Delay in the Post, Pride and Prejudice Fanfiction
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Delay in the Post ~ Section IBy Anna P. and Lauren D Section I, ProloguePosted on Thursday, 24 June 1999 The day following their dinner engagement at Pemberley, Elizabeth found herself in uncommonly good spirits. She appeared for breakfast with a brilliant smile on her face, as her thoughts wandered back to Mr. Darcy's behavior the night before. Elizabeth's aunt noticed her obvious happiness, but said nothing. She was too busy trying to determine the nature of the relationship between her niece and Mr. Darcy. It was clear that the information previously given on the subject had been decidedly inadequate. Mr. Darcy's attentions could surely not be warranted by a mere trifling acquaintance. Indeed, the way he had been looking at Elizabeth, one could almost have believed him to be in love! "It is a lovely morning, is it not, Aunt?" Mrs. Gardiner's thoughts were interrupted by the comment, but she resolved to keep a very careful eye on Elizabeth's behavior for the duration of their stay. "Yes, Lizzy, the weather seems quite nice today." "Where is Uncle? Surely he has not left so soon?" "I am afraid Mr. Gardiner left some time ago. He decided to take Mr. Darcy up on his offer to go fishing. I should think him likely to be gone all morning." "Oh." Although Elizabeth wished to speak to her aunt of Mr. Darcy, she could not quite bring herself to do so. "Lizzy, I must go out this morning to visit my old friend Mrs. Keene. Would you care to accompany me?" "Certainly, Aunt. I would love to come with you. Perhaps on our way back we could take a stroll about town - you could show me all of the places you loved as a girl." "I would gladly show you everything I love in Lambton, Lizzy, but I fear we shall not have enough time during our stay. Instead I shall just show you the places I think are the most important. Shall we go after breakfast, then?" "Indeed . . . I am sure that your Mrs. Keene will be only too happy to see you again." Elizabeth smiled. "I shall be quite prepared to leave after breakfast." Chapter 1Posted on Thursday, 24 June 1999 As Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth walked into the center of Lambton, Mrs. Gardiner gave a short gasp. Elizabeth looked at her aunt in concern. "Is something the matter?" "Oh, Lizzy . . . it is just as I left it so many years ago! Indeed, it seems as if I never left at all." "I am so glad, aunt. In which part of town does your friend live?" "Just down this lane here . . . Margaret will be so surprised to see us!" Mrs. Gardiner stepped up and knocked on the door while Elizabeth paused, taking a moment to look at the charming village all around her. "What a lovely town," she thought to herself, "I believe I could stay forever in Derbyshire . . ." Her reverie was brought to a halt as the door opened. Just as the servant was about to show them inside, a middle-aged woman came running down the hallway, dressed, as it appeared, to go out. "Madeleine! I had no idea you were coming back to Lambton!" "We had a last minute change of plans and had to forego our planned trip to the lakes. I did not have time to write you." "When did you arrive? It's been so long since you visited! Oh, but never mind all that now--you must forgive me. You have caught me on my way out the door to stop at the milliner's shop. Will you come with me?" "Yes, Margaret, of course, but first I would like to introduce my niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet." "How do you do, ma'am?" inquired Elizabeth politely. "Quite well, now that your aunt is here. I am very pleased to meet you." The three ladies walked to the milliner's shop, discussing Lambton and all its charms. Once they were inside the establishment, Elizabeth separated from her aunt and Mrs. Keene in order to let them converse more intimately. She was just walking over to look at some new bonnets when the entrance bell rang. Elizabeth looked up in curiosity and was surprised to see Miss Darcy entering. Miss Darcy noticed Elizabeth almost immediately and walked over to her. "Good day, Miss Bennet." "Good day, Miss Darcy. I must say I am surprised to see you this morning." "As I am pleasantly surprised to find you here, Miss Bennet. I so enjoyed your visit last night, as I am sure my brother did." "Oh, thank you very much, Miss Darcy. I have rarely had such an enjoyable evening, and I know that my aunt and uncle enjoyed themselves quite thoroughly." "There were some in the party, I fear, who were slightly less content,"--Elizabeth immediately understood the reference to Caroline and Louisa Bingley--"but their mood yesterday was no doubt due to their many exertions during the day." "No doubt." Elizabeth smiled, remembering how vehemently displeased Caroline had looked upon their arrival at Pemberley the night before. How painful it must have been for Miss Bingley to have to share Mr. Darcy's attentions! Elizabeth realized suddenly how happy she was at the thought of stealing Mr. Darcy's attentions from Miss Bingley. Surely it could not be that she wished them for herself! She had already refused his hand once, and no self-respecting gentleman would propose a second time. But she had truly taken such delight in her evening at Pemberley. Indeed, when she reflected on the look that had often been present in Mr. Darcy's eyes, she could not help but admit to herself how dearly she wished he would renew his addresses to her. "Miss Bennet, are you feeling quite well?" Elizabeth snapped to attention, suddenly aware of the fact that Georgiana was looking at her, concern shadowing the inquisitive expression on her face. Elizabeth blushed slightly, but collected herself well enough to reply to Georgiana's query. "Oh, yes, Miss Darcy, I am quite well. Do excuse me." "Certainly, Miss Bennet. I was just asking if you and Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner would care to dine with us again tomorrow." Elizabeth was exceedingly pleased at the thought of another dinner at Pemberley. She wasted no time in inquiring of her aunt whether they were free the following evening. Mrs. Gardiner was only too pleased to inform Miss Darcy that they had no fixed plans. Chapter 2Posted on Sunday, 27 June 1999 Later that evening, Elizabeth and the Gardiners discussed the day's events, as well as their plans for the next day. "Oh, my dear, you will never guess who Lizzy and I ran into at the milliner's!" Mr. Gardiner remained silent, and his wife continued - "This afternoon, while making a call to see Mrs. Keene- you do remember Margaret, do you not, Edward? We decided to walk over to look at some new bonnets that had just come in. We had just walked in with Mrs. Keene when Miss Darcy appeared. I did not think much of it until Margaret remarked how unusual it is to see Miss Darcy in town." Elizabeth listened with interest at the turn the conversation had taken, as she was also unaware of the rarity of Georgiana's visits to Lambton. "Miss Darcy? Really? What a coincidence!" "Yes, uncle, we had a brief conversation while aunt and her friend were talking." "How nice of her to greet you after such a short acquaintance." "Yes, dear, I thought so, too" replied Mrs. Gardiner. "I ought to tell you, Lizzy, what an impression you made on Mrs. Keene. She could not stop talking about the Darcys. Upon seeing whom you were talking to, she must have assumed a greater acquaintance than truly exists, for she inquired as to how you came to be held in such high regard by that family." "My goodness, aunt - it sounds as if your Mrs. Keene has decided that I am soon to be installed at Pemberley as a permanent resident! She could not know, I suppose, how far she is from the truth." Mrs. Gardiner exchanged a knowing glance with her husband, but their actions went unnoticed by Elizabeth, as she was too preoccupied by her own thoughts on the matter. She did not know what had induced Mrs. Keene to make such a presumption. Was the conversation of Miss Darcy really such a rare gift to be bestowed? And if it was, what message had she meant to imply by it? Elizabeth refused to allow her heart to jump to conclusions, however much she wanted to. She forced herself to stop dwelling on the possible import of her conversation with Miss Darcy, and she returned her attentions to the discussion at hand. Chapter 3Posted on Sunday, 27 June 1999 During the carriage ride to Pemberley, Elizabeth was quite uncomfortable. Despite her repeated attempts to keep any thought of Mr. Darcy out of her head, she found she could think of nothing else. The anecdotes her aunt had been relating to her all day had fallen on deaf ears, for Elizabeth's mind was more enjoyably engaged on the prospects that that evening would afford. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were likewise silent on the way to Pemberley, as they were attempting to ascertain the depth of their niece's feelings for Mr. Darcy. Although they could not obtain any information from the lady herself on the subject, they noted her extreme agitation, and were left with no doubt as to where Elizabeth's affections laid. Upon entering the house, Elizabeth immediately noticed some sort of a change, but she did not realize what was different until they were shown into the drawing room, to be greeted only by Mr. Darcy and his sister. "Good evening, Miss Bennet, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. It is a pleasure to see you again." "Good evening, Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy. We are very pleased to have the chance to dine with you again," replied Mr. Gardiner. Elizabeth had wanted to second her uncle's greeting, but found herself at a loss for words while she pondered how truly content she was in being at Pemberley that night. After the general civilities appropriate to the situation had been dispensed with, Mr. Darcy's butler Foster entered and informed the party that dinner was served. The Gardiners found the meal as excellent as their last had been, and everyone present found that the food's taste was improved still more by the absence of a certain Caroline Bingley. Mrs. Gardiner noticed with a smile that Mr. Darcy's gaze was often focused on Elizabeth during dinner, and that she would frequently sneak a look up from her plate, only to blush at seeing his eyes fixed so steadily upon her. Mrs. Gardiner was about to mention her observations to her husband when Foster entered again, bearing a small note on a silver platter for Mr. Gardiner. In reading the contents of said note, a cloud passed over Mr. Gardiner's face. The concerns of all at the table were immediately aroused. "My dear, whatever is the matter?" inquired Mrs. Gardiner. "Yes, sir, is something wrong? You look as if you have received some very bad news." Mr. Darcy's face showed all the alarm that his voice was attempting to control. "Yes, I fear this is very bad news, indeed. I am informed that something has happened to my wife's sister who lives but a few miles from Lambton. There is nothing further than that she wishes us to come to her as soon as possible." Mr. Darcy's face grew suddenly ashen - he could not bear the thought of having Elizabeth taken away from him again so soon. Elizabeth hardly knew what to think. She was torn between uneasiness for her aunt's sister and a similar distress at the thought of having to leave Pemberley. The idea of quitting Mr. Darcy's presence was a disproportionately horrifying one, as Elizabeth realized that that night's engagement with him might be the last she was ever to enjoy. After a slight pause, Mr. Darcy regained his composure and said "Of course, Mr. Gardiner, my carriage is at your service. I would not dream of detaining you when you are so needed." Mrs. Gardiner noticed the rather pained expression on Mr. Darcy's face as he addressed her husband. A quick glance toward her niece showed Lizzy to be in a similar state of discomfort. Mrs. Gardiner knew that they could not postpone their departure for ---------, but now believing herself to have a better understanding of the feelings possessed by Mr. Darcy and her niece, she quickly suggested that Elizabeth might stay. "My dear, what about Lizzy? The letter does not mention her directly, and I am sure that I do not want her to have to deal with whatever misfortune has befallen my sister. Knowing Eleanor, this latest emergency will not be a very great one, and I conjecture that we shall probably be able to return before the night is through. She would be perfectly fine to stay here, I believe . . . that is, of course, if it is no imposition on you, Mr. Darcy." "Not at all, Mrs. Gardiner. Miss Bennet is most welcome to stay here while you and your husband see to your sister's needs." During the whole of his speech, Darcy's eyes never left Elizabeth. Mrs. Gardiner noticed this and she was silently pleased for having thought of such a plan. Chapter 4Posted on Friday, 2 July 1999 "Well, sir," said Mr. Gardiner, "if it is no trouble to you, I believe we should leave as soon as possible so as to be able to return all the quicker." "Certainly, sir." Mr. Darcy told Foster to see to the carriage at once. "I hope you do not find your sister in too much distress, Mrs. Gardiner." "Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I am sorry that we have caused such an interruption in dinner." "Please do not make yourself uneasy...'tis of no consequence." "Thank you again for your kindness, Mr. Darcy," Mr. Gardiner said. "I hope we shall be able to return in a few hours." Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy, and Elizabeth accompanied the Gardiners to the door and saw them into the carriage. "I do hope that the situation has been overstated as usual, Aunt. And do return soon." Elizabeth planted a quick kiss on Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner's cheeks and then walked back to the steps with the Darcys. As the carriage disappeared from sight, the party went back indoors to finish dinner. But several minutes after returning to their places at the table, the food before them remained untouched. Georgiana suggested that the meal might be postponed until the Gardiners had arrived back at Pemberley once more. Two of the people present were far too occupied with their own thoughts to even think of food, and so the plan met with little resistance. "Well, Miss Bennet-we find ourselves with some unexpected time on our hands. We might spend it in the library...or I, we could take you on a more extensive tour of the house." "I would love to see the library if you don't mind, Mr. Darcy. We were not given the pleasure of seeing that room on our tour the other day," Elizabeth said warmly. "Fitzwilliam?" said Georgiana, startling both her brother and Elizabeth. "Might I go into the music room and practice on my new pianoforte?" She had noticed the looks which had been exchanged at the table during dinner, and wanted to help the situation in any way she could. Mr. Darcy, seeing that Elizabeth seemed to have no objection to losing his sister's company, nodded and told her that she was welcome to practice. Chapter 5Posted on Monday, 5 July 1999 As Georgiana left, Mr. Darcy escorted Elizabeth across the great hall into the library. "This is my favorite room in the entire house," he confessed. "It is my haven from the outside world." Mr. Darcy realized what he had said and colored slightly. Never before had he willingly brought someone to his inner sanctum, and now he was starting to share his most personal thoughts. But he felt that perhaps, if Elizabeth approved, she might come closer to being his. Elizabeth was astonished at the candid admission Mr. Darcy had just made, and she was strangely flattered by his bringing her there. As they walked into the room, she was simply awestruck, and had to stop for a moment to collect herself. Mr. Darcy stopped likewise, and he turned to face her with worry. "My dear Miss Bennet, are you all right?" "What?" Elizabeth's mind was racing . . . had she heard him correctly? She could only conclude that she was daydreaming yet again. Mr. Darcy would surely never call her "my dear". . . "Miss Bennet, are you feeling quite well?" "Oh, yes, I'm fine. It's just that I've never seen such a magnificent library before. It's beautiful! This collection must be the result of decades of work." "Indeed it is, Miss Bennet. And I am still forever buying new volumes to add." He paused, wanting to let her take in everything on her own. Elizabeth walked around the room, amazed at all the books she saw. The sound of the pianoforte could be heard faintly echoing from the music room. Mr. Darcy decided he would have to thank Georgiana later--apparently, she was more perceptive than she seemed. His thoughts were interrupted when Elizabeth spoke again. "My father would love this room. He's always been quite the avid reader." Her voice was almost a whisper, so affected was she by everything she saw. "Ah . . . so it is from your father that you inherited your love of books?" "Yes. I admit I am very much like my father in that way." Elizabeth smiled. "I take it, then, that you approve of my library?" "Oh, yes--most wholeheartedly! But surely, Mr. Darcy, my opinion is of little matter." "To the contrary, Miss Bennet . . . your opinion is of a much greater value to me than you are aware." Elizabeth blushed and turned away. Mr. Darcy quickly changed the subject, not wanting to upset her. "My sister was quite thrilled at having met you in town yesterday. And she was so glad that you and your aunt and uncle were able to come to dinner this evening. Indeed, since Bingley and his sisters left, she has talked of nothing else." "I am so glad to have made your sister happy. Miss Darcy seems like a delightful girl. I should enjoy getting to know her better. But tell me, sir, why did Mr. Bingley and his sisters leave so suddenly? They had only just arrived--" Mr. Darcy looked exceedingly uncomfortable as he searched for an answer. "They, er . . . they had some urgent family business to attend to." "Oh, I see." Elizabeth noticed his discomposure, and wondered at the real reason for the party's hasty retreat into town. She turned back to the shelves which lined the great room, admiring as she went along the volumes which filled them. "I see you have a vast collection of poetry, Mr. Darcy. Are you fond of reading it, or are these books preferred by your sister?" "Both Georgiana and I enjoy reading poetry very much. I am especially fond of Shakespeare's Sonnets. Number 57 in particular. Tell me, Miss Bennet -- which poets do you prefer?" Before Elizabeth could answer, a knock was heard at the library door. Chapter 6Posted on Saturday, 17 July 1999 "Excuse me, sir," said Foster. "This note just arrived for you." "Oh, thank you, Foster." Mr. Darcy picked up the missive and read it. "Why, this is from your aunt and uncle, Miss Bennet . . . they write that your aunt's sister's home has been damaged by a fire. It is apparently impossible for them to return until things are set to rights, which means that they will not be able to return until at least tomorrow morning." "Oh dear." Elizabeth sat down in one of the large leather armchairs flanking the hearth. "I do hope that everyone is all right. I suppose, Mr. Darcy, that I must beg to borrow another of your carriages to return to the inn." "Surely, Miss Bennet, you could stay a little longer. I'm sure my sister would hate to see you go so soon . . . as would I. Besides, it would be most improper for you to stay at the inn alone, would it not? Please, let me have my servants make up a room for you here. You would be much safer, and my carriage could return you to your aunt and uncle as soon as you wish tomorrow morning." Elizabeth hesitated, trying to decide on a plan of action. To tell the truth, she was somewhat apprehensive about staying at the inn unchaperoned. And Mr. Darcy had sounded so concerned in his entreaty. Underneath it all, her heart was telling her to stay, although Elizabeth was attempting to stifle her emotions. "I would be most happy to accept your kind offer, Mr. Darcy. But are you sure my staying will not be an inconvenience?" "Not in the slightest, Miss Bennet. If you will permit me, I shall go and make the necessary arrangements with my housekeeper." "Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I shall be quite content to stay here and browse through this fine collection." The twinkle returned to Elizabeth's eye's with this last statement, and Mr. Darcy was glad to see that the events of the evening had not served to dampen her spirits. He excused himself, and went to find Mrs. Reynolds. Once alone, Elizabeth sat for a moment trying to collect her thoughts. Mr. Darcy's attentions had been just as great as they were two nights before, if not more so. Could he still be in love with her, after the terrible things she said to him? The thought sent a shiver of pleasure through her, and Elizabeth realized that she ought not to continue in such a vein of thought. She rose again and walked over to the shelves, which contained books of poetry. Closing her eyes, she ran her hand along the spines and picked one out, wanting to be surprised with the contents. When she opened her eyes to look at her selection, she noticed that she had in her hands a book of Shakespeare's sonnets. "Strange," she thought, "is this not exactly what we were just talking of?" Another moment of reflection brought to mind that Mr. Darcy had mentioned his favorite sonnet. What was its number? Elizabeth remembered, and flipped through the pages until she found sonnet 57 Being your slave what should I do but tend, Posted on Saturday, 17 July 1999 Unbeknownst to Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy had silently returned to the library and had walked up behind her. She was startled to hear him say: "I see you have found my favorite sonnet." Embarrassed, she slammed the book shut and whirled around. "I . . . um . . . I had not noticed your return, sir." Mr. Darcy could see her discomfort, but decided against changing the subject, as he felt that this opportunity should not be lost. "I apologize for startling you, Miss Bennet. May I inquire as to what you thought of the poem?" Elizabeth was confused. To what did her refer? She had felt his choice of poem might reflect something deeper, but when faced with the man himself, she believed her prior convictions to be nothing more than wishful thinking. "I find the words quite beautiful, Mr. Darcy. It is a very romantic poem, as are all of Shakespeare's sonnets." "And the ideas expressed therein? What of those?" Elizabeth's heart nearly skipped a beat. "I think it rather sad that the author should be so despondent. I am sure that his thoughts would be quite flattering to the lady concerned, were she aware of them." Mr. Darcy paused for a moment before replying, and Elizabeth looked away, fearing that perhaps she had said too much. But she was soon startled out of her reverie by the touch of a warm hand upon her shoulder. "Miss Bennet, are you unwell?" "Oh no, I am quite well, I thank you," Elizabeth mumbled, turning around again. She was somewhat unnerved upon finding that Mr. Darcy had leaned forward to better hear her. Despite this, she managed to keep her composure, only glancing at the hand still resting on her shoulder. Mr. Darcy noticed the path of Elizabeth's eyes and quickly removed his hand, afraid that he had somehow offended her. Elizabeth blinked once, then twice, lost in thought. She found herself rather disappointed, for she had realized that she quite enjoyed having Mr. Darcy's hand on her shoulder, and she suddenly wished he had not removed it. Both occupants of the room started as they heard an unexpected knock on the door. Elizabeth quickly walked over to the sofa as Foster entered the room. She look through several more of the sonnets as Mr. Darcy dispatched with the business at hand. Several minutes later, Foster left the room with an apology for having again disturbed his master. Elizabeth looked up from her book and caught sight of Mr. Darcy striding purposefully toward the couch. She shut her book. The next moment saw Mr. Darcy seated by her side with such a look of love in his eyes that Elizabeth couldn't look away. "Miss Bennet," he began, looking rather nervous, "I hope you do not think me presumptuous . . . I have no desire to offend you. But I find I must say this for my own relief, whatever the outcome." "Mr. Darcy, I--" "Please, Miss Bennet, do not interrupt me. I fear that if I stop now, I may never again gather the resolve to finish." Elizabeth offered no objection, but merely looked at him with a wordless look of encouragement. Mr. Darcy found this sufficient incentive to continue. "Miss Bennet, you will no doubt remember my words last April. I must apologize now for my atrocious behavior, but I must also confess that my feelings for you are unchanged, and I fear forever will remain so. If your feelings for me are what they were in April, please tell me so at once. The slightest word from you will silence me on this subject forever." Elizabeth turned slightly, overcome by her emotions. Mr. Darcy saw this and interpreted it as a sign of her rejection. He also turned away, in an effort to compose himself. "I understand you perfectly, Miss Bennet. Your actions speak louder than words ever could. Please forgive me for bringing up a subject that must be so displeasing to you." He stood up and started to leave. Elizabeth could hardly believe what was happening. Her mind was still reeling with the shock caused by My. Darcy's revelation. She slowly realized that the object of her affections was walking out the door, and it threw her into a bit of a panic. Fortunately, she managed to gain enough control over her faculties to say: "No--wait!" Mr. Darcy stopped, one hand on the doorknob. He was unsure if Elizabeth had spoken, and was afraid that the words he had heard were just his mind playing tricks on him again. Elizabeth noticed his hesitation, and began to speak again. "Mr. Darcy, please do not go. You must allow me to give you a proper response." Chapter 8Posted on Friday, 6 August 1999 Mr. Darcy slowly turned around, not moving from the spot on which he was standing. Elizabeth sensed that he was waiting for her response, and so she continued. "Please, sir, you must not assume that my recent actions were meant to illustrate my feelings on this matter. I . . . well, . . . that is to say, er, well . . . . . ." Elizabeth knew not what to say. She blew out one exasperated breath, and not removing her eyes from the ceiling, said, "I would be most happy to become your wife." Mr. Darcy found it difficult to believe his ears. However, once the reality of the situation set in, he found himself grinning as he never had before. Elizabeth, eyes still averted, was unaware of this smile, and therefore also unaware of the great improvement it made to the countenance of her beloved. After a minute had passed, Mr. Darcy returned to earth. He nearly ran over to the couch, and then sat down beside Elizabeth, taking both her hands in his. She lowered her eyes from the ceiling, and was finally able to see the heartfelt delight written all over Mr. Darcy's face. The expression of uncharacteristic happiness that she saw there caused her to grin widely as well. Both Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth sat in silence for some time, blissfully unaware of anything but each other. Then the happy couple was brought back down to reality by the sound of footsteps and a faint knock on the door. Still gazing intently at Elizabeth, Darcy said , "Come in." The door slowly opened to admit a hesitant Georgiana, who lingered in the door frame, unsure whether her interruption of this tender scene would be welcome. As the occupants of the couch seemed to have forgotten that there was, in fact, someone standing at the door, Georgiana cleared her throat. "Oh! Georgiana!" exclaimed a disconcerted Elizabeth, as she attempted to remove herself to a more appropriate distance. However, she was prevented from doing so when Mr. Darcy rose with her, and put his arm around her shoulder. "Georgiana," he said, trying very hard to conceal the grin on his face, "I have some wonderful news." ... [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |