Man and Wife

He looked towards the back of the church, away from the glittering alter and the kindly priest directly in front of him. He could not imagine a more joyous day than this, a day he thought would never occur. His close friend as his best man and his soon-to -be-wife's sister as her maid, or rather matron, of honor. Glancing through the crowd he noticed all the people he had meet within the last year and all the people he had always known. His wife's family, all except one who was with- no, he wouldn't let that man ruin his wedding day. Her aunt and uncle, the ones he had met at Pemberley and were the main reason he was standing here today, were there, though he noticed their numerous children were absent. He glanced briefly at Miss Bingley dressed in her usual haughty style, her expression more suitable for a funeral. He smiled inwardly at that and his eyes landed on his beloved sister, more precious to him than anything. She smiled prettily up at him and he smiled in return. The wizened man at the organ began his tune, one that had been repeated many times. Everyone stood and turned towards the back of the old stone church where the man was watching intently.

An angel glowing in white was escorted down the long aisle by her father who seemed both proud and miserable at the same time. He was losing his favorite daughter, yet she was gaining a life of happiness. She blushed slightly from embarrassment and excitement as she walked between the crowds of people, the stain glass windows shining onto her white gown. Her fine eyes sparkled up to her awaiting husband along with a radiant smile which he returned. Her father reluctantly let go of her arm, holding on as long as he could, and her husband and her sister helped her up the last few steps. Everyone turned obediently towards the priest as he began the rites that would join the two lovers forever.

The promises were made with happy confidence and the rings given in reminder. The quick kiss was delivered and the priest raised his hands towards the awaiting assembly.

"I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy!" He exclaimed to the crowd and was answered by applause and calls. Women were dabbing their eyes with their handkerchiefs and Mrs. Bennet refrained from bawling like she had done at Jane's wedding.

The blushing bride was escorted out of the church on her husband's arm and they waited on the steps to greet everyone as they were leaving.

Her mother was the first to greet them with wet eyes and waving her frilly handkerchief. "Oh, my dear Lizzy, to have you married at last! Oh, you can't imagine my happiness. Oh, Lizzy!" Her mother rambled on breathlessly. "'Tis a shame you must go so far away, but for ten-thousands pounds we couldn't expect to keep you at Meryton, could we, my dear. If only you could stay near us and your sisters, then I would be perfectly happy."

"Now, now, my dear, that is the price we pay for having daughters," Mr. Bennet interjected wisely. "Though I am afraid I will feel the parting more keenly than you, Mrs. Bennet."

"Oh, Mr. Bennet! You jest! I know that they must leave, of course, but to see them gone so far away, and you will be so far away my dear, all the way at Pemberly," Mrs. Bennet lamented loudly to her daughter.

Elizabeth smiled at the familiar banter between her parents, but she could tell it did not grate well on her husband though he suffered it silently.

The Bennets moved a little towards the right still talking loudly but making room for others to greet the bride and groom.

Following next was Miss Caroline Bingley who congratulated Elizabeth haughtily and as civilly as she could. With Mr. Darcy she was slightly more agreeable though the fact that he had not chosen her to be his bride still pained her. However, she still wanted to have the acquaintance of Pemberley and she moved off to the left to wait for Georgiana, hoping to stay as far away from the Bennets as possible. It was Darcy's turn to smile in amusement as she walked away. Next came a more agreeable pair, as the best man and matron of honor descended arm in arm from the church.

"Oh, Lizzy," Jane began in her quiet, sincere manner. "To think that we both should be so happy and content, it is unimaginable!"

"Only to you, my dear Jane," Elizabeth replied smiling at her favorite sister. "I only wish Netherfield and Pemberley were closer, but we cannot have everything, can we?"

"No, indeed we cannot, " Jane said and both girls were reflecting on their youngest sister. "But it all came together anyway."

Elizabeth nodded her head and continued. "So, when can we expect the both of you at Pemberley?"

"I do not know, but I expect it will have to be in few months time as I still have to meet some cousins of Charles' that reside in London and could not come to the wedding."

"Well, just write us a letter or stop on our doorstep whenever you wish to visit," Elizabeth replied smiling to her sister. "I think we shall have to separate our husbands 'fore I believe there is a line stating to form."

Jane laughed. "Good day, then, Lizzy. We shall see the both of you soon. Come Charles," she said gently to her husband. "I fear you will have to leave Mr. Darcy now as there is a line forming behind us."

Mr. Bingley glanced back at the line and exclaimed "Good God!" before turning back, exceedingly embarrassed, to the laughing Darcys. He gave Mrs. Darcy a very eloquent farewell and congratulations for the both of them. "But you must make sure, Mrs. Darcy, to have this husband of yours mix more at parties or we shall have a frightful time when we all meet!"

Everyone laughed, including Mr. Darcy, and the Bingleys made their way over to the Bennets where Mrs. Bennet was already making plans very loudly of visiting the Bingleys as soon as they returned. Georgiana Darcy came up with her companion, Mrs. Annesley, who would accompany her to London with Miss Bingley and also look for a new station. Both Georgiana and Elizabeth got along very much like sisters already and agreed that Mrs. Annesley would no longer be needed. However, she would be allowed to stay with her salary until she received a new station. Mrs. Annesley, though saddened at having to leave Georgiana who was rather like a daughter, was eager to help other young ladies as she had helped Georgiana start to overcome her extreme shyness.

"I cannot tell you how eager I am for us all to be back at Pemberley, Elizabeth," Georgiana told Elizabeth happily while her brother watched the both of them. "I cannot believe how fortunate I am to have received a lady such as yourself for a sister. Will you be returning in a fortnight to Pemberley?"

Elizabeth glanced up at her husband and then replied. "No, we will be gone for about three weeks. But then we shall have the run of Pemberley all to ourselves and you and your brother will have to acquaint me with everything inside and around it."

"Three weeks cannot come too soon," Georgiana replied happily and then turned to her brother who wanted to issue his usual warnings to her before she went off to town. Though she was a year older and a bit more wiser, Wickham's scare last year was not forgotten by anyone.

Mrs. Annesley said a few kind words to both Mr. and Mrs. Darcy and promised to keep a sharp eye on Georgiana. Then the pair of them moved over to where Miss Bingley was standing haughtily removed from the rest of the crowd as though she would catch some deadly disease if she mingled. Unfortunately, Mr. Collins decided that now would be his time to capture his cousin and the nephew of Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

"Congratulations, cousin Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy," Mr. Collins greeted pompously along with equally pompous bows to each. Mrs. Collins came up behind him and shot an apologetic look to Elizabeth. Rising from his bow, he continued. "I am very happy for the both of you and hope you will find as much happiness as I in the married state. I must say though, that you have greatly displeased her Ladyship and it would be well on you to mend that breach in the family. Her Ladyship is most kind and generous and I am sure she would eagerly welcome the both of you back into the family circle."

Here he was interrupted by his wife who eagerly wished to talk to Elizabeth and silence her husband. "When will you be returning to Pemberley, Eliza?"

"In about three weeks, Charlotte. How are you doing? When do you begin your lying in?"

"In another two months, but I'm doing fine. I am not as old as you might think, Eliza."

"I said nothing of the kind!" She exclaimed and their short visit ended somewhat happily.

Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner seized their chance to greet the couple that they helped form. Joyful smiles were on everyone's faces when the Gardiners approached. After the congratulations were made, Elizabeth presently asked when they would be arriving at Pemberley.

"My dear, if you keep giving out invitations to Pemberley, we will never have the place to ourselves," Mr. Darcy teased.

"Perhaps I would not like to spend all of my time with just you," Elizabeth teased back.

"To be young and in love, " Mrs. Gardiner said smiling.

"Don't lament, dear aunt, for you and Mr. Gardiner have four children and are still in love."

The party began to dwindle down as the light outside began to fade. Many entreaties to come and visit were made and everyone stood on the church steps as Mr. and Mrs. Darcy stepped into their open air carriage. With a final wave and yells of farewell, the carriage rolled away from the church with the younger Lucases chasing after it. Elizabeth turned in her seat so she could wave at the old familiar church and the many familar faces that surrounded it as they slowly grew smaller and smaller. A sharp bend in the road suddenly blocked it all from sight. She sighed as she turned back to face the rigid back of the driver.

"What's the matter, Elizabeth?" Her husband asked gently.

She turned away from him and gazed out at the last fields of the town. "I never realized how much I was leaving behind, that's all. There are some I won't miss, but I cannot help missing Jane and Papa. I know he will miss me sorely what with Mama and her nerves." A small smile played about her lips.

Mr. Darcy reached forward and entwined his hand with hers. She moved her gaze away from the fields and rested it on him. "Then we will have him come and visit often, though I'm sure you have already given him a free invitation," he teased.

"Of course, he is my father after all."

"True, but we are now man and wife," he said, becoming more serious.

"I would never forget that," she replied smiling.

"Oh Jane, I am so glad Netherfield is so close by," Mrs. Bennet began with her usual lamentations as they walked down the path from the now empty church towards Longbourn. "Poor Lizzy, to be so far away from us all, I don't know quite how she will bear it. I know I shouldn't be able to, what with my poor nerves."

"Do not worry, Mama. I am quite sure Lizzy will be happy with Mr. Darcy and -"

"Well of course she'd be happy with ten-thousand pounds and such a large estate, but how could anyone be happy away from all their relations," Mrs. Bennet continued slightly annoyed, ignoring everyone else.

Mr. Bennet expertly tuned out his wife's grumblings which increased as they parted ways with the Bingleys. He was more preoccupied with returning to Longbourn which suddenly felt empty and foreign. It would take him a long while to get used to not hearing Elizabeth's witty jokes, seeing her smiles as she passed him in the hall, and mostly he would miss her sense, something that would now be impossible to find. True, he could always visit the Bingleys, but nothing could replace his favorite daughter.

"Papa?" Kitty asked, recalling him back to the present. "Papa, Lizzy said I could go and visit her at Pemberly in July. May I go, Papa?"

"Yes, you may, Kitty."

"And Lydia invited me to join her a fortnight before Michaelmas, may I go visit her too?"

"That I absolutely forbid!" Mr. Bennet stated firmly. "You'll not go about with all those officers consuming your every thoughts. You'll stay with your elder sister and hopefully gain some sense off her!"

Kitty's eyes began to swim with tears and Mrs. Bennet hurriedly put her thoughts in. "Mr. Bennet! How can you let her go see Lizzy and have nothing to do with Lydia? They are both her sisters and respectably married -"

"Respectably married!" Mr. Bennet cried, losing his temper. "Have you forgotten the pains we endured when Lydia eloped? Do you think elopement is the same as respectably married? Kitty will either go to Pemberley or Netherfield where she has sisters of sense or go nowhere at all!"

Mr. Bennet stormed into his library immediately regretting losing his temper. True, he was greatly upset over Lizzy going away, but he would not tolerate Kitty going to Lydia and having her elope too. Sitting heavily in a chair, he continued to think as the sun set over the trees. Kitty had some sense, but unfortunately it was all buried under Lydia's influence. Hopefully Jane or Lizzy would be able to save her. Glancing around his library and hearing the unusual quiet of the house, he could not help but feel self-pity.

"With my two sensible daughters gone, who will save me?"

I hope you liked it. Please drop a review and let me know how I'm doing.

Georgiana Darcy sat alone in her room at the Bingley's house in London wondering how to spend her free morning. Mrs. Annesley had gone to an interview at the Stevenson's and would not return until dinner. She had spent her last free morning with Miss Bingley and was entombed in her room discussing the evening party and Mr. Campwell, a man of six thousand pounds a year and a decent estate in Devon. Since Mr. Darcy had agreed that Georgiana would be allowed to "come out", Miss Bingley had insisted on bringing her to all of the parties and dances that she had been invited too. Georgiana looked at each party with dread as her shyness made it hard for her to chat easily with strangers, though she was steadily improving. However, the reports still circulated around London that Miss Georgiana Darcy, though heiress to thirty-thousand pounds and exceedingly pretty, was most insufferably proud.

Not wishing to repeat another morning listening to Miss Bingley gossip, she decided to write a letter to her new sister, though she was on her honeymoon. But since both Elizabeth and her brother had given her the address for the inn they would be staying at for the last week of their honeymoon, they surely would expect her to write. Getting up from the window seat, Georgiana crossed the room to the writing desk and sat down to begin her letter. Sharpening the nub of the pen and dipping it into the inkwell, she began to write.

My dear sister Elizabeth,

I hope this letter finds both you and my dear brother safe and well at your last inn and enjoying your honeymoon. Though Mrs. Annesley advised me not to write as it is your honeymoon and you would want little interruption, I thought that since you had given me your address it would be inexcusable not to write. I do not expect a reply since, when you receive this, we will be seeing each other in less than a weeks time.

Since my "coming out", Miss Bingley has included me in all of the invitations to dinners and dances that she has been invited to. To be quite honest, I am horribly afraid every time she announces an engagement as it means I shall have to come along too. Unfortunately, I have not quite conquered my shyness and within a week of coming out have been labeled as exceedingly proud. It is very unnerving to walk into a room and have everyone turn and whisper about you to everyone else, especially when you know exactly what they are saying. The men in a party ask the women who the young lady is that has just walked in the door. The women reply with my name and add that I have thirty thousand pounds to my name. With this remark the men's faces light up and the women quickly conquer their hope by spreading how insufferably proud I am. Then they all begin abusing me. I know this from having been within hearing distance during one of these exchanges and I can tell the conversation is widely repeated just by judging the looks on people's faces when I enter. Though this rumor is widely agreed upon, it has not stopped a few men from proposing, but thankfully I remembered my dear brother's advice and turned them down at which point they all became quite nasty before trying to woo other less suspecting ladies. I am glad I already had my scare with that man before officially coming out. Now I will know the difference between men loving me or my money.

Dear sister, do you think it quite possible that any man would love me for myself? The more I see of men and the more gossip I hear at these parties and from Miss Bingley, it seems that everyone is just concerned with money. Indeed, though it is quite shocking to find it in a friend, I believe Miss Bingey is of the same opinion, that money is much more important than anything. Mr. Campwell, a man of six thousand a year who Miss Bingley talks about incessantly, has been at many of the same parties as ourselves. He is a handsome man, to be sure, but completely narcissistic to an unbearable point. But Miss Bingley sees nothing but good in him and his six thousand pounds which she constantly points out is a larger sum than Mr. Bingley's. However, one good thing has come about from these parties. I have made the acquaintance of Miss Isabel Rowndell who is a lady a year my senior from a respectable family from Salisbury. She is quite more outgoing than myself, but she and I share a common dislike of parties. We have-

A loud knock on the door startled Georgiana. She hurried across the room and opened the door to reveal Miss Bingley glad in one of her usual striped silks.

"Good morning, Georgiana," she greeted, striding into Georgiana's room without waiting for a proper invitation. "I wondered if you were going to stay in your room all day!"

"Of course not, Miss Bingley," she replied, trying to move inconspicuously towards her writing desk. "I was just enjoying a free morning since Mrs. Annesely has an interview."

"All alone in your room, you should have come and visited me, Georgiana. Though I hope her interview shall not take all day," Miss Bingley continued haughtily. "We have just been invited to the Campwells for dinner. It will be an intimate gathering," her eyebrows lifting in her own smugness, then frowning as she continued, "but those Rowndells be there too. I don't see why they have the presumption to come too, Mr. Rowndell has only four thousand pounds and the Miss Rowndells are such frivolous girls."

Georgiana, having successfully hidden her letter when Miss Bingley had looked away while talking of the Rowndells, voiced her own defense of her friend. "Miss Isabel Rowndell is a fine lady, as is her elder sister. They are both so welcoming and accomplished, have you not heard Miss Isabel sing? She has quite a lovely voice."

"Lovely voice?" Miss Bingely repeated scandalized. "I assure you, Georgiana, that your voice is a hundred times more lovely than Miss Isabel's. I hope you are not considering an acquaintance with those Rowndells, they are much beneath you. Think of your honor as a Darcy! I am quite sure your brother would not like you becoming intimate with such people."

"I am sure that my sister would approve along with my brother, and they are excellent judges of character," young Georgiana stated resolutely to a surprised Miss Bingley.

"Yes, I am sure your sister would have not disapprove of them," Miss Bingley replied scathingly, her expression sour and sneering. "Well, I must go inform the servants that we will not be in for dinner. I wish your companion was here, I loathe talking to them. They are so rude and coarse!"

Miss Bingley turned on her heel and left in a worse temper than when she had entered and Georgiana privately thought that she would not wish to be the servant she talked too. She decided to return to her letter as was just about to begin when another knock echoed in her room. However, this knock was a double knock, letting her know that it was Mrs. Annesley back again. She opened the door and greeted her companion joyfully.

"How was your interview?" She asked as she helped Mrs. Annesley off with her cloak.

"It went very well, they will write to me in a week to say whether or not they will accept me, but I am very confident that they will," Mrs. Annesley said happily before turning around and facing Georgiana with a sorrowful expression. "Though I must say, I will greatly miss you Georgiana. It is not very likely that I will find such a kind young lady to be with."

"Thank you," replied Georgiana, blushing. "But I'm sure within a few weeks you will be saying the same thing about your new charge." Seeing her about to refute that remark, Georgiana hastily continued. "Miss Bingley was in while you were gone and she wanted us to know that we have been invited to dinner at the Campwells. It is supposed to be an intimate occasion and it shall just be us, the Campwells, and the Rowndells."

Mrs. Annesley brightened when she heard that the Rowndells would also be going. "Well, at least the Rowndells will be joining us. The Campwells are kind people indeed, but do not you find the Rowndells a bit more welcoming?" She asked.

"Yes, very much so. It would not be wrong of me to have the acquaintance of Miss Isabel Rowndell, would it?"

"No, no, not at all. She is a fine lady of respectable birth and very sound judgment from what I've seen. I would not have encouraged you to meet with her if I thought otherwise. Why do you ask?"
"Well, Miss Bingley thought she is beneath my notice, but I told how charming I think Isabel and her sister are."

Mrs. Annesley pursed her lips every so slightly. "You are old enough, now, Georgiana, to learn that you must not trust everyone's judgment. You will have to rely on your own judgment for I will not be here and your sister will not always be around to assist you. Always ask if you have doubts, but I feel it would be better to ask advice of your sister rather than Miss Bingley."

Georgiana nodded her head. "Then it is good that I have already asked her."

"Who, my dear?"

"My sister."

"You've gone and written to her, have you not?"

Georgiana nodded again.

"Then you are finally using your own judgment and I can leave in peace," Mrs. Annesley teased. "What time is this dinner party?"
"Miss Bingley did not say... but I will go ask her," Georgiana continued, seeing the look on Mrs. Annesley's face.

She smiled and said, "I quite believe that I have taught you well."

Elizabeth glanced around their room at the inn for the last time. All their trunks were packed and lying near the door and the footmen were busy dragging them down the stairs. She had sentimentally made her rounds about the small rooms, ingraining them into her memory, never to be forgotten. Staring unseeingly, Elizabeth knew she would never forget this place as long as she lived. How could she forget the last resting place of their honeymoon? She was startled out of her reverie by her husband appearing in a rush at the doorway.

"Come, Elizabeth, the carriage is nearly ready," he said as he extended his hand out for hers.

She held his hand and they walked down the corridor to the entryway of the inn following the footman with the last of their trunks. They talked very little as Mr. Darcy was evidently distracted. Elizabeth smiled. She knew how anxious her husband was to finally return home after being gone for months. Pemberley was his only sanctuary and one he needed after spending much of their courtship in Hertfordshire. Of course, she was just as anxious as him to return, though she was filled with a large fluttering of nervousness that settled in her stomach whenever she thought about it. The daunting questions of whether the servants would welcome her, if she would really be suited to such a life, and all sorts of doubts that she had stubbornly suppressed clouded her mind as she waited in the entryway.

Thinking back over their honeymoon, she remembered the letter Georgiana had written and how her husband reacted. He did not regret his decision to have Georgiana come out as he was still confident that she would overcome her extreme shyness by the time she was old enough to be respectfully married. In any rate, he told Elizabeth, should she indeed fall in love with a suitable man, his ingenious plan would force them into a long engagement. False love could not suffer that, he foolishly thought. As for the mysterious Miss Isabel Rowndell, he reluctantly decided that they would meet with her the next time they were all in London, though he privately hoped she would gone by then. Elizabeth had dutifully told him everything Georgiana had said, or so he thought. She had purposely neglected to tell him about her doubts whether anyone would love her just for herself, not her money. Though she knew her husband would have more empathy on that score, she thought that her experience of having no money and perhaps being forced into a marriage she did wish to enter for the necessity of money might have more of an impact on Georgiana. All in all, it really was a matter between sisters anyway as men generally did not understand the fears of women that they labeled as irrational.

Her meditations were again interrupted as John, the young footman, appeared in the doorway to inform her that the carriage was ready and the Master had gone to settle the bill. She kindly thanked him and followed him out to the street into the dazzling sunlight. The perfectly matched chestnut horses stamped impatiently, kicking up puffs of dirt, clearly as anxious to leave as their master. Elizabeth watched a peasant woman hurry along, clutching a large basket that smelled strongly of fish and being followed by a trail of children. Farther up the street she saw two young girls chasing each other until their mother appeared in a window, yelling at them to behave. Enraptured by the rustic charm of the bustling village, it took her much longer than it should have to notice the footman waiting for her at the door of the carriage, watching her with amused interest. She uncomfortably knew that he would be accosted by the servants back at Pemberley and be forced tell them what he thought of her. Her nervousness returning, she knew she had so far behaved dismally at her new role of Mistress of Pemberley.

Hesitating between accepting his hand and climbing into carriage or waiting for her husband, Elizabeth was saved from deciding as her husband presently came out of the inn. A small, amused smile lit his face as he saw Elizabeth's dilemma. She looked at him with relief, blushing slightly at his smile and John straightened slightly at the appearance of his master.

"I am sorry to say, John, that my wife has decided for me to be her footman today," Mr. Darcy stated, unable to repress the amusement that crept into it.

"Yes, sir," John replied with a youthful bow and a smile. He stepped towards the front to be out of their way while exchanging meaningful looks with the driver.

Mr. Darcy handed her up into the carriage before following himself. Quick as a flash, John had snuck up and shut the door before he could turn and do it himself. Bowing again with a grin, he nimbly climbed up next to the driver and within a moment the carriage jerked forward. Smiling at her husband, Elizabeth looked around at the rolling countryside, relishing the sun shining down on her head. Her honeymoon had been wonderful, visiting the lakes arm in arm with her husband and staying at inns and hotels along the way. But finally they were going home, home to Pemberley.

All the Time in the World

"When will you talk to the servants?"

"Very soon, but I wish to rest a little more."

"You cannot delay it for long, Georgiana. They need to hear it from you, it will heighten their respect for you."

"I know, but I-"

" -am frightened. I know, my dear, but you will feel much better once it is over with than fretting about it up here."

A sigh. "You are quite right. Shall we go?"

"You may go, I shall remain here. I am to leave soon and you are quite capable on you own."

Georgiana stared at Mrs. Annesley as though she could not believe she would abandon her to such a task. Mrs. Annesley laughed.

"I will be leaving in a fortnight and I would be exceedingly proud if my pupil were able to carry on conversations alone."

"I do not wish it, but I shall go."

Georgiana got up from her chair and crossed the room towards her mentor. Mrs. Annesley smiled up at her and received a quick embrace from her charge. Shocked at such an unexpected display from Georgiana, she ended up smiling as she realized that at least some of her teaching was taking effect. Saying as much to Georgiana, who blushed, she ushered her out of the room with words of encouragement before Georgiana could change her mind and retreat.

Staring into the empty corridor, Georgiana felt her resolve weaken. No sooner had she thought that she needed to go to the kitchen, her feet sprang into life and carried her unwilling mind towards her destination. Georgiana knew that the servants ate their meals promptly at half past noon as Harriet Cox, the cook, was firm in punctuality. If you were not there when dinner was served, you received none. She had reached the corridor which led to the staircase to the kitchen. Her nervousness settling upon her once more, she desperately tried to think of what she would say. Her feet, having turned traitor to her mind, led her steadily closer to her doom. She could hear the many voices coming from the tall wooden door right in front of her. Dragging in a deep breath, she unlatched the door and stepped in.

Almost immediately the talking stopped and every single pair of eyes was fixed on Georgiana who blushed and looked down. A large sound of scraping ensued as the owners of those eyes stood up and bowed, but their eyes remained fixed on her. Having them all stand, towering above her made her blush even more and begin wringing her hands.

"You- you may- all-all sit, please... do- do sit," she stuttered almost inaudibly. Everyone sat, still not taking their eyes off their mistress. Mrs. Reynolds scurried over with a kindly look on her face.

"Is there anything you desire, Mistress Georgiana?" Mrs. Reynolds asked gently, knowing full well of her mistress' distress when having to speak.

"I wish to make... a-a request," Georgiana continued miserably, wishing she could just vanish from the spot.

A large amount of whispering occurred after her announcement, especially from the foolish new maids. However, the devoted servants who had been there a long time and knew Georgiana, waited quietly for her to speak while trying to silence the others with severe looks. When the chatter eventually died down, Georgiana took another deep breath before plunging head-long into her speech.

"As you all know, my- my brother and his- his new wife will be coming tomorrow at- at two o'clock. I have meet her and- and I know some of you have too. She is very kind and I know she will be a good mistress to all of you. I- I was hoping you- you all would join Mrs.- Mrs. Annesley and myself on the front steps to- to greet them and give them a welcoming that we all know Pemberley deserves."

Georgiana had barely looked up during her speech, preferring to look at her hands which were in danger of being wrung off her arms. The servants looked at one another, many of the older ones concluding that it must mean a lot for the young mistress that she would come down herself and deliver this message when she feared talking to anyone. A tense minute of silence passed for Georgiana and she dearly wished that she had never come down and made such a fool of herself. She was greatly surprised, then, when the hall erupted with applause and cheers.Her eyes flicking up in shock, she beheld a sea of smiling faces applauding and cheering her. Mrs. Reynolds looked at her with tears of joy in her eyes.
Clasping Georgiana's youthful hand in her two ancient ones, she said,"Of course we shall join you, Mistress, of course we shall."

Georgiana's face broke into a small smile as she still felt sick with nerves. However, knowing her mission had been completed and seeing everyone smiling at her, she was greatly heartened.

"Thank you, thank you all so very much," she said, louder than she ever though she could.
Blushing and smiling out the door, Georgiana let out the breath held inside her as she leaned against the door. She could not repress a grin. She had done it. She had delivered a speech in front of a hall crowded with servants and she had survived. Mrs. Annesley had been right, as usual. Her confidence was as high as the sky and the servants thought higher of her than they had before. To add to all of that, she had successfully arranged a surprise for her brother and sister. Georgiana Darcy was happier than she could have ever imagined.

Elizabeth Darcy gazed wearily at the seemingly endless countryside. The novelty of traveling in an open air carriage had worn off early on their first day and she longed to be out of the jolting carriage. She was stiff and dusty from two days of traveling and her clothes looked as if they could not hold anymore dust in them. Such were the realities of traveling in the summer. Glancing over at her husband, she could tell he was just as uncomfortable as she was, though she suspected that she had more of a reason to be.

He was returning home Pemberley, his home since childhood, his sanctuary. He was the master there and he knew all of its secrets. Yet she felt like she was a stranger going to conquer an unknown land. All sorts of fears would cloud her mind and she would begin to doubt if she was the right person to be mistress of Pemberley. Would the servants be kind or would they think her too inferior to be their mistress? Would she fail at whatever tasks she would have to perform? What of his relatives? Would they all shun her like Lady Catherine said they would? She would not mind much if they did, but the sting would still be there. The small meal she ate for dinner swirled around in her stomach, threatening to come up. She tried concentrating on the people in the village they were passing.

"Elizabeth."

"Yes," she answered, turning to look towards her husband.

"This is the village of Hethercrop. It's ten miles from Lambton."

"Ten miles!" She exclaimed. "Shall we really be at Pemberley so soon?"

"Yes."

She looked away as her stomach started churning faster than ever. Ten miles from Lambton! That was fifteen miles from Pemberley!

"Elizabeth," he called again after they had driven for a few moments.

She turned back to him, not trusting her stomach enough to reply. His eyes were clouded and his brow furrowed. She was perplexed at his face. What could have made him upset?

"You are aware that you can change whatever you wish to at Pemberley. My mother was very fond of red and her rooms were all done up accordingly, but we can easily change it if you wish."

He stopped abruptly and stared at her face which was still wrapped in confusion. She was not sure if she should reply or what to say.

"The gardens are very beautiful, but I'm afraid we are arriving before all the summer flowers are blooming. We could arrange for a section of the gardens to be yours, if you like. You could have whatever you wished planted there."

Again he stopped and watched her face anxiously, however she had figured out the reason for his anxiousness. He was worried she would not be pleased at all with Pemberley

How absurd, she thought. Who could ever not be pleased with Pemberley?

"I'm sure the servants will be very kind to you while you get acquainted with Pemberley. But it will not take you long at all, I'm quite confidant of that." He finished with a strained smile that did not reflect confidence at all.

Elizabeth's face lit up with an understanding smile as she leaned over to him.

"I am quite sure that if Pemberley is just the way you have described her, I shall never wish to be anywhere else."

His face relaxed a little and she leaned the rest of the way to comfort him the best way she knew. One of the luxuries of marriage was one they loved to indulge in. They broke apart suddenly when they heard cheers and calls erupting around them. Looking around the carriage, they realized that they were in the middle of Lambton and the villagers were smiling and laughing at them. Both of them blushed and Elizabeth saw John quickly turn toward the front, but he was not quick enough to hide his smile.

Now what will they think of me? Elizabeth groaned in her head.

Mr. Darcy glanced at her with a sheepish look and the rest of their ride to Pemberley was silent. When they entered the drive, Elizabeth felt her stomach twinge with the familiar nauseous sensation. Her hands began to sweat in her gloves and her whole body became cold. The majestic sight of the lake only made her chest clench tighter and the nauseous sensation increased unfairly. Mr. Darcy caught sight of her pale face and held her hand comfortingly.

"Don't worry, Elizabeth, you will be fine," he whispered into her ear before giving her a quick kiss on the lips.

Suddenly the road turned and there were only a few yards separating her from Pemberley. However, in all of her imaginings of this moment, she had never imagined what she actually saw. Standing on the steps were rows and rows of uniformed servants smiling and waving at them, though some where whispering and giggling from what she could see. Stretching in front of them was a whole line of their children standing on tip-toe to try and get a glimpse of her. In front of all of them were three ladies that stood out against the rows of uniform. Georgiana stood foremost looking just like a flower in her rose-colored gown that was fluttering around her. She was waving her hand and was stepping closer to their carriage. Mrs. Annesley stood behind her in dark red and was gently waving with a happy smile playing on her lips. Next to her was Mrs. Reynolds clothed in her best dress of navy blue. A bright white handkerchief fluttered in the breeze in each of their hands. Elizabeth smiled broadly and traitorous tears started forming in her eyes. She could not imagine a welcome such as this.

"Have you kept this all secret from me?" She asked her husband.

"No, I am just as surprised as you," he replied genuinely, looking just as astounded and perhaps just as uncomfortable as she.

The carriage jerked to a stop right in front of the steps and John jumped down to hand Elizabeth out of the carriage. She took his hand and stepped down as her husband got out and appeared next to her. Georgiana stood in front of her with a smile threatening to split her young face and her hands clenched together and strangling her handkerchief.

"Oh, Elizabeth! I get my sister at last," she said as she rushed forward to unceremoniously embrace her sister.

"Georgiana!" Elizabeth exclaimed, taken aback at Georgiana's actions.

"Oh, I-I'm sorry," she apologized, springing back instantly in embarrassment. She stood there mentally scolding herself for losing all propriety.

"Georgiana," Elizabeth said in a slightly amused voice. "I was just surprised. You are normally much more reserved."

"I-I see," she replied, retreating back into her comforting shell of shyness.

"Come, we are family now and I am no Lady Catherine. Let propriety rest for awhile," Elizabeth concluded as she embraced her new sister again.

Stepping back, she received a courteous greeting from Mrs. Annesley. Mrs. Reynolds came forward with a face stained with tears of happiness.

"We all welcome you to Pemberley, Mrs. Darcy," she said with a deep bow. Standing up again, she presented Elizabeth with a master key looped on a white satin ribbon.

"Thank you, thank you very much, Mrs. Reynolds," Elizabeth said as she took the intricately carved key from her. "To whom do I thank for such a wonderful welcome?"

"Mistress Georgiana, Madam," Mrs. Reynolds replied.

"Georgiana!" Elizabeth exclaimed again. The girl in question had blushed a magnificent shade of red under the stunned gaze of both her brother and sister. "Georgiana," Elizabeth continued, walking over to her. "You arranged all this?"

"Yes, I-I did. I thought it would make such a lovely surprise," she replied in defense.

"You are so thoughtful Georgiana, I do not know if I shall ever be able to stop embracing you," Elizabeth exclaimed again, awed at the kindness in her new sister.

Though the whole display was touching, and his dearest wish was coming true, Mr. Darcy was getting quite impatient. If they kept going on like this, he would never be able to get his bride into Pemberley! Signaling to Mrs. Reynolds, the kind housekeeper came forward to offer to introduce Elizabeth to all the servants. Unfortunately, that was not exactly what the master of Pemberley had been expecting. Elizabeth gazed in front of her and found it hard to believe she had forgotten that they were there. However they were all smiling and eager to meet her. Half an hour later, with a variety of names and faces swirling around in her head, Elizabeth was at last able to enter Pemberley on the arm of her husband. So impatient was he to get inside his sanctuary that they nearly ran their way down the walk with Georgiana close on their heels and the mass of servants trailing behind.

Stepping inside the entrance hall, a feeling of total insignificance descended on Elizabeth. The vaulted ceiling rose high above her head and the walls were covered with severe looking portraits that seemed to dare one to commit any crime under their watchful glares. An ancient looking tapestry lined one of the walls and a grand stone staircase rose from the middle. It curved into a wide corridor that disappeared behind two scarlet curtains. A jolting thought seemed to echo down from the rafters. She, little insignificant Elizabeth, was mistress over all of this. Her body gave an involuntary shudder.

"A bit imposing, is it not?" Her husband asked kindly. "Shall we give you the grand tour first or show you your rooms?"

"Do we have enough time for a tour?" She asked, doubting whether anyone would be able to see all of Pemberley in half an afternoon.

"My dear," Mr. Darcy smiled. "Now we have all the time in the world."

Madness as Usual

No matter what time of day, his wife would always be talking, he mused as he hurriedly dressed. But years of practice allowed him to dress quickly and make it appear as if he were paying attention while he was pursuing happier thoughts in his head. Though nowadays happy thoughts did not come often. Rapidly throwing on his shoes, he made for the door to reach the sanctuary of his library.

"Mr. Bennet!" His wife cried shrilly, making his face cringe. There were many times when he could not find her monologues amusing and early morning was one of those times.

"What is it, my dear?" He asked politely.

"Oh, Mr. Bennet! Where are you off to in such a hurry? You have not heard the end of my visit to Mrs. Lucas!"

"Quite frankly, my dear, I have no wish to hear it."

Mrs. Bennet sat there stunned for a minute before her usual oblivious nature returned. "Oh, you are just teasing me, Mr. Bennet! So, I was just about to tell Mrs. Lucas the wonderful news about Lydia-"

"I am quite sorry to interrupt you, but I have urgent business waiting for me."

"Oh, I see," Mrs. Bennet replied looking a little hurt, but suddenly brightening. "No matter, I shall finish my story later."

"I cannot wait," he said dryly, his sarcasm lost on his wife.

Climbing down the stairs, he peeked into the morning-room where his two remaining daughters were sitting. Mary was studiously reading a thick book while Kitty was yawning and starting to work on her latest bonnet.

"Good morning, girls," He said cheerfully.

"Good morning, Papa," came mumbled back.

His face fell unnoticed by anyone as he made his return to his sanctuary. He remembered two startling different daughters who would have stood up with smiles on their faces and given him a kiss before returning to whatever they were doing. Of course, sometimes Lizzy would follow him into his library to talk or look at the paper which now lay unopened for him on his desk. He shook his head and forced himself to stop wishing for what he could not have. He should be happy and grateful that his favorite daughter had found a husband that she loved. Still, he thought selfishly, why should he have to suffer for it.

Opening the paper, he tried to immerse himself in the price of flour which had again risen. But his traitorous mind kept leading his thoughts back to his two favorite daughters.

"This is madness!" He said in frustration, slamming the paper down on the table. His head rested in his hands as he stared glumly at the empty grate.

He remembered, as he stared, how just two weeks ago he stood there burning a letter from his first son-in-law. The ruffian was asking for money for his wife for her condition. He had written back saying that although he had sympathy for his daughter, he did not have any money to spare. Afterward, he had burned the letter with its mocking hand in the very same grate that he looked at now. All of a sudden he started and a slow smile crept across his face. A letter. He still could not believe his stupidity even as he hunted for some clean paper and his new pen. Then again, he was never much of a letter writer. He was finally ready to write when the door opened and the maid announced breakfast. Glancing unhappily at his unwritten letter, he reluctantly left for breakfast since he knew nothing would be accomplished on an empty stomach.

The dining room showed him that his wife and remaining daughters had already started to eat without bothering to wait for him.

"We are most sorry for starting without you, Papa, but the meal was beginning to become cold," Mary said practically as she helped herself to a plate of steaming bacon.

"I see," her father replied sagely as he sat down.

"Mr. Bennet, do you know what is happening tomorrow? I am shocked that I forget to tell you already! Dear Jane is coming home! We should visit her in the afternoon. Imagine being away from her family a full four weeks! We can wait at my dear sister Phillips' house since all the carriages have to pass it to get through town. Though we shall probably have to wait an hour or so before actually arriving at their house. You have no need for the horses tomorrow, do you Mr. Bennet? Of course you would not. Oh, I cannot wait to see dear Jane. I always knew those two would be happy, always. I never doubted either of them for a second."

As Mrs. Bennet paused briefly for air and some eggs, Mr. Bennet took his opportunity.

"My dear, though I also long to see Jane, consider waiting for an invitation or at least a few days. They will be traveling from London and no doubt very tired."

"Yes, they will not want to be bothered by us and will prefer their own company in solitude to a horde of guests," Mary began wisely.

Kitty rolled her eyes as she knew Mary would soon launch into some sermon or another. Honestly, she mused, Mary should go into the church, she makes a perfect reverend. Of course, the vision of Mary in preacher's robes and powdered wig and dolefully delivering her sermon was found very amusing by Kitty. So amusing that she was engulfed by uncontrollable giggles. Mary looked at her with an expression of contempt at interrupting her lecture which only caused Kitty to laugh harder.

"Kitty, have some compassion for my nerves!" Mrs. Bennet exclaimed from her end of the table. "I might as well just drop down dead right this minute for all the attention anyone pays to me. My nerves, my poor nerves, they get more unbearable everyday and all you every do is make them worse! And poor Jane, her father not even willing to see her after so long though I try to persuade him. Then even she will not take us when the Collinses come and throw us out of this house!"

"Mrs. Bennet, I assure you we all have the greatest care for you nerves. As for Jane, I would dearly wish to see her, but it is not right to go banging into their house just moments after they arrive!"

"Mr. Bennet!" She sputtered, preparing to begin another chapter in "The Woes of the Most Honorable Mrs. Bennet".

"I am returning to my library," he said curtly before his wife could start. "And I do not wish to be disturbed unless someone is dying."

Marching away from the table, he caught Mrs. Bennet's startled looks and Kitty's alarmed face. Mary, however, seemed not to have noticed the argument that had just taken place. Shaking his head, he continued to his sanctuary and poured himself a nice glass of brandy.

"Look at what you have done, Lizzy," he said into the silent room. "I am resorting to brandy, of all things, for company."

Taking a sip for good measure, he settled down to begin the task of writing. After a quarter of an hour of work, the letter read.

My dear daughter Lizzy,

He stared unbelieving at the clocking ticking resolutely on the mantle pieceSurely it could not be this difficult to write to his favorite daughter. Should he have met her that day in person, he would not have been able to part form her. Now that he sat ready, all of his thoughts seemed to have disappeared to be replaced by a blank wall.

I must be getting old, he thought unhappily.

"There is nothing to do around here anymore," Kitty griped to her sister who was annoyed at being disturbed from her book. "I wish another regiment would come. Perhaps then I could find a husband like Lydia. Though I would never do anything so scandalous as elope."

"I think that it would be better for you to improve your mind by reading than fretting over a silly regiment," Mary stated with enough pompousness to rival Mr. Collins. "That new book that came from the traveling library is very interesting."

"You cannot mean Lessons for the Modern Bride?" Kitty asked scandalized.

"The very same," Mary replied, oblivious. "If you are so concerned about getting a husband, you should learn the proper behavior for every young bride."

Kitty felt that she should scream if she were to be confined with her sister for much longer. Tilting her head to one side, she read the name of the book that had Mary so enthralled. She made a disgusted sound as she read Lord Scott's Lectures: Practical Advice for Young Women. What would some stuffy old Lord know about young women, she thought scornfully. Kitty glumly returned to her bonnet which was refusing to allow a new blue ribbon to be sewed onto it. All too soon, the whirlwind that was Mrs. Bennet blew into the room.

"There you are, my dears!" She exclaimed in happiness, waving a piece of paper to them. "Lydia has written again, see for yourself! I am so happy for her, my dear, dear girl. The first to marry and the first to be with child. Oh, Lord! I fear she will do something silly, surrounded by all those officers up North. I shall write her again and warn her not to ride or stay up late dancing at all those balls. As it is, she should be quite large enough now. Oh, just three months! Three months and I shall be a grandmother! My first grandchild, my first granddaughter! Oh, that I should have lived to see this day!"

Here Mrs. Bennet collapsed into her chair from her frenzy and Kitty dutifully took the letter out of her mother's hand. Mary haughtily marked the page in her lectures before joining Kitty in reading the letter. Trying to decipher Lydia's childish writing, they figured out that she was indeed growing larger every day and believed she felt her daughter, for of course it would be a daughter, kick her that very morning. For once Mrs. Bennet's fears were not unfounded as Lydia wrote that she had no intention of stopping any of her usual pursuits because of her child.

"She will kill her child if she carries on that way," Mary whispered sagely.

"Do not speak of Lydia that way, of course she will not harm her child," Kitty replied through her blind loyalty to her sister. "You are just cross because you have not found a husband."

Mary colored slightly as she replied, "At least I can be content without having crowds of gentlemen around me. As for yourself, you are just spiteful because you are no closer than myself in finding a husband."

Kitty colored brightly in shock and rage. "I am closer to finding a husband than yourself 'fore I am not plain."

A pained look passed briefly over Mary's face before being hidden behind her usual composure. "I have always been aware of that defect, so I have many accomplishments instead, something you do not have. You have no talent and have only youthfulness to recommend yourself."

Kitty knew those facts were true, but to acknowledge them silently to oneself and having another say so to your face were entirely different things.

"The letter, my dears, I wish to see Lydia's letter!" Mrs. Bennet exclaimed from her chair, completely unaware of her children's bickering. Indeed, she only had thought for her favorite daughter.

Kitty reacted first and snatched the letter from the table. As she returned the letter to her mother, the latter still had another announcement to make.

"My dears, I wish the both of you would go visit your Aunt Phillips and tell her of Lydia's news. Indeed, I would go myself, oh, but you cannot imagine what it would do to my poor nerves."

"Of course, Mama," Kitty replied, desperate to leave her prison, if only for an afternoon.

"That's my girls," Mrs. Bennet replied with a smile usually reserved for Lydia. "You may leave after dinner and stay as long as you wish. Oh, and do stop at the apothecary and see if he has anything that could help these horrible headaches I have been having."

"Of course, Mama," Kitty repeated.

Five sheets of paper, half a glass of brandy, and seventeen pen nubs later, Mr. Bennet finally completed his letter to Elizabeth. Just in time too, he mused as the clock told him that dinner would be served shortly. It must be a sort of illness, he thought, that I cannot even write easily to my own daughter. He pushed the thought out of his mind as he wrote the address onto the letter. The clock on the mantle piece chimed just as the maid opened the door to announce dinner.

"Very well, Hannah. Would you please give this letter to John and have him send it through the post?"

"Of course, sir," she replied with a curtsy.

Mr. Bennet set off down the hall to endure another meal with his family. Mary and Kitty, he noticed as he sat, were silent and all he had to do was tune out his wife's endless monologue.

"Mama," Kitty asked. "May I leave for Meryton now? I fear if I delay, I may miss my dear Aunt Phillips."

"Of course, child, off you go," Mrs. Bennet replied, telling her husband for the fifth time why their daughters would be leaving. "Mary, why are you not ready? Surely you are leaving with your sister?"

"No, Mama. I have a new piece of music I wish to learn and-"

"Music? You pound away on that infernal instrument more than is good for you! Go with your sister, perhaps the exercise will bring some color to you. You are so unnaturally pale, nothing at all like Lydia."

Mary left will all the dignity that she could muster after another of her mother's unexpected attacks. She quickly caught up with Kitty as she strolled down the road to Meryton. Neither sister spoke to the other and they soon arrived at their Aunt's house. Mrs. Phillips was very excited to receive her nieces, though Mary was still as studious as ever. As they sat in the parlor, Mary picked up the nearest book while Kitty and Mrs. Phillips sat close to the window. From this vantage point, the two gossips could spot anyone down on the street below since the weather was fine and the windows thrown open. Kitty noted with pride that her aunt treated her more equally now, though she did not realize that she was merely taking over Lydia's old position.

"It is a sorry day for Meryton, my dears," Mrs. Phillips began somberly. "The government has decided that we have fulfilled our civil duty and they shall not post another regiment here for another four years."

"Four years!" Kitty burst out in alarm. "I shall be quite old by then. If only Papa would let me visit Lydia."

"I, for one, am quite glad the regiment is gone," Mary began.

"We are well aware, Mary," Kitty replied with a slight sneer. "Hullo! Who is that man there, dear Aunt? I cannot say I have seen him before."

"The one in the blue coat? He is just a clerk your uncle hired for his business. I believe his name is Mr. Stadbury and he is quite of a marriageable age. A very efficient worker, so your uncle tells me, though such a complete bore. I asked him over to a small dinner party shortly after he arrived and do you know what he did? He refused to sit down to cards and said he preferred a good book instead. Then he sat down, nice as you please, and read some dreadful lectures for the entire evening. My cards were quite ruined as I had hoped he would make a fourth for bridge. I fear I shall have to invite him to most of my parties now that he is in business with your uncle."

"How terrible! He seems so plain anyway. That blue makes him look dreadfully ill," Kitty continued obliviously. "Have you heard about Lydia?"

The pair at the window were easily distracted into another area of thought.

Mary, however, was quite unhappy with this turn of events. She dearly wished to learn more about this Mr. Stadbury.

A Daily Routine

Glancing down at the sleeping figure curled up next to him, Fitzwilliam Darcy could still not believe his good fortune. After all those months of useless worry and endless doubts, it was hard to imagine that every day he would wake up and see her lying next to him. All too soon he would have to get up and leave the comfortable bed and she would disappear through the communicating door to her own room. He smiled to himself as he remembered their first night at Pemberley. Through his excitement, he had neglected to inform her of the existence of the secret door. That night, he had gone into her room and unknowingly frightened her out of her wits. At least the bruise from the silver candlestick had been on his arm, he mused. Judging from the amount of golden sunlight streaming through the curtains, he guessed it to be a little after seven. Rolling over away from his wife, he got out of bed and pulled on his dressing gown. He walked over to the washbasin and splashed his face with the shockingly cool water. Leaning against the mantle, he watched his wife slowly wake up.

Elizabeth had started to stir as soon as he had left the bed. After a few minutes of tossing and turning, her eyes cracked open and she stared in annoyance at her husband's bemused expression.

"You are well aware that I hate it when you do that, are you not?" She asked in annoyance.

"Do what?" He replied in mock innocence.

"You know what I am speaking of, Fitzwilliam."

"I am quite sure that I have no idea of what heinous act you are insinuating."

"Watching me while I wake. You know that it annoys me to no end."

"I do believe, that as a husband, particularly your husband, God has given me the right to watch my wife wake up," he continued without hiding his amusement.

Elizabeth gave an angry sigh. She had been quite unprepared for his constant teasing. Although it was less apparent during the day since he made his statements with the air of one commenting on the weather. However, after one month of living with him, she was finally able to appreciate how comical her husband really was.

"As interesting as your thoughts may be, Elizabeth, I am sure that you shall be late for Georgiana if you continue to lie in bed."

"And do you have no interest as to what those thoughts are?"

"Judging by the look on your face, I shall have to say no."

"What a pity. Should I show you then?"

"I doubt that I have much of a choice."

"I always knew I married a clever man," Elizabeth replied as she got out of bed and gave her husband a quick kiss. Then, as sleek as a fox, she went through the communicating door to her room.

Darcy shook his head as his man came in to help him dress. Indeed, he thought, how could he have lived without her.

Elizabeth entered her room just as her maid, Maggie, came in through the main door.

"Good morning, Madam," Maggie greeted with a curtsy.

"Good morning, Maggie," Elizabeth replied cheerfully.

"Did you sleep well last night, Madam?" Maggie asked as they moved over to the mirror between the wardrobe and the vanity. "You are awake so very early this morning."

Elizabeth laughed. "Yes, I did sleep well, but I am afraid my husband is forcing me to be an early riser like himself."

"If I am not too bold, but I personally feel that rising late wastes the day," Maggie stated hesitantly.

Elizabeth laughed brightly again. "Do not worry, Miss Maggie. I do not mind boldness as I am quite bold myself."

Maggie smiled. "What shall we be wearing today, Madam?" She asked, opening the large wardrobe.

Elizabeth scrutinized its contents for a few minutes before deciding on a pink cotton dress as the day promised to be quite hot. She chatted pleasantly with Maggie as she helped her put the dress on. Maggie was a pretty girl of sixteen who had lived at Pemberley her entire life since her mother was one of the housemaids. Though she had been quite afraid of being the personal maid to the new mistress, Maggie considered herself very fortunate to have received such a kind hearted one. After quickly putting up her mistress's hair simply as instructed, she stepped back to get a bonnet.

"I had nearly forgotten about the bonnet," Elizabeth stated a little glumly. "It can be quite a nuisance sometimes and it is near impossible to see everything with it on."

"You are quite right mistress, but you would not like to lose your beautiful complexion," Maggie replied as she fixed the bonnet on Elizabeth's head.

"True," Elizabeth replied as she tied the strings herself. "Thank you kindly, Maggie. I must go and see Georgiana, perhaps I might even be down before her."

"Then you will frighten her, Madam," Maggie teased as she bent down to tidy up the room.

"Perhaps I shall," Elizabeth replied as she went out the door. She heard a door quietly shut down the hall and she guessed that Georgiana had only just left her room. Walking quickly, yet quietly, she soon came behind Georgiana who was humming a cheerful tune under her breath.

"Good morning, Georgiana," Elizabeth greeted brightly, causing the unsuspecting girl in front of her gasp.

Georgiana whirled around to face her. "Elizabeth!" She exclaimed in surprise. "What a cruel trick to play. I was not expecting your for another fifteen minutes at least!"

"I am quite sorry and you shall have to blame your admirable brother. He is the one that is insisting on me being an early riser."

"Or perhaps you should not frighten me so when you come across me in the hall," Georgiana countered as they walked down the grand staircase. They could see Francis Yates, the butler, and Robert, one of the boys, waiting in the entrance hall. The maid had just finished opening the curtains and scurried out into the dining room to finish her duties. Both Francis and Robert bowed as they reached the bottom step.

"Good morning, Madam, Miss," Francis greeted in his usual grave manner. "Will you be taking your usual walk this morning?"

"Yes, Francis," Elizabeth replied.

"Then I shall have the gong rung when breakfast is ready."

"Thank you, Francis," Elizabeth said as she and Georgiana walked outside. They took the roundabout way towards the gardens and Elizabeth could already feel the sun pricking through her bonnet. The grass and flowers were dancing in the slight breeze and birds were singing over their heads. They passed a few gardeners who were already outside and weeding. These walks were a new part of the routine at Pemberley. They had decided that Georgiana would show Elizabeth the gardens every morning before breakfast while Darcy began his work in his study. So far, Elizabeth had seen most of the gardens and had already found her favorite walk.

"Where are you taking me today, Georgiana?"

"Just passed that lane to a little courtyard. It is in need of some work, but the gardeners have been busy with the main gardens for some time. I have thought about it often, but I know not what to do to it to improve it."

"Then perhaps we can work on it together after we are done with these walks."

"Oh, that would be delightful."

They soon entered the little courtyard and Elizabeth was speechless at first. In the center was an elegant fountain that had many pictures of wolves, flowers, arrows, and numerous other things on its base. Rising from the center was a statue of Diana in her hunting garb reaching into her quiver of arrows to string the bow that was hanging at her side. The tall bushes that surrounded the area completely hid the courtyard from the house. An old stone pathway wound around the fountain and led to two peeling benches seated behind it. Withered and dead plants littered the ground and grass was poking out of the missing sections of the pathway. Elizabeth felt as if she had been moved to another realm away from Pemberley.

Georgiana smiled as she watched Elizabeth. "I was just as awestruck as yourself when I first saw it," she said, bringing Elizabeth back to the present.

"It is beautiful Georgiana, absolutely beautiful. Why has no one done anything to it?"

"Well, the main gardens need much work and the public are allowed to see them, so they need to be kept perfect. This little courtyard is out of the way and I believe most have forgotten of its existence."

"What a shame. You and I shall fix it up," Elizabeth declared resolutely. "It will not take much work and th-"

The booming gong rang out and they grudgingly returned to the house. Seated at the table, Elizabeth earnestly told her husband of their findings and of her future plans. He confessed that he himself had forgotten about it, but had no objection to them fixing it up. After breakfast they all departed to their separate rooms. Darcy retreated to his study to finish his business and meet with his agent, Johnathan Davies. Georgiana went to her music room to practice her music and keep up with her French and Italian. Elizabeth followed Georgiana to her own study.

Elizabeth had found her study on her first day at Pemberley. It was room in the corner of the house and decorated with a unique turquoise color. Her favorite cherry furniture was already in the room and a writing desk was quickly added. A few vases were strewn about the room and constantly filled with fresh flowers from the gardens. The windows commanded a stunning view of the lake and the forest the raced behind it. The room was connected to both the morning room where early guests were entertained and the music room where she could easily listen to Georgiana.

Elizabeth sat at her writing desk and Susan presently entered with the mail and the daily menu. After checking the menu to see that it was pleasing and changing anything that was not, she returned it to Susan who would take it down to Harriet Cox, the cook. It had taken Elizabeth awhile to acquaint herself with the fancy dishes she never heard about or been accustomed to having at Longbourn. With that task done, she turned to her letters. One was the bill from the woman in London who had made many new clothes for her. She had not believed the amount of money she was able to spend, but her husband had assured her that it was well within their means. She wrote back to the woman, who also made Georgiana's clothes, that she would send the money the next time they were in London. The next letter was from Kitty who wrote that she would be arriving in a weeks time on the stagecoach. She also hoped that a carriage would be there to pick her up from the village. Elizabeth smiled and wrote a note to herself to remind Gregory, the driver, that he would be needed that day.

The last note was from her father. She had been appalled at herself when she had received his first letter. It had been inexcusable to have forgotten him as she had done and she quickly replied with a long letter in returned. As she read his letter, she found that he had lost the rigid formality of his first letter and wrote more easily. He complained a little of Longbourn, but had to admit that Mary was becoming more sociable, though it was only because her mother constantly visited her gossiping friends. Kitty, he said, was truly excited to see her sister at Pemberley and that both her and her mother could speak of nothing else. However, he stilled implored Elizabeth to instill some sense into her younger sister. Reading the rest of his letter, she could tell that though he barely wrote anything about it, he was quite concerned that she was completely happy.

Elizabeth quickly wrote another long reply and hoped to dismiss his fears. Soon after she was done, Susan returned to announce dinner. She walked into the room with Georgiana and was a bit surprised to see Johnathan Davies sitting there and talking to her husband. Darcy looked up and smiled as he saw them.

"There they are," he said in a form of greeting. He noticed Elizabeth's surprised glance at his guest. "I invited Johnathan to stay for dinner. He wanted to take me down to the orchards and fields and I wondered in you ladies would like to join me."

"That sounds delightful," Elizabeth replied while Georgiana mutely nodded her assent. "How far are the orchards from here?"

"A little over a mile by the road, though the fields are over three miles," Johnathan promptly answered. "You shall be in great luck, for you shall have the last of the raspberries until September. The second harvest might come early this year as the first one came up early."

All too soon, the gentlemen were involved in a topic universally abhorred by women: business. Elizabeth and Georgiana occupied their time by discussing their mornings and some plans for their special courtyard. When dinner was over, they all climbed into their favorite open-air carriage and set off towards the orchards, with the men still involved in business.

The drive was pleasant and Elizabeth was constantly twisting and turning so that she would not miss a thing. They soon arrived at the orchard and they all departed from their carriage. Elizabeth watched the workers climb nimbly up the rickety wooden ladders to check the fruit that was nestled in the trees. Johnathan was droning on about each type of fruit and the harvest they were expecting provided there was no drought. The men set off down the rows and Georgiana took Elizabeth over to where the berries grew.

They plucked a few of the sweet berries from the bushes and chatted a bit while they waited for the men to return. Some of the workers acknowledged their presence with a quick bow or tip of the hat before returning to their trees. After a long wait the men finally reappeared and stated that they were now going off to inspect the fields. Elizabeth politely dismissed herself and Georgiana saying that they would prefer to walk back from the orchard. The men, after exchanging smug smiles, agreed and they set off on their separate ways.

Johnathan had left when they had returned and the three Darcy's sat down for dinner.

"Did you find the drive as exciting as you expected?" Darcy asked, trying to hid his amused voice.

"No, it was intolerably boring, as you are well aware," Elizabeth replied, starting to tease him. "One would think you thought of nothing but business all day."

"I will not deny it. There are few things that capture my attention these days. Mainly just business and my library," he replied nonchalantly, though his eyes betrayed a different sentiment.

"I'm quite sure," Elizabeth said dryly before changing the subject. "Kitty wrote today and said that she would be arriving in a week's time."

Elizabeth could see her husband's face harden at the news. "How fortunate," he replied, trying to mask how much he loathed the visit.

"What is she like, Elizabeth?" Georgiana asked with honest curiosity. "Does she play?"

"No," Elizabeth replied while realizing that Kitty did not possess any accomplishments.

After dinner, they retired to the drawing room and Georgiana entertained them with a few of her favorite songs. Elizabeth marveled at the purity and innocence that filled her voice. No matter how often she heard her sing, Elizabeth was always bewitched by Georgiana's performance. Of course, after Georgiana was finished, both her and her brother would plead, tease, and threaten Elizabeth into playing too. As he sat there basking in the beauty of his wife, Darcy wondered how he had managed to be so fortunate. There he was, sitting in the comfort of his own familiar home in the presence of the two most wonderful women in the world.

An InfamousArrival

Kitty stared anxiously out the window of the carriage with her usual cross look and her fingers drumming on the soft cushion. The days of travel had been exceedingly boring and she longed to be able to talk to someone. Traveling in the stagecoach had at least been tolerable since she was able to listen to people, but this ride in the carriage was dreadfully dull. The only thing to listen too was the creaking of the carriage and an occasional yell from the driver. She caught sight of a beautiful lake and wondered how much longer she still had to wait. Within a few minutes, the carriage stopped outside a gigantic stone building that left Kitty gaping in awe.

"Welcome to Pemberley, Miss Bennet," John, the footman, greeted with a bow as he opened the carriage door.

Kitty stepped down and her head gazed vertically up at her sister's home. She had imagined Pemberley to be more like Netherfield, not the huge, intimidating monster that it was. John coughed politely next to her and motioned for her to follow him inside. Once she was standing in the imposing entrance hall, her power of speech seemed to have left her. The stern portraits seemed to be staring at her and it was all so deathly quiet.

"Good evening," a cheerful voice greeted from behind her.

Kitty spun around to find a kindly old woman watching her.

"I am Mrs. Reynolds, the housekeeper," the woman continued. "Are you Miss Catherine Bennet?"

Kitty nodded, her voice still temporarily out of service.

"Very good," Mrs. Reynolds said kindly. "Would you like to see your room and change? The Darcy's are at tea at the moment."

Kitty nodded again and Mrs. Reynolds led her up the large staircase to her room. A timid maid was already waiting there to asisst her. She could not believe that such a splendid and luxurious room would be hers. Kitty quickly changed out of her filthy traveling clothes while silently lamenting that she had none of the finery that she knew her sister now posessed. Once she was finished, she eagerly followed the maid to where her sister was. She was led to the terrace right outside the elegant drawing room. Mr. Darcy's back was to her and she could easily see Lizzy's face on the opposite end of the circular table. Another woman was seated between them and they seemed to be discussing something out in the garden since they repeatedly gestured toward it.

The maid cleared her throat and announced, "Miss Catherine Bennet has arrived, Madam."
All their faces turned in her direction and stared at Kitty. Elizabeth stood up and walked over to quickly embrace her sister.

"Good evening, Kitty," she greeted. "We were not expecting you until late this evening."

"The coach was not very full today," Kitty replied while still looking anxiously at the other two sitting at the table. Elizabeth expertly followed her gaze.

"This is Miss Georgiana Darcy. I do not believe you have meet." Kitty shook her head in dissent. "And Mr. Darcy."

Georgiana had stood up and curtsyed while Mr. Darcy merely nodded his head. Kitty felt her old fear of this haughty man returning. She followed Elizabeth to the table and only had to wait a minute before another chair was brought out and a place at the table set for her. Kitty eagerly dove into the plates of delicious cakes since she had not eaten properly on her trip. Elizabeth resumed her conversation with Georgiana and it was quite awhile before Kitty was properly listening. They were talking of some area in the garden they were improving, occasionally asking the opinion of the somber man next to her. Mr. Darcy, she noticed, was gazing out at the lake and seemed to be paying little attention to the conversation. Kitty continued to wonder why her sister had married this man. Of course ten-thousand pounds were lovely things, but they were not worth it if the owner of them was so intolerable. To add to that, he did not have regimentals, though she was beginning to think well of the non-military men of Meryton. At least his sister, whom she expected to be dressed in rich silks and quite aloof, did not seem so distant.

"How was your trip, Kitty?" Elizabeth asked, aware of her sister following the coversation.

"Quite boring, " complained Kitty, whose voice seemed to have reappeared after being healed by food and drink. "The stage coach was tolerable, 'fore I could at least listen to the conversation. Of course it was frightfully cramped and this horrible old woman would not be satisfied and grumbled the entire way. Then this stuffy man fell asleep and snored so loudly I could barely hear myself think! "

"I see," Elizabeth cut in before her sister rambled on the enitre evening. "How were Bingley and Jane? Did you visit them?"

Here Kitty made a disgusted face. "Mama insisted on visiting nearly every day. I managed to get away a few times and went to visit Maria Lucas instead. Did you know that she's being courted by this man in the village? He's not handsome at all, but he owns one of the shops. Oh, I cannot remember what it's called..."

"How were Bingley and Jane?" Elizabeth repeated patiently. "Did they enjoy London?"

"They were in tolerable health, though London did not agree with Jane very much," Kitty replied uninterestingly, unaware of Georgiana's slighty appalled looks or the rigid blankness of Mr. Darcy's face. "They said London was pleasant, though I don't see how since they had to visit with his sister who had been in Hertfordshire. Did you hear the horrible news about Meryton?"

"No, I did not," Elizabeth replied politely, thoughdoubting thatshe really wanted to hear it.

"There are to be no more regiments placed there and Papa still refuses to let me visit Lydia!" Kitty exclaimed bitterly, still oblivious to the sudden hardening of Mr. Darcy's features and the frightened glance Georgiana gave her brother.

Elizabeth, however, did notice and decided that a change of subject was necessary. "I have not heard from Papa. How is our Father and Mother?"

"Papa is fine, I suppose. We only see him for meals since he spends the whole day in his library," Kitty replied, helping herself to another piece of cake. "Mama swears she will die of her nerves and is always cross with me. She always sends me out to run her errands, but lately Mary has taken to doing them for her. I cannot imagine why, it is so frightfully dull, but at least I do not have to do it."

Georgiana could not help staring at this girl who was so different from anyone she had met. She seemed not to know the meaning of the word discreet and could talk so continously and fluently. Staring between the two sisters, she found it quite hard to beleive that they were related. Darcy continued to resolutely stare at the lake, keeping his gaze away from the foolish girl. Aside from his face, the only other sign of his discomfort was the whiteness of his knuckles as they gripped his cup.

"Did you hear about the Collinses?" Kitty asked, continuing before Elizabeth had even replied. "She had a daughter a little while ago. Mr. Lucas practically ran over when he recieved the news. But did you know, the doctor said she shan't have anymore children and Mr. Collins was quite upset. But that is not the worst of it. Can you imagined what they named her? Wilhemnia Catherine Collins after himself and Lady Catherine! The poor child, she will be much ridiculed."

Elizabeth was shocked, both at the news and Kitty's manner of delivering it. She thought that time away from Lydia's influence would have helped cure her sister, but she seemed even more of a relentless gossip than before. Only then did Elizabeth remember that her sister had been spending much of her time with their Aunt Phillips who was about the largest gossip in Meryton. She noticed that her husband's mouth had twitched slightly at the news Kitty had delivered and she was still unable to believe Mr. Collins's vainity.

"I understand you do not play, Miss Bennet," Georgiana ventured fearfully, valiantly trying to combat the awkward silence that had descended.

"No, I do not. Only Lizzy and Mary do. Do you?" Kitty asked politely, though her tone clearly showed that she would have been just as interested in a lecture.

"Yes, I play. Do you draw or dance?" Georgiana persisted, though still a bit timid and doubting whether there was much to gain by trying to lose her shyness.

"I do not draw, but I love to dance!" Kitty exclaimed, her face lighting up at once. "Do you have very many balls here? It is more than quite large enough, I'm sure. Have you had a ball yet, Lizzy? Brides always have a ball in honor of them. I hope Jane does not have hers while I'm away."

"No, Kitty, I have not had a ball," Elizabeth explained patiently. "We do not entertain very often."

Kitty's mouth was open in horror. "You do not entertain? Then what do you do?"

"We entertain ourselves," Elizabeth replied, barely succeeding in hiding her smile.

Kitty was still trying to grasp this horrifying prospect. She had thought that with her sister's higher position, she would be attending many balls and parties. Staring at her sister, she begged with eyes that someone would tell her that they were all jesting. But unfortunately for Kitty, no one did.

At this moment, Darcy, tired of sitting and listening to foolish nonsense, stood up and stated his wish for taking a walk. Elizabeth immediately agreed.

"Would you like a tour of the house or of the gardens, Kitty?" She asked kindly.

"I would much rather see the house."

"Perhaps tomorrow we could all ride out and give her a complete tour of the grounds," Georgiana volunteered hesitantly.

"Kitty and I both do not ride," Elizabeth gently reminded her, though she still blushed in misery.

"I- I forgot. It- it just s-s-seems odd-"

"Because Pemberley breeds some of the best horses in England," Elizabeth offered kindly to a greatful Georgiana. "We shall just have to settle for a tour on foot. I was never much fond of horses."
"I'm quite sure they would dearly love to know why," Kitty began mischieviously, ignoring the warning glare given by her older sister. "When Lizzy was about, oh twelve wasn't it, she was riding this monstrous wild thing that wasn't properly broken. Anyway, he became frightened and tried to throw her off, but her foot was caught and she was dragged through a muddy field all the way to the stables. Nearly took her head off and the doctor said it was a miracle that she lived. She was stuck in bed for the rest of the summer until her arm set properly. She would never go near a horse again. Lord, did Lydia and I laugh when we saw you! Mama was in fits."

Darcy's mouth was twitching dangerously and his eyes were lit up with an amused light. Georgiana was not sure whether she should laugh or not and had to resort to a polite cough. Lizzy, however, was shooting daggers at her sister who seemed impervious to her gaze.

"Why do you not ride, Miss Bennet?" Georgiana asked, hoping to hear another fine tale.

"I could not be bothered, it was much more fun to walk," she replied dismissively. "And do call me Kitty, everyone does. It is so odd to hear myself called 'Miss Bennet'."

"Very well, so long a-as you call me Georgiana," she replied, eager to not appear uncivil.

"Agreed."

Mr. Darcy led his wife into the drawing room, leaving the two girls beginning to engage in a rather one-sided conversation. Elizabeth was not amused by the smirk on his face.

"You are not about to let me forget that incident, are you?" She asked accusingly, already knowing the answer.

"Not in the slightest," he replied with a small grin.

Of Letters and Forgotten Pride

Throughout the following weeks, Kitty and Pemberley became very acquainted. Kitty learned the names of many of the servants and joined Elizabeth and Georgiana in their daily walks. Though Kitty and Georgiana's acquaintance began haltingly due to many situations, which only variations of dispositions can raise, the base for it seemed to have formed after an eventful day a good fortnight after Kitty arrived.

Georgiana and Kitty, after a long and mainly one-sided discussion of dances, learned that they each knew a dance that the other did not. After coercing Elizabeth to play for them, they held an impromptu dance lesson in the music room. Georgiana taught Kitty an elegant waltz that delighted her so much that she would often be caught waltzing through the hallways. Kitty, in turn, taught Georgiana a lively reel that had the both of them gasping for breath at the end of it. Elizabeth, both impressed and amused, added to the hilarity by claiming that she knew something neither of them did. After being persuaded to show them, she began to jig. She was unaware of her husband appearing in the doorway and watching this unladylike display in any woman, but especially in a woman of her rank. When she had ended, with her face flushed from heat, he had entered the room with a faltering mask of disapproval. Unfortunately, when she looked at him so innocently and wondered aloud why the room was so unbearably warm, he could not help but grin. The girls could not restrain their laughter and a new bond seemed to have formed between them all.

Kitty had noticed that her new brother was really not as severe as she had once thought, but she could not seem to lose her old fear of him. Georgiana and Kitty had a unique effect upon each other. Kitty, feeling how loud and awkward her voice was around the quiet Georgiana, lowered her tones, though the quantity and discretion of them were still in the beginning stages of progress. She also complained less as her complaints were met with practical remedies, not sympathy. In turn, Georgiana began to talk a bit more freely, though she was still far from being as fluent as Kitty. Elizabeth knew that all traces of Lydia would not be erased from Kitty, but hoped that, with time, she would lose the forwardness that had ruined her sister.

As July stubbornly moved closer to August, two great events occurred. One was the news that Jane was expecting her first child. The second was the discovery of Kitty's talent.

One day as the girls worked in the music room, Georgiana had been studiously sketching the pianoforte in order to keep her artistic skills sharp. Kitty had greatly admired her drawing and Georgiana quickly persuaded her to try. She reluctantly did so and by dinner had a most impressive sketch. Fairly soon, Elizabeth and Georgiana had convinced Kitty to develop her talent and Georgiana gave her some tips along the way. Although she prefered sketching much more to learning French, she was more interested in pursuing it on her own time rather than as a lesson.

However, as August arrived bringing with it a great heat wave, the petals in their new bed of roses wilted. Elizabeth was sitting at her desk in her study while Georgiana played her pianoforte and Kitty sketched her. It was on this day that Elizabeth received a most disturbing letter.

"My Dear Lizzy,

"I wish you joy. If you love Mr. Darcy half as well as I do my dear Wickham, you must be very happy. It is a great comfort to have you so rich, and when you have nothing else to do, I hope you will think of us," especially when I am in this condition. "I am sure Wickham would like a place at court very much, and I do not think we shall have quite money enough to live upon without some help. Any place would do, of about three or four hundred a year: but, however, do not speak to Mr. Darcy about it, if you had rather not.

"Your's, etc.

Lydia"

Elizabeth was disgusted and knew she had much rather not ask her husband. Tossing the letter to the side, she proceeded to open the letter from Jane, which contained more satisfactory news. Just as she was beginning to write a reply, her husband came into her study looking cheerful. She smiled up at him as he calmly moved a chair to the side of her desk.

“Have you finished early?” She inquired, setting her pen on a scrap piece of paper as he sat down.

“Fortunately, yes,” he replied, letting out a sigh of relief. “I can't honestly remember the last time I finished this early.”

“You ought to send Mr. Davies to London more often,” she teased

“I see that you have not finished with your letters,” Mr. Darcy countered in good humor. “I had rather hoped we all might have gone out and enjoyed the fine weather. Will you be long?”

“No, I should not and you need not blackmail me either. I just need to finish my reply to Jane,” she replied, picking up her pen again.

“Then I had better go and entertain Georgiana since you will not be finished for another hour at least, “ he teased as he stood up.

“Why are you so certain she needs your entertaining?” She replied, a smirk evident on her face as her pen began to swiftly move across the paper. “Her and Kitty have become quite close companions.”

“I am her brother, of course she will enjoy my company,” he stated, taking pleasure in the enjoyable banter with his wife.

Elizabeth replied with only a disbelieving look as she concentrated on her letter. Mr. Darcy stared around the room for a few minutes and took in the small improvements his wife had made in the light blue room. He noticed the way the furniture matched elegantly, how she commanded a view into both rooms adjacent to her study, and he was caught by the beam of sunlight streaming through the open window that lit up his wife and glinted off the nub of her pen.

“Did Jane have anything of interest to report?” He asked, daring to accost his wife as she wrote.

Elizabeth smirked again and retorted, “Is your friend Bingley so negligent that you can only learn of his doings through his wife's communications?”

“Of course not, I was merely curious,” he replied, though he knew Elizabeth was not deceived.

“If you are so keen on learning of your friend, you may read the letter.”

“Where is it?”

“On top of that pile there,” she answered, gesturing vaguely at her desk.

Darcy picked up the letter and was silent as he pursued it. Elizabeth congratulated herself on being halfway through writing her own letter.

“Is it not exciting that they will have a child?” She stated happily, not looking up from her letter. “Jane wrote that the doctor is quite confident that the child shall be born in January. I could not imagine a more convenient time! We will be able to stay at Netherfield through the holidays and remain until the child arrives.”

The only sounds that followed her cheerful statement where the scratching of the pen and the thick, hot wind rustling the curtains. After still receiving no response, she looked curiously up at her husband. Surprise caught hold of her features as she saw his face frozen in a mask of disgust, hatred, and fury. She looked down at her letters, a horrible thought running through her head. One glance was enough to confirm her suspicions. He had mistakenly grabbed the wrong letter and was reading the thoughtless note sent by Lydia.

Elizabeth mentally prepared to explain away this accident, but her thoughts were rudely severed by the frigid voice of her husband.

“Have you written a reply?” He asked, not even caring to keep his voice civil, so disgusted was he at the boldness of Mrs. Wickham.

“No. I have not, nor did I have, any intention of replying,” Elizabeth answered, trying to control her annoyance at his offensive tone.

“It seems as though she expected some monetary assistance from you, even without my approval,” he continued, his furious eyes still pursuing the letter.

“I would not dream of doing anything of the sort without you approval,” she replied honestly getting up from her chair, hoping to mollify him before the misunderstanding grew any larger. “She just sent me that letter and I was not anticipating to make a reply of any sort to it.”

“Does she think that our marriage is just a way for free money?” He spat in disgust, willfully ignoring Elizabeth. “Look at this, `I am sure Wickham would like a place at court very much…' Wickham! Does that man never cease to plague me? The nerve of the both of them. He set her up to it, I'm sure. After all the money I have already given them, this is how I am to be repaid!”

“Listen, Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth interjected quickly as she rapidly became annoyed and eager to end this mishap. “I will reply to Lydia and inform her that we have no intention of giving them financial aide outside of gifts. Will that be satisfactory?”

Again Darcy ignored her. “What does she mean `especially when I am in this condition'?”

“She is with child,” Elizabeth replied exasperated. “Why are you taking this letter so much to heart? It is only a foolish note typical of Lydia. I'm quite confident Wickham had nothing to do with it, it is just Lydia being her thoughtless self. With people such as themselves, they will always be exceeding their income and begging for money.”

Darcy's eyes narrowed at her and his cold anger seemed to follow. “You still seem to be quite keen on protecting that man,” he said with a sneer. “And as I know that bastard better than yourself, I will retain my own opinion of him and your sister.”

Elizabeth's eyes widened in shock and she stopped trying to control her own anger. “You are being completely irrational! You made me aware of his character, but I happen to know my sister and how selfish and inconsiderate she is. This is nothing more than selfishness on their part, how often must I repeat it!”

“So now you are content to defend the insolence of your dear sister and her wonderful husband?” He replied scathingly, his loathing of the man overcoming any other coherent thought.

“Darcy, this is unbelievable! I-“

“Is it not enough that that excuse for a human has stolen my money, tried to steal my sister, and has now gained the protection of his amiable new sister? No, this man is to be forever thrust into my presence, he will not let me be in peace!”

Their voices had risen to shouts and the open doors carried their argument throughout the rooms. Darcy still clutched the letter in his hand and his face was flushed with intense anger. No one would understand the tortures that vile creature had put him through. Yet now the scoundrel was interfering in his personal life, with his wife, and all this in his supposed sanctuary. Elizabeth burned with the injustice of the accusations her husband so easily flung at her. She knew not how to make him see reason and her own temper flared at all of his biased claims.

“He will not rest `til he has beaten me at everything!” Darcy continued in his pacing rant, hardly noticing or just blatantly ignoring Elizabeth. “He's forced my money on him, forced a connection between us, and has even turned you to his favor. More than that, he is already to be blessed with an heir! Yet, he still desires more money and you are quite content to give it to him! Then by all means,” he cried, finally rounding on Elizabeth. “Send as much aide to your precious sister and her worthy husband as you see fit. I shall fill out a check solely for his relief. Better yet, why not just send them a book of checks themselves, then they might help themselves freely to it all. In any case, we are all related are we not?”

Elizabeth blinked back tears of fury and pain. Each insult he threw at her made her wince and felt like a dagger stabbing through her body. “Have you finished insulting me and my family? You ought to have listened to your conscious more before agreeing to marriage because it seems to have been remarkably accurate in warning you of joining yourself with me and my relations. Just name a time and Kitty and I shall be back at Loungbourn where we need not irritate you with our loathsome presence. How could I have been so stupid as to have forgotten about your unbearable pride?” She concluded, more to herself.

“Nor how could I have been so blind as to forget your feelings for that man!” Darcy exclaimed in equal anger. “Or the stout devotion you harbor for your entire family?”

Elizabeth shot him a look of severest pain and disgust. “Of all the things I've ever thought of you, I never dreamed you could be so irrational and cruel!” She cried, unbidden tears falling silently down her face. “Just let us know when we should leave your home. I do not wish to force myself where I am quite obviously not wanted.”

With that, Elizabeth ran out of her study, through the music room, and continued until she stopped for breath at the end of a long corridor. She could not contain her sobs and fled to the gardens where the servants would not see her. The sturdy fountain of Diana called to her, the cool water expert relief in the swimming heat.

Georgiana and Kitty sat stunned in the music room having heard the entire argument. They both stared at each other in fright, neither knowing what to do. Elizabeth had run out so quickly looking hurt and upset that she was out of the door before either of them could react. The whole room was tense, waiting and watching the doorway to the study where Darcy still had not moved. After a minute, the frightened girls heard him curse and throw down the letter. The door to the morning room slammed shut and an eerie quiet descended upon them.

“What should we do?” Georgiana asked fearfully from the piano.

“I know not,” Kitty replied, still in awe of what had happened.

“Should we find Elizabeth?”

“No,” Kitty replied with some confidence. “She would always run away to calm herself. We should just let her be, she will become composed shortly. What of your brother?”

“I do not know,” Georgiana said in shock. “I have never seen him so angry before, never.”

“Then we should probably leave them be,” Kitty declared, a resolution finally made.

The content, joyful mood of just a quarter hour before had vanished. Though neither injured party was there, it seemed to the girls that they still must be solemn for fear one or the other should come in. What was left of the morning passed slowly and eventually the time for dinner arrived.

Georgiana and Kitty descended the stairs nervously, wondering what, if anything, had changed since the morning. Just before they reached the threshold, Annie, one of the maids, accosted them.

“Mrs. Darcy is not with you, Misses?” She asked, her usually cheerful face clouding.

“No, Annie.” Georgiana replied with a worried glance to Kitty.

“I see.” Annie continued. “Will she be joining you for dinner later?”

“I- I know not, Annie,” Georgiana said miserably.

“Very well. Enjoy your meal. Mrs. Cox quite outdid herself today,” Annie concluded with a smile before rushing back to the kitchens.

“I am such a fool!” Georgiana moaned. “All the servants shall know about their quarrel within a quarter of an hour.”

“But surely it is not uncommon for married people to quarrel, especially when they are newly wed,” Kitty reasoned with unthinkable wisdom. “Come we had better eat.”

Darcy sat sternly at the table, only acknowledging their presence with a curt nod of his head. Georgiana ate quietly as she was quite afraid of the figure before her. Kitty however, could feel her anger at the injustice of this man to her sister rise. She glared at him from across the table and her expression turned increasingly sour. Had she had enough courage she would have confronted him herself, but her best intentions were useless and he soon left without so much as a word. They quickly finished their dinner and left the dinning room. Standing in the hall, they were posed with the same question as before. What should they do?
“We ought to go find Elizabeth, especially with this heat.” Georgiana said.

“We ought to, but she would never stand for it,” Kitty replied. “She is extremely stubborn and will claim she is not fatigued at all.”

“But we cannot just leave her out there, we must try something at least!” Georgiana exclaimed.

“It will not help, she shall not be persuaded otherwise, I know her.” Kitty repeated pompously. “She will come in on her own, but she will refuse if anyone suggests it to her.”

“I wish they would just come to their senses!” Georgiana stated frustrated.

“Perhaps they shall by this evening," Kitty predicted hopefully.

Unfortunately, supper quickly proved Kitty wrong. Elizabeth had returned towards the end of the afternoon exceedingly warm and flushed. She stubbornly waved aside their claims that she was not well and that it was much too hot. Soon after that, it became time to change for supper and they did not see her until then.

As with dinner, Darcy sat alone at the table silently eating while the ladies filtered in. When Georgiana and Kitty arrived, Elizabeth was nowhere in sight. They hesitantly sat and began to serve themselves from the large silver dishes arrayed on the table. Just as they began to eat, Elizabeth entered wearing of her plainest gowns that they had all verbally abused. She put on a smile for the girls, but her fatigue and discomfort at being there were still evident. Sitting down, she chatted almost easily with them. Mainly she spoke with Kitty, as Georgiana was still much too afraid to do anything that might trigger more anger.

Within a few minutes of Elizabeth sitting down, Darcy silently left the table. She pretended not to notice, but the look of pain was still caught by the girls. They chatted on about the garden and Jane and anything but the one thing that was pressing on all of their minds.

Afterward, they retired to the summer parlor that opened onto a terrace. The humid air crawled through the open door, settling on everything. Georgiana absently fingered the piano while Elizabeth picked up a piece of embroidery. Kitty began a sketch of the newest plan for the garden. The conversation was stilted as no one knew what to say since all neutral subjects had been exhausted at supper. Georgiana soon abandoned her piano and picked up a book that was lying on the table. They all sat in almost complete silence with one eye on the clock, waiting for a time when it would be proper to excuse themselves and retire for bed.

Elizabeth did just that and welcomed the release from formalities. Yet she mourned the fact that her argument with Darcy had caused such awkwardness and unease throughout the house. She ambled up to her rooms, noticing that the light was still burning in Darcy's study. So much the better, she thought. Crossing into her room, she quietly shut the door and debated about calling the maid. She decided that she would much rather be alone and undressed by the light of one lone candle. The moon was full and shone brightly through her window. Crickets chirped loudly outside and the heavy warm breeze made the room unbearably hot. Elizabeth put on a simple cotton nightdress and set her candle on the nightstand next to her bed. After hesitating for a minute, she crossed the room and locked the communicating door. She took her newest novel out from the table's drawer and put the key in its place. Then she climbed into bed and settled to read.

Not long after, her eyes began to grow heavy and the words in the book blurred. She marked her page and blew out the candle. Scarcely two minutes later, she heard the door to her husband's room creak open. Turning in her bed, she could just barely make out a sliver of light the peeped through the bottom of the communicating door. She congratulated herself on having the foresight to lock it. Rolling over, she determinedly ignored the movement coming from the next room. But just as she told herself she was glad to be by herself for once, she realized that she would much rather be curled up next to her husband. She felt like a fish swimming in a sea, tossing and turning in the waves.

An owl hooted far away in the woods, she could dimly hear the reply. Just outside her window the whole world was awake and together. Tightly wrapped in a cotton sheet in the middle of her bed, she had never felt more alone.

Darcy stood in his room scowling out the window. He had spent the entire day trying to convince himself that since he had lived without her before, one day pretending she was not there would not be difficult. Never before had he been so misguided. When he was secluded in his study, he found himself constantly expecting to hear her footsteps or her voice as she came down the hall. Though he had still been furious at dinner, by supper he had calmed down from his afternoon of confinement. But then she had to walk in wearing that awful dress. He was not a fool and he knew what she meant by it. She wanted him to know that she was quite able to live without him, that he had no hold on her and needed none of his finery.

He glanced over at the communicating door and could not discern even a flicker of light from behind it. Getting up from his perch, he began to make himself ready for bed. In his mind he debated whether he should try the door or not, though he knew she would have it locked. Eventually his pride won, deciding that then Elizabeth would know he could not go a day without her. It was rare that a man ever showed his weakness and Darcy did not plan on being any different.

Finally changed, he climbed into his bed and willed himself to sleep. Unfortunately, his mind had different ideas. The scene in Elizabeth's study kept playing over and over. Groaning, he mentally kicked himself for everything he said. He would set things right tomorrow.

“I doubt she will come.”

“She has come every day and I know she will not break a promise.”

“If we do not go out soon it will be too unbearable later and we shall not have any time!”

“Yes, but perhaps if we get her out now she will not make herself sick like she did yesterday.”

“I admire your hope, but she is hopeless. She is completely stubborn and will not do anything she would rather not. Come, it is getting hot already!”

“But-“

“What a surprise!” Elizabeth exclaimed somewhat startled as she came down the stairs. She was dressed in a plain white cotton gown and a bonnet placed jauntily on her head. “I did not expect the two of you to wait. I am very sorry, I overslept today.”

“Do not think anything of it, we are just glad you came,” Georgiana replied, unable to restrain a slightly smug look.
“Shall we go then,” Kitty muttered crossly.

Elizabeth gave her an odd look and they crossed into the glaring sunlight. Their bonnets performed their tasks admirably, but they were not out for more than a quarter hour before it started to become uncomfortable. The pounding rays of the sun found their way through the bonnets, burning the back of their heads. Straw poked and scratched them and sweat had already begun to appear on their foreheads. The sky above them was cloudless and a pale almost sickly blue while the stone paths in front of them swirled in the hazy heat.

“We ought to return to the house,” Georgiana stated, her head beginning to feel light from the inferno.

“I agree, it is much too hot,” Kitty added eagerly, as desperate as Georgiana to escape.

“Well, then you two go on inside. I shall stay out for a few more minutes,” Elizabeth replied distractedly as she stared unseeingly down one of the paths.

Georgiana and Kitty exchanged worried glances.
“Elizabeth, it would be better to return to the house. You will faint and make yourself sick if you stay outside,” Georgiana reasoned.

“Come, Lizzy,” Kitty said, reaching out and grabbing Elizabeth's hand.

“I thank you for your concern, but it is not necessary,” Elizabeth replied, deftly removing her hand from Kitty's. Her face was set and her tone betrayed annoyance.

Kitty and Georgiana exchanged glances once more before mutely nodding and retreating back to the house. They both ventured to look back, but Elizabeth had already disappeared down the path she had been staring at earlier.

“I do not like this at all,” Georgiana began once they were up in one of the parlors were she could command a view of the entrance to the house. “It has been over half an hour and she still has not come in.”

“It is possible that you missed her,” Kitty replied with little concern.

“But then she would have come here,” Georgiana reasoned, her face contracted into a frown.

“She would have gone to her study unless she specifically asked for us,” Kitty stated more confidently. “Judging by her actions in the gardens, it is quite apparent that she wishes to be left alone.”

Georgiana sighed from the window. “I do not understand it. It was such a little matter, why did he get so angry?”

“As he is your brother, I assumed you would have the answer,” Kitty replied bluntly from her sketch.

“Excuse me, Mistress?” Mrs. Reynolds called from the doorway.

“Good morning, Mrs. Reynolds, do come in,” Georgiana greeted as she walked across the room.

“Would you know where Mistress Darcy is?” She asked with a face full of concern.

“No, I do not,” Georgiana replied with a blush. “I do not believe she has returned from her walk.”

“Oh, I see,” Mrs. Reynolds stated with a slight grimace. “Should I wait for her to check the menu or should I just send it to Mrs. Cox?”

“It should be fine to just send it.”

Mrs. Reynolds stood there for a few minutes as an awkward silence fell on them. It was obvious that she hoped for some information about whether the relationship between the Darcys had improved or not. Georgiana, however, froze and remained silent.

“Very well, Mistress. I shall send it down directly.”

“Thank you very much, Mrs. Reynolds.”

She curtseyed and walked calmly out of the room. Kitty caught Georgiana's gaze as her expression turned miserable.

“I will never be clever enough to think of anything. Now they will all certainly know about it!”

“Do not worry, they probably already heard about it yesterday,” Kitty replied, thinking her response comforting.

Georgiana silently returned to her vigil at the window and another quarter hour went by without any change. Kitty diligently worked on her sketch in relative unconcern.

“Breakfast is ready for you, Misses,” Annie called from the doorway.

“Thank you, Annie. We will be down shortly.”

“As you please, Miss Georgiana.”

“There,” Kitty cried triumphantly as Annie walked down the hallway. “If Lizzy is sill wandering the gardens, they will have to ring the gong for her. Either way, they will find her for breakfast and she shall be there.”

Georgiana tried to make herself believe in Kitty's happy conclusion, but she could not rid herself of a foreboding feeling.

As had happened at the previous meals, Darcy sat alone at the table somberly eating his meal. He glanced up at them and a flicker of surprise showed in his eyes. However, he bowed his head to them and continued. The girls helped themselves to the meal and watched the ticking clock. A quarter hour, then a half hour past and still Elizabeth was not with them. Darcy looked at the clock and then decided to excuse himself. It was plain to him that Elizabeth would not appear while he was there. He would have to find her later.

Georgiana and Kitty remained at the table until an hour ticked by. They decided to not make the servants wait any longer and rose from the table. Annie scurried up to them as the left the room.

“Will Mistress Darcy be taking breakfast?” She asked, her eyes kind.

“No, I do not believe so,” Georgiana answered carefully.

“Very well then, miss,” she concluded as she quickly returned to her work.

The girls returned to the music room in the hopes that Elizabeth was in her study. Their search was fruitless and they decided to remain in the room. Georgiana began to review her Italian and gently forced Kitty to work on her French. After an hour, Georgiana practiced while Kitty sketched. However, Georgiana was unusually restless, jumping from activity to activity in apparent randomness. She kept crossing into Elizabeth's study and searching out of the window.
“You know she is not out there,” Kitty called in annoyance when Georgiana made one of her pilgrimages. “Even Lizzy is not fool enough to do that. She is most likely moping in some deserted room. If she did not wish to be found, she would not be.”

“But I cannot get rid of this feeling,” Georgiana replied as she returned to the room with a clouding face. “I know something is wrong, I just know it.”

“Of course something is wrong, they have had a fight,” Kitty stated with exasperation, feeling as if she were talking to a child. The idea that she could actually be somewhat of an older sister had seemingly gone to her head and she believed herself suddenly possessed with much wisdom. “You are just being overdramatic.”

Georgiana did not reply, but continued to hold her own opinion. The morning wore on and Elizabeth still did not appear at dinner. It was at this point that Kitty began to worry. Kitty first decided to ask the maids as Georgiana felt much too embarrassed to do so. The maids replied that they had not seen her and Mrs. Reynolds also voiced her concern on not having seen her throughout the day. Francis Yates was questioned and he said that he had not seen her return from the gardens, though he could easily believe that she had gone off onto the grounds instead of remaining there.

The girls decided to head outside and look for her against the protestations of Mrs. Reynolds and the other servants who all volunteered to search for her. However, Georgiana calmly, but firmly, told them that her and Kitty would look for her and that she would prefer it if they would continue with their work. Everyone unhappily obliged, knowing they had no choice in the matter.

Georgiana and Kitty tied their bonnets on securely and stepped out into the rising blaze outside. Nothing stirred around them or chirped in the trees. Not even a merest trace of a breeze appeared to relieve them and the world was steamy and hazy. The eerie silence affected the both of them and they hurried their footsteps.

“Where should would look?” Kitty asked Georgiana.

Georgiana paused and thought, a mental plan of the garden rising in her head.

“We should start where we left her. The path turns and becomes a broad central path with dead ends off the sides.”

Kitty nodded and followed her back towards the path. They swiftly walked along and soon reached the central path. Georgiana set off towards one end of the path while Kitty walked up the other. They searched left and right, glancing down the dead ends in the hopes of finding something. Soon they had both reached their respected ends and walked back towards the center, double-checking each path as they crossed it. They met each other with despairing looks.

“Where else?” Kitty asked, wiping the sweat off her face with the back of her hand.

Georgiana pulled out a handkerchief and wiped her own face as she thought. “She might have gone down to our garden,” she said doubtfully.

“Well, it's a start,” Kitty replied as they walked down the path towards the main entrance to the gardens.

“Kitty!” Georgiana cried after a few minutes.

“What?” Kitty asked as she spun around.

“Look! Does that not look like a ribbon?”

The two girls ran down the dead end path to the limp ribbon that dangled off of Elizabeth's bonnet. The bonnet was resting on an intricate wooden bench.
“Where is she?” Kitty asked, wide-eyed.

“We have to look,” Georgiana said hurriedly as she moved away from the bench and continued farther down the path.

Kitty looked around the bench and ventured into the flowers beds near it. She saw a piece of white cloth lying haphazardly among the dry, wilting flowers. Running over, she knelt down next to the still form of her sister. Her lips were cracked and her body, overcome with an odd flush, was sprawled out at an strange angle.

“Georgiana!” She screamed. “Over here, over here!”

Georgiana arrived in a minute, panting in the heat.

“Oh, dear God!” She gasped looking at Elizabeth's still form. He head jerked up as she scanned the gardens. “The nearest fountain is at least five minutes from here. Did you try shaking her?”

Kitty shook her head no. She grabbed her sister by her shoulders and gently shook her. They both watched anxiously, but nothing changed. Georgiana grew pale.

“I'll run to the fountain,” she stated quickly before disappearing down the path.

Kitty still held her sister and muttered curses under her breath at Elizabeth's stupidity. Her gaze never left her sister's face as she waited anxiously for Georgiana to return. Soon she heard quick footsteps flying down the path. Georgiana rushed over to Kitty with a flowerpot of water. She knelt down and promptly dumped about half the contents on Elizabeth. Elizabeth sputtered and jerked upright. She turned a bewildered face to both Kitty and Georgiana who were full of relief at her waking up.

“What happened?” Elizabeth asked, though she had a suspicion. “Why am I wet?”

“You fainted, Lizzy,” Kitty replied. “You scared us half to death. Are you mad? You nearly died in this heat!”

Elizabeth's face hardened and she turn fierce gazes on both of her sisters.

“No one is to know of this, understood? No one,” She said viciously with extra emphasis on the last words.

Georgiana and Kitty unwillingly nodded.

Moving Forward

Elizabeth glowered at the doorway leading to the music room, her one hand cupping her chin while the other drummed impatiently on her desk. After being forced back into the house and drowned with glasses of water, she had been imprisoned in her study. Her innocent looking jailers sat just beyond that doorway, listening intently for any signs of escape. Elizabeth's eyes narrowed as her gaze glared out the window. She knew she had been stupid for staying in the heat so long, but she had never expected to break down and faint. The gardens and grounds provided the only sanctuary from this unbearable house where everything belonged to him. Not one thing in the sprawling house was hers and to say that her improvements belonged to her was foolish. They were only permitted as a way to keep the master's wife occupied.

She sighed as she withdrew her gaze from the window. These musings did nothing to remedy her present state. Being stuck in this room was beginning to drive her mad and she knew she needed to find a new place of release. Her eyes roved over the stiff leather binds arrayed a shelf to her right. Each book had been read thoroughly and less than half completely enjoyed. As it stood, most of them were informative, more useful for learning than as a distraction. A few lines from Petite Piece Concertante, Georgiana's newest piece, floated in from the other room, it's mysterious melody striking a thought in her head. It reminded her of her favorite scene, from the tale of King Arthur, which involved the witch Morgan le Fay. Struck with this thought, her mood calmer and more composed than before, she stood up and walked into the music room where the music abruptly stopped.

“Elizabeth!” Georgiana began, shocked at her arrival and the calmness on her face.

“That is a very beautiful piece, Georgiana,” Elizabeth interjected before a flustered Georgiana could continue. “I just wished to inform my jailers that I am off to the library, unless it does not suit their wishes?”

The question was not really a question at all. The two girls exchanged looks, both of them having caught the firmness of Elizabeth's tone.

“We are not your jailers, Elizabeth,” Georgiana replied quietly. “We have no jurisdiction over where or when you go. We are just concerned that you do not take your argument with my brother too far.”

The silence in the room echoed. It was the first time this sensitive subject had been broached between them. Georgiana refused to look up from her hands and Kitty watched anxiously from behind Elizabeth. Elizabeth, her gaze still not moving from Georgiana's bent head, stiffened.

“I will be going to the library,” she replied shortly, her annoyance and unwillingness to speak of the subject evident. She turned around and walked out into the corridor.

She made her way to the library without spotting a single soul. Upon reaching her destination, however, she paused with her hand just resting on the doorknob. The thought had occurred to her on her journey that there was a high possibility that her husband would be there when she arrived. Pausing now, she heard no sound from within and quietly opened the door. Her husband's study was just a few rooms down the hall and she succeeded in her mission of entering the library unheard.

Elizabeth ambled over to the windows, feeling the sweet relief of victory. She dragged open the heavy curtains and blinked in the abruptness of the blinding sunlight. Trailing her fingers along the silk smooth binds, she searched for a copy that was slightly more used than the rest. Hidden comfortably on one of the third shelves, she found the object of her hunt. Seizing the novel, she retreated to a window seat where there was the most light and an occasional breeze. Curling up on it, she opened the volume and promptly lost herself in a land of chivalrous knights, diamond ladies, and magic.

“Elizabeth,” Georgiana called gently from the doorway.

Elizabeth jerked her head up in surprise, so riveted was she in her novel.

“Yes, Georgiana, what is it?” She asked, her voice calm and void of the irritation of before.

“Supper is ready. I naturally assumed that you would lose track of the time. King Arthur is a favorite of mine too,” she concluded with a smile.

Elizabeth stood up, returning her smile, and placed the book back on the shelf. Joining Georgiana at the doorway, the pair walked down the candlelit corridor in the direction of the dining room.

“Where is Kitty?” Elizabeth asked with concern as they descended a short flight of stairs.

“She was arranging some flowers and accidentally turned over the vase on her frock. Naturally, she wished to change for supper. She said she would be waiting for us just outside the dining room.”

“I see,” Elizabeth replied, before continuing pleasantly. “How is your new piece coming? It sounded quite lovely earlier.”

“Well enough, I suppose,” Georgiana said doubtfully. “The main melody is easy enough, but there are quite a few difficult runs. Sixteenth notes and nearly every one an accidental. Soon my fingers will be tied in knots!”

“I should hope not!” Elizabeth replied laughing. “If you take them slow, adding one note at a time, it should become easier.”

“True,” Georgiana admitted as they rounded the last corner before entering the hall that was connected to the dining room.

“There you are!” Kitty exclaimed in annoyance. “I thought you'd never arrive. Come, I'm positively starving!”

Without any ceremony, she pulled open the heavy doors and the three ladies entered at once. Darcy was already sitting as usual, but surprised them all by wishing the two girls good evening. All three of them, Georgiana and Kitty stealing glances at Elizabeth's face, sat down at their respected seats at the table.

“Good evening, Elizabeth,” Darcy began meaningfully.

Every single pair of eyes flew to Elizabeth's face to see her reaction. Elizabeth started visibly at being addressed, but her face hardened and her eyes became frigid.

“Good evening, Mr. Darcy,” She replied with an even voice that was laced with ice. Elizabeth did not once look at him and concentrated instead on dishing some chicken onto her plate.

The girls slumped slightly and inwardly berated Elizabeth for her obstinacy. Darcy started too, convinced that she would be as eager as he to end their dispute. Confidence deflated, his anger grew again and he sat there in a fierce brooding mood for the remainder of dinner. Elizabeth, on her part, skillfully ignored everyone's reactions and began an easy conversation with a half-hearted Georgiana. Kitty was busy enjoying the rich new foods, the quality of which she was not used to.

As soon as Kitty was done, Elizabeth led the girls to their evening parlor, again ignoring her husband. He sat alone at the table staring moodily into his now frigid tea. The debate that raged on in him was whether to follow them or to retreat to his library for the evening. He heard the servants whispering in the hall and realized that he had been sitting there for quite some time. The sun had faded beneath the horizon and the graceful moon began her ascendance. Getting up from his chair, he crossed to the sideboard and fixed himself a stiff drink of brandy. Carrying it with him, he tread the familiar corridors until he paused outside the doors to the parlor. He could hear his wife's beautiful voice that always brought a smile to his face. Her tone seemed urgent and persistent. His assumptions were proven correct when he heard the piano begin. The picture of the room was already formed in his mind. Georgiana would be playing the piano looking just like an angel with the candles place behind her. Elizabeth would be sitting on the couch almost absentmindedly embroidering, her face lit up in pleasure at the music or preparing to make a teasing comment. Kitty would be sketching or making a hat or something of that sort, chattering on about this and that. He was jolted from these musings by the sudden halting of the music. He could hear his wife praising Georgiana and could tell by her tone that she was persuading her to play again. Yet here he stood in the hallway, outside this scene contentment. The light flickering through the crack at the bottom of the door taunted and lured him forward. A lively little tune dance around the room and he used this as an opportunity to enter without causing too much disturbance.

The oak doors opened onto the same scene he imagined in his head except that his wife did not look at him with pleasure. Her pretty countenance instantly clouded and her eyes shut themselves from him. He quickly checked the betraying look of pain and quietly sat in a chair on the opposite side of the room. Kitty looked up at him in surprise, but other than that, no other strong emotion played on her face. For once he was grateful because it was just one less person he need feel guilty about. Georgiana, who beheld him after finishing her piece, wore the same look of surprise, but also of sympathy. She alone understood his predicament and he had hoped she would have been able to do something to make Elizabeth more reasonable.

“Good evening, brother,” Georgiana greeted, leaving her post at the piano to sit near him.

“Good evening,” he replied, taking slight refuge in his glass of brandy.

Georgiana gave him a slightly pitying look as she saw his eyes gaze over to Elizabeth who was still steadfastly ignoring him. She desperately searched for a neutral topic to discuss that might draw the both of them into it.

“Lizzy,” Kitty called from the table in the corner. “You promised us a song this evening. It was a waltz to go with the new dance we're learning. I can't remember the name of it now.”

“I would rather not tonight. Perhaps tomorrow,” Elizabeth replied curtly, not lifting her eyes from her embroidery.

“But Lizzy, you promised us a week ago and we would have done it after dinner, but you weren't here,” Kitty complained with a childlike pout and a nearly whining voice.

Elizabeth's eyes flashed up in anger, casting one quick glance at her husband. Darcy, who had been concerned when Kitty mentioned Elizabeth's absence, caught the look and stared curiously at his sister. Georgiana, however, was looking straight at Kitty who blushed and clasped a hand over her mouth.

“Lizzy, I'm terribly sorry. I forgot,” she hastily apologized. “But you did promise to play.”

“As did you promise,” Elizabeth replied menacingly.

Kitty promptly dropped the subject and turned, embarrassed, back to piecing together a new bonnet. Georgiana tried to answer nonverbally to her brother's questioning look, but did not succeed. Elizabeth, after spending about five minutes unable to concentrate properly and pricking herself more than her liking, put her embroidery aside with a sigh.

“Get ready then, you two, a promise is a promise,” she said resigned as she moved and seated herself by the pianoforte.

Kitty jumped up happily and was all smiles while Georgiana reluctantly left her brother who assured her that he would find no greater pleasure than watching her dance. They both stood up across from each other in the middle of the room. Elizabeth began to play and they all practiced with Darcy as a spectator. Elizabeth enjoyed this occupation as it provided a sufficient distraction from the man sitting in the room. She focused on the music and suggested improvements to both of the girls.

Darcy watched in silence and was struck with how graceful and mature his sister had become. She still seemed to be that delicate little girl that would always look at him with wonder and adoration. Yet there she was, all elegance and modest beauty. He turned his gaze to his wife who looked as handsome as ever. This argument between them was driving him mad, though he knew that he had been at fault, not her. Now his debate was whether he would dare approach her again tonight or wait until tomorrow.

The dance had been gone through three times before Elizabeth confessed herself tired and excused herself to bed. She persisted in ignoring her husband and bid good night to both girls before exiting. As soon as the door was shut, Georgiana returned to sit next to her brother. She kept her eyes down and twisted her fingers in an obvious sign of nervousness. Darcy watched her intently for a few minutes before asking the unanswered question from before.

“Why was Elizabeth missing after dinner, Georgiana?” He asked in a gentle tone that still commanded an answer.

Kitty's head jerked up from across the room as she studied Georgiana with narrowed eyes.

“She forbid us both from telling,” she burst out.

“As I recall,” Darcy interjected impatiently, “It was brought up by yourself.”

Kitty closed her mouth, but continued to glare at the both of them.

“Sh-she went out for a walk with us this morning like we usually do,” Georgiana began haltingly in a voice barely louder than a whisper. “But when we returned inside, she insisted on remaining outdoors. We did not find her until after dinner when she did not appear. She had… She had fainted from the heat and we had to force her back inside.

She did not wish us to tell a soul.”

Georgiana concluded her speech fearfully as she glanced up at her brother. His face was unreadable as he absorbed this information.

“Did she say why she remained outdoors for so long?” He continued in the same gentle tone.

“No, but- but I believe that… that she felt as if she needed to escape the house. Kitty says that she would often go on walks to clear her head.”

Darcy said no more for many minutes. Kitty was close to crying a mutiny while Georgiana continued to twist her fingers. After a few long minutes of silence, Darcy stood up and also bade them both good night. The instant he left, Kitty rounded on Georgiana for betraying Elizabeth's trust.

“But do you not see?” Georgiana reasoned passionately. “He is concerned and worried. The main reason they are still arguing is that they refuse to listen to each other. Now perhaps they might be sensible and reconciled by morning.”

“So you would betray her trust to achieve that.”

“You were the one who mentioned it first,” Georgiana defended, deflating the skirmish as she picked up a novel. “I dislike it whenever people quarrel, especially when they are both clearly longing to be with each other. They are merely stubborn.”

Kitty would intermittently pick up this thread of conversation, but Georgiana refused to be dragged into it again. Kitty reluctantly gave up on the subject and they both continued with their respective tasks until they decided to retire for bed. They silently passed by the main bedrooms but could discern no sound from within. No light flickered in either room and they were both forced to endure the suspense for the next day.

Darcy glared fiercely at the falsely cheerful sunlight twinkling into his room. His unconscious first noticed that the breeze had completely disappeared, but then the reminder of what had occurred the previous night forced itself painfully into the front of his mind. After listening to Georgiana explain about Elizabeth's absence, he had immediately come to their chambers. Thankfully the light still glimmered beneath her door and he confidently knocked on it.

“Elizabeth,” he had called gently. “Elizabeth, please, let me in. We must talk about this.”

Almost instantly the faint light disappeared and no sound floated over from the room. He stood there with mounting anger rushing over him. It seemed impossible to him that she could be so unreasonable in her refusal to put things to right.

“Elizabeth,” he repeated more forcefully, trying to keep his anger out of his tone. “I know I have been at fault and said atrocious things, but you must be reasonable about this! Let me in, Elizabeth.”

Elizabeth bit back many caustic remarks that entered her mind and glared at the door. She relished in the fact that he was finally feeling the same pain caused by injustice that she had felt, but another part of her wanted the charade the end and to sleep peacefully that night. Her body filled with conflicting emotions, she did not say a word and finally heard him retreat to his room.

Darcy had gone to bed in an increasingly sour mood. His mind would give him no peace as he tried to find a solution to end their dispute. However, this morning shone down on a man just as confused and angry as the night before. At one point he had resolved to wait and let her come to him, but his rational side knew that she would be too proud herself to back down, especially since he had been the one at fault. As he gloomily got dressed with the help of his man, Travis, an idea suddenly erupted into his mind.

Noticing the time on the clock, he urged Travis to hurry and was dressed within five minutes. Walking quickly out the door, he hoped his guess was correct. He knew Elizabeth was never an early riser and that he alone made her get up so early. Therefore, he concluded, she would still not be out of bed.

Pausing outside her door, his assumptions were rewarded by hearing her voice and that of her maid still chatting inside her room. He retreated back down the corridor so that even though he still retained a full view of her door, it would be less likely that she would see him. After a quarter hour of waiting, the door opened and Elizabeth hurriedly rushed out, tying on her bonnet as she went. Darcy left his hiding place and followed her down the corridor, his long strides easily overtaking her.

“Elizabeth,” he called when he was naught but two paces behind her. She started at being addressed and he could see her stiffen before she turned around.

“Yes?” she answered saucily, not trying to hide her annoyance.

“I wish to speak with you,” he replied, making no endeavor to check his annoyance either. “Now.”

“I pray you excuse me, but I am already engaged to walk with your sister at present,” she countered with impertinent civility.

“I am sure that depriving her of your company for one morning will not cause her much harm,” he said blandly as he gently took her arm and led her into the nearest drawing room before she could protest.

Elizabeth's eyes were sparking as she glared at him while he shut the door. Though any rational man would have run from her at that point, he did not deter from his resolve. He crossed the room and stood a few feet in front of her, the thoughts he had formed seemed to have left him now that he had gotten her here. She made no move to help him, preferring to glare at him in silence. Her arms were folded obstinately across her chest and her bonnet now hung from one of her hands. Darcy exhaled softly and decided that since his thoughts had betrayed him, he had no other option than plunging right in.

“Elizabeth,” he began, twisting his hands in a manner vaguely similar to Georgiana's. “I am aware that you have every right and justification to be angry with me. I realize that the things I said were hideous and I apologize for them. I was just startled by seeing his name. I had a vain hope that after assisting him in his marriage I would be finally absolved from him and left in peace with you. As I now see, I am gravely mistaken and I hope you will forgive me. I was not myself and I cannot condone any such behavior on my part. I wish to tell you that I am most sorry and I will humbly wait for your forgiveness.”

His speech concluded, he gazed longingly at her with an intense mixture of hope, nervousness, and fear. Elizabeth turned her eyes away and stared at the wall behind him while she collected her own thoughts. As much as she wished otherwise, she could not doubt the sincerity in his tone. It did not help her cause that part of her wanted nothing more than to return to his arms, but another part held her back. She would not give in that easily and let him think that he had the right to say such things to her. It would ultimately remove any semblance of power on her part and she would deeply regret it later. A decision made, she recalled her gaze from the wall and returned it to his face. His features had not changed and the feeling in his gaze had only strengthened.

“You would wish me to run joyfully back to you, to blindly forget all the horrid things you said,” she stated in an icy voice that visibly sharpened the pain he felt. “But I cannot. I am not blind. How am I supposed to believe that this will not happen again? You threw accusations at me without any justification and refused to let me explain myself! As much as we may wish otherwise, he is still related to us through unions that you approved of. Am I to believe that just the thought of that man produced such a result?”

Her voice had lost its frigidness and risen to a loud fury. Darcy was somewhat taken aback. In truth, he had thought that only an admission of error on his part would have been enough and that she would readily agree to end this. However, what she accused him of rang very close to what she had done to him when she rejected his first proposal. The remedy for him then was vindicating himself and now he was exposed to the same conclusion. He knew she derived no more pleasure from this than he did and had not believed she would make it so difficult.

“It will not happen again Elizabeth,” he replied in an honest voice while she maintained a disbelieving look. “I admit that I was grievously wrong and I was not myself. I was expecting no more than to spend the afternoon with you and Kitty and Georgiana and then I read that note! It was that note, it shocked me.”

Elizabeth's look of disbelief did not leave for a minute yet her anger was beginning to relent. “Then what of what you said? Do you believe all that you accused me of? That I still hold feelings for him and that I treasure all of my family over you and Georgiana?”

Her voice had lost its frosty tone and had become full of bitterness at the recollections of the previous injustice. Though her arms still remained crossed, her whole posture had relaxed slightly and Darcy took heart from this.

“No. I was not rational when I said those things. I am ashamed to say that I thought only of hurting you,” Darcy stated in a gentler tone that conveyed his genuine honesty and embarrassment. “It was extremely wrong of me and I do not believe any of what I said. I know you harbor no feelings for Wickham and you have never been anything but a wonderful wife and sister. We both owe our happiness to you and Georgiana would not be half the young woman she is without you. Just the changes that you have brought on her these few months have been enormous.”

Elizabeth's arms fell to her sides, the creamy ribbon trailing forgotten on the ground. Her eyes were clouded over with troubled emotion, sliding from his face to stare resolutely at the crimson carpet on the floor. She bit her lip, her gaze flickering up to her husband's. He did not press her, but maintained his composure and distance while refraining from reaching the scant feet between them.

“Did you-“ she tried, but her voice would not allow her to continue. She shook her head sharply at this weakness and persisted. “Did you mean what you said about him having an heir, the money, all of it?”

“An heir?” he whispered, startled, not remembering ever mentioning an heir. Elizabeth stared forlornly at the floor as his mind struggled to recall.

`He's forced my money on him, forced a connection between us, and has even turned you to his favor. More than that, he is already to be blessed with an heir!'

“Good God,” he exclaimed half-exasperated. Crossing over to her he tilted her chip up and framed her soft face with his strong hands.

“Elizabeth, look at me,” he said gently. Her clear dark eyes reluctantly found his and held them. “I could not care less if we had no heirs or thirty. The money itself is of no consequence. All I need is for you not to be angry with me to be content.”

Her gaze pierced through him, trying to make sure that he was not lying to her. His eyes were open books, all of his emotions twisting and floating within its pages. Elizabeth quickly stretched up onto her toes and kissed him ardently on the lips, the pain and hurt of the past few days washed away in that touch. His arms instantly wrapped around her back and drew her closer to him. Her arms curled around his neck and they were enveloped in a powerful embrace. Oblivious of all but the other, neither noticed the door silently peek open or the smothered giggles as it was hastily shut. They soon parted, each looking slightly disheveled. Darcy held her close and she rested her head against his chest.

“Would you really have gone to Longbourn?” He asked into her thick mass of curls.

She pulled back a little, still enclosed in his arms, and smiled up into his slightly worried face.

“No, I was not myself then, either,” Elizabeth replied and kissed him lightly. “Would you honestly wish me to have thirty children?”

“I admit you would look very charming with thirty young lads hanging off your arms and tugging at your skirts,” he teased as he tucked back a lock of hair from her face.

“Thirty lads!” She exclaimed mischievously. “I would rather wish thirty young woman to plague you with incessant talk over every charming gentleman they meet.”

“Yet we seem to have agreed on thirty,” he countered nonchalantly, but with a roughish grin that voiced other thoughts.

“I shall never be pretty again,” Elizabeth lamented with mock severity.

“You flatter yourself,” Darcy said, avoiding her gaze as he struggled to contain a grin. “I do not recall ever hearing you called pretty to begin with.”

She gave him a good-humored slap across the back of his head. “Certainly not handsome enough to tempt you, sir. If you knew what was good for you, Mr. Darcy, you would take that back.”

“So we have gone back to formalities, have we Mrs. Darcy?”

“Of course, after being insulted so cruelly,” she replied accusingly.

“And yet,” he said, holding her closer to him, his voice descending into a whisper. “You still have not left my arms.”

“As it happens,” she countered softly, her warm breath taunting his lips. “You are standing on my skirt.”

He silenced her mocking eyes by bending down and kissing her again. After a minute, they broke apart and simply stood there letting the security and contentment roll over them.

“We ought to go down to breakfast,” Darcy stated after a few moments. She nodded and they both stepped back. After making the other presentable, she accepted his arm and they walked out of the room their usual portrait of marital bliss. They were oblivious to the smiles and significant looks that passed between the servants along with scowls and money changing hands. Mrs. Reynolds created them with a warm smile before they went into the dining room.

Georgiana and Kitty could not retain their smiles and quickly turned to hide their laughter as the pair walked in calmly, arm in arm. Darcy and Elizabeth sat at the table and tried to appear composed as if nothing had been amiss. The girls were nearly finished with their meal, but stayed and relished the comfortable atmosphere that now prevailed.

“What do you think of going to Lambton today?” Darcy asked.

“I think it would be wonderful,” Georgiana replied sincerely.

“Oh, that would be capital!” Kitty exclaimed in delight, her eyes alight with happiness. “Good Lord, we haven't gone to town in ages. Lizzy, I sorely need a new bonnet. The one with the blue ribbon got all out of shape when we visited the Maynards. Could I get some new dresses too? I know for sure that I shall have nothing suitable for a ball. You are going to have a ball, right? You promised.”

Mr. Darcy kept the disgust out of his countenance with admirable skill. Georgiana looked shocked and hurriedly sipped some tea as she watched Elizabeth expertly untangle herself from the myriad of requests.

“Well, Kitty,” Elizabeth began carefully. “We shall look into a new bonnet so long as your current one cannot be mended. I am sorry to say that the gowns shall have to wait at present. As for the ball, we have not discussed it yet.”

Kitty pouted a little and said no more, preferring to engage in daydreams of what she would buy and how the men would fawn over her. Georgiana stared wide-eyed at her as she had forgotten the vain and childish tendencies of her companion. Darcy glanced at Elizabeth and gave her a slight nod of relief and congratulation.

"Brother, I overheard Mr. Yates tell Mrs. Reynolds that Samuel and the other gardeners believe it shall finally rain today," Georgiana ventured into the descending silence.

"Why do they say that?" Elizabeth asked as everyone's gaze turned towards the windows.

"They mentioned that it has become quite still outside, that unnatural calm before a storm. The sky is a sickly green-violet in the northern corner there, see? They said that they have seen dark storm clouds rising there too."

Darcy looked out of the window in concern. He could see the tops branches of the trees beginning to stir in a mocking breeze. The signs of the storm were unmistakable. They were due for a fierce thunderstorm.

"I am afraid you will have to excuse me. I must speak with Mr. Coleman immediately," Darcy stated brusquely as he made a quick bow and exited.

The women were left in a sudden silence soon broken by Kitty.

"Who is Mr. Coleman?" She asked in a tone that would not let anyone forget her recent displeasure despite her curiosity.

"He is the assistant under Mr. Davies who is in London at the moment," Elizabeth replied patiently, though her thoughts were more preoccupied with her husband.

Silence again fell with Georgiana listlessly stirring her tea and Kitty sighing frequently as she stared at the painting opposite her.

"You are aware of Jane's good news, are you not?" She asked the table at large, skillfully bringing about some discourse.

"Oh yes!" Georgiana exclaimed joyfully. She continued with a blush of embarrassment. "Though I did not hear of it directly."

"What is done is done and best forgot," Elizabeth replied dismissively. "The doctors believe it shall arrive around the New Year. Your brother and I thought it would be pleasant to spend the holidays at Netherfield so we would be able to be with the Bingleys and also be there for the child. We are planning on going down in November. Is that agreeable to you?"

"Oh yes! That would be wonderful!" Georgiana exclaimed in honest felicity.

"Good Lord," Kitty replied mournfully. "Mama will speak of nothing else when I go back."

"Surely you take part in your sister's happiness!" Georgiana exclaimed in shock at this clear reminder that her friend was still quite foolish.

"Of course I do!" Kitty replied affronted. "But you do not know Mama. She will talk of nothing else except the child. And then there is Lydia's child too! She will be due in October I believe."

"Your other sister is with child?' Georgiana asked looking stricken.

"Yes," Elizabeth replied with heartfelt sympathy for the girl. She sensed that Kitty was about to continue on this subject when she silenced her with a glare. Kitty turned sour again and Elizabeth decided that it would be wise to end breakfast.

"I am going to look for your brother," she announced as she rose from her chair. "I shall return to my study as soon as I speak with him."

The girls nodded and headed off to the music room to continue with their daily tasks. Elizabeth traveled the now well-known path to her husband's study. Pausing outside the door, she heard the low rumble of voices. Debating on whether to interrupt or not, she eventually knocked boldly on the door.

"Come in!" Her husband's curt voice demanded.

She entered the room and the exasperated mask of annoyance that adorned his face abated slightly at beholding her. Mr. Coleman stood next to him at the desk, his face set in stern disapproval at a wife daring to enter her husband's study while he was working. It was most unorthodox and displayed a severe lack of obedience and submission.

"Yes, Elizabeth?" Darcy asked kindly, though his annoyance was still prevalent.

"I was worried about you and how you left us so abruptly at breakfast," she began. "Can I be of any assistance?"

Mr. Coleman let out a derisive snort that he unsuccessfully tried to hide. Elizabeth narrowed her eyes at him while her husband smiled benevolently, like a parent trying to gently remind a child to run and play.

"I appreciate your offer, Elizabeth, but it is mainly figures and implementing measures that will keep the horses and crops safe. It would not be of any interest to you," he concluded, thinking he had solved the matter and he returned to looking at the papers in his hand.

Mr. Coleman smirked at her with satisfied smile at seeing this country chit put rightfully in her place. Darcy had been a fool in marrying her and now she was learning what exactly it meant to be a Darcy. He noticed with delight as the dismissal created a look of pure shock on her face. In other circumstances she would have retreated and brought up the subject later, but her gaze just happened to land on the odious Mr. Coleman and his cocky grin. Her features turned dangerous and then composed.

"You are quite right, Fitzwilliam," she began primly, throwing one last glare at Mr. Coleman before turning to her husband. "It is really of no interest to me because I do not understand all of the measures. We did use a few at Longbourn, but I would rather learn how these matters are settled here. There may be a time when you are away in London or elsewhere on business and I should be honored if I would be able to run Pemberley in you stead."

"Of course, my dear," he replied, slightly taken aback by her eagerness. "But Mr. Davies and Mr. Coleman would be here to assist you. You need not trouble yourself."

"I suppose," she said with a small smile that was nearly a grimace. "But I should hardly feel Mistress of Pemberley if I knew you did not trust me with our estate."

Mr. Coleman was greatly disturbed by this wild enthusiasm. He was sure that this country lass was up to some dirty tricks. Darcy, with his eyes shadowed with suspicion, had thoughts similar to these.

"What are you on about, Elizabeth?" He asked, his attempt at composure not hiding his other feelings.

"I just wish to be of use and hoped I could alleviate some of your duties. I would not be of any use up in my study reading nonsense letters!" She exclaimed not dispassionately.

Mr. Coleman's eyes widened in shock and he gripped the edge of the desk for support. He had never been near such a radical female as this. Now he was quite confident that not only had Mr. Darcy married a country broad with no fortune, he had married a demon from hell itself. Darcy, much to Mr. Coleman's chagrin, chuckled at this proclamation.

"Very well, Elizabeth. I will find out your true motives later."

She pretended to be affronted, but she was much too excited to complain. When she was perched on the other side of her husband, Darcy invited Mr. Coleman to continue with their previous discussion. After stumbling to readjust himself and remember the thread of that conversation, he haltingly continued his duty. The self-serving wench that had the audacity to intrude greatly unnerved him, especially when he found out that she was not as incompetent as he had expected her to be.

By early evening the storm struck them and with such a force that they were all taken unawares. Kitty took every liberty of reminding them all that a journey to town could have been accomplished until Elizabeth gave her the ultimatum between silence and her room. Kitty, not wanting to leave the company because of her intense dislike of storms, opted for silence. Aside from the storm and the girls jumping at each clap of thunder, the rest of the evening was uneventful. Eventually they all retired rather unwillingly for bed.

As she sat near the window, Elizabeth ran the pearl encrusted brush through her dark curls as her husband watched her from the bed.

"Are you going to inform me of the true reasons for your interest today in the affairs of Pemberley?" Darcy asked teasingly.

"My reasons were quite clear," she replied with her own smirk, but with honesty in her eyes. "I would not feel myself the true Mistress of Pemberley without the knowledge that you trusted Pemberley to me."

"I am aware and I must grudgingly admit that you have a valid point there. I was greatly impressed by your knowledge today. I was not informed of this hidden talent."

"I often sat and talked with Papa about such things as a child. Old habits die hard, I suppose," she stated calmly, though her cheeks betrayed the blush from her husband's compliment.

"But you still have not told me of your true reason," Darcy persisted.

"Indeed I have not," Elizabeth replied bemused. "My other reason was that I could not abide that dreadful Mr. Coleman laughing at me like I was some upstart little girl who had no place to speak with her husband."

Her passion and anger was sudden and unrestrained. Darcy went over and sat next to her.

"I did not know he upset you so much," he began. "Unfortunately he is one of those with which duty and appearances come before anything else. Much like myself before I thankfully met you. He is quite old-fashioned in that respect and mostly likely believed that you were overstepping your boundaries, which you were fully doing. Not that I personally have much objection to it," he hastily interjected as he saw her open her mouth to retort.

At that moment a bright flash of lightning illuminated the room and gave it the brief image of daylight. Hardly a second later, a large peal of thunder burst above them and resonated like an angry gong. Elizabeth jumped and her husband wrapped his arms securely around her.

"Afraid of thunder, I see," he whispered teasingly in her ear.

She looked at him with scorn. "Do not flatter yourself with the assumption that because such rigorous storms barely frighten me, I need your protection."

"Of course, my little feminist, I would never dream of such a thing," he replied, releasing his arms. Another loud clap of thunder rattled the windows and she jumped backward into his arms again.

"But it appears that actions speak louder than words," he continued, barely able to contain his knowing grin.

"You are aware that you are absolutely unbearable," she replied as she leaned back and silenced him with a gentle kiss.

No matter how many times she repeated to herself that she was eighteen years old, not a fanciful child, and a Darcy on top of that, the last clap of thunder shattered her resolve. Snatching her dressing robe and hurriedly throwing on her slippers, she dashed out of her room, slamming the door behind her. Standing in the dark corridor she heard another door shut violently to her right. A white-clad figure moved slowly down the hall and she began to shake as the haunting ghost came forward.

"You're afraid of storms too?" The ghost asked in surprise, using the voice of Kitty Bennet.

Georgiana started and blinked. The ghost was just her companion and she mentally shook herself for such childishness. "Yes, I am."

"I was off to see Lizzy myself. We always used to crowd into her and Jane's bed as children whenever it stormed out," Kitty declared resolutely.

"But- but she might be- be with- be with my brother," Georgiana stammered as a deep flush inflamed her face.

"Oh," Kitty replied nonplussed. "That is true. I never thought about-"

A sudden burst of thunder had them both clinging to each other in the stronger darkness after the lightning. The pulled back quickly and glanced up and down the hallway as if trying to spot the next roll of thunder before it occurred.

"We could sleep in my bed, if you do not mind," Georgiana offered as she desperately wished to be out of the corridor.

"Not at all, let's go."

Without any farther ceremony, the two girls ran into the room and dashed under the covers just as the next roll of thunder sounded above them.

The morning dawned misty and bright with the sun sparkling off the water. Birds chirped and sang loudly as they covered the ground and feasted. As the women started out for their walk, it was soon apparent that they would not venture very far. The paths were deep trenches of mud and no one's shoes were adequate enough to cope with it. They abandoned their journey and strolled leisurely back to the house. It was then that Elizabeth brought up the subject her husband had proposed the night before.

"Fitzwilliam and I were talking last night," she began as her audience looked up at her with mild interest. "We were discussing the plan to visit Netherfield for the holidays and we thought that we all might go to London at the end of this month and spend a few months there. What is your opinion?"

Kitty immediately went off on into streams of jubilation as she enumerated the dresses, balls, and dashing young men that she was sure to meet. Elizabeth expertly tuned her out and focused her attention on Georgiana who had not said a word and looked like she was going to attend a funeral. All Georgiana could think of was the horrible impression she had made when she was in London before and did not wish to endure the tortures of parties again.

"I understand what you are feeling, Georgiana," Elizabeth said quietly as Kitty continued in her mirth. "But I can assure you that we shall not entertain as often as Miss Bingley. We will also be able to look up that friend of yours, Miss Rowndell, was it not?"

"Yes," Georgiana replied gratefully while Kitty spun around in horror.

"We're not going to entertain?" She asked scandalized, her eyes widening in terror.

"No, we are going to entertain and go to parties and such, but we shall not do it as often as Miss Bingley. Fitzwilliam does not particularly care for parties," Elizabeth replied in slight annoyance.

"Now I shall never be married if we never go to any parties. How else am I to meet such charming young men?" She lamented.

"You shall not be seeing your breakfast if you do not hurry. The gong will ring in a minute and we need to change from these muddy gowns before then."

This attack on her appearance frightened Kitty considerably and she nearly ran the entire way back to the house. Elizabeth and Georgiana ambled after her, as they knew they had more than a half hour before breakfast.

The rest of August was devoted to packing and orders for their long trip. Messages were sent out almost daily to Mr. Davies to have him prepare the house for their arrival. The gossips around London noticed this activity and eagerly awaited the day when they would all finally see the new Mrs. Darcy. Within a day of the house being opened, everyone in London was already aware of all the particulars between them and concerning who she was before her marriage. Just as Georgiana was rendered insufferably proud, everyone had it on excellent authority that Mrs. Darcy was a pretty country girl who was nothing more than a money hunter. Surmises were being made as to how soon Mr. Darcy would be deceased and she would inherit all of his fortune.

In Pemberley, however, they remained blissfully unaware of these developments. Though Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth still quarreled on occasion, it was such that was normally solved by the end of the day. Elizabeth took great delight in reading the newspaper after her husband and purposely playing the devil's advocate in their discussions that would occasionally grow rather heated. Mr. Coleman was constantly near cardiac arrest at this unheard of banter between the husband and wife. As they were soon leaving, he decided to remain only for his impressive sum. Scarcely a week before they were scheduled to depart, an event occurred that delayed their progress for a fortnight.

Mr. Kipling, the rector of the living at Kympton, called one morning for a meeting with Mr. Darcy. The two were shut in his study for most of the morning and he was invited to stay for dinner. The general subject of their meeting was unveiled at the meal. Mr. Kipling, a man of one-and-forty with seven children and a now deceased wife, was the third son of wealthy banker who had purchased a moderate property in Norfolk. His father having recently passed on and his mother in rapidly deteriorating health, he eloquently expressed a desire to be closer to his family in order to assist them. The previous minister of the family living had just passed on and his brother wrote to inform him that they were holding the living for him if he so desired it. Mr. Darcy had readily agreed to discharge him, but informed him that he must remain until a replacement could be found.

"I anticipated this, sir, and I have taken the liberty of finding a suitable replacement for myself. His name is Robert Foxten and he is just two years out of seminary. As the fifth son of an earl, he is entitled to almost no fortune. He is but six-and-twenty, but I have never seen such true compassion or steady a character as I have witnessed in him," Mr. Kipling concluded proudly.

"Has he had a living before?" Darcy asked shrewdly, not wanting some bumbling new minister. Elizabeth and Georgiana listened to the affair with some interest while Kitty idly played with her food.

"Yes, sir, a moderate living in Lincolnshire. He wishes to be married and no woman would accept him at his station."

"So he desires to come only to look for a wife?"

"No, sir, not at all. He has seen much felicity in the married state and dearly wishes to share that as well. I have no doubt that when he witnesses your happiness, he shall desire it even more."

"Your flattery shall get you nowhere, Mr. Kipling," Darcy replied with teasing sternness. "Let this Mr. Foxten deliver the sermon on Sunday and we will have him over for dinner afterwards. Then we shall decide on your protégé."

"I thank you most heartily, Mr. Darcy. I knew you would be understanding," Mr. Kipling stated joyously as he successfully completed his mission.

The following Sunday they met with Mr. Foxten. Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth were both deeply impressed with his sermon and quite prepared to hire him immediately. Georgiana thought he was quite an understanding fellow and even Kitty allowed him to be handsome, though he was part of the clergy.

He executed himself perfectly at dinner and Mr. Kipling was beaming with pride at his protégé. Though the men did not notice, Elizabeth was aware of his gaze traveling down the table to land on Georgiana and Kitty. As the meal progressed, his gaze would rest more often on Kitty who remained completely unaware and was engaged in a discussion with Georgiana. Elizabeth felt increasingly sorry for this man. He would soon learn that she was the least likely of anyone to receive his attentions. However, she reasoned, they would be gone at least until January. Hopefully another woman would prey on his affections by then.

Mr. Foxten was left in possession of the living and all that remained before their departure to London was to ensure that he was settled and Mr. Kipling removed to his new living. On the two other occasions when Mr. Foxten visited Pemberley, Elizabeth became convinced of his partiality to Kitty who continued to remain oblivious. Elizabeth increasingly rejoiced in their departure for London. September had arrived before they were able to leave, but on a crisp autumn day, they entered their carriages and left Pemberley for town.

Vain Wishes

Georgiana's hands hung limp on the now silent strings of her golden harp. Her eyes stared blankly out of the blurry window that had been alight with mocking sunlight a half hour before. London was much as it ever was, dark, dreary, and full of rain and fog. The relentless drops pounded on the window turning the gray palette outside the window into a wider swirl of the same dismal color. Georgiana was off in a daydream of Pemberley. It was autumn and she had not seen the leaves change or walked the paths in the wood bursting with the warm colors of the dying summer. The apples would be bright red and sweet and Mrs. Cox, for she would always be Mrs. Cox to her, would bake the most delicious apple turnovers the warmed her chilled hands and would melt in her mouth.

Instead of partaking in these delights, she was confined to a threatening city that seemed to mock her. They deplored her “quaint, country fashions” and her “obvious haughtiness”. The whispers had never ceased in her absence and now that she was returned, they were renewed with more vigor. Wherever she went, she was sneered at by envious young ladies and the shrewish matrons would pierce her with hawk-like stares. The young men would glance at her appreciatively, but would continue on to more animated young ladies. Even the money hunters decided that she was a waste of their time and pursued ladies more likely to give in to their desires. Though she delighted in the fact that they chased after other women, these men haunted her as they reminded her very strongly of Wickham. Her only consolation was that she had looked up her friend and was engaged to dine with her and her family that evening.

She continued silently in her morbid thoughts, longing most passionately to be safe within Pemberley and away from the rounds of balls and gaieties that only heightened her vexation. The loud thump of the door being flung open jolted her out of her reverie as Kitty whirled into the room bringing an air of joyfulness into the silent gloom. Her face was bright with transparent happiness, a broad grin stretching across it, and a letter clasped within her hand. Georgiana felt her face fall farther, if such a feat where possible. She knew that the only type of news that would bring such delight to Kitty would incite more misery on her.

“Have you not heard the wonderful news? We are invited to the ball at the Kellaways on Friday! It shall be grand,” Kitty continued gaily as she flitted about the room pretending to dance with a mysterious partner. “For Mr. Robart, Mr. Ancell, and Mr. Stafford shall be there. Charles is by far the most handsome, though Mr. Robart is too I suppose, but only if his nose were not so pointy. Mr. Ancell is so charming. Did you know what he said to me at the last ball? He declared that he would not leave my side at the next ball or party or wherever we shall meet! How droll he is, don't you agree?”

Georgiana's mind had wandered during Kitty's chatter and she made a non-committal noise is response. Kitty turned and stared at her in astonishment after this lack of reaction. Georgiana eyes were glazed as they stared out the window and Kitty gave her an exasperated sigh.

“Georgiana? Georgiana?” She called twice before gaining her attention.

“Oh, I am very sorry, Kitty. My mind seems to be wandering lately,” Georgiana hastily apologized.

“I will never understand why you dislike London so much, Georgiana,” Kitty said in a frustrated tone as she flung herself onto the chair next to the harp. “It is so much fun! Balls, parties, and Lizzy did say that we will go to the theater next week.”

“The theater is highly impressive. Have you ever been to it before?” Georgiana asked in an attempt to distract Kitty from her original question.

“No, never. But I've never been in London before either. Our Aunt and Uncle always came to Longbourn, though Jane did visit them for the winter once,” Kitty replied easily. “But you have not told me why you dislike London so. There is so much to do even if the weather is dull."

“I just prefer Pemberley, that is all,” Georgiana said neutrally as she straightened out her music and prepared to play again.

“But I wish to know,” Kitty replied imperiously, snatching the music from the stand. “It must be something severe or you would not be so moody at all the parties. There are such charming people there and though they probably are not the type that you are used to, there are quite a few who are very pleasant. Lord, when I was dancing with a Mr. Levine I thought he would be the perfect companion for you. He was very polite, calm and quiet. I could scarce get three words out of him.”

“Kitty, please return my music,” Georgiana demanded in a fierce effort at avoiding the question.

“I think not,” Kitty stated, hoping to provoke Georgiana into revealing her trouble. “I wish to help you, Georgiana. We're in London. You ought to be enjoying it!”

“It is very difficult to enjoy when everyone dislikes me because they are convinced that I am haughty and proud,” Georgiana replied mournfully, but with a hint of bitterness.

Kitty eyes lit up as she found a footing into this troublesome topic. She dearly wished to help and enjoyed acting the part of an older sister. “Come, Georgiana. No one dislikes you. You are too gentle and pretty and kind to be disliked.”

“You do not understand, Kitty!” She cried out in a short burst of passion. “As soon as I enter a room, everyone starts whispering. They all tell each other that I have thirty thousand pounds, am very accomplished, and unbearably proud! Then they all throw such horrible looks at me that I wish I could just vanish from the place. I have done nothing at all to warrant such censure. I do not understand it!”

Kitty looked at the girl with honest pity. She had not realized the depth these evil rumors had penetrated Georgiana and her sensibilities were flaming with anger at those who denounced her friend. Georgiana's eyes had filled with tears, which she hastily wiped away. Kitty stood up and closed her friend in a comforting embrace.

“Of course you have done nothing. There are all just jealous because you are so pretty and accomplished and rich. Indeed, I was a bit jealous at first, but you are so kind that it is impossible not to like you,” Kitty replied with a smile. “I wish I could put sense into all of them for you.”

“Thank you, Kitty,” Georgiana said as she did feel slightly better. “But it is of no use. I shall be forever labeled in town as proud. I wish they would understand that I am only shy.”

Kitty stood up and took a turn about the room, deep in thought. Georgiana had retrieved her music and arranged it again on the music stand. Returning wiht a broad smile on her face, Kitty sat down on the chair opposite. Though she knew Kitty's intentions were true, Georgiana knew herself to be fearful of whatever plot Kitty had formed. In her mind, she was already forming a polite refusal.

“I have an idea,” Kitty began gleefully. “Let me help you dress for the next ball and I will introduce you to some of the men. Don't worry! It will be the sort like Mr. Levine, the proper gentlemen. You are such a wonderful dancer that it would be a waste if you did not dance. I will be with you and I'll help make the conversation so you need only smile and be your pretty self. Then those old hags will see that you really are not as proud as they think. And you must chat amongst the other ladies to be sure, or at least be around their conversation. Your friend might be there as well and she would be able to acquaint you with some of the ladies.”

“I cannot change overnight, Kitty. I never know what to say at such gatherings. I was always at Pemberley or with my companion. We never really went out in company unless it was some of my relations.”

“Well then, you must lose no more time. I will be able to help you along with this friend of yours. If you stay near Lizzy all evening, then you will prove to them that they are correct. If you speak with just a few men, they will be able to tell everyone else that you are just shy.”

“We shall see,” Georgiana replied firmly and presently began practicing. Kitty, assured that she had done the best she could, left her to go find Lizzy. After searching through a series of empty formal rooms that would only be used if they ever entertained, she discovered the library where both husband and wife were entombed with Mr. Davies. They all turned and stared at her, waiting for the reason for their party to be disturbed.

“I wished to speak with Lizzy,” she stated as a blush spread across her face. Elizabeth whispered something to both of the men and lead Kitty out of the door. Once they were in the corridor and the door shut behind them, Elizabeth turned to Kitty.

“How important is this, Kitty?” She asked sternly as she loathed being called out of the daily conferences.

“Of very high importance, Lizzy. It is about Georgiana. I-"

“Then follow me. It would be wiser to speak of this up in my parlor rather than in the hall. It would be a vast deal more comfortable too.”

With that, Kitty followed Elizabeth down the dark wooden corridors and up a quick flight of stairs. They soon arrived at the parlor. Elizabeth hurriedly opened the curtains and allowed the grayish light to filter into the room. As soon as they settled themselves into the dark cherry chairs, Elizabeth urged Kitty to speak.

“I feel so horrible for Georgiana,” Kitty began. “She is so kind, yet all those gossips say that she is proud and make her so nervous before she can even have a chance at proving them wrong. None of the men suitable for her ask her to dance because she is so shy and they think that she is just proud. Can't we do something to help her? I offered to introduce her to some men. Why do you give me that look? She gave me one just like it. I meant men suitable for her of course. The boring ones that are all proper and polite.”

Elizabeth's expression was a mixture of amusement and admiration for her sister, but her annoyance at being called out of the meeting had not abated. It seemed Kitty would never learn the differnce between something of extreme importance and something that could easily wait until luncheon or the afternoonn.Although to her credit, it appeared that the attentions Kitty had fostered on Lydia had transferred, to their great improvement, to Georgiana.

“Although your plan does you credit with your unselfishness, I fear that it would be wiser to gently introduce Georgiana into society. She has been very unused to it and with constant practice, she should become relatively comfortable around others in a few years."

“A few years!” Kitty interrupted in horror. “Lizzy, you can't mean that!”

“Not everyone is the same Kitty, and Georgiana does not enjoy balls and parties as much as yourself. You will be helping her a great deal if you manage to get her to converse at least with some of the other ladies. I would advise against rushing her into any conversations with men that are unknown to her.”

“But why, Lizzy?” Kitty again interrupted. “Surely she enjoys being in their company?”

“She has not had the advantage of being in out company as often as yourself. It would be wiser to do as I said,” Elizabeth concluded. “Was there anything else you wished to speak of?”

“No, nothing at all,” Kitty replied with a grin.

“I must say, Kitty, that I am very impressed by you bringing up this subject to me,” Elizabeth stated as they rose from their chairs. “It was a very kind and unselfish thing to do. I am very proud and I daresay Papa would be too.”

“Thank you, Lizzy,” Kitty mumbled as she blushed from this unexpected praise.

“Just do not let it get to your head. I still want you to be wary of how liberally you bestow your attentions on the gentlemen you meet,” Elizabeth continued sternly, but with levity in her voice.

“Lizzy, I will never be as foolish as Lydia, how often must I repeat that!” Kitty replied, truly affronted.

“As often as I see fit,” Elizabeth countered teasingly. The sisters parted at the main stairway, both with happiness radiating from their faces. Kitty wandered off to remake a bonnet and coax Georgiana into deciding on their gowns for the ball. Elizabeth returned to the library and was quite disappointed to find that Mr. Davies had already left for the day. She sat next to her husband while he finished his last bit of writing.

“Why did you dismiss Mr. Davis before I returned?” She inquired as she watched his elegant hand gracefully fill the paper.

“The business was concluded and we were unable to judge when you would return. I gather Kitty had something important to report,” he stated as he finished writing the last paragraph.

“Yes, something of much more importance than the last time she interrupted one of our meetings,” Elizabeth replied with a smile as she recalled that incident.

“Ah, yes, I remember. Was that not the time she imagined that someone had stolen all of her things?” Her husband teased with an amused grin.

“The very same, though I suppose that it is hard to mistake the rooms at Pemberley since they are all so horrendously decorated,” Elizabeth teased in turn, getting him to look up from his desk and fix her with a mocking glare that expressed how much he was offended.

“Then perhaps the new Mistress should spend more of her time improving the house rather than interfering in other matters,” he countered as he turned a smug smile back towards his letter.

“Said Mistress would most likely shatter a priceless heirloom in the midst of her labor,” she replied.

“At least I was not the one who had to say it,” he concluded triumphantly, setting his pen down and reaching for the wax.

She playfully swatted his arm and knocked over small vase in the process.

“Engaged! But that is impossible! Isabel, you cannot be serious!” Georgiana exclaimed in astonishment to a blushing Isabel Rowndell.

“I am serious, Georgiana, he proposed a fortnight ago when he returned from the country. He declared that he could not tolerate not being near me for so long and he proposed,” Isabel stated, the blush spreading farther up her graceful features.

“But Mr. Campwell? He is completely narcissistic and I thought Miss Bingley was pursuing him,” Georgiana continued in confusion.

“She was pursuing him, but he could not stand her at all. She was only interested in his money,” Isabel replied with a slightly malicious tint to her speech. “And he is not narcissistic at all. He is very generous and thoughtful.”

“But how? He- he was never attentive at all. Miss- Miss Bingley was always- You must be joking!” Georgiana stammered, still not understanding her friend.

Isabel sighed and prepared herself to give the full narrative. “Mr. Campwell is very good friends with my brother and he has been visiting us quite often while he is in London. But when Miss Bingley was here, she monopolized all of his time and he was never free of her. She visited a friend of hers from the Seminary for a few months this summer and Mr. Campwell and I began an acquaintance. He was really here very often with Henry and he often stayed for supper or dinner. I do not really know when I started feeling an attachment for him, but I knew I was devastated when he left for his estate. But now we are engaged and we will be married in the spring. He makes such charming conversation and enjoys a laugh almost as much as myself. We thought he was narcissistic, but that was only because he was trying to ignore everything about Miss Bingley and that forced him to be more withdrawn. He will be at the ball this Friday at the Kellaways' and you will be able to properly meet him then.”

Georgiana stared blankly at her friend. “I offer you my congratulations, though I will always be astonished,” she replied haltingly.

“So long as I know I have the approval of the innocent, I shall know I am making the right decision,” Isabel teased with a merry laugh.

This tête-à-tête occurred after supper on the deep red velvet couch in the drawing room at the Rowndell's home in London. Isabel was Georgiana's senior by only one year and they had become close companions during Georgiana's previous visit to London. Isabel was very much Georgiana's opposite and they formed a striking pair in public. Isabel had deep black hair which glowed almost purple and pale white skin that had no need for rouge or creams. Where Georgiana was a light, romantic beauty, Isabel radiated Gothic enchantment.

Kitty was incurably jealous of Isabel, as she believed that the other girl's attachment to Georgiana was greater and more beneficial than the own. She observed their conversation from across the room with the scowl of a spoiled child being her fiercest adornment. Kitty found Miss Rowndell to be incredibly boring. At the moment, the lady was busy embroidering a christening gown for her godchild. She was also engaged to a moderate landowner who was the elder brother of her close friend and their wedding would also be held in the spring. Their engagement had been a long one and the placid Miss Rowndell was quite content. Although Miss Isabel was considered the more beautiful, Miss Rowndell was by no means not pretty. However, both sisters were very homely people and much preferred being in the country to their brother's house in town. Unfortunately, the passing of their father made staying in town their only option as their mother had passed years before.

Kitty thought the evening would never end. Georgiana and Isabel remained inseparable and Miss Rowndell was engaged in the conversation between the Darcy's and her brother. She amused herself by daydreaming about her admirable Charles Stafford. He was decidedly handsome, more handsome than any of the officers she had ever met. His conversation was always lively and he was never without something witty to say, no matter how wicked it was. The others, Mr. Ancell and Mr. Robart, were entertaining men to be sure, but neither of them could compare to her Charles. After finally finding a sorce of amusemnt, that odious Miss Isabel recalled her to the present.

“Yes, Miss Isabel?” Kitty asked, her annoyance and haughtiness quite evident.

“As you will be attending the Kellaway's Ball as well, Miss Bennet, I was hoping that you intend to keep your promise to Georgiana of forcing her to mix into society,” Isabel asked benignly, ignoring the rudeness of the other girl.

“Isabel!” A horrified Georgiana exclaimed.

“I had no other intention,” Kitty replied stiffly, her glare still in place.

“Wonderful!” Isabel continued, intent on keeping peace and not trifling with the jealous half-wit. “There, Georgiana, with both Miss Bennet and I watching over you, we will make sure you have the most suitable partners.”

“No, I will not-,” Georgiana began, trying to summon up enough courage.

“Yes, you will,” Isabel countered gently. “You would not want Mrs. Annesley's hard work to go to waste, now would you? I thought not. Besides, society will never go away and if you wish to become a recluse to the country, you will have to find yourself a Lord. Speaking of Lords, Lord Rocheford has just come into his inheritance and I have heard he shall be at the ball. You must dance with him, Georgiana, he is quite handsome and quiet enough for you.”

Georgiana's eyes were wide and scandalized and she looked as if someone had sentenced her to death. Isabel, and very soon Kitty, were laughing at the pitiable expression on her face.

“Don't look so, Georgiana, one dance will not murder you,” Isabel said jovially.

Georgiana just shook her head in disbelief.

"Kitty, are you quite sure. I have never worn that gown to a ball before.”

“Are you quite serious? Heaven's, why are all the pretty gowns wasted? It will look beautiful on you, Georgiana. Where is you maid, Deborah, is it not? She is very skilled at putting up your hair. You must try this look in the fashion plates Miss Isabel sent over.”

Elizabeth could barely hide her amusement as she passed by Gerogiana's room. True to her word, Kitty was assisting Georgiana in her preparation for the ball. She herself had no worries since Kitty had a very good notion of what looked well together. Maggie was already in her room with her turkey red silk dress already pressed on the bed. The edges were laced with cloth of gold and the net overskirt was made of the same glittering cloth. It gave the gown a shimmering effect, but retained the elegance which was all she desired. Maggie was very deft at setting her hair and arranged a host of red flowers artfully amongst her dark curls. Thick bracelets were clamped on her upper arms and she still wore her cross necklace. The door to her room opened and her husband entered, dismissing her maid as he came. Maggie curtseyed and left leaving the two of them alone. Elizabeth stood and turned from the vainity, an amused smirk on her face as she surveyed her husband.

"I will not embarrass you tonight by not looking the part of the Mistress of Pemberley?" She asked as she alluded to old gossip from their first appearance in town.

"I am afraid you will, my dear," he replied in a serious tone as she self-conciously turned to the mirror. "You see, you are a great deal too beautiful tonight that people will mistake you as Miss Bennet again."

She countered his smug and amused look with one of annoyance, but was not quite able to withold her amusement.

"Then it is fortunate that Miss Bennet was not able to afford as magnificent a gown as this, therefore they will recognize me as your wife," she replied cheekily.

"Well, if you are to be convincing, you must have something more appropriate than your necklace," he stated and pulled out an old, small case from behind his back.

Elizabeth looked up at him questioningly before accepting the gift. She opened it when an exclaimation of wonder as a beautiful gold and ruby necklace with matching earrings revealed themselves to her.

"They were my mother's as she was so fond of red. My father gave them to her when they were first married. Do they please you?" He asked as he anxiously studied her.

"Yes, they do, very much," she replied with a wide grin. The thought of them having been his mother's touched her deeply. She enveloped him in a quick embrace before asking him to put them on her. He readily complied and Elizabeth knew that no one could mistake her as not being the Mistress of Pemberley.

The Kellaways were an ancient family who had managed to maintain their wealth by making some wise investments in trade when the initial shift from agriculture took place. They still owned a large estate in Suffolk though they had never ascended past the rank of Viscount. Their annual ball was one of the most fashionable events of the London season, though not as restrictive as their ball back in Suffolk. A hall nearby was used for the occasion and those who were of immenent status were invited to a dinner party beforehand.

Kitty could barely contain her excitement when she arrived. The sheer amount of fashionable ladies and handsome gentlemen gave her as much pleasure as it gave Georgiana terror. Though she knew she was inferior to all the fine ladies there, she was pleased that her light pink gown brought some color to her normally sallow complexion and that she had finally managed to get her hair to curl to her liking. She also felt a spark of pride when she thought of how beautiful Georgiana looked and that she played such a large part in it. Georgiana was wearing a lilac overskirt over a deeper purple gown. A large amount of delicate green embroidery covered it and she looked like a spring nymph. The string of pearls that ran through her hair, up higher than it had ever previously been, completmented the creamy pearls draped on her neck. The looks already being given to Georgiana was enough to increase her happiness, though she did wish some of them were directed at her.

Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam both noticed the increased stares, causing him to shoot challenging glares to anyone he caught. Most hastily withdrew, but there was one who only evenly matched his stare. Soon, they were inside the glittering ballroom, surrounded by deafening chatter so thick that it was a wonder the dancers could hear the music at all. Almost immediately, Mr. Ancell bounded up and claimed Kitty's hand, who joined him rather unwillingly as she had just caught the eye of a much more handsome gentleman across the room. The Darcys were abandoned to the mercy of an old family accquaintennce who was not remembered with any fondness by Fitzwilliam or Georgiana.

To Georgiana's relief, Miss Isabel arrived in a flurry of midnight blue silk and whisked Georgiana off to join her party, with permission of course.

"If I do not get her to dance at least once this evening, it will have been a waste," Miss Isabel whispered conspiratorially to Elizabeth, who smiled and warned her to be gentle with her.

Georgiana was pleasantly amused for the first half hour of the party. The small circle she was included in dispelled the sheer magnitude of the ball itself. She was introduced with many friends of the Miss Rowndells, all of whom were so lively and talkitive that she only needed to speak every once in a while and smile. In truth, she greatly enjoyed their chatter. She even managed to say a few sentences to Misses Astley and Griffith concerning music, specifically Mozart. However, whatever joy she had was shortlived as the girls' growing desire to dance was answered. A group of gentlemen, including Mr. Campwell, presently joined their group and immediately paired off for the next dance. Georgiana managed to hide herself during the encounter, but Miss Isabel, true to her word, refused to dance util Georgiana was assured of a partner. No matter how earnestly Georgiana begged off, Miss Isabel would not be moved. It was left to her fiancee to convince his friend to dance with her.

"Come off it, James," Mr. Campwell urgently reprimanded his friend. "She is a very handsome girl and very shy too. She will not plague with questions or tediuos chatter. Just one dance, James."

"No," the irritable James replied. "I am in no mood for dancing and I have only just come out of mourning for my father. It would not do to be too jovial so soon. I have to leave tomorrow as it is, so I'd rather leave early tonight."

"But that is what mourning is for!" Campwell cried out exasperated. "Your father would have wanted you to be out in society finding a suitable mistress for your estate."

"He already found one for me, which is why I am leaving tomorrow," James replied curtly with a trace of bitterness. Mr. Campwell halted in astonishment.

"I-I see. Well, best of luck. You must let us meet her soon," Mr. Campwell continued before giving his friend a quick nod and sympathetic look. He returned to his group, leaving his friend to mill about and glower at the company.

"What is the matter with Lord Rocheford?" Isabel quietly asked her fiancee when he returned.

"He is leaving tomorrow to meet the girl his father wished for him to marry."

"Oh! How unexpected. Who is she?"

"I did not feel it right to ask."

"Miss Isabel!" A joyous voice called, interruptting the couple's whispered conversation. Gerogiana felt the impropriety of Kitty's intrusions kenly, but the girl seemed oblivious to it. Tight on her arm was a handsome gentleman Georgiana had never seen before, though he was promptly introduced as Mr. Stafford.

"Miss Isabel, have you ever meet Mr. Levine? Mr. Sidney Levine?" Kitty asked in rush as soon as the formalities were done with. The name struck a chord of memory for Georgiana and her face began to turn pale with horror.

"Yes, I believe so. Is he not the third son of the Mr. Levine near you, Mr. Campwell?" She asked addressing him.

"Yes, you are correct. He is fine man, though very soft spoken. His family is very respectable and we dine with them often."

Kitty's face sparked with even greater happiness. "Perfect! Georgiana, come. He is quite eager to dance with you!"

Georgiana's eyes grew as round as dinner plates as she began her flimsy refusal. However, the imperious Miss Isabel and the insistent Kitty forced her across the room to meet him. Mr. Levine was a very tall man with sandy hair and light green eyes, but ws unfortunately rather plain. He was also soft spoken and seemed as embarrassed by Georgiana as she was of him. The dance soon started and they were spared the uncomfortable comments of their friends. He lead Georgiana mutely to the floor and they danced in silence for the first half of the dance. Georgiana, taking pity on the man, found an old well of courage within her and ventured to ask him about the dance. He was visably startled and so they began a halting conversation on the dance floor. Their mutually quiet demeanors allowed them to both say little, but not feel uneasy about it. By the end of the dance, Georgiana felt almost at ease and had even managed a shy smile at least twice.

Across the room, Fitzwilliam watched them on the floor with a fierce galre, stiffening every time they met in the dance. Elizabeth tried to calm him down and realize that Georgiana was old enough to dance with whomever she pleased. Eventually, he grudgingly admitted that she was right, but refused to remove his glare. Elizabeth shook her head in defeat and returned to their party while still keeping an eye on her husband. Fortuantely, he remained oblivious to he appearance of Miss Bingley.

"Mrs. Darcy, how delightful to see you," Miss Bingley greeted as if she had a particularly nasty taste in her mouth.

"Good evening, Miss Bingely," Elizabeth replied with etremem self-sontol and an even tone. "I was not aware that you were in London for the season."

"I have just returned from visiting with my friend, Miss Grantley," Miss Bingley answered in the same tone. "How is dear Georgiana? I have not had much of a letter from her in quite some time."

"She is very well and involved with her studies," Elizabeth replied evenly, answering Miss BIngely's accusation.

"She seems very much involved with gentlemen at present," Miss Bingley countered, her gaze fixed on the dance floor.

"She has just come out and is still unused to society. It is a very rare occasion that she dances."

"The very opposite of your own sister," Miss Bingley replied with a sneer, taking distinct satisfaction when Elizabeth's cheeks sturned slightly red.

It took all of Elizabeth's restraint to not wipe that look off Miss Bingley's face. She was saved the trouble as it dissappeared when Miss Bingely stiffened. Following her gaze, Elizabeth saw Miss Isabel and Mr. Campwell dancing together. She noticed that they looked very well together, but did feel a small twinge of pity for Miss Bingely. Turning around, she reengaged her into their conversation.

"Will we have the pleasure of seeing you at Netherfield for Jane's confinement?" Elizabeth asked, hoping the answer would be a negative.

"Of course. I would not miss it for the world," she replied tonelessly. With a quick bow to Elizabeth, she retreated back to Miss Grantely, no doubt to vent about the horrid Miss Isabel.

Elizabeth was relieved when she left, even more so because she had not forced Fitzwilliam into a conversation. She knew there would be enough awkward moments at Netherfield and was glad that more were spared at present.

However, later in the evening, she was given her own time to look alarmed when she witnessed her sister amongst a group of girls easily flirting with some of the men there. She had rushed over and dragged Kitty out, much to her dismany. Though she did realize that her actions were very much like Lydia's, she could not help feeling that her wonderful evening was brutally cut short. When they left the party just before dawn, they were all greatly tired. Kitty and Georgiana fel asleep on the way and Fitzwilliam had not had the strength in him to chastise Georgiana for dancing. That battle was left for the next day. However, his uniform was never required as the post revealed something of greater import.

Georgiana was given the surprise of having a letter, written in a strong female hand. Wondering as to who it could be, she calmly opened it at breakfast. The rest continued to chatter happily, until they noticed the terror on Georgiana's face.

"Good God!" Her brother cried. "What has happened?"

She mutely pushed the piece of paper towards him, watching his expression as he read the letter, hoping he could find some way of getting her out of that evil. His eyes grew wider as he read and he looked at her with pity when he finished. Elizabeth and Kitty quickly read teh letter themselves as soon as he dropped it.

"I am afraid you have no choice but to go Georgiana. It would not be proper for you to be estranged from her because she does not approve of my choice in wife. We can delay your departrue so need only spend three weeks there and then join us in Hertfordshire. There is nothing more I can do."

Georgiana could only stare at himm as his words slowly penetrated her. She would have to spend three weeks at Rosings alone with Lady Catherine who terrified her. This time neither her brother nor the Colonel would be there.

"You are quite sure that neither of you can come?" She asked pitifully.

"Lady Catherine would send us out in a minute, provided she did not have us murdered. I am very sorry, Georgiana," Her brother replied.

"When it becomes too much," Elizabeth offered. "Charlotte, well, Mrs. Collins, would be glad of your company. She is an old friend of mine and a very kind lady. You will be able to see her daughter as well. She will always welcome you."

Georgiana smiled slightly to this comfort and Kitty wisely kept her mouth shut. Georgiana spent her remaining weeks in London in almost complete silence. The painoforte was constantly belting out mourful tunes and she grew even more reclusive at parties. The gossips, who had been full of anticipation when she had been seen dancing with Mr. Levine, were now confident of having more proof of her haughtiness. Georgiana now wished that she could just skip the next month and head strait for the holidays and Netherfield. Predictably, her wish was not granted.

Ch. 10: Eternity

My Dearest Sister Elizabeth

Time seems to be crawling so slowly here. I have only been here a week, yet it feels like an eternity. My only comfort is that in only two more weeks we can all journey to Netherfield.

Have you had any news from your sister Jane? I hope she is still in good health due to her condition. How is Kitty? Does she get on with more success in French? She is quite skilled in Italian, but French seems to trouble her. I favor French to Italian. We make a good pair when together. I have been diligently practicing the pianoforte to pass the time, as you knew I would. I have finally mastered the Cantata 43. Now on to the Aria! Mozart is indeed my favorite composer and I thank you very much for giving me these pieces. I have also been practicing the duets, but very reluctantly. I know it shall be such a surprise for Christmas, but must we really sing in front of everyone? You know how frightened it makes me. Unfortunately, Lady Catherine often makes me stop as too much playing gives her a headache. Then I either work on my Italian or on the sketch I am doing of little Wilhelmina.

Wilhelmina is such an adorable child. I hope to complete the sketch before I so that I can show it to her aunts and uncles in Hertfordshire. She has bright brown eyes and a small mop of straight dark hair. She gurgles quite adorably and does not fuss very often. Lady Lucas and Mrs. Collins send their warmest regards. I believe Mr. Collins took it upon himself to express himself in a separate letter. He is often out the few times I have visited, but we see him often enough at supper. Of course, Lady Catherine is intent on speaking only with Lord Rocheford.

I wonder why he is here. I have gathered that he had been there almost a fortnight before I arrived. Apparently his father was a close friend with the late Mr. De Bourgh and he has come because of the last words of his father. It is all rather perplexing. Lord Rocheford appears a very solitary man. Perhaps he is shy like myself or it is just that Lady Catherine leaves no room for others to speak.

I have come across him a few times in my early morning walks, but he usually continues on his way. He retains such a broody look that one would think he did not wish to be here. But no matter, at least his appearance has removed more of Lady Catherine's attentions from myself.

Oh, be sure to tell Kitty that I received her letters and will be replying shortly. She has not received any more letters for me from Mr. Levine, has she? Oh, I should not have asked that, forget it as no consequence. This autumn seems less enjoyable without anyone's company. I hope you are all enjoying London. I am constantly thinking of and missing you all.

Your affectionate sister,

Georgiana

Sitting back in the chair near the hearth, Elizabeth read through the letter a second time with a slight smile on her face. The concerns that Georgiana harbored for Kitty were touching, especially since Kitty could be heard across the room angrily muttering words in French. She could not withhold a chuckle as she read Georgiana's protestations at performing. Though to Georgiana it might seem cruel, she knew that it would be highly beneficial to building her self-esteem. She was also very pleased with the news about Charlotte's child. Her correspondence with the Collinses had been almost nonexistent since Charlotte's confinement, though she was not sure whether she should anticipate Mr. Collins' letter with dread or amusement.

However, the news about Lord Rocheford piqued her curiosity. From what she had heard of him, chiefly from the Rowndells, he was a handsome young man who inherited his fortune less than a year before. They had not mentioned much more than that, besides him being a very suitable match for Georgiana. Though they eagerly wished for an attachment, she did not see one as very likely. Yet his reason for visiting Lady Catherine, of all people, seemed rather singular. The innocent matter in which Georgiana mentioned Mr. Levine also interested her, but she knew Kitty would have to be persuaded from continuing any feelings that Georgiana imagined having for him. He was a kind-hearted man, to be sure, but had already passed his attentions to Miss Selwyn. Although she knew it would be better for Georgiana to hear of this, she hated to disappoint her.

Deciding to leave those musings for a later time, she put the letter back on the table and gently broke the seal on the other one from Jane. She glanced at Kitty before reading the letter and took note of the murderous look that was beginning to form. Judging that she had enough time to pursue the letter before the French book was tossed into the fire, she began.

Dearest Lizzy,

I am perfectly well, to leave you in no suspense. The doctor says that both the child and I are in perfect condition at this stage in the pregnancy.

I am glad to hear that London has not been as grim as you predicted, but you always tend to imagine the worst. I knew that all you needed to do was to be seen at a few social places with your husband. No one could be in doubt of your affection for each other, especially when you are together. I feel for Georgiana, the poor girl. It was wise to remove her, though I shall never believe London to be truly that wretched.

Speaking of London, have you meet with Miss Bingley at all? We know she was visiting a friend of hers, a Miss Grantley I believe, but she has not been in touch with us for a while. Mrs. Hurst has informed us that Mr. Hurst, herself, and Miss Bingley shall all be arriving for the holidays, but we have not had any word from the rest of his sisters. They were all amiable when we meet them near town and more welcoming than Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. All of them are older than Charles and already settled. The eldest, Mrs. Wedgwood, seems especially well married and affable. It appears I have two nephews and one niece. They are such darling little children.

But in any event, I cannot wait for you all to join us at Netherfield. Mama visits almost daily and it can be rather trying, but only because I am in this condition. Her constant tales of the agonies she endured in her pregnancies make me very uncomfortable, to say the least. She continues to lament over how awful a time Lydia must have had with her child, which seems to be the only other topic that Mama can speak of. She was quite upset that she would not be allowed to see Lydia for the confinement, so she feels the need to be twice as attentive on myself. You have not heard of Lydia's child yet, have you? She had a son, which was amusing since both Lydia and Mama were so convinced of it being a girl, on the fifth of September. They christened him Nathan Levi and Mama has not stopped reminding everyone of her good fortune in surviving to see her first grandchild. However, she is quite upset over the fact that Lydia will not be down for the holidays since Mr. Wickham cannot leave his station for a good many months yet. We cannot all have everything.

After the first few visits from Mama, Charles began to make himself more and more absent. It is a shame, but Mama has never been discreet. Papa visits on occasion and usually restrains their visits to a tolerable duration. Dear Papa, I worry for him. He is not coping well with only Mama and Mary. I believe that he has some sickness, but knowing Mama you can guess how much attention he receives. He is not one to complain at all and I do worry. Mary is out much more in society as her and Mama journey to Meryton daily to visit our Aunt Phillips and Mrs. Long. Though she is always is reading instead of joining in the conversation, I believe she enjoys it very much. She and Mr. Stadbury have developed an attachment and it will be a good match for both of them. Neither of them are very sociable and are often debating some piece of moral philosophy or scripture whenever they meet in public. He is a clerk for our Uncle Phillips and Mama is in thralls that she will soon have yet another daughter married.

I am very glad to hear of the improvement you have described in Kitty. I knew she was always a sweet girl at heart and the removal of Lydia's influence seems to be quite advantageous. I hope I shall be able to recognize her when you return! Papa cannot wait for all of you to come. He is growing more impatient. I hope his spirits will improve when you arrive.

Give my warmest regards to Mr. Darcy and Kitty and Georgiana as well, whenever you write her next. Charles and I both anxiously await your company.

Your loving sister,

Jane

Elizabeth sat straighter in her chair and dissected Jane's letter in minute detail. She brushed aside Mary's attachment with the brief assertion that it would indeed be good for her, but was more intent with trying to ascertain the health of her father. Jane was one who did not desire to cause worry unnecessarily and would most often neglect to say anything unless it needed to be said. Elizabeth mentally recalled the last few letters of her father's. She had noticed that he seemed a bit wearier and more desperate for her company. The lack of sensible people around him must have affected him more than she anticipated and he could only visit Jane so often. She immediately regretted the rather short reply she had last given and resolved on writing to him before the day was over.

Jane's condition was one point that she was confident on. Charles had sent a letter to Fitzwilliam a few days prior full of joy at his wife's condition and eager entreaties for them to arrive earlier. The length of his letter implied a longer communication, but as her husband said nothing more, she did not pursue it. If there was anything that she needed to know of, she knew her husband would tell her. She also did not doubt that half of the letter was covered in blots and flattering phrases.

The news of Lydia's child had startled her. She was honest enough to admit that she had entirely forgotten the event, but such a thing could not be helped. The perverseness of the child being a son particularly struck her. However, knowing the parents, it would be slightly better for the child to be a boy. Heavens knew what a daughter would be subjected too.

Across the room, Kitty slammed her book shut in a burst of anger and glared at it with a murderous gleam in her eye. Hastily putting down her letters, Elizabeth reemerged to aid the unloved French book.

“I swear I shall never be able to understand that loathsome language even if I study it `til I'm one hundred!” Kitty exclaimed in exasperation.

Elizabeth quickly smothered a grin. “Perhaps it would be best to work on something else. After all, it is not the fault of the book, it is merely a tool.”

“It's a torture device is what it is,” Kitty mumbled, shooting dark looks at it. She shoved it to the other side of the table as if it was contaminated and settled down on the couch with a sketch of the pianoforte she was painting. Every so often she would look up with a glare at the French book as if anticipating it to inch closer and surprise her with a sudden onslaught of verbs. Elizabeth grinned at the scene and returned to her writing desk, this time with the intent of replying to all of the letters. The crackling fire dispelled the early London chill and the morning passed sedately.

After luncheon, they set off for the Gardiners and it was hard to determine if Elizabeth or Fitzwilliam anticipated the visit more. Kitty was more interesting in going to the theater that evening as she had no close relationship with her aunt and would have to be subjected to listening to Susan for hours. The girl was nice enough, but very dull. All she spoke of was the exploits her siblings did and how she was much too old to be connected with anything of the sort. As Kitty mused on it, perhaps they might enter into some talk of fashion, but she did not look forward to it with any pleasure. She dearly wished to be at the small party the Miss Whitneys' were having so that they could all converse on their favorite topic of gentlemen. The other ladies were jealous of the attachment Mr. Stafford had for her and she loved to have the special attention.

Elizabeth could not wait to visit her aunt again and she knew Fitzwilliam was already anticipating the frank, easy-going conversation he could expect with her uncle. As they alighted from the carriage, a barrage of children could be heard announcing their arrival. The valet led them to the parlor where both Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were waiting for them. After exchanging greetings, the children came and each introduced themselves before retreating expectantly next to their mother. Elizabeth laughed and beckoned them forward again. Each face alighted with happiness and the gleaming eyes were rewarded with a small bag of candy. They quickly bowed or curtseyed out the room to divide and compare their treasure. Susan remained, clutching her bag delicately, and took the seat next to Kitty.

They all conversed happily for the evening and supper was just as merry. All topics were touched, from matters of business to Jane's condition to the individual preference of bows or feathers. Following supper, the women retired to the parlor to entertain themselves until the men arrived so they could all depart for the theater. Susan complained briefly about not being able to attend the play until her father assured her that she would not go anywhere for a week if she continued to behave as she was. Since she was to meet her “closest confidant” in the park the next day, she gallantly bade them all good night with the air of a sainted martyr.

“Susan seems quite changed,” Elizabeth ventured to her aunt once they were all settled in the carriage.

“Yes, she has entered that phase when she is still a child, but desperately wishes to be a young lady. It is certainly a trying time,” Mrs. Gardiner replied with good humor.

“I observed that as well,” Kitty added, flaunting her newfound superiority. “She was quite anxious to act older and be treated as such. Honestly, the airs she put on where enough to rival Miss Bingley!”

“Much like you and Lydia when you were her age,” Elizabeth countered blandly, making Kitty flush at the comment and the truth of the statement.

Mrs. Gardiner chuckled. “Most young girls go through such a phase, Kitty, it is nothing to be ashamed of. I just hope it passes before Cindy catches it.”

“Do I need to ask if you passed through this mysterious phase as well?” Fitzwilliam asked his wife. She flushed and was about to reply when Mrs. Gardiner laughingly cut in.

“Lizzy was never one for airs. I remember one Christmas, you were about ten I believe, ten or eleven, and Jane was right in the middle of hers. She was never vain, but had her heart set on being the perfect young lady. Your mother and father had let you both sit with us before supper and Jane kept prodding you to sit up and behave. As I remember, you took great delight in mimicking others when you thought they were not looking. In the middle of your mother telling us about the newest fashions for the season, you shouted at your sister: `Why must we behave like angels, not all of the grown-ups are so why must we?' Most of us were struck dumb until your father started laughing. You were quite affronted, but insisted it was the truth. `I heard Hannah tell Letty yesterday that Mr. Wilkins was so deep in the bottle that they wouldn't wonder if he sold his soul to the Devil just to buy another! And Leah was keeping in the company of disreputable men from Lockdell.' Your mother fainted dead away after that and your sister hurriedly curtseyed both of you out of the room. I remember you protesting that you had done nothing wrong since you were allowed to speak you mind in front of the family. Your father nearly laughed himself to death and we ended up laughing at the absurdity of it all. So, to answer your question Mr. Darcy, our dear little Lizzy was much the same throughout her growing years.”

The whole carriage shook with laughter and Elizabeth hid her mortification by laughing herself. It was with great relief that she saw the theater appear beside them. They journeyed to their box without any incident and found that they were sharing it with a kindly old dowager and another young couple. Kitty leaned close to the edge of the balcony, anxiously peering around with Elizabeth's opera glasses to observe the gowns that adorned the fashionable ladies. It gave her as much pleasure as watching the performance itself. She was also hoping for a glance of Mr. Stafford as she had been denied his company for three days, but her efforts were to no avail. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner chatted amiably with the dowager and the young couple kept to themselves.

“I am quite sorry, Elizabeth,” Fitzwilliam whispered to her, the teasing light back in his eyes as the prelude began to play. “But now you will have to behave like one of the angelic adults.”

She returned his comment with an arch look and fixed her attention on the stage beneath them. Once the performance began, Elizabeth had no recollection of where the time had gone. The story took all possession of her and she could clearly feel every emotion so vividly expressed on the stage. Kitty was just as enamored and all thoughts of fashion vanished from her head as she listened to the tale of the two thwarted lovers. She could feel their passion and wondered if there really was such a man in the world for her.

All of them were displeased to have the show end, but the unification of the heroes made it all the more enjoyable. They stood in their box and waited for many of the others to empty before they tried to wade through the throngs that lay below.

“When will you be journeying to Hertfordshire?” Elizabeth inquired of her aunt.

“We will be arriving just after Christmas. It is impossible for your uncle to leave before then. I believe we will only be staying a fortnight, isn't that so?”

“Yes, my dear, you are quite right. Always are,” Mr. Gardiner replied.

“It is fortunate, Uncle Gardiner, that you did not become a doctor, `fore then we should never see you!” Elizabeth stated teasingly.

“You haven't changed a whit, even with this nice husband of yours reminding you to behave,” Mr. Gardiner chided, gently pinching her cheeks as if she were still the cheeky little child who ran wild in most things, not the proper Mrs. Darcy who might be watched by half of the society in London.

“Some of us must be bad for others to appear good,” she responded with good-humor, earning laughter from her companions.

Autumn was nearing the end of her glory as swirling clouds of brightly colored leaves tumbled down around the solitary lady. The spencer she wore had kept the chill at bay, but judging by the breeze, a pelisse would be a better option the next day. Large clouds blew by in the pale morning light, some innocently white while others were more sinister shades of gray. Birds were eagerly belting out the news of the day. A robin could be heard sweetly chirping from the tree above her while a cluster of noisy crows were jarringly cawing from the distant fields.

This was they way she liked Rosings best. Here she could be alone with the wonders of nature and away from the stiffness of the manicured gardens. There was no one around to constantly stare at her and berate her upbringing for every little thing that was not perfectly done. It was enough to make her go slowly mad. She had already been close to tears numerous times, but had so far managed to maintain her composure. Constant visits to the parsonage to visit the little Wilhelmina also helped ease her spirits. Mrs. Collins understood her disposition perfectly and never pressed her into talking more than she desired. Lady Lucas chattered pleasantly about anything and everything and they were both honored by her proposition to draw a picture of the child. Lady Lucas could never refrain from mentioning her appreciation whenever they met and especially when dining at Rosings. This always prompted Lady Catherine to assert that her daughter would have unsurpassable ability to draw had her health permitted.

Anne seemed even more distant than usual. True, there was a large distance in their ages, but they had always more or less gotten on well. Anne would always listen to her play and Georgiana would often choose songs that she knew her cousin enjoyed. She had always seemed like the doting older cousin, but now things were different. It must have been the fact that it had been over a year since they last met. Anne seemed more sullen and melancholy, her cough more frequent and Lady Catherine more on edge. Ever since her arrival, Georgiana could not banish the feeling that Anne, as well as her aunt, were closely scrutinizing her. It was altogether highly unnerving and so she sought refuge out of doors more often than before.

So far, no one had questioned her early morning rambles. She would often escape in the afternoon after Lady Catherine was tired of her playing. Her sketchbook was often with her and she had found many picturesque spots to sketch. She wanted to create a decent portfolio to give to Kitty for Christmas and wanted to get as many drawings as she could so she could save the best ones.

She rounded a turn and saw that Lord Rocheford was coming towards her. Everyday she seemed to meet him on her walks. In her first week of being at Rosings he had said naught but a few words to her, although she did notice him watching her many a time. She could never read the expression on his face when he looked at her, but she could easily see the forced pleasantness he wore when conversing with her aunt. He seemed to pay Anne little attention, but was genial to everyone. Her second week had shown little inclination on his part to increase their acquaintance.

“Miss Darcy,” he greeted, with a quick bow.

“Lord Rocheford,” she replied, dipping into an elegant curtsey, grateful that her bonnet helped hide her puzzlement. He normally bowed silently and continued on his way.

As she rose, she noticed that he was still there and watching her with a look she could not understand. He paused for a moment longer before continuing on his path. She turned around and stared bewildered at his retreating figure. Another moment had him hidden by the turn of the walk. Turning back around, she continued walking, but she could not get his strange greeting out of her mind.

She was unaware of how much time had passed and was in the middle of the grounds when the gong announced breakfast. Hurriedly she ran back towards the house and quickly changed before entering the formidable dinning room. She would have gladly delayed at the door, but the ever-efficient servants opened it for her before she had time to collect herself.

Her aunt fixed her with a hawk-like glare as she entered with a deep curtsey and an almost inaudible apology. She quickly took the vacant seat, which was next to Lord Rocheford. He looked vaguely amused at her predicament while Anne remained unperturbed. Lady Catherine resumed her tale to Lord Rocheford, embellishing her various duties throughout the parish that she still insisted on performing. He bore it with extreme politeness and kept her Ladyship in tolerable humor. Georgiana knew too well that she should not imagine escaping her aunt's wrath and her instincts were correct.

“I was not aware that you were in the habit of early morning walks, Georgiana,” she began. “Indeed, if Lord Rocheford had not mentioned passing you on the grounds, I should have thought you grievously ill. You have always been a very punctual girl.”

“I-I l-lo-lost track of th-the time, Lady Catherine,” Georgiana stammered under her aunt's accusing glare.

“But this habit of taking walks is singular, you were not so keen on it previously,” Lady Catherine continued.

“I-It is s-something w-we began over th-the summer,” Georgiana responded miserably. She knew this conversation would only lead to Elizabeth and her aunt's displeasure would be in rare form in the morning.

“We?” Lady Catherine asked, her eyes piercing through her.

“My sisters and I,” Georgiana replied in a whisper, her eyes not leaving her napkin. She winced as she heard her aunt's fork clank heavily on her plate, but the next voice was not one she expected.

“I was not aware that there were more than one Miss Darcy,” Lord Rocheford stated, in an attempt to keep the conversation neutral.

Georgiana closed her eyes as she replied. “I meant my sister Mrs. Darcy and her sister, Miss Bennet.”

“And none of them shall be mentioned in my house!” Lady Catherine exploded from her end of the table. Georgiana visibly winced and Lord Rocheford stared at Lady Catherine with an unreadable expression. “I will not hear of that bewitching little tramp or her upstart family! Pretentious gold-diggers, bewitching my nephew and robbing his good name! Look at what they have done to you! They have replaced your Darcy manners with their common country ways. I will not have it!”

Georgiana dipped her head lower as two tears finally escaped down her cheeks landing on her twisted napkin. Anne stared between the two and blushed violently. Lord Rocheford, however, noticing Georgiana's tears, intervened as he noticed Lady Catherine getting ready to begin again.

“Really, my Lady, I do not think this is quite necessary,” he began firmly, but was rudely cut off.

“Thank you for your consideration, Lord Rocheford, but this remains a family matter between my niece and I,” the woman replied tersely, not removing Georgiana from her glare.

More silent tears escaped down her face and she hurriedly dabbed them away. Setting the napkin on the table, she gently moved her uneaten food away and excused herself.

“Not so quickly, if you please, Georgiana,” Lady Catherine demanded, halting her at the door. “These manners you have gained from your sister” she spat the word out as if it were the foulest of vulgarities, “will not be tolerated in my house. That little shrew may have enchanted your foolish brother, but I will not let her corrupt you.”

Georgiana bolted out the door and ran towards her rooms. Tears flew unchecked down her cheeks and she startled the maids as she flew down the unending corridors. If she had but an ounce of courage, she would have countered Lady Catherine's insults and stood up for her siblings. These conclusions only led her tears to flow more quickly and she found herself in an abandoned summer parlor, sobbing as she sank into the nearest chair.

She knew not how long she remained there, but once she had dried her eyes, she resolved on leaving the confines of Rosings.

“Miss Darcy, what a surprise! Enjoying the last of the good weather?” Mrs. Collins asked cheerfully.

“Yes, very much,” she replied, taking the cup of tea and sipping it eagerly.

“It was a perfect morning for a walk, though it looks as though it might rain this evening. How are your drawings coming along?”

“Very well, that view you suggested was breathtaking,” she continued animatedly. “Where is Lady Lucas?”

“She is with Kat since the nurse is off today. Kat has decided that she does not need to rest this morning,” Mrs. Collins answered with a smile.

“I do not wish to be rude,” Georgiana began hesitantly. “But may I ask who Kat is?”

Charlotte laughed. “Kat is my little name for Wilhelmina. She is really much too small for such a grand name. I took it from Catherine. My mother prefers calling her Mina, but I cannot help but think of the little minnows we chased as children.”

Georgiana joined in her laughter and relished the comfortable atmosphere of the parsonage. A haggard looking Lady Lucas entered the room and announced that the little girl had finally fallen asleep.

“Goodness, Charlotte, the lungs on that little thing when she is set against something. She would rival any of your brothers!”

Georgiana's quiet laughter alerted the matron to her presence.

“Miss Darcy! Oh, what a pleasure! Will you be staying for dinner or will your aunt be expecting you?”

Her eyes widened as a light blushed crept up her face. “I- well I... She does not know I have come.” She could not help but feel guilty and the rashness of her actions suddenly dawned upon her.

“Oh,” Lady Lucas replied at this unexpected answer. She dearly wished to know why, but decided not to pester the girl.

“Well, it is near dinner time,” Charlotte began. “It would be impossible for you to arrive at Rosings in time for dinner as it is. You are quite welcome to have dinner with us, though it will be a very simple meal.”

“Thank you very much,” Georgiana replied with heartfelt gratitude.

They chatted amiably over dinner without the interference of Mr. Collins who had gone to the neighboring town for the day. Georgiana's reason for visiting was never alluded to and the majority of the time was spent discussing Wilhelmina, or rather Kat or Mina, and the incoming journey to Hertfordshire. Charlotte was eager for any news about Elizabeth, but Georgiana seemed oddly subdued on the topic. They retired to the parlor afterwards and were shortly interrupted by Wilhelmina.

After being fed to her satisfaction, Wilhelmina was her usual gurgling self. Her bright brown eyes stared up at Georgiana as she held her. Sweet quiet laughter rose from her as she played and melted the hearts of all the ladies. When she began to fuss, her mother gladly took her and she surveyed them all as she lay in the small cradle at Charlotte's feet. A small rag doll was her current toy and Lady Lucas proudly said that it was a handmade gift from her youngest, Amelia.

Halfway through the afternoon Georgiana decided that as much as she wished otherwise, she would have to return to Rosings. She said good-bye to Lady Lucas and Charlotte walked with her to the gate.

“Georgiana, are you quite alright? You have been quieter than usual and I know Eliza would never forgive me if something was wrong and I did not at least try to help,” Charlotte stated gently.

“Oh, well, it is really nothing,” Georgiana replied as convincingly as possible.

Charlotte gave her a disbelieving look and Georgiana could not help the story from spilling out of her. The older woman listened intently with growing compassion and embraced the younger girl as soon as she was through.

“You poor thing. She should never have said such things. Don't cry dear, you know the truth of Elizabeth's disposition and manners and you know she would never hurt you,” she comforted as the tears of her companion stopped. “Lady Catherine is just angry and jealous for her daughter's sake that your brother and Eliza have found happiness together. You have only two more weeks and will always be welcome at our home, so do not fret.”

Georgiana pulled out her handkerchief and dried her face once again. “Thank you, Mrs. Collins. Thank you for everything.”

“It is of no importance,” she replied. “And do call me Charlotte. You should hurry on now, the weather does not look promising.”

Georgiana curtseyed and started down the lane, her heart feeling lighter than it had when she left Rosings that morning. She decided to take the backward route through the Park instead of being more conspicuous on the road. That last thing she desired was to be seen by Lady Catherine before she was sufficiently composed. The wind had started to pick up and rattled the remaining leaves in the trees. Above her the sky faded to a dismal blanket of gray and blocked the sun completely.

A ways before she entered the outer gardens and left the shelter of the partially covered walks, she met Lord Rocheford again.

“Miss Darcy,” he greeted as before with an earnest bow.

“Good afternoon, my Lord,” she replied and waited for him to continue.

“I am surprised to see you out. We understood that you had retired to you chambers for the day,” he questioned.

“Oh... no... I-I went to visit Mrs. Collins at the Parsonage,” she responded hesitantly.

“I see, was it a pleasant visit?” He asked, though it was obvious that other things were weighing on his mind.

“Yes, she is a very kind lady,” she answered warmly.

“So I gathered from their visits,” he said. “Am I right in guessing that you are returning to the house?”

She nodded in assent.

“Would you give me the pleasure of turning back with you?”

Again she nodded, but with a blush she hoped he could not see. They walked towards Rosings and spent the first few minutes in silence. Georgiana wondered why he had offered when he had always been so silent. She had fleeting thoughts of what Kitty would assume and blushed even more. That idea was too fanciful and after her continued idiocy over Mr. Levine, she would not entertain such thoughts.

“Miss Darcy,” he began hesitantly. “I know this may seem forward, especially after I have been very quiet this past week. I wish to apologize for my ignorance and imprudence at breakfast this morning. I did not mean to cause such a... quarrel between you and your aunt.”

Georgiana gave a small, sad smile that he managed to see. “You need not feel ashamed, as she said, it is a matter between her and I. I am quite sorry you had to witness it.”

She was constantly twisting her hands in her nervousness, but he persisted with his thought.

“But it seems as though her true argument lies with your brother and sister,” he continued.

“It is a delicate matter,” she replied neutrally.

Lord Rocheford wisely let the subject drop as it was apparent that Georgiana would speak no more on the subject.

“Miss Darcy, do you prefer walks in gardens or in the parks themselves?” He asked, searching for a common subject to discuss.

Caught by surprise, it took her a few moments to form an answer. “I suppose I prefer the parks, as they provide such pleasant scenes for sketching, but I have do have a fondness for fountains.”

He smiled at her answer. It was quite proper, but contained a sort of innocence to it. “I prefer the parks myself. It gives you a feeling of being removed from the houses and their occupants.”

“Yes, it does,” she agreed, with her voice seemingly far off.

They drifted again into silence, but were soon interrupted by a downpour of rain. Stranded in the outer gardens, Lord Rocheford grabbed her hand and rushed her back to the meager shelter of the woods. They stopped under the dying leaves of a grandiose oak tree. The rain still pounded through half-empty branches and relentlessly found its mark. Georgiana shivered as a gust of wind rushed through the trees. She wished she had taken her own advice and worn a pelisse.

Lord Rocheford noticed and draped his coat around her shoulders. As soon as she felt the warmth, she turned around and struggled to take it off.

“Thank you, my Lord, but I am quite alright, I insist. Here, take this back, you must be freezing,” she rambled as she continued to remove the coat.

He laughed softly at her insistence. “I am fine, I assure you. Your aunt would never forgive me if I brought her niece back home with a cold.”

He fixed the coat more securely over her shoulders and she could not deny that she felt infinitely warmer, though she was not sure it was entirely the coat. She leaned against the trunk of the tree and could not help humming a melancholy tune as they descended into silence. It was one of the duets she had been dutifully practicing and was themed around rain. Although she thought the noise of the wind sweeping through the branches would be enough to mask the sound, her companion, who leaned on the opposite side of the tree, could still hear. They passed several minutes in this fashion as the rain stubbornly beat down on them. The harsh crunch of the leaves under his boots alerted her to the fact that he had moved to next her. It gave her a bit of a warning so she was not as startled when she heard his voice.

“Do you sing, Miss Darcy?”

She was thankful that her bonnet helped hide her face from his view. “A little.”

“I beg your pardon?” He asked, leaning closer.

She closed her eyes for a moment before turning and facing him. “A little.”

“Really? I understood from your aunt that you were quite proficient, though certainly not as proficient as your cousin should have been.” His slightly mocking tone was not lost on Georgiana.

She remained silent as she knew not how to reply to such a statement. Sensing this, he continued. “We have not heard you sing. I understood it was one of your many accomplishments.”

“Oh... I am quite shy,” Georgiana replied, turning her head back towards the ground.

“My sisters are lucky then. Annette loves to sing, but dislikes playing and Josephine is the opposite. They make quite a pair. You play very well, Miss Darcy,” he concluded with a sidelong glance at her.

“Th-thank you,” she replied, blushing again. As she stared off at the sky, she wondered how much longer the rain would last.

“I am very fond of music, it cannot be helped with such sisters. The only option would be to go mad. You have a fondness for Mozart, am I right?” Georgiana nodded. “Josephine does too. I recognized the pieces. Haydn is more to my liking, though.”

Silence once again fell. Georgiana could have said much on the subject of Mozart, but she was unable to form any of the words. The rain showed no signs of ending and she plucked up enough courage to ask an important question.

“Would it not be wiser to make a dash for the house? The rain does not look like it will stop.”

“Most women would be opposed to getting their gowns ruined,” he replied bemusedly, causing her to blush yet again. “I do not think it shall last much longer. Downpours such as these never last for more than fifteen minutes.”

True to his prediction, the rain did end soon. They returned to Rosings in silence and parted in the entryway. It was not until she entered her room and was ambushed by giggling maids that she was mortified with the realization that she was still wearing his coat. She sent it back with one of the maids, who was giggling quite mercilessly, and decided that she did not feel up to facing both him and her aunt that evening.

The next two days were dismally rainy. Georgiana played the pianoforte until her hands began to hurt. At that point, she would retire to the sketch of Wilhelmina or the odious Italian. Lady Catherine continued to make insulting comments about the Darcys whenever she entered the room, but would completely divert her attention to Lord Rocheford if he were present. After the day in the gardens, he spoke to her more often, though Lady Catherine provided him with little opportunity. Anne surveyed it all as almost a separate entity. She calmly observed everything, but Georgiana was at a loss as to her feelings or opinions.

Georgiana received a bundle of letters on the third day from everyone in London. She joyfully read through them in the privacy of her room. Kitty's anecdotes about the various parties and gentlemen gave her much amusement. Elizabeth's letter was light-hearted, but she had some helpful advice in ignoring Lady Catherine. Some of them were meant to make her laugh, and did their duty admirably, but the others were practical. Her brother's letter offered her some advice, but it was more businesslike than before. All in all, the letters were her own little treasure that she hoarded in her room.

The next day was sunny and cheerful, a welcome break from the frigid weather. As she sketched a scene from the parlor window after breakfast, she mused that it would be a wonderful day for a drive. However, the lack of a suitable partner left her without this option for amusement. Losing herself in the daydream of riding across the fields, her pencil slid in her grasp, creating a thick streak across the page. Her hand ended up cupping her chin and she gazed at the fields with an intense longing.

Lord Rocheford, who had been pursuing various books on the table near her, noticed this change in her demeanor. At the moment, Lady Catherine was sufficiently preoccupied with reprimanding her daughter for some misdeed so he took the opportunity.

“Longing for the outdoors, Miss Darcy?” He asked quietly, startling her.

“Oh... yes,” she replied, obviously flustered. She concentrated on erasing the stray pencil mark so she would not be forced to look at him.

“It is still a bit too muddy for a walk, do you agree?” He continued.

“Yes, but it would be pleasant for a ride,” she responded without much though, still concentrating on the paper.

“Do you ride?” He asked eagerly, happy to have found a topic she mentioned.

“Yes, as often as I can. It is almost impossible to live at Pemberley and not ride,” she continued, still avoiding his gaze.

“Lord Rocheford! I should like your opinion on this matter,” Lady Catherine called from the other side of the room.

“Of course, your Ladyship,” his initial annoyance was replaced by a look of mischief. “Miss Darcy and I were just discussing how agreeable it would be to take a ride this afternoon. Does that sound like a great plan, Miss De Bourgh?”

“Delightful, but unfortunately Anne's health did not permit her to learn,” Lady Catherine rudely interjected before Anne could even open her mouth.

“Ah, but if I am not mistaken, I believe you have a charming little phaeton,” he countered, still addressing Anne.

“I do,” she replied softly, astonishing both him and her mother.

“Perfect! Than all of us can go for a ride this afternoon. I am sure Mrs. Jenkins would have no objection to coming along,” he concluded with evident self-satisfaction.

With Mrs. Jenkins' assent, Lady Catherine grudgingly added hers as well. Georgiana was grateful for his effort to get all of them out of the house for the nice weather. She knew that Anne always loved a ride and any escape from Lady Catherine was certainly welcome.

Down at the stables, Georgiana selected a chestnut mare that the stable hand said was very docile. She easily got on the horse and waited patiently for the ponies to be hitched to the phaeton. The mare needed only a light hand on the reins and was very easy to manage. They were soon underway and followed the road towards the Parsonage. Unfortunately, they were obliged to stop and visit with Mr. Collins for a few minutes. Thankfully the presence of Lord Rocheford allowed the visit to end rather quickly and they continued on their expedition.

Georgiana and Lord Rocheford stayed ahead of the phaeton and struck up a halting conversation. They briefly discussed horses before returning to a topic that was mutually pleasing: music. This time Georgiana did justice to her passion for Mozart and did admit to a healthy respect for Haydn. She was not aware of how much she was speaking due to his easy questioning and entertaining manner. The broodiness with which he had seemed previously afflicted with was gone. Meanwhile, the occupants of the phaeton noticed the increased conversation between their notoriously silent companions and commented on it to the other.

Any fears they entertained were cast in doubt by the attentiveness Lord Rocheford paid to them. Whenever the road was wider and another carriage easy to spot, he would pull his horse next to them and engage in conversation. Georgiana would follow suit, but the nature of the roads most often left her stranded in the front. This left her with time to compose herself, banish any foolish thoughts and dig up enough courage for another conversation.

That evening at supper, she could not help but steal glances at him throughout the meal. Each time she caught herself, she would be suddenly reminded of Wickham and her brother's insistence that she be always on her guard. This only served to compare the two and put their differences in sharper relief. Afterwards, her aunt called upon her to play for them, which she happily obliged. She selected a piece she was not entirely comfortable with so that her mind would not wander. Even then, she could feel his gaze rest on her while she played. It was even more prominent when she played some easier pieces and her mind did roam, as she had feared.

The next few days showed an increase in their conversation. He would often come and speak with her and she could not deny that she anticipated these talks. Her face would light up of its own accord whenever he entered the room and she remained unaware of the other gaze following her throughout the day. They had had a long discussion of art after he found her wandering the art gallery and had dutifully covered both of their families. Aside from Annette and Josephine, she found out that he had two more sisters and a younger brother who was the baby. His father had passed away a little under a year ago and he still wore mourning for him. His mother remained with his siblings and took vigilant care of them all.

Georgiana was honest enough with herself to admit that she was beginning to form an attachment for him. It was hard not to as he was so kind and shared many of her interests. He was also quite handsome, but dwelling on that made her feel too much like Kitty. She decided to write to Elizabeth to ask her opinion on her situation. She was halfway through writing the letter when a servant knocked on her door and entered.

“Excuse me, miss. Lady Catherine is requesting your presence in her private parlor.”

Fickle Fortune

Georgiana paused in front of the imposing mahogany doors leading into Lady Catherine's parlor. She could not fathom why she had been summoned and could only hope that it was not so Lady Catherine could purge herself of more insults regarding Elizabeth. The liveried servant stood at the doors watching her with a bemused, almost sadistic grin. Sizing up the girl, he doubted she would have the fortitude to leave the room without dissolving in tears. Whenever someone was called to the private parlor, it normally signaled great displeasure on Lady Catherine's part. He could remember almost every instance, though the times when Miss Anne entered seemed to run together.

Judging that she had had a decent amount of time to instill her composure, he dragged open the heavy doors and announced her presence. The door closed behind her with a dull thud of finality. Oppressive shades filtered little light as Lady Catherine leered from the imperial armchair set like a throne at the head of the room. Georgiana bowed and ventured forward. She was stiffly acknowledged, but no move was made by Lady Catherine to allow her to sit. Standing in front of her aunt in the depressive gloom, she began to grow fearful of the communication. Her initial fears jumped to the health and safety of her family, but Lady Catherine seemed quite content on taking her time and enjoying her discomfort. She had almost mustered up the courage to ask why she had been called when Lady Catherine straightened and began.

"You have changed greatly, Georgiana," the dowager began gravely, her shrewd eyes quick to notice the expressions on her face. "But not for the better. Your mother would be astonished, not to mention most disappointed, in both you and your brother."

Georgiana could not prevent the surprise that flooded her features. She could tell Lady Catherine was controlling her voice for the time being and the forced calmness unnerved her.

"That tart your brother has had the stupidity of marrying is certainly ruining you with her country values. I have seen a growing impertinence within you when you were once so docile and quiet. She is corrupting you, Georgiana, and you are too blind to see it!"

Her voice was starting to grow louder and Georgiana fought to keep her composure.

"I see you do not believe me. It does not matter for at least I have the intelligence enough to understand people completely! She is a money-hunter and shall forever be one. Why else would she bewitch my nephew and turn him from his cousin when all honor and duty bound them together? Now she has turned you into herself! Do not think I am ignorant of the glances you share with Lord Rocheford! The smiles and absentmindedness, I am aware of all that occurs in my house. That insolent country girl has corrupted you to finish her work and I will not let anyone prevent Lord Rocheford from marrying my Anne!"

Lady Catherine paused briefly for breath while Georgiana looked on with a bewildered expression. She had not realized how transparent her emotions had been, but her aunt was not making much sense.

"Has he told you the full reason for his visit?”

Georgiana mutely shook her head and Lady Catherine's eyes gleamed with a malicious satisfaction.

"Well, he is here to become better acquainted with Anne, not to waste time with you. His late father was an intimate friend of your uncle. After your brother's betrayal, I asked for his assistance. On his deathbed, he bound his son to marrying Anne. It will be a grand alliance and I will not have anyone depriving my Anne of her due!"

Her voice had reached its usual pitch and the servant outside grinned in pleasure. Georgiana stared, head bowed, at the intricate rug. Its pattern was becoming steadily blurred by tears that she struggled, in vain, to repress. The anger and injustice she felt for Elizabeth and herself paled under the overwhelming sense of loss, stupidity, and pain. She had been duped once again by men. Her own foolishness and susceptibility to romantic notions had come back to haunt her. Why did such men always plague her?

Lady Catherine watched her silently, too aware of all the emotions that Georgiana tried to hide. She was satisfied that her object had been completed. Her daughter was safe.

"I am sorry, Georgiana, but you understand that I could not allow such things to develop under my roof. Though your brother has disgraced the family, I will not allow it to continue with his sister."

Georgiana's cheeks burned with shame from her previous incident and practically flamed when Lady Catherine continued, adding how ashamed her mother would have been over such behavior. She nodded her head and excused herself. The servant heard her approaching and hurriedly opened the door for her. Upon seeing her face and the tears flowing freely, he prided himself on assessing her accurately enough. Very few girls had ever come out without shedding a few tears at least.

She turned down the corridor, unconscious of where she was going. Pulling out a handkerchief to try to stem the tears did not help in the slightest. Her strongest desire was to leave and escape this torment. She crossed the main hallway when a voice called her name.

It was a voice she could easily recognize, but she tried to ignore it. Unfortunately her hesitation was too long and he quickly overtook her.

"Miss Darcy! What is the matter? What has happened?"

She looked up at him, his misleading eyes of sincerity, and shook her head, promptly turning around. He easily blocked her path again and demanded an answer. Again she shook her head and tried to pass him. He gently grabbed her hands and forced her to look at him.

"What has happened?" She felt herself beginning to believe his concern, but blinked and forced her gaze to the floor. Heaving in a steadying breath, she stuttered out her reply.

"Just s-s-some distr-tressing news, that is all. I-I'm just r-returning t-to my room."

"Let me escort you there, Miss Darcy."

He was prevented from continuing on by the frightened expression that widened her eyes and the violent shaking of her curls back and forth.

"I-I'll be q-quite alright, I a-assure you."

She quickly withdrew her hands and sped down the hallway, the handkerchief failing to be of any use. Lord Rocheford stared after her completely bewildered. He could not comprehend the sudden change in the girl who had looked at him so fondly only that morning. Too much the gentleman to continue after her, he was left staring at his hands where hers had been moments before. The expression on her face and the amount of her agitation led him to believe that the culprit of such distressing news could only be Lady Catherine.

His suspicions were confirmed upon entering the winter parlor. Lady Catherine was seated regally on a large chair flanked by her daughter and Mrs. Jenkinson. She was imparting the contents of a conversation she had recently had with a Mrs. Scotfield who had praised her Ladyship's recommendation for her drawing room. Only Mrs. Jenkinson seemed to be paying any attention as Anne seemed lost in her thoughts. He crossed the room and the smug look on Lady Catherine's face was unmistakable. Anger flashed through him instantly and he was very stiff in his manner towards her. Anne was observing him intently with a pensive look. She caught his eye and pointedly asked him a question.

"Have you seen Georgiana today?"

There was no mistaking the hidden meaning behind the words. He looked straight back at her and replied.

"She retired to her room for the day." Anne nodded in perfect comprehension. Lady Catherine looked almost elated.

"It is a shame," her Ladyship stated. "The Collins' will miss her company for dinner."

She dominated the conversation with various anecdotes until luncheon. Afterwards, she almost ruptured with pleasure when Lord Rocheford suggested taking a stroll with Anne. Her good cheer did not curb her curtness in lecturing her daughter to dress with special care in order to maintain her little health. After detaining them for almost a half hour, Lady Catherine finally retired for a brief rest.

The frosty autumn air greeted them when they finally reached the gardens. They stayed within an easy distance of the house, but were insured some measure of privacy. Silence filled the majority of their time before he could not contain himself any longer.

"I understand Lady Catherine talked with Miss Darcy this morning," he asked, hoping he did not sound too eager.

"Yes," Anne replied softly, full of empathy. "Poor child, nothing pleasant comes from Mother's private conversations."

"Do you know what was discussed?" He inquired hesitantly, watching her face carefully.

"Our engagement," she whispered, turning her face to hide the emotions flying across it.

The atmosphere between them grew colder and more uncomfortable. They both purposefully avoided the other's gaze and silence reigned again. Lord Rocheford was intent on avoiding further embarrassment. It was obvious to him that he had not been as discreet as he had wished. Anger against that old dowager also ruled his thoughts. She was the one who had brought such torment on the girl and on him.

Anne continued in her own depressing thoughts. After a few more minutes of awkwardness, she stated her desire to return to the house. Lord Rocheford retreated from his musings long enough to see her safely inside. After leaving her in the drawing room, he stated business that he needed to take care of in his room and vanished until supper.

Brittle leaves chased each other past the window where Georgiana sat with unseeing eyes. Her tears had dried up to be replaced with a sullenness that seemed to settle like a weight upon her. She had only her stupidity to comfort her and the knowledge that she had been willfully deceived. Such companions made the oppressive grayness beyond the window seem welcoming.

The letter she had been writing to Elizabeth still lay on the table, beckoning her to re-live her foolish romantic ideas. A maid had come in a half hour before to light a fire and bring up some dinner. The meal lay barely touched, but the tea had disappeared instantly. Screeching birds raced each other and startled her from her reverie. Unwrapping the shawl wound tightly around her slim shoulders, she crossed the room towards the table and picked up the letter. Her eyes immediately flew to the incriminating paragraph she had been in the middle of writing.

Dear sister, there is a matter that I urgently need to discuss with you. I must confess myself forming an attachment for Lord Rocheford, a very strong one I fear. Oh, Elizabeth, I know not what to do! He is so kind and gentle, yet how can I be certain that he shares the same feelings. I think he does, but I am so horribly confused. The matter has begun invading my thoughts and I do not know -

She sighed as fresh tears pooled again. Wiping them hastily away, she crumpled the letter and flung it in the fire. She watched with gloomy fascination as the paper slowly burned, erasing the evidence of her foolish infatuation. Now the only proof of her false hopes disintegrated into a pile of ash. Turning back to face the room, her melancholy deepened. There were still five more days left to her stay and she knew she would not be able to hide forever. Stumbling forward, she found her sketchbook and settled on the couch. She began drawing the fireplace and the twisting fire beneath. Her mind still whirled with varying emotions as she tried to make sense of it all.

The pencil would move in different strokes, hard and light, as her feelings changed. She was so removed that she had no conscious notion of what her hand was creating. After a while she stared at her drawing and burst into fresh tears. The same fireplace stared at her with its dying fire and two figures before it. A gentleman leaned against the mantle, his face largely in shadow from the fading light, and a lady staring at the ground, her curls blocking her expression. Though the faces were hidden, she knew who they were. Angry with herself for her continued foolishness, she walked quickly towards the window. The light was just beginning to fade. Pulling on her pelisse, gloves and bonnet, she informed her maid that she would be out for a walk.

The biting air brought a sort of clarity to her senses. She unconsciously headed towards her favorite walk hidden in the Park. The looming trees gave her a false sense of security and allowed her the peace of atmosphere to think. She paced the walk as darkness slowly descended. Watching the sky, she saw they soft gray change to a mysterious purple before merging into a darker gray. A small bird admonished her from a nearby tree and scolded her inside. She smiled at the little thing and took its warning.

Her spirits were calmed and the emotions, though not settled, were subdued. Just as she began thinking that she might be able to survive the next day, she encountered a lone figure in the entrance hall. Pleading eyes looked into hers and she felt compelled to follow, though she was confident that nothing pleasant could come of it. She followed the figure up the stairs to an old unused room and waiting patiently for her to begin.

"Georgiana," Anne began, sinking heavily into an ancient chair. "Do sit, dear. I have convinced Mother that I am truly not well tonight. I wished to speak with you and I do not enjoy Mr. Collins' company any more than most."

Georgiana sat silently and waited for her cousin to continue. She could not understand the reason for this meeting. A look of concern passed over her as her cousin paused and cough painfully into her handkerchief.

"Are you fine, Anne? Should I have water fetched for you?" She asked kindly.

"No!" Anne replied, with a force that startled Georgiana. She drew a racking breath and continued. "My mother cannot know we are speaking, unless you wish to endure her wrath again. I want to apologize for everything she said to you, Georgiana. She should never have done that. Lord Rocheford and I had no knowledge of the conversation until after it had occurred, though I knew she was aware of your growing attachment to him."

Georgiana could not prevent a small blush from crawling up her face and Anne paused again to cough.

"I know not what she said, but I know how unpleasant she can be. She was so abusive to your brother." Anne drew in a breath and sighed. "Georgiana, I am not well. I have not been for these past seven years. As soon as I reached my majority, when I should have gone to London and been presented, I fell deathly ill. My strength never recovered fully and I am blessed to have lived thus far."

Again she coughed violently into her handkerchief. Georgiana looked on with pitying eyes and she could feel her overworked eyes begin to water.

"I am dying, Georgiana. I have this feeling that I will not be here for much longer. I cannot explain it. Oh, cousin, you know not how your brother broke my heart. I thought he might have been my savior, my old playmate becoming my hero. But I knew from the beginning that he had no real fondness for me beyond pity. Had Miss Bennet not come, he's sense of duty might have been prevailed upon."

A distant clock chimed as she paused.

"I do not blame your brother, Georgiana. I had no right to make his life unhappy. We all wish to marry for love. I am not blind. Though I rarely speak, I see everything, even now. He loves you, Georgiana, of that I am certain. I-"

Her body shook from the ragged cough and Georgiana rushed to her side. Sitting next to her, she held her cousin as the attack subsided. Her heart was beginning to throb painfully. It did not matter now whether he loved her or not, Lady Catherine had decreed otherwise. Anne continued on, desperation creeping into her voice.

"I have no choice, nor does he. His father bound his inheritance until he married me. It pains me everyday to see the way he looks at you and know that no one will ever see me that way. I cannot bare to separate you two, but our lives are not our own!"

Tears had begun falling down the faces of the two cousins. Anne's voiced had cracked and convulsions bent her body as the illness overtook her again. Georgiana reached forward and wiped her cousin's tears with her own sodden handkerchief.

"I know I have nothing to fear from him, he is too kind and a perfect gentleman. I shall not make him happy; I have failed at the first part of being a wife. He knows not the pleasure I will receive from leaving this place, but freedom comes at a price, does it not?"

She stared meaningfully at Georgiana before whispering, "I am sorry, Georgiana."

Moonlight fell on the two embracing cousins, the two broken hearts full of sorrow and tears.

"Lizzy!"

"Yes, Kitty?"

"I have the greatest news," the girl cried out as ran into the room. Placing the piece of paper on top of Elizabeth's letters, she grinned widely. “Mr. and Mrs. Folsom are hosting a ball! Isn't it grand Lizzy! Oh, I do wish Georgiana were here. Does she really not arrive until Saturday?"

"Yes. We will have our day of rest and travel on Monday. When is this ball?" She replied, looking at the gilded invitation before her.

"Friday night. I can wear that pretty new gown we got, the blue-green one, remember? Oh, it shall be delightful. I know Mr. Stafford will be there because Rosanna, Rosanna Whitney, heard of it from Mrs. Folsom herself!"

"Kitty," Elizabeth said sharply, looking right at her sister who stopped her rambling at once.

"Oh, I was doing it again, wasn't I?" She asked, feeling ashamed.

Elizabeth nodded. "Yes, but I am more concerned about this Mr. Stafford."

"He is a charming man, Lizzy! He is kind, funny and frightfully handsome!" Kitty interrupted passionately.

“That he may be, but you have only met him a few times. It is impossible to know someone's true character. I just wish you would be more on your guard and in check of showing your emotions. These are not officers, Kitty. We are leaving in less than a week, you would do well to remember that."

Kitty stayed silent, staring moodily at her sister. Elizabeth sighed. "You had best go and change. I thought we might go to the shops for a bit before meeting our Aunt and Uncle.”

Kitty's face lit up immediately and she scurried out of the room at top speed. Fitzwilliam entered soon after she left and saw a very worried Elizabeth.

"What is wrong, my dear?" He asked quietly, drawing a chair up to her desk. She leaned back and closed her eyes with a sigh.

"I sometimes wonder if I have helped Kitty at all. It seems as though no matter what we do, Lydia still lurks there. Her infatuation for Mr. Stafford worries me. I do not think she would do anything rash, she is not as forward as Lydia, but there is something that I do not like. I cannot place it, but it just does not sit well."

"Believe me, Elizabeth, Kitty has changed a great deal," he replied, playing with one of her curls and causing her eyes to open. "Lydia influenced her for years, so she will never be truly gone. Kitty is much more tolerable than she was before. She has grown on me."

Elizabeth gave her husband a small smile. "As for this Mr. Stafford, you said it yourself, she is not as rash as Lydia. I think she should be safe on that front."

She frowned. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, completely."

"Then I am too, but I wonder if she will regress when we return to Hertfordshire. Surely the influence of my mother and aunt will not be advantageous," she replied.

"Certainly not, but she will be staying with the Bingley's, so you have no cause for worry. A little regression is expected, but she may surprise you," he comforted.

"Unless Mama insists on having her home," she said with a slight touch of resignation. He noticed her discomfort as she looked out the window and subtly avoided his gaze. Catching her hand, he gently turned her head to face him.

"What else is worrying you?"

She bit her lip and hesitated before replying. "Georgiana."

She felt him immediately stiffen and his face become sharp and alert. "What has she written? What has that woman done?"

"It has nothing to do with Lady Catherine and it is not about what she writes. It is about what she did not write."

"I do not understand."

Elizabeth was past master at deciphering feelings and moods through letters as she had done it so often with Jane. Pulling out Georgiana's letters from her trip, she called his attention to certain paragraphs.

"She has constantly been mentioning Lord Rocheford, do you remember him from the Kellaway's ball? Miss Rowndell was chiefly behind them getting to dance together, but he refused. He is in mourning for his father. I cannot understand why he is with Lady Catherine, of all people, but she has taken notice of him."

"My uncle was a good friend with the late Lord Rocheford. They went to school together, I believe. Has she developed an attachment for him?"

"Judging by her last letter, it would seem so. It is obvious that she prefers his company to anyone else's there."

"Well, given the company..." He replied with a devious smirk.

"Behave," she admonished. "But it is more than that. By what she mentions of their conversations, it would seem as if she is encouraged. She is not the kind to be forming any attachment without knowing the feeling is returned."

"So you are worried that she's formed an attachment? Is this man respectable?"

"Yes and he is, but that is not my chief worry. In the letter I received today, she never mentions him once. I do not know what to make of it. Had they quarreled, she would have said something, but it is as if he vanished. Even then, she would have said something!" Elizabeth was entirely perplexed.

Fitzwilliam's look darkened. "If that man laid a hand on her... so help me God!"

"Fitzwilliam!" She said in fierce whisper. "We do not know the complete story. It is possible, but nothing can be done before she returns. It might be nothing of the sort."

"Then my aunt has interfered in some way. I was foolish to let her go! I should have known something would happen!"

"None of us can divine the future, Fitzwilliam," she replied sternly. "It will do you no good to dwell on the past. Whatever has happened has happened. We can do nothing until she comes back."

A timid knock on the door interrupted them. Kitty stood at the open doorway looking very embarrassed.

"The door was already open, I'm sorry."

Elizabeth sighed again. "Do not worry, Kitty. Are you ready to leave?"

"Yes," she replied eagerly.

"Where are you going? We are invited to the Gardiner's for supper, are we not?" Fitzwilliam asked.

"Yes, we are. Kitty and I thought we might stop in at a few shops this afternoon before we leave. Would you care to join us?"

As much as he loved his wife, an afternoon spent in multiple shops was not very appealing. "Not today, I still have business to take care of."

Elizabeth gave him a knowing smile. "Very well. Are you in need of anything?"

"No. Shall we leave at seven?"

"Yes, that would be perfect," she replied, giving him a kiss before fetching her things.

Kitty could barely contain her excitement as they carriage rolled to a stop outside the Folsom's. They were exorbitantly wealthy, but generally kind people. She did not have much care for the family and she was mainly concerned with meeting Mr. Stafford. Elizabeth watched her carefully, noticing her impatience to reach the door. She called to her sister to keep her from getting too far ahead. Just before they entered, she reminded her to mind her manners and wait patiently through the greeting line at the entrance.

Kitty could not help twisting around to see if she could find him, but was very attentive when she had to speak with the hosts. As soon as they were through, she gave Elizabeth a hurried good-bye before joining the Miss Whitney's to see if they had spotted him.

Elizabeth could not contain a small sigh as she watched her sister. Kitty would always be Kitty, it seemed. Fitzwilliam gently led her away and they met Miss Isabel Rowndell and Mr. Campwell.

"How is Georgiana?" Miss Isabel asked immediately after the formal greetings were over.

"She seems well. She will be returning tomorrow so we have little news from her," Elizabeth replied carefully as the men engaged their own conversation.

"I hope she had an agreeable time away from London. I am almost longing to return to the country again, myself. Some aspects of society tend to get rather trying," Miss Isabel stated, glancing over at the gossips corner.

"Indeed they do," Elizabeth agreed, watching as one of the ladies stared pointedly at a young lady who had just entered the room. The woman than hid her mouth behind her fan and whispered furiously to the old matron next to her. Elizabeth beheld the sight with a strong feeling on revulsion.

"Will you be spending the rest of the season in London?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes," she replied with little enthusiasm. "But we shall be journeying to the country at the beginning of spring. The winter months do get rather dull."

"You are full of facts today," Elizabeth stated with good humor.

Miss Isabel laughed. "I try very hard. Do you think it would be possible, Mrs. Darcy, for Georgiana to come visit us in the spring? You are all welcome, if you like, but I can understand the attraction of finally being home. It is just a thought. We all dearly love her company.”

"We shall see. I am not quite sure what our plans are at the moment, nor how long our stay in Hertfordshire will last," Elizabeth replied truthfully.

"I understand. One can never tell with family," she stated. At that moment, Mr. Campwell came over and asked for Miss Isabel's hand as the orchestra began the beginning chords of the dance. They excused themselves and lined up in the set.

“You look quite remarkable this evening, Mrs. Darcy," Fitzwilliam said softly beside her. "Would you do me the honor of dancing with me?"

"Yes, sir, with pleasure," she replied with a grin. They stood at the end of the set just as the music began. With a jolt of surprise, she recognized the song as the one they had first danced to together at Netherfield. Seeing his smirking eyes, she knew he had had prior knowledge of the dance.

"You are incorrigible, do you know that?"

"Yes, but it seems my darling wife has brought out that side of me. You must speak to her, if you have the chance, she is very witty," He replied swiftly as they parted. It was all she could do to not shake her head.

"There are quite a lot of couples here tonight, are they not?" She asked, her eyes gleaming in mischief when they met again.

"Yes, quite remarkable that they fit pleasantly in the room," he replied, enjoying the banter.

After a few moments of silence, he ventured again.

"We seem to be masters of talking by rule, though is it still agreeable to both parties?" He asked, his expression too much for her. She burst out in laughter and was rewarded with his grinning face. They began talking about various things and it could be seen by all, even the relentless, plaguing gossips, that they were very much in love. Most of them discredited it as young love, certain to bring unhappiness in the future years.

As Elizabeth whirled through the dance, she passed by Miss Bingley and was rather surprised to see her. She asked Fitzwilliam and he was as puzzled as she, though he looked slightly worried. Miss Bingley's predatory nature had only lessened minimally upon his marriage. Thinking no more of her, the Darcy's were pleasantly engaged for the next dance before deciding it would be proper of them to mingle in society.

They walked arm and arm to various groups of couples with Elizabeth doing the majority of the talking. Even so, she kept her eyes open for any sign of Kitty. She had seen her dancing a few times, but then she seemed to have disappeared. She was chatting pleasantly with the new Mrs. Barton when she saw Miss Bingley, along with a friend of hers, sidle over to the group where Fitzwilliam was engaged. Although Elizabeth tried to leave, Mrs. Barton seemed intent on knowing all about the delights of town having just arrived a few days previous. Elizabeth watched Miss Bingley in surprise as the woman paid a passing comment to Fitzwilliam before devoting her attention to the man next to him.

Mrs. Barton spotted a few of her acquaintances and hurriedly excused herself. Thankful for the escape, Elizabeth walked as quickly as she dared to reach the group.

"Mrs. Darcy, how wonderful to see you," Miss Bingley greeted with her usual sneer and fake smile that never reached her eyes. Her arm was locked on the man who seemed to be of her ilk.

"The same to you, Miss Bingley," she replied neutrally, clasping her hands in front. "Are you still planning on coming to Netherfield for the holidays?"

"Of course, I should not miss it," Miss Bingley replied, her nose rising, if possible, even higher.

"I wondered, as your relations had not heard from you in quite a while. They almost despaired of you still being in London!" Elizabeth stated with a look that passed as innocent.

"Indeed, my letter must have been misdirected," she responded coldly, shooting daggers at Elizabeth. She then turned to the man and presently ignored her. Content that she had had the upper hand, Elizabeth focused her attention to the other couple in the group until supper was announced. As they made their way to the dining room, Fitzwilliam whispered to his wife.

"You were much more tolerant than I should have been. I am mightily impressed. Putting her in her place while remaining inside the lines of propriety? You truly are the Mistress of Pemberley."

Elizabeth laughed and leaned closer on his arm as they entered the dining room. Kitty thankfully appeared before the meal began and they were pleasantly engaged throughout supper. As soon as the desert was cleared away, a handsome young man arrived to claim Kitty's hand.

"Lizzy, meet Mr. Stafford. Mr. Stafford, my sister, Mrs. Darcy," Kitty introduced, blushing as she did so.

"Delighted to meet you," he replied charmingly, gallantly kissing her gloved hand.

"The pleasure is shared," she stated calmly, but slightly frowning at his forwardness.

"Mr. Darcy, I presume?" He asked, observing Fitzwilliam's poorly disguised glares.

"Yes," he said curtly, acknowledging the man with a stiff nod.

"An honor, sir," he replied with a brief bow. Turning to Lizzy, he continued. "May I have the honor of escorting your sister back to the dance, Mrs. Darcy?"

"Of course, sir," she said easily, though her eyes were watching him carefully.

"Thank you, ma'am," he stated before taking Kitty's hand and heading towards the next room.

Elizabeth could easily see that Kitty was very much taken with this man. He was handsome and certainly well off judging by his manner of dress and the conversations she had overheard. This lead her to the inevitable question, why was he with Kitty? She had no great beauty and was still rather silly, but she shook off her hypocritical notions. If Fitzwilliam had married her, why was it not possible that another well-off man fancied her sister?

"I do not like him," Fitzwilliam stated in a low voice, offering her his hand. "There is something about him I do not like. He is too much like him."

"I agree, but we shall be gone in few days time. We shall not see him again," Elizabeth reasoned.

"Such men never seem to vanish," he replied quietly. They reentered the ballroom with a much more somber mood. Elizabeth easily perceived that Kitty was not there. She was about to search when she was met by a sharp old dowager who would not be displeased.

"Oh Charles, it is dreadful! I shan't see you again! You will write me, won't you? It will be so dreadfully dull in the country. How I wish I could never leave London!" Kitty cried, pacing in agitation.

There were hidden in one of the alcoves off the second hallway where the din of the ball could be just faintly heard. Only a few candles had been lit leaving them in semi-darkness. Swirling clouds of infamous London fog covered the window behind them and a slight draft was creeping towards them.

"Do not worry, Kitty," Mr. Stafford replied gently, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I will write faithfully. Perhaps we can persuade your sister to have you come visit my sister, and me, or perhaps we could visit you. I know she would love meeting you."

Kitty looked at him with obvious adoration and she could feel the blush on her cheeks even if he could not see it. "That would be wonderful. I shall ask her over the holidays. How long will you be in London?"

"Until Spring, I believe. Then I hope to visit you," he replied as his eyes never left hers.

His head moved closer to hers and Kitty's eyes widened in shock before leaning closer to him.

The pounding of the black stallion's hooves raced with his heart as he galloped across the wide stretch of road. His cheeks were stinging from the biting wind that was made stronger from sheer speed. He was trying to flee, to escape the environs of Rosings and all it contained, if only for a brief period of time. Vainly wishing that the wind would sweep away all of his problems with it, he continued until even the park was well behind him. He gradually slowed the horse down before it tired itself and settled on a brisk ride on the roads. Unfortunately, with the thrill gone, his mind was given over to thoughts, many of which continued to be unpleasant.

He was stuck between a rock and a hard place, all because of meddling old nobles. His father bound his inheritance in a marriage connived by that vicious hag. He was a grown man, capable of his own decisions, not some reckless new dandy! That phase had passed a few years ago with relatively little harm. It had taught him quite a few lessons about women and their overbearing mothers. Now he was torn between love and duty. It was a place he had never wished to be.

He could not abandon Anne. Her lot was worse than his and he was bound to her. The desperate hope that glimmered in her eyes when he had arrived and revealed his father's will was that of a slave offered a taste of freedom. She was stuck with that horrid woman everyday and he admired her fortitude and sense. Her favorite retreat had been the library where her mother scarcely went since she was convinced she knew everything already. He knew her to be a kindhearted girl with a great deal of practical sense, but he did not love her. Aside from her being sickly, it was a match to be applauded in all respects, as their situations in life were so similar.

But love. It was everyone's greatest dream to marry for love, not necessity. He had always believed that he could find his perfect partner without having to compromise anything. Fate and Fortune were fickle mistresses. The perfect partner had been found, but she was unattainable.

Georgiana had captured his heart the first time he saw her at Rosings. They had not really met at the ball and at that point he had been in no humor to be agreeable to anyone. He found her shyness and awkwardness endearing and he felt obliged to help her, almost like she was one of his sisters' friends. She was naturally kind and the attention she paid to Mrs. Collins out of deference to her sister farther recommended her to him. He admired her loyalty to her siblings, even through Lady Catherine's ill-mannered attacks. They had common interests and even held many of the same pursuits and tastes. They were equals in mind, fortune and situation. He had not known until it was too late that he was in love with her.

Thus he was in this predicament. She refused to talk to him, avoided his company and as a result, he had not seen her in three days. The knowledge that she was being wise frustrated him even more. His mind warred with his heart and was trying to make it see reason. It was his misfortune that love is blind.

He trudged back to Rosings with a heavier heart. The ride had done nothing but increase his frustration. He had already resigned himself to duty; there was nothing else to be done. Even if he abandoned Anne for Georgiana, he would have naught a halfpenny to his name. He could not force that sort of existence on her. Anne he could at least respect, but the forthcoming years looked as bleak as the dreary, gray winter's sky.

The wind had increased and felt like a hand pushing him towards Rosings and doom. Mother Nature seemed to have sided with Fate and Fortune by adding insult to injury. He saw a figure farther down the path in the park. Though it was too far away to distinguish anything beyond its sex, he instinctively knew it was Georgiana. He hesitated for a moment before pushing his horse in a faster walk. He saw her look back at the noise and fear crossed her face as soon as she saw him. Even from the closing distance, he could see her trying to walk quicker.

Unfortunately, the wind had been twisting her skirts and making it difficult to walk. With her new goal in mind, she tripped and fell over a large protruding root from an ancient tree. She watched in horror as her paint box sprang open creating a beautiful rainbow on the dead, brown ground. Wilhelmina's sketch was ripped out of her hands and floated haphazardly in front of her. She scrambled forward and raced after it before any harm could be done to it. Relief filled her as she caught it wedged between two bushes. Carrying it back to her paint box, she vainly tried to rescue her colors.

Kneeling on the ground, she tried to ignore the thudding hooves as they stopped in front of her and the pair of boots that dropped down beside it. She stared determinedly at the ground and remained intent on her task.

"Let me help," a deep voice stated before kneeling down across from her. She did not need to look up to know who the owner was.

The brief task was completed in silence, but she could not prevent a blush when there hands meet as they shut the box. Standing up, he kept the paint box and insisted on escorting her back to the house. He placed it in a saddlebag, took the reins of his horse and followed her down the path. She refused to look back and her rigid back was the only thing he saw. Something in him warned him not to let this moment pass. He knew he had to say something, but what was the question.

"Miss Darcy," he began, suddenly stopping.

She halted as well, but continued staring at the ground.

"Miss Darcy, I am heartily sorry for whatever trouble I have caused. I was not aware of the violence of Lady Catherine's temper and I did not think she would ever behave in such a manner. If I have offended you in anyway or caused you pain, I sincerely apologize."

She nodded her head, staring forlornly and trying to banish the tears welling up once again. Taking a deep breath she stated, "What is done, is done, Lord Rocheford. We cannot change the past."

With that, she sped down the path away from him.

"Georgiana!" He cried after her with longing in his eyes and a crestfallen face. His hand lay outstretched, grasping for something that could never be gained.

Georgiana could not stop the tears splashing down her face. Anne said that he loved her, but she could not believe it. He was promised to Anne, not herself. Wickham had said he loved her, but he had only been after her money. Mr. Levine had seemed sincere, but that was just a fleeting attachment. Love, that cruel, fickle word, had taunted her again with all the promise inherent in it.

As before, love had deceived her.

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