Out of the East

Chapter 1

While leaning back on the soft cushions of his carriage, Darcy stared up at the ceiling and quietly sighed. He thought back both to his old university friend, Lord Shelton, Earl of ----------, or Shelty, as he and Bingley were allowed to call him, and to the letter he received two weeks ago from him. Darcy thought back to their university days when Lord Shelton, Darcy and Bingley were inseparable during their time at Cambridge. Where one was, the other two would soon turn up. Everyone could pick the trio out from a crowd because of the height of Darcy and Shelton.

Although similar to Darcy, Shelton's hair was darker; raven colored, and instead of brown eyes, Shelton had the most piercing grey eyes that contrasted sharply with his extremely dark hair. Whereas, Darcy was reserved and at times, appeared intimidating, Shelton was adventuresome to the point of recklessness but exceedingly loyal. More than once Darcy, Bingley, and Shelton barely escaped unscathed while indulging in one of Shelton's quests to relieve the boredom of extensive study. The only time the three of them were not together was the year Shelton left for Paris to study at the Sorbonne for a year and two years later, when Darcy and Shelton graduated from Cambridge, leaving Bingley behind. However, once Shelton returned from Paris, the three resumed their mischief and merrymaking until graduation.

Returning his thoughts to the present, Darcy thought again of Shelton's letter. The letter was sent express which immediately lent an aura of urgency about it. Darcy and Shelton usually saw each other, with or without Bingley, at least twice a year and corresponded with one another more often then that. The past year, however, Darcy neither saw Shelton nor received any correspondence from him, except for the lone letter explaining that he would be out of the country and thus, not corresponding until his return. However, Darcy learned from mutual acquaintances that Shelton returned from his sojourn a few months ago. Yet, Darcy received no word from him. This was highly unusual and Darcy was worried about his good friend and sent several letters to Shelton but no response was forthcoming. Then, out of the blue, Shelton's letter arrived by express with no detail as to what Shelton was doing during the past year. That in and of itself was unusual considering Shelton always wrote several pages to Darcy apprising him of his activities. However, this message was barely a single page and only contained an invitation to visit Greenwich Park, Shelton's manor house.

The message itself was fairly short, polite and unalarming:

Darce,

I apologize for not writing sooner but many things have
occurred since the last time we met a year ago. To make
up for my lack of contact, I am inviting you and your dear sister,
Georgiana, to spend winter and Christmas at my residence
in ---------shire.

We have much to discuss and reminisce. By separate
correspondence, I'm also inviting Bings and his sisters
(including his lout of a brother, Lloyd Hurst). Please send
word if you cannot join, otherwise I await your arrival by
December 15.

Regards,

Shelty
(That's still Lord Shelton to you, Darce!)

So, two weeks after Darcy's initial receipt of Shelton's missive, the entire party was in the Darcy and Bingley carriages, traveling north of London to ----------shire, to stay at Greenwich Park. Miss Bingley, demanding her skirts not be crushed, managed to finagle herself into the Darcy carriage, leaving Bingley and the Hursts in the other. Darcy had hoped to ride alone with Georgiana to try and comfort her and draw her out a bit from her cocoon. Although the whole Ramsgate affair took place about a year ago, Georgiana still suffered from a lack of self confidence that worried him. However, since his carriage had plenty of room, Darcy could not politely refuse Miss Bingley's "request" to ride with him and steeled himself from several tedious hours of her not so subtle flirtations.

After traveling for half a day, Darcy glanced at his sister and noticed a slight frown on her face. Miss Bingley was tittering away describing in a desultory manner, the fashions of the ton elite. Poor Georgiana sat mutely staring at her folded hands, trying to control the frown creeping on her lips. Darcy knew that Georgiana was not easy in Miss Bingley's presence and wondered how after all these years of Miss Bingley's proclamations of cherishing her friendship with Georgiana, Miss Bingley did not know or seem to care what topics of conversation truly interested his sister. Slightly shaking his head, Darcy began to ponder what did Shelton want to discuss with Bingley and him and why did it take over a year for Shelton contact either of them? Darcy reflected on the fact that shortly after his visit to Greenwich Park last year, Shelton left the country. Why no word for so long and now this sudden invitation to Greenwich Park? And did Shelton's trip have anything to do with this request for a visit? Darcy was still wondering about Shelton's correspondence when a sharp voice (one that Darcy imagined his Aunt Catherine must have had when she was a young lady) pulled him out of his reverie.

"Mr. Darcy, did you not hear me? I was wondering when we all could see your latest painting by that painter you so admire, Nobin, Norbon. . ."

Darcy cut off Miss Bingley before she could further mangle the pronunciation of the painter's name, "Norblin, it's pronounced Norblin."

"Yes, yes, that's the one! What a delightful artist! Who knew that Poles could be so talented!"

"Actually, Miss Bingley, Jean Pierre Norblin was French but lived for many years in Poland and eventually became a citizen there. However, to answer your question, my latest Norblin acquisition will be hanging at Pemberley when you and your family arrive for your summer visit."

This was a visit that Darcy had to tolerate because whenever Bingley visited the Darcys, Miss Bingley was sure to follow, even without the Hursts. Darcy was not always so averse to Miss Bingley's company but as the years went on, her incessant chatter of the beauty of Pemberley, the fineness of the Darcy carriages and the fashionableness of his London townhouse tired Darcy for he knew that whenever Miss Bingley looked at him, she only saw £10,000 a year and nothing more. But perhaps, a wardrobe full of new frocks as well.

"Of course, I should have known better. It would be a Frenchman who painted so wonderfully! But only the finest of painters could have the distinction of being hung at Pemberley!" Darcy slightly rolled his eyes at Miss Bingley's inane comment but only Georgiana saw it. Upon seeing his expression, Georgiana surprised everyone in the carriage by responding to Miss Bingley in a quiet voice.

"Miss Bingley, when Fitzwilliam went on his continental tour after finishing Cambridge, he spent quite some time in Warsaw. That's where he first encountered Mr. Norblin's work and became a devotee, if you will. If fact, I think my brother has a slight fascination with most things Polish."

Miss Bingley was first surprised that Georgiana spoke but was complimented that Georgiana spoke so many words in response to her own. Nevertheless, she was also astonished by what those words revealed about Darcy. Miss Bingley, intending to one day being the Mistress of Pemberley, quickly turned from Georgiana and addressed Darcy, "I am all astonishment Mr. Darcy! You never mentioned that you spent time in Warsaw! A bit off of the beaten path in so wild and uncivilised a place, but I always knew that behind your proper demeanor beat the heart of an adventurer!"

Afterwards, Miss Bingley, in an attempt to appear coquettish, glanced at Mr. Darcy through slightly downcast eyes. Darcy was a bit vexed at her obvious attempt to flirt with him at his sister's expense. "Really, Miss Bingley, you do make it sound as if I went traveling about the jungles of Africa. Warsaw is a cosmopolitan city, rivaling Paris and Vienna in the amount of art and diversions available." However, before he could comment further or Miss Bingley respond, the two carriages stopped and the parties found themselves in front of Greenwich Park.

~*~*~*~

The parties alighted from their respective carriages and followed the servants to a sitting room where Lord Shelton was waiting. "Darce! Bings! How wonderful you've made it!" Shelton then greeted the remaining members of the party and invited all to sit and partake of light refreshments before quitting to their rooms to rest and change before dinner. Once the ladies left to rest and Mr. Hurst was snoring in a chair, Shelton motioned to Darcy and Bingley to follow him out and into the study.

There, Shelton brought out three cordial glasses and poured a clear liquid into each. "Vodka, Shelty? We haven't done this in years, not since I came back from Warsaw during my continental wanderings with several bottles" remarked Darcy while picking up a glass.

Bingley followed suit, and Shelton picked up the last while wishing the other gentlemen health and then threw his head back and drained the glass of its contents. Darcy and Bingley followed suit but while Darcy sat down to wait what Shelton wanted to discuss, Bingley began coughing. "I'll never understand how the two of you can drink this liquid without coughing or why you like drinking it. But I do so just to humor the two of you."

Shelton ignored Bingley and smiled at Darcy. "I'm sure the two of you are wondering why I invited you and your families over for winter."

"Yes, that has been preoccupying my mind since I got your letter." Darcy replied.

"Well, Darce, how's your knowledge of Polish history?"

Intrigued as to the direction the conversation was heading, Darcy replied, "I know Russia, Prussia and Austria partitioned Poland by taking land from the country and apportioned it amongst themselves, when finally in 1795, the third partition eradicated the country. Now, the Poles have aligned with Napoleon in the hopes of getting their country back. Fitzwilliam tells me the Poles are fierce in battle. What a tough lot they have" answered Darcy.

"Good. I see that you did not spend all of your time in Warsaw just studying various types of vodka and sampling Slavic beauties. Well, you two remember when I spent the year at the Sorbonne?"

Both Darcy and Bingley nodded and then Shelton continued, "During that time I became friends with Lord Marek Benowski, a Pole studying in Paris. Ben, as I called him; Benowski is just a mouthful and let's not forget my propensity to shorten the names of my good friends, Ben's family had a large estate named Benowo in Poland which he was to inherit, until that last partition of Poland changed that. "

At those words, Darcy looked up confused and asked "But other families retained their property after the partition, why not your friend?"

"Yes, but Ben's parents vehemently refused to swear allegiance to Prussia and, ahem, Prussia divested the family of their estate."

"Interesting, but what does this have to do with us visiting you?" Bingley queried.

"Well, let's just say that Ben has two lovely sisters who have come to visit and since I have neither sisters nor a wife to chaperone, I asked the two of you to come with your sisters so nothing would be amiss. As you both know, my mother is loathe to leave the comforts of Town and stay here at Greenwich Park. However, at her age, she has earned the right to do as she pleases."

Shelton then turned towards Bingley and gave him a sly smile before adding "And the sisters, Lady Janina and Lady Elzbieta are not attached."

At the mention of the sisters, Bingley appeared more interested in Shelton's story but Darcy was still thinking over what Shelton had just revealed. Darcy surmised that Shelton's trip involved visiting Poland. (Well, the fact Shelton had vodka also gave it away.) Because Shelton was not elaborating why the Polish ladies were coming to visit him, Darcy concluded that there was much more of the story that was still missing. After this pause, Shelton added that the Benowska sisters' arrival would be in two days. When it was apparent that Shelton would say no more on the topic, Bingley stood up and announced he was going to his quarters to change for dinner. Darcy was about to follow Bingley when Shelton spoke, "Darce, stay a moment before you leave, I have that book that I wrote to you about and would like to show you."

Darcy's left brow went up quizzically, but answered "Of course" and turned to Bingley, "Bingley, I'll see you at dinner."

Once Shelton and Darcy were alone, Darcy faced Shelton and folded his arms across his chest, waiting for him to begin.

Shelton took a deep breath and while waving his hands at Darcy, stated, "Yes, yes, you abhor deceit of any kind and yes, I see that you figured out part of my story is incomplete. I am quite sure you would figure it out anyway and pester me about it. There is one more thing I will reveal to you but not Bingley."

Darcy stared at Shelton. "Go on, what would I figure out?"

"Ben joined Polish forces to fight under Napoleon in the hopes to regain the Benowski estate. He hopes to prove himself in battle to gain Napoleon's favor and ask for the land back."

Darcy waited a moment before the realization hit him and sat down in the nearest chair. "Would this be the reason why you were gone for so long and did not correspond with me?"

"Darce, think of the situation, Ben is a close friend that I have kept in contact over these years and needs my help to get his affairs in order so his sisters are well situated and safe before he heads off to war under Napoleon. Your cousin is a Colonel in His Majesty's forces fighting to defeat Napoleon. I wanted to help Ben but I couldn't say much to you until I knew Ben's sisters were on English soil and safe. Besides, it is a little awkward, you must admit."

"And their parents, what do they think of all of this?" asked Darcy.

"Unfortunately, Lord and Lady Benowski died in a carriage accident about a year after Ben finished his studies at the Sorbonne. This was a very hard blow for Ben and his sisters and they still never talk about the accident, but I'm sure you yourself understand this."

Darcy nodded and thought about all he just learned about this family that so much had happened to them and wondered how these events affected their characters. Darcy himself changed after the death of his parents. Although never lively, there was a time when he was not as averse to frivolity and recklessness as he was now. After his parents' death, the weight of responsibility for Georgiana and Pemberley made Darcy more taciturn than was his wont. He couldn't imagine adding the loss of Pemberley and his homeland as well.

Shelton walked over to his desk, poured two more shots of vodka and motioned for Darcy to pick up a glass. Darcy rose from his chair and chose the glass nearest him. He then threw his head back, allowing the liquid to pleasantly burn his throat. Shelton then added, "Obviously, the family is not destitute. Luckily, their father, before the third partition, invested some of their fortune in foreign markets. However, the family isn't anywhere near as well off as they used to be and most importantly, don't want questions. You of all people should understand a family's need for privacy. Please, Darce. Keep Ben's activities between you and me. I only told you because you're so damned clever."

Darcy nodded at Shelton to signal his acquiescence and left the room to prepare for dinner.

~*~*~*~

Two days after the party's arrival, the lady guests were in the music room while the gentlemen where in the host's study. Shelton and Bingley were reminiscing about the time at university when the three of them attempted to reenact the running of the bulls of Pamplona on university grounds and went in search of a bull in the countryside near the university while all were quite inebriated. Bingley recalled the fateful moment when an inebriated Darcy wandered into a farmer's pig pen in the mistaken notion that the desired bull resided there and slipped on the mud. This slip caused Darcy to then fall onto a feeding trough corner, ripping his breeches and causing bodily harm to himself and creating a ragged reminder on his right posterior. Although three sheets to the wind during the time, Darcy remembered the event clearly. (So did the poor middle-aged farmer's wife who awoke to the commotion of three drunken young men yelling at one another in her pig pen and gave both needed aid to Darcy's injured backside (at her vigorous insistence once she realized where the injury was) and an intact pair of breeches, but unlike Darcy, she would always enjoy the recollection.)

Darcy, on the other hand, had no desire to relive the foolish incident since he had that aforementioned scar that he hated. Instead, Darcy was reading the paper. The sound of an approaching carriage alerted the men to an impending arrival. Darcy got up and stood at the window to look at the carriage while Shelton and Bingley continued with their reminiscing of past adventures and ignored Darcy.

He watched as the Shelton carriage stopped in front of the building and a footman walked over to open the carriage door. The footman then assisted a lady dressed in a black fur coat that reached her booted ankles and a tall black fur hat with two gold colored braids hanging down her back. Afterwards, the footman assisted with the second carriage occupant. This one was dressed in a light blue suede coat with snowy white shearling cuffs and collar, and a white tall fur hat. Like the other lady, this one had two braids down her back but instead of being gold colored, they were darker, almost light brown. Upon seeing the braids on both women, Darcy knew these were the Benowska sisters. He was curious as to why the women of noble blood wore their hair in a peasant style and in England, of all places. However, their coats and hats looked of the typical eastern style he saw in Warsaw. At that moment in Darcy's thoughts, the darker haired lady looked up at window where Darcy was standing and linked her arm with her sister's and pulled her close. She had a bemused expression on her face that Darcy could not figure out if she was lost in thought or just bewildered. Even from his vantage point, Darcy could tell she had light eyes but wondered what caused the lady to smile in such a beguiling manner. As the ladies moved out of Darcy's view, a servant knocked on the study door and when allowed to enter, informed Shelton that the Benowska party arrived and were being escorted to the sitting room for his greeting.

When the gentleman entered the room, Georgiana, Miss Bingley, and Mrs. Hurst were already there. Georgiana looked at her brother and smiled in relief. Miss Bingley had a bored expression on her face and whispered something in her sister's ear while Mrs. Hurst fiddled with a bracelet and nodded. Soon after the gentlemen entered, a knock on the door announced the arrival of the Benowska sisters.

Before the footman could announce their names, Shelton cried out "Lady Janina, Lady Elzbieta, I'm glad you made it safely after such a long journey. I'll get the introductions done quickly so you may go to your quarters."

The two ladies curtseyed in Shelton's direction and the one with the darker hair spoke to the party in perfect English and with a light Slavic accent. "Thank you Lord Shelton. Although our trip was long, we are fine. Your carriage was most comfortable."

While she spoke, Darcy looked at the lady. She wore tall leather boots, a cream colored calf length skirt embroidered with wildflowers, a light colored blouse and a black vest buttoned down the front. Although from the window Darcy thought her hair was light brown, it was in fact, dark blond with strands of gold interspersed here and there. However, it was not her hair that interested Darcy; it was the lady's eyes. Her eyes were pale blue, with a hint of grey and a touch of light green. At that moment and for some reason unknown to Darcy, he dubbed the color of the eyes Slavic blue. Now, why am I naming her eye color? They're just blue, no, not just blue…. he thought. When the lady looked up and caught Darcy's gaze, she gave him the same bemused smile he saw earlier. What is she thinking of to make her smile so? Darcy realized she caught him staring at her and immediately turned his attention to her sister. The other lady was similarly dressed and although she had lighter hair, had darker eyes, greenish-brown, that quite nicely contrasted with her fair hair and complexion.

Had Darcy been truly paying attention to his chain of thought, he would be surprised that light blue eyes were running amuck in his mind. He had never mused over any woman. Most women of his class held no mystery to him since all wanted to marry well (and usually to him) or if already married, to marry their daughters (or so they intimated but more likely the married ladies had thoughts too shocking to write here). Darcy's musings on eyes stopped when Shelton stepped forward to introduce the two newcomers to the party. The fairer woman was named Lady Janina Benowska and the darker one with the Slavic blue eyes was Lady Elzbieta Benowska. Darcy glanced over to Bingley and saw that familiar look in his eyes. Bingley was enchanted. Darcy followed the direction Bingley was looking and saw Lady Janina.

After the introductions, a servant escorted the two ladies out of the room to lead them to their quarters. Once Lady Janina and Lady Elzbieta quit the room, Miss Bingley sat down on the settee, with Mrs. Hurst following and sitting next to her, and exclaimed, "Oh, Louisa, did you see their hair? My goodness, how, how peasant-like! Braids, can you imagine, like small children! And those dresses, what were they wearing?"

Needless to say, Miss Bingley was a bit put off once she noticed Darcy spending too much time looking at Lady Elzbieta. She was quite sure that Darcy would never waste his time with a foreign woman no matter her title, but anytime Darcy paid more attention to another woman than to her, Miss Bingley's disposition would always sour (since there is no greater beauty than a jealous woman.)

Shelton walked over to the ladies and looked at Miss Bingley with a mischievous smile. "Ah, Miss Bingley! You do not disappoint. It appears your feline sensibilities have come to fray, at last! I was wondering how long during this visit before I would see it."

"Do you mean to say that my manner is that of the lioness, the queen of the jungle, regal and proper amongst the common?"

At this remark, Shelton laughed, knowing that Miss Bingley would be taken unawares by his retort and would relish her reaction with glee, "No Miss Bingley, you are mistaken. Your nature is not of the lioness. You are somewhat of a tabby, for your hair coloring reminds me so. But then again, when you unsheathe that scathing wit of yours, you are your true self, a feral cat, running wild with pointed teeth and sharp claws!" Shelton laughed again, walked over to the nearest chair and sat down to prepare for what he hoped, was an equally sharp retort from Miss Bingley.

"Really, Lord Shelton, you always try to goad me to argue with you but I will not succumb, for it is not proper. Every year we visit, you seem more and more intent to quibble with me. I am beginning to believe you forgot how to address a lady but I haven't forgotten how to address a gentleman."

With that comment, Miss Bingley rose and left the room, with Mrs. Hurst following behind her. Shelton sat in his chair with a slight look of disappointment on his face. The remaining party soon dispersed afterwards to rest and change for dinner.

~*~*~*~

Chapter 2

Lady Elzbieta Benowska stared at her reflection in the mirror and sighed. She was exhausted. The journey from Poland to England had been long and arduous, especially the sea voyage from Gdansk to London. As much as she loved being near the sea, she hated being on it whether in a boat, ship or even on a bridge. Notwithstanding, she and Janina survived the voyage. Since their brother Marek went off to war to fight under Napoleon, they all felt it was best for the sisters to leave the country. However, the irony of the situation was not lost on Elzbieta that the country they fled to was fighting against Napoleon. Regardless, Lord Shelton was a close friend of Marek's and offered to assist the family, loyalties to Napoleon aside. However, Elzbieta should have been excited about finally visiting England. The very fact that she spoke English attested to her long held desire to visit the country. However, finally in England, Elzbieta was not happy.

“You've been quiet. I would have thought you would be chatting your tongue off in excitement about finally being in England” remarked a concerned Janina in Polish who then walked over to Elzbieta and began styling her hair.

“I know. I am excited being here but worry too much. What do you think Marek is doing now? Where do you think he is?”

“I don't know, Ela. Be prepared not hearing from him for some time. He chose his path and as dangerous as it is, all we can do is support him.”

“I know but I keep thinking something will happen to him. I still think he shouldn't have gone to war, he should have stayed with us.”

“Marek is a man. He felt he had to go to war for us, for Poland. You know he hopes to get Benowo back for us. But it's more than that, you know that. He believed it was his duty.”

“Humpf, duty. His duty is to be with us. Duty is not always what is right or needed.”

“Alright, Ela. I know your feelings on this matter. Just be glad that Lord Shelton's friendship with Marek is strong enough that he is still willing to help us even though in all practicality we are sisters of the enemy. As much as I love our Aunt and Uncle, we had stayed with them long enough.” Janina continued twisting Elzbieta's hair into place.

Elzbieta decided to change the topic of conversation so that she would avoid getting into another argument with her sister over duty. While looking in the mirror, she tied a ribbon around her neck. “What was your impression of the party Lord Shelton has gathered here?”

“Ela, we barely met them. It's too soon to know what they are like!” giggled Janina.

“I know, but really, you must have some impression of them? I think the two sisters, what where their names? Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst! Yes, they seemed a bit standoffish? Don't you think?”

Janina smiled at her sister and answered, “I don't think you are really interested in my opinion of Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. Remember, I have known you your entire life and I know your fondness for gentlemen with dark hair and dark eyes.”

At Janina's perceptive remark, Elzbieta blushed. “Yes, well, Mr. Darcy is handsome but he did seem, well, a bit cold, don't you think? For such a pleasing face, it was quite stern, not very friendly. His sister barely looked up from the ground. Do you think he is harsh with her and she fears him? I could never be civil to someone who is harsh to his sister.”

Janina laughed and hugged her sister. “I told you, it's too soon to know what any in Lord Shelton's party are like.” At that remark, Janina left her sister and began walking towards the chamber door.

“It's getting late, let's go down and properly acquaint ourselves with the party over dinner. Or shall I say, so you can properly acquaint yourself with Mr. Darcy.” Thankfully, Elzbieta's aim was poor and the thrown pillow missed her sister's head, hitting wall behind her left shoulder instead.

~*~*~*~

After changing for dinner, Darcy escorted Georgiana to drawing room to wait until the meal was served. Upon entering the room, he found that all had already arrived except for the Ladies Janina and Elzbieta. Darcy and Georgiana walked over to join Shelton and Bingley, who were standing off to the side, discussing the latest news in the London papers. Soon after, the aforementioned Ladies entered the room. Darcy turned his head and was surprised by the change in their appearance. Gone were the eastern braids, boots and skirts. In their stead were western and fashionably cut gowns, dainty slippers and upswept hair. The western attire showed their figures to the ladies' advantage which did not go unnoticed by all of the men in the room, especially by Darcy. Lady Elzbieta wore a white gown in a Grecian style with a low bodice and high waist. Light blue ribbons, which enhanced the blue in her eyes, encircled the cuff of her short sleeves and her waist. She had a matching ribbon tied around the base of her throat, which accentuated her long and slender neck. Never had Darcy thought that a simple ribbon could be so demure and erotic at the same time. Darcy blinked his eyes a couple of times and quickly looked at Lady Janina, lest he be caught staring again. Lady Janina wore a pale green gown with white ribbons, also in a Grecian style. However, instead of a ribbon tied around the neck, she had a necklace of amber.

Between the two, Darcy thought that the elder sister's beauty was classical, the sort that one would expect carved in marble and sitting atop a pedestal. Lady Elzbieta's beauty, however, was not as obvious. With her full breasts and hips, she had the look that spoke of the earth. She would be more at home, not at a museum for all to openly admire, but running freely as a shadow among the pre-historic stone monoliths that dotted the countryside. Darcy shook the thought from his mind. He had yet to have a proper conversation with Lady Elzbieta and already he was entertaining fantasies of her running among stone ruins. This was not proper, especially in the manner he was envisioning her among those ruins. However, he was sure once he spoke with her he would be disappointed. Although she was Polish and a noblewoman, he had no reason to doubt that her goal in life would be to marry well, which usually meant fawning over him. But then, thought Darcy, maybe a little fawning from this woman would not be so unwelcome.

Once a servant informed the party that dinner was ready, Shelton motioned for everyone to take their places in the dining room. Darcy sat down at his assigned place and when Miss Bingley sat next to him, shot an annoyed look at Shelton, who merely smiled at him and promptly turned his attention to Lady Janina, who was sitting at his left. At least Georgiana sat on Darcy's other side. However, when Darcy looked up, he noticed Lady Elzbieta sitting across from him. What frivolity will this creature expound on? He wondered. During the course of the meal, he noticed that she would try to enter into conversation with Georgiana who sat quietly. Every now and then his sister would respond but Darcy could tell that her shyness was getting the better of her. However, it appeared that Lady Elzbieta was undeterred and patient with his sister. Throughout the meal, Darcy surreptitiously stole glances at Lady Elzbieta. So engrossed was he in imagining untying the ribbon around her neck with his teeth that he had forgotten that Miss Bingley was sitting next to him until he heard her voice ring out.

“So tell me, Lady Elzbieta, what style were the clothing you and your sister had on earlier today? Quite charming. I had never seen such items, they were not in the latest plates at the modiste's.” Miss Bingley's voice barely concealed her sarcasm.

“No, Miss Bingley. You wouldn't. They are typical eastern clothing that we wear in Poland. They're quite comfortable, particularly when traveling.”

Georgiana looked up from her plate and quietly remarked “Well, Lady Elzbieta, I really liked your clothing. I especially liked the embroidery on the skirt.”

“Thank you Miss Darcy. Sometimes, you can tell what part of Poland a person is from by the patterns and colors in their clothes. However, mine is not so regional, I liked the embroidery so much that I asked for the skirt to be made from the material. I originally got the skirt for when I go horseback riding, not traveling.”

Georgiana's eyes lifted from her plate again and focused on Lady Elzbieta, “Do you ride often?”

“I generally prefer walking but in winter, I love riding on horseback in the snow. Better the horse's shoes get wet than my own!” Elzbieta laughed softly while looking at Georgiana who joined in the soft laughter.

When Georgiana did not immediately reply, Darcy saw his chance to finally enter into conversation with Lady Elzbieta. “Your English is impeccable. Would you mind telling me how you came to learn it? When I spent time in Warsaw, I discovered that not too many people knew the language. I was only able to get around with my knowledge of French and the few words of German that I know.” There, he finally spoke to her and had her attention. Now those lovely Slavic blue eyes were focused on him.

“Well, Mr. Darcy, as a girl, I had read L'Mort d'Arthur in French, and fell in love with this romantic notion of England, which made me want to learn the language and visit the country someday. My father wasn't too happy about my desire to learn the language since he thought German was more useful and appropriate for me. However, after many weeks of nagging on my part, my father finally relented, on the condition I convince my sister to study the language as well. My father could only countenance the expense if the tutor had at least two pupils. My brother had no wish nor need to learn English so I turned my attention on my sister. Convincing Janina was easy, because once she saw how much I wanted the lessons, she readily agreed.”

“You were the persistent girl, weren't you? So, knights of the round table, the quest for the Holy Grail. This is the reason for you learning English! However, most ladies read the tale for the romance of Guinevere and Lancelot. Would I be correct in assuming that you fancied yourself as Lady Guinevere waiting for your Sir Lancelot?” Darcy smiled at Lady Elzbieta, sure of her reply.

“Oh, no! Absolutely not. She betrayed her husband with his close friend and ended up in a nunnery. Why would I fancy that? No, I just loved the tale for the adventures of the knights and the idea that everyone has his own fate to follow.”

Amused by her unexpected response, Darcy asked, “Would you follow your fate if you knew what it was, Lady Elzbieta?”

“I don't believe in fate, Mr. Darcy, so I cannot say that I would follow it. We all have a mind that can make decisions for us. In all actuality, I believe that we ourselves create our own fate.”

“But what if you had met your fate, a juxtaposition of too many events to be merely coincidence, that you had to admit to yourself that fate did have a role?” persisted Darcy.

Elzbieta looked at Darcy with a jovial expression in her eyes and smiled. “If I believed in fate, Mr. Darcy, I think I wouldn't know it until I were in the middle.”

~*~*~*~

The following morning, Darcy awoke and stretched his arms high above his head. He sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed but before standing, rubbed his hands over his face and pulled his fingers through his unruly hair. Darcy was a bit disquieted since he had a wonderfully wicked dream involving the Lady Elzbieta and, blast it all; there were stone monoliths and bonfires in the dream. No wonder his skin felt feverish. He needed to get out and clear his mind. In less than a day, he met the Lady Elzbieta, whereupon he almost immediately fantasized and dreamt about her in a way only a worldly and educated man of eight and twenty could. This would not do. He was not some young pup of seventeen just discovering the delights of the opposite sex. It didn't help matters that the woman was charming and an interesting conversationalist. He had to get his emotions under good regulation (that and other parts of himself as well). With that objective, Darcy rang for his valet and informed him to prepare the appropriate clothes for the morning. He was going riding.

Once out on horseback, Darcy began to feel himself again. As the snow flew behind his horse, Darcy's mind began to settle itself. Then, ahead of him, he spied another rider. He thought it was probably Shelton enjoy a morning ride as well, since it wouldn't be Bingley because he was a habitually late riser. Darcy began galloping towards the figure to catch up when he noticed a single dark blond braid trailing behind the rider. Ah, Lady Elzbieta. Immediately, Darcy urged his horse to move faster towards the figure. Once he was almost upon her, Elzbieta slowed her horse to match his pace and dipped her head in greeting.

“Good morning, Lady Elzbieta. I see you are out early, getting your horse's shoes wet.”

“Yes, after traveling for so many weeks, I had to get out and get some exercise” laughed Elzbieta.

“Would you mind if I joined you in your morning exercise?”

“Not at all, but on the condition you show me the area, as I am unfamiliar with my surroundings.”

Darcy smiled and agreed to the condition. Other than exchanging a few polite pleasantries, he quietly took Elzbieta to a prospect high atop a hill that had a beautiful view of a nearby village. Once there, the two looked at the picturesque scene before them and after spending a few moments admiring the view, Darcy asked, “Other than tales of King Arthur, what other legends have you read? Let me guess, you learned Spanish to read Don Quixote.”

Smiling, Elzbieta replied, “No, I haven't read any tales lately. The last book I read was The Count of Monte Cristo by Dumas. Yet, another story where a woman ends up in a nunnery.”

“I would think from your choice of reading materials that you are planning to take the veil yourself” laughed Darcy. “There must be some other tale that you admire.” He insisted.

“Well, would a tale told by my father during my childhood suffice?”

“Was it a favorite of yours, Lady Elzbieta?”

“Of course, else why would I even suggest recounting the tale if it were not.”

“Very well, regale me of tales you enjoyed in your childhood!” Darcy demanded while laughing.

Lady Elzbieta looked up into the sky and the looked down into Darcy's face with a big smile. “I have one that my father would tell us as children during the summer months.”

“Let's have it then!” grinned Darcy.

“When the months are warm and the forests are teeming with life from the bears awake from their winter rests, and plants are straining to lift their buds heavenward towards the sky, a lone flower in the middle of the forest grows in the moonlight. This flower is unusual in that it only grows in the moonlight during Midsummer. A beautiful and fragrant flower that exists only one night. However, if this flower is picked from its vine before the cock crows, the picker will have his most desired wish come true” Lady Elzbieta took a deep breath and continued on with her tale.

“My father told us that during his twelfth year of life during Midsummer, he stole from his bedchamber around midnight and out into the forest to find this elusive flower. He had to traverse the forest by climbing the trees and jumping from branch to branch since at night the forest is alive. Wolves and bears were on the hunt and scent of a young boy was irresistible. All my father had to guide him was the light of the moon. Since he was traveling branch to branch, tree to tree, his journey was long and arduous. Finally after many hours, my father realized morning was fast approaching and his chance of finding the flower was slim. However, in the distance he spied a beam of moonlight shining in a clearing. Bathed in that moonlight was the flower, ripe for picking. No longer worried of wolves or bears, my father jumped down from his branch and ran to the flower. Once upon it, my father reached his hand out to pluck the flower head from its stem. His hand was about to touch the plant when in the distance he heard the most awful sound he had ever heard at that point and looked up. A rooster was crowing at a nearby farm. My father bent his head back down to the flower to quickly pluck it but saw to his dismay, that the flower had disappeared.”

“Did your father ever tell you what his heart's desire was?”

“No Mr. Darcy, he did not. But as I child, I remember that every June 23rd, we would have roast capon for dinner!”

~*~*~*~

It was Christmas Eve and about a week since Elzbieta and Janina's arrival at Greenwich Park. The morning was crisp and pleasant, perfect for a morning walk before breakfast. Elzbieta quickly dashed out of the main house and out to the gardens below. She loved hearing the crunch of snow beneath her boots, an echoing staccato in rhythm to the rapidness of her thoughts. Elzbieta also loved the stillness in the air as she walked. She thought the world was hibernating except for her. Elzbieta then began to think about the attentions her sister was getting from Mr. Bingley. The gentleman was very pleasant and made her and her sister feel comfortable and entertained. However, it did not escape Elzbieta's notice that whenever Janina was in the room, Mr. Bingley would eventually end up by her.

Soon she stopped walking. Desiring to feel the wet coldness against her skin, Elzbieta took off her gloves and picked up some snow. She rubbed the snow between her fingers until all had melted away. She wiped her wet fingers on the fur of her cuffs and replaced her gloves and trudged forward. Elzbieta then began to wonder if Miss Darcy could ever enjoy herself with such a simple act. She thought that Miss Darcy was a sweet girl if a bit too shy. However, Elzbieta knew from Lord Shelton that the Darcys' mother died while giving birth to the girl and the father died not just five years ago, about the same time as her own parents' death. Her heart went out to the girl and she decided then and there to try to draw her out. Elzbieta thought that her shyness must hide a strong and determined spirit. She saw that spirit in her eyes, the few times the girl would look up. Then Elzbieta's thoughts naturally turned to the brother, Mr. Darcy. She couldn't figure him out. At dinner or other times where there were more than three people gathered, Mr. Darcy would sit, stoically observing the party. Eventually he would speak and the words would be precise, if a bit labored. However, whenever she spoke with him alone, he was rather charming and witty. Although even then he was not prone to verbosity, the words did flow elegantly from his mouth like honey.

Elzbieta always spoke her mind freely and was usually admonished, not for having such contrarian thoughts, but for being so vocal about them. This disapproval came not from her family but from single gentlemen in search of, what she reasoned, a wife. Most men did not want to hear her opinions; they wanted to talk of what they thought ladies wanted to hear from potential suitors. However, Mr. Darcy was different. He would not try to change the topic and speak of roses or stars or other such trite. He would encourage her to voice her opinions by asking her questions to understand her position and did not try to flatter her vanity regarding her looks. Not that Elzbieta thought she held Mr. Darcy's attention.

Nothing made her lose interest quickly than when the gentleman in question would compare the sparkle in her eyes with the stars in the sky or the color of her teeth with the most exotic ivory. The gentlemen who told her the last complement was none to pleased when Elzbieta retorted that the comparing the two was hardly original since ivory was nothing more than an elephant's protruding eye teeth. Needless to say, the gentleman soon lost interest in her.

While continuing to march across the snow, Elzbieta put her gloved hand up to her nose and took a deep breath to smell the leather. Though she was never close enough to Mr. Darcy to smell him, she imagined he smelled like leather and sage. Maybe it was the perfect polish to his boots or the newness of his gloves but recently, when she smelled leather, Elzbieta's mind would quickly conjure up an image of Mr. Darcy. She liked how no matter how stern his countenance would contort; he still had a boyish quality to his face, a face exceedingly handsome in her mind with his defined chin, strong jaw and brown eyes. However, it was his hair that she thought about the most. As properly and elegantly he dressed, Mr. Darcy's hair was always a tad disheveled but dark with lush locks that were a touch too long. She wondered what it would be like to run her fingers through his hair and twirl his curls between her thumb and index finger. Elzbieta slowed her walk and admonished herself for such silly thoughts. She was in England so that her brother would not worry about her safety while he was off fighting, not to develop schoolgirl crushes on gentlemen with deliciously dark hair. With that last thought, Elzbieta turned around to quickly head back to the manor for breakfast.

~*~*~*~

Chapter 3

Darcy sat at the breakfast table and was annoyed. He had earlier gone out for a ride in the hopes of encountering Lady Elzbieta but did not. He enjoyed talking to her and was starting to look forward to the chance times he would come across her alone. Generally, Darcy would be stiff and formal around a single woman but something in the manner Lady Elzbieta spoke to him made him feel comfortable. She spoke to Darcy as an equal, not as a single woman in search of wealthy husband. Whenever Darcy was with her, he felt as if he were speaking with Shelton or Bingley. Not quite true, since Darcy only contemplated the softness of Lady Elzbieta's lips and not, heaven forbid, Bingley's or Shelton's. That being said, not encountering Lady Elzbieta was not the reason for Darcy's annoyance.



"Really Lord Shelton, fish at the table, on Christmas Eve? This is the first I've heard of such a thing, and of all things carp" whispered Miss Bingley.



"For heaven's sake, you do carry on as if you were the Mistress of Greenwich Park. Is your hair pulled so tight that you can't comprehend the fact that this is a day of abstinence for Lady Janina and Lady Elzbieta? Since they too are my guests, I wish to accommodate some of their customs, like not eating meat today. It's not like you won't have your precious mince pies" Shelton spoke through clenched teeth.



For the past quarter hour Shelton and Miss Bingley had been volleying back and forth over the same topic like two bickering children. Shelton sat at the head of the breakfast table with Darcy at his right and Miss Bingley to his left. Darcy raised his hands to his head and massaged his temples. He felt a headache coming on and was fighting the urge to strangle the two of them. He began his breakfast with all intentions to consume a hearty portion, but his appetite fled once Shelton and Miss Bingley began their argument. When it was apparent the two would not let up, Darcy had enough and knew exactly how to end it.



"Miss Bingley, I am amazed at how you do not wish Shelty's guests to feel welcome on this day when they are so far from home and not with their own family. A gracious hostess always endeavors to ensure the comfort of all her guests, even those whose particular customs are not her own" said Darcy with the right amount of hauteur.



"Well, when you put it that way, yes, you're right Mr. Darcy. A gracious hostess must be generous towards her guests. Really, Lord Shelton, couldn't just say you were trying to be gracious, as hard it is for you to be since you are generally a disagreeable sort" sniffed Miss Bingley while Shelton rolled his eyes and shook his head.

~*~*~*~

After breakfast, Caroline went in search of her sister. Breakfast was a disaster and she needed her sister's advice on how to rectify the effect her argument with Lord Shelton had on Mr. Darcy. This trip was supposed to be the opportunity to finally show Mr. Darcy that she was the perfect wife for him and the perfect mistress for Pemberley. However, for the past week, she rarely encountered Mr. Darcy alone and when she did; he seemed a bit distracted, as if his thoughts were somewhere else. To make matters worse, whenever Lord Shelton was around, he provoked her to such extremes that she would forget to put her best face forward in her attempt to capture Mr. Darcy's bank acc……eye. This is exactly what happened just now at breakfast. She was horrified when Mr. Darcy spoke to remind her of what constituted a gracious hostess. What if now Mr. Darcy did not see her as a suitable Mistress of Pemberley? She would get even with Lord Shelton for instituting that stupid fish argument if it were the last thing she would do on this earth.



Caroline just knew in her heart that she was perfect for Mr. Darcy despite her family's past connections in trade. Why, her brother was one of his closest friends, and that fact alone had to account for something. Besides, she and Louisa were the first in family to attend academy and were educated in all the correct subjects for a lady of Mr. Darcy's class. Surely, that had to remove any stigma that remained from her family's trading past, despite what her old classmate, or more accurately, bully in the guise of Lady Amelia Lockhurst, said. This particular Lady made attending academy a living nightmare for Caroline. In fact, once Lady Amelia found out that Caroline's family had made most of their fortune in a particular type of netting used in fishing, she dubbed the auburn haired Caroline the "ginger fishmonger", never allowing her to forget that she was not of the landed gentry and thus inferior despite the Bingley fortune.



Caroline had first met Mr. Darcy at the age of 17, the summer just before she came out. Charles had brought Mr. Darcy home for two weeks during summer holidays after his second year at Cambridge but before Mr. Darcy went off on his tour of the continent. At the time, Caroline did not think much of him, much less a potential husband. She had met Lord Shelton a year previous and was more impressed with him since Lord Shelton had a title.



However, if Caroline learned one thing from Lady Amelia's schoolhouse taunts was that ladies of trade did not mix with gentlemen with titles. So, when she learned that Lady Amelia was a bit envious of Caroline's acquaintance with the handsome and wealthy Mr. Darcy of Derbyshire, Caroline's mind was made up. Mr. Darcy was the one to marry. She could not wait for the day when Lady Amelia would learn of the engagement and see the look of jealousy on her face. She, Caroline, would be a Darcy. Though not titled, she still would be part of family that was just as, if not more, aristocratic than Lady Amelia's. Caroline knew better than to chase after titles for she herself abhorred those who tried to rise too high above one's station in life. That said, Mr. Darcy and his status were perfect for her aim.



Finally, Caroline arrived at the sitting room where Louisa and Mr. Hurst sat. After waiting for the footman to open the door to the room for her, Caroline barged in and announced, "Louisa, Lord Shelton is ruining everything! How will I get Mr. Darcy to propose when every time I am in Mr. Darcy's company, Lord Shelton goads me into an argument? Breakfast was horrible!"



Louisa looked up from the fashion plates she was perusing and stared blankly at her sister. "Caroline, I keep telling you, if you wish to capture Mr. Darcy's eye you must rise earlier and catch him before the rest of the party stirs. Once you are the Mistress of Pemberley, you will be able to sleep at your leisure but until then, your focus should be on Mr. Darcy in the morning."



"But, today, I did rise earlier only to find Lord Shelton with him. It was awful. I argued with Lord Shelton to the point where Mr. Darcy made a remark how I should be aware of what makes a gracious hostess!"



"Caroline, it will be alright. Did you agree with Mr. Darcy?" When Louisa saw Caroline nod, she added, "Good girl. Now, you must get up earlier and catch Mr. Darcy alone. He likes to ride before breakfast. That is what you are doing tomorrow. Find Mr. Darcy and ride with him before Christmas services. And wear your orange riding habit, the one with the gold trim. He'll like that one since orange is his favorite color."

~*~*~*~

When Miss Bingley went off in search of her sister, Darcy left the breakfast table in search of his own. As he approached the music room, Darcy could hear the soft strains Bach's French Suite No. 3. He entered the room quietly so as not to disturb Georgiana and sat next to her on the music bench as she played on the pianoforte. As soon as she noticed her brother sitting next to her, Georgiana stopped playing and smiled at him and spoke.



"You are safe. I have noticed that no one enters the music room this early in the day except the one time Lady Elzbieta heard me play and joined me. However, I just saw her outside enjoying a walk."



With his sister's encouragement, Darcy placed his hands on the instrument, but not without first glancing at the door behind him to ensure no one was entering, and began playing the prelude to Bach's English Suites in A minor. While playing, Darcy closed his eyes and was only aware of the music emanating from under his fingers. When he stopped playing, he looked at Georgiana and gave her a huge smile.



"Not so bad for one who never practices."



Georgiana giggled and lightly slapped her brother's upper arm, "Never practice, indeed! Whenever we are alone at home, you are in the music room almost as often as I am. You play beautifully, better than I can and should let everyone know. Why do you hide this, especially when it would bring so much joy to others to hear you?"



"You are the only person who knows I play and I plan on maintaining the status quo on this matter. Even Fitzwilliam has no idea. I get enough attention as Master of Pemberley and the £10,000 income it generates that I do not need nor want further accolades because of my playing. Besides, this is our little secret and I like it that way." Darcy began playing Bach again but Georgiana continued the conversation as he played.



"I know, I know. But think how much attention you would get from Miss Bingley and the other fashionable ladies of the ton! Why Mr. Darcy, you are so accomplished! You must play for me as it is so unusual for such a man to have so much talent and fortune! But you are right; I prefer this to be our little secret." Georgiana giggled and leaned her head against her brother's shoulder and moved her feet in rhythm to the music as Darcy played.



When Darcy finished, Georgiana lifted her head and pushed a lock of Darcy's loose hair behind his ear. "Your hair is getting long again. I believe, Fitzwilliam, that if I don't remind you to cut your hair you never would."



Darcy smiled and shook his head wildly at her as he answered back, "Nonsense, I pay Jones good money to nag me about my hair in addition to tying these complicated knots" and tugged at his cravat for dramatic effect.



"What shall we do today? Tomorrow is Christmas."



"I know Shelty is planning a big dinner tonight for Lady Janina and Lady Elzbieta, a special Polish Christmas Eve meal, and afterwards he will make an announcement of some sort."



"What kind of announcement? Lord Shelton always has something up his sleeve considering his last announcement concerned the arrival of Lady Janina and Lady Elzbieta."



"Oh, I think it will be less dramatic. If I know Shelty, he will probably announce that there will be a ball. He and Bings love that sort of thing, you know."



"Unlike you." Georgiana began tinkling the keys of the pianoforte and motioned for Darcy to join her, which he promptly did.



"Yes, I love it whenever I'm in a ballroom and all female eyes gaze at me in anticipation of my address and when I do address a pair of female eyes, I hear the clink of coins in her mind" added Darcy sarcastically and stopped playing.



"They all can not be that bad, can they? I can see that sort of behavior from Miss Bingley and the other accomplished ladies we know, but I can not see that coming from Lady Janina and Lady Elzbieta. They seem, I do not know, that they give no thought to advance themselves through others."



"You are very astute, Georgiana," Darcy replied and then whispered softly, "However, Lady Janina and Lady Elzbieta are the exception. As for the others, you, yourself, know how some people can be mercenary, especially when it comes to the Darcy name and fortune" and gently placed his hands over hers on the keyboard. "But, if Shelty does have a ball, I promise I will dance with you. In fact, I am already requesting the first dance! For you, dear sister, I will always make time to dance with." With that, Darcy stood up and kissed his sister on the cheek.



"I'm off to see if Bings wants to go shooting. He has been making himself scarce and it's time for him to show his face to the gentlemen of this party."

~*~*~*~

After her walk, Elzbieta grabbed a quick bite to eat in the unoccupied breakfast room and spent most of the day in the library with her sister and Mr. Bingley. Elzbieta did not read much of the book she held in her hands for she was amusing herself greatly by watching the antics of the other two. Both were sitting at opposite sides of the room from one another, holding unread books. When Janina looked down at the volume she was holding, for reading was not what she was doing, Mr. Bingley would peer over the top of his and look at her with a slight smile on his face. Then Janina would do the same as Mr. Bingley looked at the volume in his hands. Elzbieta had to stop watching the two and attend to her book lest she burst out laughing. One week and she could already tell the two were smitten with one another. Where this would lead, Elzbieta did not ponder for someone was always smitten with Janina and her beauty. However, she could tell by her sister's actions that she was beginning to develop a soft spot in her heart for the man.



Elzbieta put aside her book and stood up to look out of the library window and reminisce of the last time she, Janina and Marek went to visit Poznan to watch the fighting mechanical goats atop the city's town hall clock tower. Elzbieta was almost fifteen, Janina was seventeen and their brother just turned nineteen. They were excited since it was their first trip together without their parents and all felt like adults out in the world exploring. During the trip to Poznan, Elzbieta and Marek would make fun of Janina's almost preternatural ability to attract men without her calling, causing Janina distress at the thought that her siblings would think she was vain enough to want such attention. The two had placed wagers on how long they would be in Poznan before a gentleman would make his way towards Janina on false pretences just to meet her. Elzbieta, confident of her sister's beauty, believed that it would take only hour for the expected event to occur. Marek, being the protective brother that he was, believed, or rather hoped, that it would take an entire day. Both were wrong. The three of them were out of their carriage but a quarter hour when a well dressed gentleman approached Janina to ask for directions to the town hall. Elzbieta and Marek could barely contain their laughter, causing the gentleman to quickly leave the group. Janina could only turn red from embarrassment from both her siblings' and the unknown gentleman's behavior.



Elzbieta turned from the window and smiled a bit when she saw Mr. Bingley again looking at her sister with a bit of longing in his eyes. Elzbieta surprised herself because for the first time in her life, she was envious of her sister. She was not envious because she wanted Mr. Bingley's attention for her own, but instead, she wished for her sister's ability to attract men so effortlessly. Elzbieta excused herself from the room and as she was walking out, wondered if she would ever see that same look of longing on a man's face directed towards her.

Chapter 4

The rest of Christmas Eve was uneventful, each occupant found something to engage their time until the celebrations were to begin. While Darcy and Bingley enjoyed rounds of festive hunting, Shelton stayed at the manor to handle last minute details for the evening feast. Though Mr. Hurst slept, his wife and Caroline prepared for the evening meal; for it would take all day for Miss Bingley to look perfect for her Mr. Darcy. Elzbieta and Janina wandered the halls of Greenwich Park and reminisced about their family estate, Benowo. Therefore, when it came time for dinner, the party once again gathered in the parlor, and escorted each other to the dining room.



As everyone became situated, Shelton stood up to make an announcement, "First, I would like to thank everyone for spending this holiday with me. To show my appreciation, I am planning a Twelfth Night Ball. Some of the local families of import will attend and I thought we all need the diversion of new faces here." Shelton paused and continued on with his speech.



"However, now we are all gathered to partake in this meal. In honor of my Eastern guests, some dishes were prepared that are quite unusual to us English but traditional for them." At that last mention, Shelton shot a pointed glance to Miss Bingley, which Darcy noticed.



"There is one other tradition that the Poles have that once Lady Janina and Lady Elzbieta told me about it, I thought it was quite beautiful and believed that we all should share in this act, given the spirit of the season." With those last words, Shelton motioned to a servant to bring forth a small silver tray containing wafers, "However, I'll let Lady Elzbieta describe their tradition."



Elzbieta stood up and took the tray from the servant and placed it on the table. She picked up the large wafer, showed it to the party at the table. The wafer was embossed with a nativity scene and then Elzbieta began breaking it into nine equal pieces before speaking, "In Poland, at the start of the Christmas Eve meal, everyone takes a piece of wafer. We call this an opłatek. Once everyone has a wafer, we go to each person to wish them happiness in the coming year, almost like one would make a toast. Additionally, this sharing of the opłatek signifies that all past transgressions towards one another are forgiven. After the wishes are expressed, you break a piece of the other person's wafer, eat it and then embrace. Janina and I can start to show you and if you wish to partake, we all can join at once."



Elzbieta then walked with the tray around the table and handed each person a wafer. When she was done, she walked back to her place at the table and indicated for everyone to stand. Once all were standing, Elzbieta turned to her sister and spoke a few words in Polish and grabbed her hand. Then, the two faced each other and Elzbieta began again, "Janka, I want to thank you for always being my sister and showing your compassionate nature towards me, even when I am at my most unreasonable. I hope that your life is always filled with happiness, no matter the situation, for your heart is good and you deserve no less."



Afterwards, Janina looked at her sister with slightly watery eyes and responded, "Ela, may the coming year also bring you happiness, luck and much health. May also all of your dreams come true though you might not know what they are, yet." The two sisters then broke off a small piece of wafer from the other, popped it into their mouths and embraced tightly. They then kissed each other on both cheeks and laughed.



Shelton smiled at the two and then announced, "Well, I do remember that in Poland that close friends and family greet one another with a kiss on the cheek. Although some of us have only recently met, we all are old friends in one way or another. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that all of the Polish traditions should follow here. Right, Bings? I think I would not be remiss in saying you are in agreement!"



Bingley laughed and responded with an emphatic, "Yes! If we're going to do this tradition, it must be done properly!"



"So, there you have it! Kisses for everyone. I don't want to see any bowing or curtseying or I will take it as an affront to my hospitality and friendship!" The party laughed at Bingley's and Shelton's outbursts and then everyone started to pair off to give one another good wishes for the coming year. Miss Bingley, however, was in a conundrum at the addition of the intimate gesture of kissing one another on the cheek. On one hand, she had no desire to come into such close contact with many in the party but on the other, she was secretly thrilled at the prospect of finally getting a kiss, albeit a chaste one, from Mr. Darcy.



Although he said nothing, Darcy did think that the tradition was touching and agreed that it was right for Shelton to allow the sisters to introduce it to them. He then walked over to his own sister, "Well, Georgiana, what do you think? Health, I will always wish for you, happiness, you deserve and should strive for and luck, well, I can only hope that it is always the good kind. I can only guide you to become the woman you deserve but I know that you are already on the cusp of being that woman." At his speech, Georgiana brightened and quickly hugged her brother.



"Oh, Fitzwilliam, that was beautiful. I don't know what to say after those kind words. I just am so glad that I have such a caring brother who watches over me but I will also wish for you that you find someone to take care of you." She then broke a piece of wafer that was in Darcy's hand and Darcy followed suit and the two placed the pieces in their mouths. Darcy then looked down on his sister and kissed her forehead and she looked up to kiss his cheek.



Darcy turned around and surveyed the scene before him, wondering who to go to next. However, he was a bit uncomfortable with the idea of the kiss on the cheek with anyone other than Georgiana and as if on cue, Miss Bingley came barreling down on him, "Mr. Darcy!" Darcy's spine stiffened in response. "What a quant little tradition these Poles have. I don't know what to wish for you, as you are, indeed, one of the luckiest men I know. You have beautiful Pemberley, the good opinion of all who matters and of course, a charming sister in Georgiana," Miss Bingley smiled brightly at Darcy.



Darcy managed to mutter, "Yes, Miss Bingley, well, I wish you all the happiness in the world that you deserve." He quickly pressed his cheek against hers, giving her an air kiss. He hoped no one would truly notice that he bent the rules in this instance. However, Miss Bingley was prepared to show Mr. Darcy a whisper of what a kiss from her would be and pressed her lips against his cheek, much to Darcy's dismay. Pleased with the outcome, Miss Bingley smiled coquettishly at him and headed over to Shelton. Darcy feigned scratching his ear to stealthily wipe his cheek with his coat sleeve of the unwanted moisture deposited upon it. He turned around and went to the next person. In his haste to be free from Miss Bingley and Miss Bingley's joy in her kiss, neither party noticed that they failed to break off and consume each other's wafers.



Once Darcy had exchanged wishes and wafers with most of the party (he was thankful that the men chose only to shake hands heartily and not kiss his cheek), he found himself in front of Lady Elzbieta, the last person he had left. She was giving him a heartfelt smile that took his breath away and he could see that she had joy in her eyes,



"Oh, I'm so glad everyone is willing to share in this tradition with us. Lord Shelton is such a kind friend to allow this and everyone here is so generous to go along."



"I'm glad that you and your sister chose to show this to us. It does bring in the spirit of Christmas in such an intimate manner that a mere "Happy Christmas" does not."



"Yes, I agree Mr. Darcy. That is why this part of the evening has always been my favorite. Now, I know I haven't known you long but I want to wish you not just happiness, health and luck for all good people deserve as much. However, for you, Mr. Darcy, I shall wish for you much laughter in your heart. I do not feel that you having such responsibility for one so young, has afforded you much time for laughter and frivolity. So, Mr. Darcy may the coming year bring you much absurdity so that you can laugh, and laugh heartily!" Elzbieta looked at Darcy with a smile that was pure and filled with kindness.



Darcy was both surprised with her wish and touched. This woman standing before him had only known him for a week, but already had more insight into his character than those he had known for years. He smiled gently and hoped his next words would touch her in a similar fashion, "Thank you, Lady Elzbieta. That was probably one of the kindest wishes I've received and not just from this night. I hope that the following year brings you joy. I know that you always find joy in simple acts such breathing in the crisp winter air and the smell of lavender in the air, so I wish you peace in you life so that you may always take pleasure with such simplicity. I also hope all those who are dear to you, will always be able to receive your care and love."



They then broke off pieces of each other's wafer and ate them. Any hesitation he previously had in kissing cheeks dissipated, and he leaned forward to softly press his lips against her cheek. Her skin felt like velvet against his own and Darcy noticed how his lips tingled, as if a current were passing through them. He was pleased when she also pressed her lips against him and though the act was but a moment, Darcy's mind imprinted the softness of her lips against his skin to recall later. During the quick kiss, he inhaled her scent and memorized the smell of her hair, a light floral scent that reminded him of lush meadows. All too quickly, they separated and Darcy felt the loss of her against him. As the party started sitting down at the table, Darcy could still feel her tender lips against his cheek and hoped the sensation would fade away none too quickly.



During dinner, the party was in jovial spirits while much talking and laughter abounded. Everyone tried all of the dishes presented except for Miss Bingley, who did not partake in the carp. Darcy, however, did not seem to care what he was eating. Instead, he kept trying to recall the warm feeling of Elzbieta's lips against his cheek. With Elzbieta sitting across from him, Darcy noticed that she was quieter than usual and wondered what was causing her not to converse as readily as she normally did. Her eyes were downcast as her right hand went up to her face to slowly push a tendril of hair behind her ear. However, he saw, that on the way down, her fingers brushed against her right cheek and rested there for the briefest of moments, the cheek that he had kissed. Soon after, her eyes went up and focused on his, only to be immediately cast downward as a slight blush spread across her face. Could it be? thought Darcy, Could the very same kiss that is haunting me right now is haunting her as well?



After the meal, the ladies went to the music room, leaving the gentlemen behind to enjoy imbibing in spirits and wine over discussions of latest events. As it was Christmas, a time meant for families, the gentlemen did not keep to their self-proposed exile for long and reunited with the ladies. At their arrival, a cheerful scene beheld them, Lady Janina was playing at the pianoforte and the remaining ladies were paired off dancing (Miss Bingley with Mrs. Hurst; Elzbieta with Georgiana.) After a few moments of listening to the tune Lady Janina was playing and watching the ladies dance, Darcy recognized that they were dancing the polonaise, a traditional Polish dance that was popular on the continent to start balls.



Once Lady Janina saw the gentlemen enter, she stopped playing and Georgiana left her place by Elzbieta and ran over to her brother, "Oh, Fitzwilliam, we have been having the best time right now. Lady Elzbieta and Lady Janina were showing all of us how to dance the polonaise. However, I surprised Lady Elzbieta when I told everyone how you taught me the dance after you returned from Warsaw! Come, join us." With those words, Georgiana grabbed Darcy's hand and led him over to Elzbieta, "You two partner together and show everyone how the polonaise is done properly. I'll take Lady Janina's place at the pianoforte so that she may have a chance to dance!"



Not wishing to diffuse Georgiana's enthusiasm, and if truth be told, wishing to again be in close physical contact with Elzbieta, Darcy readily agreed to her plan and took his place next to Elzbieta and the other two couples; Shelton with Lady Janina, and Bingley with his sister, Miss Bingley. Mr. Hurst, who had no desire to dance, promptly fell onto the settee next to his wife. Once Georgiana began playing, the couples marched across the room in beat to the music. The dance itself was a graceful, walking dance, with the partners bending at the knee every third step.



Although a good dancer when he chose to be, but when the formality of wearing gloves was dispensed by the close-knit party, Darcy had trouble keeping track of his position in the dance and found himself focusing on the sensation of Elzbieta's bare skin touching his own. First the impression of her lips on his cheek and now her ungloved hand in his own were almost too much for him to bear. He took small comfort in noticing that Elzbieta appeared a bit flustered as well. Trying to appear composed, Darcy attempted some conversation with his partner, "Well, Lady Elzbieta, you were very quiet during dinner and now, you seem to be positively mute. I hope nothing is wrong, no bad news to be had?"



Elzbieta looked up at Darcy with a startled look, as if she were not aware that he was next to her. "N, no, Mr. Darcy," she stuttered. "No bad news. I am quiet because this evening is immensely enjoyable and I wish to remember all of it."



Darcy smiled and leaned into her ear to whisper, "Perhaps you are quiet because you are trying to remember something from the recent past that was quite pleasurable to your surprise?" He pulled away as was his time in the dance and watched her expression as her eyes widened and her face became flush.



Elzbieta's facial response emboldened him and when he returned next to her, Darcy leaned in again and whispered even lower so only she could hear his voice, "Because I know that is exactly what I have been doing all evening since the beginning of dinner." At those words, Elzbieta almost tripped in astonishment and looked away, lest Darcy saw her crimson face.

~*~*~*~

Chapter 5

Elzbieta awoke with a start, feeling unbearably hot and throwing off the covers. She quickly got out of bed and walked over to the window to open the curtains. The room was very cold since the fire in the fireplace had long gone out but still she felt the heat coming off of her skin. She threw open the heavy curtains and looked through the sheer lace window hanging that she left in place to gaze at the full moon high above. The snow below twinkled in the moonlight like sheets of glass and diamonds. It had been her dream that had disturbed her; nay, unsettled her.



Just before falling asleep, she recalled the touch of Darcy's lips upon her cheek and the slight roughness of his beard threatening to break through his skin. She was surprised at Darcy's words to her during the dance, earlier that evening. Did she understand Darcy correctly when he admitted that he too kept thinking of the recent past? It had not been the first time she gave or received such a kiss from a man as this was the usual way for her to greet someone she knew. Why did this instance have to be different and affect her so? She was also unsettled because she dreamt that Darcy's lips were not on her cheek but on her neck, under her ear, and slowly inching down to her shoulder as if he were savoring and tasting the very curve of her neck.



Elzbieta still felt hot and untied the top of her nightgown, exposing her shoulders to the coldness of the room. Thinking back to her dream, Elzbieta took her right index and middle fingers and placed them against the left side of her neck, just under her ear. She tilted her head and closed her eyes as she slowly traced her fingers down her neck and over the top of her left shoulder. As she did this, she imagined that it was Darcy's lips on her instead of her fingers. She slightly shivered and then repeated the process with her left fingers and the right side of her neck. This time she also imagined his tongue was caressing her soft skin.



Her body's heat was still unbearable to her and she quickly pulled off her nightgown and dropped it on the floor. Still standing in front of the window, she peered out and wondered if Mr. Darcy was sleeping soundly or was he having a difficult time sleeping as well. Elzbieta pulled a bit of the sheer curtain aside, enough for her to lean her damp forehead against the cold window but protecting the rest of her body from view should anyone be outside. Once her forehead was sufficiently cooled, she pulled back and let the curtain drop into place.



She stared at the moon above and again closed her eyes. She placed her right index and middle fingers at the hollow of her throat and slowly traced her fingers down the top of her chest, between her breasts, over her abdomen, to just past her navel. All the while she did this, she was imagining that Darcy was touching her with his lips. She dared not to go further and opened her eyes. Finally, she shivered from the cold, or so she thought, and put her nightgown back on. She hopped back into bed, pulled the covers over her and turned her head towards the window to stare at the moonlight until she fell back asleep. But before slumber claimed her, Elzbieta's last thoughts were of how she desired to feel Darcy's body against her own and how no man ever stirred such intimate yearnings within her. She knew then that Darcy awoke something in her and only he could show her what that was.

~*~*~*~

Darcy, too, was looking up at the moonlight. However, he was not in his room but outside in the gardens. Walking aimlessly down a garden path, he began to notice that he was no longer in the garden but what appeared to be a path in the forest nearby. Regardless, Darcy continued down the path and further into the forest. Slowly, he noticed that the snow was wet beneath his boots and the air was becoming warmer. Yet, he continued walking and looked up at the moonlight again. When he looked down at his feet again, he saw that the snow was gone and the grassy path was dry.



Suddenly, Darcy felt warm. Not warm but hot. He took off his great coat and without any further thought about what would happen to it, threw it down on the ground behind him and continued walking. Soon, the heat was becoming unbearable and off came his cravat and his waistcoat, both thrown to the ground as well. He brought his forearm up to his forehead to wipe the sweat of his brow on his shirt sleeve. He continued down the path, trying his best to follow the moonlight. He couldn't believe that such heat could exist in December, the night before Christmas, and yanked his shirt over his head and threw it to the side of the path. Soon after the removal of his shirt, Darcy pulled off his boots and socks, leaving him in only his trousers. He looked up to ensure that he did not lose the moonlight and continued down the path.



Surprised at the intensity of the heat, Darcy removed the last vestiges of his clothing and left them behind on the path. Finally, through the forest trees, he saw where the moonlight was concentrating its strength. Amidst the trees, he reached a small grove, where in the middle, the moonlight shone at it's brightest. Yet, also in the middle, a lone figure turned to face Darcy as he entered the clearing. He was stunned to be there, face to face, with his Elzbieta. Her hair was in two braids that hung down the front of her body, which was unclothed, just as Darcy's was. All that adorned her was a garland of flowers atop her head.



She smiled and looked at him intensely before she spoke, "What is your heart's desire?"



Darcy had lost all ability to speak, even if he wished to respond. All he could do was to swallow hard and take a step closer to her.



"To get your heart's desire, you must pick the flower before the cock crows." Again, Elzbieta smiled at Darcy but this time, she held out her hand for him to grasp. When his hand enfolded hers, she pulled him towards him and kissed him gently on his lips. Soon, she pulled her hand from Darcy's and wrapped both arms around his neck and opened her mouth against his. Darcy quickly responded to her invitation by sliding his tongue over hers, exploring her with abandon. When they finally broke free of each other, Elzbieta took Darcy's hands again and pulled him down onto the soft ground until both were on their knees. Placing her palms against his chest, she began to slowly stroke his skin and explore every aspect of his contour. Changing the position of her hands, her fingers began to explore what her palms had just discovered. During Elzbieta's ministrations, Darcy could not move for all he could focus on was the soft touch of her gentle caresses.



Finally, Elzbieta placed her hands upon Darcy's shoulders and pushed him down until he was lying on the grass. She continued her explorations of his body with her lips and tongue. Starting with his lips, she traveled down his neck and across his chest until she reached the part of him that most urgently needed her touch. She languorously licked his erection until she reached its tip which she then enclosed within her mouth and began to lightly suck him. Darcy had been watching Elzbieta as she journeyed down his body but when she took him in her mouth, Darcy's eyes closed and his mind was only aware of the pleasure she was giving him.



Suddenly, her mouth was off of him and Darcy felt a fleeting moment of disappointment until he realized that Elzbieta had replaced the warm, soothing confines of her mouth with the part of her body most in want of him. Keeping his eyes open and fixed on her, he enjoyed watching her take her own pleasure from him. Her head was thrown back, her hands behind her gripping his thighs as she rocked against him. As both began gasping in rhythm to her motions, Darcy knew his release was imminent and grabbed her bottom to pull her closer. However, Darcy then became aware of a sound, perhaps a cock crowing? He put the thought quickly out of his mind as his need became most urgent and began thrusting in rhythm to Elzbieta's movements. But again, he heard the same sound as before. What is this? Why do I hear a dog barking?



Darcy's eyes flew open and realized that he was not in a moonlit grove making love to Elzbieta but in his own bed in Greenwich Park. He threw his forearm over his eyes and willed himself back to sleep. When that proved futile, he stared at the ceiling above in extreme disappointment and heard a dog barking in the gardens below. Darcy threw the covers off of him and got out of the bed to walk over to the window facing the gardens. He drew the curtains and saw one of Shelton's mastiffs chasing a rabbit in the snow, barking in delight. At that very moment, Darcy had the urge to round up all of Shelton's hounds and give them all to one of his furthest tenants and out of spite, replace the whole lot with a box of mewing kittens. That is, until Darcy realized that cats were nocturnal creatures and were probably more bothersome than dogs barking in the morning.



He laughed quietly at his absurd notion and began reflecting on his dream. In his previous dream of Elzbieta, he was a mere voyeur watching a scantily clothed Elzbieta running with delight amongst monoliths and bonfires. In this dream, however, Darcy was an active participant, well as active as the dream Elzbieta allowed him. However, what he kept turning over in his mind was not the intimate act he engaged in with her, but the words that she asked him in his dream, "What is your heart's desire?" Darcy knew now what that desire was, it was Elzbieta, his Elzbieta.

~*~*~*~

Chapter 6

After gaining composure over himself and getting dressed, Darcy headed over to the stables for an early morning ride before Christmas services. If ever Darcy desperately needed a rough ride to clear his mind, this morning was it. Although immensely enjoyable while it lasted, his dream caused him to realize his growing affections towards Elzbieta. However, Darcy was not one to lightly throw favors towards any woman who caught his fancy, though, in fact, Darcy had never thrown such favors and was at a loss of what to do. He was amazed and unnerved at the rapidness his fondness grew, at the intensity with which he felt them, and all in the span of a week. He believed that there was a good possibility that Elzbieta entertained some level of affection towards him, but still he was not entirely sure. He, Fitzwilliam Darcy of Derbyshire, Master of Pemberley, did not have a plan mapped out, any idea how to proceed, or how obvious in his admiration for Elzbieta he should be. While lost in these thoughts, Darcy came across Shelton in the stables, who was also preparing to go on a morning ride. The two decided to ride together and slowly set off on their excursion.



"Well, Darce, what did you think of last night? I think it went rather splendidly and was probably one of the finest Christmas Eves I've spent in awhile."



"Yes, it was very nice. Georgiana liked it very much as well."



"You seemed to enjoy your dance with Lady Elzbieta. Am I correct?" Shelton knowingly smirked at Darcy which immediately caused Darcy to become defensive.



"It is not odd for a man enjoy standing up with a lady of class and intelligence." Darcy deadpanned.



"Oh, save it Darce. I am not blind. First Bings follows Lady Janina around like a lost puppy and you just happen to stalk Lady Elzbieta like a wolf after its prey."



Darcy stared at Shelton incredulously and thought a moment before he replied, "I do not stalk nor am I a wolf. You make it sound like I go out of my way to encounter her. We are a party of nine here. It is reasonable that the two of us run into one another and speak. Really, Shelty, you are making mountains out of molehills."



Shelton laughed at Darcy's speech but was undeterred. "Very well, have it your way. But tell me, how many times in the past week have you come across Lady Elzbieta by chance?"



"Well, I believe about 3, no 4 times."



"And how many times have you encountered Miss Bingley alone?"



"Without your presence?"



"Yes, the definition of the word "alone" would preclude my presence."



"Um, maybe once. It proves nothing, but really, even you can admit that speaking with Lady Elzbieta is enjoyable."



"You are speaking to a man who first met her when she was a mere lass of 13. I know what a quick wit she is. In fact, I know better that to spar with her for she would easily eat me alive with her words alone, let alone the logic behind those words." Shelton smiled broadly.



"So, she has cut you down in the past? If, so, let's have it, man. This I want to hear. Lord Shelton's infamous sharp tongue was curtailed by young girl."



Shelton laughed before adding "It was back in Paris, when Ben and I were studying at the Sorbonne. Lady Agata, their mother, and Ben's sisters were visiting and looking at the latest fashions. Well, I made the mistake of commenting that the girls were probably looking forward to getting new French clothing. Young Lady Elzbieta took this as a slight against her and was particularly indignant at the implication that she would only be interested in fashion while in Paris, given her gender."



"Now, why would Lady Elzbieta take offence against your comment?" Darcy replied sarcastically.



"Ah, you know me well, Darce, I may have spoken in a condescending manner. Well, she proceeded to explain to me that though part of their trip was in fact a shopping expedition, she was most interested in viewing Château de Montgobert because she was reading a book regarding its style."



"I see, continue" remarked an interested Darcy.



Laughing heartily, Shelton continued with his story, "Well, she then pulled a book out of her bag and handed it to me. You'll never guess what the preccocious girl was reading!"



"I have no idea what a 13 year girl would be reading regarding French chateaux."



"That's exactly it! She was reading The Four Books of Architecture by Andrea Palladio, the Italian Rennaisance architect. And in English to boot!"



At this, Darcy joined Shelton in his laughter. "Well, I guess you now have the chance to apologize to her and show her the buildings by Inigo Jones while she is here in England. He was greatly influenced by Palladio, you know."



"And have all of the ton know that years ago, I was bested by a 13 year old girl?" Shelton then glanced over behind him and not believing what he saw, exclaimed, "Good God, Darce! What is Miss Bingley doing up so early and what in God's name is she wearing?"



Darcy turned around in his saddle and saw Miss Bingley perched atop a horse moving towards their direction and waving at them. She was wearing the orange and gold trim riding habit her sister recommended to her. Seeing that she was still far enough away to not hear them, Shelton remarked "What is going on in that woman's mind? Orange? Why, she looks like, like a large kumquat!"



"Really, Shelty. That's not very generous of you." Darcy paused a moment before adding, "I think a persimmon is more appropriate." The two men looked at each other and snickered until Shelton asked, "What did you do? I know she is doing this in a misguided attempt to gain your favor. At least that's what I hope because that color is positively hideous on her!"



Darcy looked at Miss Bingley in the distance and shook his head, "Well, it is my fault because I did attempt to have normal conversation with her."



"What happened?"



"It was last year when Bings and she were at Pemberley for a few weeks during the summer. I was outside on the terrace watching the sunset and just admiring the colors in the sky and Miss Bingley joined me out there. She asked me what my favorite color was and I foolishly thought she was referring to the sunset. I told her I enjoyed the orange glow of the sun setting."



"Well, the orange is awful enough but could you imagine if you mentioned the purple in the sky, as well? We could be subjected to her wearing a jaunty little aubergine hat atop her red hair!" Again the two men laughed and continued to do so when Miss Bingley approached them.



"Good morning gentlemen! I hope you don't mind if I join you in this riding excursion?" Although the comment was spoken to both men, Miss Bingley was only looking at Darcy.



Shelton quickly looked at Darcy with a half smile on his lips and responded, "Not at all, Miss Bingley. You are certainly looking very autumnal this morning. I guess there is no danger in losing you for the color of your habit would contrast nicely against the whiteness of the environs." Darcy had to bite the inside of his lower lip to prevent himself laughing at Shelton's remark.



Miss Bingley, oblivious to the slight snideness in Shelton's voice, was pleased with the comment for she mistook the mirth in Darcy's eyes as his approval in her appearance. She then made a mental note to thank her sister later for suggesting she wear the orange riding habit this day.



The three set off riding at a steady pace, each with a different agenda in mind. Shelton wanted to take in morning air and get some exercise before services, Darcy wanted to make sure he was presentable to be seen during services, given the nature of his dream the night before, and Miss Bingley wanted to lure Darcy into seeing her as the perfect Mistress of Pemberley. The conversation was limited but the topic of the Ladies Janina and Elzbieta did arise, to which Darcy listened to in earnest. However, Miss Bingley encouraged the conversation to find any fault with the two woman to use later against both her brother and Darcy, should the need arise.



"Lord Shelton, it is my understanding that the Benowskis' had a large estate in Poland but lost it when the Prussians took over their part of the country. Is this true?" asked an uncharacteristically curious Miss Bingley.



"Yes, Miss Bingley. They did. Their father refused to swear allegiance to the Prussian government and so, the Prussians took their land from them and gave it to some German burgher who had no qualms in accepting the estate."



"Well, their estate couldn't have been very large if their father could give it away so lightly," smirked Miss Bingley, who then looked over at Darcy to gage his expression.



"No, no. You are very wrong in that assumption. I have seen it and it was very large. In fact, you could join the estates of Greenwich Park and Pemberley and still you would be short by an astronomical amount. It was, is, the size of Derbyshire county times three."



To this reply, even Darcy was astonished. "Really? I had no idea it was so vast. Why the income the estate generated must have been outstanding."



"Yes, Darce, it was. What's even more interesting is that most Poles do not leave their estate just to the oldest son but to all of their children, daughters included. If the Benowskis were still in possession of their estate at the time of their passing, Ben, Lady Janina and Lady Elzbieta would have all inherited. Ben, of course, would have received the main estate but his sisters would have gotten smaller estates."



Miss Bingley's interest was piqued and added, "But, surely the income wouldn't be much from the smaller estates?"



"Miss Bingley, you do think that Darce's income is adequate?" When Shelton saw her confused nod, he continued, "Well, even with the smaller estates, the income would have probably rivaled Darce's here. You must understand, the family was at the top tier of Polish nobility in terms of wealth. If Poland still existed in its true form, Ben could have one day been elected king. As you know, the Polish king was elected by the members of the nobility. The Poles had a head start on the Americans on this voting for their leader idea."



"How interesting. Lord Benowski must have been very strong in his convictions to do what he did." The more Darcy learned of this family, the more he was amazed.



"Yes, Darce, he was. As Ben explained it to me, his father believed in a free Poland and would never betray his country, no matter the cost."



However, Miss Bingley had enough of the conversation. She could tell that rather than diffusing what little interest, or so she hoped, Darcy may have had in Lady Elzbieta he seemed more interested. She thought of a way to diffuse his admiration.



"Well, Lord Shelton, I understand from Lady Janina that she and her sister are not joining us today for Christmas services."



Looking at her with annoyance, Shelton replied, "Considering that the two are not English, it is hardly surprising that they are not members of the Church of England and thus not joining us for services."



Seeing an opening, Miss Bingley pressed further, "Really, then what services are they planning on attending?" She smirked and then glanced at Darcy who face was expressionless.



"Not that it matters in my opinion; they are Catholic and will attend a Catholic service at a small church several miles away. In fact, they are probably on their way now. However, since you seem so interested in their religion, I wonder why you did not query Lady Janina about this. Methinks there is an ulterior motive." With those last words, Shelton glared at Miss Bingley.



"Me, an ulterior motive? I just think that it is very gracious of you to accommodate them is such a manner by finding a church for them to go to."



"Graciousness has nothing to do with it. They did the same for me while I was in Warsaw, staying with their aunt and uncle."



Darcy finally felt compelled to speak and joined in the conversation, "How is that? I know there are protestant denominations there, but an Anglican church?"



"Really, Darce, you were the one who spent almost nine months in Warsaw and you never found out that there is a small Anglican church there? What were you doing with your Sundays?"



"I must admit I never thought to ask or look." Darcy was beginning to feel uncomfortable with the entire conversation and had the desire to leave. Finally, he turned to Shelton and announced, "I just realized that I have a few matters that I must attend to before we leave for services and must head back. Please excuse me." He nodded towards Miss Bingley and took off quickly, before she say anything, heading towards the manor.

~*~*~*~

Once back at the stables, Darcy immediately dismounted and headed towards the main house to his chamber. When he entered his room, he leaned back against the closed door and slowly sank to the floor. To say that Darcy was out of sorts would have been an understatement, for he was devastated. While sitting on the floor, he banged his head lightly against the door and chastised himself for being so blind. How could he not realize that Elzbieta was Catholic? He knew why, he chose not to dwell on it for he chose not to find any fault in her. Darcy rose from the ground, went over to his bed and sat down, then lay back upon it, arms outstretched. Everyone knew him for his rationality and logical approach in all matters. Always he was guarded; always he could find a reason why some woman was not suitable for him. The last woman who almost caught his eye was immediately dismissed because he felt she snorted too much when she laughed. Now he had fallen in love with a woman whose deficiency was not in the manner she expressed herself but her very religion, an attribute that went to her very core. How grave indeed. However, she was also a noblewoman and of higher rank than he. Darcy balled his hands, rubbed his eyes with the heels of his fists and lightly sighed. Everything began swirling in his mind, her nobility, her religion, her nationality, her loyalties. With that last thought, Darcy sat up straight and thought about Elzbieta's brother, Ben. On top of this, her brother was fighting for Napoleon. Maybe it is not too late? Maybe it is not love? Darcy thought back to his dream from the night before and wondered, Maybe it is just lust? More confused than ever, Darcy stood up and rang for his valet to dress for services.



Later at the church, Darcy's mind was not on the Christmas sermon the rector was delivering. He was grateful that he chose to sit next to the aisle with Georgiana between him and Miss Bingley and her missing prayer book. All he could concentrate on was Elzbieta and why she was not present at this church. Darcy was never antagonistic towards Catholics but neither did he pursue their cause for full emancipation within the Kingdom for he never felt it was a matter that concerned him. How could he pursue Elzbieta now? Darcy decided that it was an impossible plan. Once services were over, the party headed towards their respective carriages to head back to Greenwich Park. The remainder of Christmas day was a blur for Darcy. Years later, all he would be able to recall from that day was that it was the day he realized he loved Lady Elzbieta Benowska and that he couldn't form an alliance with her.

~*~*~*~

Chapter 7

A few days before the Twelfth night ball, Georgiana sat alone in the music room, practicing pieces of music on the pianoforte. However, her mind was not concentrating on the notes printed on the paper before her and soon she hit a wrong note. She stopped playing and rubbed her forehead with her hand. Something was bothering her brother but as much as she tried, he would not confide in her what was wrong. The week before Christmas, she noticed that Darcy had a faraway look in his eyes that barely concealed a gleam within. That gleam intensified whenever he spied Elzbieta. Now, Darcy still had that faraway look but that gleam was replaced with an almost imperceptible knit of his brows that deepened when his gaze fell upon Elzbieta. Georgiana was sure that whatever was troubling her brother, Elzbieta was part of it. Georgiana's thoughts turned to the conversation she had with her brother just that morning when she convinced him to take a walk outside in the snow covering the gardens in the vain hope that he would open up to her and relieve his burden. Yet, he still did not say a word that revealed his innermost struggle.



Georgiana focused on the paper before her and again attempted to play the piece when she heard the door open. Hoping it was Darcy, she turned towards the door and saw Elzbieta enter. When Georgiana saw her, she was not disappointed for she thought that if Darcy would not confide in her, maybe Elzbieta knew what was on her brother's mind.



"Miss Darcy, I hope I am not disturbing you but I heard you play and wondered if you would not mind me joining you."



"No, not at all. I would enjoy the company. Please, sit." With those words, Georgiana shifted herself over on the music bench and patted the now vacant spot next to her. When Elzbieta sat down, the two engaged in a light conversation regarding the upcoming ball, the fact that Shelton intended to open the ball with a polonaise and that Elzbieta had the first dance open. Eventually, they began playing various duets on the instrument before them.



Eventually, the two stopped playing and Georgiana took the opportunity to speak, "Have you heard news of your brother? Lord Shelton mentioned that he was traveling on business of import but I'm sure you and your sister miss your brother dreadfully." Seeing the sadness in Elzbieta's eyes, Georgiana quickly added, "Of course you miss your brother! How silly of me to ask. Please forgive me."



Elzbieta looked at Georgiana before responding, "No, no I haven't heard from my brother. It was not silly of you ask if I missed him. Not everyone is affectionate towards members of their family such as you or I are." Elzbieta gave her a small smile that took away Georgiana's discomfiture on bringing up the subject. "My brother left to do what he thought was necessary, though I disagreed with him for my own selfish reasons. I knew that on his leaving, it would be a very long time before I would either hear from him or see him again."



At this, Georgiana wished to deflect the conversation so as not bring Elzbieta any more pain that she had already caused. "Well, I believe you are holding up quite well under the circumstances for if Fitzwilliam were to leave for such a long time, I am not sure how I would be able to handle his absence."



Elzbieta smiled at the girl while saying, "No, I think you do not give yourself enough credit for what you are able to endure. I'm quite positive that if your brother left for a good reason, you would wish him God's protection and success in his endeavors, even if they were against your wishes for him to stay."



"You are right but I would be lost. I've come to rely on him very much, too much, I think. In fact, I sometimes wonder if his life would not be easier if he did not have the burden of worrying about me."



"No, I think his burden would be much greater if he did not have his sister with him. I, myself, know that it is not easy to lose both parents when one is so young."



"But, Lady Elzbieta, that is my point. Fitzwilliam must be both parent and brother to me and worry about the estate at the same time."



Georgiana saw Elzbieta again smile and slightly shake her head. "Miss Darcy, I mean it would be hard for your brother to be the Master of Pemberley at such a young age and not have any close family with him. In fact, I think his burden would be much greater if you were not with him. Whom else could he let his guard down with, if only a little bit?"



"I, I just think that I am more trouble to him than it is worth." Georgiana quietly stammered. Gathering her courage, she added, "I almost made a grave mistake over a year ago, a mistake that would have hurt the Darcy name and I cannot forgive the trouble that I gave my brother over it." She then dropped her head and began rubbing her hands over and over in her lap. She then looked up at Elzbieta and continued, "It was only by confiding in Fitzwilliam the grave error in my judgment that disaster was avoided."



Elzbieta looked at the girl with compassion and reached over and took Georgiana's hand into hers. "And for this you think you are a burden? I will not ask you what the mistake was but let me ask you, why did you consult your brother?"



"I had a seed of doubt in my mind and was not sure if my decision was sound."



"Well then, that tells me that your judgment is better than you think!" At this exclamation, Elzbieta smiled. "No matter how old and wise one becomes, there will always be times when one is not sure of the proper course of action. I have always thought the mark of true wisdom is knowing when to consult with others before making a final judgment. What you have told me just tells me that you are quite wise already. Now is the time to forgive yourself and move forward. Life does not stand still and neither should you."



For the first time, Georgiana had a glimmer of hope that she could forgive herself and felt such gratitude towards the lady sitting next to her for unlocking that hope. "Thank you for your kind words, Lady Elzbieta, I have been so caught up in worry that I have failed the Darcy name that I was stuck and could not move forward."



"So, the Darcy name carries weight here?"



"Yes, we may not be titled but we do have aristocratic blood. Our grandfather was an Earl. However, I believe a good part of our influence is due to the wealth stemming from Pemberley." Then an image of Miss Bingley flashed into Georgiana's mind. "No, not believe, I know that the wealth is a major factor in the Darcy influence. Part of Fitzwilliam's burden is navigating through all of the prospective ladies wishing to be his wife for the sole reason of being the next Mistress of Pemberley."



"Well, if that is the sole reason why a lady would marry your brother, then she is not very astute for your brother is very witty and intelligent." Georgiana then saw a light blush creep across Elzbieta's cheeks. She knew then that Elzbieta's feelings towards her brother had to be something a bit more than politeness or friendship and was pleased with this tiny bit of intelligence. Soon after this conversation, the two ladies left the music room and went their separate ways. Elzbieta went outside to ride horseback and Georgiana to go to the sitting room and draw.

~*~*~*~

While walking towards the sitting room, with her music sheets in hand, Georgiana reflected on all she had conversed with Elzbieta. For the first time, she felt a lightness in her heart that did not exist for the past year and decided then and there that it was time for her to take care of her brother, in any way she could. She was growing up and she needed to stop worrying about herself and her faults. As she was approaching the sitting room, her thoughts were arrested by the sound of laughter and paused before opening the door. She heard the voices of Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst and was surprised at the topic of their conversation.



"Oh Louisa, it's going well indeed! I have noticed that Mr. Darcy has not been spending much time with Lady Elzbieta and I have run into him alone twice since Christmas Day. I must thank you for advising me to bring up her religion, it seemed to have dampened any regard he must have felt towards her."



"Yes, hopefully this coming year will see you as the Mistress of Pemberley, though I was worried for you. Lady Elzbieta is a noblewoman after all but it seems that the Darcy's don't want to taint their name with Catholicism any more than a respectable family should. I mean, could you imagine a Darcy at a Catholic Mass?" snickered Mrs. Hurst.



"As if he would be accepted by society, regardless of the Prince Regent's dalliance with that Catholic widow, what is her name? Mrs. Fitzherbert?"



Oh, my! Is this what Fitzwilliam is worried about? Georgiana was aghast that the two women were plotting to ensnare her brother when it was obvious to anyone with any bit of common sense that Miss Bingley had just as much chance in becoming the Mistress of Pemberley as the elderly Pemberley housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds. Still standing in front of the door, Georgiana realized that the time to help her brother was ripe and that she had to save him, even if it meant saving him from himself. Besides, she thought, he needs my assistance; otherwise, I will be a mother to my own children before he makes me an aunt! With a framework of a plan in her mind, she pasted on a happy smile and opened the door to walk in.



"Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst! I had no idea that the two of you were in here. I did not mean to interrupt but I wanted to do a few sketches today. Would you mind if I intrude on your company?" Georgiana queried, knowing full well that the two would not mind at all.



"No, no, not at all, Miss Darcy. Louisa and I were just, just speaking about the upcoming ball. You must be excited for you will have a chance to dance with your brother. My, what a fine dance that will be to behold. I could only wish I could be as elegant as you are but I would suppose it would not be hard when one could practice with such a brother. Charles, as good a dancer as he is, can not compete with the fine figure Mr. Darcy cuts on the dance floor."



Georgiana stifled the urge to roll her eyes and merely smiled sweetly at Miss Bingley as she sat down on the ottoman placed in front of the couch where the two sisters were sitting. Remembering her resolve to help her brother and her plan, she directed her attention to Miss Bingley. "Now, Miss Bingley, I am counting you to spend some time with me during the ball. I can tell you that I will probably only have four dances since Fitzwilliam has already made it clear that since I am not yet out, I will only dance with him, Lord Shelton, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Hurst. I am relying on you to give me some company between dances, for I am sure all of yours will be accounted for."



At that request, Miss Bingley smirked a bit at her sister and tittered a response, "But of course, Miss Darcy, it would be my pleasure!"



Soon after this exchange, the door to the room opened again and in walked Shelton with Darcy. The gentlemen greeted the ladies and entered the room. As Shelton approached the ladies and then stationed himself off to the side of the couch, Georgiana jumped up from the ottoman and ran over to her brother before he could enter the room further, with the pretense of showing him her sheet music. Once that was done, Georgiana walked back to her place while looking over the papers in her hand, however, she was studying the papers too intently and did not see that the short ottoman in her way. She tripped on the obtrusive piece of furniture, knocking it over on its side, falling to the floor with a thud and sent the papers flying in every direction. Darcy and Shelton both ran over to Georgiana, to aid her in any way.



Darcy began feeling his sister's leg to ascertain if any bone was broken. When he reached to her ankle, Georgiana yelped and immediately her eyes welled up. "Oh, Fitzwilliam, I believe I have wrenched my ankle. If I feel so much pain just by a touch, I cannot imagine the pain while standing."



"Yes, you are right, here, give me your hand. Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, would you mind getting up so that I can place Georgiana on it?" The two ladies immediately jumped up and Darcy half pulled, half dragged his sister on the couch.



"How bad is the pain Georgiana?"



"It is quite bad. I'm afraid I won't be able to dance the first dance with you and I was so looking forward to it since it is to be a polonaise."



"It is alright. I will just sit that dance out."



Georgiana took a deep breath, hoping that Darcy interpreted the action as one of pain and not of fortifying her courage, and responded, "No, I will not let you do that. I know that Lady Elzbieta is free for the first dance and since the two of you danced the polonaise so beautifully on Christmas Eve, it would be a shame if you did not open the ball with an able partner. I am sure Miss Bingley would not mind sitting with me during that dance, would you? I would so enjoy your company if you would sacrifice the first dance by sitting with me." With those last words, Georgiana fell back against the sofa and put the back of her hand against her forehead, for dramatic effect.



Flabbergasted at the turn of events, Miss Bingley could only nod her approval and took comfort at least that Georgiana requested her company even though it meant that Elzbieta would dance with Darcy.



Darcy looked at his sister and answered, "Yes, um, very well Georgiana but first, I will go tell a servant to get a doctor. I want that ankle looked at so that no further injury occurs."



"Thank you. Yes, that would be wise."



Darcy quickly left the room and Georgiana saw Shelton looking at her with a twinkle in his eyes.



"Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, could the two of you get a servant to bring some tea and bindings for Miss Darcy and her ankle I will keep her company until everyone gets back.



When the two ladies left the room and closed the door behind them, Shelton walked over to the upturned ottoman and set it in its proper position before sitting upon it. He stared at Georgiana a bit, causing her to become nervous that her plan was so transparent that all in the room knew what she was up to.



"You know, if I were standing anywhere else in the room when you fell, I would not have seen you catch yourself with your hand. I think I know what you are up to but do not worry, I do not think anyone else is aware of the little subterfuge that you have just perpetrated now." Shelton beamed a great smile at Georgiana.



"Do you think me horrible? I think Fitzwilliam has feelings for Lady Elzbieta and I think she feels the same about him. But, but, I just overheard Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst discussing how a Darcy could never be with a Catholic and I, I, felt it was not right. I want him happy and I truly like Lady Elzbieta. She is the first woman I felt was good for Fitzwilliam."



"I agree with you whole-heartedly. I knew Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were plotting. Don't worry madam, I will keep you little secret but I must admit I never would have thought of you capable of such, um, shall we say, maneuvering?" With Shelton's laugh, Georgiana finally relaxed.


"Now that we have that situation under control, we should discuss you, my dear. If I am not mistaken, you turn seventeen next month. Have you started planning anything special for the occasion?"



"No, I do not want a huge celebration, just you, your guests of course, and Mr.
Bingley and his entourage. It is my last birthday before coming out next year and I want a quiet affair."



"Ah yes, next year another Darcy enters the marriage market." Seeing Georgiana's furrowed brow, Shelton softened his voice and added, "Do not worry, your brother will not let any scoundrel near you. Why, he barely tolerates me around you!"



With that pronouncement, Georgiana giggled. "I know. It's just, I am not fashionable in look, with my brown hair and brown eyes and I feel like that anyone who approaches me is actually approaching my dowry."



"Now, Miss Darcy, you must know that is not true. Not fashionable? Here, as you know, my reputation, as tainted as it is, includes a fine appreciation for the feminine form. Sit up as I'm sure your ankle can take it, and let me have a good look at you."



Georgiana did as bided and sat up straight on the couch. Shelton moved from the ottoman and sat in a chair off to her side. He leaned back in the chair and held his right arm straight with his thumb sticking straight up in the air, taking on an artist's pose. With his left eye closed, he peered at Georgiana with his right eye while she giggled at his ridiculous posture.



"Let us see what we have, ah, yes, dark hair, not the blond that is now the rage, but your dark hair casts off a sheen that blond hair is incapable of doing. Look up, let me see your eyes."



Georgiana immediately raised her eyes for Shelton to see and still giggling, stuck her tongue out at him. Laughing at her childishness, Shelton continued with his observations, "Now, the eyes, dark as the hair but contain kindness but, wait, the Darcy spirit. No, your eyes tell me. . ."



Georgiana was observing Shelton during his monologue and then saw his face begin to pale as his speech faltered. Shelton turned quickly away for but a moment and when he again faced her, a smile was back on his face. "Yes, your eyes tell me that your kindness you bestow on those deserving but woe those who attempt to take advantage, am I right?"



"Maybe, are you intruding on my kindness, Lord Shelton?" Georgiana, saw that slight paleness again creep into his face who then coughed and quickly changed the subject.



"Miss Darcy, you now have my assurances that no one with any sense will think you as unfashionable. But tell me, what are your preferences? Let me guess, a towheaded gentleman with green eyes, perhaps?"



"No, Lord Shelton, you are wrong. I wish to find someone who is outgoing, for I am quiet enough for three, and humorous and, and steadfast. If I were to describe a physical attribute, then I like dark hair, the darker the better but with light eyes for contrast."



At those last words, Georgiana peered at Shelton's eyes. Her eyes then darted to the dark hair spilling over his forehead and then back to his piercing grey eyes. Unconsciously, her mouth dropped open, forming an "O", which she immediately snapped shut and then looked away. Trying her best not to stutter, she asked, "I, I wonder what is taking everyone so long?"



"Yes, you are right. If it is alright with you, maybe I should check on your brother and his progress." When he saw her nod her assent, Shelton got up from his chair and quickly left the room to search for Darcy.


Chapter 8

On the day of the Twelfth Night ball at Greenwich Park, Elzbieta and Janina were walking outside in the gardens, enjoying the winter scene before them. Janina was happily chatting away, extolling the virtues of Bingley while Elzbieta quietly listened and occasionally interjected a favorable comment regarding the man. As happy as she was for her sister, Elzbieta could not help but wonder why after such a promising start, Darcy had suddenly withdrawn his attentions toward her. In fact, Elzbieta was beginning to believe that Darcy was intentionally avoiding her but she had no thought as to why. Suddenly, her musings were interrupted when Janina lightly pulled at her coat sleeve and stopped walking, preventing Elzbieta from going further.



"Ela! You are not even listening to me."



Looking up from the ground and turning to face her sister, Elzbieta responded, "I apologize, what were you saying?"



"I was wondering what you thought of the English customs?" The two commenced walking.



Looking at her sister with a quizzical expression, Elzbieta responded, "Such as?"



"Well, for one thing, this custom of the men and women separating after dinner. Mr. Bingley informed me it is so the men can drink spirits and discuss politics or other topics that men think unsuitable to speak of in front of women."



"How strange to think politics is a subject to hide from women," Elzbieta then slowly smiled before adding, "as is not drinking spirits in front of women."



Janina linked her arm with her sister's and continued, "I know! I told Mr. Bingley how in our country women voice their opinions on everything affecting their lives. But, we are just outsiders here, I am quite sure some of our traditions would seem strange to the English, as well."



Feeling the cold in her hands, Elzbieta took off her gloves and rubbed her hands together. "Let us go inside for the cold is making my fingers numb and my boots are getting a bit too wet. Maybe there is something inside to do before we must get ready for the ball."



As the two sisters began heading back towards the manor, Janina queried, "Very well, but do you know what you will wear tonight?"



Laughing at her sister, Elzbieta answered, "You know quite well that I give no thought to such things until moments before getting dressed."



"I think you should wear something blue to match your eyes. All of the gentlemen in attendance will not be able to take their eyes off of you if you do."



"With you at the ball, dear sister, I am unlikely to be an object of any serious study."



"Nonsense, I think you should wear the long sleeved indigo satin gown that Aunt Magdalena gave me. It does not fit right on me and you would be ever so stunning in it."



Elzbieta looked at her sister in alarm and quickly retorted, "Absolutely not! It is cut to your proportions and well, my proportions are quite different than yours, especially the upper half of my body. Besides, it is rather avant garde. It looks like something befitting an Italian duchess from the Renaissance."



Janina laughed at her sister's misguided sense of modesty and tried changing tactics, "What say you if we engage in some of our own customs until it is time to change for the ball? I am in the mood for some sport and I am quite sure you are too."



"What do you have in mind?"



Janina desired to engage in sport and suggested an activity that both were accomplished in but had not had much opportunity to participate since leaving Poland.



Elzbieta's expression perked up at this suggestion. She was in the mood to physically challenge herself and readily agreed to the plan.



Janina pleased with Elzbieta's acquiescence, added, "However, let us make the activity more than mere sport, and place a wager on the outcome."



"Very well, what shall our wager be?"



"If you should win, I will arrange your hair this evening."



"And if I should lose, what would be my forfeit?"



"Well, Duchessa Isabella, you shall wear my indigo gown to the ball!"

~*~*~*~

[/size]

[size="4"]While the Benowska sisters were rushing to change into clothing more appropriate for their active pursuit, two gentlemen were in the study, engaged in serious conversation. Bingley was pacing animatedly in the room while Darcy sat in a chair before him.



"Honestly, Darce, is not Lady Janina the most wonderful creature one could ever hope to encounter?"



"Yes, well, she is a handsome woman with a pleasant disposition." Darcy took a quick sip from his teacup before placing it back on its saucer on the table before him. He had an idea where this conversation was heading and loathed to engage in it.



"If only she were not merely a visitor to this country." Bingley sighed wistfully before adding, "Otherwise I would barge down to wherever she is now and ask for her hand." He then walked over to the other chair by the table and unceremoniously sat down.



Darcy stared at his friend incredulously. "Yes, it is good she is not for that would be a most imprudent course of action."



"Whatever do you mean, Darce? You cannot mean that the lady in question is objectionable, even by your own unattainable standards? She is a noblewoman, kind, patient, intelligent….." Bingley's voice trailed off before he could complete his thought.



"No, that is not what I meant, Bings, and you know that. However, have you given any thought to the fact that the two of you are not of the same religion?" Darcy shifted uneasily in his chair.



"Yes, in fact, Caroline does not cease in her objection over this mere fact. I even discussed this with Shelty and you know what his thoughts are?"



"Pray, enlighten me. However, I do want to add that this matter of religion is not just a mere fact, as you so dismissively put it. An alliance such as you are considering must be thought through as to all of its ramifications in society and your position within it."



"Given that I will always be viewed as the descendant of tradesmen in this society that you place so much concern over, no matter how I earn my income in the future, there is not much for me to consider, now is there? But I will enlighten you as to Shelty's observations which have given me much to ponder. It is quite simple but because of that, it has coloured my outlook on the matter." Bingley angrily grabbed a small pastry off of the table between the two men and shoved it into his mouth, chewing it with unrestrained vigor.



"And, are you willing to share Shelty's observations with me or am I forced to sit here and watch you choke yourself with cream puffs?" Darcy wryly questioned.



Taking the teacup nearest to him, Bingley took a swig of tea before continuing, "It is simple, although I am Protestant and Lady Janina is Catholic, both of us are still Christians. In all important essentials, our beliefs are the same. Even you cannot argue otherwise."



Knowing that he was already mired in a conversation he wished to avoid, Darcy had no escape but to answer his friend with all of the doubts he had in his own heart regarding Elzbieta. "Christians, yes, you both are, but there is that little matter of the head of Catholic religion, the Pope, or did you think that King George was head of that as well?" Before Bingley could respond to Darcy's query, Darcy continued with his objections.



"Our own laws do not favor the Catholics. You do realize that even with her noble blood, Lady Janina would never be considered as an equal. And what of any children the two of you would have? Would you raise them all Protestant by a Catholic mother or have half raised Catholic and half Protestant? Already there would be division in the household since the Protestant progeny could go to the finest educational institutions the country has to offer whilst the Catholic ones would either be tutored or sent off to Scotland or France. Then there is that little matter of only your Protestant children would inherit whilst the Catholic ones would receive nothing. Let us not even discuss the fact that if you had any sons and raised them Catholic, they could never become a member of the House of Commons. Is this what you wish for future generations of Bingleys?"



"I understand all of this. However, Darce, sometimes one must do not what is guided by society but by where one's heart leads him. I wish there is someway I could explain this to you but you have never been in love, never felt that need to move mountains out of the way to be with that one woman that makes you feel that life is truly a gift. Maybe one day you will and then you will understand me." Bingley stared at his friend for a moment.



"But if you continue with finding flaws in every woman you encounter, then, no, you will never understand what I am talking about. And for this, I grieve for you. I understand Shelty's reticence in marriage, who would not, given the circumstances of his upbringing. Imagine, being a lad of eleven and discovering your father's lifeless body in the master suite whilst in an intimate embrace atop your mother's lady maid. No wonder his mother refuses to ever set foot in Greenwich Park. You, however, I do not understand your ever standing bachelorhood."



Darcy stared at the middle of the room for several moments before standing up quickly from his chair to resume the pacing that Bingley abandoned. After a few paces, he stopped and stood in front of Bingley. "Although I, thankfully, never had such a circumstance such as Shelty's thrust upon me, I have had my doubts regarding my parents' felicity in the married state. I have always wondered of my father's relationship with his steward's wife."



Bingley eyed Darcy with unconcealed surprise at this revelation. "I never knew that you had such doubts. I had always assumed that your parents' relationship was quite agreeable. But it appears it was not, then?"



Darcy sat back down and grabbed a pastry off of the table and ate it in much the same manner as Bingley had moments before. "I never witnessed anything, thank goodness, but growing up, I had overheard rumours. And then there has always been the matter of my father's keen interest in the Wickhams' son. There were many times when I felt his preference of Wickham over me. During those times, I swore to myself that I would never do anything to ruin the Darcy name, so that my father would know that though I was different in disposition from Wickham with his easy and deceptive manners, I would always do what was expected of me." Darcy grabbed another pastry but after looking at it briefly, placed back on its plate.



Bingley understood by Darcy's stern demeanor that the conversation had run its course and no further comment would be forthcoming. Wishing to put his friend back into a good humour, Bingley changed the topic of conversation. "So, I understand from Shelty that he has some recently acquired foils that he is quite proud of. Since I am unschooled in the art of fencing, maybe you could show them to me and explain why these foils are so grand. What say you, Darce?"



With a weak smile, Darcy nodded his head in support of Bingley's plan and the two men quitted the room in search of the foils.

~*~*~*~

With Bingley's easy manner and his questioning of Darcy regarding the differences in foils, rapiers and other types of swords, Darcy's humour had improved by the time the two men reached the great hall where Shelton kept his foils. As they entered the hall, both men heard the clanking of metal and the grunts of excursion emanating therein. Darcy put his finger up to his lips in a signal to Bingley to keep quiet.



The hall was unusual from the rest of the manor in that it was Italianate in style with two rows of columns running down the length of the room. Both Darcy and Bingley were standing behind one of the columns, thus hidden from view from the room's occupants. Since the only other men in their group where Shelton and Hurst, and Hurst was unlike to go near a sword unless chunks of meat were roasting on it, in a Turkish style, Darcy was curious as to who were fencing.



Darcy stealthily peered around the column, with Bingley doing the same and both men were ultimately surprised by the view before them. For it was not two men fencing but the Benowska sisters engaged in grueling combat and not with delicate and light foils, but with heavy and curved sabers. Darcy was amazed with the ferocity in which the two women fought and stared at them in intense study of their form and footwork. When in Poland, he had heard stories of brave women going into battle alongside men but Darcy had always dismissed the idea as one of mythic tales that people would tell as lore of the past. However, after seeing the fierce determination on Elzbieta's face, Darcy began to see that such Polish tales could be grounded in fact.



Unable to make a sound or move from his post, Darcy stared at Elzbieta. She was dressed in eastern wear but without a vest and her hair was in single braid down her back, much like her sister's. Elzbieta's face was flushed with exertion and the hair around her face was wet with perspiration. Drops of sweat ran down her face and the top of her blouse was damp, clinging to her body. Her braid would swing and bounce with her every movement, as well as her skirt.



Darcy maintained his attention towards the two sisters to watch their match and was amazed at the deftness the two deflected each others thrusts. Eventually, Darcy no longer saw a fencing match between the two but an elegant martial dance. He stood transfixed by the scene before him and was unaware of anything around but the sounds emanating from Elzbieta as she fought. However, his spell was broken when he heard a sneeze coming from behind him and Elzbieta stopped her movements to look at the direction where he and Bingley stood. At this moment, Janina quickly smacked the dull end of her saber against Elzbieta's shoulder and exclaimed something in Polish. Elzbieta's head turned back towards her sister and while stamping her foot in frustration, uttered the only Polish word Darcy understood, "Cholera!", a mild oath.



Darcy and Bingley approached the two women as they stood in their places, heaving for air.



"Lady Janina, Lady Elzbieta, you two fence? How, why?" an excited Bingley managed to exclaim.



Elzbieta looked at the two men and between gasps of air, "Yes…it is…something… our father…and…brother… taught us." She quickly dropped her head down and continued her heavy breathing.



Janina was breathing even more heavily than her sister and could only muster a smile at Bingley. Darcy was beginning to feel uncomfortable in the sisters' presence with their perspiration soaked clothes clinging against their forms, especially Elzbieta's and wished to leave immediately, now that his presence was known.



Bingley was not of similar mind. "When you catch your breath, you must tell me more. Do you often fence?"



Elzbieta had sufficiently gained her breath and composure and responded to Bingley's question. "In Poland, yes. However, this is the first time we have fenced since we left Poland. It is not an unusual activity for a noblewoman to engage in."



Darcy was now intrigued. "Really? Why is that?"



"Surely you have heard of tales of heroic women off in battle when you were in Poland, Mr. Darcy? It still happens, even in this day. How could woman join in battle if they have no martial skills?"



"I understand your point but obviously it is mostly men in battle."



"Yes, and many women are left behind. But tell me, Mr. Darcy, how are the remaining women expected to defend themselves and their property in war when all of the men are gone off fighting? Although the land in Poland is rich and arable, unfortunately Poland has no natural defenses. The flatness that makes it perfect for farming also makes it susceptible to invasion."



Darcy smiled at the logic of Elzbieta's argument and realized he had no response to give her. "I concede your point, Lady Elzbieta but tell me was there a wager on the outcome of this match. I know that whenever I would fence, my opponent and I would place bets to make the excursion more interesting."



By this time, Janina had recovered and joined in the conversation. "Oh, yes. We generally do as well, and yes we did place a wager on this outcome as you could tell from Ela's outburst."



Darcy smiled again, "Yes, I recognized that exclamation for whenever I played cards in Warsaw, my losing opponents generally muttered that very word." Darcy then noticed that Elzbieta's countenance reddened again.



Not wanting to be left out of the conversation, Bingley looked at Janina to ask, "So, what was your wager? It must have been of great import for such refined ladies to fight so viciously over."



Janina and Elzbieta looked at each other and laughed. Elzbieta looked at the two men and smiled, shaking her head. "No, we will not tell, you have to guess. Given that there is a ball tonight, I would have allowed that if you guessed correctly we would dance with the two of you but as you have already requested the first dance with us, I must think of something else."



Janina laughed and quickly interjected, "We should make them fence with us if they guess incorrectly! But I think we have shocked them enough for today. No, let them just try and guess our wager. Let's see if they can understand the Polish feminine mind. You, Mr. Bingley, have a go!"



Bingley smiled and began stroking his chin in contemplation. "Hmmm, what could it be? What could be so important as to risk injury on the day of a ball? I cannot say for I have no idea." The ladies laughed at Bingley's befuddlement.



Elzbieta turned towards Darcy. "And you, Mr. Darcy, do you have an idea?"



Darcy again smiled at Elzbieta, "Well, no but if I had to guess, given that it is the day of the ball, the only thing I can think of is perhaps the two of you were fighting over who got to wear a family jewel tonight?" Again the ladies laughed and then shook their heads.



"No, Mr. Darcy it is something vastly more important than over a jewel. It is what any woman would consider most important on the day of a ball. It is over what gown I am to wear! Since Mr. Bingley's ill timed sneeze caused me to break my concentration, I am afraid that I now must wear a gown of my sister's choosing."



At those words, Darcy was intrigued as to the manner of gown that would cause Elzbieta to fight as if for dear life. His earlier conversation now a memory, Darcy was glad that Georgiana pleaded with him to dance with Elzbieta in her stead.

~*~*~*~

Elzbieta stood in front of the full length mirror, studying her reflection. She grudgingly admitted to herself that she did look becoming in Janina's dress. The sleeves were gathered every few inches and down to her wrists. Since Janina was more pear shaped than Elzbieta, the gown was a bit tight against her hips and thus Janina never wore it. On Elzbieta, the gown draped her and showed off the curve of her hips with great display. The bodice was low cut but since it was a bit snug, the gown pushed up the tops of her breasts, creating a slight cleavage.



However, what created the alarm in Elzbieta was not the lowness of the gown, for that was the fashion of the day, but the fact that her shoulders were barely covered exposing a vast expanse of skin. At least, I can cover a tiny bit of my neck with this ribbon, thought Elzbieta. Even though Janina was the victor in the fencing match, she still styled Elzbieta's hair. It was piled loosely atop her head, with tendrils hanging down the back of her neck. Elzbieta took a last look at her image in the mirror and left the room to go downstairs with Janina and await her dance with Darcy, a dance she nervously anticipated.

~*~*~*~

Darcy stood in the ballroom with Bingley and Shelton. The other two men were deep in discussion but of what, Darcy had no idea. His mind was preoccupied with images of Elzbieta as she fought with her sister and his eyes continuously scanned the room in search of her. The rational part of his mind knew that he could not encourage any affection between the two of them but the emotions within his heart was at odds with such thinking. Finally, he spied her profile in the room and enjoyed what he saw. Even across the hall Darcy could see that the gown brought out the blue in her eyes with such intensity. To borrow words from Bingley, Darcy knew at that moment that she was the most beautiful creature he had ever laid eyes upon and that the night was fraught with peril for him.



Elzbieta soon turned and met Darcy's gaze and gave him a small smile. He walked over to her and greeted her warmly.



"Good evening, Lady Elzbieta. I hope the evening will be one of pleasure for you."



"Yes, thank you , Mr. Darcy. I could say that I wish the same for you."



Darcy stood there, unsure of what to say next since an intense nervousness overcame him as he saw her up close. Finally, Darcy opened his mouth to speak, although with a bit of trepidation.



"You do look beautiful tonight. The blue, it goes well with your eyes." Quickly he turned away to look at the floor.



Elzbieta gave a small laugh. "That is what my sister thinks. She always tells me to wear blue because of my eyes. How funny women's fashions are. No one would tell you to wear brown to match your eyes, Mr. Darcy." At those last words, it was Elzbieta's turn to become uncomfortable and glace at the floor.



Slowly, Darcy raised his head and in a quiet voice told Elzbieta, "No, no one has ever told me that. We men are generally limited to black, green and blue. However, if eye colour is the guide for your gowns, you are not limited to blue for you should also consider grey or green. Both would look just as lovely." Darcy astonished himself with his speech and cursed himself for being so forward. He sufficiently regained his composure and suggested that the two ready themselves for the dance.



He soon afterwards led Elzbieta to their place on the dance floor and both smiled at each other whilst they waited for the music to begin. Once they started dancing, all Darcy was cognizant of was the woman whose gloved hand he was holding in his own. They did make polite conversation but Darcy later would not be able to recall the topic for all he could concentrate on was her hand and how the thinness of their gloves could not deflect the feel of her hand's form. Soon, it was all Darcy could do to prevent himself from yanking his gloves off and doing the same to Elzbieta's for so overwhelming was his desire to run his fingertips across the back of her hand. He tried looking at her face but soon his gaze was directed at the ribbon around her neck and another overwhelming desire overcame him. This time he wanted to reach his hand up and untie that very ribbon to wrap it around his fingers and stroke her cheek and neck with it. Immediately Darcy pushed the scandalous thoughts from his mind. Although he had made his decision not to pursue Elzbieta, he had underestimated the strength of his attraction towards her. Soon, Darcy began dancing with an intensity that he reserved for fencing, and when he drew near Elzbieta as was called for in the dance, he would pull back in time as if avoiding the parry of her gaze upon him.

~*~*~*~

Georgiana sat alone on chair situated on the sidelines of the great hall. Miss Bingley had left her company for a moment to procure refreshments for the two of them at Georgiana's suggestion. As she sat at her place, Georgiana recalled the previous dance as she watched as her brother and Elzbieta danced together on the other side of the hall. She could see the pair chatting as they danced but they were too far away for her to read their expressions and wondered if they were getting on in a congenial manner. Suddenly, a male voice interrupted her thoughts.



"I believe, Miss Darcy, that your earlier maneuvering has come to fruition tonight. Are you pleased with its results?" Shelton had sat down on a bench to the right of Georgiana and was looking at various couples as they danced before them.



Georgiana turned her head and answered Shelton's profile as he looked out onto the dance floor, "One dance, that is all I have been able to accomplish tonight. But I feel that the more times Fitzwilliam is thrown in the path of Lady Elzbieta, the more chances he has to see her worth."



Shelton turned his head slowly to face Georgiana and gave her a slight smile. "That is all well and good but have you considered that the lady in question might not be so amenable to being thrown in your brother's path?"

I, I thought you were of like mind regarding the two of them. Do you not think my brother and Lady Elzbieta would complement each other? Besides, I have come to believe that Lady Elzbieta does harbor some feeling towards Fitzwilliam."



Shelton continued looking at Georgiana without speaking to the point that she began feeling uncomfortable under his direct gaze. "I just think those two cannot be manipulated to do what might be against their nature. To answer your question, yes, I do think they complement each other and have felt so for some time. However, I just want you to know that Lady Elzbieta and her sister will return to Poland once they are able to."



Noticing Georgiana's crestfallen look, Shelton continued, "However, in all probability, they will remain in England for at least a year at a minimum. Now, who knows what can happen in a year, correct?"



A small smile crept up on Georgiana's lips. "Yes, who can tell what the future holds for all of us."

Chapter 9

Darcy and Elzbieta stood together near the edge of the chalk cliff, the sound of the sea below roaring in their ears and the air heavy with a mist that shortly turned into rain. Elzbieta faced Darcy and leaned in to give him a kiss on the cheek but Darcy turned his head and captured her lips against his own. The kiss was brief but filled with a sweetness that Darcy craved. It was a gentle touch, like the softest of caresses. When they finally parted, Elzbieta stepped back away from him, her hair loose and wet and her grey gown damp but remarkably, Darcy was dry.



"I must go. I cannot stay here."



"Why, Ela? Where are you going?"



"I must go." Elzbieta repeated and hung her head in sadness.



Darcy tried to grab her hand to keep her near him but Elzbieta quickly moved it out of Darcy's reach.



"Now. I must leave now. I do not have much time."



"But tell me, why you are leaving." Darcy pleaded with her.



Wordlessly, Elzbieta climbed to the edge and stepped off of the cliff, disappearing into the mist.



"Ela! No!" Darcy exclaimed whilst scrambling to peer over the edge.



Darcy shot up straight in his bed, his heart racing and his lungs gasping for air. This was the third time he had this disturbing dream in the weeks after the Twelfth Night ball. He had no idea why this was haunting him or what was its significance but every time he awoke from the dream, he felt as if he had been sprinting for dear life.



By the faint lightness in the room Darcy knew it was just after daybreak. Quickly, he threw off the covers off of him and rose from the bed. He was too agitated to try and fall back asleep and knew it was best just to start his day. He walked over to his shaving table and wiped the sweat from the back of his neck with his bare hand. He poured some water from a pitcher into the shaving basin and splashed the cold water against his hot face. Once he felt sufficiently cooled, Darcy wiped his face with a nearby towel and walked back to sit upon the bed.



Trying to push the dream out of his mind, he began to recall the last long conversation he had with Elzbieta. A few days ago, they had been sitting in the library, discussing politics and world leaders. He was amazed at her extensive knowledge of the topic but not surprised. They had been discussing how a true leader represented the identity of the nation he or she ruled. Darcy learned from Elzbieta that a few Polish kings were in fact Protestant noblemen that converted to Catholicism before ascending the throne since Polish law required that its king be Catholic. Elzbieta remarked that this consistency aided greatly in the country's tolerance of all religions in the land. If all knew that a Catholic king would allow religious freedom then the believers of non-Catholic religions felt secure under the rule of a Catholic. In fact, Elzbieta believed that it was the Polish ruler's duty to ensure that freedom.



Darcy's thoughts naturally drifted to the idea of duty and wondered what Elzbieta thought was her duty in life. What would she do for duty? At that turn of thoughts, Darcy had an epiphany and jumped up off of the bed. He paced around the room for a few moments and then walked over to the window. Day was settling in and the sun was beginning to shine brightly. The disturbing dream forgotten and now being in a more agreeable state of mind, Darcy crawled back into bed to catch another hour of sleep and to ruminate further on his thoughts.

~*~*~*~

Later, that same day, Georgiana was attempting to read a book Elzbieta lent her while sitting in a room on an overstuffed chair situated behind a couch where Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were both engaged in gossip. Given the salacious nature of their conversation, it was evident that the two older women had forgotten that Georgiana was in the room with them. Georgiana fingered the well worn pages of the book, Le Mort D'Artur, glad that her brother had insisted that she learn French as well as her native tongue for she found the most famous account of the mythical King of England interesting in that it was not written in English. Suddenly, she heard Lord Shelton's name come up in the conversation in front of her and Georgiana's ears perked up.



"When we all return to London, do you think Lord Shelton will resume his attentions toward her, given that she has repeatedly made it clear that she will not remarry? I never did like that woman after all she did to me whilst at academy."



"Well, Caroline, who could blame her for not remarrying? After the death of her husband she now has all that income at her disposal unless she remarries. Even you have to admit that she is an attractive woman even though she is very caustic with her words. Besides, we all know that Lord Shelton has stated he has no intention in marrying and does not care what happens to Greenwich Park after his own demise. What is it that he told Charles?"



"Oh, yes, I remember, 'When I am dust in a grave, I will have other concerns than who inherits the ground above me,'" snickered Caroline. "Anyway, I do not think he has any intention of marrying her. I think it is just, well, you know, a companionship of convenience." Again Caroline laughed.



Georgiana was utterly shocked at what she had just heard. Since she did not hear the first part of the conversation, she had no idea who was the lady in question and wondered at her identity. Furthermore, she could not believe that Lord Shelton was the type to engage in a lady's favors in such a scandalous manner. However, she realized that there was much to Lord Shelton that she did not know but given the fact that Darcy was his closest friend, Georgiana quickly came to the conclusion that the man could not be dishonourable. Wishing to remind the ladies that she was present in the room with them, Georgiana coughed.



Caroline quickly turned around and exclaimed, "Miss Darcy, my, you are quiet as a church mouse. I must apologize that we had forgotten that you were here. Did you hear all that was said?"



"No, not all. Who was the lady that you were talking about?' Georgiana was curious to know for all of a sudden, an intense sense of jealously overcame her.



"You do not know? Yes, of course you would not. However, since you will be out next year, maybe it is time you learn of some of the gossip that will surround you. We are discussing Lord Shelton's relationship with Lady Amelia Broadsworth, neé Lockhurst."

~*~*~*~

Darcy had a new purpose in his life today. He had to find Elzbieta and talk to her for he did not have much time left as the party was dispersing for London in a few days.

When he awoke for the second time, he quickly dressed and spent part of the morning walking around the gardens to gather his thoughts from the break of dawn. His epiphany from the morning would solve all of his problems with his attraction towards Elzbieta and he was quite sure she would understand his logic. She was the one who broached the subject of duty and how one's duty would lead to certain actions. The more he thought about it, the more he was certain that Elzbieta started the conversation to inform him of what actions he should take with regards towards her.



Rounding the corner he found the door to the library where he was sure Elzbieta would be and most importantly, would be alone. Standing in front of the door, Darcy took a deep breath to still his nerves and then slowly placed his hand on the knob. He hesitated but then turned the knob and entered the room. As he suspected, Elzbieta was there alone, sitting on the couch reading a book. When he entered, she looked up and gave him a quizzical look.



"Lady Elzbieta, do you have a moment? There is a matter of great import that I wish to discuss with you in private." Darcy felt his heart race.



Elzbieta closed her book and placed it beside her on the couch. "Yes. I believe we are alone right now if you wish to speak in private."



Darcy glanced around the room nervously and took another deep breath.



"Lady Elzbieta, in the short time that I have known you, I have come to the realization that you are the most remarkable woman that I have ever become acquainted with. Your wit and beauty have enraptured me from the beginning." Darcy paused to rub his hands together and to formulate his next thoughts.



"What I am trying to say is that I love you and wish to ask for your hand in marriage." Again Darcy stopped to rub his hands, closed his eyes and continued.



"I understand that you may perceive this proposal as sudden. However, I have given this matter much thought and am of a mind that a long engagement of four to six months would be appropriate in this instance so that you may acquaint yourself with England and our customs. I believe that you understand exactly what is the duty required for any Darcy, especially of you, as the next Mrs. Darcy. The length of the engagement is entirely up to you and how long it takes for you to learn about the Church of England so you can convert."



When Darcy finally opened his eyes he was surprised by the expression on Elzbieta's face for her eyes were narrowed and her lips white from being pressed into a thin line. She stared at him thusly for several seconds before she finally spoke.



"Words are inadequate to describe what I feel right now, Mr. Darcy but I will try. First, I am surprised at your offer of marriage as we have only known each other for a scant two months and though our conversations have been quite pleasant, I do not think that this is enough of a basis to enter into matrimony." Elzbieta stood up from her place on the couch and took a deep breath to calm herself down.



"However, the length of our acquaintance is not why I must refuse your offer."



"You refuse, but why?" Darcy quickly interjected before Elzbieta could continue.



"You speak of duty as if it was a foregone conclusion that if I were to marry you that I must convert. Your views of duty are vastly different from mine."


"I only insist on the conversion because that is the only way that I see you will be afforded all of the respect due to you as the next Mrs. Darcy. I will not have any Darcy spurned."



"Spurned, by whom?" Elzbieta queried, none too gently.



"Well, by society that matters, of course. Not all are receptive to Catholics within their ranks."



"You mean society such as you. You are the one who is not receptive to Catholics."



Exasperated, Darcy forcibly sat down on the couch Elzbieta vacated earlier, "That is not what I meant."



"Really, Mr. Darcy? You are the one conditioning your proposal on my conversion to your religion. I make no such request. Furthermore, you make it sound as if it were a Darcy's duty to follow the dictates of society be it right or wrong. I would assume a man in your position would see his duty as being a leader in that society, and not a mere minion."



Elzbieta clasped her hands in front of her as she felt their violent trembling and wanted to prevent Darcy from seeing such a display. Her intake of breath was audible, as if she were to begin gasping.



"My parents are no longer part of this realm, I know not when I will see my brother again, my birthright taken from me by the cruelty known as politics and my country wiped off the continent by that same cruelty. All that remains to me is my identity that is comprised of my nationality, title and religion. Yet, you seek to take away what little is left to me. No, Mr. Darcy, that cannot nor will not ever happen."



Elzbieta began walking towards the door but stopped short and turned around to face Darcy again.



"If things were reversed, if you were in Poland and met me there and I still had my estate, I then would be in the position to ask you to convert." She paused to take a breath.



"However, I would never do such a thing. Your religion is what made you the man that you are today, the man that I love."



Feeling tears stinging her eyes, Elzbieta quickly turned away and left the room. The door shut behind her with a loud thud, leaving a stunned Darcy behind; a Darcy who just realized that although Elzbieta refused his offer of marriage, she loved him.

~*~*~*~

A few days after Darcy's disastrous proposal, the party assembled at Greenwich Park was preparing to leave for London. During the intervening days, Darcy had successfully avoided encountering Elzbieta alone. By all outward appearances, he looked and acted in the same manner as he always did, giving no indication of the pain he felt within. However, if one were to look, to truly look and scrutinize his face, one would notice the dullness of his eyes and the deepening of colour beneath them from lack of sleep. Although his steely resolve enabled him to act during the day as if all were right within, the nights were a true test of his character. Sleep was elusive for Elzbieta's words regarding duty came to haunt him like menacing spirit intent on chaos.



The three carriages were lined up outside, waiting for its respective occupants to enter. Slowly the departing parties made their way out of the manor to start their journey to London. The Darcy's carriage was last in line and Georgiana and Darcy were standing in front of it, waiting for the others to depart before entering. During this time, Darcy was quiet and standing in an imposing manner to wait his turn when he turned to his right and noticed Caroline bounding towards them.



"Blast!" he muttered under his breath.



"Fitzwilliam! I heard that!" Georgiana quietly admonished.



"I apologize, Georgiana, I did not mean for you to hear that. It is just that I am in the mood to travel in quiet tranquility. I have a lot on my mind."



Georgiana glanced at the approaching figure and started her way towards the carriage when she tripped on the step leading to the carriage door. Darcy quickly reached out to his sister but was too late, for she had already fallen.



"Oooh, Fitzwilliam! I believe I have re-injured my weak ankle!"



By this time, Caroline had reached the Darcy party and ran over to Georgiana to aid her in any way.



"Miss Darcy! Are you alright? How can I be of assistance?"



Darcy had already picked up his sister and placed her in the carriage, arranging her legs along the length of the seat.



"I think Georgiana will have to keep her ankle up off of the ground. If she does so, I believe she should be in better condition once we reach Town." Darcy remarked to Caroline.



"Yes, yes, of course! I had come over to ask if I could ride back with you but seeing as how Miss Darcy must rest her foot there is no room for me." Seeing Charles impatiently waving at her, Caroline said her goodbyes and ran off to enter the Bingley carriage.



Once the two were already traveling in the carriage, Darcy looked at his sister and stared at her ankle.



"Are you feeling any better, Georgiana?"



Georgiana shyly glanced at her brother's face and slightly blushed.



"Yes, much better. I think once we are in Town, I should be right as rain."



"Good, good," Darcy remarked absentmindedly and then turned his head to watch the scenery as it passed by.



"Fitzwilliam?"



"Hmmm?"



"Is everything alright with you? You seem out of sorts."



Darcy turned back to look at his sister and sighed.



"It is nothing. Once we are back in Town and the season starts, I should, as you so eloquently like to put it, be right as rain."



"Now I know something is off. You never see the start of the season as something that could right you."



"I do not wish to elaborate. Why do you not rest awhile?"



"I am not tired but see that you are."



"Very well, I will rest." And with those words, Darcy leaned his head back against the carriage cushions and closed his eyes.



Georgiana stared at her brother, trying to figure out what could be wrong with him. She tried thinking back over the last few days to reconstruct the events in her mind, hoping something would alert her to the cause of her brother's behavior. Instead, however, she recalled the conversation she overhead while in the sitting room with Caroline and her sister.



"Fitzwilliam, you are quiet close with Lord Shelton, correct?"



Darcy opened his eyes and focused on his sister, wondering where this was leading to. "Yes, of course. He and Bings are my closest friends. I see them more as brothers, that is how close I am with the two. But you are quite aware of that. Why?"



"You would not be friends with anyone who is dishonourable, would you?" Georgiana shifted herself on the seat and was now sitting upright, her feet on the floorboards below.



"No, I could not." Darcy scratched his chin.



"I, I over heard something regarding Lord Shelton that did not sound very favourable. Do you know who is Lady Amelia Broadsworth?"



Darcy's eyebrows shot up in alarm. "What did you hear? Who discussed this with you? Wait, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, yes?"



Georgiana shyly nodded. "Is it true Lord Shelton does not ever wish to marry?"



Sighing, Darcy answered, "That is his intention for now." He hoped that she would drop the subject but knew she would not.



"Oh." Georgiana remarked weakly.



"Georgiana, I gather you have heard that Shelty has some sort of relationship with Lady Amelia. I am not comfortable with discussing this subject with you but I will tell you that Shelty in essential principles is a good man. He is not taking advantage of anyone, has not made promises he will not keep, nor has he seduced anyone."



"I do not understand, then why is he with her?"



"No one likes to be alone, even those who profess otherwise." Darcy leaned his head back, feeling the exhaustion from the past few days overpowering him.



"But, but if he does not want to marry, Fitzwilliam, I am a bit confused."



Darcy gathered his thoughts to formulate an answer that he could give his sister that would not shock her for how could discuss such a subject with her without embarrassment.



"Georgiana, this is not easy for me. This is matter that you would normally discuss with a female relative." Darcy sighed deeply. "However, given that you have neither a mother nor an older sister, I am afraid this lot has fallen upon my shoulders." An image of Wickham appeared in his mind and Darcy slightly shuddered. He knew he had to be honest with her that she would never fall prey to another again.



"Tell me, Georgiana, have you ever given thought as to why a woman's virtue is so important?" he asked in a low voice.



"Because a good woman waits until marriage to bestow her favors?" Georgiana hesitantly asked and felt tears come to her eyes.



"Well, yes, . . . some say that but I believe that there is a more practical reason. I guess, given the circumstances of the past, I should have spoken to you earlier about this but it is a subject that is difficult for me to discuss openly with you. You see, it is about wealth and land." Darcy felt the beginnings of perspiration on his brow and wiped it off with his hand. "You see, some men feel that the only way he can be sure that his wife carries his heir is if he is the first. Do you understand what I am trying to say?"



Georgiana stared at her brother for a few moments until the import of his words struck her. "Oh! But what has that got to do with Lord Shelton?"



"Quite a lot, actually. Some men marry only to ensure an heir and once that heir is produced, well, the parties involved then look elsewhere for their comforts. Shelty grew up in that environment and it affected him deeply. He does not wish to marry because he does not want make vows he thinks he cannot keep. In a way, that is a good reason not to marry."



Georgiana was surprised for she had never expected Darcy to reveal this much and was glad that he did because in his way, he was beginning to treat her less as a child and more as a sister. In addition, his explanation, in an odd sort of way, gave comfort to herself.



"And Lord Shelton is lonely but wishes he were not, does he? That is why he visits Lady Amelia."



Darcy smiled in relief that his sister understood what he was awkwardly trying to explain.



"Fitzwilliam, do you know why at Ramsgate I told you of my intentions to elope with Wickham?" Georgiana stared down at her feet and blushed, her brows now knitted on her forehead.



A light groan escaped from Darcy's lips. "No, but I am ever grateful that you did."



Hesitantly, Georgiana continued. "I could not deceive you." Seeing Darcy blanch and hearing his teeth grind together as he clenched his jaw, she quickly added, "I wanted you to approve, to get your blessing. Wickham told me that your blessing was not needed for now we were one. That is when the doubt crept in, that is why I told you." Now it was her turn to look away and watch the scenery pass by. She felt so ashamed and embarrassed. She wished she could change the past, to make things better.



Although Darcy was quite angry, he said nothing for he realized that Georgiana was finally opening up over the pain Wickham had caused and did not want reward her trust in him with harshness, so Darcy patted the hands in her lap instead.



"Georgiana, I do not blame you for anything that happened. In fact, I take all of the blame. If I had been more open with you and allowed you feel that you could ask me anything regarding any subject, you might have come to me from the very begining. Do not fret." Seeing Georgiana's head turned away from him, Darcy tried to lighten the mood.



"Is your ankle better?"



Georgiana turned back to face her brother and nodded with a slight smile on her lips.



"And Georgiana, you must stop tripping." Darcy grinned and leaned back before adding, "You know how much I abhor deceit of any kind!"



Chapter 10

Several months had passed since the party left Greenwich Park and Darcy had seen little of Elzbieta. Yet not a day went by when he did not think of her even if it was but for a fleeting moment. All his mind could concentrate on was the fact that she said that she loved him, but they could not be together. Hence, the few occasions when he was in the company of Elzbieta were painful for gone was the easy banter between them, replaced with a polite distance on both their parts. However, even he had to admit that he was grateful that she continued her friendship with Georgiana since his sister looked up to her new friend with admiration.



Since it was nearing Easter, Darcy was at Rosings on his annual sojourn with Fitzwilliam to visit their aunt and cousin. And still he thought of her. Currently, he was walking aimlessly along the paths surrounding his aunt's mansion, trying his best to cool his temper for each year his aunt attempted to remind Darcy of his duty and honour to both the Darcy and Fitzwilliam families and marry his cousin Anne. However, each year his aunt was more insufferable than the last. This morning was the worst he had ever seen her for his aunt had cornered him in the library and demanded a date for the engagement. This demand did not bother him as much as one would suppose, as it was the way his aunt invoked the memory of his mother that bothered and angered him.



"Fitzwilliam, enough is enough. The time is now for you to realize your obligations to your family. I have been patient for far too long, you know what you must do and make the announcement. Think of Anne, she is close in age to you and should have been your wife long ago. Your dear mother wanted this. Each year you curtail this marriage you denigrate the wishes of your mother, how can you let this be? Have you no respect for your mother's memory and the Darcy name, especially when you consider what this marriage will mean for future generations of Darcys?"



Darcy stopped in front of a tall oak and studied it closely. It was a tree he and Richard would climb as young boys to escape the ladies of Rosings and pretend to be pirates on a ship, climbing high as if towards the eagle's nest on a ship. He snapped a low hanging branch and whipped it around, trying in vain to relive those childish times. Soon after, he dropped the branch and leaned his back against the tree.



"You cannot bully me into this. I have neither the inclination nor patience for this discussion. Unless times have changed drastically, it is still the gentleman's prerogative to decide whom and when he shall marry and not the province of any other person, much less that gentleman's aunt."



He did not intend to speak so harshly to his aunt but since his failed proposal at the beginning of the year, Darcy was on edge; his temper inconsolable. In a way, it was his fault that she had cornered him in the library for this entire trip he was distracted and barely spoke to either his aunt or cousin. Any allusion to the marriage made by his aunt resulted in an involuntary wince from Darcy. Those looks alone were enough to cause a confrontation.



Darcy straightened up off of the tree and began the unwanted trek back to the mansion. All of sudden, Elzbieta's words came back to haunt him like they did so many times before.



"I would assume a man in your position would see his duty as being a leader in that society, and not as a mere minion."



With his hands clasped behind his back and his head hung low in thought, Darcy continued his slow gait. In a way, Darcy never thought of his position as Elzbieta put it. Since his childhood, his concern was to ensure that the Darcy name was upstanding and free from scandal, as suffocating as it was at times. Immediately, Darcy's thoughts turned towards the final words Elzbieta said to him:



"Your religion is what made you the man that you are today… the man that I love."



How could he reconcile his love for her with her religion being what it was? He knew not. She rejected conversion and the only alternative was to accept her religion but could his family and society accept it as well? It was most probable they would not. Could he? He still had no answer. As he walked, Darcy thought about Georgiana and the Ramsgate affair. He knew his actions during that time only served to reinforce the shame that his sister felt once he was aware of all of the details. Now, almost a year later, Darcy thought he should have gone with his initial reaction and challenged Wickham to a duel but instead, he sent Wickham off in order to keep the affair quiet so that no one would know what had happened between the two. All his actions were to prevent what could have happened to the Darcy name should word get out. In the end, all he ever concerned himself with was the Darcy name.



Finally, Darcy reached the doors of the mansion and hesitated before entering. He still had to face his aunt and cousin again and he was of no mind to continue the earlier discussion. He decided against seeking refuge in his chambers and chose instead to find a book in the library, hoping that some reading would quiet his disturbed mind. Once he entered the library, he was surprised for he was not alone as expected. Instead, sitting off to the side and staring at the middle of the room was Anne.



"Forgive me Anne, I did not mean to disturb you, I only came in search of a book to read." Darcy was about to retreat from the room when Anne spoke.



"Please, do not leave yet. I have been waiting here for some time, hoping to catch you alone at some point. I wish to discuss a matter of great import with you."



Resigning to his miserable fate, Darcy entered the library fully and sat at a chair furthest from his cousin.



"Very well, what is this matter you wish to discuss with me?"



"Fitzwilliam, I am sure you know what this is about for you had this discussion with Mother just this morning." Anne stared at Darcy intently as she spoke to him.



Immediately, Darcy grew alarmed. Never had he thought that Anne would have the temerity to broach the subject of their alleged engagement.



"Actually, Anne, I am quite surprised since your mother is under the mistaken notion that I am betrothed to you, however, I cannot recall ever making an offer to you." Darcy stopped short of adding "or any other woman".



Anne's gaze never left Darcy's face as he spoke. Her lips now contorted as she answered, "Really, Fitzwilliam, you know this match was made when we were but babes. Once the Pemberley and Rosings estates are united in marriage we will have the combined income of close to £19,000 per annum. Does that not come into your consideration? Once your heir is born, I will not care what you do with your free time for the future generations' status and fortune will be secured. That is all that truly matters."



Darcy was appalled at the words coming from his cousin's mouth. As was his custom when agitated or nervous, Darcy began rubbing his hands.



"Anne, first, this conversation is inappropriate given that I have not nor will not make an offer but I wish to clarify my position on the matter since it is quite evident that neither you nor your mother will accept anything but the plainest words from me as my previous actions have failed to make my wishes apparent." Darcy ran his hand through his hair in a harsh manner.



"What you suggest amounts to nothing more than a marriage of convenience, and that is something that I will never do. If it were otherwise, Anne, do you not think we would have married long ago? Unlike others, I cannot enter into the state of matrimony and vow before God that I will honour the woman who will be my wife and later make a mockery of those very vows by behaving in a manner that is inconsistent with my principles. So, I will state this in the simplest manner possible, I cannot marry you." Darcy's heart was now racing with both anger and embarrassment at the present situation.



"But, but what of your mother's wishes!" Anne countered sharply.



Darcy stood up from his chair and peered down at his cousin. "Anne, my mother's life was extinguished when I was a mere boy of twelve. There is no telling what her wishes would be should she still be alive today. I hope, no I am quite certain, that she would have enough confidence in my ability to determine the appropriate course of my life."



He turned away as if to leave but hesitated and turned towards Anne to give his final thoughts, "I am sorry that your mother's words and actions throughout the years have given you cause to maintain expectations as to our union. However, I have always treated you in a civil manner but if you took that civility to mean a possible proposal, well, that was your perception and not mine." With those last words Darcy quitted the room.



Once he left the library in haste, Darcy headed straight to Richard's room and pounded on the door. When his cousin bade him to enter, Darcy did immediately.



Fitzwilliam was in the process of rummaging through his belongings but when he saw the look on Darcy's face, he exclaimed, "Good God, Will! Whatever is the matter? You look as if you just came from battle."



Still standing in the doorway, Darcy responded in a tone that his cousin knew that there was no room for contradiction. "Pack your things. We are leaving as soon as possible. I will not spend a minute more here than is necessary. Aunt Catherine and Anne have gone too far this time. I will explain in the carriage but I fear if I continue speaking right now, that I will take my venom out on you." And suddenly Darcy left, leaving a bewildered Richard Fitzwilliam behind.



Several hours and a fierce argument from their aunt later, the two were safely ensconced within Darcy's carriage en route to London. Fitzwilliam stretched his legs out and pulled a flask from his breast-pocket. Once he opened the flask and took a swig, he wordlessly offered it to Darcy who reached over and grabbed it. Taking a deep draught, Darcy slouched down in his seat and handed the flask back to his cousin.



"So, how long are you going to keep me in suspense? What the bloody hell happened back there?"



Darcy slightly smiled at Fitzwilliam's earthy language and arched his brow, "What else could it be? The two of them separately questioned me when the engagement would take place."



Fitzwilliam quickly took another sip from his flask and handed it back to Darcy. "You jest! No, no, you would not. How could they?" He then began to laugh uproariously. "I always knew Aunt Catherine was a bit batty, but, that! I suppose then you had to finally set matters straight?'



Darcy drank from the flask and grimly nodded.



"You know, Darcy, I always wondered why you were so opposed to the marriage. It would be a good match, and you know it. Pemberley and Rosings united, the income from that joining would be stupendous." Fitzwilliam motioned for the flask and when Darcy handed it to him, he took a sip.



"I do not love Anne and am certain that I never would." Darcy felt the beginning twinges of a headache.



Laughing, Fitzwilliam took another sip. "Love? What does love have to do with anything? This is marriage we are talking about! It is an entwining of fortunes, contracts negotiated and not some frippery such as love. "



Darcy responded tersely, "Well then, why have you not offered for Anne." He then grabbed the flask from his cousin and drank.



"Oh, believe me I would have if I thought that harridan of an aunt of ours would approve. However, she has repeatedly stated that Anne was destined for you and no other. Besides, I do not have a fortune and am quite sure Aunt Catherine would refuse her consent."



"A hard lot you have there, Richard." Darcy replied sarcastically.



"Please, Will. It is not like life with Anne would be so bad. Marry her, unite the fortunes, beget an heir and then get a pretty young thing as a mistress. Then you will have both a proper marriage and love, if you so choose." Fitzwilliam reached across to Darcy and took the flask from his hands and drank from it.



Darcy stared at his cousin as he enjoyed the whiskey and sighed. "Having a mistress does not equate love, Richard. You confuse physical pleasure with the emotion, although I believe with emotion comes the other." Darcy paused before adding, "Besides, I have no desire to attend a Cyprian ball, parading for all to see that I am unable to keep my promise before God to my wife."



Signaling the end of the conversation, Darcy took the flask from Fitzwilliam and took a few sips before handing it back. Rain was beginning to fall lightly and Darcy turned his head to watch the trail of drops on the window in its decent. Wishing to determine the extent of opposition to a marriage to Elzbieta, Darcy turned his head from the window and drew his attention back to his cousin.



"Richard, if I do not marry Anne, who would the family consider as a suitable replacement?" Darcy inwardly cringed as the last word escaped from his lips.



"Why, you have someone in mind?"



"In this instance, it is a rhetorical question."



"Oh, I am sure a lady with a sizable fortune would do nicely."



Darcy elaborated, "What if her fortune were not so sizable? But instead, what if she were a noblewoman?"



"A peer then? That always smoothes ruffled feathers." Upon noting the empty contents of his flask, Fitzwilliam replaced it into his breast pocket.



"No, not part of the peerage, a foreigner."



"Hmm, well, that changes things a bit. A foreign noblewoman without a large fortune." Fitzwilliam mused. "That might not go well but if she is very high ranking, I think the family might accept. Planning a trip, Darcy? Going to go find yourself a German princess? I will not put it past you." Fitzwilliam laughed.



Smiling at his cousin, Darcy pressed further. "What if she were of a different religion, say Catholic?"



Fitzwilliam immediately stopped laughing. "You cannot be serious? No, knowing you, it was but a jest! Catholic! That would send Aunt Catherine into a fit of hysteria, not to mention my father!" Fitzwilliam again laughed and this time, he slapped his knee at the absurdity of Darcy's suggestion.



Knowing now the dreaded answer that he sought, Darcy felt a pool of regret form in his heart. He began to wonder why the opinions of others mattered so much to him if he behaved in a manner that he considered honourable. He knew now that the likelihood of Elzbieta ever being accepted as part of his family was slim. However, Darcy began to wonder, whose approbation was most important in his life: society's, his family's, or his own.

~*~*~*~

Darcy's life, once back in London, began to fall into its usual routine. He paid attention to his various obligations with a renewed fervor and Georgiana was preoccupied with her tutors. The Season was drawing to a close and soon Darcy, Shelton and Bingley would go the last grand ball before the city would empty of its notable occupants. The three planned that they would meet at the ball and together navigate the treacherous waters filled with single women, hopeful parents and potential business partners.



When the day of the ball finally arrived, Darcy prepared for the evening's activities by cursing at his valet for laying out a pair of breeches. Jones, his trustworthy valet, was immune to his master's rants for he was quite aware that Darcy detested breeches but breeches were a requirement for attendance at the ball and breeches he would wear. However, what his valet did not know was that Darcy had that day learned that Elzbieta and her sister would also be in attendance and was fearful of his reaction when he would see her. Darcy had fought so hard since Rosings to put her out of his mind and worried that all the emotions that he finally held at bay would come rushing forward once he viewed those Slavic blue eyes of hers.



Once at the ball, Darcy searched for Bingley and Shelton but before he could find them, he grabbed a glass of brandy off of a tray a servant was carrying. He quickly drained the glass and handed it to another servant. When he finally found the other two, the three of them stood off to the side, watching the people gathered before them. At the start of the first set, Shelton and Bingley left Darcy's side to dance with their partners, Shelton with Lady Amelia and Bingley with Janina. Darcy stood alone and then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw her and was just as lovely as he remembered. She was dancing with some gentleman that Darcy only visually knew and immediately felt a pang of jealousy.



However, since Darcy was never in love before, he did not recognize the jealous emotion for what it was. When a servant walked by, Darcy, without thinking, grabbed a glass from the tray and emptied it in haste. By the time the first set was complete, Darcy had consumed another glass. As Darcy was starting his fourth glass of brandy of the night, Bingley approached him in an excited manner.



"Darce, what are you doing here, standing in such a manner?"



Darcy took a small sip from his glass before responding. "I am just standing. I have not decided if I will dance or not."



Normally, Bingley would take this opening and antagonize Darcy into dancing with a pretty woman but since he was bubbling with excitement, he did not continue with talks of dancing nor did he notice the slight shine in Darcy's eyes from three and a half glasses of brandy.



"Well, since you are not occupied right now, I would like to ask your opinion on a matter important to me."



"You wish to propose." Darcy wryly stated.



"Yes, she is the woman I have been waiting for. However, I am unsure how to go about it." Bingley glanced around the room in an excited manner until his gaze fell upon Janina.



In no mood for Bingley's excitement, Darcy sardonically replied, "You get a moment alone and ask for her hand."



"You know that is not what I meant. What of her religion? Should I ask her to convert?"



Darcy, knowing with certainty the answer he would receive if he were to ask Janina to convert, gulped down the rest of his glass. However, Bingley was his closest friend and if any good were to come from Darcy's ill-fated proposal, maybe guiding his friend was it.



When he handed his empty glass to a passing servant, Darcy replied, "I think you should take a different approach. Maybe you should not act rashly or hastily. Being Polish, I do not think Lady Janina would take kindly to any request for conversion. Instead, ask if you could formally court her and give her a chance to see if she would like to stay in England and for both of you to determine if you are able to confront any opposition to your potential pairing."



"Oh, I see." Bingley thought about Darcy's words and then a smile slowly spread across his face. He spied a servant and motioned for him to come with his tray filled with drink and chose two glasses, handing one to Darcy and keeping one for himself.



"Yes, a very good idea. Who knows what a fool Lady Janina would think of me if I came barreling towards her asking for her hand and a conversion at the same time. Well, man, I think you would agree that this calls for a congratulatory toast. Disaster averted! I will speak to her tomorrow." Bingley hoisted his glass in the air and when Darcy reluctantly did the same, Bingley continued, "To happiness that is destined our ways!" and took a sip of brandy.



Darcy also took a sip and watched as Bingley left him to join Lady Janina and Elzbieta who had joined her following the end of the first set. A sense of melancholy overcame him and watched as the three of them conversed and laughed. Then, Elzbieta turned her head and caught Darcy's gaze. They stared at each other briefly before both turned away, one in bitterness and the other in embarrassment.



When Darcy turned away, his head swirled and he realized his grave error in not being cognizant of the amount of brandy he had drank. He gathered his wits together to leave the ballroom and seek sanctuary in an empty room with, what he hoped were several open windows and pot of coffee somewhere. As the party were milling about in the minutes before the commencement of the second set, Darcy made his way across the room to a door leading out to the hallway.



Once out in the hallway, Darcy felt a bit disorientated and stood still to determine in which direction he should go. He took a tentative step and headed forward and soon was walking in a brisk pace to a door at the hallway's end. Since Darcy was concentrating hard to maintain both his gait and balance, he failed to notice that the rug in front of the door he was heading towards was bunched in its middle and caught his foot against it. His careful balance gone, Darcy felt himself lurching forward and he fought to maintain his upright position when just before his probable fall, he felt a pair of hands grab his arm, effectively stopping his downward movement. Darcy turned around to thank the person when to his horror; he saw a pair of Slavic blue eyes staring back at him.



"Lady Elzbieta! Th, thank you." Darcy began rubbing his brow with the heel of his hand, wishing he could erase his presence.



"I found the ballroom too warm for my pleasure and sought a cool room to sit and get comfortable in. Would you care to join me?" Elzbieta had a soft smile on her face and waited for Darcy's response.



"I, yes, well….Of course, it would be my pleasure." Darcy wanted to be alone given his current state but felt it was best if he did not make any rapid movements in any direction and gallantly offered his arm. He felt Elzbieta take it and allowed her to lead them through the door he was originally heading towards.



Elzbieta guided Darcy to a chair in the room which he quickly sat in. Thinking that the worst was over and that Elzbieta would quit his company, he was surprised when she sat in the chair next to him. However, she did not initiate any conversation and the two sat in an uncomfortable silence.



"Are you enjoying your time in Town?" Darcy asked to break the stillness and slight spinning in the room.



"Yes, but I do miss the country. There are not too many places for me to go horseback riding."



"There are some parks where you could ride in. I am sure Shelty would show you. Parks like… parks…. You know, I believe that I have lost my train of thought." Darcy propped his elbow up on the armrest of his chair and rested his head against his hand.



"Mr. Darcy, are you feeling well?" asked an amused Elzbieta.



"Hmmm? Yes, yes. I just need some fresh air, that is all. However, since we are currently in Town I doubt that the air could be fresh but that is all I need, fresh air. Pemberley has a multitude of fresh air." Promptly Darcy closed his eyes and hoped Elzbieta would leave before he did or said anything he would regret in the morning. One thing that was common knowledge among Darcy, Shelton and Bingley was that whenever Darcy had a bit too much to drink, he had a tendency to become garrulous in direct opposition to his normal state.



Elzbieta stared at Darcy and stifled a small giggle that threatened to escape her lips by clamping her hand over her mouth. When she removed her hand, she quickly asked, "Mr. Darcy? How much have you had to drink?"



Opening his eyes, Darcy turned and looked at Elzbieta. "Mademoiselle, I can assure you that I, unlike others, know when to stop and I am at that point that I should most definitely stop. Besides, I only drank four, five, maybe six glasses of weak brandy. However, if it were whisky, well, then, I would most certainly be in trouble. Alas, I am most fortunate that I am tall, for a tall man is better able to consume spirits. Short men, however, must be more cautious. Short men like the one you were dancing with. That little slip of a man would be under the table by now."



"Yes, sir, Mr. Darcy, I can see you are a man that knows when to stop. Have you eaten much today?"



During this time with Darcy, Elzbieta thought that she would be uncomfortable being in the same room with him but was diverted since she had never seen Darcy after a few too many brandies. While still in the ballroom, Elzbieta saw Darcy leave and followed him to discuss the matter of her arriving at Pemberley during the summer months. She wanted to let him know that she would do her best to avoid coming to Pemberley, if he so wished. However, seeing him fall, a sense of protectiveness overcame her and she decided to stay and ensure that Darcy would stay out of harm's way, given his current state. And perhaps gain insight as to why he proposed and asked her to convert, for she was not convinced that he loved her, despite his declaration months ago. She was convinced that Darcy was merely infatuated with her and nothing more.



"Eat? Well of course I ate today, do so every day. Hang on, you know, I believe I did not eat today." Even in Darcy's muddled mind he knew that the situation was more extreme than previously thought and began to panic.



Elzbieta stood up. "Wait here. I will be right back, but, please for your own sake, do not leave." She quickly left the room but not without turning around one more time and mouthed the word "stay" to Darcy.



Now alone in the room, Darcy leaned back in his chair and began to curse at himself for allowing himself to be inebriated at a ball, and of all things, allowing Elzbieta see the fruits of his folly. Then, in the midst of his thoughts, he thought of Bingley and his announcement. Darcy shook his head when he realized that unlike him, his friend had a good chance of ending up with his love. As he thought this, Darcy grew uneasy for he understood now that his proposal to Elzbieta was quite unexpected and harsh as Elzbieta was blindsided by his application. She was in a strange country with strange customs, and he after a short time of acquaintance come asking for her hand and demanding her to leave she knew behind, not to mention her faith. Hubris, he thought. Pure hubris.



Soon, the door to the room opened and Elzbieta walked in, carrying a large plate with a mound of pastries that it shared with a cup balanced upon it. When she reached Darcy, she placed the plate on a table and pulled the table a short distance towards the chair he was sitting.



Sitting down, Elzbieta directed Darcy, "Eat this, I promise it will make you feel better. The cup has coffee but I recommend eating a few of the pastries so the coffee will not turn your stomach."



Darcy stared at the plate next to him and slowly picked up a pastry. He looked at it and then bit into it. Once he began eating, his appetite made itself known and in a short amount of time, he cleared the plate of sweets and began drinking the coffee. As Darcy was eating, Elzbieta stared at him, watching his every movement like a mother watching a child who refused to eat his legumes but did so to please her. Feeling better and in a bit more control of his tongue, Darcy glanced at Elzbieta.



"Thank you. I think that is exactly what I needed. Please, allow me to apologize for my boorish behaviour."



"No, Mr. Darcy, you have nothing to apologize for. I have seen men in a state such as yours. It is not an affront to me. Why even as you are, you have been proper."



"That is not what I am speaking of. I refer back to my behaviour back at Greenwich Park." Darcy's last words hung in the air like a curtain between the two.



Even though Darcy was in more control of his senses after eating, he still was in an impaired state and still felt the need to talk and reveal all the thoughts tumbling in his mind.



"Do you know my full name, Lady Elzbieta? It is Fitzwilliam Darcy. The Darcy name is upstanding and respected by many. However, you may not know that my Christian name, Fitzwilliam, was my mother's surname before her marriage to my father. More importantly, her father was the Earl Fitzwilliam until his death which then passed to my uncle. So, you see, I have to live up to the standards of not one but two esteemed families." Darcy tilted his head and regarded Elzbieta with a look of resigned sadness. "Nothing I do is ever just what I want but I must always have an eye on how my actions affect future generations. That is how I was raised."



Elzbieta returned Darcy's look with a steadfastness of her own. "Mr. Darcy, you do not have to explain yourself. What is past is done with."



Quickly, Darcy stopped her from continuing. "No, I want you to understand. Never once did I consider what your thoughts were nor who you are. I was too preoccupied with my own concerns and trying to determine what was the logical way to proceed. I, I was too engrossed with my concerns. I never stopped to think how my declaration would appear to you. I am surprised that you can tolerate sitting here in the same room as me." He drank the remaining coffee left in his cup and took a deep breath.



"I know you are coming to Pemberley as part of Shelty's party. I want you to know that you should not be afraid of me trying to renew any sentiments that you have already rejected. I promise to be as unobtrusive as possible whilst you are there."



Elzbieta was unnerved by Darcy's speech. "No, Mr. Darcy, Pemberley is your home. I cannot ask you to act as a visitor there. I, in fact, wanted to ask if you would prefer that I not come. I could stay behind with Lord Shelton's mother in Town."



Darcy shook his head. "You should come. Georgiana is looking forward to showing all of the beauty Pemberley has to offer and will be disappointed if you do not come. I will do my best to ensure that you will not feel uncomfortable. I take my duty as host seriously. Promise you will come. Not for me but for my sister."

Unable to refuse such a request, Elzbieta nodded her agreement and immediately wondered at what she had done.

Smiling at Elzbieta, Darcy spoke, "Good, good. It is settled then, you will come to Pemberley and I will merely be host. All will be well, you will see."

Realizing how much time she had spent away from the ballroom, Elzbieta stood up. "I think you are well enough to be alone now, Mr. Darcy. If you would excuse me, I should return to the ball before my sister becomes worried. I will inform Lord Shelton and Mr. Bingley that you will return in a little while, is that alright with you?"


"Yes, yes. Thank you. I would appreciate that."

Darcy watched as Elzbieta left the room and hoped that Elzbieta now viewed him in a more favorable light, not as a potential suitor but someone she could be in the same room with and not feel any embarrassment.

~*~*~*~

Chapter 11

Once more Darcy and Elzbieta stood together near the edge of a chalk cliff. The mist hung heavy in the air. This time, however, Darcy was as damp as Elzbieta, his wet hair plastered against the sides of his face, the same as hers. Darcy looked at Elzbieta intently before telling her, "This is madness, you must stay."

Elzbieta shook her head. "No, as I have told you before, I must go. There is no other way."

Upon speaking those words, Elzbieta immediately jumped off of the cliff to the sea below. However, Darcy did not scramble to peer over the cliff's edge, instead, he jumped off the cliff after her.

Darcy opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling above him. As usual, his heart was racing and his breathing slightly ragged. This version of the dream was reoccurring almost nightly and he wondered what it could mean. All he knew was today was the day everyone was arriving to spend the end of the summer months at Pemberley and most notably, Elzbieta was part of that party.

Since the hour for rising was reasonable, Darcy got up and started his morning routine. Once he was presentable, he went and checked on the servants to ensure the preparations for his arriving guests were being performed. After that was done, Darcy went into his study to read his various letters of business that needed attending to but could not concentrate on the words before him for his mind kept wandering to the fact that soon Elzbieta would be at Pemberley. He knew not what would happen once she arrived but hoped that at a minimum, Elzbieta would be civil towards him and allow him to repair the damage that his ill fated proposal had caused between them.

~*~*~*~

The party had been at Pemberley for several days, during which time Georgiana had taken both Elzbieta and Janina on a carriage tour of the grounds. This particular morning, Elzbieta decided to eat a light breakfast and explore the estate on her own by foot. In particular, she wanted see the large lake that so attracted her and to investigate it fully without any conversation. The time she spent in London during the Season had been trying for soon she began pining for the open air and trees that one could only find in the country.

Now nearing the lake, her quick pace slowed as she began studying the various vegetation and trees surrounding it. She had to admit to herself that Pemberley was all that Miss Bingley said, impressive and beautiful. However, Elzbieta was sure that Miss Bingley was referring to the mansion that was the Darcy residence instead of all of the lovely trees and verdant hills that surrounded said residence. As she was admiring a particularly large oak near the lake's edge, she heard a large splash. Elzbieta turned her attention towards the lake and lightly gasped at what she saw in the water; two large, white storks with their red bills pointing towards the ground searching for food. She smiled at the birds, wondering how in the world these two birds ended up at Pemberley as England was not known for storks, unlike Poland.

With that realization, Elzbieta felt a twinge of homesickness and looked sadly around her, wishing she were home. As beautiful as everything was, she knew she was far away. Even the colours here in England were different. Woods in Poland were resplendent with shades of black, brown, and yellow which lent everything a primeval air. Here, everything was a deep green which gave Elzbieta a sense of being in the midst of a medieval landscape. She appreciated its beauty but at the same time was fully aware that she was not in Poland. Elzbieta began her trek back to the main building by following the path that she was on. Up ahead, another path met hers and soon she was startled by a tall figure ambling towards her, with his head down as if lost in thought. Stopping short to avoid running into the figure, she was surprised to see Darcy in front of her.

Looking up, Darcy exclaimed, "Lady Elzbieta! I did not expect to see you here, walking, that is." Darcy repositioned his hat upon his head. "I would have thought that you would be out on horseback."

Elzbieta gave a small smile. "I wanted to see the lake and thought it would be better on foot." She did not feel the need to explain that since her parents' deaths, she never went on horseback near water. Quickly, she added, "You have storks, Mr. Darcy. They do not migrate here. How is it that you have a pair here?"

Darcy smiled at Elzbieta and offered his arm to her which she took. They took a few steps when he answered, "Well, my astute sister once told a red-haired acquaintance of ours that I seemed to have a fascination for things Polish."

Elzbieta gave Darcy a confused look as they continued their walk towards the main building, now in sight. Seeing her confusion, Darcy explained, "When in Poland, I heard of the tradition that storks nesting at a residence brought good luck and prosperity to the household." Darcy paused and looked at Elzbieta. "Let us just say that at the time I arranged for delivery of the storks, I felt that Pemberley was in need of good luck."

Elzbieta nodded in sympathy before adding, "You arranged this soon after your father died, yes?"

The two of them were now in front of the residence's grand steps. Darcy stopped and again looked at Elzbieta, "Yes. If anyone would understand, I guess it would be you." Soon a smile surfaced on Darcy's lips. "I have something else to show you that I think you would be interested in. Would you care to see it?"

Elzbieta wondered what it could be and her curiosity answered for her. "Yes, what is it?"

Darcy continued his smile and escorted her up the steps. "It is in the gallery. It is a new painting that I acquired."

When the two were in the gallery, Elzbieta walked around, trying to find the painting Darcy referred to but as she had no idea as to what the painting was, she did not know what she was looking for. Soon she stopped in front a large painting of a handsome couple, a dark haired man standing behind a seated fair-haired woman. Staring at the man in the painting, she realized who this couple was.

"These are your parents, Mr. Darcy?"

Darcy then walked over to where Elzbieta was and stood next to her. "Yes, they are."

Elzbieta stared at the man in the portrait and then at Darcy. "You look very much like your father. One could say that you are a younger version of him."

Darcy laughed softly at the comment. "Perhaps but I believe I am now the same age as my father was when he sat for that portrait. Come, we are not far from the painting I wished to show you."


Darcy then walked a short distance away and stood in front of a painting. Elzbieta followed him and took her place by his side. She stared at the painting and studied the scene of a group of people enjoying an excursion on a lake. When she soon realized what she was looking at, she remarked excitedly, "This is a Norblin! How did you ever get this?"

Pleased at Elzbieta's response, Darcy explained, "When I was in Warsaw, I came across Norblin's work and was impressed. So much so, that I tried in vain to acquire some of his paintings. Unfortunately, it is now becoming easier to get such paintings as people are more willing to sell than before. I have another one that I have had for a few years. Over here." Darcy walked a few steps to his right

and showed a painting that depicted a market scene in Warsaw.

Again Elzbieta exclaimed, "I know that place! My aunt and uncle have a townhouse in Praga." Smiling at the painting, Elzbieta slowly stated, "You know, my family is tied with Norblin. In fact, my Uncle Adam invited him to stay in Poland to paint."

Darcy's brows shot up in surprise. "You mean to say that Prince Adam Czartoryski is your uncle! The same man who declined being a candidate for the Polish crown to become a patron of the arts instead?"

Upon seeing Darcy's expression, Elzbieta laughed. "Well, he is not really an uncle, we are related but it is more distant. I believe his is my father's second cousin. However, since he is much older than Janina, Marek and I, we call him Uncle Adam."

Shaking his head in disbelief, Darcy could only stare at Elzbieta in wonderment. "Uncle Adam? I still cannot believe this." Then all of a sudden, Darcy felt a twinge of guilt. Now realizing fully the type of society Elzbieta was from unsettled Darcy. "Well, I guess I should be off. There are matters of business I must attend to. Part of the responsibilities of owing an estate, I suppose."

When Elzbieta nodded her understanding, Darcy soon left.

~*~*~*~

A few more days at Pemberley passed when a letter from Marek arrived for Janina and Elzbieta. However, the letter was almost a year old for it had gotten lost several times before it arrived at Greenwich Park where Shelton's steward finally forwarded it to the sisters at Pemberley. Although the news contained in the letter was now old, the sisters learned that their brother joined the Polish army under Prince Jozef Poniatowski and was preparing to join in Napoleon's battle against the Sixth Coalition forces. In his letter, Marek's words were thoughtful and confident. However, Elzbieta and Janina were filled with fear in direct opposition to the hope filled words of their brother. They knew already of Napoleon's disastrous defeat at the Battle of Leipzig, the death of Prince Poniatowski in battle, and now were worried of the fate of Marek.

The day following the arrival of Marek's letter, Janina and Elzbieta decided to try as best as they could to act as normally as possible for no good could come of letting anyone know of their worries. There was no way of knowing what had happened and if anything was wrong, for they were sure their aunt and uncle would have written to them by now if anything was wrong. So the two sisters intended to try and enjoy themselves as much as they possibly could, given the circumstances. With that goal in mind, they joined the party in a picnic on the grounds.

The picnic was pleasant and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. When it was time to head back to the mansion, for the weather was beginning to turn towards rain, everyone paired up for the walk back, Louisa with her husband, Georgiana with Caroline (for Georgiana had asked Caroline to describe the latest fashions from Town), Darcy, Shelton and Elzbieta together and in the rear, Bingley with Janina. Once they arrived at the main house, everyone then noticed that Bingley and Janina were missing. As the remaining party entered the main doors, the heavens opened up and rain began to fall. Soon, concern for the missing pair was great and Darcy was in the midst of arranging a search party when Bingley and Janina walked in through the main doors, soaking wet, shivering and laughing. Elzbieta ordered her sister upstairs into bed and Caroline did the same with her brother. Tea and warm blankets were brought up to the two in their respective rooms. However, such precautions were for naught, for both were already ill with terrible colds.

The next day, Elzbieta was taking a break from attending Janina and in the grand library of Pemberley re-reading Marek's letter, trying in vain to glean enough information to construct what had happened to him. In frustration, she dropped the letter on the desk before her, hid her face in hands and cried. She knew not if he survived the battle, was wounded or taken prisoner. Soon, she heard a door open and softly treading footsteps approaching her. Quickly wiping her face with her hands, she looked up and saw Darcy standing before her with a letter in his hand.

"Lady Elzbieta, I did not mean to disturb you but I have a letter addressed to you that I think you would like to read immediately." Upon seeing Elzbieta's distress, Darcy's concern for her rendered him anxious and his hand lightly shook as he placed the correspondence in her outstretched hand. He was about to leave to allow Elzbieta peace in reading her letter when he heard her call out,

"It is from France. . . this letter, I mean." A look of terror washed over Elzbieta's face.

"Lady Elzbieta, is there something wrong? I can see that you are distressed and if there is anything I could do for you, please, let me know." Darcy's voice was filled with tenderness as he spoke.

"No, no. It is nothing. I am just a little homesick. I received a letter from my brother yesterday and I just miss him dreadfully. I will be fine." Though her voice sounded positive, her face betrayed otherwise. She picked up the letter from the desk, wrapped it around the one Darcy had just given her and stood up.

"I think I should go and check on Janina to see if she is faring any better. Thank you for your concern and getting a physician to attend to my sister." Elzbieta quickly left the room, leaving Darcy behind before she began crying again.

As soon as she left the library, Elzbieta ran towards Janina's chambers. The French letter burned in her hands but she would not read it unless her sister was with her. Once she reached Janina's room, she entered quietly so as not to disturb her in case she was asleep and to her slight disappointment, found that she was. Elzbieta sat down in the chair next to the bed and unwrapped Marek's letter from the French one. She stared at the address and noted the official seals on the letter. All she could feel was dread but instead of opening the letter, she placed it into the drawer in the nightstand next to her sister's bed and waited for Janina to wake before reading it.

As Elzbieta was waiting for Janina to wake up so they could read the French letter together, Darcy was in his study, staring out of a window, his eyes focusing on nothing. What his mind was really focusing on were Elzbieta's tears when he entered the library. Knowing that the letter he handed her was from France and seeing its official nature, Darcy could only guess that her tears had something to do with her brother. He wished he could go and somehow comfort her but he had promised Shelton months ago that he would not disclose his knowledge of Marek's military activities. Darcy sighed and cursed his feeling of impotence.

Hours later, Elzbieta's eyes fluttered open. She had fallen asleep in the chair while waiting for Janina. The room was dark and she got up from her chair to quietly search for matches in the nightstand. Once found, she lit a candle and looked up at a clock on the wall and noted it read 1:10. Elzbieta glanced at Janina and then placed her hand against her sister's forehead and was rewarded with a touch of warm but not hot skin. Though Janina was still a bit feverish, her temperature was starting to lower and for that Elzbieta was grateful. Although she intended to read the letter with Janina, Elzbieta could no longer wait and pulled it out of the nightstand drawer. Slowly, she broke the seal on back and opened it. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath before opening them again. Now, she was ready and began to read. After she was done reading, her entire body began shaking and tears again began to fall. As upset as she was, she did not make a sound so as not to wake her sister. She sat motionless in her chair as she silently cried, a tumult of emotions swirling within her. After half an hour of intense thought, Elzbieta got up, searched for paper, pen and ink and when found, began scratching a letter. When she was done, she addressed it to Janina and placed both the French letter and her own on the nightstand so her sister would not miss it when she would finally wake. Afterwards, she left Janina's chambers for her own. However, she was not going to sleep. Elzbieta had far more important things to do that night before the household would rise in the morning.

~*~*~*~

Again Darcy awoke with a start. He had the same dream by the cliffs where he jumped off after Elzbieta but by now he was accustomed to it. He got up out of bed and looked out the window and saw the sun breaking over the horizon. However, Darcy felt that something was wrong but had no idea why. He walked over to his shaving basin to begin his morning ritual when he heard a sharp rapping on his chamber door. Disgruntled why anyone would disturb him so early in the morning he was of a mind to ignore it when the rapping began again but this time he heard his butler's voice through the door.

"Mr. Darcy, please sir, something has occurred that requires your immediate attention."

Darcy walked over and opened the door and standing before him was his butler with a worried expression on his face.

"Good God, Barnes, what is it man? This had better be important."

"Sir, I apologize but rest assured, this matter needs your attention now!" Darcy noted that Barnes was breathing rapidly as if he had been running. "It is Lady Janina, she is upset but in her confusion is speaking what I think is Polish. We cannot find Lady Elzbieta anywhere."

"Why not? She is probably sleeping in her room."

"That is it. She is no where to be found and her bed, her bed, it has not been slept in!"

Darcy immediately began throwing on a pair of trousers and a shirt, pulled on a dressing gown and slid his feet into a pair of slippers. Thusly attired, he ran out of his room and headed towards Janina's. When he got there, a maid was standing out side and when she saw Darcy approaching, she quickly left her post to meet her master.

"No one can make sense of what Lady Janina is saying but it is very evident that she is upset."

"Is she alone?" Darcy demanded of the maid.

"Yes."

"Go in and ask if I may speak with her with you in attendance."

The maid went into the room to do what Darcy ordered and soon opened the door to indicate for Darcy to enter which he did so with great haste. He saw Janina's eyes swollen from crying and worried that her illness would take a turn for the worst.

"Lady Janina, what is it? Does this have something to do with Lady Elzbieta's disappearance?"

Janina nodded and began to cry again as she spoke in Polish.

"Please, you must try again in English." Darcy said this softly as one would to a skittish foal.

Janina said nothing and handed him two letters, one in Polish and the other he recognized as the letter he handed Elzbieta yesterday in the library. Quickly, he began reading the French letter and learned that Marek was captured as a prisoner by the Russians in the Battle of Leipzig and was transported to a garrison in Russian occupied territory near Warsaw.

Looking up from the letter, Darcy then asked Janina gently, "The other letter you handed to me, is it from Lady Elzbieta?" Janina nodded.

"Could you translate it for me, if you think it would help find her?" Darcy asked. Immediately, Janina took the letter in question and scanned over it.

She looked up and began in an unsteady voice, "She writes that she is worried about Marek and is certain that our aunt and uncle are unaware of what has happened to him since they have not written to us. She wishes me to convey her apologies to you, Mr. Darcy, for she will take one of your horses to ride into the nearest village that we passed on the way here to try and catch a stagecoach to London. Once there, she will board the first ship leaving for Gdansk to both tell our aunt and uncle of Marek's imprisonment and to also search for him. She also writes that she is doing this because it is the only way she can ensure that Marek will get the aid that he needs since she does not trust any letter will get to Poland in time since his was lost before it found its way to us here in Pemberley. She closes by asking for my forgiveness in leaving her but hopes that I understand why she did what she did." After finishing her translation, Janina fell back against the pillows on her bed and began to weep.

"Foolish girl! Could she not wait a few more days until I am well and we could go together!" Janina cried with tears spilling down her face.

Darcy knew now what he had to do for the situation was dire, he had to go and find her before any further calamity befell the Benowskis for he knew how dangerous it was for a woman to travel alone in the country, not to mention the danger that faced her as a solitary woman on a ship.

"Lady Janina, I will go and find her. I promise that. She cannot have gotten too far for I am sure that I can catch up to her and the stagecoach she rides in if I go by horseback. I will leave now but rest assured I will do everything in my power to find her." With those words, Darcy left the room and ran to his chambers to prepare for his journey but not before he gave orders to waiting butler to prepare for his immediate departure.

Once Darcy was suitably attired and left his room in haste, he ran into Shelton in the hallway and he immediately informed him of what had transpired and his necessity to leave in search of Elzbieta. Shelton promised to inform the others of what had happened and soon Darcy set off towards Lambton sure that it was the village that Elzbieta referred to in her letter. During the five mile ride all that went through his mind was worry concerning Elzbieta's safety. Highway robberies were still a problem in the country and a lady traveling alone in a stagecoach was even more vulnerable in such a situation. Soon his worry was replaced by anger concerning her impetuousness but that anger only lasted for several seconds.

Upon his entry into Lambton, Darcy directed his horse to an inn where the stagecoaches departed from and to his dismay learned that the last stagecoach to London left several hours earlier. Immediately, he mounted his horse and continued his journey towards London, where he hoped to find Elzbieta en route before she boarded a ship to Gdansk. Traveling as fast as he could without overly taxing his horse, Darcy was unable to encounter Elzbieta's stagecoach before night fall. Not knowing which inn Elzbieta would spend the night; Darcy continued his pursuit until his body began to scream out in exhaustion and only then stopped to seek lodging. By dawn break, however, Darcy knew that his best plan to find Elzbieta was to search for her in London and was already on horseback before the last glow of the rising sun had dissipated.

~*~*~*~

Once in London, Darcy head off into the direction of the docks to find which ship was leaving for Gdansk. Finally, Darcy arrived at the main office of Gaspard & Green, Shippers, and stood in front of an unglazed window where a short, balding man wearing spectacles stood behind, reviewing various ledgers and oblivious to Darcy.

"Excuse me, sir, but could you inform me if a certain lady has booked passage on your next ship to Gdansk?" Darcy queried with urgency while leaning on the ledge separating the two men.

The short man looked up from his ledgers and turned towards Darcy. "Now, why would I tell you? First of all, Gaspard & Green are in the business of providing passage for cargo, not persons. Second, even if Gaspard & Green took on a passenger, what business is it of yours?" The clerk scowled at Darcy.

Undeterred, Darcy reached into the breast pocket of his great coat and pulled out a coin. He waved it in front of the clerk and placed it atop of the ledger the man was reading previously. The clerk picked up the coin with one hand and raised the spectacles off of his face with his other. Satisfied with his inspection, the clerk replaced his spectacles onto the bridge of his nose and pocketed the coin into his waistcoat.

"One foreign lady came by this morning and booked passage to Gdansk. The ship leaves in five days. She is only passenger scheduled. The ship is carrying gun powder to exchange for grain." The clerk then returned his attention to his ledger, ignoring Darcy.

Darcy was not through questioning the man though. He needed to know where Elzbieta was staying. "Do you have the name of the place where this foreign lady is staying before the ship departs?"

Darcy reached his hand towards his breast pocket but before Darcy could pull out another coin, the clerk looked up from his ledger and spoke, "Do not bother for I have no further information except for the lady's name. However, I am quite sure you already know the name of the lady in question."

Frustrated, Darcy glared at the little man before him. "You must have some idea where she is."

Sighing, the clerk pointed down the easterly direction of the street. "Try the Three Sails down a ways. It is the cleanest establishment nearby and judging from the finery the lady wore, I assume she would seek a clean place. The patrons, however, are not so clean since the Three Sails is also known for its cheap ales." The clerk then turned away from Darcy and began looking for another ledger.

Darcy immediately left the window and headed towards the direction of the Three Sails. He noted that the environs were not as bad as he feared but neither were they good. This was no place for someone of Elzbieta's breeding and sensibilities to spend anytime in. The area smelled of rotting garbage and smoke. Laborers such as deckhands, tanners, fishmongers, thieves, and prostitutes milled about, some looking up to stare at Darcy as he walked by. Realizing how out of place he appeared with his fine attire and walking stick, Darcy's pace quickened and within minutes he stood in front of the public house, a shabby but reasonably scrubbed establishment if ever there was one in the area.

Darcy's ears were met with an uproarious din once he opened the door. His eyes quickly scanned the room and to his dismay he noted that the place was filled with the songs and dancing of various sailors, soldiers, barmaids, and women of questionable repute. However, soon Darcy spotted a figure sitting on a stool at the very end of the bar, her back facing a wall. Darcy sighed in relief that at last he found Elzbieta but saw that she had not seen him. He began edging his way through the crowd towards her when he spied a dirty, thin man wearing soiled clothing sitting near Elzbieta. The man was slowly moving towards Elzbieta, who failed to notice him approach her. In a flash, the man grabbed Elzbieta's arm. Immediately, Darcy shoved a singing sailor to the side and lunged towards the man. He grabbed his arm, twisted it against his back and grabbed a fistful of the man's hair, pulling his head back and exposing his neck. Elzbieta, however, had at the same time, pulled out a short knife that she had concealed in the sleeve of her spencer and pressed the point of the blade against the man's neck.

"What! I was meanin' ta pay. Honest. I just wanted a bit o' fun. Get yer hands and the woman's blade off a me!" The man tried to wrest his arm and hair from Darcy's hand but to no avail as Darcy's grip was too strong.

Angered by the man, Darcy tightened his grip. "As you can see from the way this woman is dressed, she is not of the type you allude to. She is a noblewoman. How dare you insinuate otherwise!"

Elzbieta soon realized what the man was suggesting about her proclivities and scowled. She leaned in against her blade and its tip pierced the man's skin, causing a small drop of blood to leave its trail down the man's neck.

Yelping, the man tried to escape but Darcy held fast. "I have seen this woman fight. She is proficient with the blade. I am quite sure she would be of a mind to demonstrate this fact now." Darcy's gaze was now on Elzbieta who was breathing hard but still managed to keep a steady hand.

The man caught in Darcy's grasp mumbled an apology to Elzbieta and pleaded with Darcy to let him go. Once Darcy was satisfied that the man would not do further harm, he shoved him off to the side. Immediately Darcy asked a nearby barmaid for an empty sitting room and ordered her to bring in a bottle of wine and two glasses as soon as possible. Then he turned towards Elzbieta and gripped her elbow with his hand to lead her to the room.

Once inside, he led Elzbieta to a chair whereupon she immediately sat. Darcy began pacing furiously. Shortly thereafter, he stopped and exclaimed, "What was going on in your mind to even attempt such an endeavor! Did you not know of the danger you placed yourself in? Your poor sister was distraught with worry! So much so that she, she could not even speak English!"

Elzbieta's head hung low. No word escaped her mouth and merely sat in her chair silently. Soon, the door opened and a barmaid entered carrying a tray with a bottle and two glasses. The maid placed the tray atop a table and quickly left. Darcy moved to the table and uncorked the bottle. He poured its contents into both glasses, picked both up and walked over towards Elzbieta. He handed her once glass and asked, "Please, drink some. It should calm your nerves." When she shook her head in the negative, Darcy continued.

"That was an awful experience you just had. Please, just a sip. I promise it will make you feel better. I know it do so for me."

Elzbieta took the glass from Darcy and sniffed its contents. She then tossed her head back and downed the liquid quickly. Darcy, still standing, took his glass and did the same. He quickly refilled his glass and sat down in an empty chair.

Certain that he had more control over his emotions, Darcy spoke. "I apologize for my outburst earlier but you cannot continue on your journey. It is madness."

Finally, Elzbieta opened her mouth to speak. "There is no other way. My brother's circumstances are dire and I must help him. I must leave."

Darcy stood up again and walked over to the tray laden table to pour himself another serving of wine which he drank immediately. Again, Darcy began to pace.

"Come back to Pemberley. Shelton, Bingley and I will go to Poland to find your brother. You cannot go."

Shaking her head, Elzbieta retorted. "No, you know that is not possible for the ship leaves in five days. There is not enough time to go back to Pemberley, make the appropriate arrangements and return in time before the ship leaves."

Frustrated, Darcy threw himself back in the chair he occupied earlier. "But what of your sister? You are leaving her alone in a strange country with no other relatives to care for her. Have you thought of that?"

Fighting the tears in her eyes, Elzbieta balled her hands against her thighs. "Of course I have! But there is no other way! Lord Shelton will make sure she will be safe here, alone. Besides, I am sure Mr. Bingley will take care of her as well. This, this is a chance for her to learn whether her love for Mr. Bingley is strong, if she can envision a future here, away from what she knows. This was not an easy decision for me to make. Again, I tell you, there is no other way. I must go."

Having used the only bit of logic he could think of to dissuade Elzbieta from her arduous journey, Darcy knew not what else he could tell her to prevent her from leaving. "It is not safe. I cannot allow you to leave, even if I have to throw you over my shoulder and carry you back to your sister!" was the only reply he could counter with.

With the shock of the earlier attack waning, Elzbieta was now becoming angry at Darcy for his insistence on her staying. "Mr. Darcy! You presume too much. You are not my father, brother or husband who can order me around, telling me where, when or what I can do. I will be on that ship in five days time and there is nothing you can do to stop me."

Feeling the heat of her anger, Elzbieta removed her bonnet and spencer. At the same time, Darcy had risen from chair and commenced his pacing. He soon stopped in front of Elzbieta and spied something that would change his perception on the entire matter before him. Elzbieta's arms now bare, Darcy could see the red marks tinged with purple on her left forearm. His mind now was made up.

"There is nothing I can say or do to prevent you from going to Poland?"

Elzbieta shifted her position in her chair. "No, there is not."

Darcy rubbed his hands together as he stood before Elzbieta. "Very well then. You leave me with no other alternative. I shall travel with you."

Elzbieta immediately stood up and the two were now facing each other. "You, you cannot! Your sister? Shall you leave her? This is madness. I do not want you to come!"

A slow, wry smile grew on Darcy's face. "Are you telling me that I should stay because of Georgiana? Funny, but I am under the impression that you are leaving a sister behind as well. At least my sister has family here, unlike yours. Yet, you are willing to leave Lady Janina behind. Also, if I am not mistaken, you are not my mother, sister or wife and thus have no say where, when or what I can do. Besides, I am in a position to go where and when I wish too, without serious input from others. Would you not agree, Lady Elzbieta?"

Defeated, Elzbieta plopped herself back in her chair, furious that Darcy had used her own words against her. "And I suppose there is nothing I can say to dissuade you, is there? Any reason I can come up you will just turn it around to use against me, correct? "

Darcy smiled and nodded. He walked over to where he left his empty glass and then headed towards the table with the tray. Once there, he poured another measure of wine which he drank immediately. Then he walked over to his empty chair and sat with a loud thud. "Good, now all of that is settled. Where are you staying until the ship departs?"

Elzbieta began fumbling with the ribbons of her bonnet before answering. "Next door. I booked a room next door. It seemed the best place considering the environs. I did check to ensure there was a lock on the door of the room."

Darcy began shaking his head. "No, no, no. That will not do. In this I will be insistent. I implore you to rethink your accommodations."

Quickly, Elzbieta looked up from her bonnet. "And where do you expect me to stay? Surely not with you! If your sister were there, perhaps."

Darcy stared at Elzbieta intently with a look filled with concern. "Yes, that is exactly what I expect. Believe me when I say you will be much safer alone with me in my townhouse than alone in this area. Have you forgotten that you were just attacked in daylight in a crowded room? Lock or no lock, what do you think will happen alone at night in the inn next door? Do you not think some here can easily pick a lock to get at you?"
Elzbieta sighed heavily. "I, I know you are right."

Darcy then noticed that she began rubbing her hands and a worried wrinkle appear on her brow. "Stay at my townhouse. We will stop and get you a veil so no one need see you enter my home, if that will persuade you. No one will know that you are staying with me without a chaperone."

Elzbieta looked up from her hands to study Darcy's face. "It is appearances for my sake that I worry about. I am unknown here and not party of this society. However, it is the appearance of propriety for your sake that I worry about."

Darcy began to chuckle softy at Elzbieta's concern and slightly shook his head in amusement. "Lady Elzbieta, all I can say that what you are worried about on my behalf can only better my reputation in many masculine eyes. However, for your concern, you will enter with a veil. Will that work for you? If it does not, then you leave me no choice but to let a room next to yours. However, that prospect does not sound inviting when I have a perfectly comfortable and safe home in this city."

At long last, Elzbieta offered a slight smile to Darcy. "No, no. What you are proposed sounds quite reasonable. Very well, I will take you on your offer to get me a veil to enter your townhouse."

"Good! Shall we go then?" Darcy stood up, walked over to Elzbieta and offered his hand to her. Elzbieta took his hand in hers and stood up. Once Elzbieta was standing, Darcy faced Elzbieta and cocked his head to the side as he looked at her. "Lady Elzbieta, as long as both of us are aware what we are doing is honourable, we shall be fine. I have a feeling that our unorthodox traveling arrangements will cause us to bend the rules of propriety many times before journey's end." With those last words, Darcy led Elzbieta out of the room to leave for his townhouse.

~*~*~*~

As promised, Darcy stopped on the way to purchase a veil for Elzbieta to wear upon entering his townhouse. The two uncomfortably ate together and soon left each others company to compose letters for the party remaining at Pemberley. It was getting late and Darcy was still in his study, preparing the documents he would need when he would visit with is solicitor the next day when he heard a knock at the door. He bade the person to enter and saw Elzbieta standing in the doorway, holding several letters in her hand. She immediately walked towards Darcy with her hand out-stretched.

"Could you please enclose these letters with yours? One is for Janina, of course."

Seeing she held two in her hand, Darcy remarked, "And the other?"

"It is for your sister. I wanted to tell her that I did all I could to dissuade you from this journey and that you are a stubborn man who does not listen to reason."

Darcy only laughed at her. "Well, then. Should I compose a letter to your sister with the same information about you?"

Elzbieta took a deep breath and twisted her lips in a way that resembled a smile. "I knew that would be your response. No, of course I did not write that you were stubborn. I am sure that Miss Darcy is aware of this fact already. I just wanted her to know that you accompanying me was your idea alone."

Darcy nodded and took the letters and folded all into a large sheet of paper so that one large parcel would arrive at Pemberley. When done, he then looked up at Elzbieta. "They will all be worried about us, you know that? No matter what we write them. Now is the worst time of all to travel by sea but at least we have passage on a merchant ship. That fact alone should bring us some sort of safety while on the water."

Elzbieta slightly winced at those last words but Darcy did not notice. "You should go and rest now. We will have much to arrange tomorrow." Darcy then stood up and wordlessly escorted Elzbieta out of the study.

The few days left prior to their departing passed quickly for Elzbieta and Darcy. During that time, Darcy made several visits to his solicitor to ensure that his affairs were in order should anything happen to him and to obtain letters of credit from some the banks he did business with.

The morning of their departure, both Darcy and Elzbieta received letters from all that they wrote to. To no one's surprise, Bingley wrote that he would visit Janina as often as possible. Shelton wrote to agree with Darcy that Georgiana should stay with him to accompany Janina. Georgiana wrote that while she was worried for them both she would keep them both in her prayers and that she would see to it that Janina would not worry as much as if she were alone. Finally, Darcy received a letter from his cousin that apprised him of the latest news of war and combat on the continent and included a letter of introduction to the English ambassador to the Duchy of Warsaw. With these letters, Darcy and Elzbieta left the townhouse and headed towards the docks to the awaiting ship.

Once both were on the walkway to board the ship, Darcy and Elzbieta stopped midway to look at each other. Both were nervous what fate held in store for the two of them once they reached Poland. And then they crossed the threshold onto the ship proper, knowing that there was no turning back.

~*~*~*~

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