Page 34 of To Go Against Her Heart (Pride and Prejudice Variation)

Elizabeth sat with Georgiana one morning, a week after she visited the Darcy house.

This was the second time Georgiana had called on her in the past week at her uncle’s house, and Elizabeth liked the young girl exceedingly.

In her observation, she was very much like her brother in many ways: reserved but very honest and warm.

“Your cousins are such delightful company, Miss Elizabeth. I can well understand why you would say you shall miss them upon your return, which, I hope shall not be very soon.”

“We have still not decided, yet I miss my father exceedingly, which is one reason I am so eager to return,” she said, noticing the slight strain of sadness on Georgiana’s face.

“Forgive me, Miss Darcy, if I have upset you; I understand you lost your father some years ago.”

“Oh! Please do not be uneasy. Yes, I miss him, but my brother always ensures I do not feel his absence. Honestly, it is he who is most impacted by the loss. He took over our estate and responsibility for me about five years ago, and as much as I am pained to acknowledge it, I have not made it easy for him,” she said in a small voice.

Though Elizabeth understood the cause of Georgiana’s unease, she did not want to discuss the topic.

“He always speaks of you with pride and affection. I assure you; he does not consider the responsibility a burden. As much trouble as all of us give my father, he would never consider it a tedious task to raise us,” she said with warmth.

In every aspect, Georgiana felt comforted in Elizabeth’s company.

But Darcy had not called on her along with his sister, and Elizabeth wondered why he chose to stay away.

She was puzzled, uncertain whether he wished to permit his sister to form a closer acquaintance with her or wanted to keep his distance because of her former request.

However, Mr. Bingley had called on Jane once during that week along with Mrs. Hurst. It was quite a surprise to Jane and the rest of the household that his sister chose to accompany him.

The visit had occurred only the day before, and Elizabeth and Jane were greatly astonished by Mrs. Hurst’s heartfelt apology to Jane.

It happened while Mr. Bingley and Mr. Gardiner were conversing in the study.

Mrs. Hurst apologized for the shameful act of concealing Jane’s presence in town.

Though she did not openly acknowledge her involvement in the scheme, she subtly mentioned that it was never her intention to cause her brother pain.

As uncomfortable as the situation was, Jane accepted her apology with customary generosity, but Elizabeth perceived that her sister, who had long believed in the innate goodness of all around her, no longer felt that way.

“Would you and your sister be able to join me for dinner tomorrow, Miss Elizabeth?” Georgiana asked eagerly, drawing Elizabeth’s attention.

Elizabeth and Jane agreed; however, the next day, Jane excused herself, claiming a headache.

Elizabeth, therefore, resolved to go alone; slightly uneasy about the prospect of meeting Darcy.

As the carriage reached the Darcy house, Elizabeth’s heart quickened in anticipation of seeing its master again. She struggled to understand that, as much as she yearned to see him, she knew her heart was dangerously close to breaking the wall built around it.

“I am so sorry to hear that Miss Bennet is unwell. I was looking forward to her company also,” Georgiana said upon seeing her, a little disappointed to see Elizabeth alone.

She led her into the parlor for some refreshments, and Elizabeth followed her nervously, well prepared for the possibility of seeing Mr. Darcy at any moment.

“My brother is away on some business with my cousin, and I am not certain if he will join us for dinner,” Georgiana said as they sat down and observed Elizabeth’s face to see a hint of disappointment.

I am certain she cares for him as well, and I hope Fitzwilliam is not disappointed in love. He does not deserve it, she thought.

Elizabeth struggled to hide her disappointment upon understanding the information and nodded.

“I must mention that my aunt is very eager to make your acquaintance. We dined with her some days ago, and my cousin enjoyed teasing me that I no longer prefer spending time there,” Georgiana declared.

“Your aunt, Lady Matlock?” Elizabeth asked in surprise.

“Yes, she expressed her wish to see you.”

“I would be happy to make her acquaintance, Miss Darcy. I understand you stayed with your aunt and uncle while Mr. Darcy was in Hertfordshire.”

“Yes, I did. We do not have any close relations except for them and Lady Catherine, who is in Kent. She is my mother’s sister.”

“You will be surprised to understand that I am quite familiar with Lady Catherine and Rosings Park, even though I have not set foot in Kent.”

Georgiana raised her eyebrow with curiosity.

“Mr. Collins is my cousin, and he apprised us of every noble detail about your aunt and her estate during his stay,” Elizabeth remarked.

“Oh! It is a surprise indeed. I wonder why my brother never mentioned it to me. I am well acquainted with Mr. Collins from my visit to Rosings every year. I find him…”

“Amusing?” Elizabeth asked with a wink.

“Well, he speaks a lot, and I have listened to his sermons several times. Honestly, Miss Elizabeth, both Richard and my brother are greatly entertained by him,” she explained.

“Well, until a few months ago, I knew nothing of him, though our estate is entailed upon him,” she said, proceeding to explain the nature of the entailment.

“I am so sorry to hear this as I cannot imagine why someone would do that to your family just because you do not have a brother. I wish you had a male sibling, not just for the sake of the entailment, but it is definitely a blessing to have a brother like Fitzwilliam.”

“I wish we did, and I can see that you love your brother very much.”

“I do, indeed. How could I not? He saved me from…” She stopped abruptly.

“I meant, he is the best brother in the whole world.”

“I am certain he is,” Elizabeth agreed heartily.

They occupied themselves in the music room until dinner, and Elizabeth somehow wished Darcy would join them for the meal. She kept glancing at the door, and Georgiana observed her keenly and confirmed her assumptions.

Georgiana once again pressed Elizabeth about the details of her return to Hertfordshire. The young girl was apprehensive that it might be too soon and that their acquaintance would end abruptly; however, she was comforted to understand that they had not made a fixed plan as yet.

Elizabeth was unsure when they would depart, as Jane had no wish to prolong the stay, even after Mr. Bingley had called and offered his apology.

“Do you think Mr. Darcy would join us any time soon?” Elizabeth asked, mustering courage, as they finally sat for the meal.

“I am not certain when. He assured me he would try to join us for dinner, but maybe business held him up.”

Later, Georgiana asked Elizabeth whether she would like to spend some time in the library, and she readily agreed.

The women immersed themselves in the library’s vast collection and lost track of time.

Elizabeth was impressed with the shelf in the right corner of the room that contained many books on history and art.

Georgiana informed her that it was all her brother’s most sought-after reads.

Though she was well aware of Darcy’s fondness for reading, Elizabeth found herself intrigued by his taste, and gaining a personal glimpse into his collection delighted her.

“I must be leaving, Miss Darcy. I have lost track of time,” Elizabeth said, finally realizing that she had.

“I was hoping you could stay longer, maybe for a cup of tea,” Georgiana pressed. She pointed to the other books Elizabeth had wanted to browse, and pressed her to stay a little longer, and Elizabeth agreed.

Within a few minutes, Georgiana left the library with a promise to return shortly after speaking with the housekeeper.

Left to herself, Elizabeth settled into the book before her, quickly becoming absorbed by the intrigue it offered.

Though engrossed in reading, her thoughts never gave her respite from the man to whom the books belonged.

It had been a week since she had seen him, and somehow, her heart ached to see his eyes stare at her with the same affection and warmth.

Suddenly, hearing the door open, Elizabeth turned, expecting to see Georgiana—but to her astonishment, Darcy stood there, his hands clasped behind his back. One look at his expression told her he had been fully aware of her presence in the library.

Elizabeth rose at once as he approached, and Darcy stopped at a respectable distance, his gaze fixed steadily upon her face. Neither spoke; instead, they stood in silence, each experiencing comfort from the other’s presence.

“I hope you are well, Miss Elizabeth. I apologize for being absent from dinner. Honestly, I wanted to give you ladies some privacy,” he said.

Elizabeth said nothing but nodded, wondering if she should inform him that she had missed his presence.

“I was hoping that you might join us,” she finally said, “but I enjoyed your sister’s company today, and she kept me well entertained.”

“I am glad to hear that and hope she will not be deprived of your company too soon. May I dare ask if you desire to return to Hertfordshire as planned?”

“I think we must,” she replied, and Darcy immediately stepped forward.

“Must you?” he asked, holding her gaze as he moved close to her, and Elizabeth gasped.

At that moment, Darcy knew it would take every ounce of his self-control not to reach out and touch the delicate blush that had risen on her cheek.

“I wish you would reconsider your decision, for my sister’s sake,” he said at last. Elizabeth could not explain why, but it pained her that he spoke only of Georgiana and not of his own desire.

“My father has been impatient for our return, and we should leave in the next week or the week after.”

“Nothing would stop you from leaving, then?” he asked, his voice pained by the prospect of separation.

Elizabeth shook her head in agreement.

“I wish you would reconsider your decision for my sister’s sake and mine.

Though in the past you have openly acknowledged your disregard for my company, it would give me utmost pleasure if you allow me to call on you during your stay here, along with Georgiana.

” He stressed the last part of his words, not wanting to make her uncomfortable.

Elizabeth could no longer restrain herself from offering an apology.

“Mr. Darcy, I have long wanted to apologize for what I said to you on Oakham Mount. I have regretted my words since that day and wanted to say this to you for a long while. I have been ashamed of my actions and words that day, and I would be happy to see you if you wish to call on me, along with your sister,” she stressed the last with a small, impish smile which Darcy found adorable.

Darcy boldly took another step closer to her.

“And if I wish to call on you without Georgiana, would you allow that?” he asked, unable to control himself.

“Yes, most happily,” she said, unable to lie to him, and witnessed the pure joy her words gave him.

“My aunt accompanied me on my return here and is waiting in the parlor to see you. After hearing so much about you from Georgiana in the past week, she insisted on seeing you.”

“Lady Matlock?” she asked in shock.

“Yes!”

“I would be honored to make her acquaintance,” she said, and prepared herself to meet his closest relative.

However, Elizabeth found it extremely puzzling that a lady of such status had made an effort to seek her introduction.

Darcy offered her his arm and led her back to the parlor, where Richard and Lady Matlock were seated.

Elizabeth expected Lady Matlock to be someone befitting the description of Lady Catherine, but the moment she set eyes on his aunt, she was pleasantly shocked to see a woman with a warm smile and friendly demeanor, just like her son.

Darcy made the introductions, and Lady Matlock was instantly impressed with Elizabeth’s confidence and beauty. Richard had given her enough hints about Darcy’s regard for her, and she did not want to miss the opportunity to meet the woman who had finally captured her nephew’s heart.

“I hope you are having a pleasant stay in town, Miss Elizabeth. I understand your aunt is a native of Derbyshire.”

“I am, madam. Yes, she is; she grew up in Lambton.”

“Oh! A delightful coincidence indeed. I wonder whether my sister had any common acquaintances with your aunt.”

Darcy explained that Mrs. Gardiner knew a couple of friends of the Darcy family. They were then interrupted by Georgiana, who was surprised to see her aunt and hugged her affectionately.

“Now, my dear, please do not expect me to believe that you miss me. You have ignored me for the past week, haven’t you?” she asked with a smile.

“I am so sorry; I meant to call on you this evening,” Georgiana said, to which Lady Matlock laughed.

“Whatever for? You can occupy yourself better with your friend here, and I can honestly understand why you have avoided me,” she said with a smile directed towards Darcy and Elizabeth.

Darcy’s demeanor stiffened, and he could sense that Richard was behind his aunt’s teasing smile.

“I would love to meet your sister, aunt, and uncle, Miss Elizabeth. Would they be available to join us for dinner this week?” Lady Matlock asked.

Elizabeth was incredibly surprised by the sudden invitation and found it exceedingly odd that Lady Matlock desired to see her relations.

She wondered if Darcy had a hand in it, and looked at him before replying, and saw the same surprise on his face.

“I am certain they would be honored to dine with you,” she replied, which pleased Darcy’s aunt.

Elizabeth realized it was time to leave and stressed that she had overstayed.

“Please do not say that. I had a wonderful time in your company, and I hope Miss Bennet feels well soon,” Georgiana said.

“I shall see you at our house soon, Miss Elizabeth,” Richard said as she took her leave.

Darcy walked her to the carriage and stood with her for a few moments before handing her in.

“You can expect me to call on you soon,” he said with a smile.

“And may I dare to ask, with or without your sister, sir?” she asked teasingly, and Darcy’s heart raced at the twitch on her lips.

“Until we meet again, I am certain you can endure the suspense,” he replied and handed her in, and as the carriage left, he stood rooted to the spot.

After many weeks of longing and heartache, he felt something brim in his heart, and it was nothing but hope.