Wait Until


I would like to dedicate this story to my Loving husband Mick. After reading P&P he gave me the idea of writing this story along with helping me to write some of the chapters in the beginning, as he hated men who preyed on women.

I would also like to thank everyone who has helped to beta this story Heather CathW and especially Sue and Debbie S for their wonderful idea's and patience with me.


The Blurb: When Darcy finds Lizzy crying over the thought of her sister being lost because of her elopement, he decides to offer his help.

"When I consider," she added, in a yet more agitated voice, "that I might have prevented it! I, who knew what he, was. Had I but explained some part of it only
some part of what I learnt, to my own family! Had his character been known, this could not have happened. But it is all
all too late now."

"When my eyes were opened to his real character
Oh! Had I known what I ought, what I dared to do! But I knew not
I was afraid of doing too much. Wretched, wretched, mistake!"

Pride and Prejudice chapter 4


Prologue

A powerful surge of emotion propelled him from his seat, thoughtlessly dropping the hand he treasured above all others. Fitzwilliam Darcy had always prided himself on his proper decorum and restraint, but now he found himself angrily pacing the small drawing room. "I was a fool! None of this would have occurred if I had voiced some of my private concerns to the world. Wickham, you have always been a constant thorn in my side, but this time you have gone too far!"

Though tremors of disgust shuddered through his body and his face drained of all its colour, it was the sight of Elizabeth that suddenly brought him up short. She sat alone, still, looking forlorn as if she had forever lost something precious to her, her tears of dismay slowly trailing down her flushed cheeks. Oh, Elizabeth, do not cry, my love. I promise you, if it is the last thing I do, I will remedy this situation

With his resolution firmly set, Darcy placed himself at Elizabeth's side, reclaiming her hand.

"Miss Bennet, I know many of Mr Wickham's old friends in town." The distaste in his voice could not be disguised and he breathed deeply before continuing. "If I may, I would like to be of assistance to your family."

Elizabeth heard his words, but could scarcely comprehend their meaning. She looked up at him, but not yet able to speak, she sadly nodded her head.

Barely able to withstand so much pain written over every feature of her beloved face, Darcy reached for his handkerchief and tried to give it to her, but she held onto his hand as if he were the only lifeline to a happier time.

Not at all averse to their being tightly hand clasped, he awkwardly dabbed at her tear-stained face and asked in a gentle and soft voice, "I will stay here to await your uncle, but you have suffered a terrible shock. May I get you something, a glass of wine perhaps?"

"Tea," Elizabeth finally gasped out. "A cup of tea please."

He left his handkerchief with her and with a final squeeze of her hand, arose to do her bidding. Thankfully, when he reached the hallway, the servant girl, Hannah, was nearby. His request was swiftly conveyed and she left to attend to it.

While Hannah was laying out the tea service in front of Elizabeth, Darcy tried to mask his impatience by walking to the window and making a great show of searching the lanes for the Gardiner's arrival.

He stopped only when he heard Elizabeth ask the servant, "Has John returned yet, Hannah? I wonder where my aunt and uncle can be."

Hannah saw the urgency in her young mistress' eyes and while responding in the negative to the question, she exited the room thinking she should step outside for a moment and have a look for herself.

When Darcy heard the servant girl depart, he slowly turned from the window. What he saw made him rush to her side. Elizabeth was trying to pour herself a cup of tea, but her hands were trembling so much that the teacup was starting to rattle on the saucer, and she was in real danger of dropping the teapot itself.

"Here, let me do that. Do you know, I came here not for tea, but to ask you to a picnic today? There is a lovely glen not far from my house that is the ideal place for dining outdoors. I know both my sister and I will be very sorry you will miss this opportunity of seeing it for yourself, but perhaps you will give us the privilege of your company the next time you and your family are in the neighbourhood."

Elizabeth's pulse quickened, first in shock, then in pleasure and finally in dark despair as she thought of all the families that were sure to snub them in the future.

Darcy watched the play of shifting emotions on her face and sensing what she was thinking, smiled warily and told her, "Remember, Miss Bennet, both my sister and I have first hand knowledge of Mr Wickham's character. You will always be welcome at Pemberley."

This announcement caused her tears to start flowing again and threatened to become sobs. Darcy wanted to enfold her in his arms, to kiss away her tears and call her his dearest Elizabeth. His arms started to reach for her, but stopped when he remembered he had no right to do any of those things. So strong was the temptation, that he held his arms rigidly against his body, clenched his fists in frustration and closed his eyes tightly as he forced his mind to deal with the more practical matters.

"I'm so sorry, Mr Darcy..."

"Shh, none of that. Will you tell me what your sister has written? Does she know how long they have been gone from Brighton?"

Elizabeth reopened one of the letters and scanned the lines before reading. "She mentions that they departed last Sunday night. Lydia left a note for Mrs Foster stating that they were headed for Gretna Green."

"And how did his Colonel react when he read her letter? Did he make any enquiries among his officers?"

Elizabeth paused to read more of Jane's letter before answering. "Yes, he did, after he sent an express to my family. The knowledge he received from Wickham's comrades was so disturbing that he immediately set off for Longbourn and arrived about an hour after the express."

As Elizabeth was answering, Darcy's concern was growing to an alarming proportion. He schooled his features, for her sake, to be neutral as he asked, with a decided measure of dread in his mind, "May I ask what alarmed the colonel so much?" He poured another cup of tea for her and made her take a sip or two before allowing her to answer.

Elizabeth's face crimsoned when she reluctantly said, "Captain Denny seemed to think his intentions were to use Lydia and what little money she had to escape his creditors."

At this confirmation of Wickham's usual behaviour, Darcy shot out of his seat and started agitatedly pacing the floor again, muttering in a low but not inaudible voice, "Damnation! Wickham, you are a cad, and if I could, I'd make you suffer for every despicable thing you have ever done."

Hearing Elizabeth's gasp, he quickly realized she had heard his unfortunate comment. "Forgive me, Miss Bennet, but I could have done something about this situation."

Elizabeth felt as if the bottom had dropped out of her world. "I fear that there was little that you could have done to rectify the problem. It all seems hopeless." She covered her eyes with her hands and wept.

Darcy was moving back towards Elizabeth's side, searching his pockets for another handkerchief when Mr and Mrs Gardiner made their entrance into the room. Seeing Elizabeth's tear-stained face, puffy eyes and a soaked handkerchief in her lap, Mrs Gardiner hastened to comfort her niece.

At first, Mr Gardiner was stunned at seeing Elizabeth in such a sorrowful state, but perceiving the initials FD stitched on the linen, turned and glared at its owner.

"Mr Darcy, I hope that you have some explanation for the scene I see before me."

"Yes, sir," and turning to Elizabeth, Darcy said, "If you will allow me the privilege, Miss Bennet?"

Elizabeth heard the anger in her normally genial uncle's voice and fumbled with the seals, trying to reopen Jane's letters. She unsteadily arose and tried to hand them to her uncle, but the pages fluttered to the ground.

Darcy retrieved them and handed them back to Elizabeth, who hastily tried to put the sheets back in the proper order as she told her uncle, "These letters will explain everything. Jane writes to tell us that Lydia has eloped."

Mr Gardiner looked as though he had been slapped. "Eloped? With whom would Lydia elope?"

Before Elizabeth could answer, Darcy spoke up as he gently led her back to where her aunt was sitting. "George Wickham, sir."

There was no need for either man to contribute more to the discussion of the man's prospects. Mr Gardiner had found the townspeople talkative, but rather circumspect, when the subject of George Wickham arose. Although their opinions were guarded, Mr Gardiner heard enough information to make his own conclusions. As he quickly scanned through Jane's letters, he knew he must act as quickly as possible.

"Madeline, Elizabeth, my dears, in light of this situation, we must leave Lambton immediately. Let me call the servants to begin our packing."

When he returned several minutes later, he was quite surprised to see Mr Darcy still ensconced in the sitting room and a fresh pot of tea ready to be poured on the table in front of the ladies.

Darcy knew his presence was interfering in the Gardiner's preparations and so quickly made his offer. "Mr Gardiner, I stayed with your niece to await your return. Wickham and I grew up together and I know who and, more importantly, where his friends are in the city. May I suggest that you and I travel directly to London and confer with Mr Bennet as soon as possible? I will send one of my own carriages to escort the ladies and your servants to Longbourn. The carriage, Mrs Gardiner, will be at your disposal for when you and the children are ready to return to London."

"I thank you, sir, for your offer. From what information I have gathered about this young man, speed is essential," Mr Gardiner replied. "Mr Darcy, I must ask for your discretion. I am sure you realize the implications if your friends and the world in general learns of this."

"Of course, sir, I understand. You have my hand on that."

With all in agreement with his suggestions, the next hour found the Gardiner party busy with farewell letters and settling of accounts. Darcy, who had returned to Pemberley, spoke with both his housekeeper and valet, then went in search of Bingley.

Finding him in the billiard room, Darcy said quietly, "Bingley, would you please step into my study for a moment? Something urgent has arisen that I need to discuss with you."

"Of course, my friend. May I help in anyway?"

The study was a medium sized room, with panelled walls lined with shelves for account and farming books. Mr Darcy walked over to the side table that held decanters of brandy, whisky and port. Pausing for a moment to gather his thoughts, he poured them both two healthy glasses of port and handed one to his friend, while motioning him to take a seat in one of the four well-padded chairs, which flanked an ornate fireplace.

"Bingley, I have a very important request to ask of you," Darcy said gravely. "I have just returned from Lambton where I found that Miss Elizabeth Bennet and her family have received news of a family emergency and are planning to leave as soon as possible."

"I am sorry to hear about Miss Elizabeth. I hope it is nothing too serious," Mr Bingley said sounding concerned. "Do you have any idea as to the nature of the emergency? I hope that it is nothing to do with Miss Bennet."

"Yes," Darcy replied thoughtfully after taking a drink of his port. "I do know why they have gone, but unfortunately, I cannot tell you, as I have been sworn to secrecy. I can tell you that Miss Bennet is well and is at Longbourn with her family." At this statement, Darcy could see first the visible relief on Bingley's face followed quickly by one of wistfulness and longing. He now knew he was very wrong to interfere in his friend's life and he must make amends as quickly as possible. Darcy rose, refilled his glass and brought the decanter over to refill Bingley's. After refilling both their glasses, he walked over to the fireplace with a gloomy air.

After a few moments of silence, Bingley looked up. "What do you want to ask me, Darcy?"

Turning to face him, Darcy said, "Unfortunately, urgent business that needs my personal attention calls me back to London immediately. I am sorry that this has occurred so early on in your visit, but it cannot be helped. While I am away, I need you to act as host, and look after Georgiana for me. I hope to be back within two weeks at the most."

Bingley smiled and said, "Of course, you know I will. As for this business that calls you back to London, is there anything I can do to help?"

Returning to his seat opposite Bingley, Darcy replied seriously, "No, I am sorry, Bingley, but thank you for asking. The best help you can give me is to stay here with my sister at Pemberley. I am sorry to say this, but you know how your sisters can be when they are put out. I do not want them to impose too much on Georgiana, as she will be acting as hostess for the first time."

"Yes, I know that Caroline will probably have a fit of pique due to your leaving, she had so looked forward to this visit, but I will ensure that she does not impose on Georgiana's hospitality," Bingley told him seriously. "Hurst, Louisa and Caroline will be leaving for Scarborough the week after you return."

"Perhaps when I return, we could go to Netherfield for a few weeks, while your sisters are in Scarborough. We could do some shooting and call on some of our old friends?"

Understanding just who those "old friends" were, Bingley grinned as he replied, "Yes, we would be most remiss to ignore our old friends in Hertfordshire. Perhaps by then their troubles will be over."

"Yes, perhaps," Darcy briefly smiled at his friend. Glancing at the mantelpiece clock, he continued, "I am sorry, Bingley, but I had better inform Georgiana about my plans." They shook hands, then both exited the study. Mr Bingley went back to the billiard room and Mr Darcy in search of his sister.
*~*~*~*~*~*


The sound of a beautiful melody led Darcy to his sister. He had purchased a new pianoforte for her birthday and saw the look of enchantment on her face as she played. Not wanting to disturb that look, he stood in the doorway of the music room, observing her until the song was ended and then glanced around the room for her audience. He was relieved to see that neither of Bingley's sisters was in attendance, although when he thought about it, he should not be surprised. The ladies always breakfasted in their rooms, spending most of the morning in their boudoirs indulging in their personal ablutions and remained there until well into the afternoon.

Georgiana was so lost in concentration that at first she did not hear her brother enter the room, but greeted him with enthusiasm and a bit of surprise that the Gardiner party had not accompanied him back to Pemberley. Not answering this remark directly, Darcy quickly asked his sister for a private conversation away from the house. She understood the nature of his request, closed the instrument and hastily went to fetch a shawl and bonnet. Georgiana knew whatever William had to tell her was not for the servant's and more importantly, the Bingley sisters' ears. She knew the servants would be discreet, but their guests were known for their love of gossip, the more malicious the better.

The siblings left the house and walked up towards a secluded copse on the estate grounds, which was filled with mossy grasses and wild flowers. When their parents had been alive, it had been a favourite picnic spot during the summer, now it was a place to remember the good times or to think, as not many people knew of this area.

Mr Darcy had noticed over the last few months that Georgiana was at last getting over her terrible experience with Mr Wickham that had taken place the year before. Therefore, he decided to tell her fully about what had happened, knowing that Georgiana would keep it to herself.

Once assured of their solitude, Mr Darcy told her in a solemn tone of voice, "Georgie, I fear that I have distressing news to tell you."

"William, this sounds very serious," Georgiana said worriedly.

"Yes, it is. I think that you had better sit down first." He motioned to a log, which many years ago had been carved into a bench.

Taking a deep breath he said as gently as possible, "Mr Wickham has run off under disguise of elopement with Miss Elizabeth's youngest sister, Lydia." Watching the myriad of emotions that then played on his sister's face, shock, horror, anger and then fury, Darcy began to regret telling her. When she finally spoke, the harsh and vehement tone of her voice, a tone he had never heard from her ever before, surprised him.

"That brute! I hope they find her soon before he disappears again. And this time I hope someone makes him pay for what he has done." Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath to try to calm herself, she then said in a more solemn manner. "Pray, William, how is Miss Elizabeth? I know that she must be very upset. I feel sorry for her sister, the poor girl! I know she has been deceived by him as have all the others, including myself."

"I am sorry to say that Miss Elizabeth is severely pained to hear of what has happened to her sister. As you know, I went to see her to arrange a picnic for this afternoon. When I arrived at the inn, I found her in a state of shock and extremely distressed. Fortunately, I was able to give her some assistance until Mr and Mrs Gardiner arrived. But, Georgie, do you still blame yourself for what happened last summer?"

"I should have known better," Georgiana said pensively. "Are you going to help search for him? Please say you will; you know you are the only one who can find him."

"Of course, I am going to help her, Georgie. I am departing for London with Mr Gardiner as soon as the carriage pulls up to our front door. I have also made arrangements to convey Mrs Gardiner, Miss Elizabeth and their servants back to Longbourn."

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Georgiana asked, looking up at her brother with concern in her eyes.

Darcy, relieved that Georgiana was putting other people's cares first instead of recriminations against herself, smiled and said affectionately, "Yes, Georgie, I need you to act as hostess for me whilst I am away. Do not worry, I have asked Mr Bingley to look after you so that his sisters do not impose too much on you."

After a thoughtful pause, she asked, "Do you think Wickham will marry Miss Elizabeth's sister?"

"Yes, this time he will marry the young lady he has compromised," her brother replied firmly. Looking at his pocket watch he said lovingly to her, "I must be going now, sweetheart. Promise me you will look after yourself, whilst I am in London."

Georgiana pouted, "Fitzwilliam Darcy! I am not a baby anymore. I can certainly take care of myself."

"I know. I am so proud of you, MissDarcy."

She rewarded him by standing on her tiptoes and kissing him gently on the cheek.

They then both left the grove and walked back to the house where Darcy's coach and four was awaiting him at the front of the house. Upon entering, he went to find his guests and spoke his farewells.
*~*~*~*~*~*


Arriving at the inn in Lambton, he saw that the Gardiner party was awaiting him in the sitting room. For the safety of the two women and servants, Darcy lent them his fastest coach and horses along with two armed footmen. Overseeing their trunks loaded into the correct carriages distracted the Gardiners for a moment and Elizabeth shyly approached Darcy.

"Mr Darcy, I would like to thank you for your help and support. You helped me past a very difficult moment."

The look he gave her was intense, full of longing to have done even more. "It was nothing, Miss Bennet, I am glad that I was there to help you when you needed it," Because his gaze flustered her, he added in a conversational tone, "Miss Bennet, before I left Pemberley this morning, I spoke with Mr Bingley. When his sisters and Hurst leave to call on friends in the next few weeks, he is thinking of visiting Netherfield and is making preparations for his return."

"I am glad that you have encouraged Mr Bingley to go back to Netherfield, Mr Darcy. I hope that you will accompany him. Please say you will." Elizabeth blushed at the implication behind his words.

Seeing it, Darcy asked with his heart in his throat, "Would you object to my accompanying him when he returns?"

"I will look forward to it," Elizabeth replied with a radiant smile on her face. "Thank you, God. Oh thank you! He is coming. I will see him again."

When both the coaches were announced as ready for their travels, Mr Darcy turned to Elizabeth and Mrs Gardiner and said, "I hope you have a swift and safe journey back to Longbourn, ladies."

"I thank you for your kindness, sir," said Mr Gardiner, "It has given me much peace of mind knowing that my wife and niece will be safe." He then handed his wife into the Darcy coach.

"Mr Darcy, I would also like to thank you for everything, I hope that you will have a safe journey with my uncle and that you will be successful in finding Mr Wickham and my sister, sir," Elizabeth said with tears again in her eyes.

"Thank you, Miss Bennet, I am certain we will find them," Mr Darcy said as he handed her into his carriage.

Without letting go of his hand she whispered softly to him, "Goodbye, for now, Mr Darcy. I hope that we will see you soon at Longbourn."

He did not release her hand as he whispered, "Of that you maybe certain." They gazed wistfully at each other until Mr Gardiner turned back from the other carriage and coughed discretely.

"Walk on now, Stevens," Mr Darcy said to his coachman. Both men stood watching the carriage carrying the loves of their hearts drive away until it was out of sight, then without a further word, boarded their own coach.

Chapter One

The gentlemen arrived in London on the third day of their travels, staying two nights at the inns Darcy regularly used when travelling. It was early evening when the coach pulled up at Gracechurch Street, and a weary Mr Gardiner and Darcy entered the yellow drawing room where Mr Bennet had been awaiting them.

Mr Bennet arose to greet his brother-in-law saying, “Edward, thank goodness you are here." He then noticed with amazement that Mr Darcy had accompanied him. Quickly recovering himself he said, “Mr Darcy, you are most welcome, sir."

Noticing Mr BennetÅ‚s astonishment, Darcy said, “Sir, forgive the intrusion into your private affairs but I have come along with Mr Gardiner to offer my help in locating Mr Wickham and your youngest daughter. Due to Mr WickhamÅ‚s unfortunate connection to my family, I know many of his friends and old haunts in London."

Mr Bennet was extremely pleased at this information. “Sir, I believe I would welcome any help in this matter, as I can see that Mr Wickham is not a man to be trusted and will abandon my daughter if he is not found soon. I thank you for your assistance."

Darcy then informed both gentlemen of Mr WickhamÅ‚s history with his family. “Sir, Miss Elizabeth has told me of the many rumours Mr Wickham as been spreading around Meryton about my family and my dealings with him. I have explained the truth in these matters, but asked her not to tell anyone as it involved my sister. I would also ask the same of you both."

“Mr Wickham is a terribly ungrateful young man. Of course, neither Mr Bennet nor I will mention what you have told us, Mr Darcy. We understand that you want to protect your sister," Mr Gardiner replied looking at Mr Bennet who nodded in agreement.

They then discussed a plan to recover Lydia. Once an agreement was made, they arranged to meet early the following morning. Darcy informed both gentlemen that his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam would accompany him. Darcy bade them farewell until the morning and returned to his house in Belgrave Square.

Once they were alone, Mr Gardiner and Mr Bennet entered the library, where Mr Gardinerłs cook had provided them with a cold but welcome repast. Relaxing, Mr Bennet then began his inquiries.

“Pray tell me now, Edward, how do you know Mr Darcy, and how did Mr Darcy come to find out about our troubles? I want to hear everything from the beginning. Please do not leave out any detail."

“Very well, Thomas." Mr Gardiner said with a sigh, “We met Mr Darcy while touring his estate at Pemberley. The next day he and his sister came to visit us at the inn where we were staying in Lambton. As relatives of LizzyÅ‚s, we were invited to dinner on Wednesday evening. I was asked to go fishing with the gentlemen of the party during the day, whilst Madeline and Lizzy visited with the ladies. I must say that we all had a delightful time."

Mr Bennet looked over at Mr Gardiner with some annoyance in his features, “Who told him about this dreadful business, then?"

“Do not look at me like that! I was not the one who told him what had happened," Mr Gardiner replied. “Apparently, he called at the inn on Thursday morning to see Lizzy. He had arranged an outing - a picnic I think it was, with his sister and friends who are staying at his house and was hopeful that we would all attend. When he arrived at the inn, he found Lizzy in a terrible state of shock after reading JaneÅ‚s letters. He immediately dispatched a servant to bring us back to the inn as soon as possible and remained with her until our arrival."

“That was very good of him. How is my Lizzy? It must have been as great a shock to her as it was to the rest of us." Mr Bennet said thoughtfully, looking down at the brandy glass in his hand. He had been worried about how Lizzy would take the news of LydiaÅ‚s elopement.

“Lizzy was extremely upset when we arrived and as soon as Madeline and I learned the reason why, we of course were just as shocked." Mr Gardiner said as he walked to the sideboard filling his plate full of food.

“From the information I had been given about Mr Wickham in Lambton, I could tell that he was not the reputable man we had all thought him to be. Therefore, I was thankful when Mr Darcy asked if he could help us find them. I must say, Thomas, that he is a very responsible young man who cares for Lizzy a great deal, and from what both Madeline and I could ascertain, Lizzy seems to be falling in love with him too."

“I am glad to hear that Lizzy is finally seeing the goodness in him. Last year, when he arrived at Meryton, many thought he acted as though he was above our society. He was very reserved and did not speak to anyone unless it was absolutely necessary. After what Mr Darcy has told us tonight, I now understand his reserve. He is very much like his father in that respect," Mr Bennet said thoughtfully.

“When Wickham told everyone of his background with Mr Darcy, it did not sound quite right to me; it was as though something were missing. I watched Mr Wickham very carefully and observed that his eyes were emotionless and had a closed look to them. What struck me most, was that he waited until Mr Darcy had left the district before telling everyone his sad tale."

“I agree with you," said Mr Gardiner as he finished drinking his brandy. “When we came to Meryton last Christmas, he told us, total strangers mind you, what had happened to him. I think Lizzy must have informed him that Madeline had grown up in Lambton for he spent a considerable time asking about her acquaintances there. Madeline did not like him at all; she said that there was something just not right about him. Most people in Lambton are very genial but upon mentioning Mr WickhamÅ‚s name, many people became very guarded about what they said to us. Madeline approached a few close friends in confidence, and I must say we were surprised at what they told us. After what we had heard, both Madeline and I were extremely glad to see that Lizzy was not seriously attached to him,"

“I knew George Darcy from Cambridge," said Mr Bennet. “I could not believe that his son would have gone against his fatherÅ‚s last wishes. As you know, I have been good friends with Hugh Fitzwilliam for nearly thirty years. Hugh explained how close Mr Darcy had been to his parents, and how highly he respected them." Rising, he went over to the sideboard to help himself to a few sandwiches and then continued.

“I asked Hugh what he knew about Mr Wickham. He informed me that the first part of his story being the son of the steward was true and that George Darcy had been generous with him, supporting him all the way through Cambridge. He told me that his youngest son Richard, who is my godson by the way, gave him the impression that the friendship between the three of them had cooled considerably because Wickham spent all of his time in the non-academic pursuits of university life. Not long after GeorgeÅ‚s death, all contact was broken, but I was not given the details. I assumed it was a dispute over the will. This information was serious enough that I knew that there had to be something more to his story. I kept my eye on Wickham, but never saw or heard anything from anyone in Meryton to confirm my suspicions, until this nasty business began. Then everyone had a story to tell. In hindsight I should have known something was wrong. Richard, even though it is nearly twenty years since I saw him last, was not a person to take a dislike to anyone without a good reason. The only reason I allowed Lydia to go to Brighton was because she was under the protection of the colonel of the regiment and I thought the experience would do her some good. I know Lizzy treated Wickham differently when she came back from Hunsford, but I thought nothing of it. "

“While we were touring Pemberley, but before we met Mr Darcy, Lizzy informed Madeline that we had been duped by WickhamÅ‚s outward appearance. At first, we did not take much notice, but when what Lizzy had told us was confirmed by Mr DarcyÅ‚s housekeeper, Mrs Reynolds, Madeline and I decided to speak to her friends on the subject as well. Do you want another glass of brandy, Thomas?" Mr Gardiner asked.

“Please, Edward, it will help me sleep tonight. I now understand why Lizzy tried to dissuade me from allowing Lydia to go to Brighton. She understood WickhamÅ‚s true nature and could see how much Lydia seemed to favour him, which worried her. Because she had been sworn to secrecy, she could not tell me what she knew and because of this, she did not succeed in convincing me to keep Lydia at home. I had no idea that there was an attachment between Lydia and Wickham. I knew she favoured some of the other officers. I blame myself for all this. I can see that I will have to do more to protect Kitty and Mary."

“Well I do not know about you, Thomas, but I am off to bed. After the emotional time we have had over the last few days, I am feeling quite tired. Mr Darcy said he would be here at 9 oÅ‚clock with his cousin."

“I was surprised and pleased to hear that Richard would be helping in the search for Wickham. Richard was about ten years old the last time I saw him. I knew through my correspondence with Hugh that he had taken a commission in the Army, and how proud he was of him," Mr Bennet said thoughtfully drinking the last of his brandy. “I agree, with you Edward, it is time for me turn in as well, I will see you in the morning."

Chapter Two

VINAIGRETTE: A small box of about two to three inches in size, usually made of silver, which contained smelling salts or a pleasant smelling perfume. It was either used as a medical aid for women or to mask the terrible smells of the city due to rubbish thrown out of the windows, and from open sewers. The vinaigrette box was held under the nose so that people could not smell the offending odours as they rode or walked past these places.

The Runners: The full name “The Bow Street Runners." This was the earliest form of police that worked in London. They were feared by many, especially thieves and wastrels. They were known to be very ruthless. The Runners policed London until in the late 1800Å‚s. Robert Peel organised them into the start of the police force we know today.

Chit: Impudent or pert girl


Darcy arrived in Belgrave Square exhausted, but knew he could not yet retire for the evening. After apologizing to his butler for his unexpected arrival, he requested refreshments for himself and ordered him to admit no one unless it was his cousin or Messrs. Bennet and Gardiner. He was still out of town to anyone else.

Settling in his study, Darcy sat down at his desk and tried to concentrate on a batch of correspondence that had not yet been forwarded to Pemberley. About an hour after his arrival and no further along in his estate business than when he first sat down, his cousin stormed into the room, waving Darcyłs hastily scribbled note.

“What has that bastard done now?"

Darcy looked up from his account books and glared at the sudden interruption but his features quickly relaxed when he saw who it was. “Good, you got my letter. Wickham has run away from his creditors again."

The Colonel sat down in the leather chair opposite his cousin. “There is more, is there not? Do tell, Darcy. The sooner you do, the sooner I can run him through with my sword. Has he been trying to get in touch with Georgie again?"

“Absolutely not. He ran off with Miss Elizabeth BennetÅ‚s sixteen year-old sister. The chit can think of nothing but being married to an officer and fancies Wickham is taking her to Gretna Green, but I know he is hiding here in London. You met Miss Elizabeth; she is a gentlemanÅ‚s daughter. We must make Wickham marry the girl or else the family will be ruined. I will not allow that to happen, Richard!"

The Colonel was thoughtful for a moment. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet? We havenÅ‚t seen her for over four months. How did you ever learn of this sad affair?"

DarcyÅ‚s cheeks flushed for a moment before answering with a touch of impatience, “Never mind that for now, can I count on your support?"

With a wide grin on his face, he answered as he spied his cousinÅ‚s array of fine spirits on the sideboard, “You may rely on me. As much as I would like to get my hands around his throat, I assume you have plans for him and the youngest Miss BennetÅ‚s future together? Where do we start?"

“I do, and IÅ‚ll have a brandy, too, while you are pouring yourself a drink. Do you remember Mrs Younge, GeorgianaÅ‚s former companion? She runs a rather disreputable guesthouse in Edward Street. If Wickham is not there, my guess is that she knows where he is."

His cousin brought the two drinks back to the desk and sat down again. “But I will wager it will cost you a pretty penny to get the address out of her."

“Not with the information I have on her. Remember my motherÅ‚s silver pillbox and vinaigrette that went missing shortly after her employment with us began? By chance, I was walking past Crocket and Brown pawnbrokerÅ‚s shop and saw those two items along with two vases in the window. Can you believe it Richard? She didnÅ‚t even bother to use a false name! When I informed the pawnbrokers that the items were stolen, they were quite forthcoming with a report of her. I have their written statement, which matches her description perfectly. I do not think she will want the Runners at her door." He swallowed another mouthful of his drink and laid his glass down.

“That should scare her enough to reveal his location, but trust me, as a military man, I can tell you that we will need to have reinforcements in place to keep him from fleeing. I saw Fields and Mathews in our encampment the other day. I am sure they would be most interested to hear that Wickham was nearby." The Colonel smirked, “I do not think it will take much to persuade them to call upon him again as soon as they know of his location."

“Care to make an unexpected social call on Mrs Younge tonight, Richard?"

“Indeed. You know Darcy, I could never understand why a woman of her standing would mix with the likes of Wickham," the Colonel said thoughtfully.

Darcy finished his drink and shrugged his shoulders before tackling the mystery he could solve. “Once we find Wickham, we will take Mr Bennet with us so he can escort his daughter to Gracechurch Street. Then with Miss Lydia out of the way, we will be able to work on him. Can you summon Fields and Mathews tonight and tell them to bring some trustworthy and muscular men with them? That should be all the insurance we need to guarantee that he will not flee tonight."
*~*~*~*~*~*


Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam met Matthews and Fields at a public house called The Red Dragon, not far from Mrs Youngełs establishment. They paid the publican three golden crowns for his best room and asked that two large bottles of brandy be brought to them and then stated that they were not to be disturbed. The room was small, but suited their needs. It was clean with a large round table with six chairs around it. The publican brought the bottles of brandy and glasses then left the room.

“Gentlemen, you probably want to know the full reason why we have asked you to meet us here. I need your help with the apprehension of George Wickham." Mr Darcy said solemnly. Both menÅ‚s faces went white with anger at this. “We need your help to put a stop to him ruining any more young ladies. Under the disguise of elopement, he has run away with a young girl of sixteen, the daughter of a gentleman."

Matthews arose and started to pace the room in agitation, then poured himself and the rest of the company large glasses of brandy.

“As usual, he is in debt up to his eyes. The young lady had some money, and he needed to escape from his creditors. As you know, as soon as the childÅ‚s money runs out, he will be looking for his next conquest," the Colonel said, watching both menÅ‚s faces for a reaction. “We want to make sure that this will be the last time he ever does this. Revenge is yours, gentlemen. We need to extract a promise from him that he will marry her, and you will have the challenge of making sure he stays faithful to her. I am going to buy him an ensignÅ‚s position in your regiment."

“We are going to see Mrs Younge who rents a large house at Seven Edward Street. She is a good friend of his and will know where he is staying. Once we have this information, we will need someone to keep watch overnight. I do not want him escaping during the night," Mr Darcy informed them.

After drinking the brandy in one swallow, Matthews said with a big grin on his face, “Delightful! I cannot wait to get my hands on the bastard that seduced my Margaret. It has taken her three years to overcome what happened. I hope the woman he marries will make his life hell. Oh yes, I will dearly love to extract this promise from him. As for keeping an eye on him overnight, my brother and nephews, who like myself are also on leave, will make sure he does not go anywhere." He then refilled his glass while watching Fields, who looked similarly pleased at the prospect of revenge.

“Yes, I agree, I cannot wait to get my hands on him myself. Alice was terrified to go out of the house for almost a year. If she had not gone to your estate in Lake District, Mr Darcy, I think she would have ended up in Bedlam," Fields said. “What is this young lady like? Do you know her? I will make sure that he will be faithful. He will never gamble again, that is for certain. General Webster does not approve of gamesters like Wickham."

Mr Darcy finishing his drink, and started to laugh, “Oh yes, I know the young lady, and she will drive him to distraction after a few months of marriage. They are both of the same ilk-selfish, self-centred, and loud. You will see tomorrow what she is like. Now, the Colonel and I first have to extract from Mrs Younge the whereabouts of Mr Wickham. While we are doing that, gather your friends and be prepared to watch the place. We will meet you back here, gentlemen, in about an hour or so."
*~*~*~*~*~*


Arriving at Mrs Youngełs guesthouse, both Mr Darcy and the Colonel gave her the biggest shock in her life. She had hoped that she would never see either man again. Showing them through to her parlour where they could talk privately, she anxiously eyed both men to see if she could discover why they had called. As both looked at her in an intimidating way, she nervously began speaking.

“What can I do for you, gentlemen? It has been a long time since we last met." She sat down on one of the two small chaises nearest the fireplace. The room was small and light green in colour. The fireplace was small, but adequate for the size of the room, above the fireplace was a small gilded mirror.

“You can tell us the whereabouts of George Wickham. Is he staying here in your house? We are certain that you know where he is, and we need to see him immediately." As the Colonel was speaking, Mr Darcy silently stood watching her every move and facial expression.

“I have not seen Mr Wickham for quite some time. The last I heard from him, he was in the militia, and was stationed in some godforsaken place in Hertfordshire," Mrs Younge nervously replied. “Why do you want to see him?"

“Because he has thrown over the militia in Brighton leaving behind the usual amount of debts and taking a young girl, the daughter of a gentleman, with him. We are here on behalf of her family," the Colonel replied.

Mr Darcy then walked over to the fireplace and sat in one of the chairs, still observing her closely.

“I am sorry, but I cannot help you. How do I know that you will not do him harm after what happened last year?" She said fidgeting with her handkerchief nervously.

All of a sudden Mr Darcy rose. Towering over her, he said in a loud voice, “Enough of your lies! If you do not tell us immediately where he is, I will have the Runners here. I have not forgotten the items you took from my home. Yes! Mrs Younge, I have retrieved those items from the pawnbroker and have his testimony that it was you who pawned them. I will not hesitate to call the Runners unless you are more cooperative. Wickham has a good friend in you, does he not, or does he hold something else over you to make you help him?"

The Colonel looked directly at her to see her reaction to this information. Mrs Younge paled. Noticing how Mr Darcyłs words affected her, they both knew that he was right in his assumption.

She seemed very afraid of Wickham, so the Colonel said gently, “If you help us find him, perhaps we may be able to keep him away from you. If not, we will let him ruin you as he has many other people before. What does he hold over you that makes you help him?"

Mrs Younge looked at them and saw that they were serious about helping her. She replied softly, “He knows my husband. I left him a few years ago because of his ill-treatment. I feared for my life so I changed my name. He threatened to tell him where I was, so to buy his silence, I helped him out when he needed it. If you will help me go abroad somewhere so that I will be safe from my husband, I will help you. Mr Wickham is slowly draining me of all my savings."

“Very well, you shall have a passage to America once we have Wickham," Mr Darcy said. “Now, tell us where is he residing and if the is girl is still with him?"

“He is residing in Sidney Street at The Three Feathers, and, yes, the girl was still with him. I feel sorry for her. You could see that she was taken in by him - so young as well," she replied looking relieved.

“Thank you, Mrs Younge. If your information proves correct, I shall make sure that you get your passage to America so I would begin packing if I were you. I will send my man around later tomorrow with the ticket and a letter of recommendation and credit to help you once you arrive there. My servant will then help you with your departure. Do you wish to sell the boarding house? If so, my attorney will sell it for you and forward the money to a reputable attorney in New York," Mr Darcy promised her. Seeing the relief on her face and the way she nodded her agreement, he then made a note for the arrangements for the sale to be dealt with once his servant had returned from helping her with her departure.

With that, both Darcy and the Colonel left the boarding house and went back to The Red Dragon, where Matthews and Fields were awaiting them with their friends. After explaining that Wickham was to be found residing a few streets away, money was given to the six men who were to keep watch overnight. Mr Darcy and the Colonel then arranged to meet with Matthews and Fields the next day at about ten ołclock with Mr Bennet.

Chapter Three

The next day the Colonel and Darcy arrived at Gracechurch Street at nine ołclock precisely. The butler, Mr Green, showed them both into Mr Gardinerłs library where the gentlemen were anxiously awaiting their arrival.

“Mr Bennet, Mr Gardiner, this is my cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, the son of the Earl of Matlock," DarcyÅ‚s pride in his cousin was obvious.

“Hello, Richard! It has been a long time since I have seen you, young man. Are you not going to speak to your godfather then?" Mr Bennet was highly amused at the look of confusion on both menÅ‚s faces.

“Do not look so shocked, Mr Darcy. I have met both of your parents, and I hear regularly from Richards father, Hugh. Now that I know you better, Mr Darcy, please let me say how exceptionally sorry I am to hear of your parentsÅ‚ deaths."

“Hello Go-Godfather!" The normally poised and affable colonel stumbled through a greeting. “You are Miss ElizabethÅ‚s father? Not for one moment did I connect my godfatherÅ‚s name with the young lady we met in Kent last April. I have not seen you for a very long time."

The Colonel and Mr Bennet shook hands heartily, and when Mr Bennet turned towards Mr Darcy, he saw sadness momentarily cloud his eyes.

“Mr Bennet, I did not realise that you knew my family, but I thank you for your condolences."

For a moment, Mr Bennet patted him on the back and sympathetically nodded until his brother-in-law gestured to the comfortable chairs around the fireplace where they could discuss the business at hand. As they sat, the Colonel relayed the happy news to the two very worried men.

“Well, gentleman, we have some good news for you. We have found the whereabouts of Mr Wickham and possibly Miss Lydia, that is, if she is still with him."

Mr Bennet looked at him in disbelief, “You have found them already?"

“Yes, we have found out where they are staying, and to make sure they do not leave, I have men watching the place. The Colonel and I were going to go there after we had seen you and Mr Gardiner this morning, but first we want to outline the plan we have made to make sure Wickham knows that this is the last time he will use someone like this," Mr Darcy said as he walked over to the fireplace, placing his arm on the mantel.

“He has done this before then, I understand?" Mr Gardiner said

“Yes, unfortunately. Presently, family members of the two women whom Wickham ruined are keeping an eye on the public house where he is lodging, waiting for him to make a move. Both Colonel MatthewsÅ‚ and Major FieldsÅ‚ daughters were ruined by Wickham. Both women now live on my estate in Lake District and have re-established their lives there. They are both happily married to two men in my employ."

“I have never heard of a more disreputable young man." Mr Gardiner said. “What do you want us to do?"

“Mr Gardiner, please obtain a special license and arrange for the ceremony to take place as soon as possible. What is your parish?" Darcy was relieved that the emotional moment was past and could now concentrate on implementing his plan.

“That would be St. ClementÅ‚s," Mr Gardiner replied. “I do not see any obstacle in arranging the time of the ceremony provided I can retrieve the license from the bishop."

“Very good. Mr Bennet, our conversation with Wickham will be more effective if your daughter is not there. We will need you to escort her back here to Gracechurch Street. If she protests, I suppose you could tell her she needs to finalize her wedding preparations."

“Yes, I will accompany you to retrieve my daughter. I want a few words with that young lady. If she will not accompany me willingly, I will carry her out the door kicking and screaming if need be," Mr Bennet said, his face mottled with anger.

“Whilst you all deal with Wickham and Lydia, I will apply for the licence, but I will need your written permission. Will you please write a note, before you go for Lydia?" Mr Gardiner told Mr Bennet, who went over to the desk and began writing.

“Once you have Lydia back here, the Colonel and I will deal with Wickham. He knows that we will not stand for any nonsense from him. He is clever and knows how to manipulate people into forgiving or assuming his debts. It would be best if we, Richard and I, deal with him. Are these plans to your liking, sir?"

Mr Bennet handed his letter to Mr Gardiner, and in a much calmer voice answered, “Yes, but I hope after you have finished with him, he will be fit to stand at the altar on his own merit. Have you thought of how he might support my daughter, as he will get no handouts from me? Lydia will only get her inheritance once her mother and I are dead. Although, I might be able to give her an allowance of L50 pounds a year, that is not enough to live on, especially for a spendthrift like Lydia."

“Do not worry on that account, Mr Bennet. Since neither Darcy nor I will ever want to intercede on his behalf again, we have arranged his future life very tidily. Firstly, we have arranged for him to receive a commission in General WebsterÅ‚s regiment currently stationed in Newcastle."

At first, Mr BennetÅ‚s face blanched, “So far away? Yes, yes, I see the advantage of that. Please continue."

“The General had terrible luck at the tables when he was younger and does not trust anyone with the reputation of being a gamester. After we inform him of WickhamÅ‚s past behaviour, the General will keep a very close eye on him. If he steps out of line, he will probably find himself in a regiment heading for the Continent."

Mr Bennet was still troubled. “I suppose I must give my consent to protect my other daughters, but I do not think even silly, thoughtless Lydia deserves such a reprobate for a husband."

Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam looked at each other and grinned before Darcy delivered the final coup de grace to Wickhamłs soon-to-be former favourite form of entertainment.

“Oh no, we have taken care of that aspect as well. I guarantee Wickham will soon become a good and faithful husband to Miss Lydia. If he treats her badly, the two men we mentioned earlier, Fields and Matthews, are in the same regiment and will be waiting to make sure he does not make any errmistakes."

The Colonel added, “Wickham will have to work very hard for the first time in his life. He will be entering the regiment at the rank of ensign. At his age he should at least be a major. All the officers will know this and he will not be able to use his charm to gain their respect, especially when they learn how often he has run away from his debts of honour."

“Brilliant! You have thought of everything. Your plan will at least give my Lydia a chance of happiness. My only thought is that I do not want either of them at Longbourn after the wedding. It would be preferable for all our sakes that they leave immediately for his new post in Newcastle," Mr Bennet said thoughtfully. “The sooner Kitty is extracted from LydiaÅ‚s influence, the better."

“Well, now that everything is in hand, let us go to it, shall we?" the Colonel said “I cannot wait to see the look on WickhamÅ‚s face when he sees the three of us, as well as Fields and Matthews."

“Yes, he will try to bolt the scene when he sees them," Mr Darcy said sardonically.

“Indeed, that is just what they are hoping for," the Colonel chuckled as they left the house.

Mr Bennet climbed into a curricle, the Colonel and Darcy mounted their horses and they made their way to The Three Feathers on Sidney Street.
Chapter Four

The disgusted look on Mr Bennetłs face said it all. His youngest daughter sat on Wickhamłs lap on their bed, one arm around his neck, the bodice of her neckline hanging dangerously low and Wickhamłs hand clearly underneath the hem of her dress.

Making his presence known he shouted, “Lydia!!"

He looked around at the disreputable place where his daughter had been staying, and his agitation increased when he saw their living arrangements. The room was filthy. There was a double bed with bedding on it that looked as though it had not been washed for some time. Near the fireplace were two shabby chairs, a large cracked mirror and armoire, and near the window was a small table with wobbly legs. He was thoroughly disgusted with their state of dress especially Lydiałs, but what surprised him the most was her reaction to his arrival. Rather than being ashamed of being found in such a disreputable state by her father, she behaved shamelessly, looking at him in a defiant manner. Mr Wickham paled considerably when he saw who was at the door. He tried to disentangle Lydia, but she clung to him even tighter.

“Papa, I am happy to see you! How are my mother and sisters?" Lydia asked boldly. “How did you manage to find us?"

“Never mind that. You will get your things together, as we are leaving this instant, and I will stand no insolence from you, my girl," Mr Bennet said angrily to his youngest daughter as he pulled her off WickhamÅ‚s lap.

“But, Papa, I am to be married to Mr Wickham. Are you not pleased?" Lydia broke free of her fatherÅ‚s grip and skipped back to Mr WickhamÅ‚s side, who looked with great agitation at the men now standing near the door and window.

“I am thoroughly ashamed of you," Mr Bennet replied angrily. “Gather your things together now, girl, before I carry you out bodily."

Lydia looked at her father, and seeing how angry he was, she knew he meant every word. Whining loudly that she did not want to leave her dear George and that she could not see why they were making so much fuss about everything, she reluctantly gathered her few possessions and left with her father.

Wickham stood and looked at the remaining group of gentleman in his room. The Colonel gave a sign to Matthews and Fields who left the room and stood outside the door preventing exit or entrance.

He gulped, “Well, gentlemen how can I help you? You have what you came for. What else do you want?"

“Oh, we havenÅ‚t quite finished with you yet, Wickham. You will be marrying Lydia Bennet tomorrow or the next day at the latest, depending on how soon it can be arranged. For now, we want to make sure that you will agree to everything that we have arranged for future together," Mr Darcy said looking very menacingly at him.

“This is the last time you will ruin a young lady or run up gambling debts. I am sure that you recognise Major Fields and Colonel Matthews. Frankly, I sincerely hope you balk at our terms, as I have promised them that they may have the pleasure of persuading you. But then again, the Colonel and I are not quite finished with you. Miss Elizabeth Bennet informed me of the lies you spread about my family."

With that, Darcy punched Wickham squarely on his jaw, knocking him to the floor. The Colonel then pulled him back to his feet by the scruff of his neck and punched him in the stomach. “That was for Georgiana, and this is for Lydia," Darcy said as an uppercut hit Wickham squarely on the chin.

The Colonel pulled Wickham to his feet by his hair saying, “Well, Wickham, have you had enough yet? Are you going to marry Miss Lydia Bennet and behave as a devoted husband for the rest of your life? We have heard of all your debts in Brighton, and I assume there will be more elsewhere which will need to be paid."

Wickham mumbled, “You have got to be joking, Darcy! I will not be tied to Lydia Bennet. I will do anything but that."

The Colonelłs second blow struck his nose and sent him flying into the welcoming arms of Fields, stood in the doorway. Darcy signalled to Matthews to enter as well.

“Well, gentlemen, the Colonel and I will leave you to persuade him to our way of thinking. Remember, he must be fit enough to be married, so do not break his legs or his right arm. Farewell until tomorrow, Wickham," and with that, the Colonel and Darcy left the room.

Downstairs Mr Darcy said to the proprietor, “I want to pay Mr WickhamÅ‚s board until tomorrow. I am placing a guard on each exit door and one outside his room until tomorrow morning. He will have company in his room until then, so I do not think he will try to leave, but I want to be sure. When we arrive tomorrow, he will accompany us then." The men who had been watching the place through the night were then asked to stay and keep watch for another night.

The proprietor laughed and said, “Thank you, gentlemen," as he gratefully accepted payment for the room and a little bit on the side insured that he would see and hear nothing that went on in Mr WickhamÅ‚s room that night.
*~*~*~*~*~*


After Mr Bennet and Lydia arrived back at Gracechurch Street, Mr Bennet set about telling her a few home truths. They had found that Mrs Gardiner and the children had arrived home during their absence, so he had taken her through to the library where they could talk privately.

Lydia walked around the room complaining that she should not have left her beloved with those horrible looking men. She grumbled that she did not understand why her father followed her as he had done and why was he not proud of her, as she was to be the first of his daughters to marry.

Mr Bennet got up and started to pace the room, his face white with the anger he felt.

“Proud of you?! I am disgusted with you. You have broken your motherÅ‚s and sistersÅ‚ hearts. From this day forward, Lydia, you will not be allowed to see or write to any of them, and that includes your mother. Once you are married to Mr Wickham, the only contact you will make with your family will be through me and me alone. If I find that you have contacted your mother or any of your sisters in anyway, then you will be completely cut off from your family. There will be no handouts from your mother or me. You will have to learn to live on what little money your husband earns and the allowance that I give you."

Lydia looked to her father and her face blanched, “Surely you do not mean this, Papa. I thought you would be proud that I have found myself a husband, especially one such as Mr Wickham."

“Lydia, he is rogue and a scoundrel. He did not mean to marry you at all. He was using you to escape from his creditors. Once your money had run out, he would have been on his way. You should be glad that we found you and are making him marry you," Mr Bennet explained to her. “You are not his first victim, you know. The two men with Mr Darcy and his cousin were fathers of other girls he has ruined. They, like you, thought that he would marry them, but he left them pregnant, and if it had not been for Mr DarcyÅ‚s generosity sending them to his home in Lake District to make a new life for themselves, their lives would have been destroyed. You are luckier, for we found you and you will be marrying him tomorrow or the next day. We will learn the date when your uncle returns. I had your trunk sent here from Brighton. Go find a nice dress out of the new attire we bought you to use as your wedding dress, as you will get nothing more from me for wedding clothes. Now, go get out of my sight."

Mrs Gardiner was waiting for their private conversation to end. She escorted her niece upstairs to a guest chamber and gave her not one jot of sympathy for her travails, but plenty of lectures on proper behaviour as they searched through Lydiałs wardrobe for a suitable dress.

At first, Lydia was annoyed with her auntłs moralizing. She sounded just like Mary, and she used to think Aunt Gardiner was so agreeable Then thoughts of her fatherłs commandments made her peevish. She could not speak or write to Kitty or her mother? The others were not worth thinking about, so what did she care about them? But when she did think of her sisters, it was with triumph. She would still be the first one married and married to her sisterłs former admirer, the handsome and charming George Wickham.

Chapter Five

The next day when Darcy and the Colonel arrived at the inn, Wickham was waiting, finally willing to agree to whatever had been arranged. The groomłs wedding finery included two black eyes, a swollen nose, and a delightfully purplish bruised jaw to compliment his blue coat.

“Well Wickham, I see that you are now ready to be married. The Colonel and I are here to escort you to St ClementÅ‚s Church where the service will begin in an hour. Unfortunately, we must insist on Colonel Matthews and Major Fields escorting you on your honeymoon journey to your new post in Newcastle," said Mr Darcy. “I hope for your sake and your wifeÅ‚s that you will follow the plans that have been laid down for your future."

They left the inn in Mr Darcyłs coach and made their way to the church where the bridal party was waiting for them. When the bride first saw her groom, she was quite shocked at the state of his face. Wickham smiled at her and said that he had suffered a slight accident and that he was sure with her nursing, he would recover rapidly. Lydiałs look of grief was brief as the minister joined the party and bade them all approach the front of the church. The wedding was a solemn affair except for the bridełs flirty giggles and expressions of joy at her married state. Mr. Bennet and Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were all relieved that it was all over and that expanded bridal party were on their way north.

Once they could no longer see the carriage, Darcy turned to offer his hospitality.

“Now that the wedding has taken place, may I extend an invitation to come to my house?"

“Yes sir, that would be splendid. I thank you," replied Mr Bennet looking at Mr and Mrs Gardiner who also nodded in agreement.
*~*~*~*~*~*


Arriving at his house, Darcy informed his butler of the guests he had invited for luncheon and then followed the party into the library. The vastness of the Darcy library made Mr. Bennetłs and Mr Gardinerłs eyes sparkle with delight. They found volumes that they had longed to read for many years and sighed that luncheon would prevent them from delving into the precious tomes.

When Darcy turned from the table laden with the finest spirits with drinks for Mr Gardiner and Mr Bennet, he saw the admiring look on Mr Bennetłs face as he held one of his newer acquisitions in his hands. When he asked Mrs Gardinerłs preference for tea or sherry, Mr Bennet reluctantly placed the book down, and coughed slightly as he approached his host.

“Mr Darcy, Richard, please allow me to thank you both on behalf of myself and my family. I know that Wickham had considerable debts to pay as well as the cost of his commission and I must owe you a great deal of money." Mr Bennet said, as he accepted a glass of port from Mr Darcy.

“Mr Bennet, it is done now, finished. I deserve to pay for his debts and his commission. If I had warned you about Mr WickhamÅ‚s reputation, this elopement would not have occurred. You, sir, owe me nothing. Now, have you informed your family that the marriage was to have taken place today?"

Mr Bennet smiled, as he knew Mr Darcy had another reason prompting his generous assistance. “Yes, I wrote to Jane and Lizzy yesterday and then sent it by express. I told them about our success in finding the pair and how they had been living together in squalor. I also wrote that Lydia will soon be married and that Wickham has orders to report to his new post in Newcastle immediately so they would not be able to come to Longbourn."

Mr. Bennet sighed at the thought of LydiaÅ‚s marriage that morning “Thank goodness it is over now. Let us hope he uses what brains he has to become a loving husband. I am happy that they are both travelling directly to his post as I would like to keep Kitty away from LydiaÅ‚s influence. I know my wife will be very upset about this, but it is about time I made her understand what LydiaÅ‚s selfishness nearly cost the family."

“I think that Mrs. Wickham will settle well into her new life. She does seems to love Wickham well enough, and I think that the fright he has had over the last few days will bring him to his senses and make him act responsibly. Though I must say, they seem a well matched pair," the Colonel said laughing.

“Lets us hope that this experience will make her grow up a bit, though I very much doubt it," Mrs. Gardiner said tiredly.

“I agree with you both, they are well matched in many ways, but I also think that being banned from contacting her family will give Lydia a jolt back into real life and out of the daydream she has lived in for so long," Mr. Gardiner answered.

There was a knock at the door and footmen entered carrying trays of sandwiches, pastries and cakes of every kind. They also brought tea, coffee and a large bowl of the finest fruits. Mr Darcy and his guests were served the cold repast that his cook had provided.

While everyone was eating, Mr Bennet took Mr Darcy to one side stating, “Mr. Darcy, if you wish to visit my family, especially Lizzy, you would be quite welcome."

Darcy bowed his acknowledgement, then looked worriedly at Mr. Bennet, “I hope, sir, that you will keep most of what has happened to yourself. Miss Elizabeth knows of my help, but I would not want her to find out everything I have done. I believe it would give her the wrong impression of me."

“Do not worry. I will not inform her of everything you did, but you must let me tell her how, with your valuable help we found the pair of them. She knows that you offered to help us and will want to know everything," Mr. Bennet chuckled when DarcyÅ‚s face still remained anxious. “If I do not tell her, she will find out one way or another. Elizabeth is very good at getting information from people by indirect questions. I think you will agree with me, that it would be best if I tell her what I think she should know, rather than letting her finding out the things she should not."

Calling over to the gentlemen in her quiet voice, Mrs Gardiner asked if they would like tea or coffee and then served them their requested coffees along with tea for herself and her husband.

“You may tell her what you feel she needs to know, sir. I understand Miss Elizabeth will be curious as to how we found them, but please do not tell her everything."

As they rejoined the group, Mr Darcy continued. “Thank you for your invitation. Mr. Bingley has spoken of returning to Netherfield in a few weeks, and I was hoping to accompany him. May I ask you though, before we arrive, for your permission to court Miss Elizabeth, if she will allow me?"

“Of course, my boy. I am sure, from what Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner have told me, that Lizzy will welcome both your arrival and your suit. I would like to ask you a question though, if I may." Mr. Darcy inclined his head. “Why not come back to Longbourn with me tomorrow?" Mr. Bennet asked whilst replacing his cup and plate on the table.

“As much as I would like to Mr. Bennet, I have guests at my home in Derbyshire who leave this weekend to go to Scarborough. I must return and spend some time with them, I am afraid," Mr Darcy replied as they walked over to where the others where seated.

“Well then, we shall see you soon with Mr. Bingley, I hope," Mr. Bennet said. “How is Mr. Bingley? We have not seen him since last November when you all left in such a hurry."

“Mr. Bingley, himself, is in good health. He has been having problems with his business. His business partner has decided that he now wants to retire, so they are looking for someone to buy out his share of the partnership," Mr. Darcy answered. “I will tell him you send your regards and an invitation to call at Longbourn."

“Please do that," Mr. Bennet said sincerely. “I look forward to your visit, Mr. Darcy. Richard, please send my best wishes to your mother and father. Tell him that I hope that we will soon meet and have that long talked of chess game. You know you are welcome to visit us as well. Why not come with Mr. Darcy here and his friend?"

“Yes, Godfather, I will tell my father that I have met you and that you send him and my mother your best wishes," Richard said to Mr. Bennet. “Unfortunately, my leave finishes this weekend and I must return to my regiment. If I had more time I would certainly come and visit you and your family. Do you wish me to tell my father the circumstances of our meeting?"

“Well, as your father knows I hate London, he will be very surprised to hear that I am in town. You may tell him that you and Mr. Darcy assisted me with a family problem, and I will write him of the details later," Mr. Bennet answered. “I will be travelling home tomorrow. Is there any message you wish me to pass along to my daughter, Mr. Darcy?"

“Tell her I hope that she is well, and that I will be returning to Netherfield soon with Mr. Bingley and hope to see her whilst I am there," replied Mr. Darcy.

“Very good, have a safe journey back to your friends."

“Thank you Mr. Bennet I hope you will have a safe journey back to Longbourn."

As his guests were about to leave, Mr Darcy approached Mr Bennet saying, “Sir, I noticed that you were looking at these books earlier in my library, would you like to borrow them?"

“Very much so! Both Edward and I have been looking for a copy of these for some ten years now. Have they been in your family long?" Mr Bennet asked as Mr Darcy handed him the books

“No, I bought them from Mr. KingsleysÅ‚ bookshop near WhiteÅ‚s last year. He is very good at finding rare books."

“I will return these to you when you call at Longbourn," Mr. Bennet replied as they walked out of the library with both books in his hands.

Mr and Mrs Gardiner, then bade them farewell and hoped that they would meet again soon under more pleasant circumstances. They then left to return to Gracechurch Street where Mr Bennet was preparing to leave on the morrow.

Chapter Six

The next day Darcy travelled back to Derbyshire, and the Colonel returned to his regiment. He arrived in the early afternoon of the second day, and even though he took the time to refresh both himself and his attire, Darcy was weary from his ordeals with the London transactions and overly crotchety from the journeys to and from the capital. Taking a deep breath before entering, he joined his sister Georgiana and their guests in the music room for afternoon tea.

While they all were seated and listening to his sister play a lovely sonata by Haydn, Caroline Bingley approached Darcy and said in a loud, sarcastic voice, “Mr Darcy, I am glad to see that you have not abandoned us fully for the pleasures of London. I hope your business was able to be concluded satisfactorily, or will she be coming from Longbourn sometime this week for another extended holiday?"

Louisa and Mr Bingley gasped that Caroline had the audacity to infer such a sordid notion to her host.

“Caroline what is the meaning," Mr Bingley started to say, but was interrupted by Darcy.

“If you are implying what I think you are, Miss Bingley, then tomorrow you will leave my house," he said to her rather coldly. “I am sorry, Bingley, but this is the last straw. I will not allow your sister to insult me or the woman I hope to marry."

Georgiana, unused to anything but effusive praise from Caroline Bingley regarding her brother, was so startled by what she heard that for a few moments, her hands were suspended in midair over the keyboard. Seeing his sisterłs face, Darcy turned and stalked over to the windows and stood like a sentinel, guarding his tongue so that he would not upset his sister even more.

“I understand, Darcy. Caroline, how could you?" Mr Bingley said sounding very upset. “I demand that you apologise immediately to Mr Darcy."

Caroline looked with contempt at her brother and said, “Well, what else were we to think? They were eying each other as if each of them was a sweet to be devoured and Mr Darcy left at the same time as she did. So, no, I will not apologise."

Mr Darcy swiftly turned from the window, and addressing himself to Miss Bingley, answered in a low, deliberate and absolutely furious tone of voice.

“Bingley, were you aware that Miss Bingley has been keeping the truth about Miss Jane Bennet from you? Miss Bennet was in town from January until May, staying at Gracechurch Street with her uncle and aunt, Mr and Mrs Gardiner. She came to visit you and your sisters at your home, where both your sisters attended her, but they let an entire month pass before they condescended to visit her. And the reason they gave for your absence was that you were preparing for your marriage to Georgiana next June."

Georgiana gasped, burst into tears and ran from the room. Miss Bingley and Louisa coloured at this revelation, whilst Bingley looked as though he had been slapped.

There were long moments of dreadful silence when the only sound was the ticking of the mantel clock before Bingley, finally regaining his voice, turned to both his sisters and asked in a slow and steady voice, “Is this true, Caroline, Louisa?"

He slowly examined each of his sisterłs faces looking for any sign of a denial.

“I can see by your expressions that it is true. Well, from now on, you are both on your own. Caroline, from this day forward, I will no longer pay for of your clothes or trinkets. You will have to live off your own income, which you have overspent, as usual. Now get out of my sight."

Taking a moment or two to calm himself, he said, “Darcy, will you please arrange for a manservant to accompany my sister to Bath in the morning. She will be visiting our aunt there. I assure you that all my family will be leaving in the morning once their servants have prepared for their departure."

Turning to Mr Hurst who appeared to have fallen asleep while Georgiana was playing, he said, “Stephen, wake up, sir. You are leaving immediately for London. I do not know if you heard what has been said, but I am sure your wife will enlighten you, if not."

“Yes, Charles, I heard everything! Louisa and I shall leave for London tomorrow morning at daybreak, and then we will travel to my familyÅ‚s estate. My father wrote to me not long ago inviting us to stay this summer. So rather than go to Scarborough as planned, Louisa and I will head there," Mr Hurst said has he rose from the chaise.

He then addressed his wife and sister-in-law saying, “And NO, Louisa, Caroline is NOT coming with us. She will not be welcome in my home for the foreseeable future." Louisa looked at her husband in amazement. She had never seen or heard him be so forceful. Still in shock about what had happened, she nodded her head and tentatively smiled at him in silent agreement.

Seeing her sisterÅ‚s unusual concurrence with her spouse and faced with being exiled with her aunt, Caroline sneered, “Well, Louisa, are you not going to defend me? Are you suddenly as spineless as Charles, or are you going to stand up to your drunken lord and master?"

Louisa looked at her sister sorrowfully, as if truly seeing her for the first time, “No, I will not act against my husband because I agree with him wholeheartedly. It is time I paid more attention to my husband than to my sister. I am sorry, Caroline, but you will either have to go on to Scarborough by yourself or live with Aunt Bradley in Bath until you can arrange for an establishment of your own."

Carolinełs face contorted even more with contempt, and Louisa firmly responded before more invectives could be uttered.

“It was your idea to separate Charles and Miss Bennet. I told you that it was not wise to do so and that she would make him a good wife. I only let you carry through with your plan because I knew if I disagreed, you would make my life a misery. Now I wish I had not done so. Your petty jealousy of Miss Elizabeth and spiteful behaviour towards others, has caused your downfall. I agree with Stephen. We will be better off at his family estate, where we can live properly as husband and wife."

“I refuse to go to Aunt BradleyÅ‚s. I believe Lady Clarissa will welcome me a few days earlier than anticipated," Caroline answered in a haughty manner as she swept out of the room. “At least I will be welcome there."

Looking towards her brother, Louisa shook her head and said, “Charles, I am so sorry that I went along with her idea of separating you and Miss Bennet. I did not fully agree with her and tried to talk her out of it, but whenever I disagree with Caroline you know what happens."

Louisa arose, curtsied to Mr Darcy, thanking him for inviting her and her husband, then left the room to attend to their packing. Mr Darcy followed shortly after to console his sister leaving Charles alone, his body still trembling with the white-hot rage he felt at his sistersł betrayal.
*~*~*~*~*~*


Later that night, both Bingley and Darcy went into the library to discuss the dayłs events. The library was a large, circular room with wall-to-wall bookshelves. It had many large windows in the roof and a circular balcony. In the main area were tables and chairs for reading and large French doors, which led out into the rose garden. At the side of the room, was a table with decanters of the finest quality port, brandy, sherry and whisky with clean glasses.

Darcy, who was feeling rather sorry for his friend and still rather angry with his friendÅ‚s sister said, “I am sorry for the way I told you about what Caroline had done. I should not have told you in front of everyone. Before I was called away on business, I was going to tell you privately at the picnic I had arranged. I had hoped that Miss Elizabeth would be there to confirm everything I told you." He offered his friend a large brandy and placed the decanter on the table.

After thinking on DarcyÅ‚s remarks for a while, Bingley said in a pained voice, “I never would have believed Caroline could be so callous and unfeeling." He closed his eyes, pain etched over his face. “I know you said that you could not see any affection in Miss BennetÅ‚s countenance in your advice to me last year, but it is as you said, I knew her better than either you or my sisters, and I should have followed my heart. But, Darcy, Caroline was so convincing when she informed me that Miss Bennet had told her that she would only marry me to please her mother."

“Oh, Bingley, do you really think Miss Bennet could be so cold hearted? Even though I did not know her very well, I could see that it would not be in her nature to be so."

“Did Miss Elizabeth give you any idea if Miss Bennet had any feelings for me when you spoke to her?" Mr Bingley asked with much anxiety in his voice before downing his glass of brandy in one swallow.

“Miss Elizabeth informed me that after her sister received the letter from Caroline and Louisa about your supposed engagement to my sister, she became very quiet and sad. At first, her family thought nothing of it, but later when she did not improve, they became extremely worried about her. Therefore, when the Gardiners invited her to stay with them, they were glad she had an opportunity to try to overcome these feelings," Darcy told him whist refilling his friends brandy glass.

“I am sorry to hear she has suffered because of my neglect. How do you know that she called on my sisters?" Mr Bingley asked. He was severely upset at this news and took the brandy glass offered by his friend. “How is Georgiana by the way? I noticed she seemed very distraught when she left the room."

“Georgie is fine now. I went to see her to reassure her that she would not be forced into a marriage she did not want and especially at such a young age," Darcy replied. “When I met Miss Elizabeth at Hunsford, she was rather angry at the treatment of her sister by you, your sisters and especially me. I had to explain to her that Georgiana was only sixteen and not yet out, let alone engaged. To my utter disgust, Miss Elizabeth told me of the treatment that her sister had suffered at the hands of your sisters which had hurt Miss Bennet deeply."

“They took over a month to visit her? That is absolutely disrespectful, Darcy. I just cannot believe that my sisters would act in such a manner. Poor Miss Bennet! What must she think of me and my family for hurting her so?" Bingley said with frustration. He again drank his glass of brandy very quickly, got up, and started to pace the room.

“I must say how happy I was to see you finally stand up to Caroline. I am also relieved to see that Hurst is finally taking Louisa away from CarolineÅ‚s influence. I do not think that Louisa is really as malicious as Caroline, and you will be able to forgive her some day soon."

“I do not blame Louisa, she just follows CarolineÅ‚s lead. I know what Caroline is like if she does not get her way. I am angry with Louisa, but not as much as I am with Caroline."

Darcy looked with sympathy at his friend. “I met Mr Bennet in town whilst he dealt with a family emergency and I was able to help him. He sends us an invitation for a family meal when we are next in Hertfordshire. I thought that since you still own the lease to Netherfield for at least another two years, we could go there. You can visit Miss Bennet, explain to her that what your sisters did was without your knowledge and hope that she will forgive you. You will have Miss Elizabeth on your side, as well as Georgiana and myself, so let us be on our way to Hertfordshire tomorrow, man.".

Bingley halted his tracks then slowly smiled. “Yes, Darcy, let us go back to Netherfield. But while you were away, I have been quite busy looking around at nearby estates and have decided to buy a place of my own as my father wanted. I noticed that a fine estate called Emmott Hall was up for sale. Would you come with me to look it over tomorrow? We can do that while the servants pack our things for our journey to Hertfordshire."

“That sounds like a good idea. Emmott Hall is a fine estate, not as large as Pemberley, but well run. I know the present owner, Mr Bedford, I would be pleased to introduce you to him, as he was a trusted friend of my fatherÅ‚s. With your permission, I will send him a message tomorrow morning asking if he is free in the afternoon to see a potential buyer. We will then leave for Hertfordshire the day after.

“Yes, of course. Goodnight then, Darcy."

Mr Darcy went in search of his housekeeper and valet to inform them that Bingley, Georgiana and he would be travelling to Hertfordshire on the Wednesday, which would give the servants a full day to pack everything that was needed for their journey. He then went to tell Georgie what he had planned for them, asking her to arrange for her maid to get her belongings ready.
*~*~*~*~*~*


The next afternoon, the gentlemen were able to tour the estate. Emmott Hall, situated on Pemberleyłs eastern border, was a large, stately 16th century building. Even though it was as old as Pemberley, to their delight they discovered that an orangery had been constructed quite recently. As they toured the house and the walled garden, both men were impressed by the excellent condition of the furniture, lovingly tended gardens, also how well the estate was staffed. So taken with what he saw, Bingley made an offer on the spot, which was quickly accepted. The men shook hands and once they agreed that Bingley could take possession of the house in November, Darcy and Bingley returned back to Pemberley well satisfied with the dayłs transactions.

After dinner that night, the gentlemen retired to the library to discuss the dayłs business.

“You know, Bingley, when you move to Emmott Hall in November, you could let Caroline live at Netherfield for the next eighteen months or so. She is a good manager and would be able to run the place for you while you are still renting it. And with Mrs Bennet being in close proximity, I am sure you could ask her to be a good neighbour and frequently check on your sisterÅ‚s welfare."

Mr Bingley laughed. “Yes, I agree. Mrs Bennet would look after her." Chuckling he continued, “Caroline will have to make friends with the people she thought were below her the last time she was there. Yes, that would teach Caroline a lesson in civility." Both men laughed at the thought of Caroline being looked after by Mrs Bennet.

“Well, I donÅ‚t know about you, Bingley, but I am ready for an early night with all the travelling we have to do tomorrow."

“Of course, well goodnight, Darcy," said Bingley as the gentlemen went their separate ways to their chambers.

Chapter Seven

After an early breakfast on Wednesday morning, Bingley, Darcy Miss Darcy and Mrs Annesley set off from Pemberley for Hertfordshire. Mr Darcy had apologised to his housekeeper for the rushed arrangements and explained to her in a hushed voice that when he returned, he hoped to bring home a bride.

Mrs Reynolds smiled her approval saying, “Will it be the lovely young lady who came to visit us a few weeks ago? If it is, I wish you well, as she is a beautiful young lady and will make you a delightful wife, Fitzwilliam." By using his given name, he knew that he had the approval of the confidant and friend he had come to rely on since the death of his parents.

Smiling at her, Mr Darcy replied, “Thank you, Sarah. Yes, I hope to bring Miss Bennet back as my bride in the near future. Please send any important correspondence on to me at Netherfield Park in Hertfordshire. Both Georgie and I will be staying with Mr Bingley." “Thank goodness, CharlesÅ‚ sisters will not be coming with us to cause problems for Charles and myself. Hopefully, Caroline will learn her lesson," thought Mr Darcy.

Whilst travelling the three days to Hertfordshire, both gentlemen enjoyed many hours informing Georgiana about the other Miss Bennets and many of their other neighbours. Mr Bingley described the house and grounds of Netherfield, explaining that it was not as big as Pemberley, but had some of the nicest grounds he had seen and that the sport there was excellent. Mr Bingley mentioned that he was looking forward to hosting a few soirees as well as hunting parties. He, however, was most of all looking forward to renewing his friendship with the Bennet family and hoped that Miss Bennet would forgive him for his neglect.
*~*~*~*~*~*


They arrived at Netherfield very early on the morning of the third day of their travels, as they had stopped at an inn a few miles from Netherfield so that they would feel quite rested. Once at home they decided to bathe and change their travelling clothes, have a late breakfast and then call on the occupants of Longbourn. Mr Darcy asked Georgiana if she would like to accompany them, explaining that Miss Elizabeth would be there and she could meet the rest of her family, especially Mr Bingleyłs angel, Miss Bennet. Georgiana agreed to go, but made Darcy promise that if she felt the need to return to Netherfield, he would bring her back. So they made their way to Longbourn, Mr and Miss Darcy in a curricle, Mr Bingley on horseback. On their arrival, they noticed a few faces at one of the windows, but could not make out who it might be.

They entered the house and Mrs Hill announced their presence. “Mr Darcy, Miss Darcy and Mr Bingley," she said as she showed them into the small, but intimate drawing room. Mr and Mrs Bennet sat in two comfortable chairs near the fireplace and the four girls were seated around a small table sewing.

“Welcome, Mr and Miss Darcy, Mr Bingley," said Mr Bennet as he rose to meet them. He then bowed as Mrs Bennet and the four girls stood and curtsied respectfully.

“Mr Bingley, welcome. Miss Darcy, Mr Darcy, you are most welcome as well," Mrs Bennet gushed. “Kitty, would you please ring the bell for tea? It has been a long while since we saw you gentlemen. Many things have happened since you left. Miss Lucas is now married and so is my youngest, Mrs Lydia Wickham."

“Mr and Mrs Bennet, I am pleased to see all your family again. I am so sorry that I have not been able to return to Hertfordshire for such a long while, but, unfortunately, my business prevented it," Mr Bingley said as he looked over at Miss Bennet who was looking quite flushed.

“Mr Bennet, thank you for your kind invitation to visit your family again," Mr Darcy said. He and Mr Bingley bowed to the ladies and Mr Bennet. “May I introduce you all to my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy?"

“The pleasure is ours, I am sure, Mr Darcy," said Mr Bennet graciously.

Mr Darcy then introduced his sister to each of the family members. Georgiana smiled and curtsied and said a shy, but audible, “A pleasure to meet you."

Seeing how timid Georgiana was, Elizabeth smiled at her as she said, “Miss Darcy, it is delightful to see you again. How do you like Hertfordshire so far? I am afraid it is not as grand as Derbyshire, but I hope that you will enjoy your stay."

Georgiana smiled at Elizabeth and said quietly, “We have only just arrived this morning, but what I have seen of Hertfordshire so far is lovely."

Wanting to get Miss Darcy out of the close confines of Longbourn, Elizabeth said, “Miss Darcy, would you like to come for a stroll around the gardens with Jane, Kitty and myself? Perhaps your brother and Mr Bingley would like to join us." Elizabeth said mischievously.

Georgiana then looked towards Darcy, who said, “We would love to join you all outside for a walk on such a lovely day."

Elizabeth had other motives to get the Netherfield party away from her parents. She wanted to thank Mr Darcy for his help and to give Mr Bingley time alone with Jane so they could talk. Once outside, Elizabeth walked with both of the Darcys, including Kitty in the conversation with Miss Darcy. The two girls found that they had similar interests and soon they were laughing and talking of the things they liked to paint and read. Miss Darcy told Kitty of some of the novels that she had read, finding that Kitty was in the middle of reading one of the books she had just finished. They agreed to discuss their opinions on the book when Kitty had finished it. Seeing how well Georgiana and Kitty were getting along made Elizabeth and Darcy smile. Looking across the lawn, they could see that Mr Bingley and Miss Bennet were sitting on a bench near the library window in deep conversation.
*~*~*~*~*~*


Mr Darcy looked at his shy sister fondly, surprised at how easily she had taken to Catherine Bennet. The two girls walked off towards the flower garden laughing and talking. The small flower garden was well tended by the girls and Mrs Bennet and still had many flowers in bloom.

“It is delightful to see Georgiana so happy. It has been such a long time since IÅ‚ve seen her so relaxed and talkative," Mr Darcy said happily. “She had just started to blossom last year when that incident with Wickham happened. The shock made her retreat into a shell and she surrounded herself with a barrier that neither Colonel Fitzwilliam, her other guardian, nor I could breach. For some reason, we do not understand why, she shied away and would not speak to Richard. He was very upset, because although they had always had a close and open relationship, she would not talk to him."

“I was shocked to hear how that scoundrel had treated her. I would imagine the reason why she could not speak to the Colonel was because she felt ashamed of her actions somehow."

“I cannot see why she should, Miss Elizabeth. We knew that she was innocent of all blame. The problem was that it destroyed what little self-confidence she had. I seemed to be the only one she trusted, and that is because she treats me more as a father than a brother. When we employed Mrs Annesley as her new companion, it took sometime for Georgiana to learn to trust her. I am so glad to see that she is coming around and acting more like her old self. You seem to bring the best out in both Darcys, Miss Elizabeth," Darcy said looking at her with a smile as they slowly followed Kitty and Georgiana.

“You are too kind, sir. Mr Darcy, I would like to thank you for all your help in finding my sister. My father has especially expressed to my mother and all my sisters, what a great help you were in finding Lydia and Mr Wickham. He has mentioned that he did not think that they would have found them if it had not have been for your help," Elizabeth said earnestly. “I would also like to thank you for your kind words of support when we were at Lambton."

“I could not let your sister suffer from Mr WickhamÅ‚s self-indulgent ways. I think she will be happy. They have the means to support themselves, and as his money must first provide all essentials such has living accommodations, servants and food, there will be little to waste on gambling. In addition, his General has been informed about his habits and will keep a strict eye on him," Mr Darcy told her.

“I am relieved to hear that they will not live in poverty because he is gambling away their means of living," Elizabeth said as she smiled up at him.

Encouraged by her beautiful smile and the look of acceptance in her fine eyes, Darcy resolved to ask her if she would allow him to court her.

“Miss Elizabeth, you have long known my feelings for you, and they will never change. Once I heard about your sisterÅ‚s predicament I knew that I had to help. I confess that although I wished to help your family, which I have grown to respect, what I did, I did for you. I just could not allow WickhamÅ‚s dissolute ways to destroy your familyÅ‚s reputation, as one day I had hoped to become part of that family. Since your refusal of my offer of marriage in April, I have been trying to mend my prideful ways, which you found so repulsive. My most heartfelt wish is that you will learn to love me as I love you and that one day you will consent to become my wife. Miss Elizabeth, please will you allow me to court you?"

“Mr Darcy, I grant you permission to court me, if you believe it to be necessary, but I must tell you that my feelings are so different from last April. They are quite the opposite in fact."

Mr Darcy, realising the significance of what she had told him, steered her into a secluded copse away from his sister and Kitty who were still laughing and talking.

Once inside the copse Mr Darcy guided Elizabeth to a stone bench, which was obscured from the view of those on the path.

Asking her to sit and after he joined her on the bench, he continued “Elizabeth, I must beg your forgiveness for the way I spoke to you at Hunsford. I have thought a great deal about my behaviour and I regret how arrogant and prideful I was. You were correct in citing the flaws in my character. I should never have said those things, but most certainly not in a proposal of marriage. They must have been very hurtful to hear, and I would never wish to give pain to you, who are so dear to me. I adore you and what you have just told me has given me hope that you have forgiven me. Elizabeth, will you please let me ask for your hand again, properly this time?"

As Elizabeth listened to his heartfelt plea, her own heart started to beat faster, she coloured and looked down at her hands as she replied, “I would love to hear anything you wish to say, Fitzwilliam."

Putting his fingers under her chin and raising it, so that she looked directly into his eyes and stroking her face he said lovingly, “Elizabeth, after we parted at Hunsford, I was broken-hearted because I never expected to see you again. When I met you at Pemberley and later at the Inn at Lambton, I saw my chance to try to restore your good opinion of me. My life would be utterly meaningless without you. I love you dearest Elizabeth. Will you please make me the happiest man in the whole world and do me the honour of becoming my wife?"

Darcy waited silently. He felt that his heart was about to escape from his ribcage as it was beating so wildly. Every moment seemed like an eternity until she smiled and gave him her reply.

“Yes, Fitzwilliam, I will marry you. I would be honoured to be your wife, for I have come to realise that I cannot live without you. I love you so much," a blushing Elizabeth said as she looked into his chocolate brown eyes.

Darcy then stood, and taking Elizabeth by the hand, helped her to her feet. He took her into his arms looking into her hazel eyes for her permission, and seeing no objection, he stroked her right cheek gently with the back of his hand, lowered his mouth and gently kissed Elizabeth chastely on the lips.

“Please, Elizabeth, call me William as my family does."

“Yes, William."

Elizabethłs eyes sparkled with love for him. He pressed his lips first to her forehead, then to her cheek before capturing her lips again. Impassioned by her response, this time he nibbled at her lips until they opened for him. He then gently pulled her closer and let his tongue slide slowly into her mouth drinking deeply from her. Soon Darcy felt his ardour for her putting his self-control at risk. Her passionate reaction to him was everything he had hoped it would be. He knew that soon he would have to put an end to the kiss, but Elizabeth suddenly pulled away, blushing very prettily.

After a short period of time while he gathered his thoughts together, he said, “Shall I go to your father and ask for his consent?"

“Yes William, and I will go and tell my mother, then we can both tell the rest of the family."

Smiling, he took her face in both of his hands and kissed her again. When he pulled away, Elizabethłs eyes were still closed and she had a dreamy look on her face.

As she opened her eyes he said, “First, let us tell Georgiana and Kitty, then we can go in and tell the rest of your family."

Arm in arm, they left the copse and found Georgiana and Kitty further along the path. The ladies were both extremely excited to hear their good news. Elizabeth and Darcy explained that they had yet to inform Mr and Mrs Bennet, so the girls were asked to keep the news to themselves until Elizabethłs father had given his permission. With that, the party made their way back indoors to receive Mr Bennetłs blessing and the family acknowledgement of their engagement.


Chapter Eight

Once they entered the house, Elizabeth blew her intended a kiss for moral support before ascending the stairs to her motherłs chambers. Totally entranced by her and the gesture, Darcy watched her and especially the glimpse of her ankles until she was out of sight, then he knocked on the library door.

At Mr Bennetłs voice bidding him enter, Darcy opened the oak door and saw that Mr Bennet was seated behind his desk with papers and account books spread out all over the top of it.

Seeing his visitorłs uncharacteristically grinning countenance, Mr Bennet stood and walked to Darcy with his hand outstretched.

“Well, it is about time! I was wondering how long it would take you to get around to proposing to Lizzy."

Both Mr Darcy and Mr Bennet laughed at this, shook hands and then Mr Bennet continued enthusiastically.

“Congratulations and welcome to the family, my boy! My only question to you is how long do you think it will take your friend to get around to proposing to my other daughter?"

“I think that he probably is doing that right now, sir," Mr Darcy said laughing.

“Very good. And have you two young lovebirds thought about a date? I know you will tell me of your undying love and burning passion for my daughter while pleading for immediate nuptials, but that sir, is not in my power to grant you. Could you live through the agonies of a six week engagement? I can see by your face that you would definitely prefer that to a date much further off."

“Yes, sir, I would and although Elizabeth and I have not yet discussed the matter, I am sure she would agree to your suggestion. However, I do have one small request to make. I know that it might appear presumptuous and most irregular, but would you consent to the marriage being consecrated closer to Pemberley? My godfather is the Bishop of Matlock, and he will insist on performing the ceremony himself, but I fear his advanced years and ill health would prevent him from making the long journey to Hertfordshire."

“I appreciate your concern for your elders, Mr. Darcy. I feel a touch of rheumatism now and then myself, but I warn you my wife will want a large and elegant wedding party after the ceremony. We could not presume to impose upon your hospitality."

Mr. Bennet, my staff and I would be most honoured to hold the reception at Pemberley. Indeed, some of the servants have known me almost all of my life and having already met Miss Elizabeth, are eager to see her become their mistress."

“Then I am pleased to accept your suggestion. There is one thing I dread and that is the unpleasantness that will be unleashed when your aunt, Lady Catherine, learns of your engagement. She will be livid once she finds out that you are marrying one of my daughters. When your mother was engaged to George, she did everything she could to split them up. She hated your mother and tried to make her life a misery."

“She has tried to force me into marrying my cousin, Anne, for the last 10 years, insisting that it was a promise my mother had made to her when we were children. I want to assure you sir, that my father told me that no such promise had been made and that no one in the family except Lady Catherine expected it."

“Your Aunt Catherine has always tried to arrange other peopleÅ‚s lives for as long as I have known her, and that is a very long time. I first became acquainted with your Uncle Hugh and your father when we all were at Eton. I lost contact with your parents after I married, but Hugh and I kept in touch as we played many a game of chess by post. Well, my boy, let us go and inform the rest of the family of the good news," Mr Bennet said after finishing his drink.

With that, they left the library to join the rest of the family who, unaware of the forthcoming announcement, had congregated in the cooler blue drawing room. Upon their entrance, all eyes were on Mr Bennet as he announced the engagement of Elizabeth and Mr Darcy. Mrs. Bennet, the only one in the room with advance knowledge, could hardly wait for her husband to finish making his announcement before excitedly descending on the happy couple.

“Oh my, Lizzy! Who knew such a tomboy would turn out to be an elegant lady. What say you to a spring wedding? April is so lovely in Hertfordshire with all the bulbs in bloom, and you know, your father and I married in April and"

“Yes, my dear, but Mr. Darcy and I have agreed on a wedding in six weekÅ‚s time."

Darcy hastily added, “Provided you agree, Elizabeth."

It was clear by the way Elizabeth and Darcy gazed adoringly at each other that all the misunderstandings they had endured previously were definitely buried in the past. Their reverie was broken by the rest of the family eagerly embracing them and welcoming Darcy as a brother while Mrs. Bennet stood horrified as each person spoke of their joy.

“Six weeks!" she shrieked. “My dear Mr. Bennet, that is simply impossible. You men cannot have thought of all the implications. What will the neighbours think?"

“Elizabeth is not Lydia, Mrs. Bennet. The only thing people will see blossoming is the bloom in her cheeks."

“But she must have a trousseau. It is bad enough that you did not allow Lydia any wedding clothes; I suppose you will want to send Lizzy off in her shift. And Lizzy needs to meet the housekeepers and give them instructions as to her preferences in her apartments. And even with HillÅ‚s help, Longbourn wonÅ‚t be ready for a wedding reception in so short a time."

Mr. Bennet was about to dismiss his wifełs concerns about minor matters such as the proper fripperies when Darcy took it upon himself to soothe his future mother-in-lawłs concerns.

“Mrs. Bennet, do not blame your husband, for it is I who asked for his indulgence. My aged uncle, the Bishop of Matlock, is unable to travel this far, so I offered the use of Pemberley for all the festivities. Elizabeth has met my housekeeper at Pemberley, and IÅ‚m sure all the servants realized without being told, that she would be my bride and were silently noting all her preferences while she was there. If there is anything she wishes to change in her rooms that can easily be accommodated. As to my housekeeper in London, I insist that you and Elizabeth stay with me, while Elizabeth orders her trousseau. Mr. Bennet, you and I can spend some time with my solicitors to finalize all the legal details and I believe there are a few more volumes in my library that you would be interested in as well."

Mrs. Bennet quickly turned from peevish to awestruck. “Married by a bishop and at Pemberley? My dear Mr. Bennet, why did you not say so immediately? Another fine joke you like playing on my poor nerves, I suppose." With that, she left the room to begin writing lists of all the items a married woman needed in her trousseau and her husband departed to his library to pen a letter to Hugh Fitzwilliam announcing his arrival in town a week from Saturday.
*~*~*~*~*~*


The next day, Bingley duly knocked on Mr Bennetłs library door, and not long after, Janełs engagement was announced to the household. Amidst all the joy, Jane knew her mother was greatly disappointed at losing the chance to preside over all the preparations for Lizzyłs wedding, and so the evening before the engagement was announced, she had convinced a reluctant Charles that their wedding should be celebrated after Christmas. Therefore, neither made any complaint when Mr Bennet set their wedding date for the last Saturday in January.
*~*~*~*~*~*


Three days after the announcement of Mr Darcy and Elizabethłs engagement, a large coach and four arrived with the crest of de Bourgh on the door. Darcy, who was in the library with Mr Bennet discussing the preliminary legal aspects of the marriage settlement, immediately knew what was about to happen, dropped his pen and hastened towards the source of the commotion with Mr Bennet beside him.

“Lady Catherine de Bourgh, maÅ‚am," announced Hill.

“I would like to speak to Miss Elizabeth Bennet this instant," Lady Catherine shouted at the top of her voice. She did not notice that Mr Bennet stood at the entrance of the blue drawing room with Darcy.

“Good day, Lady Catherine. It is delightful to see you again," said Mr Bennet.

She jumped at the sound of his voice and her face went white with shock at seeing by whom she was being addressed.

“By the stunned look on your face, I imagine that you never thought to see me again, did you? What do you want with my Elizabeth? I do not suppose you have come to congratulate her on her betrothal."

Lady Catherinełs face showed her displeasure at this.

“No, I did not think so. You came to try to bully her into submitting to your will," said Mr Bennet as he entered the room. Turning to all present he said, “I would ask that you all please leave us now." Without a word they all left the room leaving Mr Darcy and Mr Bennet to deal with her Ladyship.

“Elizabeth is not Anne or Deborah, you know. She is much stronger in character than your younger sisters, or did you not find that out when she visited with her cousin, the insipid Mr Collins?"

“Good day, Thomas. Apparently you are mistaken. Your daughter cannot be engaged to Fitzwilliam, as he is engaged to my Anne. It was an arrangement made between his mother, Anne, and myself from their births."

“William, I think you had better speak to Lady Catherine in my presence," said Mr Bennet.

“Lady Catherine, my father told me that there had been no written agreement with you for me to honour. He and my mother wished me to marry for love, as they did."

Addressing Mr Bennet, William said, “My father told me that once Anne had been born, Lady Catherine pestered my parents to make a formal agreement for a marriage between us which they flatly refused to do. In his will he had a clause added which states, that if Lady Catherine is successful in bullying me into marrying Anne against my will Pemberley goes to Georgiana and not to me. Both Anne and I have spoken about this and she does not want this alliance, either. My Uncle Matlock will confirm all of this, as he is one of my fatherÅ‚s executors."

Mr Bennet laughed at this and said to Lady Catherine, “It seems to me that you tried to bully Anne into doing something you wanted, and she finally had the strength to say no to you, Catherine. You still keep to your fanciful notions, but this time they will not be realised. William and Elizabeth will marry in six weekÅ‚s time. Now, get out of my house. Go back to Rosings and stay there while you can."

“Do not talk to me in that manner, Thomas Bennet. I will make sure that this wedding does not take place if it is the last thing I do. My fool of a brother may be on your side, but I know how to stop this marriage," Lady Catherine shouted.

“Ah, the joys of reacquainting oneself with old friends. Seeing you here, Catherine, brings back memories of letters exchanged with your husband, Lewis, over the years. I am sure I would find them up in the attic. Come to think of it, I believe he spoke several times about the clauses he was inserting in his will. If I remember correctly, even at the tender age she was when he was writing his wishes, he knew you would try to impose your will on Anne. Yes, I now remember. If you tried to force her into a marriage she does not want, your dower rights would be terminated immediately. Where would you live Catherine? You have no property of your own and I personally know you have irritated your brother too much for him to want to do anything for you."

Darcy was shocked to hear these terms since these were contrary to everything he had ever heard spoken by his aunt. “Is this true, sir? What arrangements did Sir Lewis make for my cousinÅ‚s support?"

“How much did your husband leave his daughter, Catherine? Or should I go find my letters?"

Lady Catherine stood glaring at both men for a few moments and when she realized they were not intimidated by her behaviour, she spat out, “Seventy thousand pounds."

Darcy started pacing around his aunt. “Seventy thousand pounds dowry and she has control of none of it? What about Rosings, Mr. Bennet? Does Anne inherit that as well?"

Mr. Bennet looked over the top of his spectacles with both eyebrows arched, waiting for his unwelcome visitor to answer. When she did not, he replied, “No, indeed. Rosings goes to"

“Your cousin, Richard, inherits Rosings," Her Ladyship impatiently answered.

“That is not all, is it Catherine? Richard does not have to wait until you leave this world to take possession of Rosings, does he? He is to inherit the estate on his thirtieth birthday or upon his marriage. I know I have not been the most conscientious godfather, but before our meeting in town, I had not seen Richard since he was a strapping boy of ten years. That must have been about twenty years ago. Mr. Darcy, how old is my godson now?"

“Richard is now two and thirty, Mr Bennet. This is quite surprising. No one in the family knew about this, not even my uncle."

“Keeping it a secret, Catherine? Well, we will see about that. I will contact LewisÅ‚ solicitors and get them to contact Richard. They have been remiss about this, unless someone has been keeping the truth from them about his age, as well as keeping the truth about the will from the rest of her family," said Mr Bennet seriously. “Mr Darcy, I fear we will be spending more time than we anticipated with the solicitors. I hope your Uncle Hugh will terminate their services immediately. Catherine, I think you will have quite a lot to explain when I next see the solicitors and your brother. I will see to it that this will be redressed within the next few days."

Lady Catherine looked as though she were about to have a fit of apoplexy. She was red in the face and shaking all over.

“How dare you accuse me of deception? I had forgotten about Richard being LewisÅ‚ heir."

“I am sure you conveniently forgot, as you have always done when it does not suit your purpose, Catherine. Remember, I know you too well for you to lie to me. Now get on your way back to Rosings, and if I were you, I would make sure the Dower House is made ready for you. You might also recall that Anne is of age and, therefore, will be able to live wherever she wishes. She will be given a choice either to carry on living with you in the Dower house or with her uncle. I am going to recommend that she reside with Hugh. From what I gather, she has been smothered under your oppressiveness. Goodbye, Catherine, you will be hearing from the solicitors soon."

Lady Catherine, not being one to show her true feelings for long, threw her shoulders back, held her head high and then swept out of the house, back to her carriage. As the carriage rolled away towards Rosings, she knew she had been well and truly defeated.

Chapter Nine

A Wet Sink: A large bowl with a stand, which was filled with a jug of hot water by the ladies maid, who would then either get a footman to empty it once the mistress had washed and left her dressing room, if it wasnłt too heavy. To look at it reminded me of a Childs bathing trolley/stand with the bath on the top with towels soap and powder near at hand for bathing your child.

Four weeks later, Elizabeth found herself back in Derbyshire. She and her family were now installed in the guest quarters of Pemberley. Even though it was barely two months since she had seen it last, Elizabeth immediately sensed a different atmosphere, as if the house itself were just as full of anticipation as she was herself.

Every morning, Mrs. Reynolds spent an hour with Elizabeth, acquainting her with the household and subtly transferring more of the decision making authority into her hands. Chuckling to herself, but thankful none-the-less for the lady of the manor training, Elizabeth felt much more confident about assuming the awesome responsibilities that came with being Williamłs wife.

It was while Elizabeth and Mrs. Reynolds were touring the wing containing the family quarters, that they approached the suite of rooms reserved for the master and his lady. Though the doors were solid oak, they could hear the workmen using their tools and the smell of fresh paint still hung faintly in the air. As Mrs. Reynolds reached to open the massive door, she turned to Elizabeth.

“I assume, Miss Bennet, that you will wish to examine the progress of your apartments."

“Oh no, Mrs. Reynolds, it is to be a surprise."

Taken aback just a little, Mrs. Reynolds echoed, “A surprise?"

“Yes, indeed. Everything that I have seen at Pemberley is so beautiful, elegant and most definitely to my taste. Mr. Darcy knows my favourite colours and as he admired me for a very long time before approaching me, IÅ‚m sure he has discerned a great deal more of my favourites in other things, as well. I trust his judgement and have told him so many times.

The housekeeper inwardly rejoiced at hearing this praise of her masterÅ‚s abilities and her soon-to-be mistressÅ‚ appreciation of them. She had not thought Elizabeth Bennet a scheming or overly demure type of girl - the types her master had so often encountered in his bachelorhood. This affirmation of her open affection for her “boy" made Mrs. Reynolds an immediate and lifelong champion of the next Mrs. Darcy. She smiled in understanding and led Elizabeth down another hallway.
*~*~*~*~*~*


A week before the wedding, Darcyłs aunt and uncle arrived at Pemberley. They and their younger children had ventured the twenty miles a little earlier than normal so that Mr. Bennet and Lord Matlock could catch up on old times and Lady Rebecca could meet the woman who had captured the hearts of her nephew and niece.

As they stepped out of their carriage, Darcy, Elizabeth, Georgiana and Mr. Bennet were waiting for them. At first glance, Elizabeth could see that they were a jovial couple and after hugs and kisses were exchanged all around, Mr. Bennet and Lord Hugh fell into the easy camaraderie that came from more than thirty years of friendship. The older men, boasting of their next moves on the chess board, immediately headed for the library without even realizing that they left their family members behind.

Laughing at her spouse, Lady Rebecca brought forth her younger children, a boy still at university and a girl about the age of Georgiana. While Elizabeth could see a strong family resemblance in all the Fitzwilliam children, the Colonel most resembled his parents in temperament. These two were more reserved, much like her beloved William and his sister.

Darcy, his heart swelling with pride, observed Elizabeth greet his family and immediately sensing the shyness of his young cousins, saw her put them at ease. It delighted him to see his Elizabeth greet a peer and peeress of the realm and still remain the unaffected, charming and witty Elizabeth he adored. If he ever needed confirmation that Elizabeth would be the perfect mistress of Pemberley and his heart, he had ample proof today.

As he led them inside to where Mrs. Reynolds waited to show the guests to their rooms, Lady Rebecca hung back for a brief moment. She reached up, patted his cheek and with a tear in her eye, she whispered, “Your parents, I am sure, are so proud of your choice." Lady Rebecca turned and followed her children up the grand staircase, leaving a quiet, but emotional, Darcy behind.
*~*~*~*~*~*


The next day, Elizabeth was returning from a walk in the groves when she met Lord Matlock, who had left the house to stretch his legs after a lengthy chess tournament with her father. Falling into an easy conversation, they soon found themselves in a walled flower garden. Here the flowerbeds were well-tended with many roses in different colours. There were many rhododendron and lavender bushes, as well as many other smaller flowers covering the ground.

After letting her eyes delight in the variety of colours still in bloom, Elizabeth remarked, “This is such a beautiful house and the grounds here are spectacular. Nothing has been done which has spoilt the scenery, and it seems to be just as nature intended it to be. RosingsÅ‚ gardens are so much different; they seems so false somehow, so man-made. I love nature, as does my father, so I tend to dislike things that are too showy, preferring to see nature untouched, just as it is here," she said gesturing with her arm as she looked around at the delightful flowerbeds.

“Your father, in our correspondence, has told me many things about you over the years, and I feel as though I know you and your sisters as well as I do my own daughter, so I hope you do not mind if I call you Elizabeth. You must call me Uncle now, you know," Lord Matlock said winking at his companion. “My sister, Catherine, is not so much of a lover of nature, as much as a lover of order. The only place she seems to let nature take its course is in the groves, and I hear those were your favourite part of the estate."

“Yes, I loved walking in the groves every morning. It was the only way to escape the stuffiness that reached all the way to the parsonage. Do you think that WilliamÅ‚s cousin, Anne, will be allowed to attend the wedding?" Elizabeth asked as she walked over to a fountain and sat on a bench, taking a deep breath of the heady floral perfume.

“Yes, Anne is coming. After the wedding she will return with Rebecca and me to Matlock Manor and live with us for a while. Perhaps we can undo some of the timidity my sisterÅ‚s authoritarian influence has imposed on her. At the very least, we will take her to see some better doctors to help improve her health," said Lord Matlock as he sat next to her. “I feel extremely guilty now with respects to young Anne. Her mother has kept her locked away at Rosings all these years, giving the excuse that she could not travel far due to her frail constitution. I wish we had gone more often to see her now. It seems that I know more of you and your sisters than my own niece. I hope that we can make amends where that is concerned and that she will enjoy her time with us."

Lord Matlock reached out for a blossom and handed it to Elizabeth. She smiled and placed it in her hair. “I feel rather sorry for Anne, and I am glad she will be here. I hope this period away from her domineering mother will give her, in time, the desire to think and speak for herself. The only company she seems to have had is Mrs Jenkinson, her mother or my silly cousin and his wife. I know that if Charlotte had the opportunity, she would take Anne under her wing and help her. That is, if my pompous cousin does not stop her."

“Catherine had quite a big shock hearing your father recount the details of LewisÅ‚ will. She must move out of Rosings Park into the Dower House within the next few months," Lord Matlock answered with disgust clearly evident in his tone of voice over his sisterÅ‚s behaviour. “I was so hurt and sickened to find that my own sister had tried to hide RichardÅ‚s inheritance from him and from me, her own brother, just so she could keep hold of Rosings Park. I have written to her that unless she mends her ways, she will no longer be welcome at Matlock Manor or at Pemberley. She will, in effect, become an outcast to her own family."

“Lady Catherine sent me a nasty letter after our engagement was announced; however I did not show it to anyone until after she came to visit. I knew she would not approve of me marrying her nephew, but I never expected her to act the way she did. My father and William would not allow her to speak to me, and once I showed William her letter, he immediately threw it into the fire, so disgusted was he by her behaviour. But I must say she is an effective channel, I never saw my own father write so quickly to anyone or so emphatically either. As soon as Lady Catherine stormed out of our house, he was calling for pen and ink."

Lord Matlock nodded his head and voiced his acknowledgement. “Richard and I owe your father a great debt. Words alone cannot express my gratitude for his actions."

Elizabeth briefly thanked Lord Matlock for the compliment to her family but then asked, “What will the Colonel do? Will he leave the army?"

“Richard has decided to leave the army and take over the running of Rosings. His mother and I are very happy to hear his decision for we both worried that one day, sooner rather than later, he would be sent to the frontline."

“I am glad that he is doing so, as I would not want him to actually go into battle against the French or the Americans."

“He told his superiors he will resign his commission within the next few weeks, which will give them ample time to train someone to take over his duties of organising the training of recruits."

“William told me that Richard is due to arrive sometime today from Rosings. I should imagine he will be able to tell us the true state of affairs there."

“I am glad to hear it. When is he due to arrive? Did William tell you?"

“I think we were to expect him around 3 pm."

Lord Matlock pulled out his watch fob. “Well, he should be here by now since it is already half-past the hour. Let us go and to see if he has arrived."

As Lord Matlock and Elizabeth walked back towards the house, as a beautiful sonata sounded through the air. Both knew it was Georgiana practicing at the pianoforte, so they went quietly into the music room to listen. Not long after their arrival, all the remaining guests joined them and seated themselves to listen to the lovely sounds emanating from Georgianałs new pianoforte. While she and her audience were engrossed in her performance, Richard silently entered the room and stood behind his parents. When Georgiana finished, a warm round of applause was given which first startled her and then seemed to embarrass her, as she was not used to playing for such a large audience.

Suddenly noticing her other guardian in the room, Georgiana rushed to give Richard a hug and welcome him back to Pemberley. Greeting his tardy cousin, Darcy slapped him on the back and jokingly chastised him for sneaking up on them and not announcing his presence.

“Now, that you have finally arrived, we are all curious to find out how you found Rosings and most especially, our aunt." Darcy went and retrieved a glass of RichardÅ‚s favourite afternoon libation.

“I have not seen her for some days for she is busy sorting out the Dower House and readying it for occupancy. She should be grateful I have not seen her, for I have more than a few words to say to her about her treatment of the servants. I am horrified to find that many of the staff there are so old and working past any reasonable retirement age. The cook is 75 if sheÅ‚s a day, and I must in all conscience retire them immediately to the cottages, which the estate maintains for its elderly staff. I have spent the last few weeks hiring new staff, and I must say, Darcy, that I am ever so grateful that you let Rowlings, your steward, come to assist me. He has been invaluable. The estate books were in good order, thank goodness, and I am happy to say that not much else needed to be done to the house itself."

Richard went and greeted his parents and siblings, but Elizabeth wondered about the other inhabitant of Rosings. “Did you not bring your cousin, Anne, with you?"

“Anne will be arriving tomorrow with Viscount Fitzwilliam, my elder brother, Andrew, for the wedding. Now, what is this IÅ‚ve heard about a duet to be performed by two lovely young ladies?"

Both Elizabeth and Georgiana made a bit of a face at their cousin, but consented to play while Mr Bennet gently, but firmly, clamped down on Maryłs wrist. Another hearty round of applause greeted the musicians once they had completed the piece, and not wanting to push any more public performance on a clearly reluctant Georgiana, the rest of the family left for other rooms, leaving Elizabeth and Georgiana still seated on the piano bench.

“Georgiana, your brother and his friends were correct when they said that you played delightfully. You must help me with my playing, for you have had the benefit of London masters, where I have had none."

“It would be my pleasure, Elizabeth, but you do not need my help as you play so beautifully." Making her voice and facial expressions imitate Lady CatherineÅ‚s she added, “All you need to be a great proficient is practice."

Both girls looked at each other and dissolved into giggles. Georgiana recovered first and with great seriousness, looked directly at Elizabeth. “I so look forward to you becoming my sister, Elizabeth. We will be able to do many things together, as there are so many subjects I do not feel comfortable discussing with anyone else, especially with William."

“I am happy to gain another dear sister, Georgiana. You will have to show me your favourite places in PemberleyÅ‚s many rooms and beautiful grounds. I know William will do so, but I want to see the estate through your eyes as well," Elizabeth replied warmly as she smiled at Georgiana.

“Yes, of course, if you wish it, Elizabeth," Georgiana said looking at her soon to be sister with admiration.

Seeing this, Elizabeth took her hands into hers and squeezed gently as she whispered, “Do not worry Georgiana, I will not tell any of your secrets to William, as long as you do not tell him mine. They will be ours and ours alone. I have had lots of experience in this, due to having five sisters. Jane and I were always confiding in one another, and I shall miss her for that. No matter what happens, your brother and I will always be here to listen to your concerns. If I can confide in you as well, then we will become true sisters."

With a large smile on her face, Georgiana gave Elizabeth a hug that was as warm as anything her dearest sister, Jane, would give. Elizabeth sighed with contentment.

*~*~*~*~*~*


To Elizabethłs mind, the next five days flew by in a whirl and sadly, there was even less private time with William than before they were engaged. There were so many details to be attended to: her final fittings for her wedding gown and trousseau, parties and dinners where the happy couple was feted and where Elizabeth was introduced to more family members, and her motherłs constant flutterings over her future life and responsibilities. She realized that Kitty and Georgiana had suddenly become bosom buddies and wondered if they were up to any mischief?

The time passed by so rapidly that it was not until after her mother had left her chamber, the obligatory mother-daughter talk still echoing through her mind, that she first fully comprehended that tomorrow she would become a married woman.

Unable to sleep or even sit still, Elizabeth donned her dressing gown, slowly opened her door and peeked out into the hallway to see if anyone was still about. Thankfully, everyone had seemed to have retired for the evening, and so she headed for the gallery to think, to pace and to ponder.

When she entered the long narrow room flooded with moonlight, she was not sure what to think about the process of begetting children, but as she entered the room, her attention was soon diverted to the faces in the portraits.

It was very clear from looking at each Darcy ancestor, that her children would have dark, chocolate brown eyes and dimples when they smiled. Pausing in front of one very handsome gentleman garbed in full armour, she squinted to read his name. Archibald Darcy! I sincerely hope William will not want to give any of his sons that awful name. He is a fine looking man though. If William insists, maybe I will agree to it as a middle name.

Chuckling to herself about negotiating over a childłs name, she ventured further into the room looking for what they might christen a future daughter. A portrait of a lady in Elizabethan dress caught her eye, and she crossed the room to learn her name. Matilda Darcy, well that is better than Archibald, but not much better. No, I can safely say there will not be a Matilda in the next generation of Darcys.

While Elizabeth continued to slowly wander through the gallery, admiring some portraits, shaking her head at others, she was unaware that William stood watching her with some bemusement. When she came before the painting of Lady Anne Darcy, she stopped and thoughtfully examined her features, as if searching for a way to communicate with the woman depicted there.

She softly whispered, “You need not worry about William or Georgiana any more, Lady Anne. I will love them both and make sure that no harm will ever come to either of them. I will make William as happy as he has made me"

Suddenly Elizabeth found herself in the arms of her fiancé who had come up behind her. Kissing her beneath her ear, he sent a shiver up her spine.

“I know that you will look after us, Elizabeth. You have already made both Georgie and me very happy. I love you so much that I can hardly wait for tomorrow to arrive."

Turning around in his arms, she pulled his head down for a kiss, which lingered for so long, that they finally both pulled away breathless. Remembering her state of undress, Elizabeth then blushed furiously.

Realising why she was blushing, William smiled at her saying in a devilish manner, “Do not worry about the way you are dressed, Elizabeth. You look beautiful." The blush in her cheeks rapidly spread down her neck to her chest, the sight of which made William ache for the intimacy they would share the next night. Clearing his throat he said, “I was looking for you so that I could give you my wedding present. I hope you will want to wear it tomorrow at our wedding." He then produced a long box and placed it in her hands, noticing the look of pleasure rise in her face as she opened it to find a beautiful pearl and diamond choker.

“Do you like it, Elizabeth? It was my fatherÅ‚s gift to my mother on the occasion of their marriage. She left this and the ring you now wear for me to give to my wife and hoped that my bride would have as much happiness as she did. Look, can you see, she is wearing it in her portrait?"

ElizabethÅ‚s eyes shone bright as the diamonds as she breathlessly answered, “Oh William, this is so beautiful, I would love to wear it tomorrow at our wedding." She then stood on tiptoe and placed a kiss on his lips, which ignited his ardour.

William kissed her face and then her throat, while his hands pulled her in closer so he could stroke her back, her waist and hips. Reluctantly pulling away, he said in a much huskier voice, “I think you had better go back to your room now, my darling. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, after which we will never need to be parted again."

He then escorted her back to her rooms. Once at the door, she gave him a beguiling look and said, “Goodnight then, Mr Darcy. I will meet you at the altar tomorrow."

Smiling down at her, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her long and deep, drawing her so close that she could feel every muscle in his body tense with desire. Elizabeth staggered back a little when he released her and shyly smiled up at him.

William smiled wickedly and gave her a final peck on her lips as he murmured, “Good night, and for the very last time, I will call you Miss Bennet. I will be eagerly waiting for your arrival in the morning." He opened her door, handed her through and before temptation beckoned again, shut the door and strolled on to his room.

Walking into her room, Elizabeth felt as though she were walking on air. Climbing into her bed, she thought of how delightful it felt to have William so close to her, and she shivered with goosebumps when she thought about the next night when they could be that close again with no restraints between them. Surely, her mother must be mistaken in her views about marital love. She sighed and fell into a deep, restful sleep, with dreams of happy days and nights on her mind.

Chapter Ten

Verger: The caretaker of the church. Someone who looks after the upkeep of a church or Cathedral. An officer carrying the staff of office before a bishop or other dignitary. An official in a church acting as usher or as pew-opener.

Elizabeth slowly awoke the next morning. Memories of the prior evening in the gallery with William and the delicious dreams it had inspired made her stretch lazily, hugging her pillow to her bosom. The sunlight refracting prisms of colour from the diamond on her left hand awoke her from her reverie as she remembered that today was her wedding day. She bounded out of bed and looked through the window to see that it was a beautiful, autumn day. Up and down the front lawn, she saw the gardeners tidying up the few leaves that had fallen off the trees overnight. She knew that every member of the staff would work hard to insure that Pemberley, on this very special day, looked its absolute best.

Edging away from the window before she was spotted in her nightwear by those below, she rang for her maid. Hannah arrived carrying a tray with many of ElizabethÅ‚s favourite breakfast foods and instructions from her father to eat as much as possible so that she would not faint into her fiancéÅ‚s arms at the altar. Touched by her fatherÅ‚s concern for her welfare, Elizabeth started to eat a little, which once started, turned into a hearty meal. She had not realised how hungry she was. Her maid returned, glad to see that she had eaten quite well and told her that her bath was ready. She asked for her mistressÅ‚ preference for fragrance in her bath water - rose or lavender. Elizabeth chose rosewater for this occasion, as she would be carrying a bouquet of the Fitzwilliam Roses with orange blossoms in her hair.

Hannah was just finishing up the last buttons on Elizabethłs wedding gown when a tentative knock on the door followed by girlish giggles interrupted their preparations. When the door was opened to them Kitty, Georgiana and Jane entered with bright smiling faces, saying that they had brought a few things with them to wish her well. Georgiana presented an orange blossom wreath, which she had specially made for this occasion, then with Hannahłs help, placed it onto Elizabethłs hair. Kitty brought her a bouquet of the Fitzwilliam roses that she had trimmed with pale blue ribbons and lace. As she thanked the girls for their gifts, Jane approached her sister and placed a small delicately wrapped gift in front of her. Opening it, Elizabeth gasped in surprise for there was a beautiful comb for her hair studded with pearls. It had been her grandmotherłs and had been left to Jane upon her death along with some pearl earbobs to match.

“Jane, I cannot take this from you. This was one of the last things our Grandmother Alice gave you. But if you donÅ‚t mind, I will borrow it from you for the day as it will look delightful with the necklace William gave me yesterday."

“Dearest Lizzy, I know you have always loved this comb and it will look far better in your hair than my own I want you to have it. I still have the earbobs that Grandmother left me. Now, no more need be said. You need something old and something borrowed."

Smiling, Elizabeth kissed her sister on the cheek, “Thank you, dearest Jane. I shall treasure your gift and think of you and Grandmother Alice every time I wear it."

The sisters hugged just as Mrs. Bennet entered ahead of Lady Rebecca and Aunt Gardiner.

“Girls! What are you doing, hugging at a time like this! Have you no thought for the creases you will put in your sisterÅ‚s dress, Jane?"

The sisters shared a secret smile as they obediently parted. Elizabeth was then guided to her vanity where Aunt Gardiner gave her new gloves. Her aunt had embroidered the edges with the very Fitzwilliam Roses she would carry. In the lining were her new initials and the date. She was still thanking her aunt for such a lovely addition to her ensemble when Lady Rebecca gently placed Williamłs necklace around her neck. After kissing her new niece, she presented her with a richly bound antique prayer book claiming that both Williamłs mother and grandmother had carried it with them on their wedding days.

In the midst of all her gratitude, Elizabeth wondered, “Now all I need is a sixpence for my shoe."

Little Anna and Sarah Gardiner, waiting for their big moment, piped up, “We have it, Cousin Lizzy!" Elizabeth raised the hem of her dress so the little girls, with a little help from their mother, could add the final bridal token to her shoe. The little girls proudly boasted to the remaining ladies that they had brought their Aunt Lizzy luck on her wedding day.

She barely had time to laugh at their angelic expressions before her mother brought forth the veil and placed it gently on her daughterłs head. Both mother and daughter gazed into the mirror for a moment before Mrs. Bennet finally was able to speak,

“Lizzy you look like a queen, so beautiful. I am quite speechless." Looking at her daughter, her eyes glistened with unshed tears. She then gave her surprised daughter a kiss on the cheek.

A footman interrupted them by announcing that Mr. Bennet was now awaiting his daughter in the Red Drawing Room. As if a firecracker had been lit, Mrs. Bennet started, hastening everyone out of the room.

“Oh yes, we must hurry. We canÅ‚t have Mr. Darcy thinking you jilted him at the altar. Come away, girls. Your sister, Mary, is already at the church and Lord knows what concertos sheÅ‚ll start playing if weÅ‚re even a minute late."

Jane and Elizabeth barely had one last moment to squeeze hands before they, too, were caught up in their motherłs anxiety to leave.
*~*~*~*~*~*


The carriages were waiting outside, the drivers and footmen in their best livery and the horsesł bridles were festooned with white ribbon. Elizabeth and her father were to go in one carriage. Her mother, her sisters, Georgiana, little Anna and Sarah Gardiner had left for the church in another.

As she walked gracefully down the stairs, her father could not take his eyes off his little Lizzy. Memories of her as a young child growing up at Longbourn flashed before his eyes, bringing tears to them.

“IÅ‚ve watched you tumble out of trees as a child, skip down country lanes as a girl and now I see a woman descending this grand staircase. You look beautiful, my Lizzy. How I shall miss you!" A tear slipped down his face and he hurriedly wiped it away before giving her a loving kiss on her cheek.

“I will also miss you, Papa, so very much. You will always be welcome to visit whenever you wish, and we shall visit you when we can. I will write as often as possible, and you must promise to write to me regularly, as well," Elizabeth told him, then stood on her toes and kissed him on the cheek.

“Come now, your Mr Darcy awaits," Mr Bennet said with a loving smile. Taking her fatherÅ‚s arm, they made their way to the awaiting carriage.
*~*~*~*~*~*


Once Mrs Bennet had been seated, William knew that Elizabeth would not be far behind. Mary had been playing hymns but at the entrance of her sisterłs attendants, she began one stately air after another until her father had escorted Elizabeth down the aisle.

William, full of anticipation could barely stand still as he awaited the carriage carrying his fiancée and her father. When the verger told him that the ceremony was about to begin, he and the Colonel took their places at the altar. As soon as he saw Elizabeth, William stood with his mouth agape. “How lucky I am to have the most beautiful bride ever." It wasnÅ‚t until the Colonel cleared his throat and gave him a slight nudge, that he realized that his bride was before him and his godfather, the Bishop, had began reading the order of the service.
*~*~*~*~*~*


The wedding ceremony proceeded very quickly and Mr and Mrs Darcy soon found themselves back at Pemberley. As they entered the manor, Mr and Mrs Reynolds had all the servants lined up in the hall to meet their new mistress. As many of them had already been introduced to Elizabeth during her stay, she spent a few moments with each one to thank them for their help and good wishes. Mrs Reynolds then led the newly married couple through to the large banqueting hall where the wedding breakfast had been arranged.

The wedding feast was a full twelve courses of both Elizabeth and Williamłs favourite foods. After the meal, Miss Darcy surprised her brother by playing a brilliant duet with Kitty on the pianoforte and then astonished them further by encoring with a duet on her harp with Mary accompanying her. The girls had practiced in secret for this special occasion as a wedding present to their siblings. Not long after the young ladies had taken their well deserved bows, the guests started making their farewells, as many had many miles to travel to their homes, and they knew that the newly married couple would want to enjoy time on their own.

Arrangements had been made for Georgiana and Elizabethłs family to stay at Matlock Manor for two weeks after the wedding, at which time William and Elizabeth would collect Georgiana on their return. Mr Bennet and Lord Matlock looked forward to continuing the latest chess tournament begun at Pemberley, and they hoped to enjoy a bit of sport at Matlock Manor, as well. Mr Gardiner, who enjoyed Lord and Lady Matlockłs company at Pemberley, was asked, along with his family, to stay for the same length of time as his brother in-law. While initially hesitant to leave his business for such a long time, his wife persuaded him that an express could reach him very quickly if the need arose. With all in agreement, they were happy to continue their pleasant time in another fine estate of Derbyshire.
*~*~*~*~*~*


Finally finding themselves alone at Pemberley, Mr and Mrs Darcy took a leisurely walk in the flower gardens. As they strolled arm in arm near the far wall of the gardens, William stopped walking and looked down into his lovely wifełs sweet face.

“Elizabeth, I have a further surprise for you. Tomorrow we will begin our wedding journey to the Lake District. Mr and Mrs Gardiner told me how disappointed you were when they had to forgo that part of your itinerary. It will give me great pleasure to show you all the sights you have dreamt about from the comfort of my family retreat near Lake Windermere. I know that you will love the place, as it is very beautiful at this time of year. As a fellow lover of nature walks, I hope that you will allow me to escort you around all the beautiful rambles and show you the delightful views that are to be seen."

“Oh William, thank you, my heart, my darling husband." She threw her arms around his neck and pulled him down to her for a kiss of passionate gratitude.

Responding to the invitation in her kiss, he took her into his arms and deepened the kiss while pressing her against the wall of the garden, moulding their bodies together.

Breaking the kiss for a moment he murmured, “Elizabeth, you are so beautiful. I cannot believe that you are at last my wife. I keep thinking that I will awake to find that this has all been one more beautiful dream."

“William, I feel the same. I sometimes wonder if this is a dream myself, one from which I donÅ‚t want to awaken. I am so happy now that I have you for my handsome husband. I love you so."

William kissed her tenderly then, resting his forehead on hers, he said, “Come now, my darling, let us go into the house. It has grown chilly out here."

Wrapping his arm around her waist, they re-entered the mansion as the sun set in golden rays behind them.
*~*~*~*~*~*


As they entered the French doors into an elegant sitting room, Elizabeth suddenly remembered she had a gift for her husband. Excusing herself, she rushed up the stairs and entered her old room for the last time. The brightly wrapped box was on her dressing table, just where she had left it that morning. Retrieving it, she hastened to rejoin her husband. As she approached the music room, she heard a beautiful melody being played and was surprised to find William seated at the pianoforte. She quietly entered the room and sat down on the chaise to await the conclusion of the piece. It was very beautiful and Elizabeth watched with rapt interest.

Once the piece was finished, she let him know of her presence by giving him a round of applause.

“William, I did not know that you could play. That was a very moving piece. I do not think I have ever heard of it before. Why is it you have never told me you could play?"

“I never play for anyone but myself, as I do not think that I play that well. My mother taught me to play the piano when I was little, but I have never had any formal training. How long were you there?"

“I think I must have heard most of the piece and what I heard was delightful. What is it called?"

“It is called Ä™Menuetto.Å‚* It was one of my motherÅ‚s favourite pieces of music. Now, what is that you are hiding behind you?"

“William, I have something for you," Elizabeth said shyly as she brought forth the package. “I hope you like it."

He was greatly surprised as he took the beribboned box out of her hands “For me? How delightful." Sitting beside her on the chaise, he quickly undid the ribbons to reveal a beautiful miniature of Elizabeth, just big enough for him to carry on his person at all times.

“Oh darling, this is exquisite. Of course I like it. You look so beautiful in this picture. When did you have it done?" He attached it to his fob chain then not giving her time to give an answer to his question, he pulled her onto his lap and into his arms kissing her until they were both senseless. As they struggled to regain their breaths, William started to nuzzle her neck, which made Elizabeth giggle.

With a devilish glint in his eye, William casually posed, “Ticklish, are we?"

What then proceeded was a thorough examination to find her most sensitive spots amongst laughter, giggles and squeals of “Will!". Mrs. Reynolds had come to tell them about the light dinner she left in their sitting room. She could hear them on the other side of the door. She knocked loudly, enough to make sure the happy couple heard her, when she was given leave to enter, she saw that both the bride and groomÅ‚s faces were flushed as her mistress hastily rearranged her skirts and her master belatedly grabbed a pillow to cover his midsection.

Chuckling inwardly while still maintaining the proper demeanour, she ascertained that they had no further need of her or her husband. As they left to enjoy the pleasures of the tenant and servant celebrations that evening, Mrs. Reynolds had no doubt that the Darcys would be enjoying their own private revels.
*~*~*~*~*~*


Once Mrs Reynolds departed, the bride and groom decided to retire for the night. Upon seeing her beautiful suite for the first time, Elizabeth was left speechless. It was three times the size of her room at Longbourn and had enough space for the clothing of all five Bennet sisters and most likely her aunt and mother as well. The dressing area had a lovely, ornate dressing table, but Elizabeth was surprised to find that her room had one of the latest water closets built in her dressing room, along with running water to a large copper bath and sink. The copper bath was enormous, so enormous that Elizabeth thought, with some confidence, that it might be large enough to fit two people.

Reading the look on her face correctly, William hastily lit more candles and gently tugged her in a different direction to show more of her apartment.

“I hope you like your suite of rooms here at Pemberley. As you know, Mrs Reynolds and the rest of the staff have worked very hard to make it suitable for you. Mrs Reynolds had the drapes and bedding made in your favourite colours of pale lilac and lemon. I had the walls done in a Chinese wallpaper, which I hope you like. Your uncle imported it and your aunt gave me every guarantee that you would approve."

Relaxing at seeing his boyishness enthusiasm, she gave him a beaming smile of appreciation.

“Yes, I do love my room. I will have to thank to Mr and Mrs Reynolds before we leave tomorrow but I know that you deserve most of the thanks for the decorations. They are truly beautiful."

Flushing from her praise, he led her to their joint sitting room where there was a ladies gilt writing table and bookcases for their favourite books. Two comfy chairs were placed near the fire along with a chaise and two small tables on which Mrs Reynolds had placed a few sandwiches and pastries for them. In the sitting room there were three doors. The first doorway through which they had just entered, led to her bedchamber, another led to a small nursery and the last opened onto Williamłs rooms. As William showed her the intimate nursery, she was charmed by the roomłs appearance and by Will picking up a well-loved, furry bunny rabbit

“William, I do so wish to surround you with the love and happiness you deserve. I hope that we have many children. I long to see them playing in this room and running around the grounds. You do wish to have children, William?"

William dropped the toy and pulled her to him, kissing her thoroughly. In a husky voice he whispered in her ear, “I would love to have a dozen children Elizabeth, if they all possess their motherÅ‚s fine eyes."

“And their fatherÅ‚s dimples."

He smiled widely, his dimples on full display, “Anything else my lady wishes for our children?"

Gulping slightly at the sight of her devastatingly handsome husband, she hesitated to get full use of her brain and mouth before answering mischievously.

“Yes indeed, no Archibalds or Matildas."

He burst out laughing at this. “Is that what you were examining in the portrait gallery? Names for our children?"

She nodded slowly with an arch expression on her face that William could not resist.

“My ladyÅ‚s wish is law. Come dearest, it is getting late and I want to show you my room." William led Elizabeth to his rooms, which were on a similar scale to her own, but with a more masculine décor. Elizabeth noticed paintings of many famous foreign locales that he must have acquired on his Grand Tour, hung on the walls. As she looked around she noticed a large bookcase, which contained many volumes of his private collection.

William pulled her to him kissing her deeply and moulding their bodies together as he had done in the garden earlier that day. Elizabeth started to feel very nervous and overwhelmed, knowing all previous restraints to the passion growing between them were now forever removed. She looked away so that he could not read these feelings of anxiety in her expressive eyes. Realising what was the matter, he pressed her close to him so that her head rested on his shoulder.

He then looked deep into her beautiful eyes and said gently, “Elizabeth, you are safe with me. Do not be frightened of me. I will not force you to do anything that you do not want to do. Give yourself into my keeping as I will give myself to you. I want to make this night something that we will both enjoy." As he felt her body begin to lose its tenseness, he whispered, “Elizabeth, I will leave you now. Is a half hour sufficient time for your preparations?" William gazed intently into her blushing face.

“Yes, William, I think that will be plenty of time," Elizabeth replied.

William, escorted her back to her room and kissed her cheek gently once more before he left. As she waited for her maid, Elizabeth idly explored the rest of her dressing room. Throughout the room were placed three or four small vases filled with the wildflowers she would find on her walks. She caressed the soft petals, smiled and silently thanked William for his thoughtfulness in making the room look so cheerful and smell so lovely. Only he would think to provide something that would immediately help her feel at home. Hannah arrived shortly after, congratulated her on her marriage and started unbuttoning her wedding gown.

“I have readied your white silk night gown and robe, Madam. Shall I brush your hair and take some of the orange blossoms out of the wreath? Would you like me to leave it down or would you prefer that I tie it back with a ribbon?"

Elizabeth smiled and answered, “Please tie it back with a ribbon, Hannah. I think we can leave the blossoms that have not wilted in my hair as well."

“Madam, you look lovely," Hannah told her trying to reassure her mistress who seemed very nervous.

Once dressed in her night attire, Elizabeth rose and looked at herself in the mirror, blushing at her reflection in the glass. Her gown and robe were quite sheer and clung to her body showing off all her curves. As she tried to rearrange the fabric in a more modest way, she chuckled to herself in a cheeky manner “Oh dear, this fabric is so sheer you can almost see through it! The silk feels so soft and light, almost as though I am not wearing anything at all."

Wearing only a long, robe, William knocked at the door and entered at her gently voiced permission. His heart almost stopped beating at the sight of Elizabeth, with her lovely thick hair down, in her lacy peignoir, with a soft smile of welcome on her lips. He wasnłt sure which of those enticements instantly brought him straight to her side, but he gathered her up in his arms and tenderly kissed her, then led her to their sitting room where a bottle of champagne and flutes awaited them on a small side table near the chaise.

He sat down on the chaise, holding her on his lap William asked in a low husky voice, “Elizabeth, would you like a drink of champagne?"

Elizabeth had only sipped champagne once, before smiled. “I would love some, William." Taking the glass he proffered her and sipping it delicately, she chuckled and wrinkled her nose, as the bubbles tickled it.

William laughed as he watched her, kissing her on the tip of her nose. “Well, my darling wife, shall we toast our marriage? To love and happiness." He clinked his glass against hers, swallowed the contents of his glass in one go and then watched Elizabeth intently as she slowly drank her champagne.

Filling their glasses once more he whispered in her ear, “To the most beautiful woman in the world. How lucky I am to be married to you, Elizabeth. You have made my life complete. How I love you and desire you! There is no other woman in this world for me than you."

He chuckled has she struggled to drink her glass of champagne that little bit faster than before. Once her glass was empty, she gave it to him, and he then placed it with his on the table.

William kissed her slowly, tasting the champagne on her sweet lips, licking the seam to her lips until she opened her mouth for him to explore. Taking his time with her, his hands moved slowly to further explore the curves of her body. He heard her sigh gently against his mouth, then draw a sharp intake of breath as she realised that he had undone the tie on her robe and pushed it off her shoulders. Starting behind her ear, William began to kiss down her neck along her pulse to the hollow of her throat. Slowly his hands made their way towards her breasts. He had never felt anything as soft as she was, he groaned in ecstasy. As he started to caress her nipples with his hands, he sensed a ripple of excitement as her body responded to him. Smiling, he stood and carried her through to his room.

Elizabethłs senses were overcome by a delightful smell of rose petals that had been trailed into the room and onto the bed. Sitting down on the edge of the bed with Elizabeth on his knees, William took her mouth unhurriedly, seductively, possessively. As he slowly untied the ribbons of her nightgown, his mouth kissed each exposed bit of skin as he uncovered it. Once all the ties were unfastened, he kissed the exposed skin, running his fingers gently across her nipples, making them hard. He heard Elizabeth moan and reluctantly he released her. Looking into her dear face, he could see the drugged look of passion he had created in her. He slid the gown to her waist and laid her down on the silk sheets. He surrounded her with the rose petals he had scattered there. Unable to resist, he caressed the curve of her hips, the silk of her thighs as he exposed the beauty of her body and removed her gown completely.

As he looked down at her naked before him, he could neither speak nor move. How many times had he imagined Elizabeth in his bed? It must have been thousands of times and so many of them occurring when he had no hope of them ever becoming a reality. He would never forget this moment
the way she looked, smelled and reacted to his touch would be etched in his memory forever.

Elizabeth began to feel somewhat embarrassed at being exposed in such a way. Perceiving her discomfort, he forced his eyes back to hers and stroked his fingers down her cheek.

“Close your eyes, Lizzy," he whispered.

Elizabeth hesitated for a moment, but then complied without question and was gratified moments later to feel him take her into the warmth of his embrace. It was then that she realised that he had also removed his robe and that they were skin to skin and heart to heart.

They lay together like this for some moments. Elizabeth was happy that he was allowing her the opportunity of becoming accustomed to the feel of his body against her own. After she had gotten used to him being so close, she pulled him further to her by wrapping her arms around his neck.

Unfortunately for William, the feel of his wifełs luscious body so close to his threatened to make him lose his self control. He remained still, contenting himself with running his hands over her bare skin, which was hardly helped his self-restraint. He tried to forget that all his dreams and wishes over the last year were now about to come true and the delightful feeling of having her succulently sweet breasts pressed so intimately against his chest.

Elizabeth, who had found herself short of breath when William caressed her breasts with his hands, found herself positively gasping for air moments later when he took one supple peak in his mouth and gently suckled, the warm abrasiveness of his tongue rubbing subtly over the most sensitive tip. The intimacy of this action made her body respond even more. There was a sweet ache in her stomach and lower down in her body that she had never felt before. She grasped him tighter to herself by tangling her fingers in his hair.

Sensing her arousal, William moved tenderly, gently to coax her. He let his hand slip between their bodies to caress her legs, his delicate, tantalizing touch a careful test of her reaction to him. As he moved his hand inward to explore her thighs, she instinctively parted them to allow him access. When his fingers finally slipped into her wetness to find her most sensitive spot, she felt her need for him rise to an unbearable peak. She moaned her pleasure at this and pressed against his hand showing him that she was now ready for him to progress even further. He moved her legs further apart and settled himself between them. William moaned her name, knowing that he could wait no longer.

“Oh Elizabeth, how I love you," he said softly in her ear and covered her face with kisses.

Unable to contain his passion for her much longer , he whispered lovingly in her ear, “I donÅ‚t wish to hurt you, please forgive me," before sliding himself deep inside her. He closed his eyes in rapture at the sensation. Elizabeth gripped his shoulders tightly as the sharp pain hit her. She moaned and tensed her body. William stilled his movements to allow her to relax again, distracting her by stroking her cheek and whispering in her ear, “You feel exquisite, my darling. You were made just for me. Your warmth and softness enfold me, and I love you so."

The pain had been sharp, but she found that it was soon overwhelmed by the glorious pleasure of having him inside her. Exquisite sensations overtook her as he slowly began to thrust within her and Elizabeth looked up at her husband and smiled.

“I love you, William. I love having you inside me."

"God, I adore you so, my dearest, dearest love," he murmured.

She wrapped her legs around him, seeking to bring him into her even further. As he established a regular rhythm, she felt wave after wave of delicious pleasure. Suddenly Elizabeth felt as if she were soaring higher and higher. She could not understand what was happening to her, she only knew that she did not want it to stop. All she wanted was this man. Her body craved his. She felt her muscles clench around him tightly and suddenly her entire being seemed to explode in ecstasy, as she tried to draw him as deeply into her as possible. Somewhere in the distance she heard someone crying out his name as he called out hers.

They both lay very still, unable to grasp the wonder of what had happened. Although William was not inexperienced, he had never imagined feeling anything so intense. Elizabeth looked closely into her husbandłs face and lovingly caressed the damp curls off it. Realising his weight must be oppressive to her, he rolled onto his back and pulled her into his arms, shifting the bedclothes to cover them both. Elizabeth rested her head on his shoulder and played with the curls on his chest. Feeling happy and content that she was at last in the place intended for her, she let herself relax, snuggled into her husbandłs arms and listened to the sound of his heartbeat. Sated, they both then fell into a deep slumber.
*~*~*~*~*~*


The next morning when Elizabeth awoke, she found herself held securely in her husbandłs arms, her head on his chest and her hair spread over the pillows. She could still smell the petals that he had scattered on the bed the night before. Carefully, she slid under his arm and sat up, covering herself as best she could with the sheet. Without the warmth of Williamłs body, she shivered and noticed that daylight was peering around the edges of the heavy curtains and that the fire was now very low in the grate. Since the clock was just striking seven and her husband seemed to be sleeping soundly, she snuggled back down against him to try to get some more rest as they had a long journey to travel that day.

Unbeknown to her, William was already awake and had been listening to the sound of her sleeping for some time. He opened his eyes as she returned to the bed and kissed her gently on the top of her head. “Good morning, my darling. I am afraid that we will have to arise soon to start our journey to Lake District or we will not reach our final destination this evening."

“I hope I did not awake you, my love?"

“No, Elizabeth, I have been awake now for some time, so do not worry yourself. Now come here and kiss me, my love. I am not in that much of a hurry to leave this morning. The Lake District can and will wait for us."

He gathered her into his arms and rolling her over to enjoy the same delights as the night before.
*~*~*~*~*~*


It was more than an hour before they had dressed and gone down stairs for the large breakfast Mrs Reynolds had provided for them. Elizabeth, as good as her word, sent her thanks to the staff through Mr and Mrs Reynolds for the work they had done on her beautiful bedchamber.

Both William and Elizabeth treasured the delightful two weeks they had together exploring the beautiful hills and dales. They enjoyed many pleasure rides on the boats at Lake Windermere, along with the cosy nights of passion learning the intimate pleasures only they could give to one another. But like all wondrously happy times, theirs had to come to an end. Sad as William and Elizabeth were to see this blissful time end, both were glad to return to their new life together at Pemberley.


*Menuetto from Sonata Op.9. No.2 Johann Schubert taken from piano classics from the world of Jane Austen.

Chapter Eleven


Now that the bride cake had been eaten and all the toasts to the happy couple had been made, the expanded family party removed themselves to the Fitzwilliam country seat, Matlock Manor. Of course, during their stay Mr Bennet, Mr Gardiner and Lord Matlock continued the chess tournament begun at Pemberley, roping in a younger Fitzwilliam child when a fourth was needed. However, before their wives started to think them hermits, the gentlemen frequently took a gun out for sport in the far reaches of the estate on the cool crisp days.

Mrs Bennet, still overawed by the splendour of both estates and the illustrious company in which she now found herself, was unusually quiet. She was vastly content with her daughter's situation, as she fingered the beautiful silk damask drapery and gold treaded tapestries in her chamber, which must have cost more than the Bennets earned in a year. Yes, her daughter did very well indeed, and she would see that the other girls would marry gentlemen of means. With three daughters married, or about to be, this was the first time in over five years that she could relax her constant vigilance over their prospects, and so she spent her days smiling at everything and everyone. Not used to such serenity in his wife, Mr. Bennet was flabbergasted by her behaviour. He swore to himself that he would take her to a fancy estate every year since it seemed to be the most effective way to soothe his companion of many years acquaintance, her nerves.

Lord Aylesbury, or Andrew to his family and friends, was most accommodating in escorting the young people around the beautiful grounds of the estate. Whenever Kitty brought out her sketchbook, he patiently waited for the creative inspiration to manifest itself on paper, and when she shyly displayed her work, he was very appreciative of her talents. Kitty protested that she had no formal training, but everyone could see how very pleased she was by the attention shown her.

It warmed both Lord Matlock and Lady Rebecca's hearts to see the young folk enjoying themselves, especially their normally shy and retiring niece enjoying the company of Elizabeth's sisters. Happy among people her own age, Georgiana spent hours with the young Bennet sisters in the music room, where she greatly improved Kitty's technique and assisted Mary in her choice of repertoire.

William and Elizabeth returned from their honeymoon in the late afternoon, planning to leave for Pemberley with Georgiana the next morning. Since this evening was the last they would share before heading south, Lord Matlock and Mr. Bennet agreed not to let another thirty years pass before they met again. Then to both the Bennets and Gardiner families' surprise, an invitation was quickly offered. Mr. Bennet was the most surprised since he thought the expression of not wanting to be separated that long again from his school friend was only an act of extreme politeness, but he accepted on behalf of his family. Since this was the first time in many years that Pemberley would have a festive holiday season, Lady Rebecca graciously acceded to William's request to host Christmas, New Year and the Twelfth Night celebrations.

While they waited for the gentlemen to rejoin them after dinner, the married ladies of the party all offered their assistance for Elizabeth's debut as a hostess. Lady Rebecca, the only one with prior experience hosting a ball, pledged her support with the preparations for the New Year's ball. Once she had poured tea or coffee for everyone, Lady Rebecca settled next to Elizabeth.

In the midst of their planning, Georgiana hesitantly approached them. "I know I am not out yet, but I will be seventeen on the twentieth of next month and as it will be mainly family and close friends invited to the ball, I would also like to attend. I thought that with all of you there to support me, it would help me overcome my shyness in society. Will you talk to William for me?"

"Yes, of course, we will talk to him, Georgie; if you are sure it is what you wish," Aunt Rebecca told her while hugging her. "I am very proud of you for making this decision. Now, leave the matter in our hands, dearest."

Both knew that persuading William was not going to be easy. Therefore, when the gentlemen had finished their port and rejoined them, Elizabeth and Lady Rebecca approached him on the subject as the rest went to the music room to listen to the lively entertainments both Mary and Georgiana had planned.

Elizabeth told him of Georgiana's request to attend the ball, presenting all the advantages, which would benefit Georgiana in the future.

"Yes, William, it will help ease her into society a bit more," Aunt Rebecca added.

"I do not want to place the pressure of society's expectations on her young shoulders too soon. Remember, she has been hurt badly before, and I do not want her to get hurt again. She is still too young to attend a ball even a private one among family."

"William, if you do not allow her to mix in company, how is she to overcome her shyness? She should be gradually introduced at smaller private parties and balls where she can meet people while in the company of her loving family. Then when she finally comes out next year, she will not find it as frightening. Have you noticed how outgoing she has become once she has gotten to know your wife's younger sisters?" Aunt Rebecca asked him.

"I still worry that it may all be too much for her. Georgie does not possess an easy outgoing manner such as you have, my lovely wife. I understand that you feel it will be to her benefit, but she is only sixteen. There is time enough for her to make her bow to society."

"William, I agree with Aunt Rebecca. She needs to meet people and with her family around her to protect her, she will feel the better for it. Please allow her to attend, my dear. She will have all of us as her guardian angels to rescue her from any situation that threatens to become uncomfortable for her."

Sighing, William could not reject the sense of both his wife and aunt. "Very well, I will allow her to attend as long as our Cinderella follows all my rules. Now let us now go and tell my sister the happy news."

When they entered the music room, Mary and Georgiana were in the middle of a lovely duet. Georgie looked up worriedly at the new arrivals, but the demands of the music quickly forced her to redirect her concentration.

However, at its conclusion, William wasted no time in approaching his sister. "Georgie, Elizabeth and our Aunt tell me that you desire to attend the ball at Pemberley."

"Yes, I would love to go to the ball, especially with Elizabeth and her sisters being there. Please, William, I feel ready for this now."

William smiled and gently kissed her hand. "If you really think that you are ready, my dear, then I will let you attend. But because you are not yet out, you will only be allowed to dance with members of your family and the close friends that Richard and I deem suitable."

While the footmen were serving tea and coffee to everyone present, a loud shout of joy came from Georgiana. To the surprise of the rest of the family, she gave her brother a big kiss and a hug. Unable to contain her joy she rushed over to Kitty, who was quietly talking to Andrew. As she approached them, she heard her cousin ask Kitty for the first dance at the ball and saw her best friend eagerly voice her acceptance. Once Andrew departed, the girls started to chatter loudly about all their plans.

As they all arose to retire for the night, William whispered to Elizabeth, "You and my Aunt were right about Georgiana. I can see that even my permission to attend the ball makes a big difference in her."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*


The next day they travelled to Pemberley and informed a very happy Mrs Reynolds of their plans for the holidays, including the reinstated New Year's Ball. She was overjoyed to have a Christmas gathering at Pemberley. Finally, the mantle of sorrow that had seemed to burden the house for many years was lifted. Mrs Reynolds would have excused herself to begin her preparations, but her employer held her back for just a brief moment as he expressed his desire for as much mistletoe as could be gathered. With assurances to her master and a knowing glance to her mistress, she was finally allowed to set the preparations in motion. She had only a few short weeks to bring Pemberley up to the level it had attained in her master's youth.

As the weeks came and went, Elizabeth and Georgiana made many calls on the tenants and on the surrounding Derbyshire families. With Elizabeth to help her, Georgiana started to enjoy herself and became much more relaxed. She helped her sister with practice on the pianoforte, and Elizabeth taught her different embroidery stitches. Elizabeth was also very busy keeping in contact with all her family, old and new, regarding the up and coming season.

In mid November, they received a surprise visit from her father and Kitty. Mr Bennet explained that the rest of her family had gone to stay with the Gardiner's to purchase Jane's trousseau. Elizabeth was surprised to hear that Mary had gone to London instead of Kitty. Later as Kitty handed her a letter from Jane to Elizabeth, she mentioned that Mary had found a suitor, Mr Phillips' new clerk a Mr Sheffield. Laughing, Mr Bennet said that his staid, taciturn daughter had changed beyond recognition since she had caught the eye of Mr Sheffield. He mentioned that they both loved to read, play music and that they had had some delightful musical evenings at Longbourn.

Smiling, Elizabeth then asked her father, "Since you have been enjoying yourself so much at these musical recitals, what makes you travel to Pemberley so soon?"

"I was sick of hearing about all the lace and silk that Jane would need for her trousseau. Your mother has even been invading my library, asking about this and that. She is ecstatic that Mary has now found a suitor, and I have had no peace. Your mother has driven Kitty to take up your old hobby. She is out rambling most of the morning, to see Maria Lucas or just to get away from it all. She takes her sketchbook and pencils to draw, or writes to your new sister. I have also missed your conversation and wit these last few weeks, and so, when your mother decided it was time to go to London, I asked Kitty if she would accompany me to Pemberley," Mr Bennet replied with a chuckle.

Elizabeth laughed at this convoluted tale and said, "Well, I hope that we keep you well entertained while you are here, or would you prefer to hide in William's library?"

William, who had been in his study with his steward most of the morning, arrived just in time to hear the end of Mr Bennet's travails.

He chuckled as he greeted his father in-law, "My library is there at your disposal, sir. There are plenty of nooks and crannies to escape detection if you feel the need."

Mr Bennet smiled, "As much as I love your library, some good conversation with a fair amount of wit is all I need, William, but I may take you up on your offer as well."

While Mr Bennet and Kitty left to change out of their travel clothes, Elizabeth rose to go to her sitting room so she could quietly read Jane's letter. As she passed him, William pulled her into his arms, giving her a long lingering kiss, which he tried to deepen. Pulling away, she said in a teasing voice that he needed to get his work done so that he could relax and enjoy the visit of her father. William sighed that he wouldn't have any time alone with his wife this afternoon and reluctantly returned to his study to finish the work he had begun. Laughing, she told him that she would be in her study reading Jane's letter.


Longbourn Estate
Hertfordshire

7th November 1813

My Dearest Lizzy,

I hope that you and William had a delightful honeymoon in the Lake District. I so look forward to seeing you both soon along with Georgiana during the Christmas Season. Charles has returned to town to finalize the settlements with his attorney, and Mama, Mary and I are to stay with Aunt Gardiner in London while I purchase my trousseau. As an added pleasure, our aunt and uncle have offered to take us to see one of Mr Shakespeare's plays at Drury Lane.

I have some delightful news for you. Louisa Hurst is now expecting her first child in May of next year. Charles is very happy for them and tells me he has finally forgiven Louisa for her part in the deception played on him. Both Louisa and Mr Hurst have changed, almost beyond recognition. They seem so very happy and content. I was surprised to find that Mr Hurst has a delightful sense of humour, and I look forward to seeing them both at our wedding in January. His youngest sister, Caroline, will not attend the wedding as Charles has not yet forgiven her. I think that it will be quite some time before he is ready to accept her back into his good graces.

Charlotte Collins came to see us the other day and asked me to send her best wishes for your future. She also told us that she is expecting her first child in June. Mr Collins and Charlotte are visiting her parents as Colonel Fitzwilliam has kindly allowed them a week's holiday. She seems very happy with her situation and says that Colonel Fitzwilliam is a good patron for Mr Collins. He is very respectful, but does not accept any lengthy speeches or lavish compliments from him. Mr Collins still visits Lady Catherine and Anne regularly at the Dower House. She informs us that Lady Catherine has changed somewhat and that she has gone very quiet and never holds court as was her want. It seems as though she is still in shock.

I must go now as I see my dear Charles riding up the lane. The weeks cannot pass quickly enough until I see you again.

Your loving sister,

Jane

Elizabeth was happy to read about Mr and Mrs Hurst's and Charlotte Collins forthcoming additions and hoped all would be well for their confinements. Jane's letter filled her with a longing to see her beloved sister soon. She knew that it would be a few more weeks before they would meet at Pemberley
*~*~*~*~*~*~*


Mr Bennet stayed until the beginning of December before returning to Longbourn, leaving Kitty at Pemberley until the rest of the family arrived for Christmas. Soon after his departure, the preparations for Christmas began in earnest. The week before Christmas, the young ladies gathered the greenery to decorate the Yule log and kissing bough.

"Remember that we need plenty of holly and ivy. This brings stability for the forthcoming year ahead. The bay leaves and rosemary along with mistletoe will bring good luck to the household as well as protection from evil spirits."

"How do you know all these things, Elizabeth?" Georgiana asked.

"My grandmother Alice told me the reason why we have all these different sorts of greenery in the house and on the kissing bough," Elizabeth replied.

While all were working on the bough, Kitty's sketchbook was accidentally knocked to the ground, opening to a picture she had sketched of Andrew. As Elizabeth picked it up, she commented on how lifelike she found the sketch. Noticing the blush in her cheeks and remembering the two of them on the settee in the music room, Georgie teased her that maybe Andrew would kiss her under the kissing bough while he was here for the Christmas Season. Elizabeth watched as her sister turned her face away embarrassed by this little tease. Seeing that she may have upset her friend, Georgie apologised and gave her a hug.

Once she had composed herself, Kitty then approached Elizabeth asking, "Lizzy, how does one know when one is in love?"

"Kitty, when you are in love you care about what that person thinks and feels, you want to please them as much as you possibly can. You miss them when they are away from you and worry about if they are well or in any difficulty. You want them to know that you will be there for them always, no matter what they say or do. The main thing that you need in a loving relationship is a deep trust in one another or the rest is useless. That trust helps you to forgive and forget." Elizabeth said as she smiled at her younger sister. "William and I have a similar taste in books, and I love to discuss them with him or go for a walk around the estate with him. During the spring, he has promised to teach me to ride. As you know, I have never liked horses, but I know I can trust him. There are so many ways to show that love, but many cannot be expressed until you get married. I will give you a word of caution though. Kitty, be very careful of young men who only flatter you. Most of them do not mean what they say; it is just a game to them. Look at our brother in-law Mr Wickham, how he flattered all the women around him yet there were no honourable intentions behind the charm and smooth words. Our sister is now in a miserable marriage. Look for a dependable young man who will respect you for who you are."

Georgie who had been listening to this conversation said, "Yes, we have to be very careful of people like Mr Wickham, who might dupe us into a false sense of security then let us down. I know when I was fifteen, I was almost tricked by a fortune hunter who flattered me and told me he loved me, all for my dowry. I know you do not have a dowry like mine Kitty, but there are men out there who will flatter you just to take advantage of you."

After listening to what both her sisters had to say, Kitty was very thoughtful for a few moments, "I know that when Lydia was at home, I used to follow her lead and flirt with the officers even though I did not really like it. It feels different somehow now. I enjoy Lord Aylesbury's attentions to me while we stayed with Lord Matlock. I know he is a lot older than I am, but that does not matter to me. I think he is someone who I could rely on and I hope he kisses me, too."

With mock cries of "Kitty!" the girls started giggling before resuming their preparations. Since she had the most interest in it, Lizzy and Georgie left the decoration of the kissing bough to Kitty, while they concentrated on the Yule Log.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*


The Christmas Season was now fully upon them, and Elizabeth excitedly anticipated the arrival of her family, especially Jane, at Pemberley and could hardly wait until they all arrived late that afternoon. Lord Matlock and his family arrived midday, Richard was to arrive sometime that evening and Mr Bingley was to travel with the Bennets. The Gardiners along with their children were to arrive early on Christmas Eve. They were to spend an extra night on the road stopping off to visit Mrs Gardiner's sister who lived in Derby.

William and Lord Matlock laughed as they watched Elizabeth excitedly watch out of the window for her family to arrive. William knew that she had missed Jane terribly and was glad to see her excitement. When the coaches were seen to be approaching the house, he laughed even more as she jumped up like an excited little girl.

"Elizabeth, calm down," William told her as he shook his head.

Elizabeth looked at him and smiled happily. "It has been so long since I have seen Jane, and letters are not enough. I am so happy that she is finally with us."

As the footman announced the arrival of Elizabeth's family, much to the amusement of everyone present, Jane threw herself into her sister's awaiting arms.

"Lizzy, how I have missed you over the last few months. Your letters are delightful, but they do not fill the gap your absence leaves."

Jane, disengaging from her sister, remembered the other guests, coloured, then smiled at them, "Lord Matlock, Lady Rebecca, Lord Aylesbury, I am so pleased to see you all again. William, I am so glad to see that you are looking after my sister. She is positively glowing." William laughed at this pronouncement, saying that it was her sister who had been looking after him.

Georgiana approached Jane excitedly, informing her of all the preparations they had done. Jane smiled at the young girl's excitement and told her that she would look forward to seeing the Yule log and the kissing bough on the morrow. It was obvious to Jane that she had never done this before and she was very curious as to why.

Georgiana explained, "Although my father did not celebrate Christmas once my mother died, we used to go to London or to Rosings. Over the last few years we have spent Christmas in London among friends, so I have never dressed a Yule log or kissing bough."

"Well, I am happy that you have enjoyed yourself doing so this year."

After greeting her sister, Elizabeth welcomed her parents, Mary and Mr Bingley. Unbeknown to Elizabeth and William, Mary had some good news to tell them. Before Mary could finish telling her of her good fortune, Mrs Bennet started to tell them of Mary's engagement to a Mr Sheffield only a week before they left for Pemberley, and then rambled on to Elizabeth about how happy she was at having four daughters married within the space of a year. Mary, who looked at first a bit upset that her mother had stolen her moment of glory, quietly explained to Elizabeth that at first, she had been a bit reluctant to come, but when she found that Mr Sheffield was to attend Christmas with his family in Oxford she relented. Over the Christmas period, everyone noticed a complete change in Mary. She looked a lot happier in herself and seemed far less judgemental.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*


When everyone had arose on Christmas Eve, the greenery, which the servants had prepared, was now gracing the walls and tables of Pemberley. Many hothouse flowers and fruits were displayed in finely cut crystal bowls and vases. Elizabeth lit the Christmas candle that would remain illuminated throughout Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Yule log and kissing bough were brought in with much pomp and ceremony, along with the end of the Yule log, which had been burnt at Matlock Manor the year before. The house looked delightfully festive.

After dinner, they played many games of charades, speculation and one new and very popular game was added to the festivities. This new game was called Bullet Pudding. An old pewter dish was filled with flour and shaped as a pudding that was moulded to a point with the bullet balanced on the top. Using a spoon each person took a turn placing the flour in another dish without knocking the bullet off the top. Unfortunately, William knocked the bullet off its perch. The rules of the game dictated that he had to dig into the flour with his nose and chin to retrieve the bullet without using his hands, picking it up with his teeth and placing it in the other bowl. Everyone laughed uproariously at this William looked very funny with hair and face coated with flour.

"Oh William, you look like Methuselah!" Elizabeth exclaimed.

Seeing the merriment dancing in his wife's fine eyes, William chased his cheeky wife around the room. Though she possessed a light pleasing figure, he was longer legged and easily caught her, right under the kissing bough.

He grinned mischievously and kissed her soundly, coating her with a fine white layer as well. He pulled back and examined his handiwork. "You were saying, Mrs Methuselah?"

Before she could respond, he kissed her again and keeping his arm about her waist, he turned to his guests in a self-deprecating manner. "Will you excuse us while we change into something less festive?"

Though all that were near and dear to him were gathered in the room, none of them had ever witnessed such a playful Fitzwilliam Darcy, and as he escorted his wife out of the room, they all sat stunned until Mrs Bennet uttered, "Oh bless me! I think we will be grandparents very soon!"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*


On Christmas Day, everyone came down for breakfast early. Excitedly giving one another gifts, Elizabeth gave William a travelling gentleman's toilet service that was held in a mahogany box containing crystal glass decanter for his sandalwood aftershave, soap, brushes for clothes and his hair and shaving materials. William bought Elizabeth a riding habit, boots, crop and a four-year-old black mare called Dulcena, so that she could learn to ride when the weather improved. William and Elizabeth had bought many delightful gifts as a surprise for everyone including the Gardiner children for whom Mr Darcy had had hobbyhorses made by his joiner for the boys and two delightful dolls with the latest porcelain faces and real hair, for the girls.

With all the family gifts distributed, the carriages were brought forward to convey them to the church. The rector of Lambton parish was at the door to greet them and when he greeted Mr Bennet, asked a special favour of Elizabeth's father.

"Mr Bennet, I understand that you have a fine speaking voice. Would you consent to read the Gospel today? It is the Christmas story and I understand from Mrs Darcy that it is quite a long standing tradition in your family."

"Yes, it is, but the head of the household traditionally has the honour so by right, my son in-law should read it for you this morning."

William was quick to assure him. "Mr Bennet, it would be my honour to hear you read. Elizabeth has graciously accommodated all the Darcy family traditions, and I would very much like to include this one from the Bennet side."

"Well son, I would oblige you if I had my spectacles with me."

Elizabeth opened her reticule and fished them out. "Here, Papa. You see I come fully prepared."

"So you have, my dear. It appears that I shall continue the tradition. I only hope that I have as fine a voice and delivery as your cousin, Mr Collins."

Elizabeth gave her father a silent baleful look before they entered the church.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*


The week between Christmas and New Year's was full of activity. The morning following Christmas was Boxing Day, and the Darcys distributed all the gifts to the servants, followed by visits to the tenants to distribute savoury Christmas baskets. In the evenings following, there was hardly a night where a party or soiree at one of the neighbouring estates did not await them.

Soon the Pemberley New Year's Ball was upon them and Elizabeth could tell that William was having second thoughts about his sister's attendance. Lord Bracknell, one of William's friends from Cambridge, approached and asked Georgiana to dance the reel with him. Looking at her brother for approval, which was granted grudgingly, she smiled and agreed to dance the next set. William then insisted that he and Elizabeth joined the same set as his sister. As soon as the dance was over, William ushered Georgiana over to sit with her aunt. Seeing this, Elizabeth decided it was time she said something to her husband about his behaviour.

"William, will you please calm down? Georgiana is happy; can you not be happy for her? Thus far, she has only danced with her cousins, Lord Bracknell and yourself. You know that the young men here are honourable, and if they have any forward intentions, all they need is to see the expression on your face to deter them. If you carry on like this, you will make yourself ill. Please try to relax a little."

"Elizabeth, she looks so beautiful tonight. You and our aunt were right. It has done her some good to introduce her to a ball with family friends, but I cannot help feeling that I need to protect her. I suppose I just cannot believe that this beautiful young lady is my baby sister. I suppose she brings out the paternal instinct in me," William said in a resigned voice. "I just do not like all these young men chasing her, even if they are her cousins and my friends. I suppose I will have to get used to it, but I do not have to like it.

"William, it will be far worse than this when she comes out in the spring. You and your cousin will have to grin and bear it for your sister's sake, I am afraid, my love. Have you noticed my sister Kitty seems to have caught the eye of your cousin, Andrew? This is their second set together. Mr Bingley rarely leaves Jane's side, and he looked quiet upset when your cousin Richard asked her to dance."

William laughed at this. "Yes, both Bingley and Andrew seem besotted with your sisters, do they not? Yet two other men bewitched by the beautiful Bennet sisters." Looking down into her bright eyes, he whispered huskily, "I cannot wait until I have you all to myself tonight. I wish that this night was over and done, and that we were alone."

"William, we are in the middle of a ball,"

"I know. I should go ask Richard for an appropriate military manoeuvre to send all these people home to their beds."

Elizabeth laughed and caressed his cheek. "Soon, my darling."

Her next partner came to claim her and William stood watching her hips tantalizingly sway beneath her slightly clinging silk gown and smiled to himself. "Sooner than you think, my love."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*


Elizabeth had just finished speaking to Mrs. Reynolds about the champagne toast at midnight and dreamily walked down the hall back to the ball, when the door to the library opened suddenly and she was gently pulled inside and the door locked behind her.

"What is all this about, William?"

"Nothing, my dear, I just desired some private time with my wife. Now come here and take my mind off all this worrying I have been doing regarding my sister."

Elizabeth smiled and kissed him on the cheek. "You have worked yourself up into a frenzy over this, have you not?"

"Yes, one that only you can cure."

Before she could reply, he pulled her tightly into his arms, kissing her soundly and moulding their bodies together. When he broke the kiss, he swept her off her feet and sat them both down in one of the large winged back chairs in front of the fire. With Elizabeth on his lap, he quickly unfastened the buttons to the back of her dress and the lacings to her corset. Elizabeth started to protest, when she felt her dress slip off her shoulders.

"William, the bosom of our family is just outside this door"

He nuzzled her breasts. "Yes, I am in the bosom of my family, just where I want to be." He proceeded to kiss his way down to her taut nipples and suckled her while his hands roamed up under her dress. All too soon all thoughts of their guests were lost when his hand reached the heart of her desire.

"Elizabeth, how I love you! How I desire you at this moment."

He moved her so that she sat astride him, inserting his fingers into her sheath and stroking her, making her writhe as she clung to him. He removed her dress placing it on a nearby chaise before laying her gently on the Persian rug. The rest of her clothes were quickly removed and he kissing his way down her body, sucking and licking at each new piece of flesh he uncovered until he reached the place she needed him most. He had only once fleetingly kissed her on her sex, but tonight he was determined to have all of her on the library floor. Elizabeth was shocked to feel his tongue and mouth on her sex, but the delicious sensations this was giving her made her want more and more.

"William, Willlllll!" she moaned, writhing around the floor.

She arched her back and moaned even louder, and he knew Elizabeth was now nearing her peak. Sitting back on his heels, he released the falls of his breeches and thrust deeply into her, driving her wild by kissing and suckling her breasts. She started to moan and cry out loudly, so to silence her, he kissed her deeply, thrusting his tongue in and out, mimicking his body's actions. As she reached her climax, he felt her shudder underneath him so he stopped his movements, kissing her gently, allowing her to relax. Once he felt her recover slightly, he then started to caress her clitoris to bring her back to a state of high arousal, and once again thrusting himself hard into her. Elizabeth moaned her pleasure at this and started to run her fingers through his hair and then down his back. Completely aroused, he lifted her legs and wound them round his back, allowing him to go even deeper. As she started to cry out again, William kissed her thoroughly until they both reached their climax. William shuddered, moaned her name against her mouth and collapsed against her, sated. Realising that his weight would be too much for her, he rolled onto his back and gathered her into his arms as they both gasped for breath.

Hearing the grandfather clock chime the half hour before midnight, he knew they had been away from the ballroom for almost an hour. William held her close, caressing her and kissing her gently. Not wanting to hurry their return, but knowing that they would soon be missed, he helped her dress and smooth out all the wrinkles from her attire. As William helped her fasten the lacings to her corset he started to kiss the back of her neck.

"William, I wish we could go to our bedchamber and forget about everyone else, but it is nearly midnight, and we will be missed if we don't return soon."

William whispered huskily, "I know, more is the pity. All I want is to be alone with my wife and her charms for the rest of my life. But duty calls us to return, and return we must." He sighed and finished fastening her dress at the back.

As they entered the ballroom quietly, it seemed that no one had noticed their disappearance. When midnight arrived, the servants brought around the champagne for the New Year toast, and everyone shouted 'Happy New Year.' The dancers giving their partner a quick kiss on the cheek. William pulled Elizabeth to him and gave her a long deep kiss, whispering in her ear that he hoped it would be the happiest one he had ever. Elizabeth smiled and whispered that it had already begun to be one of the happiest for her with him at her side. They announced a special New Year's Waltz. As William waited in line, he was happy to see that Richard was dancing with his sister.

At the end of the evening as they made their way to their chambers, Elizabeth and William passed the drawing room where the kissing bough was kept. They were surprised to see Andrew and Kitty underneath it, enjoying a long leisurely kiss. Smiling, they silently walked away, leaving the two young lovers to enjoy their secret.

Chapter Twelve

During his stay at Pemberley, Mr Bingley invited the Darcys to stay at Netherfield the week before the wedding, and they happily agreed. Although the wedding was less than a month away, William had some business to clear up with his steward before he could, in good conscience, leave. Bingley and Jane wished to spend their honeymoon in London and asked Elizabeth and William if they would be going to town for the season. Unwilling to disturb them on their honeymoon, it was agreed that they would meet occasionally to enjoy some entertainments.

Since the Darcys would be in London for part of the season, Mr Bennet allowed Kitty to accompany them. However, he made one stipulation to which Kitty gladly acceded. She was to consider herself not officially out in society until Georgiana made her debut in the spring. London was very different from Meryton and Kitty was relieved that she and her best friend would be able to support each other as they made their way through the perilous maze of the Marriage Mart. However, on this visit to the capital, the girls would study art and music with masters and Mrs Annesley would be their companion to the entertainments that William and Elizabeth were unable to escort them to while they were there.

It took the Darcys two full days of travelling to reach Hertfordshire, and Elizabethłs face shone with happiness as soon as the carriage turned into Meryton. It was not every day that such a fine carriage traversed the village, and all eyes were drawn to them. William and Georgie were self-conscious of the scrutiny, but Elizabeth smiled as they passed all the shops and people she knew as a young girl.

All too soon, the carriage turned off onto the gravelled path leading to Netherfield, and a few moments after that, they saw Charles Bingley on the sweep, waiting for their arrival. After hearty and warm greetings, Mr Bingley had them shown to their rooms for soon as Elizabeth was handed down, she suddenly felt quite tired, unusually so for just sitting in a carriage. She told her husband that she would prefer to rest until they went to Longbourn that evening.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*


Once in their room, Elizabeth saw the bath Hannah had already prepared for her. The hot water cleansed and relaxed her limbs so much, that after Hannah towelled her dry, she climbed into bed and fell straight to sleep in her chemise.

A few hours later, William crept noiselessly into the room and beheld the serenity of his wife asleep. He stripped down to his breeches and slowly joined her on the bed, curling his body around her. Not very interested in slumber, he started kissing her in the special spot just beneath her ear that he knew would drive her wild with desire.

Mumbling in her sleep, Elizabeth felt the ties of her chemise release and the garment slowly removed. The warmth of his mouth immediately replaced the cool draft on her skin as his lips travelled down her neck and chest. She stirred even more as William moulded each breast in his hand and brought each one to his mouth, gently suckling her into arousal. With his mouth occupied, his hand unhurriedly traced down her body, leaving her skin tingling, but she fully awoke when his hand moved between her legs to stroke the heat of her desire.

At the very moment she awoke, William lifted his head and grinned mischievously. “Hello, my sleeping beauty." He rose and dropped his breeches. Looking at his wife all flushed pink with the yearning he created, his voice was husky with need. “I have waited a full year for you to share this bed with me, Elizabeth. Seeing you here, I cannot resist you any more. Here I had many happy dreams of you being with me, but not one of them matches the reality."

He blanketed her body with his and moving further between her legs, he used his finger to pleasure her deep within her body. He added another finger while his thumb began to circle her clitoris. Elizabeth started to move her body, lifting her hips and pressing herself against his hand. When he replaced his fingers with his mouth and tongue, Elizabeth began to writhe on the bed until she was moaning her pleasure to him. Knowing that she was not far from reaching her climax, he kissed her lips soundly as he drove her over the edge using his fingers. The shock of tasting herself on her husbandłs mouth brought her partly back to her senses, but when he replaced his hand with his hardened shaft, his long, slow thrusts had her whimpering again for release.

Afterwards, as they lay sated with her head on his shoulder, Elizabeth remembered the evening of the ball and the first time he had shocked her by using his mouth to pleasure her. It had been quite an enjoyable hour in their library at Pemberley. Chuckling to herself, she now reflected there was a great deal more education found in life than in just book learning.

Feeling her body tremble with laughter, William roused himself to ask what amused her so. Not about to tell her passionate and loving husband those thoughts when she knew they were expected at Longbourn at six for a family dinner, she stretched lazily and asked him the time, reminding him of their evening engagement.

Rising reluctantly from their bed, William strode naked to the pile of clothes on the chair near the fireplace. As he searched through his clothes, Elizabeth admired the sculptured muscular lines of his body. With a look of triumph, William found the fob watch she had given him as a wedding present and upon opening it, his face fell as he told her it was nearly five ołclock.

Elizabeth sighed with regret. “We had better start getting dressed my love, or we will late. Yet I cannot make my limbs move off this bed."

As he walked back to the bed, he saw the passion in her eyes at the sight of his bare form. “Must we go? I would much rather stay here with my wife and thoroughly enjoy her charms."

Elizabeth grinned and pulled his teasing face towards her for a lengthy and lusty kiss. “Let us be fashionably late then, as I want my handsome husband to hold me in his arms a while longer."

Happy to hear his wifełs declaration, he immediately joined her on the bed and started to kiss her again. Elizabeth surprised her husband by letting her hands roam against his naked flesh, making their way down his body and dancing around to his lengthening staff. Her lips soon followed the trail of her hands, finally reaching the tip of his now fully hardened shaft. William groaned as she took him into her mouth and suckled. His limits fast approaching, William pulled her away, but eager for her to take the lead in their love play, he gently placed her astride him and urged her to move upon him. The heat that flashed through them as she squeezed around him made them both gasp with pleasure, and Elizabeth rocked against him, increasing in tempo until with one final thrust, he released himself into her.

Later, as she lay collapsed on top of him, he whispered mischievously in her ear, “I hope you enjoyed your first riding lesson, my love."

Laughter burst forth from Elizabeth, “If all my lessons are as pleasurable as this one, I will love them all, my love. Do you think riding Dulcena will be as exciting as riding you, William?"

“Indeed not and I intend to keep it that way as well." She gasped as he rolled her over onto her back.

When they finally arrived at Longbourn, they were both hard pressed to keep from blushing as they apologised for their tardiness. Quickly filling their plates, they desperately tried to ignore the smirking or horrified expressions on her familyłs faces.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*


A few days later Elizabeth found herself back at Longbourn, for it was the morning of Jane and Bingleyłs wedding. To help with the preparations that morning, Elizabeth brought Hannah with her, taking her wedding attire with them. Once Hannah left to assist Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth hurried to her sisterłs room. Her sisterly intuition knew Jane was waiting for her.

Jane sat at her vanity, composed but pale. As Elizabeth entered her room, she sighed and turned towards her sister.

Elizabeth looked lovingly into the mirror at the image of her sister in all her bridal finery. “Jane, you look absolutely gorgeous. Mr Bingley will be stunned when he sees you. These emeralds bring out the colour of your beautiful eyes." Jane smiled weakly and her eyes were downcast. “What is the matter Jane? You look very pale. Has someone upset you?"

“Mama told me about the marital bed and what my duties are to my husband. I feel a bit overwhelmed at present. Tell me, Lizzy, is the first time as bad as she told me?"

“Jane, my advice to you will be to ignore everything our mother said to you. She was completely wrong in her advice to me."

Her sister looked unconvinced. Elizabeth sat down on the bed and patted the space beside her. When Jane joined her, she took her hands in hers and gently asked her, “Have you allowed Mr. Bingley any liberties?"

The blush extended down her neck as she nodded slightly.

“And did you take any pleasure from his attentions?"

“Oh Lizzy, such a wantonness came over me, but I could not stop myself from enjoying the pleasure of his kisses."

“And do you not think that your husband will want to give you even more pleasure this evening?"

Jane sat thoughtfully, as Elizabeth added softly, “The first time is painful, but not a lasting pain, as the delightful sensation of having your husband inside your body overrides the pain. I cannot explain to you how heavenly it is. Mr Bingley will no doubt be very gentle with you, but you must relax and enjoy yourself. The more relaxed you are the better it is. My advice or I should say Aunt Rebecca and Aunt MaddyÅ‚s advice, which they gave to me on my wedding day, is to drink a small glass of wine to steady your nerves. Trust your husband and talk to him of your fears. He wants to show you just how much he loves you, and then let things naturally take their course. The best piece of advice Aunt Maddy gave me is that I should always put the wants and needs of my husband before my own. I must say that following her advice has brought me much joy."

“Tell me Lizzy, what married life is like? You seem so happy with William. I hope that our marriage will be as happy as yours."

“Well, I have only been married a few months so I am not sure I am the best person to ask, but my impressions so far are that married life is delightful. I must admit that it was quite surprising at first, to wake and find another body in my bed, but being in WilliamÅ‚s arms makes me feel treasured and protected from all the evils of the world. If there were anything that I would wish for you in your own marriage, it would be for you to feel the same way with Mr. Bingley."

After a moment of silent reflection, Elizabeth added wryly, “The other adjustment for me and probably for William too, was to remember to involve our spouse in our decision making. You and I have learned to be self-reliant, but now as a mistress of a grand estate, there are so many peopleÅ‚s concerns to consider, along with our husbandÅ‚s comfort. I know you will not complain about your new responsibilities, but you should not be afraid to take your own concerns to your housekeeper or to Mr. Bingley."

“I would not want to pain Mama by my neglect of her counsel."

“Do not let our mother badger you into doing things that are unnecessary. She tried to talk me into recreating a smaller version of the Palace of Versailles at Pemberley, but gave up when I continued to put my foot down. You need to be firm with her or she will have you bankrupt before you know it."

“Thank you, Lizzy. That is sound advice," Jane smiled at her sister and looked much happier than before.

Giving her sister a big hug and a kiss on the cheek, Elizabeth rose and went to the door. “I will get ready now in my old room. My maid has been helping Mama prepare for the wedding and should be ready for me. Do you need to talk to me about anything else?"

“No Lizzy, I think we have discussed everything. It makes me feel much better now to have spoken to you."

“Hannah will knock when it is time for you to come downstairs. Father, Kitty and I will await you in the morning room. MamaÅ‚s plan is to go to the church with Mary to await us there."

Entering her old room before Hannah did, Elizabeth felt a small pang of nostalgia. For a moment, she was young Miss Elizabeth Bennet again and her dolls were lined up on the windowsill just waiting for their next mud and tea party. Fingering a faded golden lock of a very elegant but well loved lady, she sighed and hoped that she would soon have a daughter to inherit her motherłs favourite toys.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*


Mrs Bennet had decorated Longbourn Church with sweet smelling winter roses and lavender, and a large arrangement of mixed flowers adorned the side of the altar. Mary provided all the music as she had done at Elizabethłs wedding, but this time, Mr. Sheffield accompanied her on his violin. When she entered on her fatherłs arm, Jane carried a bouquet of the same winter roses and the other flowers that decorated the church. Mr Bingley, as Elizabeth predicted, was stunned, not by the wafting floral perfume, but the vision of the beautiful woman who would soon be his bride. William, knowing just how he felt, gently nudged him to keep him from gawking too much.

The wedding ceremony proceeded smoothly and quickly. Soon everyone was back at Longbourn House for a bountiful wedding breakfast. As the bride and groom were about to leave, Jane Bingley tossed her bouquet to her sister Mary, who was surprised to find joy in such a girlish tradition and blushed profusely. Mr Sheffield, standing near his future bride, beamed as much as any groom while accepting congratulations and best wishes for their future nuptials.

At three ołclock that afternoon, Elizabeth, William, Kitty and Georgiana made their farewells. They were travelling to London and staying at Darcy House in Belgrave Square. The Darcys arranged with Charles and Jane to meet the following Wednesday evening at the Theatre Royal where William owned a box.

Later that night as they lay in bed, the Darcys discussed the wedding.

“I was so happy to see Jane and Mr Bingley finally married. She made such a beautiful bride. When they were saying their vows, I tried to remember as much as I could of our wedding. To me, it went by in such a blur, all I remember was repeating what the bishop said and agreeing to whatever he asked me."

William kissed her before replying. “It is fortunate we both agreed, for like you, I cannot remember the wedding ceremony, either. I only recall a beautiful goddess standing next to me at the altar." He gently kissed the top of her head and held her close until he felt her breathing ease into slumber. Smiling to himself, he thought how delightful it was to be able to hold her this way for every evening of their married lives.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*


On the very next day, the ladies had important business to attend to and left William to his own amusements. Georgiana, Kitty and Elizabeth travelled to Bond Street, to the famous fashion house of Madame Fetina. Kitty and Elizabeth spent a delightful afternoon picking and choosing from amongst some of the nicest fabrics and designs that they had ever seen. Georgiana, who was used to getting the best quality material for her dresses, smiled at their pleasure. Elizabeth and Georgiana only needed ball gowns and a special gown for their royal presentation at St James, but Kitty needed new day attire and ball gowns, as well as a special gown for her presentation. Before they returned to Belgrave Square, armed with fabric swatches, they called at the milliners and cobblers, making sure they ordered everything they would need for the up and coming season.

Madame Fetina was well acquainted with the upper echelons of the “ton" and was pleased that the new Mrs Darcy chose to patronize her establishment, hiring extra seamstresses to create new ball gowns for the performance next week. Between their fittings, letting William be their tour guide to the major sites and calling on family and new friends, the time before the night out at the Theatre Royal flew by so rapidly that they were a little surprised when reminded that their engagement was that night.

The Fitzwilliam brothers and the new Mr and Mrs Bingley joined them in their box, but Elizabeth had little patience for the performance. She wanted a moment alone with her elder sister.

At the interval, the gentlemen excused themselves to get them refreshments. The door had barely closed behind them when Elizabeth whispered into her sisterÅ‚s ear, “How are you enjoying married life, Jane?"

Jane blushed, “You were so right, Lizzy. It was silly for me to be so worried, for marriage to Charles is absolutely delightful, everything I dreamed it would be."

Once the men had returned with their refreshments, it was not long before the curtain rose again for the start of the last act. Elizabeth squeezed her sisterłs hand, unable to communicate her pleasure in any other way in public. Turning back to the stage, she was at last able to focus on the fine performances with a glad heart.

On their returning to the townhouse for a late repast, both Kitty and Georgie, who had enjoyed the performance, immediately tried to imitate some of the arias sung in the opera by using grand gestures and comic voices and burst into gales of laughter at their efforts. William and Elizabeth laughed gaily at their antics, applauding and cheering them with cries of, “Encore" and “Diva," but when they looked at both Jane and Bingley, they could see that neither had really been listening to the entertainments, serious or comic, as they only had eyes for one another.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*


In the rapidly passing weeks, the ladies spent all their attention on the upcoming presentation at St. JamesÅ‚s Palace. Coached by their sponsors, the Earl and Countess of Matlock, it seemed to WilliamÅ‚s mind, that they spent endless hours practising their deep curtseys. Many times he passed the ballroom and saw them, heavy damask tablecloths pinned to their dresses, backing away from the “royal" presence of his uncle without tripping on their extra long trains.

At last, the night arrived. A Royal Ball would follow their presentation. If William thought the preparations were intense before this, that night the ladies and all the servants seemed to be all aflutter with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation.

William was the first to finish with his valet. Uncomfortable at once again outfitted in the ghastly-outdated fashions of his grandfatherłs time, he strolled about his room until he was sure that he would not injure anyone with the antique ceremonial sword strapped to his side. His last stop in his room was to pick up the golden box he had retrieved earlier from the safe. With a last swagger, he ventured towards his wifełs room.

As he entered, Hannah was attaching the last white feather in Elizabethłs glossy, dark hair. When she was done, she curtsied and departed, leaving William to add the final touch to his wifełs ensemble.

Opening the box placed in front of her, nestled on the velvet, was a stunningly beautiful necklace of rubies, diamonds and freshwater pearls with delicate earbobs to match.

A very surprised Elizabeth spluttered, “For me? How beautiful!"

“They have been in the family since my Great Grandmother Matilda. They were part of her dowry when she married my Great Grandfather Archibald. You will remember those as being the two names you disliked for our children." He chuckled at this and laughed even more at her blushing cheeks before sobering. “My mother last wore them at for a Royal Ball at St JamesÅ‚ Palace."

“I would have thought that your sister would like to wear these, William. After all, they were your motherÅ‚s."

“I have something for both Georgie and Kitty. Let me show you."

Going through to his room, he retrieved two silver boxes and brought them to Elizabeth. Opening them, two necklaces of sapphires and diamonds with matching earbobs were displayed. The jewels were elegant enough to wear at the Royal ball, but delicate enough for a young girl in her first season.

“William, they are beautiful. Both Georgie and Kitty will love them. Shall we go and present them to them now?"

Picking up her train and carrying it over his arm, they went down the hall and knocked on Georgiełs sitting room door. Since the girls had adjoining rooms, Georgiełs maid helped dress them both. Elizabeth asked the maid to tell her charges to attend her immediately in their sitting room. Two minutes later both girls arrived with looks of anticipation written on their faces and were each handed a silver box. Both girls stood in silent disbelief at the gleaming gems. Finding their voices each started to express their appreciation.

KittyÅ‚s eyes were as large as saucers as she reverently touched a diamond winking in the candlelight. “William, Elizabeth, this is the best gift I have ever had. Thank you so very much."

“Thank you so much, they are beautiful," Georgie, just as awestruck, stood on tiptoe and kissed her brother on the cheek, then turned and kissed Elizabeth.

Once the girls were ready, they made their way to the Royal Palace of St Jamesł. The amount of people arriving caused a long line of carriages at the entrance, but once they arrived, the Fitzwilliams were there to escort them into the brilliantly lit and elegant building. There was no time for anxiety for as soon as their outer wraps were removed, the footmen escorted them into the Presence Chamber and a few minutes later, they were bowing and curtseying to the Prince Regent. Thankfully, no one embarrassed themselves in backing out of the room and after detaching their heavy court trains, the ladies were free to enjoy the Royal Ball.

The newly presented young ladies lacked no partners that evening. Their dance cards were filled almost as soon as they walked into the ballroom, with Richard and William approving the gentlemen who approached them. One who found himself in a most unusual situation was Viscount Aylesbury, who had to ask his younger brother and cousin for permission to dance with Kitty.

Elizabeth found herself frequently on the dance floor with her husband and could not resist teasing him. “I thought you disliked dancing my dear, yet you have danced nearly every dance with me. What a temptation I have become!"

Looking hastily around to see who would overhear them, William whispered back, “I saw His Highness eying your lovely bosom. You are mine, and I am here to protect you."

“William, youÅ‚re jealous! He no more noticed me than he did anyone else."

“I am married to a goddess, and drat these court gowns with their daring décolletage, I wish you were allowed to wear more lace to cover what I want for my eyes alone. If that makes me jealous, then so be it. Now, my goddess of beauty, charm and delicate toes, may I take you home to admire you to my heartÅ‚s content?"

On the return journey to Belgrave Square, two very tired, but still very excited young women, chattered on and on about each of their partners and how much they had enjoyed their time at the ball, while two very married people thought the carriage travelled much too slowly for their liking. Once at Darcy House, both girls bade them goodnight and made their way up to their rooms to talk and dream of the night just past. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy followed them upstairs, but the master of the house whispered in his wifeÅ‚s ear that his “sword" was not too tired after all. Elizabeth giggled and whispered back, “En garde!"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*


Over the next few days, when Elizabeth awoke, she felt extremely tired, but accounted for it as a result of the preparations leading up to the ball and the fencing match she had engaged in with the Darcy sword until the early hours of the morning. Snuggling back down into her pillows, she sighed contentedly, as her roguish husbandłs hands started to roam over her bare body.

William caressed her breasts lightly, “Is it my imagination, or do your breasts seem to be slightly bigger, Elizabeth?" He then kissed her abdomen and continued, “Do not be cross with me, but I have noticed that you are getting slightly rounded here, as well."

“Well, I am not sure if my breasts are bigger, William, but I know that they feel very tender at the moment and, yes, I have noticed that I have gained some weight. I also feel so very tired."

“Do you think it is possible that we might be expecting an heir to Pemberley soon? I know Mama was always very tired during her confinements, and like you, she had that glow about her."

“I am not certain, William."

“Let me ask Mr Davidson, my physician, to examine at you sometime today."

“Is that necessary? I have confided in my aunt, and she said I would not be sure until the babe quickens. I have not felt any flutterings, so did not want to raise any false hopes before I was sure."

“Dearest, my mind would be relieved just for him to recommend something to ease your symptoms."

“Very well then, you may send for Mr Davidson."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*


After breakfast, as they walked through to the morning room, Elizabethłs head started to spin, and suddenly her world turned black, as she fainted into her husbandłs arms. For a seemingly eternal moment, they were all shocked into silence, but then the room suddenly erupted with activity. Georgiana ordered the butler to summon their physician immediately, and the housekeeper rushed to her rooms to retrieve her bottle of smelling salts. Kitty raced ahead opening doors for him and fetching Hannah for her assistance, while a very alarmed William carried Elizabeth in his arms to her rooms.

As William placed her gently on the bed, Elizabeth started to moan as she regained consciousness. Her eyes scanned the room until they rested on her husband.

“William"

“Shhlove. All is well, Elizabeth, do not worry. The doctor will be here shortly," William said soothingly as he took her hands in his. Her face was pale and her hands lacked their usual warmth. He wanted to lie next to her and share his heat with her, but with the servants nearby, he could only continue to rub her hands between his own.

Without releasing her hands or removing his gaze from her face, he quietly added, “Thank you, Mrs Greenwood, my wife will not require the smelling salts. Hannah, please wait downstairs for Mr DavidsonÅ‚s arrival. I will stay here with my wife. When he arrives, have him come straight to your mistressÅ‚ chambers.

Mr Davidson arrived a half-hour later. Hannah escorted him to his patient where he promptly dismissed everyone in the room, including William.

“Now, Mrs Darcy, I understand you fainted this morning. Has that ever happened before?"

“No sir, but there have been a multitude of symptoms I have never experienced before that have been occurring within the last week or so."

With his encouragement, Elizabeth detailed all the changes she and her husband had noticed, especially how tired she would suddenly become.

Mr Davidson listened attentively and kindly to her recitation before voicing another question.

“You are newly married, are you not, Mrs Darcy?"

“Nearly six months."

“And have you had your courses during this happy period?"

“Not since November, sir. Do you think a child may be on the way?"

“Possibly so, madam. May I assume you have not felt the child move and that is why you are uncertain? I have an instrument that should confirm our suspicions if you will allow me to examine you."

The physician reached into his leather bag and pulled out a metal shaped funnel, which he warmed in his hands before placing it upon Elizabethłs abdomen. He listened very closely and in multiple locations before finally making his pronouncement.

“Mrs Darcy, you are indeed with child but you will need to take especial care of your self with this pregnancy since you are carrying twins."

“Twins? Are you sure?"

“Yes, indeed for I heard two strong and separate heartbeats."

“But my family has never borne twins."

“But your husbandÅ‚s family has. It is quite common in the Fitzwilliam family. Both his mother and her sister bore twins, but unfortunately only one survived.

“Are you saying my husband and his cousin Anne were the surviving twin? My husband never mentioned this to me."

“Lady AnneÅ‚s confinement was my first delivery of twins. I am not surprised that Mr. DarcyÅ‚s parents did not choose to tell him this since they wanted children so very badly, and they did not want him to feel any guilt that he was born hardy, but his younger brother was not.

Still shocked by both discoveries, Elizabeth whispered, “Lady Catherine?"

“I am sure Mr. Darcy was aware of his auntÅ‚s confinement. He was old enough to understand. However, there is no reason for you to think that an unhappy result will be yours as well. There is much better hygiene and there have been medical advancements over the years. I am quite sure with the proper care that you will undoubtedly receive, your children will be born safely. Now, I would like a cup of tea, which should give you some time to break the happy news to your husband. I will return shortly to answer any questions you may have about your future care."

Mr. Davidson opened the door and saw William tense and anxious. If the door were not made of strong oak, he would have pulled the door down with his bare hands, as the wait was interminable. Before William could interrogate the doctor, he heard Elizabeth calling for him with her arms outstretched.

All thoughts of the physician fled as he rushed to her side. “Elizabeth, my Lizzywhat did Mr. Davidson sayyou were closeted together for so long, I did not know what to think."

“There is nothing wrong with me that will not be cured in time."

“Elizabeth dearest, do not tease me now. How serious is your condition?"

“Very serious, for we will both have our hands full raising twins."

William was stunned for a moment. He expected news of an heir, singular not plural, and it took him a few moments for the words to register in his brain. When they did, he gathered his wife close to him and standing up, swung her in a wide circle, dancing with his joy until he remembered Elizabeth had fainted that morning and did not require any more dizziness that day.

Replacing her on top of the coverlet again, he asked with a tender voice, “Mind you, I am delighted at this news, but are there many cases of twins in your family, my darling girl? There is only one case in my knowledge"

“Lady Catherine"

“Yes, how did you know?"

“Mr. Davidson attended her when he was a younger man, as he did your mother." She looked pointedly at her husband.

“My mother? Surely not! My father never said a word, my mother neither. None of my relatives ever spoke of a twin birth.

“It was your birth, William. You had a younger brother who did not survive your motherÅ‚s labour. I think your parents were wise not to tell you. Why would they want to burden a tiny little baby with their grief? I am sure I would not, and I know you would not either."

“You will forgive me if all this information has left me a bit befuddled, my dear. I think I now understand why Lady Catherine was so insistent upon my marrying my cousin."

“Indeed. You were both part of a twin birth. Maybe she thought, with that tendency in both of you, you would bring forth quadruplets with the Fitzwilliam blood."

William laughed and kissed his wife. “Worrying about you carrying twins will strain my heart enough, do not even think of four at one time. When is the blessed event to occur?"

“Do you know that I was as shocked as you were and forgot to ask? Mr. Davidson is enjoying a cup of tea to give us a moment alone. Let me ring for him now."

When the doctor arrived, they met him in their sitting room. Embarrassed that she had forgotten to ask when her children would be born, Elizabeth blushed, bright red when she finally did ask.

“My guess would be the end of August based on what you told me. However, twins may come early so in the later months, you must not over exert yourself, Mrs. Darcy."

At the mention of exertion, William had several questions of his own to pose. “Should we remain in town for the births? If not, will my wife be well enough to travel by this weekend?"

Mr. Davidson smiled. “Yes, you are your fatherÅ‚s son. Take your wife home to Pemberley. The fresh clean air will do her much good. As to travelling this weekend, she will be the best judge of how she feels."

As he wanted to get Elizabeth safely to the country as soon as possible, William asked, “Elizabeth, do you think that you will be up to travelling on Saturday? We can call on your parents and give them the good news."

“Had you forgotten that it is MaryÅ‚s wedding on Saturday? We are to stay at Netherfield with Jane and Mr Bingley. Therefore, I have every incentive to be well by Saturday. But Mr Davidson, do you have any suggestions to help with the queasiness?"

“I can give you herbs to put in your morning tea, such as red raspberries which will ease the feeling of morning sickness, but this must not be used more than twice a day. I also advise you to drink plenty of rosehips tea. You can drink rosehips as a cordial as well and also use rosehips jam with your toast on a morning, It will help to nurture both yourself and the babies.**"

“Yes, of course, I will write Mrs. Reynolds that we will need a large supply of rosehips, and I will insure that she consumes it every day in some form. I need not tell you that you will be very welcome to stay at Pemberley this summer." William was a prospective father for all of a half an hour, and already his overprotective nature was manifesting itself.

“Now, sir, there is no need to fret overmuch just yet. I will be honoured to bring another generation of Darcys into the world, but there is a good midwife available in Bakewell, surely your housekeeper would know of her as well."

Mr. Davidson rose to leave. “My last advice to you both is to allow your wife to live her life as normally as possible. She may stroll in the gardens or if accompanied, some of the walks close to the house until the later months. Just make allowances for she will be nurturing three, herself and the two babes. She will be tired more often, and you will need to make frequent rest stops or prolong your travel by a day to accommodate her needs.

“Thank you, Mr Davidson. I will heed your advice," Elizabeth said with all sincerity. Mr Davidson then looked at William until he grudgingly gave his reluctant consent to his advice before he left the newly prospective parents alone

Chapter Thirteen

The door closed quietly after Mr Davidsonłs departure, and as soon as he heard the door click, William gathered his lovely wife, now to be the mother of his children, close to him so that they lay heart to heart on the bed.

Plying her with soft kisses until they were both breathless, he whispered, “Oh my darling Elizabeth, this is such exquisite news. How I love you and our babies!" He skimmed down her body to reverently kiss her stomach, while his arms looped around her waist, and he rested his head gently on her growing belly.

“Elizabeth, I am not hurting you by holding you like this, am I?"

With such a testimonial to his tender devotion, Elizabethłs eyes were teary and her voice was too choked with emotion to answer him. William looked up and saw a single tear of joy streaming down her cheek. He brought forth his handkerchief and wiped the trail of her tear, then kissed her soft cheek.

“My love?"

“Oh William, I could stay in your arms like this forever. It gives me the greatest comfort and joy to hold you this close."

Neither needed to speak the words, but both knew the other was savouring this awesome gift. They reflected on the knowledge that they were bringing new life, not just to their family, but to Pemberley as well, and while these thoughts were extremely satisfying, they also reminded them of their family obligations, starting with the forthcoming weekend visit to Longbourn.

William, with his flair for logistics, quickly took charge as he arose off the bed and straightened his clothes.

“So, my dearest, first to Longbourn for your sisterÅ‚s wedding then home, very slowly, to Pemberley. You need not worry about anything, my dear; I will begin making all the arrangements for our departure."

“Thank you, William. I will take this opportunity to rest a bit and conserve my strength for tomorrow eveningÅ‚s performance at the Drury Lane Theatre."

As he was about to open the door to the corridor, he turned back with great concern in his voice. “Do you think it would be wise for you to attend, Elizabeth? I donÅ‚t want you to overexert yourself, my dear."

“If I promise to rest for the remainder of today and tomorrow, I am sure I will feel up to going."

Her husband looked quite sceptical, both about the planned excursion and Elizabethłs intention to sit quietly for two days without exercise.

Elizabeth sighed at the obvious worrywart in the room. “Do not worry, William, I will not put my health at risk. Now to encourage me to stay abed today, I suggest you order our luncheon to be served here in our sitting room."

William smiled hesitantly, the physicianÅ‚s words echoing in his ears. “Rest then, and conserve your strength."
*~*~*~*~*~*


After instructing his valet and Elizabethłs maid to pack for the eventual journey back to Pemberley, William hurried downstairs, his mind full of all the details to be settled in so short a time. Since he and Elizabeth worked together on their formal correspondence in his study, he knew where all the invitations to be answered would be found. He was just passing by the drawing room, when he casually glanced into the room. The sight of the two young ladies, who he had forgotten were awaiting some news of their sister, brought him up short and halted him in his trek towards his study.

Both girls were clearly upset. Kitty was pacing and Georgie, while seated, was nervously squeezing her handkerchief and biting her lip.

Briefly berating himself for his neglect of them, but eager to share his news, he hurried into the room with the biggest smile either girl had ever seen on his face.

“Kitty, Georgie, my dear sisters, pray forgive me for keeping you waiting and worrying for so long. Elizabeth is upstairs resting, and all is well. Mr Davidson says your sister and I will be the parents of twins by next summer."

Such joyful news brought forth tears of joy and relief, hugs and kisses of congratulations and teasing exclamations at becoming an aged aunt before they were twenty. But the happy mood evaporated when William explained the forthcoming travel itinerary.

KittyÅ‚s lower lip started pouting when she tentatively asked, “We are to miss the rest of our season?"

William was taken aback, not by the request, but by the fact he had not considered their situation when making his plans. Nervously twisting his pinkie ring, he stalled for time.

“I hope not Kitty. Allow me to make some inquiries."

He bowed to his sisters as he left the room. Organizing the carriages and the packing would be simple compared to the problem just placed in his lap. He sighed and went to Elizabethłs desk to search through their invitations for a solution.
*~*~*~*~*~*


Later that afternoon, William found himself at Wilton Crescent, once again sharing their glad tidings with the Fitzwilliams and announcing their departure to Pemberley after the wedding that coming weekend.

While all congratulated him, Lady Rebecca was the most concerned. “How is dear Elizabeth faring? Is she much fatigued?"

“Thank you, Aunt, she is resting comfortably at home. It is I who now has the dilemma to solve. I do not wish Georgiana and Miss Catherine to forgo the balance of the season, but I must get Elizabeth back home in the fresh country air as soon as possible."

“Why William, there is quite a simple solution. Bring them here. We will gladly chaperone them. Indeed, after raising those big brawny sons you see before you, I will enjoy the novelty and innocent excitement of young girls in their first season."

Richard, flexing his muscles, gave his assurances that the girls would be well protected, and his uncle, having enjoyed their antics while preparing for their court presentation, echoed the invitation to stay. It was only his eldest cousin, Andrew, who remained silent and thoughtful, gazing out a window. Approaching him, he looked at him quite pointedly and spoke quietly, so that only he could hear.

“And it better remain innocent excitement, Andrew. Remember, it is no longer Christmastide."

AndrewÅ‚s face turned as bright a shade of red as his brotherÅ‚s regimental uniform as he coughed for a few moments. “My intentions towards Miss Bennet are quite honourable and most decidedly serious."

William smiled at this. “I should imagine Mr Bennet will soon have another visitor to his library, then."

“Not until after her first season in London, William. She is very young, and I want her to enjoy it without the constraint of a formal engagement."

He laughed as he gave him a hearty slap on the back. “Wait a few more months if you think it wise, but I think Miss Catherine has already made her choice.

William took his leave of them and returned home, chuckling at his elder cousinłs stunned response. How glad he was to have that uncertainty behind him. When he returned home, he was quickly able to relay the plans to Georgie and Kitty, and the room was soon full of gleeful squeals and hugs of gratitude. He smiled as he strode down the hallway to his quarters thinking that the chaperoning of young ladies was not such a great difficulty after all.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*


On Friday, they all travelled back to Hertfordshire to attend Maryłs marriage to Mr Sheffield. The Darcys, Kitty and the Fitzwilliams were to stay at Netherfield with Jane and Bingley. Arriving at Netherfield by mid-afternoon, even though she had slept most of the way, a very tired Elizabeth exited the coach, leaning heavily on the arm of her husband. Knowing that Jane and Bingley would host this eveningłs meal, with her husbandłs hearty concurrence, she rested so she would be refreshed for the party.

After dinner, but before the ladies left the gentlemen to their port, William announced their good news to everyone present.

“TWINS! Oh my dear Lizzy, how clever of you to provide the heir and the spare at the same time! You will be done and not have to undergo the tribulations that I did five times. Your birth in particular, was most difficult, for you were days late, and when you did make your appearance, I was pained for over twelve hours while"

“Mother! If the good Lord blesses William and me with five more confinements, than that is what it will be. After all, I may be like you and only produce girls."

“Lizzy! Do not think such a horrible thought. You simply must have a boy. Mr Darcy will require heirs to his estate. Have you learned nothing from your father and my situation? Mark my words well and you, too, Jane, I would not wish on anyone the anxiety of not having a son to inherit the estate. What will your nerves be like knowing that you will be forced to live in a hedgerow with no one to care for you and someone like your odious cousin living in Pemberley?"

William, stunned by his mother in-lawłs long litany of complaints, finally retrieved his wits when he heard her mention Pemberley.

“No indeed, maÅ‚am. Your daughter and I will do all we can to instil both sense and education to our eldest son or daughter so that Pemberley will continue to prosper after I am gone."

“There, Mrs. Bennet, your worries have been laid to rest. Now I am very sure, you have much maternal information to share with your married daughters, for I think Jane cannot bear to be long outdone by her sister. Should we plan for another family reunion for your own announcement in say two or three months? I rather like this notion of being a doting grandpapa. It is so much easier than fatherhood."

Both Jane and Elizabeth looked at each other, rolled their eyes and sighed as they left the men.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*


The following day was a whirl of activity. As Elizabeth had done for her, Jane came over to assist her sister in her preparations and also to mitigate the misinformation about marital relations their mother, no doubt, passed on to her sister. When she descended the stairs, Mary looked very pretty in her wedding gown with her hair done in a flattering style. Elizabeth and Kitty took turns at the old organ, and after another of Mrs BennetÅ‚s elaborate wedding breakfasts, Mary threw her bouquet to the last unmarried Bennet sister, Kitty, who blushed profusely on receiving it. Unknown to any of the guests and during the hubbub of the wedding celebrations, Andrew, heartened by his cousinÅ‚s words, used the occasion of one wedding to bring up the subject of another - his and KittyÅ‚s. As the carriage containing the newlyweds pulled away, he gently kissed her hand and placed it on his arm. Seeing this, Mr. BennetÅ‚s eyebrows rose as he sardonically observed, “I am quite at leisure tomorrow young man."

They bade their families farewell two days later and started the slower than usual journey back to Pemberley. Mindful of Elizabethłs continuing fatigue, they took an extra night on the road, arriving home around luncheon on the fourth day of their travels.

As usual, the staff was waiting to greet them on their arrival. Mrs. Reynolds, alerted by their sudden departure at the height of the Season and Williamłs letter to procure all the available rose hips in the county, had her suspicions. All it took was one look at her mistress, and she knew the girl was expecting. Such was her long knowledge of her master, that she could convey her understanding of the situation by just a look between the two of them. William nodded his response and turned to attend to his wife as they ascended the grand staircase.

The months passed slowly for Elizabeth, and by the end of May, her back ached almost every day and her feet had swollen. Mrs Webster, the midwife, came periodically and advised Elizabeth to continue her short walks either around the house or in the gardens near the house, but to rest each afternoon with her feet elevated, which would help reduce the swelling.

Arriving back from visiting one of the tenant farmers, William went to check on Elizabeth. The day had been damp, and he hoped she would not be too disappointed to have to accompany him on an indoor walk that afternoon. He walked into her bedchamber where she was resting on her bed and asked hopefully, “Elizabeth do you feel up to a short walk in the gallery?"

Elizabeth smiled up at him. “Yes, if you want to watch your wife waddle like a duck, I would be glad to accompany you, but first I must ask you to give me a hand to get off this bed. I am so enormous."

They took a very short turn around the gallery, Elizabeth leaning heavily on her husbandłs arm, as William talked of his visit. On their return to her rooms, Elizabeth found a small valise of little clothes and blankets laid out on the bed. All her female relations knowing how much she would need them and as a labour of love for her sake, made little clothes for the babes. Many of the items were embroidered, and Elizabeth gently traced the lace on the caps and the delightful flowers and animals on the blankets before adding them to the stack of knitted matinee* coats, matching mittens and bootees that she had made over the months.

That night, Elizabeth lay in bed, unable to sleep or even find a comfortable position. Although she tried to move about in their large bed without waking her husband, William seemed lately to have developed a sixth sense when it came to her comfort.

“Lizzy? What is wrong? Is it your time yet?"

“I think not. It is your children who have no sense of day or night. They have decided that now is the time for play."

She laid her hand on her swollen belly, and William watched fascinated as he saw her stomach shift with the babiesł movements.

“Do they do that every night?"

“Nearly"

“Can you not tell them to stop kicking you?"

Elizabeth gave him a telling look. “You tell them to behave. Maybe they will listen to their father."

William rolled onto his side facing her and laid his hand on her stomach and starting rubbing it. “Listen here, you two rambunctious rascals, your mother and I would like to get some sleep."

To Elizabethłs amazement, the babes did settle under the gentle caress of their father, and she sighed in relief. After a comfortable silence of some minutes, she turned to her husband.

“As long as we are still awake, have you thought of any names? I suppose since my mother has decreed sons, we only need consider boys names. Would you like the eldest to be named after you?"

Still rubbing her belly, he answered her with mock indignation. “Indeed not, madam. My son will not suffer the same indignities visited upon me from being called Fizzy dar dar."

“Oh, that is so precious. Who called you that?"

“Georgiana when she was little more than a babe herself. She could not pronounce all the syllables of my name. Strike that name off your list, madam. However, I do have a suggestion; I rather think that if we have a son, his name should be Thomas."

“Thomas? Like my father?"

“Would you prefer Bennet Darcy?"

“No, I like the sound of Thomas Darcy very much. My father will be deeply honoured by the gesture, though I doubt he will admit to it."

“Whether he does or not, maybe now he will forgive me for taking his favourite child so far away from him."

“I believe you are being silly, but I still love you." She yawned deeply. “And the other child? What" She yawned again.

William kissed her lips. “Sleep now, dearest, while you get the chance. We can talk about other names another time." Before he even finished his sentence, his wife was fast asleep.
*~*~*~*~*~*


Over the following weeks, they interviewed and employed nursery staff to start the first week in August, a few weeks before the impending birth. They had decided against a wet nurse, as Elizabeth was adamant that she would feed her children herself. She distrusted wet nurses and told William that a mother nursing their own children was now recommended strongly by doctors and midwives.

The middle of August had passed, and it was only a matter of days before Elizabethłs confinement was upon her. Mr Davidson, respecting Williamłs wish to assist Elizabeth in her labours, had been in residence at Pemberley for the last month and Mrs Bennet, insisting that a girl needed her mother at such a time, dragged her long-suffering, but just as concerned, spouse early to Pemberley.

It was a mere two days later when, to Elizabethłs acute embarrassment, her waters broke as she was serving tea to all her relations. At first, there was silence, but as everyone comprehended that the moment of truth was at hand, activity burst out around the poor mother-to-be. Elizabeth expected another case of hysterics from her mother, but to her surprise, Mrs Bennet, like General Wellington himself, marshalled everyone from housemaid to Countess, in assisting her daughter.

William was completely in favour of this new facet of his mother in-law, until he also fell victim to her efficiency. He had gently laid his wife down on the bed of the birthing room and sat beside her, holding her hand as the contractions started to increase in intensity.

“Mr Darcy, it is not proper for you to be here. You must leave Lizzy to our care now."

“Madam, this is my wife giving birth to my children in my house. I insist on staying."

Their conversation was halted briefly as Elizabeth clutched her husbandłs hand during a lengthy contraction. When it passed, William looked to his mother in-law, daring her to say he was not needed.

But to his consternation and surprise, she did just that. “Now, now, your effort in bringing these children into the world is done. Leave us to our work. Go downstairs and start calculating the funds needed for dowries or university expenses, if you do not want to drink yourself into a stupor like most men."

All of a sudden, William found himself on the wrong side of the door and Mr Bennet there to guide him back to his library. “Come, son, it is much better for us not to witness this. If we did, I dare say no one would be born."

Three hours later, the first of the twins was born, a beautiful baby boy, followed a half-hour later by his identical brother. Both boys had a full head of curly, black hair and a good pair of lungs. Mr Davidson declared that they were about five pounds in weight. Mrs Webster, the midwife, was surprised that they were so strong and healthy. Elizabeth, who was very tired, swore her mother to secrecy before sending her to fetch her husband, there being two long overdue introductions to be made.

Upon being told to go and see his family, William wasted no time. Elizabeth lay in bed, propped up by a mountain of pillows, with two little bundles tucked in each of her arms.

“Elizabeth, my darling, how are you? I have been so worried about you," William kissed her lips, looked deeply into her eyes and stroked her hair.

“I am well, just tired. Sit here," she indicated towards the chair at the side of her bed. “I would now like to introduce your sons. This is Thomas here on my right, heir to the Pemberley Estates, and here on my left, is a gentleman crying to be given a name."

“Here, let me take a look at the little chap." William reached over and took the mewling babe out of his motherÅ‚s arms. He kissed the babeÅ‚s forehead, and the baby opened his eyes to look at the new person holding him.

“He is not as small as I expected him to be. What a lot of black hair he has, and he has a good grip as well. Oh Elizabeth, he has the most beautiful blue eyes, will they stay that colour do you think?"

“I am not sure. My aunt told me that most babes are born with blue eyes and that they more often than not change colour. I hope that they will both keep their blue eyes, but we shall have to wait and see."

The infant, secure in his fatherÅ‚s arms, yawned and went back to sleep with a cherubic look of contentment on his face. William laughed quietly at the smug expression. “I think we should name this one Richard. My cousin has the very same look after a night of imbibing my finest French brandy."

“William! I do not think that is a good enough reason to call him Richard. Would you like to be the namesake of someone because you looked like him when he is in his cups?"

“No, you are correct, but I want to call my son Richard because I owe him so much. Since my fatherÅ‚s death, he has been a support not only to Georgiana, but to me as well. Besides, I can think of no better man than him to teach this little boy all about the trials and tribulations of being a younger son."

They exchanged bundles, and Elizabeth tickled the babeÅ‚s tummy. “It is my pleasure to meet you, Mr Richard Darcy."

The next hour was spent in cooing over their children, discussing their second names and choosing godparents from among their family. The talk of their relations brought Lady Catherine to Elizabethłs mind, and she saw an opening for reconciliation.

“Before you go, William, will you please send an express to Lady Catherine announcing our childrenÅ‚s birth? I think it is time to heal the breach, is it not?"

“Indeed, my love, looking at my two sons, I can see how life is so very fragile and how we need our family, all of our family, around us. I will write to Lady Catherine and Anne and invite them to come to the christening. What do you think I should say?"

“I will leave that up to you, William."

Yawning, Elizabeth smiled tiredly as William drew her into his embrace and kissed her gently. “Thank you, my dear heart, for giving me the most handsome sons. I am so proud of you. I love you, and do not wish to leave your side, but I know you need your rest. I will go and make our happy announcement, then return after dinner to see how you and our sons are faring." William kissed her face gently noticing her eyes slowly closing as she fell into a deep sleep.

After about an hour, first Thomas then Richard started to cry with hunger. Mrs Reynolds and the midwife returned, and Mrs Webster showed Elizabeth how to nurse her children. She explained about the herbs that she could drink to help increase her milk and advised that she should have this drink twice a day only, as any more could cause headaches or nausea. After a few weeks, her body would get used to feeding two children and then the herbs would no longer be necessary.

Downstairs, William proudly announced to everyone assembled that he was the father of identical twin boys, and after receiving hearty congratulations from the men and joyful kisses from the women, he retired to his library. The first item of business was already lying on his desk. He turned the pages of the red vellum family Bible until he reached the page entitled “Births." The last entry had been the record of GeorgianaÅ‚s birth, but now he inscribed 24th August 1813 Thomas Andrew Fitzwilliam Darcy and Richard George Fitzwilliam Darcy. Looking down at the page, his heart swelled with love and pride, proper pride, the true meaning of which his Elizabeth had taught him. With these emotions swirling in his heart, he pulled out blank sheets of paper for the christening invitations, his Aunt and AnneÅ‚s being the very first written.
*~*~*~*~*~*


Six weeks later, the christening of the Darcy twins brought the entire family together for the first time in many months. The boys were each wearing an heirloom christening gown; Thomas wearing the one worn by generations of Darcy babies and Richard in the not quite as old Bennet gown. The two sets of godparents, Jane and Charles Bingley and Georgiana and Richard tenderly held the babies during the short service in the Lambton church, and the boys were christened at the very same baptismal font as had William and Georgiana. Little Richard barely noticed the water splashed on his head, but Thomas started fussing when his nap was interrupted. Elizabeth moved to relieve Jane, but was halted by the special radiance reflected in both her sister and brotherłs faces as they hushed the tiny baby.

Elizabeth long missed their heart-to-heart chats, and now she saw there was one very important thing to ask her. As much as she wanted to pull her sister into the garden for a walk as they did when they were girls at Longbourn, she knew her curiosity would have to wait. In the meanwhile, she invited everyone back to Pemberley for luncheon in the still blooming gardens.

For the first christening in seventeen years, Mrs. Reynolds and all the staff had prepared a feast of hearty country fare and fine French delicacies. William stood and raised his champagne glass to toast his wife and his sons, and then to everyonełs surprise, Charles Bingley stood with a sheepish expression on his face.

“Will you forgive me, Darcy, if I make an announcement of my own?" William nodded his head and then looked to his wife, who could only shrug her shoulders in surprise.

“Dear family and friends, I wish to offer an invitation for approximately one year from today. The location is very close and will an easy distance for many of you. I have closed on the purchase of Emmott Hall this week, and after some renovation and redecoration, the three of us will host a party to gladly welcome you all to our new home."

As the full meaning of his words sunk in, a ripple of pleasant surprise and applause wafted among the guests as Elizabeth hugged her sister and William stood again to shake Charlesł hand and offer his support and company when it was his turn to pace the floors. The only slightly sour note came from Mrs. Bennet, who while pleased for another grandchild, lamented the departure of her eldest child from the neighbourhood. The volume of her sorrow would have increased dramatically but for her husband reminding her that the Sheffields were like to reside in Meryton for some time to come.

Later, after the twins woke from their afternoon nap and were fed and changed, the immediate family gathered in the yellow drawing room. Mr. Bennet was holding his namesake and remembering his own days as a young father. Mrs. Bennet was smiling down and making funny faces for Baby Thomas and when William passed by, told him she still could not tell the two of them apart.

William knew there were differences between the two boys, but did not want to shock his mother in-law by telling her that. He gruffly responded that Thomas was a little chubbier than Richard.

He continued moving around the room, seeing to the comfort of his family members, when he was stunned to see his Aunt Catherine playing peek-a-boo with Baby Richard and the baby gurgling his approval.

His cousin, Anne, joined him in watching this most unusual scene.

“My dear Anne, I never thought I would see this day."

She smiled. “Mother has changed, William. She was so isolated from the rest of the family, that she was forced to re-examine her opinions and her priorities. She is truly sorry for what she has done and said in the past."

“You have more to forgive her for than I, dear Anne."

“True, but I am sure we will have many more opportunities to work on our relationship as we prepare for my presentation at court this spring."

“That is marvellous and well deserved news. Are Uncle Hugh and Aunt Rebecca to sponsor you? He will enjoy playing the role of King Hugh again as you practice your curtseys."

To his delight, another rare scene greeted WilliamAnne de Bourgh blushing and giggling like any other young girl her age.

A MATENEE COAT: Is a small lacy knitted jacket for a baby.
Epilogue

Just over a year later, the entire family gathered in Lambton Church to witness the nuptials of Georgiana Darcy and Richard Fitzwilliam. Their engagement came as quite of surprise to William and Elizabeth, but when they reflected that they had been so occupied in enjoying their sonsł accomplishments this first year, they realized that they had not seen Georgie and Richard drawing ever closer, and even more so after Georgiełs best friend, Kitty, became the Viscountess Aylesbury by marrying Richardłs brother, Andrew.

William, even though he had known Richard his entire life, let his dormant, overprotective nature in regards to his sister come to the fore and started interviewing him about his finances and Rosingsł future before Elizabeth pulled him away and took him for a very long walk for a lengthy private conversation.

Now Georgiana was on his arm, about to embark on a new journey without his guidance. Any doubts he had were erased when he looked down at her face, then looked down the aisle at his cousinłs. The two loved each other just as much as he and Elizabeth.

The Bingleys did host their own party, but the star of their celebration was not their newly refurbished home, but William Charles Bingley, age four months old. They lived the rest of their happily married lives there, adding two more sons and a daughter named after her dear Aunt Elizabeth. Being the youngest child and only girl, she was the apple of her fatherłs eye, and one could frequently hear him talk about the two angels that lived at Emmott Hall.

Mary and Mr Sheffield lived for sometime in Meryton. He took over her unclełs law practice after his retirement, and later he became a famous barrister in London. Their three boys all followed in their fatherłs footsteps becoming famous barristers amongst the Ton.

Kitty and Andrew settled down at the Aylesbury Estate in Sussex where, to everyonełs astonishment, most of all Kitty herself, she became the loving mother of a brood of four sons and three daughters. When Andrew succeeded to the Earldom some thirty years after his marriage, it was with a great deal of wistfulness that they left Aylesbury for their eldest son and moved to Matlock, for by that time, all the jewels that adorned her as a Countess could not compete with watching her seven gems grow up to a splendid adulthood.

Mrs Bennet, with all her daughters married and the next generation still in nappies, found her nerves unperturbed for the first time in over twenty-five years. Unfortunately, her constitution could not accommodate such unaccustomed felicity for very long, and her heart gave out a year after Kittyłs first son was born.

Elizabeth and William issued a heartfelt invitation for her father to live at Pemberley, but he refused them. He was still healthy enough to run the estate and there was, almost for the first time in his adult life, blessed peace and quiet for his reading.

Lydia and her beloved Wickham both lived a very happy life in Newcastle. Surprisingly, he made her a good husband, but when one considers that his nose healed into a red bulbous shape and that endless latrine duty always seemed to beckon if he strayed, maybe it was not so surprising after all.

Unfortunately, it will never known if he would have remained faithful, since he was killed in the line of duty five years after their marriage, leaving Lydia with a son and a daughter. Not wanting to remain in Newcastle, and her father desirous of a little noise and aggravation, Mr Bennet allowed her to move back into Longbourn. Two years after the death of Mr Wickham, the Militia was once again encamped in Meryton, and she became reacquainted with the now Major Denny. This time, her courtship met with Mr Bennetłs approval, and seeing that Lydia had matured and was responsible with both her children and the household accounts, he professed a great desire to retire to the wonders of the Pemberley library and allowed Lydia and her new husband to run Longbourn until his death, sharing the profits with them so that they were able to afford to purchase a small estate upon his passing.

Elizabeth and William, did eventually have three other children, two girls and a boy. All their children and grandchildren made wonderful marriages, giving Elizabeth and William an abundance of grandchildren and great grandchildren, eighty-five in total. Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy lived to celebrate their sixtieth wedding anniversary, a loving example to three generations.
The End