything that is connected with Hunsford Parsonage," Anne answered sagely.

"I suppose that should not be a surprise to me, knowing my brother-in-law," Maria ventured. Anne nodded her head in response.

Ahead, Georgiana and Elizabeth were discussing the previous day's outing.

"Thank you so much for arranging the outing to the glade. It has been years since I was last there. It is a very special place to Fitzwilliam and me. I feel my parents' presence there; it is the only place like that away from Pemberley for me." Georgiana confessed.

"When I entered the glade with your brother he told me about your parents and the bench. I sensed he, too, has many happy memories associated with that place." Changing the subject, Elizabeth observed, "I believe your cousins enjoyed their time together as well, Georgiana."

"Yes, Elizabeth. Was there anything else you noticed?"

"Not really, Georgiana," Elizabeth admitted.

"I believe my cousin Richard is beginning to be attracted to Anne!"

"Georgiana, you should not try and match-make. Allow events to proceed in their natural course. You could do more harm than good." Elizabeth said.'And unknowingly cause pain to those you are attempting to match.'

"All I have done is try and give them opportunities to be together, when they can have some privacy. You were a great help yesterday when you suggested Richard drive Anne."

"I assure you that I was not trying to do anything untoward. I only thought the Colonel was the natural choice to accompany Miss de Bourgh with his intimate knowledge of horses."

"I know, Elizabeth, but it was a brilliant stroke by you, however unintentional it was. They both enjoyed their time together. I just hope Richard does not dally around too long. We are only here until next Thursday."

"Just be careful, Georgiana," Elizabeth warned once more.

Elizabeth and Georgiana decided to switch partners so that Georgiana could become more acquainted with Maria Lucas. Elizabeth's previous words and Anne de Bourgh's kind manner put Maria more at ease to speak when she joined Georgiana. Elizabeth and Anne quickly fell into easy conversation.

"Miss Bennet, it is very obvious that my relatives were correct when relating what a good influence you have been on Georgiana. She is much more confident since the two of you met. I could tell there was a change in her by the tone of her letters. At least, I had hoped there was. I cannot tell you how delighted I was when it was proved upon her arrival."

As could be expected, Elizabeth tried to deflect such praise back onto Georgiana. "I am afraid you give me too much credit, Miss de Bourgh. I could not make Georgiana anything other than what she truly is. All I have ever done is to encourage her to not be afraid to be herself. While I admit to highly encouraging any tendencies toward impertinence, I believe that what you now see is what was waiting to be revealed when the proper time came."

"Nevertheless, you were the instigator of her blossoming and I, and the rest of my family, are very grateful for your friendship and devotion."

"Thank you, Miss de Bourgh," Elizabeth finally assented.

The gentlemen of the house were still encamped with Lady Catherine when the ladies returned from their walk. Mrs. Annesley and Mrs. Jenkinsen had allowed the young ladies their privacy. Both were pleased to see their younger charges finding such amiable ladies to divert them. Mrs. Jenkinsen especially was happy with this development. She was weary from having to present a different demeanor in the presence of her employer than in privacy with her charge. Anne had taken her into her confidence very early on and Mrs. Jenkinsen had played a very useful role in assisting Anne in her quest for some small amount of freedom from her domineering parent. Perhaps now Anne was ready to begin to assert herself more, as Mrs. Jenkinsen had long been advising.

After Elizabeth and Maria left to return to the parsonage, Georgiana and Anne had a joint word with their companions.

"Mrs. Annesley, Mrs. Jenkinsen, Anne and I would wish for you to know that when we are in the company of Miss Bennet and Miss Lucas we do not wish you to feel obligated to stay with us. If you would much rather occupy yourselves with other things we will not be offended. We are not asking you to NOT be in our company. Rather, we are giving you the freedom to use your discretion as to whether or not your presence is either required or needed. We hope you are satisfied enough with the character of these two ladies to feel comfortable leaving us to ourselves." Georgiana concluded.

"Miss Darcy, Miss de Bourgh," Mrs. Jenkinsen began, "Mrs. Annesley and I have discussed the two ladies in question and are very much satisfied with the content of their characters. We are happy to provide company for you whenever and wherever you wish. Thank you for the consideration you have shown in speaking to us in this manner."

All four were pleased with the results of the conversation.

Over the remainder of the week Elizabeth, sometimes accompanied by Maria and Charlotte, had daily outings with the younger inhabitants of Rosings. Mrs. Annesley and Mrs. Jenkinsen remained behind when the gentleman joined the ladies. When the gentlemen were absent, they did escort the ladies, but always kept to themselves, sometimes with Mrs. Collins, to allow their charges the freedom to converse solely with the unmarried ladies of the parsonage.

When the gentlemen were present, Georgiana did everything in her power to insure that her brother fell into company with Elizabeth and Anne with Richard. She found an unwitting ally in her schemes in Maria Lucas. Miss Lucas was eager to receive the attentions of a young woman close to her age and found she greatly enjoyed talking with Georgiana. She would have plenty of opportunities to be in Elizabeth's company back in Hertfordshire. Darcy was all too willing to seize on these opportunities for Elizabeth's attention. He continued to be open with her, engaging her in spirited conversation at every opportunity. Elizabeth was very gratified to perceive the return of his open and playful manners. She had missed the man she had come to know in Hertfordshire. It certainly was preferable to the emotionally distant one she had spent six weeks living with in London.

The Colonel was coming to more and more enjoy the time spent with his cousin Anne. This was truly the first visit to Rosings where he made any effort to become much better acquainted with his cousin. It began to dawn on him how well suited they were for each other. He was astonished at how similar their tastes were in many areas. He was equally astonished to discover a real strength of character lurking just below the surface.

Fortunately for all parties concerned, Lady Catherine had no suspicions as to the tide of events unfolding right under her nose. As far as she was concerned, Darcy had been spending considerably more time in the company of Anne than he ever had before. Now, maybe very soon, her dream would be fulfilled and Darcy would become her son-in-law.

The invitation was extended to the residents of the parsonage to dine at Rosings on Sunday. Lady Catherine was anticipating another lively evening crossing swords with the very intriguing Miss Bennet. Lady Catherine had also hoped Anne would take a liking to her so that she could invite her back to Rosings and not be at the mercy of her ridiculous clergyman or his wife to extend further invitations. The thought of engaging her as a new companion for Anne was appealing, but Mrs. Jenkinsen had served faithfully for many years now and she rather doubted Miss Bennet would abase herself so if there were not some dire financial need.

Sunday morning, Elizabeth sat in her pew contemplating the events of the week. She wondered what was happening between Jane and Mr. Bingley. Hopefully, she would be receiving another letter in the next day or two. She was anticipating a highly gratifying report of her sister's engagement to Mr. Bingley. Surely the man would not tarry long! Her thoughts then turned to Bingley's friend. As Elizabeth looked at the back of his head, at his luscious dark curls, she finally knew she loved him. She had tried to deny it for so long. But his open manner of the last several days had exposed her heart as nothing else could. How could she not love him? He was everything she desired in a man. He was a man she held in the highest esteem, a man who had proved himself a fierce and loyal friend. He was intelligent, witty, protective of his loved ones, and stunningly gorgeous! A great feeling of sadness settled over her features. She would love him but she knew he could never love her in return.

At that moment an elderly gentleman behind Elizabeth coughed, Darcy instinctively turned his head to look and caught Elizabeth staring at him. She blushed and dropped her gaze but not before he saw the look on her face. He turned his head to look forward again. He then became lost in his own thoughts. Elizabeth had been staring at him, that much he could say with confidence. He had felt that someone had been, but he had schooled himself not to look back. The only reason he had finally turned his head was the subconscious need to see who had coughed. But why had she looked so… forlorn? What made her look at him like that? Was it the same look of longing he gave her when no one was looking? Was there hope? Darcy once again sneaked a quick glance back but Elizabeth was still gazing at her hands. He would watch her again tonight at Rosings. If she gave any indications of any tender regard, he would seek her out and discover her mind. He was ready to declare his intentions.

As much as Darcy, or Georgiana for that matter, tried to garner Elizabeth's attentions that night, Lady Catherine had other ideas. Almost as soon as the Hunsford party arrived, Lady Catherine had demanded the attention of Elizabeth. Darcy actually began to find it quite amusing. His Aunt obviously had taken quite a fancy to this young lady. She did her best not to show her any peculiar partiality, but her lack of disdain in addressing Elizabeth gave her away. Elizabeth also perceived the difference in address as opposed to the rest of the non-family members of the party. She was diverted as well by her ladyship's attempts to provoke her to impertinence and decided to indulge the lady's wish for Elizabeth to knowingly defend opinions both knew were not her own.

The time came for the ladies and gentlemen to separate after dinner. The Colonel and Darcy had no desire to do this tonight, each wishing to be in the presence of a different lady. Mr. Collins could never disagree with any wish of his noble patroness's nephews and so agreed to join the ladies immediately. Cards were decreed by Lady Catherine and she asked Elizabeth to partner her against Mrs. Annesley and Mrs. Jenkinsen. With such a table she knew she could monopolize the conversation with Miss Bennet. Elizabeth graciously accepted her fate for the evening.

Mr. Collins, Charlotte, Maria and Georgiana made up the next table. Georgiana did this so that Lady Catherine would be pleased her brother was speaking with Anne. Darcy, the Colonel and Anne moved away from the others and sat down by themselves to converse. Darcy was more than content to let his two partners carry the conversation. He was only required to give an occasional comment. It was very obvious that the two of them were getting on very well and an affection was developing between them unlike the previous cousinly rapport that existed beforehand.

Prior to their departure for the evening, plans were made for the next day to visit a nearby lake for a picnic. Lady Catherine surprised them by inviting herself along. None were happy about this, but what could be done? When Lady Catherine decided upon anything, who could say no to her? Her ladyship offered the use of two of her carriages. Mr. Collins was so overwhelmed by her generosity that he decided to attend the outing as well. With much of the anticipation for the pleasure of the outing dissipated, the evening concluded with resigned acceptance by the rest of the party.

The picnic to the nearby lake went as well as could reasonably be expected. Darcy and the Colonel entertained Anne. Georgiana tried her best to draw Elizabeth away from the clutches of her Aunt. She succeeded a few times, making use of Mr. Collins' incessant need to praise Lady Catherine as a means of escape. Georgiana was profuse in apologies to Elizabeth but Elizabeth insisted it was not necessary.

"Georgiana, as much I as hate to admit this, I am enjoying the attention of Lady Catherine. She values my independent spirit and, in a perverse way, reminds me of my father. I shall not be here for much longer than you and it is giving Miss de Bourgh an opportunity to be out without her mother constantly fussing over her. I am consoling myself with the knowledge that the next time you and I meet, it will be away from Rosings and the oversight of your Aunt." With this speech Elizabeth was able to sooth over any feelings of regret by Georgiana.

"I think we should take this opportunity and plan a walk for tomorrow." Elizabeth continued. "Why not meet me at the path to the grove tomorrow morning. Charlotte has other engagements tomorrow and I find myself without obligations for the day."

"That is a wonderful idea, Elizabeth. I shall meet you at 10 o'clock then."

The carriages were finally ordered and Darcy helped the ladies up into the carriages. When he took Elizabeth's hand to assist her he felt her tense and saw her blush. Very pleased with her reaction he held her hand a moment longer than required and felt her unwillingness to release their grip. At last, Darcy knew there was hope!

When Elizabeth returned to the parsonage that afternoon she was pleased to find a letter from Jane. 'At last!' Elizabeth tore open the seal and began to read.

Longbourn, Hertfordshire,

Dearest Lizzy,

I do not know where to begin! Oh Lizzy, he loves me! Charles and I are engaged to be married…

And… I left you with a small cliffie. I'm giving you a small head up now. The next two chapters are devoted to how Jane and Charles became engaged and the events leading up to it. We'll learn the fate of Caroline Bingley as well. But no Darcy or Elizabeth until chapter 30. After that, we'll see a lot more of them together. Promise!