Friends Before Lovers Read online

  "It must be wonderful to have a home so full of family. My cousins are wonderful and I am glad to spend time with them; however, I have often wondered what fun it would be to have a sister." Georgiana said with a smile.

  "Yes, sisters can be a gift… at times. They can also exasperate, embarrass, and generally torture you if it crosses their fancy. My youngest sisters are quite exuberant. Although you are of the same age, your difference in comportment is striking. You do your brother proud, Georgiana."

  At this, Elizabeth's young friend frowned and looked quite upset. She then said softly, "I think not, Elizabeth."

  It was an odd reaction to a compliment that Elizabeth meant sincerely. She was about to ask after her friend's health when Georgiana distractedly knocked over her teacup and spilled its contents upon her dress.

  "Oh, Georgiana. It did not burn you, did it?"

  "No, no, I shall be fine. I am not always the most graceful of creatures." She replied with a small laugh.

  Elizabeth was glad that Georgiana seemed to recover quickly from whatever had caused her to be upset.

  "If you will excuse me, Elizabeth, I'll just go change into another gown." Georgiana said as she rose from her seat.

  "Of course, take your time." Elizabeth replied.

  After her friend left the room, Elizabeth rose and wandered to the window. She contemplated her visit to London as she watched the carriages pass on the street in front of the townhouse.

  Elizabeth had been relieved beyond measure when Charles and Jane extended the invitation for her to stay with them in London this Season. The escape from her mother's ravings of denied suitors was enough to entice her even though accepting the invitation also ensured she would have the near-constant company of Caroline.

  Elizabeth had given little thought to what adventures could be had while staying with the Bingley's. She was meeting new people constantly and Caroline assured her that it would only become more hectic as the Season progressed. She was very glad to have met the Darcys. Although they were beyond wealthy, both siblings appeared to be well-informed and pleasant conversationalists. Georgiana was sweet and enjoyed many of the same pursuits that Elizabeth did.

  Mr. Darcy. Well, he was certainly different from what Elizabeth had expected. She could not deny that he was the handsomest gentleman of her acquaintance. However, even beyond that, Elizabeth thought that there was a witty streak hidden beneath the formality he normally showed while in company. She had to just think about the circumstances of their first meeting to prove that. She smiled as she remembered his dumbstruck face when she apologized for bursting into Charles' study.

  Elizabeth heard the parlor door open and turned to find the subject of her thoughts.

  "Good day, Miss Bennet."

  "Good day, Mr. Darcy"

  "I thought to find my sister here. Perhaps I could find her in Charles' parlor?" He said with a smile.

  "Oh, no, sir. We have not switched siblings on you and Charles. Although, I would have to say that he would benefit from the change." She said with a laugh and then continued, "Miss Darcy was needed in her room but said that she would return shortly."

  "I see. Well, then perhaps you would allow me to keep you company while we wait for my sister to return?"

  Elizabeth dipped a curtsy and said, "Certainly."

  They both took a seat and then Darcy broke the silence.

  "I believe the mission of the day was music. Were you successful in your endeavor?"

  "Yes, we were. I was overwhelmed by the quantity stocked at the establishment. I was able to procure a new song that I am sure to do injustice to. Your sister was also delighted to find something new."

  "Wonderful. I look forward to hearing what Georgiana was able to find."

  "Georgian seems quite taken with the pianoforte. From what she tells me, she practices religiously."

  "Yes, she has always favored playing the instrument. Although she generally studies diligently, I can admit that there were times that I was forced to be the unkind brother and instruct her that more was necessary."

  "It must be difficult to have charge of a young woman when you are still a young man yourself." Elizabeth said thoughtfully.

  Mr. Darcy cracked a smile and responded, "You think me a young man, Miss Bennet?"

  "Oh, I do apologize, Mr. Darcy. I did not mean any offence." She quickly replied.

  "Please, do not apologize. I believe we are well-versed in speaking our mind while in each other's presence."

  Although Elizabeth blushed at this reminder of her outspokenness, she laughed.

  "Tis true, sir."

  Darcy smiled again and then said, "I was a young man when my father was taken from us; however, I do not consider myself to be young now."

  "I believe such great responsibility has the power to age a person. I am sorry for your loss, sir." She said earnestly.

  "Thank you but it was a long time ago." He replied.

  "Yes, yet I am sorry all the same." She replied quietly.

  They were both quiet for a moment, lost in their own thoughts of loved ones when Georgiana entered the room again.

  "Will, I am sorry I was not here when you arrived." She said with a smile.

  Darcy rose and walked to his sister and dropped a kiss upon her head.

  "Yes, I was surprised to find poor Miss Bennet abandoned by you." He teased.

  "Well, all the better that you arrived to entertain her since I was so terribly rude." She replied.

  "I believe I will leave the two of you to continue your visit in peace. Have a pleasant day, Miss Bennet."

  "Thank you, sir." Elizabeth replied with a smile as the gentleman turned and left the room.

  Chapter 7

  Elizabeth could hardly believe the elegance surrounding her as she entered the theatre. The Season was in full swing and this was her first outing to the theatre with the Bingley's. Elizabeth's Aunt and Uncle Gardiner were kind enough to take her to a performance in the past when she had visited; however, she had never attended when the eyes of the Ton would be heavily upon them. Since this was Jane's first Season as Mrs. Bingley, their party was sure to attract quite a bit of attention.

  While Elizabeth would own up to having some nerves about attending, she was much too excited about the performance to put any damper on the evening. However, poor Mr. Darcy seemed extremely uncomfortable. What a confusing creature he was! Elizabeth could not fathom how a man of his standing could be anything but at ease in such a social situation.

  "Are you well, sir?" She asked the gentleman escorting her into the theatre.

  Her question seemed to bring him out of whatever unpleasant thought he was having.

  "Why, yes, Miss Bennet, I am quite well." He responded with a little confusion.

  Elizabeth smiled and said, "Oh, I am so glad. I was afraid that the wrinkle in your brow would become permanent."

  They both laughed at that before he responded in a lower voice.

  "I am afraid that I am always in such a mood at the beginning of the season. I am too much alike the gazelle trying to avoid the lions."

  "Mr. Darcy! Again you shock me!" She said before she also lowered her voice to whisper, "comparing the poor match-making mamas to wild animals! Well, perhaps I will find a more entertaining performance to watch off the stage, rather than on it."

  "Now you are the shocking one, Miss Bennet. I do not believe that friends should find humor in each other's suffering." He replied, schooling his face to appear hurt.

  "Hmmm, tis true, sir. I believe it is due to the fact that I can see circumstances from the other side watching you cower. I am sure that Charles must have told you that there is no greater matchmaking mama in all of the kingdom than can be found in a little corner of Hertfordshire. I have too often been mortified of my mother's kindly meant interference to not find a little humor in observing the hunted rather than the hunter."

  Darcy looked thoughtful at this before their attention was called for by Bingley who wished to introduce
Elizabeth to some of his acquaintances. Caroline then took the opportunity to attach herself to Darcy's other arm.

  "Mr. Darcy, are you helping Eliza navigate her first theatre experience of the season? Eliza, you must allow Mr. Darcy to attend to his many friends in attendance tonight too. It would not do to monopolize his time, dear." Caroline said with false affection.

  "Certainly not, Caroline. I would not wish to detain Mr. Darcy from anyone of import." Elizabeth replied while smirking at Mr. Darcy.

  Darcy finally cut in and said, "Nonsense. I am attending tonight with my friends and I see no reason that I should feel obligated to leave our party."

  "Take care, Mr. Darcy. That proclamation borders on prideful. Thinking that others must seek you out and are not worth the effort to leave your party to greet them."

  "Why, Eliza! You are quite impertinent with our good friend!" Caroline exclaimed, horrified.

  However, their good friend was already chuckling. He then responded, "On the contrary, Miss Bingley, what good is a friend if they allow you to be prideful and not attempt to help you see the error of your ways? Now, I shall attempt to prove that I have taken her admonishment to heart. If you will both excuse me, I believe I see a friend of my aunt's that I should greet."

  Darcy cut a bow and walked towards a large party with an elegant, older woman at its center.

  "Truly, Eliza, I do not think that your sharp tongue will gain you the prize that you seek. No matter what the gentleman says in an attempt to avoid your embarrassment."

  It was difficult for Elizabeth to not roll her eyes at this.

  "Fear not, Caroline, I am seeking no 'prize' as you put it."

  Caroline seemed to look for truth in Elizabeth's face. "Yes, well, that is good. Mr. Darcy is a man of the first circles and will certainly be seeking a wife who is well-versed in what is required of such status."

  Elizabeth was not ignorant of who Caroline thought was best suited to such a position. The two ladies rejoined Bingley and Jane. Elizabeth attended the conversation and each new introduction with grace. There were times that she felt the condescension rolling off of the new acquaintance. It was difficult to not respond with some offense so, instead, she focused on the ridiculousness of such haughty individuals. Therefore, it was with relief when Colonel Waldegrave joined their party with his sister, Amelia.

  When Elizabeth was introduced to Amelia, she was pleasantly surprised to find a truly affable lady. Soon Jane, Caroline and Amelia were deep in discussion about the latest fashions and Elizabeth was drawn into conversation with the Colonel.

  "May I say that you look lovely this evening, Miss Bennet?"

  "Thank you, Colonel." Elizabeth replied while unsuccessfully hiding a blush.

  "Are you enjoying your first night at the theatre?"

  "I cannot say, sir, since the performance has yet to begin." She replied with a smile.

  "Now, now, you must know that a night at the theatre has little to do with the actors on stage. The real entertainment can be found out here in the hall."

  "As a matter of fact, one of my friends has exactly the same sentiment. It must be so; however, I know enough to not to admit to such feelings."

  The Colonel then laughed and said, "I look forward to discussing your thoughts on the evening then when next we meet. Perhaps you will be ready to admit your true feelings at such a time."

  The Colonel and his sister then bid the Bingley party a good evening before entering the theatre. A moment later, Mr. Darcy rejoined their group. As they ascended the staircase that led to their theatre box, Mr. Darcy said softly to Elizabeth, "Act I is complete, I hope you enjoy the Act II."

  Elizabeth smiled softly and thought that she would enjoy life in London more than expected.

  Chapter 8

  As the weeks passed, Elizabeth found that a season in London was both exhilarating as well as exhausting. She was very pleased to see that Jane was welcomed into society as Charles' new bride but the continuous string of balls and engagements was staggering. Thankfully, she had found two new friends in both Miss Darcy and Miss Waldegrave. Spending time with Georgiana was enjoyable given the young woman's calm and sweet disposition. Amelia Waldegrave, who was quite the opposite of calm, proved to be an entertaining companion as well.

  The trio had made a habit of walking about in Hyde Park together as often as social engagements would allow. Conversation flowed freely among the friends with the topics varying greatly depending upon who joined them during their walk. Companions, brothers or sisters would occasionally be of the walking party. Today, however, only a footman followed as they ambled along the path since Mrs. Annesley had the day off to visit a friend and their brothers were otherwise occupied.

  "Well, Elizabeth, are you prepared for your journey home to Hertfordshire?" Amelia asked.

  Elizabeth sighed before answering, "Yes, I believe I am. I will certainly miss my time in London; however, it will be good to see my family again and be back in the country as it welcomes spring."

  Georgiana smiled while Amelia laughed and said, "Life in Town can be stifling."

  With a smirk to Georgiana, Amelia continued, "Are you not concerned for the broken hearts that you will leave here in London?"

  Elizabeth stopped and said, "You both know that I will miss you dearly. I fully expect faithful correspondence for each of you."

  "Now, now, Elizabeth, I was hardly speaking of Georgiana and I. I was referring to all of the gentlemen who have been swooning over you at every ball this Season!"

  Georgiana gasped and said, "What is this? Why have I not been informed of such activities? Was an attachment formed that you failed to tell me of, Elizabeth?"

  "Amelia! You are quite the trouble-maker. No, Georgiana, I am returning home with the same single status in which I arrived…much to Caroline and my mother's chagrin, I might add."

  The three young women laughed as they continued walking.

  "Regardless of what your marital status may be, I noticed several admirers amongst your acquaintance this Season. Contrary to what you claim, Jane did not receive all of the beauty, my friend." Amelia said with a small squeeze of Elizabeth's hand.

  Elizabeth blushed at the compliment before turning the subject to her friend.

  "Georgiana, do not allow Amelia to pretend she was not receiving continuous offers to dance as well. According to Caroline, Amelia should secure Sir Thomas Bertram's heir as quickly as possible."

  Elizabeth and Georgiana laughed as Amelia scowled.

  "Miss Bingley is welcome to divert Tom Bertram's attentions from me at her earliest convenience. That gentleman is exhibiting behaviors that he should be ashamed of! Unfortunately, my brother is quite fond of him so it has been difficult to avoid him altogether."

  Elizabeth became serious once again.

  "Certainly Col. Waldegrave would not expose you to unwanted attentions? His care and affection for you is obvious." Elizabeth asked.

  "Oh, no. John would never encourage such a match. I am speaking of my eldest brother, George."

  Amelia responded and then added with a smile, "John will be pleased to know that you think so highly of him."

  Elizabeth chose not to respond to her friend's teasing again and they continued their walk. When they reached the beginning of the path again, Amelia turned to Georgiana.

  "I am sorry that I was unable to accept your invitation for tea this afternoon; however, my aunt would not be put off."

  "Of course, I understand." Georgiana replied.

  Amelia was helped into her carriage and driven away as Georgiana and Elizabeth turned to the Darcy carriage to return to the townhouse for tea. As they drove down the bumpy road, Elizabeth noticed Georgiana's pallor.

  "Are you well, Georgiana? You look a bit flushed."

  "Yes, I am fine. I believe we walked further than we normally do and I am feeling it. I shall be perfectly well again once we have our tea." Georgiana responded with a small smile.

  Although Elizabeth did not agree with Ge
orgiana's assessment on the length of their walk, she did not push her friend further.

  After arriving at the Darcy townhouse, the young ladies were settled into their seats. As always, conversation flowed easily and steadily between the two. When Elizabeth announced that it was time for her to depart, Georgiana rose to summon the carriage for her friend but then suddenly became unsteady on her feet. Elizabeth reached her just in time before Georgiana collapsed.

  "Oh, Elizabeth, I am so very sorry but I suddenly feel quite ill." Georgiana whispered.

  Elizabeth helped her friend lie down on the settee before gently touching her cheek.

  "Georgiana, you are burning up! We must get you to bed immediately."

  "Please don't go to any trouble…" Georgiana said before she closed her eyes and appeared to be sleeping.

  Elizabeth quickly asked the footman to fetch the housekeeper. The Darcy's housekeeper, Mrs.

  White, entered the room and, upon seeing Miss Darcy's state, took charge and had Georgiana carried into her room and the doctor summoned.

  "Mrs. White, will you not also alert Mr. Darcy of Miss Darcy's illness? I am sure that her brother would want to be here when the doctor arrives."