Revelations an adaption of Pride and Prejudice

Chapter 55

And it can, but that doesn't mean Darcy is pleased with it. He knows something is going on between Elizabeth and Georgie, the way his beloved looks at her sister whenever she thinks no-one is watching. Positively soft.

So it's probably as he suspects, Georgie has learned to love Mr Fielding, it is hurtful that neither of them will tell him, but it is also true that he does need some time to get used to the idea of his sister contemplating getting married to a penniless, though very gifted, man.

That way, when it does come out, he will be able to keep from showing his disappointment. And he can make sure his driven protégé cannot use his sister's fortune to further his own ambitions. Though frankly, Darcy doesn't think Mr Fielding capable of doing such a thing, he seems ready to give up on his boyhood dreams and build a life for himself a bit closer to home.

They do look good together, such a handsome couple. And though Mr Fielding always seemed rather overbearing in his teaching, seeing him at his most vulnerable has shown both Georgie and himself that he is a real human with strong feelings. Remarkably enough the complete opposite of Manners, who seemed so gentle but turned out to be rather overpowering, even towards Darcy himself.

Though he'd undoubtedly take good care of Georgie, too. Better hope she'll hide her feelings well, at least until that gentleman is back to his own house, for it wouldn't do for him to find the girl he is after already taken by his inferior. Though in a way, Mr Fielding is superior to the lot of them, having come so far from such humble beginnings.

All in all, the time until their departure does not give Darcy any cause to worry, Georgiana is much more like herself, she makes the most of the company she's in, playing dances for the young people, dancing herself with all the young men present, and with her brother.

And Elizabeth is even nicer to him than ever, a rather disconcerting situation to be in, to know the truth, and at the same time be spoiled by his wife out of guilt for leaving him in the dark. It makes being left out so much more real, it feels like rubbing it in. If only she doesn't go too far being nice, he so loves her to be pert to him, and yes, occasionally very bossy.

Of course that is just an act to her, though his need for it is very real. But the next time that strange mood hits him and he feels the need to give himself up to her completely, she reacts so strongly it almost seems real to her, too.

It starts during dinner, he is sitting next to Elizabeth, talking to Mrs and Mr Hurst, the latter of whom has taken quite a fancy to Elizabeth lately, or more probably from the start but daring to show it only since her marriage to Darcy has given her a certain standing, and who certainly shows his preference now.

Though he knows Elizabeth sees Mr Hurst merely as entertainment from an unexpected quarter, and maybe a kind of ally among the opposition, he still feels a flash of irritation at the man's open admiration of his wife.

Is his sudden overpowering urge to humble himself to Elizabeth his subconscious' punishment for his own scornful jealousy? It cannot be atonement towards Elizabeth, for embarrassing her in public does not make up for a despicable feeling that is so well-hidden only she can even discern it.

'Mrs Darcy,' says Mr Hurst, 'I know you prefer a hearty dish to one of these dainties, but this French duck's liver pâté is so exquisite, I am not below begging you to taste it. You'll love it, I'm sure.'

'Elizabeth my love, will you please taste the pâté quickly? I don't think I could bear it if anyone but me got to beg you for anything.'

The way she looks at him nearly frightens him in this mood, she is as close to anger as he has ever seen her, which gives him a thrill of anticipation and yes, pleasure.