Lizzie's Birthday

Dear Harriate, happy birthday.

… …

Darcy was confused. For days now Elizabeth had been telling him the date, something he was quite sure he could figure out on his own. It was at the top of his newspaper after all. She had also been talking about some new book she wanted to read and how wonderful a picnic would be. Darcy had the feeling that he was missing an important point somewhere along the line. As far as he could tell it was a perfectly normal day. It was not Michaelmas, it was not their anniversary, and it was not even Easter.

Things had gotten worse when Charles had turned up with Mrs Bingley that morning. Darcy had no idea why they had come but apparently they were expected. He hoped that no more of Elizabeth's relations would suddenly appear. Her older sister was charming, if a little simple and of course he had no objection to seeing his friend. What he didn't want was an impromptu visit from Elizabeth's youngest sister and her husband.

Darcy was still confused when he entered the dining room for dinner. Elizabeth was wearing a new necklace he didn't remember buying her and the table was covered in posies of green leaves. Was there some sort of celebration he was not aware of? He stared at his plate of leeks and mackerel, wondering why on earth Mrs Reynolds had chosen to give him that. All he remembered was that Elizabeth had a fondness for the fish. That didn't make it any more edible. Jane smiled across at him and asked:

"So, Darcy, what did you get Lizzie for her birthday?"