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Chapter Twenty-Five

I wonder why my cousin Darcy opts to visit us, when all he does is spend his time walking about our grounds? Mother choses to see it as the future master surveying his domain. I do hope it is not so. I would hate to have to do something drastic. No, I would not be strong enough to fight it, but he shows no inclination for me, or should I say more importantly for Rosings. You and Richard comfort me by telling me it is not his plan. But that is not my reason for writing, or should I say directing Mrs Jenkins to write to you. Our vicar, Mr Collins, has recently married and his wife has visitors, her sister and a friend. I think from your correspondence that the friend is the sister of your friend?! She is a very healthy looking girl and I believe spends much of her time walking about our grounds. D. has I believe accidentally been in her company at Hunsford, alone. It would not do for my mother to find out....

Kitty would have detested the tone of the letter shown to her, if she could concentrate on it.

"Well?" Georgiana looked hopeful, but all she received for her trouble was a wan smile. "Are you not well?"

Answering that question was difficult. There was nothing wrong with her health, or should she say her physical health! On the other hand, it did not feel incredibly elevating to suddenly realise you had quite possibly broken one man's heart, while being madly in love with another.

She had feigned a headache upon waking on Saturday, and had spent the weekend indisposed. It had been weak of her; she knew that and was determined to no longer hide from anyone.

It was easier, however, to do in theory than in practice.

After Clara had brought her home from the park on Friday, it had only been the work of a moment to sort out her feelings. It was like that moment of clarity when she had seen Mr Marshall with Lizzy.

Firstly, she had been mistaken with Giles; he was truly in love with her, or at least thought he was, which was just as painful. Secondly, those who told her she seemed inordinately fond of talking of Ash were right. Thirdly, whether they had guessed the cause or not, Kitty knew it. She was in love with him.

It was not complicated once you actually sat down and thought about it, and Kitty realised she had been avoiding that.

The reason, for that was not hard to find; while she was sure Ash liked her that did not necessarily mean anything. Lots of men, for instance, liked Jane, and Lizzy, and Lydia. Last time Kitty looked, none of them were married! Though obviously Jane was close!

It hurt to think that her feelings might not be reciprocated, that her feelings of dependence were not returned. She depended on him to tell her things, make her laugh and to be there. It was all so subtle that Kitty was not surprised she could have ignored it for so long.

Surely it did not make her the stupidest woman alive? After all, she had never felt quite this way about anybody before...was it so surprising she had not realised quite how she felt? Of course she could hardly have not realised how attractive...but she never dreamed that anything....and then...of course perhaps she was protecting herself from this awful feeling of knowing that ....

"Kitty?"

Kitty had forgotten Georgiana was still standing there. "No, Georgie, I'm fine."

Georgiana looked unconvinced.

"Really!"

Georgiana, put her cousin's letter away in her reticule. "What did you think of Anne's letter?"

"Anne's - ? Oh, yes. Most interesting."

"You did not read a single word of it, did you?"

"Of course I did - she commented on - and then talked about - "

Georgiana shot her a look that was part hurt and part annoyance.

"I'm sorry, I have had a lot on my mind." This statement only made Georgiana look more hurt.

Kitty could understand that, Georgiana had trusted her with her deepest secret, and here she was not even willing to talk about something that was a trifle in comparison.

"I kissed Mr Fancot and he now knows I'm not in love with him. Worse still, he knows that I'm not in love with him because I'm in love with your cousin."

Georgiana blinked and then swallowed a giggle. "Sorry, it's very tragic really...."

She didn't get much further before dissolving into laughter.

Luckily it was infectious and Kitty found herself laughing for no reason.

Georgiana moved over to sit with Kitty, and gave her a fierce hug.

"It was just how matter of fact you were!"

"Yes, I know," replied Kitty, wiping tears of mirth, but they were more than likely mixed with real tears.

" Are you in love with Ash?" Georgina queried. "I do not mean to suggest that you aren't, it is just..."

"Just?" Kitty looked confused.

"I did go to school for a while, but I detested it which is why I was in Ramsgate with Mrs Younge and..." Georgiana paused. "My cousins would visit the school, it was in Bath you see, so if they were in town...and I had a couple of school friends stay with me in the holidays. My friend and her sister who was three years older, and she, the sister, thought...I suppose she was...because she was sixteen, was in love with ....well... of course it was not reciprocated because she was so silly and...I expect he is quite used to having ...indeed Belle's friends used to try and twist their ankles....and then all those young ladies Fitzwilliam would tease him about..."

Georgiana trailed off, realising her remembrances were probably not what Kitty wanted to hear...indeed she looked very pale and Georgiana wished she had not said anything because she was sure that the circumstances were different. Though she did not know how to say that now without looking as though she was only saying it to make Kitty feel better. Georgiana felt so stupid.

Which was exactly how her friend was feeling, so stupid! Kitty had allowed herself to have a little fantasy, quite similar to the gothic novels she devoured from the circulating library, but now she saw that was all it was. A fantasy.

Even if she had a little hope that at least Ash liked her, it was best to expect nothing because...it would be so painful to ... She could hardly expect from all those other...that she would be...no it was silly. What was there to recommend her above all others?

"What are you going to do about Mr Fancot?" Georgiana decided the best course of action was to change the subject.

"Apologise?" said Kitty doubtfully.

Georgiana looked dubious. "Saying what precisely? 'I am terribly sorry that I'm not in love with you. Oh and that I kissed you, possibly making you think that I was?'"

It was Kitty's turn to look dubious. "I am sure that is just how I should phrase it!"

"How else could you phrase it? I do not think an apology will work, beyond perhaps saying you are very sorry for hurting him?"

"No, you are right." Kitty thought hard about how she would have felt, for example, if Mr Marshall had apologised for liking Lizzy.

She would have wanted to slap him silly.

Not that Giles - Mr Fancot had the luxury of being able to do that.

"Hopefully he will be civil, because if he cuts you then it - it won't create a scandal but it will make people talk."

"It's no more than I deserve."

Kitty slumped back in her chair; it was most unladylike but it was comfortable and more importantly it suited her mood.

Georgiana looked amused, but joined Kitty in her slouching. She slipped off her shoes and tucked her feet underneath her.

"Mrs Annesley would quite possibly go mad if she saw me now."

"Luckily, for us she is not here, and is unlikely to be so. Besides, who is going to call upon us? I can think of no one who would disapprove greatly!"

"Miss Bingley?"

Kitty snorted. "I doubt Miss Bingley would call upon me."

This was not entirely true as Clara had taken refuge in Kitty's sickroom on Saturday as Miss Bingley, for some reason known only to herself, had called to see how the poor darling was holding up.

"No, she does not appear to think too highly of your family. Perhaps she is jealous."

Kitty suppressed the urge to roll her eyes.

"I saw that, Kitty. I know you do not believe that anything is - I know I have to realise you know your sister far better than I do, but can you not allow a girl to hope? My brother has given up so much for me. I just wish he could be happy."

"Well, does he not return next week? As does Lizzy, so we shall know by next Monday."

Georgiana smiled. "Have I distracted you?"

"Partly, I wish you were out. Then you could distract me tonight!"

"I'm sure your many beaux will do that!"

Kitty mentally groaned when she thought of them. How happy she had been to be popular, to be even more popular than her sister. That was not entirely true because everyone in London seemed to like Jane, but it was not the same as Jane was clearly Mr Bingley's. Her court were the men who either simply admired beauty or admired an unobtainable woman because they did not have to even make an attempt to woo her.

Now, however, all the attention that she was likely to still receive made Kitty feel slightly ill. She had misjudged Giles; she would likely do it again to somebody else.

The last thing she wanted or needed was to see pain, hurt and suffering in another person's eyes because of her.

"Have I said something wrong?"

Kitty turned her attention back to her friend. "No. You have just reminded me I must make my position clear to everyone...well...the not being in love with any of my beaux part! I could not stand to hurt anyone else."

"Kitty," remonstrated Georgiana, "I do not think you have thought this through. It would be the same as apologising to Mr Fancot! Even I know that you cannot tell a group of men that you are not in love with them!" Georgiana paused. "Unless you are my cousin; Annabelle would be able to do it."

"So would Lizzy," Kitty sighed. "You are right, I shall just have to show them."

She had her opportunity the next day at Lady Ffourke's ball. Kitty seemed disinclined to dance, though she tried not to directly refuse anybody because that meant she would be unable to dance at all.

That would have presented a very odd picture; firstly because it was known that she loved to dance and secondly because she always had had partners at previous balls and parties. Though she felt she deserved some censure, the gossip and petty conversation that would arise from her spending an entire ball sitting down was disproportionate to her crime!

Kitty sat discontentedly, on a sofa in the card room. She was sipping a glass of champagne.

"Miss Bennet."

Kitty looked up at the handsome viscount who had sat down next to her and felt like glaring.

Of course, it was just like him, and gentlemen in general, to arrive just when one did not want them. When she wanted to speak to Ash he was not there; when she did not, well the answer was clear. How could she sit there calmly when....and he was just so frustrating, why could he not be like Mr Bingley then she would have her answer in his face in a second! Her anger and frustration took the edge over her fear that her feelings would show.

"My lord."

"What are you doing?"

"I am sitting, drinking champagne," said Kitty in a voice that clearly said - what do you think I am doing?

"I meant, Miss Bennet that I was standing over there." Kitty watched him gesture, beyond the card room, to one of the double doors that lead from the rest of the house to the ballroom. "And what did I see?"

"I have no idea," Kitty was feeling peevish, but curious.

"Firstly, I saw you walking very hurriedly in this direction," more hand waving," I assume to avoid Ffourkes, but then you seemed to come across Gilmore, so suddenly you turned. Then in this direction it appeared Sir Louis converged upon you. I can only assume it was his presence that made you suddenly interested in Lady Agatha Hagg and her cronies."

Kitty stared at him.

"Then you seemed to be attacked from two fronts by Basset and Soperton. Incredibly you managed to make both fronts smash into each other and be caught in Lady Blaketon's grasp. It was a movement worthy of Wellington. And now you are hiding in the card room."

Ash leant back against the sofa, with one arm draped along the back. "The question is....why?"

Kitty wondered what besides the truth would sound plausible.

"I have ..."

I have what? She thought. I have tired of their attention? No that sounded far too arrogant. I have no wish to break their hearts. That was the truth but now Kitty voiced it in her mind it too sounded arrogant. As thought she, Kitty Bennet, could capture the hearts of men at will. It was all very silly, as though any change in her behaviour would be less talked of than the behaviour in the first place. No she would just have to act to everyone as she had always had, no matter her feelings, and that went double for the gentlemen next to her.

"You have...?"

"I do not think I have to explain myself to you."

"That is very true. But, you should not act so rough and ready with them, it will leave you open to criticism."

Kitty barely attended to this, as she spotted Giles making his way across the room.

He should not be here, was her first thought. Surely he should be somewhere...no,... where else should he be? He had every right to be there.

That did not mean Kitty was in any way ready to meet him. At that time she wished she was Lizzy or Lydia or Mary! Or even Jane. All of her sisters would know how to act, in their different ways.

Kitty was sure, though, that only Lydia would have found herself in a similar situation!

"My lord? Are you ready to dance?"

Ash looked amused. He hadn't asked her to dance, but Kitty was hoping he wouldn't feel obliged to point that out.

He didn't. Now if they just moved this direction, thought Kitty, then she would avoid Giles!

However, Giles changed direction and inexplicably came directly over to them.

"Ashbourne, Miss Bennet. I hope that you are not engaged for this dance?"

Kitty blinked at Giles. Was he talking to her? Of course he had to be unless he wished to shock the ton by leading Ash out for a country dance!

"I am afraid, that I an engaged to Lord Ashbourne for this dance, Mr Fancot." There now Giles could feign disappointment and walk away.

Giles did not look disappointed. "Perhaps the next, Miss Bennet? Unless you are otherwise engaged?"

Kitty had moved past blinking to gaping. "No, I am free for the next."

Giles bowed and moved away.

Kitty clung to Ash's arm as they made their way from the rapidly dwindling dance floor. How she had managed to dance at all credibly she could not explain.

She had read gothic novels, she knew how scorned men were supposed to act.

Unless Giles was being a noble scorned lover?

Kitty shook her head. This was not a novel, this appeared to be her life!

"Fancot, I believe this is your dance."

Kitty felt that inward stab of annoyance, that she always felt when some action made it sound as though she was some possession to be handed about at a man's whim. Although, she knew it was neither of the men's intention and that for all intents and purposes she was under the control of men.

Kitty curtseyed as Ash took his leave and then she was left with Giles.

"Miss Bennet, you do not look very well, perhaps you would prefer to take a walk on the terrace? I think the air would do you well."

Kitty nodded. It would be worse than dancing with him, where nothing could happen, but she did owe him an apology.

She wrapped her arms around her as the night air made its presence felt.

"Giles, I - " she spoke softly not wishing to be overheard by anybody.

He held up a hand. "You see me, Kitty; I don't feel at all like shooting myself. I don't even feel much like shooting him. I hope that we - "

Giles paused as he leant against the parapet. "I hope that we shall always be friends."

"I do love you very much," Kitty blurted unexpectedly.

"But not enough," her companion sighed.

"No, it's not a matter of enough or amounts; it's a matter of kinds and ways."

"Very profound." Giles smiled at her wryly.

"I am very sorry."

"I know, but, well, a man likes to be crossed in love now and then. In a month's time I will be looking at all my married friends wondering why on earth I wished to join their state."

Kitty smiled, but gave Giles a light slap on the arm. "Are you suggesting that women are more trouble then they are worth?"

"Never!"

"Perhaps we should go inside; I would rather not be gossiped about further than I already am!"

Giles inclined his head towards the other end of the terrace. "We can claim we are playing proprieties."

Kitty looked past him and saw Jane and Mr Bingley talking closely. So much for Jane's claim she was avoiding situations were a marriage proposal might arise!

Kitty turned her back on the couple and looked down into the little courtyard garden that the terrace bordered.

Giles joined her. "Is that not Miss Bingley?" he whispered.

Down in the shadows, Kitty could see two females walking from further out in the garden towards a bench almost directly below them. Why on earth were they wandering around the garden in the middle of a ball? It was difficult to distinguish features but Kitty thought she could recognise Miss Bingley's necklace as it glimmered in the moonlight.

Voices floated up towards them, and Giles's assertion was true, it was clearly Miss Bingley.

"You see, I had no idea! She owns Netherfield that is the estate I was telling you about. Nasty environment! She, of course, only has it for her lifetime, and it is entirely in debt. No wonder little Miss Catherine is throwing herself at every rich man she sees, and Miss Bennet is tempting my brother!"

The unknown woman spoke up, "But surely their father..."

"Estate entailed away. They have no money and their aunt will be leaving her heir, whoever they may be, in terrible debt. It's a shame to see the ton so taken in."

At this point, it was obvious Miss Bingley's companion was unconvinced so Miss Bingley continued. "I saw the papers for myself. I was visiting poor Miss Catherine, who has clearly decided being ill makes her interesting, and Mrs Sutton left me in her incredibly small parlour. So it is hardly my fault it was the only reading material available. Poor dears. But Jane Bennet must not be allowed to marry my brother. The Bingleys were not meant to be united with the poor, the socially unacceptable and the foolish with money!"

Chapter Twenty-Six

Yes, my dear, it's all true. Is it not shocking? My sister and I are glad Mr Darcy is returning next week, so we can lay before him all the facts. We would like your opinion on the matter, nevertheless. Being the eldest of my family I cannot help but feel that Charles is my responsibility and to have him fall into such a trap. Jane is a sweet girl, and under any other circumstances! I suppose if he truly loves her...but if that were so he would not be persuaded away from her so easily....

Clara noticed Miss Dewhurst looking at her oddly and craned her neck the other direction as if she were stretching.

Clara felt no compunction in reading Louisa Hurst's private correspondence as her sister had felt no shame in reading hers!

Kitty had poured out the whole troubled story to her, leading to a most painful conversation at first, as Clara had no wish to discuss her finances with any of her nieces, especially not Kitty.

However, she had to allay the fears Kitty had brought to her. Clara had been shocked; she had never thought Caroline Bingley was stupid! Miss Bingley, Clara thought, was one of those women who thought they were so shrewd and clever; they were even smug about it.

She shook her head; it would almost be painful to have to enlighten her. Though Clara would only do that when it was beneficial to herself; after all, she could hardly miss the opportunity to make it known to Miss Bingley's acquaintance that, firstly, she read private documents and secondly, that she grossly misunderstood them. Fancy not knowing what having tenants in arrears meant. Of course, if every one of your tenants were in arrears then theoretically it was possible for you to have no money to speak of! So perhaps she should not be too hard on poor Miss Bingley.

But, adding this to the rumour circulating that Netherfield was only hers for her lifetime - Clara could see amusement or heartache looming on the horizon. She hoped it would be amusement.

Kitty looked over at her aunt. She wondered what Clara had been attempting to read on Mrs Hurst's writing table.

Giles had whisked her away from Lady Ffourkes' terrace, partly, Kitty surmised, because it was improper for them to be alone for any longer and party, because he knew her well enough to know she probably would have marched down to confront Miss Bingley.

She had no opportunity til the morning after the ball, to tell Clara of what she had overheard Miss Bingley telling her friend in the garden.

Kitty had dismissed most of what Miss Bingley had said as nonsense; she had read the papers in question herself! Nevertheless, she could not help but think of Clara asking for Ash's opinion and of the rumours circulating about the way Netherfield was settled.

Clara had explained that Mr Sutton had left her his entire fortune, apart from some minor bequests, and it was entirely at her disposal both during her life and after it.

That was all her aunt had to say on the matter, apart from instructing Kitty that it would be foolish and more than likely futile for her to defend Clara. This was something that Kitty had already realised! People believed what they wished to believe, and all their friends would not care! Not to mention that it did not negate the fact that Kitty herself was virtually penniless!

She would, also, feel too much like her mother, discussing money and property with others! Next she would be talking of Mr Bingley's £5000 per annum!

Listening to Miss Dewhurst speak glowingly of a recently published three volume novel, it was obvious that the discussion of estates and money was not a subject that would come up in conversation.

Or, Kitty amended, not in conversation where each young lady was attempting to display her most amiable side. She was sure privately every lady here would talk and think about such things. At least this gave her an opportunity to think of something else than...well, Kitty had thought about that even more and decided she would rather just... be near... Yes, be near all her friends and enjoy all their company and she would just have to cope when she returned home. Whenever that was likely to be...

"Miss Bennet, my niece tells me that you are quite a capable rider and are often seen in the park." Mrs Brockleton said to Kitty as she sipped her tea.

Kitty knew why Clara and herself were visiting Mrs Hurst. Clara declared that it did no good to avoid people who were gossiping about you, in fact it would probably leave you with no one to socialise with. But what Mrs Brockleton thought she would accompany by bringing her niece, Miss Dewhurst, to visit, Kitty did not know!

"I would say I was no more than competent, ma'am, but I enjoy it. I'm not much good at anything else really."

Mrs Brockleton smiled, "Well you have enough gentlemen willing to escort you and see that you come to no harm." Her tone held no reproach or malice, which surprised Kitty.

"My niece, sadly is a poor horsewoman, she needs practice. Perhaps you would consent, Miss Bennet, to let her accompany you on your next ride?"

Ah....Kitty smiled, realising from the sudden arrested look on Miss Dewhurst's face that it was probably a plan to throw her into the path of well connected, and above all, single gentlemen. Kitty recognised the signs well.

Mrs Bennet had once made Jane stand up, when only just sixteen, at her first ball, in front of a whole assembly of people, and sing. Twice. Mrs Bennet even made Jane sing a duet with the reigning Belle of Meryton.

Kitty had peeped out of the nursery; it was titled as such however with Lydia as an inmate it had been anything but. Jane had come home all pale and shaking and that had been hours later. Her mother had snapped at Jane that it was just what one had to do to be seen. It didn't matter if it was something distasteful to yourself, or that you had to socialise with young ladies you didn't like, if either threw you in company with single gentlemen then it must be done.

Kitty had always thought it was part of the reason Lizzy had insisted she be brought out the next season. Lizzy had always been Jane's champion, even if they both denied it.

Kitty shock her head as she realised she had not answered Mrs Brockleton. "I am sorry, of course I would love for Miss Dewhurst to accompany me if she wishes. Though I was just thinking of how rude some of my companions can be about my riding skill, I hope that would not bother you, Miss Dewhurst?"

Miss Dewhurst smiled, but the smile was plastered on her face, as her aunt glared at her. "I would be delighted, and no, they would not bother me."

It became obvious the next day that Miss Dewhurst was clearly a spirited liar when she had to be. While the gentlemen did not bother her, it was clear the method of her being able to be in the company of them did.

It did not help that her mount was clearly a wilful animal that sensed that Miss Dewhurst was unable to control her.

After several minutes, Kitty wondered if this was like when her mother sent Jane to Netherfield in the rain, for all the gentlemen were so attentive and had abandoned Kitty to plod along behind them as they tried to control Miss Dewhurst's horse.

"No, no, Miss Dewhurst, pull on this side..."

"Perhaps it would be best if you allowed me to lead your horse? I could easily do it while still mounted, and then you would not have to do a thing."

Kitty tried not to giggle at the looks of vexation as Vixen lived up to her name by attempting to chomp on Lord Ffourkes' hand as he reached for her bridle.

Kitty did not mind the sudden desertion of her court of admirers; how could she after she had tried to engineer it herself! Though Kitty had realised after some thought that perhaps that was not necessary, after all, nothing truly bad had come of her adventure. As long as she didn't do anything stupid, to allow a man to think she felt more than she did, ever again, she would have nothing to reproach herself with.

However the apparent desertion of other friends did trouble her. Miss Blaketon had just ignored her point blank. It was possible of course she had just not seen Kitty, since Miss Blaketon's riding habit included a thick veil. But there was no excuse for the other young ladies of the party, or indeed for Lady Blaketon in her landau!

"Ah, Miss Bennet," Kitty turned to see Miss Greysan approaching on foot.

"Good morning, Miss Greysan!"

"Is there someone you can consign your horse to? I should dearly love a walk."

Kitty nodded and allowed Clara's groom who had been trailing the group to help her dismount. Kitty asked him to tell Miss Dewhurst what she was doing, but it seemed that propriety did not matter as Miss Blaketon and her friends had joined the group a little further on the path.

"You seem very well, Miss Bennet."

"I am, and you?"

"Yes very well. I hope you do not think I am intruding, but I was very frank with you when we met - "

Miss Greysan paused.

"If you wish to be frank now, I have no objection."

"Thank you. I do wish to be frank. Gossip has reached our little circle, and I am afraid that - I wished to warn you that some of your friends may be a little colder to you than they have previously been."

Kitty stopped. "Is this gossip about my aunt and - "

"Yes," injected Miss Greysan, not seeming to wish to hear the details said out loud.

"Well, what is being said about my aunt is not true, but it is true that I have no money! My father's estate is entailed and I have four sisters."

Miss Greysan smiled. "I know that situation well! Though my mother has a comfortable settlement. I did not wish to see you slighted and not know the cause."

"Thank you, but I can hardly believe that anyone who is my friend will believe such nonsense, or have it change their opinion of me, or their behaviour. I have never once pretended to be anything than what I am! The gentlemen ..."

Though the gentlemen had abandoned her; Kitty faltered.

"Oh, the gentlemen will not care I assure you, for most of them do not mean - I beg your pardon."

Miss Greysan looked guilty, to be betrayed into almost saying such a thing!

"No it is quite right; I know that they all have no intention of asking for my hand! Indeed I think I would faint if any of them did! I would have no idea what to say!"

Kitty smiled, she had even chased Giles away before he could properly propose! If she were a sensible girl she should have allowed him to propose so she could practice how to behave when one received an offer. Though if she were following her own strictures, laid down when she first came to town, she should have accepted it! But she knew now she could only do that if her heart dictated she should accept, not just her head. Unfortunately her heart was screaming out for one person and she was sure he must just see her as the silly friend of his little cousin.

Kitty had assumed that Miss Graysan had been exaggerating in her warnings. By Saturday night when they attended a musical soiree and Kitty found herself alone on one of the sofas, she was forced to accept that Miss Graysan had not been exaggerating.

The last couple of days had been full of hectic social engagements. During each one of them it was forcibly borne on Kitty that something had changed.

Kitty had not presumed to see many of her gentlemen friends tonight. Sir Louis had condemned it as 'damn infernal caterwauling,' Mr Gilmore had claimed that harps gave him a rash and Giles refused to attend on the grounds that he may incriminate himself.

Kitty had no idea what he meant by that, but Mr Soperton told her he thought it was a reference to being forced to sing a duet with some young lady last season. Ash had been present at some of her recent social engagements and Kitty almost sensed that he was being protective of her. But his protective spirit, if that is what it was, had failed tonight. He had apologised in the park saying that he wished he could attend but - no just no.

In fact all the gentlemen present, save one or two, were either older, corpulent gentlemen, those much infatuated with one of the young ladies present, engaged gentlemen, or those too much under their mother's thumb.

However the lack of appropriate gentlemen did not explain the actions of the young ladies. Miss Jones and Miss Blaketon, as well as the Misses Hicks, had pretended not to know Kitty. Even Miss Dewhurst who had ridden with her only on Thursday seemed to have forgotten that fact! At least that is how it seemed.

Other young ladies who Kitty barely knew acted strangely towards her. Their behaviour did not hurt, but that of her friends did. Surely her financial situation had no bearing on how they behaved to her! She could have forgiven a change in the gentlemen's behaviour more than that, for despite them being friends, gentlemen did have to marry prudently, and being friends with a penniless girl would hamper those opportunities. Indeed a couple of them had suddenly become quite cool towards her, but it was nothing compared to the continued actions of the ladies.

She tried to look as though she did not mind sitting alone, both her aunt and Lady Matlock had been hemmed into a conversation with Lady Agatha Hagg and Mrs Goodwin. Annabelle looked as those she would have once or twice joined Kitty, but Kitty tried to surreptitiously signal her to stay where she was - beside her handsome fiancé.

She regretted this generosity when someone sat down next to her on the sofa. Sir Christian. Why he was invited and why he accepted was a complete mystery and, if Kitty read her hostess's face correctly, completely inexplicable to her as well!

"My mother and she were great friends, she felt obliged. I felt like a dreary evening. Does that answer your question?"

"I do not believe I said anything."

"No, but I could tell what was happening in that pretty head of yours. Is it so very bad now that all your friends have deserted you? You could hardly expect any less!"

Kitty looked sharply at the man lounging to her right. He was turned towards her, leaning on the back of the sofa, with his elbow hooked over the edge and his hand near his face. He clearly thought himself dangerous and seductive in that pose.

"Well? You could not. A young lady fresh from the country and such a success in town, when many town bred girls are not looked twice at! Then when such gossip comes along about her, of course they would take the opportunity!"

"I am hardly a success, Sir Christian."

"No, you are not an Incomparable, or a Toast, I shall grant you that. But you have raised the interest of more than one gentleman and such gentlemen at that. Why I have no idea. You are passably pretty and are no great wit."

Sir Christian said this so mildly that Kitty saw red. No one was looking at them, or at least openly facing their direction. This however meant nothing; the walls had ears in these kinds of parties. So Kitty smiled broadly at Sir Christian.

He looked mildly perturbed by this as though he expected some other reaction.

"How nice of you to say so, Sir Christian, I do completely agree with you." While speaking, she grasped her fan in one hand and brought it heavily across his knuckles. "Oh my mistake, sir, I thought I saw something creepy moving on the sofa."

Sir Christian glared as he sucked his abused knuckles. "I was only joking," he commented plaintively.

"I am in no mood to joke."

"I can see that. I thought you needed some cheering!"

"That was not a good method."

"I did not realise I was dealing with a vicious harpy!"

Surprisingly, most of all to Kitty herself, this did make her laugh. Sir Christian with his bruised pride and knuckles glowered at her.

"I'm not very sorry, so I won't say that I am!" she declared. "I wish however that I could hit almost everyone in this room with my fan. And it's not on my behalf, well not completely."

Kitty had been hurt to see that the tide of opinion had changed towards Jane and Mr Bingley. Not that they were very important to the ton as it was, but in those circles who had cared about the match, suddenly Jane was not a suitable match, or had entrapped him. She did not know whether Jane had even realised, though Kitty was smart enough to know that just because Jane did not openly display something did not mean it was not there. It made Kitty wish once again that courtships did not have to be played out in public.

Perhaps they should all be relocated to the middle of the ocean, but even then she surmised some ship would pass carrying judgemental sailors.

"It is all a mess."

Sir Christian smiled. "Of course it is. You could always use this opportunity."

"Use this opportunity?"

"And become a scarlet woman. Go to gaming hells, set up house, drink!"

Kitty rolled her eyes and Sir Christian sighed. "Worth a try, I'm sure I'll find a young lady who will do just that for me."

"No, you will find a young lady who makes you stop being a - scarlet - gentlemen, stops you from going to gaming hells, takes over your house and makes you abstain from drinking."

Sir Christian shuddered.

"Anyway I could not do that, even if I wished to. I have my sister to think about, and then Lizzy is returning on Monday. Oh and Mr Darcy apparently arrived this morning which is just another thing I need to worry about."

"You need to worry about Mr Darcy?! How many .... friends do you have!" Sir Christian looked amazed.

Kitty choked. "No, I mean, he does not like me, and I do not like him but Georgiana, his sister, is my friend and she will be hurt if we do not at least appear as if we like each other. Why am I telling you this?"

"My over-abundant charm?"

"Now you are amusing me."

Sir Christian smiled. "I'm glad I could be such a good substitute."

"Did...?" Kitty wondered if someone had asked Sir Christian to come for her sake. Had? A little hope flared.

"Not in so many words, but yes. Additionally, was a good way to prove I have more bottom than the rest of them! I am not likely to be scared away by a paltry harp!"

"Indeed."

"Though I would rather be where I was last night." Sir Christian dropped his voice, and said in an almost taunting fashion, " a hell....carousing, quaffing..."

Kitty looked speculatively at him, as the evening had progressed, she had realised why the gentlemen had found themselves engaged elsewhere. The musical talent was quite low, though there were the exceptions. To the annoyance of almost all, Annabelle could play and sing flawlessly. But the other young ladies did not confine themselves to playing a few pieces, but they also sang. One lady had even done a small dance. Then there were the duets!

The gentlemen were expected to listen enrapt, unless they wanted a glare from the turbaned dowagers ranged alongside them. Then they had to beg for another piece even if they would have rather thrown themselves off the balcony. The unlucky ones had to help turn the pages, or even participate!

Kitty was glad she was sitting as far away as possible. She knew she was barely passable on the piano and had not tried singing since her father asked her why she was scaring all their livestock away.

However at this moment Kitty saw her opportunity for revenge.

Miss Dewhurst finished her piece, received her glowing praise, and declined playing any more.

Kitty stood and moved towards the piano.

"Does anyone mind if I play?"

No one made a comment.

"I have been looking forward to playing all evening, especially since Sir Christian has agreed to sing a delightful song he learnt last night. Is that not right, sir?"

The look on his face was without price.

Chapter Twenty-seven

I feel myself called upon by our relationship, and my situation in life, to rejoice with you on the heavenly situation you are now experiencing, of which we were yesterday informed by your daughter Elizabeth. Be assured, my dear Sir, that Mrs. Collins and myself sincerely congratulate you, and all your respectable family, in your present celebration. I have always thought Jane a worthy and respectable young lady, and Mr Bingley a respectable, worthy gentlemen.

Having thus offered you the sincere congratulations of Mrs. Collins and myself on this happy event, let me now add a short hint on the subject of another; of which we have been advertised by the same authority. Your daughter Catherine, it is presumed, will not long bear the name of Bennet, after her elder sister has resigned it, and the chosen partner of her fate may be reasonably looked up to as one of the most illustrious personages in this land.

Let me advise you then, my dear Sir, to reward yourself as much as possible, to embrace your worthy children to your affection forever, and enjoy with them the fruits of their own beauteous nature. We hope to see much of all your family before long. Sincerely William Collins. 1

Mr Bennet blinked at the letter that reached his library in Hertfordshire. It had been sent late on Friday and had made exceedingly good time to Longbourn, arriving early Saturday.

That was put down to a male servant of Hunsford, who had gone with the new bride, needing to return to Hertfordshire to care for a sick mother. Though why Mr Collins had not sent the letter with Sir William or Miss Lucas was a mystery to Mr Bennet.

Indeed why had he sent a letter at all, he could have easily left a message with Lizzy. But therein lay the rub; Lizzy would not be returning to Longbourn, she had decided to remain in London.

This was not surprising, if Mr Bingley's courtship of Jane was going so well as for him to receive missives about it from his distant relations!

But he dearly wished his daughter was with him, firstly, to provide him with some much needed wit and, secondly, to explain to him what on earth Mr Collins was talking about.

He did not think Jane was even engaged yet and had heard no word about Kitty! Indeed, the possibly identity of the gentleman, if it was a gentleman, (there was the possibility of course that Kitty could run off with a chimneysweep) was a complete mystery to Mr Bennet.

Though he could not blame his cousin for congratulating him so precipitously, if two of his daughters were to be advantageously married there could be money and livings in it for him!

Not to mention that the family connections, and Mr Collins' boasting power, would increase ten-fold at least!

Perhaps he should go to London and see what all the fuss was about, but how to do that without arousing the suspicions of his wife? The last thing Jane needed was her mother helping her courtship.

Oblivious to the letter that her father had spent the weekend mulling over, Lizzy tried to conceal her displeasure at the plans being made around her.

Maria Lucas was practically bouncing with joy at the idea of a picnic in Richmond Park; she had already convinced her father to remain in London longer than he had expected, what more was one day for a picnic? Sir William had come up to London on business and to escort his daughter and Lizzy home. However he had fallen victim to his daughter's constant pleading.

Lizzy had no qualms with a picnic, though listening to the proposed guest list she would know very few people; it was the inclusion of Mr Darcy that alarmed her. She had confided in her eldest sister that very morning as she was unpacking her trunks from Hunsford.

Jane's reaction allowed Lizzy to feel less for Mr Darcy and for her own misguided judgements, but it did not mean she was at all capable of meeting in company the man she had so lately refused and abused roundly to his face.

His letter had explained much to Lizzy, though it hardly excused him from his attempts to separate Jane from Mr Bingley. Neither did his summary dissection of the faults of her family do anything to endear him to her.

She may agree, in principle, with some of his statements but they were her family!

"So is that settled?" Lizzy looked up at Kitty's voice.

What Mr Darcy had said about her was inexcusable; Lizzy could not imagine that Kitty without Lydia's direct influence would actively engage in the type of behaviour Mr Darcy had accused her of. It was just his contemptible feelings that no Bennet was good enough for anybody!

Though when Lizzy had spoken of it to Jane, Jane's comments had made Lizzy think twice; perhaps she did need to speak to her younger sister. On the other hand Kitty had tried to warn her about Wickham, and she hadn't listened, so why would Kitty listen to her?

"Lizzy?" Kitty's voice was petulant now.

"That sounds lovely." Lizzy replied, then saw Jane look curiously at her and wondered what she had agreed to.

"You do realise you agreed that it would be best that you took the carriage with Miss Bingley, and Mrs Hurst..." Jane whispered to her as their guests took their leave, all but their aunt and Kitty.

Lizzy groaned. "Detestable distraction!"

"I did think you were being particularly magnanimous," giggled Kitty. "I do hope we actually get to Richmond, this time."

Lizzy furrowed her brow, and then remembered Jane's letter about the aborted trip to Richmond that had ended in the Bingley's townhouse.

"I am sure Jane will not complain either way."

Jane blinked.

"After all, Mr Bingley will be there either way," replied Lizzy archly to Jane's blank look.

Jane blushed and tried to look disapproving.

"Yes, I am surprised he has not proposed already, even though I know how you feel about that, Jane."

It was Lizzy's turn to blink; she had not thought Jane would take Kitty into her confidence. It was very unlike Jane to take anybody but her into her confidence.

"I am, almost, confident that he does truly love me, and that he loved me all the time. He has several times, I think, I hope, nearly declared..."

Lizzy wondered if Mr Bingley was still worried about his friend and sisters' opinion. Perhaps she should not be thinking of Mr Darcy's plan as a failed plan, as it had seemed to her when Colonel Fitzwilliam had confessed it, not of course that he realised he was confessing anything, rather the Colonel thought it an interesting point of conversation.

"Why has he stopped?" Kitty could not understand it. Jane had, as far as she was concerned, been quite plain with her feelings.

Jane giggled. "I think he is worried I may form an attachment elsewhere."

"To anyone in particular?" Lizzy was curious, Mr Bingley was the indecisive type, and likely to be unsure of his own worth, but to think that Jane would - it was ridiculous.

"I think, he may still be worried that I have formed a liking of ..." here Jane smiled, "Lord Ashbourne. If he does think such a thing, I am sure it is all your fault, Kitty!"

Kitty gaped at Mr Bingley's stupidity and then went off into peals of laughter.

"Why would...." Lizzy was confused.

"There was some...subterfuge...at Lady Matlock's ball, which caused Jane to feel very embarrassed around Lord Ashbourne. Mr Bingley may have mistaken her blushes."

It was Jane's turn to blush deeply and confess, "I may have not undeceived him."

"Jane! London has turned you positively wicked!" laughed Kitty.

Even Lizzy found the idea of a wicked Jane appealing.

"As much as I find myself hating the idea of agreeing with a notion of Charlotte's I once condemned, perhaps you should leave him in no doubt of your feelings."

After all Jane was unaware of the other obstacles put in her way. Obstacles Mr Darcy was unlikely to remove, especially after her harsh words to him. Not that most of them were undeserved, thought Lizzy.

"No, I think you should flirt with Ash!"

Lizzy frowned.

"He would not mind, Lizzy!" exclaimed Kitty.

No, he would not, since, he had said he found Jane beautiful. Kitty briefly thought whether this latest idea would affect ....but she dismissed that quickly. Jane and Mr Bingley were more important than her own feelings, and she doubted that Jane's rather subdued idea of what flirting was would distract Ash from her. If indeed that was possible.

Kitty did not even know that his attention, apart from in a friendly, boredom dispelling way, was seriously directed at her. Part of her did not really wish to know...she was afraid of the answer.

"No! Absolutely not!"

Darcy looked horrified.

Bingley didn't understand at all why he looked like that. It was to be a lovely picnic in the countryside, nothing to object to at all.

Darcy would know all of the guests, well apart from Mrs Sutton and the Gardiners, so it was not as though he would be amongst strangers.

"But, it has already been arranged."

"You had no right to speak on my behalf!"

Bingley looked chastised and suddenly Darcy felt guilty. It was hardly Bingley's fault he wished to spend time with the woman he loved. He didn't know that his love's sister had just cruelly and pointlessly refused him.

If he was honest with himself, she hadn't done it pointlessly; she had believed the worst about him regarding one matter where he was to blame and another where he was not.

Though Darcy would not assign the word blame to what he tried to do between Bingley and Miss Bennet. He still did not believe that Jane Bennet loved Bingley, but he had to admit that one of the reasons he had attributed to Miss Bennet's behaviour had been removed, and yet she still encouraged him.

When it had been forcibly borne on Darcy, returning from Rosings that he would have to contend with three Bennet sisters, and an aunt, Darcy had felt like returning to his Aunt.

He could not escape them. He swore every word out of Georgiana's mouth was "Kitty;" Bingley was mooning about his beloved Jane; the Bingley sisters spat venom and gossip, and his cousin appeared to have appointed himself their gentleman escort.

"Darcy?"

Darcy blinked and tried to look apologetic. "I am sorry, Bingley, I am in an awful mood."

He hoped that Bingley would take his meaning and Bingley did, smiling. "And it is not even a Sunday! And I'm offering you something to do!"

"Very well, I am sure a picnic will be charming."

He just had to stay away from anyone with fine eyes.

Despite being a studier of human folly, the journey to Richmond, though made at a cracking pace, was insufferable.

The Bingley sisters' brand of folly was nothing new to Lizzy and it afforded her no amusement. They made snide remarks about her family and their future prospects.

She was happy when they finally spoke, quite knowingly; about a couple Lizzy knew nothing about. Lizzy could have easily kissed both Lady Annabelle and Lord Upton, and congratulated them on their forthcoming marriage, by the journey's end.

It may be inane chatter, but it was inane chatter that was unlikely to make her say something unwise. Though it did nothing to stop Lizzy occasionally looking over to watch one of the gentleman who rode with them.

Her feelings regarding him confused her; she felt she should apologise for her grievous error regarding Mr Wickham. Both Jane and she felt that one had all the appearance of goodness and while the other actually had it!

But she could not apologise, could she? Would it not be simply taken by Mr Darcy as a recognition that all else he said was also correct?

She wondered if any of her statements to him, had made him think as much as she was thinking of his.

He was. Darcy tried to look straight ahead as he rode along side one of the carriages. He could have chosen to ride along side the first carriage which contained his sister, but his cousins had been before him. He could of course chosen to ride next to the third carriage which contained Sir William, his daughter and the Gardiners, but Darcy did not feel up to engaging in small talk. Or hearing Capital! Capital!

He was glad to see that the Colonel had not lost his way of making Georgiana laugh, he had not seen her in such spirits for a very long time.

As it was Bingley was riding so close to the second carriage, he was surprised it had not run off into a ditch. He had been forced to call Bingley to account several times for it. Each time acutely aware that one of the carriage's occupants was probably attributing his actions to the worst possible motives.

But what was she to judge his actions? To judge him. He had done nothing to paint himself as the black villain she threw at his head in the groves of Rosings.

She could not expect him to rejoice over a family with such low connections and such manners. With the exception of the two eldest daughters the family was unable to behave to a standard expected in public. Even Miss Elizabeth would have to acknowledge that.

She could hardly expect him to wish that his friend be trapped into a loveless and unacceptable marriage.

No, his pride had nothing to do with it. Now he just had to keep telling himself that.

It was all he could do, when they stopped briefly to change horses, not to start at the younger Miss Bennet all but jumping out of the carriage to engage Ash in private conversation. What concerned Darcy more was the fact his sister was sitting watching all this with a laugh on her face.

Clara rolled her eyes when Kitty almost leapt back into the carriage and immediately started whispering with Georgiana. It took all of Clara's effort to pretend she didn't hear what they were saying.

"Well?"

"Well what, Georgie?"

"What did he say?"

"He did not say anything. I did not give him a chance!"

Clara began to wonder what exactly her niece had been revealing.

"How could he not say anything? It would be just like him to be so used to women flirting with him that being told another one would do so, would be of no interest to him. Abominable!"

Clara did not think her eyebrows could rise any further after that comment but they did.

"Well it is Jane! Her idea of flirting would be to ask him to pass the potatoes!"

"Does he know?"

"That she might wish to make Mr Bingley jealous? Of course that is what I told him she was doing."

Clara suddenly found herself, engulfed by a coughing fit.

"Aunt, are you quite right?"

"Yes, yes, but, please girls ,do not say anymore I do not think my poor heart could take it. Whatever is my niece about?"

Kitty vacillated for a moment but it was Georgiana who answered. "We decided that Mr Bingley might think Miss Bennet liked someone else just as much as him," here Georgiana broke into giggles and could not reveal that Mr Bingley was just alarmed about Ash, "If that is proved to him, surely that would make him propose."

"Or it could make him realise that he was not worthy of Jane."

"That's what Ash said," mused Kitty.

"I thought you said he didn't say anything," exclaimed Georgiana.

"I meant he didn't say anything I paid attention to! Well it will all come to naught, as if Jane could be that calculating. She would not be Jane if she was. Then again, I would have never thought she would leave Mr Bingley thinking there was a chance she liked Ash more than him!!"

They were almost at their picnic destination. Of course it was not a true picnic like the ones Kitty had at home, where they grabbed a rug and some food in a hamper and lazed around in a meadow somewhere. Often discarding items of apparel, nothing too indiscreet, but certainly not ladylike.

However on this occasion they had dispensed with the overloaded trundling cart with servants and furniture, they were to spread a rug out, even if that was degrading to the consequence of some of the members of the party. But they had not dispensed with servants, or prepared food.

Kitty also did not think that clothes would be removed!

1 Mainly Austen's words, but I had a little fun with them.

back to story

Chapter Twenty-Eight

There will be so much to tell when I reach home! A real lady, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, spoke so kindly to me! Telling me how to pack my trunk! We were invited to her house for dinner no less than nine times. And now I am picnicking with Lords, well a Lord! Mama and my sisters will hardly believe it. Neither will Lydia, though I am sure Kitty is keeping her informed. If Lydia were my sister I would be. Anne and Julia will be wild when I tell them. They are so handsome. Not Anne and Julia, but the gentlemen! And not just today, Lady Catherine had her nephews to stay, so unlike Hannah's prophecy - we were not just bored with Mr Collins. Mr Darcy improves on closer acquaintance, in both manners and looks, though I am still deathly afraid of him! But his cousin the Colonel was so affable and lovely...I hope to find out whether his brother is just as affable but I must close otherwise I will be asked what am I writing!

Maria Lucas closed her diary surreptitiously; she had sat down on a convenient tree stump while the picnic rug was laid. She watched everyone as they bustled about; most seemed comfortable with their environs, but some looked stiff and unbending. Miss Bingley stood like a rod next to Mr Darcy as they watched the rug being laid.

"Well shall we have our picnic first, or take a stroll?" The Colonel looked at the party and wondered why anyone thought this party would be happy company. Everyone appeared to have some quarrel with someone else in the party!

Darcy and Miss Elizabeth, never the friendliest of acquaintances, seemed to have had some quarrel because they were almost glacial with each other; most certainly not looking at each other.

In fact the Colonel was becoming unnerved; Bingley was most obviously in love with the eldest Miss Bennet. He was hoping this was a new love, as opposed to the re-emergence of a love that Darcy thought he crushed. That would be awkward. Especially since he, the Colonel, had told La Bennet all about it.

Darcy might be dashing, handsome and rich, but the Colonel did not think those merits would outweigh the fact he had tried to separate La Bennet's sister from his best friend. Unfortunately, he could think of nothing else but the revelation of that, from his own lips, that could have caused the frosty relationship between the two.

They had never been friendly but at least she had teased him, and he had borne it.

In fact if it wasn't for Darcy's staring, the Colonel may have doubted his conviction that Darcy liked her. He had come very close to taking Darcy aside and explaining to him that this wasn't the way one wooed a young lady.

The Colonel was shaken from his reverie by the party's unanimous decision to take a stroll. Well, it was a unanimous decision by virtue of the fact only two people voiced their opinion and no one opposed them.

Kitty had been one of those who had voiced their opinion with Georgiana surprisingly being the other. However both soon saw their plan of splitting people off into appropriate groups was not going to work. The party was far too segregated and too many people were working against them. So they disappeared off into shrubbery on their own. Kitty doubted very much if any plan involving Bingley, Jane or Ash would be possible under the forbidding circumstances.

"I think something, perhaps something my aunt has said or done, has upset my brother. He has not been himself since returning from Rosings."

Kitty nodded. "I don't think this picnic was a very good idea. Your brother does not look like good company, and neither is my sister! She has been very snappish since returning from Hunsford. Not to mention that Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst seem intent on ignoring half the party!"

Georgiana squeezed on Kitty's arm. "He has proposed! And she has refused!"

"Someone has proposed to Miss Bingley?"

"No! Fitzwilliam proposed to Miss Elizabeth! Though why she would refuse, unless she does not think such a short acquaintance could really be love?"

Kitty snorted at Georgiana's rather naïve view on the world, and her rather idealistic view of her brother.

"I do not think that is what happened."

"Well I think it is. How could we find out? Would your sister tell you?"

"No! Would your brother?"

"No, he thinks me too young."

There was an apologetic throat clearing from behind them.

"I am very sorry, but my dear, you are too young!"

Georgiana glared at her cousin. "You should not listen to private conversations!"

"I am afraid that being a Colonel, I have to listen to private conversations, in case they provide me with intelligence."

But Georgiana did not seem to be mollified by this joking conversation from the Colonel.

"Are you not going to defend your eavesdropping, my lord?" Kitty tried to steer the conversation away from the rocky path it was about to take.

Ash smiled. "I have nothing to defend myself from. It is hardly my fault that two giggly young ladies are having a loud conversation."

"Giggly!" exclaimed Georgiana, increasingly becoming agitated.

Kitty did not know what had brought on Georgiana's sudden attack of sensitivity; however, Ash seemed to sense his misstep but the Colonel tried to pinch his young cousin under the chin and was slapped away.

Kitty thought it would be best to ignore Georgiana's outburst.

"Perhaps you could be so good as to discover why your cousin is behaving in such a cold manner to my sister?"

"I am not sure that Darcy would confide in me." Ash's voice was even, but it still made Kitty roll her eyes.

"Is there something that is unique to your family that makes you so oversensitive?"

"Oversensitive? My guardians think that I am too young to do anything? Including choosing my own friends, yet they know I'm not too young to be seduced!" Georgiana turned and stormed off.

The Colonel looked distressed and turned to his brother for guidance and then seemed to remember something.

"Well, what things girls say!" He tried to sound jovial.

"Spare me, Richard. I know. Mama knows. Miss Bennet knows. The only thing I fail to understand in this entire business is why I am only knowing now, and not from you or Darcy?"

The Colonel's look of distress turned into a look that sometimes came into the face of deer as they spied huntsmen. Ash, however, looked furious.

"I - "

"Yes?" It was a dangerous tone.

Kitty had seen many arguments between the boys in the village and the Lucas boys and arguments were always more serious, at least while it was occurring, between brothers. Although both the Viscount and the Colonel were hardly boys, the tension was palpable. Kitty foresaw trouble especially when the Colonel lost his hunted look and set his jaw in a manner that reminded her very much of his brother.

"I think this is an entirely inappropriate conversation for a convivial picnic," injected Kitty, firmly. "You can discuss this later."

"I think it would be best if you rejoined the others, Miss Bennet," stated the Colonel calmly.

Kitty could see where this was going. Neither was likely to admit that the other had a point while in the heat of the moment. The result? Blood and then Mrs Sukey, the washerwoman, emptying her tub over the miscreants. Except there wasn't a Mrs Sukey at the present moment, just her.

"Right!"

However, that didn't seem to make a difference they were both still glaring at each other.

So Kitty stood between the two gentlemen and faced Ash, and meant to speak severely to him, but for the thousandth time in her life wished she was taller. She very much doubted she could prevent a rupture by speaking to the bottom of someone's cravat. Looking up she noticed he was paying no attention to her, but at least with her between them they could hardly start any childish behaviour.

This is ridiculous! She thought, so she stamped on his foot.

"Ow!" This got the desired reaction, well not that Kitty desired Ash to be hopping about on one foot looking pained, but it was good enough.

"Yes! I would like to point out my presence and the fact you are both behaving like school boys, and if I have to separate you like naughty schoolchildren, I will be very displeased. Now both of you behave, and take me back to the picnic. Georgiana will have made her reappearance quite a while ago!"

"Yes, well if I could walk, I'd quite happily offer you my arm. I would not have thought you could do quite so much damage."

"Looks can be deceiving."

"Indeed, now you will, I am afraid, have to lend me your arm."

Neither realised that in this exchange the Colonel was quite forgotten.

Georgiana had returned to the rest of the party who had not wandered off as far, instead congregating in groups.

Lizzy had accompanied Jane and Mr Bingley to the water's edge; Darcy was standing with Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley but watching Georgiana who was on her own; the rest of the party was admiring the rug.

"Yes, I believe the rug has survived many disasters," commented Clara, in response to some question from Sir William. "Are we ready to...picnic?"

Miss Bingley crinkled up her nose at having to sit down on the rug, and arranged her skirt meticulously. "Isn't this rustic? I expect, being from the country, you are quite used to being so rural?"

Jane was the only Bennet sister who responded, "Yes, it is so very nice and tranquil! I never understand the allure of the city with all its bustle. It's far more comfortable having a nice day like today."

"A day in the country does not have to be comfortable and tranquil, Jane," laughed Clara. "I remember once being on a nice stroll through the countryside and being quite disturbed by a hare."

Lizzy laughed. "Disturbed by a hare?! But, aunt, you grew up in the country, you must be used to creatures!"

"Indeed! Unlike myself, who hardly steps foot out of the city except for visits!" laughed Mrs Gardiner.

"Perhaps I should reveal that a fox was chasing the hare...and that the fox was being chased by an overzealous hound. Such a noise, first from the animals, then from the ladies!" There was a pause, "especially when we realised we had strayed into the path of one of the Leicestershire hunts."

This story met with laughter from most quarters and led Mr Gardiner to say, "But my wife exaggerates, do you not, Madeline, I enjoy fishing immensely and where could I do this but the country!"

"You enjoy fishing, Mr Gardiner?" It was so far Mr Darcy's only contribution to the discussion and it was not a promising line of conversation. He cleared his throat and continued, noting the gaze of most of the party, "I enjoy fishing for trout in my lake."

"Falling into your lake, more like," laughed the Colonel.

Miss Bingley giggled and then tried to stifle it.

Kitty stared at the only sign of humanity she had ever seen in Miss Bingley. "No! You cannot laugh in such a manner and not tell us why you were laughing..."

Miss Bingley looked amused. "I was just thinking of how very elegant Mr Darcy managed to appear afterwards, even with the addition of weeds from the pond!"

Mrs Hurst, Colonel Fiztwilliam, Georgiana, Mr Bingley and Ash could not withhold their collective memories of the incident any longer.

To Kitty's eye Mr Darcy looked as though he was going to take exception to being the laughing stock of the party, but he seemed to accept it with good grace.

"There was a great deal of mud!" he said defensively. "And I would have you know I take my clothes off now before swimming in my lake."

This was said while looking in Lizzy's direction, noted Kitty, before realising that he had done so and she could discern a blush rise on his cheeks.

"I meant, I remove my coat, obviously I do not..." Mr Darcy looked flustered.

"I think we understood you perfectly, Mr Darcy," said Mrs Gardiner, "now who would like some of this pie?"

Lizzy was wondering what had happened while she was away. When had her sisters been replaced by ...who knew what? Jane was smiling very avidly at all the gentlemen, obviously in an attempt to make Mr Bingley jealous, while Kitty! Lizzy hardly recognised the girl who had left Longborn those long months ago.

Lizzy wondered if believing Mr Darcy was the right thing to do; she knew he had to be correct regarding Mr Wickham, for now she had met Miss Darcy! Miss Darcy seemed shy, though while she seemed shy one moment she was bubbly the next. But she was nothing like her brother, and certainly incapable of wishing to hurt him in any way. Lizzy had heard enough of Kitty's mutterings to know Miss Darcy thought the world of him.

But was he correct in his assessment of her family? Were his feelings the feelings that would be natural to anyone in his circle? Certainly, even the Bingley sisters could be pleasant where they chose, but pleasant did not mean approval, real friendship, or acceptance. Was that how Lord and Lady Matlock felt? How their sons felt?

And why had Mr Bingley not proposed? Jane was being far more open than she had been at Longbourn, having longer to assess her feelings and compatibility with Mr Bingley. Was he waiting because he did not intend to ask for Jane's hand in marriage?

Mr Darcy seemed, when not looking at her, very intent on watching Kitty's behaviour.

Kitty seemed uninterested in the rest of the party once they started eating, instead talking in a low tone with Lord Ashbourne and occasionally addressing a comment to Miss Darcy.

Lizzy now had the leisure to properly observe Mr Darcy's cousin. She could see little of his brother in his countenance; she saw more of Mr Darcy. Both were dark and tall and could have a rather forbidding expression. Not that there was much of that at present, she saw more of the Colonel when he smiled and laughed. It was impossible not to notice how handsome Lord Ashbourne was, and what an attractive personality he appeared to possess, though Lizzy was not setting much store at the moment on first impressions.

No matter how handsome and attractive he was, Lord Ashbourne was Mr Darcy's cousin and both he and the Colonel had spoken of the importance of prudent marriages. Similarly, when the Colonel had made reference to his brother when at Hunsford it was in terms of such reserve that Lizzy was convinced Lord Ashbourne would never act in any matter contradictory to his own interest and that he was not above amusing himself.

Lizzy watched in something approaching horrified fascination when Kitty slapped his lordship's hand away when he reached for the last apple, and when he persisted tried to restrain his arm, all the while laughing and giggling.

Lizzy felt much like she had felt at the Netherfield Ball, by the way her mother, Mary and Lydia (and perhaps even her father) had displayed themselves. She tried to exchange glances with Jane who was quietly drinking and intently listening to Mr Bingley talk about something.

The viscount, seemed intent on teasing her sister, cutting slices off the apple and taunting her with them. He finally offered her one of the slices, speared on a knife, which Kitty ate straight off the knife which was still in his lordships possession.

"If you cut yourself, Kitty, I will show you no sympathy," commented Clara mildly.

"I will not cut myself!" retorted Kitty. "Besides, there is no more fruit!"

After eating the party was more convivial and walked off quite happily in groups to explore the surrounding landscape as the servants packed the carriages.

Darcy had known he would not enjoy this outing. At least he had the comfort of speaking to Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst. Georgiana seemed out of spirits and Darcy attributed to it something that Miss Kitty had said. After all it was only after she returned from a walk with Miss Kitty that she had suddenly become withdrawn.

Darcy also thought it was likely that perhaps Georgiana had been coerced into coming back to the picnic so that Miss Kitty could remain with his cousins.

Darcy blinked and walked towards the water's edge; was that the truth, or just his damnable pride?

He had never been one for self reflection; beyond the typical self questioning - Would studying the classics be a good idea? Would dancing with this young lady be a good idea? - which invariably lead to him answering himself in the positive. The only time he had ever thought strongly about his own character had been the incident in Ramsgate.

That was a little over six months ago and to receive another attack to his pride, his character, his very being, in such a short time, was unsettling to say the least.

"...your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feelings of others ..."

He could hear those words and that voice still ringing in his head. He hoped he had explained himself and acquitted himself adequately with regards to Wickham. Though he knew there was no explanation he could give that would appease Miss Elizabeth when she considered what he had tried to do to her sister.

Darcy was not a fool, he could see now it was more than just liking on Miss Bennet's part. He believed Elizabeth and he believed his own eyes.

Miss Bennet was acting just as a young lady in love should act, her sister on the other hand! Darcy could not tell if she was simply amusing herself with a flirtation or had like a string of young ladies before her fallen head-long into love with his cousin.

What Ash felt; Darcy had no idea, and was unlikely to find out.

Elizabeth was entirely likely to blame him if Ash broke her little sister's heart.

Whether that was possible Darcy did not know, but he was trying to think better of the Bennets and their relations.

Darcy was not going to remain blind to faults that had been so vividly pointed out to him by not only Elizabeth but by Wickham too.

Indeed, the Gardiners appeared to be thoroughly respectable, and Mrs Sutton reminded him far too much of Lady Matlock, and her cronies to be anything but a complete lady.

"And what are you thinking of, sir, so secretly?"

Darcy turned and nodded at Miss Bingley.

"Are you finding this picnic a complete bore? I own that your cousins are amusing enough, but I am all out of patience with the Bennet sisters monopolising their attentions. But to be sitting and talking to persons such as Sir William Lucas and his insipid daughter who were so taken with the rug. The rug, Darcy!"

Darcy gave a tight smile in response.

"You are not angry with me for laughing at you?"

Darcy turned. "Of course not, Miss Bingley. I would have laughed at me, if I were somebody else." There was a pause. "Besides, the party is not so tedious. The Gardiners seem excellent people."

"If you like that sort of person."

Darcy thought it best not to say anything more on that score. "I gather I am to soon wish your brother well?" It should have been me.

"Yes," sighed Miss Bingley," he seems determined, and neither Louisa nor myself would wish him unhappy. I had hoped that she would fall in love with somebody else, but she is very constant! Ah well, sometimes we do not achieve what we would hope for. Louisa and I talked on our little stroll, just then, and have decided we must separate Jane from her family. Then there will be little to complain about her."

"Apart from her complete lack of fortune," remarked Darcy. "I said before the Gardiners seem respectable, and Miss Elizabeth - "

"No, there is little to judge in Miss Eliza, though I find her impertinent. But her other sisters! I dare say you have heard how many young gentlemen enjoy the particular attentions of Miss Catherine! And her parents!"

"There is little material fault there..." After all Darcy tried not to be a hypocrite he could hardly fault Mr Bennet for his lack of control over his daughters, when he himself had almost lost irrevocable control himself! Though he did fault Mr Bennet's lack of attempt.

"If one could keep one's distance certainly, but as for the aunt..."

"Mrs Sutton?"

"Yes, oh you do not know do you? I had thought Louisa would have told you by now."

"Know what?" Both Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst had poured out grievances to him since he arrived home, but nothing of great import.

"Mrs Sutton owns Netherfield, only I hear for her lifetime, which makes her massive debt, no doubt from gaming - you have heard Miss Catherine has been prominent in the card rooms at all the balls she's attended, Sir Christian Montgomery has played with her, I think that tells you all - anyway what was I saying? Yes, which makes her massive debt inexcusable! "

"Mr Bennet will - " Darcy stopped, Mr Bennet would in all honour have to pay his sisters debts, but with his own land entailed....

"So you see? My brother does not know what he will gain when he offers for Miss Bennet, but we tried explaining that to him before! But I do not think even Charles would be enough! So you see we must separate Jane from her family!"

Darcy's head was spinning; certainly neither Miss Bennet nor Elizabeth could know of their aunt's debts, but surely Miss Kitty would have to, unless she was blind and stupid. Before, he would have easily attributed those faults to her, but now he was not so sure.

"Did you say Sir Christian Montgomery?"

"Yes, she played for him at a soiree, quite putting him out of countenance I heard! She asked him to sing a song he learnt the night before, and you know of him too well to guess where he had been the night before. She seemed inordinately pleased with herself that night so she could hardly have not known where he had been!"

Darcy said nothing, glaring at the water.

"I do not think she is very significant, she is only a silly girl, who thinks she is accomplished enough to flirt with all the young men in town and marry your cousin!"

Miss Bingley laughed. It was a ridiculous notion.

Darcy curtly nodded to her as he stalked off, looking in a foul temper.

Miss Bingley furrowed her brows. What had she said to put him in such a passion? He was friends with Charles, but surely he saw the affection between him and Jane, and that Charles stood in little danger of being forced to tow Mrs Sutton out of the river Tick. It was the only time she had ever been grateful Charles was not richer! Also Charles needed that money to buy his own estate, and since he had practically promised their father he would do so, it was unlikely his conscience could allow him to substantially reduce his principal to save his wife's father's sister!

It could of course become unpleasant with constant applications certain to happen, but between herself, Louisa and Darcy they could bring it off, and allow Charles to marry what appeared to be his love. She derided his choice and would have chosen for him better, but he was her brother and she wanted him happy.

Perhaps Darcy was worried that some other gentlemen would become entrapped, and be used for his fortune? There was a difference between Jane marrying Charles for love, with the bonus of his being wealthy, and one of her sisters trying to land a fortune.

Miss Bingley shook her head. Men confused her! She could think of no one that Darcy would care about; he cared for so few people, that there was no one who would be in danger that he would possibly care what happened to.

In fact no one was in danger, except for perhaps that Mr Fancot!

It was a mystery and not one that taxed Miss Bingley's brain for long; as long as he was not upset with her, he could be upset with an entire army for all she cared.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

If I were you, my dear brother-in-law, I would come down immediately to Whites because there is such a sight to be seen! Make haste! I do not know what happened today at Richmond, but I have never regretted lying to my wife more, because if this is the result! Now I shan't tell you directly what it is, for that would be spoiling a very good joke, but it involved a close friend of yours and what appears to be a lack of ability to keep his drink or his thoughts in his head. Yours etc. Hurst.

Mr Hurst sent the young servant boy away with a quick wave and a promise that Mr Bingley would reward him handsomely for the prompt delivery of the note.

He was in a prime position, while Darcy was in a private room, where Mr Hurst sat allowed him to see through the partially closed door. But even if he could not see, he could still hear. While Darcy was alone and pacing about most dreadfully he occasionally uttered words aloud. Mr Hurst could only hope that soon someone with whom Darcy would actually converse would appear on the scene, whatever had put him in such a rare taking would obviously be a far superior story to the ones Mr Hurst was reading in the newspaper.

As for Darcy, he was feeling wretched. He could not indulge in any of this behaviour at home, for Georgiana was there and would ask him questions, ones he would prefer not to answer. Especially to her. Not that she appeared to be speaking to anyone at this present time.

He had ridden all the way home, in front of all the carriages, thinking. Well his mother would have called it stewing; she always told him it was not healthy to wallow in thoughts too much. It was the one maxim of hers he could always remember; his beautiful but pale and fragile mother, saying, "You think too much, my darling boy. You start out with one drop of water and end with an ocean."

His father's maxims he could much more easily remember the exact moment and manner in which he delivered them. There was much to uphold in a family name; one is important; one should control one's path; vanity is a weakness and pride is not, for we have much to be proud of.

Darcy had felt deceitful when he had attempted to conceal Miss Jane Bennet's presence in town from Bingley; he was speaking the truth when he told Elizabeth he felt that deception was beneath him.

He prided himself on bluntness and frankness; it was what had made him offer marriage to her. He could not stand by and watch her without revealing his intentions. But to find that her family seemed adroit at deception and subterfuge angered him. To pretend to be what they were not!

He had worked himself up into an anger that perhaps was not justified if he was honest with himself, but to allow oneself to be open to gossip from society was just ill mannered!

"Darcy?"

Darcy turned to see his cousin had entered the room, had closed the door firmly behind him, and was looking troubled.

"Richard, is something wrong? Georgiana...?"

"No, there is nothing wrong with Georgiana, though she is upset ...I did not grasp this morning why she was upset, but I think I understand now."

Darcy snorted, he knew why she was upset; her friend had behaved badly to her.

"Did she tell you? ...She would not talk to me this afternoon."

"No, but at Richmond, she was vehement that she was no longer a child and did not wish to be treated like one. I am afraid I made it worse by pretending to humour her." The Colonel looked at the back of his hand, "She slaps like a woman at least!"

Darcy ran his fingers through his hair. "I know she is not a child! I just wish she still was, so I did not have to worry..."

"You are not the only one with that wish, but I think she has changed much these past months. I do not think she was materially....changed...by what happened at Ramsgate. It is the influence of Miss Bennet, I am sure."

"An influence that is likely to do her more harm than good in the long term! If she was so - " Darcy failed to find a word that described his sister's behaviour at the picnic, if she had slapped her cousin! - "then I cannot find it a good change!"

The Colonel frowned, he did not agree that the change in Georgiana was not an improvement; he thought her behaviour might be more to do with his and Darcy's protectiveness. It was they who had to change their behaviour!

Darcy poured himself another brandy and screwing up his face, drank it fast and poured himself another.

The Colonel wondered how to bring up the painful conversation he had had with his brother upon their return from Richmond. He was infinitely grateful to Miss Catherine Bennet, for employing whatever method necessary to prevent their conversation at Richmond.

He had a feeling that he would have been nursing a sore face, and the impossible task of explaining such a face to the rest of the party, if they had both given into their anger then and there. Of course it was possible that Ash would have been in the same situation, but since his elder brother had several inches and pounds on him, not to mention a predilection for training at Jackson's, the Colonel put no reliance on that.

As it was, the Colonel had certainly not come out the victor of their verbal sparring.

But the Colonel was not sure that Darcy was quite up to hearing of what had occurred, especially since there was something clearly weighing on his mind. He had not seen Darcy imbibe so much brandy in public since...well...he did not even do so when his father had died.

"Darcy, what is wrong?"

"Wrong?"

"You have not been yourself since that last day at Rosings. I beg you would tell me what happened to ...put you in such a mood."

"She refused me!"

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet?"

"Yes. You knew?" Darcy looked alarmed.

"I had a feeling you felt something for her, but it was only my very good knowledge of you that made me realise it. I doubt anyone else would, unless your behaviour while at Netherfield was marked?"

"I insulted her."

"While you proposed or while at Meryton?"

"Both."

The Colonel sat down, and watched his cousin pace around.

"I know, what you are about to say Richard, I have behaved abominably."

"I would have said stupid. If you want a young lady to marry you, abusing her is not the best plan."

"Well she abused me as much as I abused her. And I cannot, sometimes, think but what I said was correct. She has no connections! Why should I not be concerned about that? Her family! Why should I not be concerned about their behaviour?" Darcy took a deep breath. "And she dared say that I had wronged Wickham! Of course I had no course but to tell her the truth about him! She may apply to you to make sure it is the truth..."

The Colonel saw his opportunity. "She may not be the only Bennet who knows about Wickham..."

"Well of course I expect her to tell her elder sister ..."

"I meant that....Georgiana has confessed all to Miss Catherine...and to Ash....and to Lady Matlock...."

Darcy looked thunderstruck. "She did what? Her? Why? Did we not try to keep this betweens ourselves, for her protection and she tells a - a - a - "The fact that it had spread beyond Miss Catherine Bennet did not register with him.

The end of this thought was not voiced, because the door opened. It was Mr Hurst and Charles.

"Ah there you are!" Mr Hurst said jovially, he had been very disappointed when Colonel Fitzwilliam had arrived and closed the door, thus preventing any further overheard utterances. Charles' arrival however allowed him to open the door again, for the benefit of those logically congregating outside the door.

"Would you like to join this bet that some of the fellows have put up?"

Charles just looked confused, but the Colonel tried to shoo Mr Hurst away.

"You see, even though it has to be a very secret bet for obvious reasons, we have put money on whether Miss Bennet will get her man!"

Charles stared - "You cannot put money on Jane!"

"Oh not that Miss Bennet!" laughed Mr Hurst. "You would not even get odds Charles! I meant that little pretty one! What's her name - Cathy? Catty? Kitty? Catherine!"

Charles felt less annoyed, though he was sure Jane would insist he keep her sister out of betting books.

"So, what will you put on her becoming Lady Ashbourne within the next couple of months? After all you would know him best? Likely to come up to scratch?"

Darcy looked furious. "Marry her? Marry a girl like her? Marry a family with no fortune, no connections and no concept of how to behave in society? A girl who has a virtual harem of suitors? Who knows what she has promised them! A girl whose aunt is quite happy to show her face in society when she is so far up the River Tick, that she is at point non plus. My cousin would be a fool to saddle himself with such a millstone around his neck. And you know my cousin is not a fool! Marriage! As though he would thinking of that."

Mr Hurst looked startled. "I shall put you down as a monkey on 'no' then shall I?"

Charles gaped at his brother-in-law and since he knew that look in Darcy's eyes meant that Hurst was a split second from receiving a punch in the jaw, hurried him out of the room. Sadly, his prescience did not allow him to think it wise to shut the door.

"Darcy, was that wise? I know you may be angry with all Bennets at this present moment but..."

Darcy sat down in a high backed arm chair and sighed. He had disclaimed to having any true character faults to Elizabeth that time at Netherfield, but perhaps he should have confessed one - the fact that his mouth should remain resolutely shut when he was in a passion.

The Colonel took a breath, "And there is someone I know as well as you, that I know his feelings on this matter..."

"Why would you be angry with all the Bennets?" Charles looked confused and one step behind the conversation.

But Darcy had no time to answer that question, as another gentleman arrived.

"Mr Darcy. A word."

Darcy blinked at the newcomer who, realising that Darcy did not know who he was, passed over his card.

"Mr Fancot. I would say I was at your service but I, most assuredly, am not."

Lizzy looked at the stockings, they seemed of reasonable quality and quite a bargain.

But not even an innocent shopping expedition could distract her attention from her troubles. Kitty had asked her directly as they parted the afternoon before, if something had occurred between her and Darcy.

She had evaded the question, but if Kitty could perceive that something was amiss, then it was not long before others did. She did not know if Kitty had jumped to the right conclusion, but others certainly would manage to hit on the correct notion!

What if her mother found out? She had been so vocal in her disapproval of Lizzy's refusing Mr Collins, that her displeasure at her second child's refusal of yet another proposal would be great. She would not understand that nothing but the very deepest love could induce Lizzy into matrimony. She knew that she could not marry someone penniless, she would have to marry to please her family in that respect, but she would not marry someone just for their fortune.

But even she had to realise Darcy had more good qualities than just his fortune. He was a devoted brother, and those close to him had nothing but good to say of him. Perhaps it was their total blindness, but Lizzy was more likely to attribute it to the fact his bad qualities were more easily seen by those who had nothing to excuse them with.

The bazaar was crowded and Lizzy had lost sight of both her sisters, then she heard a laugh she could distinguish as Kitty's and moved towards the sound.

Kitty was standing with Miss Darcy and a taller dark haired young lady.

"Oh Lizzy, you must meet Lady Annabelle. Belle, this is my sister Lizzy."

"It is very good to meet you, Miss Bennet," smiled the young lady. "My brother has done nothing but sing your praises."

Lizzy had thought that she was a Fitzwilliam, but now she knew. "Your brother is too kind."

"I know both he and Darcy enjoyed having other people at Rosings this year. My aunt's sole company can become trying."

Lizzy turned to try and see Jane. "I am sorry, but I have lost my sister!"

"Oh let us not see if we can find her! It should not be too hard, she is so very beautiful!"

Lizzy found herself being led in a direction by Lady Annabelle leaving Kitty and Miss Darcy to whisper amongst themselves.

"Are you enjoying London?"

"Well I have not seen that much of it."

"I am sure you will! Both your sisters are much admired, so no doubt you will be too! I find it fascinating that all of you are so different from each other!"

Lizzy nodded, while craning her neck to try and spot Jane.

"Is there any gentleman that you particularly like in London?" Lady Annabelle sounded coy, so Lizzy was suspicious. "Oh, do not be offended, it is just my brother, the Colonel, is quite sure my cousin admires you."

Lizzy tried not to choke. "I am sure that would be quite an honour," she put as much emphasis on that last word, assuming that Darcy's family would feel the same as he did.

Lady Annabelle laughed. "Of course it would not be! If it is true, and you chose to admire him, then really, he should be honoured! My cousin is not a very...I suppose perhaps you should be honoured, though I would not use that word, if he was to unbend in front of you, for he is always so very stiff and formal in company. But I should not like such a man as my beau."

Lizzy tried not to look as though the topic affected her in the least.

Miles tried to keep awake. He had arrived at Ash's lodgings to accompany him to Mantons but Ash had unexpected business to attend to. In fact Ash appeared to be in a mood; Miles had a fair idea what was troubling him, but knew better than to ask.

Though he had to admit sifting through old magazines was far more pleasurable than listening to his mother beg him to recant his engagement. This morning she had told him perhaps he was insane, and that was a good reason for not marrying Belle.

Miles had a fair idea just who was sane and insane in that conversation.

"Why do you keep all these papers!" exclaimed Miles as he unearthed an 1804 edition of the Sporting Magazine which was lying beneath an 1805 edition of the Gentleman's Magazine.

"Historical Integrity," replied Ash as he signed another paper.

"It's not because you are constitutionally lazy then?"

"You should not complain; if you are not careful next time you call there will only be Fordyce's sermons to read."

"You are an appalling host."

"Well I said I would follow you onto Mantons, you did not have to remain here."

Miles smiled. "But then I could not annoy you thus, could I?"

Ash rolled his eyes and turned back to his next letter.

There was a knock at the door, and presently Ash's valet appeared at the door.

"A gentlemen to see you, my lord?"

Ash looked up, "Who is it?" He looked vaguely annoyed, having told his valet to deny him to anyone who asked for him. It was difficult enough to concentrate on these papers with Miles present let alone anyone else.

"A Mr Fancot, he said you would see him."

"Of course, show him in."

Miles raised an eyebrow. "Now I am glad I did not go to Mantons. Shall I be witness to considerable entertainment?"

"I doubt it, Fancot and I understand each other."

"That we do." Miles looked up to see Fancot had entered the room, in time to hear Ash's statement.

Ash greeted him and offered him something to drink.

Fancot indicated he would get it himself.

"That is, if you can find it!" laughed Miles.

Ash re-seated himself but faced the room instead of his desk, lazing back in the chair, playing idly with a quill. "So to what do I owe this pleasure?"

"Your cousin, Mr Darcy."

"Darcy? What ..." Ash paused. "No, I will not ask pointless questions for I am sure you will explain yourself."

"Last night at Whites, your cousin was present, holding a private conversation in a room with your brother."

A grimace passed across Ash's face.

"Seems straightforward..." commented Miles.

"Before your brother arrived, Darcy was occasioning some interest from other members. He seemed agitated so there was quite a congregation outside the room."

"Naturally," said Ash.

"Naturally," echoed Miles, "would have liked to see it myself!"

"So while the Colonel had closed the door, the gentlemen amused themselves by opening a bet on a subject that I am quite sure is one you would not like to see as the subject of bets."

Ash nodded.

Fancot seemed to find it easier to focus on an etching of a horse that hung above the mantelpiece than look at either of the other occupants of the room.

"Of course, Hurst took the opportunity to take the book to find out whether Darcy or your brother would bet."

"Clever way of finding out the odds!" smiled Miles.

"Yes, but Darcy decided to give his decided opinion of the young lady in question. "

Ash leant forward and looked interested, "And?"

"And, if I had any right to do so, your cousin would be currently picking his seconds."

No reaction was forthcoming from Ash; he merely leant back in his chair observing his guest.

"Perhaps an unwarranted reaction, but I would have felt it necessary." Fancot's voice was tight.

"As much as I am sure it disgusts you, I would like to know exactly what he said. But first," said Ash indicating the bottle of porthidden under yet more papers, "if I were you, I should actually have that drink."

"So, Jane, did you find the lace you needed?" Kitty finally managed to ask her sister as they reached Gracechurch Street. Lizzy had been walking close alongside Jane and whispering to each other all the way home. Though Lizzy would have called it talking in a low refined tone; Kitty would have called a spade, a spade.

"Yes, I did." Jane showed her the packet, but prevented Kitty from opening it. "Patience!"

"I have none!" retorted Kitty.

They entered the Gardiners's door and almost immediately, Lizzy cried out "Papa!"

For there stood Mr Bennet.

There was some confusion as he kissed all his daughters and teased them, in differing ways.

"You gave us no notice of your coming!"

"Perhaps I did not wish to warn you!"

"Why have you come?"

Kitty sat down quietly, hoping that her father was not about to announce that he was here to take them all home, but fearing he was.

"Well I thought it about time that my house was full again!"

Kitty felt like crying. So this was it, everything that she wished and hoped might happen would not and...she was going back to Longbourn where there was nobody there that even...came close.

"But then I received a most alarming letter from my cousin, announcing that two of my daughters were to be most advantageously married!"

Kitty looked up, confused, in time to see Lizzy blushing almost bright red. Perhaps Georgiana's assumption was not so silly?!

"While I know the identity of Jane's lover, who is the lucky gentleman, Kitty?"

"Me!" exclaimed Kitty. "No - no one," she stuttered. Why on earth would Mr Collins be writing of her!?

Mr Bennet laughed. "I am disappointed! But I expect Mr Bingley will avail himself of my presence in town very shortly!"

Kitty did not know what to think.

Darcy sat quite still in his study. His cousin had arrived that morning to continue their discussion from last night in a more rational manner. But Darcy was not in any state to hear him.

Charles was barely speaking to him, having comprehended that Darcy while encouraging him to break all contact with Jane Bennet, had proposed to Elizabeth!

Darcy had a feeling he had almost been challenged to a duel by some gentleman called Mr Fancot last night.

It was probably for the best that he stay quite still in his study for some time more. He had time to reflect on his outburst of the night before, he knew it was uncalled for. He should be glad his sister was recovering, and that ....no he could not be glad for that, for all it would do was torment him further. He would be related to her.

The knocker sounded and Darcy groaned. The Colonel, who had been reading near the window, gave a low chuckle.

"Too much brandy eh Darcy?"

The door opened, and Ash strode in.

The Colonel stood up, while Darcy merely winced at the door banging behind his cousin. With interest and perhaps some dread, the Colonel noted Ash's pistol case.

"Going to Mantons? I think I'll accompany you, Darcy is terrible company."

Ash threw the case down on the table, causing Darcy to jump.

"Give me one good reason, Darcy, why I should not put a bullet through you right now. "

Chapter Thirty

...Please find enclosed your vouchers for Almacks, I have included them for all three of your nieces, though I take your word for the behaviour of the second, not having an opportunity to examine her myself. I feel it necessary to say that while neither I nor any of the other patronesses believe any of the rumours circulating about yourself, in fact we know it to be untrue; it does not do your nieces any good in finding husbands! In other words, my dear Clara, while I understand your reticence or should I say lively sense of humour that keeps you quiet, I would do your utmost to squash such rumours! Yours etc& Sally Jersey. P.S I apologise that these reach you the morning of our first ball, but so much to do!

Clara rolled her eyes. She had not mentioned the balls at Almacks to Kitty, in case for some reason the vouchers had not come. Clara had no dependency in her former friends not believing some of the gossip was flying about town. It had been ten years and she knew how rapidly circumstances could change. And she knew how jealously the patronesses guarded Almacks' supremacy as a Marriage Mart and as having a most exclusive membership.

But it was most vexing because of course her three nieces were currently across town and hardly in the proper state of mind to even think about going to Almacks! After all one social misstep in Almacks....! And it was so easy to do so; Almacks was like stepping back fifty years when one entered its doors, fifty years ago with bad food and drink. They would have to have a hearty dinner.

Clara wondered if Mr Bingley had access to Almacks; Jane would suffer from his non-attendance, but the lack of Mr Bingley would be made up infinitely by the lack of his sisters.

Darcy had stood after his cousin's outburst, blinking almost owlishly at him, but it was the Colonel who spoke.

"Why," he said with a laugh in his voice, "would you need to put a bullet through Darcy?"

Ash raised his eyebrow, "I would have hoped that as my brother you would be more astute than that. However, my conversation is not with you."

"Well, if you think I am going to leave the room while you are in such a mood, you are mistaken! I know you too well!"

"Do you, dear brother?"

Darcy thought it best to intervene, "What precisely have I done?" Darcy had a feeling he knew what that was, but how Ash had found out...

No, that was a silly question to ponder; everyone knew everything in London, which was part of his frustration.

"Perhaps I should refresh your memory, it was only last night, but I have been informed that you may not remember it..."

Darcy stiffened.

"...though I would expect you would remember telling the whole of Whites your very commonplace opinions."

"I did not tell the whole of Whites!" exclaimed Darcy. "Neither do I have commonplace opinions."

"Perhaps I should rephrase, a large number of gentlemen who are members of Whites were privy to your comments, whether you told them directly or not. "

"Yes," replied Darcy, tersely, "I am sorry for that, but my opinion on the subject remains unmoved." Which was not entirely the truth, but Darcy was not going to eat his words.

The Colonel looked wary; Darcy was too proud for his own good. "Darcy has suffered a disappointment; you cannot expect a man to behave rationally after that!"

Darcy glared at the Colonel.

"A disappointment? I am glad to see Miss Elizabeth Bennet has taste," smiled Ash.

Darcy clenched his fist, but his cousin was not finished yet, "after all I expect she questioned your motives. I know I would considering you seemed so determined to separate her sister from your friend. Are your objections to this family entirely rational, Darcy?"

"Rational? Of course they are rational! You could hardly say they were of our sphere..."

"And I thought marriage was about respect. Very respectful, Darcy."

Darcy glared. "Damn you." Then he turned to the Colonel. "And Damn you too. That was private information."

"Ah yes, you do seem very concerned about private information, Darcy."

The Colonel's eyes widened, he had not managed to make sure that Darcy had comprehended last night that more than Miss Catherine Bennet knew about Georgiana and Wickham. He tried to warn his cousin with very speaking hand gestures that he was about to dive into even murkier waters, but Darcy was not watching him.

"Of course I am, do you expect me to wish to see my private affairs gossiped about?"

"You have no problem advertising mine to the world?"

"I was hardly doing that!"

"You were. I would not have minded if you were just talking to Richard; after all what else are family for?"

"I am glad for that," said Darcy ironically, "I would be gutted indeed, if I could not speak to anyone."

"But it does occur to me, that perhaps one should rely on one's family during times like these."

"Of course," Darcy was confused at sudden change in tack.

"Unless, of course, one thought ill of one's family. Thought that perhaps they would judge harshly and unnecessarily? I hope you do not think that of me? Or perhaps my parents?"

The Colonel could see where this was going and groaned, but nobody took any notice of him, and he did not quite know what to say that would not inflame the situation.

"No, I have always trusted your judgement, and that of your respected parents. I will confess I would not admit my Aunt Catherine into my confidence, but you would understand the reasons for that."

"Yes I do. So you have no quarrel with me? I am glad to hear it."

"No. You are my cousin. I have always admired and looked up to you?" Darcy was well and truly confused now.

"I think, perhaps we should all have a brandy now that we understand each other so well," said the Colonel, desperately trying to catch his brother's eyes, but it was pointless; Ash was out for the kill.

"So your lack of disclosure about Wickham and Ramsgate was what? Feelings of shame? The realisation that you were such a poor guardian? Or was it you were ashamed of your sister? "

Darcy felt as though he had been punched, how did...? Then he remembered the Colonel's words that had barely registered with him of the night before.

"You just said you trusted and respected me, so it must be one of those reasons, Darcy. Which is it?"

Darcy felt anger well up inside of him, but felt unable to speak.

"I think you are being quite harsh," the Colonel tried to interject.

"Harsh? Why was my cousin even at Ramsgate, alone with a woman who you were deceived in? Why were you deceived in her? Why was Wickham, a known scoundrel, even allowed within ten miles of her? You thought that a fifteen year old girl did not deserve to know some manner of the truth about him, and about other men such as him? And if you thought she should be protected from such knowledge you should have made damn sure she was protected. And where is he now, in a town where your beloved lives, and who, no doubt, was forced to associate with him? With other young ladies, who could be equally deceived in him, or were they not worth your attention because they are not of your sphere ..."

Ash was cut off at this point by Darcy's fist which he easily blocked. He returned the punch, managing unlike Darcy to connect. It was all Darcy needed to attempt to hit his cousin again.

After getting one lucky punch in, Darcy stumbled back, after receiving another blow, into a small table. The vase placed on it crashed to the floor as did Ash's pistol case. It was at this point the Colonel managed to intervene.

"For god's sake! In the study? With my cousin in the house!"

Ash felt his cut lip and just snarled, "Hit too close to the bone did I?"

Darcy was unable to respond as at that point, Georgiana, his butler and an interested maid and footmen almost burst into the room.

"I beg your pardon sir, has there been some accident?" The butler surveyed the room; it was not impassively, because unlike other butlers he was not used to his master brawling in the study.

"Fitzwilliam?!" shrieked Georgiana looking at her brother's bruised face and the Colonel standing with both arms outflung as if to keep Ash and Fitzwilliam apart.

Ash calmly retrieved his pistol case and bowed ironically at his host and brother.

"Goodbye, Georgie," he said with an air of finality, kissed his cousin on the cheek and left the room.

"Ash?" Georgiana forgot the fact she was only sixteen, that she was angry at both the occupants of the room for treating her like a child, and that she had almost shamed herself terribly by eloping with a scoundrel. "If somebody does not tell me what happened, this instant, I will be most seriously displeased!" She had never sounded like her brother more, although he would not have recognised it, instead only feeling distinctly like his Aunt Catherine was in the room.

Clara rolled her eyes at her brother. It was very like him to sneak up to London and surprise them all, very dramatic.

However, it was very like him to be so inconvenient, poor Mrs Gardiner was giving her pleading looks that clearly showed her worry of how to fit Mr Bennet into an already bursting house. Well that Clara could fix not to mention it would be wise to have Thomas where she could see him. "You will of course be staying with me, Thomas."

Mr Bennet looked startled, "No, no, I could not deprive Edward and Madeline of my company!"

"You would leave me, your sister, alone without male protection in my house?"

Mr Bennet looked trapped. "You have managed it quite well until now..."

"Yes, but I was being brave. Now I have no reason to be because you will be in the house and I'm quite sure you could use that blunderbuss that Aberton keeps in the house."

Mr Bennet looked almost fascinated. "Would I have to use a blunderbuss?"

"Well, there would be two single ladies, in the house, one of whom I needn't remind you is your daughter?"

Mr Bennet knew when he was well and truly caught, and Clara took pity on him. "Besides we have hardly cleared all of dear Mr Sutton's books out of the attic yet! Now that is quite sorted, and I do hope you do not mind, Mrs Gardiner?"

"No, not at all."

"After all it is very uncomfortable when an unexpected visitor comes for a long stay," smiled Clara.

"A long stay?"

"Of course, Thomas, you are not considering taking any of your daughters back to Longbourn yet ,are you? They have just all been invited to Almacks tonight!"

Kitty, who had been playing with one of the chair fringes, trying not to let her feelings of disappointment at seeing her father show, sat bolt upright. "Almacks!"

"Oh we could hardly go tonight, Aunt; Papa has just arrived," said Lizzy. "And perhaps we would like to go home to Longbourn?"

"Nonsense, not go to Almacks!? I was told, Elizabeth, that you liked to study human folly? I can inform you that there is nowhere in the world where you are more likely to find it than at Almacks. And go home to Longbourn, where what exactly is awaiting you?"

Lizzy had to smile at her aunt's comments. It was true there was nothing awaiting them at home, especially for Jane. Though Lizzy still felt would be a good thing if Jane and Mr Bingley were to continue their relationship away from the prying eyes of London. And perhaps it might do Kitty good too.

No, she was probably just being selfish; she did not want to see Mr Darcy, and he was in London.

"Well, I am sure I can bear one night at Almacks!"

"Good," smiled Clara. "And I warn you, Jane, it is doubtful that Mr Bingley will be there."

Jane blushed, "I am capable of enjoying myself without Mr Bingley, ma'am."

"I am very glad to hear that."

She made no comment to Kitty, who was looking as though she had received a particularly fine present.

Kitty was feeling ecstatic, but her feelings were tempered by the knowledge of the rumours and gossip circulating about her from all sides. But it was a ball, and there would be dancing, and not all her friends had deserted her.

"Of course, I am sure we can alter one of Kitty's or Jane's new dresses to suit you, Elizabeth, by tonight! And I am also sure I needn't tell you how particular everybody is at Almacks, so you shall all be on your best behaviour!"

Kitty hardly listened to her Aunt's strictures; she knew them all by now and was fairly good at following the important ones, well most of the time at least.

It was not long before Clara shepherded her charges out of the Gardiners' house, telling her brother she expected to see him in the morning. She had hoped to talk to Thomas about his daughters and his lack of parental care of them that night, but Almacks came first.

It was fair to say that most of the party was disappointed with Almacks; the thing that had to be known about it that it was the people that made it, not the place.

It was important to be seen and to see, not what was offered in regards to refreshments, or the state of the card room.

Lizzy was however enjoying herself; she always did in a room of people that she could surreptitiously observe. The obsequiousness, the utterly ridiculous mannerisms! The obvious matchmaking, which she could enjoy in this setting with no mother embarrassing herself and her family; Aunt Clara seemed disinclined to match make, though she also seemed disinclined to interfere in behaviour that Lizzy found to be far too obvious and flirtatious.

Jane too was enjoying herself, despite the unlikelihood of Mr Bingley's presence. Jane had found in London several young ladies, who like herself were shy and retiring and preferred the country and thought the best of everyone. Sitting on the couches and talking quietly to them and perhaps being asked to danced once or twice, afforded her every enjoyment.

Kitty, however, was not enjoying herself. It was eleven o'clock and nobody, not even a Duke, could enter Almacks after eleven. Why had he not come? She knew that Almacks was considered tedious by almost all gentlemen, but his mother was here, his brother and sister were here. Almost all of her other friends in London were here, bar the iniquitous Sir Christian, so why had he not come?

She had thought she was behaving quite sensibly and rationally, but she was overcome by a desire to be quite childish and throw the glass of punch Mr Sopperton had fetched for her across the room. Perhaps he had heard all those petty rumours and believed them?

No, he could not do that, he had seen Aunt Clara's papers for himself. Unless her aunt was concealing the truth from her, or perhaps he believed that she too had a comfortable fortune. No she could not think that of him.

Maybe, it was the other rumours that concerned him. She could believe that of him. After all, he would not wish to...

Kitty did not know why she was being quite so irrational; it was not as though this was the first time, but there was no explanation or excuse he had not told her he was not going to be here, and surely someone would have told him she was going to be here.

She felt tears pricking at the back of her eyes and felt wretched and stupid. It was wrong that anyone or anything could make her feel like this. And she was helpless; it was not as though she could demand an explanation from him. It was certainly not what one did! Even if she did it in private, she dreaded the answer and knew she would not be able to even ask.

"Miss Bennet?"

Kitty turned at Giles' voice, she had hidden herself half in a corner when she had realised she was likely to make a fool of herself. She knew she must look blotchy even if she had not actually cried; being upset did that to her. It was most unfair, Lydia could cry and have perfect tear drops run down her face without marring her complexion.

"Kitty?" Giles sounded concerned, stepping close to her.

"Oh it's nothing, Mr Fancot, I am just a little hot."

Giles looked disbelieving.

"I am surprised to see you here, sir; I did not think your set enjoyed it. Also did you not say you were avoiding marriage? If so very stupid to be hiding in plain sight."

Giles smiled. "I would not be here, if I wasn't charged with giving a message to you."

Kitty looked curious.

"I am bidden to relay to you Lord Ashbourne's regrets at being unable to attend this evening."

Kitty felt astounded. Why on earth would Giles be talking to Ash? It seemed impossible and entirely stupid to her - though men were such different creatures.

"He has met with a slight accident."

"Accident?" Kitty could not keep the horror from her voice.

She thought she could see a slight look of pain cross Giles face before he continued. "I should have phrased that better..." he seemed to be looking for the right words, "he has misplaced a very important document, yes, that is what has happened, business. Unfortunately it sometimes gets in the way of pleasure. Though what pleasure there is in outrunning a group of harpies disguised as mothers I do not know."

Kitty smiled and chided Giles for being so unchivalrous. "But you said misplaced something? I would have thought him to be very organised."

"So would I, but his rooms are an absolute mess; I would not have credited it."

"You have been to his rooms?" Kitty looked astonished.

"Er...yes...yes I have on a matter of ...business. Very good man for ideas about crop turning..." Giles looked slightly glazed. Kitty didn't believe a word of what he was saying beyond the fact that Ash had asked him to make his apologies.

Kitty giggled, both at the absurdity of Giles and at the idea of Ash being surrounded by mess.

"Papers everywhere!" laughed Giles, glad Kitty wasn't going to interrogate him.

"Oh, you should not tell that to people. I am sure he hates to be teased."

"Really? Well, it is such a pity that I have told all of my acquaintance already."

"Oh surely not? I would have wished to tell some of them myself. "

Kitty felt much happier. Something was going on, but whatever it was, and she would find out, it did not seem to be anybody's desertion.

Chapter Thirty-One

There was a time when in catering for our subscribers in this department, a very few words would suffice; in those times a dull uniformity pervaded their habiliments, a sombre colour dealt out a universal monotony; dress reigned in all frippery of gauze and powder, and our task was comparatively light and easy; but now that the couturiéres have availed themselves of the Grecian costume, the true standard of taste; now that they have had recourse to the artist and the antiquary, who have not disdained to render their assistance, what elegance has appeared! Unconfined even to the statues of antiquity, the genus of dress roves in endless variety; she steals her hues from the rainbow, and the whole habitable world is ransacked for bodily adornment. The wool of Cachimere, the turban of the east, and the plaid of the north, lend their assistance, while the Turk, the Pole, and the Indian, lay their treasures at the feet of the fair... 1

In the lady's withdrawing room, Lizzy eyed the magazine that had been smuggled in by some young ladies who surprisingly did not enjoy Almacks. That was because, as they told both Jane and Lizzy, they were quite sick of being forced to associate with uninterested gentlemen and then be scolded by their mammas for wasting their first, second, third or even fourth season.

Lizzy rolled her eyes at the magazine that the girls were hunched over; the editors would not, she suspected, know a Pole if they fell over him or her. Jane had retired to pin up a flounce that one of her partners had stepped on and torn. Lizzy had accompanied her to avoid her partner who reminded her strongly or Mr Collins.

She left the withdrawing room with her sister and rejoined the young ladies who were seated on couches; they would hardly be left alone for long. The Patronesses of Almacks were too nice to allow that.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Kitty and Mr Fancot talking intently in a corner. She frowned, wondering what they were saying.

Giles laughed at some piece of gossip that Kitty related to him animatedly.

"I should stop; I shall turn into my mother."

"Would that be such a bad occurrence?"

Kitty looked shocked, "you would not say that if you had met my mother. Her heart is certainly in the right place, but..."

"Very much like mine then I presume."

Kitty smiled; Giles had never spoken much of his family.

In fact, the thoughts of his family seemed to make Giles suddenly lose some of his good humour.

"What is it?" Kitty looked alarmed. "Are your mother and sisters unwell?"

"No, it is just...I had thought that and..." He looked so at her that Kitty knew to what he was referring to.

"I thought that we were...I thought that we were friends?" Kitty replied awkwardly.

"We are. It is just, since yesterday, or maybe for much longer, I have been thinking about myself and my situation in a quite in-depth manner and I have come to some sobering reflections."

Kitty kept silent, having a feeling that if she spoke Giles would shy away.

"Do you know what I was doing yesterday, before I went to Whites..." Giles froze. Kitty noted it and in her head mentally made Whites an important part of the mystery..." I was betting on cockroaches. And it's not the stupidest thing I have done. "

Kitty smiled. "It is very silly, yes, but hardly..."

Giles waved a hand to shush her, "When I could not defend - ahem- when I had no right to do so, I thought of those I do have the right to defend, and the responsibility to protect. My father died when I was twenty-one, leaving me with lots of sisters, a mother and an estate."

Giles had mentioned his father's death before, so that came of no surprise to Kitty, but she felt moved to offer her sympathies again.

"Thank you, but I have been quite awful at my responsibilities, preferring to laze about town. I would not have the first clue about running an estate...my father, I believe, thought he would have longer to teach me, and sent me away to school for most of my childhood..."

"I expect that is why you asked Lord Ashbourne about crop turning?"

Giles blinked confused and managed to stutter out a - "Y-yes of course."

Kitty pursed her lips at the confirmation that Giles was indeed bending the truth in some way, not to mention the comment about not having the right to defend somebody.

"And my sisters must hate me."

"Why would they hate you? I am sure you are an excellent brother; you are an excellent person so how could you be otherwise?"

"An excellent brother would not allow his sisters to languish in an obscure part of Dorset when they should be making their appearance in the world."

Kitty blinked. She had always formed the impression, from what little Giles had said of them, that they were quite young.

"Arabella is at least two years older than you," said Giles ruefully. "And my mother has not the means to come to town herself, nor are the local assemblies very convivial to finding acceptable husbands apparently. I have neglected my duties, to do what? Amble about town with Blaketon, Bradford, the Kirbys and the like...doing what precisely?"

"You have not neglected your duty to your aunt! And most men and women do spend their time in town doing nothing..."

Giles smiled, "No, but I admit she is my favourite aunt, so even that is selfish. As to doing nothing, it is one thing to amuse oneself but it is possible to both do that and discharge one's responsibilities. "

Kitty was at a loss as to why Giles was being quite this hard on himself and said as much to him.

"Why? Because I thought that I could take a wife, while I cannot read one of my estate manger's letters and understand its meaning or import! Nor would any woman wish to be saddled with a home full of sisters."

Kitty rolled her eyes; "Any woman that truly loved you the way you deserve to be loved would not care a jot."

"But she wouldn't be a woman deserving of my love if she didn't care that I was irresponsible."

"Well I cannot believe that you are irresponsible! Shamelessly neglecting your duties? You?"

"Perhaps not shamelessly, but I do have responsibilities which until now I have not paid as much attention to as I should."

"So pay attention to them!" Kitty grabbed his wrist, shaking it slightly before dropping it. "See solved!"

Giles let out a breath he had been half holding with a laugh. "This is why I am very glad you are my friend."

"Any more silliness like tonight's and I shan't be your friend for much longer!" she smiled in return.

Lizzy swiftly walked over to where Mr Fancot and Kitty were standing. She did not know how many people had seen Kitty impetuously grab Mr Fancot's wrist, but their intimacy could not go unnoticed. It would not be long before she exposed herself to ridicule. Not to mention Mr Fancot could hardly be appreciative of being the subject of gossip and innuendo.

"Kitty, Mr Fancot," she greeted them and tried to sound disapproving.

"Lizzy! Are you enjoying yourself?" Kitty turned with a broad smile.

"My aunt wishes to speak to you." Lizzy looked at Mr Fancot with a smile, "I am sure Mr Fancot wishes to speak to other people." Lizzy looked pointedly at Kitty.

"I could not think of anyone in the world I would rather speak to, but if I must give you up, I must." Mr Fancot grasped both Kitty's hands and brought them to his lips. "Thank you, for being a very good friend."

Kitty just laughed. She reclaimed her hands, and slipped one into Lizzy's. "Well Lizzy, where is Aunt Clara?"

They walked back across the ballroom towards Clara, but were stopped by Lady Maltock who was talking to a group of matrons.

"Ah Kitty, Miss Elizabeth!" cried Lady Matlock, introducing them both any of the group that did not already know them.

"So, Miss Bennet, you do not like your younger sister being quite the centre of attention?" said a turbaned dowager looking pointedly at Lizzy, "Though I too would fetch my sister away without reason, from so attractive a man as Mr Fancot, so I can hardly blame you."

Lizzy coloured at the implication and indeed direct accusation. She had not thought her interference between Mr Fancot and Kitty would look suspicious. After seeing his reaction, she had thought she might have made a mistake in her suppositions, but she had acted in what she thought was everybody's best interest.

"Lizzy, jealous of me? Never!" cried Kitty, laughing, "I promised to introduce Lizzy to Lord Ffourkes, and I have been shamelessly remiss in my duties as a sister!" Kitty paused smiling, "Of course you realise why I have been so remiss! My jealousy of Lizzy!"

Lady Matlock smiled, "Yes, such fine eyes and a pleasing figure are most likely to turn a man's head; you are quite right to try and sabotage your sister. This is why sisters should only be brought out one at a time!"

Kitty giggled before excusing them both.

"Why did you tell me Aunt Clara wished to speak with me? I did not see her speak to you?" Kitty asked in a low tone, as they walked towards a sofa. "I know it isn't any form of jealousy!"

Lizzy blushed. Perhaps it was a form of jealousy! Seeing her younger sister so admired and liked, and seeing her free and easy manners seemingly liked well enough by society.

Perhaps it was Mr Darcy's influence! She was seeing faults when they were not there.

"I - I do not wish to see you hurt, Kitty. Men, are such ...especially gentlemen of fortune...who think that their money allows them...I would not wish someone to be ..."

Lizzy stopped; she was making a mull of it all. It was true; she did not want to see Kitty hurt. Kitty had always been more sensitive and delicate than her, and while Mr Darcy's manner of proposal had hurt, indeed more than she admitted, she had coped.

"You mean, you worry when the ton discover I, or indeed any of us, have little fortune to recommend us?"

Lizzy nodded.

"Ah well, you are behind! There is already a rumour that Aunt Clara has lost all her money and is in debt; so everyone already believes it, well not everybody but ..."

Lizzy smiled ruefully. "I know! One advantage of living in a small town is a healthy appreciation for how gossip and rumour work!"

"You need not worry for me, Lizzy! I know I am not elegant like Jane, or manage to be as frank as you without causing offence, but I do not think I behave very badly! I won't shame you."

Lizzy's heart sank. How could she have been so stupid? Kitty wasn't a child, she wasn't Lydia. Of course she would notice her disapproval. How could she take away her enjoyment of town, simply because she was hurt over the disapproval of a man she did not even like! And was overly worried that her favourite sister would be crushed because of her family's behaviour.

There was the crux. Her favourite sister! Jane had always been her favourite, they were close and shared everything; she had hardly recommended herself to her other sisters, preferring to decide they were silly and ignorant.

There was nothing to reproach in her Aunt's behaviour or Kitty's, both were open and frank creatures and were well liked for it, it was nothing more than Lizzy's own hurt and self-righteousness.

To think that she had even thought of begging her father to take them all home! She would not mind leaving London, but she could not deprive Kitty of her enjoyment. Or Jane of the opportunity to discover love with a man who truly esteemed her!

"Lizzy?" Kitty sounded worried.

"Oh, forgive me."

"Of course, but let us not dwell on such things, because I see Lord Ffourkes has escaped Miss Bassingthwaithe and I did promise to introduce you!"

It had been decided that after Almacks, since it was such a late night and they had no male escort that it would be best if they all stayed at Cavendish Square.

"Did you enjoy yourself, Lizzy? Your first true London party?" Jane teased gently as her sister sat on her bed brushing out her hair. "Did all the gentlemen admire you as they ought?"

"Jane!" Lizzy laughed, "I did enjoy myself, but I dearly wish I had been a better sister to Kitty."

"She is still your sister..."

"I have discovered I do not have the first idea about what is going through her head! Or what is acceptable London behaviour!" Lizzy put down the brush. "Believing Mr Darcy was my first mistake!"

"I did see you hurry over to Kitty and Mr Fancot. Mr Fancot is a gentleman, truly, Lizzy! We have spent much time in company, and in conversation!"

Lizzy raised and eyebrow at Jane. "Was this in the five minutes you have been spared from Mr Bingley's side?"

Jane who was seated at the dresser turned and frowned. "Be serious, Lizzy!"

"I am serious! Who are we to know his intentions! I have discovered that gentlemen may not be transparent about those!"

Jane giggled. "Did you have no idea that Mr Darcy liked you so very much?"

"None! I had no idea of his intention when he surprised me in the grove, after I parted with Colonel Fitzwilliam! He should, of course, have picked his timing better..."

Lizzy stopped. She had not told Jane of Colonel Fitzwilliam's telling her that Mr Darcy had been congratulating himself on separating Jane and Bingley. Lizzy at that point had only silently been laughing at the idea of Mr Darcy congratulating himself far too pre-emptively. But then she had seen him and he had said such things and ...it had all dissolved into quite a scene. Accusations flying on both sides!

Jane had seen the amusing side of it, when Lizzy had related the tale, the idea of both her and Mr Darcy arguing in a field for all the interested flora and fauna to see. Lizzy just hoped there had not been any one able to communicate what they had heard and seen, skulking abut in the hedgerows! Jane's voice brought her back to her present concerns.

"I should not worry, about Mr Darcy or Kitty. Kitty has never been alone with any young man while she has been under my aunt's care! Unlike even myself or indeed you!"

Lizzy sighed. "Perhaps..."

"No, Lizzy, I know what you are about to say and we can hardly force a confidence from her! If she wishes to tell us anything, she will."

"Then let us think of better things! Like when Papa will receive a visit from your Mr Bingley."

Clara was the first one up in the morning; she was surprised not to see Lizzy at the table, she had always thought of her as a morning person.

Though, she thought as she bit into a piece of bread, it did no good to make assumptions about people without knowing them!

She heard a sharp rap on her door, and was unsurprised to find her brother ushered into the room.

"Thomas! Have breakfast with me!"

Mr Bennet was not so stupid as to think it was a question, plus he spied some Gooseberry Fool. His favourite dish!

He served himself and waited for his sister to speak.

And waited. And waited some more.

"You are not going to tell me of the lace on some lady's dress and who my daughters danced with?"

"Would you be interested?" Clara was surprised.

"No, but I do not expect that matters! Mrs Bennet never lets a thing called interest get in the way of a good gossip...come to think of it, she does not let the truth get in the way of a good gossip either!"

Clara put down her tea. "Thomas, I am thoroughly uninterested in lace thus I am sorry to deprive you of it. As for your daughters, I am unable to furnish you with the particulars of all the young gentlemen they danced with, but if you apply to them, I am sure they can satisfy your thirst for knowledge."

"You do not know who danced with them!" Mr Bennet was astounded.

"You think me a poor guardian?"

"Of course I do not, dear sister; I am just surprised you show so little interest in the fortunes of your nieces."

"Well I am surprised at how little interest you display in your daughter's interest! I am quite interested enough in the fates of my nieces, thank you, I just do not see the point in chronicling their every move! Far too many mothers do that, and the result is girls who will jump at a shadow!"

"They are silly and ignorant girls! Lizzy and Jane a little less so than the rest but what should my interest be in them?! Imagine what would happen if I went to assemblies; planning a wedding every time a young man spoke to them!"

"What would happen if you went to assemblies and observed your daughters without your cynical lens would be that you would see that you have daughters who deserve parental support, advice and love!?"

Mr Bennet made a harrumphing sound and ate his Fool.

Clara decided she had scolded her brother enough today, but only partially changed the subject.

"What do you intend to say, Thomas, to any young man who asks for your daughter's hand, considering that you do not know any of them?"

Thomas looked up confused. "Well there is only Mr Bingley, surely? And he is an amiable man! Of course every servant will cheat them! They will be so generous as to exceed their income! No, he is an excellent choice for my Jane and I do hope that it does not come to nothing. But of course if a young man came asking for my Lizzy I would of course expect to know about his family and his situation in life...and his character."

"You would of course seek my opinion on the matter?"

Mr Bennet blinked. "Seek your opinion? Of course I would, Clara, you know more of the young men in town than I do!"

Clara smiled into her tea cup. She noticed her brother had not mentioned Kitty and wondered if he was going to be in for a shock.

1 This what appears to be the opening of the Lady's Monthly Museum for April 1812. The month the story is currently in, I could not stop giggling, so I could not, *not* use it, word for word. The text is taken from here, which is part of this site, which is an excellent resource, but the links are sometimes dead and very wilful. Anyway remember ladies (and gentlemen) that the Grecian costume is the true standard of taste.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Corporal Punishments in the Army.

Captain Bennet rose to make the motion of which he had given notice. He began by observing that the mode of punishment in the army by what was called flogging, was most debasing and degrading to the soldiers on whom with such cruelty and inhumanity that it was obliged to be inflicted in holes and corners. (A cry of hear, hear, from the Ministerial Bench.) He repeated that those who inflicted it were compelled to do it in holes and corners - by which he meant that they could not attempt it in open day; for it they did they must have an army to protect their executions from the enraged feelings of an indignant public. 1

Mr Bennet smiled. "Look, my dear! A Bennet standing up for what is good and just in this world."

Clara peered at the paper. "Well, he cannot be related to us!"

Mr Bennet turned to the beginning of the paper. "Are you attending this masquerade tonight at the Argyll-Rooms?"

"A Masquerade? A Public Masquerade?" Clara stared at her brother. "How glad I am that I am taking charges of your daughter's introduction to polite society!"

Mr Bennet put down the paper. "Is there something wrong with a public masquerade?"

"Certainly, if a young lady wishes to gain a husband! Of course no man worth his salt would think any less of any of the girls for going to one, because of course they could hardly be suspected of any improper behaviour! But it would allow every jealous matron in town a reason for calling your daughters fast!"

Mr Bennet digested his sister's words. "Such a minor infraction...?"

"When you have beautiful daughters who have little more than a penny to their name, you do not take chances, Thomas. I would have thought you would have realised that by now."

"Then why, my dear, is Mr Collins..."

"Who?"

"Our cousin, who is to inherit Longbourn?"

"Ah, Kitty told me he was an odious man. He was the one Elizabeth visited, was he not?"

"Yes, but as I was saying, Clara, why then is Mr Collins writing to me of Kitty saying she is nearly engaged, when she denies any such thing?! She says there is no young man!"

Clara raised her eyebrow. So he had heard rumours about Kitty and gave little credence to them. "You gave enough authority to these rumours to ask Kitty about them?" she asked mildly.

"Well Mr Collins claimed they were from my Lizzy! It, of course, turns out that what Jane wrote to Lizzy has been interpreted by firstly Mrs Collins and then Mr Collins!"

"Ah, well, then that explains it."

"Yes it does; my daughters tell me Kitty is in the company of many gentlemen, enough certainly to raise the expectations of one as intellectually vacant as Mr Collins!"

"Certainly that is very true. Though I hope you do not mean to censure Kitty as a flirt; she is a very well behaved young lady!"

Mr Bennet blinked, he had not even thought of censuring Kitty, after all he expected behaviour of a most - there he paused. Should be expecting such behaviour from her? Should he have censured flirtation and other unbecoming behaviour in his daughters? If he did that Lydia would most certainly be locked in her room seven days out of eight! And if one extended that principle to one's wife!

"Well, Thomas?"

"No, of course, I do not mean to censure her. Perhaps you are right and I should show more attention..."

"Perhaps you should, so at least if any young man does call to ask permission to address her you would at least know your daughter's inclination! That of course goes for your other daughters too."

"Does Kitty have an inclination?" Mr Bennet was intrigued. Kitty had declined all knowledge of any gentleman!

"Of course she does."

"And is this inclination returned?" Mr Bennet did not bother to ask for a name; his sister was being enigmatic.

Clara simply sipped her tea.

"Lizzy?" Jane stopped her sister in the hallway and drew her into her room. "I feel that last night's conversation ....I do not think that was all you had to say?"

Lizzy sighed. She had not passed a restful night. "It was not." She sank down on the bed. "I did not give you a full account of what passed between Mr Darcy and myself."

"You did not?"

"No, I have hardly had a chance to speak with you for any length, or in any semblance of privacy! And with him so near! My thoughts have all been confused. And you telling me how sorry you felt for him..."

"Well, would not anyone? With all the goodness on his side and all the wickedness on Mr Wickham's? That is, if he was so very bad. And the appearance of goodness and wickedness being reversed!?"

"Yes, but I cannot so easily forgive him his insults towards myself and my family! Or his interference!"

"His interference?"

"Colonel Fitzwilliam, not knowing he was speaking to someone so intimately involved told me that Mr Darcy was congratulating on lately saving Mr Bingley from a most imprudent marriage. Of course with your letters full of Mr Bingley, I found it more amusing because his scheme had had no effect, but I was insulted on your behalf..."

"And on your own..." Jane added shrewdly.

Lizzy smiled. "Of course! And then as soon as I parted from the Colonel there was Mr Darcy with his 'ardent admiration and love!' I noticed he made no mention of respect! His torture over loving me! When I refused him, as you already know, he wished to know why and I explained my reasoning to him! He spoke intemperately of Wickham, for which I now forgive him, but he did not confine his feelings just to that subject. He spoke of our disparity and of my family's behaviour. He mentioned Kitty then, and returned to her in the letter."

"But there is nothing wrong in her behaviour!"

"Yes, I know that now, but for me to read his letter explaining his thoughts about Wickham and of you...I could not..."

"See that he made some fine points? I expect he spoke of my appearing serene and untouched. I do think he was justified there, I do hide my feelings well, so that if someone did not know me..."

"So why should I not think of what he said about our family? He is right in the respect of Lydia's wild manners and Mary's wilful misunderstandings of appropriate 'place and time' for such discussions and exhibitions! And our mother! And even dear Papa.... But is this so very bad? Cannot it not be rectified in part? Certainly Kitty's behaviour is better than it was, and even then, was it bad behaviour or a lack of guidance and true friendship?"

Jane was silent for a moment before she spoke. "Well, I think it shows we mus,t as you said last night, be better sisters to Lydia and Mary as well as Kitty. We should not wait for some breach in conduct..."

There was a knock on the door. "Are you coming to breakfast?"

Jane and Lizzy looked at Kitty. "Yes, we are just coming."

"Who are you discussing so secretly here? Was it Lord Ffourkes? He is very handsome, Lizzy!"

Lizzy laughed. Her sister was incorrigible! "No, it was not Lord Ffourkes though he seems a very charming young man; you must teach me your method of cultivating such acquaintance."

Kitty giggled but Lizzy thought she detected a slight wilting in Kitty's expression.

Kitty wondered why her father seemed so intent on looking at her while she was at her breakfast. Clara seemed to find it amusing so Kitty could hardly pass it off as her imagination.

"Have I done something to upset you, Papa?"

"Upset me? No!" Mr Bennet smiled in such a way that Kitty was unconvinced in his denials. "Well, did you all enjoy the ball? Was the fine Mr Darcy there? I expect he found it rather more to his taste than Meryton Assemblies."

"No, he was not there," replied Jane serenely, barely looking at Lizzy.

Kitty noticed this action of Jane's and it made her wonder even more keenly whether there was something more happening with Lizzy and Mr Darcy than first appeared. The more Kitty thought about it, Mr Darcy's absence was strange. Almost all his family had been there and certainly he could have no excuse like the ones he gave for his incivility in Meryton.

"Mr Bingley?"

"No, Papa."

Mr Bennet tried to think of any names that had been excitably communicated to him by his wife as she fluttered over letters from her three daughters. "Colonel Fitzwilliam?"

Lizzy smiled. "Yes, Colonel Fitzwilliam was there."

"Ah, now I am getting somewhere. Is he as personable as his cousin?"

"Papa, surely I wrote to you of the Colonel's character!" scolded Lizzy.

Mr Bennet looked contrite. "Mrs Bennet does the reading, I just hear her interpretation."

Clara gave a snort. "Well, you have not changed, brother, even when we were children you would not bother with correspondence! Now I have always thought that talking of past events indicated that the dearth of future ones and that is surely not the case, you must know of my dinner party."

"Is it to be a large party, aunt?" asked Lizzy.

"A very large party!" replied Jane who had helped both Kitty and Clara send out the invitations. Kitty's birthday was the week after the dinner, but both Clara and Kitty had decided that nothing was stopping them having more than one party! So this was not to be a celebration of anything in particular.

"Yes and your arrival, brother, has made my table uneven; I shall just have to hope one of the gentlemen cannot come! Otherwise you may have to eat in the kitchen!"

Kitty thought her father would not mind that if it meant he could have all the Gooseberry Fool he wished and be able to avoid company.

Lizzy was interested, "Who have you invited?"

"Well, all those present, of course. The Gardiners, Lord and Lady Matlock, Lady Annabelle and both her brothers, Mr and Miss Darcy, Lord Upton, Mr Bingley and Mr Fancot. As you see that makes nine gentlemen and eight ladies!"

"So who, Clara, would you wish to see suddenly become ill?" smiled Mr Bennet.

Clara refused to answer, but Jane replied for her, "Papa, I do not think anyone here wishes anyone any ill, simply to make up table numbers!"

However, both Lizzy and Kitty were thinking of the expendability of the same man.

Lizzy looked out the window of the carriage as it bounced over the cobblestones, she had been wondering how to bring up such a delicate subject; it was the perfect opportunity for it with both Jane and her alone with her aunt.

"Aunt?"

"Yes, Elizabeth?"

"Why does your owning Netherfield not seem to be a general point of knowledge?"

"Have you been in town so long as to know this?" Clara smiled. The girl had been in town four days!

Jane interjected, "We have discussed it in letters, as I too find it strange, though I think recently that it has become more widely known."

"Well those who need to know certainly know; I do not see that puffing off my consequence is necessary. You would surely not like people to like you solely for having a childless aunt with property at her disposal?" Clara sighed. "But do not fear, any real harm to your reputation will soon be squashed by me!"

Jane then spoke quietly of her surprise at the level of intrigue and gossip she had discovered in London.

"You are surprised, Jane? I see nothing but an amplified form of Meryton! There, there was gossip and intrigue enough!"

"Certainly, Elizabeth, gossip and intrigue is the same everywhere. But again I reassure you that those who matter know the truth! I will warn both of you that the secret of my ownership of Netherfield is quite widely known and it has been decided that I must be greatly in debt."

Both sisters already knew this, Lizzy from Kitty's confidence and Jane because, despite her attentions to Mr Bingley, she was not blind or deaf.

Lizzy opened her mouth but was silenced by her aunt. "And before you speak, I shall not deny it! I should not be believed, have you not heard of never believing anything until it is officially denied?"

Lizzy smiled; she understood the reasoning behind her aunt's decision and she did not care so much for anyone's good opinion in town that she minded if they were deceived. For if they believed such nonsense they could hardly be worthy of her care.

The rest of the trip back to Gracechurch Street was spent in rumination by all occupants.

The next morning, taking some time off from helping with the arrangements for Clara's dinner party on Tuesday, Kitty smiled over a letter from Lydia. The beginning was full of recriminations over the news that Lizzy planned to stay in London. Lydia did not understand why everyone could not go to London. What she really meant was she didn't understand why she could not go to London.

However, Lydia wrote herself out of her petulance and turned her pen to more important matters. Kitty read with interest the news from Meryton. The most interesting of this news was that in June the Militia was to depart from Meryton and spend the whole of the summer at Brighton.

Kitty was glad of that, at least that meant that Georgiana could come and visit her when she went home with no fear of meeting Wickham.

Thinking of Georgina made Kitty think of whether Georgiana would have any knowledge of what was going on with the male members of her family. Almacks had certainly opened her eyes to the possibility that some subterfuge had occurred, apart of course from her wondering whether Darcy and Lizzy were a couple.

Kitty put aside Lydia's letter and jotted off a quick note.

Georgiana was attempting to listen to Annabelle's wedding plans when she received Kitty's note.

In between discussing dress patterns, Annabelle had told Georgiana all about Almacks. Georgiana had no desire to go to Almacks, large social occasions always worried her, but from Annabelle's disjointed recital she wished she had been there.

Now, Kitty was writing to her about Ash.

Georgiana had been stupid enough to think that Fitzwilliam and her cousin would explain themselves to her. Of course they had an explanation but Georgiana was not stupid enough to think it was the real, or the whole, explanation.

That Ash would be angry at Fitzwilliam over the Wickham incident was hardly a surprise to Georgiana, that they had come to blows over it was. Thus there had to be another explanation.

Georgiana blamed herself; if she really was the reason for the argument, she should have told her brother herself of her decision to tell more people about Wickham. Then perhaps Fitzwilliam could have explained himself better to Ash. After all he was the best of brothers; he had had her best interest at heart. But she still wrestled with the shame of what had almost happened, and it hurt to talk of it to her brother who she had come so close to grievously injuring.

Yet, Georgiana was certain there was something more to the argument between Fitzwilliam and her cousin and the only thing Georgiana could think of was Kitty.

She knew her brother had reservations about Kitty and her family, reservations that were natural for a brother but had no grounding! Surely he would not have expressed such reservations to Ash? And if he had, not in terms that would result in a display in violence and a break in communication.

That had been Wednesday and it was now Friday and there had been no sign of Ash and her brother had not mentioned him! This was not unusual but after such a fight? And with the finality in which Ash had spoken to her!

Georgiana was not sure what to think, especially when Annabelle had told her that the reason Ash had not been at Almacks was that he had suddenly taken a journey into the country! Whether this was a decision taken before or after Mr Fancot's revelations of 'misplaced business' Georgiana did not know.

It did not add up. Surely this was inconsistent with Ash having any feelings for Kitty! Or was it?

1 From "The Times" April 16th 1812. .

back to story

Chapter Thirty-Three

Mrs Sutton formally requests the pleasure of the company of __________________ for dinner, at Cavendish Square, on Tuesday the Twenty First of April.

Jane put away the invitations that Clara had printed especially for her dinner party; extras had been ordered to stave off the possibility of disaster. Jane was struck by how organised her aunt was especially in comparison to her mother. Jane wondered now, after seeing her aunt, how her mother's parties were ever a success since she ran on nerves, flutterings and faith!

The weekend had been spent with their father, and their aunt, uncle and cousins in Cheapside. Lizzy had many friends to call upon; friends Jane was happy to call upon, feeling that she not been attentive enough since she had arrived in London.

Mr Bingley had not been near them; Jane, who would have normally attributed the best possible reasons to such an absence, was growing worried.

Perhaps Mr Bingley really had thought her flirting, although Jane had given up the attempt almost before starting...

Lizzy had reassured her that nobody could misinterpret her actions, that Mr Bingley could be in no doubt of her affections. Yet, Jane could not help but think all she had done was confirm Mr Darcy's accusations about her.

But Mr Bingley would be there the next day; unlike a certain someone.

Kitty stared at the note that had arrived on Friday. Perfectly composed and written, all but its meaning could be admired - a sincere apology that attendance at the dinner would be impossible.

It was ridiculous that one little note could cause the shedding of a few tears. Kitty had refused to shed more than a few.

Just like she refused to remain confused! Georgiana had told her of the fight between Mr Darcy and Ash.

Like Georgiana, Kitty doubted it was entirely about Wickham, but Kitty was not naïve (or self centred) enough to leap to the conclusion that she could be the only other reason for what seemed to amount to a brawl.

With such an age gap between Georgiana and Mr Darcy, Kitty doubted they would have experiences the problems that could occur between relations of a similar age! No, there were probably hundreds of niggly little issues that had festered between the cousins!

It was hardly surprising that Ash would not wish to be at a dinner party with his cousin if they had not resolved their problem. Kitty reflected that it was one more reason to dislike Mr Darcy.

Kitty had no problem in deciding whatever the problem must be all his fault. Though why grown men could not spend an evening in the same place, even if they were arguing, was beyond her. And all the 'send my particular regrets to Miss C. Bennet' would not make up for it.

After all Georgiana was still convinced something had occurred between Lizzy and her brother; to tell the truth, so was Kitty, and yet they were to spend an evening together!

Were the Bennet sisters cursed in love? Herself, Lizzy with Mr Darcy (though Kitty hardly envied Lizzy if it was true) and now Jane with Mr Bingley! Kitty was glad Jane had not put their plan into practice, unless she had when Kitty was not looking, for at least she could not blame herself.

It was curious though that it was the day after the picnic that everything seemed to suddenly become confused!

"Kitty?" Jane had entered the room. "Aunt has decided on a less formal seating arrangement. She would like our opinion."

Clara examined the table, "Well?"

Jane could have no complaints with the table she was placed between the charming Colonel Fitzwilliam and, in her eyes, the even more charming Mr Bingley.

Kitty could have no material complaints either, opposite the Colonel who was sitting next to Georgiana, and placed between her uncle and Giles; though both sisters felt moved to protest on Lizzy's behalf.

"Aunt - "

"Aunt - "

"You go first, Kitty," said Jane.

"I do not think Lizzy would wish to be opposite Mr Darcy!"

"I placed her at this end of the table to be near her father!" Both Clara and her brother were seated at the ends of the table, and she had assumed that due to the close relationship between Thomas and Elizabeth, they would enjoy the occasion much more if placed near each other. How Mr Darcy came into it Clara could only guess. She wondered if her brother had any idea!

"Perhaps we could move Mr Darcy? Perhaps Lord Upton would like to sit next to Lady Annabelle?" Jane pointed out the cards.

"That would place Mr Darcy at my right hand! I certainly do not want Mr Darcy as my right hand man!" exclaimed Clara.

Every other option had problems, even Jane was not happy to exchange the Colonel for Mr Darcy. Now that she knew he disapproved of her love for his friend, she would be watching for all his glances and looks and it would sink her.

"Well, so Mr Darcy stays! Are there any other problems with my arrangements?"

"It looks excellent, Aunt!"

Clara smiled and left the room.

"Well we tried," said Kitty with a sigh.

Jane could not help but wonder if Kitty knew ... "Kitty?"

"Yes?"

"Why did you think Lizzy would not wish to be seated near Mr Darcy?"

"They do not like each other!" Kitty laughed. "Though Georgiana thinks that her brother proposed!"

Jane's eyes widened.

"Jane?! Oh my, is it true? She refused him? She must have unless they are secretly engaged?"

"Kitty!" Jane sounded scandalised.

"Well, it would be romantic!" Kitty paused. "Although it is probably more romantic if you know it is happening to someone else!"

"You cannot speak of this to anyone! Lizzy does not want it widely known! Think of the talk! Poor Lizzy and poor Mr Darcy."

" Not a word I would associate with Mr Darcy!" replied Kitty. "Yes, Jane, my lips are sealed."

Jane left the room to help with more arrangements, while Kitty contemplated the table.

Mr Darcy did not, to her, seem like a man disappointed. A man disappointed should not be able to come on picnics with the woman he violently loved, and not show something.

Perhaps it was a talent of his family to hide feelings?

Darcy groaned. He wondered if he could groan some more and pretend to be ill.

In less than an hour, he was due to be at a dinner hosted by a lady whose character he had maligned. In attendance would be Bingley who was barely speaking to him; his cousin's best friend who was certain not to be speaking to him because his cousin was not; two further young ladies he had spoken or thought ill of; Mr Fancot who wished to call him out; the lady who had refused his offer of marriage and thought of him as not a gentleman; and her father who he assumed he would see again under much better circumstances.

Oh and quite a few other people who had no idea of what was happening and ...Georgie.

Georgiana had forgiven him immediately when she thought it had all been about Wickham. This preyed on Darcy's mind because it was wrong that she should think that anything to do with that man was her fault.

While skulking at home waiting to look presentable again, Darcy had had much time to think. He had reached the conclusion that he should stop blaming others for his problems. He should also stop trying to find ways of belittling Elizabeth and her family so he could feel better about her refusal.

He was to blame. While she should not have taken Wickham at his word, what other choice did she have? He was above being pleased, he knew that now and now knew what it had cost him and almost cost Bingley.

It had taken only the work of a moment to realise how ridiculous all the accusations were, if only they had been disclosed to him at a more rational moment.

He would have had time to reflect! Though it was entirely his fault he had believed both Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst, he could not escape that.

Mrs Sutton was not a gamester and nor were her nieces fortune hunters! Catherine Bennet's reputation was spotless and while her behaviour was free and easy there was nothing improper about it. She had behaved at the opera and with Sir Christian much like other young ladies and considerably less openly than his cousin, Annabelle, would have and he would hardly condemned his own cousin! Either of them.

He was less sure of Miss Catherine Bennet's feelings, but he was certainly not going to pry, perhaps he might observe her behaviour and that of her eldest sister with impartiality. He owed both Elizabeth and himself that much.

Elizabeth. There was a lady he would not be able to observe with any impartiality. Her dignity in their trip to Richmond had only improved his opinion of her, and all reports of her at Almacks furthered his good opinion. He had never doubted she deserved it; all his doubts had come from her family.

"Fitzwilliam?"

Darcy turned to his sister.

"We do not want to be late."

Darcy tried to straighten his cravat with no success. "Of course."

Georgiana turned to leave, but Darcy called her back.

"Georgie, you know that none of this is your fault."

Georgiana frowned her forehead creasing as Darcy walked towards her.

"I have never been angry at you. You have never been the cause of any argument."

Georgiana hugged him. "Thank you. I don't believe you though," she smiled up at him.

Darcy tried to hide his smile.

"Are you going to tell me what has upset you? Not to mention Ash."

Georgiana pressed her cheek into his waistcoat, hoping that averting her eyes would make it easier to tell her.

"I said something that I have no wish to repeat, it is something I regret deeply, and was taken offence to."

Georgiana stepped back. "Then why did you say it?"

Darcy ran a hand, impulsively, through his hair before pacing about the room. "I - "

It was clear to Georgiana that some prompting was involved. "Does it involve Miss Bennet?"

"Which Miss Bennet?" Darcy looked alarmed. His words about Catherine Bennet were not ones he ever hoped his sister would hear. She would rightly never forgive him for insulting, on so base a level, her friend. Darcy hoped that his words would never leave the sanctity of Whites and that no one would believe them. If they did he was not sure what he could do to make amends. His thoughts were all disordered as he tried to think of what he could say to his sister.

"Elizabeth."

Darcy was thrown, how could she know? That was not the subject of rumours that could easily come to her ears was it? He was not that obvious? Had his behaviour, all this time, caused him to the object of attention for others who were probably laughing at him?

Georgiana noticed her brothers' discomfort. "You said you were bringing me a gift and you always seemed in your letters not...averse...to her."

Darcy sighed. "Another completely separate thing I regret saying. Not of course, my proposal but the manner of it."

The casual manner in which her brother mentioned the proposal did not fool Georgiana, but minutes before their Aunt and Uncle were to arrive was not the moment to delve any deeper!

Darcy sensed her sentiment and agreed. "Shall we discuss this later?"

"Yes. I hope we will, Fitzwilliam. You need to speak to someone."

Darcy could not disagree; his failure to speak of many subjects had led to almost all his problems. It was time he saw his sister as an adult, after all she had experiences that many women her senior had never and would never have!

The Gardiners had arrived with their nieces early, and were admiring the house. Clara had done wonders to it since arriving in London. Or rather her servants had done wonders, though she had not simply sat back and watched. No, she had waved her hands around and given orders!

Lizzy who had barely had time to admire the house on her previous visit took in the morning room, which was no longer such a jumbled room of many uses. The other advantage of dawdling on the ground floor was the chance to peek into the dining room.

Kitty was seated by Mr Fancot which made Lizzy pause for thought, but she wished she had stopped there when she saw who was to be seated opposite her! And Lord Matlock to her right! And Lady Annabelle opposite him! It would be an interesting conversation between the four of them and her father!

Clara noticed Lizzy slipping into the room while the Gardiners and Thomas quizzed her on the other guests.

"Well of course Edward and yourself know Lord and Lady Matlock, but Thomas does not..."

Mr Bennet tried to remember who they were. "Mr Darcy's uncle and aunt?" He looked hopeful. Mrs Bennet never questioned him on such matters!

"Very good, Thomas! Their son the Colonel will be here, as well as their daughter Lady Annabelle who has recently formed an engagement with Miles Carlon, the Earl of Upton. He will be here also."

Mr Bennet blinked. "Er, and who will I be seated with?"

Clara did not deign to answer.

There was no more time to reassure anyone that the dinner party would be a complete success for the other guests began to arrive.

The dinner party was a success as Clara had always known it would be, though the evening was still fraught with the promise of disaster for many.

Annabelle's blithe announcement, at the start of dinner, that her brother was on business in Hertfordshire , a fact hitherto she had kept to herself, caused a mental stir for some, though it was successfully hidden from display.

Georgiana wondered if it was possible that Ash had set off for Hertfordshire not knowing that Mr Bennet was in London. What other business could he have in Hertfordshire? That Hertfordshire was a large county did not hold much sway with her. Georgiana's romantic disposition was not to be gainsaid, even if she no longer had romantic dreams of her own.

Kitty however was not thinking at all of herself, but rather that Wickham was currently residing in Hertfordshire. It would be entirely like him to decide now to follow her directive some months ago of going and sabring Wickham. Especially if Mr Darcy's explanation for allowing Wickham to roam free had not been satisfactory... But surely he would not do something so stupid?

To Darcy the whereabouts of his cousin was not a surprise, he had thought to go to Hertfordshire himself to speak to Colonel Forster, to right some of his wrongs, but had thought better of it when Richard had told him of Ash's destination. Though he had not disclosed to his brother the intention of his visit, or the precise location, thus it was possible that Ash did not mean to visit Meryton at all. It was not a chance Darcy felt like taking, but he still felt a stab that someone else was doing what he should have done. He did not miss the brief change in Miss Catherine Bennet's face and wondered to what he should attribute it.

Lizzy meanwhile was hoping that Mr Darcy was not mentally cataloguing all the faults of her family. He did not appear to be and neither did his uncle. Lord Matlock betrayed, in Lizzy's mind, a great deal of interest and knowledge of her. He questioned her about how she had liked Rosings, and whether she thought his son was a fool for scampering about the countryside when such pleasant and pretty company was to be had.

Though he certainly was not making inquiries for the same reason his sister would make such inquires, he did appear genuinely interested. His questions about Mr Collins drew her father into the conversation, which turned from the servile nature of that gentleman to a discussion of entails and onto farming.

Mr Bennet was out of his depth on some of the legal matters but while he did not pay as much attention to his land as other men, he could certainly converse on that topic with ease.

The problems of the land drew Mr Darcy into the conversation and soon Lizzy found herself on the edge of the conversation not having much to contribute to the ideas of Young and Coke!

Instead she watched the rest of the table, interested to see that Giles paid as much attention to Lady Annabelle as to Kitty. Kitty did not neglect those around her either making Lizzy wonder if what had been whispered to her over the weekend had been correct.

Among those she had visited with Mrs Gardiner and her sister had been a family by the name of Blenkinthorpe who had talked much of Kitty's London Triumph. Kitty had not visited them having never been to London in her life thus having no knowledge of them, but they certainly knew of her.

The Blenkinthorpes, were acquainted with the Hicks who were certainly acquainted with Kitty. And according to them, her sister was likely to become Mrs Fancot.

Lizzy would have sworn an oath that Kitty preferred Lord Ashbourne, she had certainly done so at the picnic! But the hushed and intimate conversation with Mr Fancot at Almacks, coupled with the assumptions of the Hicks and the Blenkinthorpes confused Lizzy. Nor was observing her sister any help.

Part of Lizzy wished that instead of attending to her friends in Cheapside that she had accompanied Aunt Sutton and Kitty to their engagements, at least then she would be sure of her thoughts, having seen them with her own eyes.

Continued in the next section