Section I, Next Section
Prologue ~ Missing!
Posted on Friday, 22 October 1999
Matlock House,
August 20, 1793
Lady Anne Darcy hurriedly stepped out of the carriage with her husband and eight-year-old son following behind. They rushed into the house that had been her childhood home. Now the house belonged to her brother, the Earl of Matlock, and his family. Normally the Darcy's would have been happy to be at Matlock house, but they were all wearing worried expressions.
They were quickly shown into the drawing room. The general air in the room was as if someone had died. Judging by the looks on the Earl's face and the faces of his sons, it was almost like they were in mourning.
"Brother! What has happened? Your express told us nothing but to come as quickly as possible," cried Lady Anne as she embraced her brother, but he just remained still, almost as if he were in a trance.
"Perhaps the children should be removed. Thomas, Richard... Go to the Library with Fitzwilliam," the Earl said this in a voice that betrayed no emotion, but it changed to one of the utmost seriousness as he said, "The library, nowhere else! I want the three of you to remain in this house where we can keep an eye on you."
The boys did as they were told, leaving their parents to discuss the terrible thing that had befallen the Fitzwilliam family.
"What has happened, Hugh?" asked George Darcy, concern written in all his features.
Taking a deep and unsteady breath the Earl said in a voice that choked with emotion, "The girls are missing."
"Missing! What ever can you mean?" cried Anne.
"Just that. They have been taken, stolen from their family! It has hit Helen very hard, she remains in her room... Anne, she has not said word since we discovered they really were gone."
Lady Anne grasped her brothers hand, reality setting in. She realized just how serious this was. Her two darling little nieces were gone...Kidnapped! Her poor brother and sister-in-law...everyone knew how they worshipped their children.
"Has anything been heard? What has been done?" asked George incredulously. He pictured Janet and Elisabeth's innocent little faces and wondered how anyone could be so mean and cruel as to steal them from their family; a family that loved them dearly.
"We have heard nothing. No note with demands, nothing. We have everyone out searching for them but no one has seen anything except an unknown couple driving through the town, so far they are the only suspects."
"Hugh," questioned Anne. "Do you know how it happened?"
Sighing heavily, Hugh answered, "Helen and I had gone to visit the Chandlers. She had been reluctant to go, not wanting to leave the girls, especially little Beth, for she had never been away from our youngest. I wish I had not insisted that Helen come. If I hadn't, the girls would still be with us. Now as I understand it, the nursemaid took Janet and Beth outside, on the front lawn! She had returned for three minutes, at most, to the house to get another blanket for the girls and when she returned they were gone."
"Oh, Hugh!" cried Anne brushing a tear from her cheek. "I should go see Helen."
"Please do. Perhaps she would talk to you," said Hugh despondently.
Anne Darcy quickly planted a kiss on her brother's cheek and rushed out of the room.
Meanwhile in the Library
Fitzwilliam sat in one of the chairs looking at his cousin's faces. He finally found enough courage to ask, "What's happened?"
Twelve year old Thomas glared at him. "Are you that ignorant that you can't tell!" he growled at his cousin. These two never really got on well, for Thomas took much delight in teasing his younger cousin, therefore there was a good deal of animosity between them.
"Tom," sighed Richard, tired of being the peacemaker between these two. "Janet and Lizzy have disappeared."
"What do you mean?" cried Fitzwilliam.
Tom opened his mouth to say something snide but closed it when he saw the angry looks aimed at him.
"Will, they are gone! Someone took 'em." Richard sighed. He was worried about his parents.
"You mean they are really and truly gone!" cried Fitzwilliam.
"Yes," muttered Thomas, once more glaring at his cousin.
The library was quiet, each of the boys absorbed in his own thoughts. Fitzwilliam remembered both Janet and Elisabeth. Janet was a quiet girl with blonde hair and pretty hazel eyes. She had a very gentle nature and always followed him and Richard around, an action which angered her older brother, but he found it rather amusing, having no brothers or sisters of his own. He also loved the way she called him 'Itzwill'. Fitzwilliam really didn't know what Elisabeth was like, for she was only a few months old. One thing he knew about her was that he found her eyes interesting.
In the master bedroom
Lady Anne peeked around the door to see her sister-in-law sitting in front of the window. No emotion registered on Helen's face when she saw Anne.
"Helen," Anne said quietly, taking her sister's hand.
"Anne," whispered Helen, huge tears welling up in her eyes. "You know what has occurred."
"Yes, Hugh told me. I...I don't know what to say. How anyone would dare to do such a thing is beyond me!"
Helen seemed not to hear Anne and for a moment there was no sound in the room. Helen suddenly exclaimed, "I should have done something! I should not have visited those Chandlers. I never like visiting them! Had I not gone the girls would not have gone outside, or had they, I would not have left them! That rotten nursemaid has been let go, that is certain. Thomas and Richard are going to be tutored at home. I would not feel comfortable sending them away from us."
After this impassioned speech, Helen burst into tears and clung to Anne. "Oh, Helen," soothed Anne. "I know what you are going through. I know what a horrible feeling it is to lose a child."
"You haven't lost a child, Anne...not to anything as tragic as this, anyway."
"Not lost a child!" gasped Anne. "May I remind you of Alice! True, my daughter lived only a week and she did not disappear in such circumstances, but that does not mean George and I were not attached and did not feel devastated at her loss! At least..." Lady Anne stopped the biting remark that was on the tip of her tongue. To her it seemed obvious that her sister didn't realize it was not that long since Alice had died.
It was a full five minutes before Helen spoke, "I am so sorry, Anne. I'm just so worried about the girls. I don't even want to think about what could have befallen them."
"Don't torture yourself like that, Helen. It is all right." Anne held out her hand and Helen held on to it. "Now, come downstairs. Hugh is worried about you. Come put his heart at ease. You need each other. It's the only way you will get through this. You never know, they could turn up anytime."
"If you say so Anne."
The women rose and went downstairs. Deep down in their hearts they knew Janet and Elisabeth would not return.
Chapter 1 ~ A Long Hidden Secret
Posted on Friday, 22 October 1999
Twenty Years Later ~ May 5, 1813
Elizabeth Bennet stood on the hill, hugging her shawl around her, her skirt flapped around her ankles. The dark, depressing clouds and cold May wind seemed to suit her mood. Looking into the horizon she angrily brushed the tears from her face. She knew her father would not want her acting like this, but that could not stop the feelings of sadness that overtook her. A sigh escaped her lips as she took one more look at the gravestone in front of her. Walking past it she ran her hand over the cold stone and walked back down the worn path and out of the graveyard.
After walking around the grounds of Longbourn for some time, Elizabeth returned to the house to see the carriage was ready and waiting at the front entrance. Entering the house she found Jane sitting in a chair, her bonnet in her lap.
"I'm sorry I am late Jane. I suppose Uncle Gardiner wanted to leave a while ago."
"He did, but Mr. Collins is not letting him go," said Jane with a wry smile.
Taking the seat next to her sister, Elizabeth said, almost to herself, "Who would have thought this day would come? At least not so soon... Papa was strong and he appeared healthy!"
"I do believe he was healthy, Lizzy. I think it was just time for him to leave us."
Elizabeth nodded and looked at the horses through the open door. They seemed as anxious to leave as she.
"Lizzy?" began Jane, before looking around her and leaning closer to her sister. "What do you think that letter contained?"
"I don't know," said Elizabeth. Although she was not sure about the contents of the letter, she had her suspicions, but they seemed too far-fetched to be true. "I can see no reason why Papa should demand, in his will, that the letter be sent as quickly as possible to Matlock House."
"Where is Matlock House, Lizzy? It sounds familiar but I cannot place where I have heard it mentioned," said Jane as a memory raced through her mind.
"Papa. What is it?" Janet asked pointing at the huge house.
A kind man held her tightly, but gently, in his arms. He whispered into her hair, "That is our home, Janet. Matlock House."
"I like it." Janet had cried, giggling as her father tickled her.
Jane shook her head to rid it of the confusing memory. However, another memory crept in from its hiding place.
"Itzwill! Richard! Wait for me!" Janet exclaimed in exasperation, racing as fast as her unsteady, short legs would take her towards the boys in front of her.
Jane shifted uncomfortably in her chair.
"What is your name?" Mr. Bennet squatted down in front of her.
"Janet," Janet had answered.
"And what is this little one called?" asked Mrs. Bennet, gently tickling Elisabeth under her chin.
"Elisabeth, but we call her Lizzy or Beth..."
Jane closed her eyes trying to remember what happened after that, even though she was not entirely sure she wanted to know. Needless to say, her memories had unnerved her greatly.
"Jane!"
"What!" gasped Jane, looking at her sister in surprise. "I'm sorry, I didn't hear what you said."
"I only said that I know Matlock House is the home of the Earl and Countess of Matlock," stated Elizabeth, looking curiously at Jane. "Remember, I met their younger son when I was in Hunsford, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Lady Catherine's other nephew." Elizabeth blushed as she realized her reference to Mr. Darcy.
"What...what is the Colonel's name?" asked Jane, with a small squeak.
"Richard, I believe."
Jane said nothing, only turning to look out the window at the rain that was now falling gently.
Ten minutes later Mr. Gardiner came out of the sitting room and said, "We should be on our way before the weather gets any worse. You mother and sisters will be worried."
Elizabeth's brow darkened at the mention of her mother and sisters. They did not seem to care about their loss. Lydia had even dared to say how disappointed she was at being forbidden to go to Brighton.
After their quick good-byes to the Collins, they began their journey to London, where Mrs. Bennet, Mary, Kitty and Lydia had gone the week before, not wanting to wait for the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Collins. They remained silent during the trip, Jane's thoughts dwelling on the confusing recollections. Elizabeth's thoughts jumped all over; from Mr. Darcy, to her father, the letter sent to Matlock, and the conversation she'd had with Colonel Fitzwilliam before he and his cousin had left Hunsford.
"You have a sister?" exclaimed Elizabeth. "I am surprised I never heard of her. It seems to me that Lady Catherine would have asked after her as she does with Miss. Darcy."
"Well, the fact of the matter is that I had two sisters."
"Had?"
"Yes," replied the Colonel sadly. "They...they were stolen twenty years ago. We never found them. I'm afraid it hit our family very hard."
"Oh, Colonel! I am so sorry!" she cried, placing a hand gently on his arm.
"It is fine...in a way, Miss. Bennet, you remind me of my youngest sister. You have eyes like hers... Her name was also Elisabeth."
When they arrived in Gracechurch Street they we rushed out of the rain and into the house where they would be staying until other living arrangements were made. Jane was berating herself for the way she was becoming edgy around her mother and how she kept glancing at her, realizing that she was the woman from that one memory. She told herself it was just the strain of losing her father, but then she would think of that memory. Somehow, she knew that the answer was in the letter on its way to Matlock.
Matlock House ~ May 6, 1813
The Fitzwilliam family sat in the breakfast room enjoying their meal and, as they were wont to do, reading their letters.
"There is one here addressed to both of us, my dear. From a Mr. Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire," said Hugh Fitzwilliam to his wife.
"Longbourn?" questioned Richard.
"Yes. What of it?"
"Nothing," muttered a much puzzled Colonel.
"Longbourn you say?" said Thomas looking up from paper he was reading.
"Yes," cried Hugh, getting somewhat fed up with the interruptions.
"Well, it says here that a Mr. Bennet of Longbourn, Hertfordshire died on the 29th of April."
The Colonel regarded his brother with surprise.
"Really, Thomas. In that case, read the letter out loud, Hugh. We shall have to see what Mr. Bennet wants to tell us," said Helen.
Clearing his throat, Hugh cracked the seal and began reading.
To the Earl and Countess of Matlock,This shall be a short missive as I do not have much time to write it. I suppose if you are reading this letter I am dead but, as I am now living, I could not quit this world without attempting to right a wrong that has haunted my conscience for years.
Some twenty years ago my wife and I resided in Ireland for a time. It was while we were there that our two young daughters, Jane and Elizabeth...
Helen's cup clattered on the saucer as she and her sons stared at Hugh. The Colonel's mouth was hanging open in shock as a fairly good idea of what Mr. Bennet was about to reveal formed in his mind.
Swallowing, Hugh continued reading.
Jane and Elizabeth died from illness. They died two weeks before we were due to return home. It was with the greatest grief that we had their funerals and began our journey home, without informing our families of our horrid loss. It was on our way home to Hertfordshire that we drove through Derbyshire, where our carriage had the misfortune to break down. Consequently it was not far from your home. As the carriage was being repaired my wife and I took a stroll onto your property. It was there that we saw two little girls that looked so like our own daughters, sitting on the front lawn.
Helen's hand covered her mouth, trying to stifle the sobs that were breaking free. With a comforting glance at his wife and a deep, shaky intake of breath, the earl continued reading.
As you may have guessed, they were your daughters. The action that my wife and I then took can only be ascribed to a moment of pure madness. We took your daughters Janet and Elisabeth and decided to raise them as our own to make up for our great loss.We never told our family the truth, so they are not in the least to blame for withholding this scandalous secret. Enclosed is a letter that I hope you will send to my brother-in-law, Mr. Edward Gardiner of Gracechurch Street, London. That is where Janet and Elisabeth will be staying following my death, with my wife and three youngest daughters. Ask that he give it to the girls, for it will explain all the circumstances to them.
Know this. I have always loved and provided for them as best I could. I know that nothing I can say will ever make up for the years your family has been without them, but I am sincerely sorry for all that I have done.
James Bennet
The Fitzwilliam family sat in stunned silence, taking in all that Mr. Bennet's letter had told them. They felt such relief, knowing that the long lost members of their family were well and safe, but they also felt the anger at such treachery.
Chapter 2A ~ All That Follows
Posted on Saturday, 13 November 1999
When the shock of what the letter had disclosed faded, the Countess recovered from her tears with amazing speed and rose from her chair, saying in one breath, "We must go to London directly! Hugh, give me the letter. I will have it sent off by express...Lord! There is so much to do. We will have to send an express to Fitzwilliam and Georgiana, and to Catherine and Anne..."
"Helen," cried Hugh, catching her hand as she walked past him. "Do not for a second believe that I don't want to see our girls as badly as you do, but this is a very delicate matter. Janet and Beth do not know what has happened or who they really are, and they will not know until they read this letter." He pointed at the letter addressed to 'Jane and Elizabeth'. "It will come as a great shock to them...Helen, they will find out that their real parents are people they do not remember, and that the two people who they have believed to be their parents are in truth their kidnappers. I would not blame the girls if they did not want to see us right away. We must give them some time to accept the truth and not feel pressured to see us."
"Hugh! We are their parents. They will have to see us."
"Yes, but we cannot force them to see us, nor should we try."
Suddenly, as if she had not her husband's last comment, Helen cried, "Hugh, has the thought not occurred to you! That woman could still be alive."
"Who?" asked Richard, standing beside his mother. Thomas was still too shocked to move from his chair.
"That man's wife! Mrs. Bennet! One of my own daughters could at this moment be calling her 'Mother'! If she is alive, we shall have to have the woman dealt with," muttered Helen angrily.
"My dear, we will cross that bridge when we come it," soothed Hugh. "Now, get your maid to help you pack and Thomas will go tell the other servants to prepare us for a journey to London...Helen, do not distress yourself. I believe all will turn out well. I will write to this Mr. Gardiner and send him that letter. I think that is the way we should go about this."
Thomas, having heard his name, got up and made for the door, saying, "Come Mother, let us do as we are bid." Wrapping an arm around his mother's shoulders, they walked out of the room.
As the door closed, Hugh turned to his younger son and said, "Would you mind telling me why the name of 'Longbourn' is familiar to you?"
"Why do you think it is familiar to me?" asked Richard almost defensively. Regretting it, he said, "I'm sorry, Father. I do know of it, or rather I have met a young lady who lived there...when I was visiting Aunt Catherine with Darcy."
"One of your sisters?" asked Hugh, turning to look out the window.
"Yes. Elisabeth. She was staying at the Parsonage. A friend of hers had married Lady Catherine's clergyman."
"What is she like?" asked Hugh eagerly.
"She reminds me of Aunt Anne...in both looks and nature."
"Richard, that is not a very satisfactory description! Please, on our way to London I want you to tell your mother. I think it would put her a little at ease to know this much. Of course, I will expect you to give a better description than the fact she is like my sister, as will your mother." With a small teasing smile at his son, Hugh said. "Now go see what damage you can do before we set off."
Within the hour the Fitzwilliams had set off for London and, as Hugh had predicted, it did comfort his wife to know that her youngest son had seen and talked with Elisabeth. Richard did give a better description of his long lost sister, for his mother and father would not have allowed anything else.
The Fitzwilliams arrived late to their townhouse. It was a relief to be there and not on the roads, which were in a terrible state after the rain. Tomorrow they would go see Fitzwilliam and Georgiana to inform them of the news for Hugh had only written his niece and nephew a quick note, telling them to clear all their engagements and prepare for a large surprise. They had just received the note an hour before.
The earl had also written to his sister. There was no telling how Lady Catherine would take the news.
Chapter 2B ~ Learning The Truth
Posted on Saturday, 13 November 1999
Gracechurch Street - 2:00 p.m.
"Jane! Lizzy!" called Mrs. Gardiner as she walked into the nursery where her two eldest nieces were entertaining her children. "There is a letter here for the both of you."
Jane and Elizabeth stood up from the floor where they were playing a game with their young cousins.
"The opened letter with it is the one that was sent, by express, to your uncle. As I understand it the enclosed letter is for you but your uncle thought you should read the one that it came with."
"Who is it from?" asked Elizabeth as Jane took the letters from their aunt.
"The Earl of Matlock, of all people!"
"Ah...come Lizzy!" cried Jane, grabbing her sister's hand. She practically dragged Elizabeth down the hall to their bedchamber.
"Jane!" cried Elizabeth, laughing, "I am just as interested in the contents as you are, but I didn't think you had to drag me down the hall!"
"I'm sorry Lizzy, but I don't think it is possible that you could be as interested I in what this letter has to say," replied Jane rather cryptically.
"What do you mean?"
"Lizzy, please. Just read the letter. I don't think I can."
After regarding her sister quizzically Elizabeth did as she was told and began reading.
Mr. Gardiner, May 6th, 1813You do not know me, nor do I know you, but the enclosed letter is one written by your late brother-in-law, James Bennet...
Elizabeth and Jane exchanged surprised looks before Elizabeth continued.
It explains a long kept secret concerning the parentage of his two eldest daughters.
Once more Jane and Elizabeth looked at each other.
In a letter to my wife and myself these circumstances have been explained. He asked in that letter that the enclosed be given to them as it will explain all they need to know. I will leave it up to them to decide when and what to reveal to you but, until then, do pass the enclosed onto them.My wife, my two sons, and myself hope to be in Town by this evening. Please inform them of this.
Hugh Fitzwilliam
The Earl of Matlock
"What can he mean? 'A long kept secret concerning the parentage of his two eldest daughters.' Jane, do you realize the possible implications of this letter?!"
"Lizzy! Just read the letter from Papa. Whatever this secret is, I believe it is best if we find out sooner, rather than later."
Sighing, Elizabeth opened the other note. It should come as no surprise that the contents greatly shocked and frightened them.
"Good God!" whispered Elizabeth. "It cannot be true. There must be some mistake. I won't believe it, I remember nothing of it so it mustn't be true!"
"How could you remember anything? You were only a baby, no more than six months old..."
"Jane! You are not saying this is the truth!" exclaimed Elizabeth with tears in her eyes.
"I don't know...I am not saying it is a mistake, nor am I saying it is the truth. I just have these strange memories."
"What memories?"
"A man calling me Janet, telling me that 'our' home was called Matlock House. A man asking me what my name was and a woman asking what your name was... And some other similar memories."
"That man and woman...who were they?"
Jane said nothing but stared intently at the carpet.
"They were... M...Mama...and Pa...Papa?" asked Elizabeth, struggling against the panic that was rising in her.
Jane was fighting against her tears so it took her a moment before she choked out, "Yes."
"I don't want to believe it!" cried Elizabeth defiantly, not know how that obstinate streak in her so showed which family she was from.
"Oh Lizzy! We have to believe it! It is the truth whether we like it or not. I am Janet Fitzwilliam and you are Elisabeth Fitzwilliam, daughters of the Earl and Countess of Matlock. We were stolen from our real family by two people who, for the last twenty years of our lives, we have thought to be our real parents!"
"I just don't want to believe the truth...it is too frightening." With that Elizabeth sank down on to the bed sobbing. Jane felt as lost and hopeless as her sister, and it was then that she too gave into her tears.
Half an hour later the two of them recovered somewhat from their grief. Jane had sat down on the bed and was wiping the last of her tears away when Elizabeth said quietly,
"I am so ashamed of myself."
"Lizzy! How could you think that! You are not to blame."
"That is not what I am ashamed of. All I can think about is who I am know, and I always was, related to...Mr. Darcy is my cousin! All I can think about how embarrassing that is to have had him propose to me and for me to refuse him, only then to find out that he is my cousin! Jane, that is far from the most important issue. What are we going to do? We will have to see our real family. We will have to deal with the fact that our supposed mother, or our other kidnapper, is still living! We will have to tell the Gardiners, for I believe they are the only ones who can help."
"Well then...shall we go acquaint the Gardiners with the truth and see what they advise?" asked Jane, standing up and determinedly putting her handkerchief away.
"Yes," answered Elizabeth.
With that, Janet and Elisabeth Fitzwilliam resolutely marched out of the room. Preparing themselves for the large step that they were taking, from now one, their lives would never be the same again.
Chapter 3A ~ The Darcys Learn The Truth
Posted on Saturday, 1 January 2000
"You're here!" exclaimed Georgiana rushing down the stairs of the townhouse to where her aunt and uncle and cousins were being relieved of their hats and coats. "How are you all?" said she as her aunt embraced her.
"Very well, Georgie!" cried the Countess, answering for the rest of them. "Now, where is that brother of yours?"
"He is in the study, Aunt, but what is your news? I must admit I have been fit to burst with curiosity ever since I read the note you sent us."
"You must wait until we can tell you and your brother together," chuckled the Earl.
"Very well." Turning to address the butler, Georgiana said, "Go ask Mr. Darcy to come join us in the drawing room as soon as he may, and ask Mrs. Church to have some tea brought up, please."
Once they were comfortably installed in the drawing room and the tea had arrived, the countess asked after her niece's progress with music; it was the only way she could refrain from telling the news, for she was as eager to tell it as her niece was to hear it. Five minutes had slipped by when Darcy finally entered the room, just as his sister had almost determined to go drag him from the study.
Helen Fitzwilliam was an extremely observant person, therefore, as soon as she beheld her nephew, she knew he was unhappy. These feelings of his might have been well hidden, but for someone who knew him well they were as plain as day. "William dear, how are you?" she asked, with concern.
"I am well, Aunt," he lied, nodding to his other guests and accepting a cup of tea from his sister.
"Aunt!" cried Georgiana impatiently, as William took a seat. "Now that William is here you can tell us what your news is."
Placing her cup back on the tray, the countess glanced at her husband before she began her story. It had been agreed that she would be the one to tell them what had happened. "I know William is already familiar with part of what I have to relate, but I do not believe you have been acquainted with something that happened a few years before you were born. Georgiana, your uncle and I had two little girls, Janet and Elisabeth... Sadly, one day they were taken from us."
"Taken! Good Lord, no!" exclaimed Georgiana, moving to the seat beside her aunt. "What happened afterwards?"
"Nothing, I'm afraid to say. We conducted many searches and inquiries into their disappearance, but we eventually knew them to be gone. Not that I am saying we gave up hope. Then, just yesterday, we received a letter from the man who, with his wife, had taken them..."
"You have found them!" exclaimed Darcy, discarding his tea cup on to the side table and leaning closer, as if to hear better.
"Indeed we have. The man was on his deathbed when he wrote the letter, and we now know he has passed on, but that is beside the point. He wrote to tell us all we needed to know."
"Where have they been all these years?"
"That has to be the most extraordinary part of it. Richard met Elisabeth, and as I understand it, you are acquainted with the both of them."
"Who are they?" questioned Darcy.
"They are known to you, William, as Jane and Elizabeth Bennet."
Darcy started up from his chair and walked over to the window. "Is it certain?" he asked barely able to speak, for he could not stop thinking of his rather recent proposal to Elisabeth.
"My boy, of course it is certain," exclaimed Darcy's uncle. "I don't think someone would play that kind of a cruel trick on us. Besides, as your aunt said, Mr. Bennet wrote that letter on his deathbed...he confessed everything."
"I can hardly believe it," whispered Georgiana, who had at last found her voice. "W-was not Miss Elizabeth Bennet the young lady from Hertfordshire that Miss Bingley is forever teasing you about?"
At his sister's words Darcy found himself blushing fiercely. Staring straight ahead he stated rather shortly, "Yes!"
Georgiana instantly realized her mistake. For some reason she could not fathom, her brother was extremely sensitive to the mention of a lady with 'fine eyes'. Although no one said anything about the discomfort they had noticed in Darcy, they all filed it away for future reference.
Turning her attention from her brother Georgiana asked, "Have you seen them again?"
"No, but we hope to very soon as they are staying with a family by the name of Gardiner, in Gracechurch Street. Your uncle has written a letter asking Mr. Gardiner to inform your cousins that we are in town and desirous of seeing them."
"William," said the earl. "As you were acquainted with the Bennet family, your aunt and I are curious about something...do you know if Mrs. Bennet is living?"
"To my knowledge she is alive," said Darcy, still too embarrassed to turn away from the window.
"I see. In that case we shall have to have an interview with that lady, for there is no way we can possibly let the fact go by that she and her husband robbed us of twenty years with our daughters."
Following half an hour's further discussion on the topic, the Fitzwilliams took their leave, promising to keep their niece and nephew informed about any new developments and asking in return that they not mention the news to anyone until things were settled to everyone's satisfaction.
"Is it not strange, William?" whispered Georgiana, as they returned to the house after bidding their family good-bye. Darcy just nodded his head and continued to walk in a daze to the study. Georgiana followed him, saying, "I am sure they will become just like sisters to me for we see so very much of the Fitzwilliams."
At these words Darcy poured himself a glass of wine and drank it in one gulp, laughing bitterly as he set it back down on the tray, while his sister closed to door to the study and regarded him with a look that clearly told of her confusion.
"Is something the matter, William?"
"Not at all," answered William, however his thoughts would have told a different story.
'You could not have made me the offer of your hand in any possible way that would have tempted me to accept it.' No matter how hard he tried he could not rid his head of those words. His own words to Elisabeth tortured him, in particular the irony of his saying to her, Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your connections? -- to congratulate myself on the hope of relations, whose condition in life is so decidedly beneath my own?' Now he had learned that the woman he loved more than anything, the woman who hated him, the woman whom he had offended so greatly, was his own cousin.
Seeing that her brother was not about to tell her what was wrong, Georgiana quickly excused herself and went to the music room to ponder over all that had happened.
Thus Georgiana left her brother to mentally slap himself for all he had done wrong and to vow that he would correct all his mistakes so he could become worthy of his beloved Elisabeth. The first act he would take after Janet and Elisabeth were reunited with their family would be to tell Bingley the truth that he deserved to know.
Chapter 3B ~ The Next Step
Posted on Saturday, 1 January 2000
Meanwhile, at the Gardiner's residence
Mr. Gardiner took the much-needed glass of brandy from his wife and let out a sigh as he calculated how long it had been since he had slept. He and Mrs. Gardiner had spent the whole night in discussion with his sister. At first she had maintained, with a firmness that not many people saw in her, that the girls were her daughters and that there must be some great mistake. Later, after the Gardiners had refused to believe her, she confessed all. By five o'clock that morning they had decided what was best to be done.
"Fanny," said Mr. Gardiner. "You must realize that considering what you have done you will not remain under this roof any longer. You will pack immediately and go to the Phillips!"
"Oh! Brother! You cannot cast me off like this. Once they learn the truth we will be turned out of the house to starve in the streets!" cried Mrs. Bennet dramatically, her eyes wide with very real fear.
"It is not up to us to help you out of this despicable scrape. If they do not wish to help you when they discover the truth it is understandable. For my part I would not blame them. Also keep in mind, Fanny, that the Earl and Countess of Matlock may wish to have you punished. I will have the carriage prepared to take you back to Hertfordshire. From now on I do not know you!"
"Edward! You want your sister and nieces to starve in the gutter!" yelled Mrs. Bennet, jumping up and catching her brother's arm. "Edward, you cannot abandon us like this!"
"I can abandon you, but not my nieces. Mary and Kitty and Lydia are not to be held responsible for the foolish actions of their parents. Should the time come, and they require a home, I will not send them away, but I will always refuse to help you."
"Brother!" moaned Mrs. Bennet.
"Fanny," said Edward sharply. "I am not going to tell the Phillips why you are returning to them, I will leave that up to you, and I would advise you to tell them the truth as soon as possible. If I were you, I would confess the truth to everyone in Meryton. After all it is bound to come out, sooner rather than later. However, hold off revealing the truth for a little while. I do not think that the Fitzwilliams want the news to spread all over the country before everything is settled."
"Oh! This is hardly helpful, brother!" wailed Mrs. Bennet, clutching her handkerchief.
"Sister, calm yourself! Consider, you have the small amount of money that your husband left you, should the Phillips decide to disown you and the Fitzwilliams not exact their revenge on you. I think it best that you move to a small quiet place and economize the money you have. Fanny... I am not completely without a heart. Before you go, and you will go within the hour, I will give you £800 pounds. In light of what you have done I think I am being very generous!"
With those words Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner had left the room to order the carriage and to tell Mary, Kitty and Lydia to ready themselves for a journey back to Meryton. The four women packed quickly. Almost before they had time to collect their thoughts they were in the carriage and traveling back to Meryton. Tactless as ever, Lydia was the first to ask why Jane and Lizzy were not accompanying them. Mrs. Bennet quickly told her daughter to hold her tongue.
Taking another sip from his glass, Mr. Gardiner looked up as Janet and Elisabeth entered the room.
"How are you this morning?" asked Mrs. Gardiner, remembering how quiet and afraid they had been yesterday.
"Better," they whispered in unison.
"Come here. Let us tell you what has happened while you were sleeping," said Mr. Gardiner.
"You mean while we were trying to sleep," replied Elisabeth with a rueful smile.
Chuckling slightly, Mr. Gardiner took Elisabeth's hand. "Lizzy, we hope that what we are about to tell you will put you both at ease. Three hours ago my sister along with Mary, Kitty and Lydia returned to Meryton, to stay with the Phillips. How long they will remain there is uncertain. If your parents wish to have her punished for her crime I will tell them where to find her."
"Oh no!" cried Elisabeth. "We don't want that...Jane and I have discussed this, we are going to tell...that is..."
"What Lizzy means to say is, we want to meet our true parents as soon as possible and, when we send them the letter telling them that we want to see them, we will request that... that Mrs. Bennet is not punished, for she has never treated us unkindly and we never came to any harm in her hands. If they do wish to know of her whereabouts then you can tell them, by all means, but I do hope it will not come to that," stated Janet in her quiet way.
"I hope so too Jane...Janet, but consider: they have been separated from you for twenty years. You cannot expect that they would not want retribution," Mrs. Gardiner pointed out.
"We realize that, but they will have us back, which should be enough. When their daughters are returned to them safe and sound they may just be perfectly satisfied and not want to have her punished," Elisabeth said.
"Yes, they may just want us to all to resume a normal life, like the one we would have had," insisted Janet.
"Well, it is up to you," said Mr. Gardiner, relieved at the chance that his sister might not suffer too greatly.
"Come, Mr. Gardiner," said his wife, rising to leave the room. "We shall leave these girls to write a letter to their parents, and remember to ask if they would like to meet you tomorrow or the day after. Perhaps you would rather ask them to come and meet you here. I think it will put the both of you more at ease if you are in familiar surroundings."
Janet and Elisabeth sat in silence for a few minutes, each casting uneasy glances in the direction of the writing desk.
Finally breaking the silence Elisabeth whispered, "I'll write the letter, Jane, but you must help me decide what to write."
Janet nodded her agreement.
After they were settled at the writing desk Elisabeth began the letter.
'The Earl and Countess of Matlock,'
"That is too formal, Lizzy. We have to remember they are our parents. It may hurt them if we address them so coldly," said Janet apologetically.
Angrily crumbling up the paper, Elisabeth replied sarcastically, "Well, what should I write? 'To our dearest Papa, and dearest Mama'!"
"Write, 'To Mother and Father'. It is not overly formal, nor does it appear cold and reserved," Janet suggested, trying to calm her sister's nerves, while and choosing to ignore her anger.
With a feeling of guilt over her outburst, Elisabeth obeyed Janet.
To Mother and Father,Ever since Janet and I have discovered the truth we have been most anxious to be reunited with our real family. We hope that you can come to see us in Gracechurch Street either tomorrow or the day after. What time you come is of no importance, only please write back and tell us when we can expect to see you.
Janet and I only request one thing from you, and that is that you forget that a Mrs. Fanny Bennet exists. Please, do not have her punished for something she did so many years ago, when she was not in her right mind. Please, do not have her punished for a crime that she is only half guilty of committing while Mr. Bennet carried the other half of the guilt. We never came to any harm in their hands, we have always been treated well and have never lacked for anything.
Janet and Elisabeth then signed their names and entrusted the letter to the care of Mr. Gardiner who sent it, without delay, to the Fitzwilliams townhouse.
Chapter 4 ~ Lady Catherine
Posted on Sunday, 16 January 2000
When the Fitzwilliams arrived home from their visit to the Darcys they found a letter waiting for them. They were informed by their butler that it had come from Gracechurch Street, not five minutes before.
The whole family immediately rushed into the Countess's sitting room where she quickly tore open the letter and they all gathered around to read its contents. The countess sighed and let out a delighted little laugh as she finished reading.
Moving to sit down on the settee she said with a beaming smile, "We shall go see them first thing tomorrow morning... I knew they would want to see us!"
"Helen...what of Mrs. Bennet?" asked the earl, indicating the paragraph in the letter that begged she not be punished for her crime.
"Hugh, we shall have our girls where they belong; in our home, with their real family! What more do we need? Let us just forget that woman! Of course, we shall have to ask what has become of her now, I am assuming the Gardiners would not dare to have that woman in the same house as our daughters, especially when they know we will be coming to see them."
"True. We shall just be content to have them where they belong. Just let me write a short letter to William and Georgie, asking that they accompany us tomorrow, and then we can compose one to the girls."
This would have been a good plan had not the butler opened the door and announced.
"Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Miss de Bourgh."
There was a small stunned silence as the Fitzwilliams regarded Lady Catherine and her daughter, the last people on earth they had expected to see. Lady Catherine gave everyone in the room a brief nod and moved to sit down before her hostess even had the chance to offer her a seat. Anne timidly followed suit and sat down beside her mother.
"Brother! What is the meaning of this express you sent me?" cried Lady Catherine, immediately launching into what she had to say.
Rolling his eyes the earl answered, "I thought the meaning was quite clear. We have at last found Janet and Elisabeth, and they have been living as the eldest daughters of a Mr. and Mrs. Bennet for the last twenty years. Also, Catherine, since you received that letter there has been a new development, we are going to go see them tomorrow."
"There is no need to be so very insulting Hugh!" Sniffing disdainfully, Lady Catherine continued. "I must tell you that I think this cannot be so! As I have met Miss Elizabeth Bennet, on more than one occasion, I have seen how she conducts herself! Why, she was extremely disagreeable and impertinent."
"Her name is Elisabeth Fitzwilliam!" corrected the Countess.
Glancing at her sister-in-law, Lady Catherine continued viciously. "That may very well be, but that has absolutely nothing to do with her manners! Although, I suppose it is possible that she takes after her mother, for she certainly has none of the good breeding and decorum that is prominent in the Fitzwilliam family."
The Countess bit back the cutting retort that came to mind. Instead she merely eyed Lady Catherine wearily, she was used to the cruel remarks that were so often thrown at her by her interfering sister-in-law. Lady Catherine had never liked her brother's wife and had never been above saying that she thought her brother had lost his senses the day he proposed marriage to "that woman".
"Catherine!" exclaimed the earl, a warning glint in his eyes. "Is there a point to all this?"
"Yes! Yes, there most certainly is. What do you intend to do with these girls? If you mean to welcome them back into the family, you must realize they will have to be trained in all the ways that this society expects."
"They have been raised as...as a gentleman's daughters! Why should we have to "retrain" them as you say?" asked the Countess through clenched teeth.
"Helen, can you really think they will fit in. If Elisabeth is anything to go by, they will both have frightfully backward and countrified manners. They will not fit in with the London society. How could they ever marry well? You must admit it would put them at a great disadvantage, and think what that would do to the reputation of all the Fitzwilliam ladies of the past! The Fitzwilliam ladies have always been the beauties and have never been over looked at balls, they have always made splendid alliances. Presenting them to society would ruin this family!"
"I don't see how this concerns you, Catherine! Nor do I see what right you think you have to insult my daughters!"
Having been witness to such exchanges as this on many more occasions, the earl, his sons, and Anne de Bourgh said nothing to stop the squabbling ladies, knowing full well it would be of no use trying to intervene.
"Helen, dear! There is no need to take that tone of voice with me, and I do assure you that it does concern me. I have my Anne to worry about."
Taking a deep breath, the Countess of Matlock smiled, in the same mischievous manner that her youngest daughter was known for, before she said calmly, "I don't see why you would fear that Janet and Elisabeth should be competition for Anne...she has not been presented to society, and you never let us forget that William and she are destined to be married. Why should you care?"
Pressing her lips together in annoyance, Lady Catherine said glaring at her sister-in-law, "Helen! I do believe you are jealous that Anne is to marry William..."
"Oh! Catherine, I had no idea the engagement had been announced!" replied the Countess sarcastically.
"Well if you wish to act in this childish manner you are more than welcome to, but I will not stoop to such a level. Remember that I will not be held responsible when this family is ruined. Come Anne!" As she and her daughter walked through the door Lady Catherine muttered over her shoulder, "I am most seriously displeased!" With that the door slammed behind her and she was heard stomping angrily down the stairs.
With a playful smile the earl looked at his wife and started clapping. "Well done, Helen! Well done!" She looked at him, momentarily surprised, before she started laughing and her sons joined in congratulating her on the rather effective removal of Lady Catherine from the premises.
Once the merriment died down the earl went away to write the letter to his niece and nephew. Coming back five minutes later, he and his wife, with their sons looking on, wrote the letter to their daughters informing them that they would meet the following morning at eleven o'clock. The Countess thought to add at the bottom of the note: 'It is very likely that your cousins Fitzwilliam and Georgiana Darcy will be joining us.'
Chapter 5 ~ The Suspense
Posted on Tuesday, 18 January 2000
"Lizzy...stop pacing! I'm getting dizzy just watching you," said Janet with a small teasing smile.
Stopping in the middle of the Gardiners' sitting room, Elisabeth laughed nervously before replying. "You don't have to watch me!"
"Lizzy, please, come and sit down," coaxed Janet.
Elisabeth reluctantly moved to the seat beside her sister. Once seated she proceeded to fiddle with the fringe on the settee, twiddle her thumbs, fold and unfold her handkerchief, glance out the window to the street below, and glare at her sister who managed to remain calm and serene in spite of what was about to take place.
Glancing at the clock on the mantel she had noticed that it was only two minutes closer to eleven o'clock than it had been the last time she had looked at the offending timepiece. Ignoring Janet's wish for her to remain seated, Elisabeth stood abruptly and resumed her walk around the perimeter of the room.
When next she glanced at Janet she saw the golden head bent, once more, over the letter from their parents.
"I do not know what comfort you find in that letter, Jane!" cried Elisabeth marching to the window where she looked up and down the street. Upon seeing no sign of a carriage she turned to face her sister.
"And I fail to understand why you find no comfort in this letter. To me it offers proof that our parents are kind and gentle. It also offers proof that they obviously love us very much," Janet stated.
"Oh, Jane!" sighed Elisabeth, moving to the settee. "Don't misunderstand me, I am comforted by that part of the letter..."
"Yet?"
"Yet I am anything but comforted by the knowledge that Mr. Darcy will be coming!"
"Elisabeth, our mother only said that it was a possibility."
Propelling herself away from her seat, Elisabeth moved to the window, saying. "That may very well be, but for some reason I know 'he' will be here today!"
"What are you afraid of..."
"Oh Lord! There is a carriage!" exclaimed Elisabeth, stepping back from of the window as if she had been stung, only to creep back to it and watch. "Jane..." she moaned. "There are two carriages!"
"Be calm, Lizzy," soothed Janet putting the letter away.
Elisabeth turned to Janet and hissed. "You know very well I can never be calm when people tell me to be calm!" She continued watching the carriages until they stopped. Showing a good deal of restraint she turned her back to the window, not watching as the occupants of the two carriages collected on the street below.
Darcy happened to glance up at an open window as all his companions organized themselves. He was surprised to hear a voice he recognized as Janet's say.
"Lizzy, before you lost what little tranquillity you possessed, I asked you what you were afraid of, in regards to you know who."
"Jane! This is not the time," Elisabeth cried, as she allowed her curiosity to get the better of her and looked out the window. She found herself gazing into the eyes of the very man being discussed. Darcy quickly looked away. However, unbeknownst to Elisabeth, he continued to listen to every word of the sisters' conversation.
"Elisabeth, consider: it is utterly impossible that he will renew his offer to you in the middle of a room with all these other people in it, especially considering who these people are to you and to him! So what have you to worry about?" said Janet. Her attempt at amusing her sister failed.
"I have a great deal to worry about..." muttered Elisabeth quietly as she saw her family move towards the steps of the house.
Elisabeth, having told herself there was no chance Mr. Darcy had heard what she and Janet were saying, turned to regard her sister who was still sitting calmly on the settee.
"Jane, how is it that you are not in the slightest bit nervous?"
"Lizzy. I am glad if I give that impression but in truth I am absolutely terrified."
Knowing her sister was feeling just as she was Elisabeth relaxed slightly and moved to her place beside Janet. There they sat for a few seconds before the sound of footsteps told them that the time had come.
Chapter 6 ~ The Long Awaited Reunion
Janet took Elisabeth's hand as the steps grew closer, both of them were trying to visualize what this meeting would be like without much success. The door to the room opened and the Gardiner's butler announced solemnly, "The Earl and Countess of Matlock, Viscount Fitzwilliam, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mr. Darcy, and Miss. Darcy."
As the butler closed the door an uncomfortable silence descended on the occupants of the room. Janet and Elisabeth kept their distance, both waiting for some sign from the others of what they should do next. The Earl and Countess, though they had prepared themselves for this meeting with the knowledge that their girls would not be the little babies they once were, they could not help but be surprised by the two beautiful young ladies they beheld. When the Colonel caught Elisabeth's eye he gave her a small reassuring smile that seemed to put her more at ease. The Viscount looked at his sisters with a small smile playing on his lips as he remembered what they had been like twenty years before. Darcy tried his best to keep his eyes off of Elisabeth, especially in view of the conversation between the sisters that he had overhead, but Darcy soon gave up and proceeded to stare at her taking in every beloved feature. Miss. Darcy clung to her brother, losing whatever confidence she had been able to gain from the fact that the two women were her own cousins.
Taking a deep breath the Countess opened her arms and, after a moment's hesitation, Janet walked towards her mother. Elisabeth, on the other hand, took a step back, for once in her life unsure of herself and fully aware that this was a situation where her wit would not help her.
"Oh my darling girl!" exclaimed Lady Fitzwilliam, pulling away from Janet so she could observe her child up close. Lady Fitzwilliam burst into a radiant smile as she looked at her eldest daughter but the smile faded when she saw Elisabeth's retreat.
The Countess sighed. She had been aware that she might have some trouble with her youngest. After all, Elisabeth had only been six months old at the time when she was taken. It was impossible that she would remember her real family while there was the chance that Janet may have some small memories.
A small sigh escaped the Countess before she held out a coaxing and gentle hand while saying, "Elisabeth... Dear..."
Elisabeth looked from the outstretched hand of her mother to the encouraging gaze Janet directed at her. Then she directed a quick glance at her father's hopeful face and back to her mother. Breathing in slowly, Elisabeth walked towards the group that stood by the door watching her every move. Timidly, she took her mother's hand. Her fears disappeared as Lady Fitzwilliam squeezed her hand and smiled lovingly before pulling her into a warm embrace.
The Earl looked on, smiling happily. He had not expected things to go as smoothly as they had. Reaching out, he placed a kind hand on Elisabeth's shoulder. She turned to him and after a small, barely noticeable hesitation she stepped up to him and placed a small kiss on his cheek, an action that was soon mirrored by Janet.
With a teasing twinkle in his eyes the Earl said, "Who would have thought these girls would have turned out to be such beauties, Helen?"
"Oh, Hugh!" exclaimed his wife, laughing through the tears of joy that were streaming down her face. "Don't listen to him my dears, your father is a horrible tease!"
"And here was I, thinking I was a very good tease," said the Earl with a dramatic sigh.
"That is not what I meant!" cried the exasperated Countess who was still smiling and incapable of stopping.
It was a very pleasant realization to both Janet and Elisabeth that their true parents obviously loved one another very much, and that their mother had the intelligence to understand when she was being teased and the wit to reply in kind.
"My dears," said the Countess, drawing their attention away from their father. "These are your brothers, Thomas and Richard. I know you have met Richard, Elisabeth. Believe me when I say I feel very sorry for you!"
Elisabeth laughed at the mock affronted look that Richard sent them both.
"He is not so very bad," Elisabeth put in quietly, still not entirely at ease but determined to make the best of the situation.
"I like the way your mind works!" exclaimed Thomas, joining in the laughter at the poor harassed Colonel's expense.
"Is that because you notice a similar turn in our minds?" questioned Elisabeth. Some of her former vivacity was returning, but not quite all of it. There was much she had to learn about her true family before she felt entirely comfortable.
"Perhaps," stated Thomas, placing a small kiss on Elisabeth's forehead. "It is good to see you again little sister."
"Well, I suppose I have to agree with him," muttered the Colonel, delivering a rather wicked smile to his brother. Turning to Janet he followed his older brother's example, "It is wonderful to see you again, Janet, and you are not much changed. Only a bit taller."
Janet laughed, already feeling perfectly at ease with her family. Then again, unlike Elisabeth, her nature allowed for it, being as she was more trusting and gentle to begin with.
"And," interjected the Earl into the small silence that had once more taken over the crowd. "Your cousins, the Darcys. You know William, of course, but you have not met this young lady." The Earl smiled kindly on his shy young niece.
"It is good to see you again Mr. Darcy, and it is a pleasure to meet you Miss. Darcy," said Janet sweetly, allowing Darcy to place a quick kiss on her hand and then hugging Georgiana.
"Yes, it is a pleasure," whispered Elisabeth, embracing Georgiana and smiling reassuringly when she realized her young cousin was merely shy. When she turned to her other cousin, however, and Darcy quickly bestowed a small kiss on her hand, Elisabeth found herself blushing deeply. To hide her embarrassment she quickly offered them a seat and rung the bell for tea.
Soon the tea was brought in and they all found themselves settling comfortably into the Gardiners' sitting room.
"I am afraid we have caused something of an inconvenience to the Gardiners," Lady Fitzwilliam observed.
"Oh! Not at all!" exclaimed Janet. "They are pleased to be able to help in any way possible."
"That is good of them. I had thought they would be here."
"They are, Lady... Mother, but the Gardiners believed they might be in the way, so they are in the Library."
"I see, Janet." The Countess smiled happily at her eldest daughter. It was impossible to describe her happiness at being addressed as 'Mother'. "Well, before we go, your father and I would like to meet them. They seem to be a very good sort of people. Are they Elisabeth?" Lady Fitzwilliam asked, trying to draw her other daughter into the conversation.
"Yes, very good."
The Countess sighed. It was going rather well, but she was running out of things to ask and say.
No matter what her feelings were, Elisabeth did notice that her mother was as uncomfortable as she, although Lady Fitzwilliam was concealing her unease better. In an effort to show she was not uncooperative, Elisabeth turned to Georgiana saying.
"I understand you are fond of music, and play very well, Miss. Darcy."
"Yes... That is... I am fond of music, but as to playing very well, I'm not sure..." After a small hesitant pause, she added. "Please, call me Georgiana. We are cousins after all."
"As you wish, Georgiana, but I am sure you are too modest. I am well aware that your brother thinks you play very well and, as you know, he is never wrong." Elisabeth said this while directing a teasing smile, much like she used to, towards the gentleman, who was rather surprised that she even acknowledged his presence.
"One cannot always be right," he replied. It was the closest he could come to an apology in a room full of people.
"Indeed, I am surprised!" cried Elisabeth, tilting her head to one side and regarding him steadily.
"Why should you be?" asked Thomas, intrigued to see what his young sister was trying to do.
"It is just that, in my experience, Mr. Darcy always makes a practice of being right."
"Miss. Fitzwilliam, I am not always right. There have been many instances when I have been mistaken."
"But you will not own them," said Elisabeth, fully aware that she was playing with fire. 'Why,' she asked herself, 'am I so intent upon teasing him? I used to do so in an attempt to upset him, to try and prove to the world that he was not a good man. Why then do I persist when I know he is a very good man, and it is I who am at fault!'
"I am perfectly ready to own to any of my mistakes. Perhaps it is you who are not so willing."
This drew some rather surprised looks from all the others in the room.
"Oh, I assure you, sir, I am always ready to admit when I am wrong. For I have observed that when I have formed a mistaken view and I happen to make the unfortunate mistake of speaking without knowing all the sides of a story I am most effectively put in my place and corrected."
Elisabeth and Darcy stared at each other for a moment, each trying to ascertain what the other was thinking, with no success.
"I see," muttered Darcy, turning away. Thus ending the conversation that had left everyone, including himself and Elisabeth, utterly baffled.
Elisabeth, blushed and looked down at her hands in her lap.
"I... ah..." stumbled the Countess, who then looked at her husband for help. It was obvious to everyone that something had happened between Elisabeth and her cousin, something that was not common knowledge.
"Umm... Forgive my asking, Janet and Elisabeth, but there is something that your mother and I would very much like to know. The Bennets... I... I hope they treated you well. You did say they did, in your letter, but tell us now, face to face... Were they ever unkind to you?"
"Never," answered Janet quickly. "The Bennets always treated me... As if I was their own daughter."
"That is a relief, Janet." The Earl smiled kindly at her but then turned to Elisabeth saying. "That, however, does not apply to you. Elisabeth, my dear child, did the Bennets every treat you harshly?" The Earl looked, with fear in his eyes, at his second daughter hoping for an explanation.
"I was never harmed by Mr. Bennet. In fact he quite spoiled me, he always treated me kindly... Mrs. Bennet never treated me unkindly but it was clear to everyone that I was not her favorite. After all, I was nothing like Janet. I didn't have her sweet nature, or looks, which seemed to be the highest virtues a woman could possess in Mrs. Bennet's eyes. My temperament left something to be desired and I was not pretty enough to attract and 'catch' a wealthy husband, as she wished we all would." The last part of this statement was delivered with a hasty glance at Darcy, a glance that the Earl and Countess observed, and wondered at, although Lady Fitzwilliam was quick to realize there was the possibility of an attachment between them.
"Not beautiful!" cried the indignant Countess. "You are very beautiful! Darcy, you are her cousin, therefore you have a less biased opinion than her brothers or father; Elisabeth is very beautiful isn't she?"
'This should help confirm my suspicion,' thought Lady Fitzwilliam.
The look of alarm that registered on Darcy's face would have made one think his aunt was forcing him to answer by pointing a pistol at him. Once he recovered from his initial shock of being addressed such he blushed deeply and whispered, "Yes... Very beautiful."
Elisabeth also blushed deeply at his words. She tried her best to ignore the fact that the beating of her heart increased greatly.
'There it is again!' thought the Countess happily. 'He turned into a stuttering school boy while answering that question and she blushed... I would not be surprised if that nephew of mine is head over heels in love with her!'
The Earl, understanding the position the two young people found themselves in to be greatly embarrassing, thought it might lessen the strain on them all if the Gardiners were called on to join them. This suggestion was promptly put forth, agreed to, and Elisabeth was sent to get the Gardiners from the Library.
"How are things progressing, Lizzy?" asked Mr. Gardiner, once he and his wife had finished expressing their surprise at seeing her so soon.
Elisabeth could only shrug.
"Well, you knew it would not be easy, dear," Mrs. Gardiner reminded her.
"Yes. I have been sent to ask you to come and join us. I think we have all silently agreed it will make this simple, and less difficult for us."
"As long as it is what you want," answered Mr. Gardiner as he and his wife walked with Elizabeth back to the sitting room.
At first it was not easy as the Fitzwilliams were wondering what sort of people the Gardiners would be, especially as they were related to someone who would take another couple's children. However, once that discomfort had passed they were able to actually enjoy themselves and speak without restraint. Mr. Gardiner and the Earl discreetly discussed what had been done about Mrs. Bennet and her other daughters. Lord Fitzwilliam was well pleased with the arrangements. He also took the opportunity to mention to Mr. Gardiner the wish of his and his wife that they might take their daughters home with them that very day.
"You must understand, we do not want to return with them immediately to Derbyshire. It would be too sudden. We believe it would be better for them to have the luxury of a continued acquaintance with you and your family."
"I must confess I am glad to hear it. We love your daughters dearly and do not want to be separated from them forever. Nor would our children, for Janet and Elisabeth are great favourites with them. And as to their moving immediately into the Fitzwilliam Townhouse, I can see nothing wrong with that plan. The sooner it is done, the less pain and worry shall be inflicted on all concerned."
"Thank you, Mr. Gardiner."
The gentlemen returned to their seats and entered once more into the general conversation. Janet and Elisabeth had now been conversing on the subject of music with their cousin, Georgiana, and they were fast becoming great favourites of each other. Mrs. Gardiner and the Countess occasionally added their own comments, but at the time they were earnestly engaged on the topic that had just recently been talked of by their husbands. Mrs. Gardiner, like her husband, thought it a good idea to have the girls settle into their new home as soon as may be, but she did express her concern on one matter.
"I do not know how Elisabeth will take the move, Janet should not be a concern. As you can see she is already quite relaxed, which I dare say can be attributed to her accepting and kind nature. She did confess to me that she had some small memories of what her life was like before they were taken. That obviously gives her something more than Lizzy... I mean, Elisabeth."
"It is quite alright, Mrs. Gardiner. She is still Lizzy to you and I understand that, but what trouble do you foresee?"
"Nothing that time won't overcome. I am sure you have perceived, even though she is rather withdrawn at present, that Elisabeth has a lively nature. Unfortunately, Elisabeth, unlike Janet, does not see the good in everyone. I just think she might not be as welcoming as Janet, at first."
"Perhaps it is just wishful thinking on my part, but I believe she has already started to feel comfortable. We were present during a rather interesting exchange between her and my nephew. Elisabeth was actually teasing him! I have never seen anyone, save Richard, his parents, myself and my husband, tease him! In any case, I do see what you mean and I confess that I had expected as much. Elisabeth was but six months old at the time and had no memory of her life with us, which is why we want the girls to continue seeing you whenever they wish and, until they are entirely comfortable with us and their new lives, we would not dream of returning to Derbyshire."
Mrs. Gardiner smiled in agreement before saying in a low whisper. "Would you like my husband and I to leave while you mention this to them?"
"Not at all. I would much rather you stay."
A short time later the Fitzwilliams made their request to Janet and Elisabeth. Janet, who already loved each new member of her family, was quick to accept and smiled happily at each of them. Elisabeth merely nodded, saying she would like to very much, but it was clear she was still greatly uncertain.
"Well," said the Earl. "Why don't the girls come with us now... Umm... Perhaps some of your servants would be good enough to pack their things."
"Yes, of course," said Mrs. Gardiner.
"Excellent. We can send someone 'round in a couple of hours for their trunks and such. Perhaps you would consider joining us for dinner?"
"Thank you. We should be delighted," answered Mr. Gardiner.
"Oh, and you are more than welcome to bring your children along. This shall be quite an informal family affair," added the Countess kindly.
"That is good of you. I can assure you that they shall be no trouble."
"Well then, say you come to us late afternoon."
"As you wish," answered Mr. Gardiner.
The Fitzwilliams and the Darcys then rose to take their leave and Janet and Elisabeth rushed upstairs to retrieve their bonnets and pelisses. Well, Janet rushed. Elisabeth only followed suit. It was clear how eager Janet was to see her new home and spend all the time she could with her family, while Elisabeth just seemed to do as everyone wished she would, and there was not much she could do to change that.
In the hall outside their doors, just before they began to descend the stairs, Janet impulsively hugged her sister saying, "Lizzy! They are wonderful! Do try and see that."
"Jane, I do see that, and I assure you I am trying my best, but I just cannot be at ease yet."
"Is it because of a certain gentleman who is present?"
"Partly."
"Elisabeth, they are very caring and good people. Yes, before you even ask it. That includes Mr. Darcy." With that Janet turned and walked down the stairs. She did not hear Elisabeth whisper,
"I know that includes Mr. Darcy and how I was blind to it before is beyond me."