Beginning, Previous Section, Section XII

Chapter 50 – Part A

Posted on February 1, 2009

Blake led the way to the sitting room he used to greet acquaintances, a room designed to discourage visitors from overstaying their welcome. His friends, he took to his library where the surfeit of books surprised anyone entering the room. The library contained comfortable chairs and sofas, filled beverage decanters, and a fire blazing at all times during the cool weather, or filled with flowers during the spring and summer. The room he led Darcy to contained the hardest of chairs, the smallest of fires, and the gloomiest of colors. He motioned for his former friend to sit.

Once in the room, Blake turned towards Darcy, who had sat down in the most uncomfortable of chairs. "What do you want? Another favor? Another scheme? Another chance to betray me?"

Darcy held his head steady, but did not raise his chin high. "No. I… came on a different matter, and one of importance to you. I… have news about someone, although not all the details were provided."

"I assume you mean her?" Blake chose the chair the greatest distance away from his former friend.

"Yes."

"Well, what is it? My time is valuable. Do not keep me waiting. I believe you mentioned a confession? What else have you have done to me?"

"I concealed the whole truth. On the balcony at Netherfield Park I… I…" Darcy hung his head, no longer able to say the words he needed to say.

"Speak up. I am in no mood for you drag this out or to mull this over. Say what you came to say and be done with it. Then be on your way."

Darcy raised his head and caught sight of Blake's glare. "Look, here is the truth. On the balcony that night, when I spoke of your dire financial condition, I did so only after Mrs. Bennet had opened the door to the balcony. I believed she was--"

"Wait! You mean to tell me Mrs. Bennet overheard you accuse me of being penniless? Is that what you are trying to say?"

Darcy shook his head. "Yes, but... in fact it is worse than that. I deliberately made the comment when she appeared. I believed she was mercenary in all respects, and I thought you were going to offer something other than marriage. So, yes, I did consider her useful in protecting Miss Elizabeth."

Blake shrugged. "But what of it? I admitted to my own personal wealth, which does not compare to yours, but is sufficient. And I do have a title, unlike you. Mrs. Bennet would prefer her daughter to be duchess than a mere wealthy Mrs."

"She left the moment after I spoke. She never heard the whole truth."

Blake jumped up, pulled Darcy to his feet, and shook him. "You cur! Why did you not tell me this before? I would have threatened to destroy Longbourn if Mrs. Bennet did not give me the information about her whereabouts. I would have been more forceful. My God. She may have told Elizabeth."

"Blake--"

"No wonder she ran from me. My God."

"Blake! Think man! You do not know if she had actually gone to town. Remember Mrs. Bennet is the one who told you she had. She may have been trying to protect her daughter from a life of poverty, and kept her away from meeting you through her lie."

"Yes. You did a wonderful job depicting me as the worst kind of peer. Damn. I remember now. You even suggested I might have to live off the Bennets. You…" Blake's fist landed on Darcy's chin, knocking him to the floor.

"I do not know what Mrs. Bennet did, but I…"

Blake pulled Darcy to his feet. "All this time!" Blake's fist landed on his chin again.

"Get up you cur. Get up so I can knock you down again."

Darcy rose to his feet before Blake leveled him with his right fist. Darcy did not offer any defense; instead he stood again allowing his former friend to pummel him with a fist to his stomach. Finally when Blake stopped, an exhausted Darcy held his hand up. "Please, call me a scoundrel, call me a cur, but cease from crying out 'all this time' with every punch. I am sorry. There is no excuse for what I have done. But hold up before you hit me again. I have more to tell you, something that may offer you hope."

"What is it? I will not strike you again until you have spoken; besides, there is no satisfaction in beating a man who will not fight back."

"I do not fight back, because I have earned every blow. I have some news of Miss Elizabeth and her feelings towards a gentleman."

Blake froze.

"Tonight, I learned she has had a change of heart. But I admit I do not know who he is."

"How do you know this?"

"Mr. Gardiner has been most secretive about his nieces, but just recently he shared the news with Rawlings."

"Why tell me? Go ask her. Find out before you get my hopes up."

Darcy shook his head. "No! It is not that simple. How do I make you understand?" He wiped the blood from his lip with his handkerchief. "She needs to speak to you before she makes any decision, and especially one which may fall in my favor. She needs to be told the truth. I cannot consider a future with her if deep down she regrets you. Would you want her if, for some reason, she had regrets about me? You would not, and neither do I. I want her to be happy, whether with you or me. I love her, but I do not want only duty and obligation. I could never bear being married to her, and all the while she is wishing it was you... at her side."

"So? What am I supposed to do? Why should I help alleviate your fears?"

"How can I not give you the opportunity to win her? Blake! Do you want the chance or not? I cannot tell you which of us she prefers, but are you not desirous of finding out? Do you want her to accept me when you may have won her heart?"

Blake closed his eyes. "Tell me everything you know."

Darcy explained his deceptive role as her protector, described the desire he had for her, his proposal, her manner of refusal, his letter he wrote to her, what Gardiner had said about his niece, and finally the arrangements Rawlings had made. He offered to provide a letter to Logan demanding that he make the horses available to Blake. Although his former friend listened politely, Darcy sensed the bond of friendship they once shared was lost. Blake's cold demeanor left no doubt of his feelings.

Darcy touched Blake's shoulder, "Go to her. Tell her how you feel and tell her the truth. I promise to do the same when I arrive in two days after you. She should know everything before she commits herself to any man."

Rawlings moved down the stairs to enter his carriage for the two-day trip to Pemberley. He had not stopped smiling since helping Darcy two days ago. The footman had just reached to open the door when he heard a whistle.

"Rawlings, wait!"

Shocked, Rawlings turned to face the man he had assumed was almost to Pemberley by this time. "Darcy, why are you here? You look horrible. What happened?"

"I have much to tell. Shall we ride together?" Darcy pointed to the carriage with his head.

Rawlings nodded and the two men climbed inside.

"I am at a loss. I admit I waited that night to see if you would leave. Did you change your mind?"

"No. I visited with Blake."

Rawlings jerked back into his cushion. "Blake? Why?"

"Because it is as much his right to find out as it is mine. I have done enough damage."

"What happened? Is Blake on his way?"

"No."

"I must hear all. I know I am a gossipy old dowager, but I will not let you leave this carriage until you give me the whole story."

"I expected, and received, a right punch to my jaw. Blake has an unquestionably strong punch." Darcy wiggled his jaw. "In fact, he pummeled me quite rightly. Did I tell you I punched him months ago?"

"No!"

"You had left for America. Blake arrived on my doorstep, drunk I might add, and I landed a right fist on his chin as hard as I could. He did not deserve it, and that is another of my sins I will forever regret."

"We all have sins, Darcy. You digress. What happened with Blake this time?"

"Blake allowed me to enter his home. Of course, I piqued his interest when I admitted I had something to confess."

Sighing, Rawlings shook his head.

"I told him the truth. All of it. Mrs. Bennet on the balcony. Kent on the balcony."

"Wait! Kent was on the balcony?"

"Yes. He heard it all and watched Mrs. Bennet's reaction. He knew! Yes. He knew what I had done. I am surprised he continued to connect himself to me."

"Bah! Kent has his own agenda. So, that is when you received the blows--after you confessed your great sin of being a jealous man."

"Needless to say, yes. Blake kept saying 'All this time. All this time.' He repeated it over and over with every punch until I had to yell at him to shut up."

"No!"

"Well, politely."

"Go on. Do not stop now."

I told him of my feelings for Miss Elizabeth, and how I believed my dealings were deliberate, without acknowledging even to myself the real reason behind my actions. I wanted him to fail, because I wanted her. I caught Blake off-guard when I admitted attempting to warn her about him at Netherfield Park, but she refused to listen."

"He was surprised? I was not. You were most entertaining!"

Darcy rolled his eyes. "I could have used a bit more enlightenment."

"I shall not hold back in the future. Was there anything else you told him?"

"I explained that it was not until one night while visiting my Aunt in Kent I finally decided to seek her out. Before then, I never once pursued her. After my thrashing, I mentioned the word hope. I carefully told him what you said. Once I explained how Mr. Gardiner indicated Miss Elizabeth has had a change of mind over a particular young man, his eyes brightened. You must understand how important hope is to a man."

Rawlings leaned forward and with the gentleness of voice said, "You may have raised his hopes when there is no hope she will chose him."

"Every man needs hope, Rawlings. Every man. Well, I gave him the plans on where to meet Logan. I warned him several times though, Gardiner did not name the young man, and for all I know, it could be Mr. Goulding."

Rawlings opened his mouth to speak when Darcy's body suddenly stiffened. "Good God!"

"What?"

"Wickham. I had not thought of Wickham. That scoundrel is still loose in the world. Oh my God. She had befriended that rake."

"Settle down. Do not worry so. Mr. Gardiner indicated he was a young man who had stayed at Netherfield Park.

Breathing easier, Darcy stared out the window. "I should have warned her father at least about Wickham. He was always sniffing around Longbourn."

"I tried to warn Mr. Bennet, but unfortunately my attempt came immediately after the waltz. He was not in a mood to listen, and to be honest, he believed Wickham over you."

"I could have explained Wickham's behavior to him in a way you could not. But I never felt his daughters were in danger since they have no fortune. Damn. That predicament is due to my family. Dishonor is what I accused Gardiner with. I am the biggest simpleton in all of England. Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner are saints compared to my relatives. My own father had been a member. What a fool I have been."

"Stop this pity blabber! You have changed completely."

"Oh?"

"Look at you. After these few months, you are completely different when it comes to the men that cross your path. Although you were not unpardonably rude before, now you treat even the lowest of persons with the type of respect you used to show only those whom you admired. I have heard you speak to the tradesmen as equals, and even begin conversations with them. You do not hesitate to invite a variety of guests to your home. In fact, I have had some of the most entertaining meals at Darcy House lately. These men of knowledge are an interesting group. My opinion of them has changed a great deal, too. I have witnessed the amends you made in your own character. Do not think ill of yourself."

Darcy shrugged. "I admit I am anxious about Blake obtaining Elizabeth's acceptance and I let those thoughts prevail. I will try not to wallow around in the pool of pity, well, at least not in the deep end!"

Rawlings laughed.

"I will continue to try to improve. I need practice. Did I ever tell you that she once accused me of not taking the time to practice? That was not true. I practiced at everything I thought was worthwhile, but never did I expect speaking to those people as a worthy endeavor."

"Enough self-indulgence. Now what did Blake do with all this new information?"

"He gave orders to pack his trunks. He is coming to Pemberley, and we will face her together. I must tell her the truth about what I saw. I offered Blake even more hope after I admitted doing something that may be the reason for her change of heart of him." Sighing, Darcy stared out the window at the passing scenery.

Rawlings waited patiently, but had to cough to get his friend's attention; he raised his brows in a pleading motion. "Are you going to keep me in suspense the whole journey?"

With a solemn expression, Darcy leaned towards his friend and said, "Please do not think ill of her, but I wrote Miss Elizabeth a letter after her refusal to my marriage offer. I placed it in her hand before I left my aunt's home in Kent."

Rawlings brows shot up.

"I included the truth about her mother's appearance on the balcony that night and what she had told Blake the next day. He was not to blame. I suspect this is the reason for the change of heart. From my own hand, Elizabeth learned about Blake seeking her out the day after the ball at Longbourn.

"Oh, and what did he say to that?"

"His usual response to something shocking, he repeatedly said, 'Oh my'." Both men chuckled. "But Blake relaxed afterwards. He smiled for a while, and I can only imagine he was picturing her reading the letter. He actually patted me on the back as he said I was a friend, even when I was stabbing him in the back. I suppose I did him a great favor by revealing the truth to Miss Elizabeth. But… I did not think of Blake at the time, only the need to defend myself against her accusations. I was not a friend."

"What now?"

"We are both prepared to meet with her and discuss everything. Blake refused to go on ahead. He believes there is as much chance she prefers me. I would be so honored if she did. And it would work to your advantage too."

"How so?"

"Well, I would send you word when Miss Lydia visits Pemberley."

"You have changed."

"I believe she is too young and silly for you, but I no longer wish to substitute my opinion for yours. If she pleases you, then I will stand by you. Perhaps, we can find out if she is still at Longbourn."

"Yes, perhaps."

"I also had Georgiana invite Lady Victoria. Her father relented and let her come at my aunt's insistence. They grew tired of her tears and tantrums, I suspect. Kent will be surprised. This is their chance to discover how they feel about each other. Georgiana and Lady Victoria are there now. I hope Blake's attendance does not give Victoria concern. Good God. Now I must think of how to handle this."

"Calm yourself. If Victoria has transferred her affections to Kent, it will not matter. If not, then Kent needs to know the strength of her feelings towards another man. So truthfully, this may be for the best. Is that not what you are pursing for yourself? A lady with no regrets? You are not responsible for every person's life. We are grown men and women, and must handle our situations to suit our own selves."

Darcy chuckled.

"What?"

"She accused me of trying to be the conductor of every friend's life. As you see, she was correct!"

The two men continued to converse about their visit in Hertfordshire. Darcy indicated he was looking forward to seeing Bingley again, and this time he would not hesitate to confess his sins to that friend either; but first he needed to learn if Miss Bennet had transferred her affections elsewhere. He solicited Rawlings' help, since Mr. Gardiner seemed to speak more openly with him. Talk turned to business issues, and the impact the war with America was having on their shipping business. Rawlings had sent word to the Lowell family that a shipment would be delayed until some resolution between the two countries occurred.

Silence permeated the carriage as they continued on their journey to Pemberley, until they reached the inn Darcy had arranged for the night's stay. Kent had reached the destination first, and Blake was the last to arrive. Bingley would arrive at Pemberley directly from his uncle's home north of Derbyshire.

Choosing to avoid Darcy, Blake spent the evening debating the reformation of parliament with Kent, who no longer professed the Tory line. Kent was now a full fledged member of the Whigs, much to the happiness of his uncles. The two men spoke in friendly, respectful tones, although the words became a little heated at times. With Blake and Kent occupied, Darcy retired early for the night and, surrounded by the political talk, Rawlings soon followed Darcy's lead.

Mr. Gardiner had planned to stay in Lambton until the rest of the partners arrived so that his wife could easily visit with her former friends, but once Darcy offered his home, which was a mere five miles from Lambton, Gardiner believed it would not be polite to refuse now that he was a full partner. He only hesitated because his niece was traveling with them. Elizabeth had expressed her uneasiness, although she had never mentioned Darcy's proposal to either her uncle or aunt. But in the end, Georgiana's insistence won out, and that was how Miss Elizabeth Bennet came to stay at Pemberley only two days after arriving in Lambton.

Georgiana, Miss Kent and Lady Victoria had spent a few days together while waiting for the men to arrive. The ladies had grown fond of each other when they secretly were sending letters between Kent and Victoria. Although she was apprehensive about spending time with Kent, Victoria had expressed her appreciation for the chance to get to know him.

Hoping to catch a particular man's eyes and turn his head towards her ever since that first day he smiled at her at Darcy House, Miss Kent anxiously waited as well. She could not erase the image of his tall frame sauntering through the manufactory door, displaying his laughing eyes as he inspected the products her uncle manufactured. She had studied him as earnestly as he studied the intricate details of whichever object he chose from the display case. He had dimples of which he seemed to be unaware. His air spoke of nonchalance, and he was natural, unlike the stilted manner of her brother and other young tradesmen trying to impress the world. And yet, his broad shoulders rarely slumped, and he appeared ordinary in the way he held his hand behind his back For the first time, she was without control over her yearnings, and, regardless of the unlikelihood he would ever entertain her as a possible match, each day brought her closer to another opportunity to win his favor. She feared the difference in their status was too great. He never looked upon her as anything more than as his partner's sister. She feared his heart belonged to another.

Georgiana was pleased to be surrounded by young women, and hoped that they all would remain close friends in the future. The addition of Miss Elizabeth had only added to the liveliness. While the Gardiners visited during the day, Elizabeth usually remained at Pemberley with the other ladies.

Darcy had sent word Lord Blake would be joining them, and had asked his sister to let the Gardiners and Elizabeth know. He also included in the message that he was the one who had invited Blake, so she should not be disturbed by his addition to the party.

However, when the men arrived, the Gardiners and Elizabeth were out visiting. Mr. Gardiner suspected Elizabeth had desired some occupation away on this day. She had become quieter and more circumspect on their return back to Pemberley. As they approached the foyer, they learned everyone had gathered in the drawing room, and the servants led them there immediately.

Lord Blake and Darcy stilled when Elizabeth walked through the doorway. Lord Blake had been speaking to Miss Kent, with Lady Victoria listening nearby. Kent stood slightly apart with his eyes remaining fixed on Lady Victoria. Rawlings was jesting about nothing, and to no one in particular. Darcy and Georgiana were sharing a quiet conversation. She had touched his hand several times when Elizabeth entered, and then squeezed tightly when he inhaled sharply. She gave him a small smile.

Bingley sat alone in the chair, subconsciously tapping his fingers on the arm. From the moment he had arrived at Pemberley and learned Miss Elizabeth was also a guest, he contemplated a way to learn about her sister. He practiced his question repeatedly, Are all your sisters at home? He felt satisfied that she would tell him if Miss Bennet had married. It had been nearly eight months since he had last seen her, and he would not let this opportunity pass without discovering if Miss Bennet had accepted another.

Blake and Darcy approached the Gardiners and Elizabeth quickly.

"Miss Bennet." The two men bowed, and before even she completed her curtsey, Darcy whispered, "I invited Lord Blake to join us, because I believe you and he need to discuss a matter you mentioned a few months ago."

"Miss Bennet, please. I would be honored if you give me the opportunity Darcy has provided. Perhaps not this moment, as you have just arrived, but we could meet tonight after dinner?"

"It is unlikely my uncle would allow a private discussion. Perhaps my aunt should attend as well?" Elizabeth glanced at her uncle and aunt.

"Yes, of course." The two men nodded.

Mr. Gardiner reluctantly agreed once his wife signaled her acceptance.

For a few minutes, the conversation centered on the men's trip to Pemberley and the mutual acquaintances Darcy and Mrs. Gardiner shared. Soon Elizabeth parted, making her way to her bedchambers to prepare for dinner. As if on clue, everyone separated to their own chambers, with the exception of Darcy. He led Mr. Gardiner to his study, where they shared a brandy before conversing for a brief period. Mr. Gardiner smiled as he left the study and hurried up the stairs to discuss the situation with his wife as he prepared for dinner.

When dinner began, everyone sensed the tension in the room by the strained voices and forced laughter. Elizabeth remained quiet, striving to be composed, and without daring to lift up her eyes. She was flanked by her uncle and Mr. Rawlings, with her aunt placed directly across from her. Neither Blake nor Darcy sat next to her, which resulted in their silence. Elizabeth had ventured only one glance at Darcy. He looked serious, as usual; and, she thought, more in the same manner as he had been in Hertfordshire. Her single glance at Blake revealed he, too, held a serious demeanor, one she had never witnessed on this usually charming and friendly man. He did not smile, and instead of eating, he merely pushed the food around the plate. His eyes caught hers, and the look he sent to her caused her to catch her breath at the depth of his feeling. She diverted her eyes only to glimpse Miss Kent, sitting to the left of Darcy, remark upon something humorous to him which resulted in his chuckle, and a lowly spoken comment in return. But now several minutes had elapsed without bringing the sound of his voice; she took a bite of food followed by a sip of wine without once lifting her eyes.

"Miss Bennet, have you traveled in this area before?"

"No, Mr. Rawlings. This is my first trip this far north. I find the countryside astonishing, and so unlike Hertfordshire."

"Were you able to visit the Lakes?"

Elizabeth shook her head before releasing a long sigh. She glanced at Darcy first and then Blake as she gulped her wine.

Rawlings leaned in a whispered, "All will be well, Miss Bennet. They are both honorable men, and only seek your happiness, wherever it resides." He presented her with a smile and reached for his glass.

Bingley talked less than he had in Meryton. He sipped his drink, and when Elizabeth caught him looking at her, she assumed he was trying to trace a resemblance. He leaned towards her, and in a tone of real regret said, "It was a long time since I had the pleasure of seeing you. It is above eight months. We have not met since the 26th of November, when we were all dancing together at Netherfield.

Elizabeth was pleased to find his memory so exact; and as a result, when he then asked her whether all her sisters were at Longbourn, with such a look and manner which gave them meaning, she immediately gave him the answer that quieted his nerves. "All my sisters are Longbourn, except one. My youngest sister is in Brighton."

Bingley looked both pleased and embarrassed. She had barely time to consider his actions when Mr. Rawlings coughed.

"Brighton?" Rawlings asked. "Do you have family there?"

"No. She is the guest of Colonel Forster's wife. The militia has left Meryton, and is spending the summer at Brighton."

"All the militia? Does that include Mr. Wickham?" Rawlings's fingers tightened around the stem.

Georgiana gasped. Darcy attempted to rise from his chair, but was not as quick as Elizabeth who had knocked over her glass. She patted the wet spot with her napkin and asked for forgiveness of Georgiana, diverting her attention away from the conversation. "Miss Darcy, I fear this means I must play the song you wanted to hear tonight as my punishment." Georgiana laughed at Elizabeth's jest, and offered to turn the pages for her.

When the conversations began to return to their normal flow, Elizabeth whispered to Rawlings, "Sir, he has gone there, yes, but I believe it would be best to speak of this at another time."

Rawlings nodded, but did not miss the exchange of looks between the Darcy siblings--one's eyes held fear, and the other's compassion.

Soon, the time had arrived for the separation of the sexes. The ladies moved to the music room, where Elizabeth and Georgiana searched for the sonata. Miss Kent and Lady Victoria continued the game of backgammon begun the night before. Victoria was winning, much to the surprise of Susan. Not even her brother had beaten her since she had turned twenty. Mrs. Gardiner and Mrs. Annesley were deep in conversation once they discovered they had several mutual friends in London.

In an unusually short time, the men arrived. Elizabeth was true to her word, playing and singing to everyone's appreciation. Blake and Darcy rose at the end of it, along with Mrs. Gardiner, and excused themselves as they escorted Elizabeth to the library. The remaining guests had some inkling of what was about to transpire, but no one dared to broach the subject openly.

"Thank you for agreeing, Miss Elizabeth." Darcy's words caught in his throat. "Mr. Blake would like a word. I will be over there looking for a book."

"On gas lighting, sir?" Elizabeth raised her brow, and with a chuckle added in a half-whisper, "I hope you find it this time."

He twisted his ring in circles as he watched Blake lead her to the chair closest to the fire. Darcy led Mrs. Gardiner over to the bookshelves where no words reached his ears.

Blake gazed into her eyes. "Miss Elizabeth. I must apologize, but I do not know where to begin."

"No. I am the one that should begin. I must ask for forgiveness for the actions of my mother. I know you will not understand, but she was trying to keep me from harm."

"I do understand. But it is I that must apologize. Darcy admitted how your mother heard him speak of the rumors my finances were depleted on that balcony that night. She did not hear of my independent wealth from my father, or my own estate and townhouse in London. She only heard the rumors; she left after Darcy had spoken.

Elizabeth sat still as she calculated this new piece of information.

"I should have sought you out. I should have heard the words from your own lips, not rely solely on your mother's reply. I was a fool. I believed her, when in my heart I knew it to be different."

"It is true; I did not conceal my attraction. I have wondered what you must have thought of me after my mother told you I had gone to London."

"I admit, I was not charitable towards you at first. The thought swirling in my head was how I had planned to defy my father and follow my heart. He would not have been pleased. He wanted someone with fortune and connections. I knew he would unleash his anger on me, but his wishes were not mine. When I heard you had gone away to avoid me, I was angry"

"The crushed knight."

"Yes, and now I can only regret leaving it behind. But Miss Elizabeth, my anger was only in the beginning. I felt abandoned, and then I began to blame myself. I searched my mind, trying to pinpoint what I had done, when I had expected a different response."

"Why did you not search for me?"

"I did not know where you went. Your mother did not say. But I did spy on Mr. Gardiner's house. I had followed Miss Bennet there one day. She was leaving Mr. Bingley's house as I arrived. I had hoped--"

Elizabeth leaned forward and tapped Blake's arm. "You knew my sister visited with Miss Bingley? Did you mention this to her brother? Did he know? Please, this is most important."

Blake shrugged. "I assumed he did. I do not recall any conversation about your sister visiting.

"Oh." Elizabeth sighed. "Did you say you watched for me outside my uncle's house?"

Blake nodded. "Ten days I waited, but without any indication you were visiting, I assumed you had gone to another relative."

"Why did you not come in? My aunt and uncle knew where I was."

"I have never been introduced to your relatives in London. I felt uncomfortable with an uninvited visit when your mother had said you wished to avoid me."

"But my sister was there. Did you not speak to her? She would have known where I was."

Blake shook his head. "No. I believed you did not wish to see me. My only hope was if I could catch you on a walk. We could have talked."

"What is it you wish to have said, because I am at a loss to understand what you wished to say to me that could not have been said in my uncle's home?"

"I wanted to know why you ran away to London. You mother said you wanted to avoid me."

"I did not run away. I was in Longbourn the day you came."

Blake grabbed the arms of the chair so tightly his knuckles turned white. "Darcy suggested as much; however, I believed your mother. ." His eyes darkened and his tone grew harsh when he added, "She will never be invited to my home, please understand I can never forgive her deceit."

"Oh? Why would she visit?"

"I get ahead of myself. Please forgive me."

Elizabeth nodded her head. "You said you got ahead of yourself? What else do you want to say?"

"The day after the ball, I wanted to ask you to be my wife. Even now, I still want you to marry me. I have never been able to forget you. Your eyes, your scent, your hands and your elegant manner. Tonight, I offer you marriage. Please accept. I cannot offer you wealth as others can, but I do have an estate and fortune of my own. I am not penniless, and can take great care of you. I will inherit the dukedom, and there is no one else I wish to be my duchess. I have loved you since our first dance at the assembly hall, and will love you when we can dance no more. I am sorry. I have not been as eloquent as I had wished, as I have practiced."

Elizabeth placed her hands in her lap and sat as straight as possible. "As your wife, Lord Blake, what would be expected of me?"

He smiled. "Other than providing an heir? Why the normal expectations. You would be required to manage the home as would any wife." Blake's smile stretched across his face. He patted her hand. "I have no doubt you could handle any problem that might surface."

"Problem? Do you speak of dealing with matters such as a young maid with child? I am aware of a situation of that nature happening elsewhere. What do you think would be the best action to take?

"Why, dismissal. Do you not agree?"

"She is without family and would have nowhere to go."

'Miss Elizabeth, a servant's life is of little concern of yours. If you find it difficult to dismiss a maid for that, or any reason, I have an excellent housekeeper who could handle everything. I would not want you to be distressed by the intricate decisions of running a household, especially those of unseemly matters." Blake leaned forward and patted her hand again. "I would do anything to shield you from a difficult situation. I only want happiness in your life. I would never allow you to come to harm or be made uncomfortable in any way."

Darcy's quick glance caught Miss Elizabeth with her brow raised, and if not for the slightest smile, her expression was of a serious manner. He suddenly felt the grayness of the room take hold of his heart. The conversation appeared to turning more intimate between the two, with Blake patting her hand. Darcy slid into the chair and thought about his life. So many mistakes. I could not compete with Blake. This was just another example where the better competitor would win the day. I came too late. Not aware of how long he sat in contemplation, Darcy had not noticed the quietness surrounding him until Elizabeth caught his attention by coughing.

"Miss Elizabeth." Darcy jumped up and quickly searched the room with his eyes. "Where is Lord Blake?"

"He has retired for the evening. I have stayed behind to speak to you."

"Please, be seated." Darcy pointed to the chair. When he could not find Mrs. Gardiner, Elizabeth advised him her aunt had mentioned a chill and removed herself to sit in the chair closer to the fire. He took his seat, but his hands trembled as he clasped them together.

"Mr. Darcy, I want to thank you for allowing Lord Blake the opportunity to explain what happened that day. I…"

Darcy did not move. He rubbed his hands and held his breath.

"I never understood why he left without taking his leave, and had it not been for your letter, I do not know how I…"

When she looked down at the floor, he caressed her hand. "Say no more. Please. I am pleased for you that the misunderstanding has been resolved." He gazed into her eyes, and with the softest of voices asked, "Is there anything you wish to ask me? I will tell you anything you want to know, and I will speak honestly."

"I have one concern, Mr. Darcy. If you would be so kind to explain to me as to why you filled my mother's head with rumors about Lord Blake. Did you really believe them, or did you have some other purpose for such a breach of conduct? I do not understand your purpose, because at that time, you had not shown any interested in me."

"I am ashamed to admit the truth. I wanted to believe my friend was not going to offer marriage, just a…" Darcy closed his eyes and then added quietly, "a flirtation. I did not wish to see you put in an awkward situation. But I lied to myself." Darcy looked down at his hands as he willed them to hold still. When he lifted his eyes, he caught sight of her widened eyes and her opened mouth. "I wanted to believe it to be that way, because I did not want him to have you. I wanted you even then. I loved you."

"Even though you did not seek me out?"

"I struggled against connecting myself, and for no excuse other than prejudice and false pride."

Elizabeth whispered, "In vain I have struggled." She gazed at the man sitting across from her with his eyes closed and his head hung low. She touched his arm. "I remember you did tell me. But I did not realize you felt this way even then. What set you off in the first place? When did it begin?"

"I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun. By then Lord Blake had revealed his preference for you. I felt much like a drowning man, and I searched for a rope or raft, but all I could do was pretend to be your protector. I fabricated in my mind, that he would not offer you marriage, so I tried to warn you, nay, to keep you from him. I invented a reason to come between you and him." Darcy's last words caught in his throat. "I manipulated the conversation on the balcony with your mother listening." Darcy breathed deeply several times. "I beg your forgiveness for such an officious act."

The only sounds heard in the room were the breathing of the two.

"Mr. Darcy, why were you so silent when I arrived today. I had hoped you would engage in some conversation.

"Because you were grave and silent, and gave me no encouragement."

"But I was embarrassed and confused."

"And so was I."

"You might have talked to me more at dinner."

"A man who had felt less, might."

"A very reasonable response." Elizabeth chuckled. They sat quietly as she composed her next question.

"Now be sincere; did you admire me for my impertinence"

"For the liveliness of your mind, I did."

"I recall the veracity of the words I spoke in … I assure you that I have long been most heartily ashamed of my rejection of your offer."

"No, Miss Elizabeth. I have been a selfish creature all my life and did not see the error of my ways until you opened my eyes in Kent. The lesson was hard, but one I had to address."

"Is that why you invited Lord Blake?"

"Once I faced the truth about what I had done, I could not allow the misunderstanding between you and Blake to continue."

"Thank you, Mr. Darcy." Elizabeth raised her head and offered a weak smile.

Darcy watched her chest rise and fall with her breath. Her neckline was at an appropriate height. "I will escort you back to the others." Darcy offered his arm when she did not speak again. They walked silently to the music room where music from Georgiana's pianoforte could be heard. Darcy found a chair apart from the others and spent the evening trying to swallow the lump in his throat as he recalled every word she said.

The sun had barely risen when Darcy entered the dining room. Elizabeth sat the table in front of a now empty plate, and was the lone diner for breakfast, spreading a fruit jam on her toast. "Good Morning."

"Good Morning, Mr. Darcy."

"I expected to see Blake."

"He finished breakfast early and has taken a morning ride." Elizabeth watched as Darcy filled his plate with eggs, ham, and toast. He chose to sit in the chair across from her.

"Mr. Darcy, I want to thank you again for the opportunity to speak to Lord Blake. But I also would like to have a word with you in the garden if--"

Rawlings rushed into the room. "Darcy, a carriage is approaching and it sounds like it is in a hurry!"

At once, Darcy pushed the plate of food away, rose and moved to the window. "It looks like… yes, I am sure of it …" Oh God.

Chapter 50B

Posted on February 3, 2009

"Who is it?" Rawlings asked.

"I see the crest now. Yes it is he. Lord Charnwood has arrived! I wonder if something has happened."

"Lord Charnwood?"

"I am sorry, Lord Blake's father. Please, Miss Elizabeth, remain here." Darcy signaled to Rawlings to locate Blake while he left to greet the Duke.

As quickly as possible, he reached the front door as Lord Charnwood stepped out of the carriage. He was of average height with a slim build, and a hint of his fair hair was still evident, although gray locks covered his head. His blue eyes might have been sky blue, had it not been for the anger turning them jet black. His clothes were disheveled, but not unduly so for a man that had charged forward all night. His boots, however, were dull and scuffed, and one might assume they were merely his favorite pair. Alas, they were his best boots. As he approached the front steps, Darcy spotted the tip of a flask bulging out of his coat.

Darcy approached the man, bowing respectfully. His eyes drifted towards the stable, but returned to the Duke when he did not see any movement.

"Where is she?"

"Sir?"

"Miss Bennet. Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

Darcy felt as if he had fallen into a rose bush, his skin pricked everywhere. "Your Grace, I have sent someone to locate your son. He is riding this morning. Perhaps you would like to wait for him in the drawing room."

"He is here? I should have assumed as much. Well, I am not a man to be kept waiting. Young man, I asked, where is she?"

"Lord Charnwood, I am Miss Bennet." Elizabeth moved swiftly, but not hurriedly. Darcy motioned for her to stand alongside him.

"Lord Charnwood, please, this way." Darcy pointed to the door with his open palm. "Let us go inside, and I shall order you some refreshments. You must be tired after the journey." When the man did not move, Darcy glared at him. "If you prefer, you can wait for your son in my study."

Ignoring Darcy, he glared at Elizabeth. "I must have a few words with you. Is there somewhere we can talk… privately?"

Darcy moved between the Duke and Elizabeth. "Sir. I cannot allow Miss Bennet to go. Now, if you would be so kind to follow me inside. Blake should be here shortly. You should speak to him first." Darcy turned to Elizabeth. "Your uncle, I believe, is in the library."

"Mr. Darcy, I would like to speak to His Grace."

The Duke held his arm to her. "Very well, young lady, and since Mr. Darcy will not secure us a private space inside, I suggest we take a walk to the garden."

She nodded as she took his arm.

They proceeded in silence along the gravel walk that led to the garden; Elizabeth was determined to make no effort at conversation with the man who was now giving off the appearance of a more than usually insolent and disagreeable guest.

Darcy would not be deterred, and followed closely behind.

Charnwood looked back with his blackest glare. "Mr. Darcy, this conversation does not concern you."

Darcy threw his shoulders back, stuck out his chest and formed fists. "All conversations in my home concern me, sir, when a guest of mine is imposed upon in such an unexpected manner." Darcy rose to his full height, which was at least four inches taller than the duke. "I will remain by her side."

"As you wish." The duke shrugged. "But I will have my say."

"He is superbly skilled as a protector, your Grace." Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder and presented Darcy with a raised brow and a slightly upturned mouth.

Darcy nodded, unsure if she offered him a compliment or a tease.

As soon as they entered the garden, Lord Charnwood and Elizabeth separated. The Duke began with an accusation. "You can be at no loss, Miss Bennet, to understand the reason of my request to speak to you. Your own heart, your own conscience, must tell you why I come."

Elizabeth looked at him with a curious expression. "Indeed, you are mistaken, sir. I have not been at all able to account for the honor."

"Miss Bennet, 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 certainly not depart from it."

Elizabeth did not leave the garden, choosing to remain silent. Standing beside her, Darcy never diverted his eyes away from the duke as he stomped around them.

"A report of a most alarming nature reached me many days ago from Lord Attwood. I was told that you, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, would, in all likelihood, be soon united to my son, my own son, the heir to a dukedom, Lord Blake. Though I know it must be a scandalous falsehood, though I would not injure him so much as to suppose the truth of it possible, I instantly resolved on setting off for this place, that I might make my sentiments known to you. I have had to expend innumerable effort to locate you. I have come here directly from Hertfordshire."

"If you believed it impossible to be true, I wonder you took the trouble of coming so far. What could Your Grace propose by it?" Elizabeth felt the heat rising in her face.

Darcy moved a step closer, never taking his eyes off the duke. He kept his body slightly in between the two.

Stopping abruptly, Charnwood turned to glare at the defiant young girl before him. "At once to insist upon having such a report universally contradicted."

"Your coming will be rather a confirmation of it; if, indeed, such a report is in existence."

The Duke huffed. "If? Do you then pretend to be ignorant of it? Has it not been industriously circulated by yourselves? Do you not know that such a report is spread abroad these past few months?"

"I never heard that it was." She tapped Darcy's arm when he had opened his mouth to respond. She caught his attention and shook her head and bestowed a smile upon him, one that he vaguely remembered seeing from somewhere.

"Miss Bennet! And can you likewise declare that there is no foundation for it?"

"I do not pretend to possess equal frankness with Your Grace. You may ask questions which I shall not choose to answer."

"This is not to be borne. Miss Bennet, I insist on being satisfied. Has he, has my son, made you an offer of marriage?" Lord Charnwood moved closer to her.

Darcy stepped in front of Elizabeth and glowered down at the duke until satisfied his message was received. He watched as Blake's father moved backwards.

Elizabeth's right brow rose. "Your Grace has declared it to be impossible."

"It ought to be so; it must be so, while he retains the use of his reason. You have no fortune and no connections. But your arts and allurements may, in a moment of infatuation, have made him forget what he owes to himself and to all his family. You may have drawn him in."

"If I have, I shall be the last person to confess it."

"Your Grace! You have gone too far," Darcy bellowed. "I insist you refrain from making such slanderous attacks. Come Miss Bennet. We will find your uncle." He held out his arm.

Elizabeth shook her head. "Mr. Darcy, please allow us to finish. His Grace's words are of no importance to me."

A red faced Lord Charnwood sputtered. "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 behavior as this, ever induce me to be explicit."

"Let me be rightly understood. This match, to which you have the presumption to aspire, can never take place. No, never. You are not worthy of the title of duchess, nor is the connection available. My son is engaged to another. Now what do you have to say?"

"Only this; that if he is so, you can have no reason to suppose he made an offer to me. I suspect the choice was yours and not his."

"The arrangement has just been settled. The family has signed the papers as have I. She is of noble blood, and I will demand he carry out his duty and obligations, which fall upon his shoulders as my heir."

"By your own admission, Lord Blake is neither by honor nor inclination confined to this person, why is he to not able to make another choice? And if I or some other lady is his choice, why should anyone not accept him?

"Because honor, decorum, prudence, nay, interest, forbid it. Yes, Miss Bennet, interest; for if I do not approve, then you should not expect to be noticed by his family or friends, if you willfully act against the inclinations of all. You will be censured, slighted, and despised, by every one 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 any wife of Lord Blake must have such extraordinary sources of happiness necessarily attached to her situation that she could, upon the whole, have no cause to repine."

"Obstinate, headstrong girl! I am ashamed of you! Do you know your station in life? You are to understand, Miss Bennet, that I came here with the determined resolution of carrying my purpose; nor will 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."

"Your Grace!" Darcy shouted, glaring at the man until he stepped backwards.

Lizzy touched Darcy's arm again. She glanced around and noticed Rawlings, Kent, and Lady Victoria had arrived in the garden. "That will make Your Grace's situation at present more pitiable; but it will have no effect on me."

"Miss Bennet, hear what I have to say. I will not be interrupted."

Darcy laughed, catching them off guard.

Lord Charnwood held up his hand. "Hear me in silence. My son is destined to be matched with someone that can provide a splendid fortune and name. I have completed the negotiations with…"

Darcy and Elizabeth waited.

"Why, with your uncle, Mr. Darcy. I have made arrangements for my son to marry Lady Victoria Fitzwilliam."

Elizabeth and Darcy's mouths dropped open. Gasps could be heard from everyone listening in the background. Kent moved quickly to stand beside Victoria, who had a stunned expression on her face. She covered her mouth as she stared at the Duke.

Lord Charnwood stepped around Darcy and glared at Elizabeth. "So, you see, the upstart pretensions of a young woman without family, connections, or fortune such as yourself will not win the day. If you were sensible of your own good, you would not wish to quit the sphere in which you have been brought up. My son is a peer, and you are but a lowly daughter of some poor country gentleman. And who is your mother? Who are your uncles and aunts? Do not imagine me ignorant of their condition."

Elizabeth threw her shoulders back, lifted her chin and glared at the Duke. "Whatever my connections may be, if your son does not object to them, they can be nothing to you."

"Tell me once for all, are you engaged to him?"

When he heard Darcy quick intake of breath, Rawlings moved to his side and grabbed his shoulder. He whispered, "Steady yourself, my friend."

Though Elizabeth would not, for the mere purpose of obliging Lord Charnwood, have answered this question, she could not but say, after a moment's deliberation, "I am not."

The duke seemed pleased. "And will you promise me, never to enter into such an engagement?"

"Father! What are you doing here?" Blake sped towards Elizabeth. He stopped the moment he stood between her and his father. "Darcy, would you be so kind to escort Miss Bennet into the house. Miss Bennet, Lady Victoria, Kent, Rawlings, please, I would like to speak to my father alone."

Elizabeth nodded and took Darcy's arm, and the others followed behind. When Elizabeth glanced up at him, he noticed the sparkle in her eye. She had not been intimidated by the imposing duke. A smile spread across his face; her matching smile lifted his spirits. They stood searching each other's eyes for a full minute, ignoring the father and son arguing. They were barely in the house when they heard loud shouts from the garden.

The duke sent a parting glare to his son and shouted so loud everyone in the room heard, "We are not finished, Robert. You will do as I say." He stormed towards the driveway. Blake stood, unable to move, as he watched his father disappear around the corner.

At the door, a hurrying Mrs. Reynolds nearly bumped into the couple, holding several messages in her hand. "Sir, these urgent letters have arrived for Miss Bennet.

Elizabeth accepted the letters and studied the envelopes. "These are from my sister, Jane. I…"

"We are close to the library. Would you like to go there and read them?"

"Yes. Thank you. I have been wondering why I had not received any news from her. She wrote the address very ill." She shook her head as she viewed the letter.

While he led her to the library, the others left for the music room where Georgiana was practicing. Darcy closed the door, giving Elizabeth privacy. He waited patiently outside the room, and just when Blake arrived, they heard sobs coming from within. They burst in the library and rushed to her side.

"Would you like to sit down? Please! You are not well." Darcy said.

Blake rushed ahead and pointed to a chair near the window. "Please, Miss Bennet. Rest here."

"No. I am well." She plopped into the chair as she tore open the other letter. Blake and Darcy moved their chairs closer to her.

Her sobs grew louder as she sped through the next letter. Darcy gently took hold of her hand. "Good God! What is the matter?" When her tears rolled down her cheeks, he gave her hand a slight squeeze. "Shall we find your Aunt and Uncle? Let me help you, Miss Elizabeth." He reached for her and then suddenly stopped himself from pulling her to his chest. Every inch of his body ached to hold her, comfort her, and offer her solace; it was a Herculean effort not to do so.

Darcy rang for a servant. "Find Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner immediately, and bring them here. Make haste."

Elizabeth lifted her teary eyes and gazed at Darcy as he handed her his handkerchief. "Yes, I must speak to Mr. Gardiner this moment, on business that cannot be delayed; I have not a second to lose." She rose to leave.

Blake touched her arm "What can I do? Just say the word and it shall be done."

She sat down, unable to support herself, and looking so miserably ill it was impossible for Darcy or Blake to leave her side.

Blake turned to Darcy. "What happened? What did my father say to her to upset her so?"

"It was not your father causing her distress." After using his eyes to direct Blake's attention to the letters in Elizabeth's lap, Darcy refocused his attention on the sobbing woman. "Let me call your maid. Is there nothing you could take, to give you present relief?--A glass of wine; shall I get you one? You are very ill."

Elizabeth shook her head and attempting to recover herself, said, "No, I thank you; there is nothing the matter with me. I am quite well. I am only distressed by some dreadful news which I have just received from Longbourn."

She burst into tears as she alluded to it, and for a few minutes she could not speak another word. Darcy and Blake watched in wretched suspense and in compassionate silence. At length, she spoke again. "I have just had a letter from Jane, with such dreadful news. It cannot be concealed from any one. My youngest sister has left all her friends, has eloped, and has thrown herself into the power of… of Mr. Wickham. They are gone off together from Brighton. You know him too well to doubt the rest. She has no money, no connections, nothing that can tempt him to--she is lost for ever."

The quiet in the room was only broken by her sobs.

Darcy's attention was fixed in astonishment on the trembling woman before him,. As Elizabeth continued to sob and dab her eyes with his handkerchief, he threw the back of his hand across his mouth and squeezed his other hand into a fist. He fought the urge to wrap his arms around her, lift her chin and kiss her tears. He heard nothing but her words and her cries.

Blake leaned back into his chair, deliberating the scale of the problem. "Oh my." He rubbed his forehead as he considered the possible effect on his career and his social life. Shaking the thoughts away, he returned his attentions to the flustered woman, sobbing and wiping her tears a handkerchief. He looked down at the soft linen one still in his hand and realized that she had accepted Darcy's.

When she spoke again it was in an agitated tone. "When I consider, that I might have prevented it--I, who knew what he was. Had I but explained some part of it only, some part of what I learned, to my own family! Had his character been known, this could not have happened. But it is all too late now."

Darcy's body stiffened. "I am grieved, indeed, grieved, shocked. But is it certain, absolutely certain?"

"Oh yes! They left Brighton together on Sunday night, and were traced almost to London, but not beyond; they are certainly not gone to Scotland."

Blake moved his chair closer. "And what has been done, what has been attempted, to recover her?"

Elizabeth looked up at Blake with a dazed expression. "My father is gone to London, and Jane has written to beg my uncle's immediate assistance, and we shall be off, I hope, in half an hour."

"Yes, of course. We will not keep you here, but if there is anything at all that I… we can do…" Blake leaned forward in his chair and took her hand. "Anything at all."

Nodding politely to Blake, she pulled her hand back and then turned her eyes to Darcy. "But nothing can be done; I know very well that nothing can be done. How is such a man to be worked on? How are they even to be discovered? I have not the smallest hope. It is every way horrible!"

Darcy shook his head in silent acquiescence.

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

Darcy made no answer. He seemed scarcely to hear her, and was walking up and down the room in earnest meditation; his brow furrowed, his air gloomy.

Blake glanced at the doorway. "Where is your uncle? Where is your aunt?"

Elizabeth's eyes turned away from Blake and towards Darcy; she quickly observed his demeanor and instantly understood it. Her power was sinking; every thing must sink under such a proof of family weakness, such an assurance of the deepest disgrace. She should neither wonder nor condemn, but the belief of Mr. Darcy's self-conquest brought nothing consolatory to her bosom, afforded no reduction of her distress. It was, on the contrary, exactly calculated to make her understand her own wishes; and never had she so honestly felt that she could have loved him, as now, when all love must be vain.

Elizabeth's depth of feelings for Darcy was not lost on Blake. He rose from his chair, mumbling something about finding her relatives, and left the room.

Elizabeth wiped her tears. Lydia--the humiliation, the misery, she was bringing on them all--soon swallowed up every private care; and covering her face with his handkerchief, she was soon lost to every thing else until she heard her aunt and uncle calling her name from the doorway.

Darcy, who, in a manner, which though it spoke compassion, spoke with restraint, said, "I am afraid you have long desired my absence, nor have I any thing to plead in excuse of my stay, but real, though unavailing, concern. Would to heaven that any thing could be either said or done on my part, that might offer consolation to such distress!--But I will not torment you with vain wishes, which may seem purposely to ask for your thanks."

"We will help her now, Darcy," Mr. Gardiner said as he and his wife moved closer to their niece.

Darcy again expressed his sorrow for her distress, wished it a happier conclusion than there was at present reason to hope, and, with only one serious parting look, went away.

As he quitted the room, Elizabeth felt how improbable it was that they should ever see each other again on such terms of cordiality as had marked their meetings in Pemberley. She threw a retrospective glance over the whole of their acquaintance, so full of contradictions and varieties, and sighed at the perverseness of those feelings which would now have promoted its continuance, and would formerly have rejoiced in its termination.

In the hallway, Darcy directed the nearest servant to find Kent, whom he believed was in the music room with Victoria, Miss Kent, and Georgiana. The footman left to carry out his orders.

Within moments, Kent entered the study just as Darcy was handing several letters to his steward. "Darcy, did you wish to see me?"

"I need your advice."

"Mine? You usually seek out Rawlings."

"This involves him, and, besides, you have great insight, as I have learned."

Darcy paced back and forth in front of the window after Kent took his seat. When he finally stopped walking, he sighed. "What I have to say must be kept confidential, although I was not asked for secrecy."

After Kent nodded, Darcy released a long sigh before delving into the situation with Miss Lydia.

"Oh my God. You are correct. Rawlings will not be pleased. But then this scandal will not help any of us. Mr. Gardiner is our partner, and the Peregrine will have a good laugh at our attaching ourselves to this family. Tradesmen! I can hear them now. This cannot help us, Darcy."

"That is not my biggest concern. Success will generate its own respect. Now, I need your advice. I plan on leaving for London and locating the scoundrel. I am the only one with any chance of finding him. I know all his old haunts and his old friends. I will start there."

"And the advice?"

"What do I tell Rawlings? And Bingley, should he be kept in the dark? I want to act in their best wishes, it is just I am not the best one to know what that is."

"And you think I do?"

"Your heart is the only one not tied to the Bennet family."

"Oh. Yes, I see."

Darcy poured Kent a cup of tea to match the one he fixed for himself. As Kent sipped, he suggested every scenario he could imagine. Darcy talked while he paced; he, too, fretted about the disclosure of all the damaging information and how it would impact their alliance. Kent had repeatedly expressed his desire to avoid scandal, but seemed satisfied his friend would be successful in averting a total disaster.

"I see you have no choice. If it was Lady Victoria, I would never forgive you for not telling me. You must bring Rawlings into this. He must be told regardless of how hurtful it will be."

"He has been hurt before. Oh, why, did that silly girl not see the true value in Rawlings? He would have cared for her like no other. He could have slowly lowered her willful ways to where she would still have fun, but within reasonable limits. He would have been the best of men for her. I cannot tell him."

"You must. He would never forgive you."

"I know, I was merely dreading it." Darcy chuckled. "On the way to Pemberley, I even told him I would bring Miss Lydia here one day."

"Much like you brought Lady Victoria here for me?" When Darcy nodded, Kent laughed. "We are grown men and should be able to handle our own love affairs."

The room stilled as the men sipped their drinks until Kent broke the silence. "You did not mention Blake. Should he not be told?

"He is aware of the situation."

"You realize he cannot overlook his status. One day he will inherit his father's title. I do not believe he can ignore the damage first as done by Lord Charnwood's gambling, and then overcome how this scandal would impact his name."

"And Miss Elizabeth must be shielded from the viciousness of the ton. They will never accept her once this is known. The moment the word leaks out, the duke will begin spreading the gossip.."

"I doubt she cares. She laughs at them."

"But her children would be hurt."

"By whom? This scandal will long be forgotten."

"His family will not overlook it."

"His family? Or yours, Darcy? Are we really talking about him?"

"No. You are correct. I lapsed back into my old self."

"A lifetime of prejudice is hard to overcome."

"That it is, but what you say is true. Blake has plans for his future and scandal will hurt him."

"Yes, I agree. But only he can make the decision. Did he and Miss Elizabeth come to an agreement last night?"

Darcy sighed. "So you know about last night?"

"I have great insight, as you said." Kent chuckled, but his friend remained serious.

"Miss Elizabeth indicated they are not engaged, but I do not know if it is because she has not given her answer, or if Blake has not yet proposed."

"Oh. Now, Bingley? He is a different problem. He is not affected as much with scandal, and I know he would be willing to lie in front of a stampeding carriage to help Miss Bennet. But he should not do so if she does not return his feelings. Miss Bennet would feel a sense of obligation, and he does not want her that way. He desires only her love, not her body."

"Ah, Bingley." Darcy's pace picked up.

Kent refilled his cup and handed it to him. "Miss Bennet's feelings are the key. Still in this case, I would tell him. He is able to handle things."

"I would first like to find out how she feels. Has Mr. Goulding won her affections? Mr. Gardiner was vague about his attentions to her at dinner last night. After this scandal, would he continue to pursue her? I just do not know. Perhaps Mrs. Gardiner could reveal it to me if I explain it in the right context. Wait. I am sure they have already left for London."

"I believe they have."

Darcy stopped pacing. "Damn!"

"What?"

"I have known since Easter that Miss Bennet favored him above others. I also concealed her visit to his townhouse to visit his sister this past winter."

"Oh? Why have you waited to tell him?"

"Bingley would be heartbroken a second time if she has since transferred her affections to another. Mr. Gardiner has not been forthcoming regardless of my attempts to learn the truth. I have waited to speak directly to Miss Elizabeth. She is the only one who will know the truth. If Miss Bennet still favors him, I will admit everything. If not, then I cannot hurt him just to satisfy my guilt. I cannot."

"I see." Kent sipped his drink. "He is a dilemma. But once the others know would it be possible to keep it from him?"

"No. I suppose not. If it was just him, I would wait."

"But now?"

"I will tell him." Darcy sighed. "I will tell all of them everything."

Kent patted Darcy on the back. "It will be well, my friend. It will be well."

Darcy first checked to determine if the Gardiners had left, and when he was told they had, he sent for Bingley, Rawlings, and Blake.

When Darcy turned to face his friends, they immediately became alarmed at his serious mien. He first secured their promise for what he had revealed to remain confidential. As he unfolded the situation, each man reacted in their own manner. All the time Darcy was revealing everything that he knew, Bingley's jaw dropped, and he raised his brows to full height, but Rawlings' eyes narrowed and his pupils turned black.

"Wickham. Wickham. Blast that man. I tried to warn Mr. Bennet. He rebuffed everything I said. Why did you not warn Mr. Bennet, Darcy?"

"What I am about to repeat is to go no further. Do I have your promise?" They agreed by nodding.

He recited from memory the words he had written to Miss Elizabeth. He explained his sister's intended elopement and the revenge Wickham sought. He also told them he never once suspected the rake would be interested in the Bennets once their lack of dowries became known. He admitted his mistake. Darcy slumped into a chair. Kent poured all the men a drink.

The sound of deep breathing filled the room.

Darcy continued. "I plan on leaving at first light. I have sent word to a few well placed individuals to be on the lookout for Wickham and some of his associates." He stood. "If you wish to help, meet me in the morning. I will explain everything to my sister now, and then I am retiring for the rest of the day."

A blank expression remained on Blake's face, while he excused himself and left for his chambers. However, Rawlings's steps were slow and plodding as he quietly walked away.

Bingley remained, sitting quietly as he tapped the arm of the chair. "I will pack my things immediately. I will be heading out to Netherfield Park at first light."

In doing so, Bingley proved he was the man of action he once claimed to be. He remembered how his friends laughed at him, and since that day he had tried to rely more on his own thoughts than on others. His last six months up north with his Uncle Watt had been beneficial. He realized he was a worthy man. Although he had a long way to go before he would consider himself an independent man, today he did not need a second to come to a decision.

"Do you recognize the significance in this elopement?" Darcy asked. "I have no doubt he will not marry her, which will reflect poorly on her sisters."

"Yes, of course, but I have no care along those lines. I am positive that today, Miss Bennet is burdened with her family, and with Miss Elizabeth away, there is no one to help her. Mr. Bennet would be in London and Mrs. Bennet would be hard to handle. And yes, I understand that with no funds, as Caroline rejoiced repeatedly about Miss Bennet's status, and now hampered with a scandalous sister; no one would be willing to take on the Bennet family. Miss Bennet would be relegated to spinsterhood or someone's companion or governess. I know that she never loved me, but I loved her."

Darcy pointed to the chair, inviting Bingley to sit. "I need to reveal a deception on my part, but at the same time I am concerned that your hopes may be raised.

"Every man needs hope, Darcy."

Darcy felt a shiver down his spine as he recalled using those very words to explain why he told Blake. "You are correct. I… I learned from Miss Elizabeth months ago that Miss Bennet did favor you. I had been wrong in my assumption."

"She did!" Bingley jumped up excited and then gazed at his friend. "Why did you not send me word? I do not understand? All these months you left me wondering!"

"I have more to admit. Miss Bennet called on your sister in town in January. We concealed her visit from you. We believed her family to be desperate."

"What? I understand why Caroline would do such a thing, but you--I do not understand at all." Bingley leaned back in his chair. His surprise was great at first, and then he squinted his eyes as he contemplated what was said. "But why would Miss Elizabeth tell you?"

"Because she rejected my proposal of marriage and explained that my actions to separate you from her was one of the reasons."

"Marriage? To Miss Elizabeth?" Bingley leaned closer and glared at Darcy. "I thought you said the Bennets were beneath us! No, I cannot believe she loved me. My God. If she loved me, what must she think of me? I never returned. Why did I listen to you? All this time!"

"Miss Bennet is a beautiful woman that would please any man. I wished to tell you as soon as I asked Miss Elizabeth if her sister's feelings remain unchanged. I did not wish to raise your hope if she had transferred her affections. I planned to confess, not to alleviate my guilt, but to give you a chance. But only if she still loved you. Now, however, with this situation, I could not ask her as they have left to return to Longbourn. I do apologize, Bingley. My interference was absurd and impertinent."

Darcy watched the range of emotions cross Bingley's face. From his own recent experiences, he recognized the angry glower and furrowed brow that turned into quizzical expression and finally to the down turned mouth of depression.

Bingley sighed and lowered his head. "She must despise me. She thinks I did not care for her and abandoned her for London society. How she must have suffered.

"I am sorry to give you such pain," Darcy said quietly.

"Me? My pain is of no consequence. Hers is all that is important." Bingley dropped his head in his hand. "In her eyes, I acted like a flirt, a cad. What she must have endured at my absence."

"She does need support. You said so yourself. She may still love you, Bingley. You said every man needs hope. Do you not wish to discover the truth?"

After contemplating the possibility for several minutes, Bingley lifted his head, and with a grin said, "Yes, I do. Today you have given me something I have not had for eight months. Yes, I will go. I will help her, and I will discover for myself if she still cares. There, I am resolved."

Bingley slipped off to his bedchambers with a smile on his face and a lighter step to his walk.

The next morning found Darcy at the door, looking up at the stairs. Bingley was at his side, although he was prepared to leave for Netherfield. Kent was not present as he had agreed to remain, since many other guests would be arriving over the next several days. He and his sister would assist Georgiana in her hostess duties. The Lunar Society Meeting would be held as scheduled.

Darcy waited for several minutes more before turning to leave.

"They have their reasons, my friend." Bingley said. "Do not think less of them."

"Yes, they do each have their own reasons, and I understand how Miss Lydia's actions have affected them. I do not hold it against either man, but I must do something. I am the only one that knows the rake well enough to save the silly girl. I only hoped to offer her a different…"

"Choice? No, Darcy." Rawlings called out. "Do not offer me up. I will find the right woman for me. I have mulled this over and over. Some time in the early morning I came to a conclusion. I was using the delightfully pert Miss Lydia as more of a stab at the members of the ton. It would have been wonderful to thrust a silly girl their way. But that was selfish. I was selfish. I never thought about her."

"Why are you here?"

"I will help, but I will not be the solution. Agreed?"

"Agreed. But we must leave now."

As the two jaunted down the front steps, they gasped in surprise. Blake was saddled and ready to go.

"You slept in this morning. I have been ready for hours."

When Darcy nodded, Blake spotted the sadness in his eyes. He quickly dismounted. "You must not think that way. I offer my services to save Miss Lydia's reputation for you, my friend. For you!"

"What?"

"Elizabeth loves you. I saw it in her eyes. She sought you out with her eyes when she spoke of her problems, not me. She watched your every move, and they sparkled whenever she caught hold of yours. When she looked at me it was, well, rather dull and boring. You have won her heart and mind. You have won our greatest competition, and forgive me if I cannot easily be in your company. At least for a while. Perhaps forever. I believe she loved you all along. She reacted passionately to you as a woman would. With me she was a young girl reacting to pretty words. She loves you!"

A lump formed in both men's throats. They bowed to each other before Blake mounted his Andalusian.

"So, Darcy, what part of town will you drag me to this time? Can you not find better friends?"

Darcy smiled as he entered his carriage and the men left for London.

Once seated, he retrieved the poem, The Vine and the Oak, he had started many times, but had not finished. This morning he searched for an answer.

But now the boding clouds arise
And scowling darkness veils the skies;
Harsh thunders roar -- red lightnings gleam,
And rushing torrents close the scene.

Darcy cried out to the poem as he finished reading the rest, "I am coming my dearest, loveliest Elizabeth."

It did not take long for Wickham to be found, the marriage arranged, and Darcy to find his way back to Netherfield Park, this time propelled by the whispery winds of hope. He needed no one else to convince him of Elizabeth's true feelings. Blake's acknowledgement was enough. After Bingley sent him the message telling him of his engagement, Darcy had moved quickly and decisively to properly court the woman he loved, had loved, and would love until the end of his days.

Epilogue

Posted on February 6, 2009

"Four and twenty miles of good road, sir. I call it a very easy distance." Elizabeth raised her brow, and her smirk did not widen until Darcy laughed.

"Indeed. Less than half a day's journey. Oh, Elizabeth. I was such a fool in Kent. Why did you change your mind about me? I never believed you would… ever accept my attentions."

"I assure you, ever since I read your letter, I have long been most heartily ashamed of what I said."

"Did it… did it soon make you think better of me? Did you, on reading it, give any credit to its contents?"

"Yes, it was the beginning of removing all my prejudices."

Darcy clasped her hand and drew it to his mouth. He placed several gentle kisses on it, before gazing into her eyes, unable to conceal the sadness he felt. "I knew that what I wrote must give you pain, but it was necessary. I hope you have destroyed the letter. There were several parts, especially the one about Mr. Gardiner, which I should dread you having the power of reading again. I can remember some expressions which might justly make you hate me."

"The letter shall certainly be burned, if you believe it essential to the preservation of my regard; but, though we have both reason to think my opinions not entirely unalterable, they are not, I hope, quite so easily changed as that implies."

He pulled her hand down to his chest, pressing it against the pounding heartbeat and willing her touch to still his heart. "When I wrote that letter, I believed myself perfectly calm and cool, but I am since convinced that it was written in a dreadful bitterness of spirit."

She caressed his cheek with the gentlest of touches. "The letter, perhaps, began in bitterness, but it did not end so. The adieu was 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 it ought to be forgotten. You must learn some of my philosophy. Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure."

"I cannot give you credit for any philosophy of the kind. Your retrospections must be so totally void of reproach, that the contentment arising from them is not of philosophy, but, what is much better, of innocence. But with me, it is not so. Painful recollections will intrude which cannot, which ought not, to be repelled."

Elizabeth sighed. "My manners must have been in fault, but not intentionally, I assure you. I never meant to deceive you, but my spirits might often lead me wrong. How you must have hated me after that evening?"

"Hate you! I was angry perhaps at first, but my anger soon began to take a proper direction. And even now, I catch a glimpse of a pair of sparkling blue eyes--"

Elizabeth pulled away. "Blue eyes! My eyes are brown!"

"Not your eyes, my dear wife, but your sister Jane's. And your eyes are brown with flecks of gold and green that either sparkle in happiness or flicker in anger. I have been the recipient of both reactions." He softly massaged her temples with his fingers and when she closed her eyes, he placed a soft kiss on each lid. "The images of your eyes are seared in my mind. I know every fleck, every nuance, every sparkle, and every tear."

"I am pleased you know my eyes so well, but why would you think of Jane's?"

"Let me tell you a story about a trial of a very arrogant man." Darcy described his catharsis and detailed the not only the dream he called Acceptance but all the actions he took to improve himself. .

When he finished, Elizabeth leaned in, kissed his cheek and gently rubbed the small scar on his chin. "He was wrong to hit you. I had wondered that day if he had done this to you. His hand was bruised. He should not have done this."

He shook his head. "I deserved it. I had kept him from making you his wife." Darcy closed his eyes. "I am the worst of all the prideful men."

Elizabeth placed her soft lips on the nick on his chin. "I love you. Indeed you have no improper pride. You are perfectly amiable. You do not know how good you really are; pray do not pain me by speaking of yourself in such terms."

Darcy pulled her close and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. He kissed her head. "Elizabeth, I cannot believe you are here with me. Me! I do not deserve you, my dearest, loveliest owner of my heart." He felt her shiver as he tasted her neck with his lips and then nibbled her ear. Finally, he whispered, "You have made me the happiest of men. I love you with… all of my body, my soul, my very being." His lips met hers and as the kiss deepened he felt her pressing herself into him. Pulling back slightly, he whispered, "But why did you choose me? I believed your heart belonged to him."

"Lord Blake is a good sort of man. He is charming and has a pleasant way with words. But…" She turned her head away and watched the snow falling in tiny flakes outside the window. Elizabeth pulled the blanked tighter..

Darcy gently turned her chin towards him until their eyes locked. He pleaded with her to continue.

"But, there was something lacking. It is hard to explain, but he is everything proper and he was always most pleasant. I think I enjoyed his attentions more than him. It was very flattering to be sought after by a marquess. I liked him very much, and at one time I even thought about what life would be like as a duchess. But then he left, and yet I only felt anger at my mother; I did not cry for him."

Darcy whispered in her ear. "My dearest that may explain why you did not choose him, but why did you choose me?"

"Oh, my choice was easily made once... "

When she did not continue, Darcy pulled her face closer to his until their lips met again. "Do not tell me it was because of your youngest sister. I never wished you to feel obligated--"

"No! I fear to tell you the truth." She gazed into his eyes and recognized his fear. She caressed his cheek with her fingers until he caught a hold of her hand and brought it to his lips.

"Please, do not fear me."

"After reading your letter and after Uncle Gardiner's suggestion as to who was behind the return of our dowries--"

Darcy straightened up. "I beg your pardon for interrupting, but your uncle should not have discussed this. And my dearest wife, I was not the only one working to right the wrong done to your father. Blake pressured his uncle, Lord Harrowby, to issue the Parliamentary patent under the new gas light company name. Without his help, it could not have been so easily fixed. I do not deserve the credit."

"You are an honorable man, William, to champion Lord Blake in this way. What you say may be true, but you are the one that helped Mr. Murdoch begin again, and that was just as important."

Darcy sighed. "I do not believe you have told me yet why you choose me. Do not be anxious about telling me the truth, Elizabeth."

"By the time I attended tea with your sister, my eyes had been opened to your true nature and I had begun to look upon you in a different light. I discovered exactly how foolish all my opinions had been when, by accident, I overheard several things your servants said you had done."

Darcy jerked his head up. "What! Mrs. Geoffries must be made aware of this. Servants should not gossip, and I will not tolerate it."

"William. This is why I did not wish to tell you. Everyone shares stories."

Skimming his fingers up and down along her jawline, Darcy slowly caressed her cheek "Do not fret. In this case, apparently the breach was to my advantage. I will do no more than to remind Mrs. Geoffries that gossiping is not allowed." His leaned in closer until their faces were close enough for their foreheads to touch. He closed his eyes and inhaled the lavender scent enveloping the space between them. "Now what did they say? You have left me curious."

She studied his face. "They spoke of your generosity when you found one of your maids a place for her confinement. At that moment, I knew I had misjudged you in every way. Yes, much of your true character was shown by your including my uncle in your business, your efforts to reclaim our dowries, your assistance to Lydia, and your confession to Bingley helped change my opinion; nonetheless, it was the maid's plight that turned me completely to your favor." She snuggled back into the velvety seat cushion and then laughed.

"What?"

"I remember a tray of treats sent to Jane's room when I rudely left you sitting alone at breakfast at Netherfield one morning. I just now realized you sent them. See, my love. How can I not love a man who sends me sweet treats after being ill-treated by my own prejudice? I did misunderstand you and did so willingly. I was just as you said."

He smiled; a twinkle appeared in his eyes. "Is it my vanity or pride you love more?" His lips met hers before she could answer. "I am vain. I want you to think of me as handsome, witty, and charming, damn charming."

"I have always thought you were handsome. I recently discovered the witty and as to charming…you are the most beguiling of men." She snuggled next to him, and when she patted his jacket, she heard the crinkle of paper. "What is this?"

He pulled out two papers. When he opened the first sheet, she gasped when she recognized her signature.

"The pen! Oh, I cherish the metal tip, and to think you sent it to me so soon after I abused you so abominably to your face." She lowered her head. "I felt ashamed."

"Do not. I deserved every word, every glare, everything."

"We will not quarrel for the greater share of blame annexed to that evening. The conduct of neither, if strictly examined, will be irreproachable; but since then, we have both, I hope, improved in civility."

"Such as this?" Darcy kissed her hand. "Or this?" He leaned in and kissed her neck. "Or is this the definition of civility?" He placed his lips upon hers, pressing them against her mouth, tasting her lips as he crushed her to his chest. If he could have fused her body to his, he would be a contented man.

Breaking the kiss, Elizabeth gazed into his eyes. "You are the best of men, and when considering your fundamental character, you own no faults. Especially your… civility!"

When she held her mouth for another kiss, he placed his lips upon hers very gently at first. As she leaned in and her lips parted, he tapped her tongue with his. She pulled back, but could not break the kiss as the hand holding her head tightened its grip and his kiss deepened. He drew her even closer as she responded in a way he had only experienced in his dreams. One arm held her close, as the other explored her neck, and then her shoulder before slowly moving down her body until he seized her waist, crushing her against him. Soon they began to discover each other with their lips, their tongues, their hands. After a few moments, he pulled back and straightened his cravat.

"You are a most civil person, William. Most civil!" She dabbed her forehead with a handkerchief, his handkerchief, the one she carried with her every day since that fateful day in the Pemberley library.

"Wait, my love. You said they mentioned several things. See, I am vain. Now, no more civility until you reveal all, Mrs. Darcy! You must tell me, or else I would, um, withhold my special brand of politeness for a month." He spied her flushed cheeks through her exaggerated petulant expression, causing his smile to stretch across his face.

"But, perhaps a little civility might cause me to recall what exactly they said." She raised her chin.

Darcy did not waste any time, leaned down and almost met her lips with his. He held his position for a second before pulling back. "I never knew being so courteous could be so delicious, but my dear, sweet Elizabeth, you must tell me first."

With a smirk on her face, Elizabeth leaned back into the cushion, feeling the softness of the material with her hand until she felt a finger nudging her in her side. "Very well. Miss Kent."

Darcy lifted his brows. "Miss Kent? What did they say I did with her?"

"You smiled at her." She turned to face Darcy. "You never smiled at me, and yet you smiled at her. She is very beautiful."

"My dear wife, I was practicing. You did admonish me to practice! Now let me practice being civil again."

She acquiesced, and they spent the next several minutes involved in all types of their personal mode of good manners. Until, that was, when Darcy laughed. "You are jealous."

"Yes. I admit it. I did not like hearing that you were smiling at some other lady; and then to meet this beautiful woman. Oh, William. I felt a pain in my heart. And that is also how I later knew I did not feel the same way about Lord Blake."

"Oh? I do not understand."

"Men never do! Elizabeth laughed but when Darcy bore his darkened eyes into hers, she continued, "When I entered the drawing room at Pemberley and spotted Miss Kent I was so relieved when it was Lord Blake talking to her and not…" She gazed into his eyes and whispered, "You. My eyes immediately searched the room, and I was comforted to find you standing by your sister."

Darcy pulled her into his lap and kissed her with deep desire. His hands roamed her back, and when the carriage jolted, he held her tightly. After a moment, he traced her neckline with his finger. "I look forward to tonight. Many nights I could not remove the image of your," Darcy stared at her chest, "neckline from my thoughts. I wanted to pummel anyone talking to you and letting their eyes drift downward."

"Oh goodness. Mother was right!" Elizabeth laughed. "Promise you will not tell her. Promise me."

"If you wish, but Francis will always have a special place in my life. She saved you for me."

"Francis?"

"Your mother has made me her particular friend." Darcy laughed.

Leaning back into him, Elizabeth had released a long contented smile when her eyes drifted towards the present sitting on the unused seat. Sitting up quickly, her eyes darted from the gift to his eyes until he presented her with a dimpled smile so wide it caused small winkles to appear around his temples.

"Yes. A present for my beautiful, lovely bride. I believe now is a good time to open it." As she reached for the gift, he carefully folded and returned the piece of paper with her signature to his pocket and opened up the second sheet with a long poem written on it.

After tearing off the ribbon, she quickly opened the box. "It is beautiful. I have never seen anything similar." Elizabeth held the necklace in her hand and caressed the small golden pendant that took the shape of an oak tree. She studied the tree closely in an attempt to discern the jewels that rested upon the trunk. "Grapes? Is that a vine entwined around the tree?"

"Yes, my sweet; you are the vine and I am the oak tree. Let me read you this poem, and you will see how it foretold of our acquaintance." She snuggled into his chest as he covered her with the blanked and embraced her with his free arm. He began, "The Vine and the Oak, a Fable by Major Henry Livingston, Jr.

A vine from noblest lineage sprung
And with the choicest clusters hung,
In purple rob'd, reclining lay,
And catch'd the noontide's fervid ray;
The num'rous plants that deck the field
Did all the palm of beauty yield;
Pronounc'd her fairest of their train
And hail'd her empress of the plain.
A neighb'ring oak whose spiry height
In low-hung clouds was hid from sight,
Who dar'd a thousand howling storms;
Conscious of worth, sublimely stood,
The pride and glory of the wood.

"You are worse than a chicken trying to lay a double egg."

"What?"

"Hopping from one foot to the other. Rawlings is in the billiard room. Go occupy yourself with that Twenty Points game you men play all the time."

Darcy kissed the back of his wife's neck and put his arms around her. "It is now Fifty Points. I had to find some way for Rawlings to be competitive. I let him go twice for every one turn of mine."

"Well, at least I can putt." Rawlings announced as he entered the room.

Letting go of Elizabeth, Darcy swung around. "I was coming to the billiard room to show you how to sink a ball in the corner pocket. Besides, I have a new strategy with my golf game."

"Oh."

"I plan on lying on the ground and, using a large pole, putting the golf ball in the hole as I would a billiard ball. Who says I must stand up straight?"

"Well, I have a suggestion, why do you not stand on the billiard table and try putting the balls in the hole using a club instead of a cue stick. I might actually beat you then. But you could always show me what I am doing wrong with the cue stick, and then I would reveal your problem with golf. It is a simple fix, my friend."

Lizzy huffed. "Games. Is it always games with men? Wait, is that the Bingleys' carriage arriving?"

They arrived at the window just in time to spot Bingley's carriage coming down the drive. "I am sure Jane is pleased not to be confined again this year."

"Well, I think she has a surprise for you." Darcy laughed.

"They already have two darling boys. It has not been three years since they were married."

"Bingley wants a girl."

They made their way to the front to greet them when the carriage came to a stop. Caroline was the first one out of the door. "Good afternoon, everyone. It is a glorious day."

"Congratulations on your betrothal," Elizabeth said.

"Lord Atterton sends his regrets. He has business in town." Caroline curtsied to the waiting group. Everyone knew Atterton would not be coming. He was occupied with the latest actress to arrive on Drury Lane. Caroline did not seem to care, so neither did anyone else. Bingley was pleased to have his sister finally settled somewhere, and she had her dream. Lord Atterton was an earl and she would be a countess. Her old nemesis, Lady Julia, had married beneath her; a Baron, in fact. Nothing satisfied Caroline more than to be a higher ranking member of society.

Elizabeth and Jane hugged each other the moment Jane's foot touched the ground.

"Again?"

Jane blushed as she nodded, and when she caught sight of her sister's downturned mouth, she lifted her chin. "Your day will come, Lizzy."

"Well, congratulations, Jane! We are waiting for only the Kents. Everyone else has arrived."

Quickly the group was joined by the Gardiners, Mr. Bennet, Richard, Georgiana and Miss Susan Kent. With Kent and his wife arriving later that day, all the partners of the alliance would be assembled. The Eligo had proven to be the stronger of the two rivals. The war with America was the only obstacle. Astoria's trading post had been sold to the British North West Company weeks before Great Britain seized and took control of it in 1813. Britain's Hudson Bay Company ruled the traders, settlers and Indians and was the last successful initiative of the Peregrine. This would cause difficulties in the future, but not an insurmountable problem

Everyone met again in the drawing room later that afternoon. Kent and his lovely wife had arrived, along with his children, twins, a son with a serious nature and a daughter full of liveliness. Miss Evelina Godwin and he had made a strange love match. She, a dyed-in-the-wool Tory, as Blake had discovered years earlier, and he, an emerging leader for the Whigs. After the banns had been announced, Blake had sent Kent a message:

For god sakes, man, hide your Baker Rifle before you so much as mention a Whig position.

Kent and Miss Godwin were not that far apart, in terms of class. She was similar to Darcy, in that no one in her immediate family held a title. She did have an earl or two among her ancestors, but none that they visited regularly. Kent had begun to take the lead over many young up and coming Whigs. His passion won him victories and brought in new supporters. However, the truth behind his persuasive speeches was the arguments he and his wife shared every night before they compromised long enough to, well, compromise one another. Evelina was fiery; Kent was calm. She called him treasonous; he called her short-sighted. She attempted to change his mind with words and then with seduction. He, a very smart man, allowed the seduction before rejecting her ideals. They were a love match in every way.

The Gardiners grew wealthier as the years passed. As a member of Darcy's family, he had been accepted by a wider group of people, and become much sought after, as the country progressed forward into the industrial world. The Gardiners were frequent guests at Pemberley, so much so, the young vicar of Kympton made it a point to check in on the Darcys whenever they visited. Of course, the young Miss Gardiner was always eager, and able, to assure him of their felicity.

Mr. Bennet visited often as well. Darcy had an apartment made up for him that included his own private library. No one dared barge in on him there. His life turned more often to books, since his wife had passed away. "Trifling colds will not kill anyone," she had unfortunately said one time too many, for in the end, one did just that. His other two daughters had also now married, one to a parson and the other to a clerk. Mr. Bennet had turned down Darcy's invitation to move to Pemberley many times, but once his last daughter left Longbourn, he finally agreed. He would return in a month after turning over Longbourn to Mr. Collins. On this trip, he discovered his heart was in Derbyshire.

Georgiana had her debut at the age of nineteen. She had grown into a handsome woman, tall and with a gentle ease that very few young men could resist. Regardless of the social event, she was often begged to play. Her own sonata was the most requested. She had finished it and played it for her brother for his wedding, and entitled it, Superare Gli Ostacoli a Felicità: Overcoming Obstacles to Happiness. Selecting an Italian name revealed just which of the handsome young men she favored. Marzio was the first born son of an Italian Count, and spoke passionately, with his hands flailing about his face, hands that played the violin to his own enthralled audiences. Half his words were in Italian and the rest in English which made for some very interesting stories. He was warm and loving and welcomed at Pemberley. But at only one and twenty, Georgiana was in no hurry to marry.

Richard had returned from the continent unharmed, but disillusioned with war. He resigned his commission. At his request, his cousin had purchased stock in the Eligo alliance and in Francis Lowell's textile mill in Boston with funds Darcy's father had set aide for his him. Richard's wealth increased every day. He had moved to Pemberley when his own father turned him away for defending Darcy and refusing to shun him. He carried Darcy's letter with him every day to remind him not to overlook men of all kinds. Richard adapted to business quickly, and became an important asset to the alliance. His battlefield experience worked well when they needed to stand up to the Falcon's Peregrine.

Richard's brother Brandon had been selected to lead the Peregrine once the old falcon died, just one year earlier. Brandon did not have the abilities that Darcy or Kent owned, and the old alliance began to fade. Richard had chosen well.

Elizabeth and Darcy proved to be the happiest of couples, although the absence of any children brought them a certain level of angst. He had wanted to fill the halls with the sounds of tiny voices and laughter, but found solace in merely loving his wife. Elizabeth was not as content; she had not produced an heir after two and one half years. Once they had married, she had charmed most of the women and all of the men, and the talk died away in London. His friends including Blake, had struck down any viscous rumors or tittle-tattle circulating around the town when the engagement was announced.

Darcy's wealth also grew, but what was more important, so did the friends he made. He discovered a plethora of people born under difficult situations that rose to the top of their field. He realized Kent was right. One day these brave men would succeed in ruling the world, perhaps not in England, but surely in America where success and money were gods. Had it not been for his friends, he might have missed participating in some of the greatest developments: steamboats, railroads, industry, and banking. All these areas had been deemed beneath him. Through his partnership with Kent, he had connected himself with one of the most influential men of the nineteenth century.

Blake, on the other hand, stayed the course of old. His Uncle Harrowby led him into the Tory party and upon his father's death in 1815, he took his place in the House of Lords. He argued rationally and judiciously for the continuation of aristocratic rule and championed all areas supporting that principle. Britain had won the war against Napoleon largely because of her economic resources, but upon his admission to the House of Lords, he discovered that the country was left with a huge debt and a shaky economy. He and Lord Harrowby championed additional Corn Laws, this time dictating the price of grain. The ruling class's wealth was based on agriculture. Manufacturers were pushed into raising the wages and soon the lower classes found it difficult to survive. The Peregrine alliance made a final stab at maintaining its dominance; however, they soon learned that it could not be done without the support of those people they set out to hurt.

The British government was one of the most class biased governments holding onto power. Headed by Lord Liverpool, and filled with members of the most reactionary elements of the Tory Party, the government lived in fear of revolution. But rather than acting to deal with the problems that created discontent, the government turned to repression.

Blake was tenacious and considered every cause to be a competition. Most of his arguments were opposite that of Kent, but they did remain friends, and had even played golf several times together, that was, when Blake took possession of his father's estate.

But on the day the Darcy party met, Blake, who never accepted any invitations to Pemberley or Darcy House, instead spent his time absorbed in studying legislation and parliamentary procedures.

"Your Grace." The servant bowed and then replaced the yesterday's flowers with today's fresh picked lavender.

"Blake!"

Blake barely looked up. "Yes, what is it?"

His wife abruptly stopped beside her husband, hands on her hips and glowered down at him. "Now, my dear husband, you need to eat."

"Victoria. Good afternoon. I was trying to keep up with the latest Whig maneuvers. They are a persistent group. How did your little hawk do today?"

She huffed. "I insist you let some other politician do this work. And my hawk is a merlin. He did very well. I am thankful my great uncle taught me how to be a success in that sport."

"The Falcon may have done many appalling things, but he was the champion of falconry. He taught you well!"

"He trained me on many things, some of which have been successful. … " Victoria whispered, "Although others efforts not so… yet." Sighing, she patted his shoulder as her eyes stayed on the vase. "Why do you insist on lavender flowers? I know they are your favorite ones, but dear, must you keep your study full of them? Do you not grow tired of the scent?"

Blake moved to the table with the flowers, and leaning down, inhaled the sweet fragrance. "I shall never tire of it."

"Well, then I will have lavender water made from them and wear it every day.

Blake turned around sharply, stood behind his wife, wrapped his arms around her waist and placed a small kiss on her neck. "Do not do so. I… I… prefer your own perfume on you, my dear. It is exotic, and I think only of you when I am around it. I love the scent from--"

"As you wish, Blake." Victoria pulled away and stepped towards the door.

Blake hurriedly stuffed the unfinished document in its folder and his metal tipped pen in its box. "My dear, wait for me. I am coming in now. I believe our little Robert will be waking up soon. I want to teach him how to ride."

"He is only one year and six months old."

Blake scoffed. "It is never to early to learn to ride. Oh, and chess. I want to teach him, as I do our little girl." He held his arm out, and as his wife placed her hand on it, he patted it gently. "And let us hope she is as beautiful as you."

Victoria rubbed her stomach. "A girl? We shall see, we shall see."

The two walked arm in arm together in the house, chatting about their unborn child. They discussed names--Olivia after his mother and sister; Marie after hers, but they agreed on Victoria as her middle name.

As Darcy waved goodbye to the Gardiners and Mr. Bennet, the younger guests remained--Rawlings, Richard, Miss Kent, Georgiana, and the Kents. They planned a picnic for the afternoon, near the pond to the east under the oak trees. Someone, years before, had carved a grape vine in the largest tree trunk. Many times Georgiana sought an answer, and every time she was left unsatisfied.

Rawlings had stayed a fortnight with his friend. He no longer associated with either his father or brother, preferring to make his own way in life. He never returned to the Four Horse Club. He spent his time knee deep in business and discovered he liked it more than he was willing to admit. His search for a wife had proven unsuccessful. He had decided he wanted what Darcy, Bingley, and Kent had found--a true love match. However, he had come to realize he was unlikely to find such a woman among the ton and was at a loss to where to look.

Darcy and Rawlings sat together while the others feasted on the picnic. Their friendship had grown even closer over the years. Rawlings remained the only person that could, or would, challenge Darcy when he lapsed into the haughty or arrogant fellow, which was rare. Darcy would challenge Rawlings to drink less and spend time on charitable projects. Both men thrived on the possibilities of the future.

And so it was, they were deep in yet another discussion over the trend towards building railways when Logan appeared. By the disheveled look of him, he had run to find his master. He handed Rawlings an express post, which he tore open immediately.

My dearest Mr. Rawlings,

Miss Lucinda Lowell

Rawlings jumped up. "Logan, pack our trunks. We leave immediately. We have no time to waste!"

Darcy stood next to his concerned friend. "What is it? What is wrong? Let me help you."

"Logan and I will set sail at the earliest opportunity. Rawlings handed him the letter which he read aloud.

Kent moved to sit beside his sister, and in a half-whisper said, "Susan, I believe the time has come for you to secure your place in the Kent family business. I suggest an appraisal of our textile holdings in Boston might be a perfect place to start."

Susan's eyes grew wide. Although her eyes had stayed on Rawlings the entire time they were near each other, she did glance at her brother. She smiled and kissed him on the cheek. "Yes, I agree. Thank you, brother."

Kent leaned his head towards Elizabeth. "But first, before you go, I want you to speak to Lizzy."

"Why?"

"Please ask her… Well, you must ask her to help you lower the neckline on your gowns. You need to show a tiny glimpse of heaven if you wish to attract a certain someone's attention. And giggle. And don't forget to bat your eyes."

"Why are you helping me?"

"Rawlings is our treasure, and I do not wish for some colonial strumpet to lay claim to him." Kent laughed.

Darcy, overhearing the siblings strategizing, decided to take the cue. "Richard!" He waved his hand to summon him over.

Richard jumped up and approached his cousin although he stumbled over his own foot. His head had been turned towards the beautiful Susan Kent.

"Do you feel a need for new scenery? I have need for a man to look into our holdings at the Lowell mill now that the war is over."

Richard smiled widely. "Yes. I see your point. I agree, Rawlings might not be the best man for the job. In fact, I think I should leave immediately and secure my… our property."

Darcy placed his hand on his cousin's shoulder, and in a half-whisper said, "Yes, indeed, but remember the property is not an object, cousin. She is a beautiful woman to be loved and cherished."

Nodding, Richard hurried ahead where he caught up with Susan Kent. He offered, in his most charming manner, to escort her.

Elizabeth tapped Darcy's shoulder. "You, sir, are a matchmaker!" She whispered in his ear, "I wonder which man Susan will end up with?"

He placed his arm around his wife's waist and pulled her close. He leaned in and whispered in her ear, "That, my dear, is a story for another time. Now what is this thing Kent referred to as the glimpse of heaven?"

The End