Section I, Next Section

Chapter One

Posted on Saturday, 13 July 2002, at 3:25 p.m.

The carriage rolled on, twenty-five miles of good road presenting no difficulty. Inside, its occupants were well insulated from the noise of jangling harness and the cool spring breeze which pierced the heavy coats of the liveried attendants.

Colonel Fitzwilliam had just finished regaling his cousin with some tales of his recent foray to the Continent. Stories of harrowing escapes, somewhat embellished for theatrical effect (after all, how was a young man with no military experience to really know the difference?) had kept them both entertained for more than half the journey. With another ten miles to go before they would reach Rosings Park, Darcy felt it was his turn to take up the role of narrator even though he had little to offer that could compare to Fitzwilliam's exploits.

"I'm afraid that my life has been far less exciting."

Fitzwilliam laughed. "Darcy, your life is more regimented than mine. Anything out of the ordinary would qualify as excitement."

Darcy frowned. He had never thought of his life as regimented. Certainly he preferred organisation to chaos, planning to spontaneous actions, but regimented ? The previous few months since leaving Hertfordshire, as a matter of fact, had seen him struggling with distraction, difficulty in focussing on the day to day business that was his primary occupation. As much as he tried to delude himself, he knew there was a pair of eyes which haunted him day and night, interfering with his responsibilities, his sleep, and what little socialising he suffered.

"How is Georgiana?" his companion asked, giving Darcy something to speak of at last.

"I think she has pretty much recovered. She has always been shy and quiet. This may have set her back a bit but Mrs. Annesley is a very competent woman. I have no qualms about leaving Georgiana in her care."

"Good." The Colonel shuddered. "We don't want anything like last year happening again."

Darcy gritted his teeth. "I have every confidence in her safety from that man from now on. How many others we have to keep at bay, however, I cannot hazard a guess. They are everywhere!"

"Surely not! Not so many as bad as Wickham, at least." Fitzwilliam stretched his booted feet across the floor between them. "Matchmaking mamas are everywhere along with their strings of barely tolerable daughters."

Darcy flinched at the word 'tolerable', his conscience tweaking him. "I recently had the misfortune of making the acquaintance of a classic example of a mother with that one goal in mind. She had five daughters." His grimace was particularly attributable to his memory of at least one young lady who did not deserve such a parent.

"Oh?" Fitzwilliam said with a twinkle in his eye. "You were not very nearly lost to one of these daughters, were you?"

"Certainly not!" Darcy quickly replied. "Although a friend of mine was not so fortunate. He immediately attracted the hounds, mad for the scent."

Chuckling, Fitzwilliam recalled that Darcy had spent the whole of the summer with his friend Bingley, a gentleman of whom he knew little but was aware of a tendency to attach himself to a pretty face at the drop of a hanky. "And he was unable to escape?"

Darcy had always been meticulous in his choice of words and this story was no exception. "The key element is the desire to escape, Fitzwilliam. Without that, one is destined to be caught. The only solution was removal from the vicinity of temptation. Such a match was most unsuitable."

"How so?"

"The lady's connections were undesirable. Her fortune was non-existent."

"Ah! True fortune hunter material!"

Darcy once again winced at this reminder of his sister's recent indiscretion. She had very nearly become the prey of such a man. Darcy was determined that no-one for whom he cared would become the victim of a heartless fortune seeker. "Yes. You understand, then, why removal to a safe distance was necessary. My intention was to allow time for this infatuation to fade away and so we left the county."

"A wise decision," his cousin nodded in agreement. "If these passing fancies are permitted to ferment it soon becomes indistinguishable from deeper, truer feelings. Heaven forbid if he had proposed! The lady would undeniably have accepted and not long after the ink was dry on the licence he would discover himself leg-shackled to a woman who cared not two straws for him but only for his money. Poor wretch!"

Despite his cousin's hearty approval Darcy's emotions were not assuaged. The removal to London had not done the work; the attachment was still strong. Winter in Town was a stifling period. Mothers and aunts, fathers, brothers and uncles were all taking notes and preparing their protégées for the upcoming Season.

Darcy detested it all; the shallowness and the prying eyes, all watching, planning and plotting. Although his aunt's home was not particularly pleasant to visit at the best of times, this year he was eager to go, to leave the closeness of the city behind for the wider spaces of Rosings Park.

Now if only I could leave Elizabeth Bennet behind as well!

Darcy could, at least, console himself with the knowledge that he was putting even more distance between himself and Hertfordshire, certain that this change of scene and the increased number of miles would at last drive thoughts of that young lady from his head.

***

Lady Catherine de Bourgh welcomed her nephews from her perch upon her throne in the main sitting room on the ground floor of the great house. Both Darcy and Fitzwilliam knew the house and grounds intimately as they had been coming to Rosings regularly for many years. It was one of the more pleasurable aspects of their visits to be able to escape the house, and their aunt's long winded lectures, by professing a desire to walk or ride. This was something in which Lady Catherine would not partake and thus the young men were free to spend as little time in her presence as possible.

Fitzwilliam often amused himself by drawing comparisons between his aunt's behaviour and Darcy's assumed demeanour when placed in unfamiliar surroundings. He had often teased his cousin about becoming more at ease in order to give less offense but Darcy was just too tense about new situations to allow his real self to show. Nothing could be further from his generous and thoughtful nature than the overbearing, condescending attitude of their aunt. Lady Catherine was a stately, strong willed woman who considered herself the head of the family despite her elder brother's continued existence. The afternoon of their arrival was to be no exception. Immediately upon entering the house Darcy's 'mask' enveloped him like a shroud while Lady Catherine began her customary praise of him and obvious references to an implied union between her daughter and Darcy. No sooner had her greetings been completed when a strange little man appeared, requesting an audience with the great lady.

"Come in, Mr. Collins," the matron intoned.

With a start Darcy recalled that this man was cousin to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. He barely heard his aunt's words as she extolled the virtues of the toadying man but when she began to convey her appreciation for his prompt attendance to her suggestion in finding a wife, a respectable young woman from Hertfordshire, this mention drew Darcy's attention. No more details were forthcoming however and he was left to dwell on his question surrounding the circumstances of Collins' marriage. Who was this young woman? There were countless young ladies in Hertfordshire. Collins had been there. It was only reasonable to presume that he had found someone suitable from amongst the many ladies he had seen. Still, Darcy could not shake the dreadful feeling that his Elizabeth was a Bennet no more.

Then began what to all appearances was a daily ritual between Lady Catherine and her clergyman; Mr. Collins began to utter compliments which his noble Patroness summarily interrupted with unsolicited advice. Suitably humbled by her superior understanding, the grovelling clergyman awaited an appropriate pause to begin another round of flattery and condescension. If it had not been so pitiful to behold, the two young men may have been tempted to laugh.

Such was the attraction of witnessing this spectacle that neither Darcy nor Fitzwilliam heard the invitation issued so humbly by Mr. Collins. Lady Catherine's ready acceptance on their behalf was unmistakable, however.

"A short walk will do you no harm at all after all that time confined in the carriage. Darcy, you particularly would do well to note the improvements that I arranged for the house. Some of your own tenancies may do with such improvements." She waved them away signalling Collins to rise and make his exit from the room, a strange image of a crab, bowing low and scuttling sideways so as to be facing her at all times.

Darcy was grateful for his cousin's easy manners. The distance to the Parsonage seemed interminably long with Collins' endless and mindless prattle. Fitzwilliam was able to tolerate it all with amusement, occasionally interjecting with a question that would send the good parson off in raptures over something else.

The unfortunate side effect of this was that Darcy was forced to consider what his reaction must be upon making the acquaintance of Mrs. Collins. That he had suspected such a conclusion from the brief time he'd spent in Collins' company was irrelevant. Darcy had never anticipated being forced to witness Elizabeth Bennet in the role of wife to that undeserving creature.

Long before he had come to any decision they had arrived at the door. Mr. Collins ushered them into his home, apologising incessantly for the modest nature of his abode in comparison to the grand residence of their aunt. The ladies were all assembled in a sitting room which Collins entered first to properly announce his honoured guests. There was a murmur of excited female voices and then Darcy followed his cousin through the doorway.

There was but one woman who held his attention. Darcy would look at no other. Elizabeth Bennet was before him, looking as lovely and as intriguing as he remembered her from Hertfordshire. He steeled himself and his features so that no trace of is turbulent emotions were detectable.

Colonel Fitzwilliam expressed his delight in making the acquaintances of the three ladies. He quickly and easily entered into conversation with Elizabeth, charmed by her sparkling eyes and playful manner while Darcy collected his wits upon the realisation that Mrs. Collins was the woman now standing expectantly before him, and not Elizabeth. He managed a polite greeting and enquiry of his hostess despite the pounding of his heart. Following her invitation to take a seat he also found enough steadiness of mind to phrase further enquiries about the garden and grounds despite wishing to learn how Miss Lucas had become Mrs. Collins in place of her friend.

After this brief exchange Darcy fell silent. He felt himself to be in danger of revealing too much should he venture any more comments. Reluctantly, he observed his cousin in easy conversation with the woman to whom he most wanted to speak. At length he could stand it no longer and roused himself enough to address her.

"I hope that your family is well, Miss Bennet."

She looked up at him, her eyes reflecting some surprise. Her voice, however, revealed none. "Thank you, sir. They are all quite well." She appeared to be waiting for him to make another comment but then added, "My eldest sister has been in town these three months. Have you never happened to see her?"

Darcy was forcibly struck by the memory of the tumble of emotions which had assailed him when Miss Bingley had informed him of Miss Jane Bennet's presence in town. Considering it unsafe to allow Bingley to see her again so soon and before his affection had sufficiently abated, Darcy was also unsure of his own safety when his curiosity was aroused concerning her younger sister. Therefore his reply was a little hesitant. "I have not been so fortunate as to meet Miss Bennet, no." He was not particularly satisfied with this response for although technically not a falsehood it still left a guilty ripple in his conscience.

Nothing more was said on this subject by either of them and the gentlemen's departure was not soon enough for Darcy's comfort.

Chapter Two

Posted on Saturday, 20 July 2002, at 1:55 p.m.

Miss Bennet was charming, perfectly charming. Colonel Fitzwilliam could not help but admire her. He thought it a shame that such an attractive and delightful lady should be disadvantaged with an insufficient dowry. It was unfortunate but it did not hinder his desire to partake of her company daily. If Darcy wanted to closet himself away at Rosings and miss out on the lively society to be had at the Parsonage then it was his own loss.

He could not resist, of course, reminding his cousin of what he was forsaking. Each afternoon he would return and find Darcy in the library, seemingly absorbed in a book. Fitzwilliam would relate with relish the time spent with Miss Bennet and watch Darcy's expression become blacker and blacker. At first he thought his cousin disapproving of this flirtation, as if he felt that Fitzwilliam was leading on an innocent into expectations there were no hope of being fulfilled. Miss Bennet was no fool, however. She would not be misled by his friendly manners any more than she would think Darcy was forming serious designs on her.

It soon became apparent, however, that his cousin was smitten with the young lady in question. Fitzwilliam had witnessed Darcy's emergence from boyhood to manhood, seen him in all the rash imprudence of a first love and his disappointment that realisation of his responsibilities evoked. From the moment of his father's first remonstration with a young Fitzwilliam Darcy regarding the improprieties of associating with lower ranking females, the son had adopted stringent and severe restraints upon himself. His slightly older cousin saw this as ridiculous, not to mention unrewarding, and later derived amusement from Darcy's fastidious habits. The son of an earl, albeit a younger one, Colonel Fitzwilliam was well aware of his own need to marry well. This knowledge did not hamper his enjoyment of life, though. At this moment his amusement took the form of Darcy in a snit, unable to acknowledge his jealousy and unwilling to give in to temptation. The Colonel had just the thing to rouse his cousin into action.

"We are to have company after dinner this evening."

Darcy looked up from his book. "After dinner?"

"Yes. Lady Catherine has commanded her funny little parson to bring his wife and houseguests for an evening of cards."

"You mean the Collinses, Miss Bennet and Miss Lucas," Darcy said disinterestedly, returning his attention to the book.

"Don't sound so enthused! I should think you'd be glad of a change from Lady Catherine and Anne's stimulating array of conversational topics by now. All the better for me if you aren't, though. I have no objection to entertaining Miss Bennet alone and you may have Anne to yourself." His expression gave no hint of his suspicions as Darcy regarded him once more.

"Perhaps Miss Bennet may be persuaded to entertain us at the piano forte."

"Does she play?" Fitzwilliam smiled eagerly.

Darcy nodded. "She does and very well I might add."

Here was a new dimension! Darcy's compliments were rarely bestowed. Fitzwilliam promised himself to pay particular attention to Darcy during the evening's visit.

***

``What is that you are saying, Fitzwilliam? What is it you are talking of? What are you telling Miss Bennet? Let me hear what it is.''

Fitzwilliam had known that the privacy he'd managed to secure with Miss Bennet would not last long. ``We are speaking of music, Madam,'' said he, when no longer able to avoid a reply, then in a low voice to Elizabeth, "Wait for it. She knows it all." She stifled a giggle.

``Of music! Then pray speak aloud. It is of all subjects my delight. I must have my share in the conversation, if you are speaking of music. There are few people in England, I suppose, who have more true enjoyment of music than myself, or a better natural taste. If I had ever learnt, I should have been a great proficient. And so would Anne, if her health had allowed her to apply. I am confident that she would have performed delightfully. How does Georgiana get on, Darcy?''

"I am pleased to say that her performance is excellent. She is a very fine musician." There was a touch of a smile with Darcy's words as he recollected Georgiana's insistence on playing for him the night prior to his departure for Rosings.

``I am very glad to hear such a good account of her,'' said Lady Catherine; ``and pray tell her from me, that she cannot expect to excel, if she does not practise a great deal.''

``I assure you, Madam,'' he replied, ``that she does not need such advice. She practises very constantly.''

``So much the better. It cannot be done too much; and when I next write to her, I shall charge her not to neglect it on any account. I often tell young ladies, that no excellence in music is to be acquired, without constant practice. I have told Miss Bennet several times, that she will never play really well, unless she practises more; and though Mrs. Collins has no instrument, she is very welcome, as I have often told her, to come to Rosings every day, and play on the piano forte in Mrs. Jenkinson's room. She would be in nobody's way, you know, in that part of the house.''

Darcy clenched his jaw tightly together to swallow the words that teetered on the tip of his tongue. That his aunt could deliver such an insult to a guest in her own home was reprehensible. That it was applied to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, a woman he could easily envision seated at his own grand piano at Pemberley, was even more offensive. It was fortunate the coffee was soon finished and Colonel Fitzwilliam reminded Elizabeth of having promised to play to him. Agreeably consenting, she sat down directly to the instrument and he drew a chair near her. Lady Catherine listened to half a song, and then talked, as before, to her other nephew.

Darcy wished wholeheartedly that his aunt would keep quiet as he was unable to properly hear the music issuing from the delicate touch of Miss Bennet's fingers. Finally frustrated to the end of his patience, he walked away from her and moved with his usual deliberation towards the piano forte to station himself so as to command a full view of the fair performer's countenance. Elizabeth saw what he was doing, and at the first convenient pause, turned to him with an arch smile, and said, ``You mean to frighten me, Mr. Darcy, by coming in all this state to hear me? But I will not be alarmed though your sister does play so well. There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate me.''

``I shall not say that you are mistaken,'' he replied, ``because you could not really believe me to entertain any design of alarming you; and I have had the pleasure of your acquaintance long enough to know, that you find great enjoyment in occasionally professing opinions which in fact are not your own.''

Elizabeth laughed heartily at this picture of herself, and said to Colonel Fitzwilliam, ``Your cousin will give you a very pretty notion of me, and teach you not to believe a word I say. I am particularly unlucky in meeting with a person so well able to expose my real character, in a part of the world where I had hoped to pass myself off with some degree of credit. Indeed, Mr. Darcy, it is very ungenerous in you to mention all that you knew to my disadvantage in Hertfordshire -- and, give me leave to say, very impolitic too -- for it is provoking me to retaliate, and such things may come out, as will shock your relations to hear.''

``I am not afraid of you,'' said he, smilingly.

The Colonel was intrigued and amused. Darcy was rarely to be found in the position of seeking out the company of a young woman. ``Pray let me hear what you have to accuse him of. I should like to know how he behaves among strangers.''

``You shall hear then -- but prepare yourself for something very dreadful. The first time of my ever seeing him in Hertfordshire, you must know, was at a ball -- and at this ball, what do you think he did? He danced only four dances! I am sorry to pain you -- but so it was. He danced only four dances, though gentlemen were scarce; and, to my certain knowledge, more than one young lady was sitting down in want of a partner. Mr. Darcy, you cannot deny the fact.''

``I had not at that time the honour of knowing any lady in the assembly beyond my own party.''

``True; and nobody can ever be introduced in a ball room. Well, Colonel Fitzwilliam, what do I play next? My fingers wait your orders.''

Fitzwilliam opened his mouth to reply but his cousin was quicker.

"Perhaps,'' said Darcy, ``I should have judged better, had I sought an introduction, but I am ill qualified to recommend myself to strangers.''

``Shall we ask your cousin the reason of this?'' said Elizabeth, still addressing Colonel Fitzwilliam. ``Shall we ask him why a man of sense and education, and who has lived in the world, is ill qualified to recommend himself to strangers?''

Sensing the perfect opening to further explore the depth of Darcy's feelings for Miss Bennet he said, ``I can answer your question without applying to him. It is because he will not give himself the trouble.'' The look that his cousin sent him left little room for doubt.

``I certainly have not the talent which some people possess,'' said Darcy, ``of conversing easily with those I have never seen before. I cannot catch their tone of conversation, or appear interested in their concerns, as I often see done.''

``My fingers,'' said Elizabeth, ``do not move over this instrument in the masterly manner which I see so many women's do. They have not the same force or rapidity, and do not produce the same expression. But then I have always supposed it to be my own fault -- because I would not take the trouble of practising. It is not that I do not believe my fingers as capable as any other woman's of superior execution.''

Touche! thought Fitzwilliam, then was completely astounded by his cousin's reaction. Darcy smiled, and said, ``You are perfectly right. You have employed your time much better. No one admitted to the privilege of hearing you, can think any thing wanting. We neither of us perform to strangers.''

Here, to the Colonel's frustration, they were interrupted by Lady Catherine, who called out to know of what they were talking. Elizabeth immediately began playing again. Lady Catherine approached, and, after listening for a few minutes, said to Darcy, ``Miss Bennet would not play at all amiss, if she practised more, and could have the advantage of a London master. She has a very good notion of fingering, though her taste is not equal to Anne's. Anne would have been a delightful performer, had her health allowed her to learn.''

Colonel Fitzwilliam looked at Elizabeth to see how she accepted this offensive commentary but found her to be observing Darcy with a curious stare. This gave him a bit of a start as he began to suspect that she was not unaware of that man's interest in herself. This was a more serious piece of business than he had first thought for he could detect no particular regard on the lady's part, certainly nothing like that which his cousin had been openly displaying since Miss Bennet had stepped into the house.

Lady Catherine continued her remarks on Elizabeth's performance, mixing with them many instructions on execution and taste. Elizabeth received them with all the forbearance of civility; and at the request of the gentlemen, remained at the instrument till her ladyship's carriage was ready to take them all home.

When the visitors were gone the gentlemen were not long in finding an excuse to retire to the library for a drink and some time away from the ladies. Their aunt had no objection. Due to the late hour and the tiring nature of the evening her daughter was exhausted and must be sent to bed straight away. Darcy and Fitzwilliam said goodnight and made their escape.

Closing the door behind him, Fitzwilliam picked up the bottle of brandy, two snifters and carried them over to the window where his cousin stood staring out. He peered out into the darkness to see what held Darcy's attention but could not make out any details amongst the shadowy forms of trees so he turned away and poured out the drinks before taking a seat in the closest chair.

"Sit down," he said gruffly. Darcy turned to look at him. "Here." Fitzwilliam handed the other snifter to his cousin who accepted it but did not sit. "To what shall we drink?"

Darcy looked confused. "Since when do you need a reason to drink brandy?"

A loud and unexpected laugh was his reply. "You're right, but I think a toast to the lovely Miss Elizabeth is in order."

Darcy's eyes narrowed. He didn't trust his cousin in this frame of mind. "A toast to Miss Bennet would be acceptable."

"Miss Bennet," snorted Fitzwilliam. "Don't be such a prig, Darcy. I've seen the way you watch her." The frown that appeared on Darcy's face should have warned the Colonel to be more careful with his next choice of words. "If you can't be honest with her you can at least be honest with me. You've been gaping at her like a moonstruck calf all evening. I know you well enough to see the signs." He took a leisurely drink from his glass. "I also know you well enough to realise you'll do nothing about it. So stop giving me those black looks and let me enjoy myself."

"Enjoy yourself?" Darcy muttered. "Your notions of enjoyment do not take into account the feelings of others."

"Oh, get down from your position on Mount Tabor! A holier than thou attitude does not suit you." Fitzwilliam sank further into his chair, making himself comfortable. "Your opinions are the same as mine, Darcy. Elizabeth Bennet is a very attractive woman and quite an exciting one, too. It is rather regrettable that her fortune is non-existent but on the other hand it is quite convenient. Just because you are too stuffy to play doesn't mean I have to ignore such an opportunity. There is no risk that either of us would contemplate any serious intentions and she can't honestly believe that I would. Well," he concluded, bringing one hand up and examining his fingernails. "It will be her own folly if she does."

Gritting his teeth, Darcy bit back his reply. It would not do to reward his cousin with an overt display of his emotions. Darcy's opinions about the lifestyle Fitzwilliam chose to lead were well known Leaving the light of his heart's flame to be toyed with by his rakish cousin was to be avoided at all costs. "In this case you would be the fool. Do not underestimate Miss Bennet's own abilities to 'play the game'."

The Colonel's head came up with a snap and he grinned. "You intrigue me, Darce! Have you been hiding something? I never would have believed you capable of engaging in outright flirtation."

"Don't be ridiculous," Darcy said over his cousin's laughter. "I do not dally with the hopes of innocent young women."

"No," agreed Fitzwilliam. "You take yourself much too seriously for that. Much as I respect you, Darcy, I cannot begin to understand your reluctance to enjoy life. Flirting won't make you a Wickham any more than I am but I don't frown anywhere near as much as you."

Proving that latter point, Darcy's brow creased with frustration. Common sense warred with his emotions. He could not believe that Miss Bennet was so indifferent as Fitzwilliam proclaimed. She must be aware of the interest he had shown in her, both in Hertfordshire and here at Rosings. Flirting would only serve to elevate her hopes beyond what Darcy was prepared to offer. Yet his cousin's words rang in his head; Elizabeth was attractive, her manner exciting. He wanted to marry her yet couldn't bring himself to cross that threshold of class barriers. This only made the witnessing of Fitzwilliam's game playing all the more difficult. He had no intention of marrying her. Darcy wished to protect her from pain or disappointment but without any declaration on his part he had no right to do so. It was a dilemma he knew not how to resolve.

The Colonel was still talking. "... must admit that it is dreadfully boring staying here all day long. Perhaps you don't find it as dull, though."

"Actually," Darcy replied, struck with an idea. "I, too, have had sufficient exposure to our aunt's opinions. I shall welcome a change of scene."

"You will join me on my daily visit to the Parsonage, then?"

Darcy nodded. "I can think of no better way to spend an afternoon." I can keep an eye on you, too.

Chapter Three

Posted on Wednesday, 24 July 2002, at 10:35 p.m.

Fitzwilliam could not decide if he was more satisfied or disappointed with his cousin's behaviour during their calls at the Parsonage. Darcy persisted in his silent admiration of Miss Bennet despite the Colonel's rather obvious flirtations. The additional presence of Mrs. Collins and Miss Lucas curbed his more enthusiastic efforts but Darcy maintained his stoic facade, only making his disapproval known on the walks back to Rosings, away from the ears of the ladies. The man's attachment was strong, Fitzwilliam mused, to attempt to protect Miss Bennet's honour in such a fashion when he had no obligation nor right to do so. What the lady's opinion of his actions would be was only speculation. He had not wasted his time while conversing with her but had made use of it to evaluate her feelings for his cousin. Once again he was not sure if his findings were satisfactory or alarming. Miss Bennet did not appear to harbour any sentimental attachment for Darcy but neither was she foolish enough to believe that love was all one needed to survive in this world. Fitzwilliam found cause for concern in this if Darcy were to succumb and eventually propose.

Throughout the week the two gentlemen visited the Parsonage daily. Sometimes Fitzwilliam managed to evade Darcy's company but that man often accomplished the same thing causing further concern on the Colonel's part. He knew that his cousin continued to call on Miss Bennet and his oft voiced reminders to Darcy about the social implications of such a match were increasingly looking as if they were falling on deaf ears. Years of military training were being tested as Fitzwilliam realised a change in tactics was in order. To this end he took care to discover Miss Bennet's walking habits, knowing that this was a peculiarly favourite activity of hers. He was dismayed to find out that his cousin had been there before him, actually meeting clandestinely with the lady more than once!

With their visit drawing to a close Darcy would be forced to make some sort of move, Fitzwilliam knew. There was no possibility of delaying their departure any longer; that Darcy had done so twice already was testimony to his irrational attachment and imminent folly. This in mind, the Colonel set out to find Miss Bennet upon the grounds of Rosings.

It did not take him long, having already established her preferred routes and, intending to foil Darcy, met her in advance of the usual place that his cousin would join her. She looked surprised upon beholding him and he noted a letter in her hand which she hurriedly put away. His consternation at seeing such evidence of Darcy's abandonment of good sense, the Colonel hurried to catch her up.

``I did not know before that you ever walked this way,'' Elizabeth said with what he could see was a forced smile.

``I have been making the tour of the Park,'' Fitzwilliam easily replied, ``as I generally do every year, and intend to close it with a call at the Parsonage. Are you going much farther?''

``No, I should have turned in a moment.''

And accordingly she did turn, and they walked towards the Parsonage together.

``Do you certainly leave Kent on Saturday?'' said she.

``Yes -- if Darcy does not put it off again. But I am at his disposal. He arranges the business just as he pleases.''

``And if not able to please himself in the arrangement, he has at least great pleasure in the power of choice. I do not know any body who seems more to enjoy the power of doing what he likes than Mr. Darcy.''

``He likes to have his own way very well,'' replied Colonel Fitzwilliam, wondering to what she referred. He knew his cousin well enough not to suspect any improprieties on his part but as for Miss Bennet, young women were not unknown to hedge their bets. ``But so we all do. It is only that he has better means of having it than many others, because he is rich, and many others are poor. I speak feelingly. A younger son, you know, must be inured to self-denial and dependence.''

``In my opinion, the younger son of an Earl can know very little of either. Now, seriously, what have you ever known of self-denial and dependence? When have you been prevented by want of money from going wherever you chose, or procuring any thing you had a fancy for?''

``These are home questions -- and perhaps I cannot say that I have experienced many hardships of that nature. But in matters of greater weight, I may suffer from the want of money. Younger sons cannot marry where they like.'' There. Make what you will of that, Miss Bennet.

``Unless where they like women of fortune, which I think they very often do.''

``Our habits of expense make us too dependent, and there are not many in my rank of life who can afford to marry without some attention to money.''

Elizabeth coloured and Fitzwilliam fancied that her thoughts took a guilty turn as she must be thinking of her shameless encouragement of Darcy but, recovering herself, she then said in a lively tone, ``And pray, what is the usual price of an Earl's younger son? Unless the elder brother is very sickly, I suppose you would not ask above fifty thousand pounds.''

"I never look beyond what I should rightfully expect," he answered in the same style, hoping his light tone would not entirely take away the sting of the rebuke. There was a silence between them which she eventually broke.

``I imagine your cousin brought you down with him chiefly for the sake of having somebody at his disposal. I wonder he does not marry, to secure a lasting convenience of that kind. But, perhaps his sister does as well for the present, and, as she is under his sole care, he may do what he likes with her.''

Ah, now we come to the real point; marriage. ``No,'' said Colonel Fitzwilliam, deliberately ignoring her obvious ploy, ``that is an advantage which he must divide with me. I am joined with him in the guardianship of Miss Darcy.''

``Are you, indeed? And pray what sort of guardians do you make? Does your charge give you much trouble? Young ladies of her age are sometimes a little difficult to manage, and if she has the true Darcy spirit, she may like to have her own way.''

The Colonel watched her carefully as she spoke, alarmed at first that Darcy may have confided his sister's recent misfortunes with this woman, so wholly unconnected with their family. With her final words, though, he detected that her interest lay elsewhere, perhaps wondering how much influence others had over Darcy's decisions. He also realised that she was observing him just as closely for she seemed to see his hesitation in replying and provided an answer herself.

``You need not be frightened. I never heard any harm of her; and I dare say she is one of the most tractable creatures in the world. She is a very great favourite with some ladies of my acquaintance, Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley. I think I have heard you say that you know them.''

Latching onto her acknowledgment of an acquaintance with Bingley's sisters, Fitzwilliam felt the beginnings of a plan stirring in his mind. "I know them a little. Their brother is a pleasant gentleman-like man -- he is a great friend of Darcy's.''

``Oh! yes,'' said Elizabeth drily. ``Mr. Darcy is uncommonly kind to Mr. Bingley, and takes a prodigious deal of care of him.''

``Care of him!" Fitzwilliam replied with enthusiasm. "Yes, I really believe Darcy does take care of him in those points where he most wants care. From something that he told me in our journey hither, I have reason to think Bingley very much indebted to him." Satisfied that her expression confirmed that he had garnered her attention, he added in a contrite tone, "But I ought to beg his pardon, for I have no right to suppose that Bingley was the person meant. It was all conjecture.''

``What is it you mean?''

The Colonel's mind was quick and the tale came easily to his lips. ``It is a circumstance which Darcy, of course, would not wish to be generally known, because if it were to get round to the lady's family, it would be an unpleasant thing.''

``You may depend upon my not mentioning it.''

``And remember that I have not much reason for supposing it to be Bingley. What he told me was merely this; that he congratulated himself on having lately saved a friend from the inconveniences of a most imprudent marriage, but without mentioning names or any other particulars, and I only suspected it to be Bingley from believing him the kind of young man to get into a scrape of that sort, and from knowing them to have been together the whole of last summer.''

``Did Mr. Darcy give you his reasons for this interference?''

``I understood that there were some very strong objections against the lady,'' he unashamedly reported.

``And what arts did he use to separate them?''

``He did not talk to me of his own arts,'' said Fitzwilliam smiling. ``He only told me what I have now told you.''

Miss Bennet made no answer, and walked on, though it was obvious that her thoughts were whirling with his disclosure. After watching her a little, Fitzwilliam decided to prompt her from her thoughts.

"You appear thoughtful, Miss Bennet."

``I am thinking of what you have been telling me,'' said she. ``Your cousin's conduct does not suit my feelings. Why was he to be the judge?''

``You are rather disposed to call his interference officious?''

``I do not see what right Mr. Darcy had to decide on the propriety of his friend's inclination, or why, upon his own judgment alone, he was to determine and direct in what manner that friend was to be happy. But,'' she continued, ``as we know none of the particulars, it is not fair to condemn him. It is not to be supposed that there was much affection in the case.''

``That is not an unnatural surmise,'' said Fitzwilliam, slightly disappointed with her tenacity, ``but it is lessening the honour of my cousin's triumph very sadly.'' Her lack of response to this last combined with the grim set of her lips gave the Colonel his own feeling of triumph. An abrupt change of topic encouraged him even more and he was quite willing to talk on indifferent matters till they reached the parsonage.

Chapter Four

Posted on Monday, 12 August 2002, at 10:59 a.m.

The atmosphere inside the carriage was stifling. Colonel Fitzwilliam could only guess at the cause of his cousin's foul humour. Although silently rejoicing in his success he also wished that Darcy was not so passionate in his emotions. As ardent as was his attachment to Miss Bennet, her rejection, for a rejection there must have been, had struck him much more deeply than even Fitzwilliam could have predicted. How to arouse Darcy from his black contemplations was not a dilemma easily considered. There were few instances of his cousin being so affected by anything; Wickham's betrayal at Ramsgate was one such incident that had brought Darcy near to losing control. Fitzwilliam had never seen that limit reached, let alone breached, although George Wickham had sorely tested it. Still, something had to be attempted. It would do no one any good to have Darcy arrive at home in London in this humour.

"What is it, Darcy?" he ventured. "I cannot allow you to descend on Georgiana in this frame of mind. She'll be terrified."

Darcy's eyes narrowed as he regarded his cousin on the opposite seat. A few moments under this baleful glare had Fitzwilliam shifting. "I will tell you not because you have asked but for a more simple reason; you will be able to understand. Not long ago we sat in this very carriage on the way to Rosings Park and I told you about a friend of mine who had narrowly escaped an imprudent alliance."

"Yes," the Colonel nodded. "I remember. You convinced him to return to London and once there managed to keep him in town until his infatuation wore off."

"Not exactly."

Fitzwilliam was puzzled. "That is what you said, I am sure of it. Where have I misunderstood?"

"You have misunderstood entirely, Fitzwilliam," Darcy growled. "I was not speaking of my friend. I spoke of myself. I removed myself to London to avoid the temptation of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. My hope of the attraction fading was ill placed. I was no more easily rid of preoccupation than was Bingley of his infatuation with her elder sister." He saw his cousin flinch with the mention of Bingley and nodded. "So it was you who told Miss Bennet of my interference with Bingley and her sister. Her accusation caught me by surprise but I can now see why she was so provoked. What a hypocrite I must have appeared to be separating one couple on the grounds of an unequal match and then to stand before her expressing my desire to do just what I advised against! It is no wonder her refusal was so violent."

"Violent?"

Darcy shook his head. "Do you understand women at all? No, of course you don't. If you understood them you would not dally with their hearts. You would not play games with their emotions."

"You are far too serious, Darcy." The Colonel gathered himself up proudly. "Miss Bennet held no affection for you. It was your fortune that would have gained you her hand but not her heart. You couldn't see that as you were too blinded by your own feelings. I could see it, though. I had to act for I did not want your future so utterly ruined by a match you would have grown to detest. You, yourself, have acknowledged her unequal status, how far below you her family is. She has no dowry worth mentioning. I grant you that she is pretty and enchanting but you know as well as I that without proper connections it is not an alliance worth pursuing. It is unfortunate but I had no idea that her sister was of interest to Bingley. I had no intention of injuring her."

Darcy's eyes sparked angrily but he was struck with how much of Fitzwilliam's speech had echoed his own arguments which had eventually separated Bingley from his Miss Bennet. As much as Darcy had dismissed the importance of a return of his passionate feelings for Elizabeth Bennet, to be faced with the depth of her dislike was a blow he had not anticipated. To know that the woman he so admired did in fact detest him had sunk Darcy's spirits lower than he had ever before experienced. His anger was great but it was undirected. Who deserved his wrath?

Wickham? That man had been the cause of more wasted energy and anger in Darcy's life than anything else.

Elizabeth? No power on earth could direct his anger toward her.

Fitzwilliam? His actions had not cost Darcy Elizabeth's regard as much as he would like to assign blame.

No, the blame fell solely within his own grasp and after hearing his personal opinions voiced so unfeelingly by Fitzwilliam, Darcy's anger was turned in full upon himself. His cousin had merely given voice to attitudes and opinions long held by every member of their class. Yet, despite the firmness of his beliefs, Darcy had still surrendered to a superior requirement; a woman for whom respect, honour and admiration were inspired in him. Was this wrong? Why did his feelings simultaneously compel him and repulse him? Which ones produced which reaction? It was puzzling and disturbing.

Fitzwilliam was watching his cousin curiously. Wounded pride and feelings were natural in light of the circumstances. He wondered how much time Darcy would require to recover his normally even temper. For Georgiana to see him in this state would be unfortunate and upsetting for her young mind. "Am I to understand," he ventured, "that you made an offer to Miss Bennet and, considering your unhappy frame of mind, were not accepted?"

"You know very well that is exactly what happened," Darcy sharply replied. "It was what you ensured would happen."

"I know it's not what you want to hear right now but you'll thank me later, Darcy. When your wounds have healed you will see that this was the only way."

These words were hardly consoling for having spent a winter in London without any success in forgetting Elizabeth Bennet, Darcy was not going to delude himself that this incident would be any easier to put behind him. The added insult of his cousin's interference not to mention his intimate knowledge of these events was disconcerting. Darcy was a private man, preferring not to advertise his personal life or troubles. The torment of the previous months, culminating in the agony of the last days at Rosings, were more details than he would have ever willingly revealed. Knowing that Fitzwilliam was aware of it all made it clear how he must act.

"I am sure you'll forgive me for not embracing that hope at the moment," he drily intoned. "Nor will you be surprised to hear that I don't find you a particularly welcome presence."

"No, it's not surprising. In fact, I'm rather astonished that you haven't tossed me out onto the road."

"The danger of that is not yet passed," Darcy countered. "I do not appreciate being spoken to as a recalcitrant child, Fitzwilliam. I would not allow my disappointments to affect my behaviour toward Georgiana."

The Colonel inclined his head in acknowledgement. "Point taken. I will not mention this again."

"See that you don't."

The rest of the ride was in silence.

***

Georgiana Darcy looked up from the keys to see her cousin enter the music room. "Richard!" she exclaimed, followed by, "Fitzwilliam!" as her brother appeared on his heels. She abandoned the instrument to greet them warmly, Darcy receiving the more generous portion of her affection. "I was not expecting you so early today. The roads must have been quite good."

"They were," Darcy agreed, foregoing any mention of taking no stop for longer than it took to change horses. He had no desire for a leisurely lunch with his cousin. The frame of mind which currently housed his disapprobation rebelled at the thought of having to exchange pleasantries over a plate and a pint. Darcy instead preferred to press onward, arriving at his home in London prior to the anticipated time.

"I will see to some refreshments." Georgiana made to move toward the bell but Darcy stopped her.

"There is no need. James has already seen to it."

"Of course," his sister replied. "He will have met you at the door and advised the kitchen. Tell me," she continued, sitting on one of the sofas and smiling at the two gentlemen. "How was your visit with Aunt Catherine and cousin Anne?"

This was a question which Darcy was not eager to answer. Deception was not in his nature yet he did not wish to alarm Georgiana nor leave Fitzwilliam to supply details which were better left unrevealed. "Lady Catherine enjoys her customary state of good health. Anne expressed her disappointment in your absence and asked me to convey her regards."

Succinct, thought Fitzwilliam, and boring. "Your presence would have been very welcome, Georgiana."

"In fact," Darcy quickly added, "there were two young ladies whose company I believe you would have enjoyed very much. They were staying at the Parsonage as guests of the new wife of the parson."

Fitzwilliam glanced up sharply at this, curious to see what other information Darcy would impart. The recitation included little else pertaining to Miss Bennet, however, and shortly afterward the tea was served. Colonel Fitzwilliam stayed with them not more than an hour. He had his own home to see to but promised to return in two days after completing some unfinished business that had been delayed along with their two previous departure dates from Rosings. Warmly bidding Georgiana adieu, the door had barely closed on his back before Darcy summoned his sister to attend him.

"I need to speak with you on a matter of some importance," he said when she was seated and they were alone in the room.

Georgiana watched him fuss with his cuffs, evidently apprehensive about something. Seeing him thus unsettled in turn made her nervous. He did not appear ready to speak and so she sat quietly, becoming more agitated as each moment passed. At last Darcy squared his shoulders and came to sit beside her.

"Georgiana, I have not taken the time to sit down and talk to you, to listen to you, about last summer. At the time, as you well know, neither of us were disposed to speak about what had happened. I do not want to cause you any pain but I think the time has come for us to discuss Ramsgate, Wickham and why it was necessary for him to go."

Georgiana's eyes had begun to well up at her brother's mention of the previous summer. She felt so foolish, so humiliated. She was afraid to hear him voice disapproval and knowing that she was the cause of it tore at her innocent heart. "I - I understand," she managed to stammer. Darcy took her hand in his and shook his head. "No, I do not believe that you do. I did not tell you the whole truth then but I must do so now." She looked up at him, puzzled. "My duty as your brother and guardian is to protect you from men such as Wickham. As a sister dearer to me than anything else I could not bear to see you ill used, hurt or unhappy in any way. Had Wickham succeeded in the planned elopement your life would have been misery." The words came with difficulty, Georgiana hanging on every one. "He was not what he seemed. He never was. Father was deceived but I knew his true character. There was not a soul with whom Wickham came in contact that was not tainted in some way. Yes, even your brother. I grew to loathe him with such force that it was all I could do to remain civil while in public with him. Just the thought of George Wickham taking advantage of your innocent and generous nature last year - you can have no idea what I was prepared to do in order to defend your honour." Darcy took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he slowly exhaled. "While at Cambridge I saw a side of Wickham that I had never seen before. He was a gamester, a rake. He used people for his own ends; men, women, children. Any suggestion of wrong doing was laughed at, ridiculed. He had no sense of honour or decency. His habits were dissolute. Father had arranged for him to be provided for in his will, you may recall. I was more than relieved that Wickham asked for a monetary compensation in lieu of the living which had been suggested. However, his habits soon exhausted that sum. When the living became vacant he once again approached me for money which I refused."

Georgiana said nothing during her brother's recitation although her eyes indicated her sorrow and astonishment as the tale progressed. When at last Darcy arrived at her role in Wickham's schemes his tone became gentle.

"I am sure that his intent was not to hurt you, Georgiana, although I cannot decide whether that is of any consolation or not. Failing to consider the effect on you is just as reprehensible in my eyes. It is unforgivable." He fell silent, watching his sister absorb his words. Then, meeting her gaze, he said, "Have I done wrong in choosing to tell you all of this now?"

"Oh, no," she softly replied, shaking her head and struggling to keep tears at bay. "No. You were right. I was not ready to hear the truth at that time. I did not understand. I thought your objections were solely based on our inequality of station. I see now that there is much more that I need to learn about the world."

"Do not blame yourself at all!" Darcy cried. "If anyone, it was myself in being so foolish as to think Wickham would not stoop so low; I, who was privy to more than anyone else knew about him. But enough of this. The fault lies ultimately with Wickham and you have nothing for which to feel shame or guilt."

It seemed as if a great weight had lifted from her spirit. "Thank you, Willim," she said, the childhood nickname she had not used in years coming naturally to her lips. "It is true that I have felt ashamed for disappointing you, for allowing myself to be persuaded into an imprudent act. You have reassured me, though. You cannot know how relieved I am to know that you have never resented me for the trouble of last year."

"I am so sorry I ever gave you cause to think so, Georgiana."

She smiled, one stray tear rolling down her cheek. "Now that I know the whole story I can comprehend how you felt. There is no need to apologise. I am curious, though, why you have chosen this moment to discuss it."

"There is a reason, it is true," Darcy admitted. "I must first take you back to the period right after Ramsgate when I left you at Matlock to join Bingley at the estate he had just leased. I could not have been less disposed to be social as I am sure you are aware. Bingley promptly escorted us to a local ball of which I confess I recall very little other than that I was out of sorts, preoccupied with personal matters and easily irritated by Bingley's well meant encouragement for me to dance."

Very much aware of how imposing her brother could appear to be when in a contemplative humour, Georgiana could well imagine how much effort Mr. Bingley had put forth. This did in no way enlighten her on Darcy's reasons for speaking about the incident with George Wickham. She was eager to hear more, however, for he rarely ever offered her such details of his life.

"I am afraid you will laugh at your brother," he continued with a rueful smile.

"Laugh!" she protested. "I should never do anything of the sort! Why would you think so?"

"I was caught completely unawares. My heart was captured by a lady for whom I had at first passed over as being of no interest. What is more, I fought against my heart and it was my own undoing." Here he fell silent, his thoughts evidently somewhere other than the present. Georgiana saw a series of emotions expressed one after the other in the set of his mouth.

"I don't understand," she said in a hushed voice. "What was your undoing?"

He looked up, his features softening. "I had forgotten that there were other kinds of people in this world. Not everyone is a cold, heartless, calculating fortune hunter. I had successfully circumvented the matchmakers right from the beginning. Then I discovered what I had overlooked that first evening in the Assembly rooms. I don't believe I truly knew what I might have lost until I lost it."

"What did you lose?" a mesmerised Georgiana asked.

"Not only an intelligent, informed, beautiful young woman with strength of will, independence and charm but one who holds fast to her principles, not tempted by the all too common lure of securing a fortune." Seeing that his sister did not fully comprehend Darcy added, "She refused my offer of marriage. Fortune would not tempt her where her heart could not follow."

Georgiana was taken aback. "What would one call such a woman?" she asked, meaning one who would refuse to marry her beloved brother.

Darcy drew a deep breath and exhaled his reply. "Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

"She cannot be as charming as you say," his sister said with a frown.

"She does not love me."

Georgiana grew more offended. "She's certainly not as intelligent as you suspected!"

"She does not even like me."

Georgiana was disbelieving. "She could not have known the truth."

"She detests me."

Having nothing to reply to this last statement Georgiana could only stare at her brother in utter bewilderment.

"It is true." He held up one hand to stave off any comment from her. "I cannot blame Miss Bennet. The greatest misfortune of chance had occurred. George Wickham had joined a regiment that was stationed outside of her village and he had filled her head with his lies. I must accept my share, however, for failing to establish a reputation with a sound enough foundation to withstand such assaults. I was quite remiss, Georgiana."

This was inconceivable! Her brother was everything that was good and kind. He was attentive and at times indulgent. How any woman could fail to see these qualities, or worse! to believe him capable of such heinous acts that Wickham was sure to have suggested.... Her heart felt the pain of her brother's injury to be confronted with the lost opportunity due to the interference of another.

"That is not all, however," Darcy continued. "There were things unknown to Miss Bennet that were injurious to her and her family; things in which I played a role. Our cousin, Fitzwilliam, saw fit to inform her of this action on my part."

Georgiana was aghast. "Why would he do that?"

"Ironically enough, his motives were the same ones I employed in the separation of Bingley and Miss Jane Bennet."

Georgiana forgot all of her lessons in deportment in her astonishment at these words. "You did what?"

"Yes," he sighed. "I know how arrogant it sounds. I did not realise it myself until I heard Fitzwilliam expressing those very same sentiments for taking steps to ensure that Miss Bennet would refuse any offer I made. I can only imagine that her anger upon learning of my involvement was only slightly less forceful than my own when Fitzwilliam admitted to me of his interference."

"I still don't understand why, though," Georgiana said, mystified. "Certainly in the case of myself and Mr. Wickham there was justification for both you and Richard to involve yourselves. With Mr. Bingley, however....." Not wishing to give voice to any criticism of her brother, Georgiana stopped speaking. Darcy gave her a knowing look.

"In many ways you are wise beyond your years, my dear sister. You are exactly right. There was no justification for my interference with Bingley. It was impertinent. I can only think that the then recent encounter with Wickham had distorted my perception but I fear that is only a hollow excuse. Until faced with the same disappointment I could not appreciate how much Bingley must have suffered; may still be suffering. There might be hope for him, at least."

"You are not so hopeful in your own situation?"

"No. As much as I would like to lay the entire blame for Miss Bennet's refusal at Fitzwilliam's feet, I cannot. The information he provided was accurate enough, although he did not know it, but Miss Bennet's feelings were only roused to anger by this confirmation of her suspicions. Her dislike of me had already been firmly set and a refusal was inevitable." Darcy shook his head and then allowed a grim smile. "Of course, Fitzwilliam need not know the real story. He needs to learn the lesson that I have, though he will be fortunate enough not to pay the same price."

Chapter Five

Posted on Saturday, 17 August 2002, at 8:04 p.m.

As promised, Fitzwilliam returned two days later to visit with Georgiana after he had, quite necessarily, ascertained that his other cousin had left the house and was not expected back for some time. The Colonel had not wasted any time deluding himself as to Darcy's feelings on recent matters. It was quite clear that he held Fitzwilliam to blame for his thwarted romance and the Colonel was anything but reluctant to accept what he preferred to think of as credit for saving his cousin from an error in judgement. His dealings with Darcy on this matter were done, however. His interest was with Georgiana and his concern that Darcy's disappointed hopes would negatively affect her.

He was therefore very pleased to be greeted cheerfully by the smiling face of his young cousin. She offered him a cup of tea which had just been laid out for her in the music room. Another cup was brought and soon the two were laughing over shared memories and their tea. In spite of the pleasantness of their time, Fitzwilliam still needed his question answered. He just did not know how to ask it.

"How is your brother?"

Georgiana answered him with an innocent air. "He has not changed in the two days since you were last here."

"Cheeky girl!" he laughed. This did not satisfy him for an answer, though. Darcy's humour when last Fitzwilliam had seen him was far from congenial. "He was not in the best of spirits when we left Rosings. I was hoping his mood had improved."

"He told me that you have had a difference of opinion."

"Did he!" The Colonel was surprised and curious. Difference of opinion, indeed! I doubt he mentioned the part about my coming very close to being tossed out of the carriage and onto the road. "By any chance did he tell you what these differences were about?"

"I was given to understand that it involved a lady. You disapproved of her as a match for my brother?" Georgiana continued to observe her cousin without emotion.

Fitzwilliam expressed his amazement. "I had not thought he would offer such information to you. I daresay since you have heard his version of the matter it was suitably maudlin for your young romantic heart. Let me assure you that the contemplation of a marital union involves more than a sentimental attachment between two people. That is the least of it. Love is fleeting and temporary at best. To form a union based on such a foundation is not sound. In our level of society we must give primary consideration to more practical matters than allow our emotions to take control of our heads. Security of fortune and position are of vital importance."

"Surely you don't truly believe that!" cried Georgiana. As soon as she had said it, though, she knew that he spoke the truth; the truth as he saw it. She recalled the previous summer after Wickham had left and she felt the pain of loss. Her heart had not felt real love but it was an emotion stronger than any other she had previously experienced. Only her brother had been dearer to her than George Wickham, thank goodness, for it was this attachment to family that had prevented disaster. Georgiana had confessed all to Darcy when he had unexpectedly arrived in Ramsgate and he was the one to offer her total support and consolation when Wickham left town without a word to her. No mention of her foolishness or feelings of betrayal had crossed Darcy's lips. After crying on his shoulder for what seemed like hours, Georgiana had retired, exhausted, and they had spoken no more of the matter save for practical arrangements in leaving Ramsgate and finding a new establishment for her. Little more than a week later, her brother had taken her to Matlock. There she had spent the rest of the summer and the autumn in the company of her aunt and uncle with occasional visits from her cousin, Richard. She remembered quite clearly that he had not been at all sympathetic of her feelings and seemed to give her more lectures on propriety than even his mother had believed necessary.

"Georgiana, your brother has kept you too sheltered. If he had listened to my advice when your father had passed away then you would have been properly educated instead of being allowed to spend your time at Pemberley with tutelage under a select few masters." Fitzwilliam poured himself another cup of tea and sat back in his chair, cup in hand. "As for Darcy's situation, the lady was not suitable for him. He knew that as well as I. Miss Bennet, attractive and charming as she is, has no fortune, no connections and nothing else to recommend her. Darcy cannot afford to subject his and his family's good name to the dishonour that such a marriage would bring. That is your name, too, Georgiana. He did not expend the effort in thwarting Wickham's greedy scheme only to fall victim to the same trap."

This caught Georgiana by surprise. That her brother could be deceived in the same way was incomprehensible! "Is Miss Bennet a fortune hunter, too?"

"Miss Bennet harbours no affection for Darcy. Whether he realised this or not I don't know. He was too blinded by his own emotions, I daresay, but I could see it. Darcy himself told me of her mother, a perfect example of a matchmaking mama out to secure fortunes for her five daughters. I suspect that he could well have overcome his weakness for her had she not been at Hunsford when we arrived at Rosings. Darcy did avoid her for the first week but it proved too much for him and he gave in to temptation." Fitzwilliam refrained from mentioning the teasing he had inflicted on his cousin which was more likely responsible for Darcy's resolve being compromised. "Miss Bennet is a clever young lady. Even I could admire that in her and perfectly understand Darcy's admiration as well. She quite openly flirted with him and they met privately several times while walking in the park. I had never seen your brother so affected in all the years of our acquaintance."

"Was this so very bad?" Georgiana asked in a small voice. The openness of her discussion with Darcy the other night had left a much different impression with her.

Her cousin looked at her in dismay. "Have you not heard a word I said, Georgiana? Of course it was bad. How could I allow Darcy to throw away everything; honour, position and integrity on something as transient as love? Miss Bennet did not reciprocate his feelings. How long do you think your brother would be happy or even satisfied with such a situation?"

This gave Georgiana something to think about. Darcy's blunt honesty about his attachment to this lady had made it quite clear: he loved her. Despite her feelings which were very much the opposite, he loved her. Would he be happy in a marriage so one sided? Georgiana could honestly say that she did not want to see her brother placed in that position. He deserved better. Of course, it was all irrelevant now. Miss Bennet had already refused the offer of his hand. She had rejected him! "Of course he wouldn't be happy but it's not important anymore. She has already refused him."

"Yes, she has. Fortunately so. You would have been not only witness to his unhappiness but also subjected to whatever repercussions would arise between husband and wife. Living in the same house with your brother and his wife would make that unavoidable. Darcy was not the only one to have a lucky escape."

Uncomfortable and confused, Georgiana could only nod her head and wish for a change in topic.

***

What to make of it all! Her youth put her at a disadvantage. Her cousin's manner of address may have been offensive but her brother's disclosure was unusually personal.

Georgiana sat before her dressing table mirror for some time, attempting to put a picture together with both versions. The common factors were Miss Bennet, her lack of fortune and Darcy's feelings for her. If I take Richard's words as the whole truth then I would have to believe Willim had fallen in love with a scheming fortune hunter. That notion was just too difficult for her to accept. On the other hand, Willim's tale is just as fantastic. That he could love a woman and she could hate him! He cannot have seen her for her real self. He has exaggerated her qualities to me and to himself. In her heart, however, she knew that her brother never exaggerated. She also recalled him saying the Wickham had filled Miss Bennet's head with his lies. Now this was something Georgiana could understand. How easily had she, herself, been fooled by his smooth and charming manners less than one year previous. Georgiana could well imagine the terrible things George Wickham had to say about her brother.

It was still puzzling, though.

She needed more information.... but from where and whom?

***

Caroline Bingley was quite pleased, to say the least, with the arrival of Miss Darcy on her doorstep. The ladies settled into the parlour with tea and cakes, soon joined by Mrs. Hurst. This lady, surprised at the presence of her sister's guest, soon attributed it to an approval from Mr. Darcy as the reason for his sister's call. She quickly found an opportunity to bring him into their conversation.

"We have not seen your brother very much of late," she said lightly. "I trust that Mr. Darcy is well?"

"Indeed," Georgiana began, welcoming the chance to manoeuver the topic toward that which interested her most, "he is quite well but I understand from him that it is your brother who has not been feeling himself recently."

Miss Bingley's face registered a slight alarm while Mrs. Hurst seemed perturbed with the direction of their guest's thoughts. "London can be tiring," the latter replied. "We have been in town for six months and it has been very long."

"Is he planning to return to his leased property? Netherfield, isn't it?" Georgiana appeared thoughtful. "I believe my brother had told me it is in Hertfordshire."

"Oh, no!" Mrs. Hurst cried simultaneously with her sister's, "I hope not!"

"Oh!" Georgiana said with surprise. "Perhaps I misunderstood my brother. I thought he had said Mr. Bingley was quite delighted with his choice."

"Indeed, Netherfield itself is tolerable." Mrs. Hurst gave her sister a meaningful look before continuing. "You know how Charles can be overly generous with his praise."

"However," added Miss Bingley, "the society was distinctly lacking. One family in particular was appalling!"

"How dreadful!"

"The dreadful part was that the eldest daughters shamelessly pursued my brother and yours." Miss Bingley nodded her head as if to emphasise the seriousness of the charge. "I will say, however, that Miss Bennet was quite an agreeable young lady. It was very unfortunate that the rest of her sisters and family were so intolerable. Miss Elizabeth in particular was such a brazen, forward girl. The way she addressed your brother was frightful!"

"Really?" Georgiana asked, eyes wide. "He mentioned nothing of this to me."

Mrs. Hurst shook her head. "It is not surprising that he did not for I'm sure he would not wish to set before you any poor examples of a lady's behaviour in polite society. As a matter of fact, there was one instance when he specifically said he would not wish to see you behave in such a fashion as Miss Elizabeth displayed. Do you recall that, Caroline?"

"Oh, my! What had she done?" Georgiana attempted to keep her eagerness to hear more carefully in check.

"Well," sniffed Miss Bingley, "I certainly do recall that instance, Louisa, and I must say that I agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Darcy. Miss Elizabeth had only walked the three miles between her home and Netherfield, through muddy fields, alone, ostensibly to see her sister who had fallen ill the previous night while dining with us. Even your brother could not fail to notice that her petticoats were soaked a full six inches with mud!"

"Her shoes were in a dreadful state as I'm sure you can imagine," added Mrs. Hurst. "And her hair was positively wild!"

"You must understand our reluctance to further any acquaintance in that area," Miss Bingley concluded.

Nodding, Georgiana replied, "Yes, I understand perfectly." That was all the information she required. The rest of her visit concerned inconsequential information regarding the latest fashions and social gossip. Georgiana had what she had come for, however. She stayed as long as politeness dictated before announcing an appointment to be kept and left the two sisters to their flustered speculations following her departure.

***

Weeks passed and Fitzwilliam saw nothing in Darcy's behaviour to alarm him. His cousin appeared to have returned to his former rectitude. It was even more fortunate, the Colonel mused, that his friend Bingley had accepted an invitation which had taken him out of town for several weeks, thus forestalling any action on Darcy's part which may have been precipitated by a misguided sense of remorse. This, thought Fitzwilliam, could have spelled disaster if Darcy had been repeatedly exposed to Miss Bennet once again. Certain that her anger would have subsided once her sister had been reunited with Bingley, courtesy of Darcy, the inevitable result was a renewal of Darcy's attentions with a lady suitably softened toward him. It was imperative that his cousin's ardour be well cooled before Bingley returned else he would surely encourage his friend to return to Hertfordshire straight away.

To this end the Colonel frequently sought information on his cousin's movements. It was not difficult to obtain, by fair means or foul, and at the end of some weeks, encouraged that Darcy's recovery was progressing satisfactorily, he felt the time was right to renew their former intimacy. Arriving on the doorstep early one June morning, Fitzwilliam was shown into the breakfast room where Georgiana and her brother were enjoying their meal.

"Do sit down and join us," Georgiana offered, indicating a chair.

Fitzwilliam glanced over to see Darcy's reaction and, detecting no objection, drew out the chair and sat down. "Thank you, I shall." A footman immediately set a plate before him while two others approached to offer platters of bacon, eggs, sausages and other delights.

"I trust that you have kept yourself out of trouble since we last saw you?" Darcy said drily.

Fitzwilliam grinned. "Trouble follows me."

A grunt prefaced Darcy's reply. "You look for it."

Frowning, Georgiana interrupted before the exchange went too far. "We are going to Matlock next Tuesday. Are you planning to visit your family in the next few weeks?"

"Matlock?" Her cousin raised a curious eyebrow. "I had not intended to go before the middle of summer. Please give my parents my regards, though."

Darcy's wan smile indicated his opinion of Fitzwilliam's lack of interest in leaving London during the social season. "I'm sure your mother will be happy to hear us convey them."

"How long are you going to punish me for what you consider interference?" The Colonel sighed dramatically.

"Unwarranted interference," Darcy corrected him. "Whatever you may think of your reasons the fact remains that it was unwanted and unjustified interference." That he had done the same to Bingley was never far from his mind.

Georgiana listened in silence, hesitant to speak out in defence of either.

Fitzwilliam grunted and shook his head. "It is hardly my fault that you were, and still are, too blinded by your sentiment to view things from a rational perspective. I had hoped you would be past this stage by now."

Georgiana closed her eyes, anticipating the inevitable eruption from her brother but when he did at last speak, his voice was eerily quiet.

"This stage, as you so callously express it, is the evaluation of my future and the reparation of my hopes and ambitions." His eyes narrowed dangerously.

"Evaluate?" Fitzwilliam scowled. "What is there to evaluate? You fell victim to the charms of a pretty woman. Simple enough. Happens to every man. It's nothing of which to be ashamed." He shrugged.

Georgiana knew that her brother's shame lay in another direction, however. She saw his anger in the set of his mouth and the unwavering gaze focussed on their cousin.

"Excuse me," Darcy abruptly said, throwing down his napkin and pushing his chair back. Without another word he left the room.

Fitzwilliam shook his head. "He is not handling this well at all."

"Perhaps you underestimated the strength of his feelings," Georgiana ventured, struggling for composure herself. Her anger with him was great. Can he not see how Willim is suffering?

"I underestimated his stubbornness, too."

Georgiana's patience was wearing thin. "Have you ever been in love?" she dared to ask.

"In love? Me?" He laughed. "Many a time!"

Shaking her head, Georgiana said with a sigh, "No, I mean really in love and then had your hopes for that love snatched away?"

"Georgie," the Colonel groaned softly. "Don't let your imagination lead you to such foolish notions. As pathetic as Cowper, Drayton and Burns make it sound, a broken heart is no more than a dashed hope, a disappointment. There is no need for you to worry about your brother. He will recover; sooner if he were not so stubbornly clinging to the romantic idea."

He has no notion! she thought. He cannot have ever felt love. His words are too cruel to really have known the true emotion. Willim was right. There is no reason for Richard to know that his was not the hand that prevented Miss Bennet from bestowing hers. Sadly, Richard will never understand the wound my brother has received. Still, she was hesitant to speak, to appear impertinent in her own opinions. "I'm afraid to say that I cannot completely agree with you. Romance and love are still very real to me. I should not want to be so cynical as to give up the idea altogether."

"My dear, I would not wish to see you become cynical. Merely temper your fantasies with some reality." Fitzwilliam rose from his seat, placing a hand on Georgiana's arm. "Try to encourage your brother to do the same."

Chapter Six

Posted on Saturday, 24 August 2002, at 11:27 a.m.

In the cool evening air the dust of the long ride from Matlock lay on his horse's neck. Fitzwilliam looked down in dismay at the loss of the glossy sheen his mount had left behind on the road.

At least Darcy employs some excellent grooms at Pemberley, he thought with some satisfaction. My own man should be waiting for me when I arrive, he added, noting the dusty film on his boots. The dirt didn't stop at the tops of his leathers, however. Fitzwilliam grimaced at the distasteful layer of dirt that covered his own clothing. I hope I have enough time to bathe and change before meeting the others for dinner. The thought of greeting Darcy in this state gave him no cause for discomfort but he had no desire to meet the ladies of the party while clad thus. Fortunately Darcy was out of doors when his cousin arrived in the stable yard.

"You made good time," Darcy said, turning toward the Colonel after finishing instructing the servant before him. "I presume you left Matlock early this afternoon?"

"I did." Fitzwilliam dismounted easily and passed the reins to the waiting boy. He slapped a hand on his thigh, raising a cloud of dust. "You've a houseful of ladies, I believe you said?"

"Is that what brought you here so quickly?" Darcy laughed. "I'll be sure to introduce you to Miss Bingley as soon as possible."

"Oh," the other man said with disappointment. "Is that the only sport to be had?"

Pemberley's master smiled enigmatically. "Fishing is on the list for tomorrow morning if you are amenable."

"Fishing?" Fitzwilliam looked at him sceptically. "I suppose it would not be politic of me to remain behind with the ladies while the rest of the gentlemen take to the lake."

"Insufferably rude, in fact."

A frown creased the Colonel's brow. "You are uncommonly cheerful."

Darcy feigned surprise. "How could I be otherwise with a houseful of guests?"

"That is even more reason to suspect some alternative cause for your good humour," replied Fitzwilliam with a grunt. "I need to change out of these filthy rags before I make the acquaintance of your delightful guests, Darcy. I shall join you downstairs in an hour or so?"

Darcy nodded acceptance of these arrangements and watched his cousin stride down the path toward the house. Recollection of an afternoon two days previous where he had, himself, followed that same path only to come face to face with Miss Elizabeth Bennet merely served to widen the smile on his face.

***

Hip waders were not Fitzwilliam's most favoured choice of attire but there was little alternative when fishing was the activity of the morning. Although the lake was an excellent, and much drier, location for this sport, in the Colonel's opinion, his cousin chose instead to take his guests to the streams. Along with Bingley, Hurst and Darcy was another gentleman that Fitzwilliam was sure had not dined with them the previous evening. Curiosity was not normally in his nature unless a lady was involved but this mysterious participant interested him. When Darcy made the introductions the Colonel paid close attention although the name of Gardiner offered no enlightenment. Mr. Gardiner appeared to be a gentleman and certainly behaved as one. His conversation was informed, intelligent and polite. Fitzwilliam remained puzzled as to where Darcy had made this man's acquaintance as he had not previously heard any mention of him.

They had been some time at the river when Darcy, while conversing with Mr. Gardiner, suddenly excused himself from the party by announcing that he had a pressing matter of business that must be attended to with his steward. The Colonel, unconvinced by his cousin's explanation, was assailed by suspicions as vague as they were persistent. Darcy's cheerful air and playful manner since his arrival became more questionable. It hadn't been so very long since they had seen each other last in London when Darcy had still been labouring under an emotional cloud. How such a transformation of mood could overtake his cousin in such a short period was the question now niggling at Fitzwilliam. He moved closer to Mr. Gardiner knowing that somehow this man held the key which eluded him.

"I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting you before now, sir," the Colonel began. "Are you from Derbyshire?"

Mr. Gardiner smiled benignly. "No, it is my wife who claims that honour. We are at present visiting the area with our niece but make our home in London."

"Ah, then that is where you and Darcy made your acquaintance." Fitzwilliam couldn't imagine Mrs. Gardiner being the one with whom his cousin was more familiar although the prospect of a niece made circumstances even more appealing.

"Actually," the other man replied with what seemed amusement, "we met only two days ago while taking a tour of the gardens near Mr. Darcy's home. The gentleman was kind enough to invite me to fish during our stay."

"While you were -." The Colonel paused. It would be extremely rude to suggest that Darcy never invited complete strangers to fish on his grounds after meeting them on his property even if it were the truth. There was still something missing. "Ah, your wife introduced you, then?"

"Our niece, actually," Mr. Gardiner explained. "She had the pleasure of making Mr. Darcy's acquaintance last year. It was most generous of him to extend the fishing invitation."

Last year? "Oh, I understand now," he laughed in an easy manner. "Darcy is well known for his generosity. I am not surprised that he offered to show your niece the house and grounds. A personal acquaintance is not the same as your average visitor asking for a tour."

Chuckling, Mr. Gardiner said, "I believe Mr. Darcy was more surprised than you, good Colonel. He arrived home quite unexpectedly and came upon us by accident. I daresay both he and Lizzy appeared equally startled with the encounter."

Colonel Fitzwilliam started as well. Lizzy! It cannot be! "Your niece is not by any chance Miss Elizabeth Bennet?"

"Yes, she is," her uncle cheerfully acknowledged. "Do you know her, too?"

"Indeed," Fitzwilliam smoothly replied despite the rapid thoughts going through his head. "We met at my aunt's home last spring. Rosings Park in Kent." What has she told her relations of the events there? he wondered. Darcy could be in grave danger here. She has encouragement behind her now. Well, I'm sure they didn't expect any opposition by meeting Darcy on his own property. Here he is master and they must surely believe no man would counter his opinions. They have not reckoned on my presence, though.

"I'm sure Lizzy would be delighted to see you again, sir," the other gentleman was saying. "We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bingley yesterday when he accompanied Mr. Darcy and his sister on their visit with us at the inn. He is a very pleasant young man."

Fitzwilliam fought to keep his growing unease from showing. "Yes, I cannot disagree with you there. You have also met my young cousin, Miss Georgiana Darcy, then."

"Yes, and a lovely young lady she is, too."

What is Darcy thinking? the Colonel wondered anxiously. Introducing Georgiana to the woman who refused him? What is to be gained by that? "Another opinion with which I cannot disagree," he smiled.

"I should think not!" Mr. Gardiner's attention was momentarily directed toward his fishing line before he continued. "My wife and niece were so taken with Miss Darcy that they were eager to return the honour of her visit and decided that this morning while I am fishing would be an excellent time. They are at the house now."

Fitzwilliam blinked. "Is that where Darcy went?" he said before realising he has spoken the words aloud. The knowing glint in the other man's eyes proved that he did know of Darcy's feelings for Miss Bennet. The Colonel cursed under his breath. It was impossible that he would be able to leave the party as well. What was to be done? How could Georgiana support her brother in this folly after I told her what had happened? His mind raced, trying to form some strategy to deal with this unexpected complication.

Mr. Gardiner looked up at the sky above them. "It looks to be a wonderful day," he remarked innocently.

Colonel Fitzwilliam turned his head sharply in the other man's direction. Oh, Darcy. Don't do anything stupid before we return to the house.

***

"Georgiana!"

The young woman looked up at the sharply whispered voice. Looking around her in confusion she finally spied the source at the edge of the garden, partially obscured by the greenery. "Richard? What on earth are you doing there?"

The gentleman stepped forward onto the terrace. "Good, you are alone. Where is your brother?" He hurriedly took a seat beside her although he seemed to perch on the edge as if ready to flee.

"He has gone to see to the arrangements for dinner."

Her cousin relaxed slightly. "Excellent. Tell me, how went your visit with Miss Bennet? Did Darcy join you?"

"Yes, he did," she replied somewhat nervously. "Richard, I do not understand your questions. Miss Bennet was very nice, quite friendly."

"Of course, Georgiana. I told you so in London." Fitzwilliam sighed. "Why did you not tell me of your brother's visit with her the other morning? Did you not attend to any of my words about her motives?"

"Yes, but -."

"But what? You know that a marriage to this woman would bring nothing but grief to your brother. I cannot believe you would encourage him in such an endeavour under the circumstances."

Georgiana's throat tightened with emotion as the tears threatened to expose her. "He is my brother, Richard! He wants this so much. How could I deny him anything he asked of me? Is an introduction to Miss Bennet so terrible a thing to do? "

The Colonel shook his head. "If it were only that simple. Darcy's reasons for introducing you were not for your sake, though. It was not to bring a new acquaintance to your notice but to bring Miss Bennet into his sphere, into his family. To elevate her above her real station and establish her as worthy of being a part of his. It has not escaped the notice of her uncle, I can tell you!" He rose from his seat and began pacing the flagstones. "Darcy has made the situation very difficult from which to extricate himself gracefully."

"Are you now suggesting that his intentions are not -?"

"His intentions are what they have always been," her cousin interrupted grimly. "To bring disgrace upon his family and himself by marrying so far beneath his station. I thought he would have regained his sense before now. Unfortunately it appears that a reminder is in order."

Georgiana's eyes opened wide, revealing her tears. "But she is so very nice, Richard."

A heavy sigh brought him back to the bench. "Yes, she is. That does not change the facts, though. A match between them is just not acceptable." He watched the tears roll down her cheeks, aware that her youthful innocence was being tested. "Georgiana, I have explained this all to you before. It's difficult enough to get your brother to see sense in this situation but I must be able to count on you, at least." When she offered no response he considered it a sign of compliance and rose to leave. "I'm going to see what damage has been done already and how to salvage this situation."

***

Darcy gazed at his cousin calmly. "I'm not interested in your opinions, Fitzwilliam."

"I beg your pardon?" his cousin gaped incredulously. "They are the same opinions that you have held for the last twenty years."

"Precisely," Darcy replied, fastening the buttons on his dinner jacket. "I have revised mine."

"I can guess why," Fitzwilliam said derisively.

"You will not provoke me."

"I am not interested in provoking you," the Colonel tersely stated. "I want you to see sense."

"I have seen sense." Darcy brushed the front of his jacket and, satisfied, stood proudly before his cousin. "This... adherence to protocol is outdated." He laughed. "It is ridiculous!"

"You don't really believe that."

Laughing again, Darcy shook his head. "I will not be deterred, Fitzwilliam. Neither you nor the years of instruction in duty and obligation will change my mind on this. It's a pity you cannot understand but..." He shrugged.

"There isn't anything to understand," Fitzwilliam countered. "You have chosen to forsake your responsibilities."

"What would you know of responsibilities? You were not to inherit Matlock. You have no responsibilities apart from pleasing yourself and that has never presented any difficulty for you." Disapproval was clearly written on Darcy's face. "If you prefer to play the fortune hunter -."

"What?"

"You cannot deny it. You have voiced it often enough. The need to marry well, a woman with fortune. It's no different than what you have accused Miss Bennet of doing. Fortune hunting by any other name." Darcy pursed his lips together thoughtfully. "I, on the other hand, have no need to concern myself with a well dowered wife. If not for the pressures of society I could marry where I choose. What I am telling you is that I have chosen to ignore those pressures of society and I have chosen Miss Bennet."

"You are forgetting one thing, however," Fitzwilliam smugly replied. "Miss Bennet has not chosen you. She has rejected you." He saw the barb hit home and although it did not bring him any pleasure to so wound his cousin neither did he want Darcy to continue down this avenue. "Come, Darcy. You must admit the truth of it. To persist in this manner will only make things worse."

"You are quite mistaken, Fitzwilliam." The tightness of his reply was not lost on the other man. "I wish nothing more than her good opinion. I expect nothing more." At least, I hope I may acquire more in due time.

This puzzled the Colonel. "Her good opinion? And what is that? What benefit will that bring you?"

"Peace of mind," Darcy replied succinctly.

"I should think that would be more readily accomplished by putting the entire matter behind you."

"There are some.. aspects that require attention before the matter may be laid to rest."

"Aspects?" Fitzwilliam shook his head. "The only aspect I see is that you cannot let this rest. The woman refused you. Let it go. Why torture yourself like this?"

Sighing, Darcy sought the words he needed to make his cousin understand. "Emotions make us do strange things. I had believed when I made my offer to Miss Bennet that there was no question of acceptance. How odd a sensation when she angrily refused me. If I had thought love made rational thought disappear it was nothing compared to the disappointment and bitterness following her rejection." He glanced at Fitzwilliam to see if he acknowledged his role in the affair but the Colonel's expression was stony. "The intensity of those emotions allowed me to more closely examine my own behaviour and my own values once the initial shock had receded. There are few things in life worth pursuing, Fitzwilliam. Happiness is one of them." He held up a hand at his cousin's objection. "Fortune I have. I thought my happiness would be secured as a result but strangely enough the woman that it depended upon turned out to be worthy of more than the honour I offered. There are greater riches in this world."

Fitzwilliam was silent. He stared at Darcy as he contemplated his words. Finally he let out an impatient breath. "You never cease to amaze me, Darcy. You could almost make my father believe you with that narration." He turned to leave, stopping as his hand rested on the door handle. "Please consider what I said. Don't prolong your own misery." With that he opened the door and left his cousin alone.

Chapter Seven

Posted on Saturday, 31 August 2002, at 7:21 p.m.

From a distance Fitzwilliam saw the carriage. It was at no slow pace that it approached the gates of Pemberley. The dust rose in clouds behind it, the horses' hooves raising small puffs of their own. It didn't take him long to discern the Darcy crest on the carriage doors and, recalling that his cousin had driven to Lambton less than an hour before, the Colonel hastened from his reclining position on the terrace balcony to make a hurried exit from his room and downstairs out of the house. With no idea what circumstance could bring Darcy home in such a hurry, his anxiety was not unexpected upon meeting the carriage as it pulled up in the stable yard. Darcy sprang from the coach, ignoring the servant who stood at the ready to receive his master's coat and hat.

"Fitzwilliam," he said briskly, seeing his cousin on the step. "I must speak with you immediately. Come to my study." This was not a request and the Colonel knew better than to question such a command in Darcy's domain. He followed his cousin up the steps and into the study, refraining from taking a seat as he watched Darcy rapidly pace to and fro, his mind quite obviously occupied with something.

"What is it, Darcy?" he finally asked, unable to watch in silence any longer. "Something has happened?"

"Yes." Pemberley's master halted and drew himself up straight and tall. "A matter of some urgency has arisen that necessitates my leaving for London as soon as possible."

"What is this you say? London?"

"I must be off in the morning," Darcy nodded. "I need a favour of you."

"A favour of me? What would you have me do?" Realising this conversation would not be over quickly, Fitzwilliam chose one of the comfortable chairs in which to seat himself.

"I am uncertain how long I will be gone. Would you stay on here with Georgiana and my guests? I do not wish to alarm either my sister or the others."

"Certainly I will, Darcy, but what is going on?"

"It is Wickham. He has insinuated himself into Miss Bennet's family. Her youngest sister has been duped into eloping with him," Darcy ground out between clenched teeth.

Fitzwilliam stared at him. "This is all quite distressing for her, I'm sure, but what does it have to do with you? Why must you leave?"

"Surely you realise that I have an obligation to find them!" Appalled, Darcy's mouth fell open.

"I do not see that. What possible obligation could be assigned to you?"

"Have you no recollection of last year? The disaster with Georgiana at Ramsgate when Wickham very nearly managed to steal off with her to Gretna Green?"

"Of course I do but what bearing does it have on this news of the younger Miss Bennet?" The Colonel waved aside the other man's apprehensions. "She is of no concern to us. She is not family."

Darcy stared at his cousin in outrage. "Do you honestly think that any young woman deserves to be left in the clutches of Wickham? If his character had been known, if I had not insisted on keeping silent -."

"If I had not talked you out of pistols at dawn!" Fitzwilliam hotly interrupted. "But what use were you to Georgiana dead or maimed?"

"He should have been publicly exposed," Darcy said in a bitter voice. "This could not have happened, then."

"You do not know that."

"Perhaps not," admitted Darcy. "It is all irrelevant now, however. Wickham has fled to London with Lydia Bennet, obviously with no intention of travelling any closer to the Scottish border. Can anything be more devastating for her family?"

Fitzwilliam endeavoured one more time to dissuade his cousin from involving himself in this affair. "Just what do you think will happen? What can you do? Your presence will cause your entire history with Wickham to come out. Georgiana's folly will be exposed and she will be humiliated in society before she has even entered it. Is that what you wish, Darcy? Do you want to see your sister disgraced?"

"Georgiana's reputation is safe."

Fitzwilliam snorted. "Have you completely lost your wits? Wickham will tell his tales all over London at the first sign of interference from you."

"He has had nearly a year in which to spread the story if he thought there was anything to be gained by it."

"You are just asking for trouble," Fitzwilliam persisted, dismissing Darcy's argument with a wave of his hand. "All he has to do is whisper in this young sister's ear when you have annoyed him enough by poking your nose in. How fast the news will spread then! Do you think your dear Elizabeth would keep this to herself?"

Darcy drew himself up to his full height. Making it quite clear to his cousin just who was master here, he looked down on Fitzwilliam. "I have full confidence in Miss Bennet's discretion. Since she has been in possession of this information for many months already, imparted by myself, and you see that Georgiana's reputation is still intact, I have every reason to believe it will remain so."

Fitzwilliam's mouth now dropped open. "I can not believe what I'm hearing! You have lost your senses! To tell such intimate details to a complete stranger -."

"Miss Bennet is no stranger."

"She is not family!" Fitzwilliam began to pace the room now, one hand raking through his hair. "Such information that we worked so hard to ensure did not escape our immediate family and you tell this woman because you are in love with her! Completely irresponsible!"

"You know nothing of responsibility, Fitzwilliam," Darcy replied slowly.

"I beg your pardon!" Fitzwilliam glared. "May I remind you that I share in the guardianship of your sister, a responsibility that your father entrusted to me."

"I have recently come to the realisation that my good father was as mistaken about your character as he was about Wickham's." Darcy's gaze never wavered. "Responsibility is a concept foreign to both of you."

"I could almost laugh at hearing that accusation coming from you, a man ready and willing to abandon all of his principles, throw away his reputation and that of his family as well as his sister's future and all for a -."

"Don't say it." The words were sharply spoken. "Don't even dare to insinuate what you are thinking." A moment of silence passed between them. Finally Darcy drew a slow breath. "Whatever you may think of Miss Bennet the fact remains that her sister has become the victim of George Wickham. There is no hope of her family discovering them in London. I, at least, have an idea where to start looking. Can you not summon up enough compassion for a fellow human being, Fitzwilliam? Is your sense of responsibility in name only?"

There was silence again while his cousin mulled over Darcy's words. The faint sound of the clock's chime could be heard beyond the closed door to the hallway and a woman's voice rose in query. There was no mistaking Caroline Bingley's shrill tones as the sound of approaching footsteps accompanied the voice. Fitzwilliam glanced at the door, then back toward Darcy.

"I cannot approve of your plans. I will, however, remain here during your absence seeing as you are adamant on going."

"You will tell no one of my business?"

"Certainly not! The fewer people who know what you are about, the better." Fitzwilliam held out his hand. "I wish you a speedy resolution, Darcy."

Their hands met for a brief instant. "Thank you," Darcy acknowledged. "Now I must go and make preparations for my departure. I will be leaving as early as possible."

"Darcy." Waiting for his cousin to stop and look at him, Fitzwilliam could not stem his sense of foreboding. "Be careful."

Darcy nodded and stepped through the doorway.

***

"It is unheard of! Why this sudden departure?"

Mrs. Hurst pondered her sister's question for moment. "You don't think it has anything to do with Eliza Bennet's mysterious leave taking, do you?" Her expression was significant.

"You don't mean.. you can't possibly be saying, Louisa," Miss Bingley gasped, "that she compromised herself with Mr. Darcy!"

"Would you rather believe that he compromised her willingly?" Mrs. Hurst tut tutted that notion. "I can think of no other reason why both of them have left the country so hurriedly. Urgent business in London when no express had arrived? That is hardly likely."

"Do you then believe they have left together? And gone where?" Miss Bingley was all astonishment. "Certainly not to Scotland!"

"That is the usual destination in such cases."

"No, I cannot accept your suggestion." Pursing her lips, Miss Bingley shook her head. "They have gone to London, undoubtedly. It is what Darcy said. I heard him instruct the coachman."

"And just what were you doing outdoors at that hour of the morning, sister?" Louisa Hurst scolded. "You could catch your death."

"Or a husband!" The two ladies giggled. "But seriously," continued Miss Bingley. "If what you suspect is true then it can be just as speedily accomplished in London as in Scotland. Mr. Darcy has the ways and means to acquire a Special Licence if need be."

"Well, if that is the case then what are you to do about it from here? We must convince Charles of the need to go back to Town immediately." The logistics for achieving this eluded them, however. Mrs. Hurst finally conceded the difficulty. "Charles will simply point out that Darcy will be back soon enough and everything will be as it was. He seems a bit preoccupied to me. Does he seem so to you?"

Miss Bingley wasn't listening, though. Her mind was still absorbed with how to prevent their host from becoming bound to such an undeserving upstart as Eliza Bennet. It was at this moment that Miss Darcy entered the room, successful at last in the search for her two guests.

"Oh, you poor, dear girl!" cried Miss Bingley, immediately beginning to console her. "You must be devastated by the news."

"What news?" a perplexed Georgiana enquired.

"Dear me! Has no-one told you?" Taking the younger girl by the arm, Miss Bingley led her to a settee. "I was sure your brother must have informed you before he left but I fear it falls to me to break the bad tidings."

Georgiana looked at the older women in confusion. "I don't understand what you mean."

"Georgiana, dear Georgiana," Miss Bingley said as her sister joined them to sit on the other side of the young girl. "Your brother has gone to London."

"Yes," Georgiana nodded. "I know that."

"He has followed Miss Bennet there, to marry her." The two sisters carefully watched her reaction. "I know it must be a dreadful shock to you, my dear," soothed Miss Bingley. "It was shocking to Louisa and myself, as well, when we realised what had happened. He is to be commended, your brother, on his willingness to live up to society's expectations despite the devious manner of her methods in snaring him."

"Yes," added Mrs. Hurst. "Quite disgraceful."

"It cannot be!" Georgiana sprang from the seat. "Excuse me but I must speak with my cousin." She hurried from the room, leaving the other two ladies clucking their tongues in a sympathetic manner.

***

Blinking back his amazement, Colonel Fitzwilliam attempted to calm his young cousin. "Where on earth did you come by this story?"

"Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst," Georgiana replied, taking a determined stance. "Do not try to fool me into accepting anything but the truth. Fitzwilliam has gone to London, hasn't he?"

"Yes -."

"We both know how he feels about Miss Bennet and we both know how you feel about him marrying her. I know that the two of you did not agree on his reasons for leaving this morning. Tell me truthfully, Richard. Did he go to London with Miss Bennet?" Her eyes met his without so much as a blink.

"No, he did not go with Miss Bennet and, before you ask, he did not go to meet her there, either." He motioned for her to sit down before he would say more. "You know I do not approve of Darcy marrying Miss Bennet. I would not have allowed him to leave at all if that was his purpose. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst have jumped to conclusions. Please put it out of your mind. It was quite thoughtless of them to suggest it to you at all. Georgiana," he added in a kinder tone. "You don't honestly believe your brother would leave you out of something so important, do you?"

Conceding that he would not, Georgiana was left alone to the satisfaction of thinking that the Bingley sisters had, indeed, allowed their imaginations to run away with them. She was not, however, satisfied with the failure to discover just what it was that lured her brother away to London in the middle of summer.

Chapter Eight

Posted on Saturday, 7 September 2002, at 10:01 a.m.

It was several more days before Miss Bingley could approach the subject of her curiosity with her carefully disguised enquiries. Darcy returned late in the evening nearly a week after his hasty departure and, had it not been for the hour being one that respectable ladies would be abed, she would certainly have met him at the main doors of Pemberley. This, however, was not within her fortune and as the clock chimed midnight Darcy's boots were heard climbing the steps of the great staircase toward his bedchamber.

Miss Bingley, peering through a slim crack offered by her not quite closed door, whispered to her sister who hovered near her shoulder, "He does not look any different to me. He has the same stoic expression as always."

Impatiently, Mrs. Hurst motioned her sister away from the door. "What did you expect?" she whispered back as she settled one eye against the crack. "He could hardly bring her back here so soon. Even with a special licence they could not have been married that quickly. Just you wait, Caroline. I'm sure he's made all the arrangements and will be leaving us again for the actual wedding. This may be your last chance to become Pemberley's mistress, yourself." She stood up and turned around to face her sister and give her appearance a final scrutiny. Mrs. Hurst pronounced her amply prepared and nodded as if giving permission. "Very well, then. Off you go." She quietly opened the door far enough to allow Miss Bingley's exit, nudging gently when the younger woman hesitated slightly before crossing the threshold into the hall. "Go on," she mouthed silently then softly closed the door as far as it had been previously. With a clear view of the hallway down which Darcy had just walked, Louisa Hurst could now see Caroline's back moving away from the door and in the same direction of their host.

***

Darcy's thoughts were preoccupied as they had been during the long ride back to Derbyshire from London. Although the matter was well on its way to being resolved, a wedding speedily arranged and Miss Lydia Bennet's reputation salvaged, he could not be completely satisfied with the way it had all come about. He had vainly hoped to find the young lady respectably kept, although he should have known it was a ridiculous notion with Wickham's character as her guide. Despite his prior exposure to her wild antics, Darcy had nurtured a sliver of anticipation of finding Lydia Bennet with a more sensible outlook, much like her elder sister's. To be disappointed in that was, to say the least, more inconvenient than unpleasant. As frivolous as Lydia was, he had more patience in dealing with her than with her reluctant suitor. Responsibility for the young Miss Bennet, however, fell to the Gardiners and Darcy was left to ensure Wickham's compliance to the agreed upon terms. In this there was not much difficulty, only distasteful association with the man who was once held so high in his father's esteem.

The sound of footsteps roused him from his dark ruminations and a voice uttering his name further awakened his interest. Darcy looked up.

"I thought I heard your carriage come up the drive. You must have pushed the horses to get here at this hour."

"I wanted to get home," Darcy sighed. "It has been a difficult week."

Fitzwilliam nodded in understanding. "Would you care to tell me over a brandy?" At Darcy's acceptance of the offer the two men walked on toward the Colonel's room never noticing the figure of Miss Bingley as she shrank back into the shadows of her own doorway to avoid being seen.

Darcy settled himself into the leather armchair and stretched his booted feet across the floor. His eyelids were heavy as he sipped at the contents of the glass his cousin handed him. "Oh, that is good."

Smiling, Fitzwilliam took his own seat and focussed his gaze on Darcy. "What was your success?"

"Satisfactory, actually," Darcy sighed. "Wickham had no intention of marrying the poor girl, as I expected."

"You found them, then."

"Yes." Darcy wearily passed a hand over his face. "All has been put to rights. I will need to return for the actual wedding ceremony, however."

Shaking his head, the Colonel expressed his amazement. "Just why do you need to attend such an event? I should think you have done enough already in locating them."

Darcy snorted. "Do you honestly think Wickham would honour his promise to show up at the church without some added incentive? His debts I have agreed to pay and that will not happen until he is duly and legally married to Miss Bennet. I've also purchased him a commission in another regiment, in Newcastle, to at least give them some semblance of respectability to begin their married life."

"You take too much upon yourself, Darcy," his cousin reprimanded. "I suppose you will now go to Hertfordshire and claim your just reward for all of this trouble? The fair hand of the lovely Miss Elizabeth!"

"Certainly not!" Darcy drew his legs under him and sat up straight. "I made it quite clear to all that my involvement was to be kept quiet. There is no reason for anyone to know about it apart from those directly involved."

"And that would include Miss Bennet, would it not?"

"No," Darcy shook his head. "Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, the happy bride and groom and myself, only. And you, of course."

"Yes," conceded Fitzwilliam. "Not that I am pleased to be party to your little secret but I prefer that to ignorance. There is something of which you should be aware, though." Darcy's eyebrows rose in query. "Bingley's sisters put it into Georgiana's head that you had gone to London with Miss Bennet, intending a rushed marriage."

Darcy laughed. "I trust you were able to put Georgiana's fears to rest, though," he said more seriously.

"Exactly. Without revealing your real object, I may add." The Colonel swirled the brandy around in his glass. "Tell me, when you return to London for this wedding will the bride's family be in attendance?"

"The Gardiners only," Darcy replied. "My own involvement could not be kept quiet otherwise as I will be standing up for Wickham." He grimaced as he said this last. "There you have it. Once the remainder of the details are seen to he will then be out of my life for good." Drinking the remainder of his brandy, Darcy rolled the now empty glass between his hands.

Fitzwilliam watched him in silence. He experienced an odd mixture of feelings upon hearing Darcy's words. It appeared that, finally, his cousin had resigned himself to the unsuitable nature of his attachment to Elizabeth Bennet. Once Wickham was a confirmed member of that lady's family there would be no escaping association with him, and Darcy had just stated that association would be forever severed. In the Colonel's eyes it was clear: his cousin had finally come to his senses and he rejoiced in that fact. At the same time, however, he could not help but feel some disturbance of mind in acknowledgement of the pain Darcy had suffered in arriving at this point. He felt that something needed to be said. "You have rescued a young woman's reputation, Darcy, and proven yourself honourable by deed alone. I salute you." Fitzwilliam raised his own glass and drank its contents. "You must be exhausted. Go on, off to bed. Your sister will be eager to see you in the morning."

Roused from his own thoughts, Darcy took a deep breath and exhaled as he stood. "And I, her. The memories of Ramsgate were too painfully clear during the last few days. There but for the grace of God..... but that is all in the past." He turned toward the closed door then stopped to say, his back still to his cousin, "It is all in the past, now."

Fitzwilliam respectfully kept silent, watching the other man leave the room. Now that Darcy had admitted defeat it would be easier. He made a mental note to intercept Georgiana before she saw her brother in the morning.

***

Stumbling backward, Miss Bingley fell against the door which gave way behind her. A muffled thump and a stifled cry sent Mrs. Hurst to the floor with her sister executing an indelicate landing upon her. Disentangling themselves, the younger one hurried to close the door while the elder dusted the skirt of her nightgown with annoyance.

"Why did you do that?" she demanded. "You were so close. He was right there in the hall and you just.. just..."

"It is easy for you to criticise," Miss Bingley defended herself. "The Colonel appeared from the other end of the hallway and that you did not see."

"Oh, it would have been perfect!" her sister cried. "Such a wasted opportunity. You may not get another one now. Were you seen?"

"No!" snapped Miss Bingley. "How humiliating! I wasn't near enough to make it believable and Darcy was completely oblivious to my presence."

"Oh, but if Colonel Fitzwilliam had seen you..."

"Heaven save me from that happening! Do you think I want him seeing me dressed like this?" She held out the skirt of her nightgown as far as the clinging fabric would allow. "Have you not seen the way he looks at me in my day clothes?" she said in disgust. "I cannot believe he and Darcy are actually related."

"Oh, I can," Mrs. Hurst sighed. "Never mind. You had no luck tonight but perhaps in the morning we can figure out something." She took a quick peek out into the hallway to make sure it was empty before saying a quick goodnight and slipping out of her sister's room. She had traversed only half the distance when the sound of another door opening arrested her progress. Shrinking back into the shadows of the closest alcove, Mrs. Hurst watched as Darcy appeared and turned in her direction. She held her breath but he passed by, his mind apparently very far away and, judging by his expression, not pleasantly so. Silently lamenting the poor timing that thwarted their earlier efforts thus putting this opportunity to rest as well, Mrs. Hurst could only stand helplessly in the darkness until Darcy disappeared into the confines of the Master's chambers. She then let out her breath and quickly crossed the remaining length of the hallway to her own destination..

***

Caroline Bingley gazed in dismal silence into the mirror. Time was running out, not only for her chances to become Mrs. Darcy but also to become Mrs. Anybody. She fingered the lace trimmings of her gown, idly twisting the fabric into tangled strips. This problem should not be facing me. I am an attractive and eligible prospect! I have a good fortune and a proper education. So, what does that upstart Eliza Bennet have that so fascinates Darcy?

"Fine eyes."

She studied her own eyes in the reflection. So they weren't as round as Eliza Bennet's. What was it Darcy said? Something about their expression and remarkably fine lashes. Her own lashes were fine. Too fine. They could hardly be seen. As for their expression.... Caroline squinted and looked closer.

"I don't know what he means," she huffed. "My eyes are expressive. He can see whatever he wants in them, if only he would give me some idea of what he wants to see there!" She left the boudoir table suddenly, sending the candle's flame flickering wildly in the resulting disturbance of the air. Throwing herself down upon her bed, Caroline Bingley stared at the canopy above, mind awhirl. For years her goal had been to become Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy. That was her only objective and her sister had encouraged this completely. To have invested so much time and effort only to have a country nobody, with no fortune, snatch away the prize that was rightfully hers was an unbearable affront! The question was, what could she do about it? All of her efforts to this point had been to no avail. If she was to be completely honest with herself, Darcy had shown no more interest in Miss Caroline Bingley than he had in Mrs. Hurst. Was it too late now; too late to learn what he found so apparently irresistible in the young Eliza Bennet and could Caroline emulate it?

She let out a long sigh of frustration. Of course it's too late! Hasn't she already snared him? He has no desire to be free of her. That is the problem. I could dance about in my nightgown all I like but it will make no difference. This brought to mind her sister's comment about Darcy's cousin.

"Oh, but if Colonel Fitzwilliam had seen you..."

Yes, she thought, if he had seen me there would have been no question of my being noticed. That is not the kind of notice I wish to encourage, however. I do not understand why Louisa cannot see what a scoundrel that man truly is. The way his eyes follow me around, and Louisa, too! He should be ashamed of himself but I can tell he is laughing at my disgust. He is not a man I would consider for a husband despite what Louisa says. The son of an earl he may be, but a younger one and I have grander ambitions than that for myself!

Slightly mollified, having dismissed one man as unworthy and another as too infatuated to bother about any longer, Caroline crawled under the blankets and buried herself in the folds. The morning may bring Louisa and her new ideas but her sister was not inclined to hear them this time. As she drifted off to sleep, the names and faces of various gentlemen with matrimonial potential floated from the recesses of her memory and into her dreams.

Chapter Nine

Posted on Sunday, 22 September 2002, at 9:42 a.m.

Darcy awoke feeling more at peace with himself than he had in months. Being home again, at Pemberley with Georgiana and his friends, restored the sense of normalcy that had been missing from the surreal events of the previous week. Most of the work surrounding arrangements with Wickham were complete; only the wedding and Darcy's signature on the payments to Wickham's creditors remained undone. Darcy had no fear of the bridegroom disappearing before the appointed hour. He was under strict supervision day and night with debtor's prison looming over him should he choose to test Lady Luck. There was nowhere for him to run.

Stretching, Darcy left his bed to begin his day, calling for his man to attend him in his dressing room.

***

Georgiana turned her head in surprise at the cheerful whistling approaching the breakfast room. She smiled when Mr. Bingley entered, his usually smiling face a welcome sight.

"Good morning, Mr. Bingley."

He abruptly stopped the whistling and grinned a little sheepishly. "Good morning, Miss Darcy. Please forgive my tuneless serenade. I did not expect anyone else to be down for breakfast so early."

"There is nothing to forgive," she assured him. "Although I confess to being surprised to see that you are also looking for breakfast early this morning. I hope it was not because, like me, you found yourself unable to sleep?"

Bingley's expression brightened. "On the contrary, I slept extremely well. Never better! I am sorry to hear that you have not, however. Now that Darcy has returned I trust that your mind will be put more at ease."

"Oh!" cried Georgiana. "I didn't know he had come home! It must have been very late last night."

"Yes, not much before twelve I believe. I heard his carriage come into the yard," Bingley explained as he helped himself to the sausages. "I wouldn't expect him to show his face at this hour, though. It must have been a full day of travel for him to arrive that late."

"He was rather tired last night," added Colonel Fitzwilliam as he joined them. Giving Georgiana a peck on the cheek in greeting he poured a cup of coffee and sat down at the table. "I perceive that I am too late to be the bearer of glad tidings but I can at least confirm Bingley's information. I believe that bit of news pleases you, Georgiana?"

"Yes, it does indeed!" she smiled. "Although I shall now be impatient until he comes down. I wish to hear all about what took him away from us."

"What is it you expect to hear?" Fitzwilliam asked, reaching for a slice of toast. "Business is business, hardly likely to interest a young lady such as yourself."

Recognising the command in his tone Georgiana nodded her head, suitably admonished. "You are right, of course. I'm sure he doesn't want to be reminded of what took him away from his guests, which is what any question from me would do."

"Oh, I'm sure there is nothing you could say that would upset your brother," Bingley helpfully offered. "What's so terrible about having to leave us for a few days? We shall hardly think him a neglectful host. Besides, you have been a delightful and attentive hostess."

Georgiana flushed at his compliment. "That is very kind of you to say, Mr. Bingley." She spoke very softly.

"It is nothing but the truth," he replied sincerely.

Fitzwilliam nodded in appreciation of Bingley's efforts. He had for some time now given serious consideration to the eligibility of Darcy's friend as a match for their ward. Although Georgiana was but sixteen at the moment, time had a way of slipping by very quickly. The incident with Wickham was like a signal trumpet to wake them up to the danger of Georgiana's approaching availability and attractiveness to the unscrupulous fortune hunter. Bingley was neither, nor was there any question but that he would treat the young Georgiana with the utmost respect as his wife. In addition, the young man had a respectable fortune of his own and, despite his lack of pedigree, there was sufficient potential for his future. The Colonel was very pleased to be able to do whatever he could to promote this match which was just as attractive for Bingley as for Georgiana. He was also sure that Darcy, as reluctant as he might be to consider his sister's marriage prospects at the moment, would agree.

"Well, I'm afraid that I have little time for idle conversation this morning," Fitzwilliam announced. "With Darcy returned I now have leave to return to Matlock. So," he said, rising from his chair and heading for the doorway, "I shall see to my departure and return to say goodbye to you a bit later on."

Georgiana shyly looked away from Mr. Bingley, not used to sharing the breakfast table alone with any gentleman but her brother. She was unsure of what to say and her relief was understandably great when he took the initiative.

"It promises to be a lovely day. Perhaps you could take advantage of it to spend some private time with your brother on a leisurely drive around the estate. I'm sure he will have no objection to that."

Georgiana's smile brightened her features. "What a lovely idea!"

"What is a lovely idea?" Darcy's voice rang out as he entered the room. To his sister's delighted cry he replied with equal affection, smiling broadly and planting a kiss on the top of her head as he passed her chair. "What have you proposed, Bingley, that has my sister so excited?"

"It is not my company that inspires her enthusiasm, I regret to say. It is the prospect of yours after your prolonged absence that is appealing, apparently." Bingley met Georgiana's gaze with amusement. "I suggested that you might find time to take her out for a ride on the grounds today."

"Ah," Darcy said slowly. Unspoken between the two friends was the fact that a quiet ride with Georgiana meant that Darcy would not have to suffer the attentions of Miss Bingley for she was sure to seek him out as soon as she knew he was in the house. "I agree. Incidentally, I have one or two tenancies to check and that will take but a moment in each. We could have a very pleasant ride today if it is agreeable to you, Georgiana?" He looked to see her reaction. There was no mistaking the smile on her face. "Very well, then. We shall set out after breakfast and if you can make arrangements for a basket to take with us, then we shall be set for as long as we like."

Pleased with the success of his effort, Bingley now turned his attention to satisfying some of Georgiana's curiosity, but in his usual polite and unassuming style. "I take it your business in town was completed satisfactorily, Darcy?"

"Yes," his friend replied. "I must return in a week's time, however. Some final signatures are required on documents that won't be prepared before then."

"I wonder why you chose not to remain in London until all was done."

"I had no desire to stay in London until then and so came home for the intervening time." Darcy looked over at his sister.

"I am most pleased that you have," Georgiana quietly said.

Darcy smiled fondly at her. They had each come so far over the past year. She had not had her innocence completely corrupted and his own eyes had been opened to hitherto unforseen possibilities. The time he had recently spent with Wickham had made him more thankful than ever that Georgiana had confessed that man's design before it had been too late. Just the thought of his young and naive sister being treated with the contempt and callous disrespect that Wickham had shown Lydia Bennet made him sick. All the way from London Darcy had been tormented with nightmarish images and scenarios that might have unfolded had he not changed his plans last year to drop in unexpectedly at Ramsgate. The comforts of Pemberley, of seeing Georgiana safe and unharmed, had encouraged him to press onward, covering the distance faster than he'd ever done before. Her smile was a balm on his disturbed thoughts. Knowing that she remained happy and content only confirmed for him that not a word regarding Wickham should reach her ears.

".... since my sisters and Hurst are going on to Scarborough next month," Bingley was saying. "I hope you don't mind if I stay on here a bit longer?"

"Of course not," Darcy replied. "You may remain as long as you wish. We have no plans for travel, do we Georgiana?"

"You are always welcome here, Mr. Bingley," she agreed. "As my brother says, we do not intend to leave anytime soon and your company is a pleasant addition to our family party."

Bingley thanked her while Darcy's heart swelled with pride at his sister's warm and genuine comments. She was quickly and easily sliding into her role as mistress of Pemberley. He felt a small but sharp pang of regret that it was not Elizabeth who inspired these feelings. It was not that long since he had entertained the expectation of her taking up the role and relieving Georgiana of the necessary obligations. Those expectations had been crushed, replaced more recently with hope only to be dashed once again by the spectre of George Wickham.

"I shall leave you two gentlemen to discuss it, then." Georgiana rose from the table, coming to stand beside her brother's chair. "I am so glad to have you home again," she said, placing a quick kiss on his cheek before bidding them good morning.

As soon as she left, Darcy realised that he had missed something significant while lost in his own thoughts. Bingley was looking at him expectantly. He gazed back placidly. Bingley was less patient than his friend and would inevitably repeat himself. It didn't take long.

"It shouldn't come as a complete surprise. I still hold the lease, you know, and it would be foolish to waste such an opportunity when we had fine sport there last year."

Darcy nodded. He had wondered when the subject of Netherfield might arise. With Elizabeth's recent presence it was sure to put Bingley in mind of Miss Bennet once more. "Yes, the sport was very good." Quite fine, in fact. "You are right, of course. It would not do to neglect your property nor your obligations in the role of landowner. The result would be either overpopulation of the birds or an encouragement toward poaching."

Bingley seemed to be digesting Darcy's words for a moment as if searching for hidden meanings. That he had anticipated resistance to his suggestion was plain and his friend could not fault him for believing thus. Darcy had no intention of discouraging him, however, and Bingley was not foolish enough to pursue the matter further if his friend expressed no objections.

"Well, that's settled then,' he said. "Once Hurst, Louisa and Caroline have left I will make the arrangements for Netherfield to be opened and prepared for our arrival." He didn't intend for it to sound as if he was keeping his plans a secret from the others but, realising that he had carelessly blurted out the truth of it, Bingley's complexion deepened at being caught out. Fortunately Darcy did not see, although Bingley was not aware that he had looked away deliberately to spare his friend further discomfort. It was also to hide his own amusement at the transparency of Bingley's motives.

***

The morning air which had been cool and comfortable when they set out had become hot and sticky with the sun's efforts not long before midday. Darcy and Georgiana had driven out in a modest carriage which he now directed the driver to take down the road that led through the woods where they could stop to rest and water the horses. The difference in the temperature as they entered the cover of the trees was remarkable. The carriage drew to a halt where a stream ran close to the roadway and Darcy suggested that his sister open the basket to see what the cook had provided for them. A selection of fresh fruits met her eyes and the smell of breads baked fresh that morning wafted across the short distance between them. Darcy reached forward to take the roll that Georgiana offered while she sought in the basket for plates, knives and the preserves that would be tucked securely inside. Soon the two were quite content, appeasing their appetites while taking in their quiet surroundings with appreciation.

"This is what I miss most when I am in London," Darcy said in a hushed voice, unwilling to disturb the gentle sounds of nature. "There is nothing remotely resembling this in town."

Georgiana had no trouble agreeing with her brother. "I don't think anywhere else makes me feel as happy or safe as being home, especially when you are here, too."

Darcy's expression became sorrowful. "I am sorry. I haven't been as attentive as I'd promised you."

"Oh, do not think that I am criticising!" she objected. "I know that some things cannot be helped. You had business which took you away to London and I accept that." There was a brief pause while she collected her thoughts. "I must confess that I am a bit anxious about Miss Bennet, leaving so suddenly like that. I do hope that she and her family are all well."

"I believe you may rest your mind on that subject, Georgiana," Darcy replied. He seemed to be watching the horses as they drank but she could see that his eyes were unfocussed, his thoughts probably much further away. "I actually saw Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner when I was in town. The urgent family matter which called them away has been resolved."

"I am pleased! I do so like Miss Bennet. I should not wish to see her made unhappy."

"Neither do I." Darcy spoke very softly, almost under his breath. Georgiana wasn't sure if he had meant to speak aloud.

"It is unfortunate that she had to leave so soon after having made her acquaintance. I did not get the opportunity to ask her if she would write to me, nor to get her own address so that I may write to her." Studying the expression on her brother's face, Georgiana plucked up the courage to ask her next question. "Do you think you may see Miss Bennet while you and Mr. Bingley are at Netherfield?"

The words seemed to awaken him and Darcy turned toward his sister with interest. "Would you like me to convey your regards to Miss Bennet?"

Smiling brightly, Georgiana nodded eagerly. "Oh, would you please? I did so want to get to know her better. Perhaps I will. That is, if Mr. Bingley continues to reside at Netherfield and I am allowed to visit there with you at some time." She looked up with wide, hopeful eyes.

"Yes, of course. I'm sure that Bingley will have no objections. Miss Bingley usually accompanies him and acts as hostess. That is something that she enjoys." The more he thought about it, the more attractive the idea became. What better opportunities to be in Elizabeth's company could possibly present themselves? Yes, I must see about Georgiana and Miss Bingley joining us later on!

His sister took up where he left off. "Yes she does, and she's never had the chance to act as hostess to me. I'm sure she would be delighted to do that."

"You have a very valid point, Georgiana. I will suggest it to Bingley, though we shall spend at least two weeks in our hunting, I'm sure." Darcy sighed. "I will eventually have to confess my interference in his affairs last year. This trip to Netherfield is, of course, less to shoot birds than to renew his acquaintance with Miss Bennet. As much as I would like to leave him to it, I'm not sure how confident he will be of his own opinion of her affections. I must observe for myself so that I can honestly assure him when the time comes."

"Can you not do that now?"

Shaking his head, Darcy replied, "No. It would be equally cruel, don't you think, to encourage him now only to discover when we arrive at Netherfield that Miss Bennet's affections may have changed? I must be sure in my own mind before I offer Bingley such an opinion this time. I do not want to make the same mistake again."

Georgiana agreed with his reasoning and for a time they were silent, each absorbed in thoughts of how Bingley's reunion with Jane Bennet would affect Elizabeth's opinion of Darcy. At last Georgiana spoke on a more immediate subject. "Must you go to London again so soon?"

"Yes, I must," Darcy softly replied. "It will be for but a few days, however. Some final details to sort out and transactions to complete and then I will return." He smiled encouragingly. "Fitzwilliam has gone back to Matlock and so you will be on your own as hostess to our guests. I have every confidence in you, Georgiana."

Colour crept into her cheeks at his praise. "Mr. Bingley is very easy to please," she pointed out. "Miss Bingley, too, if I spend the entire day speaking about you or Pemberley."

Darcy laughed. "As long as the kitchen doesn't run out of provisions then Hurst will be pleased as well. That leaves only Mrs. Hurst."

"She is happy enough when her sister is happy," Georgiana concluded. "I have noticed that when Miss Bingley is unhappy she invariably draws Mrs. Hurst around to her way of thinking."

"Well, then. All you need do is keep the food on the table, speak incessantly about myself and the delights of Pemberley and you should have no worries at all!" They both laughed at this simple recipe for success.

Finishing up their meal, it was time to move on and to return to the house and the guests who were so easy to please.

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