"Yet, you have followed this woman to Kent?" The Colonel questioned.
Darcy merely nodded.
"And you have brought a ring with you that you would have me believe you have no intention of using?" The Colonel asked exasperated.
"That is correct." Darcy replied decidedly.
Colonel Fitzwilliam flopped back into his seat.
"I do not understand you, cousin. I know not why you wish to torture yourself so but I will trust in your judgment that you know what you are about."
Darcy simply nodded again and turned towards the window just as the imposing structure of Rosings came into view.
Chapter 17
'My Dearest Jane,
I have received your rather amusing missive and I am only now in possession of the time and solitude to respond. I know that you will forgive my heartlessness but I must tell you that your tale of Mama chasing the goose out of the kitchen only to find my brother Charles standing stunned in the garden still brings a smile to my face. Beyond the constant visits from our mother, I hope to find you settled nicely into your role as Mistress of Netherfield upon my return. I will only add…Do not allow Mama to sway your choices as you redecorate your parlor. I know it is difficult for you…stand firm.
All is well in Kent. I have had a lovely week spent in Charlotte's company as well as listening to our cousin Collins boast of all the luxuries afforded to the wife of the parson of the great Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Truly, it has been diverting! However, Charlotte does appear content in her situation. She sends her love to you and hopes to receive a letter of her own from you soon.
Now…I hesitate to make mention of this given your persistence in promoting a match but I am at a loss of how to keep such news from you. Mr. Darcy and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, have recently arrived at Rosings. Lady Catherine has condescended to extend an invitation for us to dine with the gentlemen at the great house this evening. I beg of you to stop your speculation regarding the feelings of our friend from Derbyshire. I am quite content with our friendship and any hopes of something more is ridiculous given our situations. However, I will grant you that he is exceedingly handsome. With that scandalous admission, I will end this letter in hopes that my sweet elder sister is not adopting our mother's matchmaking ways!
All my love,
Elizabeth
Elizabeth quickly sealed the letter and then started to prepare for the dinner engagement at Rosings. Charlotte joined her and assisted in styling her hair. Elizabeth smiled at her friend's attentions, aware that both of the Collins' went to great lengths to ensure that their dress and appearance was fit for the company of their great patroness.
As Elizabeth followed her cousin and friend on the path that led to Rosings, she took time to breathe in the fresh air and ponder on what the evening would bring. So far, her brief visits with Lady Catherine and her daughter had proved to be somewhat stifling yet diverting. The demands of the Mistress of Rosings oftentimes bordered on ridiculous. Her attention to detail would perhaps be impressive if it was not directed in the most absurd places. Elizabeth smiled to herself as she recalled the inordinate amount of time Lady Catherine spent instructing Charlotte on the proper way to organize her linens during their last visit.
Of Miss de Bourgh, little could be said other than that she appeared sickly and bored at all times.
Elizabeth could not deny that she looked forward to the addition of the gentlemen tonight. Mr. Darcy was always good company. Her interest was piqued to meet Colonel Fitzwilliam since she knew him to be Georgiana's co-guardian. She wondered if he would look similar to the Darcy siblings. She glanced up to realize that she would not have to wonder long since they were approaching Rosings.
As the party from Hunsford entered the parlor, Elizabeth could not locate Mr. Darcy immediately. Once the Collins' had been greeted and introduced, Elizabeth stepped forward. She curtsied and bid good evening to Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh.
"Good evening to you, Miss Bennet. This is my nephew, Colonel Fitzwilliam of Matlock." Lady Catherine said as she nodded her head towards a gentleman standing near Miss de Bourgh.
Elizabeth curtsied as the gentleman bowed in greeting. Before either could speak, Lady Catherine continued.
"I had hoped that my nephew Darcy would be here to greet you; however, he is currently speaking with my steward. My nephew prides himself on his great care of his family. He quite dotes upon Anne and me." She said with a smile towards her daughter. Miss de Bourgh did not feel it necessary to look up in response.
Elizabeth smiled and then said, "It must be a comfort to have your nephews visit."
Lady Catherine immediately sat straighter and said, "Oh, yes. Darcy is most assuredly a comfort to me. He visits faithfully each year regardless of the demands that weigh upon one of his status."
Elizabeth did not miss the fact that Lady Catherine failed to praise Col. Fitzwilliam as well. A quick glance in his direction to find a slight roll of his eyes proved that that gentleman did not miss the omission either. Before Lady Catherine could continue, a voice came from the door.
"Aunt, you must stop your compliments for I am here now and will blush under such praise."
Elizabeth looked up to find Mr. Darcy walking determinedly towards her. She could not help the wide smile that graced her face at seeing her friend again. He stopped besides his aunt and bowed before he continued speaking.
"Furthermore, there is no need to sing my praises to Miss Bennet since we have been acquainted for some months now and I am sure that she has already formed her own opinion. Good evening, Miss Bennet."
This uncharacteristic little speech from her favorite nephew left Lady Catherine looking affronted while Col. Fitzwilliam did all within his power to contain his mirth.
"Good evening, Mr. Darcy." Elizabeth said quietly.
Lady Catherine finally found her tongue.
"Darcy! What are you speaking about? How did you come to know Miss Bennet?" She demanded with narrowed eyes.
Darcy calmly responded, "I had the pleasure of meeting Miss Bennet in Town this season. Her sister recently wed my good friend, Mr. Bingley."
"Ah, yes, your tradesman friend."
Darcy caught Elizabeth's eye and hoped that she was not offended by his aunt's rude comment. He quickly attempted to turn the conversation.
"Perhaps you would be kind enough to introduce me to your other guests, aunt?"
At this request, Mr. Collins fairly exploded with pride. Elizabeth stepped aside with a smile but not before smirking at Mr. Darcy. The poor man knew not what he had done. She would gladly endure his aunt's condescending comments if she was able to observe her cousin Collins torture Mr. Darcy with his gratitude. This would be an evening to remember.
Chapter 18
Dinner at Rosings was a lavish affair considering the size of the party; however, Elizabeth enjoyed it immensely. Although Mr. Darcy was seated on the opposite side of the table next to his cousin, Miss de Bourgh, Elizabeth had the pleasure of getting acquainted with Colonel Fitzwilliam. He was open and good-humored and Elizabeth could easily understand why Georgiana was so fond of him.
It was not until the party adjourned to the parlor that Elizabeth was able to speak with Mr. Darcy again. He approached her as she studied one of the many ornate paintings adorning the wall.
"You appear quite taken with this particular work, Miss Bennet." Mr. Darcy said as they stood side by side staring at the painting in question.
Without turning towards the gentleman, Elizabeth responded, "Yes, I have not had the pleasure of viewing such a….vibrant work of art as this."
Darcy nodded and then said, "I see…it is the painting's 'vibrancy' that attracts your attention?"
With a solemn face, Elizabeth answers, "Exactly, sir."
They continue to stare at the painting for a moment before Darcy dares to lean slightly towards Elizabeth and whispers, "Liar. It is hideous."
Elizabeth turns quickly towards the gentleman in mock offence b
efore they both chuckle as loudly as they dare.
"It is a shame that I have secured such an opinion in your eyes. You do not hesitate to call me a liar. I believe that we have already had this conversation, sir. You are my friend and, therefore, are not allowed to make such accusations against me."
"Ah, yes, I do recall the conversation in question. If I recall correctly, I believe you blackmailed me into submission."
This caused another chuckle from Elizabeth which, unfortunately, also drew the attention of Lady Catherine.
"Darcy! What are you and Miss Bennet discussing there? I must have my share of the conversation." The old woman demanded.
Darcy simply turned towards his aunt and said, "Nothing of great import, Aunt Catherine. Miss Bennet was admiring your latest acquisition."
Lady Catherine beamed.
"Yes, yes, I was determined to add such a great piece to our collection here at Rosings. I have an excellent eye for art. Your admiration of it shows that you too have discerning taste, Miss Bennet, above what your status would generally lend you."
Elizabeth bowed in thanks to the veiled barb.
In hopes of diverting the conversation following his aunt's rude comment, Colonel Fitzwilliam asked, "Miss Bennet, I have heard from both Mrs. Collins as well as my cousin Darcy that you are accomplished at the pianoforte. Could I persuade you to perform for us?"
"I am afraid that accomplished is far above the truth, Colonel. It seems that my friend and your cousin have been telling tales." Elizabeth said in an attempt to beg off playing.
"Nonsense, Miss Bennet. Of course, you shall play the instrument this evening. Although I do agree with you regarding your level of skill, your playing is certainly adequate enough. You only lack discipline in practicing. I have told you that you are welcome to come to Rosings to practice during your stay. You shall never be truly accomplished without practice." Lady Catherine admonished.
Once again, Elizabeth dropped a curtsey to the great lady and simply responded, "Thank you for taking such an interest in my pursuits, Lady Catherine."
Lady Catherine smiled broadly and nodded, secure in the knowledge that she had provided great assistance to this country miss.
As Elizabeth moved towards the pianoforte, Mr. Darcy followed with the intention of turning pages for her. He was stopped shortly by his aunt.
"Darcy! Anne is in need of some refreshment. Fetch her a fresh cup of tea. Colonel Fitzwilliam is perfectly able to turn pages for Miss Bennet."
Darcy bristled at being ordered about in such a fashion; however, he did not wish to openly defy his aunt in front of the visitors.
"Certainly, aunt."
Colonel Fitzwilliam passed him with a wide smile. Darcy scowled in response.
When the Colonel reached the instrument, he bowed to Elizabeth.
"I am at your service, madam. I hope that I am able to fulfill my duty with even a portion of my cousin's ability."
Elizabeth smiled in response before saying, "I believe you will do fine, Colonel."
Once she found a song that she was familiar with, Elizabeth sat down and began playing. Halfway through the performance, Lady Catherine became bored and began speaking with the Collins' regarding a local farmer's recent distress.
"Despite my aunt's recent critique, I must say that your playing is lovely, Miss Bennet."
"Thank you, Colonel. You are too kind and, therefore, shall be delegated to the ranks of Mrs. Collins and Mr. Darcy for prejudiced opinions."
"Well now, I cannot speak for your friend since I have only made her acquaintance; however, I believe that being in the ranks of Darcy is a very fine thing indeed! You'll not meet with a more loyal or honest gentleman."
Elizabeth smiled at the obvious affection between the cousins. She threw a devious glance in the direction of Mr. Darcy, who was watching their exchange from his seat next to Lady Catherine.
"Really? You would say that he is a truly honest man?" Elizabeth questioned.
The Colonel looked slightly affronted by her doubtful tone.
"Absolutely, Miss Bennet." He responded with conviction.
"Hmmm, well that does pose a problem." She said as she continued to play.
"Whatever could you mean, Miss Bennet?" The Colonel asked, throwing Darcy a glance of his own.
"The problem is that if Mr. Darcy is as honest as you say, sir, then he most assuredly believes me to be a liar." Elizabeth stated with an air of indifference.
Flabbergasted, the Colonel took a moment to speak.
"That cannot be, Miss Bennet. Where did you hear such nonsense?" He asked.
"Oh, it was Mr. Darcy himself, Colonel." She replied.
Before the dumbfounded Colonel could respond, they were both startled by the man in question appearing.
"May I join this tete a tete? From the look upon Fitzwilliam's face, it appears to be interesting." Darcy asked with a smile.
Without missing a key, Elizabeth responded, "Oh, do you wish to have your share of the conversation, sir?"
Darcy chuckled at Elizabeth's impertinence using his aunt's words.
"Only if it would please you, Miss Bennet." He said.
Colonel Fitzwilliam finally found his tongue.
"Darcy, Miss Bennet would have me believe that you have lost all of your senses. Tell me at once that you did not call this lovely creature a liar?" The Colonel demanded.
Darcy narrowed his eyes at Elizabeth as she continued to play with a smirk upon her face.
"Ah, now I see the direction that the conversation was going before my arrival. I shall be on my guard in the future, madam, as I now see what you are about. You wish to shock the poor Colonel with my behavior?"
"What's this? You mean to tell me that it is true, Darcy?" The Colonel asked.
"Calm down, Fitz. Miss Bennet has a true talent at turning events to suit her fancy when it puts me at a disadvantage. I do not know if I shall survive my friendship with her."
At this, both Darcy and Elizabeth laughed.
Colonel Fitzwilliam looked between the two and chose to remain silent. He had never seen his normally withdrawn cousin so at ease in company with a woman outside of their family. He smiled as he thought of the uproar this proclaimed friendship would soon cause.
Chapter 19
Elizabeth wandered down the little path that led to a small brook. She had stumbled upon this path on one of her first explorations of the grounds after arriving at Hunsford. The multitude of spring flowers lining the banks lent an almost magical appearance to the stream.
She had been thrilled to find that a previous wanderer had thought of placing a cozy bench close enough that one could dip their feet into the stream, if they were so inclined. Although it was not yet summer, the temperature was high and coupled with the long walk to this little haven, Elizabeth found herself longing to engage in a bit of wading.
She slowly looked about her to ensure that she would not be caught. Once she was satisfied that she was alone, she sat down at the bench and began to unlace her boots and remove her stockings. With a contented sigh, Elizabeth dipped her feet into the refreshing water and lifted her face to the sun with a smile. She chuckled as she thought of her mother seeing her relaxing in such a fashion out of doors.
Unfortunately, her little idyll was short-lived. The distant sound of a twig snapping caused her eyes to swiftly open. A quick peek over her shoulder revealed Mr. Darcy just emerged from the bushes at the top of the path.
"Mr. Darcy! Must you constantly mortify me?" Elizabeth exclaimed as she quickly gathered her stockings and boots. Her face was flushed and she continued speaking in anger in attempt to overcome her embarrassment as she quickly pulled on her footwear.
"Really, sir! One would think that you plot to create situations in which I am thoroughly humiliated."
When she realized that the gentleman had still not spoken a word, she paused in lacing her boots and looked up. Mr. Darcy remained in the exact position in which he found her. His eyes were wide with surpri
se and his mouth was hanging slightly open. Elizabeth could not help but recognize that she was not the only one mortified by the encounter. That knowledge helped to put her slightly at ease once again.
"Ahem, Mr. Darcy? I do believe that a gentleman would avert his gaze when a lady is attempting to cover herself appropriately." She teased.
The laughter in her voice seemed to finally break through Mr. Darcy's stupor. He immediately flushed as red as a beet.
Friends Before Lovers Page 8
