Chapter 13: Getting to know Mr Darcy

When the Netherfield party returned, they were in happy spirits. Elizabeth and Georgiana immediately left to the library to enjoy their books. Darcy was tempted to join them. I am making my feelings for her too obvious. I need to get a grip. What if she comes to know of my feelings and turns hostile towards me? She at least speaks with me cordially now. Will she ever be capable of returning my feelings? What if she falls in love with somebody else?

The sheer thought of Elizabeth being in love with another man alarmed him. Darcy was frustrated. He wanted to go for a ride. But the weather seemed to be turning bad. It started raining.

Miss Bingley started complaining during lunch.

"I thought we could go for the picnic tomorrow. The weather is looking terrible now. What if it does not clear up by tomorrow? I cannot believe all my plans are getting spoiled." Miss Bingley kept banking on the picnic to impress Georgiana and Darcy. She was sure that Pemberley needed a mistress with good management skills, she thought planning the picnic lavishly would impress the Darcys.

Elizabeth noticed that Jane and Mr Bingley were talking only with each other. She smiled. Ah! Jane, you are in love and I can see Mr Bingley loves you too. You deserve all the happiness in the world.

When she turned away from them, she saw that Darcy was observing her keenly. She realised that he was looking at her often in recent days. Suddenly she felt a blush creep into her cheek. Many men in Hertfordshire had admired her beauty and wit. But she has never felt this way before. She did not understand how her feelings towards a man could be altered completely in such a short period.

She had thought him to be the most ill-mannered, uncaring, and proud man she ever knew. But she now realised that he was not any of the three. Even when she had accused him so blatantly, of his failings, he had acted with the best of manners. He was kind towards her and was concerned about Jane as well. He had defended them when Miss Bingley was disrespectful. He was not uncaring. She could see how protective he was towards Georgiana. She realised his pride was a result of his bitter experiences in the past. He had even made amends with Mr Lucas now. Strangely, Elizabeth felt drawn to him.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the servant, who brought her some letters.

"Is it from papa Lizzy?" asked Jane.

"Yes, Jane, and also from Charlotte."

"Oh! You have been away from your home for a few days, and Miss Lucas writes to you. You have a good friend Miss Eliza. Maybe she is missing your company. You ladies must have nothing much to do here. I am sure Miss Darcy's day will be filled with lessons and music. You must play for us again Miss Darcy."

"Sure Miss Bingley." Georgiana said.

"Charles, we are going to be stuck indoors if this weather continues. I have arranged everything for the picnic. Now, what shall we do?"

"Caroline, please do not fret. You can go the day after if not tomorrow. The men have plans with Sir Lucas, but we may be able to join later if you plan on a luncheon." Mr Bingley said.

Miss Bingley was excited; I am sure if Mr Darcy comes, he will be impressed by my arrangements.

After lunch, Georgiana and Jane retired to their rooms. Georgiana having had a restless night fell asleep. When Elizabeth was in her room, she read both the letter eagerly.

Dear Lizzy,

I feel Longbourn needs a secret chamber for me to escape during such days as these. I have never been more upset with our family than now. Now, that the only sensible members are at Netherfield. This house seems to be a circus. Your mother cannot stop her ramblings about Jane and Mr Bingley. Your sisters cannot stop talking about the officers in Meryton. My library doors are not thick enough to block the sound of their arguments and giggles.

Dr. James told me that Jane has recovered now. I am happy to hear that you both will be here this Friday. I received your letter, and you had mentioned about the picnic you are planning. I hope Mr Bingley sends enough footmen if you ladies are planning on going alone. Hertfordshire is not like Town and I am sure you will be safe, but as a father, I sometimes worry about our family in many ways. I have raised two sensible daughters and for the rest, I need to bank on a miracle.

I met Mr Bingley, Mr Darcy and his cousin at the Lucas lodge. Mr Bingley is very amiable, I am sure your mother will be pleased to have him in our family. I wanted to write to you about Mr Darcy. I know you do not like that man. I am not sure what it is, but I feel his demeanor was different when I met him this time. He showed interest in conversing with me. I enjoyed conversing with him. I even asked him to call on me at Longbourn. He seems well-read and intelligent, and we discussed some estate matters as well. Sir Lucas seemed to like him very much too. He said his sister was enjoying your company. He seems reserved, but his words are genuine. I am sure you are still offended by his words at the assembly, but I think you can give him another chance.

I hope you have a good picnic and come back to Longbourn soon.

Convey my love to Jane.

Love,

Papa

Elizabeth smiled. She could imagine her household scenario with her father finding solace in the library the whole day. She loved to stop by at the library and spend time with her father. He always welcomed her with a smile, and they had witty conversations. Her father had encouraged her to read a wide range of books. She pondered on his words about Mr Darcy. So, there is a change in him, and it is not my imagination. She knew her father seldom appreciated anyone, but he had taken a liking to Mr Darcy and even invited him home. She opened Charlotte's letter eagerly.

Dearest Lizzy,

I hope this letter finds you in good spirits and Jane in good health. I even thought of calling on you at Netherfield, but I have been kept busy at home with father entertaining the men often. Colonel Foster's regiment has arrived in Meryton. I have seen some officers when I went to the village. Mr Andrews said you visited the bookstore that day. I missed seeing you. I miss your company a lot, I hope you will be back to Longbourn soon. Maria has been spending a lot of time with Lydia and Kitty. They are excited about the officers being here. I am not very comfortable with them walking alone to Meryton anymore, maybe we can talk to them about being careful. I heard that Mr Darcy's sister is here too. I met Mr Darcy's cousin as well when they had come to Lucas lodge. He seems very amiable like Mr Bingley. Mr Darcy has changed a lot compared to our previous meetings. He spoke to me a great length about our life here in Hertfordshire. I feel he was listening more keenly whenever I mentioned you. As I hinted before, I think he may be partial towards you. I know you will mock me, but please look at him without prejudice. I know it was very impolite of him to have insulted you at the assembly, but I think you can give him another chance. He seems reserved, but I can see a worthy man in him. I hope to talk to you in person soon. Mamma needs me now. Take care.

Your loving friend,

Charlotte

Elizabeth sighed after reading the letter. Charlotte was more than a friend to her. They had the same disposition and shared the same wit. I miss you too Charlotte. Why did you have to write about Mr Darcy just like papa? I do not know what has caused him to have changed his attitude towards the people of Hertfordshire. I have no idea.

Then it struck her. She remembered the look on his face when she accused him of not being a gentleman. He looked as if he had been slapped. Then she realised instead of being angry at her. He had considered her accusations and changed his attitude. I cannot believe my words had such an effect on him?

She did not know what to make of it all. I have misjudged him greatly. I must stop acting on first impressions.

She strangely felt scared to face Mr Darcy again. She wanted to go to the library. But the thought of running into Mr Darcy, kept her rooted in her room. In the evening, the ladies spent time in the drawing-room. Elizabeth noticed that Mrs Hurst looked tired.

"Mrs Hurst I hope you are feeling well, you look tired to me." She enquired.

Mrs Hurst was touched. She had a rough day; the baby was starting to kick, and she had nausea throughout the day. Caroline did not even notice how tired I look.

"I feel a little unwell. I have been having nausea since morning. I think it should pass."

Elizabeth was concerned. She knew that Mrs Hurst was not like her sister. She could see the qualities of a caring woman in her, which was overshadowed by her need to please her sister.

"I may not be an expert in giving you advice. But I have seen my aunt take ginger cookies to help with nausea. She used to say that it helped her greatly. I am sure the cook in Netherfield would have a recipe for it."

"I would like to try it. I will speak to the cook and ask her to bake them for me. Thank you for your suggestion Miss Elizabeth. I sometimes wish things were different and my mother was alive."

"Please do not worry. My mother and even Mrs Lucas would be happy to help you if you require any advice."

Miss Bingley looked disgusted.

"Miss Bennet. Thank you for your offer. But I think we would move to London for Louisa's confinement."

Just then Mr Hurst entered the drawing-room with the men. He looked angry.

"Caroline please do not forget that Louisa and I get to decide on where she would deliver the baby. It is not up to you."

Miss Bingley sneered.

Elizabeth knew as soon as Darcy entered his eyes settled on her face. She wanted to smile but looked down. She was confused. She could not understand her feeling towards the man she had hated a week ago.

The weather was getting stormy.

Dinner was a cheerful affair. Elizabeth thought that the colonel had a great sense of humour. He made her laugh with his stories.

Darcy was agonised to watch Elizabeth laugh at his cousin's jokes. For once he wished he had an easy-going demeanor like Richard. He looked at Elizabeth and was surprised to see her gaze fixed on him.

What are you thinking Elizabeth? Do you prefer the company of Richard more than mine?

Darcy would have been elated had he realised Elizabeth's thoughts.

He is the most intriguing man I have ever met. I accused him of being proud, but he has overcome his pride to change his attitude towards the very people he detested. Why? Because of me? He said he admired me? But is admiration enough to take my words so seriously? How I wish I could read his mind?

By the end of dinner, both Darcy and Elizabeth were tired of their thoughts.

After dinner, the men left for a game of cards. Elizabeth and Georgiana went to the library.

After sometime Georgiana retired, as she was tired. Elizabeth sat down to finish her letter to her father and Charlotte. She was so engrossed in writing, that she failed to notice Darcy enter the library.

Darcy had come in search of Georgiana, when he entered and saw Elizabeth sitting alone, he smiled.

She looked beautiful by the light of the fireplace, serenely engrossed with her letter.

He cleared his throat and she looked up.

"Miss Elizabeth, I have come in search of Georgiana."

"She retired to her room some time ago Mr Darcy, as she was tired."

"Oh! Alright then. I do not want to disturb you; I see you are busy."

"I am just finishing my letter to my father and Charlotte. My father mentioned that you met him at the Lucas Lodge."

"Yes, I did. We had a good conversation." Elizabeth smiled.

Darcy immediately noticed that it was a teasing smile. He loved that smile of hers.

"Why Miss Elizabeth? Is there something funny?" He asked with a stern voice.

Elizabeth knew Darcy was teasing her as well.

"Oh! Yes. My father did mention that you both had an intriguing conversation about estate management. I presume you gave him a lot of insightful advice on scaring away squirrels from our chestnut trees."

"Yes, I did. I also gave him advice on how to prevent curious young women climbing on them and twisting their ankle."

Elizabeth's face reddened. She blushed deeply. She had done the same a couple of years ago and twisted her ankle. I cannot believe papa told him this. Oh! God. What will he think of me?

Darcy was indeed thinking something appealing about her. It is a pleasure to make you blush Elizabeth. I would love to do this all my life.

"I am sorry to embarrass you Miss Elizabeth. But your father did share this adventurous story with me."

"You must indeed think poorly of me now."

Darcy laughed. "Not quite. I admire your will to undertake such adventurous tasks. I just hope you will be more careful next time."

"There is no next time Mr Darcy."

"Oh! Is that so? Have you never attempted it again?"

"No, I have not." Elizabeth protested.

"I believe you need some practice in lying. You are doing a very poor job."

Elizabeth laughed.

"I give up. I have done it many times. I hope you will not mention it to my father. He will forbid me to even leave the house then."

"I will not. But please be careful. I would not want you to get hurt, neither would I want you to be confined indoors, I know how much you enjoy your walks." He said softly.

Elizabeth felt something magnetic pull her towards him. His words expressed his concern for her. She could not look at him in the eye. She looked down.

"Miss Elizabeth, I want to thank you. I want to thank you for Georgiana."

"What for sir?"

"I have never seen her this happy, in recent times. After my father died, the entire responsibility of the estate fell in my hands. I put my utmost concentration in everything that needed my attention and I feel guilty that I may have neglected Georgiana."

"I do not think Georgiana feels that way. She says you are the best brother in the world."

"She may be generous to say that. But that is not true, I have failed her many times."

Elizabeth knew what Darcy was referring too. She felt sorry for him.

"Mr Darcy you give very less credit for yourself sir. I can see how protective you are of Georgiana."

"I do not know whether I can protect her always. I feel she needs female companionship. When I saw you and your sister, I understood what Georgiana had been missing all these years. To be honest with you, I wanted her to come to Netherfield just to meet you. And as I thought, your company has made her a happy girl again. Thank you very much."

Elizabeth was stunned. She understood the depth of Darcy's words. His words were heartfelt.

"Georgiana is a very sweet girl. She may be shy, but she is strong. Whatever that is you are worrying about her, please put it aside. She will be safe and happy, I promise you." Darcy felt comforted.

They kept looking at each other, until Elizabeth jumped at the sound of thunder crashing into the night. Darcy laughed. Elizabeth looked embarrassed.

"This is indeed an enlightening night. I did not know you were scared of thunder."

"Oh! Really. It has been enlightening for me too. I did not know you could laugh Mr Darcy."

As soon as she said that, she bit her lips. Oh no! I have done it again. Is he angry?

She was relieved to see Darcy smile at her.

"That is not true. I laugh, but I do not perform to strangers."

Elizabeth for once did not say anything witty to Darcy. She understood him. He did not perform strangers. He was intelligent and caring, she had been prejudiced to look behind his mask. He was his true self with the people he cared for, and she realised that she was one of them too.

As they left the library. Darcy knew he had expressed his true thoughts to her. He felt he was getting closer to expressing his love. He hoped Elizabeth would reciprocate his feelings soon.

The inhabitants of Netherfield slept peacefully that night, despite the lightning and thunder.

But one evil mind was awake that night at Meryton. He was planning and plotting. He had sketched a plan so perfect, that all he wanted was for the Darcy carriage to leave for the picnic. He was never going to let anyone spoil this plan. Never.