This story looks at the more likely scenario where Lydia has spent all her funds so Wickham runs off without Lydia, and Lydia is sent home by Col Forster for poor behaviour.

Chapter 1

Elizabeth had been a good deal disappointed in not finding a letter from Jane on their first arrival at Lambton; and this disappointment had been renewed on each morning that had now been spent there, but on the third, her repining was over, and her sister justified by the receipt of two letters at once, on one of which it had been sent elsewhere first. To her great surprise there was a letter from her father. As he was a lazy correspondent, she felt the need to read his missive first.

Dear Lizzy

You must be gratified to know that you were right in your advice to me on Lydia. Col Forster wrote to me after overhearing unflattering comments on her behaviour and lack of suitability for marriage. As he felt he could not guarantee the safe keeping of her reputation, he requested that she return home. I agreed and went to fetch her. The public reason for her early return home was due to her inability to manage her pin money and I could no longer afford for her to be away.

I will leave the details and tell you when you return. Some things are not appropriate to write. I will admit that I have never been so angry in my life. She is currently confined to Longbourn until she is able to understand the realities of her situation.
Further to that, both she and Kitty must first prove to me how they have improved their minds each day prior to being allowed to leave Longbourn. Lydia is no longer out but if she can prove to me her behaviour is changed, she may return to society when she turns 16.

I should not wonder at your prescience. As you said, if I can not be bothered to check her behaviour, then why should I have expected Colonel Forster or his wife to do so? It certainly could have ended far worse and we are fortunate that it did not.

In other news that you would be interested in, Mr Wickham has absconded from Brighton without leave and is being pursued for a large number of unpaid debts. In addition and that which was the greatest shock to all was that he ran off with a local shop keepers daughter. I believe her greatest attraction may of been the money she took from her father's till to pay for the carriage ride to London. I recall your distinct cooling of favour towards Mr Wickham after your return from Hunsford. I wonder if you discovered anything of that worthless reprobate during your time there?

I am eagerly awaiting your return.

Thomas Bennet


Two weeks Earlier

Colonel Forster hurried along the corridor back to his office at his headquarters. He had some reports he should of read during the day but he'd been distracted by a discipline issue amongst the troops that he had to sort out, followed by a surprise visit by one of the peerage which had chewed up his afternoon.

He got to his office not bothering to shut the door. As he fussed around his desk looking for where he'd placed the reports he was meant to read during the day, some boisterous discussion wafted down the hall.

“Are you looking forward to the dinner tonight?” said one officer to the other.

The Colonel could not find the reports he sought on top of his desk where he thought he left them. He started opening his drawers to check if he put them there whilst more of the officer’s conversation reached his ears.

“I imagine it will be interesting. The colonel's wife’s guest is sure to provide some entertainment”.

“What think you of the girl?” There was a slight pause and the first officer continued in a slightly softer voice that the Colonel struggled to hear. “You can speak freely. I saw the colonel leave earlier. We're the only ones left.”

“Speaking freely? There is a girl I would wager will end up with a babe in arms and no husband.”

“I’d take you up on that wager except I think you'll win.” The two officers laughed and their voices drifted away as they left the building. “Imagine taking her home to meet the family.”

“I’d rather not.”

Colonel Forster had found his reports lying on top of his bookshelf. At first he was angry at the ungentlemanly comments made by his officers but on consideration he realised he had listened in on a private conversation between two friends that he should not have been privy to. This was their honest opinion of his guest that questioned her respectability. He decided he'd watch her closely that evening.

The dinner was hosted by one of the local gentry and there were two and twenty gentlemen and ladies present. He watched Lydia closely. Though she looked like a gentlewoman, her behaviour indicated otherwise. She laughed too loud, some of her behaviour was downright rude and she demanded attention from the officers that was unbecoming.

The more sensible officers avoided her as far as possible. The younger and more impetuous officers watched with amusement and were happy enough to amuse her. And then there were the more opportunistic ones who would occasionally throw a speculative or lecherous look when they thought no one was looking. As the night wore on and people had had more to drink, the less respectable officers were drawn towards her and appeared to have more wandering hands. She would put a hand on their arm, their own hand might briefly touch her waist, she would whisper in their ears and their eyes would be drawn to her ample bosom.

He had to put a stop to this before things went any further. He approached his wife to advise that they would retire for the night and resolved to send a letter to Lydia’s father.

11 days earlier

Mr Bennett finally got around to opening the missive from Colonel Forster which had come earlier in the day. He’d just finished the short letter from Lydia requesting more money and he was astounded by how she could spend more money than Jane and Lizzy combined in half the time.

Upon finishing the Colonel’s letter he got up and started pacing the room, recriminations flowing through his mind. Why had he not listened to Lizzy when she had tried to warn him?

Presently he called to a servant outside. “Please ask Mrs Bennet to come to my study please.”

“What on earth is the matter? Is something wrong with Lydia? Is she engaged? I know you got a letter from both her and Colonel Forster this morning “

“Sit down Mrs Bennet. Here is the letter I received from Colonel Forster this morning. You can read it yourself so that you know the opinion the officers hold of her.”

Mrs Bennet eagerly took the letter as Mr Bennet rarely ever shared his correspondence with her. That soon turned to shock. “Oh my.” She read on. “Oh my poor Lydia, to be thought of so cruelly,” said Mrs Bennet whilst fluttering her handkerchief in front of her face.

“But it is a situation of her own making. From the sounds of it we are fortunate she did not compromise herself in some way. We have not checked her behaviour here, so how could I expect any form of improvement there,” he said bitterly.

“What are you to do?”

“Colonel Forster requests that she return to Longbourn. I will go and personally collect her from Brighton and bring her back.” Here he turned a stern look at his wife. “You do understand and we can't let it be known that her host has returned her because of her poor behaviour? If she had compromised herself it would have ruined the other girls chances at marriage...” Mr Bennet let that sink in before continuing. “The excuse for her return is that she has spent all her pin money and can no longer afford to stay there without taxing the generosity of her hosts too much.”

“Yes, yes of course Mr Bennet. That makes for a perfectly reasonable need for her return. I will speak not a word of the real reason to a soul. We can't let the other girl’s chances at marriage be risked by Lydia.”

“If you want Kitty and Lydia to marry, they need to be prepared for it. They need to know how to manage a household and the household budget. We cannot assume that they will marry rich men. They need to understand restraint. Whilst I am gone can you make sure that Kitty is taught how to manage the household accounts?”

“Of course Mr Bennet, it is time for her to learn.”

“I will send an express to Colonel Forster and let him know to expect me tomorrow night at Brighton.”

10 days earlier


Lydia had been waiting eagerly to meet Lieutenant Wickham in the morning as she and Mrs Forster walked to the militia’s Barracks. Whilst Mrs Forster went to speak with her husband, Lydia managed to pull Lieutenant Wickham aside. “I have the most surprising news to tell you, dearest. Lord, you will never guess what it is!”

“I hope it is nothing to upset our plans for tonight.”

“My father is arriving tonight! Is that not wonderful! We don't need to go to Gretna Green to marry and you can ask his permission tonight!”

The news clearly did not come as a nice surprise to Wickham. “Did you tell anyone about us?” he asked angrily.

“No my dear, not a word. Not even to Kitty.”

“Then why is he coming now?”

“Apparently he’s angry at me for asking for more pin money and he’s going to take me home. But this is perfect my love. You can ask for my hand and then we can be publicly engaged and I can show you about. All my sisters will be madly jealous as I make them plan our wedding.”

Wickham looked to be taking this in with a sense of panic. “Do you have no money on you at all?”

“Only two shillings, my love,” replied Lydia with a giggle.

Wickham plastered a smile on his face. “You’re right, this is indeed good news.”

“Will you ask him tonight when he arrives?” asked Lydia taking his hands in hers.

“No, he will be far too tired having spent all day in the carriage that he will be in no mood to grant any blessings. He will be much more favourably disposed to think well of everything in the morning after a good night rest. I will approach him early tomorrow.”


“Of course you are right. That is a much better idea. Oh I can't wait till tomorrow and we can let everyone know!”

“You must be off. I think I hear Mrs Forster looking for you.” Lydia cast Wickham a final backward glance but he had already turned away.

Lydia was a bundle of nervous, impatient excitement all that day. She could barely focus on the people she spoke with as she went and took her leave of people in Brighton. Instead of complaining of the unfairness of it all, she was quite sedate in her responses to her imminent departure as she was far too distracted.

Her father arrived just before dinner and spoke little to her beyond a cursory greeting before going for a bath and changing from his travel clothes.

Lydia was uncharacteristically quiet at dinner as she didn't want to let her secret out which was all she could think of. She didn't even notice that her father was clearly very annoyed at her, though he was surprised that she had not protested to him at all of his coming to take her home. He spoke mostly with Colonel Forster but looked often at his daughter with suspicion.

“Lydia, you are surprisingly quiet tonight,” asked her father.

She started at the fact that she had been addressed, as she been pretending to listen to Mrs Forster talk about some new dress she was having made for the next ball. She cast her mind quickly for a reason that didn't give away the truth. “I'm just thinking of all the fun I've had here and how much I will miss Brighton and all my friends here. Lord, Longbourn will be so dull.”

The men separated after dinner and had a long conversation in the Colonel’s study. Mrs Forster took her to the parlour where they gossiped until she asked if there was anyone she would miss in particular.

“I would miss you, you are my dearest friend in the world!” exclaimed Lydia.

“Not me. Will you miss any officer more than the others when you leave?” asked Mrs Forster with a conspiratorial smirk.

“I'll surely miss Captain Denny and Lieutenant Sanderson.”

“What about Lieutenant Wickham?” I've seen you pulling him aside for many a private discussion of late.”

Lydia giggled. “Oh isn't he the most handsome man you've ever met! How well does ‘Mrs Wickham’ sound?” Lydia was about to say more to start talking about the wedding but stopped herself.

“It’s a pity you are leaving so early. Maybe with a bit more time it might of happened.”

Lydia bit her lip to keep quiet. A non-committal “Perhaps” was all she said but inside she was bursting to spill everything out.

At that moment the men returned. “Mrs Forster, Lydia, it’s been a long carriage ride and however much I’d like to enjoy your company, I suspect I will fall asleep in your chair. Lydia, I suggest you take your leave to rest as well. We’ll be leaving early to make it back to Longbourn before nightfall. Mr Forster, Mrs Forster, thank you for your kind hospitality of Lydia over the last couple of months and for hosting me tonight.”

With a few more pleasantries both Mr Bennet and Lydia retired for the night. Lydia tossed and turned, her mind thinking of a fine looking man in regimentals and what would occur in the morning.

9 days earlier


Lydia bounced out of bed early for once, carefully selected her dress with care and made her way down to the breakfast parlour. Her father and Colonel Forster were already there, however as she arrived, a servant came in carrying an urgent message for the Colonel. He quickly read the note and stood up. “Unfortunately urgent business calls and I cannot properly take my leave of you later. I wish you both a safe journey home. I thank you for enlivening our home and keeping my wife entertained whilst I have been busy working. I know my wife was delighted to have you here for this time.”

Mr Bennet replied with a significant look at Lydia. “We are extremely grateful for your generosity and from me, thank you very much for watching over Lydia and keeping her safe.”

“It was nothing at all. She made my wife happy and as they say ‘happy wife happy life’.”

“Thank you very much for having me, Colonel Forster. I will so miss Brighton and everyone here when I leave,” said Lydia.

She and her father ate in relative silence. Every time that Lydia heard someone approaching, she looked up to see if it was Lieutenant Wickham.

“Are your bags packed and ready to go?” asked Mr Bennet. Lydia shook her head.
“Well you had best hurry up and get them packed. I'm going to organise the carriage and I plan to leave within the hour with or without your things.”

“But Papa, must we leave so soon? Some of the officers said they would stop by to farewell me.”

“And they can, my dear, as long as they do it within the hour,” he replied completely unperturbed.

Lydia’s packing was slow as every couple of minutes she raced to the window to watch the road to see if Wickham was on his way. After an hour was up and the carriage was waiting outside her father came in to find only half of her belongings had been packed.

Eventually Lydia finished and her bags were loaded to the carriage. She was becoming increasingly worried by the fact that Wickham had not yet come, and even Mr Bennet could now see that something was definitely up. As she waited for the final loading and as she said her final goodbyes to Mrs Forster, two familiar faces appeared.

“Captain Denny! Lieutenant Sanderson! Have you come to say goodbye? But is there not another with you? I thought Lieutenant Wickham would be here,” cried Lydia.

The two men glanced at each other. “Have you not yet heard the news? Lieutenant Wickham ran off in the night. Apparently he had creditors chasing him to pay his debts. He’s run off with the butcher’s daughter, Miss Lambert.”

Lydia turned ashen and her stomach turned. “No, I don't believe it? How could he? Is it certain and there isn't some mistake?”

Mr Bennet who had been trying to work out what had put his daughter out of sorts now realised the cause and moved quickly to ensure Lydia didn't make an irretrievably fool of herself. “My gentleman. This is certainly a surprise. Let us hope that Miss Lamberts father never gets a hold off him. But how do you know this?”

“Miss Lambert left a note to her mother letting her know she was on the way to Gretna Green with Wickham. She took money from the till,” answered Sanderson.

“I guess to fund the travel. There doesn't sound like there is much for us to do in this and we must be away. Lydia, say your farewells to your friends and then we will start the journey home. If you don't mind gentlemen, we have a long journey ahead of us and we are already running late.”

By now tears were spilling out of Lydia’s eyes. She gave a hurried curtsey to the officers then turned to give Mrs Forster a hug. “I didn't think I'd be this sad. How I will miss all of you. Do write to me of everything.”

Some more inconsequential nothings were said when Mr Bennet took Lydia’s hand and helped her into the carriage. “My thanks to you all. Farewell,” said Mr Bennet with a tip of his hat.

Lydia gave a lack lustre wave as the carriage pulled away, and as soon as Mrs Forster and the officers were out of sight, Lydia sat back in the carriage tears running unchecked down her face.

Mr Bennet allowed her a couple of minutes of reflection before starting his interrogation. He had not expected her to have any real feelings for any of the officers, but he was not in the mood to be empathetic. “Why are you crying with the news of Mr Wickham’s desertion?”

“I don't want to talk about it,” replied Lydia sullenly through her tears.

“You will end up telling me all, but for the moment I'll let you keep your own council. We have a long ride home- all day in fact, and I will know all before we return to Longbourn. But I'm happy to talk for quite a while longer. Lydia, do you know why I came to pick you up earlier?”

“You came because I asked you for more pin money for a second time,” replied Lydia sulkily.

“That is the reason I told everyone, and it is certainly believable. For I certainly could not tell them the real reason, else your reputation would be in ruins.” Mr Bennet waited for a look of curiosity to cross Lydia’s face.

“What do you mean the real reason, Papa?"

“I came early to return you to Longbourn for I received a letter from Colonel Forster requesting your return home. And why, might you ask, would the good Colonel want his dear wife’s guest to return home early?” Mr Bennet’s voice started to rise. “The Colonel wrote asking for you to leave as he could no longer guarantee that your reputation would be intact. He had heard his men wagering that you would be silly enough to end up with a babe but no husband. Colonel Forster watched you carefully after that and observed your complete lack of decorum, your flirtatious and at time downright rude behaviour.” By the end Mr Bennet was just about shouting.

Lydia’s mind stopped thinking of Wickham as she was shocked by her father and what he had said. He had never spoken to her in that tone before. “So of course I could not say that you are returning in disgrace as that would ruin not just yours, but your sister’s chances of marriage. For who would want a sister-in-law with a loose reputation?”

Mr Bennet then looked out the window whilst he tried to calm down. Lydia had stopped crying as she was too shocked by all to have any form of emotional response to what her father had said and too overwhelmed to say anything.

“Now daughter, tell me why you were upset at the news of Wickham’s desertion.”

“Because we are engaged!” she cried.

“He hasn't asked me for permission so you most definitely are not engaged. What in good heavens leads you to believe you are engaged when he has run off with someone else? Strange behaviour from a devoted fiancé.”

“He asked me to go to Gretna Green with him,” replied Lydia.

“But did he specifically ask to marry you?” asked a shocked Mr Bennet, only just now realising that it could of been Lydia now with Wickham instead of someone else's daughter.

“No,” answered Lydia with a small voice, realisation starting to dawn on her.

“So you had agreed to run away with an officer without him asking to marry you?”

“But he said we were going to Gretna Green. What else would he mean by it?”

“To get you into a carriage on your own and then take you wherever he wanted to go. Once your reputation is gone, it would no longer matter. And how would you know where he was travelling as you do not know the way to Scotland? You would have been completely in his power, away from your family or friends or any interested party who could help you.” Mr Bennet’s anger had dissipated completely. It was clear that his daughter was completely naive to the ways of the world, and he had let her go without ensuring that she had a proper understanding of it. How right Lizzy had been!

Lydia’s current heart break had left her in a misery so complete as she finally realised what a fool she had been. “When had he asked you to go and when were you supposed to leave?” asked Mr Bennet.

“He asked me three days ago, and we were supposed to leave last night.”

“Was my presence here what stopped him from leaving with you?” asked Mr Bennet realising what a fortunate chance it was that he had come personally to return Lydia.

“I told him yesterday morning that you were coming to take me home and then I said that he could ask you for my hand in marriage.“

Mr Bennet let out a snort at that. “I'm sure he was delighted at that prospect. Getting engaged to a girl he had no intention of marrying.”

Lydia cast her mind back to that meeting. “He asked why you were coming right now and if I'd told anyone. Then I told him you were taking me home as I'd run out of money. And then he agreed it was most fortunate and that he would talk with you this morning before we left.”

Mr Bennet started chuckling which turned into a hard laugh, a laugh so hard that he struggled to find breath.

Lydia looked at him crossly. “I don't see what is so funny. My heart is broken into a thousand pieces and all you can do is laugh at my misery.”

Mr Bennet tried to control his laughter, and after some time he succeeded. “I have never been so happy for your spendthrift ways. Do you not realise? Had you had any funds you would now be on the way to London, your reputation completely ruined. You have been saved from a horrible fate for the want of some money. How glad I am that I didn't send you any more and that you do spend what you get like there is a hole in your purse!”

“But he would of married me!”

“Lydia, I promise you one thing. Had you hopped into that carriage with that wastrel, you most definitely would not, nor ever in your future be married. He would of said that you need to stay in London for awhile as he doesn't have the money for the carriage ride to Scotland there but it won't take him long to get the money from his friend. Then his friend is away and you need to wait longer. And then, one day once he's bored of you but before you would know if you were with child, he would go out and he wouldn't come back. He would of had his fun and he would of left you behind with a life in complete ruins.”

“Then why would he ask me to go to Gretna Green with him at all? Why would he say he loved me and wanted me? I can't believe that he didn't love me.”

“Lieutenant Wickham is a reprobate and wastrel, but he isn't stupid. If by chance he did love you and actually wanted to marry you, no matter what he would of done the right thing and have asked me for permission. He did not do that, instead he ran away with someone else. Lydia, from those actions can you say that Lieutenant Wickham loved you?”

Lydia was silent and she swallowed hard before answering, tears leaking from her eyes. “No,” said she quietly.

“I’m sorry, I didn't hear that Lydia.”

“No sir,” said she abit louder and with an unladylike snort.

“So we can rule out love. Why Lieutenant Wickham flattered you into making you believe he was in love with you was probably because it was easy for him to make you believe it and then to use you for his own pleasure. And I suspect his main pleasure was the cost of a carriage ride to London. I'm sure he would of enjoyed your attentions before he left you.”

Mr Bennet’s mirth left him and he turned serious again. However painful it would be for Lydia, he needed her to realise the consequences her actions could have led to before reaching Longbourn. “So Lydia, once he abandoned you in London, what would you have done?”

Lydia looked confused. Forward thinking was not one of her skills. “I don't know.”

“Oh come now Lydia, if not for my arrival here this is what you would of had to do in a week or twos time. So try and think hard as to what you would do when Wickham would have used all your money and left you on your own with nothing. That is what will happen to poor Miss Lambert shortly.”

“I would have made my way to Uncle Gardiner’s house?”

“Do you know where they live?”

“In Cheapside?”

“How are you getting there with no money?”

“Would someone give me a lift?”

Mr Bennet shook his head. “There is no chance of that from anyone who wouldn't do worse to you. Anyhow, let's presume that after a couple of days walking and sleeping on the street you make it to the Gardiner residence. What happens then?”

“I come home?”

Mr Bennet shook his head. “Lydia, surely you know better than that. You would of stayed with your Uncle until we were able to organise a marriage for you, probably with someone’s tenant farmer somewhere very far away. You never would of returned to Longbourn. And that literally is the best situation you could of hoped for. If you never made it to the Gardiner’s, you would of had to live on the streets. How long do you think you could of survived?”

Lydia sat quietly imaging each situation in her head. “Papa, can we stop the carriage. I think I'm going to be sick.”

Mr Bennet trapped on the side and the carriage rolled to a stop. No sooner had it stopped than Lydia jumped out of carriage, not waiting for her father or anyone else to open the door. She ran to the side and hurled on the grass. Luckily they were out of the town of Brighton and in the surrounding countryside.

After taking some deep breathes Lydia climbed back into the carriage. Mr Bennet raised his eyebrow and Lydia nodded her head to proceed. After the carriage started trundling along Mr Bennet started talking. “I have to ask this. Is there any chance you could be with child?”

“Papa, how could you possibly think that!”

“Considering that had I not arrived yesterday you would now be alone in a carriage with a man acting as husband and wife. If you had been planning to do that, it isn't a stretch of the imagination to think you might have already done so. How far did Wickham go? And the truth Lydia. If there is any chance you are with babe, we have to act fast so we can protect your reputation and that of your sisters.”

Lydia blushed furiously as she remembered Wickham’s touches that at the time had felt so exciting but now made her feel sick. “We kissed and that is all.” It was more than just kissing, and though he had made it clear how much more he wanted when he had pressed his body up against hers, opportunity had not allowed for it. She had yearned for his caresses, but now looking back on it, the fact he had probably being doing the same to every girl who looked at him twice in Brighton made her feel used and foolish. Her stomach turned again at the thought. She had never felt so betrayed by anyone. She started crying again which turned into sobs.

Mr Bennet moved over to sit next to Lydia and cradled her in his arms as she turned and sobbed into his chest. “There, there, child. That wretched wastrel is not worth shedding any tears over.”

“I loved him and it was all a lie!”

“You fell in love with the lie he was presenting to everyone, but that was never the real Wickham. He must be a very practiced liar. He makes love to everyone, lives beyond his means on credit and good will, and as he has charm he has nothing that tempers his base impulses. Do not be sad to not be married to such a man, even had he loved you. It would of been a miserable life. You never could of trusted him and you would of always been living day to day with no security. Eventually his creditors would catch up with him and drag him to debtors’ jail or be sent to the colonies. Everything that you had left would be taken from you. No Lydia, do not waste tears on him.”

“I can't believe I was so stupid!”

Mr Bennet was silent and just held Lydia as she continued to cry. As the tears seemed to settle down, Mr Bennet resumed talking. “Did I ever tell you the story of my Aunt Mary, Mr Collins’ mother.”

Lydia shook her head. “No, you never talk of her.”

“There's a good reason for that as she shamed herself. My grandfather had three children from his first marriage, my father, his younger brother John and a younger sister, Jane, who died from disease early in life. My grandfather married again after being widowed for 10 years and he had another daughter, Mary, 20 years my fathers junior."

“She was only 5 when I was born. I remember playing with my Aunt when we were both kids. She was closer to me than to her own brothers. She would read to me and run around outside with me. She was a great deal of fun, always smiling and laughing, I could never remember her being serious. As my parents were living here with my grandfather, they would always rent a house during the season, I think partly so my mother could be the mistress of her own house for 3 months. As an active boy, London held little charm and lots more restrictions.“

“Is that why you dislike London so, Papa?”

“Yes, it probably is. That and it took me away from my favourite Aunt, who was more like a big sister.” Mr Bennet paused as he cast his mind back. After a few moments he continued. “My grandfather died when I was 12. Though my father offered his step-mother a cottage to live in, she preferred to move to be near her own family in Southampton. Mary did like it there. My uncle had joined the navy and would visit her whenever he was in port. It was nearly two years later when she was 19 she fell in love with a visiting sailor, though not an officer, just a common deckhand. He promised to marry her when he returned.”

“So they were engaged?”

“She was not of age so, no, they were not. Without my father’s approval, as he was her guardian, without contracts and banns being read, there was no engagement and she informed noone of it. He sailed away. A few months later she discovered herself pregnant. It was too late to hide it and her reputation in Southampton was completely ruined. She and her mother were shunned by all their friends and acquaintances. There is no shame worse than being an unmarried mother. My father was called in to sort out the mess. It wasn't like they could send her to have the baby somewhere far away and then return to Meryton....somehow the rumour of her pregnancy spread around Meryton as well. The only option available was to arrange a marriage for her with someone happy to take her 3 thousand pound dowry. So we found a farmer in Ipswich who would marry her, Mr Collins.”

“So Charlotte’s husband, Mr Collins, is the son of a sailor?” asked Lydia.

Mr Bennet shook his head. “The new Mrs Mary Collins lost that baby a month into her marriage. It was some years later when I went to visit her with my father. Mary had once been so happy and full of life. Once married she was quiet and fearful. She had bruises on her, and when I asked about the baby, she said she had ‘fallen’. We took that to mean she'd been pushed deliberately by her husband. It was clear he was beating her. Every time she fell pregnant to him she would lose the child a few months later. It wasn't till I was 19, five years into the marriage that she carried the young Mr Collins to full term. She lived another year after that, but then she died after an ‘accident’. As you can understand, my father and I could not stand the senior Mr Collins after what he had done to our Mary, but we could not let her son suffer. My father agreed to pay for half his schooling and university costs, as Mr Collins senior would not use Mary’s money that he got in her dowry for that purpose.”

Lydia’s mouth had dropped agape in horror, and now her tears were for poor Mary rather than herself.

Mr Bennet continued. “It was a sad period of time. Just after Mary’s marriage, we found out my uncle had died at sea. Then there was Mary’s death. What happened with Mary broke my father’s heart. He passed away when I was merely 24. And then when I was out of mourning, I met your mother who was visiting her sister, Mrs Philips. She was beautiful and so full of life and laughter. She reminded me so much of Mary.” Mr Bennet was quiet and thoughtful for awhile.

“That's why you fell in love with Mama? She made you happy?”

“Yes she did,” sighed Mr Bennet.

“I wish you'd told me about your aunt before I went to Brighton. Do my sisters know?”

“I told Jane before she came out. She did become very upset by it, and I did not like telling it. I hadn't planned on telling Lizzy, however Jane must of said something to her, so Lizzy bugged me until I told her. I never told Mary, but I am fairly certain I overheard Lizzy telling the story to Mary one day in the garden. I'm not sure how much Lizzy decided to embellish the story for Mary’s sake. It might be completely removed from any vestiges of truth. But Lydia, you are the only one I've told of my suspicions regarding the circumstances around Mary Collins’ death. I will need you to keep that as a secret.”

“Why Papa? And why did you not seek justice for your aunt?”

“Lydia, you need to learn the difference between opinions and the truth. All my father and I had were suspicions. We had no proof to support our accusations. The local authorities made no investigations into her death, and once she was buried, the truth died with her. I didn't tell Jane or Lizzy this as it served no purpose. Mr Collin’s father had died by this stage, and casting aspersions on Mr Collins’ father’s character would only reflect ill on the whole family. Mr Collins grew up without his mother; his father was the only close family. He didn't need his father’s memory denigrated.”

“Is Mr Collins like his mother at all? He looked nothing like you.”

“Unfortunately he looks just like his father, just a little shorter and stouter. At least he had Mary’s gentle nature, and none of his father’s anger or cruelty. But there is just too much of the father in his looks. I never would of allowed any of my daughters to marry him.”

They then sat in contemplative silence.

Lydia occasionally still cried silently, but they were tears of anger and relief that she had not gone with Wickham.

After some time Mr Bennet released Lydia and sat up straighter. “When you return to Meryton, people will ask about your time in Brighton. They will also hear of the rumours about Wickham, and I imagine there will be a number of angry merchants complaining about unpaid debts owed by Wickham. You'll need to be prepared with an answer and not disassemble when you hear his name mentioned. If people suspect that you were partial to him, it could ruin your reputation and limit your choice of husband.”

“Don't worry about that Papa. I'll never marry!” exclaimed Lydia.

“Give it some time Lydia. You are still so young and there is no rush. You are now wise to the worst kind of men to be on the lookout for. A harsh lesson to learn, but you are better off for it. Now did you tell anyone besides me that you were intending to elope with Wickham?”

Lydia shook her head “Wickham demanded complete secrecy. He was always careful that no one saw us.”

“Though I'm sure that was to ensure none of his debtors would know that he was planning to run. I'm certain Wickham won't say a word as it will do nothing that will benefit himself. But it works in our favour. Is there any chance anyone could of overheard any of the plans, or suspect anything?”

“I don't think so Papa.”

“So what would you say if someone asked you ‘what do you think about Wickham running from Brighton?’” And for the next half hour Lydia practiced her responses to questions that would be acceptable and not raise any suspicions.

“Papa, why are you calling him just Wickham and not Lieutenant Wickham?”

“He deserted his post. He will of been stripped off his position by now.”
The carriage at that moment pulled to a stop and they excited the carriage to have some lunch at a small inn, and to rest the horses.

They climbed into the carriage again after an hour and continued on. Mr Bennet sat across from Lydia and evaluated his youngest. He had been dreading this carriage ride back, expecting to be dealing with temper tantrums and petty conversation. He tried to think back to the last time he’d conversed properly with his youngest and realised he hadn't really ever paid any attention to her except to amuse himself and to ridicule. And despite the terrible circumstances, he found he had actually enjoying the last portion of the carriage ride. Maybe after all this there was some hope for her.

“Lydia,” started Mr Bennet, drawing her attention away from the window and to himself. “As no one but ourselves will ever know of the intended elopement...”

“What elopement?” Lydia automatically answered.

“Very good Lydia. I'm glad that has stuck. As no one will know of what might of happened, I cannot punish you for it. However, I can punish you for not living within the allowance allocated for you. Once you marry, you'll be responsible for household budgets. You need to learn control. So, if you are not able to perform the duties expected in a wife, I am withdrawing you from society until you are 17.”

Lydia was too emotionally weary and disappointed to care much but she still made a token effort to argue. “I agree in not ready to marry, but not going out till 17?”

Mr Bennet raised a hand. “However, if I see a remarkable improvement in your behaviour and your ability to behave sensibly and with decorum in the next 2 months, I will let you out on your 16th. But I still won't let you marry before you are 17.”

Lydia nodded. “Being out with my friends is fun. But I don't think it is that fun being pregnant yet. I'm not ready to be a mother.”

“That's right. And until you feel like you are ready to give a husband children, you should not be thinking of marriage. Enjoy being young. There is no reason to rush into any precipitous arrangement just for the sake of ‘being married’. However, as part of demonstrating your readiness for marriage, you will be looking over the household accounts. And I want you to demonstrate exactly how you would of survived with a baby and no husband, how you would of balanced the books with a husband who only brings debts into the marriage, and how you would survive on a lowly officers wage.”

This led to a conversation on household expenses that then led to a conversation on estate expenses, followed by wages and investments. They had continued to converse all the way to Longbourn, and with some relief Mr Bennet climbed out of the carriage as his own interest in the conversation had died in London

Chapter 2

With great eagerness, Lizzy opened the letter from Jane dated seven days earlier.
Jane spoke of the general goings on at home and in Meryton. She then got to the passage regarding Lydia.


Papa has now returned home with Lydia and the change in Lydia is most remarkable. She is a completely different person. When asked about her time in Brighton, it is as though she is forcing herself to speak cheerfully. She talks of it having been fun to go to plays and concerts and bands and dinner parties, however, one gets the impression that if asked to do those things again, she would have no interest in doing so. There is a remarked indifference to any officer, and she does not speak of any of them unless she is directly questioned. Her response regarding Lieutenant Wickham is distinctly un-Lydia like. Her words, and I quote, were “I found it hard to believe that one so very charming could act so very low. How he fooled us all!” is all I have gotten from her, which is followed by a rapid changing of the subject.

I do not know of what Papa and Lydia talked of during their trip home, but it has done wonders for Lydia and she and Papa seem to be much closer. Since Lydia has come home, Papa has me teaching Lydia how to do the household accounts and to my surprise, she is exceedingly good at it. She is very interested and curious about all of our expenses. Mary had been teaching Kitty, however Kitty did not show any great aptitude or interest for it. In addition, Papa has Lydia working in the kitchen this week and will have her helping do the washing next week. His reasoning there was to remind her that a poorly considered marriage choice would require her to help in household tasks if she could not afford servants. The strangest thing of all is that I have heard not a word of complaint from Lydia and she in fact seems almost cheerful helping in the kitchen.

I long for your return so we may say all again face to face.

Jane Bennet

Elizabeth shook her head amazed at what she had read. She was delighted that her father had finally taken Lydia to hand, however this change seemed almost unbelievable. It was at that moment that a servant entered followed by Mr Darcy. He bowed and Lizzy quickly stood and curtseyed. Her heart started to race slightly as her eyes locked onto his and she looked upon his smile which rendered his masculine face incredibly handsome.

She must have had a quizzical look on her face. “Miss Elizabeth, does something amuse you this morning? Have I left breakfast on my face per chance.”

She provided an answering smile. “Nothing of the sort Mr Darcy.” She asked the servant to bring in some tea and then turned back to Mr Darcy, indicating for him to sit. “I have just finished reading some letters from home.”

“I hope all your family are well?”

“Yes, they are all very well, even my youngest sister who has returned from Brighton early. I find it remarkably hard to believe, but from Jane’s account she is much changed and to all appearances, for the better.”

“That pleases you?”

“Greatly. I think that there is much that has been unsaid but I am greatly curious as to what has wrought this change. I suppose I shall have to wait for the complete picture of what has occurred until I return.”

Mr Darcy smiled a lop-sided smile. “But if I know you, your mind is busy trying to fill in all that was not said.”

“You presume to know me so well, Mr Darcy” was Lizzy’s response with a raised eyebrow. “But in this case you are right. I can think of nothing else.”

“Then let your imagination run free Miss Elizabeth and let your wildest suppositions out knowing I will say not a word.”

“I believe my youngest did have her heart engaged, I'm guessing with a young officer without sufficient funds to marry. I think my father had a long conversation breaking the realities of our financial situation to her and in terms that must have sunk in. But that is certainly enough of my youngest. The letter contained some news that would be of interest to you.” At Mr Darcy’s enquiring look. “It is news regarding the former Lieutenant Wickham.”

Mr Darcy immediately lost his smile and his whole body tensed. Lizzy wondered how she ever could have believed a word that came from Mr Wickham’s lips. “Former? What has he done now?”

“Lieutenant Wickham deserted his post at Brighton and is believed to have run off to London to escape his debtors. The worst of it was he ran off with a local shop-keepers daughter, probably just so he could pay for the carriage ride. I feel excessively sorry for her.”

Mr Darcy shook his head. “He will never learn to curb his spending habits or control himself.”

“He will never learn unless he faces consequences for his actions. I say this as his circumstances must be quite dire. Would there be any chance that he would try and approach you? Potentially blackmail you using Georgiana?”

“I think he knows that that would be a dangerous choice; he can push neither myself or Richard any further. I believe if Richard caught word of it, he would hunt Wickham down. But if desperate enough ...it is a possibility. I thank you, Miss Elizabeth for the warning. I will write to Richard when I return home.” Mr Darcy became contemplative. “You are right about Wickham never facing the full set of consequences for his actions. It certainly is time that he did.”

At that moment the servant returned with the tea, which Elizabeth served out. “Let us think no longer on Mr Wickham. What brought you here today?”

Mr Darcy’s eyes locked on hers again and it was as though time stood still. She could feel her heart beating fast in her chest and she could not hide to herself how much Mr Darcy affected her. “I had hoped we could go for a walk like we did at Rosings.”

“Unfortunately, with my Aunt and Uncle out, they were expecting me here, so I am not in a position to leave. Though a walk would be very pleasant. You will have to content yourself to tea inside with me,” she responded with a smile.

“A disappointment I can bare.” He looked steadily into her eyes and she felt a tingle go down her spine. “I am fortunate I have caught you alone. I wish to apologise to you over my behaviour to you both in Meryton and then at Rosings and it merited the severest reproof. I cannot think of it without abhorrence. The recollection of what I said then, of my conduct, my manners, my expressions during the whole of it, is now and had been many months, inexpressibly painful to me. Your reproof, so well applied I will never forget ‘had you behaved in a more gentleman-like manner.’ Those were your words. You know not, you can scarcely conceive, how they have tortured me;- though it was some time, I can confess, before I was reasonable enough to allow their justice.”

“I was certainly very far from expecting them to make such a strong an impression. I had not the smallest idea of their being ever felt in such a way.”

“I can easily believe it. You thought me devoid of every proper feeling, I am sure you did. The turn of your countenance I shall never forget, as you said that I could not have addressed you in any possible way; that would induce you to accept me.“

“We will not quarrel for the greater the share of the blame annexed to that evening,“ said Elizabeth. “The conduct of neither, if strictly examined, will be irreproachable; but since then, we have both, I hope, improved in civility. I for one, am most heartily ashamed of my opinions and of what I said. I, who prided myself on examining character, was blinded by prejudice to so wholly mistake your character and charmed by one not deserving of any notice.”

“What did you say of me that I did not deserve? For, though your accusations were ill- founded, formed in mistaken premises, my behaviour could hardly induce you to think well of me. The letter I wrote, did it soon make you think better of me? Did you, in reading it, give any credit to its contents?”

“With the charges I had laid to you on Lieutenant Wickham, I immediately realised how foolish I had been. Your treatment of him was nothing less than honourable and his behaviour, to you and others, abominable. I realised how easily I had been preyed upon and used, all because he found an easy target for his story to advance himself in our society.”

She paused to collect herself when addressing the sections regarding Jane. “It was harder to read the section on Jane and it took longer to give it the justice it deserved, however, on reflection, I recalled what my friend Charlotte had said about Jane’s serene countenance. I realised that I probably would have provided the same advice were I in your situation.”

Elizabeth dared not look at Mr Darcy as she spoke the next bit. “I view everything as either being before the letter or after the letter. For the last few months I could scarce think of anything else. I reviewed every interaction we ever had but in a completely new light. The more I thought of it, the better I felt that I understood you. Slowly, every one of my prejudices against you were removed.“

“I knew,” said he, “that what I wrote must give you pain, but it was necessary. I hope you destroyed the letter. There was one part especially, the opening of it, which I should dread your having the power of reading it again. I can remember some of the expressions which might justly make you hate me. When I wrote that letter I believed myself perfectly calm and cool, but am since convinced that it was written in a dreadful bitterness of spirit.”

“The letter, perhaps, began in bitterness, but it did not end so. The adieu is charity itself. But think no more of the letter. The feelings of the person who wrote, and the person who received it, are now so widely different from what they were then, that every unpleasant circumstance attending to it, ought to be forgotten.”

“Elizabeth, you are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, nay stronger, for I respect your integrity even more. But one word from you will silence me on this subject forever.”

Somehow during the course of the conversation they had both come to sit on the edge of their seats, so their knees were nearly touching and their faces were closer together than what propriety strictly would allow. Elizabeth found her feelings all jumbled, astounded that he could still love her, gratitude and excitement, especially as his eyes were locked on hers. Her heart was thumping in her chest and she knew that she could not ruin this chance. “My feelings are completely different from what they were in April. Your presence affects me greatly - my feelings are completely confused by you. However I know that you want a wife that loves you. I most definitely like and respect the man that you are, but at this moment, I cannot say with surety that I return that affection, but I think it is possible that I could. I think it very possible in fact.”

Mr Darcy’s, previously pensive look now broke out into the largest smile that Elizabeth had ever seen on him, rendering it strikingly handsome. He took Elizabeth’s hand in his and knelt before her. “Miss Elizabeth, will you allow me to court you?”

Elizabeth could not help but smile in kind. “Nothing could give me more pleasure, Mr Darcy.” Mr Darcy brought her hand to his lips, his eyes never leaving hers.

When Elizabeth regained her senses Mr Darcy had gone back to sitting in his seat but he still retained her hand in his which she found she quite liked. “However, I do put some conditions on this courtship.” Mr Darcy lifted an eyebrow. “I would like to keep this quiet, only my Aunt and Uncle and my father are to know. This period is for us to get to know each other properly to determine that we are suited together.”

“I already know we are suited together. It is only you that needs convincing.”

“I disagree,” replied Elizabeth with an impertinent smile. “Now that I am no longer trying to pick fights with you, you may find me as dull as every other lady of the Ton and you may bore of me.” Mr Darcy protested of the possibility. Elizabeth held up her hand. “We may determine that we are not as well suited. Even if there is strong love at the start, if two people are not suited, eventually one or both end up making too many compromises becoming unhappy, which grows to indifference, resentment or at worst, disgust. That is not a fate I would wish for either of us. However, if it is known to my mother, I will be robbed of my choice.”

It was more Mr Darcy’s turn for an impertinent smile. “What I am hearing is that to ensure I get my wish I should enlist your mother's assistance. I am sure she would wish to be useful.”

“Teasing man,” replied Elizabeth. It was at that moment her Aunt and Uncle were announced. Both Elizabeth and Mr Darcy shot up to standing, blushing profusely.

Mr and Mrs Gardiner were quiet and clearly surprised to find Elizabeth not alone. Mr Darcy took the opportunity to start. “Mr Gardiner, could I have a private word?”

Elizabeth interrupted. “We might as well tell them both. All you say will be repeated to my Aunt, and it will speed up the process of it is done together. I also suspect that Aunt and Uncle have a lot of questions for me.”

“Mr and Mrs Gardiner, I have asked Miss Elizabeth if I could court her and she has accepted...that is if you consent to the courtship, Mr Gardiner?”

“As Mr Bennet granted me the right to do so, I’m delighted to consent to allowing this courtship.” Here he exchanged a look with his wife.

“This seems rather unexpected. Lizzy, we suspected that something had been up by the way you've clearly been holding back. I take it your degree of familiarity with each other is greater than you've led us to believe,” said Mrs Gardiner.

“The opinions I expressed last Christmas had been coloured by the testimony of Lieutenant Wickham, whom I now know to be a man not to be trusted. I had severely misinterpreted Mr Darcy’s character.”

Mr Darcy interrupted here. “I got to know Miss Elizabeth’s character much better whilst I was visiting Rosings. We spent much time in each other's company and I found I could fight my attraction to your niece no longer.” With a rueful smile he continued. “Though I understood her character, I had failed to understand her feelings and took it for granted that they reflected my own. I proposed and Miss Elizabeth rightly refused.”

Mr and Mrs Gardiner both gasped softly in surprise. Mr Darcy confined. “My proposal was awful. It was both rude and disrespectful. Any woman of character would refuse it and Miss Elizabeth is a woman of character. If anything, I admire and respect her more for it and am exceedingly grateful she has allowed me to court her.” With that he could not help but taking her hand and gallantly bestowing a kiss on it, making Elizabeth blush.

“Do not take all the blame of this yourself in front of my relatives. I did not behave well myself. I was too assured in my confidence in my abilities. I fell prey to Lieutenant Wickham’s lies and easy charm, and instead of hearing both sides of the story, as I was warned to do by nearly all, I relished an absurd assurance that I was in the right. It clouded my judgement. So I found out my folly when Mr Darcy wrote me a letter acquitting himself of my unjust accusations. Unfortunately he had left Rosings by this time, and I have had the last few months to think of nought else.”

Mrs Gardiner nodded. “Well that does address our questions.”

“Uncle, I have one condition on the courtship and that is that my mother does not find out about it. You know why.”

In response her uncle merely nodded. “That is sensible.” Mr Darcy stayed and chatted for another half hour as they discussed their plans. With Mr Darcy and Elizabeth courting, Mr and Mrs Gardiner decided to change their plans and instead of travelling to the next town tomorrow, which would have been their Northern most point before returning to London, they decided to stay for another three days in Lambton. Besides dining at Pemberley that night, they would go for a carriage ride and picnic the next day, followed by Darcy showing them some of the wilder sights of Derbyshire the day after. Mr Darcy said that after they left he would return to London, stopping at Longbourn on his way. With plans for the next few days made, he bid them adieu.


Chapter 3


Elizabeth dressed with care for dinner. She had mostly packed dresses suitable for travelling in, and only had one dress that was suitable for attending dinner at a place like Pemberley. She smiled each time she thought about Mr Darcy, about every look and touch, the kisses on her hand. She looked forward to seeing and speaking with him again and waited impatiently for the time to come to leave for Pemberley. It was with final relief and great anticipation she climbed into the carriage to go to Pemberley that night with Mr and Mrs Gardiner.

As their carriage pulled up in front of the grand house, they saw Mr Darcy descend the front steps to wait on them. Mr Gardiner handed his wife out, and Elizabeth found her heart beating wildly as Mr Darcy took her hand to assist her out. He had the most becoming smile and Elizabeth was struck by how truly handsome he was. He, in turn, could do nothing but stare at her as she turned the most dazzling smile on him.
As he placed her arm on his, he leaned in to whisper in her ear “you look beautiful Elizabeth.”

In return Elizabeth whispered back “and you, sir, are most handsome.” Elizabeth blushed at her own daring as she’d never spoken like that to a man before. “I must admit it feels so much better to have spoken all that has weighed so heavily on my mind for the last few months.”

Mr Darcy concurred and with Elizabeth's arm on his own, he led them inside into the parlour where the others waited. Mr Bingley greeted them all happily with his usual cheerful self. Miss Darcy was nervous but gladly happy with the change in company. Mr and Mrs Hurst greeted them politely, but with nothing else. Caroline , though her words were civil, her manner was haughty.

Mr Bingley kept the conversation going, conversing happily with the Gardiner’s comparing Derbyshire to his home in Scarborough, with the discussion moving to preference for the country or seaside.

“I think I can live anywhere happily,” said Mr Bingley. “When I'm at the sea, I love the noise of the waves crashing and the smell of salt in the air and looking out over the ocean into the distance. Yet once I’m in the country, I like the greenery and space and the ability to ride and hunt.”

“What about yourself, Miss Bingley?” asked Mrs Gardiner politely. “Having grown up near the seaside, where is your preference?”

Gushing, Miss Bingley replied “oh, most definitely the country over the seaside. Who could not love country such as this? It is so much more peaceful. The seaside is noisy as you always hear the waves, and it is worse at night. Storms are frightfully more fierce near the seaside. Most definitely the countryside for me.”

Mr Bingley interrupted here. “You probably don't like it as you nearly drowned at the beach when you were little.”

“What on earth are you talking about brother?” asked Miss Bingley crossly.

“You used to love going to the beach as a child until one time you managed to let go of the nurse's hand and ran straight into the waves. A wave came and knocked you into the water. I thought it was hilarious at first until the wave washed you further into the sea. Father had to dive in to grab you. You were completely sodden and freezing. After that, you were terrified of the sea. For years you refused to even go down onto the beach at all.”

Miss Bingley looked askance at her brother having shared something so traumatic and personal with all in the room. This did provide an interesting insight into Caroline’s character and Elizabeth took pity on her clear discomfort. “I must admit that there were no dangers like that in the country, not unless one wandered into one of the deeper lakes or dams, or got stuck outside during a snow storm, and even then we did not have many of them. For all my walking around Longbourn and Meryton I suffered no mishap worse than the odd twisted ankle.”

“But Lizzy, I remember you saying you had broken your foot once,” interrupted her aunt.

Elizabeth smiled. “Yes but that was not from walking. I had decided to offer our horse an apple...I must have been eight at the time. Well the horse was so excited by the prospect that it came charging at me and stopped...on my foot.”

Georgiana cried out. “Oh my, that must have been painful!”

“Yes, very much so, but it felt worse when it took its hoof off my foot and I then tried to walk on it. I managed to walk back to Longbourn and the doctor informed me that I had broken two of my toes.”

Mr Gardiner chimed in. “You haven't said the best part of the story. I remember your father writing to me of it. He said you'd limped back next to Jane and chatted away to her and it wasn't until you entered your father’s study, trying to hide your pain that you said to your father rather matter- of- factually ‘I think I've hurt my foot papa’ and then you started to cry.”

It was now Elizabeth’s turn to blush. “I didn't want her worrying too much or going to tell Mama first ...."

Mr Darcy looked at her thoughtfully, understanding dawning “And that, Miss Elizabeth, is why you prefer to walk rather than ride?”

“Yes, I suppose it is.” It was time to move the topic of conversation off herself. “Well, it looks like our topic has changed and it is mighty cruel of you all to have the single ladies to reveal their childhood traumas for your amusement without the rest of you sharing.” She threw a quick glance at Caroline, who was watching in interest, before turning her attention to Mr Bingley. “And it was very very meanly done Mr Bingley, to reveal such of your sister and to admit to having found it funny, do you not agree Miss Bingley?”

“I think you are right, Miss Eliza. How should my brother be punished?”

Mr Bingley held up his hands in mock surrender. “I'll do whatever the ladies decide. Would you like me to jump into the lake, perhaps?”

Elizabeth laughed. “I don't think that is necessary. We have revealed our childhood mishaps that have led to life long dislikes and fears. Now I think it is only fair you reveal what you do not like now because of something that happened in childhood.”

Despite Caroline’s intense dislike of Elizabeth, she could not help but feel some level of satisfaction in the turn of this conversation, especially away from herself. And to the discomfort of her brother. “Yes Charles, do tell.”

Mr Bingley just smiled easily. “Well I will admit that I don't like goats. When I was young and returning home, my hat was blown off and into the yard of an old woman. I went to fetch my hat, when all of a sudden I heard a ‘maaa’ behind me. I turned to see a goat charging at me. So I turned and ran for the nearest tree and climbed up it and I was stuck there as the goat butted is head for I don't know how long. Eventually the old woman who owned the goat returned home from the markets and held the goat back as I fetched my hat and beat a hasty retreat. I can still hear her laughing in my head,” said Mr Bingley, shaking his head as he spoke.

Elizabeth could see Caroline was clearly amused by the story. “Is your brother forgiven?”

“I'll think on it,” was her reply.

Elizabeth turned her focus. “Mr Darcy, as our host, surely it is your turn next.”

Mr Darcy’s dimple came out as he bowed slightly to Elizabeth. “As you wish.”

Caroline interrupted. “Surely one like Mr Darcy should not be expected to reveal such in company.”

“It would be ungentlemanly of me not to after you two ladies revealed your fears. It is no trouble. When I was only four, my parents had taken me to London. We were going to a large exhibition. My parents had run into someone they knew and were busy chatting with them and I was merely a boy of four, bored easily of conversation. So I wandered off. By the time I turned back to look for my parents I had no idea where I was or how I’d got there. There were so many strangers around and noone familiar. So I got myself more lost trying to look for them. My parents had alerted the staff, and there were many looking for me. Eventually a staff member took me by the hand and helped me to return to my parents. I guess from that moment on, I'm not very comfortable in crowds.”

Mr Hurst piped up then. “This might not be from my childhood, but I think it still counts. When I was sixteen, we were served some very lovely crab meat. But it must have been left out too long. I suffered the most awful gut pain. I could not eat or hold down anything for days. I haven't been able to eat crab, lobster or any form of shellfish after that.”

“I know what you mean there with the association of food to illness. When I was pregnant with my last child and as you know pregnant women’s tastes can change, I could not tolerate strawberries. I was offered some when I was visiting a friend, and ate some so as not to appear rude. It set off the most horrendous bout of morning sickness that even too this day I still can not eat them,” said Mrs Gardener.

Louisa admitted to a fear of dogs from a childhood dog bite, Mr Gardener to disliking snow having been caught outside during a snow storm, and Mrs Annerley to a fear of bees after falling into a hive.

Lizzy turned to Georgiana. “Miss Darcy, do you have any fears from unfortunate childhood incidents?”

With so many eyes turned towards her she managed to stammer out softly “Venetian glass vases.”

Everyone looked surprised at this. “I think there's a very good story behind this,” said Elizabeth mildly, encouraging Georgiana with a smile to proceed.

“Oh yes, dear Georgie, do tell us,” cooed Caroline.

“I was visiting my Aunt Catherine, Uncle Lewis and cousin Anne with father. Father had some business or other to finish with Uncle Lewis. Well, Aunt Catherine had a large venetian glass vase at the end of a hallway. Aunt Catherine was very strict on being prompt and I was running late for dinner, literally. I was running down the hall and slipped, running straight into the vase and shattering it. I fell and when I put my hand down, I cut it on a shard of glass and started bleeding all over the tile floor. Aunt Catherine came to see what the ruckus was to see her vase broken and blood all over the floor and she started screaming at me. It was only when Uncle Lewis came out that he thought to call for someone to fetch the doctor and for a servant to look at my hand. I ended up with five stitches in my hand. I've still got a little scar from it.” And here she offered out her hand, running her finger over a faint scar on her thumb. “Though I think I'm more scared of my Aunt Catherine.”

Lizzy smiled. “I can understand that, having met your Aunt Catherine. I can imagine her terrifying a young child. She's a very...” and here Elizabeth looked for some diplomatic words “...strong and forceful woman.”

Caroline looked suspiciously at Elizabeth, jealous at her having met some of Mr Darcy’s relatives when she had not. “Oh, and when did you meet Lady Catherine, Miss Eliza?”

With the utmost nonchalance, “Oh back in April when I visited my dear friend Mrs Collins, the former Miss Lucas. We were often at Rosing's together, were we not Mr Darcy?”

Mr Darcy smiled back. “Yes, frequently.”

Caroline realised there existed an even greater degree of intimacy between Mr Darcy and Elizabeth, but could not work out how to respond as it was time for dinner, and she had been placed far from Mr Darcy.

Mr Darcy placed Elizabeth on his right side, with Mrs Annerley on his left. Next to Elizabeth was Mr Hurst, then Mrs Gardiner, then Mr Bingley, with Georgiana at the foot of the table. Next to Mrs Annersley was Mr Gardiner, Louisa and then Caroline.

Though Caroline attempted to monopolise conversation with Georgiana, Charles and Mrs Gardiner ensured the conversation was quite lively and it pulled Georgiana into their animated conversation.

Mr Darcy, on the other hand, took full opportunity to monopolise his intended as far as possible, but to also show his abilities as a good host. “Miss Elizabeth, do you always like to make people reveal their vulnerabilities in public?”

“Was it not entertaining? Do you not think you now have greater insight into all of your guests?” and then in a lower voice. “Did you know of the incident with your sister and your Aunt?”

My Darcy’s visage turned dark. “No, I must have been away at school when they made that trip. Admittedly that behaviour from Aunt Catherine doesn't surprise me. No wonder Georgiana is so timid around my Aunt.”

“Mr Darcy, you can't protect everyone from everything. Our mistakes and misdeeds, accidents and adventures are the things that make life interesting. It would be very dull, sir, if noone ever suffered anything. Noone would have any good stories to tell, and dinners would be far less entertaining.”

Mr Darcy then turned the conversation to include Mrs Annersley. “Will you join us tomorrow for the carriage ride and picnic?”
And so the conversation pleasantly ambled from picnics, to the sights around Pemberley, to boyhood memories of escapades, all painting Mr Darcy in a more favourable light to Elizabeth. Caroline was shooting jealous looks at Elizabeth all through dinner, however was too far away to affect Elizabeth’s or Mr Darcy’s enjoyment of it.
Mr Gardiner also contributed greatly to the conversation, making it a very animated end of the table as they then spoke of the merits between different Shakespeare plays. Though keen for time alone with Darcy to help sketch his character more, she decided she could subtly interrogate him at the dinner table.

“With such a place as Pemberley here, I'm surprised you could ever pull yourself away from it. How much time do you spend in London or away?”

“As little as possible. This is home, this is where my heart lies. I find I need to go to London at least twice a year for business, and I've usually spent the Season there, though I'd be more than happy to forego the Season completely. It is good to catch up with friends and to see the amusements of London, but I feel I've had enough after about a month, and long to return here.” All this time he was looking at her speculatively, knowing this was an interrogation, rather than general conversation. “What of yourself, Miss Elizabeth? Do you rather wish for a future in town or one in the country?”

“I think our tastes coincide. London is amusing, but I prefer the freedom of the country. I believe I last at most three weeks before I am craving the countryside.”

Mr Gardiner concurred there. “I’m fairly certain I see the signs of wishing for home after about a week. When inside, you'll find her standing or pacing, finding reasons to go to the window continuously. I do not believe you could adjust to living permanently in London.”

They're conversation extended to others so as not to appear rude. This elicited one of the longer conversation she had had with Mr Hurst, as he claimed a preference for town as ‘fishing and shooting ducks can only entertain you for so long.’

The more she knew of Mr Darcy and his preferences, the more she esteemed and admired. As dinner was completed, the sexes separated, with Georgiana leading the way. As Elizabeth had not spent time conversing with Georgiana at dinner, she moved to sit near her in the drawing room. Caroline, not wishing to be outdone and to show her superior relationship with Georgiana, moved to sit next to Georgiana on the settee. Mrs Gardiner started a conversation with Mrs Annersley, and Louisa obediently sat with her sister.

Caroline was the one to start the conversation, and started talking about the new piece of music that Mr Darcy had purchased for her and which Georgiana had been working on. Georgiana, rather mildly expressed her delight but frustration over some of the sections she was still trying to master. Caroline indicated it was a piece she had the previous season and it seemed like an invitation for Miss Darcy to ask her to play to demonstrate.

As such, Miss Bingley moved to the piano to start demonstrating with Louisa turning the pages, allowing Elizabeth some time alone to get to know Georgiana better. “Your brother and I were talking at dinner about our preference for the country rather than London. Can I assume that you hold the same preference, especially when your home is as beautiful as Pemberley.” It was a safe topic Elizabeth figured would help the shy young girl to open up and it worked as expected. Georgiana’s face lit up as she expressed her love of the space and freedom and clean air of home. This led Elizabeth to talk of her home and her favourite rambles, whilst Georgiana spoke of her other love, horse riding.

The men entered soon to the sound of Caroline’s playing. To Caroline’s disappointment, beyond a cursory glance at Caroline, Mr Darcy’s eyes immediately searched for Elizabeth and he was delighted to see his little sister in an animated conversation with his love. Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley came to sit by the two women.

Caroline finished her piece and all politely applauded. Mr Darcy, with all politeness complimented her. “Expert playing as always Miss Bingley.” Caroline beamed at the praise, so rarely granted from Mr Darcy.

Mr Darcy looked sideways at his sister and with an imperceptible nod, prompted her. “Thank you, Miss Bingley. You must spend some time helping me with the fingering on some of those trickier parts.”

“Absolutely, dear Georgiana. Now you must play some of those magnificent pieces I heard you practising earlier.”

Georgiana demurred, but Elizabeth said she would help turn the pages and the two comfortably continued their conversation at a slower pace, as Georgiana played. In her turn, Elizabeth searched through the music to find a familiar piece to play for the entertainment of all. Caroline tried to talk to Mr Darcy whilst Elizabeth played, however, his eyes did not leave Elizabeth’s form, and he certainly no longer cared that his admiration was seen by all.

The night continued comfortably, but it did not allow any further private conversations between Mr Darcy and Elizabeth until they went to leave and Mr Darcy very slowly escorted them out.

“I did not get the chance to tell you that my uncle and I have both written to my father of the courtship,” said Elizabeth.

Mr Darcy nodded slowly as he clasped her hand where it lay on his arm. “I also have written a letter, this time to my cousin Richard. I believe your warning on Wickham is fortuitous. He always turns to me when all other options are exhausted. Eventually he will reach out and I can only presume that he will attempt blackmail. You were right that he will never learn to control his excesses in behaviour unless he feels the full force of consequences for his actions, without having someone who picks up after him. I will get Richard to help find him and turn him over to the authorities. We know of his former haunts in London and should be able to find the hole he is in, hopefully before his mind turns to approach me for help.”

Elizabeth smiled, clearly pleased with the action. “I am glad you no longer feel responsible in helping him out.”

“Let us talk no more of Mr Wickham. I would not have thoughts of him spoil this night.” He looked at her with a raised eyebrow and lopsided smile. “Did I pass your examination of my character?”

It was Elizabeth turn to return the smile. “It looks most promising, Mr Darcy.”

By now they had reached the Gardiner carriage. The Gardiner’s expressed their appreciation for a lovely night and they bid their host farewell. Mr Darcy handed Elizabeth into the carriage, with a parting kiss to her hand and a lingering look. They watched each other as the carriage moved away from Pemberley and down the drive. Elizabeth did not revert her eyes to inside the carriage until she could no longer make out Mr Darcy.

“Well, that was a very pleasant evening,” said Mr Gardiner. “Good food and excellent company. I believe this also was rather profitable. Mr Darcy, Mr Bingley and I were discussing a rather promising venture. I've invited both men to dinner when we are all in London again.”

“I hope you don't wish me to marry Mr Darcy just because it suits your business interests?” asked Elizabeth with an arch smile.

They all laughed at this. “Is this time with Mr Darcy helping you to determine if you could be happy with him?” asked Mrs Gardiner seriously.

“He is everything a man should be. Handsome, intelligent, honourable, respectable and incredibly rich.”

“Seriously, Lizzy,” scolded he Aunt. “You will need to make a decision. If you are decided against him, it would be cruel to string him along.”

In a soft contemplative tone. “Yes Aunt, I think I could be very happy with him.” Elizabeth spent the ride to the inn contemplating how pleasant a dark and intense set of eyes in a handsome gentleman's face could be.

Chapter 4

Mr Darcy turned and returned inside when he could no longer make out the Gardiner carriage. It was time for him to right some wrongs. The others were still waiting in the parlour. As soon as Mr Darcy returned, the Hurst's declared that they would retire, with Mr Hurst declaring “that's been one of the more entertaining nights I've had for awhile.”

Before Caroline could say too much, Mr Darcy invited Mr Bingley to play pool. With a kiss goodnight for his little sister he led an effusive Mr Bingley to the pool room. Mr Darcy commented on his good mood.

“I don't think I've enjoyed a dinner so much for months.” Mr Bingley bent over the pool table and lined up his cue on the white ball. He hit the ball which shot straight and broke the triangle of balls at the other end of the table, scattering the balls and sending one into a pocket. “You seem to be on considerably better terms with Miss Elizabeth than the last time I saw you. Do you have an agreement with her?” He took his next shot but missed.

“I have an agreement to court her, though she wants it done privately, mostly so her mother doesn't find out. So... if you can keep that to yourself,” Mr Darcy said looking up from his shot, before turning his attention back to the cue but missing his ball.

“Caroline will be disappointed. Though I think anyone with a pair of eyes could see there is something going on between the two of you. I must admit that I was surprised; in Hertfordshire I always got the impression that she didn't like you at all,” said Bingley as he studied the table.

“Was I the only one completely unaware that she didn't like me?”

Bingley smiled in return, took his shot and sank another ball in a corner pocket. “I take it the two of you resolved your differences whilst you were at Rosings?”

Mr Darcy’s bark of laughter caused Mr Bingley to miss his next one. “I got to know her better, but not her feelings. I proposed to her at Rosings and she none too gently refused me.” Mr Darcy took his shot but missed the pocket again. “As has been made abundantly clear to me, I am not qualified to judge the feelings of ladies at all.” As Bingley went to make his next shot, Mr Darcy continued. “I shouldn't have advised you the way I did with Jane Bennet. I’m sorry.” Now it was Mr Bingley’s turn to miserably miss the ball.

Mr Bingley turned to Mr Darcy. “Do you mean to say that you think you were wrong in your assessment? Did Miss Elizabeth say something to you?”

Mr Darcy studied the table. “I believe she made it clear she would never accept a man who had been the means of ruining the happiness of a most beloved sister.” Mr Darcy took his shot and missed again, too distracted to really try aiming properly.

“So she did love me. I knew it.” Mr Bingley stared at the pool table without really seeing it, and half heartedly hit at a ball, missing the pocket. “What must she think of me? She must have suffered just like I have for all this time.” Mr Bingley turned a suspicious eye towards Mr Darcy. “Are you telling me this now only so you can remove an impediment with Miss Elizabeth?”

“No.” Mr Darcy stepped forward and finally sunk his first ball in a hole. “I still would have told you, even if I hadn't met with Elizabeth here. Honour demands that I admit my mistake. But that is not all I have to admit.”

Bingley missed his next shot, the ball bouncing on either edge of the corner pocket before stopping in front of the pocket. “What else is there?”

“You are now aware that Miss Bennet was in London over the winter?”

“Yes, I heard Miss Elizabeth and her aunt talking of it.”

“I knew that she was in London. Caroline told me that Miss Bennet had visited her. I’m sorry for keeping it from you, it was beneath me.”

“I asked Caroline and she said she had received no correspondence from Miss Bennet.” Mr Darcy looked at him with a raised eyebrow before turning his attention to the pool table. Now that Darcy’s conscience was cleared, he shot two balls in a row into pockets, knocking Mr Bingley’s ball out of the way. “I know, she lied to me.”

“Are you angry at me for keeping this information from you? You could have married her by now. Can you forgive me?”

Mr Bingley absent mindedly took a shot with no real concentration, missing the hole. “What you did, even if you are a terrible judge of character, was well-meant. Caroline’s were done for selfish reasons. Also, it wasn't for you to tell me that Caroline had had a guest-Caroline should have told me. And now that I questioned her on it, she should not have lied. What is the point of it? I was surely going to find out!”

Mr Darcy sank another two balls in his turn.

“If she visited, it must mean she cared. If she felt even a shadow of what I feel for her, she must feel so hurt and betrayed. I've wounded her so!” Mr Bingley paused to miss again. “Do you think she still loves me?”

Mr Darcy cleaned up his balls from the table then turned his attention to the eight ball. He barked a laugh at this question. “I've learnt my lesson. What you do is up to you.” Mr Darcy sank the eight, winning the game.

“What would you do?” asked Mr Bingley plaintively.

“All I can say is that I understand how terrible you felt. After Miss Elizabeth rejected me, I’ve been a miserable wretch. However, the moment I saw her here at Pemberley, I vowed that I would give everything to try and secure her and that I would not waste this second chance.” Mr Darcy leaned in his cue. “What is it in your heart that you want to do?”

“I want to return to Netherfield and win her back,” said Mr Bingley. “Thank you Darcy for that advice. I'm going to write an express now to get Netherfield opened up.”

Mr Darcy laughed. “That is all well and good writing a letter, however, I don't think anyone is in that much of a hurry that it can't wait to be sent in the morning.”


Chapter 5

Elizabeth tossed and turned, her mind going over every interaction with Mr Darcy at Pemberley. The feel of his hand, his eyes locked on hers, their conversation. She could imagine being his wife and continuing to have nights like that.

She decided to get up and she walked to the drawing room, and went to sit in the bay window, looking out at the full moon.

“Elizabeth, is that you?” called out her aunt softly, wrapping her dressing gown around her.

“I couldn't sleep.”

Mrs Gardiner came to sit next to her and they both looked out over the empty street below. Elizabeth turned to her aunt. “How do I know if I love him and I'm not just flattered at his attentions?”

“Maybe it is best to compare him to the other men you know to work out what makes him different? Why has Mr Darcy of all people captured your attention so? What do you want and need from a husband?” asked Mrs Gardiner gently.

“Where do I even start?” said Elizabeth with a quiet laugh.

“How about Mr Collins?”

Elizabeth snorted. “He was ridiculous.”

“Why?”

“He was ill informed. He was not as intelligent as I am.” Elizabeth paused. “I sound like Mr Darcy. I remember him saying something about where there was a true superiority of mind, pride was under good regulation.” She was thoughtful for a moment. “What annoyed me most was that Mr Collins believed himself to be superior due to his being male and did not respect my mind. Mr Darcy has shown respect of my opinion and of my mind. In him I see an equal in intelligence. I'll grant that he knows more of the world than I; that is due to his experience from age.”

“You have met other intelligent men. How does Mr Darcy compare to someone like Mr Rawlins? A couple of years ago, your Uncle and I were certain he would offer for you. But then you didn't seem that upset when he had to go to Italy for work.”

“That is so long ago I can barely remember him. I recall he was quite attractive though not as handsome as Mr Darcy. In intelligence and understanding, he probably was Mr Darcy’s equal. We did have many entertaining conversations. I do remember thinking well of him and thinking I could fall in love with him. Maybe if we had had more than two months in each other's company then my regard for him may have grown to love.”

Elizabeth bit her lip as she tried to think back to her interactions with that particular gentleman. She traced the edge of the windowsill with her fingers as she looked outside at the moon, as though seeking answers from the night goddess. “Our conversations were light, as were our debates. We did not touch much on deep topics. Though I believe him to in general be a good man, I did not believe that he was one to go out of his way to do so. He was not indolent, but I do not believe he was one to exert himself to do more than what was required. I feel that is where he differs to Mr Darcy. He will discharge his responsibilities to the best of his ability, and I suppose he takes pride in it. What's the point of doing something unless you have taken pride in the work you have performed? It is no different than the work of a master carpenter or painter. And I know Mr Darcy would go out of his way to help others if he can.”

“How does he compare to Mr Wickham?” asked her aunt. Elizabeth had told both her aunt and uncle about his desertion from the militia and his debts and dissolute behaviour.

Elizabeth gave a quiet, bitter laugh. “Mr Wickham certainly is very attractive. Both his looks and his manners are designed to please. He had all the appearance of goodness without actually having a shred of it. Whereas Mr Darcy, by honour strives to always do what he believes is right. There is no question to his honourability.”

“What about Mr Bingley?” asked her aunt.

“Mr Bingley belongs to Jane,” scoffed Elizabeth. “I would never contest with her.”

“If Jane had already been married, would you have been interested?”

“Our interactions are pleasant, but not deep.” Elizabeth thought quietly on it. After a few moments she continued. “He is a people pleaser. He is confident with pleasing manners but he lacks Mr Darcy’s self-assurance. Mr Bingley enjoys company, probably more than I care for it.”

“You certainly tend towards introversion, though probably not as much a Mr Darcy,” agreed her aunt.

“I think Mr Darcy and I would both be perfectly happy entrenched in his library forever. My father certainly would be.”

“Are there any other men you could compare Mr Darcy to?” asked her aunt.

Elizabeth was about to shake her head for no when a thought occurred. “There was his cousin, the Colonel.”

“What was he like?”

“Very pleasant. Of a similar age to Mr Darcy, hence their closeness. He is not as attractive as his cousin, but his manners are easy and I got along very well with him. We have a great deal of fun together. He’s certainly well read though not as well read as Mr Darcy.”

Elizabeth thought back to her interactions with the Colonel. “He made it clear that he needed a dowry, so I suspect that he ensured that no real depth of feeling could start to grow between us. I suppose the difference there is that Mr Darcy has made it clear that he will do what it takes to pursue me. I like that determination. I like that he has listened to my criticisms, judged their value fairly despite the pain I've inflicted on him, and sought to address the concerns.”

They sat silently and Mrs Gardiner reached out and took Elizabeth’s hand. “If you want to know whether you love him or not, here are the questions to ponder and think on. Imagine the scenarios and examine how you feel and then you will know. Try and imagine him as the father of your children. Picture yourself growing old and frail with him. And then think of how you would feel if you left here and you never saw him again. Imagine your feelings if tomorrow you were told that he had died in the night.”

She felt her throat constrict at the mere mention of this and tears involuntarily came to her eyes. “Do not even joke about that.”

Mrs Gardiner stood. “I think you know what your answer is. It's late and I'm going back to bed.”

Elizabeth arose and gave her Aunt a hug. “Thank you for that advice. Yes, I understand my feelings so much better after this talk.”

“Do not stay up too long. We have a picnic we need to go to.”

“I'll return to bed shortly,” yawned Elizabeth. She looked out the window for a couple more minutes, enough to see an owl fly past the window. She imagined William cradling their child and looking at her with happiness. She could imagine him teaching their children to ride or reading a book to them in their nursery. Elizabeth knew what her response would be the next time he asked her. She got up and padded softly back to bed, falling asleep nearly instantly, her mind settled.

Chapter 6

The next day dawned bright and warm. As the Gardiner carriage approached the front of Pemberley, Elizabeth could see another topless carriage waiting at the front of the house, and two men on the ground, leading their horses. The taller of the two turned, and Elizabeth could now identify Mr Darcy. He immediately mounted his fine black horse and trotted towards them, followed closely by Mr Bingley on his brown horse. Elizabeth admired the fine form he cut as he rode towards them.

Mr Darcy slowed down and turned his horse as he got within talking range. “Good morning, Mr and Mrs Gardiner, Miss Elizabeth,” he said with a nod, but his eyes never left Elizabeth’s.

Mr Bingley had caught up. “What marvellous weather for a picnic,” he said with his characteristic enthusiasm. Something about him made him seem significantly happier to the previous day, and they did not need to wait for long to know why. “I've been thinking on it, and I'll be returning to Netherfield. I've sent the instructions just today to open the house.”

Elizabeth smiled with an arch look toward Darcy, who just lifted a corner of his mouth in a return half smile. “This is just as you said, any decision you make is done quickly. How soon will you return?”

“I plan to leave Pemberley three days after you, with Mr Darcy as he says he has business in London to attend to.”

“So soon! You will hardly have spent a week here.”

“Why wait once the decision is made? I'll give the housekeeper enough time to get the house all ready.”

“And will anyone else be joining you?” asked Elizabeth with a glance at Mr Darcy.

“I've invited Darcy to join me. The Hurst’s were always intending to go onto their own estate after visiting Pemberley, and Caroline will be joining them this time.” Elizabeth interpreted that as ‘I'm cross with Caroline and I didn't invite her.’

They pulled up at the house where Georgiana and the Hurst’s were waiting. Georgiana came forward to greet the new arrivals wearing a comfortable cream coloured dress that would not be too hot with a matching bonnet.

Bingley turned to Louisa. “Is Caroline coming?” he asked in a terse tone.

“She’s coming. I believe she was just about ready.”

“We could go and send the carriage back for her, so as not to delay the picnic?” suggested Mr Darcy.

It was as if the threat of being left behind by Mr Darcy made Caroline appear at the front door. She wore a very elegant, but heavy, dark blue dress, which seemed out of place with the summery clothes the other women were all wearing. She had a felt hat with long feathers which had a brim not large enough to protect her face from the summer sun. Elizabeth could see some very fine leather walking boots on her feet which looked brand new. Elizabeth turned to hide her smile as she knew before they all returned Caroline would have blisters on her feet if she tried to walk anywhere.

Caroline announced what a fine day it was for a picnic, and that there could possibly be no better place suited for one as Mr Darcy helped Caroline and Georgiana hop into the Darcy carriage. Mr Hurst assisted his wife before heaving his own frame into the carriage.

The carriages set off back along the drive, turning after they had passed the lake. Mr Darcy rode next to the Gardiner carriage.

“There’s a road that follows the stream that feeds this lake.” He pointed towards the forested high hills to the North of Pemberley. “The stream is fed by a creek that winds its way through the passes along there. There's a wonderful picnic spot where there’s a clearing near a waterfall on the stream. This is one of my favourite spots to ride to.”

The carriage moved over the dirt track, with sun-dappled woods on Elizabeth's left and the stream to her right. There was a magical quality to it, further enhanced by the grassy clearing the carriages stopped in, where picnic blankets and food had been laid out for them. From the clearing you could see a modest waterfall, about four feet in height, supplying the stream, with a small pool at the bottom of the waterfall.

“I feel like I'm in a Mid-Summer Night’s Dream,” she said as Mr Darcy helped her descend from the carriage. “I expect Oberon or Titania to appear any moment from the forest.”

“As long as there is no Puck to cause mischief,” came Mr Darcy’s wry reply.

Elizabeth could see Caroline eyeing them off and knew she would be approaching them. “Let us see how well and how graciously you can deal with all kinds of company. Do you know that I am certain that Miss Bingley has a deep interest in fishing?” said Elizabeth with an incredibly mischievous smirk. She dropped Mr Darcy’s arm to wander about and to look around the clearing and woods.

“Your staff have outdone themselves,” exclaimed Caroline, descending from her carriage on her own, ignoring Charles’ reluctantly offered help. Caroline took that as her opportunity to claim Mr Darcy’s arm. “You absolutely must give them my compliments. But then you have always had a well run household.”

“I have a well run household because I have an incredible housekeeper. I ensure the staff are well looked after, they look after Pemberley.”

“You are being far too modest in your efforts,” she said laying her other hand on his arm. Elizabeth hid her smirk as she saw Mr Darcy tighten his mouth and stiffen. He threw Elizabeth a ‘help me’ look, but she just subtly shook her head, smiled, and turned away.

“You must come take the view of the stream. From here you get the best view of the waterfall.” He led her to the stream. “Did you know the best fishing is roughly here, and not nearer the waterfall?” And here Mr Darcy started along, monotonous speech on fishing.

Elizabeth watched Caroline closely and was impressed at how well she managed to feign interest. She was also impressed by Mr Darcy’s ability to talk about fishing, especially when he got to the bit on the best way to clean the fish to maintain the flavour. She wandered closer, as she was certain that he had come to the end of his knowledge and was now starting to make things up.

“How do you know that that is the best way? Do you clean and descale the fish yourself?” asked Elizabeth with a feigned look of the deepest interest.

“You have caught me out, Miss Elizabeth. My servants and the cook usually do that for me. A few times when I was young during summer, my father and I would come and fish here. We'd have a fire going over there,” said Mr Darcy pointing to a flat space next to the stream where there was a ring of rocks. “We cook and eat our fish for dinner and sleep out here under the stars. Those are probably some of my favourite times with my father. It's been a long time since I've thought of it,” said Mr Darcy wistfully.

Mr Gardiner had been attracted by overhearing talk of fishing, and came over to keep the conversation going. Elizabeth wandered up the stream to survey the waterfall closer. Georgiana came to join her and Elizabeth asked whether she had come here often, which led Georgiana to share her favourite memories of the place. Elizabeth was coming to appreciate Georgiana’s sweet disposition and could see that Georgiana’s shyness around her was starting to fall away.

Caroline finally bored of the continuing talk of fishing and approached Georgiana. “Dear Georgie, what are you speaking of?”

Elizabeth saw Georgiana stiffen. “I was just telling Miss Bennet that I enjoy riding here, especially in summer. It's a favourite ride for my brother and myself.”

Elizabeth watched as Caroline would gush at whatever Georgiana said, which embarrassed Georgiana and kept her feeling on edge.

Eventually everyone gravitated to the rugs that had been laid out in the clearing. Mr Darcy claimed his spot next to Elizabeth, and Caroline made certain she sat down on the other side of Mr Darcy. Georgiana sat down on the other side of Elizabeth, with Mr Bingley next to her. Facing them the Hurst’s sat near Caroline with the Gardiner’s sitting across from Elizabeth and Mr Darcy.

Mr Darcy and Georgiana started opening up the hampers and serving the food to their guests. There were cold meats, cheese, strawberries and other fruits, plus tasty treats and biscuits for all the guests.

“So Mr Darcy,” asked Elizabeth, “do you picnic here often?”

“This was more a favourite family picnic ground. We would come here with just my father or both my parents, or with the Fitzwilliams.”

Mr Darcy paused to fill his own plate. “After lunch there’s a very pleasant walk for those who are keen that takes us up the stream, across a bridge and to the top of that rock on the other side.” The other side of the waterfall was higher by a good ten feet, with a rock face. From the edge of the stream, the rock continued to rise another twenty feet. Mr Darcy pointed to the top. “You can see all the way down the stream from there, and it provides an excellent view of Pemberley.”

Georgiana joined in. “My great aunt, the former Emily Darcy, painted the view from there. It currently hangs in the music room.”

“I remember seeing that and I'm certain I commented at the time on how charming a painting it was and how I'd adore to see the view from that spot,” declared Caroline. “Your great aunt was a very talented artist.”

Mr Darcy looked at Elizabeth. “But that is not all. For those that are game, there is a more challenging walk along an adjoining stream where the source is a spring on that hill. It forms a waterfall, and behind it is an easily accessible cave. The view from there is truly stunning. However, it is a steep climb.” He pointed to an exposed rock high on the hill that they could see poking out from the forest.

“I can’t wait,” said Caroline.

It was an exceedingly trying lunch for Mr Darcy as any conversation attempt with Elizabeth was interrupted by Caroline interjecting her opinion or demanding his attention. Elizabeth was highly amused and impressed at how Mr Darcy kept his calm.

Eventually she decided to help him. As she went to reach for a slice of cake, she spoke so softly that only he could hear. “I will help you but please don't waste the opportunity on what you would expect from a future wife.” As she leaned back with her cake, she sighed. “This is truly a peaceful place. I rather wonder at you spending so much time in London. Wouldn't you much prefer to spend your time here?”

Mr Darcy smiled. “That's true, I’d much rather spend my time here than in London. But I envisage once I'm married to have little business there and I might go years at a time not visiting London at all.”

A look of horror passed Caroline’s face. “Surely you jest, Mr Darcy! What of your wife? You would not want to deprive her of society, would you?”

With a serious and confused look “Why would my wife want to go to London? Especially once we start a family? It would be dangerous for her to travel that distance when pregnant, and there is little point in going to London with small children.”

There was a true look of horror on Caroline’s face as realisation that a marriage to Mr Darcy would not be something she would actually want if it meant not going to London -or having children.

“I must agree with you there, Mr Darcy. My father was forced to go with his parents to London for the season as a child and he truly hated it. I don’t believe young children would get any benefit or joy from going to London before the age of seven or so,” added Elizabeth seriously, trying hard not to laugh.

Mrs Gardiner chimed in. “And travelling with small children is a true challenge. With our young ones, travelling a mere half day in a carriage to Hertfordshire was more than enough!”

“And with small children, it becomes a four or five day trip rather than three,” added Darcy. “There would really need to be something special to travel that distance with a young family, and it would not be something you would be keen to do more than once or twice a year.”

Mrs Gardiner added. “And stability is very important for the development of children.”
This conversation turned to horror stories of travelling with children from the Gardiner’s and Georgiana contributing her own travel horror stories. Caroline sat in silence, a stony look on her face.

“Mr Darcy, it sounds like you are expecting to have many children. What do you think is an ideal number?”

“I was an only child for a long time, and it was a lonely existence, especially in a place as large as Pemberley. Maybe four or five children? But then, that is a decision for God to determine. What do you think is a good number, Miss Elizabeth?”

“Being one of five, I think five is too many. It is too easy to be ignored or forgotten.” Elizabeth paused as she considered. “Either two or four. Having three, one would be left out.”

Conversation carried on as everyone finished their lunch. Mr Darcy eventually stood and offered his assistance to Elizabeth. After a pointed look from Caroline, he politely offered her assistance as well. Charles helped Georgiana, who immediately went and took Caroline’s elbow and started leading her along the path ahead of the others. “Caroline, you must tell me about all the latest fashions. I loved the dress you had on last night. Was it new? I'm certain I have not seen it before?”

Mr Darcy smiled and offered his arm to Elizabeth. “Shall we follow?”

Elizabeth took his arm “Gladly sir.”

“So is there anything you would ask of me?" asked Mr Darcy.

“What do you need in a wife?”

“Someone who would love me for who I am,” said Mr Darcy.

Elizabeth turned and looked at him directly in the eye shaking her head. “No Mr Darcy, that will not do. I am certain there really were hundreds of women who would have met that criteria in London had you tried to get to know any of them. No, you need to do better than that. You decided that they were not worthy of your attention. So what is it that they lack and you need?”

Mr Darcy was quiet as he gathered his thoughts. “I suppose there are many factors. As Miss Bingley may mention the qualities of an accomplished woman, how do they produce an amiable wife? What does it matter to me that they can speak the modern languages when I plan on speaking to my wife in English? Why do I want a proficient musician when in truth I want someone I can talk to and share ideas with? In those long Pemberley winter nights or long summers, I want to spend my time with someone who I am comfortable talking to about anything, not someone that I would struggle to find a shared interest in.”

Elizabeth nodded in consideration. Mr Darcy continued. “As we have spoken, my heart belongs here at Pemberley and not in London. I do not want to marry someone who is only interested in my position and as such would only want to be in London to show the position off. I guess I was always looking for a country girl even if I did not know it at the time.”

“But I suppose the one thing I want is someone who will be the mother of my children and who possesses and will instil in my children the qualities I value the most and that I see in you. You have integrity, you are loyal and you are caring. I also like your lightness of spirit and calmness in the face of adversity that I think any wife of mine will need to have to face the ton.”

“What of my lack of wealth and connections?” asked Elizabeth.

“I cannot believe I ever thought it a good idea to say those things. I who have the freedom to marry wherever I choose, especially when so many others, like Richard, do not have that freedom. These qualities are useless when we are here, which is where we will spend most of our time.”

They approached the bridge to cross over the creek. “And what qualities does the mistress of Pemberley require? I must determine that it is a role I can fulfil, else it may lead to our unhappiness.”

“Do you truely believe it to be much different to Longbourn except on a much larger scale?”

“No, but I would like to hear the expectations from you.”

“The mistress of Pemberly would of course need to be an excellent host. It has been too long since we had someone to fill that role as Mrs Reynolds tells me constantly. The mistress manages the Pemberley staff and accounts. She is kind to the staff and assists with charitable activities for the tenants and local neighbourhood.” Mr Darcy intently in her eyes. “I know you to be more than capable of all that. I've seen the kind way you interact with all the staff, and I recall you saying that you went over Longbourn’s accounts and looked out and visited the tenants.”

By this time they had reached the outlook Mr Darcy had told them of. Elizabeth had observed Caroline starting to walk slower with a slight limp and suspected the new shoes had caused a blister. With evident relief she stopped walking. “What a magnificent view Mr Darcy. Is that Pemberley I see down there?” She limped to Mr Darcy and grabbed his arm, leaning on him to try and get pressure off her foot.

Elizabeth felt exceedingly annoyed at Caroline coming and claiming Mr Darcy’s attention, even though as a guest she did have every right to do so. Elizabeth noted that whilst once she was amused by Caroline’s behaviour, now she felt a sting of jealousy at Mr Darcy giving any other female attention. She felt the loss of his presence, but used this time to consider all that Mr Darcy had said.

Mr Darcy approached the edge of the waterfall with Caroline in tow. “Yes, Miss Bingley, that is Pemberley that you can see, along with the stables, barn, workshop, and carriage house.”

Elizabeth could see the waterfall gently falling below and the stream winding its way through the forest like a silver ribbon that eventually was concealed by the forest. Where the land fell away there was a view into the valley where Pemberley was, giving a view of the side of the house. Georgiana came to point out places of interest such as her favourite places to ride to.

All appreciated the view and then the party turned to return. Caroline leaned heavily on Mr Darcy’s arm “Miss Bingley, are you alright? Are you hurt?”

“I believe I have a stone in my shoe. Please, go on without me. I'm sure Mr Darcy and I can catch up.”

“We wouldn't dream of leaving you,” said Mr Bingley. All waited as Caroline took off her shoe to find a massive blister instead of a stone.

“I’m afraid you won't be able to come for the extended walk, Miss Bingley,” stated Mr Darcy.

“You’re not going to continue with that are you? I need a man's arm to lean on.”

“Never fear Caroline,” replied Mr Bingley. “I’ll make sure you make it back safely. Mr Darcy needs to lead the way for those who will go on the extended walk.”

Mr Darcy shot Mr Bingley a grateful look. They soon got to a fork in the path. “I do warn that this is a steep path. Who is interested in this extended walk?”

Mr and Mrs Hurst showed very little interest in walking. The Gardiner’s were game. “Though I don't think we can match your pace. You three had best walk ahead and we’ll follow at our own leisurely pace,” said Mr Gardiner. Georgiana, Elizabeth and Mr Darcy led the way.

Georgiana eagerly proceeded ahead, giving Mr Darcy and Elizabeth some privacy. “You've been asking me what I need from a wife. It is probably more important for me to know what you need in a husband.”

“I suppose my needs are relatively simple. Firstly, my husband must be able to support me and any children I have. He must be kind and generous and act honourable. I must feel that I can trust him.”

Elizabeth paused. “Those were my needs. What I want in a husband is someone that I feel to be an intelligent man that I can respect and who respects my opinion in return. I look for someone that I can talk philosophy, or history or politics with.”

Georgiana paused ahead and turned back. “The path will start to get steeper now. Be sure to watch your step.” The Gardiner’s who brought up the rear, acknowledged with a nod.

Elizabeth saw that the path narrowed. There was no longer any gap in the tree cover to allow in direct sunlight, and Lizzy could see the dirt track had started to climb. There was not too much talking now as both considered what the other had said.

As the path became significantly steeper, with some rock steps well over a foot high and not very deep, Mr Darcy took the lead helping his sister first, followed by Elizabeth. Though Elizabeth was well used to scrambling over all sorts of obstacles and did not require any assistance, she very gladly took his hand at each offer of aid, as his eyes held hers in an intense look that had her catching her breath each time. The touch of his hand sent tingles all over and she had no desire for those to ever stop. He then held onto her hand for longer than was necessary each time, though that may have been because Elizabeth was stroking his hands with her own fingers and refusing to let it go.

At least Georgiana had appeared to give her tacit blessing to the match. Georgiana was seen to frequently look back at them, then look down and smirk.

“We are getting closer now,” announced Mr Darcy. Elizabeth could hear the trickle of water somewhere ahead. Elizabeth looked back and could only just make out her aunt and uncle coming behind them. Mr Gardiner signalled for them to go on ahead.

Mr Darcy helped his sister over a rock step that was two feet high, then gave his hand to Elizabeth. His eyes captured hers, as she took his hand, mesmerised. He pulled her up and she came up with more speed than expected. His other hand went to her waist, and Elizabeth’s hands around his neck to help her balance as her body came up against his. They’re faces were only inches apart, and yet their eyes remained locked on each other. ‘How very pleasant to stay like this,’ thought Elizabeth.

The moment was interrupted by Georgiana who not so discretely coughed. “We’re out of the tree line here. We should be able to see the rest of the party.”

Mr Darcy and Elizabeth separated, Elizabeth’s face blushing a curious shade of red. Never had she felt so hot and flushed before. She turned to Mr Darcy who was studying his feet with a very pleased smile on his face.

Elizabeth turned to see a thin cascade of water falling over rocks above her to a small pool that trickled down a steep stream that continued its way down the way they had come. Looking to the East, the steep hillside gave way to a magnificent view over the entire valley Pemberley sat in.

Georgiana pointed down towards the clearing where the picnic was. “It looks like they made it all back to picnic safely,” said Georgiana and started to wave enthusiastically. Elizabeth joined in and presently the party waved back.

Mr Darcy drew their attention back towards the waterfall. “After rain, this waterfall cascades down the rockface where we are standing, but otherwise it trickles down that creek. Let me show you the cave behind the waterfall.”

Mr Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand and led her around to the pathway that went behind the waterfall. “Are you coming, Miss Darcy?” asked Elizabeth.

There appeared to be a look shared between the siblings and Georgiana replied. “I think I’ll appreciate the view from out here. Plus, I don't want to get my shoes muddy as it's quite often wet back there.”

Elizabeth turned back to Mr Darcy who led her along the predominately dry path along the rock face. The rock face carved inwards and soon they came to a secluded space in the shadows completely behind the waterfall. The gentle trickle from the waterfall created a rainbow. From the angle of the cave, which Elizabeth saw to be about ten feet deep, they were blocked from the view of Georgiana and all those at the picnic.

“I can't help thinking that you wanted to get me here alone with you,” said Elizabeth lightly though her heart was beating fast.

“You have no idea how many times I've imagined showing you around Pemberley, how I imagined the delight on your face. When I saw you the other day here, I thought I was asleep or that my infliction had become so bad that I had started to hallucinate. The more I speak with you, the more I am sure that we would be happy together. I would just like to know what you are thinking.”

How strange it feels to speak honestly about one's feelings to the object of those feelings. His look was so earnest. His happiness truely depended upon her response. Her heart beat fast as she looked to formulate the words. “The more we talk and the more I think, logically it seems like we would be a very good match and that we would both be very happy. It seems so strange to me, but the thought of not having you in my life, I cannot see how I could be content, knowing what I would have lost. You now are essential for my happiness.”

Mr Darcy smiled at the words. He closed the gap between them and took her hand in his. “Dearest, loveliest Elizabeth, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”

“Yes, with all of my heart, yes,” she replied.

He grabbed her around the waist, closing the remaining gap between them. She put her arms around his neck and he brought his mouth to hers. After a moment they pulled their faces apart for air. Elizabeth bit her lip and looked flustered, whereas desire raged in Mr Darcy’s eyes.

In the end Elizabeth decided she had quite liked it and went to kiss him again.

Eventually Georgiana interrupted with a loud cough and announced “Oh good, I presume it is all settled between the two of you?”

The two pulled apart slightly though Mr Darcy kept a hold of her hand. “Georgie, Miss Elizabeth has consented to be my wife.”

Georgiana raced over to hug them both. “That is wonderful news! I knew it would all work out!”

Elizabeth threw Mr Darcy a questioning glance. He explained “I told Georgiana everything about the courtship and as you can see she heartily approved.”

“Oh yes, I've been keen for Will to get me a sister. And I'm very glad you are nothing like Miss Bingley!”

Elizabeth laughed at this. “So had the two of you planned this?”

“Not particularly. I told Georgiana of it, and she thought there was a significant change between us in the last couple of days. She said that if she felt positive today that you would say yes, she would give me a sign.”

“Which was that look she gave outside the cave. Very well then. Miss Darcy, as we are to be sisters, you must call me Lizzy, like all my friends.”

“And you must call me Georgie.”

At that moment they heard the Gardiner’s finally catch up. Georgiana went out to show them the way into the cave. The happy news was shared and Mr Gardiner gladly gave his blessing. “That’s excellent news. Welcome to the family.”

Mr Darcy took Elizabeth and Georgiana’s arms and led them from the cave. “I imagine our guests must have started to wonder what has become of us. If we don't return soon they may send out a search party.”

“Though I would love to announce this news to one and all, we need my fathers consent to the engagement first, so Georgie, we cannot announce this yet,” said Lizzy.

“Will, will you leave immediately to speak with Mr Bennet?” asked Georgiana.

Elizabeth and Mr Darcy shared a look. Elizabeth found it amazing how much she understood his looks and how they could already communicate without words. “We will stick with our current plans. I'll join the Gardiner’s on the last day of their journey and arrive at Longbourne with Elizabeth, so we are together when it is announced. Not to mention, Netherfield’s housekeeper needs a little time to get the house ready, so we can't just show up.”

Elizabeth nodded her head in agreement with the plan. “I agree, Mr Darcy.”

He raised her hand to his mouth, and his dimple showed as he smiled. “You must call me William, or Will.”

“Not Fitzwilliam?”

“My parents only called me that when I was being naughty.”

“I will keep that in mind, William.” She liked the way it sounded. “Yes, I’ll call you William for now. Maybe after a while I'll call you Will, but not yet.”

As they joined the others, they did their best to school their faces to indifference. Elizabeth spoke with enthusiasm of the excellent view and the difficulty of the walk.


Chapter 7

Mrs Hill came in and placed two letters on the desk in Mr Bennet’s study. “Letters from Lizzy and Mr Gardiner, sir.”

“Thankyou, Mrs Hill, just leave them there,” said he, barely looking up from his book. He would get to them eventually.

It was only ten minutes later his peace was disturbed by exclamations from Mrs Bennet, and he could hear her rushing to the study. “Have you heard the news, Mr Bennet? My sister Mrs Gardiner has written.”

Mr Bennet looked up from his book. “I’ve not yet had the pleasure of reading your brother’s or Lizzy letters.”

“They are at Pemberley! With Mr Darcy! And do you know who is with him?”

“No not yet, but I'm sure you will tell me,” he added drily.

“Mr Bingley,” said Mrs Bennet with great satisfaction. “What good fortune for the girls! And it seems so strange, she says Lizzy and Mr Darcy are good friends, and that Mr Darcy showed them all around Pemberley, and invited Mr Gardiner to fish with him and Mr Bingley! And my brother is now good friends with them all that he invited them both to dine with him when they are back in London. Oh and Mr Darcy invited my brother to his London house. My sister had nothing but good things to say of him it seems like a different person to that proud Mr Darcy we saw here. But let me read ‘Lizzy said he was a lot more relaxed and easy in company when in his own home than when surrounded by new people in unfamiliar surrounding. She and Mr Darcy had become better friends when they were together at Rosings.’ How strange that Lizzy said not a word of it when she came back.”

Mr Bennet’suspicions were now raised, as he had noticed a distinct change in Lizzy after the Rosings trip. Mrs Bennet continued. “Now that Mr Bingley has met Mr Gardiner, I’m sure well see him again before long. What good news for Jane. I must go and tell her.”
Mrs Bennet whirled around and left the study calling “Jane Jane!”

Mr Bennet looked at the two letters and quickly deliberated which to open first. In the end he opened Mr Gardiner’s letter.


Dear brother

I'm certain you will be greatly surprised by the contents of this letter. Two days ago we were visiting Pemberley to tour the house and grounds, when our tour was interrupted by the appearance of the owner himself. Mr Darcy was very solicitous towards us and gave us a personal tour of the grounds. What was very clear from the start was his admiration of Lizzy.

I was invited to fish with him and Mr Bingley at Pemberley. In that time, the young man impressed me with his intelligence, generosity and thoughtfulness. Pemberley is an exceptional estate, that is clearly well managed by the young man. We talked much of business where we found we had mutual interests in some ventures. His understanding of business matters, politics and economics is outstanding. He may prove to be a valuable business partner in the future.

This morning Lizzy stayed back at the inn to read your’s and Jane’s letters. When Madelein and I returned, it was to find Lizzy and Mr Darcy in private conversation. Mr Darcy immediately asked my permission to court your daughter, which I gave.

It seems their acquaintance with each other is much deeper than Lizzy had told us. I'm certain Lizzy will give you the particulars, but they parted from Rosings after a failed proposal from Mr Darcy and Lizzy abusing him for his treatment of Wickham. Clearly the separation has allowed both to reflect upon their actions and mistakes, along with developing a better understanding of the other. This private meeting allowed both to clear the air and they were both more at ease with each.

The way those two behave now already is like an old married couple. Even if Lizzy does not yet realise it, she already has a far better understanding of Mr Darcy than she consciously realises. She only requests one thing and that is that Fanny is not told of the courtship. If Lizzy decides against Mr Darcy’s suit, she does not want to face her mother's condemnation again.

I heartily approve of the young man and I believe he is a perfect match for Lizzy in temperament and intelligence. I suspect this will all be settled between them before we return so don't be surprised if Mr Darcy accompanies us back to formally ask for Lizzy’s hand.

Regards
Albert Gardiner


This was nearly the last thing that Mr Bennet was expecting. He snatched at Elizabeth’s letter and sat back in his chair. He took a moment before opening it almost dreading what he was going to read.


Dear Papa

I'm certain my letter sat there unread, up until the point where Mama burst into your study and started talking about Mr Bingley. Out of curiosity, you have now read my Uncle’s letter and know that Mr Darcy has asked to court me. As last year I professed a strong dislike for the man and declared that around the neighbourhood, this must come as a great surprise. Let me explain my entire acquaintance with Mr Darcy, so that you do not believe that this courtship is financially motivated.

It is true that on our very first acquaintance I overheard an insult not meant for my ears. From that poorly thought comment from a grumpy man who would of rather joined you in the study with a book rather than going to a dance with his friend, I held a prejudiced opinion, a compulsion to dislike and find fault that defied logic. My vanity had been wounded, so I chased away reason.

Funnily enough, this is probably what attracted Mr Darcy’s attention. He is used to women agreeing with him and pretending to interests or opinions they themselves do not hold. I was happy to argue and provoke with the aim of hurting him, which only stoked his interest.

I am ashamed of my lack of discernment regarding Mr Wickham, or ever crediting his tale of woe. Even Jane, her trusting soul, had difficulty in believing his story. Yet I did not question it, as I should have questioned the propriety of Mr Wickham revealing the story to me at all. I did not question, as it suited my own wounded vanity to find fault and think ill of Mr Darcy at the time. Such foolish behaviour!

I spent a considerable amount of time in Mr Darcy’s company whilst visiting Charlotte. Logically I should have recognised Mr Darcy’s interest then – even Charlotte commented to me on its likelihood, but I was blinded by my prejudices against the man. As such, I was taken completely by surprise when he proposed to me.

It was a terrible proposal, in fact worse than Mr Collins’. He pointed out the difference in our stations and wealth, but also pointed out the lack of propriety shown by some members of the family. As you may recall I mentioned to you that the behaviour of Lydia reflected poorly on the rest of us and affected our marriage prospects – this proposal was the source of those concerns.

I accused him of treating Mr Wickham ill and behaved quite poorly in response. He did not reply to it, but the next day he wrote me a letter which laid bare his dealings with Mr Wickham. Yes, it was true that Mr Darcy denied Mr Wickham a living, but that was after Mr Wickham had told Mr Darcy that he was not interested in taking orders and preferred to study the law. In lieu of the living Mr Darcy provided Mr Wickham four thousand pounds. The letter also made clear Mr Wickham’s dissolute behaviour and one that is unable to control base impulses. Considering Mr Wickham recent desertion, I imagine you and the general Meryton populace would find this believable.

Mr Darcy left Rosings and I've now had months to consider how I was taken in so early by a practiced liar, I who had prided myself on my discernment. Over the months I have reviewed my own behaviour with shame and I regretted not being able to see Mr Darcy with a clearer view.

Meeting Mr Darcy at Pemberley was a shock. I had had no desire to come across the man again, certain that I was that he must have hated me, so yet again he surprised me by greeting us warmly and showing us around Pemberley. When we met, it was clear both of us wanted to apologise for our equally disgraceful behaviour. If anything, the separation has allowed us both to review our own failings to become better people.

Mr Darcy’s feelings are unchanged, however I need to understand him better and understand my own feelings and whether I can be happy with the man. It is the only fair thing to do. I hope you can understand after reading this.

The only thing I ask of you is that you keep my courtship with Mr Darcy secret. If I decide I cannot be happy with him, I do not need Mama reminding me constantly how I turned away a man like Mr Darcy. I imagine the complaints will be worse and of longer duration than with Mr Collins.

Your loving daughter
Lizzy


Mr Bennet sat back in his chair. This did explain Elizabeth's melancholy after Rosings and her very distinct cooling towards Wickham. Mr Darcy had recognised Elizabeth’s value and seemed persistent enough to pursue her, and she did not seem disinclined towards him. From Mr Gardiner’s accounts, he seemed just the kind of man to keep Elizabeth content. A small tear escaped from the corner of his eye which he wiped away. He realised that when his Lizzy returned, it would be temporary.

Mr Bennet got up and called to a nearby servant, “Can you please ask Jane to come to my study.”

Jane shortly entered and closed the door behind her then took a seat in front of his desk. “Yes Papa? Have you news of Lizzy?”

“Yes, I guess you're mother told you that she is at Pemberley?”

Jane’s face fell. “Yes and that Mr Bingley was there.”

Mr Bennet ignored the references to Mr Bingley. “Did you know that Mr Darcy had proposed to Lizzy.”

“Yes Papa. She said the proposal was horrible, but that she regretted having thought so badly of him and having treated him unfairly.”

Mr Bennet passed the letter over to Jane to allow her to read it. Once she had finished she passed it back. “I'm glad she is giving Mr Darcy a second chance. I never thought as poorly of him as she did.”

“What do you think of Mr Darcy, as there is every possibility that he will be your brother?”

“He’s a good man, very intelligent, but quiet. Mr Bingley thought very highly of him. He is a protective guardian of his younger sister, who is about Lydia’s age.”
Mr Bennet nodded and dismissed Jane. She had confirmed the veracity of both letters and he could no longer hope it being a joke.

Lydia soon after entered the study. “Papa, I've finished going through the accounts and am finished with the washing. And I have gone through and calculated how I'd live for the situations presented.”

“Very well then Lydia. What is your conclusion from each situation.”

“In marrying a Leuitenent, with his and my income we could afford to rent a small apartment and could, at best, afford someone to help with the washing. I would have to cook and we could not afford a maid or extravagances, provided that he was able to control his own spending. We could never afford to own our own house.”
Q
Mr Bennet nodded for her to continue. “If I was left alone with a child, I could not afford to live off 50 pounds, unless I forgo clothes and fuel for heating. I could not afford schooling beyond attendance at a local church school or I taught him myself.”

“How is the state of the household accounts?” asked Mr Bennet.

“I can find no real wastage from Mrs Hill – she runs the house well. No spoilage or waste in food, all supplies get used up. The main saving is to curb Mama’s and my spending. The other’s do not spend that much, and I spent more than my share at Brighton.” Mr Bennet might of expected some shame from this statement from Lydia, but she was merely matter of fact in her assessment. “I have bought so much that I will forgo any new dresses for the next two years, along with money on accessories, which will save 100 pounds. If only Mama would stop buying unnecessary lace! There's savings to be made there.”

Mr Bennet smiled at the significant improvement in Lydia since her return. “How did you like doing the washing?”

“I prefer it to cooking that is for sure!” exclaimed Lydia.

“Why is that?”

“You can’t burn the laundry and there isn't as much pressure in getting it done by any particular time!” Lydia paused before continuing. “Papa, can I go over the estate accounts now?”

Mr Bennet opened his drawer and pulled out the latest estate ledger and passed it over. Lydia took it and went over to the couch and became engrossed in going over the expenses, occasionally asking Mr Bennet a question on various costs. Her fascination with it started to wear Mr Bennet thin, as he could not read his book, but then it might have been thoughts of Lizzy that prevented him concentrating on his book.

Chapter 8

Three days after the receipt of the letter, the Gardiner carriage rolled up the drive to Longbourn. Mr Bennet came out with the others and his heart sank immediately. Mr Darcy, who had already hopped down from his horse and passed it over to a waiting groomsman, was at that moment handing Elizabeth down from the carriage. The look the two shared told Mr Bennet all he needed to know.

Mrs Bennet had raced down and enveloped Elizabeth and then the Gardiner’s in hugs. “Mama, it is good to see you again,” said Elizabeth, pulling out of the hug.

It was only then that Mrs Bennet noticed Mr Darcy. “Mr Darcy, what a surprise to see you here?” exclaimed Mrs Bennet. “My sister wrote to say you had seen our Lizzy at your home. How come you to be here?”

Mr Darcy bowed to Mrs Bennet. “Mr Bingley and I were travelling together. I will stay with him for a few days before continuing on to London.” He observed Mrs Bennet craning her neck to look for Mr Bingley. “He has carried onto Netherfield to see the housekeeper first. I'm sure he will come to call tomorrow after seeing to his affairs at Netherfield.”

Mrs Bennet nodded and turned her attention to her brother and sister, as Lizzy was hugging her other sisters.

Jane gave her a hug, and with a quizzical look between her and Mr Darcy, Elizabeth just gave a brilliant, happy smile and a small nod. “It is all settled between us. I will talk with you after talking to Papa.”

Mr Bennet had by now approached and Elizabeth had hugged him. Mr Bennet nodded towards Mr Darcy, who was patiently waiting. Mr Bennet hoped that Mr Darcy was slightly nervous. “I take it your young man would like a private conversation?”

Mr Darcy had now approached and reached out his hand. “Yes that was exactly what I was going to ask.”

“Very well, follow me.”

Elizabeth could only exchange a final look and smile with Mr Darcy, before she was swept into the house away from him. Her mother was busy asking all kinds of questions of the trip whilst refreshments were served. Lizzy very quickly refreshed herself and then went to wait outside Mr Bennet’s study, as the two men were still talking. At long last, Mr Darcy appeared. “He granted his permission. Your father wishes to speak with you. Do you want me to wait?”

“You’ve been on the road longer than I and I'm sure you'd like to get to Netherfield to refresh yourself?”

“Yes, I must admit that I'm keen to change from these clothes myself. I'll come by tomorrow, and I’m certain Mr Bingley will accompany me.”

“It is probably best. When Papa announces the engagement – well, you might hear my mother at Netherfield.”

“I will see you tomorrow then,” he said, giving her hand a parting kiss and squeeze.

Elizabeth watched him exit the house then she walked into her father's study. Her father was standing at the window, watching as Mr Darcy mounted his horse and left.

“Lizzy, do you know what you are doing? You are determined to have him. He is rich to be sure, and you will have fine clothes and carriages. But will they make you happy?”

“Have you any other objection,” asked Elizabeth, “than your belief of my indifference?”

“None at all. He came across as a proud, unpleasant sort of man; but this would be nothing if you really liked him.”

“I do, I do like him” she replied with tears in her eyes, “I love him. Indeed he has no improper pride. He is perfectly amiable. You do not know what he really is; then pray do not pain me by speaking of him in such terms.”

“Lizzy,” her father said, “I have given him my consent. He is the kind of man, indeed, to whom I should never dare refuse anything, which he condescended to ask. I now give it to you, if you are resolved on having him. But let me advise you to think better of it. I know your disposition, Lizzy. I know you could neither be happy nor respectable, unless you truly esteemed your husband; unless you looked to him as a superior. Your lively talents would place you in the greatest danger in an unequal marriage. You could scarcely escape discredit and misery. My child, let me not have the grief of seeing you unable to respect your partner in life.”

“Papa, you have read my letter. With all my blindness due to prejudice removed, I could see him for what he was, and there was nothing there that I did not respect. He is the very best of men; the best man I know. What struck me the most and convinced me that we would be happy is that he listened to my hurtful criticisms of him and he has acknowledged his own failings and has done all that he could to correct them, as have I. I think that bodes well for our future. He may never be truly comfortable in large company or with those he does not know well, but he has done what he can to improve.”

“Well, my dear,” said he, “I have no more to say. If this be the case he deserves you. I could not have parted with you, my Lizzy, to anyone less worthy.”

With that done, Elizabeth changed the topic. “So, Papa, I take it there is a lot more to the story of Lydia?”

Mr Bennet smiled. “Sending Lydia to Brighton was the best decision I have ever made. The change in her is remarkable. And I was right - by going to Brighton she learned exactly how insignificant she really is.”

Elizabeth sat there in stunned amazement. With an eyebrow lifted quizzically, ”Tell me more?”

“Colonel Forster had overheard the soldiers speaking of her and the likelihood she would get pregnant without a husband.”

Elizabeth’s mouth flew open. “That is a horrible rumour. And to be thought of like that!”

“Colonel Forster asked me to take her home. Lydia had written to me to ask for more money, so I used that as an excuse for her return and I went to fetch her myself. That night that I was in Brighton, Wickham ran away. Lydia found out the next morning and was devastated as she was under the impression that she was engaged to him and had been expecting him to come ask for her hand that morning after I was rested.”

“Poor, foolish girl!”

“Had I not arrived that day, Wickham may very well have stole away with Lydia that night except that he found out that she had only two shillings left, which clearly was not enough to get a carriage all the way to London. So Lydia learnt that looks and high, easy spirits are not enough to secure a husband and that men, for all their foolishness, generally think very carefully about a wife and require their wives to have some substance. She has learnt that some men are untrustworthy and will happily take what they can get without concern for the feelings of others.”

“It must have been a very uncomfortable carriage ride home.”

“Surprisingly, no. We had the best conversation we ever had. For the first time it made her think about her actions and how others perceived them. I also told her the story of my Aunt Mary, which I told to Mary and Kitty when we returned. By the time we returned home, she hated all soldiers and stated that she will never marry. I only hope she can keep that resolve for the next few years whilst she matures.”

Mr Bennet looked over at Elizabeth with a bemused smile before continuing. “I always thought her silly, but I realise that is not the case at all. She has an obsessive personality, so whilst her mother only spoke of marriage and soldiers, that is what she obsessed over, or clothes. Now that she has discovered the importance of having money, she is obsessed over our finances, and she has a fast mathematical mind. She might even be faster than you at your sums.”

“Surely you jest, sir. Lydia? I don't believe it.”

“I am perfectly serious. She has gone over the last five years of household accounts to determine the only way we could have saved was by limiting her and your mother’s spending. She's even started going over Longbourn’s expenses trying to find ways to be more profitable. She even started reading my books on farming!”

“I can scarce believe it,” replied Elizabeth, shaking her head.

“I really should have paid more attention to your sisters than I did. I will have to now that you will soon be moving and leaving us. I won't be able to see and talk with you like we once did.”

This statement hit Elizabeth as she realised this would be the last few months she had as a Bennet in her childhood home. Both looked to each other, and Elizabeth went to hug her father. She had been looking forward to the future she was going to without consideration of the past she was leaving behind.

“I'm sure you'll be at Pemberley all the time. The library is massive.”


Chapter 9

After leaving her father, Elizabeth went to Jane. Jane demanded a full accounting of Elizabeth's trip and in particular her time at Pemberley and how her feelings had changed for Mr Darcy. Now that she herself was happy, she now needed her Jane to be equally happy. She watched her sister's reaction closely as she mentioned Mr Bingley. “Mr Bingley has opened up Netherfield so that Mr Darcy can be close by as we prepare for the wedding.”

Jane looked away and became distracted with smoothing something on her dress. “That was kind of him to be of such service to Mr Darcy.”

“Not too kind. He spoke with absolute delight at having an opportunity to return to Netherfield. I sense he really missed it and was yearning to return.”

No response from Jane. Elizabeth continued. “When I spoke with him, he seemed completely surprised by the knowledge that you had been in London. I don't believe Miss Bingley told him that you were there. The first he knew of it was at Pemberley and I believe he was quite cross at Caroline. They barely spoke a word to each other the next day.”

“Lizzy, please don’t pain me like this. If that is the truth, let him tell me of it. I don't know what pains me more; his reluctance or his sister’s duplicitous nature. Even if Caroline didn't tell him, if he loved me he shouldn't have stayed away.”

“Unless Miss Bingley had said you'd shown no sign of regard towards him.”

“We will see what tomorrow brings,” replied Jane mildly signalling the end of the conversation.

Elizabeth went to take a turn outside to find Lydia helping the maid bring in the washing. “How was Brighton?” asked Elizabeth mildly.

Lydia turned a suspicious eye to Elizabeth. “Did Papa tell you everything? He always tells you.”

Elizabeth nodded. “Good, that means I don't need to lie.” She let the maid go inside with the washing. “Papa’s had me learn how to do the laundry this week.”

“There was one time I'd spoken back to Papa, I think I was thirteen, and he sent me to do laundry for the week.”

“Really? Here I was thinking you never got in trouble.”

Elizabeth shrugged. “I learnt my lesson and don't repeat mistakes.”

Lydia was silent for a bit as they walked in the garden before answering quietly. “Brighton was just one big mistake. At first I thought it so much fun all the parties and balls and soirees. Wickham was always so gallant with the compliments. I was certain he was madly in love with me just by the way he looked at me and how his eyes lingered, but now I realise he probably looked at every woman like that to see who he could seduce. I was such a fool to think we were engaged, when all he wanted was money for a carriage out of Brighton and he thought I had some.”

“Think how lucky you are that you had no money on you!”

“I know. I dare not think where I would be now had Papa not shown up when he did.”

“Don't think of Brighton as a mistake. I think you've learnt a great deal about the nature of some men. I don't think you will ever be fooled again.”

“That's true. I swear I'll never marry. I'll just stay here looking after Mama and Papa and once Papa is dead I'll move into a little cottage and grow carrots and chickens.”

Elizabeth threw her head back and laughed at this completely different Lydia. “Most men are not like that. Give it time and you will find the right man who complements you.”

“Like your Mr Darcy?” Elizabeth blushed which encouraged Lydia. “I saw the way the two of you looked at each other when he handed you out, and then he disappeared to talk with Papa. And he told you about Wickham at Rosings, didn’t he?”

Elizabeth nodded. Lydia continued. “You are a sly thing. Are you engaged?”

Elizabeth’s smile told Lydia all she needed to know.

They had wandered in front of Mr Bennet’s study. He opened the window and called out. “Ah, just the very two ladies I wanted to talk with. Lydia, Lizzy, come in.”

The two looked at each other and hurried to enter the house and enter Mr Bennet’s study, where they found Mr Gardiner seated on the couch. “Lydia, you must tell Mr Gardiner your suggestion.”

Lydia looked confused for a moment before realising what her father was talking about. “Do you mean purchasing the cottage?”

“Yes, yes, go on child,” prompted Mr Bennet eagerly.

“As Mama is so worried about being thrown out into the hedgerows after your death, I was wondering whether we could use Mama’s money to purchase a cottage which isn't attached to Longbourn estate? That way, if Papa dies first, she already has a house organised to move into and she may feel calmer knowing her future is secure? And in the mean time we can rent it.”

“How long will it take to get a return on the investment?” asked Mr Gardiner, impressed at the evident change in Lydia.

“Taking into account repairs and maintenance costs, around fourteen years. If we have gaps in the tenancy, maybe sixteen or seventeen years.”

Mr Gardiner considered and looked at Mr Bennet. “It makes sense. After you die, it would be the first thing I do for her, rather than renting as she's never been any good with money and I wouldn't be able to trust her to have the ability to pay her rent. Have you got a cottage in mind?”

“There is one for sale just on the outskirts of Meryton,” replied Lydia. “If we give Mama the ability to look over it and make some improvements before we rent it, it will make it feel more like hers and give her some ownership. And if she dies before you, it could still be left to one of us or split between us.”

Both men nodded. “It's a very sensible suggestion. I think we are agreed. I'll talk with Mr Phillips and get the purchase paperwork organised. Thankyou girls, I'll see you at dinner.” As Mr Bennet had effectively dismissed them, they both left, but not before Elizabeth noticed a look of distinct pride on Mr Bennet’s face as he contemplated Lydia.


Chapter 10

At dinner, Mrs Gardiner was seated next to Mrs Bennet and Mrs Gardiner was telling Mrs Bennet how wonderful Pemberley was. Elizabeth, who was down the other end of the table and seated next to her father, could just make out a few words as Mrs Gardiner described the beauty and size of the house and grounds.

When they had been travelling back after the engagement, it had become habit for Mrs Gardiner to request all sorts of things from Lizzy after she became ‘Mrs Darcy’. In the carriage on the way back, they had agreed that this should be the signal for the general announcement. “Lizzy, when we next come to Pemberley, you must take us all around the park. A low phaeton, with a nice pair of ponies, would be the very thing.”

Mrs Bennet looked confused. “Lizzy, are you going back to Pemberley?”

This was the signal for Mr Bennet to rise. “This is a temporary visit home for Lizzy. Let me offer my congratulations and a toast to Lizzy for her engagement to Mr Darcy.”

Mrs Bennet was stunned into silence as others raised their glasses. Finally words returned to Mrs Bennet. “Good gracious, is it true? You are really engaged to Mr Darcy? Who would have thought it? Oh my sweetest Lizzy, how rich you will be! What pin money, what jewels, what carriages you will have! I am so pleased, so happy. Such a charming man! So handsome and tall!- Oh, my dear Lizzy! Pray apologise for my having disliked him so much before. I hope he will overlook it. Dear, dear Lizzy, a house in town! Everything that is charming! Ten thousand a year! Oh lord, I shall go distracted.”

Elizabeth was exceptionally glad it was only her own family to witness this, and not Mr Darcy.

Everyone offered their congratulations. Kitty asked “when will the wedding be?”

“We are thinking either October or very early November,” replied Elizabeth.

“That is no where enough time to prepare a wedding fit for the future Mrs Darcy!” exclaimed Mrs Bennet, who then started to talk about the wedding dress, time to organise flowers, the wedding breakfast. “Oh, and you must be married by special licence.”

“Mr Darcy and I have spoken about it and we both agree it can be no later than the start of November. We want to have our honeymoon at the Lakes and then to be back at Pemberley for Christmas, and then to London for our first season together. And Mr Darcy would like to invite us all to Pemberley for Christmas.”

This induced excitement in Mrs Bennet and all of Elizabeth’s sisters, even Mary.
“Oh how very fine for us all to go see Pemberley and for Christmas no less! What a wonderful thing for us all. We truly have been blessed. Ten thousand a year! Tis nearly as good as a Lord! And my dearest Lizzy, tell me what dish Mr Darcy is particularly fond of, that I may have it tomorrow.“

Mr Bennet then demanded attention again to announce the purchase of the cottage that would be outside the provisions of the entail, however, with Elizabeth’s good fortune of being engaged to a very rich man, Mrs Bennet was relatively indifferent to the idea of a cottage as a future dower home.


Chapter 11

The next day the men arrived promptly at the acceptable visiting hour. Elizabeth, in anticipation of Mr Darcy’s visit, had dressed with care. She could not help herself, but she had spent most of her morning looking out the window rather than reading the book that was in her hands.

The gentlemen were shown in, and Mr Darcy came to greet Elizabeth immediately with a kiss to her hand.

Jane looked a little paler than usual, but more sedate than Elizabeth expected. On the gentlemen's entrance, her colour increased; yet she received them with tolerable ease, and with propriety of behaviour equally free from any symptom of resentment, or any unnecessary complaisance.

Bingley, she had likewise seen for an instant, and in that short period saw him looking both pleased and embarrassed.

Mrs Bennet first greeted her future son-in-law with a level of dignified restraint that Elizabeth had hoped for but not expected. “Mr Darcy, we were all informed of the joyous news last night about you and Elizabeth. It warms our hearts so much to see her this happy.” Mrs Gardiner, who was staying another night before leaving, offered her greetings as well.

Mrs Bennet turned her attention then to Mr Bingley. “It is a long time, Mr Bingley, since you went away,“ said Mrs Bennet.

He readily agreed to it.

“I began to be afraid you would never come back again. People did say that you meant to quit the place entirely at Michaelmas; but, however, I hope it is not true. A great many changes have happened in the neighbourhood, since you went away. Miss Lucas is married and settled. And of course our Lizzy is now engaged. It is delightful to have a daughter so happily engaged and to know her future will be secure.”

Elizabeth blushed at the reference.

“You must both come to dinner tonight to celebrate the engagement. And Mr Bingley, you are in my debt, for when you went to town last winter, you promised a family dinner with us, as soon as you returned. I have not forgot, you see; and I assure you, I was very much disappointed that you did not come back and keep your engagement.”

Bingley looked a little silly at this reflection. But now that Mrs Bennet felt she had paid enough attention to Mr Bingley, her attention turned to Mr Darcy to speak of wedding plans. Mr Bingley, with a look to Miss Bennet first, went and took a seat next to his angel, who was even more beautiful than he remembered.

Elizabeth and Mr Darcy were summoned to Mrs Bennet’s side to start wedding planning. “Have you decided on a date yet? There is so very much to prepare! There’s the clothes, breakfast, invitations, flowers, oh, the list is endless! And we must have it known around the neighbourhood, so I can arrange a proper engagement dinner.”

Elizabeth was of course nervous at this first real conversation between her mother and future husband. However, Mr Darcy took it in good humour. “Before you get too excited, I will need to go to London tomorrow to organise the settlement papers with my lawyer and the special marriage licence. I'll also need to talk with my Aunt, the Countess, to get her plan on how she recommends introducing Elizabeth to the Ton. She is certainly an expert there and I will hand complete control of it over to her.”

“Ah yes,” chimed in Mrs Gardiner. “The Ton can be very unforgiving, especially for those who try to enter from not the most privileged of backgrounds. It will be essential for Elizabeth to have the backing of the Countess. Elizabeth will get mentioned in the society pages and it is important that the gossip is favourable.”

“Oh yes, yes of course. That makes complete sense,” agreed Mrs Bennet sagely.

“Before the wedding, I'd like Elizabeth to come to town to be introduced to the staff at Darcy House, and to look over her rooms to get renovations done. The mistress’s rooms haven't been redone since my mother died, so the curtains and carpets and wallpaper all need to be replaced.”

Mrs Gardiner contributed again. “And Lizzy will need a new wardrobe as Mrs Darcy, especially all the winter dresses and coats, as it is much colder at Pemberley than here.”

“It would be good to have this all ready some weeks before the wedding so the clothes can be transported straight to Pemberley,” said Mr Darcy.

The conversation than moved onto plans for the honeymoon at the Lakes and plans for Christmas, before Mr Darcy started making pointed hints for going outdoors for time alone with his fiancé.

All the Bennet sisters except Lydia went outside with Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley. Catherine was showing Mr Bingley and Jane her sketches, whilst Elizabeth and Mr Darcy walked arm in arm alone through the garden.
“I congratulate you, Mr Darcy. You handled my mother very well.”

He smiled showing his dimple. “It did help having your aunt there. Can we organise for her to be with me every time?” Elizabeth slapped him playfully on the arm. “In truth, she is no worse than any other society mother, and at its heart is a deep rooted concern to protect her children. I cannot hold that against her,” continued Mr Darcy.

“You truly have grown.” They walked happily content in silence for a few moments. “Have you written to inform your family yet?” asked Elizabeth.

“I wrote and sent letters off to Richard and my Uncle last night. Richard I believe to be in Newcastle at present, and my Aunt and Uncle are at Matlock for the remainder of the summer and autumn, though my Uncle may return early to attend the House.”

“What do you think their reaction will be?” asked Elizabeth, biting her lip.

Darcy smiled. “Richard will be delighted; I know he thought quite highly of you and he thoroughly enjoyed listening to our debates. I know Aunt Eleanor will be delighted to know that I'm finally settling down. She was starting to despair of my ever finding a wife. Once she meets you, I'm certain she will love you and will do everything in her power of introducing you successfully to the Ton. My uncle.” Here Mr Darcy paused. “He will be concerned that you are a fortune hunter, but I believe my letter with Richard’s backing should put his mind at ease. I know he'll like you and I know he'll warm to the Gardiner’s. He respects intelligence and doesn't care for fools or the ill-informed.”

“How about Lady Catherine?”

“She will be your aunt too,” Mr Darcy replied mischievously.

Elizabeth crinkled her nose. “You've learnt my lessons in teasing far too well. I don't think I like that. But back to the question, how will your aunt react?”

“Poorly, to be sure. But she will never be happy whenever or with whomever I marry as it won’t be Anne. It doesn't matter how many times I told her that.” Mr Darcy ran his hand through his hair in frustration.

“What about your cousin? Will she be disappointed?”

“We discussed this many years ago. My primary desire from a wife is to start a family. Anne, with her ill health, is terrified of the notion of having children. She doesn't want to marry at all. However, for as long as I remained single, her mother focused on a safe target. If I'm out of the question, Lady Catherine may start pressuring someone else who may offer for Anne, which will put her in the awkward position of having to decline. I believe she’ll be happy for us.”

They walked on in companionable silence. Mr Darcy was the one to break it. “How is your youngest sister? I've not seen her.”

“She is helping in the laundry. I would not have thought it possible, but she is greatly changed.” Elizabeth then told Mr Darcy the story of Lydia’s near elopement. “We were exceptionally fortunate. We were all so close to ruin.”

“It would have been odd for Mr Wickham to take anyone with him when he fled as it significantly increases the risk and slows his escape down. He must have been desperate for money,” added Mr Darcy thoughtfully.

“Do you think you'll find him in London when you go tomorrow?”

“I'll get briefed on the progress of my investigators. I'll be sure to let you know. I've asked your father to determine the debts that Mr Wickham had here at Meryton. My intent is to purchase them all and use that to have him transported to New South Wales...provided that I have success in catching him in London.”

Elizabeth squeezed his hand. As they had turned and were walking towards the others, they saw Jane and Mr Bingley with Kitty sitting opposite them, sketching in her notebook.

“Kitty has been occupied with sketching and drawing since Lydia left. From what I have heard, she is showing real promise. I've been thinking, once we marry, it might be good for both Kitty and Georgie if Kitty came to stay with us a while?”

Mr Darcy merely raised an eyebrow, in a move so reminiscent of her own father. “I see you want more justification. Very well. Even though I will be a new sister, my first role is that of her guardian’s wife. And with our age gap, I believe she will see me more as a mentor and someone she can seek guidance from, however not necessarily someone she would confide everything to. Kitty is very close to her in age and she is not judgemental. Kitty will benefit from being away from home and being exposed to more refined manners, and Georgie can gain from Kitty’s liveliness and confidence. And we can return her to Longbourn when we go to London for the season, which will only be an additional three weeks after Christmas.”

“Your reasoning is sound.” Mr Darcy indicated slightly with his hand to the group. “We can tell her now and give Bingley the time alone that he wants with your sister so he can apologise to her.”

“Will he propose now?”

“I don't think he intends to, but with Bingley, well, he can get carried away, so I would not be surprised. But will Jane accept? She certainly seems different to how she acted last time around him.”

“That is because she is unsure of his intentions and she does not want to be hurt again. Her heart is forgiving, but I don't think she can forget the pain. I'm not sure how much she trusts him.”

“That is a sorry state of affairs and one that is my fault.” Mr Darcy’s face fell as he ruminated his involvement.

“It is out of our hands now and you have done your best to rectify the situation. There is only one way we can help them now.” With that, Elizabeth called out across the yard. “Kitty, come show Mr Darcy and I your sketches.”

Kitty got up and Elizabeth saw a look of distress cross Jane’s face and a look of grateful relief cross Mr Bingley’s. Kitty approached throwing nervous glances towards Mr Darcy. Elizabeth led them to a seat far removed from Jane and Mr Bingley, and Kitty opened her sketch book.

Elizabeth and Mr Darcy flipped through the pages. The first few pages were filled with half drawn or crossed out sketches, mostly of the view outside various Longbourn windows or of garden locations. Elizabeth could see the development of Kitty’s technique as the book progressed, with more completed pictures and fewer errors. There were sketches of family faces and of people’s forms. From the middle, Kitty had started producing full portraits of the family. “This is an excellent one of Papa reading,” exclaimed Elizabeth. “It captures him perfectly.”

“I like to draw people when they are fully concentrating on a task. They naturally do not move much and I don't feel like I'm inconveniencing them by drawing them. It is so difficult to sit still in one position for a portrait and people start complaining.”

“Yes, and Papa can sit for hours in that position.”

Kitty flipped to the next pages. “It did not work for me at all when trying to draw Mama whilst she was drinking tea. She kept waving her hands and talking. See, her eyes don’t match her mouth. The expression is all wrong. I may have more luck if I get her sewing, provided she is on her own,” Kitty replied with a sigh.

They flipped over a drawing of Jane sewing with a sad smile on her face, onto the next page where there was an exceptional drawing of Mary at the piano. Both Elizabeth and Mr Darcy exclaimed over it. “How did you manage to capture this? It is so lifelike!” asked Elizabeth.

“You would be surprised at how still Mary usually is when she is concentrating at the piano. Depending on the piece, there are times where there is very little movement, and even when there are more active passages, she still often resumes the same position with the same look of concentration.”

“My sister, Georgie, I think, would love a sketch like this,” said Mr Darcy.

“There would be so many new things for you to sketch at Pemberley. You should come and stay with us after Christmas and we could return you to Longbourn on our way to London for the season.”

“That is a wonderful idea, Elizabeth,” concurred Mr Darcy. “I’m certain my sister would love another friend closer to her own age staying with us. It is often quite lonely for her. What do you think, Miss Catherine?”

Kitty’s face lit up from the proposal, clearly delighted to have attention and for once to be preferred over Lydia. “Oh, that is wonderful. I would love that. This is so exciting!” She threw her arms around Elizabeth and then automatically went and hugged Mr Darcy, before realising what she was doing. She then turned to Elizabeth. “But I thought you would ask Jane?”

Elizabeth threw a look to where Jane and Mr Bingley were conversing. “I think Jane will have other plans,” she replied with a conspiratorial wink.

Kitty turned to Mr Darcy with a sudden thought. “You’re to be my brother, you should call me Kitty, like everyone else,” said Kitty shyly.

“I’d be delighted to, but only if you will call me William, or Will.”

Elizabeth changed the topic. “Have you tried painting?”

“I've been working my way up to it. But that is different with different challenges. I'll need to get used to mixing the paint and using the brushes. I think without a doubt it will be more of a difficult. I've been thinking of trying to paint Longbourn first, before moving onto something more challenging. Or I might paint some of the plants, before trying to paint people.”

“I would love a painting of the view from Oakham Mount. Have you been up there yet, William?” asked Elizabeth.

“Not yet,” replied he.

“It is one of my favourite walks. I often walk up there in the mornings. Kitty, would you be up for a walk there now?”

She looked uncertain at first but then agreed to it. A plan was formed after informing Jane and Mr Bingley, who were in earnest conversation, and Mrs Bennet was informed, who happily shooed them all away.

The women donned the appropriate apparel for the walk, and soon all five were walking that way. Mr Darcy, Elizabeth and Kitty took the lead, with Jane and Mr Bingley lagging behind.

Kitty was surprised at how easy the conversation was between Elizabeth and Mr Darcy, and how Elizabeth included her in the conversation so she didn't feel at all like a third wheel. Elizabeth set a leisurely pace, as Kitty was not as fit or fast a walker as the other two. They continued to talk about art, and Kitty found Mr Darcy not to be as scary or intimidating as she had first thought.

They reached the top. “It’s been some years since I last came up here. I see why you like coming up here all the time, Lizzy,” said Kitty.

“Do you think it will make for a good drawing or painting?” asked Elizabeth.

“Oh yes, without a doubt,” replied Kitty, sitting in the grass with her knees bent out in front of her. She opened her sketch book on her knees and started busily sketching the view.

Elizabeth leaned on Mr Darcy’s arm. “I like to come here most mornings,” said she, with a wink to Mr Darcy. “Do you like to exercise in the morning when away from home, William?”

“I think morning exercise is very beneficial,” replied he with a smile. “Mayhap I might come across you sometime. Unfortunately, I'll be away to London as soon as I am up tomorrow. I won't have the chance to meet you before I go.”

Elizabeth nodded and proceeded to point out places of interest and antidotes of childhood escapades.

Kitty at some point looked up. “Can you see Jane and Mr Bingley? I know they were slower than us but surely they should have caught up to us by now.”

Mr Darcy and Elizabeth scanned the path behind them but could not see them making their way up the mountainside. “Maybe they changed their mind and returned home,” replied Elizabeth.

They came and looked over Kitty’s shoulder to see the drawing taking shape. Elizabeth sighed. “I'll miss this view.”

“Will you miss us?” asked Kitty with a pout.

Elizabeth laughed. “Can't I miss many things when moving from home? Of course I'll miss you all. But I'll miss the feeling of peace and clarity I get when here.”

Elizabeth leaned on Mr Darcy and continued to talk with him. Kitty continued to draw before turning towards them and watching them. She got up and came to where they were standing. “The two of you here...this would make a beautiful picture.”

“Maybe another time you can sketch it.” They admired Kitty’s sketch before returning to walk back to Longbourn.

On returning, they found Jane glowing in the garden. It was the happiest Elizabeth had seen Jane since November.

“I am the happiest creature in the world. Tis too much!” she added, “by far too much. I do not deserve it. Oh! Why is not everybody as happy?”

“What has happened? We were worried as you and Mr Bingley never joined us,” asked Elizabeth.

“Mr Bingley and I talked honestly and he asked to court me, as there had been so many months since we last saw each other. So we turned around to come talk with Papa. Except by the time we arrived we realised we didn't need the time to court – we both knew we loved the other so we are now engaged! We have only just got back minutes before you. Mr Bingley has gone to father to seek his permission.”

“I thought my courtship of one day was fast,” muttered Mr Darcy under his breathe.

Lizzy and Kitty hugged Jane, as Mr Bingley came out to greet them. “I'm delighted I get to call you my brother,” said Mr Darcy as he shook Mr Bingley hand.

“I must go instantly to my mother. I would not on any account trifle with her affectionate solicitude; or allow her to hear it from anyone but myself. How shall I bear so much happiness!” said Jane.

The men took their leave with the promise to return for dinner, Jane left to find Mrs Bennet. Kitty and Elizabeth slowly made their way into the house.

Kitty turned to Elizabeth. “I can see why you like him and I can certainly see why he likes you. You make him feel comfortable. He's not as scary as I once thought him.”

Chapter 12

Three days later, as Elizabeth and Jane were returning from a visit from their Aunt Philip’s, Mrs Hill informed them of letters for the both of them. Elizabeth was expecting a letter from her William so she rushed to collect the letter and disappeared to the garden to read, whilst Jane took the letter from Charles.

At the dinner three days ago, both engagements were announced and celebrated and all were exceedingly happy. Mr Bingley had decided to go to town with Mr Darcy, so both men could see their lawyers and get the marriage settlement paperwork completed, as well as Bingley being able to stay at the Darcy townhouse rather than his club.

Jane had later that night confided in Elizabeth. “He never knew I was in town, Caroline never told him or told him of my visit. The first he knew of it was when our aunt spoke of it whilst at Pemberley. He had thought that I did not care for him and he has been as sad as I have been. But it is all resolved and in the past. We now both know that our love is stronger with the passage of time.”

“Knowing this, how will you face his sister again?”

“They were certainly no friends to his acquaintance with me, which I cannot wonder at, since he might have chosen so much more advantageously in many respects. But when they see, as I trust they will, that their brother is happy with me, they will learn to be contented, and we shall be on good terms again; though we can never be what we once were to each other.”

“That is the most unforgiving speech, “ said Elizabeth, “that I ever heard you utter. Good girl! It would vex me, indeed, to see you again the dupe of Miss Bingley’s pretended regard.”

Whilst their fiancés had been away, Mrs Bennet had dragged the girls around the neighbourhood to announce their good news. Elizabeth was glad that she and Jane alone had to witness Mrs Bennet’s boasting of her success in marrying not one, but two daughters to wealthy young men.

Elizabeth took a seat on the old swing whilst Jane took a seat on the garden bench. Elizabeth eagerly tore open the envelope which had been dated the day before.


Dearest Elizabeth

It is strange to sit here in my study, knowing that it will not be long before you are here with me permanently. The last time I sat here, all I felt was despair that I had driven away the only woman I could ever love by my own actions. I had cursed myself a fool for indulging in fantasies where I would picture you reading in the library, or greeting guests in the parlour, or at the piano. Now I can't stop myself from picturing you here; it is enough to distract me from the task at hand.

I know your Uncle has placed the announcement in the paper and I expect it to appear in tomorrow’s paper. The marriage licence has been applied for and my lawyer is going over the final draft of the settlement papers. I hope for that to be finished tomorrow. I know Bingley had his finalised today, so he should be returning to Netherfield tomorrow, whilst I must remain a few more days.

I have written to my Aunt Catherine to advise of the engagement and I sent it when I arrived in London. I have yet to receive her incensed reply but I expect it to be coming.

With regards to Wickham, there are some promising leads on his whereabouts which are being followed up. I hope that he will be found in the next few days and I will contact Colonel Forster on his whereabouts.


Elizabeth’s attention was distracted by the sound of a carriage coming along the drive. Curious, as she had not recognised the livery of the coach from a distance, she rose, putting away the letter and proceeded towards the house to see who had arrived.

She proceeded to the sitting room to see Lady Catherine de Bourgh sitting in a seat imperiously. She could just hear the lady saying “This must be a most inconvenient sitting-room for the evening, in summer; the windows are full west.”

“We never sit here after dinner. Ah Lizzy has just arrived.”

Elizabeth dropped a curtsey to Lady Catherine and politely asked after her and Anne. Lady Catherine’s reply was terse.
Elizabeth took a seat and they sat in silence a moment. Mrs Bennet broke the silence. “May I take the liberty of asking whether you left Mr and Mrs Collins well?”

“Yes, very well. I saw them the night before last.”

Mrs Bennet, with great civility, begged her Ladyship to take some refreshment; but Lady Catherine very resolutely, and not very politely, declined eating anything; then rising up, said to Elizabeth “Miss Bennet, there seems to be a prettyish kind of little wilderness on one side of your lawn. I should be glad to take a turn in it, if you will favour me with your company.“

“Go, my dear,” cried her mother, “and show her Ladyship about the different walks. I think she will be pleased with the hermitage.”

As they passed through the hall, Lady Catherine opened the doors into the parlour and drawing room, and pronouncing them, after a short survey, to be decent-looking rooms, walked on.

They proceeded in silence along the walk that led to the close; Elizabeth was determined to make no effort of conversation with the woman, who was now more than usually insolent and disagreeable.

‘How could I ever think her like her nephew?’ thought Elizabeth as she looked at Lady Catherine’s face.

As soon as they entered the copse, Lady Catherine began, “You could be at no loss, Miss Bennet, to understand the reason of my journey hither. Your own heart, your own conscience, must tell you why I come.“

Elizabeth looked with unaffected astonishment. “I can only presume that you received your nephew’s letter and have come to congratulate me and welcome me to the family.”

“Miss Bennet,” replied her Ladyship, in an angry tone, “you ought to know, that I am not to be trifled with. But however insincere you may choose to be, you shall not find me so. My character has ever been celebrated for its sincerity and frankness, and in a cause of such moment as this, I shall not depart from it. I did indeed yesterday receive from my nephew a letter informing me of his impending marriage to you. I instantly resolved on setting of for this place, that I might make my sentiments known to you. Your arts and allurements seem to have made my nephew forget what he owes to himself and to his family. You must have drawn him in. His infatuation with you had driven away his reason.”

“If I have drawn him in, I shall be the last to confess it.”

“Miss Bennet, do you know who I am? I have not been accustomed to such language as this. I am the nearest relation he has in the world, and am entitled to know all his dearest concerns.”

“But you are not entitled to know mine; nor will such behaviour as this, ever induce me to be explicit even after our marriage.”

“Let me be rightly understood. This match, to which you have the presumption to aspire, can never take place. No, never. Mr Darcy is engaged to my daughter. Now what have you to say?”

“As Mr Darcy has proposed and has organised the marriage licence, it would appear that he does not believe he is under any obligation to your daughter.”

Lady Catherine hesitated for a moment and then replied. “The engagement between them is of a peculiar kind. From his infancy, they have been intended for each other. It was the favourite wish of his mother, as well as of her's. While in their cradle, we planned the union: and now, at the moment when the wishes of both sisters would be accomplished, in their marriage, to be prevented by a young woman of inferior birth, of no importance in the world, and wholly unallied to the family! Do you pay no regard to the wishes of his friends? To his tacit engagement with Miss de Bourgh? Are you lost to every feeling of propriety and delicacy? Have you not heard me say, that from his earliest hours he was destined for his cousin?”

“Yes, and I heard it before. But what is it to me? If there is no other objection to my marrying your nephew, I shall certainly not be kept from it, by knowing that his mother and aunt wished him to marry his cousin. Its completion depended on others. If Mr Darcy is neither by honour nor inclination confined to his cousin, why is not he to make another choice? Why may I not marry him as I am that choice?”

“Because honour, decorum, prudence, nay, interest, forbid it. Yes, Miss Bennet, interest; for do not expect to be noticed by his family or friends, if you wilfully act against the inclinations of all. You will be censured, slighted and despised, by everyone connected with him. Your alliance will be a disgrace; your name will never even be mentioned by any of us.”

“These are heavy misfortunes,“ replied Elizabeth. “But as the wife of Mr Darcy, I must have such extraordinary sources of happiness necessarily attached to my situation, that I can, upon the whole, have no case to repine.”

“Obstinate, headstrong girl! I am ashamed of you! Is this your gratitude for my attentions to you last spring? Is nothing due to me on that score? You are to understand, Miss Bennet, that I came here with the determined resolution of carrying my purpose; nor shall I be dissuaded from it. I have not been used to submit to any person's whims. I have not been in the habit of brooking disappointment.”

“That will make your Ladyship’s situation at present more pitiable; but it will have no effect on me.”

“I will not be interrupted. Hear me in silence. My daughter and nephew are formed for each other. They are descended on the maternal side, from the same noble line; and, on the father's, from respectable, honourable, and ancient, though untitled families. Their fortune on both sides is splendid. They are destined for each other by the voice of every member of their respective houses; and what is to divide them? The upstart pretensions of a young woman without family, connections, or fortune. Is this to be endured! But it must not, shall not be. If you were sensible of your own good, you would not quit the sphere in which you were brought up.”

“In marrying your nephew, I should not consider myself as quitting that sphere. He is a gentleman, I am a gentleman's daughter; so far we are equal.”

“True, you are a gentleman's daughter. But who is your mother? Who are your Uncle and Aunts? Do not imagine me ignorant of their condition.“

“Whatever my connections are,” said Elizabeth, “as your nephew does not object to them, they can be nothing to you. I fail to see the point of what you are attempting to achieve here. The engagement is announced. A break of the engagement will cast shame on both families.”

“Do not deceive yourself into a belief that I will ever recede. I shall not go away until you assure me you will break off this engagement that you have aspired to.”

“And I certainly won't break off this engagement. I am not to be intimidated into anything so wholly unreasonable. I will not bring shame to my family or to Mr Darcy. Your Ladyship wants Mr Darcy to marry your daughter; but would my breaking my engagement make their marriage any more probable? Why would you think if I broke off the engagement that he would offer for his cousin? Allow me to say, Lady Catherine, that the arguments with which you have supported this extraordinary application, have been as frivolous as the application was ill-judged. You have widely mistaken my character, if you think I can be worked on by such persuasions as these. How far your nephew might tolerate of your interference in his affairs, I cannot tell; but you have certainly no right to concern yourself in mine. I must beg, therefore, to be importuned no further on the subject. You have insulted me in every possible method. I must be gratified to return to the house.”

And she rose as she spoke. Lady Catherine rose also, and they turned back. Her Ladyship was highly incensed. “Have you no regard, then, for the honour and credit of my nephew! Unfeeling, selfish girl! Do you not consider a connection with you, must disgrace him in the eyes of everybody?”

“Lady Catherine, I have nothing further to say. If you believe there to have been a breach of promise then I suggest you discuss it with your nephew and not with me.”

“It is well you refuse to oblige me. You refuse to obey the claims of duty, honour and gratitude. You are determined to ruin him in the opinion of his friends, and make him the contempt of the world.”

“Neither duty nor honour, nor gratitude,” replied Elizabeth, “have any possible claim on me and will not induce me to break my engagement. And with regard to the resentment of his family, or the indignation of the world, if the former were excited by his marrying me, it does not give me one moment of concern- and the world in general would have too much sense to join in the scorn.”

“And this is your real opinion! This is the final resolve! Very well. I shall know how to act. I came to try you. I hoped to find you reasonable; but depend upon it I will carry my point.”

In this manner Lady Catherine talked on, till they were at the door of the carriage, when turning half around, she added “I take no leave of you, Miss Bennet. I send no compliments to your mother. You deserve no such attention. I am most seriously displeased.“

Elizabeth made no answer; and without attempting to dissuade her Ladyship to return to the house, walked quietly in herself. She heard the carriage pull away as she proceeded upstairs. Her mother impatiently met her at the door of the dressing- room to ask why Lady Catherine had not come in to rest herself.

“She did not choose it,” said her daughter, “she would go.”

“She is a very fine-looking woman! And her calling was prodigiously civil. I suppose she only came to congratulate you on your engagement to her nephew. Did she have anything particular to say to you, Lizzy?”

Elizabeth was forced to give in to a little falsehood here; for to acknowledge the substance of their conversation was impossible.


Chapter 13

It was not surprising that Bingley came to call on Jane the next day. Elizabeth was pleasantly surprised that Mr Darcy accompanied him, as she was under the belief he was still in London. “I completed my business yesterday so I arrived this morning from London at Netherfield. I've come straight here after refreshing myself.”

The two couples went to take a turn around the garden, allowing both to catch up. Once out of earshot of Jane and Mr Bingley, Elizabeth turned to Mr Darcy. “Did you locate Mr Wickham?”

“Yes, my investigators found him yesterday. He was captured and handed over to the authorities. He will be tried in three days time so I will need to return to London for that.”

“I'm surprised you've rushed back here so quickly. You'll weary yourself from all this travel. I don't want you getting ill or having an accident,” said Elizabeth with concern.

Mr Darcy turned to face her and took her hand in his. “I hurried back here to see you, and to apologise to you for my Aunt Catherine’s behaviour. She had no right to come here and to treat you the way she did.”

Elizabeth gave a lop-sided smile. “We always knew she would not be happy with the engagement.”

“I had thought her only response would be a rude letter. It never occurred to me she would come and accost you in your own home. I can not tell you how ashamed I am.”

“I take it she came to visit you after visiting me?"

“Yes. She gave a thorough account of all that was said and happened. The responses she said you gave, well, I could see you giving those responses.” He placed his hand on her cheek and caressed her face. “I want to assure you I will not tolerate her interfering in our affairs again. I threw her out of my townhouse and told her not to bother with corresponding with anyone in my house until she apologises to you. Her presumption to think she could break our engagement, after all that has occurred, is insufferable. Know that I will always defend you Elizabeth.”

She gave him a hug and they held each other for a time, before continuing on with their stroll.

“What of your cousin, Anne?”

“I imagine this will take pressure off Anne for awhile to marry whilst Lady Catherine vents her anger. I’m certain she will be happy for us; every time I go to Rosings, she asks when I will marry.”

“Will you be able to maintain contact with her?”

“I suppose I could, however I believe when Lady Catherine finds out, she will try to put a stop to it.”

Elizabeth pondered. “Perhaps I could ask Charlotte if she would be happy to pass messages between Anne and ourselves so that you can continue to communicate with your cousin? It would not do for her to be cut off.”

“It would not hurt to ask. If Anne is uncomfortable with the idea because of her mother...well, we will leave it to her to decide.”

“Talking of relatives, have you heard back from your uncle?”

“Yes, a letter arrived yesterday from my Uncle at Netherfield. He and my Aunt are curious to meet you. They will be coming to London in a fortnight. And my Aunt has agreed to introduce you to the Ton. I believe we’ll be given our instructions by my Aunt Eleanor once she has formulated her plan of attack.”

“A plan of attack? Here I thought that your cousin, the Colonel was the only military officer in your family.”

Mr Darcy grinned. “My Aunt Eleanor would have been a superb general, or intelligence officer. I'm certain she knows everything that is going on in the Ton. And as a word of warning; it is without a doubt in our best interests to comply with her directions.”

“Is she like your Aunt Catherine at all?”

Mr Darcy laughed, shaking his head. “She would be deeply insulted at the comparison. I don't believe she cares that much for Aunt Catherine. Her actions come from love and concern for me, rather than what she considers to be in her own best interests. She knows I make my own choices. She genuinely wants to help, knows how to do it and is a formidable ally.”

“Very well then, I will do as commanded.”

They wandered around the garden arm in arm. “Elizabeth, Mr Bingley and I were talking about wedding timings. We were trying to work out who would go first and we thought it would be nice to have a double wedding, that way neither of us have to wait for the other’s wedding to marry.”

“Jane and I discussed this as well and came to the same conclusion. Nothing would please us more.”

During Mr Darcy’s short stay before his return to London, the wedding date was set and settlement papers were signed. Plans for Jane and Elizabeth to go to London were made.


Chapter 14

Elizabeth, Jane and Mrs Gardiner sat in the carriage on the way to Darcy house. They had arrived in London yesterday, with their fiancés calling upon them for dinner that evening along with Georgiana.

Darcy had returned to London for Mr Wickham’s trial, where he was sentenced to transportation. Mr Darcy had informed Elizabeth last night that Mr Wickham’s ship had departed for the New South Wales colony the previous day and admitted to a great sense of relief that he could safely think no more on Wickham.

Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley came to hand the women out of the carriage and Elizabeth admired the handsome, grey brick townhouse before her. Darcy’s footmen had opened the double doors for the party to enter the grand entrance.

Elizabeth looked around her as she walked in on Mr Darcy’s arm. Like Pemberley it was elegantly furnished without being excessively grand.

Elizabeth was introduced to the staff. The group was given a tour of the house by the housekeeper and Georgiana, who thoroughly enjoying showing them every room and relating various stories of herself and her brother.

At last they came to the mistress’ rooms. “These rooms have not been touched since the death of the late Mrs Darcy,” said the housekeeper. “The late Mr Darcy didn't want them changed, as he would every now and then still come in here whenever he was lonely or feeling down. And Mr Darcy didn't see the sense in changing the room until a new mistress had come in. I'll have some wall paper and curtain samples ready for you the next time you visit, but you just let me know what you'd like changed, Miss Bennet, and it will all be ready by the time of your wedding.”

Elizabeth scanned the room. The curtains were dark and clearly old, as she could see holes that were letting in light. The wall paper was also a much darker pattern than she liked. She walked to the dresser, the bed and marvelled at the size of her wardrobe which was a good ten times larger than her one at home.

Mrs Gardiner read her thoughts. “It will be quite a change when you marry.”

“That it will,” agreed Elizabeth quietly.

Georgiana, who was looking out the window, exclaimed “the Fitzwilliam carriage has just pulled up. Aunt Eleanor and Richard are hopping out.”

“I thought you were to meet with them tomorrow?” asked Jane.

“I guess she couldn't wait?” replied Elizabeth, with a questioning look to Georgiana.

Georgiana giggled. “I think she is very curious. She had a million questions for me in my last letter.”

They proceeded down the stairs to meet with the Countess and Richard, who had been let inside and were currently divesting themselves of their coats and giving Mr Darcy a hug.

“I could not control my curiosity about the woman who had stolen my nephew’s heart. Nephew, make the introductions please.”

“Of course, Aunt Eleanor. May I present to you Mrs Gardiner, and Miss Bennet.” Mr Darcy then took Elizabeth’s hand. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet, my fiancé. And this is my Aunt Lady Eleanor Fitzwilliam, Countess of Matlock and the Right Honourable Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.”

Elizabeth looked between the Countess and the Colonel, and was interested to see the Colonel’s eyes locked on Jane. She turned to the Countess, who was addressing her.

“I have heard so much about you,” said the Countess, taking Elizabeth by the arm and taking her into a sitting room, with the others trailing along.

The Colonel went to offer his arm to Jane, however, Mr Bingley, who had arrived during the greetings, got there first, leaving Richard to offer his arm to Georgiana .
Elizabeth turned her attention back to the Countess. “And your impression from these accounts, my lady?”

“I have four accounts, and I'm so far inclined to think well of you. Of course, I can't put too much stock in William’s account...you can't really believe the account from a man in love. You could have had a hunch back, and warts on your nose and a laugh like a hyena and he would not have noticed enough to mention it.”

Elizabeth laughed. “Though I rather suspect if I did have these characteristics, it would be unlikely that Mr Darcy would fall in love with me.”

“True,” acknowledged the Countess. “I had an unfavourable account from Lady Catherine, but that was to be expected. I believe the account worked in your favour.”

“How so, my lady?” asked Elizabeth.

“It shows that you stood up to Lady Catherine. Though her behaviour was reprehensible, it was at least to your face. There will be unforgiving elements of the Ton that will say these things of you but behind your back. You will need that inner strength to withstand the less pleasant aspects of the Ton. Georgiana, of course, gave you a glowing reference of your kindness and friendliness and the fact that you make her brother smile.”

Elizabeth smiled at that which the Countess saw. She nodded at Elizabeth’s involuntary action. “I saw that smile. I'm glad to see that your emotions are genuine. So many ladies of the Ton will pretend to friendship and emotions they do no feel to advance their own ambitions. And I do not wish to see my nephew or niece hurt or disappointed.”

Elizabeth acknowledged this with a nod, but otherwise stayed silent as it was clear the Countess was not finished. “I believe the most faithful and disinterested account was from my son, Richard. He speaks well of you and attested to your not being a fortune-hunter. He said you are the only woman he’s ever seen challenge William and hold him to account.”

Elizabeth absorbed all the Countess had said. “Are you, like Lady Catherine, upset he did not choose another? That he did not choose a woman of higher standing and greater dowry?”

“Straight to the point. A few years ago I may have been disappointed. We'd given up hope that he would find anyone suitable to marry as he found fault with every woman he was introduced to season after season. Now we are happy he has found someone and we'll do anything to support him.” The Countess paused and Elizsbeth could see her being evaluated. “It makes sense William would marry a country girl. He’s had the chance to marry someone of the Ton, and with his overall dislike of London, it is clear he would always prefer someone who loved the country as well.“

As both women had taken the others measure, they felt more at ease as they got to know the other. By the time that Mrs Gardiner and the Bennets had to leave, the Countess was thoroughly charmed.

The men walked the ladies out. Richard held Darcy back as the ladies left. “Miss Bennet...she was the one you tried to separate Bingley from?”

“Yes,” replied Mr Darcy simply.

Richard shook his head. “Both you and Bingley are idiots. There is nothing I would not do for a woman like her... if only she had ten thousand pounds. Nothing would have kept me from her. And Bingley is an idiot for listening to you.“

Darcy clapped Richard on the back. With sarcasm, Mr Darcy replied. “You always know how to make me feel good.”


Chapter 15

Jane brushed Lizzy’s hair before they went to bed, their last night together where they both would have the name of Bennet.

“Are you nervous at all?” Lizzy asked Jane.

“No, but excited yes. It feels like I've waited so very long for this,” replied Jane.
“What about you? It will be a far greater change for you. You'll be moving so very far away from here. I'm only moving three miles to a home I’m already familiar with.”

“I think I was more nervous at our dinner with the Matlock’s.” The dinner had gone far better than she had thought possible, especially as Mrs Bennet was there. Mrs Bennet had joined her eldest daughters to help them shop for their trousseau and to organise their wedding dresses. Mrs Gardiner, with her expertise in handling her excitable sister-in-law, had spent a considerable amount of time going over etiquette and of suitable conversation material (mentioning the income of future sons-in-law was stressed as not suitable dinner conversation material). The Matlock’s ‘intimate’ family congratulatory dinner included the families and another of the Matlock’s closest sixteen friends, one of them a famed gossip. Elizabeth had been exceptionally nervous about her mother embarrassing her, and Mrs Bennet was sensible enough of the honour that she was too nervous to talk any great amount. With Mrs Gardiner’s and Lady Matlock’s handling, Mrs Bennet was viewed as a handsome and pleasant woman, and the gossip columns were relatively positive about the future Mrs Darcy.

Lizzy had developed a firm bond with Lady Eleanor and fully appreciated her help and advice. Both the Earl and Countess had developed a respect for Elizabeth and could see the positive affect she had on their nephew.

All had been organised. Their trunks were packed to move to their new homes, new maids had been hired and were at Longbourn to help them get ready the following day.

Anne de Bourgh had taken up the offer to correspond via Charlotte and sent her best wishes for their wedding and future happiness.

In the last fortnight before the wedding they had been busy with preparations, spending time with their fiancés and spending any left over time with their sisters. Lizzy had accompanied Kitty up Oakham Mount in the mornings in her attempt to paint the scene, resulting in Kitty and Lizzy developing a closer bond.

There was a knock on the door and Jane called “come in.”

Kitty came in, holding something behind her back. “I wanted to give you your wedding presents.” She brought out a small framed picture for Lizzy. “Here's the painting of the view from Oakham Mount,” said Kitty shyly.

Lizzy took it. “It is beautiful. It looks just like the view. Thankyou so much for this Kitty. I'll hang it in my room to remind me of home.”

Next Kitty gave Jane a rolled up piece of paper. As Jane unrolled, Kitty continued. “That painting I painted of you and Lizzy sitting on the bench in the garden that Papa has claimed for himself...I had painted that for you, Jane. As Papa has now taken it, I thought the next best thing I can give you is the sketch I made that I based the painting off.”

Jane stared at the sketch and her eyes developed a gleam. “I love it, Kitty. I will absolutely treasure this. Thankyou.”
At this point there was another knock, and both Mary and Lydia entered, to all spend one final night together.

Epilogue

4 months after the wedding

Kitty sat in her father's study, attempting to sketch her father and Lydia playing chess together, when a maid came in and announced that there was mail for Kitty.

Kitty rose and went to collect it, delighted to find a letter from Georgiana.


Dear Kitty

I miss having you around so much. I have not had so much fun at Pemberley as when you were there and I cannot wait till next year when I come out and you get to spend the whole season with me.

How are things at Longbourn? Is your mother still talking about the wedding of the decade? Though I do admit, I think the wedding was absolutely perfect. I've never seen anyone as beautiful as your sisters on that day.

I’d like you to know that my brother loves the paintings you gifted him. He has hang your painting of Pemberley in his study right in front of his desk, right next to the painting you did of Lizzy reading in the parlour at Pemberley.

I've never stayed here at Darcy House with it being so very full. Besides William, Lizzy and myself, the Bingley’s and Mary are here. Lizzy’s friend Mrs Harriet Montfort, whom she met on her honeymoon in the Lakes, is also here.

Harriet’s story is truely tragic. It makes me so sad to think of it. The year she was supposed to come out, her father died so she spent the year in mourning. Then when she came out at eighteen, she married Mr Montfort. However, it wasn't long into the marriage that he started to become sick. She looked after him for four years as his health declined and he died. The poor woman, now twenty six, a widow and has spent three years in mourning.

Lizzy apparently struck up a friendship over their common interest in charity work; Mrs Montfort helps out at the orphanage. She’s stunningly beautiful as well. In fact there's a strong resemblance between her and your sister Jane. I think my cousin Richard is quite taken with her- he finds any excuse he can to come over and is disappointed when he does not find her here, even if his reason for coming was to visit me. It's quite amusing.

I'll get to the information that I know you are waiting for – the Matlock ball and Lizzy's presentation at court. The presentation was a great amount of fuss. Very elaborate dress and her best jewellery. To think I will have to go through all that next year! Lizzy says it was successful and overall, underwhelming.

Lizzy and Jane both looked stunning for the ball. I know you want the details of the dresses. Jane wrote a stunning blue gown with black lace overlay on the bodice, and a sapphire necklace. Lizzy wore an emerald green gown (no lace) with a ruby necklace. Even Mary (your aunt has done wonders with her wardrobe) looked wonderful, and I think I've gotten the best account of the ball from her. I wish I could have attended.
Mary says both her sisters danced every dance, and she says she danced most dances as well. The only upset, I believe, is when Jane’s nose started bleeding during a dance.

They must have had a great deal of fun last night – Lizzy and Jane are both feeling quite sick this morning. My brother and Mr Bingley are hovering over them quite worried.

I can't wait to hear from you.

Georgie


“Has Miss Darcy written to you? Has she written about the ball?” asked Mrs Bennet.

To satisfy her mother, Kitty read out the section on the ball. Mrs Bennet arose, excited and raced to her husband’s study, with Kitty trailing behind her in surprise. “Oh Mr Bennet Mr Bennet, what good news! We are to become grandparents.”

Kitty looked surprised. “How do you know that?”

“Oh Mr Bennet, do you remember how my nose would bleed when I was pregnant with Jane? And so very sick as well?”

“If your mother says your sisters are pregnant, then they are pregnant,” said Mr Bennet, though he wore a silly grin on his face for the remainder of his chess game with Lydia.


11 months after the wedding

Mr Bennet was handed the express which had just been received. He went to his study to read it peacefully. As expected, it came from Darcy.


Dear Mr Bennet

On the 18th of September, Master Bennet George Darcy was born. Both mother and child are healthy and well and the midwife said that there were no complications with the birth.

I must thank you for allowing Miss Catherine to attend Lizzy during this time. She has been a great comfort to Lizzy in keeping her spirits up. As you can imagine, Lizzy has been rather cross and out of sorts as she has not been able to wander as long or as far as she is want to do. Kitty has been a great comfort to us all, especially as we know that your wife has been busy attending Mrs Bingley after the birth of young Elizabeth.

Regards

Fitzwilliam Darcy


Mr Bennet sat back and smiled. He then rose and went to find his wife. “Mrs Bennet, the heir to Pemberley had been born.” He handed her the express.

Mrs Bennet fanned herself in happiness. “God had been so very good to us and the girls!”


12 months later

Mr Darcy sat in his study and opened the letter from Bingley.


D***y

Congratulations on the birth *blot* Ben***. We’re *blot* hear that mother and son *blot* well and the birth was uncomplicated.
Little Beth is growing well and sleeping *blot*. She is a true little angel *blot blot* mother.

Mrs Bennet is *blot blot* well- meaning advice *blot blot* constantly. *blot* considerate of Jane *blotblot* tired. Jane and I are thinking *blot* buying an estate further North. Jane would love to be closer to her sister and having the cousins grow *blot* together.

We’re both excited *blotblot* Colonel Fitzwilliam’s wedding next month to Mrs Harriet *blot blot* Lakes. *blot* excited *blot* meet little Bennet and to see you *blot* again. Jane, too, is keen to see her friend Harriet, who she grew so fond of earlier *blot* year. *blot* happy for the two of them.

Talking of weddings, Caroline is engaged to *blot* family friend of Mr Hurst, Mr Andrew Grady. He has finished mourning the death of his first wife, hence why we haven't seen much of him. I think *blot blot* lucky *blot* didn’t marry *blot*. I must say the two of them are well suited to each other. They both enjoy society and their attitudes *blot blot blot*. She is delighted that his estate is only 5 miles from Bath *blot blot* close to London. The wedding will be in London in *blot blot* on the 17th of *blot*.

*blot* will be happy to see you next month. We'll be arriving at Pemberley on the *blot*. *blot* looking forward to viewing suitable estates in Derbyshire and neighbouring surrounds.

Your sincerely

Charles Bingley

Elizabeth came in, walked behind the desk and put her arms around her husband’s shoulders, resting her chin on his head. “Do you know what Mr Bingley has written to you?”

“Mostly. Is little Ben asleep?”

“He tried hard fighting going to sleep, but I won in the end. What did you get out of the letter?”

“I think Bingley wants to buy an estate closer to us.”

“And further away from my mother? I take it Jane has finally had enough. There's that empty estate in Bakewell that's probably the right size for them.”

“I think Richard might have been considering purchasing it after his marriage to Mrs Montfort.”

“I thought even with her dowry and the money he had they still couldn't afford it.”

Mr Darcy tipped his head in a half nod. “You’re probably right. I think they can afford a smaller estate, about the size of your father's.”

“Where are they going to live after the wedding? Is Richard going to retire from the army?”

“I know his parents want him to, however, I think deep down, he enjoys the army too much. I think he will continue on for a few more years before retiring to an estate. I think he'll use the excuse of not finding the right property as an excuse to stay in the army.”

“Where will they live?”

“I think with his parents for the time being,” replied Mr Darcy.

“I am so happy for her that she gets this second chance to be happy and to have children.” Elizabeth walked over to the window. “Talking about second chances, will Lady Catherine be at the wedding?”

Mr Darcy nodded his head. “Why do you ask?”

“Now that we have an heir for Pemberley, and that Richard is the recalcitrant nephew for not marrying Anne, is now the right time to attempt to extend an olive branch to Lady Catherine?”

“Richard did ask Anne to marry him, as the Rosings’ estate was exactly the kind of estate that would suit him. But Anne is determined not to marry and she knows Richard wants children. Of course this was all kept quiet else our Aunt would have declared it a match regardless of her daughter's wishes. But yes, we could try now and see if she is willing to make amends.”


15 months later


Dear Kitty

It sounds like you are having a grand old time in London. Do try to remember your little sister whilst you are at all those balls and dinners, dancing with Lord such-and-such. I find it odd that Mary wants to stay with Aunt and Uncle Gardiner rather than staying with Lizzy at Darcy House.

Mama is still put out with Jane for moving to Bakewell. Even though the Gardiner’s good friends have now purchased Netherfield, as the son of the owner is only ten, she sees it as a complete waste, not that it worries me one hoot. I try to remind her that the new owner’s single brother and cousin visit them regularly, but she’s not interested in them in the least. Though the Green’s younger brother is clearly making a move on Maria. He's always sitting with her or following her around.

Lizzy is mother's favourite daughter, especially as she is now the ‘grandmother to the heir of Pemberley’. I have seen Mrs Long roll her eyes at the mention of young Bennet. I'm mighty impressed that Lady Lucas has yet to roll her eyes whilst I've been watching, but then she talks about little Lucas Collins just as much as Mama mentions Ben.

Do tell Lizzy I have finally beat Papa at chess. I'm waiting to have a game with her next time we meet.

With love

Lydia Bennet



17 months later


Dear Lydia

I have never had so much fun. Georgiana and I must now have seen every opera and Shakespeare play currently showing in London. We've been to the museum and gallery and have visited Matlock house to dine with the Earl and Countess more times than I can possibly count.

I'm glad that Lizzy had told us there’s no rush to get married and that we should both enjoy our time being single. I look at Lizzy, married for barely a year and she does not look like she is having fun. She's tired all the time, I in fact caught her yawning at the Shakespeare play “A Mid-Summer Nights Dream” the other night. The other day she had been trying to feed Ben and he was having far too much fun spitting his food out over her. Then when she went to pick him up, he vomited all over her hair. Ten minutes later she’s changed and the maid got most of her hair clean and she’s smiling at some surprise guest that has shown up.
She’s busy running the house, or with Ben or smiling after guests. I know she’s trying her hardest at making sure Georgiana makes the most of her debut year, yet, I think she’d much rather be at Pemberley. I'm going to enjoy being unmarried and get the most out of visiting London. And though it is fun to cuddle Ben, I'm not remotely ready to have my own.

I've been busy painting a painting of Georgiana in her gown she wore for her coming out ball. This is by far and away my largest painting yet and I think my best.

We had Lady Catherine show up, Mr Collins’ patroness. What a rude, pompous, old woman! She came into the house and insulted all the changes Elizabeth has made. I do not know how Lizzy sat there with a smile on her face. Mr Darcy had a stony look on his face. It was the same kind of look he had all the time in Meryton.

I believe Mary went to stay with the Gardiners as she likes one of their friends, a young Dr Andrew Johnson. I've even seen Mary reading through the anatomy and medical books in the library here. When we are at dinner with the Gardiner’s she'll spend all night talking with him if he's there. I expect there will be an announcement soon.

Colonel Richard has a staff Officer, Major Rothwell. He has become a pleasant constant in our company as he always accompanies Colonel Fitzwilliam wherever he goes, which is quite often to the Darcy’s, or we see him at the Matlock’s. He certainly livens up the company with his army anecdotes.

You would have loved the Matlock ball and we’re busy preparing for the Darcy ball on Friday. I've never had such nice dresses, or enjoyed my dances nearly so much. I danced....


Lydia skimmed the rest of the letter, bored of the references to all the dull people that Kitty or Georgiana had danced with or what people had worn. She was trying to work out what would be the most profitable crop to plant in the spring in Longbourn’s fields.

She wandered to her father’s study and stopped as she could see a maid had just entered before she got there. “Sir, there's a Dr Andrew Johnson to see you.”


3 Years later



Dear Kitty

It is so nice to be home again. Our honeymoon to Italy was just magical. The art, the museums, the music, it was all beyond anything I've enjoyed before. The food was magnificent! I've become addicted to their pizza, which is a dough that they put sauce and herbs on. So simple yet so delicious. James and I both agree it was our favourite. I'll be sure to have our cook make that.

You must come and visit me at Hillgrove Hall, perhaps on your way home from Christmas with the Bingleys. I absolutely insist or this Baroness will be most put out! How strange to now be a Baroness.

James has been wonderful showing me his estate around the castle and his staff are very competent. It's daunting managing the accounts and staff for such a place. I’m so glad that Lizzy took me through Pemberley’s accounts and we got to practice whilst Lizzy was pregnant.

Talking about Lizzy, have you heard she’s pregnant again? I hope I get a niece this time. I heard that Mrs Bingley has had a son. Everyone is getting married and having children! Harriet and Richard are expecting as well. And then when we go to London for the season there is Miss Emma Hargrave’s wedding. The painting you did of her in her debut dress was wonderful.

Talking of portraits, my brother was rather put out that I took my painting with me. It's now hanging in the hall at Hillgrove but I think I'll put it in the London house.

How is your sister Mary settling into her new home in London as Mrs Johnson? It is such an adjustment. This will be the first time I do not have Christmas with William. We will be having Christmas with my husband’s sister and her family.

When will we see you engaged to young Major Rothwell? I saw the two of you at my wedding and over the last season in London. The two of you were always together. I hope to hear of an engagement soon.

How strange to sign off with my new name. I suppose I'll get used to it at some stage and sign off with the same amount of pomp as my Aunt Catherine.

Yours sincerely

Lady Georgiana Hamilton



4 years later


Dear Lizzy

It is good to be home again. Thank you so much for having me at Pemberley for so long. Little Thomas is such a sweet little baby, and Bennet appeared to do all in his power to be a good older brother.

With all of us sister’s flitting around the country staying with either the Gardiner’s or with yourself or Jane, our household costs have certainly come down. Along with the changes I've made on the estate, I believe we'll see a 20% increase in estate revenue.

Kitty will certainly need all increases in Longbourn’s profits to marry her Major. He'll need to save his money to purchase his commission for Colonel. Kitty and I have gone over their budget with what the major earns and her dowry and it is a tight living. I know the aim is to purchase a small estate, but they are short many thousands of pounds, and it will realistically take them a good decade to afford any form of estate. However, they can do it, so I think they should be able to marry in the spring, after this next season.

Everyone raves about Kitty’s paintings. I've decided I can do just as well and I’ve taken up painting to see what the fuss is all about. I will acknowledge she is much better at portraits than I. Any drawing I do of people is terrible, especially their faces. I don't know how she is able to get them looking so real and lifelike. I will stick to painting flowers and plants.

I know you'll be coming late to the season this year. I look forward to our trip to London and staying with the Gardiners. It is always such fun to terrorise his young clerks by walking behind them and pointing out their book keeping errors. It's even more fun when they try and flirt with me first before I do so. But Uncle Gardiner says I'm not to distract his staff in such a way any more and that I make them nervous. He’s no fun at all!

I also look forward to beating you at chess.

Your sincerely

Lydia Bennet



6 years later


Dear Lizzy

I have wonderful news to share. I’m now engaged to Robert Bracks, the young biologist we met at that dinner you hosted in London last season.

I am very grateful to our Aunt Madelein for all the trips to Hyde Park where I met with Robert and helped him draw the flowers for his research papers. You are probably unaware, but after our meeting at your dinner I stumbled on him in Hyde Park where he was making a complete mess of his attempts to draw the flowers and plants for his paper. His drawings are worse than Mr Bingley’s letters! Smudge marks with no sense of proportion. So I agreed to help him with his drawing, and we've been working together like that since. Aunt Madelein would kindly escort me to the park or Robert would drop off samples at the Gardiner residence for me to sketch.

Then, last week he comes to me all distressed to tell me he's been offered a position in South America and he’s distressed about leaving me behind. So I say he could marry me, then I could go with him. Men are such complete dolts! It had not remotely occurred to him that that was the solution, thought it a great idea and thought we were engaged! I had to tell him we weren't engaged until he asked me, so he immediately asks me, so I refuse! Such a look of shock on his face. I say to him ‘You can't do a terrible proposal like that with no thought and expect me to accept. Go away, put some proper thought and effort like you mean it, and then I will think about it.’

So he goes and visits father to seek permission, asks to meet me in Hyde Park near the Rose gardens at sunset. He gets down on one knee, brings out a ring and asks me if I’d do him the honour of becoming his wife and travel the world looking for adventure with him. It was beautiful and romantic and of course I said yes! We've been the best of friends and I can think of no other man better than him. I'm so ecstatically happy!

I remember you saying that one day I would meet the man who complements me, and you were right. We met and became friends as I could draw and help him with his work as he was terrible. He is calm and quiet and can calm me down when I am cross. Not to mention he is the most handsome man to ever walk this earth. He has an exciting occupation that allows me to travel with him instead of being stuck on a dull estate. I'm sorry to say so but it is true. You and Mr Darcy are both exceedingly dull.

I expect to see you at our wedding in two months time at Longbourn. We'll be leaving the week after for South America – our wedding trip will be on a ship! I'm so excited.

Oh, by the way, Robert and I have long shared everything. He’s spoken about the man who manages the money he inherited from his mother and from what I can gather, I believe this man to not be honest. I think he may be stealing from Robert. I'll soon get to look through the books to determine the truth for myself, but I suspect I won't be believed. Can Mr Darcy perhaps recommend a good auditor that he knows of in either London or Oxford? Oxford will be our permanent home when we get back from South America.

From your loving and happy sister

Lydia Bennet



7 years later



Dear Kitty

I've arrived in Rio de Janeiro safe and well, though delighted to be off the ship. I think I may have been pregnant, but in truth, who could tell between the sea sickness. I am relieved to have not had a child during the voyage as I've no idea how I would have looked after it.

Robert and I will be off to Sao Paulo tomorrow for him to start his research work. Sao Paulo will be our home between each expedition. How exciting that we will be exploring into the jungle. Robert says there are bound to be hundreds of new species of plants and animals, and he has promised to name the first flower he finds after me! I must admit I am excited to draw them all. My pictures will get published in the scientific papers. Ha, who would have thought that a decade ago? I certainly never would have thought that I'd ever leave England.

Do not despair, we will only be away three years. Feel free to use one of our apartments, especially if you are in Oxford. I've told our lawyer they are to give you and the Colonel free rent if you wish to stay there.

Robert is absolutely perfect for me. He is completely absorbed by his biology and work that I have complete free reign to organise the finances. At any rate, this is a grand new adventure. My only sorrow is that I don't have you to share it with.

Lydia Bracks



12 years later


Dear Fitzwilliam

I've written to announce my impending marriage to Mr Clark. I know you are surprised but stop! I know what I am about. I know he is our old butler and I was the one to propose to him.

After Mama’s death two years back, I've been getting in touch with my be Bourgh cousins to work out who will be my heir, as Mama had worked hard to cut off any communication between myself and my cousins. My father had two brothers and a sister. The elder of the two brothers went into the law as did both of his two sons. His eldest boy would naturally be my heir, however, on meeting them, I simply don’t like either of them. My Aunt, and her son and daughters were also haughty and tried hard to convince me that they would make much better heirs. I don't like them either.

My youngest uncle went into the church and he is a warm and caring person. He has seven children, the eldest of which is now also in the church. His wife died in childbirth, leaving him alone to raise the children, but it is a tough life with seven mouths to feed.

I've decided that I wish to make the youngest two my heirs, their ages being fifteen and twelve, but my lawyer says that my lawyer cousins may dispute it after my death. He had said the best way to ensure no contest was to adopt them, which requires me to marry. I am marrying the retired Rosings’ butler, who has always been loyal to us and worked faithfully for us. It is a win-win situation. His future is secured in comfort for the remainder of his life, and I adopt my cousins. I do not care about the Ton or what they have to say.

Please pass on to Lizzy that the Collins’ are doing well. Their two children are polite, sensible and considerate children, but that is to be expected with Charlotte as their mother. Little Anna Marie Collins is a true little angel, always kind to everyone. Just the other day she picked up an injured bird and insisted on nursing it back to health.

Tell Mrs Bracks if you see her before her departure to Van Diemen’s land that I loved her book on her adventures in South America. I can understand why it was a best seller amongst the Ton. It is a pity I didn't make it to one of your wife’s parties to meet her sister in person, though Mr Collins, I hear, did not approve of her adventures.

Give your four darling children a hug for me. In particular, give little Richard a pinch on the cheek. That is for the broken vase I found hidden under his bed when he last stayed with us.

Your faithful cousin

Anne de Bourgh



25 years later

Sir and Lady Darcy entered their London house, pulling off their outer ware, along with their three youngest children. A maid led them into the parlour for some refreshments, before they got changed from their travel clothes. The Bingley’s with three of their five children soon followed.

“I'm glad to be home again,” announced Jane Madeleine Darcy. At eighteen years of age, she should have been in the midst of enjoying her second season. Instead, she was in mourning clothes after attending the funeral of their grandfather, Mr Bennet.

Bennet, his grandfather’s namesake, had been given the management of the Scotland estate, and had departed Longbourn to return to Scotland.

Thomas Darcy, so much like his father, stood by the window looking out. “How long will you stay in London? There's not much point in remaining here when you cannot enjoy the amusements.”

“Bingley and I were made the executors of Mr Bennet’s will, so we must ensure the estate is settled properly before returning North. I've other business to attend to as well. I hope for it to be done within a month.”

Thomas nodded, then looked at his youngest brother Richard, and the younger Bingley boy, Frederick. “When do you two return to Eton?”

“Semester break. We've got two weeks off,” replied Richard.

“When do you return to work?” asked Mrs Bingley.

Thomas, instead of following the usual second son occupations of law, armed forces or the church had decided to pursue journalism, and now worked as a beginner reporter for the Times. “I return Monday.”

Richard Fitzwilliam, who alternated between staying at his brother's townhouse and Darcy’s when in London, entered then.
“It is good to see you all back. Lady Darcy, Mrs Bingley, I'm very sorry for your loss.”

“Thankyou Richard,” replied Elizabeth.
The Bingleys and the Darcy siblings rose and excused themselves to change, leaving just Sir and Lady Darcy with Richard.

“How is my young Major and your sister Catherine? Is their removal from Longbourn to their new estate settled?” asked Richard.

Catherine had married Major Rothwell, and for the first several years they had rented cheap accommodation or lived with family. The Major was promoted and their situation improved, though Kitty lived as cheaply as she could so they could save up for an estate. That became more difficult to achieve after the birth of three children, two boys and one daughter. However, when Mrs Bennet died, it was decided that Kitty and the children would move back to Longbourn so that Kitty could help her elderly father manage the estate. That helped to save enough money to be able to purchase their own small estate, which they had done the previous year. They had put Bingley’s eldest boy in charge so that he could get experience in managing a small estate.

“They’ve got a month to pack. Lydia, Jane, Mary and I will return after the will reading to sort through my father’s affects and work out what remains with the estate and what is divided out amongst us.”

“When do the Collins’ move in?”

“In two months. Mr de Bourgh has insisted they cannot leave until he has found a replacement for the living. I also don't believe Charlotte feels any hurry to leave her daughter.” Mr de Bourgh inherited Rosings three years earlier when Anne de Bourgh died. As he had no interest in fashion and cared not for the Ton, there was no surprise when he married his lifelong friend, Anna Collins, the previous year.

“What of your sister, Mrs Bracks? Is she staying in the country or is she on any further overseas adventures?”

Elizabeth laughed. “No, Lydia is staying home. Her time gallivanting around the world is over. She’s focused on raising her four children now.” Lydia, after three years in South America where her eldest was born, had stayed in England for two years, enough time for a second child to be born. But she and her husband had got the travel bug and found England dull compared to exploring new lands. They then went to spend four years in Van Diemen’s Land with a one year stint in South Africa. Two further children had been born to Lydia in this time.

“I have some news of an old acquaintance,” announced Richard, pulling out a letter. “Darcy, do you remember Lumley?”

“Yes, I remember we used to play with him whenever we visited Matlock.”

“He was given a senior post in the colony of Victoria. He wrote me a letter after running into our old friend Wickham when visiting Sydney for work.”

Sir Darcy raised an eyebrow. “How is Wickham? Drunk and bankrupt in a gutter?”

“The opposite in fact. Read the letter.” Elizabeth came to read the letter over her husband’s shoulder.


Dear Richard

How are you and Harriet and the children doing? Is your second son following you into an army career?

My post here keeps me busy but the weather here is crazy, especially in summer. One minute boiling hot, the next blows in a frosty rain and is then raining for the next several days with a frosty wind, then back to steaming hot.

I've recently had to travel to Sydney to visit the Governor of New South Wales. Whilst there I was invited to the races at Hyde Park which is the central Sydney Park. Whilst there, I could hear a familiar voice. I turn around to see who it is when I spot a man, dressed in a fine coat and top hat in amongst many other finely dressed men, with an exceptionally attractive woman in her early forties on his arm.

I approach George Wickham who at this stage is celebrating with his friends as his racehorse had won. He hails me, introduces me to his wife Rebecca, his two brother-in-laws, and two of the sons of John Macarthur.


Darcy put down the letter. “Where have I heard the name Macarthur.”

“Yes, it sounds very familiar,” agreed Elizabeth.

“You are wearing the wool from his sheep right now. He produced the world’s finest merino wool. Owned thousands upon thousands of acres of land in New South Wales. And he was here in London for a number of years after that fiasco with Bligh,” answered Richard.

They both nodded and continued to read.


It appears he had won his winning racehorse in a game of cards with Macarthur’s sons, and that they regularly exchanged horses in this manner. Mr Wickham owns a number of racehorses, several of which were racing that day. Mr Wickham invited me to lunch during the week.

It was with great anticipation that I caught up with Mr Wickham. I asked how he came to be here, as I had heard he had been sentenced to deportation. Mr Wickham had just laughed.

‘Coming to Australia was the best thing that ever happened to me. On completing my sentence, one of the local farmers, ex-convicts from the first fleet, employed me as a tutor for his son. University educated men, or even men who can read, outside of those in the military, are in short supply. I was paid handsomely to teach his children, and particularly the boys on how to be gentlemen.’

I asked him if he was still running up debts by gambling. He laughed. ‘I'm in a country full of convicts. By default credit is not extended unless you've proven yourself. They certainly don't extend it to an ex-convict. So if I could not produce the money upfront, I didn't get what I wanted. A very effective way of not running up debts.’

I asked him if he was still womanising, and he pointed to a faded burn scar across his cheek. ‘In the early days I had tried to entertain a certain young lady until her father and brothers found out about it. They were ex-convicts and they had no problem treating me in an ungentlemanly like way. What was said the next day was that I had gotten drunk and fell into a fire, but everyone in Sydney knew the truth. The women here were then warned enough to stay away.’

I then asked him how he had convinced his wife to marry him. Yet again, he laughed. ‘Ha, I had no say in the matter. Dear Rebecca had already chosen me as her future husband before I even knew her name. I had been introduced to her a few times, but the first time she truely came to my notice was during a party we'd both been invited to with all the prominent Sydney families. I remember her coming up to me and asking ‘who do you think is the most powerful person in this room?’ I, of course, dutifully point to the Governor. She merely laughed. ‘Look to the man on your left.’ I saw a man I’d not met before, sitting at a table, essentially holding court, surrounded by others. ‘That is John Macarthur, largest landholder, courtesy of him being friends with some English lord. He mutinied against a Governor, throws him in prison and yet here he sits, alive, richer than ever, newly returned from London. Make no mistake, he is the most powerful man in New South Wales. He is setting his family up as the nobility here, with himself as King.’

She had asked Mr Wickham outright. ‘How ambitious are you, Mr Wickham? Do you wish to be a tutor of rich men’s children, or do you wish to be a rich man?’ Mr Wickham said he'd never been so bewitched with a woman before.

Mr Wickham said she’d approached him a week later with a deal. ‘I will permit you to marry me provided you work for my brother. Once you’ve made ten thousand pounds in sales, or can sell five thousand pounds and secure five merino sheep for my brother, we can marry.’

Mr Wickham said he'd laughed and straight out asked why she was interested in him at all when she could marry many other richer men, especially with her ten thousand pound dowry. She had said she had multiple reasons. First that she had seen his potential as a natural salesman, especially as her own brother was useless at it. Her other reason was that she believed Mr Wickham to be smart and ambitious enough to give her control over her money. She did not believe the other options in the colony would give her that freedom. He said his wife was a genius with money. She intuitively knew what were growth markets, which businesses would succeed and others fail.

I asked him how long it took him to meet his end of the bargain. ‘One year’ said he. Apparently his wife had been right, and he was a natural in sales. He became a partner in her brother's business and within a year it had tripled in size. He said it was hilarious when he went to propose. ‘I knocked on her brother’s door at his sheep station. Rebecca came out and was surprised to find me in the middle of 10 merino sheep, seven ewes and three rams. From the middle of the flock I asked her to marry me. She, with her mouth agape asked how I'd got the sheep. I told her I'd won them in a card game with Edward Macarthur. She asked what on earth I'd used as collateral, and I told her I'd used her brother’s sheep station. She was furious and told me she would kill me and anyone else involved if I ever gambled her brother's sheep station again. At any rate, we married.’

I told him I never thought to see him settle down. I asked if his eye wandered at all and he said he wouldn’t dare else his wife would kill him. ‘And that is no idle threat,’ said he. ‘When she was pregnant with our first child, I had thought to take advantage of our servant girl and I had thought Rebecca hadn't noticed it. Then one time, as I was talking with the girl, she walks past, carrying her rifle muttering ‘damn kangaroos’. She marched to the patio, lined up her rifle, made enough noise to get the roos hopping off, and from 200 yards, shoots one down straight through the head. I knew that had been purely for my benefit, and would be the only warning I’d ever get. I asked her brothers about her shooting skill, and they said it was the one sport that she outshone her brothers. As her elder brother said, ‘her rifle is guided by the devil himself’. I am not fool enough to cross her.’

I then asked if he missed England and wished to return. That was answered by a simple ‘why, everything that matters to me is here. I have an estate at Rose Hill, racehorses, a beautiful wife and family. I have a controlling interest in some 10 percent of Sydney’s businesses. I return to England and I have nothing and am nothing. No, I do not want to return to England.’

I then asked him about his children and the response was one of the funniest I heard for many a year. I'm certain you'll find it appropriate. ‘I have been both cursed and blessed with five children. All daughters. I hope that they do not turn out to be like either their father or mother. I absolutely fear them turning out like me. At least their mother has the rifle ready.’

At this, both Elizabeth and Sir Darcy started to laugh, starting as a small chuckle and building to a belly shaking laugh. After many minutes, Elizabeth wiped a tear from her eye. “Thank you Richard. I have not laughed like that since I heard about my father’s illness.”

Sir Darcy, wiping the tear from his eye, “what a fitting punishment for his womanising. Now he needs to consistently be on the lookout for men like him, and hope his daughters don't have his lack of discipline or have the same taste for risk as himself.”

“I thought you would enjoy that,” said Richard, then glancing at his watch, “oh no, I'm late to meet the lawyers. I’ll be back in a few hours.”

They watched him leave. “It makes sense that working in sales was where his natural talents always lay. His ease and charm with people; he never had an issue convincing people to do as he bid. Who would have thought that all it took was a good woman to control Wickham and to see his potential?” said Darcy.

“I'm not sure she’s a ‘good’ woman. Strong and crafty, clever, yes, but a ‘good’ woman would never try to control anyone in that way. Let's say she is the ‘right’ woman for Wickham.”

“He never had to strive or earn the affections of a woman before. I think that was a genius move. For the first time he had to work to gain what he sought. I must admit I had some guilt when I had him tried. I'm glad he has found success and happiness in the colonies.”

They were silent whilst they contemplated this. Sir Darcy asked Elizabeth “how will Lydia feel about this?”

“I doubt she will feel anything at all; so much time has passed since the events in Brighton.” Elizabeth tapped her chin as she thought. “If the events in Brighton hadn't occurred, Lydia would never have sought to improve herself. Had she run off with Wickham, she and all of us would have been ruined. Had Wickham acted the gentleman, Lydia would have returned unaffected and unchanged from the trip and would have learnt nothing. She needed to have her heart broken to understand her insignificance to be able to improve her mind and to actually become someone who has done some significant things. She took control of Longbourn’s finances and mama’s spending, hence why on mama’s death we each inherited two thousand instead of one thousand pounds. That extra thousand allowed the Rothwell’s to purchase their estate. She increased yields at Longbourn and reduced waste. Lydia travelled the world, wrote two best selling books about her travels, and had her drawings of new plants published in scientific papers. Her husband named a South American flower after her. Just as our work on education got you knighted, her husband's work on biology will see him knighted and her becoming a lady. I think she has made a significant contribution. Papa was proud of her.”


The end