An Engaging Friendship Read online

  Bingley waved off his friend's comment, only to have Miss Bingley start

  speaking again. "Do tell us about the Bennets, Mr. Darcy. Did you enjoy your dance with..." She glanced at her sister as if seeking a hint. "Oh yes. It was Miss Eliza, was it not?" Miss Bingley drawled. "I have heard her described as the jewel of Hertfordshire, if not all of England." She did a poor job hiding a snicker behind her hand.

  "Miss Elizabeth has been an acquaintance of mine most of my life. She was my father's goddaughter." He had not wanted to inform everyone of his connection to the Bennets just yet, but felt it better to deal with the shock privately. The reaction was everything he expected. Miss Bingley let out a small squeak, but was speechless.

  Bingley was the first to find his voice. "By jove, Darcy! I had no idea!"

  "No, you would not have. I generally do not bandy about my family business,"

  he said in an irritated tone.

  Haughtily, Miss Bingley replied, "Certainly they do not expect you to continue your acquaintance now that there is no longer a connection."

  Darcy threw her a dark glare. He had barely sat down and already his tolerance was reaching a breaking point. He saw Bingley flush with embarrassment,

  which calmed him slightly. He would have to have a word with Bingley

  though. He would not allow Miss Bingley to interfere with his friendship with Elizabeth. "There are no expectations on either side, though I certainly hope to

  be welcomed in their home. As I said, I have known the Bennets most of my life," Darcy said through clenched teeth.

  Miss Bingley screeched, "Why have we heard nothing of this until now? It certainly could not have been a very strong connection!"

  Darcy took a deep calming breath, reminding himself he was a gentleman.

  Still, he could not stop the edge in his tone. "I fail to see how my family connections are your concern, Miss Bingley." He threw a warning look to Bingley. Based on the way Bingley shrank in his chair, Darcy was certain

  Bingley understood his sentiments perfectly.

  Then, when he was certain Miss Bingley would be silent on the subject, Darcy addressed Bingley directly. "I must confess, Bingley, my acquaintance with the Bennets is part of what induced me to travel with you."

  Bingley smiled, clapped Darcy on the shoulder, and expelled a nervous laugh.

  "Glad to be of service!" Leaning over the table he added in a whispered tone,

  "And perhaps you might return the favour by allowing me to join you when you visit the family before we receive a formal invite?"

  Darcy suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. They had been in the neighbourhood for less than two days and he could tell Bingley already fancied himself in love. It had to be a new record. "Of course, Bingley," he said dryly.

  Shortly after that, Georgiana entered the room. Darcy smiled and greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. "Good morning, Pea Head," he said for her ears only.

  Georgiana returned a wan smile, but averted her eyes as she took her seat.

  Darcy watched helplessly. The Georgiana of old would have at least glared at him for the use of her childhood nickname, if not admonished him outright.

  The Georgiana of late had done neither.

  Once again, he wracked his brain for a way to reach her, but came up empty.

  Then, remembering his meeting with Elizabeth, his spirits were once again

  buoyed. He hoped Georgiana would greet the news with some enthusiasm. If

  news of Elizabeth did not work, he did not know what would.

  Elizabeth returned from her walk in high spirits. She finally understood what had happened between her and the Darcys. She still felt a trace of guilt for her misjudgement of Darcy, but that was overshadowed by the elation she felt at renewing their friendship. She knew things might be awkward as they became

  reacquainted, but there was little doubt they could work through it.

  She entered the breakfast area, and not surprisingly found it empty, though the bustle of the servants told her the others would be down soon. Knowing her

  father would already have risen, she headed to his study to relay Darcy's

  message.

  "Good morning, Papa!" she said with an uncharacteristic amount of enthusiasm.

  Mr. Bennet let his book fall to his lap. "Good morning, Lizzy. Are the birds and leaves so extraordinary this morning? It is as though you are on the verge of a fit of nerves."

  Elizabeth laughed at her father's teasing as she curled up into what had become her chair. "No, Papa. It is a glorious morning, but no more so than usual." After a brief hesitation, she added, "I encountered Mr. Darcy this morning on my walk."

  Mr. Bennet's curiosity was immediately piqued. "I met him at the Assembly last night. He mentioned he spoke to you as well."

  Elizabeth blushed slightly, remembering how cold she had been towards Darcy during their dance. "He did." Changing the subject before her father could ask any more questions, she said, "Mr. Darcy asked me to tell you that he would not be able to call until tomorrow."

  Mr. Bennet nodded. "So Lizzy. How do you find your old friend? Is he much altered?"

  "I confess I was surprised he even remembered me."

  Mr. Bennet chuckled. "Who could not remember a young girl who gets stuck in trees?"

  Recalling the Miss Marcy incident, Elizabeth blushed deeply. "Really, Papa! It was only that one time, and I have not climbed a tree in many years."

  "Not when anyone was looking at least," her father retorted, causing Elizabeth to blush again. "But come, Lizzy. You have not told me what you think of him now. Is he much like his father?"

  Elizabeth furrowed her brow in thought for moment. "In many ways, yes, he reminds me of my godfather. He certainly has the same looks." She tugged on an errant strand of hair near her chin, winding it around her finger. "There is something changed in him though. When I first saw him, he appeared terribly serious, even sombre; not much like I remember him." She relaxed her

  eyebrows. "He danced with me once, and once with each of the ladies from his own party, but did not dance the remainder of the night; nor did I see him

  conversing much." With a shrug she added, "But he was amiable enough this morning when we spoke."

  Mr. Bennet nodded thoughtfully, "Fitzwilliam was always a serious, shy kind of lad -- especially amongst strangers. Not at all like that other boy, George.

  Perhaps he still suffers the loss of his parents. He was quite young when he took on the responsibility of Pemberley and guardian."

  Elizabeth's eyes softened in compassion as she nodded. Even now, she could see Darcy's tear stained cheeks when his father had passed. "Yes. I would be very pained if I were to lose you."

  Mr. Bennet raised a corner of his mouth. "And you would not be if it were your mother?"

  "Papa!" she admonished. "Of course I would be!" Her father's askance look caused her to blush. "But perhaps not as much," she murmured, almost under her breath.

  Mr. Bennet let out a chuckle.

  The sound of Lydia's giggle penetrated the sanctuary, cuing the two that others of the house had risen. "I suppose we should join your mother and sisters at breakfast. I will have to wait until the morrow for my chance to assess the young man."

  After breakfast that morning, Darcy waited in his sitting room for Georgiana to join him. He had told her he wanted to speak with her before quitting the

  breakfast table. Now, he was anxiously waiting to break what he hoped would be welcome news.

  A soft knock on the door indicated his sister's presence.

  "Come in, Georgiana." After being given some reassurance Georgiana was comfortable and settled well enough, he began. "My dear, do you remember Miss Elizabeth Bennet?"

  Georgiana creased her brow in thought. "Oh yes! She was father's goddaughter.

  She was always kind to me, and played with me when you and..." She faltered, not willing to name the other person. "When you were busy," she finished lamely, casting her eyes toward
s the floor.

  Darcy knew what caused her to falter, but decided to let it slide for the

  moment. "Do you remember where Miss Elizabeth lives?"

  Georgiana looked up at him with a creased brow. A moment later, her lip began to tremble as she shook her head. "No. Should I?" she asked in a small voice.

  Darcy cringed seeing her near tears again. These days, the slightest hint she had disappointed him brought tears to her eyes. He quickly tried to assure her. "No.

  You were quite young. I doubt it was even mentioned to you." He saw her relax a little and continued. "Miss Elizabeth lives in Hertfordshire." He paused a moment, letting Georgiana make the connection. He knew the moment she

  understood, because her eyes brightened even more. "Is she nearby? Will we see her?"

  Darcy smiled broadly. Her reaction gave him hope the news would be as

  welcomed as he anticipated. "I already have." At Georgiana's bewildered look, he added, "I needed to see her alone first to explain about Lady Catherine."

  Georgiana nodded slowly in understanding. Softly she asked, "Is she angry?"

  "No, not anymore."

  For the first time in months, a faint smile touched Georgiana's lips. "May I see her then?"

  Darcy felt his heart ready to burst so pleased was he by Georgiana's

  reaction. She has requested to pay a call! He knew there was no way he could deny her now, even if he had wanted to. For a moment, he wondered how close the she and Elizabeth had been, and felt a new pang of guilt at having

  postponed the reunion. He had only thought of himself when he discovered his aunt's interference. "I am to see Mr. Bennet tomorrow. I will speak to Miss Elizabeth and request a reintroduction. Would that be acceptable?"

  Georgiana smiled brightly. "You are the best brother!" Then she had another thought. "Is this why you insisted I travel with you?"

  Darcy nodded guiltily. "I am sorry I did not tell you earlier. I had to wait until I had a better idea of how we would be received. You will not be angry with

  me?"

  Georgiana threw her arms around Darcy. "Of course not. I could never be angry at you."

  Darcy gave his sister a kiss on the cheek. "Good. To your studies now. I need to meet with Bingley. We are to tour the estate."

  With a kiss on the cheek, Georgiana did as she was bid.

  Darcy watched in awe as his sister left. For the first time in months, he felt as if Georgiana might heal from her ordeal. He would never forget the smile that

  graced her face upon hearing about Elizabeth. If Elizabeth could save his sister, he would grant her anything, including Pemberley.

  Chapter Three

  After the afternoon meal, Bingley and Darcy mounted their horses to tour the estate. "Keep in mind, Darcy, this is not Pemberley," Bingley said.

  Darcy smiled, as a father would to his son. There was no way Darcy could

  mistake Netherfield Park for Pemberley. He was perhaps partial, but he had yet to find an estate that compared to his Pemberley, including his friend, Lord Blakeslee's estate, Trentholm Park. "No need to concern yourself. I am capable of evaluating a piece of property without comparing it to Pemberley," Darcy replied wryly.

  As they rode out, Darcy did his best to point out areas that needed attention in a manner that would teach Bingley how to manage the estate himself. He knew

  Bingley did not fully understand the task he had undertaken. It was not a fault of Bingley's, it was simply no one new to property management ever did. And, as if land ownership was not difficult enough, unlike himself, Bingley did not have the advantage of beginning his education at an early age. None the less, Darcy was dedicated to teaching Bingley at least the essentials before he was required back at Pemberley.

  With this frame of mind, they headed towards the first of the tenant homes.

  Darcy showed Bingley how to inspect the homes and fields, pointing out the

  signs of various problems as they went. He was pleased to see Bingley eagerly and actively participating in the inspections and asking good questions. It had been a productive day, but Darcy knew there were many challenges ahead for

  his friend, especially given his amiable nature.

  After touring several homes, Darcy was not surprised to see Bingley was tired, and not a little overwhelmed. Knowing Bingley had had enough, he suggested

  returning to the main house.

  For much of the ride, they were silent. Riding out with Bingley had brought memories of time with his own father to the forefront of Darcy's mind. With some chagrin, he recalled his reluctance to join his father when he had to deal with tenant issues or planning for the spring planting. Now, he would gladly deal with tenant issues every day if only to have a few more minutes with his father.

  It should be said that not all the memories were sad or with regret however. In fact, the majority of the memories were happy. He recalled how every spring and fall, he and his father would ride out and oversee the progress being made on the planting or harvesting. He also recalled the times he and his father had sat in the study looking over the estate books, marking down the year's yield by crop, or the birth of a new farm animal. He remembered the pride he had felt when his father had dismissed his mother and younger sister with a knowing

  look to him, stating, "We are busy with men's work."

  Most dominant in his memory was the pride he felt the first time his father went out to show him the estate. It was much like he had done today with

  Bingley. At the time, Darcy was no more than ten. It had been just him and his father. Mrs. Reynolds had packed them a lunch and they had eaten it at the top of the limestone ridge that separated Pemberley grounds from those of the

  tenants. "Each house represents a family that depends on us," his father had said. "Everyone will know the kind of man you are by your tenants. If you are a fair and good master, your tenants will be happy and Pemberley will be

  prosperous. If you are not, your days will be filled with problems and

  Pemberley will slowly crumble into nothing."

  That day, as they met with some of the tenants, and he saw how they greeted his father, he swore to follow his father's legacy. He would be a man that would keep Pemberley prosperous. A man his tenants would look up to and respect --

  just as they did his father.

  He glanced at Bingley and felt a twinge of sorrow for him. His friend would never have such memories, and Darcy could certainly not substitute for a

  father. Bingley was at a definite disadvantage.

  Of course, thoughts of his father always brought reminders of his father's

  eventual demise. Even though it had been six years, he still felt the loss of his father acutely. He would never forget the loneliness he felt the first time he had ridden out on the lands alone; looking over the tenant houses from that same limestone ridge, knowing it all rested on him now. With a small smile, he

  recalled returning home that evening and writing a letter to Elizabeth, spilling all of his doubts and fears. That is what she had always been for him. With her, he could always be his complete self; she did not judge him or laugh. She

  would lend a sympathetic ear, but never pitied him. She could read his moods when others could not.

  His thoughts were interrupted as they neared the house and Bingley asked, "So what is your impression, Darcy?"

  It took Darcy a moment to recognize the nature of Bingley's question, but he finally replied, "The tenants' homes are suffering a little from neglect, but that is not surprising. You will have your work cut out for you, but I see nothing catastrophic." He chuckled as he watched Bingley rise up in stirrups with pride.

  "Do you recommend I purchase it then?" Bingley asked.

  "That is a decision only you can make, Bingley. I have only said I see nothing disastrous." He could not help but notice the pride the exuded from Bingley's being, and felt a sparkle of pride himself. Recalling their less than auspicious beginning, he was happy to be part of su
ch a defining moment in his friend's life. Bingley had become the man people believed he could be; he would be a good, attentive and fair master. In fact, Darcy was much more concerned about the tenants taking advantage of Bingley than the tenants being ill treated.

  Seeing the grin on Bingley's face, he bit down on the sharp comment that was waiting to be released. He would do nothing to dampen the moment for his

  friend. He was, however, glad Bingley had already signed a lease. Knowing his friend's impulsive nature, had a lease not been signed, Darcy knew Bingley

  would most likely be signing a purchase agreement the next day.

  The following morning, Darcy paid a call to Longbourn along with Mr.

  Bingley. They were both greeted enthusiastically by Mrs. Bennet's high

  shrieks. She spent an inordinate amount of time apologizing to Mr. Darcy for not remembering him before fawning over Mr. Bingley.

  Elizabeth watched as her mother contemplated seating arrangements. She

  seated Mr. Bingley next to Jane, and thankfully, before she could seat Darcy, the man excused himself stating he was expected by Mr. Bennet.

  Elizabeth showed Darcy to her father's study, fully expecting to pass the afternoon in a delightful conversation with him and her father. Therefore, she was quite disappointed she was not asked to stay, and grudgingly returned to the drawing room.

  Her spirits were lifted though, when she noticed Jane and Bingley engaged in a little tête-à-tête. Jane had a slight blush to her cheeks and could barely look at Mr. Bingley. Mr. Bingley, on the other hand, could not keep his eyes off Jane.

  Her sister was most certainly smitten by Mr. Bingley, and he with her. She

  could not help but smile at the idea and the picture they presented. Jane

  deserved every happiness, and if it came with a sizeable income, even better.

  In the study at Longbourn, Darcy greeted Elizabeth's father with all the

  formality the situation required. "Mr. Bennet," Darcy he said, with a bow.

  "Fitzwilliam!" Mr. Bennet greeted in return. "Er, perhaps I should say Mr.