Friends Before Lovers Read online

  "May I escort you back to your shopping party, Miss Bennet? Or, perhaps, you require more time to decide on a purchase?"

  Darcy said as he glanced at the book she still held in her hands.

  He was surprised to note that it was one of the Greek classics. "I was only caught up in reading a newer production of an old favorite of mine. My father's copy is quite worn and I am debating a new copy as a gift to him. However, sir, I believe I will return at a later time…with my own sister."

  They both smiled at that and Darcy held out his arm to lead her out of the shop. Once they arrived at the dressmaker and Elizabeth noted that her shopping party was just inside, she thanked him and they bid each other a good day. There was a mutual feeling of camaraderie between the two that is often formed only when one has revealed a little more of their true personality than is normally acceptable in public. It is the same feeling of a friendship being formed.

  Chapter 4

  As expected, Mrs. Bingley accepted Miss Darcy's invitation to tea. So it was that Mrs. Bingley emerged from the carriage to enter Darcy House full of anticipation to meet the young lady whom she had heard nothing but praise. Miss Bingley followed Jane with the air of one with superior knowledge of the residence and the exalted company within. As is always the case when either Darcy is present, Caroline Bingley prepared herself mentally with an arsenal of compliments in hopes of securing their good opinions or, even better, securing a life-long position within their family. With that thought, a beatific smile graced her face as she urged Eliza to hurry along so that they would not be late. Unfortunately, this caused Elizabeth's smile to turn into a slight scowl behind her 'new sister's' back. Elizabeth was eager to meet Miss Darcy, as well. Mr. Darcy had proved to be less haughty than he initially appeared which caused Elizabeth to wish to know more of him.

  Her expectations of Bingley's best friend were not very high given that he could not attend Charles and Jane's wedding. She felt that it showed very little loyalty that the great man of Derbyshire could not support his supposed best friend on such an occasion. Although Jane did not feel the snub, Elizabeth wondered if her family's poor standing had anything to do with his absence. However, when his generous gift arrived for Jane after their wedding, Elizabeth had to concede that she might have been mistaken. Her thoughts were interrupted as they were led into the grand home and shown into a luxurious day room. A timid-looking young girl stood besides a kind, matronly woman. Although the girl was taller than Elizabeth and quite a beauty, she appeared somewhat awkward receiving her guests. Elizabeth decided that she must help to put the young woman at ease.

  "Georgiana, my dear! I am so glad to see you again," exclaimed Miss Bingley.

  "Good day to you, Caroline." The young woman responded quietly.

  "Allow me to make the introductions," Miss Bingley said with an air of authority.

  "Georgiana, these are my new sisters, Mrs. Bingley and Miss Bennet. Jane, Eliza, I am pleased to introduce, Miss Darcy, of Pemberly in Derbyshire."

  Since it was obvious that Caroline was not going to acknowledge her companion, Georgiana spoke up to say, "I am pleased to meet you both. This is my companion, Mrs. Annesley."

  All of the women curtsied as they were introduced until Georgiana remembered her duties and asked her guests to have a seat as she rang for some refreshments. "Miss Darcy, thank you for inviting us today. I have heard much of you from Charles and Caroline and have been quite eager to make your acquaintance." Jane said to her young hostess.

  "Thank you, Mrs. Bingley." Georgiana responded. When it appeared that she would say no more, Elizabeth noticed Mrs. Annesley to give the young girl a slight look that appeared lost to Jane and Caroline; however, Georgiana raised her eyes to Jane again immediately and continued speaking. "I was also eager to meet you, madam. Mr. Bingley has always been very kind to my brother and I. I look forward to getting to know you better."

  Although it appeared difficult for Georgiana to say such a speech, it was said so sincerely that this young woman was instantly endeared to Jane and Elizabeth.

  "I look forward to that, as well, Miss Darcy." Jane replied.

  "Yes, I am sure that we shall all be a merry party, indeed, this Season." Caroline added with a large smile.

  The ladies continued speaking as refreshments arrived and were served. Elizabeth found a smart, if a bit reserved, conversationalist in Mrs. Annesley. The slightly older woman was well read and, therefore, the two had quite a few topics to discuss. Elizabeth was certain that Georgiana was only shy but could see that the young lady was working to overcome that shyness in the face of her new guests. Although she did not add much to the conversation, what little she said was always intelligent and kind. Elizabeth could see how such a person could be overwhelmed with Miss Bingley's 'exuberant' friendship. The visit did not last past what is acceptable; however, all of the women felt satisfied with the meeting. As the Bingley party prepared to depart, promises were made for a return call as well as an upcoming visit to the museum.

  Later that day, Darcy joined his sister and Mrs. Annesley for their evening meal. "Good evening, ladies." He said with a smile.

  "Good evening, Will."

  "Good evening, sir."

  "Tell me Georgiana, how did your visit go today?"

  "Oh William, Mrs. Bingley is certainly the most beautiful woman I have ever met." Georgiana responded.

  Her brother gave her an indulgent smile before asking, "And is that all that you gleaned from your tea today?"

  "Of course not. Mrs. Bingley was kind to me. I believe that I shall like her very much."

  "I am glad, my dear."

  Before he could continue, his usually calm sister exclaimed. "And I greatly enjoyed meeting Miss Bennet as well. She is much more talkative than Miss Bennet…a bit more like Charles, actually."

  "Yes, I believe you are correct. Now, was not Miss Bingley in attendance? I have heard naught of her from you." Darcy said with a smirk.

  Georgiana immediately dropped her smile and replied, "Yes, Caroline was here as well." Then, his young sister brightened and asked, "Is it true that we will be going to the museum soon? I am looking forward to the Egyptian exhibit that you spoke of. I believe, Miss Bennet, is as anxious as I am to see the artifacts. Did you know, Will, that this is her first time in town for the season?"

  Darcy was slightly uncomfortable with Georgiana's change in subject and did not wish to explain the inferiority of her new friends' background at this time. "Yes, I did know it." He said quickly before continuing on, "I will see Bingley in the morning at the club and we shall fix the day for the museum outing. It appears that you young ladies do not wish to wait."

  Throughout their meal, Georgiana continued to speak of her visit with Mrs. Bingley and Miss Bennet. Darcy caught Mrs. Annesley's eye and she smiled at her young charge. Perhaps these new additions to Bingley's family would be just the distraction his sister required to overcome her recent disappointment…regardless of their lower social standing. As they rose from the table, Darcy addressed Georgiana once more. "I am glad that you enjoyed making new friends today, Georgie."

  Darcy felt a slight easing of the weight that had been upon him ever since he retrieved Georgiana from Ramsgate. He longed for his sister to thrive again and, watching her lifted spirits this evening, he finally felt as if that might be possible.

  Chapter 5

  The day of the museum outing finally arrived. A rather large party assembled comprised of the Darcy siblings, Mr. and Mrs. Bingley, Caroline and Elizabeth along with Charles and Caroline's sister, Louisa and her husband, Mr. Hurst. Upon entering the first room of the exhibits, Elizabeth looked around herself in wonder. Never before had she seen such exotic works of art, even among her uncle's merchandise from India. It appeared as if the golden artifacts from Egypt were sent by the very gods the ancient civilization worshiped rather than being man made objects.

  Lost in her thoughts, Elizabeth suddenly became aware of another speaking to her. "I believe you are
speechless, Miss Bennet."

  A small smile graced her lips as she replied, "As you can imagine, sir, that is a very rare occurrence for one such as myself."

  The gentleman smiled in return before replying. "Well, I would not presume to know such an attribute at such an early stage in our acquaintance. However, I am glad to see that your first visit to the museum is to your liking."

  "Oh, yes, Mr. Darcy. I have never seen such wonders in all of my life."

  At this point, Georgiana appeared at Elizabeth's side. "Is this not enchanting, Miss Bennet?" the young girl sighed as she gazed upon yet another bejeweled, head adornment.

  "Indeed, it is Miss Darcy. Shall we not continue on together? I believe that our level of interest quite exceeds the rest of our party and I do not wish to hinder them."

  Elizabeth said as she noticed her sister and Charles were already entering the next viewing area. Darcy was about to offer his arm to escort the young ladies; however, Caroline Bingley quickly stepped up to take his arm instead. "Come, Mr. Darcy. Louisa and I are in need of your insight. Mr. Hurst is proving ignorant of all things Egyptian. It is your duty to share your knowledge with us."

  "Very well, Miss Bingley." Darcy replied with a tight smile once he saw that his sister was enjoying time with her new friend.

  As they progressed through the museum, Darcy was in company with Caroline, Louisa and Mr. Hurst while Georgiana and Elizabeth seemed to gravitate to one another and Charles and Jane noticed naught but each other. Listening to Caroline and Louisa constantly exclaim at each turn about how shocking Egyptian culture must have been in order to create such sacrilegious items was enough to force Darcy to disengage from conversation. Several times, he was pleasantly surprised to hear quiet laughter coming from his own sister and Miss Bennet. The young women seemed to be enjoying both the tour as well as the company. As their visit ended, the party assembled again before they would depart for a luncheon at the Hurst's townhouse.

  While waiting for their carriages, Bingley called out to a young gentleman who was entering the museum. "Say there, John!"

  The young man smiled at Bingley and approached the gathering. "Hello, Charles. It is good to see you again."

  "Mrs. Bingley, may I introduce Colonel Waldegrave. John, I am very pleased to introduce you to my wife, Mrs. Bingley."

  Jane curtsied while Colonel Waldegrave cut a perfect bow. "Yes, I had heard that you were swept away by an angel. And now I see that it is confirmed. It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Bingley."

  "None of that, now John! I'll not have you dazzling my bride."

  Bingley said with a smile. He then realized that he overlooked another introduction. "I believe you are acquainted with the rest of our party save one. This is one of my new sisters, Miss Bennet."

  As the Colonel bowed to Elizabeth, he said, "I now see that Bingley stumbled upon a family of angels."

  The attention brought a blush to Elizabeth's face before she responded, "It is a pleasure to meet you, sir."

  As Darcy and Bingley conversed with their friend, Elizabeth could not help but feel the young Colonel's eye stray in her direction several times. "Well, it was wonderful seeing you again, Darcy, Bingley. However, I must meet my own party for our tour. I am sure that I will be seeing you soon."

  He then turned toward Jane and Elizabeth and said, "It was a pleasure to meet you both."

  Then Colonel Waldegrave turned to enter the building. Louisa Hurst, while somewhat dull, was an excellent hostess. The luncheon was perfect following the museum tour. During the meal, there was much discussion of their outing and the various exhibits. The party adjourned to the sitting room after they completed their meal.

  Darcy was sitting with Bingley and Mr. Hurst when he overheard a conversation between the ladies. "I believe you obtained an admirer today, Elizabeth."

  "I don't believe I understand you Mrs. Hurst." Elizabeth replied before taking a sip of her tea.

  "Come now, my dear, the good Colonel could not keep his eyes from you."

  Before Elizabeth could stop the direction of this conversation, Caroline decided to add to it. "Well, Eliza, a second son of an Earl would be a fine catch indeed for you. It is too bad that the Waldegraves are notorious for their greed. I doubt the old Earl or his heir have been generous with the Colonel."

  Caroline seemed thoughtful for a moment and then said, "You may not have riches but you could do worse than marry into such an old family."

  Louisa then dropped her voice and leaned toward Caroline, "How unfortunate that the Colonel does not offer a fine countenance as well! Nothing to entice but a name."

  The two sisters laughed when Elizabeth could take no more. "Fortunately, I do not plan to marry for riches or only a pretty face! Regardless, I do not believe this to be an appropriate topic."

  With that, Elizabeth turned to Miss Darcy, who appeared quite scandalized over the discussion. "Oh, Eliza! You know that Louisa and I mean no harm. It is my hope to see you well settled after this season. We only wanted to inform you of the background and eligibility of your most recent acquaintance."

  Caroline said in a patronizing tone. Elizabeth only gave a slight nod before addressing Georgiana. "Miss Darcy, could I persuade you to join me tomorrow? I hoped to go to purchase music from the seller that you told me about today. I am afraid that I have been remiss in practicing since my arrival in London. I believe that some new music would be just the incentive I need to renew my efforts."

  Georgiana smiled widely in response, "I would be glad to join you if my brother is agreeable."

  When Darcy realized that he was being discussed, he hoped that it was acceptable to enter into the conversation. "What is it that you wish I will agree with, Georgie?" He said as he walked towards his sister.

  "Miss Bennet has just asked if I might join her tomorrow to purchase new music."

  "That sounds like an excellent plan, Georgie. Perhaps you can find something that might challenge you as well?" He said with a smirk.

  Georgiana laughed and then said to Elizabeth, "William is forever teasing me for my propensity to purchase any new music that arrives in Town. Although, I cannot claim to be the only one who frequents the seller. I have often been gifted with new music by my dear brother."

  "Well, what purpose does an older brother have than to spoil his young sister?" Elizabeth said when catching the gentleman's eye.

  Soon, the party dispersed, as everyone was tired from the day's activities. Mrs. Hurst was beaming with pride as all thanked her for the hospitality. Georgiana bid farewell to her new friend gladly with the knowledge that they would see each other again soon.

  Chapter 6

  Georgiana arrived at the Bingley household earlier than she was accustomed to for a visit. Miss Bennet had requested that they start their shopping before noon and Georgiana had not questioned it. She was glad to spend more time with her friend and went so far as to ask Elizabeth to return with her for tea once their shopping was complete.

  Georgiana was shown to Mrs. Bingley's morning room and was greeted by both Jane and Elizabeth.

  "Good morning, Miss Darcy." Jane said with a smile.

  "Good morning to you, Mrs. Bingley, Miss Bennet." Georgiana replied.

  Elizabeth laughed lightly before stating, "Would it be terrible to request that we use our Christian names, Miss Darcy?"

  "Oh, I would like that very much, Elizabeth." The younger girl said with a smile.

  "Wonderful, then I must also be Jane to you. Charles thinks of you as a younger sister and it has been such a pleasure to know you better." Jane said.

  Elizabeth rose, "With the formality banished, shall we go, Georgiana?"

  "Yes, of course."

  Elizabeth leaned down to kiss her sister's cheek, "Have a lovely day with Charles, Jane."

  As the carriage pulled away from the Bingley home, Georgiana spoke again.

  "Oh, Elizabeth, I feel so rude! I did not speak with Caroline before we left."

  With a slight smile, Elizabeth
said, "Worry not, Georgiana. Caroline never arises before noon."

  Elizabeth and Georgiana arrived at the Darcy townhouse laughing and quite ready for tea. They settled into the parlor once Georgiana instructed the servants to serve the refreshments.

  "Elizabeth, please tell me more of your home in Hertfordshire. Are you quite homesick for your family?"

  Elizabeth looked thoughtful for a moment before replying, "Not very, no. However, I am sure that I would be if I were not staying with Jane. We have always been the closest. Charles has also been very kind to me."

  "Your younger sisters must miss your company."

  "Perhaps. However, my mother had been quite cross with me before I left so I am certain that they appreciate the reduction in scolding being heard in the house."

  Georgiana appeared troubled by this before quietly saying, "I am sorry that you are at odds with your mother."

  Elizabeth touched her friend's hand before saying, "Truly, it is nothing too terrible, Georgiana. My mother and I often find ourselves at odds; however, I do love her and know that she loves me…in her own way."