Friends Before Lovers

by Alicia Rogers

  Throughout the meal, Elizabeth noticed how solicitous Mr. Bertram was towards Amelia. She could not account for this sudden change of character given what Amelia's opinion had been of the gentlemen last season. She hoped for her friend's sake that his regard was sincere.

  When dinner was finished, the guests returned to the ballroom so that the dancing could recommence. Mr. Darcy made his way to Elizabeth's side just as the Earl and Amelia began taking their leave.

  "I am sorry to leave your company so soon, Miss Bennet; however, Amelia and I are still quite fatigued from our journey here and thought it best to cut the evening short." The Earl said.

  "I perfectly understand, my lord. Thank you again for the dance and conversation at dinner." Elizabeth said kindly.

  "I believe my sister has designs to visit with you again tomorrow. I hope that the addition of my company will not be unwelcome?" The Earl asked quietly.

  "Of course not, my lord. A visit from friends is never unwelcome." Elizabeth responded.

  The Early bowed over her hand and the said, "Until tomorrow then, Miss Bennet."

  Amelia hugged Elizabeth goodbye with promises to see each other again the next day. The Earl, Amelia and Mr. Bertram wished the entire party from Pemberley a good evening and then departed from the ball. No sooner had they left, then Mr. Darcy petitioned Elizabeth for her hand for the last dance of the evening. Elizabeth agreed readily feeling Jane looking at her.

  During the last dance, Elizabeth and Darcy were both quieter than at the beginning of the ball. Although they spoke little, Elizabeth felt aware of each time they touched throughout the dance. Every time she looked at Mr. Darcy, he was looking back at her already. The dance ended and Mr. Darcy offered her his arm and did not relinquish it until they donned their coats and wraps. Elizabeth was thoughtful during the carriage ride back to Pemberley as the conversation continued between Jane and Charles and occasionally Mr. Darcy.

  "Are you well, Lizzy? You are very quiet after such an evening." Jane questioned.

  "Oh yes, I am quite well, Jane. Perhaps a bit tired." Elizabeth answered.

  When they arrived at Pemberley, the party agreed that they would forgo any further refreshments and retire to their bedchambers. Charles and Jane wished them a goodnight before turning towards the guest wing.

  "Before we retire, I must ask if your curiosity was satisfied this evening, Miss Bennet?" Mr. Darcy asked.

  Elizabeth looked at him confused until he clarified, "Do all men prefer staring out windows to dancing at a ball?"

  Elizabeth laughed at his teasing and then saw that he was waiting for her response.

  "Well, Mr. Darcy, I am afraid that I cannot speak with any certainty on the subject. Although there were many gentlemen dancing this evening, it can be assumed that many were from areas outside of Derbyshire." She said with mock seriousness.

  "Tis true." He said.

  "Yet, I can only attest that one gentleman from Derbyshire was so very gracious as to dance with me twice this evening and I cannot recall seeing him staring out the window even once!"

  They both laughed and Elizabeth asked, "Is that answer satisfactory, Mr. Darcy?"

  "Quite so, Miss Bennet, for it tells me that you noticed this gentleman from Derbyshire. Good evening, Miss Bennet."

  Elizabeth, once again stunned by his candidness, only barely curtsied before hurrying away towards the guest wing.

  Chapter 32

  The morning after the ball, the occupants of Pemberley rose at a later hour than usual. Georgiana was bursting for details about the ball; however, Elizabeth and Jane were determined to keep the secret regarding Amelia's presence until the lady in question arrived.

  Once they had broken their fast, the ladies retired to the morning room and Georgiana continued her interrogation with little response from Elizabeth or Jane. Finally, a footman arrived announcing the Earl Waldegrave, Miss Waldegrave and Mr. Bertram.

  As the trio walked into the room, Georgiana could not hide her surprise. She greeted the gentlemen before embracing her friend.

  "Why Amelia! This is such a wonderful surprise!"

  "I hope so!" Amelia exclaimed. "It was no small feat keeping my trip quiet when writing to you and Elizabeth. I see that Elizabeth and Jane were able to keep my secret this morning. Well done!"

  Georgiana turned towards Elizabeth and Jane, who were both smiling broadly.

  "Oh yes, they have been positively boring this morning, Amelia! Nothing to say of the ball at all." Georgiana said with a scowl.

  Darcy and Charles arrived and greeted the visitors before everyone sat down and Georgiana rang for tea. Darcy, Charles and Jane were seated near Mr. Bertram and inquired about his home, Mansfield Park. Georgiana cornered Amelia and they sat together catching up. Elizabeth was about to join them but Earl Waldegrave sat next to her.

  "I hope you are well this morning, Miss Bennet." He asked.

  "Very well, thank you. And were you able to rest well, my lord? I know that the journey to Derbyshire was quite taxing for me."

  "I am quite well, Miss Bennet, thank you. Although it was a long journey, I believe that the reward of your company was more than worth it." He said gallantly.

  Elizabeth laughed.

  "Take care, my lord. Such pretty comments are sure to inflate my ego and I wouldn't want to think myself above my company." She said with a sly smile to the earl before her. They both laughed heartily but Elizabeth's laugh was cut short when she looked up to find Mr. Darcy frowning above her.

  "Ah, Darcy, you have come to join us? I must warn you that Miss Elizabeth's wit is at the ready this morning." Earl Waldegrave said jovially.

  "As I heard, my lord. Excuse me." Darcy said curtly before bowing and leaving the room.

  Elizabeth watched him go with worry; however, Amelia and Georgiana approached and the earl stood allowing his sister to take his chair.

  "Well, I believe this is my cue to leave you ladies to your gossip." He said kindly.

  "Right you are, brother dear." Amelia responded as the others smiled.

  Charles stepped forward and suggested that the men retreat to the billiards room which appealed to all.

  Jane joined Elizabeth on the settee across from Georgiana and Amelia. Once they were alone, Elizabeth could not resist interrogating her friend at last.

  "Well, Miss Amelia Waldegrave, you have much explaining to do so I suggest that you begin at once. I can only surmise that Mr. Thomas Bertram has improved greatly in your eyes."

  Amelia could not help the smile that bloomed across her face.

  "He has indeed." She admitted.

  Georgiana squealed and the others laughed at her before informing her of Mr. Bertram's solicitous treatment of Amelia at the ball.

  "Oh, Amelia, what brought about this change? You were so set against him when we were in Town?" Georgiana asked.

  "I am not at leave to disclose all of the details but I can tell you that he was taken ill not long ago and I believe that he spent his time recovering thinking over his past actions and friends and found them wanting."

  Although none spoke it aloud, all the ladies thought of Amelia's own late brother and his wild ways.

  "Well, he certainly seems taken with you, Amelia. I must say that that shows excellent improvement in his taste in friends." Jane said.

  "I don't know that friendship is the relationship that Mr. Bertram is hoping to attain, Amelia." Elizabeth said.

  Amelia could no longer hide her excitement.

  "Oh, I knew that I wouldn't last beyond our first talk. I am happy to inform you all that Mr. Bertram has asked for my hand and we are engaged to be married!"

  The friends hugged Amelia and wished her joy.

  "We are waiting to wed once I am out of half morning out of respect for my father and brother so please do not share the news yet. John has been very supportive since he saw the changes in Mr. Bertram." Amelia said.

  "Of course, he is supportive. At your own admission, your brother has always done wh
at he could to ensure your happiness." Elizabeth said with a smile.

  Amelia reached across to hold Elizabeth's hand and looked her in the eyes.

  "As I will for him. My greatest wish is that my brother might secure the love of a woman who will support him and help bear the burden his new title has brought rather than someone aspiring to a higher rank." Amelia said sincerely.

  Jane responded by saying, "Just as you ought."

  The group of ladies rose when Georgiana suggested they spend some time in the music room. Amelia linked her arm with Elizabeth and they walked ahead with Jane following close behind. Georgiana was the last to enter the hallway. As she followed her friends, she glanced towards the billiards room while biting her bottom lip in worry.

  The next morning, Elizabeth was unsurprised to find Mr. Darcy waiting for her besides the walking path she now favored. His serious mien was worrisome though.

  "Good day, Mr. Darcy." She said in a cheerful voice.

  "It is now, Miss Bennet." He responded immediately.

  She stopped before him and studied his face. Darcy obliged her and stood still under her scrutiny until he could take it no longer.

  "Am I up to snuff, Miss Bennet? Perhaps my valet was remiss while shaving me this morning?" He questioned.

  "No, sir. Your valet earns his wage, for you are as impeccable as ever." She responded. He smiled at her unintended compliment and her cheeks colored so she quickly added.

  "I am just attempting to determine if you are well, sir."

  At Darcy's confused look, she continued.

  "You left us so quickly yesterday, sir, and then appeared a touch down the remainder of the day. I was hoping to ask after you then but the opportunity never presented itself."

  Darcy's face darkened slightly and, instead of immediately replying, he offered her his arm and turned them towards the path. Without looking her way, he finally spoke.

  "I…I am afraid I allowed my temper to rule my actions again yesterday." He said quietly.

  Now Elizabeth was confused.

  "Whatever could have troubled you, sir? You appeared pleased to see your friends at the ball. I would not expect that you did not desire their visit yesterday." She asked.

  Darcy was quiet a moment longer, before stopping and turning towards her. He took her hands and looked so earnest that Elizabeth held her breath.

  "Miss Bennet, I am trying to improve myself. I hope that you have witnessed that while visiting us. I would also like us to be open with one another as we once were. Is it too presumptuous to ask…were you and Earl Waldegrave referring to me when you spoke of being 'above your company'?"

  Elizabeth was shocked that this was the cause of his anxiety.

  "Of course we were not referring to you, Mr. Darcy! As it stands, I was referring to myself and being quite ridiculous given that I was speaking with an earl. Did you not see us laughing?" She asked.

  "Yes, I did; however, I wondered if you were laughing at me since you certainly accused me of feeling above my company in the past." He said sheepishly.

  Now, Elizabeth fully understood.

  She smiled and took his arm again.

  "I see. Well, fear not, Mr. Darcy. I believe you know well enough that I prefer to tease you while in your company to see your reaction. I would not speak ill of my friends to others." She said lightly as she walked.

  She did not look up to see how her words affected the gentleman or the wide smile on his face as they continued to walk.

  "I shall remember that, Miss Bennet. Thank you." He said with a chuckle.

  Elizabeth returned to the house first and decided to go up to her room and freshen up before breakfast. Darcy entered the breakfast room and found it occupied by his sister and Jane. They exchanged greetings and Darcy noticed that both ladies seemed nervous.

  "Will Charles be joining us this morning, Mrs. Bingley?" He asked Jane.

  "Yes, Mr. Darcy. Charles left moments ago when Earl Waldegrave called on him." Jane responded.

  Darcy caught Georgiana's pained expression and only replied with a quiet, "I see."

  Not long after, Charles entered the room and immediately caught Darcy's eye with a look of pity upon his face. Before they could speak, the Earl Waldegrave entered the room with Elizabeth.

  "Good morning, Darcy. I hope that you don't mind but I invited Earl Waldegrave to join us." Bingley said.

  It took Darcy a moment to respond before he cleared his throat and said, "The Earl is always welcome here. Good day, my lord. Please have a seat."

  "Thank you, Darcy. I knew that I could count on your hospitality. As they say, old friends are delightful." The earl said cheerfully before greeting the rest of the ladies and taking a seat next to Elizabeth.

  Darcy's mind was awhirl and he was not listening to the friendly conversation taking place between the earl, Elizabeth and Jane. He could feel the eyes of Charles and Georgiana upon him but he could not bring himself to look away from Elizabeth's smiling face as she spoke with the man sitting beside her.

  Chapter 33

  That night found Charles and Darcy in Darcy's study.

  "Darcy, I am so sorry. Elizabeth is my sister and I want what is best to ensure her happiness. Although she must decide who will bring her that happiness, you must know that I was rooting for you." Bingley said as he clapped Darcy on the back.

  The day had passed in a fog for Darcy. He could see that Earl Waldegrave had set his sights on Elizabeth and Charles had just confirmed it.

  Charles continued as he poured them both a drink.

  "The earl requested that I not speak with Elizabeth yet since he only just arrived. He only wanted me aware of his intentions since Elizabeth is under my protection."

  Darcy took the offered drink from his friend and downed it in one gulp then laughed mirthlessly.

  "As he should. I believe you will become weary of granting permission to all of Elizabeth's suitors soon Charles."

  Charles brow furrowed and he shook his head.

  "Enough of that, Darce. That's not fair and you know it. I cannot withhold an opportunity like this from Elizabeth. Why, Mrs. Bennet would die where she stands if ever she found out that I turned away an offer for one of her daughters from an earl!"

  The men exchanged a glance but did not comment further on that line of thinking.

  "Thank you for informing me, Charles." Darcy said as he refilled his glass.

  "What will you do now?" Charles asked.

  "I do not know." Darcy said dejectedly and then continued.

  "Like you, I only want her happiness. I believe that I can make her happy yet, if her happiness lies with another, then…" Darcy shook his head before emptying his glass once more.

  "Well, I wish you luck. Now, I'm retiring for the evening and I suggest that you do the same. It will not help your cause to awake with a headache." Charles said good-naturedly as he left the study.

  The days followed with a new routine. Darcy and Elizabeth continued to walk in the mornings but the Waldegrave party would arrive not long after breakfast and stay most of the day. Darcy felt obligated to invite them for dinner most nights even if it caused him pain to see Elizabeth enjoy the company of another gentleman.

  A week had passed since the Waldegraves arrived in Derbyshire and the party was once again gathered in the parlor at Pemberley. Darcy had returned to his brooding ways and was stalking quietly near the windows while the rest of the group socialized. He was covertly watching the conversation between Elizabeth and the earl when he noticed Miss Waldegrave looking earnestly towards her brother.

  A look passed between the siblings and then Amelia spoke.

  "Georgiana, would you agree to singing the duet that we played yesterday with me for Mr. Bertram? I spoke of it and he was eager to hear it for himself today."

  "If you wish, then I will." Georgiana consented.

  "Wonderful!" Amelia exclaimed before asking if any of the others wished to join them. Jane and Bingley agreed and Elizabeth offered to play th
e piano so that both ladies could focus on the song but was interrupted by Earl Waldegrave.

  "Miss Bennet, I was hoping that we might take a turn outside together. The weather is surprisingly mild this afternoon." Earl Waldegrave asked as he held out his hand to her.

  This caught the attention of all of the occupants of the room.

  Elizabeth felt all of their eyes upon her and could do nothing but agree to his request and, taking his hand, rose.

  Amelia linked her arm with Georgiana's, a look of triumph on her face.

  "Shall we?" She asked happily before leading the group towards the music room.