Page 8 of Moments Frozen in Time (Pride and Prejudice Variation)
ELIZABETH
I hurried down the path a little ways, going to a particular spot where I could watch the gentleman for a little longer. Once there, I remained still, watching the path that Mr. Darcy had taken that led him towards Netherfield.
Only when the quiet fully returned did I turn, notebook still tucked loosely under my arm. Realising this, I hastily moved it to my bag and began the walk back towards Longbourn.
I had not expected to see him this morning—let alone to find him so pleasant.
Although he had been somewhat reserved, there had been a warmth to him as we spoke.
He had listened— truly listened—and asked questions that showed he had not merely been passing the time.
Then, of course, there was the smile. It had been obviously rare, unexpected, and entirely disarming.
Even in the company of his friend last night, he had not smiled so broadly and certainly never laughed.
I found myself thinking back to the previous evening, when he had first declined to dance at all, but he had eventually danced not only with me but with Charlotte and Jane as well.
Chuckling to myself, I recalled Mama’s brief words on the subject, for after not dancing at all during the first part of the evening, him dancing with three young ladies had startled half the room.
A few commented on his pointedly not dancing with his host’s unmarried sister, which was a bit rude, but since I knew the reason for it, I could understand his reluctance.
Then there were the events of this morning; his appearing unexpectedly on Oakham Mount, asking to stay, speaking with such consideration. I did not quite know what to make of his behaviour.
He was not what I had expected, nor what I had first thought of him when he entered the assembly room last night, speaking to no one. In the end, he proved that he was not proud, rude, nor distant. Just… reserved. Cautious, perhaps. Maybe even shy?
W as he only pretending to be thoughtful?
Should I worry about my safety or reputation with him knowing that I walk freely and unaccompanied?
I asked myself. Frowning slightly, I decided that no, there had been nothing calculated in his expression when he watched me or spoke to me this morning, only quiet interest and perhaps true enjoyment.
I certainly had enjoyed our conversation, more than I had expected to, and I could not deny I had been curious to see what he might say next.
That realisation unsettled me more than I cared to admit.
Steady on, Lizzy, I warned myself as Longbourn came into view.
Y ou have spoken to the man twice. You hardly know him.
A thoughtful morning stroll does not a courtship make.
He would not marry a mere country miss, anyway, with his ten thousand a year and a grand estate in Derbyshire.
Besides, foolish girl, you met him yesterday.
It is far too soon to speculate about an attachment.
Still, I could not quite shake the impression he had left on me: the way he had looked at me when I teased him, the way his voice had softened when he asked if he might join me, and the way he had lingered just a moment longer before turning to go.
As I struggled with wondering what his intentions might be, I once again heard the voice of my Grandmama Bennet in my head.
You cannot suppose anything, my dear, but merely wait and see how matters naturally occur. Do not be like your mother and rush ahead of yourself, trying to make things fit into a particular box. Doing so will make you quite mad, and you will miss out on the fun of allowing things to simply happen.
For a moment, I stood quite still as I listened.
My grandmother had always fussed at me for trying to rush matters; she scolded me regularly for having no patience.
One spring she had helped both Jane and me to plant some seedlings in a small little corner of her garden, and instead of allowing them to grow undisturbed, I kept poking at them to “check on them.”
The result of my impatience had meant that my little corner of the garden had not grown at all, and I had been quite envious of Jane’s that had not only grown but produced very well.
That had not been the first time I had been in a hurry to make things happen before their time, but it stood out as a very vivid lesson.
Shaking my head at these thoughts, I began to walk again, quickening my pace towards home, already preparing myself for whatever flurry Mama might unleash over breakfast. No doubt she would be speaking as though Jane and Mr. Bingley were already engaged to be married, with lace ordered and banns read.
After all, he had danced with her twice last night.
Even as I opened the gate and stepped into the garden, I found my thoughts drifting—not to Mr. Bingley, not to breakfast and Mama, not even to Jane—but to a man atop a striking stallion, who had surprised me more with his sincerity than with all the elegance of his appearance.
As always, breakfast at Longbourn was noisy.
This morning’s conversation revolved around the previous night’s assembly.
Lydia and Kitty chattered incessantly, Jane offered her usual gentle observations, and Mama—flushed with excitement—spoke as though Mr. Bingley had already proposed.
Mary remained quiet, listening and observing, just as I was doing .
Predictably, Papa offered the occasional dry remarks, objecting to much of what was said but too amused to do much to stop it.
I found myself disregarding most of it. My sisters were only repeating what we had already discussed at length the night before, and I had little patience for rehashing every compliment, misstep, or flutter of a fan.
But then I remembered my promise to myself: if I hoped to be of any use to them, to help them carry themselves with more grace and thoughtfulness, I had to begin somewhere. And where better than at the breakfast table?
I set down my cup. “Kitty, Lydia,” I said lightly, “would either of you like to walk into Meryton with me this afternoon? I thought I might visit the lending library and look for something new to read.”
Lydia blinked. “The lending library?” she asked, her voice sceptical. “I would be glad to accompany you to the milliners, but I have nothing left from my allowance.” She grimaced. “Perhaps if you were to lend me some money, Lizzy?” she trailed off hopefully.
“I need to return a book and select a new one,” I stated, smiling at her.
“But there are usually a few people out and about as well. You never know who you might see—or what you might overhear. And unfortunately, I do not have any coins available to lend you, but I am certain there are some ribbons in the sewing basket you might like to use.”
Kitty’s interest was immediately piqued. “Last night, Maria Lucas spoke of a novel she returned just yesterday and claimed it was very exciting. Lydia, if we go early enough, we can borrow it before anyone else.”
“That would be convenient,” I replied, picking up my cup again to take a sip of my tea. “If we go early, we may have time to visit the milliner as well, just to look around. You may see something that will inspire a new idea for your bonnet, Lydia.”
“I suppose I could look at a book or two,” Lydia said, clearly unconvinced but not opposed. “But I really do need more ribbon and lace. With the militia coming soon, I will need to tear apart all of my bonnets and make them new. Mama, can you lend us some money?”
Papa lowered his paper just long enough to raise an eyebrow, recognising how odd it was for me to encourage my sisters to accompany me to town.
Mama, too distracted by her own excitement, waved her hand dismissively.
“As long as the lot of you don’t dawdle and miss Mr. Bingley should he come to call.
Jane, you really should stay here and allow your sisters to go without you.
Lydia, I have a few coins in my room, and I will get them for you when we are finished eating. ”
“I will go with you as well, Lizzy,” Mary added. “Or Jane, I can stay here with you if you prefer.”
“No, I will join you,” Jane replied. “Mama, even if Mr. Bingley were to call today, I would see him in town when he passes through. However, it is too soon for him to call, given that we met only yesterday.”
I sat back with a smile, grateful for Jane and Mary’s assistance in this matter.
Although I was still uncertain what I might do to assist my sisters to improve their behaviour, at least I was taking a step in that direction.
Surely spending some time with them would help, and I could begin making some subtle suggestions about improving their behaviour.
The walk into Meryton was lively. Jane and I had agreed that it would be wise to separate Kitty and Lydia a little bit, so I took Lydia’s arm as we left the house whilst Jane took Kitty’s.
I allowed Lydia to direct our conversation, not needing to say much. Lydia was quite used to leading, and unlike Kitty, who she was constantly admonishing to hurry, I was easily able to keep pace with my sister. We were the first into Meryton, the rest of our sisters a short distance behind us .
“Oh, la, Lizzy, since we will arrive at the lending library first, I can get the book that Maria mentioned yesterday, and Kitty will have to wait for me to finish it,” Lydia announced as we grew close to our destination.
“That hardly seems fair, Lydia,” I voiced. “After all, do you even intend to read it?”
Lydia frowned. “I do not care to read, Lizzy, you know that,” she replied petulantly.