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Chapter One

When Mountains fall, I'll stand

Contrary to the opinions of many people, including my Aunt Catherine, cousin Anne, Miss Caroline Bingley and half the ton, I do not and am not in love with my cousin's wife. This is not to say that I don't find Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy nee Bennet charming, delightful, and handsome, and no one else, save for those ladies previously mentioned, could claim they don't also find her thus. And while I sometimes wonder why God chose to give such a delightful creature a thoroughly disastrous set of circumstances and parents, it is in no way indicative that I have a broken heart. I think it points more to an admiration for how the good Lord can bring together a perfect couple despite their circumstances; in this case Darcy and Miss Bennet.

Darcy and his wife are one of the few couples I can point to with complete assurity and say: They are in love and will be happy.

My parents defied the odds and married for love, as did Darcy's, back when it was decidedly unfashionable. In the case of my parents it was considered a great match when the 4th Earl of Matlock offered for the daughter of the 2nd Earl of Stanholpe. Both of my parents wear considered great "catches" and my father swears they fell in love simply to deprive my Grandmother Stanholpe of a matchmaking opportunity. To them were born six children: four daughters and two sons; of those only three have survived thus far: The heir, my brother; the spare, myself; and my eldest sister Artemis. Two of my sisters passed in the smallpox plague and another last year in childbirth. I sometimes wonder what spirit of mischief possessed my father when it came to naming his daughters. His answer: my mother. While my brother and I have quite ordinary and respectable names, my poor sisters were saddled with the names of Greek myths/legends: Artemis, Leda, Danae, and Parthenope. I can only be thankful that my mother was unfamiliar with Medea.

Darcy's parents also married for love, but were not quite so blessed as mine to have their match heralded as a great match by the all-mighty ton. The daughter of an Earl settling for a country gentleman, even if that gentleman is richer than Croesus and far nobler than any in the royal court, is not touted as a success. Darcy's mother was said to have settled and my father, being her guardian, was chastised for arranging a poor match. As if I could ever arrange anything for Anne or Catherine, he was heard to say. They will go their own way... so it may as well be for love. Besides I like George Darcy. He's a good man.

Sometimes I think that's the highest praise anyone could offer... He's a good man.

Darcy and I were just fourteen when Aunt Anne passed away. I don't believe I shall ever forget the devastated look on Uncle George's face. Throughout my time there, my father, Thomas and I stayed for the summer, Uncle George looked like he would slip away as well. If it hadn't been for Darce and Georgiana, he may very well have.

Thomas and I spent my fourteenth summer teasing Darce out of his doldrums and rescuing him from the mischief which he dove heedlessly into. Darcy's closest friend and playmate, George Wickham, was a good fellow, prone to mischief, but then experience has taught me that most lads with a foolish mother and lackadaisical father are prone to mischief. At the time the four of us simply enjoyed fishing, and running, and staying away from the depressing atmosphere which pervaded Pemberley. George was a favourite of Uncle George as his easy going manners did much to cheer my uncle. I think it pleased him that summer to have the four of us boys together, keeping Darcy and baby Georgie company. I have always kept good thoughts about that time, even when events later changed my opinion of Wickham.

But I digress from my tale and shall now continue:

Darcy and Elizabeth are perfect for each other.

Darcy adores her, practically worships her, and she is as much in love as I have ever seen a woman to be. She brings a liveliness to Darcy's life that I doubt he even realised he needed until he met Miss Bennet. I have it on good authority, from Mrs. Darcy herself, that Darcy's combination of wealth, family, land, character, and temperament make him an excellent husband. She claims he is the best of men.

If I have harboured any feelings about Mrs. Darcy it is that I, at times, find myself envious of Darcy and wish someone would look at me like that. This was especially true those months following my first meeting with Miss Bennet, since it was at that time the lovely and amiable Miss Sarah Amherst, thought of whom had kept my mind agreeably occupied during my stay in Kent, decided that I was not as eligible or amiable as a titled Baronet with a small estate in Devonshire. Darce was my salvation during that time. He kept me tethered to reality, or at least sobriety; and a scant three months later I was able to meet the now Lady Sarah Dunlop with little pain or bitterness, though I confess I was meanly pleased to see her grow increasingly fat.

At the time of Darcy being my nursemaid I knew of his own disappointment with Miss Bennet, and I like to think we comforted and watched each other. Darcy is prone to withdraw during difficult times, and a fortnight of having me slurring and demanding he talk at least allowed him to focus on something beyond his Elizabeth. Finally after a fortnight Darcy sobered me up, pitched me out of his townhouse and sent me back to my regiment. HE declared it time he returned to Pemberley and he was not going to spend his summer fishing a drunk sot out of the Pemberley pond. Now I wish I had accompanied him to Pemberley, only to be able to see his face as he strode out of the pond himself and encountered Miss Bennet. I gathered later from Darcy that the tone that summer was much different than at Rosings.

I first made the acquaintance of Miss Bennet when we'd traveled to Rosings Park at Easter time. Darcy makes an annual visit and usually manages to convince me to accompany him since it's always easier to deal with Aunt Catherine as a united front than solo. Darcy's carriage was well sprung and it was a pleasant journey, despite Darcy's unusually taciturn disposition. Frustrated at having my attempts at conversation rebuffed by a man who would rather stare morosely out of the window, I turned my thoughts towards the very lovely and wealthy Pamela Amherst.

"Well Fitzwilliam, how long do we stay this time?" Darcy's voice roused me from my daydreams. I was a tad annoyed. I believe I mumbled something in response, wishing he would leave me in peace, after all I left him alone when he wanted it.

"Fitzwilliam are you at all attending?" Now he sounded annoyed.

"NO Darcy I am not. My mind is VERY agreeably occupied elsewhere." I smirked. He was not amused. Pity.

"Well bring it back here." He scoffed.

I shot him a dirty look, but attended to him. "I most humbly beseech your pardon." He glared at me again. Honestly, Darcy was becoming quite a sourpuss. I grinned at him, "What were you saying?"

"How long do we endure Rosings this year?"

"Endure Catherine you mean." Darcy snorted and picked at an invisible piece of lint on his coat of Bath superfine, clearly the work of Weston. Being a military man I preferred Smith, his coat had a tad more room in the shoulders, which I liked, considering the bloody difficulty of bringing a valet onto the battlefield.

"I was trying to be civil, Fitzwilliam. Surely the military must teach you some diplomacy?" He smiled at my glare.

"Darcy, the day you attend to civilities will be the day Bingley becomes morose."

Darcy looked at me queerly. "You'd lose."

"Beg pardon?"

"You'd lose. Bing's been miserable this winter." Darcy said quietly.

I was shocked. Bingley? Our Charles Bingley? "Why?"

"He thought he was in love again, only..... Only the girl's family is just...."

Shock number two: Darcy at a lose for words.

"Who was she?" I prodded.

"No one you know... and probably no one you'll ever meet. She's not from London..... or Derbyshire. I told Bingley to forget her. He will eventually."

"You encouraged Bing to forget her?"

Darcy suddenly got very stiff, "I did. It was for the best. I couldn't stand to have Bing humiliated like that."

"Humiliated? How?"

"The whole family was expecting him to propose. You know Bing.. He'd do it just to make everyone happy. And then he'd be stuck in a loveless marriage."

"Darcy... Lots of people marry for reasons other than love."

"But they shouldn't HAVE to." His explosion shocked me into silence. After a few moments he apologized and blamed his short temper on having spent way too much time with Miss Bingley.

Now, I like Caroline Bingley. I see her twice a year, she is usually pleasant but not ingratiatingly so since I have no fortune and she is obviously hanging out for a title and a fortune. Well, truthfully, she was hanging out for Darcy, up until he married. I often wondered if he noticed it. Either he did and he turned a polite blind eye or he's denser than a rock. Now days it appears Miss Bingley has set her sights on Sir George Phelps, a minor baronet who likes her fortune as much as her form, but he is genial and kind, and I expect she'll accept an offer if he makes one.

I easily believe that Miss Bingley and her sister have had a LOT to do with Darcy's bad opinion of this other lady's family. I debate for some moments whether or not to broach the topic, and finally I give into my baser curiosity.

"Well then, what's Miss Bingley's opinion of whom Charles ought to marry?"

Darcy clearly struggled with what he wanted to say. "She would be happiest to see Charles married to Georgiana."

"WHAT?!" Georgiana?! MY little cousin Georgiana?! MARRIED?!?! Darcy must be out of his mind. "You're not seriously considering an offer like that?"

"NO! No. Bingley has no interest in Georgiana. This is just one of Miss Bingley's flights of fancy."

I sat for a moment and considered my options. I could at this moment change the subject or I could have some fun.... I will always choose fun when it's presented. "You know Darcy...If Miss Bingley weren't so high in the instep, she'd be able to make a very good match. YOU might even have her."

The bugling, terrified look in his eyes was priceless. I was glad we weren't lads any more or I'd certainly be in for a pummeling later.

"No." Was all he said. Usually the more taciturn Darcy is the more annoyed he is. This was going to be fun.

"No? Not interested in Miss Bingley? Then you're giving into Catherine and marrying Anne?"

"Fitzwilliam." He growled and then his eyes took on a malicious gleam. "YOU could always marry Anne or Miss Bingley."

I scoffed. "I myself am dangling for an heiress. A sweet tempered beautiful heiress who won't mind that my chances of becoming the Earl of Matlock rank up there with Thomas becoming responsible."

"I believe Anne would fit your requirements, Fitzwilliam."

"Beautiful. I know I said beautiful."

"I'm told beauty is in the eye of the beholder; perhaps some lady has hidden charms which you cannot see at first glance."

"And this wisdom comes from experience Darcy? Or are you nourishing a secret passion for Miss De Bourgh?" I teased, knowing full well Darcy was even more particular than I.

"Hardly." He spoke austerely yet there was some discomfort in his manner. I wondered which question had hit too close to home.

My first indication that this was a trip out of the ordinary was shortly after our arrival. The next morning we met Mr. Collins, Aunt Catherine's rector, though I will forever think of him as Catherine's toad. I immediately knew he would provide us with a great deal of amusement. I have still not yet met a man who could fawn and flatter as well as that toad.

To continue: Having met Mr. Collins, I was immediately dragged off to, of all places, the parsonage! While Darcy refused to indulge my curiosity regarding the necessity of paying a morning call to a few country misses he met back in the woods of Herfordshire, I was soon able to discern for myself the purpose for our visit. Darcy refused to exert himself at all to be agreeable to Miss Bennet, one would think he was trying to avoid her. But it was this utter lack of civility which gave me cause to think: here was my eloquent, educated, sought-after, cousin reduced to stammering and silence by her mere presence. No lady had ever reduced my formidable cousin into a schoolboy, and I don't believe she was even aware of this.

When I say Darcy is formidable, I do mean formidable. Darcy is large. He stands at least four inches taller than I, putting him well over six feet, and is just as broad shouldered. As children we were evenly matched but now I think I'd be very sorry to get into a fight with Darcy. And though he prefers fencing to boxing, I think most men think twice before tussling with Darce. Yet, it's not his brawn that holds me most in awe, but his intelligence and his character. Darcy has shouldered burdens that few men could and yet to watch him run an estate or deal with Wickham and then turn around to comfort his terrified little sister, to see him do all this seemingly effortlessly puts many 'great' men to shame. Not that Darcy is without his faults, but I'm not going to be the one to tell him what they are! I suspect that if I tried, one way or another, verbally or physically, I'd be in for a serious pummeling. Little did I know that someone more smaller and frailer than I would soon take on Darcy, and win.

I proceeded to call on the parsonage almost everyday, without Darcy. Mrs. Collins and her sister were pleasant enough and Miss Bennet made for excellent company, especially considering my alternatives were to spend the day listening to Aunt Catherine advise everyone, or Anne and Darcy both of whom had no conversation this trip. I thought perhaps Darcy was ill and finally confronted him about it.

"No, Fitzwilliam, I am not ill. Thank you." Darcy said curtly. I had interrupted him from his book.

"Darce, you can't tell me you find that book more interesting than me!"

He grinned at me, "Yes I can. You have little to recommend yourself over Machiavelli."

"Machiavelli? Plotting to overthrow Catherine?" I teased. "Or do you have another regime to attack?"

Darcy roared with laughter. "Honestly, Fitzwilliam, listening to you gives one the impression of a small schoolboy frustrated with the rain."

"That's a very apt description of yourself, Darcy."

"Me?!" Aha! I got him! I grinned triumphantly.

"Yes indeed. You rarely leave the library, never take a walk or a ride, yet you are not happy, have no joy in what you do, and often stare out of windows as if they were crystal balls. Either you're in a deep plot or......... you've feelings for a lady and are uncertain how to proceed." I smiled in satisfaction. Darcy was dumbstruck and I intended to enjoy my victory.

After a few moments he smiled sadly, "Very astute observations Fitzwilliam." He hesitated a bit. "There is a lady of my acquaintance whom I find myself in love with."

"Darcy!! That is wonderful! May I wish you joy soon?!"

"I... there are other issues at stake, Fitzwilliam."

"Like what?! Does she have bad eyes? Bad teeth?"

"No, no. She's quite lovely in fact. My concerns are more... She's penniless. Her family connections are low at best. The estate is entailed away and her father has made no provisions for the family. Her mother and sisters are vulgar. Her father unconcerned and lacking every feeling a master should have. He little or no interest in his family or his tenants. How can I bring someone with such low connections in as mistress of Pemberley?"

"Does the lady herself behave with propriety and modesty? Do you think she could be a good mistress? And do you love her?"

"I believe so. I find her charming and witty. She interests me like no other lady ever has. Fitzwilliam, she does not simper and bend to my opinion. She argues with me. And her mind is very quick, yet she is not........ spiteful."

"Like Miss Bingley?" I couldn't resist the jab. Darcy's conception of wit for a time had revolved around Miss Bingley's snide remarks about everyone.

He gave a small chuckle, "No she is not like Miss Bingley. I am not at all certain what I should do." He looked more like a small school boy than ever.

"Marry the girl! Sweep her off her feet man. My God! You're a Darcy of Pemberley! It's not like she's going to refuse you." He didn't respond and I could tell he needed reassurance. "Perhaps you ought to spend some more time in her company. It might help you to clarify your feelings on the matter. Try courting her."

He smiled, "An excellent idea, Fitzwilliam."

Chapter Two

Darcy in love. We ought to declare a day of celebration to honour this event. I had waited a very long time to see my cousin discomposed over a lady. I should explain that Darcy was not kind to those of us who had carried a torch, or held a tendre for a lady. As a cynic who held that love was a fantasy for fools, Darcy was often merciless in his teasing and took a good deal too much delight in tipping an unsuspecting, mooning lad into a fountain. Thomas never forgave him that one.

He had good reason to be cautious and cynical. Darcy was, by my sister's elegant phrase, the most prized horse in the race. My mother of course held forth a spectacular fit of vapors when she heard that -- the phrase, not the sentiment. Perhaps my father should have limited the time Missy spent in the stables.

Missy was right though, Darcy was a prime catch. He'd endured many schemes and handkerchiefs each season until finally he withdrew. Once, in his salad days, he had shown an interest in a young lady, Miss Standish I think; all I really recall of her was that she was very bright. Her gowns were colourful, her jewels sparkled, and her laughter flitted through a ballroom. She was the darling of the newcomers that season and Darcy, freshly out of mourning for his father, danced with her twice at some ball. She rather foolishly told my sisters, Danea was still alive then, that she preferred the titled but poor Earl of Botherington but simply could not pass over the Darcy fortune. Danae assured her of Darcy's attachment and two days later Darcy was visited by Mr. Standish who hinted that he required a good settlement as part of any marriage contract.

Darcy stalked into our townhouse that afternoon.

"Fitzwilliam!"

I looked up from my paper to find a menacing, glowering hulk towering over me. I swallowed convulsively, "Hello Darce. What brings you here so early?"

"You know bloody well why I am here."

"Oh, you know. Well I am sorry. But really what else would you have me do? I couldn't very well tell the child no. Especially when she used those infernal tears on me. You know I'm a sap about that."

Darcy turned purple and the vein in his neck began to throb.

"Really, Darce, I am sorry! I had no idea you'd be this upset. If I did I would have insisted that Georgiana get your permission first."

The room grew very silent while I waited for Darcy to hit me. He drew his brow together and looked at me strangely, "What the devil are you talking about, Fitzwilliam?"

"ME?! You're the one who came in here ready to draw blood. My blood! I was just trying to dissuade you."

"What does my twelve year old sister have to do with Miss Standish?"

"Why are we talking about Miss Standish? Granted she's sparkly, but you don't like that."

"Fitzwilliam, I want to hear what you've done with Georgiana."

My father, God bless him, chose that moment to barge in and demanded to know what all the yelling was about.

"Hang it all." Darcy glared at me. "Did either of you have anything to do with my impending marriage?!"

My father stopped blustering and gaped. "Your what?!"

"Waldo Standish favoured me with a visit today, to tell me exactly what I should expect to offer in a settlement for his daughter."

"The sparkly one?" my father asked.

Darcy sighed, "Yes that one. Apparently she was told by a member of MY family that I would soon offer for her!"

"DANAE! ARTEMIS!" my father yelled.

Darcy rubbed his head, "I should have known."

"Come on, Darcy. Let me get you a glass of something. You've had a long day."

Darcy sat down and gratefully accepted a glass of wine. "Now about Georgiana...."

"Oh well it's nothing really. I just taught her how to whistle."

"Whistle?"

"Whistle... through her fingers." Darcy looked puzzled so I showed him.

"RICHARD!" I forgot my father was still in the room. "Boy take that noise outside before you make me deaf!"

Who am I to argue when providence opens the gates of freedom, sparing me further interrogation and subsequent lecturing simply because I whistled.

Since then Darcy has always been cautious around women and maintains that he has yet to find one who can hold his interest. To be safe I think I'll avoid reminding him of his brief but intense flirtation three years ago with very beautiful and lonely Mrs. Hartley.

There has been no lady he has kept company with since then, save for Miss Bingley. At first I assumed he tolerated her because of Bing, but Darcy did appear to seek her out and at times would dance only with her and her sisters. Philosophically I think the attraction Miss Bingley held for him was her caustic wit. At least they could make fun of the machinations of the ton. Still, I for one was very pleased that Darcy had no further interest in Miss Bingley.

And now my dear cousin was in the throes of his first love affair. It was about bloody time!!!! Though, I confess Darcy's mood puzzled me for he certainly did not act like a man in love. I had expected to be dragged back to town that he might begin his suit, but instead he extended our visit. Why he did so was made clear the next day when the Hunsford party dined with us.

It had been another evening of lectures from Lady Catherine. I finally ignored her and engaged Miss Bennet in conversation. I admit, Miss Bennet is a very pretty lady, especially compared to the others who were in attendance that night. We talked a great deal of Hertfordshire, Kent, music, books, travel, and a good deal of other topics. Never had I so thoroughly enjoyed an evening at Rosings.

That night the pieces all fell together. During my conversation with Miss Bennet I couldn't help but to notice that Darcy's eyes were often upon us, though he was in conversation with Catherine. Dare I suggest that he held a jealous look? I do. And heartily teased him later that night when we were alone.

I knocked on Darcy's door after I was certain he was finished with Emerson, his valet.

"Come." I entered to find him relaxing by the fire with a snifter of brandy and a large book. He acknowledged my presence, "Fitzwilliam."

I helped myself to some brandy. "Darcy, Catherine will not be pleased that you pilfered her best brandy and hid it in your room."

"Hrumph." Darcy mumbled. "She sent it up. Apparently I looked a trifle pale at supper and she felt I ought to have a restorative before bed. Cheers."

"How kind of her." I raised my glass. "I take it you failed to pay enough attention to Anne."

"Apparently." He spoke no further, indicating he wished the subject closed. He should know me better than that by now.

"I for one hardly noticed Anne this evening. I spent a much more enjoyable time conversing with Miss Bennet." I grinned as Darcy glared. "She is a delightful conversationalist, Darce. Very well read. You should have told me more about her when we first got here. I confess I've rarely enjoyed myself so much at Rosings."

"Shut up, Fitzwilliam," Darcy muttered.

"Pardon?"

"Don't you have somewhere else to go?"

"Not really. I prefer sitting in your room, drinking your brandy, and annoying you into betraying your feelings for Miss Bennet."

"My what?!"

Honestly, why does he even both to dissemble?

"Darcy, You continually labour under the false impression that I am a blind lack-wit. You told me three days ago that you were in love. I was admittedly curious why you delayed our departure, especially since I expected you to begin courting the young lady you mentioned.

"Generally a man who has decided to pay court likes to do so from the same town. I thought we would be heading back to London soon, but instead you extended our stay. Curious wouldn't you say?" He looked only mildly annoyed so I continued.

"Tonight you spent the whole evening glaring at me from across the room. And then you decide to join the conversation, Miss Bennet to teases you, and you do not take offense! You love her! And I'll resign my commission on the grounds of terminal senility if I'm wrong."

Darcy regarded me carefully, as if he were trying to think of a way to kill me without leaving blood on Catherine's carpet

"Indeed?!"

"DARCY! I confront you with a brilliant piece of detective work and your only response is indeed?! Hang it man! Admit it... You love her!"

Darcy sighed, "All right I confess. I love Miss Elizabeth Bennet. There, I said it. Now get out and leave me alone!"

I studied him for a moment and decided not to tease, "I'm very happy for you, Darcy, and I wish you well in your suit. She's an excellent lady."

This caught him off guard and I made my escape before he could respond.

Darcy never spoke to me again about this, but I noticed he was now taking frequent walks in the park and his mood had improved considerably. Once I found him returning from a walk and asked where he had been. He smiled and told me he had been to call on the parsonage.

We delayed our return twice, each time Darcy was reluctant to leave Miss Bennet, and since I had no other place to be, we stayed.

Feeling rather proud of myself that I was able to advise my cousin, I took it upon myself to do him one better. I took each opportunity I had to remind Miss Bennet about Darcy's good fortune and standing amongst others. I suspected that Miss Bennet might have an interest in Darcy, at least she spoke of him often, and though it was with derision, I remember that most females of my acquaintance protest and deny their feelings up until the gentleman declares his.

Fortune smiled on my efforts one day as I met Miss Bennet while taking a tour around the park and was given an opportunity to expound upon Darcy's good qualities; unfortunately she acquired a sudden headache and wished to return to the parsonage. I was unable to speak with her further as Darcy and I returned rather suddenly to London.

It was shortly after our return to London that I learnt of Darcy's proposal and Miss Bennet's adamant and forthright refusal. I confess, though my sympathies lay with my cousin, a small part of me admired the lady for her courage. She refused a man who was thought by all to be a most eligible catch. Darcy said little about what transpired, other than to say she spoke firmly, even harshly of her adamant dislike for him and his ill treatment of Wickham. As I was Georgiana's other guardian, Darcy felt it I should know what he told Miss Bennet and why.

I saw little of Darcy after that, beyond my two week pitchfork into drunken oblivion thanks to Lady Pamela, for I returned to my regiment, and thus the news some months later that he was engaged to Miss Bennet took me by complete surprise. Not that I wasn't delighted, just surprised. I soon learned all of the various opinions of my family members, though I think Thomas' letter was my favourite, in part because once my dear brother began to write one never knew what nonsense he would begin spouting:

I am not at all surprised that Darcy is the first among us to fall. He always was the more stable and respectable one. His choice of a wife came as a shock though. I didn't even know he'd been to Hertfordshire. Miss Elizabeth is lovely, and her sister is beautiful. With her face and manners she could own London. How in hell did Bingley ever catch her attention? Not that I dislike Bingley mind you, but he does have a certain something that makes one want to be very drunk if one is going to spend a great deal of time in his company.

As I was telling you, Drake's bride to be is charming, a little too rural for my taste, but charming. I suspect that once she acquires a little town polish she's going to be quite a success. Mother, Father and I met her last week at Drake's townhouse. We were invited for dinner ostensibly...

...ostensibly so the families could meet before the wedding. I suspect that Darcy was also gathering support for when Aunt Catherine decides to blow through town and slander Miss Elizabeth. Mother and Father think the world of her... Miss Bennet, not Aunt Catherine; you already know mother's opinion in that quarter. Not surprisingly, Mother's approval was secured the minute she heard Aunt Catherine hated the match. Apparently the woman is livid that her plans for Anne have gone up in smoke. I fear she'll be after me next. I shall have to find a bride during the season or I fear I will fall victim to Catherine's machinations.

Darcy tells me Georgiana is coming out this season, or is it next. Oh bother, I cannot remember. Anyway, Miss Elizabeth and Georgiana deal very well together and it should make Georgiana's entrance easier if she has a sister to lean on. Mother wishes me to point out that as one of Georgiana's guardians you ought to consider making more than just an appearance during her season. I expect she'll call on Wellington and demand that the army remain home so this can happen.

The wedding was not lavish by London standards, which made it a delightful event in my opinion and my stay in Hertfordshire proved very amusing. Darcy had warned me about Mrs. Bennet, but I truly was unprepared for the onslaught, and not just from that quarter. Mrs. Bennet, in fairness, set an excellent table. I have rarely eaten so well. Of course, I have rarely had to endure being on parade outside of military functions. And paraded I was. Darcy had me wear my uniform, the B@#$%^&.

I believe I must have been the only eligible bachelor within fifty miles and consequently I was the recipient of the devoted and officious attentions of every unmarried girl present, save for Miss Mary Bennet who, when I finally escaped to a quiet corner of the garden, lectured me firmly on the importance of a life devoted to study and prayer. And that piety is an important trait in a wife.

"I think not." I muttered as I fled back into the house. The library looked quiet, and safe so I determined to hide there and regain my senses. It's a pity Thomas missed this; he wouldn't have had to look so hard next season for a wife.

"Well, well, Colonel Fitzwilliam," Mr. Bennet said, startling me out of my hiding. "I see I'm not the only one who desires a bit of peace and quiet."

"No sir. It's all a bit overwhelming out there."

He nodded and poured me a glass of wine. "Here, this will bolster your courage."

I smiled, "No offense sir, but it will take something stronger than this to bolster my courage."

"And how do you survive in battle then Colonel?"

"There are no females in battle sir."

He laughed heartily and toasted my success in avoiding, "the silliest females in all of England. And now that my Lizzy is gone I will never have another moment's rational discourse. Take my advice Colonel.... marry wisely."

"Thank you sir, I will take it under consideration." If I marry at all, I mused.

I did not find the perfect mate in Hertforshire. Well I did. Save for fortune she was otherwise ideal -- the perfect combination of face and temperament -- but she married Mr. Bingley and my hopes were quite dashed.

It would be almost two years before I fell in love.

Chapter Three

Behind me it was all noise and confusion. In front - less confusion but more blood, more death. A man shouted in my ear and as I turned he fell dead. Somewhere nearby a horse shrieked in pain; I knew it would be dead before it hit the ground. Everywhere smoke and dirt and blood, too much blood.

A shot whizzed close to my head and instinctively I ducked. That move probably saved my life as the next shot missed my head. Instead of sudden blackness and my anticipated eternal rest, I slowly became aware of a throbbing pain in my shoulder. I groped blindly at it and found my hand becoming wet and sticky. Damn This was not a good time to get shot. We were too close to our objective, too close to stop and tend a shoulder wound. I simply couldn't stop. But the choice was taken from me as the dizziness and pain I'd been fighting took over.

I bolted upright: panicked and scared. Another nightmare. Slowly I became accustomed to the dark room and remembered where I was. This was not Quatre Bras; there wasn't French Cavalry waiting and ready to massacre my men. I was at home and safe. Finally.

I blinked several times to clear my eyes further and slowly got out of bed, trying not to disturb my wounded shoulder. The room was too cold. At least the fire hadn't gone out completely. I stirred it up and shoved a chair closer to it's flickering light, hoping to absorb some of it's warmth.

I must have dosed off in the chair, because the next thing I became aware of was Hamilton's soft footfalls as he entered the room. If he was surprised to see me in the chair instead of my bed, he didn't show it.

"Good Morning Sir." He said as he moved to open the curtains and let in the morning sun.

I sat up straighter. It was a mistake. My recently healed shoulder protested having been in a twisted position all night and forced a loud expletive out of me.

Hamilton raised an eyebrow in my general direction, but wisely made no comment.

Slowly I rose from my secondary bed and tried to stretch, avoiding any movement of my shoulder.

"Are we dressing today sir?"

"No Hamilton, I don't think I will try to get into a coat just yet."

"Yes Sir. Are you still scheduled to see Mr. Darcy today?"

"I believe so." I responded cautiously.

"And you will not be dressing for this?"

I ground my teeth in frustration. "No, Hamilton. Darcy has more than once been in my company when I was unpresentable. He'll survive seeing me in my dressing gown."

"Yes Sir. I had only meant to consider that Mrs. Darcy and Miss Darcy might accompany him." Hamilton's bearing often reminded me of an old tutor Thomas and I once had. Mr. Felix Wellsby had been a stickler for propriety and decorum, not quite the thing for a pair of active and busy lads. He lasted only a few months before I was able, with a little calculation and some personal things stolen from my sisters I contrived to drive him back into his books at the rectory. Mother was livid, more so because my sisters' things were now on display for the household to see than because Mr. Wellsby left. Father lectured, scolded, and gave us both a good thrashing, before telling the whole populace of his club about my devious antics. I never did tell him that Darcy had helped plan it.

Hamilton continued to look expectantly at me. I ignored him.

I hadn't seen Darcy and Elizabeth since their wedding little more than two years ago. Since that time they had been blessed with a son and while I had yet to meet him I had it on good authority that he was in fact the most perfect and handsome child ever born into the family. Easy enough to believe considering the only other male children were myself, Darcy and Thomas, not what one would call pinnacles of perfection.

Bennet Richard Darcy's arrival was not the only event I had missed whilst I was away fighting: My father had suffered an illness which left him very weak and he was now frequently bed- ridden; Thomas had finally married though no heir had yet made an appearance; my sister and her lame-brained Viscount husband had produced a third child; Georgiana had made her entrance onto society (and fortunately for my old creaking bones she was not yet married.) I suppose that it was inevitable that during the two years I was gone things would change. Yet I was unprepared for them when I returned. Dwelling on it all gave me a headache and lately I often thought it would have been just as well had I remained in Belgium permanently. And truth be told I was feeling out of sorts since my return, as if I was a stranger in my own life.

Darcy arrived promptly at his appointed time. At least a few things remain constant. He brought Georgiana's regrets, she was spending the day shopping with a friend, and her promise to visit me in a day or two. He also, to my surprise, brought his wife and child. Mrs. Darcy had accompanied her husband and if she was discomposed at seeing me in my dressing gown, she had the grace and manners not to show it. Bennet at age one and a half already displayed the same liveliness which had so impressed me in his mother. He wasted no time, upon being introduced to me, in climbing up on my lap to show me his precious treasure.

"See! See!" He shoved the wooden horse on my face. Elizabeth gently pulled his arm back and scolded him:

"Yes it's a lovely horsey Bennet, but you must be gentle with Colonel Fitzwilliam. Remember he has a sore shoulder."

Bennet stared at me with disdain. "Boo-boo?"

I nodded, "Er...Yes. Boo-boo." I pointed to my shoulder.

Bennet's face took on a serious look and he patted my shoulder. With some effort and by gritting my teeth I was able to refrain from cursing and dumping the child on the floor.

He held out his horse, "He. Boo-boo."

I must have looked utterly confused because Elizabeth again stepped in, "That's very kind of you Ben, but I think it would be alright with Colonel Fitzwilliam if you kept your horse. Why don't we go see Auntie Dru?

As they left I turned to Darcy, "My mother let's him call her Auntie Dru?"

Darcy shrugged and broke into a huge grin, "What can I say? She's been charmed since she first set eyes on him."

"My mother and babies." I rolled my eyes and then had a wicked thought, "I don't remember you being so charming as a lad, Darce... Bennet clearly takes after his mother."

"Thank God for that." Darcy said.

Thanks to my shoulder I remained house bound for most of the season. Venturing out occasionally to take some air, but avoiding society proper until my shoulder had healed enough to be wrenched into a coat. Thus it was nearly the end of the season before I met her.

The night I met Lady Jennifer was rainy and chilly and my shoulder had put me into a considerable temper. I would have welcomed an evening at home in front of a good fire but at Drake's request, Airtimes and I escorted Georgina to an evening party at Lady Dinsmore's townhouse. He would be staying home since Elizabeth was feeling very poorly, and Ben was also becoming ill. My sister delights in a ball and eagerly encouraged me to stay home. That also was enough to make me go: when Missy starts plotting it's best to have someone who knows counter intelligence around to sort out the final mess.

Georgiana was now in her second season and while her disastrous first season caused my mother a great many flutters and vapours, this second season appears to agree with her. Darcy attributes this in part to her new friend Lady Jennifer Northcliffe. I knew a little about Lady Jennifer. Missy had made it a point to stop by weekly during my recovery and give me all the town gossip. I knew that Lady Jennifer had already been out six seasons and was dangerously close to being on the shelf; that she was wealthy enough to marry on her own terms, but held some rather odd notions about marriage. Society in general thought her amusing and a trifle forward. Though I was a little concerned that Georgiana was bosom friends with, Darcy assured me that Lady Jennifer was well bred and that he found her to be very like Mrs. Darcy with regard to temperament and taste. With a recommendation like that I felt certain Lady Jennifer and I would get on tolerably well.

It is a good thing I am not a betting man.

Lady Dinsmore's was a squeeze. I'm told by Georgiana that her parties usually are; everyone who is anyone makes an effort to appear at Lady Dinsmores. We arrived amidst the crush, just before the rain began. I soon found my head was beginning to throb in a counter rhythm to my shoulder, and though I do not know if it was the weather or Artemis which brought it on, I do know that neither circumstance helped it to go away.

Shortly after our arrival I was informed by Missy the she had decided to make a match between Georgiana and Kelverstone. This is precisely when my head began to ache. Missy means well, but her sense has always been over-ruled by her passion for titles and lineage. Kelverstone being a Marquis and from an ancient and noble family, as he was often heard to say, loudly and publicly, was Missy's ideal catch for Georgiana.

I had other thoughts on the subject. Kel was past forty, rather obnoxious when he was in his cups, which was a nightly occurrence, and was rumoured to be rather deep in debt. Darcy would never consider such a match, and if he did I would be forced to shoot him or at least commit him to Bedlam.

I was circling the room that evening trying to be watchful of Georgiana when I was drawn into conversation with Missy, giving Kel the chance to ask Georgiana for a dance.... a waltz. I had no idea how long they had been dancing but I was determined to end it now.

"Don't."

I nearly jumped out of my skin at the sound of her voice. I glared, indicating I no time for managing females, but she smiled and continued:

"Don't go rushing out there to rescue her. Let her handle the situation."

"Madam," I said in my most scathing tone. "I do not believe I have had the pleasure of your acquaintance. And I've no intention of letting Georgiana be mauled by that man."

The lady laughed at me. "She is not being mauled, she is dancing. And rather well I might add."

"You may not."

She shrugged. "Suit yourself then. But I think you'll cause more of a scene if you drag her off the dance floor like a naughty child than if you just leave well enough alone. Kel's not going to behave improperly in front of the Ton, especially to one so fragile as Georgie."

"Kel" I sneered. "You know him?!"

"Well, yes you could say I do. He is my brother."

Your brother?" I kept my tone even and low. "And I am to assume you are promoting this ill- conceived match then?"

"Heaven's no. Banish that thought right now. Georgie's much too good, and too young, for Kel." She spoke with authority. "I am merely suggesting Colonel Fitzwilliam, that Georgie would be better off if she learnt to dissuade a gentleman, instead of waiting for you or her brother to come to her rescue."

Any reply I wished to make, and there were several scathing retorts which came to mind, was cut short by the end of the dance and Kel leading Georgiana over to me. He bowed and made polite conversation before spiriting Lady Jennifer away. I like to think he quaked under my authoritarian glare and fled before I could cut him dead.

"Well Richard, you've met Jennifer. Isn't she wonderful? I knew you'd like her as much as I do. Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth like her too. I'm so glad you were here tonight to meet her."

With Kel gone I looked to Georgiana and was about to scold her for her improper choice of dance partners when I was struck by the sparkle in her eye. How long it had been since I had seen any sort of liveliness in her? I'd given up hope of ever seeing her shine again. However it did not stop me from delivering a scathing scold.

"That impertinent chit was your friend?! Did you know she is Kel's sister? Honestly Georgiana I think you should choose your acquaintances more carefully."

Georgiana shrank before my very eyes.

"Richard," she whispered, "I.... I'd hoped you would like her. She's been so kind to me." She looked pitifully at me and continued to bite her quivering lip. The confident young lady was replaced by the scared child.

Damn my rash temper. And damn that woman for instigating this fight with Georigana.

I was torn between wishing I could crawl under the carpet and a desire to throttle Lady Jennifer. Reason prevailed over bloodlust and I determined to make nice to Georgiana while reminding her of the folly of encouraging men like Kel.

Sucking in a deep breath I led her to a quiet corner where I could at least spare her a public scolding. "I'm sorry, Georgiana. I was worried about you when I saw you with Kelverstone. You should NOT have been dancing with him. He's just not... Darcy and I won't allow a match between you two."

She looked strangely at me before saying: "I know. And you needn't be afraid for me. Jennifer and ELizabeth are forever telling me that I needn't feel obligated to a man simply because he dances with me and pays me a few pretty compliments."

My God, when did Georgiana grow up? Had I missed that much? She wasn't shy fifteen-year-old anymore. She had a quiet confidence that asked for only one thing, the approval of those she loved.

"Georgiana I am sorry. I didn't see... You've grown up and I didn't see that. I was afraid that Kel would push you."

"And do you see that I am alright?"

"Yes. You are doing very well."

She smiled at me and then glared, "What about Jennifer?"

"Hmmm?"

"You were wrong about her, admit it Richard. You leapt to a conclusion and were wrong."

"I was wrong. She is not trying to make a match for you with Kel. She was being a friend to you." I conceded. But I still did not like her. She was pushy and impertinent and determined to get under my skin. I did not need another pushy, managing female in my life. For Georgiana's sake I said nothing further, but firmly decided I would spend as little time as possible in the company of Lady Jennifer.

Chapter Four

I cannot point to a moment that I altered my feelings, but I clearly remember when I realised I was in love: the Heatherleigh's Ball two weeks later, during of all things, the waltz.

Before the ball Georgiana extracted a promise that I would dance with Lady Jennifer, and I reluctantly asked her for the first available, which Dash-It-All turned out to be the waltz.

"Do you find the situation or the company intolerable Colonel Fitzwilliam?" She quizzed. There was that gleam in her eyes again.

"I beg your pardon?" Impertinent child

She laughed at my confusion, "I was merely trying to ascertain if the reason you were focussed on a spot just over my shoulder was because the room was on fire or if you were avoiding conversation. Since it is obvious that the room remains intact, I surmised that you must find something intolerable about your current situation. Either you disdain the dance and were refraining from saying anything because you feared being rude, or I have given you offence and you are determinedly ignoring me. In which case I wonder why you would have asked me to dance at all."

"Lady Jennifer ...." For the love of all things good.. How am I expected to answer that?!

"Colonel I have been out for six seasons. I would be quite the fool if by this point I couldn't recognize when a gentleman was unimpressed by my company," she interjected. "It was Georgiana wasn't it? I should have realised something was up when she insisted you had a deep desire to waltz with me."

I stared. I gaped openly at this.... this utterly silly notion that my baby cousin was now playing matchmaker! At that moment I looked down and caught Lady Jennifer's eyes only to they were even more full of amusement than mine. They were also, I realised, a very delicate shade of blue. We burst into laughter and spent the remainder of the dance conversing pleasantly. Lady Jennifer was well-informed, not coquettish, and an excellent dancer. As the dance ended I bowed properly, but as I raised her hand to my lips something squeezed all the air out of my lungs.

I froze. After a moment Lady Jennifer smiled and asked me to get her some punch. I returned quickly but she was gone, out on the dance floor with some Lord, some fresh-faced, fancy-pants, charmer with no wit and less hair, who, to my complete and utter dismay had her total attention.

That night, in my dark, quiet room I thought about what had transpired. On the surface my exchanges with Lady Jennifer were innocent, even insignificant, but as I thought through them, mulled over every gesture, every look, those same exchanges swelled to monumental proportions. Was I in Love? That was something romantic young girls dreamt about. Yet here I was clearly captivated by this woman whom I had only just met. I had no knowledge of her character, save that she was a good friend to Georgiana; no notion of her upbringing other than knowing she was Kelverstone's sister; no idea of her merits, except she was lively, knowledgeable, and strong minded.

When did my room get so hot? I tossed and thrashed before climbing out of bed and going to the window. What was Hamilton thinking drawing the drapes on such a night.....

I drew back the window drapes to reveal a cloudy dark avenue. The strong breeze made me shiver and I realised I was quite naked. With due haste I donned my robe and returned to my window perch. So the night isn't hot, it's me that feels stifled.

I left the window open and returned to bed, eventually drifting restlessly into the realm of dreams.

Once again I heard the noise and tasted the blood. Men fell and the gun smoke was thick in the air. I choked and struggled for breath. My shoulder burned from the musket ball and I fell into blackness. There the midst of darkness I saw a pair of blue eyes beckoning me from the melee; soft, warm, offering me respite and comfort.

I awoke gasping and sweaty, and with an odd stirring in my gut. Those eyes affected me and the resulting tension disturbed me. Yet, I felt none of the familiar terror these nightmares brought on. What was different? Whose eyes were those?

With groan I flung myself back into my pillows and covered my head with my good arm. I realised I did know those eyes. I had seen them last night at the party. She's invading my dreams! I thought bitterly. And why?

Rather than torment myself further by trying to determine why I was dreaming of her, I forced myself to fall back to sleep and thrashed restlessly until daybreak.

I spent the morning walking the streets of London, not in the vulgar sense, but rather to clear my head of those dreams. At the party I had been tormented by an opinionated she-devil. Yet, in my dreams those same eyes offered me safety, comfort.

Stop!! Stop thinking about her

And with that I made my way to Darcy's townhouse, hoping to persuade him that a few hours at the club would be a welcome relief for a man stuck in a house with two women and a small child.

Darcy's footman announced me. He was obviously new since the rest of the staff understood that I generally announced myself. It had always been like that for Darce and I. Like brothers we needed no formality, no ceremony. Over the years our brotherhood had only gained strength. After Wickham created such a stir at school Darcy naturally withdrew from his company and sought mine. While Thomas and I were close, and still are, Darcy and I had a....... well, a bond. Without discussing it, Darce knew when I wanted to discuss something and when I just wanted to hit something. I knew how he sometimes leaned on me to get through social obligations, and I tried to steer the conversation to topics he felt comfortable discussing.

I remember Elizabeth, when she was still Miss Bennet, once suggested that Darcy didn't excel in social situations because he never took the trouble to put himself forth. I gazed at the portrait of them and realised that she has taken on my role. This thought did not help my mood.

Darcy was blathering about something. I had no idea what I agreed to but I found myself being instructed to be prompt.

"Err. What time shall I be here then?"

"Honestly Richard. You act as if you lost your wits. Perhaps Bedlam would be a better destination this night?" Georgiana scolded.

"Georgiana Darcy I've a good mind to turn you over my knee." I retorted.

She laughed at me. "Richard Patrick Montgomery Fitzwilliam. You dare!"

"Georgie, leave the poor Colonel alone. He has enough on his mind." Elizabeth intervened. My question would be: How did she know I had a lot on my mind?

"Just be here on time, Fitzwilliam. I do not relish the thought being on display as a late arrival." Darcy muttered.

Elizabeth crossed the room to where Darcy stood and whispered something to him. He let loose a hearty laugh which shocked me; the master of the polite smirk just laughed aloud. After she left us I inquired what she had said.

"Oh. She reminded me that if they stare it's because they can't believe my good fortune in finding such a perfect wife."

I was confused. Of course everyone envied Darcy's good fortune in his choice of a wife. Why would this cause him to laugh? The mysteries of married life confuse me.

Darcy must have sensed my confusion, or saw it written plainly on my face, because he explained Elizabeth's jest. When I still did not understand, Darcy genially threw me out of the house with an admonition to get more sleep before this evening.

I grumbled home and retired to my chamber but refused to go near the bed. I was NOT a child who needed a nap and I darn well wasn't going to afford those dreams of her an opportunity to upset my peace of mind again. Instead I hid in a wing chair near my window and watched the sky. It wasn't long before I fell into a dreamless sleep.

That evening proved to be my undoing. While refreshed from my nap, I had yet to collect my wits regarding Lady Jennifer and seeing her chatting with Elizabeth in the blue sitting room shook me. Attempting to avoid her and Miss Bingley, who was seated on the other sofa, I found myself a seat near Mrs. Darcy.

"Good evening, Colonel Fitzwilliam," she smiled.

"Good evening." I noticed that Elizabeth Darcy was looking very lovely and told her so.

We chatted lightly about Bennet and her opinions of this season's fashion. I think she was mildly impressed that while I, as a male, I am rather ignorant of ladies fashions, I was able to listen politely and make a few comments. I would have be a reclusive blind idiot not to recognise that orange is an unbecoming colour on most women.

Elizabeth Darcy cast a sly look over at Miss Bingley as I said that. It was too perfect that Miss Bingley choose that moment to look up and smile at us. Our laughter drew the attention of the everyone in the room, including her.

"Colonel Fitzwilliam you must share the joke with the rest of us." Lady Jennifer said.

Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Elizabeth flush. "I... er.... I'd rather not expound upon it. The... er.... ahem.... the moment has passed. You wouldn't find it amusing."

"Come now Colonel. Surely you don't have such a poor opinion of my sense of humour" she teased.

Now I flushed. Darcy rescued us all by suggesting we go.

After the opera I was able to determine that I was clearly developing a partiality for Lady Jennifer, but that she held no opinion of me. This thought depressed me and I past most of the night in a Brandy induced stupor, mesmerised by the fire.

The next several days were a blur for me. I had determined after my late night soul searching, that I should put Lady Jennifer out of my mind. I thought about her faults, her impertinent air, her independence, her too tall figure, her blues eyes, her laughter, her graceful carriage, her delicate hands.... Damnation Behaving like a besotted like a schoolboy was not in my plans.

I began to catalogue her faults, hoping to slay the demon of lust which controlled my mind. She is too lackadaisical regarding Georgiana and Kel. Still, beyond that she is a good friend to Georgiana. BUT her friendship with Georgiana was the only admirable quality the lady possessed. She was quite out of fashion; she was tall and willowy when small and curvaceous was fashionable, dark instead of the more popular light, and more outspoken and well-educated than any lady of my acquaintance. I found her utterly impertinent. How is it then that after just a few short days I found I was tails over top in love with her?

Well there is only one thing to do now: Hide.

I spent my days (and nights) hiding at the club, drinking until I was numb and gambling much more than is good, though I did win a lot.

Things came to a head on my third week of muttering into my wine. Darcy had joined me, though I think it was because he was pressed into "keeping Richard from making a fool of himself" duty by my father and Elizabeth, both of whom had scolded me about my recently corrupted manners.

At the club some minor baronet barely out of short pants and clearly in his cups, bragged too loudly in my presence about the desirability of Georgiana, hinting that he could put both her figure and fortune to good use.

"Come now Edmund." His friend admonished him after realising who I was and seeing me flush angrily. "You're drunk or else you wouldn't even suggest such nonsense."

"Not nonsense. She's pretty and meek. Won't give me any trouble." Sir Edmund Glenbrook leered. I would have smashed his face at that moment save for Darcy's quiet hand on my shoulder.

"He's mine, Fitzwilliam." Darcy growled; I shivered. Sir Eddie was going to hurt.

Before Darcy could announce his presence Sir Eddie dug his grave deeper: "And that friend of hers... Kel's sister. She's an opinionated little wench. I'll bet she's eager to warm any man up. Think she could give sweet Georgiana some advice about pleasing men?!"

I'm not quite sure who swung first, but my fist and Darcy's collided with Sir Eddie at the same time, leaving him an unconscious heap on the floor.

Darcy surveyed the crowd, "If he wants satisfaction he'll find me at home. But I would advise his friends to first remind what an ass he made of himself. Coming, Fitzwilliam?"

We left and by silent agreement began walking towards Darcy's townhouse.

Darcy left me in silence until we were safely ensconced in his study.

"Kel was there."

"I know." I grunted.

"He's going to wonder why you felt it necessary to defend his sister."

"I didn't." I protested, albeit weakly. "I was defending Georgina."

"No." Darcy shook his head carefully. "That's what I was doing. You didn't step in until that whelp mentioned Lady Jennifer."

"He didn't say Lady Jennifer; he said Kel's sister."

Darcy snorted. "Stop thinking I'm dense. Kel only has one sister and YOU my friend were acting like a serious suitor."

"So what?" I challenged.

He regarded me carefully for a moment and then said with a grin, "So GO. Suit on. Marry the girl."

That sounded suspiciously familiar. Then I remember having given him the same advise regarding Elizabeth. "I'm not you Darce."

"Some would say that is a point in your favour."

"I meant that I have nothing to recommend me to her. I'm a second son, no land, no title, very little fortune. I'm a soldier. And a broken one at that. She'd never accept me."

"Richard you'll never know unless you talk to her. Stop this and go declare yourself. Propose. Court her. Steal her away to France. Just stop moping and drinking."

I now sincerely regretted ever teasing Darcy when he was in turmoil about Miss Bennet's affections as he used this to repay me, in spades.

I did stop hiding in my cups and attempted to be more cheerful around Darcy and his family. Unfortunately I soon discovered that Lady Jennifer, as Georgiana's bosom beau, was considered a necessary member of any family gathering. Darcy used this to his advantage as a chance to throw me into her company.

Continued in Next Section