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Volume II

Chapter 17 ~ The Question

Men seldom risk their lives where an escape is without hope of recompense. ~ Fanny Burney, Cecilia

It seemed that Georgiana would be permitted neither the time for the reflection she had planned, or a choice in how she would spend the next hour, as she was whisked away by the Major into the garden. He had pressed a sovereign into several servant's hands, and hoped they would not apprise the master or the mistress of his presence just yet.

"You are excessively early, sir! What can you mean?" Georgiana asked lightly.

"Why, Miss Darcy, I mean to keep you company." He responded equally lightly.

"Ah, but for how long? Until the others are ready to receive you?

"If that is what you wish, then yes. I had hoped, however, to keep your company for some time. Quite some time, in fact." Suddenly the Major's voice was no longer jesting, but serious. "You cannot be unaware, Miss Darcy, ... Might I call you Georgiana? .... That I have formed for you an..... Attachment, which..... is grown to such an extent, that, well...." He flustered.

Georgiana, using her intuition, was able to guess what was being said, but rather than responding yet, kept silent, though her eyes and cheeks well expressed what her feelings were.

"My dearest love, would you.... would you be willing to leave this home of yours and make Atherton your own? In short, will you marry me, little one? Will you?"

Georgiana Darcy closed her fine eyelids for a moment. When she opened them, it was to find her lover, on bended knee, underneath an arbour of jasmine, giving her a searching look which pierced her heart. He looked so manly and virile, but yet in his eyes there was vulnerability. Her senses fluttered for a second, as she looked at his handsome profile. Was this man, Lord Major Bentley, the man she would spend the rest of her life with?

"Give me a reason." She whispered.

"I love you."

"Is that your reason?"

"Well, yes, I suppose it is."

"Then I will marry you." Hearing those words, Georgiana knew she believed him. She also knew that, as much as he loved her, she returned the sentiment. He was not her first love - the Colonel had been, she felt, despite what the Major said - but love him she did, and she thought there was no eligible man alive that she knew, whom she would rather marry.

The fact that she would become a Viscountess was information she scarcely remembered. She knew that she was not an ambitious woman, the rank she had already achieved through birth was enough for her. She would only marry where she loved. The man she loved was a Viscountess, so she would become a Viscount's wife, and receive all the benefits or disadvantages that such a position would give her.

But first, she had to tell the Major something which, she felt, might turn him away from her in disgust.

"My lord," she said shyly "I will marry you, but there is something I must tell you, and then you may decide if you still w-want me." Georgiana took a step away from him.

"My mother died while I was a baby, but my father has only been dead for about seven years. While he lived, he had a great fondness for the son of his steward, a Mr. Wickham. He was.... he was kind to me as a child, and I remembered his kindness, even after he left for Cambridge. He had been a childhood friend of my brother, but as they grew older, they drew apart. I knew not why at the time, but I understand now that their interests were widely different.

"After my papa's death, Wickham returned to Pemberley again, to see my brother for something - money, I believe. As he left, he saw me and kissed my hand. I was young and very impressionable at the time, and no man had ever done that to me before. Sadly, I must confess, I was quite flattered. But I returned again to school, and forgot of his existence.

"Then, not long after I was turned fifteen, I was taken from school. A companion was engaged for me, and I was to spend part of the summer at Ramsgate. When I was there, I wished I could meet someone I knew - for I was always shy - and then Mr. Wickham arrived. I was so pleased to see him, that I believe I was not my customary reserved self. Mr. Wickham lost no time before calling me sweetling, and I fear I have never been so taken in before in my life, for I was persuaded to believe myself in love with him.

"He proposed that we should elope together. Being very young, and having the encouragement of my companion, I was brought to believe eloping was not so scandalous as I had before presumed. How mistaken I was! I thank the Lord almost every day for providing my brother as my deliverance. A few days before the meditated elopement, he came, and I realise that if I were to elope, he would be devastated. After my father's death, I looked up to him as both a brother and a father, and I knew I could not do it. So I admitted the whole to him. You cannot fathom how many times I have been grateful to my brother for putting an end to the whole, and sending Wickham away.

"For many months I felt........ tainted, for being so taken in by him. I had honestly believed he loved me, and to find he loved only my money was very difficult to come to terms with. I retreated into a shell of extreme shyness, which for the past few months I have been trying to lessen. But that, sir, is my story, and I...... will understand if you wish to take back your proposal."

Georgiana's eyes sparkled with glistening tears. For the entirety of her story, the Major watched her thoughtfully, and when she was finished, he quickly clasped her in his arms and murmured into her brow "I can only be thankful your brother did come in time to save you. Otherwise you would never have become mine."

Georgiana's response was to sigh with great relief : such a burden was now lifted from her back, and she was free to consider herself engaged. Except that.....

"Oh! My guardians! They will let you marry me, won't they?"

"I shall make haste to ask your brother for permission this very evening, Georgiana."

"My brother is not my only guardian. There is also Colonel Fitzwilliam. His permission must be sought also." Georgiana didn't really think she would have that much difficulty persuading her brother. After all, hadn't he seen she was no longer a child?

Chapter 18

A ship should not ride on a single anchor, nor life on a single hope. ~ Epictetus (55 - 135) Greek philosopher

His reply gave her to understand his name was Patrick, and that his surname was so shockingly prone to mispronunciation that he rarely bothered to use it, preferring instead the 'Bentley' he had attained upon his entry to the Peerage following his father the Viscount's death.

Satisfied, Georgiana would have entered the house had not her arm been taken, and she found herself spirited away behind a hedge. It was here that Miss Georgiana Darcy received her first kiss - her first real kiss, in the arms of the man she loved.

Miss Darcy came to discover that hope had a place in her lovers' heart, and that hope was that her felicity would always remain this supreme and pure.

During the dinner, it could be plainly observed that Georgiana found Major Lord Bentley very agreeable, and both were in excellent spirits. Darcy (usually so oblivious), even subtly noticed that she spoke and blushed and smiled more than ever, and far more than she ever had in the company of one who was almost a stranger.

An unwelcome suspicion darted into his mind for a moment. Was this Major Bentley - as Georgiana called him - as much of a stranger to her as he was to her brother? They appeared to be on the best of terms - and to be on such terms with Georgiana required a level of intimacy. How intimate were these two? Darcy heard the mention of the words "ball" "London" "theatre" "dance" and "particular friend."

Upon hearing, he decided he knew enough, and promptly gulped down another glass of wine.

When the ladies retired for tea, it was the curious Kitty that first spoke - the instant she could.
"Well??" She asked excitedly. "What's got you so hysterically happy, Georgie?"

Georgiana beamed. "Oh Lizzy! Kitty! He has asked me to marry him!!"

"Oh my!" Elizabeth responded, taken aback. Wasn't she too young? Whatever would Fitzwilliam say?

"A Lord!!" Kitty squeaked. "You'll be Lady Bentley! Oh, how I envy you! A redcoat too, for all that! I declare you are quite the most fortunate person alive!"

Georgiana smiled, but Lizzy didn't take her sister's enthusiasm too well. For her part, she hardly knew whether to feel pleased, relieved, upset or devastated. There was no doubt Darcy would be caught unprepared for such news as this - and as for what his reaction would be, she could hardly suppose it would be gratifying.

When Darcy returned with Lord Bentley, his face betrayed his shock. The poor man had the knowledge thrust upon him, that his little Georgie had had her hand solicited, and that he was now applied to for permission for Georgiana to marry.

He could not feel that she was ready. Why, she was just turned seventeen! And yet there were others younger than her, already married, and with children on the way. But then they were not Darcys, he reflected.

Darcy was not pleased. He had been caught unawares, and considered himself barely acquainted with this young jackanapes who wished to marry his little sister. Therein lied the Great Rub. Darcy himself had neither known his sister had a tenacious suitor, nor had he even known that suitor. He felt it underhanded, and from then on suspected the Major was skillfully hiding something. Why had he not become acquainted with the family earlier, if he had interests in Georgiana?

His prospects sounded very good, he offered Georgiana an unblemished name, a substantial fortune, connections and a title. It was, when he considered it, a very advantageous offer - a good match - and yet he could not feel that it was right. There was just something, he didn't know what, that prevented him from giving the answer that was desired. Darcy could not give his consent.

Georgiana was, he said, too young. She had not yet seen enough of the world, she ought not to be married just yet. He was not so gothic as to forbid the couple's seeing each other, but said that if he could see Georgiana preferred him to all others, after a period of, say, a few months, then he might be brought to countenance the match. As it was, he had no tangible proof of Georgiana's attachment, and it would be well, he thought, to ensure this was no passing fancy, or mere infatuation.

It crossed his mind that he refused his consent because he wished to keep Georgiana with him, but realised that if he could be assured of the affection on both sides, he would give them permission to marry. He had no wish to see Georgiana pining - the summer after Ramsgate had been enough. As for Ramsgate, she was older and more mature now, but still not really old enough to be considering matrimony.

Darcy told Bentley he could not give his consent to one he knew so little. One who, moreover, he had not really even known was interested in his sister. After discussing the matter sensibly for some time, it was felt that perhaps now might be the time to return to the ladies. Thus Georgiana could learn the outcome of their talk.

To say Georgiana met the news with equanimity was a falsehood. She did, however, recognise the value of her brother's caring, sensible attitude, and was not disinclined to agree with him that the Major was not well enough acquainted with the family, and needed to before he could become a part of it. She was glad he had not outright refused his consent, but wished his idea of a few months could be shortened.

Kitty thought it all sounded a bit stupid. If he was going to marry Georgiana, he may as well do it sooner than later. Besides, such a great catch as he was could get snatched up by another if they waited too long, she rather thought. Lizzy implicitly agreed with her husband's views, though she didn't feel that the Major was hiding something, as Darcy seemed to think.

So, Georgiana and her Major had to convince the Darcys of their mutual attachment, and persuade them that it was not a sudden impulse, that it would be enduring, and that Georgiana would not find another she preferred more than her Patrick. And then, she hoped, she would be permitted to become Lady Bentley.

Chapter 19 ~ Miss Gruffudd

Hope, like faith, is nothing if it is not courageous; it is nothing if it is not ridiculous. ~Thornton Wilder

Colonel Fitzwilliam's consent arrived, alongside a letter filled with felicitations from Mrs. Fitzwilliam, who seemed to have forgotten she had once wished to be the Major's. Instead, she only hoped Georgiana could be as happy as she herself was with Richard.

Congratulations began to come forth from all quarters, and the only person who was devilish upset by the news was one Sir Brian Brandley, who, it was said, read of the engagement and promptly suffered a slight apoplexy, and was rendered incapacitated. By the following season, however, he was well enough recovered to pay court to another young lady, as rich as she was tall, who preferred him no more than Georgiana had.

Georgiana welcomed the news of her engagement with an excitement unlike any other she had ever felt. Mixed feelings surrounded her: joy, relief, happiness, fear, worry and anxiety. Marriage was a turning point in her life - she would ever after be a woman, and a peer's wife. Then, as time would go by, she would become a mother to her own children. To take such a step, therefore, Miss Darcy felt uplifted, but also a little terrified.

She felt precisely the same way when, a short time after the announcement became known, she received a letter from Atherton Court, Lord Bentley's estate in Lancashire.

It was from his sister.

Lizzy was still 'in a promising way', but that did not stop her from planning an engagement ball for Georgiana and Lord Bentley. This meant that all the relatives would be back at Pemberley once more, but this time Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne were expected, to Georgiana's great delight.

The ball was to be held a week before the wedding day, which was to be Christmas Day. It was a slight disappointment that she could not have spring flowers at her wedding, but it could not be helped, and instead she would have winter blooms. Other such arrangements (that of Georgiana's gown, trousseau, bridesmaids and bouquets) were being discussed and selected. Lord Bentley desired his cousin to be best man, and Kate and Emily Gardiner, who Georgiana had become fond of last Christmas, had been eager at the suggestion they be flower girls, throwing rice and petals.

Anne had been ecstatic at the idea of being a bridesmaid for her darling Georgie, and Christabel had not yet replied, but it was unlikely she would refuse. Kitty was a little put out, but understood that Georgiana had been best friends with Anne and Christy forever, which made them naturally her first choice. Georgiana did not want Kitty left out entirely, and so Kitty's part was to play the music at the ceremony, a role so important she already she was practicing close to morning, noon and night.

Most things had been arranged by the beginning of December. Yet Georgiana still had not decided on a wedding gown. She was having difficulty finding something just perfect, and would not settle for less.

Chapter 20

True hope is swift and flies with swallow's wings;
Kings it makes gods, and meaner creatures kings.
~ William Shakespeare, Richard III

Christy and Anne had arrived, and chose to accompany Georgiana to the dressmakers because they needed to make final choices on satin for their dresses, and Georgiana needed to pick up the ballgown that had been made for her in shades of green, which set her emerald eyes vividly alight.

The trio travelled to Heyford, a medium sized town some twelve miles from Lambton, as it had a greater variety of dressmakers. Madame Astleigh had been selected as their first choice, as she was a favourite of Georgiana's. Anne no sooner saw a dusty pink-peach-pearl coloured organza than she declared it was just the thing for Christy. However, Christy had not taken a fancy to it, (rather the reverse), preferring a pearl satin with the faintest shade of silky ice blue. Georgiana immediately agreed it was exquisite, and wished aloud that if only she was not expected to wear white, she should have her wedding dress made from it.

Madame Astleigh and Christabel, the radicals, no sooner heard the words than thought it a fantastic idea. Against Mademoiselle's fair curls the effect would be breathtaking! And as for tradition - eh, it was only made in order to be broken.

The blue was exceedingly pale - lighter than baby blue, and was to be complemented by a cream satin Georgiana had found. The design of the dress had yet to be decided upon, so the enthusiastic dressmaker produced some little drawn catalogues, featuring various patterns.

After glancing through four, the decision was unanimous - a high waisted skirt in the cream, with an overskirt of the ice blue, that draped over the underskirt in the manner of a covered statue. Around the waistband would be the tiniest chiffon roses, each about a centimetre in diameter, coloured a silver-blue. Then, at the top, would be the blue satin finished with three-quarter sleeves. The train, at a metre, was not excessively long, but a suitable length for such a short girl as Miss Darcy.

Georgiana was in transports over it, but there still remained Anne and Christy's dresses to be considered. They decided to continue with the blue colour scheme, Anne choosing a middle blue and Christy a sky blue embroidered fabric, which promised to turn out spectacularly. After effectively spending several hundred pounds, it was a good idea to leave before they came across something else that took their fancy.

A few days after Georgiana had selected her dress, she was surprised to see Lizzy when she walked into a sitting room. She did not look rather fantastic - she appeared rather ill, and she bit her lip in what seemed to be pain.

"Lizzy? Are you all right? What's the matter?" Georgiana cried as she rushed to her sister's side.

"Oh Georgie! I think the baby.... Oh Georgie! It's coming!!" Elizabeth frantically tried to stabilise herself, but instead collapsed into a chair.

She pressed her hand upon her swollen abdomen. "It's earlier that I'd expected. It's not due until after your wedding! Why, I haven't yet been confine...." Suddenly she stopped, and looked at Georgiana with fear. "It's c-coming.... Oh! What shall I do?" She moaned.

Georgiana, with presence of mind, called for help, found a cushion for Lizzy, summoned someone to inform Darcy and began to minister to her sister's comfort, as the initial stages of childbirth began.

Some of the guests who had come early to stay before the ball and the wedding were sent to explore Lambton and the surrounds, while some remained at Pemberley, imagining they were of assistance. Some, like Lady Matlock and Mrs. Gardiner, were, but others were not. It was universally agreed it was fortunate Mrs. Bennet's nerves were still at Longbourn, and Jane Bingley, herself in the family way, provided a solace for her sister, which was more comforting that any of her mother's could have been.

That afternoon was punctuated with restless screams from within Elizabeth's chamber, and worried faces in Darcy's study. Georgiana found herself alternating between being in the house, checking on progress and escaping outdoors from the noise.

But by five o'clock the screaming ceased, and the lusty cries began. Georgiana became an aunt, as Pemberley's heir was delivered.

It was not until about fifteen minutes after Jane came out saying "It's a boy!", that Georgiana was permitted to first sight her nephew. She crept into the room, and found herself standing next to her brother, who with tears in his eyes gazed at his wife and the newborn she held in her arms.

It was a tiny thing, Georgiana thought, with a heavy black crop of hair already! His eyes were closed, but his finger's were wrapped about Lizzy's thumb, and he yawned. Lizzy cooed, and Georgiana smiled at the infant. "Oh, he's so beautiful!" She breathed. Darcy beamed at his sister (by this stage he had even begun beaming at inanimate objects such as the window). "What will you call him?" she asked.

"His name will be Jonathan, but we'll be calling him John. Jonathan Henry Darcy."

"Any particular reason?" Georgiana tried to think of any past relations featuring those names, but was practically unsuccessful. "I think it suits him."

"We thought that. And on no account was there to be a Fitz, or a William."

"Well, I like it. I can't wait to tell Patrick! Congratulations, my dear brother, and to you Lizzy! A little baby boy. I can hardly believe it! Might I go and tell Christy and Anne?"

"Of course, Georgie. Oooh! He just opened his eyes! Did you see that?" Elizabeth asked her husband with excitement, forgetting Georgiana's presence in the process.

The existence of little John Darcy turned the general populace's attention away from Georgiana's wedding, but Miss Darcy did not mind. Patrick told her he thought his nephew-to-be quite charming, and made her blush when he suggested that relatively soon she might have her own charming bundle.

Georgiana could not imagine herself as a mother just yet, she felt she was just too young. Patrick smiled and said that was nonsense; she would be perfect. Georgiana looked up at her fiancé with surprise, to find that he expected her to agree with what he said and thought, even if she differed in opinion.

It made her consider for a second, that perhaps she was not so well acquainted with the man who was going to be her husband as she should be. But then, after they were married, she would get to know him better, right?

Somehow this proposition did not entirely warm her heart. Just how well did she know Patrick? Enough to know she loved him? Or enough to know she was blindly putting her faith in him?

Finally, the day for the ball came, which meant Miss Darcy would remain such for a mere week longer. After that, she would be Lady Bentley of Atherton Court.

Anne and Richard were so obviously blissful, it was delightful to see. Jane and Charles Bingley danced devotedly, their countenances serene. Mary and Lt. Chamberlayne kept disappearing, and Samuel and Isabel had just started to tell people they had found out what it was that had caused Isabel to be sick every morning - they too were expecting their first child. The news made Lord and Lady Matlock sigh and smile, and Anne turned positively giddy with pleasure.

Georgiana was enjoying herself thoroughly. She danced frequently with Patrick, and whilever he monopolised her attention she was happiest. She rather thought her lover had never been so charming to her, which made her, for some reason, wish her wedding day were sooner. That day promised to be one she could never forget.

It seemed impossible to think things would turn out anything other than simply perfect.

Part 21 *Conclusion* ~ Hope Finds A Place?

Author's Notes:

Okay. The final chapter. In which one of Jimmy's most startling rules in the Sunscreen Song is followed through. One note of warning : I offer no compensation for any reactions felt at the end of this post. For those of you with interest, there will indeed be a sequel, posted in the quite soon future.

For Sharni, for always doubting in the Major,

For Abby, for being sweet and choosing to like the Major,

and For Shem, for always being there, advising me and offering the bomb shelter.

Erin.

Where there's life, there's hope.
~Terence

This is it. This is the day I shall be Miss Darcy no longer, and instead I will be Patrick's wife. Georgiana squirmed with feelings she hardly knew how to describe. After today, things would never be the same again - in more ways than one.

Georgiana blushed as she thought of 'the talk' she had had with Elizabeth last night. That talk had removed much of her innocence, and several incidences in the past that she had been confused about became clearer. But Lizzy told her she would not have to worry about what would happen on her wedding night. If she loved and trusted her husband, there could be no problems, he would always take care of her, and be considerate.

Georgiana was excited, she couldn't help it, but there was a gravity in her that ever reminded her how great, momentous and irrevocable was the step she was going to undertake this morning. Her abigail, the quiet, dependable Meg, came in early, to help her prepare. In little over an hour, Miss Darcy had become a vision. Her completed dress sparkled in the light, and in it she really did look magnificent. Her veil did not fully obscure her golden curls, which shone as they bounced against her slender neck, and the tiny champagne ice rosebuds grouped about her bun.

She bit her lips to make them pinker, and gently whispered "Come in" to a knock at her door.

"Oh Georgie!" Anne breathed, as she entered. "How much like an angel you look! I have never seen you so.......... Celestial!"

Christabel followed her, and laughed at her choice of words. "Celestial! Oh, yes indeed! Beyond doub.... gracious Georgie! You are heavenly! And here was me about to chastise Anne! You look gorgeous, love, I'm certain Lord Bentley will think so too."

"I must say I had never thought it would be you that married Major Bentley, Georgiana. But I must say too, I am so glad I married Richard instead - I could never regret it."

"What is it like to be married, Anne?" Georgiana asked shyly.

Anne smiled that dreamy smile of hers. "Oh, I'm sure you will find out very soon."

Suddenly Georgiana's eyes went wide. "Oh! I have to see my brother! Now, if I can! I have to say something to him, which I really must do before....."

"By all means go!" Christy smiled, watching Georgiana run off. Her own reflections at this moment were more sombre than both her cousin's. Both those young girls had found husbands, while she was about to be put on the shelf. They had found love, and she was beginning to feel an insistent ebbing inside - she wanted to be loved, not in the way she was loved by her family, but in a way which was foreign to her at present. She was so lonely, and now the entire generation of Fitzwilliams was married, except for herself. Perhaps it was about time to give up, and become reconciled to becoming the tragic aunt, who never paused except to pick up a new ball of wool to knit, or to sigh.

Georgiana found Fitzwilliam pacing the floor in his room. He was very restless, and seemed rather overwrought. She made him confess that yes, he was happy for her; yes, she was gorgeous; yes, her parents would have been thrilled to see her as she was today; yes, he wished they had have been here, and no, he really should never have given his consent.

Georgiana's jaw dropped when she heard that last, but Darcy was unable to tell her that even though he knew she was happy, he didn't entirely trust this man who was to be her husband. In any case, Georgiana was so excited today that she probably wouldn't have believed him anyway.

Georgiana looked resolutely ahead as she walked into the church. She could hardly believe that today was the day, and all the people in the pews had come to see her marry. There were the Bennets, Bingleys, Lady Catherine, the Collins'.. Oi! Wait a sec... What was Mr. Collins doing here?.... The Shellwoods, more neighbours, the Matlocks, Samuel and Isabel, Richard, Anne and Christy, Lizzy and John. There were others present that she didn't recognise, but her mind was fluttering so much, and she was more interested in looking at Patrick than anyone else. Her brother squeezed her hand as she took the final steps and stood beside Patrick.

She was about to be married.

"Dearly beloved" began the minister, which signified the beginning of Georgiana's dream, which turned to reality when, short time later, Miss Georgiana Darcy became Lady Bentley.

"May I have this dance, my lady?" Patrick asked his wife at the wedding party.

"Oh Patrick! Of course!" Georgiana replied, and took his offered hand.

"What a beautiful song!" Georgiana exclaimed. "Why have I never heard it before?"

"One of those newfangled songs, no doubt. But all it says is true."

"I know it is. I could never believe otherwise," the former Miss Darcy said as she lay her head on her husband's shoulder. She did not see him look uneasy for a moment. "I'm so happy I found you, Patrick."

"Now, my love. How romantic you are! Shall you permit me to introduce you to my sister?"

"Oh Trix! Yes, please do."

"Trix?" Patrick looked puzzled. "But my sister's name is Michelle."

"Well in the letter she sent me, she said she'd rather be called Trix."

"That's her all over! Here, follow me."

Before Patrick could begin the introductions, Trix had begun.

"Oh, Patch! This is Georgiana? Well of course it must be, for she's the only one around here in a wedding dress. What a doll! Oh, might I call you Georgie? Splendid! What a lovely dress! I suppose it cost you months worth of pin money? Oh, and... But never mind that.... Patch do you know I've met this gentleman called Trumper? I think he's monstrous nice. But what a name! Blergh. Ooh! And he's in regimentals like you! Now isn't that excellent? I wish I were out! How pretty you are Georgie! Do you think my hair is long enough to be done like that? I've had a letter from Ioan. He's still sailing about in his little boat, and he's devilish busy. I haven't seen him since forever. He's a sailor, you know, Georgie. He sails. But Patch boxes. With what's his name? Dashed if I can remember.... Oh! Gentleman Jackson, that's it. It's been a while since he was in a proper mill, though, I think, because as you know they're not quite the thing for peers...."

"Michelle!!!" Patrick exploded.

"It's Trix." She reminded him patiently. "Oh, oughtn't I say those sort of things in front of ladies? Blister me! I'm forever forgetting. Wretched memory. But it's all Ceddie's fault for teaching me. Why did you have to send him away? Especially when I was just getting to know him? He was such a rum cove, Georgie." Trix explained.

"T-r-i-x, I think Georgiana's heard enough." Patrick said, exasperated, while Georgiana looked with awed surprise at her sister.

* From this Moment, Shania Twain

"We'd better be off for Atherton now, my love, if we are to make it for nightfall." Patrick said finally.

Georgiana was filled with zeal at the prospect of seeing her new home, and agreed, but said she had to make some farewells first. These were for Fitzwilliam, Lizzy and John, Anne and Richard, Kitty and Christy - her closest friends and relatives.

This being done, the Viscount and Viscountess prepared to depart, in his Lordship's curricle.

Georgiana had to admit she felt rather shy about what was going to happen, but when she saw the look on her husband's face, she relaxed somewhat. She loved him, he loved her, all would be fine.

As Patrick was driving the curricle, Georgiana didn't dare to catch his attention, and was content to merely watch him, and wonder when next he would kiss her. It didn't take long before her hope was gratified, as he pulled over for a short while. Georgiana felt such a strange urging sensation whenever he kissed her like that, but she couldn't understand why.

"How much longer until we get there?" Georgiana asked out of curiosity, since she didn't recognise the land around them.

"Not too long, mon chére. Here, I'll go a little faster for you." And with that, he recommenced driving again. For a while, Georgiana was blissfully carefree, but then her attitude turned to slight anxiety as Patrick went faster.

"Aren't you going too quickly?" She asked softly, then cried out "Patrick! Oh Patrick! The corner!"

But it was too late. As the curricle went round the corner, it overturned.

The last thing Georgiana heard was her husband call out the last words he ever spoke : "Georgiana, I love you! Oh Lord, I am sorry!"

Then there was a terrible silence, and all went black, as she lost consciousness, and he lost his life.

Hope had once had a place, but now it was all gone.

Finis