Misgivings and Misjudgments

    By J. Fagan

    Section I, Next Section

    Prologue

    Posted on Monday, 23 October 2006

    "I now pronounce you Man, and wife ... and Man, and wife. You may kiss your brides!", said Reverend Porter with a grin.

    As Mssrs. Bingley and Darcy turned to their respective, blushing brides to bestow the required affections, a sigh swept through the church. The wedding guests hurried outside to cheer the newly wed couples on their way to the awaiting carriages. One cheer from a solitary young woman on the grooms' side was noticeably heartfelt. Many turned to look upon her, wondering who she was, as she was not a Meryton villager, nor was she known amongst those from Town.

    She appeared to be well bred, although a little plainly attired. She was a tall and shapely woman, with auburn locks framing her beautiful face. She seemed a little too tanned for gentility, but as she had sat on the grooms' side, people assumed that she must be a gentlewoman and recently come from the Continent, Italy perhaps, where there is always too much sun.

    "Well done, well done indeed, Elizabeth and Darcy...", the woman said to herself with a sigh, as she turned to follow the rest of the throng to Netherfield for the wedding breakfast.

    "Mr. Darcy! My most heartfelt congratulations my dear friend."

    "Evelyn! You did come, I am so glad to see you! May I present my wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy," Darcy said positively bursting with pride and happiness, "Elizabeth, one of my dearest friends, Miss Evelyn Westcott."

    "Miss Westcott," Elizabeth said with a grin and curtsey, "I am very pleased to finally meet your acquaintance. I've heard so much about you."

    "The pleasure is all mine, I assure you, Mrs. Darcy. Now, Darcy, what have you been telling this fine woman about me? Nothing too bad, I hope, your wife might believe you've been hanging about with imprudent chits and rogues." Evelyn said with a smirk and a glint in her eye.

    "Oh, but of course. I know for a fact that most of Mr. Darcy's wealth comes from piracy and brigandry," said Elizabeth, "and as far as "imprudent chits" go, I think our friend just managed to marry one!"

    "I seem to be surrounded here and must call for reinforcements," Darcy chuckled, "Colonel Fitzwilliam! Your assistance is required, Sir."

    A tall, handsome man, dressed in the crimson and gold regimental uniform, turned at the sound of Mr. Darcy's voice. He crossed the large ballroom (the dining room at Netherfield was considered to be inadequate for the celebrations), and strode over to the group with a detectable air of good-humor.

    "Mr. Darcy, at your service, Sir!" the Colonel laughingly saluted. "Do I have to rescue you from your wife so soon?"

    "I am surrounded on all sides, Sir!" his cousin said. "Surely, as my cousin, groomsman, and soldier to His Majesty, you would assist me in my endeavor to be on the winning side against these two rogues?" Darcy asked with uncharacteristic mirth.

    Meeting Elizabeth was the best thing to happen to Darcy, mused the Colonel. Darcy's sister, Georgiana, and his good friend Charles Bingley had marveled over the changes in Darcy's demeanor and behavior over the last several months. He had been moodily withdrawn and dour upon his return from Kent after Easter, but after a short time in London they noticed he was more attentive to them and others of their acquaintance. He even attempted to engage others in conversation beyond his usual inquiries on health, in fact, he had been seen to amiably speak with those not of his class. Those who really knew Darcy, at home with his family or few, close friendships, knew him to be an amiable, generous man, but outside of that small circle, he was aloof and distant. His behavior could, and had been seen as vain pride and arrogance by many, even though it was partly a façade to hide the shyness and reserve of a truly worthwhile gentleman.

    Darcy's love of Elizabeth Bennet is what brought about the remarkable change. Compared to other women, Elizabeth did not preen in front of Mr. Darcy and go to ridiculous lengths to gain his admiration and approval. In fact, during the first few months of their acquaintance, Miss Bennet thought Mr. Darcy one of the most unpleasant men in the whole of England! She had let Mr. Darcy know (after he had proposed to her!), in very certain terms, that he was the last man she could have been prevailed upon to marry, and that his behavior was disdainful, arrogant, insulting, offensive and ungentlemanly! She also held him responsible for the ruination of her dearest sister Jane's chances of happiness with Mr. Bingley and accused him of ruining the future of a Mr. Wickham. Darcy responded to these charges laid against his door in the form of a lengthy letter that was given to Miss Bennet the very next day. Within its lines he described to her some of the events that had occurred previously to his arrival in Meryton with Mr. Bingley, the situation with Mr. Wickham, and his interference with Mr. Bingley's designs towards Jane Bennet.

    After being confronted with this description of his character, he was forced to look deeply at himself and his upbringing. He was made to realize that Miss Bennet was correct, and had thereafter endeavored to make himself a better man, with a little help.

    Elizabeth, on the other hand, had also been confronted with aspects of her character that she had not seen before. Where Mr. Darcy's defect had been mistaken pride, hers had been a prejudice against him as the result of a slight. Darcy, upon his and Mr. Bingley's first appearance in society at Meryton, had unfortunately declared Miss Bennet as "tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me", while at a dance. Darcy had been in a foul mood that evening, as the afore-mentioned shyness and reserve had made him distinctly uncomfortable surrounded by so many strangers, and his pride in being the master of a grand estate and of the first-circles, made him see all those around him as inferior.

    After soul-searching on both their parts, the two had surreptitiously met again on the grounds of Mr. Darcy's estate in Derbyshire while Elizabeth was there touring the county with her aunt and uncle. Darcy had attempted to show Miss Bennet that her words had been taken to heart and that he was a changed man. Elizabeth had realized that she was mistaken in Mr. Darcy, and her feelings towards him had gone under such a change, that within a short and tumultuous time, they were completely the opposite of what she felt before. Elizabeth returned Darcy's love.

    As Elizabeth stood there and listened to the friendly and affectionate banter between Darcy and his cousin, she turned her gaze on Miss Evelyn Westcott. "And here is the other woman responsible for Mr. Darcy's change," Elizabeth mused. "I will be thankfully indebted to her for the rest of my life."

    Chapter One

    Posted on Monday, 23 October 2006

    Miss Evelyn Westcott was at the Townhouse of Lord and Lady Malgreaves for their anniversary ball. Even though her patroness, the Right Honorable Lady Veronica, Countess Mountbatton, had instructed Evelyn on how to behave properly at such a function, she was still uneasy at being at such a large gathering of strangers. The past year had been so tragic and terrifying, it had made Evelyn very more shy and aloof around people, especially all the "fashionable people of the 'Ton" she had been introduced to since her return to England.

    Her father had been engaged in trade in Canada and the islands in the Caribbean. Importing fine goods from England and the East Indies; exporting rum, sugar, cotton, lumber, and fine furs. Although her father had been a gentleman from a fine family, he detested the life of idleness that England offered him, and wanted to see the world. As a young man he had joined the Navy as an officer, and the adventures he had then made him want to see more of the world. He married well, the daughter of nobility, and set off to the islands soon afterward. Luckily his wife had a taste for adventure, and soon bore him a fine son in Bermuda.

    A few years later she became pregnant again, and while in her last month fell ill with a dreadful fever. It was feared that she would lose her life, as well as the baby. She held on to the end, delivering a miraculously healthy Evelyn, and expired on the childbed with a smile on her lips. Evelyn's father was devastated by the loss of his beloved wife, but soon pulled himself together for his tiny daughter's sake, as well as his son's. He doted on his children, and although they were well behaved and civil, Evelyn was allowed to do whatever she wanted for their father could not refuse her anything. This is not to say that she was spoiled and unruly, for she was a well-loved and delightful child, but as her father could not be a mother as well, and had no real experience with girls, he raised her as he did her brother. Evelyn was a tomboy, she rode horses through the fields around Fort George, climbed the ropes of the merchant ships, and played hide-and-seek with the red-skinned natives. She could speak Iroquois, as well as French, Spanish, German, and Portuguese. He father, a well-educated man, had not neglected her education one jot. He was angry that she, an intelligent and witty person, would not be allowed to follow her brother to Oxford due to her sex. Evelyn had a governess with her as she got older, as her father finally realized that there were some things he couldn't teach her. Therefore, Evelyn learned how to paint, embroider, sew, and to play the piano-forte. She hated all these lessons, for they were taken inside the house, and she longed to be running through the vineyards and fields she saw though the windows of her father's large Niagara mansion.

    Her brother, William, was a well-grown and amiable man of twenty-four, newly returned to Canada from his studies in Oxford. They had just met him at Fort George, as he disembarked from the ship on the Niagara River, and were happily riding along in her father's carriage, catching up on things while on their way back to the estate when....

    Evelyn shook her head, trying to dislodge such thoughts. She did not like to think about her father and brother while she was awake, she felt as though what had happened to them would haunt her in her nightmares for the rest of her life.

    She stood quietly behind the Countess and her hostess, occasionally throwing a brief smile towards the two stately women and murmuring an agreement now and then.

    "Evelyn, dear, why don't you take a stroll around the room to refresh yourself? I see Miss Madeline Granger over there. Why don't you go and say hello?" the Countess prodded gently.

    "Yes, your Ladyship," Evelyn said quietly as she bobbed and turned away.

    "Such a darling girl. Too bad she's so glum," said Lady Malgreaves.

    "I feel it may be a while before she gets her spark back, but hopefully the bloom will return to her cheek in time. Poor child, losing her father and brother like she did, having to leave everything she had known behind to come to a strange place and a homeland she's never seen."

    "Oh, to be sure Vronnie. I am quite surprised you bring her out at all."

    "Well, Mildred dear, I know it must be a little difficult for her, she's so distant here, but she's young, needs company her own age, and I dare say, maybe a nice, young man will be the thing to put back her spark! But, it must be the right young man, for her. Although she is under my patronage now, and her family was well off in trade, she is a bit, hmm, "unconventional", and it may be some time before she might see once pence of her father's estate, if ever. I understand her father had some partners that might take over everything and leave nothing for her," said the Countess.

    "So, she shall have nothing but her charms to recommend her. Poor thing. And she might not have even those if she doesn't learn to smile again soon," tut-tutted Lady Malgreaves.

    Evelyn, now on the other side of the room, had been grateful for the chance to escape the two ladies. Oh, she loved the Countess, she was a truly lovely person, and Lady Malgreaves seemed a "nice sort", but Evelyn had little patience for small talk or gossip. The crush of people over by the hostess had made her uneasy, and she was still unused to standing in one place for so long. How she yearned to run!

    The thought of grabbing her skirts and making a mad dash for the streets outside, as well as imagining the looks on the assembly's faces, made her chuckle. At her low laugh, she heard a man clear his throat. She looked up and saw a tall, young, and very well dressed gentleman looking her, nearby. She glanced back at him, and noting his somewhat cold expression, arched her eyebrow, threw him a crooked smirk, and continued on her way. Finishing her circuit of the room in a short time (she avoided Miss Granger most happily), she made her way back towards her patroness and their hostess, who were joined by another stately dame that she could not name.

    Evelyn stood silently again, watching the crowd and the dancers. She was not attending to what was being said around her until the Countess cried out, "Mr. Darcy! How very nice to see you, young man. It has been some time."

    Evelyn turned then, and caught the addressed man in his bow. As he righted himself, she saw it was the young man who caught her laughing at herself.

    "Countess Mountbatton. I hope I find you in good health this evening? It has been sometime. I have been busy with Pemberley and had spent some time in Hert ... in another county for some time since last we met," Mr. Darcy said in clipped tones. "Lady Malgreaves, my congratulation to you and your husband on this occasion, and this fine ball."

    "Thank you, Mr. Darcy. Now I...wait there, you scoundrel! Allow me to introduce you to Miss Evelyn Westcott, the Countess's ward. Miss Westcott, Mr. Darcy, one of the most eligible bachelors in all of England! Stay there Darcy, you keep Miss Evelyn entertained while we old ladies make our way over to the punch," said Lady Malgreaves with a wicked grin as she and the Countess turned to leave.

    Mr. Darcy stared after them in slight shock, then remembered himself. "The audacity of those two! If they weren't old friends of my mother I would never had come here, now I have to escort some girl" Mr. Darcy silently vented. He looked at Miss Westcott, gave her a slight nod, then stood there sullenly silent and sweeping his gaze across the room, waiting for the two women to return.

    "So, are you always this cheerful, or did your favorite dog die?"

    "Eh ... ec ... excuse me?" Mr. Darcy stammered inelegantly.

    "Well, you appear to be as happy as I am to be here, Mr. Darcy. I hope you, and your dog, are well," Evelyn replied with a grin.

    "What is it with ill-mannered and imprudent women," Darcy muttered under his breath, not realizing that Evelyn had heard him.

    "Oh, I would venture to guess that God put us here to keep stiff young men on their toes."

    "Quite." Mr. Darcy retorted, this time with a barely discernable smile that was quickly gone.

    "I do apologize for offending you, Mr. Darcy. I am still new to England and fear I suffer from severe foot-in-mouth disease. I am ... well, honestly I'm uneasy here, and nervous, so sometimes I speak before I think. I would much rather hide in the library here, if only I could find it," lamented Evelyn.

    Mr. Darcy, at first angry at being so disrespectfully addressed, soon started to soften towards the young woman. He too knew how it felt to be uneasy and nervous around strangers, as well as hated small and petty talk. He had also been recently accused of being completely unfeeling towards his fellow human beings, as well as conceited and arrogant. Although those insults had stung, more than he wished to admit, even to himself, he had begun to see that the assessment of his character had been correct. He had been made to admit those evils in himself, and wished to correct them. "Here is a good start," Darcy thought to himself.

    "I thought I had recognized an accent. Where have you come from?" he inquired.

    "I lived in Canada ... until ... several months ago. I ... *ahem* had a family tragedy and came here to be looked after by Countess Mountbatton. She is a distant relative of my mother's, and took me in. I'm sorry, I do not like to talk about it."

    "Do not trouble yourself. I apologize, I did not mean to upset you," Mr. Darcy said. After a moment of silence he stated, "I know full well what it is like to lose a family at a young age." He stood next to Evelyn, looking slightly startled.

    "Mr. Darcy? Are you quite all right?"

    "Forgive me," Darcy said with a gentle smile, "I am not used to speaking of such things with people I just became acquainted with. In fact, I believe I don't speak of such things with those of my intimate acquaintance."

    "I know full well what you mean, Mr. Darcy." Then, after a moment of somewhat awkward silence, she turned to him and said, "So, books or politics then."

    "Pardon?"

    "Books or politics, Sir! As in, what shall we discuss? I don't know about you, Mr. Darcy, but standing here this way is awkward, we must have some conversation, and I'd rather it be about something of substance and intellectual merit. If I have to hear about Mr. Brummell's waistcoat or Miss Granger's letters one more time, I do believe I shall run from this room, screaming."

    "Now I know full well what you mean, Miss Evelyn. Books, I should think, I am an avid reader. Hmmm, Shakespeare or something more modern?"

    "I would have to say Shakespeare, and then maybe Ovid or Homer. I am fond of the classics, although we could discuss modern books afterwards. I confess that I haven't kept up with them as much as I would like to, these past months, but I would like to hear your opinion on them, you seem to have a full attic," she replied with a chuckle.

    Mr. Darcy offered Evelyn his arm as he escorted her to the library. Where else would one discuss books? As they quit the room, the Countess watched them go with a smile on her face. "Mr. Darcy is a fine young man. Very fine indeed. He could do very well for my little Evelyn." she thought to herself, then turned back and chatted with the other ladies in her group.

    The day after the party dawned brightly. The sunlight shone through Evelyn's window at Hargrove House. She awoke and stretched, leaping out of bed and doing a quick jog around the room. Her maid, Ellen, came in just as she finished her exercises.

    "Mornin' Miss. Fine day today, looks like!"

    "Yes, it does look beautiful out. I wonder if I will be allowed to go for a walk?"

    "I don't think so, not now at any rate," the maid replied.

    "Why not Ellen? There isn't anything amiss with the Countess, is there?" she asked worriedly. Although Lady Veronica seemed to be in the best of health, she was quite ill with a disease of the heart. She never showed it outside of her home, though, the matron woman was quite good at keeping secrets.

    "No, her Ladyship is fine, in quite good spirits, actually. She's expecting a visitor this morning, so I was asked to get you ready as soon as may be. He should be arriving soon!" Ellen said spiritedly.

    "Who is coming? I don't recall the Countess saying anything," Evelyn said with no great curiosity.

    "A Mr. Darcy, ma'am"

    Chapter Two

    Posted on Monday, 23 October 2006

    Evelyn got ready and dressed in no time, thanks to the efficient and capable hands of Ellen, her lady's maid. She almost ran down the stairs, and had to remember not to slide down the banister. The Countess did not mind so much when it was just the two of them at the house, but with company coming, she might be seen. Evelyn loved and esteemed Lady Veronica highly, and did not wish to embarrass the kind woman.

    Evelyn was looking forward to meeting Mr. Darcy again, they had such a good conversation the night before at the party. He was certainly not dull and shallow like the strutting peacocks she had met at other events. He seemed very intelligent, deep, and serious, although maybe a bit too serious for his young age. And underneath all this she could see he had warmth, good humor, and for some reason, sadness. She didn't think this melancholy had to do with losing his family, that seemed a distant thing. No, this was quite like the look her father would get, when he would sit quietly and talk about her mother. It was a loss of a love. Was his mystery lady engaged or married to another?

    Evelyn met the Countess in the breakfast room, where meats, cheeses, and fruit were set out along with coffee and tea. Evelyn was definitely a coffee drinker, tea seemed like so much water to her. She sat down and was about to begin when Mr. Darcy was announced.

    "Your Ladyship, you look well this morning. Miss Evelyn," he stated with a correct bow.

    "Darcy, my boy, come in, come in. Sit down and fill yourself, we have more than enough. Thank you for accepting my invitation to call. It was so delightful seeing you last night, I decided I must have you over at the earliest opportunity!" Lady Veronica said with a laugh. She really did think well of Fitzwilliam Darcy. He was so young when his mother, her good friend Lady Anne passed away giving birth to his younger sister, and then lost his father not five years ago. These trials have given him too much gravity for being so young, but he was still a very good man. She hoped to bring him together with Evelyn, they had much in common, although she was a little wild for his proper ways.

    "Your servant as ever, madam." Darcy said as he walked over to the buffet table and made up a small plate, with a cup of coffee.

    "I see that you and young Evelyn got along well together last night, Darcy," the Countess said with a sly smile.

    "Yes. I believe we did, Madam. We had several interesting conversations regarding the classics, as well as what that rascal Napoleon has been up to," Darcy stated with a slight nod to Evelyn sitting across from him.

    "Hmm ... books and politics? My my, her two favorite subjects," the Countess said.

    Evelyn rolled her eyes at this remark and gave a small chuckle. "I think you would rather I talked about muslin, lace, and other nonsense, ma'am?"

    "Now, now, Evelyn," the elder lady said, soothingly. She didn't want Mr. Darcy to get the impression that Evelyn was not a cultured, well-bred lady.

    "Mr. Darcy, it is such a beautiful day, but I am feeling somewhat tired after last night. I am not as young as I used to be, you know. I feel that I shall lie down again, after breakfast. Could you be a dear and take Miss Evelyn for a walk? The sunshine and fresh air are marvelous for you young people."

    "I shall certainly escort Miss Evelyn to the park, if that is her wish."

    "Oh that shall be grand, Mr. Darcy. I feel a need to be outside on such a fine day," Evelyn said with a grin.

    Evelyn grabbed her spencer and bonnet and joined Mr. Darcy in the foyer. They walked down the street to the park only a block away. There were no words spoken between them, until they reached a secluded spot.

    "I must apologize for Lady Veronica's exuberance, Mr. Darcy, you need not have escorted me if you did not wish to."

    "Hmm? I am the one who should be sorry, Miss Westcott. I apologize for not being more attentive, my mind was occupied elsewhere. So, books or politics?" Darcy said with a small smile.

    "Are you alright, Mr. Darcy? Again, I would not wish you to play nursemaid to me if you have other matters to attend to," Evelyn said with no small concern.

    "I ... Miss Westcott ... you seem to be a very nice young woman, but I should inform you that..." Mr. Darcy started to say.

    "Mr. Darcy, it is quite alright. What is her name?"

    "I beg your pardon?" Darcy almost shouted.

    "Mr. Darcy, I know that look. You're thinking of someone, a young woman, perhaps? I do not mean to pry and please, G*d forgive me if I offend, but I sometimes find that it helps if you talk about things. I wouldn't tell a soul, you can be assured. Even if I wanted to," Evelyn said softly, "I don't have any friends, it seems."

    Darcy stood there, silently, staring at the ground for a while. "Could I, could I tell her? I scarcely know this woman, yet ... there is something about her..." he mused. Finally, he lifted his eyes to Evelyn's face and saw there real concern, real compassion. And in those eyes, that spark he thought he recognized. Somewhat like hers. That is what that something was.

    He slowly walked over to the nearest bench and sat down, waiting for Evelyn to join him. She sat quietly, and waited for him to speak as he sat twisting his ring.

    "Elizabeth. Her name is Elizabeth," Darcy said softly.

    Evelyn continued to sit quietly, allowing Darcy the time and space he needed.

    "I met her in Hertfordshire, when I was there with my friend, a Mr. Bingley. Mr. Bingley had let a house near the village of Meryton, and invited me to join him, along with his sister, Miss Caroline Bingley, and his other sister and brother-in-law, the Hursts. I had gone through some ... personal difficulties ... and was looking for some friendship and diversion, but I must admit, I was still in a foul and dark mood. We went to an assembly in Meryton, so that Mr. Bingley could become acquainted with the neighborhood more, although he had already been introduced to some of the local families. One such family was the Bennets, of Longbourn."

    "These people of Hertfordshire were, to me, country people, with little to no gentility at all. I disdained them all from the first, for who were they to compare to My Family, or to the families of my acquaintance. I ... have been told ... that I impressed everyone there with my conceit and my arrogance, much to my later, terrible dismay, for at that assembly is where I first met her, Elizabeth. At first, I found no beauty in her at all. Her mother lacks all propriety, as well as her younger sisters. She, and her elder sister, Jane, appear to be the only ones in that family with any gentle manners, or education, except for, perhaps, their father. Mr. Bennet is a wry and witty man, although he appears to have little to do with either his wife or the younger girls, there are five, altogether."

    "After that assembly where I slighted poor Elizabeth in my foul mood, I was forced into her presence more than once, and every time I saw her anew, I became more impressed with the quick wit that I found. She was slightly unconventional, and sometimes bordered on the improper, but I was enchanted. She has the most amazing, beautiful eyes I have ever seen."

    "We were there until late November, when Mr. Bingley had to return to Town on some business. His sisters and I quickly followed, as we had ascertained he had formed an attachment to Jane Bennet. We, in the best of intentions, proceeded to detach him from her. Jane Bennet is a delightful young woman, the "most angelic creature" as she has been called, but we could not envision our friend so attached to her family, and I could not discern any affection for my friend in Miss Bennet's angelic face. I did not want to see him get hurt."

    "After the holidays and the early spring, I spent Easter as is my custom, at my Aunt's estate in Kent. I was most surprised when I arrived there, for my Aunt informed me that her clergyman, a Mr. Collins, had married a woman I met in Meryton, a Miss Charlotte Lucas, as was, and they had guests at the parsonage, one of whom was Miss Elizabeth Bennet! Mrs. Collins had been a good friend of hers, and Mr. Collins was Miss Bennet's cousin. I will not bore you with the details of that man, he is a buffoon. I immediately talked my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, into going over there for a call."

    "So, there I was, watching my cousin talk to the woman I had not been able to get out of my mind for all those months since I left Hertfordshire. Talking to her so much more easily that I ever could. She astounded me, confounded me, confronted me on every subject and point. She was the most maddening person I had ever met! She came over for dinner several times to Rosings Park, my Aunt's estate. I had the extreme pleasure of listening to her play and sing, and her vexatious words. I had the assumption that she was awaiting my advances. Oh, how wrong I was on that account."

    "One evening when the Collinses and their guests, Charlotte had a sister visiting as well, were to dine with us, they arrived without Elizabeth. I assumed she had stayed behind at the parsonage waiting for me. I quit my Aunt's and raced over there. To her. I was so nervous, I am quite sure I couldn't stop fidgeting. I proposed to her."

    "My God ... what a mean mess I made out of that! I can't believe the things I said to my beloved Elizabeth," at this point Darcy was nearly overcome. Evelyn reached out to him, paused, then made up her mind and rested her hand on his arm. She sat there, quietly consoling the distraught man next to her. After a moment, she removed her hand and waited for Darcy to speak once more.

    "Forgive me, I am well. I had gone to the parsonage eager to tell her how ardently I loved her. How I loved her so much I was in agony without her. But no, I couldn't leave it at that. I am honest, to a fault, it seems. I wanted to say that 'although some of my family and acquaintances might object, I don't care. Our social circles and class may be different, but in spite of all of objections, even my own ingrained ones, I want you for my wife and that is all that matters to me."

    "Of course, in my arrogance and conceit, this is not how my words came out at all. I told her of her inferiority compared to myself, of my looking upon our marriage as a degradation due to her connections and family. That I struggled to rid myself of my feelings for her! Then, when she answered, she told me that she had never desired my good opinion, and that it had been bestowed most unwillingly."

    "What an utter fool I had been. Conceited indeed. Telling her that my feelings of superiority were natural and just. She said that it did not matter how I made her the offer of my hand, as she would never be the least tempted to accept it. Elizabeth went on to inform me that from the first moment of our acquaintance, she had disliked me, and that I had impressed upon her my abominable pride, my arrogance, my conceit, and my selfish disdain for the feelings of others. She said that she had not known me a month before she felt that I was the last man in the world whom she could ever be prevailed on to marry, and that I had acted in a most ungentlemanlike manner towards her. The turn of her countenance at that moment still haunts me."

    "As the days passed since I left Rosings, I began to realize that I have often been aloof and not given much consideration to the feelings of those not of my intimate circle. In my conceit for being, what I believed, a gentleman of the most elite means, I believed her to be wishing and expecting my addresses. Only an utter cowardly cad would speak such words to the person he loved. And, she had also told me that part of her dislike had stemmed from my removal of my friend from her sister. It appears that Miss Jane Bennet may have had feelings for Mr. Bingley, and I separated them most unkindly."

    "I know not what to do, now. I know that Elizabeth was right about me, and it is making me miserable. Elizabeth has shown me myself, and I find I don't like what I see. It is no small wonder that she found me completely distasteful."

    "But Mr. Darcy, did you not have a lengthy conversation with a poor orphan last night? Were you not civil and gentlemanlike towards me? And in what way have you been arrogant and conceited in opening your heartache to me, just now? This Miss Elizabeth Bennet must be quite the woman, for if what you say of your behavior to her is true, you have already made a drastic change in your person on her behalf. Is there no hope of her returning you feelings if you show her the new Mr. Darcy?" Evelyn asked plaintively.

    Mr. Darcy had already touched her heart in their short acquaintance. He looked and acted so like her dear brother, William. He was so like her, in many ways, the loss of their parents, for instance, their shyness and reticence around others. How the two of them ever really struck up a rapport was beyond her, considering. She began to feel it was fate, that God brought together two such people who needed each other, in the same way; to heal their broken hearts. "I must get him back to his Elizabeth, however I can!" she thought.

    "I scarcely doubt that I will ever see Miss Bennet again, Miss Westcott," Darcy said sadly.

    "Why ever not, Mr. Darcy? Will Mr. Bingley never return to his let estate?" Evelyn ventured with some hope.

    "I think he means to quit the place entirely, which is too bad. He needs an estate of his own, and it really isn't a bad prospect. Hmmm," Darcy murmured, wrinkling his brow, "I could, perhaps, persuade him to return there, in the future. For the game, or at least to close the place. I guess I could see Miss Bennet then, as well as attempt to judge her sister's affection towards my friend. But I fathom that neither of them would ever want to see my face again. Miss Elizabeth would have told her sister about my interference, no doubt, and I do not think I could ever withstand Elizabeth's opinion of me again. I would not survive it."

    "Perhaps, sometime in the future then, after heads have cooled and life has gone on. She may change her opinion of you if you were to meet again. I certainly cannot see the man you described as arrogant and conceited before me. It is possible, Mr. Darcy, you cannot lose all hope. Sometimes ... hope is all we have left," Evelyn said softly, staring into the distance.

    "I pray that it will be so, with all my heart, but I am not sure it will happen, at all." Darcy turned and looked at Evelyn. "I still cannot believe that I told you all of this, what I could not tell my cousin nor my sister. It is just that ... I see something of Elizabeth in your eyes ... you have the same 'spark of life'." Noticing her still distant look, Darcy queried, gently, "Will you tell me your story now, Miss Westcott?"

    "That is a tale for another day in the park, Mr. Darcy. I believe this day was yours. Weather permitting, shall we come again tomorrow? If you are not otherwise engaged, that is. Mr. Darcy ... I need a friend right now, and I would be honored if you counted me as one of yours."

    "But of course, Miss Westcott, but of course."

    "You may call me Evelyn, Mr. Darcy."

    "And I would be just 'Darcy', then," he said with his small smile.

    The next day dawned just as brightly as the one before. Evelyn kicked off her covers and rang Ellen immediately. Ellen came into the room, seeing Evelyn already in her dressing room, waiting impatiently.

    "Is everything all right, Miss?"

    "Oh yes, everything is fine, Ellen. I am just in a hurry today, is all. I am expecting Mr. Darcy to call again this morning, and want and early start."

    Ellen looked on her mistress with happy surprise. "The Miss and that fine man from yesterday? Can it be? The Countess will be so pleased," the maid mused.

    Evelyn got ready in record time and ran down the stairs, this time, sliding down the banister. She landed on her feet and skipped to the breakfast room.

    "You seem in high spirits today girl. What bee got in your bonnet?", asked Lady Veronica.

    "Mr. Darcy is calling again this morning. We're to take another walk in the park, and maybe stop at a booksellers." Evelyn replied.

    "So ... Mr. Darcy is calling again, hmmm?"

    "Madam ... I should tell you that I see nothing of that happening between us. We are just friends, and friends are all we shall be," Evelyn stated with gravity.

    "What are you saying? If Darcy is calling again today, he must have feelings towards you greater than friendship. Men of his ilk do not have women as 'just friends'," Lady Veronica stated.

    "Well, this one of his ilk does. I could not accept a court from a man so like William, and Darcy has his reasons never to court me. I hope this doesn't make you unhappy, Lady Veronica, for I greatly hope to keep his friendship. It means so much to me, you see. You are so very dear to me, but I need a true friend, one who understands much of what I've been through," Evelyn pleaded.

    The Countess sat there, quietly, looking at her charge carefully. "Yes, the girl needs a friend, and she has not been able to make any of the young women she's met so far. She's too deep, and has seen too much for one so young. The muslin-muddled girls of the Town could never understand her," the older woman thought.

    "Well, you are unconventional, so of course you should have unconventional friends! Darcy is a fine man, a very fine man. I knew his mother very well, and I couldn't think of anyone who would be more deserving of your friendship. He is, of course, welcome in my home at any time,"

    "Thank you, your Ladyship, thank you," Evelyn said happily.

    "Have you told him our little secret yet, my dear?"

    "No ... I haven't, ma'am," Evelyn said while looking down at her plate.

    "Well, you have my permission to, Evelyn. He is an honest man, and would not betray you."

    "I know, ma'am."

    After breaking their fast, Evelyn accompanied the Countess into the sitting room to await their guest. Darcy arrived shortly thereafter, and he and Evelyn went for their walk in the park.

    "I don't think you'll be getting as pushed around by the Countess as you were yesterday, Darcy. I informed her of the nature of our relationship."

    "Thank you," Darcy said with a smile, "the lack of one more 'predatory matron' makes my life just that much easier. My apologies, I go too far. The Countess is a good woman, " Darcy said quickly.

    "Do not trouble yourself, Sir!" Evelyn said with a hearty laugh. "Predatory matron, indeed! In fact, it is interesting that you mention them, as it has a bearing on my story, if you still wish to hear it?"

    "I do, indeed, Evelyn."

    Chapter 3: Summer at Pemberley

    Posted on Tuesday, 24 October 2006

    The carriage rode down the lane to Pemberley. It was an overcast day, which vexed the occupants, as they had heard the estate was very grand and best viewed in sunlight. Evelyn looked impatiently out the window, hoping for a glance of her friend, Darcy, and his wife, Elizabeth. Since their marriage in November, she had corresponded with Elizabeth frequently, and they soon formed a great friendship. She was overjoyed that Darcy had finally married his Elizabeth, and that they were, from all accounts, the "happiest of couples".

    As the Countess' health had gradually declined over the past few months, she did not leave her house in London at all anymore, but refused to let Evelyn pass up the opportunity to visit with her friends. Therefore, Evelyn traveled the distance to Derbyshire with her maid, Ellen. The two young women, both were barely one and twenty, had a pleasant time passing away the long miles with chatter. Evelyn realized that her maid would have not had the chance to be educated or as well-read as she, but Ellen did have a natural sharpness to her, and could converse well about the stories of the day. She could read, and the Countess gave the newspapers to the staff when she was finished with them. Ellen and the stately butler, Mr. Childs, were the only two who read more than the society pages.

    "I think I can see them now, Miss! Yes, there's no mistaking Mr. Darcy, he stands a full head above everyone!" Ellen laughed.

    "Ah! I haven't seen my friends in so long, Ellen, this shall be a great reunion!"

    The carriage pulled up and the footman let down the stairs. Evelyn, completely ignoring the stairs, exited with a leap and bounded over to her friends. Elizabeth held out her hands with a laugh and kissed Evelyn on both cheeks.

    "Evelyn! Are you sure you weren't trying to fall out of there? My dear friend, it is so good to see you again!"

    "And it is good to see you again Elizabeth, Darcy," she began, "I hope I ... ah!" she exclaimed has Darcy had taken her hand from Elizabeth's and pulled her towards him.

    "And it is good to see you too!" Darcy laughed and spun Evelyn around.

    "Darcy! Have you been hitting the port too much or has marriage been really good to you?"

    Darcy stopped and looked over at Elizabeth while still holding Evelyn's hand. He had the largest smile that Evelyn had ever seen on his face, he practically glowed with happiness. Evelyn, though she loved them both, dearly, couldn't help not feeling a little jealous. "I hope some man may look at me in such a way." The feeling was fleeting though, for she was far too happy for her friends.

    "Hmm, yes ... I think it would be safe to say that marriage agrees with Mr. Darcy. So, shall we go into the house? It looks like rain. I shall have someone take care of your trunks and place them in your room. Ellen? You may follow Mrs. Reynolds, she will show you the way," Elizabeth said.

    "Yes, ma'am," Ellen curtsied. She turned to follow the housekeeper into the huge house. "This place is a palace! I swear I will get lost!" Ellen mused.

    "Would you care for any refreshment, Evelyn? Or would you go directly to your room?" queried Darcy.

    "Oh, I think I shall have some coffee if you have any available. I need something stimulating. Carriage rides always make me sleepy."

    "I know full well what you mean, I seem to nod off myself in one," Darcy stated.

    "So you call it 'nodding off' now..." said Elizabeth, too softly to be heard by their guest.

    Evelyn followed them into the house, wondering why Darcy had turned that particular shade of scarlet.

    Evelyn was assisted by the butler and then was escorted into the sitting room. The bell was wrung for coffee, and as Evelyn was sitting down, Georgiana came into the room. Evelyn had heard much about Darcy's sister, but had only met her at the wedding, some months before. She was afraid of frightening the poor girl with her unconventional behavior and exuberance (both of which had re-emerged in full under her friendship with the Darcys), as both Darcy and Elizabeth had told her of Georgiana's shy nature.

    "Georgiana? You remember our friend, Miss Evelyn Westcott?" Elizabeth asked.

    "Oh yes, I do. It is a pleasure to meet you again, Miss Westcott, I hope you are well after your trip?"

    "I am very well, thank you Miss Darcy. Are you enjoying the summer so far?"

    "Yes, we have had such pleasant weather this summer, except for today, it seems. But then it must rain sometime, shouldn't it? One can only hope that my dear brother and sister don't get caught in it ... again," Georgiana said with the corner of her mouth curved up.

    "Well, well! Seems like Elizabeth has wrought changes on other than Darcy," Evelyn pondered.

    "Well, Miss Darcy, you do know the saying about sense and rain?" Evelyn said with a curl to her lip to match.

    Georgiana laughed lightly and sat down next to Evelyn. They all chatted until Evelyn had finished her coffee and was shown to her room.

    Evelyn refreshed herself, washed the traveling dust off of her face, and changed into a clean, simple muslin dress. She wished that she could wear the breeches she got away with in her childhood, dresses were in no way good for climbing trees and ropes, or riding horses as much as she did, astride! That was one thing that excited her, she had been allowed to bring her stallion, Goliath, with her on this visit. She had not seen him, nor ridden him in some time, as stallions were not allowed in London. He was stabled a few miles out of the city, and she tried to visit him as much as she could, but there were too many people about for her to ride him as she wanted to, she had never learned how to ride side-saddle.

    "Speaking of the Devil," she laughed to herself as she heard a loud whinny coming from outside. She turned and went to the windows where she saw a few grooms attempting to coax Goliath towards the stables. His black coat and mane gleamed, even though there was no sunshine, as the huge horse reared up and almost knocked a couple men down. "There I go getting all dirty again!" she sighed, grabbed her bonnet and spencer, and left her room.

    "Is that your pony making all that ruckus?" Darcy said as he met her in the entryway.

    "Pony, Darcy? I shall tell him what you said, and let's see he'll ever let you ride him!" Evelyn laughed back and headed outside as quickly as she could. She jogged down the gravel lane to where she heard a disturbance, around the western corner.

    "Goliath! What on earth do you think you are doing?" she said loudly. Goliath's ears and head swiveled around to find his mistress when he heard her coming. The huge ebony horse quieted immediately, and began to gently nicker as Evelyn took hold of his halter.

    "I am so sorry, gentlemen. He's been stabled for the past few months and is quite fidgety. Goliath, you give these poor men no more trouble, do you hear me? If I hear you've abused Mr. Darcy's grooms, you won't have a ride or your treats for a fortnight."

    Goliath hung his head and stood there.

    "Now, would you look at that! It's almost as if he understood you Miss!" one of the grooms said.

    "Oh, he does, believe me. In fact, you had better watch what you say around him, or he may be quite the handful. Now, Goliath, be a good boy and listen to these lads." Evelyn said as the horse turned to follow the grooms.

    Evelyn turned and went back to the house. She met Darcy and Elizabeth in the hall past the foyer. "Crisis averted my friends, do not worry. Your grooms are still intact I should say."

    "Isn't that horse a bit too much for you to handle, Evelyn?" Elizabeth asked with some worry. Mrs. Darcy wasn't much of a horsewoman.

    "I can handle him just fine, Elizabeth. The problem is, I don't think anyone else can. He's an opinionated, ornery brute I'll grant you, but he seems to like me just fine!" Evelyn said laughingly. "Isn't that so, Darcy?"

    "What is she talking about, Dearest?" Elizabeth asked her husband.

    "I have only had the ... displeasure of meeting Goliath once before this day, and the beast nearly took my hand off!"

    "As I said, he's ornery, and I think he's of the opinion that I belong to him! He doesn't like other "stallions" being around me. I am serious!" Evelyn said to her laughing hosts.

    "I don't doubt it, Evelyn! Just thinking of Darcy as ... a horse...! Is that why you are so fond of your cereals in the morning? Oh, come now my husband ... do not say neigh!" Elizabeth teased.

    "Oh, I will not say neigh to you, my good nag!" Darcy said in spirited retort.

    "Oh! That was a good shot there, Darcy. And Elizabeth, you've taught him how to tease! How delightful. Oh, my friends, it does my heart good to see both of you so happy, and in such good humor."

    "Thank you, my friend," Darcy said. "I am happy, very happy. Have I ever said 'thank you', Evelyn? Now, now. You did have no small part in bringing this happiness about, you know. If it weren't for your friendship and encouragement, I do not think I could have endured those months in London. Nor would I have endeavored to mend my ways and behavior. I knew that Elizabeth was correct, but I would have reverted back to my old ways in anger and spite, if you had not been there to show me that a change for the better would benefit myself as well as everyone I loved ... and to keep the hope alive in my heart that I would see my Elizabeth again someday," he said while holding his wife's hand and looking into her eyes.

    "Well, it is appreciated, but no thanks are needed, Darcy. You are my friend, and what are friends for, if not to help each other and be supportive in times of need. I think the smile on your face, on both of your faces, is thanks enough. Come now, my friends, is it not time for lunch? I do not know about you, but I'm starving!"

    The trio walking into the dining room, where they were greeted by Georgiana, who was already seated. They talked gaily about the events that were planned, along with outings, visits, and a ball that the Darcys were going to give. Georgiana had just recently turned seventeen, and was to have her coming-out, regardless of Darcy's feelings on that subject. It took a few months of Elizabeth's cajoling and pleading to get him to have a change of heart, but he soon became accustomed to the fact that his young sister was growing into a young woman, and needed to be introduced to society.

    "Oh, I nearly forgot. A letter came from our cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Forgive me for reading it before you, but as it was addressed to me as well, I didn't see the harm in it," Georgiana said shyly.

    "That is quite alright, sister. Pray, what did the rogue have to say for himself?"

    "He hopes that we are all in good health, and weather and Napoleon permitting, he will join our party within a day or two."

    "Ah, that is good news indeed. I haven't seen Fitzwilliam since our wedding. Are the Bingleys still hoping to come in a few days?" Darcy asked Elizabeth.

    "Yes, if they can escape Mama. I feel so for them, Darling. It must not be easy or comfortable having Mama visit nearly everyday. I think Jane is hoping Charles inspects some estates while they are out here," Elizabeth said sadly.

    "Humph ... yes ... well ... Forgive me for saying so, dearest, but I have never been so glad that Pemberley is far removed from Hertfordshire," Darcy said without mirth.

    "I am in perfect accord, although I would like to see Papa again soon. But I would imagine it would be difficult indeed to invite him without the others."

    Evelyn sat quietly through the rest of the dining conversation. It was pleasant to hear the Darcy family tease each other, and their comfortable familiarity was heartwarming to experience, but at the same time, Evelyn felt terribly alone. She missed her own family to argue with and laugh at over the lunch table.

    "Evelyn? Is anything the matter?" Georgiana asked.

    "I am well, thank you. I think the traveling just caught up with me. I will probably retire soon, if that is alright, Elizabeth?"

    "Oh yes, of course. We didn't plan anything for this evening figuring you would be tired from the journey. I have already instructed the kitchen to send you up a tray in your room for dinner, so you don't have to come down,"

    "Mrs. Darcy is all politeness," Evelyn said with a mischievous grin, as Elizabeth turned red and Darcy let out a hearty bellow.

    "One day, I hope someone lets me in on all these little jokes of yours," Georgiana said petulantly.

    "Georgiana, when you are being courted by a young man and he makes a muddle of it all, I will tell you everything," Darcy said in good humor.

    Georgiana sat there quietly and smiled. She still could not believe the reports that Elizabeth did not like Darcy one jot for most of the first year of their acquaintance. It was impossible to believe so, when observing them together.

    After lunch, Evelyn followed Darcy to the grand Pemberley library she had heard so much about. As avid a reader as her hosts, she quickly lost herself in perusing the shelves, and Darcy left her to sit and read quietly before she retired for the evening. The day had been a long one, and after chatting with Ellen for a while, who was almost overwhelmed by the house but had been treated very well by the resident staff, she readied for sleep, crawled into the gigantic covered bed, and was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

    The morning dawned on Pemberley, and it was bright and sunny with fluffy clouds drifting lazily by. Evelyn bathed and dressed and went downstairs to meet the Darcys in the breakfast room. She had some coffee and only a bit of toast with jam, as she was going to take Goliath out for a ride. He had been pent up for far too long, and she yearned to race him across an open field. The huge, ebony Andalusian was one of the things that she was able to save and bring with her from Canada, and Goliath was not used to being confined. The voyage over the Atlantic had drained the stallion, and it had been some months before the dazzling sheen came back to his coat and his eyes.

    "So, you are going to tackle the Titan today, eh Evelyn? Perhaps I should go out with you for a while, introduce you to the trails and fields. There are some sticky spots that might take you unaware if you were to wander into them," Darcy said.

    "Oh, that would be fine indeed, Darcy. Would you like to come along as well, Elizabeth?" Evelyn asked.

    "Oh, not I. The last time I was on a horse I almost broke my neck! I don't think you would ever get me on another one unless you tied me to it," Elizabeth said, laughing at herself.

    "That is too bad, I would get you on Goliath. He's a 'ladies man' anyway, and would take great care of you."

    "Really?" Georgiana asked. "I would think that a woman would have difficulty with such a large steed, riding side-saddle. My mare is much smaller than he is, in fact, I think Goliath is larger than my brother's horse."

    "Goliath's breed is renown for their tractability," Evelyn stated, ignoring Darcy's snort of indignant mirth, "they have been used as trained warhorses since the Greek and Roman eras. And my father taught me how to ride. Goliath can be directed by the slightest pressure of my knee or by command, so he is very easy to ride."

    After breaking their fast, Evelyn and Darcy returned to their respective chambers to get dressed for riding. Evelyn stood in front of her dressing mirror, admiring the cut of her habit. The wonderful Countess had it made for her, so that she could have it for her visit to Pemberley. It was quite an ingenious design, actually, the light overcoat buttoned and draped in such a way that one could not tell Evelyn wore a long, full, split-skirt underneath. While seated astride, the split-skirt covered her legs fully, while the coat covered her front and rear so that she did not appear indecent or unseemly. Darcy knew of Evelyn's riding style, but had not ridden with her yet. She hoped that his sense of propriety was not completely abused this morning.

    Evelyn met Darcy in the foyer, and after receiving wishes for a good morning ride from Elizabeth and Georgiana, practically ran towards the stables with the poor Mr. Darcy laughing in her wake. She dashed into the stable where Goliath was impatiently tossing his head and stamping his hooves while the worried grooms were saddling him.

    "Goliath, old boy, settle down, settle down! The less trouble you give these men, the quicker the saddle goes on and the sooner we're on the field!" Evelyn said sternly to the horse's chest (he really was a Goliath), as the stallion immediately, and sheepishly, calmed and stood still, although he continued to give snorts of impatience.

    The black horse was saddled and bridled, and led outside by an equally impatient Evelyn. Darcy was already outside getting a leg-up from a groom.

    "Hol' on Miss, I'll go get the mounting block for you in.." a groom started.

    "Thank you, but there is no reason for that. Goliath, 'sady h'," Evelyn spoke sharply. The great horse bent his foreleg and knelt gracefully. Evelyn threw a leg over the saddle, fitted her feet into the stirrups, and said, "desda n hah," at which Goliath got up again and tossed his mane.

    "What was that?" Darcy asked curiously.

    "Oh, my father's friend, Mani toh wa ah, taught me some commands. It is Iroquois. So, shall we go?" Evelyn started away with a slow trot. Goliath had to be warmed up gradually if there were to be no injuries or strain. The two went slowly for a while, in silence, just enjoying the air and the joy of riding. Occasionally Darcy would point out a gully or a muddy patch so that Evelyn would know her footing on her ride. Shortly, Darcy waved and turned back to the house. Evelyn was glad that Darcy had not said anything about her improper habit, but took it in stride. She was also glad that she was alone, with Goliath, and she urged him into a gallop. Soon enough, he was opening himself to full stride, and the two raced the wind across the fields of Pemberley.

    After their wild dash, Evelyn slowed Goliath while she spied a hedge. "Want to try it, old boy? Go on!" Evelyn cried as she turned the horse then gave him his head. They crossed the distance in no time and Evelyn was full of excitement as she felt the powerful muscles in the horse's legs bunch up for the leap. They were immediately flying over the hedge and Evelyn screamed out in pure exhilaration. It felt like flying!

    However, her scream of delight turned to a scream of surprise and panic when she saw a man with a horse on the other side of the hedge. She and Goliath felt suspended mid-air for a moment, a terrible moment, as she feared that horse and rider would crash down onto of the unfortunates beneath them.

    Miraculously, Goliath cleared not only the hedge, but the startled horse and man as well. Evelyn brought her horse around and dismounted before Goliath had stopped, running over to the man and horse in shock and worry.

    "Sir! I am so sorry, I didn't see you! Are you quite all right? Are you injured at all?" Evelyn shouted with wide-opened eyes.

    "I ... I am fine, Miss. Boy, I say you scared me nigh to death though! And, Zeus! Hey, boy, settle down, settle down. There, it is fine now, here's a lump for you," and the chestnut colored gelding calmed down and took the sugar from the man's hand.

    "Colonel Fitzwilliam?" Evelyn asked trying to make out the man's face.

    "Yes? Oh, Miss Westcott! How do you do? Are you all right? Did you lose control of your mount?" the Colonel asked with no little concern.

    "Oh, I'm well, thank you. No, I was jumping quite fine, but I did not see you until we crested the hedgerow. Are you sure you are not injured? Is your horse alright?"

    "He's fine. This old fellow can shrug off cannon fire, he was spooked momentarily, but he's settled down fine, now," he said as he stroked his gelding's mane. "You have quite a nice fellow there, yourself? What breed is he?"

    "Goliath is a purebred Andalusian, Colonel. And I shouldn't let you or your gelding there get too close to him," Evelyn said, then added in a conspiratory whisper, "he doesn't like other men!"

    "Ah ... I see. He's a magnificent brute though, I'll give you that. And I've never seen a horse jump like that before! Are you going to put him to stud at all? I would be very interested in any of his issue," Colonel Fitzwilliam remarked while looking at Goliath with an admiring eye.

    "Well, that would be completely up to Goliath, Sir," Evelyn said with a chuckle. "I would not wish to be called mercenary and force him on some filly because she comes from a good family."

    The Colonel threw his head back and laughed. When he was finished, he threw such a smile at Evelyn, she nearly blushed. "What is coming over me, I nearly felt faint there?" she thought to herself.

    "Miss Westcott, you are unwell?" the Colonel asked as he rushed to her side, noticing that Evelyn had turned pink, then white.

    "Oh, I will be fine, thank you, Sir. I just need to catch my breath. I think the shock of what could have happened here just caught up with me. Ah, Goliath!" she gasped as the great horse quickly trotted over to his mistress, sensing her distress and unnerved by the proximity of the other horse and rider.

    Evelyn chuckled and leaned against the ebony stallion, catching her breath and being amused by the actions of her horse, who continued to snort at the Colonel, blowing off his top hat, and stomping his hooves close to the man's feet.

    "He is quite the spirited lad, is he not? I can see why the Romans rode to victory after victory for centuries if they were on the backs of such horses as this!" the Colonel said in admiration and good humor. At this praise, Goliath tossed his head and whinnied.

    "If you want to show off for the good Colonel, come on Goliath, 'sady h'! 'Desda n hah,'!

    "That is amazing!" the Colonel exclaimed, then stood in mute amazement as Evelyn took Goliath through a series of commands, dressage movements, and ended with the Andalusian hallmark, the half-reared stance known as 'collection'. Colonel Fitzwilliam applauded when they were finished.

    "Well, I think my boy has had his exercise for the day. Shall we head to Pemberley? I'm sorry I kept you as it is, you must be tired as well!"

    "I would not have missed your display for the world. One does not usually see horsemanship of that caliber even in the Calvary. Although, do my eyes deceive me or are you actually riding astride?!" the Colonel asked with some shock.

    "Oh bother. Forgive me if my impropriety offends you, Colonel, it was not meant. My father taught me how to ride, and I had never seen a side-saddle until I came to England last year." Evelyn said, turning scarlet.

    "Ah, not a problem, Miss Westcott, just ... quite unusual to see. I would think that it would be nearly impossible for you to put Goliath through those movements if you were riding as ladies are accustomed to," the Colonel said graciously, attempting to alleviate Evelyn's embarrassment.

    "No, I dare say I would fall off and break something then," Evelyn laughed. "Now, to Pemberley? It is almost dinner I should say. I hope the Darcys are not too worried that I missed lunch," she said with a pout, realizing then how she lost track of time.

    "Good, I need some food, and this poor old boy needs to be stabled. Let us away!" and with that the two remounted and made for the house at a small gallop, Colonel Fitzwilliam's Zeus lagging behind the larger Goliath.

    Soon enough they reached the stables, turned their tired mounts over to the grooms. Goliath quite happily stood still while his tack was undone, and he nickered happily as he munched on hot oats and got brushed down. Zeus was stabled next to the large black, and kept one eye on him, expecting the devil-stallion to leap over the stable wall at him.

    The Colonel and Evelyn were greeted by the butler, who was just about to have the Colonel's bags taken to his room when Darcy and Elizabeth came into the front hall.

    "Fitzwilliam! There you are, cousin ... have you seen ... Ah! Evelyn! Thank God you are alright, I was just about to send out people to search for you," Darcy said with visible relief.

    "I am sorry Darcy, Elizabeth ... I lost track of the time, and then I happened upon the Colonel and we talked for some time before heading back. I did not mean to worry anyone," Evelyn said.

    "Oh, I knew you were fine, Evelyn. But you know how Darcy can get about family and friends," Elizabeth said, rolling her eyes. "I think the poor man will build a tower to keep Georgiana and I locked up safe forever!" Darcy turned to look at his wife, his jaw tightening before his lips finally turned up at the corners.

    "Well, my dear Lady Rupunzel, start growing you hair long," he said seriously, trying his hardest not to crack a smile.

    "Cousins! Before you start hiring masons could you please allow me to change for supper? I am so hungry I will eat my hat!"

    "Ha! Very well Fitzwilliam, off you go. But are you sure, I think your hat would be gourmet indeed compared to that swill they make you eat in the military!" Darcy said to the Colonel's back as the man practically ran up the stairs, forcing the footman to chase after him.

    "So, Evelyn, how did you meet up with the Colonel?" asked Elizabeth.

    "Unfortunately by nearly trampling him to death," Evelyn said tiredly. She continued when she saw their worried faces, "It is alright, everyone was unharmed, merely startled. He was on the other side of a hedgerow Goliath jumped. I didn't see him until it was nearly too late. Luckily, Goliath is such a superb jumper, he cleared the row, the Colonel, and his horse!"

    As Darcy and Elizabeth stood there in shock, Evelyn quickly said, "Well, I should get dressed for dinner! Ta!" and dashed for the stairs. When she reached the safety of her room, she collapsed in the chair in front of the fireplace. She was overcome with the worry she carried and hid, that if something had happened to the Colonel, she would be to blame. She rang for Ellen, who responded quickly and came prepared with hot water. Evelyn undressed and stepped into the inviting bath, longing for a soak. It had been ages since she had ridden that hard, and knew her muscles would be aching if she didn't have a long soak. Ellen could see that her Mistress was not in a talkative mood, and left her in the bathing room for a while. Evelyn nearly fell asleep by the time her maid came back to get her ready.

    "So, Miss, you were out for quite a while today! And you came back with that handsome gentleman, Colonel Fitzwilliam."

    "Yes, I nearly killed the poor man," Evelyn said sadly.

    "What?" Ellen said with alarm. "Killed him? How on earth is that possible?"

    Evelyn related the events to her maid while she was having her hair done. Ellen tried her best to attend to her Mistress, but kept getting distracted by the adventurous tale. Evelyn, at first still distraught by the day's events, soon began to laugh as she realized Ellen had been standing behind her for some time with segments of hair in both hands, wide eyed and mouth agape, unmoving.

    "Are you attempting to mimic the statuary outside, Ellen? If so, you are doing a wonderful job!" Evelyn teased. Ellen started to laugh as well, and as the story was finished, bent to her task. Evelyn was ready and lovely as ever, and after bidding her maid goodnight, went downstairs to meet the others for dinner.

    As she was going down the hall towards the stairs, she ran into Georgiana.

    "Miss Westcott! How are you? I had heard about your escapade with my cousin. Is everything alright?"

    "Yes, Miss Darcy, everything is fine. Still shaken a bit, but it will pass when I have something to eat. I'm famished! I had not realized I missed lunch."

    "Ah, yes. The cooks here make such fine fare, it will set you to rights in no time. Come, before my brother and cousin eat it all!" Georgiana said with a girlish giggle, and the two entered the dining room, where Darcy and Elizabeth had already been seated.

    The Colonel entered shortly after and bowed his greetings to everyone in the room. "Ah, cousin Georgiana, you look lovely this evening," he said, smiling at her blush, "cousin Elizabeth, Mrs. Darcy, a vision! Darcy old chap! Your face hasn't cracked from smiling yet? Good show! And Mrs. Goliath," he said with a bow and flourish, "how are you this evening?"

    "Are you jealous, Colonel Fitzwilliam, because my 'husband' outshines a 'god' on all accounts?" Evelyn asked with an arched brow.

    "Touché, Miss Westcott!" the Colonel laughed.

    Everyone started to be seated when the Colonel leapt up and exclaimed, "Oh! A toast before we begin. To Georgiana, I hope you had a very Happy Birthday! And may Darcy and I try our hardest to not run every young peacock off at your ball at the point of a blade!"

    "Ha ha! How true, Colonel!" Elizabeth said with a smiling look at her husband.

    "Even thought the ball is to be my 'coming-out', I sincerely doubt I will be the only person there gaining attention. Elizabeth charms everyone she meets, and I dare say that Miss Westcott here will draw admirers as well," Georgiana said shyly, trying to draw the Colonel's boisterous attention away from her.

    "What you say about our dear Elizabeth is true, indeed, but I fear I will send all of the peacocks scampering away as soon as I open my mouth. So, it is decided, I shall spend the evening gaping like one of Darcy's trout!" Evelyn said, miming the fish. Everyone was soon laughing loudly, and even Georgiana was wiping a tear away.

    "Ahem," Darcy began, "in Pemberley we appreciate fiery, contrary, and charming women who are not silent damsels," and the 'look' that was first seen in Pemberley's music room a year ago, was initiated once again.

    "They belong together, they truly do," mused Colonel Fitzwilliam. "I hope to meet a woman that inspires such looks with me, someday. *Sigh*, then again, who would want an older, second son who is merely in the military?"

    Dinner was finished after much laughter and catching up amongst the Darcys and the Colonel, with Evelyn chiming in occasionally on the newest stories in the papers. After their meal, they all went to the music room, to listen to Georgiana play. Evelyn was invited to play, as well, and after one selection, she gratefully left the bench for Elizabeth, who was begged to sing by Darcy and his sister.

    Evelyn sat by the fire, reading a book when the Colonel came over and sat next to her. "Miss Westcott, I hope that you are not still feeling any ill effects from this afternoon?"

    "Oh, I am quite well, Colonel. I am just a bit tired. I haven't been out on Goliath for that long in nearly a year. I dare say I shall not be able to sit down tomorrow," Evelyn said, then blushed as she realized she made an indelicate statement. Luckily, the Colonel seemed to be unfazed, and he was soon talking about riding styles and the commands he had heard her use.

    "So, you say that your father had taught you to ride? Was he in the Calvary? I should say he was, to impart such skill. Royal brigade, maybe? Do you know his commander's name, I could ask around the..." the Colonel stopped when he saw Evelyn was looking at him strangely, "Miss Westcott? Are you alright?"

    "Oh! I apologize Colonel Fitzwilliam, I was taken aback for a moment. I ... my father passed on over a year ago."

    "My apologies, Miss Westcott. I did not know. I am sorry if I upset you just now," the Colonel said.

    "It is fine. How would you know? I do not recall if he was in the Calvary, my father did not speak of his time in England very often, and when he did, it was to my brother, who passed along with him."

    "I am doubly sorry then, Miss Westcott."

    "I am recovered from it, for the most part, Colonel. The Countess Mountbatton has been most kind, and generous, and then there are Darcy and Elizabeth, two of the best friends I could have ever hoped for. I have a family again, of a sort, and I would not have you feeling sorry for me Colonel," Evelyn said with a small smile.

    Colonel Fitzwilliam smiled back, and after offering to get her a beverage, which was declined, walked over to the other side of the room and sat down, uncomfortable and his mind troubled. He was beginning to admire this outspoken, unconventional woman. He would have to be careful, as an orphan, she was unlikely to have the sort of connections he felt he must have in a prospective wife. He was only a second son, he frequently reminded himself, a person who would need a wife with wealth and property. "Why must this happen? I know the type of woman I need to wed, but why do I always end up admiring these spirited women of little means? Darcy is beyond fortunate. He has wealth enough to make Elizabeth's lack of dowry inconsequential." But in spite of all his misgivings, he found his eyes straying to the auburn-haired beauty, sitting across from him, chewing her lip while reading her book, and occasionally shifting in her seat as if she were sore.

    After sitting and enjoying some port and music, everyone said goodnight and retired to their rooms, Darcy and Elizabeth ascending the stairs arm-in-arm.

    Chapter 4: The Bingleys arrive, plus one

    Posted on Tuesday, 24 October 2006

    Chapter 4-The Bingleys arrive, plus one.

    This day began dark with storm clouds threatening rain. Evelyn had the forbidding feeling it meant trouble was coming. She had Ellen help her with a plain, serviceable dress of light wool, as the temperature had dropped and it was quite chilly in the big house. She grabbed a light shawl as well, and went down to the breakfast room to get some hot coffee in her before the chill set in.

    Upon her arrival, she noticed that everyone had dressed for the weather, and everyone seemed uneasy as well. "Whatever is the matter? I hope it is just the weather that has everyone out of sorts this morning." Evelyn said worriedly.

    "Well ... we have just received a letter. It seems that we shall be expecting the Bingleys this morning," Elizabeth started.

    "Is that not good news, Elizabeth? I though you were very fond of your sister and her husband," Evelyn stated with confusion.

    "I am fond of Jane and Charles, it is just that, when I said the Bingleys were coming, I meant Charles' sister, Caroline, as well," Elizabeth said with a frown.

    "Ah ... I see..." Evelyn said. She had only met Caroline Bingley momentarily at Darcy and Elizabeth's wedding. Miss Bingley had stayed as far away from the wedding party as possible, and was wearing an expression that made her look as if she smelled something most foul.

    Elizabeth still looked slightly worried, as she knew how cowed Georgiana was by the snide comments and insincerely flattery of Miss Bingley. How Caroline had talked Charles and Jane into bringing her along was also troubling, as the early invitation had not included Miss Bingley. She was to be included only for the ball.

    Elizabeth had also not forgiven Caroline yet, for her hand in separating Charles and Jane. Darcy she had forgiven, as he was honestly mistaken in Jane's affection towards his friend, and he had made up for his interference by bringing Bingley back to Netherfield, where the young man had begun to court Jane again. He had also made his interference known to his friend, who had forgiven him as well.

    Miss Bingley, on the other hand, had interfered out of her belief of her family's higher station than the Bennets, although Mr. Bennet was a gentleman landowner and the Bingleys acquired their wealth through their father's trade, and she had meanly told Jane that Charles was courting Georgiana Darcy. She despised the Bennet family, and was extremely jealous of the hold Elizabeth Bennet had on her Mr. Darcy. Caroline's wishes came to naught when her brother married Jane and Darcy married Elizabeth-of-the-Fine-Eyes on the same day. The Darcys had heard that Miss Bingley had nearly destroyed her bedchamber in a fit upon hearing of their engagement, and they were not looking forward to having her at Pemberley at all.

    The party had just finished their breakfasts when they heard the coach come down the lane. Darcy strode over to the window and informed everyone that the Bingleys had arrived. Elizabeth took a deep breath, smoothed her gown, and took her husband's arm as they left the room. Georgiana looked afraid, and after a kind work from Colonel Fitzwilliam accepted his arm while his other was offered to Evelyn.

    "Don't fret so, Miss Darcy. With your brother, Elizabeth, your cousin, and myself around, we will keep Miss Bingley away from you ... although, you really should assert yourself more. You are quite grown up now." Evelyn said as encouragement to the young woman. Georgiana attempted to smile in thanks, then went back to trying to maintain a smooth countenance. Evelyn's face soon sported a sly grin, as she was imagining riding Goliath and chasing Miss Bingley over the muddy fields. "Would give that shrew her comeuppance," she mused.

    The Colonel had noticed the enigmatic smile the woman on his right had. It intrigued him, but he forced himself to turn his attentions to his shy and nervous cousin. Georgiana had come so far in shedding her shy nature, much to the credit of Elizabeth and a happy Darcy, but he, and everyone else, was afraid she would retreat into her shell to defend herself against Caroline. The Colonel would do his best to make sure that did not happen, even if it meant 'entertaining' Miss Bingley to keep her away from Georgiana.

    Soon everyone was outside, watching as the Bingleys left their carriage. Although Elizabeth and Jane wrote to each other quite often, it had been a few months since they had seen each other at Easter, and the close sisters embraced warmly. Darcy went up and after shaking Mr. Bingley's hand, grasped him in a crushing embrace as well, to the amazement and amusement of all. Darcy and Elizabeth then turned to Caroline Bingley with, what they hoped was a look and words of sincere greeting. Miss Bingley could not sense the tension that everyone was giving off, she was too busy searching for any sign of decay in Pemberley, now that the upstart Miss Bennet was Mistress.

    Elizabeth and Darcy had agreed that they would extend Caroline all the courtesy due a guest, but nothing beyond. This was their home, their family, and they would endeavor to enjoy themselves regardless of Miss Bingley. They were arm-in-arm as they ascended the stairs into Pemberley, leading their guests into the house before the storm clouds opened.

    Darcy's two large Great Danes came bounding into the hall, as they were quite fond of greeting new company. Charles laughed at their antics and was soon petting them and nearly getting knocked over in the process. Jane was very fond of dogs, but as these two probably outweighed her and were exuberant in their affection, she laughingly attempted to hide behind Darcy and Elizabeth.

    Caroline stood in the hall after being divested of bonnet and coat with nary a thank-you to the butler, and stood inspecting every ornament, piece of furniture, and painting she could see, with what she thought was a discreet manner. Looking at the laughing faces of those who were enjoying the antics of the dogs, she came to the conclusion that Elizabeth Bennet had infused Pemberley with her conceited independence and ill-bred country impropriety. She may have lost her chance with Mr. Darcy, but the elite of society would be attending the coming-out ball of Georgiana, and Caroline would make some beneficial connections there.

    Caroline continued to feign indifference in watching Darcy and his friends until her gaze was caught and held by the woman standing next to Georgiana. She seemed familiar to Caroline, "Perhaps I have met her somewhere. Certainly not in Town, she is dressed as poorly as Eliza dressed in Hertfordshire. Probably a cousin of hers, then. For what reason does she stare at me so?" Caroline mused to herself when she noticed the auburn-haired woman looking directly at her with a small smile on her face.

    "Ah, yes, forgive me Miss Bingley. Do you remember my good friend, Miss Evelyn Westcott? I believe you may have met her at our wedding breakfast," Darcy said when he noticed Caroline looking intently at Evelyn.

    "Certainly. Miss Westcott," Caroline said as she dropped a perfect curtsey.

    "Miss Bingley, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance again," Evelyn curtsied in response. When she rose again she turned to Georgiana and rolled her eyes dramatically, while Georgiana attempted to hide her giggle behind a discrete cough.

    "Oh. Are you not well, Georgiana? This weather is dreadful! So cold! So damp! You should sit by a fire and have some tea. Mrs. Darcy, do you not have servants to see to your sister?" Caroline asked snidely. Evelyn nearly glared at Miss Bingley then and turned back to Georgiana with a raised eyebrow and a barely discernable nod.

    "I am very well, Miss Bingley, and if I needed tea I am fully capable of ringing for it myself. But I do thank you, for you attention," Georgiana said, shakily at first, then her voice grew in strength and conviction. Evelyn smiled at the young woman and gently patted her arm as she walked over to Jane Bingley.

    "Mrs. Bingley, it has been far too long since I have seen you. I hope you and your family are well?"

    "They are perfectly well, Miss Westcott, thank you. My sister Kitty, or Catherine as she wants to be addressed now, has just become engaged to an attorney," Jane said with a serene smile.

    "Oh, that is wonderful! My congratulations to your family," Evelyn said with a large smile.

    "Catherine has settled down very well and has become quite a young lady of taste and talent. She has taken up painting, and her landscapes of Hertfordshire and Meryton have been exhibited in London. In fact, that is how she met Mr. Welling. He was a clerk in Town and became acquainted with her at one of the exhibitions," Jane said.

    "I knew that getting her out of Hertfordshire would be beneficial in more ways than one. My Aunt and Uncle Gardiner had great effect on my sister, and now she is to be married," Elizabeth said happily.

    Darcy, noting that Caroline was beginning to roll her eyes, called a footman over, and after receiving the information that his guests' baggage had been delivered to their respective rooms, had a chambermaid show Miss Bingley to her chamber. Those that remained in the hall sighed in relief, and Elizabeth turned to Jane with an arched eyebrow.

    "Well? Are you going to inform Darcy and I why Caroline has arrived with you, uninvited, or are you hoping we would all just not deign to notice her," Elizabeth demanded of Jane and Charles.

    "Dearest," began Darcy warily, "she is our sister-in-law and our guest, we.."

    "I know that, Mr. Darcy," interrupted Elizabeth testily. "Forgive me Charles, Jane, it is just that I have not yet forgotten Miss Bingley's unkind words and actions. I know I should, I just have not been able to do it as of yet."

    "Hmph," Darcy snorted looking at his wife. "I am the one with the resentful temper, darling!" he said trying to alleviate the tension.

    "Forgive us, sister," Charles began, "I know full well that Caroline was invited only to the ball, and Jane and I agreed that was for the best, but my sister had her maid place her bags on the carriage unbeknownst to us, and when we were leaving she joined us claiming that if she stayed with the Hursts, she would go mad. She also claimed that Georgiana would need her as there would be no one here to give her the attention and advice she would need at her first ball! We had no time to spare to have her luggage taken off the carriage, as we were running late as it is. I am so sorry, my friends, I did not intend for her to accompany us at all!" Charles lamented.

    "Was Caroline at Netherfield, then?" Darcy asked in surprise.

    "No. We stopped at Town for a couple of days before making the journey to Derbyshire. I needed to attend to some business, and Jane needed to go shopping. Caroline ambushed us at the Grosvenor Street house, claiming that the Hursts were 'upsetting her nerves'!" Elizabeth tittered at this, then Charles went on to say, "apparently Louisa and Mr. Hurst are expecting! And Mr. Hurst has become attentive towards Louisa, so much so that Caroline believes he is monopolizing our sister and is in Caroline's way."

    "More congratulations to go around then! How wonderful!" Elizabeth exclaimed.

    "We welcomed Caroline into the house, informing her we would only being staying for a few days before we left for Pemberley, but she would be able to stay there for as long as 'necessary'. Then when we left ... again, I am sorry my friends. I do not mean to inflict Caroline on anyone!" Charles said sheepishly.

    "*Sigh*, it is alright Charles. We shall endeavor to cope and show Caroline every courtesy," Elizabeth said to her brother-in-law. Jane let out a sigh of relief, as she knew her sister's temper and stubbornness. If Elizabeth had taught Darcy how to smile, tease, and be more at ease, he had taught Elizabeth how to rein in her temper.

    Charles and Jane excused themselves so that they could go up to their rooms to change out of their traveling clothes, and into daywear. Elizabeth excused herself also, and went to the library, with Darcy following a moment after. As the Colonel escorted Georgiana to the music room, for she needed something to calm her nerves, Evelyn took a walk around the house to refresh herself. She passed by the library as the door opened and a maid slipped out and closed the door behind her, but not quickly enough for Evelyn to not miss a glimpse of Darcy and Elizabeth 'engaged', and certainly not over a book. Evelyn chuckled to herself and blushed. She knew something of what went on between a man and a woman, not by any personal experience mind you, but the Iroquois natives of Canada and the men and women of the Caribbean had a different idea of what was considered proper behavior, and had no scruples against displaying physical affection in public. She had often wondered what it would be like to be kissed by a man, and this brought another blush to her cheeks. She had just turned the corner when she nearly ran into Colonel Fitzwilliam.

    "Colonel! Forgive me but I seem to be bent on shocking you and bowling you over!" Evelyn laughed to cover up her embarrassment.

    "It does seem to be the case, Miss Westcott. Maybe we should hang a bell around your neck, to alert the unwary to your presence!" Colonel Fitzwilliam joked in return. "I was just sent to find you for Georgiana, she seems to have found a duet and was wondering if you would like to attempt it with her."

    "I would be delighted to, although Miss Darcy is a much more accomplished at the piano-forte than I. Probably much more accomplished at most things, I fear I was much too busy scampering around in mud to pay attention to covering screens," Evelyn said, then immediately wished she hadn't. "Why must I always say such things to people I have barely become acquainted with? It was perfectly fine for me to act so when I was with my family, or with Darcy. They liked me and accepted me for who I was, even if I was not a perfect 'lady'", Evelyn thought to herself with despair and embarrassment, which caused her to blush anew.

    The Colonel quickly averted his eyes and held out his arm for Evelyn so that he could accompany her to the music room. "This woman is having such an effect on me! She rides better than any man I've ever seen, and rides like a man as well, but will blush when she talks about 'scampering in mud' as a child. Fascinating, confusing girl!"

    The Colonel was silent the rest of the way to the music room, where he left Evelyn to assist Georgiana and went on his way. He did not have a destination in mind, but he had to go somewhere to sort out the thoughts his mind was inflicting upon him.

    Richard, that being the Colonel's Christian name, hurried out of the great house and into the huge adjoining garden down by the lake. He wandered the paths between the large rose bushes and hedgerows, kicking up stones as he went. He pondered the fortune that his elder brother, the current Viscount, and Darcy seemed to share; that of finding and having someone in their lives to love, who loved them in return.

    The Colonel had been raised the same way as his brother; same education, same levels of attention and affection from their parents, but with one difference. Richard knew from a young age that he was a second son, and as such he realized that he would have to make his own way in the world. His brother would inherit land and title, whereas Richard would inherit a good name, and little else. He joined the militia as soon as he graduated from Cambridge, and quickly rose in the ranks as his easy manners and quick wit attracted the attention of his superiors. He earned the trust and admiration of the men under him with little effort, and these were cemented by his capable leadership during battles in the East Indies.

    Richard also knew that if he were to ever retire and support a wife as he felt one should be supported, his wife would have to bring a substantial dowry and estate into the marriage. If he chose a bride of little means, such as he had been sorely tempted to do with Elizabeth but would not pursue because he knew of Darcy's feelings for her, he knew that he would have to wait for many years to wed, so that his income would be sufficient to support a family and household. What young woman would want to marry a man twice her age? So, the Colonel had sadly led the life of a bachelor for many years, waiting to meet a woman he could love, and waiting even longer for that woman to come endowed.

    The Colonel sat down on a bench in the middle of the garden and hung his head. He sat there for some time, trying not to dwell on a certain person with auburn locks, a person who he had known for only a very short period of time, a person he had already begun to feel more strongly towards than he ever did towards Elizabeth Bennet. Richard sat there until it begun to rain, then he hastened back to the house, for he had enough sense to come in out of a downpour.

    By the time he had returned from changing his coat, the others had assembled in the dining room for lunch. The rain had turned steady, and the sky was nearly black with swollen clouds. The occasional flash of lightning had Georgiana jumping in her seat with every clash. Elizabeth directed some footmen to close the heavy drapes and to light more candles, thus, with the sound of the storm muffled and the room warmed by cheery light, the company quickly settled down to enjoy their luncheon of bisque and vinaigrette salad.

    "So, how do you find your rooms, Miss Bingley? Are they satisfactory?" Elizabeth ventured. Jane smiled at her sister's attempt to be civil.

    "Perfectly satisfactory. I have always enjoyed staying at Pemberley. Such a grand estate! Such rooms, such views, such grand works of art and fine furniture!" Caroline went on in her usual way of melodic flattery. It was a surprise to the rest of the party that she didn't start in on the silverware and china.

    "Is there going to be entertainment this evening after supper? Georgiana, you must play for us. Your playing at the piano-forte is exquisite," Caroline continued.

    "I thought that I would play a measure of a duet Miss Westcott and I were working on earlier. Miss Westcott is very talented, and plays well," Georgiana said softly.

    "Thank you, Miss Darcy. Coming from you, that is high praise indeed, although I feel I do not deserve it," Evelyn said, smiling at the young woman.

    "Ah, a duet,...how pleasant. And are you to play as well this evening, Eliza?" Miss Bingley said in a colder tone.

    "Mrs. Darcy may play tonight, if she wishes. I very much enjoy listening to her play and sing. I have rarely heard anything that gives me more pleasure," Darcy said directly to a suddenly contrite Caroline.

    "I remember when I had the honor of listening to Mrs. Darcy at Rosings Park. It was a delight to hear," Colonel Fitzwilliam offered.

    Elizabeth just smiled and waved away the praise gracefully. She knew that she was not the equal of Georgiana, or of Caroline in technicality. She often fudged and slurred her way through difficult passages. But her dear husband had assured her, time and time again, that the feeling she imparted while playing and singing outshone everyone else he had ever listened to. Elizabeth had such natural feeling and joy in her voice, and anyone who listened to her sing, could not help but experience a wash of emotion.

    Suddenly, Jane spoke up and surprised the party with "Elizabeth has always maintained that she played very ill. Perhaps with all of these compliments she will finally admit that she is fully capable, or denounce you all as liars," she finished with a sly smile.

    "Sister! You shock me!" Elizabeth said with a hearty laugh. "Really, Mr. Bingley, with whatever you have been teaching her you have sullied our 'angel'!"

    Charles let out a hearty laugh and retorted with, "I think our dear Jane had just discovered a bit more of the famous 'Bennet Wit' in the past few months!" Elizabeth just sat back and raised an eyebrow at her sister, which caused even more mirth from those who knew what that gesture meant.

    Lunch was finished with Caroline retiring to a sitting room to finish a piece of embroidery, Jane joined her, Charles went to the library with Darcy to partake of the newspapers and a bit of fine scotch, Elizabeth and Georgiana went to see Mrs. Reynolds for the necessities of having an extra guest, and to continue planning for the ball that was to be held there the next week, so there remained:

    "Miss Westcott? I know it is a dreary day outside, but the rain appears to have relented somewhat and I was wondering if you would accompany me to the stables. I would like to check in on Zeus and I assume you wouldn't say 'no' to paying your brute a visit."

    "Thank you, I would be glad to go see my 'husband' for a moment or two. Allow me to fetch my cloak and I shall meet you by the side entrance directly," Evelyn said, then quit the dining room. She went up the stairs as quickly as she could without seeming improper and went to her dressing chamber.

    "Ellen? Do you know where my oiled cloak is?" she asked while digging through the wardrobe.

    "Are you going outside in this weather, Miss? It is dreadful outside, you'll catch your death!" Ellen remarked with some irritation.

    "Dear Ellen, I have not caught cold once yet, so I doubt stepping out to the stables in a heavy cloak will effect me much. Ah, there it is, some help you are!" she exclaimed as she emerged triumphant. "There! Now my gloves, please. Thank you, Ellen. Now, do you think this will suffice?"

    "I suppose, but don't blame me when you come down red nosed and sniffling! See if I'll bring you your tea, then!"

    Evelyn smiled at her maid, patted her on the arm and rushed out the door and down the hall. She almost slid down the banister. "Ooh, wouldn't that be a sight to see! A grown woman sliding down the grand staircase of the Great Pemberley! Alright, so one of these days I'll attempt it, when no one is around, of course," she smiled to herself. She met the Colonel at the East Entry, closest to the stables, and walked the short distance to the stables with the Colonel gallantly holding an umbrella.

    "Hello, old boy! Did you miss me?" Evelyn said merrily. The great ebony horse walked over to his gate and gave a great whinny.

    "I would take that as a 'yes' then," she laughed as she stroked and kissed Goliath's nose. He settled down and nuzzled his mistress' shoulder, quite contentedly, while Evelyn put her arms around his great head and stood there silently.

    The Colonel looked away and saw to his own horse, Zeus. "Here you are lad, a nice apple for you, " he said while stroking the gelding's great neck. "What are you thinking, man!? To be ... jealous? ... of a horse?" he pondered with shock. But there it was, the lingering thought that he wished it was he who she kissed, he who she put her arms around, he who nuzzled her shoulder ... her neck...

    "Colonel Fitzwilliam? Are you unwell?" Evelyn asked with concern after noticing the man's pallor and wide eyes.

    "I am well, I am well. Pray, excuse me," he said suddenly. He gave a quick bow, turned on his heel and quit the stables, leaving Evelyn to look after him in confusion and concern.

    After spending a moment more with Goliath, she returned to the house as well, stopping at the library to speak to Darcy. She knocked on the solid door and entered when she heard Darcy within.

    "Hello Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley," she said and curtseyed.

    "Ah, Miss Westcott, were you just outside? In this weather?" Charles said in amazement.

    "My maid ensured that I have been adequately bundled up, Mr. Bingley. I just saw to my horse in the stables. Darcy, may I have a word with you for a moment?" she asked quietly.

    "Of course. Excuse us, Charles," Darcy said and led Evelyn into the hall, closing the door behind him. "Whatever is the matter, Evelyn? Is anything amiss?"

    "I am perfectly fine, Darcy, but I fear your cousin may not be. It was his idea to visit the horses, and after a moment there he appeared stricken by something and left posthaste! He said that he was well, but naturally, I am concerned for him and thought you should know," Evelyn stated in a lowered voice.

    "Thank you, Evelyn. I will go and see to him directly," and with that Darcy went upstairs to search for the Colonel in his rooms, as he appeared to have acted quite out of character.

    Richard bade Darcy to enter when he heard his knock. He was sitting in front of the fire, attempting to get the chill out of his bones and contemplate the flames. "Hello little cousin. How may I be of assistance?"

    "I just came to inquire if you are well or in need of anything," Darcy said as he seated himself in the armchair next to Richard.

    "I am perfectly well, thank you. And as I have a good bottle of scotch right here, I would not say I was in need of anything at the moment, but how good of you to ask," the Colonel said with a slight smirk. He could tell when his cousin was up to something.

    "That is all well and good, but I should inform you that you have worried Miss Westcott a little. She was afraid that you had fallen ill and informed me directly."

    At the mention of 'Miss Westcott', Darcy detected a slight shadow cross his cousin's face. He had just begun to guess at what might be 'wrong' with Colonel Fitzwilliam, but did not know enough to mention anything outright. Darcy had always been one to diligently respect others' privacy.

    "That was very good of her, but she need not have been concerned, I am fine," he replied as stared into the flames once again.

    "Very well then, I shall leave you," Darcy excused himself and was on his way back to the library, shaking his head and smiling at his cousin. "Maybe Elizabeth can help me sort this brewing mess out, I am not good at such things," he mused as he saw his wife approaching her chamber door.

    "Dearest? Could I talk to you about something?"

    "Certainly, my love, but..." she began then stopped and started biting her bottom lip in that way that Darcy found adorable, "I would rather not 'talk' at present. Do you think I could engage your lips in another way for a while?" she said, smiling up at her husband with a twinkle in her eyes.

    Darcy could not yet think of a way, or a reason at all, to say no to his wife, so he grinned mischievously back at her, opened her door and followed her inside. Darcy allowed his beloved Elizabeth to engage his lips until it was nearly time for dinner.

    The next day began with everyone meeting up in the breakfast room. Elizabeth and Georgiana were discussing the upcoming ball, an event that was threatening to take over every aspect of life at Pemberley. Servants were running to and fro, cleaning and inspecting every room. Renewing all the linens and tablecloths had turned the back courtyard into a draped maze. Orders for food and wine to be stored in the basements were being brought in around the clock. At times it was impossible to walk down a lane or hallway without nearly tripping over people.

    During the animated discussion between Elizabeth and Georgiana, Caroline Bingley thought it appropriate to offer her lengthy opinions on the subject. The woman dismissed all of Elizabeth's ideas and plans, announcing that "although they may be fine for the sort of society one would entertain in Hertfordshire, they would be completely inadequate for the caliber of guests one would expect in Pemberley".

    "Caroline..." Charles began before Miss Bingley started again, right over him:

    "Throwing a ball, or any other large assemblage of people, takes an enormous amount of talent and patience. One must ensure the decorations and music are fashionable, one must see to it that only the finest dishes and wines are served, and one absolutely must know whom to invite, and who not, especially to a coming-out. Georgiana must be introduced into the society befitting a Darcy. Really, Eliza, you need my advice and expertise. You will certainly blunder and fail without it," Caroline said snidely.

    "For G*d's sake, woman, DESIST!" Evelyn cried. She stood there looking at Caroline who had turned white to the lips. Everyone else gaped open mouthed in shock. Caroline whipped around and ran from the room. Evelyn stood a moment more, noticing the looks of shock, surprise, and what she took for disappointment on Darcy's face. She quickly left the room herself and was on her way to her chambers when she espied Caroline running outside towards the gardens. She decided upon a course of action, and left the house immediately to follow it.

    Caroline was near the center of the garden, standing with her back towards Evelyn, her shoulders heaving. On hearing the crunch of stone under foot, she turned around, ready to harangue whoever had dared follow her. Noticing it was that foul upstart, Evelyn, she readied herself for attack. "How dare she! How dare she! Foul, common girl! To speak to me so.." She was just about to verbally thrash the woman when Evelyn approached her too quickly for a response, and Caroline found herself in the woman's arms.

    Caroline stood utterly stiff and still for a moment, completely shocked and mortified that she was being embraced by her 'enemy'. After a moment, she heard a softly spoken, "It is alright, Miss Bingley," and for some reason, Caroline could no longer control herself, and began to sob. Huge, wracking sobs. Charles and Jane had come to see where Caroline had gone, and upon not being able to find her in her chambers, had gone outside. They happened upon the scene, and after discerning that Caroline was openly weeping, and that Evelyn was comforting her, they turned and went back to the house, quietly and in a great state of confusion.

    After some time, Evelyn finally led Caroline over to a bench and sat her down gently. She reached into her small purse and drew out a handkerchief, which she dabbed Caroline's cheeks with, before handing it over.

    Caroline just sat there and stared at Evelyn, consternation and fury plain upon her face. "I am very sorry, Miss Bingley. I deeply apologize for what I said to you, I know I shouldn't have, but I lost control of my temper. I would not allow you to attack my good friends for another moment." Evelyn said calmly.

    Caroline still looked at her in shock, she wanted to say something, wanted to scream at her, hit her ... but in the end, all her mind could come up with to say was, "No one has held me like that since my mother died."

    Evelyn just gave a slight nod, and told Caroline that she thought it was what was needed just then. "As I said Miss Bingley, I am very very sorry for what I said. There is no excuse, and I do not expect you to forgive me for it."

    "Then why on Earth did you follow me out here, why did you comfort me just now?!" Caroline asked with irritation and perplexity.

    "Because I feel that you have something troubling you deeply, far beyond the scene just now in the house. I am not so callous a being as to ignore pain in others when I detect it," Evelyn said gently.

    "Something troubling me deeply?! Whatever do you mean, I am perfectly well ... I ... I..." Caroline began, then her face fell and she was wracked by sobs again.

    Evelyn put her arm around Caroline's shoulders and stroked her hair with her other hand, the whole time whispering, "It is alright, alright now, let it all go..." After some more time passed and Caroline sat weeping, she finally cleared her throat and sat up, wiping her eyes. "Now, are you feeling better?"

    "I am, actually. I ... imagine that I have been carrying some worries I have not allowed to be known.," Caroline said.

    "Would you like to talk about it?" Evelyn asked gently, then continued when she saw Caroline's shocked look, "I do not mean to pry, and you do not have to tell me anything, but it has been my experience that talking about your troubles does help. It certainly helped Mr. Darcy when I met him in London last year," Evelyn offered.

    Miss Bingley looked at Evelyn with astonishment. "Mr. Darcy talking about his troubles with her?" she began to think, then stopped when she realized that Evelyn was looking at her with sincere concern and compassion. Caroline was completely confused, and before she knew what she was about, began telling Evelyn what was troubling her.

    "...and then Mr. Darcy, of whom I had such high hopes and expectations, married a girl from Hertfordshire! A young woman from such an improper family, with no connections! I would have been the perfect Mistress for Pemberley! I know how to move in society, I know how to throw a ball, I know how to act like a proper lady of means should act! But alas, he picked his upstart country girl with fine-eyes, and I am still alone, twenty-five years old! I am fast becoming an old maid, and I do not know what to do!" Caroline nearly screamed in her agitation.

    Evelyn furrowed her brow and looked at Caroline intently. She studied the woman next to her for a while, then said, "Miss Bingley? Do you honestly believe that status, stature, title, property, and social graces are the only reasons one gets married?"

    "But of course! Well, perhaps those are not the only reasons one weds, but they are the most important traits one looks for in a match," Caroline said haughtily. "True happiness in marriage comes from those things."

    "Miss Bingley, if that were true, why the Prince Regent and his wife should be the happiest couple in the whole of England! In reality, that is probably one of the most unhappy unions God has ever seen!" she exclaimed.

    "Miss Bingley, you should know that love and respect are what make a great union. You have two perfect examples of that right in front of you ... Darcy and Elizabeth, and your brother and his wife, Jane! Neither of those two fine men chose a bride because of wealth, estate, or status, but because they honestly and deeply love the women they wed. There is esteem, compatibility, respect, and most of all, a deep and abiding affection between them, and that is what makes them the happiest of couples in the whole of England!"

    Caroline continued to sit and stare at Evelyn, mutely. A furrow had appeared between her dark brows, and she seemed to be listening to Evelyn intently. Evelyn went on with, "Miss Bingley, answer me truthfully and honestly, years from now, what do you see? Do you see yourself sitting in front of a fire, after years of marriage, children, their children, then sitting those grandchildren of yours upon your knee and telling them tales? And what will you tell them of? Will you talk to them of, from when you were young, your manner of walking, the feathers in your hair, of your husband's estate and how to move in society ... or ... would you like to tell them of family and friends, of loved ones, of the happy times that were spent? To tell them of how you met their grandfather for the first time. Of holidays and parties with your closest friends, of the mischief your nieces and nephews got into? Now, which would you prefer, Miss Bingley?"

    Caroline sat quietly in shock for a moment, attempting to absorb what Evelyn had said to her. Then, quietly but earnestly, she turned to look Evelyn directly in the eye and said, "I would prefer the latter, Miss Westcott."

    "I had hoped so, Miss Bingley. I will tell you now, that from all I have experienced on this earth during my brief life; from never knowing my mother, from watching my father and brother being murdered before my very eyes," at this Caroline's eyes widened and her mouth went slack, "then not knowing where to go or turn to until I received a message and invitation from Lady Veronica to come to England and stay with her ... from everything that I have endured so far, I have taken away two very important things, Miss Bingley, and those are, that life is infinitely precious, therefore, we should endeavor to truly live the life we are given, and nothing can be more fulfilling or worthwhile in that life, than to love."

    Caroline turned from Evelyn and closed her eyes. She sat there silently, trying to maintain her composure and not weep again in front of this woman who had struck her to the bone. She gave a slight nod and heard Evelyn get up and walk away towards the house. Caroline remained there, surrounded by the beauty and colorful blooms for a while, as if she was seeing everything for the first time.

    Evelyn went into the house, her mind in utter turmoil. She bypassed Darcy and Elizabeth who had heard her return, and she ran up the stairs to her chamber. Once there, she threw herself on her large bed, exhausted.

    Hours passed and it was time for supper. The Darcys were already in the dining room, as were the Colonel, Charles, and Jane when Evelyn finally appeared downstairs for the first time since the morning. As she had missed lunch and had spent hours in mental anguish over her behavior, she was famished, but she was too stubborn to keep to her rooms and order up a tray. As she entered and sat down, she noticed everyone was looking at her strangely. Elizabeth was concerned, Darcy vexed, Charles confused, Jane distraught, Georgiana on the verge of tears, and the Colonel's countenance was unreadable as his face was blank and he would not meet Evelyn's eyes.

    Evelyn gave a slight trembling sigh and was about to speak to everyone when Caroline entered the dining room. Every startled pair of eyes turned towards her, and watched Miss Bingley gracefully move to a chair and sit down, directly across from Evelyn. Caroline looked at the woman and nodded to her, then broke into a large smile. Everyone looked on in amazement, Georgiana covered her mouth to keep from gasping aloud.

    Evelyn smiled back, then asked, "Miss Bingley, I am sorry for not asking you before if you were fond of riding?"

    "I have not had the opportunity to ride much, although I do like to. I hear that the stables here house fine horses indeed," she said with a nod to Darcy who had yet to close his mouth. "I also hear that you brought you own stallion with you, a veritable giant, or so he is described." Caroline said, then reached for a glass of wine.

    Evelyn spoke to Caroline as everyone else edged back to their seats and sat down in mute shock and amusement. "A 'giant' indeed, for his name is Goliath. If you would like to see him I shall take you to the stables and introduce you to him."

    "An introduction? To a horse?" Caroline asked, raising her eyebrow. Everyone sucked in their collective breath, waiting for the reprisal they feared would come. Darcy readied himself to intervene if necessary.

    "Oh, yes, one must always be properly introduced to a gentleman, especially when it is my 'husband'. Isn't that correct, Colonel? Do you not address me as 'Mrs. Goliath'?" Evelyn asked him archly.

    "Well, some women refer to their husbands as 'beasts', I think this is the first instance of a spouse actually being one," Caroline began, then could no longer hold back her mirth. Evelyn began laughing as well, and the two women, who everyone assumed would be throwing insults and cutlery at each other, were chortling away quite loudly. They paused for a moment, noticing the expressions of everyone else, and began laughing even more loudly. Evelyn was wiping tears from her eyes and Caroline was pointing at Darcy and Elizabeth, at the priceless looks on their faces.

    "Will someone please tell me what is going on?" Charles moaned. Jane was sitting by him, patting his hand, about to lose her countenance as well. Georgiana looked as if she was ready to run away and hide, Elizabeth and Darcy looked at each other in pure astonishment. The Colonel sat there quietly looking at Evelyn who had covered her face with her hands, shoulders heaving in mirth.

    "It is quite alright, Charles. I am very well and everything is fine, and has been attended to quite satisfactorily. Is that not so, Miss Westcott?" Caroline said with a smile across the table.

    "It is so, Miss Bingley, and please, call me Evelyn."

    "Of course, Evelyn, and you must call me Caroline," she replied with a grin and a nod. "This fish is quite delicious! Mrs. Darcy, may I please have this recipe from your chef, it is divine!"

    Elizabeth and Darcy looked questioningly at each other. It was the first time that Caroline had referred to her as 'Mrs. Darcy' without a snide tone or having to be reminded to do so first. "Um ... yes, I shall certainly see to it," she said as she picked up her wine glass and took a deep sip.

    "You have such a capable staff here at Pemberley, Mr. Darcy. Very efficient, very helpful. I assume that some have been with your family for many years?" She continued on when he nodded the affirmative, "And Mrs. Reynolds, such a kind woman. She must be incredible help to you, Mrs. Darcy."

    Caroline Bingley, complementing servants?! "Yes, she is of great help. She knows this house and the staff like the back of her hand," Elizabeth offered.

    "So very accommodating a woman, and speaking of accommodation, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, you must forgive me. I just realized that I forgot to thank you for putting me up so quickly and so comfortably. I know that I was ... unexpected to arrive before the ball, and you have been such gracious hosts," Caroline said with no little trepidation. She had never truly apologized to another person in her entire life, and felt awkward doing so. But it was the correct and right thing to do. She intended to be correct from now on, adhering to what was good and right, as opposed to what was fashionable.

    If one positive thing could be said about Caroline before this moment, aside from her being fond of orange, it was that she had determination in abundance. She was set to change herself, to 'live' her life, and to actively seek out and be worthy of the love that Evelyn had referred to. She wanted to have grandchildren to tell funny and warm stories to! The love that she saw between her brother and Jane, and what she could finally admit to seeing between Darcy and Elizabeth, she did want for herself someday.

    Darcy and Elizabeth were made for each other, and with that thought, she relinquished all regret and resentment for not being the Mistress of Pemberley. "We would have been miserable with each other. While I would have respected him, or more accurately, his wealth and position, I do not think he would have respected me as his wife. Evelyn was correct, I have often attacked and degraded others, and that was so very wrong of me. No longer! I shall not end up a 'dead' person, even though I will still be breathing!" she mused to herself.

    Elizabeth looked at Caroline intently. Very intently. Caroline attempted to maintain her gaze but began to feel very intimidated under the scrutiny of those fine eyes. Before Caroline was about to turn away from that gaze, Elizabeth said, "You are very welcome, Miss Bingley. We are glad to make you comfortable and happy while you are here with us. After all, you are 'family'."

    Caroline smiled at Elizabeth, Darcy, Charles, Jane, and continued around the table looking at everyone earnestly. She raised her wineglass and said, "To family, then." Everyone raised their glasses and repeated the toast. Caroline raised her glass in salute to Evelyn before taking a sip.

    "Ah, you are quite right about the fish, Caroline, it is very good. What is it the men say in the military, Colonel? Dig in?" Evelyn asked merrily.

    The Colonel had spent the past several minutes in silence, staring out the windows when he was not staring at Evelyn. "Um ... er ... yes, that is what they say," he said quietly and distractedly. He stole a glance at Georgiana who was still very wide-eyed, although now from curiosity instead of fear. She was following the exchange around the table with extreme interest.

    "Dig in, indeed! I dare say I have quite the appetite this evening for some reason. Darcy, would you like to try billiards tonight?" Charles said before taking a large bite. He was relieved to turn things to more sedate matters. This change in Caroline had shocked him to the core, although it was a delightful thing to see. It was wonderful observing her more pleasant manners, and to apologize to Darcy and Elizabeth! If he had not heard it with his own two ears, he never would have believed it. He only hoped that the change would be a lasting one, for her sake as well as for his family and friends.

    "That sounds agreeable if everyone does not mind we take longer than usual to join them for coffee in the music room," and no one objected. The Colonel took a moment to snap to attention again, and said that he would join them for port.

    "Georgiana, are you excited about the ball? It is less than a week away, now." Caroline asked sweetly. She immediately felt sorry for her inquiry though, when Georgiana looked frightened. Then she remembered the subject that began this morning's incident and sought to soothe Georgiana's fear. "Oh, I believe it shall be fine. Quite the marvelous affair, I am sure. I remember my coming out ball, now that was a disaster! The flowers that arrived were slightly wilted and were of the wrong sort! My father and older sister were allergic to them and they sneezed through the whole evening. Lady Chatsworth had the entire punch bowl splashed on her, and Mrs. Devon's lap dog had Lord Wattsworth's wig in his mouth with four footmen chasing after him under the tables. I though I would die of embarrassment, but in hindsight, I do not think I have ever witnessed anything more amusing!" Caroline finished with a chuckle.

    Georgiana smiled tentatively at Miss Bingley's friendly chatter and attempt to lighten the mood after mentioning the ball. "So, Miss Darcy, if you ever feel overwhelmed next week, just imagine punch soaked ladies and hairless men chasing after diminutive canines, and I dare say you shall do fine." Picturing these things at the moment Caroline was describing them caused Georgiana to giggle and she attempted to hide it behind her napkin.

    "But do be sure, sister, to not picture that constantly or you shall be laughing the entire time," Elizabeth said teasingly.

    "Ahem, well, Georgiana, may I petition you for the second set of dances, my fair cousin? I know that Darcy is to dance the first with you, but if I do not ask now, I probably would not get a chance to have your hand the entire night!" the Colonel said in an effort to shake himself out of his mood.

    "Filling up her dance card nearly a week in advance are you, cousin?" Darcy said with a smirk.

    "That would be wonderful, Colonel," Georgiana said after shooting a glare at her brother.

    He wanted to ask Evelyn to dance, but did not know how to broach the subject without drawing notice to himself, so he settled for, "And I imagine that I shall have to dance with all the ladies here, or I will never hear the end of slighting one of you," he said with a roguish wink towards Elizabeth.

    "Oh, Colonel. Are you sure that the ladies here are all 'handsome enough to tempt you'?" Elizabeth said, fluttering her eyes and smiling coyly. Darcy threw his head back and laughed.

    "You had better watch yourself, cousin, it seems some ladies never forget, and they never let you forget, either!"

    "Of course we do not forget, Mr. Darcy! We may forgive, entirely, but if we forgot we would have nothing to tease you about for the rest of your lives," Elizabeth said sweetly.

    "And on that note, I recommit myself to my bachelor status!" the Colonel said with a laugh.

    Darcy turned a steely and calculating gaze on his cousin. He sat there for a moment before getting a lupine grin on his face and remarked, "Richard, I dare say you will change your mind entirely when you meet the right woman."

    The Colonel halted mid-sip, and looked at Darcy over the rim of the wine glass. "Now, what does he suspect? Could he know? That decides it then, I shall not show any marked attention to Miss Westcott. I shall be a casual and indifferent acquaintance, nothing more! I have to throw him off the trail. I know, I shall show Miss Bingley more attention, that should serve him right for poking his nose in my affairs. Then again, I do not think that would be a good idea, who knows if her new-found amiability will last? I wonder what happened between her and Miss Westcott ... I thought they would kill each other this morning. The gall ... the impertinence, cheek, and bravery of that woman for standing up to Miss Bingley when no one else would! And now they are friends and addressing each other by Christian name? Miss Westcott is a miracle worker, indeed, for turning Caroline Bingley pleasant," and against will, his eyes turned towards Evelyn, taking in her smile, her light form, the way the candlelight caused her auburn hair to glimmer like flames.

    Elizabeth heard what Darcy had said, and recalling the conversation he had finally remembered to have with her as they dressed for dinner, watched the Colonel's intent observation of Evelyn with amusement.

    With supper finished the ladies rose to go to the music room for coffee and entertainment. There, they would await the men who retired to the billiard room for a game and some port. As she passed Darcy on the way out, Evelyn stopped by him and whispered, "I'm so sorry, forgive me for earlier," and continued on her way. Darcy did not have a chance to respond, and watched her go, sighing to himself. He was not angry with Evelyn, just upset that such a scene had taken place and worried about the possible repercussions. He did not look forward to having to deal with battles under his roof, Elizabeth and Georgiana being upset, and helping Charles deal with his sister, especially not when this was supposed to be a fun and special time for his young sister. He was completely relieved that it appeared to have worked out, and Caroline Bingley acting civil and pleasant?! He will have to get the full account from Evelyn as to how she managed that particular miracle. But now, he turned to Charles and Richard and led them to the billiard room, needing a glass of port for his aching head.

    In the music room, Jane had sit down on a sofa and sat daintily drinking some coffee. Caroline walked over and sat next to her, begging her for a word. Jane put down her coffee and turned a pleasant smile to her sister-in-law, folding her hands in her lap awaiting Caroline to start.

    "Jane, my dear sister Jane," she began tremulously. Caroline reached out for Jane's hand, and held it in both of hers. "You are a dear sister. I can never tell you how much I appreciate the happiness you bring to my brother. Is there any way, anything I could do for you to forgive me for my dreadful interference, deceit, and behavior in attempting to separate you two?" she said with tears forming in her eyes. Jane's eyes widened, and Elizabeth nearly dropped her cup upon hearing Caroline's plea.

    Jane took a moment to steady herself after this surprise and said, "Of course I forgive you, Caroline. We are sisters, are we not, and that is all in the past," then bestowed one of her angelic smiles upon the woman next to her. Caroline embraced Jane gently, then pulled back and dried her eyes, not caring who saw that she wept. After a moment, she smiled again, a beautiful, genuine smile to the whole room. Georgiana came over to her and asked if she would play something for them. Caroline accepted and played a lively scotch air, to the further delight of the room.

    Elizabeth walked slowly over to Evelyn as she was refilling her cup and quietly asked, "Whatever did you say to her this morning?" Evelyn turned a sly grin towards her and replied, "That is between Miss Bingley and myself," before returning to her seat. Elizabeth stood there in perplexity for a moment more, than sat down herself, completely in awe of the day's events. She finally gave up attempting to figure it all out, and enjoyed the music and lively conversation instead. "Imagine, sitting and having a pleasant conversation with Caroline Bingley! But, here it is. Oh well, I married Fitzwilliam and Jane married her Mr. Bingley, I should get used to miraculous things happening!" she mused.

    In the billiard room, Darcy had just finished pouring everyone a glass of port when he drained his own and poured another one. Charles and Richard looked on in amusement.

    "Feeling a bit ill, are we Darcy?" the Colonel asked.

    "Forgive me, I know it is not my custom to have more than one glass, but my head is pounding right now," Darcy said with chagrin.

    All three men just stood there silently for a moment, quietly sipping port or just staring off into nothing. Finally, Charles broke the silence and asked, "So, what did happen today?"

    "Well, the way I see it, Miss Westcott and your sister had a dreadful altercation, they both disappeared for hours and when they returned for supper, they seemed to be the best of friends and Miss Bingley was being pleasant and civil, even humorous. How that occurred I haven't the foggiest notion!" Darcy said furrowing his brow.

    "I must say, I thought those two would start throwing the dinner knives at each other," said the Colonel, attempting to inject his customary humor into the situation.

    "I cannot believe how Caroline was acting. She has not behaved in so pleasant a manner since our mother passed ten years ago," Charles said, contemplating his glass. "I had always wondered if our mother said something to Caroline, that influenced her to become such a snob. She was never derisive towards another or so interested in societal position until then."

    "Hmph, well I am glad that she has endeavored to change, my friend. To be honest with you, I only ever tolerated her presence due to the fact that she was your sister," remarked Darcy with an apologetic look.

    "I always realized that, my friend. And always appreciated it to no end, let me tell you. I could fully discern the fact that she made you uncomfortable with her endless flattery and snide comments about people. Especially those she made about Elizabeth," Charles lamented. "Hopefully," he said brightening, "it is now in the past and we will never have to endure the barb of Caroline's tongue again."

    "Well, I dare say that when it came to your sister in the past, Mr. Bingley, I was happy for the first time that I was only a second son, and too poor to come under her notice!" the Colonel jested. This broke the contemplative tension in the room, and the gentlemen returned to their port, and Darcy and Charles began a game.

    After they were finished, they went to the music room to join the ladies. Outside the door they stopped, looking at each other bemusedly, for on the other side they heard gay music, lively singing, and much laughter. Darcy opened the door quietly, so as not to disturb or interrupt the room's occupants. When the gentleman entered the room, they stood there for a moment, then began to grin, for it appeared that it was not Georgiana or Elizabeth playing and singing, but Caroline and Evelyn. And having a grand and raucous time it seemed!

    Jane and Elizabeth were on the couch, the latter wiping her eyes. Georgiana was on a settee, holding her sides as she was laughing so hard it hurt, Caroline was playing a most lively Irish song, by the sound of it, and Evelyn! She appeared to have a lace table runner on her head, tied in the manner of a turban, doing oriental-style dancing in a very exaggerated manner, and singing what appeared to be a sailor's song about a man that drank so much rum he fell in love with a pig, but the captain wouldn't marry them.

    Colonel Fitzwilliam's mouth dropped open when he recognized the song (it was frequently sung at the barracks by the common soldiers) and he was shocked that a young gentlewoman would have heard it, let alone sing it word for word. He shook his head then in amazement at Evelyn. "How like ... a man she is in some ways ... yet still ... how much a woman.." he mused in wonder. Then he began to chuckle, then laugh, and then a full-throated guffaw that alerted the woman singing to his presence and caused her to stop. She whipped around, saw the Colonel laughing so hard tears were running down his cheeks, and the other gentleman standing there, shoulders heaving in mirth. Evelyn quickly took the lace turban off, turned scarlet all over, and went to sit down by Elizabeth as gracefully as she could. She turned her head away from the gentlemen, and attempted to still her pounding heart.

    "I have never been more embarrassed in my life," Evelyn thought with mortification, " and I do not know why! It never really bothered me this much before to act so in front of my friends ... ooh, if only the Colonel would stop laughing at me so!"

    Elizabeth, still chuckling merrily, was the first to notice Evelyn's embarrassment. She turned to the gentlemen and made a motion to Darcy for him to halt the Colonel's boisterous laughter. Darcy then noticed Evelyn sitting on the sofa turned away from the room and blushing scarlet, so he gave his cousin a nudge to the ribs. When the Colonel looked up and wiped his eyes, Darcy nodded towards the mortified woman, and Richard immediately attempted to control his mirth and stopped laughing.

    Caroline, who had stopped playing when she heard Evelyn was no longer singing, began to play again to cover up the fresh silence in the room, and to allow Evelyn time to recover. Georgiana, after collecting herself, went to the gentleman and asked if anyone would care for coffee or tea, and showed them a plate of petit fours as well. Charles and Darcy went over to the coffee service to pour out for themselves, and the Colonel went over to Evelyn to make amends, if he could. "Surely the poor girl thought I was laughing at her." he realized.

    "I see that I am not the only one who knows that particular ditty, Miss Westcott. By any chance do you know of 'Salty Bess'? That one is my particular favorite," Richard said with a gentle smile. Evelyn looked up at him, concentrating on keeping her still-ablush features smooth, but there was a glimmer of challenge in her eyes that intrigued the Colonel, as did the deep rose hue of her lips and cheeks. "Steady man, you are treading into dangerous territory. 'Here there be monsters'." Instead of waiting for her to reply, he bowed politely and excused himself to get some coffee. Elizabeth followed the Colonel with her eyes and glanced back at Evelyn, who was still attempting to calm herself, but now a line had appeared between her brows.

    "Infuriating man! First he acts very nice and gentlemanly towards me, then he runs from my presence. Now he laughs at me and ridicules me in my embarrassment! I had thought he was a pleasant person, now I fear that I am wholly wrong in my assessment of him. But I mustn't let on, he's one of Darcy's dearest friends, and his cousin. I cannot have another incident like this morning, that would be so unfair and unkind to my gracious hosts," Evelyn said to herself with heat and dismay. She spent the rest of the evening speaking in a very gentile manner, with perfect decorum, so as to not give Colonel Fitzwilliam another opportunity to ridicule her.

    Soon, everyone rose to retire for the evening, the exertion of the ladies' amusement had tired them. As Evelyn was leaving, she heard Darcy call her back. She went over to him, passing the Colonel whom she did not acknowledge, and waited for everyone to quit the room.

    "So, my friend, what was that all about?" Darcy asked softly.

    "Er ... well, Miss Darcy had requested that Caroline play the piano-forte for a while, I assume as a politeness, although Miss Bingley does play quite well. She began to play an air, which resembled a song that I had heard from my childhood, a sailor's song, and remarked upon it. Everyone else then petitioned me to sing the song, which I did, and I was asked to sing more of these tunes, and ... um ... it just escalated from there..." Evelyn said sheepishly, not able to meet Darcy's eyes.

    Darcy stood there trying to keep the grin off of his face, and having a horrible time of it. "Evelyn ... hmm ... that was not what I was referring to...but in the future, could you tone down, or change some of the words in the songs if you are to sing them to Georgiana? She is still quite the innocent girl in most aspects."

    "Oh, surely I will, Darcy. In fact, I was most careful this evening and sang only the least indelicate songs, and altered the words to suit. But if my entertainment is not the subject you wish to discuss....?"

    "Evelyn," Darcy began with a small sigh, "what happened with Miss Bingley this morning? I realize things appear to have been most satisfactorily resolved, in fact everyone is astounded and pleased with her apparent transformation and have deduced that you had a hand it bringing it about, but even though you are Elizabeth's and my dear friend, I cannot have such outbursts in my home. Not with Georgiana under strain from this imminent ball, not with Elizabeth's delica..." he suddenly stopped and clamped his jaw shut.

    Evelyn's eyes widened and she brought her hands to her face when she understood the nature of Darcy's slip. Slowly she lowered her hands and placed one on Darcy's arm. He closed his eyes for a moment, when he opened them again he looked at Evelyn directly and she detected happiness, pride, and excitement in his eyes.

    "Darcy...?"

    "We were going to announce it to the family, including you, after the ball. Elizabeth did not want anything to detract from Georgiana's event, and she was afraid that everyone here would begin to fuss over her and drive her to distraction. Evelyn ... I imagined I could not get any happier than when I married my Elizabeth ... I was wrong...when she informed me that she was carrying my child, that we were going to be parents ... I ... I thought I would burst! You have no idea how happy I am that you know ... it was killing me to keep it secret, even thought that is what my darling Elizabeth wishes. I want to shout it from the rooftops! But now, knowing that someone shares my great news, it is easier to bear. Please, and I already know that you will not tell anyone, but please, me more discrete than I was just now, and keep this good news hidden until the time is right," Darcy begged.

    "Of course I will my dear friend, of course! Oh, Darcy, I am so very happy for you both," and she embraced her friend, who was smiling profusely, even though tears were streaming down his cheeks. "And I will attempt to keep my temper in check, even if I have to pour ice-water over my head!"

    After sharing the moment of joy, the subject of that morning's incident with Caroline totally forgotten, Darcy escorted Evelyn upstairs, then swiftly went off to his own chambers, where Elizabeth was awaiting him.

    Continued In Next Section

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