Say it with flowers

A/N : This OS was first written for a challenge on a french-speaking forum. You had one hour to write on the word ''Poppy''. If you want more details, send me a mp.

Enjoy ! (and please R&R)

Disclaimer : The characters belong to Jane Austen.

Meanings of the Poppy : « Consolation », « Love each other soon», « Peace »

During the afternoon Elizabeth spent at Pemberley with her aunt and uncle, Georgiana Darcy decided to learn more about this young woman who so fascinated her dear brother. With this resolve, and before her courage could fail her, she suggested a walk in the gardens to her guests.

Mr Darcy, desirous to see his sister and his love develop a true friendship, elected to sacrifice himself for this noble cause, his staying inside insuring that Miss Bingley would not bother the young women with her company. Mrs Hurst had no wish to spend time outside, her husband was already asleep on a couch and Mr Bingley was too kind to abandon his friend in such a fahion. Mr and Mrs Gardiner politely declined, as they had already explored the park the day before.

Therefore, Elizabeth and Georgiana took their leave, and prepared to go outside. Georgiana soon guided the older woman towards the rose garden, amazed by how easily she was discussing small nothings with a near stranger. Somehow, Elizabeth made her at ease.

Once they were in the rose garden, and after delighted exclamations about the beauty of the flowers, they sitted on a shadowed bench. There, for the first time since the begining of their conversation, the young woman hesitated. After carefully observing her brother's reactions, she was convinced that Elizabeth would soon become her sister. And though this future events delighted her, she feared that her mistake of the past summer might cost strain the relationship between her brother and his love, or more probably between Elizabeth and herself. Would she accept such a foolish sister? Georgiana feared her judgement if she confided in her.

Elizabeth, who had observed the girl's hesitation and felt her unease, smiled gently. Then, she leaned down to pick a poppy near the bench and offered it to Georgiana :

''I sincerely want for us to be friends, Miss Darcy. However, friendship and trust cannot and should not be hurried. It takes time. Just as you are not yet ready today to share what is troubling you, I do not yet know which words of comfort I can offer you. Until we can find our words, please accept this flower. One of his meanings is 'Consolation'.''

Her eyes wet, Georgiana nodded gratefully and took the flower.

O0oOo0o

About three month after her brother's wedding to Elizabeth, Georgiana returned to Pemberley. Though Fitzwilliam, during his engagement, had told her that Elizabeth already knew everything about her and Wickham – and had in fact known before their first meeting in Derbyshire – she was still worried.

Her worry, thankfully, proved to be for naught. As soon as her brother handed her down from the carriage, Elizabeth happily and sincerely welcomed her home. As if they had already been sisters for years. Under the slightly confused stare of her brother, Georgiana immediately accepted the poppy Elizabeth offered her with a smile and a quick whisper :

''Another meaning for you : 'Love each other soon'. I hope we will become as close as sisters can be soon.''

O0oOo0o

Over time, things at Pemberley fell into a joyous and peaceful routine. Talking with her new sister, Georgiana slowly overcame her shame, forgiving herself for her youth mistake and gaining back her natural cheerfulness.

On a beautiful day of spring, as the two women were walking the path of the rose garden, Georgiana leaned down and then offered a poppy to Elizabeth, smiling :

''I wish to thank you for the joy and the peace that you brought back to this home, and to me. So I will offer you one last meaning of this flower : 'Peace'.''