Friends Before Lovers Read online

  "Yes, miss. I will send a man right away. Would you also wish to take the carriage home? I know that Miss Darcy informed our driver that you would require the carriage when your visit ended."

  Elizabeth worried her lip as she decided how to answer the kind woman.

  "If you are amenable, I would like to stay with Miss Darcy until her brother arrives."

  "Of course, miss." Was the housekeeper's short reply before she curtsied and left the room to pen the message for Mr. Darcy.

  Elizabeth was very worried for her friend. She recalled that her health had been poorly last autumn and prayed that this was not a recurrence of such a malady. After touching her friend's cheek, she requested a washcloth and basin of water from the chambermaid and proceeded to cool Georgiana's forehead while she waited for either the doctor or Mr. Darcy to arrive.

  Darcy rushed to his sister's room taking the stairs two at a time. He was quite distraught when he received the note from Mrs. White explaining his sister's feverish state. His natural tendency to worry over his loved ones only increased with the passing of first his mother and then his father. Georgie was all that was left of his immediate family so his mind raced with what he would find when he arrived home. Out of all of the scenarios that he thought up, the sight that greeted him as he opened his sister's bedchamber door was wholly unexpected.

  Miss Bennet was gently wiping Georgie's brow with a washcloth. Darcy was touched by the worry that was etched into the young woman's face as she looked after Georgiana. She was so intent in her ministrations that she did not appear to have noticed his arrival. He cleared his throat as he stepped into the room.

  "Oh, Mr. Darcy. I am so glad that you have arrived!"

  Before he could reply, Mrs. White bustled into the room.

  "Ah, Mr. Darcy, sir. I have just received a note from Doctor Thorne. He will be here within the hour."

  "Thank you, Mrs. White. Has there been any change in Miss Darcy's condition since you wrote to me?" Darcy asked as his eyes strayed questioningly between his housekeeper and Elizabeth.

  "No, sir. She appears to be resting, albeit fitfully due to the fever." The elder woman replied.

  Darcy nodded his head before turning to Miss Bennet.

  "Miss Bennet, I thank you for your care of my sister in my absence."

  "Truly, sir, it was no trouble. I only wish that I might do something more to help alleviate whatever it is that ails her."

  "Yes, well, I am certain that Doctor Thorne might shed some light on the matter." Darcy responded as he glanced worriedly at his sister.

  "I do hope that this illness might be of short duration, sir, and not a relapse?" Elizabeth dared to question.

  Darcy appeared confused for a moment before understanding dawned.

  "No, madam, I can assure you that this is not a relapse." Darcy said vehemently with a slight scowl.

  It was now Elizabeth's turn to appear confused but she said nothing further and just nodded at his response.

  Softening his features once again, Darcy asked if Miss Bennet was ready to return to the Bingley residence and offered to see her to the carriage.

  "I thank you for the kindness, sir, but I am sure that you would wish to remain with your sister."

  Upon hearing this, Mrs. White interjected and said, "I would be happy to escort Miss Bennet to the carriage. She has been a great help this afternoon."

  Elizabeth colored at the praise and thanked Mrs. White before preparing to leave the room.

  "Good evening, Mr. Darcy. I will pray for a good report from the doctor." Elizabeth said as she curtsied.

  "Thank you again Miss Bennet. Georgiana is blessed to have your friendship." Darcy bowed and watched Miss Bennet and Mrs. White leave the room before returning to his sister's bedside.

  Chapter 9

  The following day, Elizabeth was anxious for news of Georgiana as she entered the Darcy townhouse again. She was immediately shown into the parlor by Mrs. White and, only moments later, Mr. Darcy appeared.

  "Good day, Miss Bennet."

  "I hope that it is, Mr. Darcy. I apologize for calling again so soon but I am quite eager to know how Miss Darcy fares?"

  Darcy was touched by the sincere concern this woman showed for his sister.

  "Georgiana is resting comfortably, thank you. The doctor confirmed that it is only a common cold that seems to have inflicted her unusually severely; however, he assures me that with a few days rest she will fully recover. Please sit down. Mrs. White is preparing tea for us."

  "Oh no, sir! I do not want to impose. I only wanted to inquire after Miss Darcy."

  "Come now, Miss Bennet. You are not an imposition at all. I am all too grateful that you were with Georgiana yesterday until I arrived."

  Elizabeth still seemed uncertain as to whether she should remain so Darcy continued.

  "Also, Mrs. White is quite taken with you now after you displayed such affection towards Georgiana. She would certainly dress me down if I allowed you to leave without taking some refreshments. You would not wish such a fate upon me, would you?" He added with a smile.

  Elizabeth laughed as she finally sat down.

  "My, my…Mrs. White must be a formidable woman, indeed, to cause the great Mr. Darcy to quake."

  Darcy sat across from Elizabeth before saying, "It is too true. There are few in this world that I fear more than when I displease Mrs. White or Mrs. Reynolds, our housekeeper at Pemberly. I love and respect each dearly; however, since each have been with my family since I was but a boy, I know better than to cross them."

  They both laughed at this admission.

  "I must say that I am surprised that you willingly admit your weaknesses to me. Whatever will you do when I have no other target for my entertainment and choose to employ all of this new knowledge against you?" Elizabeth challenged with a smile.

  "Ah, I see now. Perhaps I have been remiss to consider you a friend then? However, you forget that I have also acquired enough knowledge to assure that I will not end up your unfortunate target." Darcy said with a smug smile of his own.

  Elizabeth was glad to see that Darcy realized she was jesting but also curious as to what he felt he knew about her.

  "I am bursting with curiosity, Mr. Darcy. Pray, share this incriminating information? I might remind you that not only do I now know of the power that Mrs. White and Mrs. Reynolds hold over you but there is also your great fear of match-making mamas that I have witnessed."

  "Yes, yes, I am aware that you have found my every attempt to thwart such mamas this Season as the highest form of entertainment, Miss Bennet." He said with a stern look.

  "Do not look so cross, sir! I will admit to being slightly amused by your polite refusals to dance with women outside of your own party. Yet, remember sir, that in my accompanying Charles and Jane, I provided you with an additional woman to dance with so that you had a more believable excuse."

  Darcy laughed at her logic but nodded his head in agreement.

  "That is too true, Miss Bennet. I retract my former charge, you have proven your friendship."

  A maid arrived with a tray of refreshments for them both. Elizabeth still had a smile on her face from their silly exchange before she, once again, broached the topic of Miss Darcy.

  "I must admit that my relief is great over Georgiana's diagnosis. Charles informed Jane and I that Georgiana was quite unwell at the time of the wedding. I am so thankful to find that she will not have to endure another difficult recovery."

  Darcy appeared uncomfortable again at her mention of Georgiana's previous illness. Elizabeth began to worry that she should not have shared that Charles spoke of it to her. Before she could apologize for her forwardness, Darcy began speaking.

  "Miss Bennet, I believe that it might be beneficial to share some private information with you. However, I must stress that this is information that only a few of our closest relatives are aware of so I must ask for your discretion."

  He looked at Elizabeth before continuing after she nodde
d her understanding.

  "Georgiana was not ill at the time of Charles' wedding, that is, she was not recovering from an illness as I led Charles to believe."

  At Elizabeth's look of confusion, Darcy struggled to continue.

  "Disguise of every sort is my abhorrence; however, Georgiana truly was in no condition to be left alone at the time."

  After a brief pause, he continued, "She suffered a great disappointment last summer and it has taken months for her to recover her spirits. In actuality, it has only been recently that she has begun to exhibit her former behaviors and enjoyments again."

  "I am very sorry to hear this, Mr. Darcy. This disappointment must have been great indeed to produce such a change."

  "I am sorry to be so vague regarding the details; however, that is Georgiana's story to tell if she so chooses. I only wanted to emphasize to you that your friendship to my sister has done wonders for her. I cannot thank you enough."

  "Please, sir. Do not thank me for doing something that I derive equal if not more pleasure from as Georgiana. Her friendship has been one of the highlights of my visit."

  Elizabeth smirked before adding, "Well, her friendship as well as watching her elder brother run from all of the matronly ladies of London!"

  As they laughed, the mood lightened from their serious conversation. Finally, Elizabeth bid Mr. Darcy farewell as she departed with his promise that Georgiana would send a note when she was well again.

  Chapter 10

  Two days before Elizabeth was due to return home, she was preparing to attend her final ball in London. Jane and Elizabeth had spent the afternoon sequestered away in Jane's private parlor laughing together and wondering about their family at home in Longbourn.

  "It is a wonder that Papa has not sneaked away to join us in London during my time here. His last missive, though short, was filled with allusions to how creative Lydia and Kitty have become at trying his patience." Elizabeth said with a laugh.

  "Oh, I am sure that they both are just looking for attention from Papa." Jane said softly.

  When Elizabeth fixed her sister with an incredulous stare, Jane added, "and perhaps they are looking for a slight increase in allowance as well."

  They both laughed at that before the door was opened to reveal an exasperated Caroline. Without a word, she threw herself onto the divan with a dramatic sigh.

  "Good afternoon, Caroline." Jane said.

  With another sigh, Caroline said, "Oh, my dear sisters, whatever am I to do?"

  "What is wrong?" Jane asked, concerned.

  "I am simply forlorn, Jane! Louisa is being awful to me and refuses to allow me to wear Mother's ruby necklace to the ball this evening. Even though I told her that it would look dreadful with the dress that she intends to wear!" Caroline looked from Jane to Elizabeth expecting to see agreement.

  "Perhaps that is the very reason she will not allow you to borrow the necklace, Caroline." Elizabeth said sharply before continuing, "I know that I would not feel generous towards my sisters if they were critical of my fashion choices."

  "Oh, Eliza, do be serious! Louisa is aware that I have more fashion sense than she." Caroline glanced down at the dress that Elizabeth was wearing before adding, "as well as others."

  Jane saw the anger flash in Elizabeth's eyes and quickly intervened.

  "Caroline, you are welcome to borrow one of my new pieces for tonight?"

  "Oh, truly, Jane? Thank you so much! The necklace that Charles gave you at Christmas with the large onyx would be perfect…better even than Louisa's ruby necklace." Caroline said sweetly.

  "Certainly, I'll have it sent to your room." Jane replied.

  "You are such a treasure, Jane. Now, I must retire to my room to begin dressing for tonight." Caroline said as she stood quickly from her chair. Before she reached the door, she looked over at Elizabeth and added, "You would do well to follow my example, Eliza. Your time is almost up to return home with gentleman willing to follow you."

  "Thank you so much for your concern, Caroline." Elizabeth said sarcastically.

  That evening, as Bingley hands Elizabeth down from the carriage, she smiles to her brother and takes a moment to look at the bustling people around her. Although she had visited Town in the past, it was nothing compared to the amount of social events she was privileged to go to during her stay with Jane and Charles. Watching Charles extend his arm to Jane, Elizabeth cannot help but feel blessed that he joined their family.

  "Truly, Eliza, must you always dawdle?"

  Elizabeth's thoughts were cut short by Caroline's fierce whisper. Perhaps there is a price to be paid for every blessing after all.

  Choosing not to respond to Caroline's chastisement, Elizabeth simply continues to follow her party into the house. Most of the guests have already arrived and the chandeliers are radiant. A thrill of excitement courses through Elizabeth at the thought of dancing tonight. Mr. Darcy soon joins their party and extends his greetings to everyone. Caroline maneuvers closer to him as Elizabeth smirks.

  "Well, Darce, I hope that you have come prepared to dance tonight. My house was filled with talk of dancing all afternoon and we must not disappoint the ladies." Charles says with a laugh.

  "Charles, do not torment Mr. Darcy. You know that he does not enjoy the employment." Caroline says while turning a questioning look to Darcy.

  "On the contrary, Miss Bingley. I have every intention of dancing this evening."

  A look of joy comes across Caroline's face before he continues.

  "I understand that this will be your last ball before leaving Town, Miss Bennet. I was hoping to solicit your hand for the first dance." Darcy asked, turning towards Elizabeth.

  "I thank you, sir. It would be a pleasure." Elizabeth said with a smile, avoiding the look that Caroline was sending her.

  Darcy went on to request dances with Jane, Caroline and Mrs. Hurst. Before excusing himself to greet another gentleman, Darcy promised to return before the first set began. Bingley took this opportunity to request the second set from Elizabeth and was happily accepted.

  Amelia and Col. Waldegrave then joined their party.

  "Oh, Elizabeth! I can hardly believe that you will be leaving so soon. Even before the Season is over."

  Caroline interjected, "Yes, Louisa and I were just saying the same, Amelia. However, our little Eliza has been out of the country for quite a long time. I am sure that she will be content to be home with her family again."

  "But you are forgetting, Caroline. You are my family now too." Elizabeth said with a sweet smile before turning back towards her friend and the Colonel.

  "I hope that you have a wonderful evening, my friend." Amelia said with a gleam in her eye.

  "As do I, dear sister, which is why I would like to request your hand for the first set, Miss Bennet?" The Col. said with a bow.

  "Oh, I am sorry, Col. Waldegrave, but I am already engaged for the first two sets."

  "I see. Perhaps I can secure your company for the supper set then?"

  "Yes, I thank you." Elizabeth replied.

  "Brilliant, then I can assure my sister that I will do my utmost to make your evening wonderful during dinner."

  The three of them laughed and continued to talk before Elizabeth felt someone approach from behind.

  "Pardon me, Miss Bennet, but I believe that they are lining up for the opening dance."

  Mr. Darcy greeted the Waldegraves while extending his arm to Elizabeth. As the pair took their places, Elizabeth noticed the many stares turned their way. Even for an outgoing individual like Elizabeth, it was unnerving to be scrutinized so fervently. It must be absolute torture for a man like Mr. Darcy who seemed to relax only when in the company of friends in small numbers. She turned her gaze upon her dance partner with a new appreciation. At that moment, his eyes found hers and she blushed at being caught.

  "May I ask what has caused you to look at me with such concentration, Miss Bennet? You are being quiet, which I happen to know is a rare occurrence when you are da
ncing."

  She smiled broadly at his teasing before responding.

  "I am attempting to sketch your character, Mr. Darcy. You continue to surprise me."

  "I see, please carry on, I would not wish to suspend your enjoyment." He said in mock seriousness.

  Elizabeth was greatly pleased with her dance partners as the night progressed. After spending the majority of her time 'out' in Hertfordshire with the same young men who she grew up with, it was exciting to meet so many affable gentlemen. Time passed so quickly, that it was soon the supper set.