Beyond Pride and Prejudice - A Birthday

Darcy plans for Elizabeth's 25th birthday.

It was to be Elizabeth's 25th Birthday and Darcy was determined to celebrate in style. He had sent out invitations and expected at least 250 people to descend upon Pemberley in the days preceding the event. Only those closest and dearest to Elizabeth and Darcy were to be staying in the main house. Some were staying in the dowager home that usually sat empty - though everyone was to keep quiet on that front because Darcy and most certainly Elizabeth did not want her mother living on the estate.

"You would not want to live too close to family," Darcy had said all those years ago and Elizabeth had smiled while her eyes, those handsome eyes twinkled her agreement.

It was one of the many things he loved about his Elizabeth. She was always so lovely, even when she didn't desire something. That twinkle of mischief gave her away and he often found himself biting the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling or laughing outright at her demure expression.

She loved her family, but in small doses and now with her own place here at Pemberley she was assured to have that distance with the occasional required visit.

This birthday was just such a visit. Darcy had made sure to keep the festivities going for only a short while before he was due to sweep Elizabeth away on a tour of France. Her family would only be here just over a week, with her sister Jane and Bingley and their children staying on for an extended bit before they were due to leave. No one was to tell Mrs. Bennett that they were leaving the following week and not the next day.

In fact, that bit of information was secreted away from all the Bennett children except Jane and Bingley. Even the staff were swore to secrecy.

The majority of their guests were from the village as Elizabeth had wanted everyone to partake in the celebration. Not for her sake, but for the chance to have a merry time with all the people who supported and made Pemberley the great estate that it was.

"An excuse to invite them all and celebrate the season."

Darcy could not argue with her. A festive affair was just the thing. In fact, long ago his mother had celebrated her own birthday with a community event. It had fallen by the wayside after his mother's passing and since then a more somber bent had hung over the estate.

People were still held in high esteem, but the grand party of his mother's day had been put to rest - until this very time. His own bride would bring the tradition back to Pemberley. It seemed fitting. His mother would have adored Elizabeth.

Elizabeth and Darcy planned and organized the event with gleeful delight. Darcy could not help be tugged along on the eager excitement of his Elizabeth. Whatever she wished, he would grant. He even had a few surprises of his own. It was her birthday after all.

Bingley and Jane were the first to arrive and they all marvelled at how quickly the children were growing. Darcy had arranged for them to come before any of the other guests. He knew Elizabeth and her sister would love the time to chat. Seeing them walking in the sun arm in arm, their heads together and their laughter rising up fresh as daisies warmed his heart. He, too, enjoyed his time with Bingley. It helped to settle him before they were set upon by the rest of the family and guests. Bingley was ever so much better at handling such matters.

"It'll be a fabulous celebration Darcy. I am sure of it," Bingley had assured him.

"You're right, of course, but," he let his voice trail away as he gave a shudder. Bingley laughed and put a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"I know how you feel Darcy, but you will endure. It will make Elizabeth happy to see her family... her father, especially. And Jane and the children, of course."

"She and Jane could happily see each other far more often." Bingley nodded his agreement.

'But their mother," Darcy whispered this as if the words would summon the older woman and her loud opinions and jarring manners. How such women like Elizabeth and Jane had risen from that household he did not know, but he was grateful for it.

"Kitty wants to stay on and come back with us after the party," Bingley told him. "We told her we would think on it and let her know. If she does stay with us we would have to leave early as I don't see Kitty holding her tongue. No doubt she'd let it slip to Lydia and then it would spread like wildfire."

"It would."

Even with Lydia married and away in the north of England she still kept in touch through Kitty and Mrs. Bennett. They were still thick as thieves. It was Elizabeth and Jane's hope to get Kitty into more sophisticated company so that she could find more suitable connections. Kitty was so easily swayed by her sister and her mother. Putting some distance there was to be a good plan.

If Mrs. Bennett got a whiff their deception there would be no escaping her loud objections and pontifications. She would make sure Elizabeth felt the slight and the guilt would be enormous. He would do anything to protect Elizabeth from such a situation.

Elizabeth would understand and maybe they could visit with the Bingley's after their tour of France. Besides who wouldn't enjoy extra time in Paris.



Word Count = 936 words.