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Volume II

Chapter 9

"Hope is the power of being cheerful in circumstances which we know to be desperate." ~ G.K. Chesterton

Major Bentley had not been as kindly affectionate as the Colonel was being; and though she was not likely to be obsessed with the Colonel , Anne had to admit it was..... nice being around him.

He did not monopolise her, but the members of his club were well aware that they would tread on dangerous ground if they got too close to Anne. He was not blatant in his protection of her, but definitely instinctive.

Colonel Fitzwilliam had not breathed a word to Anne about the state of his heart, and she remained unaware of any notions he might have. All she knew was that he made a lovely companion, whom at times she preferred to any other.

This went on, and the Colonel's company gradually changed for Anne. It was no longer just nice, but, well, something she regarded as delightful as it was necessary. She began forgetting Major Bentley in the process. Relations between them had not been so amicable after the aborted incident in the park, which Anne refused to mention to anyone. She began to become eager to walk and talk with the Colonel, keen just to be with him. And then he was called up to the North to collect some much needed requirements, armaments and such, for his regiment, and would be gone for a week at the very least.

And it was in that long, tedious, tiresome, vexing, boring, lengthy, terrible, everlasting, dull, monotonous, drab, dreary, desolate, banal, pointless, insipid week that Anne, listless and impatient, realised just how highly she regarded the Colonel's presence.
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She liked him a lot.
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A very lot
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Quite a very lot when she thought about it.
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Exceedingly.
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Extremely.
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LOTS.
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She... really... did.
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liked...
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adored...
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wanted to be with...
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when was he coming back? It was insufferable that she should be forced away from him for a whole........
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Seven days! Hmm.... it wasn't that long really.....
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But it felt like years...
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and years.
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Decades...
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longer than it took to build St. Paul's...
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When would he COME?
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It wasn't fair!
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Didn't he know his ..... sister... yeah, sister... was missing him terribly?
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truly she was!..
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okay, so she wasn't.
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But she, Anne de Bourgh, was missing him...
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Badly.
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Badly, as in she was so distracted that the slightest movement outside made her jump about anxiously, hoping he had returned early.

But he did not. In fact, by the eighth day Anne would have like to box his hears soundly for tormenting her, and causing her to eat little, while she fretted about him.

What if he was ill? Or what about an accident? Was that why he wasn't back yet? Anne could not feel at ease while he was gone.

Then, Anne began to wonder for the first time, just why she was so distracted, anxious, fretful....... lonely?

It was because.....

It was because.....

Uh.. because .....

Actually, she had no idea. Why then should, and did, it matter to her?

It was not because....

...that was absurd....

...ridiculous...

...stupid...

...unbelievable...

It was.... It was the truth! It must have been! Why did she not realise earlier?

Anne gasped, and on her face was the semblance of a wicked grin.

Whatever would Lady Catherine say when she found her only child was in love with an officer? And Colonel Fitzwilliam to be precise. Anne could not be sure she would want to know what her mother's response would be.

But frankly, Miss Anne de Bourgh did not give a damn. Her mother would just have to get over it, and tough if she didn't. There remained but a slight problem. Of the Colonel's feelings Anne was completely unaware. She could not tell him - the threat of unrequited love was too severe a drawback. What would she do?
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Why did he not come back?

Chapter 10

"All the privilege I claim for my own sex . . . is that of loving longest, when existence or when hope is gone." ~ Jane Austen, Persuasion, Ch. 23

He was home.

And that was all that mattered.

Why had she never realised before how much he meant to her? Why was she so blind to the matters of her heart? She knew what she wanted, but how on earth could she possibly get it?

How handsome he was! How strong, courageous, manly, kind, wonderful, darling he was! And so unobtainable.

If only.....

But who in his right mind could wish to marry a girl with a mother such as Lady Catherine?

It was a daunting recollection, but Anne tried valiantly to place it into the farthest recesses of her mind, focusing instead on welcoming the Colonel back, and attempting to show and feel less than she did.

Christy was no fool, and was reasonably well aware of Anne's feelings. But Georgiana.... how would she respond? Fate, who treated her so cruelly when it came to her heart, was building up once more, towards an occasion which would bring pleasure, satisfaction, relief, happiness and joy to others. To Miss Georgiana Darcy it would bring devastation.

The Colonel was glad to be back, and glad that his Anne was looking so exceedingly well. Taking her away from her mother had done wonders, he thought. She had never looked so pretty. He hated to admit it, but he was disarmed by her appearance. He was very afraid that soon he could go no longer, and would have to tell her of his feelings. But how would she respond?

Almost undoubtedly with shock. And then his entire life would be turned upside down, and he would never be the same. He would have to try and forget her - however impossible it might seem.

Anne, what do I do? Should I take the easy way out? But... what if I did let you go..... I can't....

I cannot do it.

Anne, I'm yours.

Anne's thoughts were centred on a song. A song that kept ringing in her mind.

Sounds right.

I do try....

Which is so very much the truth.

Richard - what should I do? Can I take the easy way out? But.. what if I let you go?

Unthinkable. I cannot do it.

Richard, I'm yours.

*If I let you go - Westlife

"Anne! I..er... would you like to ...uh.. come for a walk with me? Christy wants me to procure another scandalous novel for her. Will you come?" Colonel Fitzwilliam had never heard himself so close to pleading. Added to that, he was tongue-tied. It was a sorry state of affairs.

"I would love to." Anne smiled shyly.

Christy grinned irrepressibly, but hid her smile behind her embroidery. She needn't have bothered, the two were impervious to her existence. It was probably just as well Georgiana was in the music room.

"You are very kind to invite me, you know." Anne said chattily "For I've been out of sorts lately, and not done much walking."

"Out of sorts? My dea... uh.. Anne, what is wrong?"

"Oh! Nothing is the matter now." Fairly much.

"I hope you are not lying to me. It would hurt me above all things."

"I would never hurt you Richard!"

"Would you not?" he asked wryly.

"No!" she exclaimed quickly.

"I hope you would not. Anne, my dea... uh.. there is something I must ask you."

"What is it?" Anne asked breathlessly.

"About Major Lord Bentley." Richard's tone was quiet, and rather unlike himself.

"Major Bentley??" Anne repeated, confused.

"Did.. do you... love him?" Richard had turned to face her, and he was blatantly anxious and worried.

"Do I love him! Of all the addlebrained... No, of course I do not love him! The scoundrel! I might have thought I loved him once, but I certainly do not now. the man I love..." Anne's eyes widened as she realised what she had said and gasped. Oh no! What have I done?

"Who is this most fortunate gentleman, Anne?" the Colonel asked, his face filled with a definite, increasing pain.

"He is... I... oh!... Good Lord!...what.... oh Richard!" Anne turned and ran away, tears running down her cheeks, not seeing where she was headed.

Chapter 11

Author's Note: There's a Heyer quote in here which I've adapted. I know Shem can find it, but see if you can spot it. It's from "The Convenient Marriage"

Confessions

"After rain comes sunshine; after darkness comes the glorious dawn. There is no sorrow without its alloy of joy; there is no joy without its admixture of sorrow. Behind the ugly terrible mask of Misfortune lies the beautiful soothing countenance of Prosperity. So, tear the mask. ~ Obafemi Awolowo

"Anne!" cried the Colonel, worried for more reasons than he cared to admit. He dashed after Anne, heedless of everything but her, and picked her up from her watery location. She had only been in the water for a few moments, but it was freezing in temperature, and she was drenched. She shivered, and he swept her up into his arms, carrying her home.

Anne felt like she was in a dream. The only cause for complaint she had was that her teeth were chattering. However, if it meant the Colonel would pick her up, she should do it more often. She only hoped she did not catch cold.

Leah, Anne's abigail, was quick to prepare a hot bath. She informed the Colonel that Lady Christabel and Miss Darcy had gone to pay morning calls. Richard thought it strange : hadn't Christy told him she was not intending to leave the house that day? It could not be helped, and he moped in the library until Anne was finished with her bath.

He had been gladdened to hear she held no love for Major Lord Bentley. He had regarded the Major with jealousy, distrust and suspicion previously, but now he was not jealous of the Major.

No, he was jealous of whomever it was that had stolen Anne's heart. If the man put one foot out of line, Richard would be terribly tempted to call him out. He had not thought there was another man, and had therefore been shocked at Anne's confession. Who was he?

The Colonel paced about the room incessantly, only stopping for moments when he was particularly overcome. He was curious, he was disappointed, dash it, he was upset! She would never be his. She would be the other man's

"R....Richard..... thank you for bringing me back." said someone who to the Colonel was like an apparition. Why was it that, the more unreachable he felt Anne to be, the more beautiful she became?

His eyes told her it had been no problem, and she was lost for words to continue with. It was as though she was tongue-tied. "Anne... my dear Anne, can you not tell me who it is that you love? You have admitted that there is such a person - who is he?"

Do I tell him? Should I give myself away? Anne was torn with indecision - would it really be that bad if he knew? Anne looked up into his clear, blue eyes, and saw them filled with.... a queer look, one that she had never seen before. It was a look that made him more handsome and trustworthy than ever. She knew what she would say, and smiled shyly up at him.

"Richard... the man I love... is... you"

"Me??" he gasped, and was silent for a few moments.

Anne began to worry. She'd made a mistake telling him. She knew it.

Then the Colonel's lips began to smile. He looked stunned, amazed and surprised, but overall, he was thrilled!

"Anne! My dear, dear Anne! Is that the truth?"

"It is." Anne said, wishing and hoping he would not scorn her. Somehow it didn't look like he would... He looked rather pleased.

"Anne!" the Colonel said again. He strode over to her, and swept her off her feet. "My dear Anne!"

Anne found herself being ruthlessly kissed, in such a way as crushed all the breath out of her body. All she could think to say was "Oh! I n-never knew you could kiss like that Richard!"

"I never have before" the Colonel admitted.

"Do it again!"

So he did.

"R-Richard.... what if someone were to come in and see us?"

Almost immediately the two became three as Christy came in. Anne blushed furiously, the Colonel only a little less. Christy took one look at them and declared she'd come into the wrong room, and as quickly as she had arrived, left.

"Uh.. perhaps we should..."

"Wait a minute, I've not finished. Shall we go for.. a walk, maybe, or lock this door to prevent an interruption? Your choice?"

"Oooh! the door! Lock the door!"

So he did.

Anne was in euphoria - she thought she had never felt so content as she did now. And it was all because of him.

"I ..we... you... uh... Anne?" How sweet the Colonel was when he was anxious or overwhelmed.

"Uh.. Richard?" Anne replied laughingly.

"I had no idea it could be so difficult!"

"What could?"

"Proposing to you Anne! I am so unsure - would you really want me marry me - a soldier?"

"Richard, do be quiet, I beg you."

Richard looked pained.

"It's nothing like that! But I want to propose to you. I hope you are aware I will not brook any refusal! Richard Anthony Fitzwilliam, will you be so obliging and accepting as to marry me?"

"Obliging? How coarse that sounds!"

"You're not answering me!" Anne said, upset.

"My darling, of course I shall marry you, you goose!"

"Now that's hardly nice."

"But I meant it in quite the nicest way."

"But I'm glad I shan't have to resort to horrendous begging measures to get you to marry me."

"Did you expect to?"

"Well, I didn't expect that you actually wanted to marry me."

"May I say the same with respects to your marrying me?"

"I believe you just did." Anne said dryly.

The engagement of Colonel Fitzwilliam to Miss de Bourgh was welcomed by his parents. Having disowned her sister's family after the pollution of the family shades, Lady Catherine really did not wish to lose all her Fitzwilliam relations by breaking ties with her brother and his family. So she eventually gave her consent after showing what she considered the properest time of reluctance.

For much of the Polite World, the news provided a few minutes of gossip at the dinner tables or gathering places. The gentlemen missed Miss de Bourgh's company, and some would now have to start courting another woman all over again.

The ladies all bemoaned the fact that the Crown Bachelor of them All, the most esteemed Honourable Colonel Studmuffin was to be married. After many swoons and London's entire supplies of smelling salts being bought within a day of the announcement, the ladies had to adjust to the horrific news, though some hoped Something would happen to prevent the marriage.

The reactions in Park Lane summed up most people's feelings regarding the betrothal. There was pleasure, and there was devastation. The latter was the thoughts of Miss Darcy. To know the Colonel was in love with Anne was one thing, but to know the feeling was reciprocated to such an extent that they were to marry was quite another.

Georgiana tried hard - she really did! - to bottle up her emotions and tell Anne she wished her happy. As it happened, all Anne heard from Georgiana was muffled words mingled with tears and a little, perhaps slightly forced smile. Anne was in such bliss that she would not have distinguished tears of despair from tears of joy, even if they were from Georgiana, whom it was expected she ought to know well.

It was not long before Georgiana fled from the scene that featured the lovers. She didn't care where she was or where she went - provided she was away from Anne. She did not hate Anne, or wish her ill, but her disappointed heart naturally felt jealous. Georgiana took no heed of her surroundings, and the park where she walked was not threatening, so she was safe. But that did not stop her from walking into someone.

"Miss Darcy!"

"M-major Bentley!"

"What brings you out this fine day? And what has caused this fair nymph to shed dewdrops upon her cheek?"

"Would that they were dewdrops." Georgiana said, not in a mood to contemplate poetics.

"Here, come with me." the Major sent gently, and led Georgiana to a bench.

"Where is your cousin Anne?" he queried. "Are you all alone?"

"Anne!" cried Georgiana in a strangled voice. "She is ... she is... oh she's .... en...engaged!"

"I see." The Major was silent. "To whom?"

"D-did you l-love A-Anne, M-major?"

"Dear me, you really are quite distressed! I don't believe that I actually did love Miss de Bourgh, even though I... but that is of no import. She mustn't have loved me, at all events."

"W-why were you always near her then if you did not love her?"

"So that I was closer to others."

Georgiana turned away, determined to misinterpret his words. "Anne is engaged to..."

"To?" Major Bentley prompted, gently.

"My c-cousin, C-colonel Fitzwilliam!" Georgiana replied, and hid her face in her hands.

Chapter 12

Author's Notes: When Lord & Lady Matlock are thinking it will be a while before Christy marries, that is because this part of HHAP is set before Christy meets Anatole in China Roses. So, since that's all cleared up, here's some more for you to read & agonise over or enjoy. The song in this part you will notice is another Enya song (I seem to have a penchant for naming stories after Enya songs). If you can get a hold of the song, I recommend that you listen to it; it's hauntingly beautiful. The posy bit was a factor in one of the earlier posts of HHAP - Georgie received an anonymous posy when Anne received one from Major Bentley. ~ Erin

Hope Flies Away

Love lives on hope, and dies when hope is dead;
It is a flame which sinks for lack of fuel.
~ Pierre Corneille

It was decided that the wedding would occur in April. Anne was very much excited, for the date was quite soon. Lady Catherine, so proficient in most respects, left the purchasing of the wedding clothes to her daughter and niece Christabel, as she did not desire to travel into London during the season, because it was too crowded for her. Or at least that was the excuse she used. Frankly she was not so proficient in the matter as she could have professed to be.

Anne wanted nothing more than for her favourite cousins to stand up with her as bridesmaids. Christy acquiesced immediately, and after Georgiana had tearfully discussed it with Major Bentley (whom she was wont to be with more frequently of late), she too agreed.

Georgiana was not so shy as she had used to be. Now Georgiana was a little reserved, rather than just exceedingly shy. She talked to people, but only gave away select information, or used particular mannerisms which did not bring intimate talk. She felt herself drifting away from Christy and the Colonel, preferring to mention things to Major Bentley, who was always there to be kind and gentle to her, and never mentioned weddings.

After talking with Major Bentley, Georgiana invariably felt more able to cope with the idea of the engagement, and once more was able to regard Anne was a favourite cousin, whom she was a little envious of, but not extremely so. She wished her well, and could stay in the room when Anne mentioned the Colonel, which was intolerably often. She also began to feel excited about the wedding. She would have more involvement in this wedding than what she had had in her own brother's wedding. After all, this was two her favourite friends and cousins, and not the brother she respected like a father.

Anne, Christy and Georgiana spent much of their time shopping again. But this time it was not for presentation, but for the wedding. Again the Colonel had contrived to have business which 'prevented' his attendance.

"Christy, will you look at this fabric?" Anne asked ecstatically. She was in raptures over a pearl white satin, and Georgiana had taken one look at it and declared that it would be perfect for Anne. Madame de Bruicx, the slender, stylish proprietor set to persuading the lady that it would be just the thing pour la chére mademoiselle.

And it had been just the thing for the Mademoiselle. She looked utterly radiant as she stepped down the aisle, in her final few minutes as Miss de Bourgh. Colonel Fitzwilliam had taken one look at her, and was transfixed to the spot. He had never seen anyone that gorgeous. She was an angel, and she would be his. He gulped. Surely there was a law about being too happy? If so, he was a blatant lawbreaker.

Lady Catherine was silent during the ceremony, and did her best at hiding her happy thoughts. She was pleased for her daughter, perhaps even thrilled, though she would never admit it. Samuel and the former Hon. Miss Nortonly, who had been married all of a fortnight or so ago, were there, and it was evident Samuel was very pleased for his brother. Lord and Lady Matlock smiled at each other, both silently hoping that there would be quite a lapse of time before their daughter finally flew the coup.

Christy held Georgiana's hand firmly but gently, providing Miss Darcy with support through the ceremony. Georgiana was grateful for her cousin's thoughtfulness, but coped more admirably that she had expected to. Instead of thinking that should have been me, while Anne was taking her vows, Georgiana was looking at the couple's faces and wishing them happiness.

It was hard, but she got though it. Her favourite cousins, aside from Christy, were married, and Georgiana knew that from now on, Colonel Fitzwilliam could never be as he had used to be to her. He was married now. To her cousin. There was no hope. Hope for the Colonel's love could no longer have a place in her heart. She had to give him up.

* Hope Has A Place - Enya

"Poor dear Georgie! You look like you've lost your best friend!"

"Christy, you don't know how close to the truth you are."

"Stay with me. We'll be alright."

Georgiana hugged her cousin, but still would not let her tears flow. The bride and groom, both in extreme blissfulness, came to give their good-byes to Christy and Georgiana before leaving on their honeymoon. At their faces, Georgiana wiped back a tear. They looked so happy together. So perfectly matched. She hadn't the heart to look depressed. They were in a hurry to be off, and only stayed a minute or so.

"Christy, that silver looks tops on you. Georgie, darling, I always knew blue would suit you. Thank you so much for being here for me - we shall never forget it." Anne said, gazing adoringly at her husband.

The Colonel kissed his cousins, and whispered in their ears. To Georgiana he said "Thank you Georgie. You were an angel, and have grown into quite a lady. I only hope the husband you choose is worthy of you." he paused a moment. "Oh, George, it was me that sent you that posy. I didn't like to see you upset over not having one like Anne. I shall dance a waltz with you one day though, my dear."

With that, Colonel and Mrs. Fitzwilliam left.

And it was then that Georgiana broke into uninhibited sobs, crying her broken heart out.

Chapter 13

"If you have a lemon, make lemonade." ~ Howard Gossage

"How are you coping Miss Darcy?" Said a soft, familiar masculine voice.

Georgiana quickly tried to make it appear as though she had not been crying. For some reason she didn't want him to see her tears. "Hello, Major Bentley."

"Hush, my dear. There, you will be all right. I know that it might seem hard, since you thought you loved him...."

Thought? Thought I loved him?! Georgiana was about to vehemently protest, when she thought suddenly - had she really loved him?

What did it mean to love?

If you loved someone, did you always want to be with them? If you loved... What would it feel like? Would it be stars and roses for the rest of your life? How did you know when you did love?

Had she loved the Colonel? Had she truly loved him? As anything more than a favourite cousin? Could she have loved him, even though she wasn't precisely sure what love was, or what it felt like?

"Is love a fancy or a feeling?" She murmured.

"Shall we refer to Shakespeare's lovely little sonnet for our answer?" The Major asked, "Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds/ or bends with the remover to remove/ O no, it is an ever fixed mark/ that looks on tempests and is never shaken."

Georgiana gave a little smile and continued "It is the star to every wand'ring barque/ whose worth's unknown although his height be taken/ Love's not time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks/ within his bending sickle's compass time/ Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks/ But bears it out even to the edge of doom/ If this be error and upon me proved...."

"I never writ, nor no man ever loved*" finished the Major, looking at her with.... with... what was it with? He looked.... Kind, friendly, polite, amiable....

Georgiana smiled up at him, her eyes tearless.

"Miss Darcy.."

"Major Bentley?"

"Now that..... you find yourself.... that is.... Would you give me permission to court you?"

"Me?" Georgiana gasped. "But you wanted Anne!"

"Of late I have found I infinitely preferred Anne's cousin, shall we say."

Georgiana blushed and exclaimed with disbelief. "I... It's imposs- impossible!"

"It is the truth, Miss Darcy. Might I?"

He wants to court me! He wants to court me!

"I.....I..... I..."

"I see." said the Major, in a disappointed tone. " I shall leave you then."

"Wait!" Georgiana cried. He turned back, and she looked at him, while he gauged her thoughts. "I will."

He breathed a sigh of relief, took her hand and kissed it. "Thank you."

*Sonnet 116, William Shakespeare

Lady Christabel Fitzwilliam was no fool. She had seen, from close to the outset, how the Major's attentions turned to Georgiana, and how more serious his court was when compared to his courting of Anne. But Georgiana's response was far different to what Anne's had been She was not blindingly obsessed, and nor was she wearing her heart on her sleeve, Christabel noted with approval.

Yet she was undoubtedly falling under Major Bentley's spell. The question was, how much?

Georgiana herself did not quite know how much. She thought of the Major with affection, but the affection was not strong enough to be love, she felt. It was nice that she was to dance with him at the ball tonight though.

It was even nicer that the Major sent some champagne roses and baby's breath to her in the form of a posy, as well as including some separately to go between her curls. Given the colour of the roses, Georgiana knew which dress she would be wearing. Champagne satin, with a lightly embroidered bodice and layer of crepe that allowed the 'skirt' to flow about in the manner of a fine, modern ball gown without hoops. Its style made her appear more like an angel in it than she did normally. Once her hair had been curled into a fashionable style with ringlets and a small chignon twist, and the roses had been placed strategically around her head, Georgiana Darcy was ready to depart.

When Christy saw her, she smiled winningly. "Georgie! You are looking remarkable! 'Fess up, who's the cause?"

"The cause?" Georgiana asked in confusion.

"Oh, I only asked because it seemed probable that you looked so fine on account of a particular gentleman." Christy clinched the opportunity, asking disinterestedly "Whose are the posies?"

"Major Lord Bentley sent them." Georgiana said, blushing to her roots.

"He seems to like you a great deal, Georgie. I wonder what will come of it?" Christy responded as she left the room again, thinking if that didn't set the cogs in the girl's head working, nothing would. It did set the cogs working. And rather than opposing her ideas, as she half-expected she might, Georgiana found herself blushing at the thought of what might come from it.

Despite the fact that Miss Penelope Clifton was supposed to be the belle of the ball, the general consensus was that though Miss Clifton was in good looks, Miss Darcy was in better. She found herself, for the first time, by far the most desired partner of the ball. She did not sit down for a single dance, and found herself proposed to no less than thrice. Twice by a very disguised individual, who had been sober the first time, but was certainly not the next time. The other proposal came courtesy of a foppish Johnny Raw, who took one look at Miss Darcy and decided she was the one for him, even though he'd never met her before. Georgiana, naturally, refused all offers, but enjoyed the dancing, being in greater gaiety than normal.

"Fancy stealing the show like that! But really, with looks such as she's got tonight, once can hardly expect anything other." Said one mother to another.

"Indeed! And she looks as though she's enjoying herself."

"It's surprising really, seeing as she's an aloof Darcy...."

"I hear Mr. Darcy is not so aloof as he was previously, Fiona. I believe it has to do with his wife....."

"Striking thing, wasn't she? No money at all, but she caught Darcy hook, line and sinker. Did you know, I heard a rumour that she has a sister who eloped!"

"Well! Says something about society these days. But it seems Darcy didn't care."

That's what I like to see. Devotion. And speaking of devotion, look at Lord Bentley there with Miss Darcy. I'll wager my best pearl set something will come of that."

"She speaks! Can you believe it? I had thought her must have been unable to open, so shy as she used to be. She must like him, to speak so unreservedly."

"You know my thoughts on the matter. But it's a good match - they are both sought after; he's rich and she's handsome; what better a union than one between two of the most eligible in London?"

"He is eligible in title and fortune, perhaps, but it is my belief..."

"45 000 pounds a year! I cannot imagine how I could spend that much!"

"I can, considering you in your finery today. What do you call that hairstyle of yours?"

"Well...."

Miss Darcy was having a splendid time. She danced with no less than four peers, which included Major Bentley, but she still stuck to her scruples and would not dance the waltz. This kept her in the favour of the older guests, who continually declared her an unpretentious, pretty sort of girl without false candour and airs - a very nice compliment.

Georgiana conversed relatively with Major Bentley during her first dance. It was not so easy with her second partner. The Duke of Quiggenham was not exactly the most affable of gentlemen, with a critical, satiric eye, who rarely indulged in dancing. Thus Georgiana was supposed to feel gratified by his attentions, but she was not.

She danced her last two with the Major, which only added fuel to the fire of rumours. But Georgiana no longer cared - it was just that she did not feel up to small talk with someone she didn't know from a bar of soap. It was infinitely more agreeable to talk to someone who you knew at least a bit.

"Did you enjoy yourself tonight Christy?" Georgiana asked her cousin during the carriage ride home.

"Of course I did." Christy sighed.

The season was almost finished, and it has ended up just as the previous five had done. The Lady Christabel's heart was yet again untouched, and yet again she was no closer to marrying. Much more of this and she thought she would give up the hope which had a place for love, for good. It seemed nobody wanted a woman such as herself. But there was no use in being vexed, she just had to accept she would soon be a young spinster.

Georgiana, however, was indulging in far more agreeable notions. No other man had danced with her twice and tried to monopolise her attention just like that. Her mind began to seriously suggest the idea of becoming Lady Bentley - and the thing that surprised her most was that she discovered she did not shrink from the idea.

Of all the unmarried men she knew, Major Lord Bentley was the only one she would marry - for the simple belief beginning to thrust itself upon her, that she was in love with him.

How had it come about? She hardly knew, but it was he she wanted to be with, if she was not with William, Anne or Christy. But did he love her? He spent a great deal of time with her, and the rumours were that a union was expected - that meant he must love her, didn't it? Not really, but she could indulge in pipe dreams. Lady Georgiana Bentley ..... Viscountess Bentley..... My husband.... 45 000 pounds....... Would he propose?...... What would William say?

With such thoughts as these Georgiana pondered on for the remainder of the night.

Chapter 14

Hope springs eternal ~ A proverb

She blushed when she realised her thoughts, but it was the truth. She wanted herself to mean much to him. It was only fair, she reasoned, since he was so important to her.

But young, reserved, love-struck innocent misses are not always the best at reasoning. Especially when they are due to return home in so close a time as two days. For such was the case for Georgiana. She found herself inside a carriage, bound for Pemberley, without having spoken to Major Bentley since the ball. Her farewells to Christy were only made harder on account of the fact, and Georgiana found it terrifically difficult not to bawl her eyes out. As it was, tears glistened her cheeks, but there were no thick walls, and Georgiana checked herself until she was well on the way. That was when the entire waterworks gave way.

The long journey home gave her ample time for reflection, and so it was only with a heavy heart, not a face filled with tears, that Georgiana was welcomed again to Pemberley. It ached to see Lizzy and William in such conjugal bliss, when she knew she was not a part, and that the one she thought of was at that moment located goodness only knew where. It was fortunate he was not stationed in a regiment likely to go to the Continent. If that had been so, there would have been the additional fear that he might have died to cope with.

She tried to appear content, but soon the couple had discovered that something was the matter with their little Georgie. She really was not a Mrs. Siddons when it came to acting. She only toyed with her food, and more of her pianoforte playing was melancholy rather than cheerful. Elizabeth came closer to the truth than her husband did. She could not believe, though, that Fitzwilliam would welcome the idea that Georgiana was in love. He viewed her too much as a daughter - and would feel just as a father would towards his daughter's marriage - initially opposed, but giving in to avoid what might necessarily result in a breaking of ties.

"My love" she said one morning when Georgiana had left the breakfast table, "What do you think happened to Georgiana?"

"She is not herself anymore. I do wonder....."

"Is it not perhaps that she is not herself anymore, but that she herself has changed?"

"Why would she change? Surely she had no need to?"

"What if, say, she has changed without really knowing it? But there would have to be a catalyst... Something, or maybe someone?"

"No, no. You are mistaken my dear. Georgiana is far too young for that. It will be a great many years before she truly falls in love. Her mother was the same. Nothing of the nature you are suggesting will happen for ages."

"Fitzwilliam, are you perhaps not considering what Georgiana's heart may be telling her?"

"She is too young! She is like a child to me - my child."

"You might think of her as 'your child', but she will not be your 'only' child for much longer, my dear." Elizabeth said, looking squarely at her husband's face.

"Really?" Darcy asked, astounded.

"Fitzwilliam," Lizzy took a breath and smiled, "I am carrying our child."

Lizzy was unable to say more before being caught up with embraces, kisses and shouts of joy.

Georgiana was let in on the news very soon, and expressed herself exactly as she ought, though she displayed more enthusiasm and pleasure than she thought she was meant to. Georgiana had been brought up in a home that did not express emotions very well, and her upbringing came with a strict tutelage, which taught manners efficiently, without focussing much on emotions. Thus if Georgiana showed much excitement, she believed she would become either a regular Cheltenham miss, or some other person not worthy to be called a Darcy.

And now there was to be another Darcy in seven months or so. Georgiana would be an aunt. This prospect filled her with great pleasure, and she felt the need to send the great news to Anne (and indirectly the Colonel), and to Christabel. Their responses were all predictable but heartfelt. Georgiana was particularly pleased to receive her letter from Mrs. Fitzwilliam, who, having returned from her honeymoon, was beginning to adjust to married life. It was a great change from being Miss de Bourgh of Rosings Park to Mrs. Fitzwilliam, a Colonel's wife in London.

"Georgiana, how would you like a ball at Pemberley?" Lizzy asked her sister one evening. "For your birthday?"

"A ball?" Georgiana cried. "Oh indeed! Above all things! But will you be up to it?" She asked, filled with concern.

"Of course I shall. I'm only having a baby, dear, and not even for a while yet! I think we could manage to be prepared for a ball in a month's time. Of course, that's a short time after your birthday, but you won't mind?"

Georgiana clapped her hands with glee, once more showing more emotion than she thought necessary, but she was excited, and no longer cared what her schoolmistress had drilled into her. "By all that's famous! Oh! We've never had a ball at Pemberley in my life!"

"And now we shall, and I anticipate it will not be the last."

"Excellent!"

Preparations for the ball went full steam ahead. Georgiana and Elizabeth found themselves very occupied by it all. It seemed the only time they were not discussing the ball was when Lizzy fell victim to morning sickness. Whenever this happened, Georgiana could be of little assistance, and it was in these hours that Georgiana wandered aimlessly betwixt the gardens. When solitary, she could dwell with her thoughts, and wonder where the Major was.

"Oh Georgie! William has just given me another list of more people we ought to invite. I had no idea there were so many estates nearby! Have a look at this!" She added with a grin, "Four and twenty families could never compare with it!"

Georgiana read the names out loud for a while from the sheets Lizzy had dropped into her hands. She commented on a few, but then was suddenly silent, after a little intake of breath.

"What is it?" Elizabeth asked, her curiosity aroused.

"L-lord Bentley!" Georgiana said, her voice in a whisper.

"Do you know him?" Mrs. Darcy asked, well aware that she must, only wondering how much "He's in the regulars too, I believe."

"Y-yes." Georgiana stuttered.

"Shall we invite them? It says he has a brother and a sister too, except I think the brother is at sea."

Georgiana blushed, and found herself unable to speak. Elizabeth had by now surmised she would very much like to meet this Lord Bentley, and if she wasn't much mistaken, her husband would, too.

Chapter 15

Hope is a good breakfast, but it is a bad supper. ~ Francis Bacon

The dressmaker at Lambton was being overrun with orders, but placed her greatest amount of skills on the dresses for the Darcy ladies. Now there were some more orders - for some Bennets. Rumour had it that Mrs. Darcy had been a Miss Bennet, so Madame Tieri was aware her dresses would have to be of high quality.

Georgiana bore the news of the Bennet's coming surprisingly well. She had not been around Mrs. Bennet, to any great extent, and so when the lady herself was residing under the same roof, with her merciless, inane, chatter, it came as a bit of a shock to Miss Darcy. The house had been turned into a noisy family gathering, when filled with the quantitative Bennets, Bingleys, Darcys, Fitzwilliams and Matlocks. Georgiana kept with Christabel and Kitty for the majority of her time, and found herself enjoying her time greatly, even if the bustle wasn't quite what she was used to.

"And you can imagine how thrilled I was to hear about the ball here," Kitty said to Georgiana one morning. "For it has been high dudgeon for me at Longbourn since my sisters married. I stay at Netherfield at times, which is wondrous great, for mama remains at Longbourn."

Georgiana agreed that must be a wonderful occurrence.

"Oh, it is indeed. And now.... La! Mary is Mrs. Chamberlayne! I swear I nearly died with laughter when I found out."

"My dog nearly did die, as I sat on it accidentally when I heard the news about Mary." Christy added.

"You have a dog? How lucky you are! Is it a darling?"

"My brother would not lead you to believe so."

"Your brothers have been recently married, have they not?"

"Aye. Next they expect me, I think. Though I cannot imagine whom they wish for me. Isabel's cousin, perhaps?"

"Is he anything like Isabel?" Georgiana asked, faintly interested.

"I don't know. I only met him once, years ago, when Sam had only just met Isabel. They all call him Milly, though I wouldn't own to it if it had been my nickname."

Kitty choked. "Milly!"

"He's the Baron of Milford, you see."

"Oh I see." Kitty snorted. "Milly!"

"Shh! Only think what Isabel would say if she heard us. She is here, you know, with Samuel."

"Lady Hartleigh.... I wonder what it would be like to be a lady." Kitty mused.

"Well I don't." Christy said. "All the 'your ladyship' bizzo really gets on your nerves. And I should know." She winked.

"But your other brother, Colonel Fitzwilliam. He's not here, is he?" Kitty asked. "Didn't he marry your.... cousin? Miss de Bourgh, wasn't it?"

"He and Anne could not leave his regiment. I wonder how he managed to get as much time off as he's already had in the past few months. And yes, Anne was Miss de Bourgh until a little while ago."

Georgiana was only slightly disappointed that Colonel and Mrs. Fitzwilliam could not come. It meant that she would not see him, or hear her. Anne's blissful letters were a bit hard to take at times.

Kitty looked out the window suddenly. "Is it not a bit early for the post?" She asked.

"Yes, why?" And "What is it Kitty?" Were the replies.

"Well, it must be an express come then. It is early. But then the ball is tonight, irregular things may be happening all day."

Christy agreed with her, but Georgiana tried to focus her attention on the uniform of the rider. Hadn't she seen something similar to that in London?"

A moment later, a servant came into the room, bearing a small box. "For you, Miss." He said to the astonished Georgiana.

"Oooh! What is it?" And the more important "Who is it from, Georgie?" Came respectively from Kitty and Christabel.

Georgiana opened the lid to reveal a delicate posy of the tiniest bluebells, with a silver ribbon. In considerable delight, Georgiana turned over the attached note.

Might these humble tokens of my affection grace thee, my fairest one, tonight.

It was signed : Right Honourable Viscount Bentley.

Georgiana felt she was walking on air, and her cheeks were darkening at an alarming rate. Kitty was stupefied. "Georgiana!!! A Lord!!! Fancy having a Lord for a beau, and you NEVER TOLD ME!!!!!"

Christy looked once at the note, and then at Georgiana. "Georgie, do you mind if I have a word with you later?"

"Noooo..." Georgiana replied hesitantly, closing the lid of the box.

"My dear, this note is far more.. Romantic and sincere than any Anne ever got. Do you think he is serious, but more especially, do you like him??"

"Oh I do!" Georgiana said nervously. "I mean, he was so very kind to me, after... well, after the engagement and the wedding. And he is always nice..."

"It's not too soon after Richard, do you think?"

"Well, I didn't think so. Is it?"

"Whether I think it or not does not matter - it is your thoughts we are concerned with. Do you believe his intentions towards you are sincere?"

"I.... hope so. But he has said nothing."

"Just be careful. We don't want another Wickham."

"Oh! He's nothing like Wickham! He can't be like Wickham! This is different! Please believe me!"

"Of course, George. Don't get worked up - you need to enjoy yourself today. But do take care - and make sure he can get along with Darcy. That is crucial."

"William wouldn't go against my wishes, would he?" Georgiana asked in disbelief.

Chapter 16 ~ The Ball

Auhtor's Notes: The descriptions of the dresses are only slightly altered from the descriptions of Sophy & Cecilia's gowns in "The Grand Sophy" by Georgette Heyer.

Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible, & achieves the impossible. ~ Anon

"It is a lovely dress. I know I don't deserve to wear it. But Lizzy... You look ravishing!"

Mrs. Darcy laughed, having already had a Darcy use those words -and more. Her dress had puff sleeves of lace and tiny pearls, and was trimmed with more lace. Over her white satin slip she wore crepe, of an appealing pomona green. Georgiana herself was draped with white spider-gauze with embroidered silver acorns, which glinted in the sunlight. Her posy, all silver and blue, complimented the dress almost perfectly, and in those gold curls there were silver and blue ribbons intertwined. She would be, there was little doubt, the belle of the ball.

Christy, certainly not ugly, lacked Miss Darcy's entrancing innocence, and eyes so eager and wide. Instead there was laughter in her eyes which was not so captivating as Georgiana's artlessness. As for Kitty, though she had grown since her sister's wedding, her clothes were not so fine, and her hair of a different hue, more like Christy's. She was no arresting beauty, merely a pretty, fair Cyprian. Georgiana quivered with fright as the time came for the opening of the ball.

For starters she was expected to open it, alongside Elizabeth. But also, he was not yet here. Georgiana was promised for the first dance to one of her cousins on her father's side. Indeed, there were not that many she would willingly dance with, but Geoffrey could be depended on, she supposed, as a quiet undemanding partner. They got along tolerably well, but Geoffrey suddenly discovered that Georgiana had stopped mid-sentence, and was gazing towards the doorway of the ballroom with what could be described as more than common interest.

"What is it?" Geoffrey asked softly.

"Oh, don't concern yourself. It really is nothing." Georgiana said with the slightest agitation.

Geoffrey decided not to pursue the matter further. He began to survey the ballroom, searching for familiar faces. He was not in the slightest bit keen for an attachment to his cousin, and as she felt similarly, they could get along without speculation or embarrassment, even if he was an eligible duke. It had been a while since Geoffrey had been in the company of his kin, only Darcy's wedding had aroused him to congratulations, which had led to a reunion of sorts. Geoffrey was about to give up, and planned to head for the card room as soon as he was done with Georgiana..... But then he changed his plans. The cause for this abruptness : he had sighted a face, and what he saw made him desirous of an introduction. Who was she?"

As soon as she was able, Georgiana made her way to kitty. "Is he here yet? Oh, do tell me! I want to see your lord!"

"Hush, Kitty! He's here, but he's not my lord."

"Well can I have him then?"

"No!" Georgiana gasped vehemently.

"Then he's yours." Kitty replied prosaically, and was met with a coloured face and a laugh from Georgiana.

"If anyone asks...." Georgiana said doubtfully, "You have no idea where I am."

"Like I'd whisper a word!" Kitty said, scenting a clandestine romance from fifty paces.

Georgiana pressed her hand and thanked her. Then she turned, and slipped away into the crowd. It was all very exciting, even though Georgiana had no idea what to do next. But this she knew : he was here.

And really, there was little else of much concern when compared to the presence of her demigod. Georgiana had great presence of mind all of a sudden. She rather thought she might be daring enough to brave the chills and trespass upon the terrace. Sure enough, she was not alone. But to her great vexation, who should be there but Mary Chamberlayne, with her fond husband in tow??

"Oh! I beg your pardon." Georgiana said, but made no attempt to step back.

"Miss Darcy, how pleasant to see you. It should be said on such occasions as these..."

"Hush. None of that drivel, my sweet dove. Shall we away?"

Georgiana did try really hard not to snort, but seeing the former Mary Bennet look at her husband in such a way, and watching her chase him away and call out "Wait for me oh my noble pea-hen. You thief of my better judgement!" Was too much for her sensibilities.

She found herself unable to stop gurgling with laughter, until she suddenly looked up, and found herself staring into eyes so familiar and cherished.

"It is you!" She cried, betrayed into revealing her uppermost thoughts.

"It is." Replied the Viscount, with an amused smile.

"And you have come!" Georgiana blushed. She wished she could have kept quiet.

"I have." Her companion responded, with a twinkle in his eye.

All Georgiana could say (and she berated herself for doing so) was a faint "Oh!" What was she to do now? The only thing she could think of was something she knew she could never do.

"I am gratified indeed, Miss Darcy, that you wear my flowers."

"They are beautiful." Georgiana breathed, intoxicated by her company.

"So they might be, but not so beautiful as the lady they adorn."

"My lord, you flatter me beyond comprehension."

"Since when have I become 'my lord' to you, my dear child?" Major Bentley demanded. "I had thought it such a treasure to hear 'Major Bentley' on your lips."

Georgiana had no idea how to respond to such gallantry. She was, however, proficient at blushing by now. "S-shall I call you Major Bentley still, then?"

There was no immediate response.

"My dear, you may call me as you choose, for now. I do hope, though, that soon you might call me by another name." There was a pause.

Georgiana's cheeks were beyond the fiery stage. Could this mean........???

Abruptly, the Major began talking to her again, taking away her embarrassment. She felt grateful to him for being considerate. "Do I ask too much, Miss Darcy, or will you dance the waltz with me?"

Finally came a question Georgiana was able to answer relatively quickly. "It would be my greatest pleasure." Could he see how her hands were shaking? He must, because he had taken one, and was lifting it to his face. Shaking was now either out of control, or miraculously stopped, Georgiana couldn't tell which.

The Major grinned at her nervousness, and kissed her hand. "Shall we step inside? It must be cold out here for you."

"Oh, not... very."

But the Major insisted, concerned she was not as warm as she could be. Once indoors, they were met by Kitty.

"This is your Lord, Georgie? Are you to dance with him?"

The Major excused himself with a smirk, leaving Georgiana to speak with Kitty. "Oh yes! The waltz." She replied rapturously.

"I declare I quite envy you! Why, a Lord is even better than a redcoat!"

"Kitty," Georgiana whispered, "He's a Major, too."

"Well that caps all! Why have you all the luck? Can you not let me have him? Puh-lease? Or does he have a brother?"

"No, no! Oh, wait, a brother in the navy."

"Well that's no good."

"Really? But here, I'll introduce you to... Uh... Yes! My cousin Geoffrey. He's in the army... Or at least I think he's in the army." Georgiana dragged Miss Bennet around the room.

"Um, Georgie... He looks rather occupied already." Kitty said as Georgiana took in a breath of surprise.

"Christy!"

"She seems to have beaten me to him, I think Georgie. Oh! Did you see Mary *snort* Her husband is so extremely charming. A little odd, but charming. Ooh! What's this? Oh la! A gentleman making his way over! I hope he's a Lord and he asks me to dance!" Kitty rattled excitedly.

One out of two wasn't bad. Sir Philip Lesley had seen Miss Bennet and begged a dance. Georgiana found herself solicited for the quadrille by a Mr. Carroway, but she paid more attention to what was beyond his shoulder, leaning languorously by a wall : a certain Major whose attention was fixed on admiring a painting.

Miss Darcy nearly died when she realised it was the painting of her that had been commissioned for her 16th birthday.

It had been commented on by more than one personage that the ethereal Miss Darcy appeared somewhat anxious or distracted. The said Miss Darcy was unaware of these comments' origin or existence, and so understandingly paid them no heed. And Darcy, as per normal, was oblivious to everything but his wonderful Lizzy.

The poor man was still stark blinded by love's powerful arrow. It was just as well Darcy was not one to give puppy looks......

Miss Darcy found the ball a bit insipid while ever she danced, wishing her partner was someone else. However, her fondness for the ball escalated at alarming rates once she began waltzing. It was plain to all but a gudgeon that Miss Darcy was infinitely more animated while dancing with "Lord Bentley, all of 40 000 a year, estate in Lancashire. Such a charming personage, and doesn't that pair shine out brighter than all the others? It wouldn't surprise me if the Darcy's found......" Remarked one dowager to another, as they watched Miss Darcy and Lord Bentley twirl about the room, performing this most indecent dance.

One would not know that Miss Darcy could count on one hand the amount of times she had danced it, so effortlessly did she glide about the room with my lord's hand about her waist.

It was not to be thought that Darcy should not be aware of whom his sister's partner was, especially in such a dance as this.

To his eyes she was far too young, but when he glanced at her, watching her eyes as they looked up artlessly at my Lord Bentley, he had to acknowledge that his little Georgie was no longer a child - but an engaging young woman. Little Miss Georgie had become Miss Georgiana Darcy before his eyes.

It would not surprise him if soon she was to receive the attentions of a beau, but he trusted it was too early for any real attachment. She did appear very pleased with her current partner. Darcy didn't think he'd heard anything against the current Lord Bentley. In fact, he hadn't heard anything of him, but he knew of his father's reputation. It seemed the Viscount was rather taken with Georgiana already. But then, with a dress like the one she was wearing, it would not take much. Darcy smiled to himself as he thought of another dress and it's wearer.... Lizzy became more beautiful to him day by day.

Elizabeth, too, noted Georgiana's pleasure in her partner. Was this the sender of that elegant posy, complete with a lightly audacious card? It rather seemed so. And by the looks of it, the Darcy's would be much in the company of this Lord Bentley, if Georgiana had any say in the matter.

Never having been instructed by her mother with regards to love, it was almost painfully apparent that Miss Darcy was a precious innocent, with no more idea of what was happening to her - or what the one she seemed to love felt - than a mere child would have.

Georgiana was not wearing her heart on her sleeve too much, which was good. And if Elizabeth was any judge in the matter, there would be a proposal, one day at least.

*Learn To Do It (Waltz Reprise), from the 'Anastasia' soundtrack.

It was with a heart full of bubbling excitement and a little trepidation that Georgiana looked back on the Pemberley Ball. It had been a monstrous success. But more importantly to Georgiana, she danced with Major Bentley (she flitted between calling him Major or Lord Bentley, but never both as she was supposed to), and he had told her he would call at Pemberley before many days were through. Until then, she would be restless with feverish anticipation.

Lieutenant and Mrs. Chamberlayne, Mr. And Mrs. Bennet and the Bingleys left the day after the ball, but Kitty remained, to give Georgiana company after the other guests were gone. Mrs. Darcy did not believe that Kitty was benefiting by being the only remaining daughter at Longbourn, and hoped Kitty could be influenced and improved in the company of sensible, modest people.

Kitty was thrilled to find herself in Georgiana's confidence with regards to her attachment to Major Bentley. The thought that she was trusted to such an extent sobered her a little. And for some reason, being removed from Mrs. Bennet's presence removed Kitty's petulant outbursts - which had often been of impetuosity, rudeness or boredom.

She was still silly - she would always be silly, but she was not stupidly silly, and had Lydia been around, she rather thought that she would not succumb to her younger sister's lead. Rather, she would prefer to create ridiculously sounding ditties at the pianoforte with Georgiana. One of her favourite ones so far was about a damsel named Penny, who found herself in numerous scrapes throughout the twelve verses, and ended with her happily residing in a mental infirmary in the company of a parrot called Gregoria, and a jewellery box which (apparently) demanded to be called Winston.

If any of the servants, or indeed anyone, overheard Miss Georgiana and Miss Catherine's combined efforts, they were certain to give a sigh and wonder just what had happened to the children of the Revolution.

Only Christabel was able to wholly sympathise with them Her violin had, she smilingly admitted, also produced some rather zany songs over the years. She only remained while her brother and sister-in-law did, for she was interested in seeing how Samuel and Isabel got on, and had accepted their offer for her to stay with them at Samuel's seat, Hartleigh, for a time. Lord and Lady Matlock felt they imposed on the Darcy's still newlywed state, and returned to their own home, filled with praise at Elizabeth's capacity as Mistress of Pemberley. Lizzy was only glad things had turned out so well, seeing as this was her first attempt at a ball.

About two or three days after the last guest (except for Kitty) had left, Georgiana's hopes were answered when Lord Bentley paid a call. He was received by the ladies of the house, Darcy being occupied by business, and met with great affability and friendliness. He was also greeted with just a few blushes from Georgiana's direction. Mrs. Darcy had a great desire to know more of him, and so to Georgiana's delight, he was invited to dinner in the next week, which was accepted with alacrity.

Continued in Next Section