Author's Note:

I apologize for the long wait. A lot has been happening in my life and I simply didn't have the inspiration to write, but I haven't abandoned this story and will continue to write, though slowly.

I know there was some confusion regarding the time of day in which Jane received Caroline Bingley's letter in the previous chapter. I wrote that the Bennets were having breakfast when the letter came, but later on I wrote 'Jane, Lizzie and Mary went upstairs after they finished with their dinners to prepare for the evening'. It wasn't a typo. I merely meant that after dinner that same day (which is lunch for us), the girls went upstairs to get ready. I'm sorry if it was confusing for some people, I just didn't include the time period between breakfast and dinner/lunch, which would normally be spent doing morning chores. I just felt like clearing that up before continuing with this chapter.

Also, I am no professional on the Regency Era. I know a little of the history, but there is a lot I do not know and I will probably make a lot of mistakes. Feel free to correct me and offer suggestions. I will try to improve as I go, but please also be lenient on my writing when reading this story. It is a fanfiction after all, and I am no Jane Austen.

Chapter Eight: Teatime with the Bingleys

The Bennet ladies were received cordially at Netherfield by Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst and Georgiana Darcy. To Jane at least Miss Bingley was everything gracious and kind, but she more or less ignored Elizabeth and Mary after greeting them stiffly, a fact which neither regretted. As Jane was led away by Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, Georgiana approached the remaining Bennet sisters with a smile on her face.

"I am so glad you are here!" she said after linking her arms with theirs. "It is ever so tedious here without you, especially when my brother is gone."

"I heard the gentlemen have been invited to dine with the officers," Mary observed.

"Yes, that is why Miss Bingley invited you," Georgiana responded, "She wished for extra female companionship."

"Dear Georgiana, I do suspect that Miss Bingley's extended invitation to Mary and me was all your doing," Elizabeth laughed, "I know she prefers Jane's company to ours, a fact I do not begrudge at all should her friendship be genuine. Jane is merely a distraction for Miss Bingley, when nothing else is to be had."

Georgiana never ceased to be amazed how decidedly Elizabeth gave her opinions. She wished she could be half so confident when she spoke.

"I do admit that I was the one who requested Miss Bingley to extend the invitation to you and Mary, Lizzie," Georgiana shyly confessed, "While I do enjoy Jane's company, Miss Bingley will monopolize her attention and there would be no one for me to talk to had you both not come."

"The only reason we accepted the invitation was for you, dear Georgiana," Elizabeth kindly replied, "While I would be loath to leave Jane alone with the Bingley sisters for an entire evening, nothing could tempt me away from my books and contemplations than the company of such a sweet and lively girl."

"Surely you exaggerate, Lizzie. I am not lively at all," Georgiana murmured softly, "I wish I could be full of energy like you, particularly in the company of guests."

"You are at a most trying age, Georgiana," Elizabeth reassured her, "Everything will come easy to you in time."

"Yes, moreover you are very mature for your age, and I believe that to be your greatest asset," Mary asserted, "It is rare to find an intelligent young woman to converse with, who is not constantly thinking of fashions and eligible men." Clearly she had Kitty and Lydia in mind.

"Oh, but I do love fashions," Georgiana smirked playfully, "Although men are far from my mind at this time! Still, I thank you for the compliment, Marry."

By this time, the young ladies had reached the drawing room and joined Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst and Jane in discussion of the weather.

"Why, the rains outside are absolutely atrocious!" Miss Bingley sighed dramatically, "Louisa and I were bemoaning the fact that we could not go into town for some shopping."

"Really Miss Bingley?" Elizabeth could not help but retort with a raised brow. "I did not know you frequented the dressmakers of Meryton. Surely our fashions here are exceedingly outdated for your London sensibilities."

As usual whenever Elizabeth Bennet spoke, Miss Bingley was not entirely certain whether she had been insulted or complimented. Still, she responded with her nose in the air.

"Of course we do not visit the dressmakers here! Our gowns are made by the very best modistes in Bond Street. I merely meant that we could not purchase the usual odds and ends due to these ceaseless rains."

"I see," said Elizabeth with an arch smile, but ceased any further comment out of deference to Jane, who was giving her a pleading look.

"The rains let up a few hours ago," Mary observed, "It is quite beautiful out right now."

"Perhaps we might all go out for a walk," Georgiana suggested, "I do enjoy the smells of nature right after a storm."

"Walking in all that dirt?" Miss Bingley turned her nose up at the suggestion, "Surely there is no need for that!"

"I shall join you, Georgiana," Elizabeth eagerly accepted.

"As will I," Mary added.

"But Miss Darcy, surely your brother would not approve," Miss Bingley protested, frightened that Mr. Darcy would blame her for letting his sister make an exhibition of herself.

"There is nothing to disapprove about a walk, Miss Bingley," Georgiana murmured.

"Well, Louisa and I shall stay inside," Miss Bingley said with a sniff, turning up her nose. "Miss Bennet, I hope you will remain inside with us."

"Yes, I think I shall," Jane said with a smile, "Lizzy, you know I am not a great walker. I believe I shall stay with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst."

"As you wish, Jane," Elizabeth replied, wondering at her sister's willingness to be in the Bingley sisters' company.

/

"Brother did not want to go dine with the officers," Georgiana explained as the three ladies walked down a pathway through the Netherfield gardens, "But I persuaded him to go and socialize. He dislikes meeting new people even more than I do."

"Everyone is very eager to meet Colonel Forster's new regiment," Elizabeth remarked, "My mother and younger sisters more so than most others. I admit I am intrigued about the sort of company they will provide, but father reckons there will not be much intelligent conversation to be had."

"The definition of intelligent conversation is relative to the speaker," Mary wisely stated, "For two ladies passionate about fashion, the topic is deemed to be intelligent conversation. How can we determine what is intelligent conversation and not?"

"I suspect you are right, Mary," Elizabeth said with surprise, feeling guilty at how little she knew her sister and how she had ridiculed her knowledge all those years, "It is true that we cannot give a proper definition to the term 'intelligent conversation', but in my opinion, intelligent conversation is that which is appropriate for a given situation. Fashion is a perfectly suitable conversation over tea with ladies, but would it be entirely appropriate when conversing with a gentleman who has little or no understanding of it?"

"I concede you are right, Lizzie," Mary reflected, "However, is it not true that not all gentlemen appreciate a woman of keen understanding? Most gentlemen prefer women who prattle on about fashion than a woman who debates with them about politics or the economy."

"Right you are, Mary," Elizabeth chuckled, "However, I find that the men of Netherfield do not fall into that category. All three of them are quite pleasant to converse with."

"Yes," said Georgiana, who had been silent during the sisters' conversation, preferring to listen than talk. "Mr. Bingley may not be the most confident of men, but he is very kind and amiable. He is the perfect host. Mr. Goodwin is bright and engaging in his manners. As for my brother, in my opinion there is no better man."

"You think very highly of him," Mary remarked.

"Oh yes," Georgiana said shyly, "He is the best brother a sister could hope for. He is very attentive to all my needs and I want for nothing under his care. He is protective of me and although he dislikes being in society, attends balls and parties for my sake. He hopes to see me coming out next year, but I am not so sure."

"Why ever not, dear Georgiana?" Elizabeth asked with surprise, "Does not every girl dream of her coming out?"

"I suppose, but I do not trust myself," Georgiana mumbled, "I will have to meet many gentlemen, and I fear the very fact. There will be fortune hunters among them. How can I tell the difference between such men and trustworthy ones? I am not at all ready for marriage."

"Surely your brother does not expect you to marry next year," Mary asked with raised brows.

"Oh no," Georgiana quickly corrected her. "I am only 15 years of age now, and next year I will be but 16. Fitzwilliam told me there is no hurry to marry. He is happy to have me under his care for as long as I wish. It is only my own heart I do not trust, not after what happened…" But here she broke off quickly, flushing a bright red at her slip.

Noticing that her friend was uncomfortable, Elizabeth was quick to reassure her and change the subject.

"Do not fret, Georgiana. I am certain your brother will not let any fortune hunters near you, and if you so dread your coming out, it can be postponed for a few years, I am sure. Let us talk of happier things now. Would you like to see the puppies one of our tenants' dog birthed yesterday?"

"Oh yes," Georgiana brightened up at the mention of puppies, thankful for Elizabeth's change of subject.

"You must visit us tomorrow for tea," Elizabeth insisted, clasping the younger girl's hands, "Afterwards we may see the puppies. We shall have a delightful afternoon."

"I look forward to the excursion," Georgiana said cheerfully, "I am certain my brother will give his permission."

With the next day's outing to look forward to, the ladies finished their walk pleasantly and were returning back to the manor when the skies opened up and rain began pouring down on them in torrents.

"Oh!" Georgiana gasped, shivering as icy cold water seeped through her drenched dress, making it cling to her body.

"Come, let us return to the manor quickly!" Elizabeth shouted. She ran down the wet path, followed closely by Georgiana and Mary.

The butler, Mr. Truslow, having spied the ladies from the window, quickly opened the door and helped them out of their wraps. Behind him stood Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst and Jane, who, having heard the commotion in the entrance hall, had quickly abandoned the drawing room.

"Oh Lizzy, Georgiana and Mary, you are soaked to the bone!" Jane gasped, "How cold you must be! Miss Bingley, if I do not presume too much, would it be possible to have warm baths drawn up for them?"

Miss Bingley, attempting to hide her irritation at having her pristine floor wet with dirty rainwater, assured Jane with a stiff smile that it would be no trouble. She summoned the housekeeper to take care of the three ladies.

"Mrs. Nichols, have three baths drawn up at once! I suppose we should send someone to Longbourn for clean clothing for Miss Elizabeth and Miss Mary."

"There is no need for that, Miss Bingley," Georgiana spoke timidly, "I can lend Lizzy and Mary two of my dresses. With some altercations they should fit just fine."

"Oh, we cannot possibly wear your clothing," Mary said reluctantly, "I am sure Mamma would not find it difficult to send a few things for Lizzy and me."

"Nonsense, I insist," Georgiana said with an uncharacteristic firmness. "It would be too cruel to send someone out in this downpour."

"Georgiana makes a good point," Lizzy said with a pause, "Alright, we accept your kind offer."

"Good, for I am not a good arguer," Georgiana giggled, "Come, let us go upstairs so that my lady's maid can make the necessary altercations."

Mrs. Nichols led them upstairs along with two maids to assist with the baths.

"Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, if you excuse me I shall go help my sisters and Miss Darcy," Jane murmured. At Miss Bingley's nod, she followed the group going upstairs.

"Oh Louisa, this is a disaster!" Miss Bingley moaned as she and her sister returned to the drawing room. "Surely Mr. Darcy will not be pleased that we allowed his sister to get wet. It is those Bennet girls' fault! I have not seen such indecorous behavior in all my life, and now we are to be troubled with their presence until the rains stop!"

"Perhaps the rains will let up soon," Louisa said in a placating tone. "Do not forget that Miss Darcy has befriended the Bennet ladies. It would not do to make an enemy of her."

"Oh, but it does make my blood boil!" Miss Bingley grumbled, "Let alone having to be polite to that dull Darcy girl, I must play hostess to her bothersome friends as well!"

"It will all be worth it when you become Mistress of Pemberley," Louisa said. She could see as well as anyone else that Mr. Darcy had no interest in her sister, but a moody Caroline was hard to deal with, so much like her brother, Louisa Hurst found it much easier to indulge her every whim.

"Yes, you are right," replied Miss Bingley, cheering up at the mention of Pemberley. "Once I marry Darcy, I shall convince him to send that sister of his far away to boarding school!"

Thus, the Bingley sisters passed the time until Georgiana and the Bennet sisters returned to take dinner with them.

/

Meanwhile, the four young ladies had a pleasant time upstairs going through Georgiana Darcy's wardrobe and deciding which dresses would suit Mary and Elizabeth the most. The latter insisted on wearing the simplest ones they could find, which were still finer than anything they had ever owned, but Georgiana would have none of it.

"Mary, this dress would look lovely on you!" Georgiana exclaimed, holding up a beautiful silk gown that was rose colored and had tiny pearls embedded around the bodice and neckline. Mary gasped at the sheer loveliness of the gown.

"I cannot accept this, Georgiana! It is very pretty, but far too fancy for a simple dinner."

"Nonsense Mary, this gown would suit your complexion very well," Georgiana said, "I insist."

But Mary was firm in her decision. All her life she had worn simple, high-necked gowns in various dark shades. It made her feel uncomfortable to think of wearing something so drastically different. It would be like changing her entire personality, and she did not think she was ready for it yet.

Georgiana, sensing that Mary was uncomfortable, relented and selected a much simpler gown from her collection. It was a fine white muslin embroidered with blue flowers around the bodice and sleeves. Mary accepted this dress with great relief and let Georgiana's lady's maid, Lucy, make the necessary altercations after receiving her measurements.

Elizabeth, like Mary, insisted on a simple gown, but Georgiana had other plans. She pulled out a beautiful silk gown in a forest green shade, set together with a pretty yellow ribbon that went around the bodice. When Elizabeth protested, Georgiana argued that the gown was perfect for her.

"I insist, Lizzy! This gown would look much better on you than it ever did on me. I have only worn it once or twice, but it was short by two inches. It would go very well with your figure. I insist you take it."

Elizabeth, seeing the happiness in the young girl's eyes, accepted the gift with pleasure. Lucy, after taking Elizabeth's measurements, whisked the gown away to make the necessary altercations. There wasn't much she needed to change, just a few tucks around the bodice.

The ladies, after completing their baths and getting dressed, returned to the drawing room to await the call for dinner. Miss Bingley sniffed disdainfully seeing Elizabeth and Mary in Miss Darcy's gowns. Mary looked her usual plain self, so she was not perceived a threat to Miss Bingley, but Elizabeth looked very pleasing in the green gown. Miss Bingley hoped the Bennet sisters returned home before the gentlemen came back. She did not like the attention Elizabeth Bennet got from Mr. Darcy.

"Oh, how well you look in Miss Darcy's gown, Miss Eliza," Miss Bingley said with a sneer, "As I am certain you have never owned anything so fine, you must feel grateful for the opportunity to dress so fashionably."

"Oh indeed, Miss Bingley," Elizabeth responded with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, "Now all that is missing from my ensemble are a few of those absurd feathers on my hat, that many ladies of so-called fashion insist on wearing."

Miss Bingley narrowed her eyes, for she was wearing a hat with multiple ostrich feathers. She was very proud of her hat too, particularly since it had created a fair dent in her brother's coffers.

"How ill-informed you country folks are!" she simpered, "I cannot imagine living in the country without any of the entertainments of town. Don't you agree, Miss Darcy? Having a house in Grosvenor Square, you and Mr. Darcy must never be without amusement."

Elizabeth knew Miss Bingley was showing off her knowledge of the Darcys' wealth, but it did nothing than to further her amusement at the ridiculousness of the woman before her. She wished her father were there. He would have found Miss Bingley a great source of enjoyment.

Georgiana chose her words carefully. She was not confident in her abilities to deflect Miss Bingley's questions, but she took confidence in the presence of the kind Bennet sisters.

"You forget, Miss Bingley, that my brother and I are country folk ourselves," she answered quietly, "We both of us prefer Pemberley to town. In fact, we spend the majority of the year in Derbyshire."

Miss Bingley's smile froze on her face, but she quickly set about amending her words. "Well, of course! If one lives in such a place as Pemberley, everything else must seem paltry in comparison! I can never forget my visits to Pemberley. It is such a large estate, the comforts far outweigh the boredom of being in the country!"

"I suspect the grounds offer plenty of beautiful sights to see," Elizabeth remarked, "Derbyshire is near the Peaks, is it not?" Georgiana beamed at her.

"Oh yes! My brother and I take great pleasure in riding through the countryside, Elizabeth. Sometimes, I think we spend more time outdoors than inside! I dearly wish to show you our estate and its grounds one day. I know you would have great appreciation for the natural beauty of the place. Perhaps you and your sisters can visit Pemberley during the summer."

"I see no reason why my father would not give permission, and I would be pleased to accept your invitation, but let us discuss it at a later time," was her friend's response.

Before Miss Bingley could make another attempt to ingratiate herself into the conversation, the call for dinner was made and the ladies made their way into the informal dining room.

Dinner was as pleasant as could be expected with the Bingley sisters presiding over the table. They asked many impertinent questions about the Bennets' relations, making little effort to disguise their disdain. When they found out that Mrs. Bennet's brother lived in Cheapside, in plain view of his warehouse, they dropped all pretense at civility.

"So your mother comes from trade?" Caroline Bingley smirked, "How unfortunate!"

"Our father is a gentlemen, Miss Bingley," Elizabeth retorted evenly, "Our mother is the wife of a gentlemen, and besides, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner are far from being an embarrassment to us. They are our favorite aunt and uncle."

"Mr. Gardiner, you say?" Georgiana gasped, "Mr. Edward Gardiner of 'Gardiner imports & exports'?"

"Why yes," Elizabeth said, looking at her friend in surprise, "Do you know him, Georgiana?"

"I have never met him or your aunt personally, but my brother has invested a great deal of fortune in Mr. Gardiner's businesses. He has the greatest respect for him and says he has met few men of such integrity."

Elizabeth beamed at her words and felt her respect for Fitzwilliam Darcy increase.

"I am delighted, for Aunt and Uncle Gardiner are the kindest, most amiable people you can find anywhere," she said.

"I can tell they must be your favorite relatives," Georgiana said sweetly, "I would like to meet them one day."

"And so you shall," was Elizabeth's pleased reply.

Miss Bingley was put out by Georgiana Darcy's approval of the Gardiners, but deigned to say no more on the subject. Inwardly she seethed that nothing was going according to her plans.

After dinner, the ladies returned to the drawing room and prepared to take their leave, but the rains outside only increased, making it near impossible to travel even the three miles to Longbourn. Miss Bingley knew it would be outright cruel not to extend the invitation, much as she disliked it. Had Georgiana Darcy not been present, she would not have bothered with such civility.

"You must remain here until the rains desist," she said stiffly, "I insist."

Elizabeth wished to be at Netherfield no more than Miss Bingley wanted them gone, but she knew travel in such conditions could be dangerous, so when Jane sought her approval she gave a nod.

"We accept your hospitality with gratitude, Miss Bingley," Jane replied.

Just then, a commotion at the entrance hall signaled the return of the gentlemen. Miss Bingley fought the urge to groan aloud. She had wanted the Bennets to be gone before the gentlemen's return.

"William, Mr. Bingley, Mr. Goodwin, I am so happy you are returned before the rains became worse!" Georgiana exclaimed, running into her brother's arms and giving a curtsy to the other gentlemen, "Oh, you are wet!"

"Yes, we returned on horseback," Mr. Darcy replied, returning his sister's embrace and giving a bow each to the Bennet ladies. His eyes lingered on Elizabeth, noticing her wearing his sister's gown, and how well she looked in it. His mind drew up a sudden picture of her sitting in Pemberley's drawing room as its mistress, entertaining guests in gowns and jewels fit for her station. He knew she would look radiant. Shaking his head, he tried to rid himself of the image, knowing he was treading on dangerous waters.

"If you ladies will excuse us, we shall take a quick bath and refresh ourselves before joining you for tea," Mr. Bingley said with a brilliant smile, feeling exultant at the sight of Miss Jane Bennet in his home. It provided a homey picture of peace and tranquility that filled him with warmth. Jane caught his grin and blushed, looking down demurely.

Mr. Goodwin shared a mischievous grin with Elizabeth at his friend's antics, knowing she would find as much amusement in it as he did. Mr. Darcy felt none too pleased with this and frowned, for reasons he knew not. Georgiana looked at her brother curiously, wondering at his sudden displeasure.

Mary Bennet stood aside from the group and noticed everything that transpired in those few seconds with interest. She saw how Mr. Darcy's gaze had lingered on her elder sister, and how he tried to repress his admiration. She saw the easy camaraderie Mr. Goodwin shared with Elizabeth, and knew Mr. Darcy was jealous of it. She also knew Elizabeth had no particular interest in either gentlemen, but wondered if she would eventually lean towards one of them as a particular suitor, and how the other would take the rejection. Mary then glanced at her eldest sister and knew her decision would not be quite so confusing. Mr. Bingley was suitable for Jane in every way, and a marriage with him would bring her sister great happiness.

Mary was happy for her sisters. The gentlemen that courted them (or would soon court them) were good, honorable, and handsome. Her sisters deserved to live in happiness and experience the joys of marriage and eventually, motherhood. But somewhere in the deep recesses of her mind, Mary wished she too could find a man one day, a man who would love her for who she was, who would accept her for being plain, boring Mary Bennet, and not compare her to her beautiful, lively sisters. Mary did not know if such a man existed, but if he did, she would wait for him.

A.N. (I know this chapter was mostly a filler, with no Darcy-Lizzy scenes, but it needed to be done or the story would seem too rushed. Again, I apologize for the long wait. Life has been really busy, and I won't lie to you guys that I will update frequently from now on. My updates will be quite slow in coming, but I promise not to quit on this story. I hate when that happens and know how it feels. So rest assured this story will eventually be complete…one day!)