Page 17 of Elizabeth’s Choice

~*~

Elizabeth attempted to keep her composure but felt her face flush as Miss Grey laughed and Mr. Darcy smiled broadly at something she said. The heiress was a beautiful woman of nineteen years in age with impeccable manners as well as an impressive lineage. She had been acquainted with the Darcy and Fitzwilliam families for years and appeared very comfortable at Pemberley. As they sat together in the drawing room after dinner, Miss Grey tapped her fan on Mr. Darcy’s arm after his jest about Colonel Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth wanted to charge at the woman for touching him.

Darcy requested Miss Grey to sing while Georgiana played a song and Elizabeth rolled her eyes to hear the woman perform gracefully. She mumbled to herself, ‘Of course, she sings perfectly. She is perfect in every way.’

Elizabeth was startled when she felt the sopha move and saw that Mr. Darcy had taken a seat next to her. He asked quietly, “What were you saying?”

“Oh, nothing of import,” she replied in embarrassment. “Miss Grey is very accomplished and is also kind.” Elizabeth sat up straighter, determined to detach herself from the gentleman whom she thought of much too often and said, “She must have many suitors and rightfully so. I am glad to have gotten to know her better today.” She took a deep breath, understanding that she, herself, was truly outside the Darcy Family’s circle.

Darcy readily responded, “I am happy to hear it, Miss Elizabeth. My hope is that she will spend many more evenings like this during the next couple of weeks. I would immensely appreciate it if you could help her feel welcome here, since I have great hopes of calling her ‘family’ someday.”

Elizabeth could only nod her head in agreement but could not understand her own heart. She had no designs on Mr. Darcy but to hear him practically announce his intention with Miss Grey felt unbearable. Once again, she was resolved to enjoy the next three weeks in Georgiana’s company but to avoid the master’s as much as possible.

After walking Miss Grey out to her carriage, Darcy returned to the drawing room where Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Mrs. Annesley had remained. He was pleased to see Elizabeth speak animatedly with the ladies but she suddenly stopped talking and began glaring at him as soon as he entered the room. He was curious as to why Elizabeth appeared cross and enquired, “Did something happen? Did you not enjoy the evening?”

Elizabeth quirked one eyebrow as she retorted, “Nothing happened. I enjoyed it just fine but not as much as you did, it seems. I believe I am only in desperate need for a long ride and plan on being out early in the morning.”

Georgiana, not seeing Elizabeth’s change in expression, laughed, “I am so glad the rain has finally stopped. It has been pouring all week and you always get cross if you do not go outside for more than two days in a row!”

Elizabeth smiled as she linked her arm with Miss Darcy’s, “You know me so well. I will retire now so I can get a good night’s rest.” She curtsied quickly at Darcy’s direction, “Good night.”

Darcy tipped his head, “Good night. I will see you in the morning to ride out with you.”

“No! That will not be necessary…” Elizabeth attempted to dissuade him, but he stopped her.

“The grounds will still be damp and it is too dangerous to ride out alone. I do not want you to fall off your horse again,” he declared.

“Again? When did you fall off, Lizzie?” Georgie shrieked in concern, “Were you injured? When did this happen?”

Elizabeth scowled at Darcy and then explained, “Last week, but I am well. I fell so many times before and Mrs. Annesley can tell you how often I was black and blue in my youth.” She stuck her tongue out at the gentleman and then continued to walk upstairs with Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley as she expounded, “The key to riding well is to fall well and I learned at an early age to tuck and roll…”

Darcy chuckled to see the woman he admired speak easily with Georgiana. Truly, there was no one like her and he wanted to give her every reason to love Pemberley, having good friends like his sister and Miss Grey so that she would wish to never leave.

~*~

“I am glad to see you in your suit again, Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy greeted her with a smile the following morning.

Elizabeth curtly responded, “I want to ride far and fast today. You truly do not have to join me. Why are you up so early?”

He chuckled, “I knew you would be impertinent to try to go out alone so I was prepared for your defiance. I know you better than you think.”

“Well, be prepared to give me plenty of space since I have no wish for another lecture today,” she scowled and then mounted the horse, speeding out to the fields without waiting for him at all.

Darcy was confused as to what might be bothering her and quickly jumped onto his stallion to catch up to her. He became concerned that she did not seem to be slowing down and he rode as fast as he could, continuing to chase her even after his hat flew off. It was not for two more miles when they were nearly at the edge of Pemberley’s property that she stopped before the grove of trees to dismount her horse.

Darcy was in awe of her riding skills, as she rode better than most gentlemen at such a speed. He began to compliment her, “Your skills in archery and horse-riding are unmatched…” but she faced him and angrily shouted at him.

“What is your intention with Miss Grey? Do you want to marry her? How can you be so capricious? I thought you had an understanding with Miss Bingley but you invited another woman into your home to flaunt and flirt… I wish Colonel Fitzwilliam were here already to set you straight!” She declared.

Darcy immediately retorted with his voice raised, “Why do you care who I marry? Georgie told me you are likely wanting to marry Richard and why you have been learning all the skills of a lady during your time here. You will become a proper daughter to an earl and have your property and security to go along with it when you marry him but I do not want you to accept him! Why must you torment me with your arts and allurement when I cannot offer for you?”

“I do not intend to marry anyone! What do you mean? How am I tormenting you?” She asked in shock. “I thought you were engaged to Miss Bingley but wanted to marry Miss Grey.”

“I want Richard to marry Miss Grey! I care nothing for her!” he announced as he drew closer to her. “Were you jealous because you care for me? Do you… do you love me? Do you love me the way I love you, Elizabeth? I am not formally engaged but will break off the understanding with Miss Bingley. I am desperately in love with you.”

Her eyes grew broad as they began to fill with tears and she confessed, “I… I did not think it was possible… I do not understand how I can feel like this but I did not like seeing you with her. You flirted with her and laughed and… I did not like it. I do not want you to be with her… I want you to be with me…”

Darcy quickly stepped in front of her and kissed her lips ardently, holding her closer and closer until she jumped into his arms with her legs around his hips and her hands cradling his head. He leaned her against a tree’s trunk and they continued to embrace each other, enraptured in passion until they ran out of breath and Elizabeth slowly stood on her own feet again.