The Chase Is On

By Marks

Section I, Next Section

Chapter 1: Darcy, Or The Hunsford Harrier

Posted on Friday, 13-Nov-98

"...and I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry."

"You have said quite enough, madam. I perfectly comprehend your feelings, and have now only to be ashamed of what my own have been. Forgive me for taking up so much of your time, and accept my best wishes for your health and happiness."

And with these words, he made to leave the room. As his hand touched the door knob, however, a voice inside commanded him to stop. His thoughts, so tumbling over in his head over the last few minutes, collected themselves, and brought him up sharply. "Why," the voice in his head continued, "is someone with such pride in his understanding behaving so stupidly?" A frown briefly passed over his face, but the voice would not be stilled. "You addle-pate, here is the woman you have been looking for all your life, someone different to the others, someone to whom your money is of no consequence, someone to whom love and family are paramount and whose character and lively mind have already captured your heart. If you walk out that door, you are the biggest fool in England." Darcy's hand recoiled from the door knob as if it were on fire, and he turned to address Elizabeth once more.

"Miss Bennet." He appeared to struggle for a moment for words before continuing, "I must accept your answer. However, I ask of your justice two things. First that I be allowed to answer the charges leveled at me by Mr. Wickham, which, if true would be grievous indeed."

Here he paused. He must get Miss Bennet to agree to meet and talk further. He must find a way to get her to want to see him, no matter how reluctantly. So, he thought, I need a little bait for the hook. He then continued out loud. "And second, the matter of your sister, I should like to know more of her feelings for Bingley. If I have unreasonably separated them, then I should rectify the matter. Information on that, I trust you can supply. However, the state of my feelings at this time, as you might imagine, would not allow me to discuss the matter impartially. Could we perhaps meet tomorrow and talk?"

Elizabeth heard all this in silence and increasing astonishment. That he might have been in love with her had been a shock, that he should want to justify himself to her on his treatment of Wickham she could hardly credit, it being her opinion of Mr. Darcy that he would not take the trouble to justify himself to anyone. Her first reaction was to refuse him direct. Her feelings toward him were not in the least changed by his speech. But the matter of Jane had to be considered. Was there a chance that Bingley could renew his addresses to her? If so, it would only be through his friend's advice, as was their separation. She frowned at this, but spoke up, "Very well Mr. Darcy, but we cannot meet here. The servants are already talking, and any further visits which had us alone together, would give impressions far and wide that are definitely false."

She saw him wince at this last statement, but he replied civilly enough, "Very well then, perhaps we should meet tomorrow morning at nine in the grove. No one should remark on that."

With that he made a final bow, and departed with a smile. She had swallowed the bait.

Elizabeth now let her feelings overcome her. That he should have been in love with her for so long, so much in love as to want to marry her despite his objections, was almost incredible! But his pride, apparently without shame, his treatment of Jane and Wickham prevented her from anything more than a momentary stab of pity.

She continued in this agitated state until she heard the carriage arrive back from Rosings with Charlotte and Mr. Collins. Feeling unequal to the prospect of facing her friend, she hurried away to her room.

She noticed from the quietness of the house that Charlotte and Mr. Collins had retired relatively early, and reflected with a giggle that Lady Catherine had probably made some comment in passing on the virtues of early bedtimes, and Mr. Collins being only to eager to oblige. Elizabeth, however, did not get much sleep that night, tossing and turning over the evening's events again and again.

The next morning, she woke late, and remembering her appointment with Darcy, determined that she would not have breakfast, and to be truthful, she really had no appetite after her meeting the night before.

She arrived in the dining room to see both Charlotte and Mr. Collins consuming a large meal. Mr. Collins was shoveling his food down with gusto. Elizabeth was forced to observe to herself that their activities of the previous night must have been much different to hers to awaken such an appetite. She wondered what they had been playing at. Whist? Loo? Charades? Ah yes, that must have been it! Elizabeth could imagine Charlotte going through the motions doggedly, but Mr. Collins? The image just wouldn't come. She truly regretted not being there.

As she made her apologies and her way out the door, she reflected on the wisdom of using a headache as an excuse on such occasions. If she had not done so last night, then perhaps she would have shared the obviously pleasant party at Rosings with Mr. Darcy, and perhaps she could have shared Mr. and Mrs. Collins' healthy appetites.

No, I shall never use the headache excuse with Mr. Darcy again, she thought.

Chapter 2: Lizzy, or Get Away While You Still Can Woman!

Posted on Saturday, 14-Nov-98

It was a glorious day that greeted Elizabeth Bennet as she made her way from the Hunsford Parsonage to the grove in Rosings Park where she was to meet with Mr. Darcy. The smell of the flowers in bloom, the birds singing, the green grass and trees lifted her spirits. Suddenly her bad mood broke. After all, she had made it quite clear to Mr. Darcy that she would have no more of him, but nonetheless there was a possibility that Jane's happiness could be restored from this meeting. Her seeing Mr. Darcy risked nothing for her, and promised everything for her sister. She broke into a run, suddenly eager for the meeting, On an impulse, she took off her bonnet and pulled the clips from her hair. One look at me now, and Mr. Darcy will be convinced that I am unsuitable to be his wife, she thought. On, on she ran, laughing and confident.

Elizabeth Bennet was very wrong in one thing. Fitzwilliam Darcy, did notice her hair down and cheeks flushed from her run. However, the feelings that this sight generated were not those of censure and disapproval. Rather, he felt the command of himself that he always prized slipping away under her power. She had been running, but his was the breath that had been taken away. It was only the knowledge of her response that prevented him taking her in his arms that very moment.

But Fitzwilliam Darcy today, was not the Darcy of yesterday. Gone was the arrogant assumption that she was his for the taking, and the angry surprise at her refusal. No, Elizabeth Bennet had to be won. His former self assurance was now replaced by something more substantial, a determination that whatever it might take, however it could be accomplished, Elizabeth Bennet would be his. Fitzwilliam Darcy now had a plan.

"Good morning Miss Bennet." he said. A demure, "Mr. Darcy," his only reply.

"I hope not to detain you for any great time, so I should start by relating all of my dealings with Mr. Wickham. Mr. Wickham's father, a respectable man, was my father's steward, and Mr. Wickham and I grew up together as boys. My father liked George and paid for his education. However, as he grew older, Mr. Wickham's character exhibited a number of blemishes. These he was able to conceal from my father, but not from me, and, sorry as I am to say it, these character blemishes were such as caused me to despise him. I see you find this hard to believe Miss Bennet, but I can refer you to tradesmen in a number of towns who were nearly ruined by trusting in Mr. Wickham's promises to pay his debts, and whose daughters were most cruelly used by him.

"On my father's death, Mr. Wickham came to me, reminding me of the preferment that my father had promised. To my great relief, he expressed an interest in studying for the law rather than taking up the rectorship at Kympton, if I would oblige him by paying him for his living expenses while he studied. He requested, and was given the sum of three thousand pounds. As far as I was concerned, that was the end of my obligation to Mr. Wickham, and I have the banker's draft at Pemberley to prove this, should you wish to pursue the matter."

Elizabeth's brow furrowed at this account. It was not at all as she had expected, but Darcy's delivery was very convincing, and the offer of proof gave it credence.

Darcy continued. "But that was not all. A short time later, Mr. Wickham presented himself to me again. Apparently the law had not been all that profitable, and he now presented himself for the preferment to the rectorship at Kympton that he had previously declined. My reaction was that I could hardly find a more unsuitable candidate for holy orders, and I told him so. He left in high dudgeon. Where and how he lived from that time, I knew not. However, very recently, this man intruded on our family in a way that I would rather forget. My sister Georgiana, ten years my junior, had gone to Ramsgate for a holiday, and there too went Mr. Wickham. Even though she was barely fifteen, George Wickham was well on his way to seducing her. Luckily, I arrived in time to prevent any irreversible damage, but you can imagine how I felt, how I acted, and my sister's feelings since. Her distress hurt me the most. I do not believe that Mr. Wickham had any interest in my sister other than her fortune of thirty thousand pounds, and revenging himself on me. Had he succeeded in his designs on Georgiana, his revenge would have been complete indeed. For confirmation of this Miss Bennet, I should refer you to my cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam, who knows all the particulars, since he is also my sister's guardian."

Darcy made pause, to let this information sink in to Miss Bennet, but she remained silent, now a little more sombre.

Darcy sighed, "Then there is the matter of your own sister. I must confess that I did advise Bingley that your sister did not appear to return his feelings. However, this was based on impartial observation of her behaviour, not on any wish of mine."

Elizabeth could not restrain herself on hearing this. "Do you expect me to believe that? Did you not see Mr. Bingley as a good catch for your sister? Hardly impartial sir!"

"Miss Bennet, my sister is barely fifteen even now, and Bingley is close to my age. What you are suggesting is unthinkable! Perhaps in four or five years, if neither of them had formed an attachment it might be conceivable, and I must confess that I had thought along those lines. However, I had formed no particular ambition, regarding it as a remote possibility more than anything. In any event, Miss Bennet, my purpose here is to find out your sister's true feelings toward Bingley. Put simply, does your sister truly love Charles Bingley, yes or no?"

Elizabeth looked accusingly at Darcy. "Yes she does sir most fervently, and she has suffered greatly these last few months on account of his absence."

"In that case Miss Bennet, I have done both your sister and Mr. Bingley a disservice. This matter will receive my immediate attention. You have my word on that. I hope that my explanations have gone some way to changing your opinion of me."

With that he bowed, turned on his heel and left. As he strode away, he considered that things had not turned out as badly as they might, and turned his mind to the trip back to London and the next stage of his plan.

Elizabeth continued her walk. She thought and re-thought all of what Darcy had said. It appeared that she had indeed been deceived by Wickham. She suddenly felt rather foolish, given her own pride in her discernment and judgment of others. However, she did not in any way regret her refusal of Darcy's hand, rather she regretted her manner of that refusal. She suddenly realised that here was someone who was different, who did not deserve to be hurt, and that in doing so she had been very wrong.

Darcy arrived in London later that day and, good to his word, made his way straight to Bingley's house.

He was shown into his friend's study where Charles was attending to some papers. Charles closed the desk with a sigh and turned to his friend. "Darcy, I was not expecting you for a week at least!"

Darcy smiled, and replied, "Well, I had not intended to come back quite so soon, however I have some news that may be of interest. But first, I have a favour to ask."

"Ask away, old chap! I shall be happy to indulge you," cried Bingley.

"Well, I was thinking that you might invite me to go hunting with you at Netherfield," said Darcy.

Bingley's face fell. "You know that place pains me Darcy. Ask anything but that, and in any case, there is no hunting there, only shooting. "

"To the contrary Charles, I hear that the hunting is excellent in Hertfordshire at this time. Perhaps my information might help persuade you. While I was in Kent, it chanced that Miss Bennet was visiting a friend there." Bingley's face lit up at this. Darcy hastily added, "That is, Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

Bingley's face dropped a little, but he managed a polite, "Was she well?"

"Indeed she was Bingley, and we talked seriously on a number of matters, but here is the point. She became angry at me on one occasion, and let slip that Jane was in love with you. What do you think of that?"

Charles looked stunned, uncomprehending.

Darcy forged on, "Charles, I pressed the point with her, and she confirmed it! There can be no mistake. Jane Bennet loves you."

Darcy allowed a couple of minutes for this to sink in, and then continued slyly, " So, would you reconsider that hunting trip, Charles?"

For Charles, the penny had dropped, the wheels were turning, and the music was playing. Bingley had on a grin from ear to ear. "Yes, I suddenly do feel in the mood for hunting. We shall go immediately."

Suddenly, he stopped and slowly fixed his friend with a stare of comprehension, "Oh Lord! Darcy, you... you sly dog. You have fallen in love yourself, and it is with... Elizabeth Bennet is it not?"

"Ah Bingley," sighed Darcy. "You have seen through my flimsy veil of deception, but I think you are more assured of success in this venture than I."

Bingley laughed. "We should be more assured of success if we hunt in pairs, my friend."

As Darcy left Bingley's house to go to his own, an old nursery rhyme from his childhood came into his head, and he sang along under his breath as he walked.

A hunting we will go,
A hunting we will go,
Hey ho the dairy'o
A hunting we will go!

Yes indeed, he thought, the plan was coming along nicely.

Chapter 3: Bingley and Darcy, Or the Hertfordshire Hunters

Posted on Sunday, 15-Nov-98

For two days, Darcy and Bingley made sport with the birds at Netherfield, almost as if to distract the world from their real intentions. But on the third day, the patience of both became overstrained, and they resolved to go to Longbourn.

They were announced by Hill the housekeeper, and Bingley was immediately fawned over by Mrs. Bennet. The good lady barely acknowledged Darcy's presence, a distinction that Darcy noted made Elizabeth quite uncomfortable. Darcy, for his part was not the least bit upset at the lack of attention from Mrs. Bennet. He turned to the window to hide a little smirk at Bingley's situation. He turned back with his manners under better regulation and silently observed Miss Bennet, noting with some satisfaction, that she did seem glad to receive Bingley's attentions. Of Elizabeth's thoughts, he could discern nothing, as she resolutely worked at her sampler.

The reason for this was simple. Elizabeth no longer hated Darcy, but she did not love him, and was determined not to have him embarrassed in the same way as he was at Hunsford. She was determined not to give him any false hopes.

After the allotted time, the gentlemen left, and Mrs. Bennet declared herself very satisfied. For though, she may have been mean of understanding, no Mama with five unmarried daughters could have mistaken the looks that Mr. Bingley gave Jane. Mrs. Bennet started waxing lyrical about the "five thousand a year" much to the mortification of the two eldest daughters, and to the delight of the two youngest.

Back at Netherfield, Darcy and Bingley were in conference. "Well Bingley, I think you are home and hosed," said Darcy.

"Do you really think so?" said Bingley with a hint of doubt in his voice.

"There is no doubt in my mind. I watched Miss Bennet while her mother was fussing over you. I am sure that she cares for you."

This was sufficient for Charles, and he forthwith announced his intention to go on the morrow to ask for Miss Bennet's hand.

The day dawned bright, and Bingley made off as soon as it was decent. Darcy stayed behind, surmising quite correctly that his presence at Longbourn would be of little use to his friend..

He did not have long to wait. A couple of hours later, Bingley hove into view, with a smile stretched from one side of his face to the other. "She accepted me Darcy, old man!" he cried.

Darcy regarded his friend with amusement. "You surprise me Bingley, with a smile like that, I could not imagine whatever else I might have concluded." They both looked at each other and shouted "Champagne!"

The next morning, after a rather later than normal breakfast, Bingley and Darcy set off for Longbourn.

Bingley, observing the fine weather, suggested that they all walk into Meryton. For a short time, Elizabeth was seized with the fear that she would be left alone with Mr. Darcy, on the assumption that Jane and Charles would occupy each other. Fortunately, Kitty was to come along as well. Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief at this, and they all set off.

As expected, Jane and Charles walked together, and soon were way ahead of the others. Elizabeth, Darcy and Kitty walked on in silence, a state of affairs that suited Elizabeth quite nicely. Elizabeth's calm was short lived, for as soon as they drew near to Lucas Lodge, Kitty sought permission to see Maria Lucas. Having no reason to forbid her, Elizabeth assented, and she now was alone with Darcy.

"Miss Bennet," he began. "I know that your feelings toward me a short time ago were such that I could never expect your friendship, let alone love."

Elizabeth cringed, looking anywhere but at Darcy. NO! NO! She thought, please do not propose again! I cannot, I will not marry you!

Darcy paused, quite correctly assessing her state of mind. His own reasoning had told him that to bring about a change of heart on her part would take some time, but he wanted to push her to the point where she might lower her guard.

So he continued, "However, Bingley and I will be at Netherfield until the marriage, and that will require you and I to meet time and again. If we do not come to some sort of understanding Miss Bennet, we will continue to feel awkward in each other's presence."

Elizabeth owned the common sense of what Darcy was saying, and though embarrassed, managed to communicate this, albeit rather awkwardly, to him.

He considered her assent and said, "I propose to be honest with you Miss Bennet. My feelings and wishes are unchanged. However, I shall not importune you with them any further, at least before your sister's wedding. For now, I should like to be your friend. After all, we do have a number of things in common that can keep us diverted."

Elizabeth felt that a reply was required, and an honest one. He had revealed himself to her and she felt bound to do the same.

"Mr. Darcy, you are right that not so long ago, I hated you, and would not have married you under any circumstances. Because of our talk at Rosings, and your part in bringing Jane and Bingley together, my feelings today are materially different from then, but I cannot marry you. Or I would be better to say should not marry you." Darcy looked at her in puzzlement, not expecting this at all, but he let her continue.

"On the one hand, I believe you to be a good man, and I admit, very handsome. Viewed in a prudential light, I am never likely to get a better offer of marriage. Yet, I do not feel for you that love that a woman should feel for someone she is to marry." Elizabeth paused and looked at Darcy.

He had a far away look in his eyes, but said "Yes, Miss Bennet, the age old question of sense and sensibility. One reason for my feelings for you, and your power over me, is that you have both."

"Mr. Darcy, I dare say that if you were to renew your addresses, I should accept. Every rational consideration says that I would be a fool to refuse. Yet for your own sake, as much as for mine, I beg you do not. You are a good man and deserve someone who really loves you. What I have to offer at this time is second best. You would be a fool to ask."

Darcy looked serious at this, but inside, was well pleased with this development. He had hoped for friendship, but she had allowed, even though faintly, the possibility of marriage. "Well then Miss Bennet, I hope you will accept my offer of friendship?"

Elizabeth smiled in relief, and accepted.

Darcy grinned and said, "Well, may I have your hand on that then?"

Disarmed, Elizabeth offered her hand, expecting it to be shaken, but Darcy quickly grasped it, and brought it to his lips and kissed it. Elizabeth gasped at this liberty, and was about to say something, when she caught the expression on his face. "Miss Bennet, one of the things we share, but one that I allow very few to see of me, is a wicked sense of humour. It is now your turn to try to tease me - if you can." He challenged.

Elizabeth laughed, this walk was not turning out so badly after all, and now she had a license to torment Mr. Darcy!

"Well Sir! That will cost you dearly. I shall have you on your knees whimpering for mercy within five minutes."

Darcy merely raised his eyebrows. "I think not Miss Bennet!"

"Well then sir, as a dutiful daughter, I feel that I should let my Mama know that your intentions tend to matrimony. Having disposed of Jane, I am next. Naturally, the maternal attentions that have lately been lavished upon Mr. Bingley, will fall on you in their entirety."

Darcy blanched, and fell to his knees. "You win! I surrender! Please, anything but your mother!"

"Ha!" Laughed Elizabeth, "That was too easy a victory. You will have to learn to do much better Mr. Darcy."

With that she ran off after Jane and Mr. Bingley, forcing Darcy to do the same, only slowing down when they were within shouting distance of the two lovers.

They continued on in silence, she having won the battle, he planning retribution to win the war. Yes, he thought, you may regret having drawn my attention to your mother, dearest Elizabeth.

The couple of months to the Bennet/Bingley wedding passed uneventfully. Well, if you consider the various and frequent nervous attacks that plagued Mrs. Bennet to be uneventful, that is. Darcy and Elizabeth did get along very well, and looked forward to their walks together, and to their roles in attending to the bride and groom at the wedding. The wedding itself passed off without any untoward happenings.

As the bride and groom were about to leave, Darcy took the opportunity to speak to Mr. and Mrs. Bingley. Naturally, he congratulated Charles, and wished Jane good luck, but he also extended an invitation to stay at Pemberley in a month's time, an offer that was accepted with alacrity.

After, the newlyweds had left, Darcy was introduced to a number of other guests, among them Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, Elizabeth's Aunt and Uncle. He found them to be a charming and intelligent couple. They in turn, found him to be perfectly amiable, and being observant, noticed his distinct preference for Elizabeth, a fact that Mrs. Gardiner stored in her memory for future reference.

As it came time to leave for Pemberley, Darcy called to say farewell to the Bennets. Or perhaps I should say, to set up the next stage in his plan to snare Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was now sorry to see him go, as was her father, who had had the benefit of some of the books that Darcy had brought with him from the Pemberley library. This was also not unplanned, since Darcy had observed Mr. Bennet's tastes in books and arranged for some of the more tempting titles to be brought from Pemberley. Mr. Bennet, a confirmed bibliophile, had been completely won over by the time of Jane's wedding.

Now for Mrs. Bennet, thought Darcy.

Mrs. Bennet was quite rude. "I dare say you will want to be on your way directly?" She almost yawned.

"Why yes Mrs. Bennet, but before I go, I must congratulate you on your success in your eldest marrying well. I am sure that Lady Lucas must be green with envy."

Mrs. Bennet rose to the bait, "Why yes, as I was telling her only yesterday Jane and Bingley have five thousand a year, and the carriages, and Netherfield Park is so much larger than Lucas Lodge."

Darcy looked at Mrs. Bennet, thinking that the last time he had seen a mouth like that, it had had a hook in it.

Elizabeth looked at him, trying to get him to stop this embarrassing display, but he ignored her and continued. "Yes, a daughter well married is quite a feather in your cap Mrs. Bennet!" Finally, Elizabeth could stand it no further, and bidding Darcy farewell, left them. This was what Darcy was after, and now he pounced. "My only regret Mrs. Bennet, is that your second daughter does not seem so inclined to marriage, despite all your hard work on her behalf."

Mrs. Bennet was starting to become confused at the turn of the conversation, perhaps thinking that Darcy had somehow heard about Mr. Collins. Darcy continued however, "I mean my Dear Mrs. Bennet, that your daughter Elizabeth could be the Mistress of Pemberley. I should like her to be my wife, were she interested. Think then what you could say to Lady Lucas?"

Mrs. Bennet was dumbstruck. Darcy took this opportunity to make his bows and step into his carriage.

It was with a deal of satisfaction that he saw Mrs. Bennet head back into the house screaming "LIZZIE! LIZZIE! COME HERE THIS INSTANT!"

Well, he chuckled to himself, I think that over the next two months that will be sufficient revenge for making me go down on my knees, Miss Bennet.

That left only one more loose end to tie up in Hertfordshire. The carriage rolled to a stop outside the Phillips' house, and Darcy also took his leave here. He made sure that the Gardiners, who had been staying there for the wedding, were invited to Pemberley later in the year. Mrs. Gardiner was most thankful, saying that they had already engaged to go with Elizabeth to the Lakes, but that pressure of business was likely to curtail this. She opined that a visit to Pemberley would be just the thing for her niece. Mr. Gardiner looked a little surprised, having not been aware of any pressure of business, but was mollified by the news that Bingley and Jane would be there at just that time.

Yes thought Darcy as he settled into the carriage for the ride to Pemberley. Things are going to plan!

Chapter 4: Darcy and Lizzy or , Snared!

Posted on Monday, 16-Nov-98

It is a truth universally accepted that a single man in possession of a fortune and seeking a wife, needs only to address his desired's mother or married sister to ensure his success.

Fitzwilliam Darcy had carefully laid the ground work for the final offensive on the fortress that was Elizabeth Bennet.

He had secured the active intervention of her mother, the complaisance of her father, the connivance of her Aunt and Uncle, and now for her sister. Soon Elizabeth! Very soon, he thought.

He waited at the entrance to Pemberley as the carriage bearing his friend Charles Bingley and his new wife Jane rolled into the entry way.

Charles was expansive, and Jane a little nervous, but Darcy greeted them with enthusiasm, asking after their trip and health.

They came inside and Darcy showed them to their apartment. Charles had been there before, but Jane was clearly impressed and curious, so Darcy offered to give them a guided tour.

Their happiness was somewhat increased by the fact that they were remote from Mrs. Bennet. Charles admitting privately that the lady had been getting on his nerves. Jane also made it clear that with her absence from Longbourn, Elizabeth was bearing the brunt of Mrs. Bennet's nerves.

While Darcy made the appropriate tut-tutting noises, he was privately hugging himself. Elizabeth would be here in another month, but in that month Mrs. Bennet would be wearing her down, with no relief. He only had to behave correctly to Jane, and Elizabeth would be vulnerable when she got to Pemberley. He would then move in for the coup de grace.

The next day, there was a visitor to Pemberley. Darcy introduced him as Mr. Melham, the Steward of the adjoining estate, purchased not a twelvemonth before by the Marquis De V----.

Mr. Melham was a handsome man rather in the same style as Darcy, but who carried around with him just a hint of a smile. He was most polite and witty, and Jane and Charles were most approving. Darcy explained that Mr. Melham visited every week or so, playing chess and fencing, being quite accomplished at each. He was also something of a scholar. As Darcy explained after Melham had taken his leave, this was the sort of man that his father had imagined George Wickham to be: and whereas Stephen Melham was the substance, George Wickham was the shadow. Darcy was also glad that Mr. Melham seemed to have little interest in Georgiana, for he did not see it as a suitable situation for her to be the mistress of the Steward's house on an estate smaller than Pemberley.

Thus for a month, the party at Pemberley enjoyed itself, with Darcy and Georgiana the perfect host and hostess.

Then came the day Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were due to arrive from Longbourn with Elizabeth.

They turned up with much hugging and kissing on the part of the ladies, and a little more reserve on the part of the gentlemen.

The newest guests had had a wonderful trip so far, visiting Chatsworth and Blenheim, and a pleasant hour before dinner was taken up with descriptions of their trip and adventures.

Darcy noted that Elizabeth was as lovely as ever. Mrs. Gardiner noted in her turn that Mr. Darcy's enthusiasm for her niece was unabated by a month's separation. Of Elizabeth's feelings she was not so sure.

Darcy was the perfect host, making sure that his friends lacked for nothing, and he was especially attentive to Elizabeth.

They went on long walks together, and their friendship grew. Unfortunately for Darcy, while he could discern friendship, he could not detect stronger feelings, she was friendly, but definitely not familiar. He hinted and made allusions, he asked Bingley to ask Jane, but yet her feelings remained an enigma to him. This was definitely not going according to plan. He had been certain that after a month solid of her mother, she would be ready to fall into his hands like a ripe fruit. It was not happening, and worse was to come.

Elizabeth and the Gardiners had been walking in Lambton, when Mr. Gardiner espied someone who had done business with him - Mr. Melham. Mr. Gardiner had introduced him to the ladies, and they spent some considerable time in serious conversation. Later on, both Jane and Mrs. Gardiner, knowing Darcy's feelings, lost no time in telling him that Elizabeth had been much affected by her meeting with this handsome gentleman. Mrs. Gardiner's opinion from her observation of the meeting, and Jane's from Elizabeth's own account to her.

Indeed, Darcy had caught Elizabeth looking at him on at least one occasion with an intense expression that was strange, almost bordering on fear he thought.

Darcy shared his apprehensions with Bingley.

"Charles, I was so sure that I had everything planned so well! Now it all seems to be unraveling right before my very eyes. Melham is clever, and moves like lightning. If he puts even one fifth of the effort in pursuing Elizabeth as he has in running the De V---- estates, I am doomed. What shall I do?"

Charles was a little discomfited by the sight of his friend's despair. "Well Darcy, Mr. Melham is due to visit in two days' time. You must make your move before then. Otherwise, you could forever be the big brother that Elizabeth never had."

"But Charles, she doesn't love me!" He said in half resignation.

"Darcy, do you remember when we discussed your plans before in Hertfordshire? Recall that she said that she might accept you were you to ask?"

"So I do Bingley, so I do. But she also begged that I should not ask without love."

"Well, Darcy. It seems that you really have only one hope. That is, to marry her, and then woo her. I know that is distasteful to you, that you would marry for love, but Darcy the choice is yours. You can be honourable and have Melham spirit her away from under your nose if you like. Probatis laudatur..." he started.

"...et alget." Finished Darcy. At that moment, Fitzwilliam Darcy almost wished that Stephen Melham had been in love with Georgiana.

The next day, Darcy and Elizabeth started out on one of their walks. Elizabeth seemed happier than she had been for a long time, and Darcy gloomily put this down to the expected visit the next day of Mr. Melham.

She had a bag with her that excited his curiosity.

"What do you have there? Miss Bennet"

"It is a warm day sir, and I thought we should enjoy an apple or two along the way." She looked at him a little mischievously. Most disconcerting, he thought.

They walked around the lake, talking about nothing in particular, just enjoying the perfect weather.

Darcy was wishing, thinking what it would be like if they were engaged or married, how perfect it all would be. He sighed and looked wistfully at her profile, trying to pluck up the courage to ask her. But her face showed a preoccupation of some sort, as though she were looking for something.

Suddenly she said, almost under her breath, "Perfect!"

She pointed to a spot just by the water's edge and walked down, motioning him to follow. She sat down, and said innocently, "Would you like an apple, sir ?"

"Thank you Miss Bennet, I must admit to feeling a little thirsty." She positively beamed.

He moved to sit beside her, but she jumped up crying. "Oh Mr. Darcy, you must take your coat and cravat off, I should hate you to spill the juice on them."

He started to protest, but she moved close, very close, and slowly undid his coat buttons, and then his cravat. She removed his coat and placed it on the ground behind her, away from the water.

"Good heavens!" She cried, "look at that!" She pointed behind him toward the house, and as he turned, slightly off balance, she gave him a terrific heave.

With flailing arms and legs, Darcy described an arc through the air, and hit the water, splish splash!!

He came up waist deep, soaked to the skin, coughing up water.

"Wha... What was that for?" He cried in indignation.

Elizabeth stood a safe distance back from the water's edge. "That was for telling my mother of your 'honourable intentions' toward me. She has made my life a misery these last two months, you scoundrel! And now we are even!" She chuckled. "My! You do look interesting when you are wet Mr. Darcy." Suddenly Elizabeth realised how this might be interpreted, and blushed.

"Well, all right, you have had your fun. Now will you help me out?" He said testily.

Elizabeth lifted an eyebrow scornfully. "And end up being pulled into the water looking like another drowned rat." She laughed. "Mr. Darcy, you are a clever man, but I am as clever as you. We are equals!"

Darcy gave her a smile. "In that case, I have no hesitation in asking you a question to prove how clever you are."

"Indeed, Mr. Darcy? What question is that, pray?"

"Will you marry me Miss Bennet?" He moved closer to the bank.

"Of course I shall, do you take me for a fool, sir?" She stepped back smartly as he lunged for her, missing by a good six inches. She picked up her bag of apples, hitched up her skirts and ran for her life. From his position on the ground, he caught sight of a well turned set of ankles, then set off after her.

She was well in front, but he gained on her steadily. From the look on his face, she knew that if he caught her, she would end up in the lake without a doubt. She rounded a corner of the house with him almost upon her. As he came round behind, he instinctively ducked as a well aimed apple sped toward him. That and the fact that he was cornering, caused him to skid into flower bed of pansies, getting covered in flowers and dirt. He picked himself up, and took after her undaunted, just as she was just disappearing around the next corner of the house. He sprinted to the corner, then remembering the last time, walked around under control. There he was confronted by Jane and Bingley, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, Georgiana and Elizabeth all apparently admiring the flower beds. Elizabeth smiled at him as though butter wouldn't melt in her mouth. The others seemed in shock at the state of him.

"Would you like an apple Mr. Darcy?" said Elizabeth. Fitzwilliam Darcy accepted the apple, knowing just how Adam felt at the same moment. The only difference was that Adam did not have any friends and relations to impede his way. Darcy was not the least upset though, recollecting that Elizabeth had accepted him finally.

"Er, would you all excuse me please, I took a little swim in the lake to cool off, and I should change." With that he departed. The ladies all agreed that there was nothing lacking in Mr. Darcy's figure, and the flowers in his hair were declared to add a nice touch.

Elizabeth and the Gardiners departed soon after to finish their journey. When the Bingleys heard that Elizabeth and Darcy were engaged, they urged him to go to Mr. Bennet straight away, declaring that a week's absence would not seem rude for a host under these circumstances.

Some months later, on the night before the wedding, Darcy and Bingley were together at Netherfield. Their customary roles reversed. Even though Darcy was a man of the world, as a bridegroom, he lacked the practical knowledge that a married friend could provide. Darcy had an even worse problem though as he explained to Charles.

"Bingley, as you well know, I asked Elizabeth to marry me, to forestall another's proposal. She does not, she cannot possibly love me. I hope to win her heart over time, but tomorrow... What should I do tomorrow night?"

"Darcy, only you will know when the time is right. But you will be staying here for your wedding night, so you can have adjoining apartments. How you spend that time is up to you, but I suggest Festina Lente should be your motto. That will be hard for you, but it will be best in the long run."

Darcy sighed, it would indeed be hard.

The next night, with the guests gone and the festivities over, he sat in his room, looking at the door to his wife's bed chamber. He had no illusions about his welcome or lack of it. Festina Lente, he thought morosely. Bingley is right, I must control myself. Yet too, I must tell her what I intend. He knocked on the door, and it opened.

He stood there transfixed. There she stood, radiant, beautiful waves of hair around a perfect face, a silk night gown hugging her figure, buttoned up the front. He gulped, his resolution for self denial rapidly dissolving. Festina Lente! A stern voice intruded on him from within. You love her, think of her, and not your own selfish lusts.

"Miss B... I mean Elizabeth. I know that you have married me for reasons of prudence, and I must confess that I should have not asked you, knowing as I did of your indifference. But when I heard of your talk with Mr. Melham, I knew I could not wait, I could not risk another having you. I ask for your forgiveness, and promise that I shall not intrude myself upon you unless you desire it, however long that may take. I should leave you in peace this evening. Good night to you. Pleasant dreams." With that he made to close the door.

Elizabeth had heard him out in silence, and some concern. She spoke up. "Mr. Darcy. My husband."

He turned around, and she continued.

"That was a pretty speech, and it deserves a serious reply, but we should not talk here, or you will catch your death of cold. Come!" She took his hand, and led him like a child to her bed, turned back the covers and motioned him to climb in. She tucked him in, wrapping the eiderdown tightly round him so he could hardly move.

She climbed into bed beside him, resting her hand on his chest. He kept thinking, Festina Lente, although being tucked in so tight, he could not have moved had he wanted to.

She started to speak. "You spoke of Mr. Melham, so I should perhaps allay your fears in that direction. I remember my introduction to Mr. Melham. My uncle greeted him like a friend, and recommended him highly. Mr. Melham was polite. He asked where we were staying, and when we mentioned Pemberley, he launched into a paean of praise of you Mr. Darcy. Here was a man, not a servant dependent on your good will, someone that my Uncle respected. I know that I had spoken to you before about marrying for prudence' sake, but Mr. Melham's comments confirmed my thoughts on it. Had you asked me at that instant, I would have accepted you, but I do confess, I would have been grateful for the forbearance you have just offered." At that moment, Darcy thought slightly better of Mr. Melham.

Her hand wandered to Darcy's face and her fingers traced the outline of his cheek, as she continued.

"I must admit that I teased him about his praise of you, I said that I had heard that you and your sister were both proud and haughty."

She paused, and then went on, "He then told me of the circumstances of his first meeting you and your sister. He told me that the De V---- estates had been purchased from Lord Fawrne, a grasping despot who had squeezed his tenants unmercifully to feed his gaming habits, and that in the last week before the estates changed hands, Lord Fawrne and his friend George Wickham..." She paused as Darcy winced at the name, "... had systematically gone through the estate and taken everything of value, including all the food and animals, to pay for a final drunken party. There was nothing left, not even for the sick, or the children or the nursing mothers, nothing at all was left before those rapacious wolves. Mr. Darcy, the thought of those children starving was like a knife to my heart." Elizabeth had tears in her eyes. "At that moment, I knew that I had done you a most terrible wrong! Had you asked me to marry you then, I would gladly have accepted, and your present forbearance would have been unnecessary. Any comfort that a wife could give a husband would have been yours for the asking as recompense for my cruelty at Hunsford."

She moved closer, her perfume intoxicating him, the only thing restraining him, was her swaddling eiderdown.

Yet there was more. Elizabeth continued, "Mr. Melham then told me that on his arrival, and seeing the desperate need of the tenants, he immediately scoured the district for food to purchase. There was insufficient available, so he sent to London, but that would take a week, and what of the babies in that time? He went to several of the other families in the district to ask for help, but was thrown out and abused. On arriving home, he found you and your sister there. He said that you practically begged to be able to help, and that you opened the granaries and larders of Pemberley for the tenants of the De V----- Estates. He insisted that without you, those children would have perished that Winter. With that Mr. Melham was done. Mr. Darcy, they talk of falling in love. I can vouch that it is just like falling. I know that this will shock you my love, but since we are married it is too late for you. From that moment on I knew what the deepest love was, and you are its object. You could have come along at that moment and asked me to become your mistress, and I would have gone, leaving my family without regret. I am yours, and you are mine for eternity my darling. Whatever you want of me you shall have, now."

With that she pulled back at the eiderdown, releasing him, and he turned to her, by now completely under her spell. It felt as if the world, the estate, even the room they were in itself, had disappeared, all he was conscious of was the woman before him. As they surrendered themselves to each other, his last conscious thought was, Festina Lente? Pshaw! Rather, Carpe Diem!

Chapter 5: New Quarry at Pemberley

Posted on Friday, 20-Nov-98

Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy sat silently together on a sofa in one of the morning rooms at Pemberley. They had been married now for almost a year and a half. Their conversations on these frequent morning occasions were usually of the most comfortable kind. They had settled into a routine of lounging arm in arm on whatever furniture was suitable, discussing anything from politics to the latest colic bout of their three month old son Fitzwilliam. It was this young gentleman who was on their lips this particular morning.

"Dearest." Whispered Darcy, "I have a question."

Elizabeth raised her eyebrows and cocked her head in curiosity, so he continued.

"I know that when our son was born, I was very insistent that he be called Fitzwilliam."

Elizabeth stifled a laugh, exclaiming, "Yes, I was most disappointed." Darcy's face fell at this, but Elizabeth continued before he had a chance to speak. "I had spent the best part of a year trying, and I had thought succeeding, to get you to unbend in my presence. But no, there you were discussing the naming of our son as if you had been dipped in starch. I was most put out!"

Darcy bowed his head at this, but would not be deflected from his original intention. "It was really important to me, since the eldest son in the family has always been named Fitzwilliam. A tradition, you know."

Elizabeth smiled, and drawing close so that she could look him directly in the eyes said, "I do not wish to understand your concern. I happen to love the sound of the name, Fitzwilliam." The last word was said with such a tone, and accompanied with such a look, that its owner instinctively drew nearer.

At that moment, Georgiana entered the room. All three reddened at the scene. Georgiana, from embarrassment at what she had interrupted, and the two lovers from a realisation of what Georgiana would have stumbled upon, had she entered the room even a few minutes later.

Elizabeth recovered herself first, and made light of the situation. "Georgiana, do not be alarmed. When you are married, you will be able to take such liberties with your own husband with complete unconcern. Husbands can be such fun."

"Fun?" expostulated Darcy. "So that is all I am useful for is it?"

Elizabeth smirked, "Why good heavens, my dear. Of course not. You are most invaluable in fetching books from the shelves that I am unable to reach, and I am sure that if I put my mind to it, I could think of at least one other thing."

"And I suppose that your gowns and finery count for nothing do they?" he said testily with his hands on his hips.

Georgiana relaxed, having seen this display between her brother and Elizabeth, over and over in many forms before. To tell the truth, she was fascinated by Elizabeth's methods of exerting power over her brother, hoping that one day, she too could share in such love. At the moment, all she could do was admire the way Elizabeth played her brother like a fish on a line.

Elizabeth looked at Darcy with a strange almost cheeky intensity and replied in a tone of innocence that belied her glance, "Do you mean to say that the latest silk nightgown you bought me was of no benefit to you? Surely you remember the one in the Chinese style with the splits down the side?" Darcy returned her glance, completely overpowered. She had won again.

Georgiana sighed. They had completely forgotten her presence.

She coughed, and they started. "I hope that you both have not forgotten that Miss Katherine Bennet is coming here to live with us today, and that Mr. Melham is also coming to play chess?"

With that she threw up her hands and left the room. She smiled in anticipation of one visit, and with mixed feeling on the other.

Some considerable time later, Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam were walking together in the garden. They too had in mind the conjunction of the two visits. They both liked Mr. Melham very much, and being mindful of his contribution to their happiness, had often speculated on how they might further his.

They had surmised on his interest in Georgiana, but detecting no particular interest other than a deepening friendship, had concluded that there was no chance of an attachment in that quarter. This was of some relief to Darcy, since an alliance between his sister and a steward with little fortune did not sit easily with his hopes for his sister.

Thus, when Elizabeth hit upon the idea of introducing Mr. Melham to Kitty, it seemed like inspiration.

There was only one small problem. The lack of interest displayed between Georgiana and Mr. Melham was clear, but Miss Darcy's feelings for that man even though concealed, were nonetheless fervent. She had long passed the point where she wished for friendship alone. Her predicament was a combination of natural shyness, lack of confidence in her judgment following the Wickham affair, and a consciousness of her brother's expectations that she marry well. The worst thing for her though, was the fact that the object of her affections treated her like a friend and no more, when she craved the relationship that Darcy and Elizabeth had.

With all this on her mind, her usually skillful chess game fell short of its usual aggression, and she lost two games in succession to Mr. Melham. He asked after her, but all she could do was make an excuse, thinking, why could he not see how she felt. It was all most vexing.

At that moment there was a commotion, and Kitty burst into the room where they were all assembled.

"Lizzy! Georgiana! Mr. Darcy! I am so glad to see you all!" She cried.

She stopped short, noticing Mr. Melham.

Georgiana's heart dropped. Kitty looked beautiful, a younger version of Elizabeth, with a hint of Jane's softness. How could any man resist her?

Darcy spoke up. "Katherine, may I introduce Mr. Melham, the Steward of the De V---- Estates. Mr. Melham, this is Miss Katherine Bennet, Mrs. Darcy's younger sister." He bowed, she curtsied and each looked into the other's eyes.

Fortunately all attention was on Kitty, or else they would have been surprised to see a tear roll down Georgiana's cheeks.

Chapter 6: Georgiana and Kitty, or a New Hunter

Posted on Sunday, 22-Nov-98

Mr. Melham bowed, and Kitty curtsied. They looked into each other's eyes and saw - nothing.

Kitty started relating her trip to Pemberley in enthused detail, not omitting the stay in Chester where there was a company of militia stationed. She then talked on about her mother, till Darcy felt his head to be spinning. Elizabeth was mortified. Looking at Mr. Melham's amused countenance, she knew that any hope of an alliance for her sister in that quarter had quite evaporated.

Georgiana, on the other hand felt herself warming to Kitty, and after a time offered to show her to her room. This was the signal for Mr. Melham to take his leave as well.

"Well!" Cried Elizabeth in exasperation. "All my ideas for Kitty and Mr. Melham have just flown out of the window. What on earth did she mean by talking about the militia like that?"

Darcy just shrugged his shoulders, judging it better to say nothing at this.

Elizabeth put on her most determined look. "It will take some exertion on my part, but by hook or by crook, Kitty will turn out a Lady."

Another two years passed, and Fitzwilliam Darcy sat by the window reading Watkin Tench's "A Narrative of the Expedition to Botany Bay." His wife was seated a short distance away working on a sampler. He put the book down, and with a degree of self satisfaction reflected on the comforts that accompanied a happy marriage, and fatherhood of two lively children.

His wife had transformed the rather lonely house into a home filled with laughter and happiness. She had overseen, not only the transformation of her own sister from an insipid and silly girl, but also the transformation of Georgiana from his shy baby sister of three years ago, to a beautiful and poised young woman.

Their plans for Kitty and Mr. Melham had unfortunately come to naught. Kitty had made a poor first impression on the man, and that it seemed, was going to be that. Georgiana also posed a problem, she appeared to have no interest in young men at all. All gentlemen of suitable fortune were dispatched empty handed for some reason or other. They had even had the two young ladies presented at court, and spent the last season in London - disastrously. Indeed, the only man that Georgiana seemed able to abide, apart from Darcy himself was Mr. Melham, and that consisted mainly of playing chess, talking about estate management, and books. Hardly the stuff of romance!

At the thought of Kitty and Georgiana, his brow creased. He looked at his watch thinking that they should have been home by now.

Usually on this day of the week, Mr. Melham came round to play at chess. However, he had gone to London to visit a friend a fortnight ago, and was due back at any time with that friend. As a result, Georgiana and Kitty had taken the curricle for a tour round the district. But now they were late, and Darcy was worried.

Well he might have worried, for at that moment, seven miles away, two young ladies were walking away from an upturned curricle, whose axle had come off at the last corner, fortunately without injury to anything but the dignity of its occupants. The prospect of seven miles walk was bad enough, but worse was to come.

Georgiana looked up, and was immediately sorry she did so, for coming toward them were summer storm clouds. Just the sort that soaked you right through, and then departed making you hot and sticky.

Yes, she thought, here it comes!

"Oh no!" groaned Kitty. "We are going to be soaked!"

Down came the rain, in buckets, soaking the young ladies thoroughly. Their hair became wet through their bonnets and their dresses saturated, clinging to their bodies, making progress difficult.

At that moment, a carriage rounded the corner where the upturned curricle lay, seemed to slow down and then proceeded toward them along the road.

"No!" wailed Georgiana, "It's Mr. Melham, and just look at me!"

Kitty, was a little more phlegmatic. "Do you think he will want to look at you, with your hair like that?" she teased. "At least we won't have to walk if it is him." She said.

Strangely, Georgiana was not comforted by this.

The carriage stopped by them, and Mr. Melham stepped out, heading straight for a most mortified Georgiana. He removed his coat and placed it around her shoulders. Kitty was in the process of raising her eyebrows at this gesture, when she was surprised by a coat being placed around her. She spun round, coming face to face with the other occupant of Mr. Melham's carriage. They looked at each other stunned. All of a sudden, her realisation of her own appearance, made her share in some of Georgiana's mortification.

"No time for introductions ladies, pray seat yourselves in the carriage!" Said Mr. Melham. The ladies climbed into the carriage, and the Steward of the De V--- Estates ordered the carriage on to Pemberley. Georgiana and Kitty watched the men walk off into the distance toward the De V--- Estates, a mile or so away.

"Did you see him Georgiana?" Said Kitty.

"Who? Mr. Melham's friend?" was the reply.

"I think I should like to see more of that particular gentleman. Much more!" Breathed Kitty.

The rain had lightened of a little as the two men made their way along the lane.

Mr. Melham's friend spoke first. "Well Stephen, you were indeed correct in your description of the Derbyshire ladies." Mr. Melham raised an amused eyebrow, and his friend continued. "I especially liked the lady who now has my coat."

"Ah. That is Miss Katherine Bennet. The other is Miss Georgiana Darcy." Said Melham.

"And? What else? Don't keep me in suspense man!"

Melham wiped the smile from his face and with mock seriousness started to explain. "Well, let me see, Miss Darcy is nineteen, comes from a very old and wealth..."

His friend interrupted in impatience, "No, No! Melham, you know perfectly well who I mean. I wish to know about Miss Bennet."

"Ah." Said his friend innocently. "I really don't know all that much about her."

His friend started to pummel him, "Stop this baiting right now, or there will be a wrestling match right here in this mud, and your face will be in it."

Melham looked around. There was no one in sight, so he said, "Lay on!"

With that they sprang at each other, laughing and whooping and thrashing about as if they were both five years old again.

They kept at it for a few minutes, desisting only when they were completely covered with mud.

"All right, All right." Gasped Melham, "She is unattached, has a most terrible mother, and no fortune to speak of. However, she is most respectable"

"Hmm, and how am I to obtain an introduction?" Said his friend.

"Well we could wait a week, and you might accompany me to Pemberley, and if she is there, I surmise that an introduction can be effected. On the other hand, there is a ball to be held at the Lambton Assembly Hall in three days' time. I happen to know that they will attend. But of course, you won't go. I know how you dislike balls."

His friend looked at Melham contemptuously, "Sometimes balls are necessary for gentlemen."

Melham looked at his friend in amazement "I can see that the rain not only had the effect of rendering Miss Bennet's fine muslin dress a little wet and transparent. It also had that effect on you."

With that he took off toward the Steward's house, with his friend in hot pursuit.

Three days later, the two friends attended the ball at Lambton. They were a little late, and had missed the first set.

Melham, observing the Darcy party at the end of the room, led his friend thither. As they proceeded along the room, those people present turned away from them, with the Mamas and daughters not wishing to be asked to dance with a mere steward. The fact of his actually working on an estate, proclaiming him in their eyes to be less than a gentleman. Of course, his friend was similarly to be thought of, as of no consequence.

They finally reached the Darcy party. The rest of the room were a little amused, for the Darcys were regarded as a little too proud for their own good, not wishing to socialise as much as society deemed they should. Thus the acquaintanceship with a lowly steward, little more than a servant, brought gusts of hilarity from the assembled "would be if they could be" groups. Some of the Mamas sniggered amongst themselves, saying "What simpletons! At least the Ladies in the Darcy party will not now be wallflowers, even though it looks like their partners do have the taint of trade."

As was customary the gentlemen introduced themselves.

Darcy spoke first. "Mr. Melham, would you allow me the pleasure of an introduction to your friend?"

Melham smiled as his friend drew close. "Mr. Darcy, may I have the honour of introducing my friend, Lord Sandall. Lord Sandall, this is Mr. Darcy." If Mr. Darcy was the least surprised by Mr. Melham's obviously excellent connections, he did not show it, merely expressing the pleasure at the acquaintance. However, with a look at his wife, he then introduced the ladies.

Mrs. Darcy was quite happy at this, for the pleasure on the face of the nobleman on his introduction to Miss Bennet was obvious.

Almost at once, the next dance was announced, Lord Sandall claimed the hand of Miss Bennet and Mr. Melham that of Miss Darcy. As they took the floor, the news spread round the room that Mr. Melham's friend was a Peer of the Realm. The hitherto turned backs of the mamas and their daughters now became ingratiating smiles and desperate attempts at eye contact. This was, however, to no avail. At each dance, the men danced only with Miss Bennet and Miss Darcy, and when they were not dancing, they were engaged in deep conversation with those same ladies. It now became the opinion of the room that they had become victims of a plot by those scheming minxes, the Misses Darcy and Bennet, to deny them their rightful chance with a most eligible bachelor. They were now universally condemned as designing hussies.

Of course, the occupants of the Darcy's table were oblivious to the thoughts of the rest of the room.

Mr. Melham addressed Georgiana. "I see that my friend is much taken with Miss Bennet."

"And she with him. I am quite jealous."

"Do you like him as well, Miss Darcy?" Asked Mr. Melham a trifle sharply.

Georgiana smiled, "No, well not in that sense at least, although he does seem to be a quite pleasant young man. I rather meant that it is good to... I mean." Georgiana paused in thought. "I envy my brother and Mrs. Darcy, I envy their happiness and ease with each other. I have always found it difficult to talk to people, to get to know them. I would dearly like Elizabeth's happiness, and yet it seems to be denied me." She sighed in resignation.

Mr. Melham looked at her intensely for a second. Then he agreed with her. "Yes, I know what you mean, seeing others happy with their lovers, while we are alone, wondering when, or even if our own turn will come. You know, when I was but sixteen, I often imagined that somewhere in the world was the perfect person for me. But I was always defeated, because I never could work out how to find her. I always had this fantasy that I could just blink, and there she would be beside me, just as you are Miss Darcy, but reality... that is always so much harder."

Georgiana listened to this, hoping that this was to be the moment when he would declare himself to her, and yet hoping he would not, for she knew that her brother would never approve. She sighed and looked away, she must change the subject. "Does Lord Sandall have any other attachment?"

"No. In fact, he normally flees from women. Except from his sister that is, there he cannot."

Elizabeth Darcy, half listening to the exchange broke in. "He has a sister?"

"Yes indeed ma'am." Replied Mr. Melham. "She is an elder sister, and not someone to be trifled with I can assure you."

"Yes indeed!" Said Lord Sandall "Alice, or Lady Bereston, as she should be known since her marriage to Lord Bereston, is not someone to cross. Do you remember her argument with Lady Chalfont last year?" This last was directed at Mr. Melham, who nodded in sympathy for Lady Chalfont.

"Yes, Lady Bereston is an aficionado of Mrs. Wollestonecroft. She takes particular delight in all sorts of supposedly unladylike affairs. I would advise any one to think twice before confronting Lady Alicia Bereston. The only warning she gives before she strikes is a curious habit of playing with her fan. If you see that, beware!" Said Melham.

"I happen to also agree with Mrs. Wollestonecroft Mr. Melham." Said Georgiana.

Mr. Melham looked a little puzzled at this. "I should have imagined, Miss Darcy that that was obvious to any man with a brain that bothered to converse with you. However, you are not as fearsome as Lady Alicia, I hope."

At this, the last set of dances for the evening started.

When they arrived back at the steward's house, much to Mr. Melham's expectation, Lord Sandall announced himself very pleased with Derbyshire.

"So I take it that you will stay for more than a few days?" said Melham.

Chapter 7: Lady Catherine and Lady Alicia, or the Contest.

Posted on Tuesday, 24-Nov-98

That Summer passed peacefully.

Lord Sandall's romance with Katherine blossomed. Alas, it was not so with Mr. Melham and Georgiana.

Georgiana, unable to believe that her brother would approve of her marrying Mr. Melham, determined not to give him any encouragement that could only lead to disappointment. They spent time together, talking of everything but that which was on their mind, the weather, the estates, society, politics, religion, books, philosophy. In short, anything but love and romance.

It was breakfast time at the Steward's house on the De V--- Estates.

Lord Sandall was humming merrily, but his friend was a little morose.

"Sandall," said Melham. "I need your advice."

"Anything my friend," said Lord Sandall expansively.

Melham sighed. "You know of my feelings for Miss Darcy. I love her and would marry her if I thought she cared, but that is the problem. Every time I touch on the matter, she changes the subject, or finds some excuse to end the conversation. What do you think? You have observed her. Do I have a chance?"

"Well, Melham, I am sorry to say this, but your chances are slim indeed, in my view. She likes you, that is obvious enough. But love? I have seen no evidence."

Melham observed his devilled kidneys with a depressed expression. "Then it is settled. As soon as your business here is done, I shall return to the De V--- Estates in Yorkshire. My work here is complete, these lands now manage themselves, and I have no reason to stay. Someone else can occupy this house and run this portion of the De V--- Estates. By the way, at the rate you are progressing with Miss Bennet, I should imagine that a few weeks only should do the trick, and you will be leaving to seek her father's consent."

Lord Sandall looked a little sheepish at this. "Well. I did refer to the possibility of marrying Miss Bennet in a letter to my sister."

"And?" Said Melham in curiosity. He pushed a little piece of cabbage around his plate. It looked a little rotten, he thought.

"And she said that she would like to come for a visit. I think she wants to see if she approves of my new friend. Would you mind awfully if she and her husband were to stay with us for a week?"

"Why no, not at all."

Lord Sandall's face was all smiles.

Later that day, Lord Sandall announced at Pemberley, that his sister was to come to visit in two weeks.

The significance of this was not lost on the Pemberley party. It was clear that Lord Sandall had asked Lady Bereston to meet Katherine, and that the future of that particular friendship depended on her good opinion.

Unfortunately for Katherine, this was a week after the date fixed by Darcy's Aunt, Lady Catherine De Bourgh for her visit to Pemberley, and she was to stay for two weeks.

Elizabeth had an idea. "I shall send for Jane, Charles and their two children. Perhaps between their cherubim and ours, Lady Catherine might cut short her stay."

This, unfortunately was a plan that failed dismally. For even though Jane obliged by visiting at short notice, and both the Bingley and Darcy two year olds obliged by behaving as two year olds will, Lady Catherine held fast. The reason for this became apparent from the outset. Lady Catherine was thrusting her daughter Anne in front of Lord Sandall. This would have been laughable, if it were not that this involved an ingratiating fawning upon Lord Sandall, accompanied by carping criticism of Katherine, Georgiana, and Mr. Melham, who always seemed to get in the way whenever she tried to arrange for Lord Sandall and Anne to be alone together.

Thus it was on the appointed day, the Darcys and Lady Catherine waited outside the entranceway to Pemberley as the carriage bearing Lord Henry and Lady Alicia Bereston rolled to a halt.

Lord Bereston alighted first. He was a handsome man in his late forties with an easy, dignified bearing. Then Lady Alicia stepped out. Elizabeth was stunned. She had expected someone fearsome, in the mould of Lady Catherine, but here was a handsome young woman, scarcely turned thirty, with a smile on her face that would have charmed Pluto. Lady Bereston looked at her husband with an intimate look that Darcy recognised, having had many such from Elizabeth. They made their introductions, and went inside.

"Mrs. Darcy. You cannot imagine how delighted I am to meet you all. I have heard so much about you and your hospitality here, both from my brother, and from Mr. Melham." Lady Bereston was everything that was charming, but Elizabeth noted that she had indeed a very quick mind, and that there was not much that was escaping her attention. She noted her frequent glances at Katherine and, perhaps surprisingly also at Georgiana. She also took Lady Catherine in her stride, parrying pompous statements and ill directed questions with ease. Elizabeth also saw with a deal of admiration that Lady Bereston was well read and highly intelligent. In all, Lady Bereston was everything that Lady Catherine should have been, but was not.

Lord and Lady Bereston visited every day, and, much to Lady Catherine's disgust, seemed to be forming a friendship with Elizabeth, Jane, Katherine, Georgiana, and even Anne. Mr. Darcy reported to his wife that Lord Bereston had extended an invitation to the Bereston Estate next Summer. Elizabeth was ecstatic, this could mean only one thing, Lady Alicia approved of Miss Bennet. Lady Catherine, however did not take the news all that well.

On their last day in Derbyshire, Lord and Lady Bereston called on the Darcys to make their farewells, accompanied by Lord Sandall and Mr. Melham. It just so happened that they arrived just as Lady Catherine was about to leave for Rosings. Lord Sandall and Mr. Melham went to one side talking with Lord Bereston, While Lady Bereston joined Darcy and the other ladies as they farewelled Lady Catherine.

Georgiana was talking absent mindedly to Katherine about Mr. Melham, when Lady Catherine's patience finally snapped.

She hissed at Georgiana. "You talk a little too much about that man for your own good my girl!"

Georgiana, stood her ground. "Lady Catherine, I do not see why I should not admire a man with Mr. Melham's qualities. He is kind, gentle, industrious, clever, intelligent, well read, and handsome..."

"Oh!" Broke in Lady Catherine with a sneer, "And I suppose that you intend to marry this steward do you?"

"Lady Catherine, he has not asked me!" With that Georgiana turned and walked away. She did not wish to make a fuss, and hoped that Mr. Melham had not overheard.

"Well," crowed Lady Catherine to Darcy, "You should take control of your sister. Why, the very notion of marrying that man! He has no fortune, no family, he is not even a gentleman. If she were to marry him, where would she sit at any formal occasion? It would be all condescension for her! I have made it a point of keeping Anne as far from that man as possible. Georgiana will never be Mrs. Melham. You would never allow it. Although considering your own judgment in the matter of marriage..." She looked contemptuously at Elizabeth. "...perhaps you would."

Elizabeth felt Darcy stiffen, and sensed his anger. She squeezed his arm tightly to prevent a scene. At that moment, she noticed something strange. Lord Bereston, Lord Sandall and Mr. Melham were looking at Lady Bereston's hands with something like fear on their collective faces. Elizabeth followed their gaze and observed that she was opening and closing her fan. Her smile remained as pleasant as ever, but the fan was going click, click click. Elizabeth remembered the warning at the Lambton Ball those months ago. She did not have long to wait.

"Lady Catherine," Lady Alicia positively beamed, "Your observations on Mr. Melham are indeed correct. Your powers of perception do you great credit. The library at Rosings must have provided you with that information about Mr. Melham."

Darcy interrupted stiffly, "I am afraid that I do not understand you Lady Bereston."

"Ah Mr. Darcy, you should have followed the example of your Aunt, as she has obviously researched this matter most diligently. I note that there are several books on the Peerage in your library where you could have gleaned the same information as Lady Catherine."

Lady Catherine looked a little unsure of herself, as it seemed that she was being complimented, but she was unsure of the reason.

Lady Bereston continued. "For your benefit Mr. Darcy, I should inform you that Mr. Melham is the only son of the late Marquis De V---. However, that family has the peculiarity, that the heir apparent does not use his title, nor does he inherit the bulk of the estates - until he marries. It is a family tradition dating back to the Conquest, that the eldest son takes the family name of Melham, and the title of Steward of the De V--- Estates. Thus when Lady Catherine says that he has no fortune, that is quite correct - while he remains single. It is also an unfortunate truth that he has no family. There are no brothers and sisters, and his parents are dead. Since he is the son of a Marquis, of course he is not a gentleman - he is a nobleman. You are so obviously very attentive to such details, Lady Catherine."

Lady Catherine was turning a particular shade of grey at this information. Her mouth opened, but nothing was coming out. Elizabeth could hardly keep from laughing, and she could feel that her husband had also relaxed.

Lady Bereston had by no means finished though. "Your Ladyship was also right to point out that Miss Darcy would never be Mrs. Melham. If she agrees to marry him, she will become the Marchioness De V---, and will have been elevated to the top ranks of the peerage. And as your ladyship has pointed out, that inevitably will mean that she has to condescend to virtually any person she deals with, even a favourite Aunt."

It was quite obvious that Lady Catherine was having a great deal of difficulty coming to grips with the concept of having to defer to Georgiana. Elizabeth observed that her Ladyship seemed to be grinding her teeth.

"But Lady Catherine, I was also touched by the compliment you paid to Mrs. Darcy." Lady Catherine turned purple. The fan clicked open and shut. "When you likened Mrs. Darcy coming into your family, to the prospect of the family gaining a Marchioness, you were most kind."

Lady Catherine could not control herself at this. Through gritted teeth she exclaimed, "I did not mean that at all!"

"Ah then, then there is only one other interpretation to be put on your comment, Lady Catherine."

"Which is?" Said Darcy becoming amused by the whole scene.

"Well, Mr. Darcy. As I see it, this household is exceptionally well run. The servants are cheerful and industrious. Your wife keeps an excellent table. She is an excellent hostess. She has presented you with an heir to the estates and a little sister. Under her guidance, your own sister has gained the accomplishments to marry into the highest ranks of the nobility, should she wish. The only criticism that I might offer, is that you smile too much for a married man, sir. Would you deny that you have married most prudently?"

"I have no wish to deny it," laughed Darcy.

"Nor would he dare!" added Elizabeth looking at her husband with mock defiance. He in his turn looked at her, but the look was one that spoke of renewed appreciation of his wife. Their gaze held for several seconds.

Lady Alicia observed this, thinking that perhaps another addition to the Darcy clan could result from this. However, she returned to the sport at hand.

"It has now been established upon rational grounds that you have married most prudently, and Lady Catherine has stated that equal prudence attaches to a marriage between Mr. Melham and your sister. It follows in inescapable logic, that Lady Catherine has made a pretty compliment to both of them."

Lady Catherine was by now looking decidedly unwell, but more was to come.

Lady Bereston addressed her once more with a smile. "I do admire you for your sacrifice though, Lady Catherine. I mean, most mothers of my acquaintance would think nothing of hurling their daughters at Mr. Melham, considering his rank, and fortune after marriage. Yet you have most generously stood aside to let Miss Darcy have the advantage. Perhaps had Mr. Melham known your daughter a little better, it might have been she who is the prospective Marchioness De V---. But that is now not a possibility. I am sure that Miss Darcy will show her gratitude by condescending to you after her marriage, assuming she and her family are interested in an alliance, of course."

This was too much for Lady Catherine. She tottered to her carriage, followed by her daughter, without one further word.

Lady Bereston's fan snapped shut. She motioned for her husband who was with the other men, just out of earshot, to join her.

"Well, Mr. Darcy, Mrs. Darcy. Henry and I have so enjoyed our stay here, and look forward to seeing you when you visit next year." She then went over to her brother, where Elizabeth noted that she appeared to be giving him directions by means of some finger wagging. Whatever the advice was, he seemed to agree readily enough. Considering the drubbing Lady Bereston had administered to Lady Catherine, Elizabeth could well understand why he put up little resistance.

With that, the Berestons entered their coach and were off.

Katherine could hardly wait to tell Georgiana the news about Mr. Melham. Surely now, she would not have to worry about her brother consenting to their marriage.

"Georgiana! Come! Let's take a walk. I have something to tell you."

The two ladies started to walk inside, when suddenly there was an interruption.

"Miss Bennet." It was Lord Sandall. "May I have a word?" This was accompanied by an expression that is normally reserved for little puppy dogs. It was so expressive that Katherine and Georgiana knew exactly what he wanted.

"Georgiana, I must tell you about..." Began Katherine.

"Good heavens. Do not waste time! Lord Sandall awaits." Said Georgiana.

"Please Georgie? It is important!"

"It can wait. It is not as important as what Lord Sandall has to say to you, I will wager." And with this Georgiana ran off to end the conversation, leaving Katherine shaking her head.

Lord Sandall and Katherine were only gone for fifteen minutes. The scuff marks on his knees indicating that Katherine had extracted some humility from him, and the smile on his face stating that the sacrifice had been worth it. There were congratulations all round, and Lord Sandall announced his intention to set out for Longbourn on the morrow to seek Mr. Bennet's consent.

In the coach going back to the De V—estates, Lord Sandall observed Melham anxiously. His own happiness had not made him impervious to the feelings of his friend.

"I take it that you could not speak with Miss Darcy?" He asked gently.

"She didn't even speak to me." Melham was near to tears. "I cannot bear this any longer. After you leave tomorrow, so shall I."

Lord Sandall looked out of the carriage. He did not know what to say to comfort his friend.

At Pemberley, Georgiana was in shock at finally hearing the news from Katherine that Mr. Melham was indeed in love with her, and from her brother that he would not be so foolish as to deny his consent if it were sought.

She shook her head in disbelief. "But he has never said anything? How can he...?"

"But Georgie, you have never encouraged him, never given him any sign of your feelings. Why should he say anything?" Said Katherine in exasperation.

Jane spoke up. "Georgiana, I must admit that I almost lost Mr. Bingley by not encouraging him enough."

Darcy shifted a little embarrassedly at this, but Jane continued. "However, now you know of his feelings, and those of your family, all you have to do is let him know of your own. The rest will follow."

Georgiana still looked a little unsure, so the other ladies decided that they would go into Lambton on the next day and have her measured up for a gown. A gown, they assured Miss Darcy, that would snare Mr. Melham finally. Georgiana laughed at this, she felt optimism for the first time in the four years that she had known him, that perhaps they would be together.

The next morning after breakfast, the ladies set off for Lambton.

Their departure was witnessed by a solitary rider who made for Pemberley as soon as they disappeared from view.

"Good day to you Mr. Darcy."

"Good day to you Mr. Melham, and what brings you here?"

"Well Darcy, I am to quit the steward's cottage, and am heading for Yorkshire immediately." Said Melham.

Darcy was dumbfounded. "This is unexpected," he said in confusion. "But the ladies? Surely you will wish to say good-bye? They will only be a couple of hours at the most."

"Please give them my regards, and my regrets at not being able to bid them farewell. However, I have a long day's travel ahead of me, and I cannot tarry."

Melham extended his hand and shook Darcy's. "I thank you for all you have done for me Darcy. Your kindness I shall not forget. Good-bye sir."

With that, he turned on his heel and left.

Chapter 8: Georgie, or, Gotcha!

Posted on Wednesday, 25-Nov-98

The carriage carrying the ladies from Lambton arrived back from Lambton two hours later.

Georgiana had been measured up for her new gown, and with the critical eyes of the other ladies, it was announced that this would surely secure the heart of even the most reluctant of men. It had been made to set off every one of Georgiana's best features, it was sleek and seductive. Katherine opined that Mr. Melham stood not a chance.

Thus they entered Pemberley. So it was with a deal of shock that first Elizabeth, then Jane and Katherine, and finally Georgiana heard of Mr. Melham's departure.

"Could you not have made him stay?" Cried Elizabeth in dismay.

"I tried may best," was Darcy's reply, "but he was determined to go. I could not stop him."

Georgiana stood up. "Well, if he does not wish to see me. I am sure that I shall be able to bear the loss, knowing that he was eager to go. Men!!" she cried, and ran out of the room and into her apartments upstairs.

The life had gone out of the gathering downstairs. Elizabeth went upstairs to speak with Georgiana.

"Lizzy, I am so miserable. Everybody told me that he loved me, and I believed them. For the first time in the last three years, I was really happy. My hopes and dreams were to come true, the man I love... loved," she corrected herself. "loved me, or so I was told." She burst into tears. "Now I find he is as inconstant as any of them. If he cared, he would have said something. Anything would have done."

"Georgiana, there must be some terrible mistake. Would Lady Bereston be so wrong? She has known him for years, there must be an explanation. Just have a little patience, I am sure that we can get to the bottom of this."

"Lizzy, I know you mean well, and thank you. But my mind is made up. I shall forget about him. He is gone, and I shall forget him, no matter how long it takes." This produced further tears. This time however, Georgiana was a little better able to compose herself. "I shall forget!"

The days turned into weeks (sorry 'bout the cliché).

Lord Sandall and Katherine married six weeks before Christmas. True to their word, Georgiana and Mr. Melham studiously avoided one another, and left Longbourn with only the minimum of greetings.

Lord and Lady Sandall did however, invite Georgiana to visit for two weeks before Christmas. However, even in this, Georgiana extracted a promise from (Lady) Katherine that she would not invite Mr. Melham at any time when she was to be with them. Georgiana was well aware of the propensity of newly married ladies to matchmake, and The De V--- family seat, and its Master, were but eight miles from Lord and Lady Sandall's home.

Thus it was that Georgiana spent her allotted time with the newlyweds. It was, however, not a good situation. Their incurable happiness, just made her own position the more miserable. Yet she tried to be as cheerful as she could. She was to leave them two days before Christmas, just in time to spend Christmas Eve with her brother and Elizabeth, and the two children.

While she was grateful for the time with Katherine, she was looking forward to going home.

Unfortunately, she was thwarted in this. A Winter storm had made the roads between Derbyshire and Yorkshire impassable. Georgiana would have to stay for Christmas Eve.

The decorations were put up, the food and wine laid out, and the servants all dismissed early to celebrate.

Georgiana was a little hungry, so she asked innocently. "What time should I present myself for dinner?"

"As soon as our guest arrives." Replied Lord Sandall.

"Guest?" Said Georgiana.

"Why yes, Katherine has invited Mr. Melham to dine with us this Christmas Eve"

Georgiana turned quickly to Katherine with an accusing glance. "You promised faithfully that you wouldn't...."

Katherine smiled sweetly. "I said that I wouldn't invite him when you were to be with us, and I did not. You were to have been gone from here by now. Besides, he is alone, and with no family over Christmas. Should he be made miserable just so that your feathers are not ruffled? Georgiana, it is Christmas, please can you extend a little charity to the man?"

Lord Sandall looked at his wife, thinking, good girl! Lay it on with a trowel! I should have organised a violinist to play something sentimental in the background.

Georgiana looked ashamed. "Forgive me, I am being a little silly."

At that moment, in strode Mr. Melham. On seeing Georgiana, he checked, almost ready to walk out. It was only the smell of the warm food and the remembrance of the bitter cold and wind outside that made him stay.

He greeted his host and hostess with pleasure, and Miss Darcy with civility.

They did not speak, and much of the meal was taken in silence.

Lord Sandall looked at his wife who cocked an eyebrow at him. "Oh very well, do as you please."

Both Melham and Georgiana thought this a strange exchange between husband and wife, and looked at Lord Sandall as if for explanation. Had they been looking at his lady, they would have observed her pouring a very large portion of gin into the glasses of mulled wine that she subsequently placed in front of Melham and Georgiana.

"Come. Let us drink a toast." Said his lordship. "To Christmas!"

They emptied their glasses. Lady Sandall obligingly refilled them.

"To the Darcy's at Pemberley!"

They emptied their glasses. Lady Sandall obligingly refilled them.

Melham was feeling rather relaxed at this point, and Georgiana was starting to giggle.

Lord Sandall whispered to his wife. "No more gin my dear."

"To our hosts!" Cried Melham.

They emptied their glasses. Georgiana refilled them rather clumsily.

"To the Bingleys!" It was Georgiana's turn.

They emptied their glasses. Georgiana did the honours again.

"It's your turn, Kitty. Come on, give us a toast!" Gurgled Georgiana.

Katherine was a little alarmed at the way this was turning out, but she saw no way of avoiding another toast.

"To the Darcy and Bingley children."

They emptied their glasses. Melham did the honours this time. Georgiana could not because she was swaying, and besides, there were now two of her.

Melham stood up and looked at his glass in what seemed to be a state of confusion. Finally he smiled in triumph. "Milord and Ladies. To his Majesty, The King!"

They emptied their glasses. Georgiana eyed off the wine bowl, now decidedly down to the dregs, and collapsed on the sofa giggling.

Melham looked at his host and hostess, trying to focus and stay upright. "I...I...I think therefore I... No that was Descartes. I think I should retire."

Sandall looked at his wife in resignation. Their little plot to loosen Melham and Georgiana up a little had worked too well. They were now quite incapable. In fact Georgiana was starting to make a spectacle of herself. He sighed, addressing Melham. "Certainly. You are in the green room, shall I come with you?"

"No, I know where that is, third left from the stairs. I stayed there last time. Good night to you."

He left the room and headed up the stairway, making heavy weather of it. Finally he made the room. He suddenly realised that there were no servants, so he would have to undress himself. This he managed to do. Hmm, he thought, those clothes look rather untidy, so he kicked them under the bed. That's better, now where is the nightgown? He could not focus, and all of a sudden he just felt the desire to go to bed. He managed to crawl under the covers, falling into a deep sleep.

Downstairs, Georgiana was in disarray. She was singing portions from Christmas carols, mixed with doggerel. Finally, she collapsed on the sofa.

"Bedtime for you Georgie!" Said Lady Katherine.

Georgiana struggled up and accompanied them upstairs. She bade them good night and Merry Christmas outside their bedroom, and headed for her own.

The room was dark, with only her candle to light it.

Georgiana remembered that the servants were dismissed, so she struggled out of her clothes, including a herculean struggle with her stays. She looked at the pile of clothes on the floor and kicked them under the bed. Oh bother, where is my nightgown, she thought. Suddenly, as with Mr. Melham, the effects of the drink overtook her and she too crawled under the covers and fell deep asleep.

The next morning, Stephen Melham woke up with three feelings. The first was a splitting headache, the second was a total numbness in his arm, the third, the reason for the numbness in his arm, was the weight of a female form lying upon it. A soft, warm, female form. Melham stiffened. "Oh lord, please don't let it be one of the chambermaids. He slowly turned his head. What he saw made him stiffen even more. It was Miss Darcy. The danger and impropriety of his situation hit him like a brick. He tried gently to remove the arm trapped underneath Georgiana. As he moved, however, she roused. Still half asleep, she rolled onto him. "My dearest darling Stephen, I love you," she whispered into his ear. Her hand reached across his chest, and she cuddled into his side. He was caught.

Suddenly her eyes flew wide open, comprehension flooding into her. She pulled away from him, clutching the eiderdown, covering herself. Unfortunately, in so doing, she completely removed the covers from Mr. Melham. Her eyes bulged. Although totally inexperienced in her dealings with men, Georgiana had taken a great deal of interest in the management of the Pemberley estates. As a result, she was very experienced in matters of animal husbandry and breeding. Thus the significance of the sight that greeted her was not missed.

Seeing the object of her gaze, Melham reached for the covers himself, and with a yank gained enough to cover himself. Unfortunately, this left insufficient for Georgiana, and she slid to the side of the bed out of view except for her head.

"That was a most ungentlemanly thing to do," she said.

"Oh, and I suppose that stare of yours was the epitome of ladylike behaviour was it?" He replied, a little wounded.

"Look, you must leave immediately."

"All right, but let me dress first." Said Melham.

"No! You must leave now. Please!"

Melham caught the tone of mortification and fear in her voice, scooped up the clothes from under the bed and headed for the door.

A little earlier that morning, Lord Sandall and his wife were up and about. They decided to check on their guests to see how they had survived the previous night's entertainment, and to wish them a Merry Christmas.

Lord Sandall greeted his wife with a frown. "Melham isn't in his room, and the bed hasn't been turned down."

"Neither is Georgiana in her room, nor has her bed been turned down," was the reply from his wife.

They looked at each other, suddenly the same thought occurred to each of them. "I wonder?"

Suddenly, they thought they heard voices in the room opposite their own bedroom.

Lord Sandall looked at his wife with a wicked grin. "Well dearest, I wonder who will come out first?"

"It doesn't matter. They are both so hopelessly compromised, but let us be ready for them."

They didn't have to wait long. The door burst open, and out propelled Mr. Melham, with only the clothes he held in his hand. He was caught. There stood Lord and Lady Sandall, by now with straight faces. Lady Sandall averted her gaze, and his lordship merely said to Mr. Melham. "I take it that you are now in the habit of wearing ladies' clothing to bed?"

Melham looked down in horror. He had picked up Georgiana's clothes by mistake.

Lady Sandall slipped past him into the room. "Georgiana," she shrieked. "Look at you! You haven't a stitch on! And what are these?" She picked up Mr. Melham's clothes, as a fisherman would his catch.

"I can explain." Pleaded Georgiana.

"There is no need to explain. It is all very apparent to me. You are going to marry Mr. Melham. His Lordship is making the necessary arrangements right now. As soon as you are dressed, you are going to write to your brother and Mrs. Darcy."

Georgiana gaped.

"Look Georgie, he loves you. You love him. And we have caught you both red handed, so there is no way of avoiding it."

Lady Katherine was right. On the other side of the door, a similar conversation was taking place.

It was done. That day, letters from Melham to Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam went out announcing his intention to call on them to ask for Georgiana's hand, along with the letter from Georgiana telling of the offer from Mr. Melham.

Later on Christmas Day, Lord Sandall and his wife had second thoughts about their conduct of the matter, thinking that perhaps they were wrong in hectoring the others into marriage. However, this opinion altered a little when they came upon Mr. Melham and Georgiana in the Library, their disposition leaving no doubt in the mind of their hosts as to the depth of their feelings.

The End

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