This is a continuation of Mary S's story "The Next Fitzwilliam Darcy".

itzwilliam tried to advance towards Miss Wickham, but was intercepted by Mrs. Fitzgerald and a young, pretty woman whom Mrs. Fitzgerald wished Mr. Darcy known to. Miss Wickham smiled sweetly and was then asked to dance by a Mr. Fowler, a young chap from London. As Darcy was indisposed she readily accepted. Darcy quietly swore under his breath.

Once introductions were made Mrs. Fitzgerald applied to Fitz to possibly dance with Miss Williams. Darcy said he would after he took care of business that could not be delayed. Miss Williams bowed before the handsome young man and agreed to a dance.

Darcy headed over to the bar and requested the strongest drink and was given an Irish Whiskey. He sipped it as he made his was toward Lewis. Susan Wickham, by his side motioned to Darcy to stay away. Lewis glowered at Darcy at the hope that he would best Darcy.

"So Darcy, coming in all this state to spy on Miss Wickham and myself do you. Well I'll have none of it. Miss Wickham and I are enjoying each other's company very well indeed. Right my love?" De Bourgh oozed with insincerity.

"I have come to ask my cousin for a dance dear sir. Such opinions or motives you think I have are merely the overworking of a brain that is not used to working so much." He turned to Miss Susan, "May I be honoured to have this dance, M'lady." He bowed and she agreed. He was such a handsome man and being asked to dance before Sarah made it all the more tempting. Lewis worked his way to another pretty young woman.

"My dear cousin I know what you were doing by sending Sarah to question me about Mr. de Bourgh. And I will tell you that it doesn't matter, nothing matters. Because I love him and he loves me." She said archly. Darcy raised his eyebrow to her and said nothing. Just as he went down the line, he passed the elder Miss Wickham and her good-natured, even-tempered countenance led him to believe that she was so enjoying her dancing partner that Darcy was oblivious to what Susan had just said. Miss Susan again tried for Mr. Darcy's attention.

"It will not do Mr. Darcy. You will never get Mr. de Bourgh to leave me. I know what you are about. He loves me. He told me so himself just this night." She turned to see what his gaze was fixed upon and saw at the end of the gaze her sister. "Mr. Darcy, I believe you are dancing with the wrong Wickham." She too smiled sweetly and brought Darcy out of his reverie.

"I believe, Miss Susan, that you think just a little too hard. Much like my friend over there." He tilted his head to show her his friend flirting with the woman he sought out. "nothing like out of sight out of mind, cousin."

"Mr. Darcy has anyone ever called you calculating. I don't understand what my sister could see in you. Well I guess the money is a strong enough inducement. If you please, I must beg to return to Mr. de Bourgh." And with that she left him on the dance floor.

Henry saw the expression on Darcy's face. Headstrong, obstinate child, Darcy thought, she has no idea what she is getting involved with.

"Darcy are you well?" Bingley mustered up the courage to interrupt Fitz's thoughts.

"Yes, Henry I'm well, and you. Are you enjoying this ball?"

"Very much indeed. A lot of very pretty women I dare say. You and Susan Wickham made a very handsome couple. But pray tell, what keeps you away from the elder Miss Wickham, she has danced two dances and with the same gentleman. I say Darcy, Mrs. Fitzgerald said that you were to dance the next two with Miss Williams. Why have you not asked Miss Wickham. She looks uncommonly good tonight. Sort of like the sun. Very beautiful indeed." Darcy walked away.

Darcy headed over to Miss Wickham just as the dance had ended. He desperately wanted to touch her and talk to her. He still needed to know what she had found out about Lewis and Miss Susan. Miss Wickham saw Darcy head in her direction and tried to fend off yet another suitor. She could not dance. She needed refreshment. Would the young man be so kind as to bring her a glass of wine. Darcy smiled as he got closer. Her gaze was sure, so steady. He beamed. The young suitor went off in search of wine. Darcy was stopped by Mrs. Wickham who wanted to hear gossip of her elder sister but Darcy was having none of this, he curtly responded that she was well and left her immediately. Miss Wickham was still alone and all he wanted was to be at her side. In two more quick strides he would be there. Just two more steps.

The young suitor returned with her wine and she asked him if he would be so kind as to bring her some fruit to go with the wine. Because the fruit was in the other part of the house and the line was forming he would be a while. She said she would patiently wait. Mr. Darcy shook his head and his curls danced around as he finally made it to her side. The feeling he felt before came back. His palms were extremely sweaty and the words did not come out. He felt dumb and stupid in her presence.

"Good evening Mr. Darcy. I hope you are enjoying yourself." She smiled so sweetly that it took all his might not to swoop down and kiss her red lips.

"Uncommonly so. May I be so bold to acknowledge how extremely beautiful you look tonight. You are by far the prettiest girl at the ball. A regular Cinderella." His eyes twinkled. She turned her head away so he did not see the deepest blush spread across her cheeks.

"Mr. Darcy are you telling me that I no longer look like a frizzy carrot." She repeated him from the age of six in feigned annoyance.

"I never called you a frizzy carrot." He said seriously. "you misunderstood me." He stole a sly glance at her and saw her countenance change to a more serious nature. "I affectionately called you a frizzy carrot. After you, I believe called me proud and a snob." His smiling eyes let her know that he too was joking with her. The love that was produced between the two of them was enough to electrify the whole of the room. His voice became more husky. "Miss Wickham would you do me the honour and come out to the balcony with me. I believe we may a little more privacy." He held out his hand as a gesture for her to take it. As soon as her little hand was firmly inside his, the two of them trembled.

They quietly stole out the side door where they could be concealed from any onlookers. Miss Wickham was trembling. The impropriety of the two of them on the balcony with out a chaperone. What would her parents think. She went over to the railing and with her back to him started talking.

"Mr. Darcy, I believe my sister is in love with Mr. de Bourgh. Though it pains me to know that he will never marry her and that he is using her abominably. I feel that there is nothing you or I can do." He walked behind. His voice faltering because he was so close he could smell her lavender water that she had liberally applied earlier that day.

"Miss Wickham I am truly to blame. I should have forewarned your family about his licentious behavior towards pretty, albeit stupid women. I do not call my cousin stupid, but to fall into his power is just that stupid."

"With you and he leaving in a fortnight, I feel that her heart will be sufficiently broken." She lowered her head. He too was leaving in a fortnight. Business that he had delayed again and again, could not be much longer. Damnation, Man! Darcy took her left arm and turned her around to face him. One tear had quietly slipped down her cheek. The pain she felt because he too would be leaving and possibly never to return was too much to bear. "Miss Wickham... Sarah, please don't." And with that he bent down and kissed her with so much passion. They both felt their heart would burst with joy.

Henry Bingley ran out onto the balcony where Darcy and Miss Wickham were, and he was none to pleased when he saw them. Right behind him was Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald.

"Darcy we have some more guests that have just arrived." Bingley breathed. Darcy came out from the shadows and sternly looked at the intruders. Mrs. Fitzgerald smile was beaming from side to side that she could no longer contain herself.

"I know I shouldn't have done it. But well," she said breathlessly. "With three handsome and illustrious men staying in my house. It just seemed a natural." Bingley's countenance was one of surprise and fear. Darcy's was one of confusion.

"I'm sorry, madam. But you are confusing me. Pray tell me who did you invite." And before Mrs. Fitzgerald could open her mouth the two guests made themselves known.

"Well Fitz, aren't you going to give you mother a kiss." Young Darcy looked in amazement as his mother and father stood directly in front of him. He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Well Fitz, don't you look extremely handsome. I say, you do look more and more like your father." Miss Wickham came out of the shadows and was now in front of the whole party. Fitz took her hand in his and slightly squeezed it.

The elder Darcy looked quite bemused at the shocked look upon his son's face. He had never quite seen his son rendered so...speechless.

"Well Fitz, I say, you seemed to have made a conquest. And a very beautiful one if I may add too!" He half whispered to his son. If the son was more embarrassed, only his mother saw the pain that was brought about him. She knew who the fiery redhead was immediately and gasped when she saw her eldest son take her hand. Had the elder Darcy looked deeply at the beautiful young woman he would have been reminded of his love some 27 years ago. Silence took heed and everyone looked around in embarrassment.

Elizabeth Darcy broke the silence by asking everyone to come inside and enjoy the ball. She had heard that her sister was among the guests and would be amused to see her again. The elder Darcy shook his head and made reference to not wanting to see Wickham. Elizabeth stole a sly look at her son's face and saw the pain. But he quickly looked away and she proceeded to her husband's arm and walked into the ballroom.

Bingley took both Darcy's and Miss Wickham's arms and led them both into the ballroom. "I say this ball just gets better and better. Who would have thought your parents would show up."

"Yes, Bingley and maybe in a half hour your parents may show up too." Darcy did not like being mocked at. The pain he felt was so great that any feelings of passion and desire seemed to die out after kissing his mother. He turned to face Lewis who was cavorting with Miss Susan and laughing at the predicament Fitz seemed to be in.

Elizabeth came up beside Miss Wickham and asked if she could speak with her son... in private. Miss Wickham agreed and Darcy could anticipate the wrath that she was about to let loose on him. Miss Wickham bowed to Mr. Darcy and his mother and with a look that told him to be strong made her way across the floor. Elizabeth saw the whole transaction and trembled.

"May we dance sir."

"Of course, mother." He took her hand in his and led her out to the dance floor. A new dance had been taking England by storm and he was quite good at it, but he saw his mother faltering. "I see that you still haven't grasped the Waltz yet." He grinned.

"Your father is impossible when it come to changing times. It is now 1840 and he still wants to dance to Mozart or Beethoven. I like Strauss quite a bit. But you're right I am dreadful. It the old aching bones I have now." Darcy spun his mother around the room and she grabbed him a little tighter. How she loved her child, all her children for that matter but what she was going to inflict on her son pained her greatly. "Darling, have you thought of the consequences. She is beautiful indeed. Much more so than I could have imagined." The serious nature of her tone quickly took the smile off both their faces.

"Mother, please. I know what I am doing. I am a grown man capable of making decisions. My own decisions." Elizabeth bit her lip in response to him. "Mother, I can't make it out. She is everything to me. I feel her within me. I'm quite at a loss when I am away from her. Together we are complete." Elizabeth saw the longing in his eyes and remembered the look his father would give her after they declared their love for each other. He was definitely his father's son. "Mother, I love her so wholly." The dance came to the end and Lydia hearing that the Darcy's were indeed in attendance, sauntered up to the elder Darcy. Mr. Wickham stayed in the other room upon hearing that his greatest foe was here.

"I can scarcely believe it. Well, well Mr. Darcy. After all these years. Lord it's been well over 20! And where is my fortunate sister." Darcy's grimace went unnoticingly to Lydia. "So it seems that Lewis de Bourgh is quite smitten with my daughter Miss Susan. Though she is beautiful. I say she just might make a wonderful alliance." The elder Darcy's even-tempered countenance was slowing dwindling. Luckily for him the dance had just ended and his wife and son were progressing towards him. "Sister!" she quickly ran into her arms and gave her the biggest embrace that Elizabeth could have imagined. Elizabeth smiled ever so sweetly.

"Lydia. How wonderful. You look as young as the last time we saw each other."

"Yes, yes. I dare say I am aging quite well. As are you. I hear that Mary isn't," and brought herself into a laughing fit. "Poor Mary to be rejected at the alter no less!"

"Lydia, we should not laugh at other people's misfortunes. My sister Mary is a very nice woman. She is a wonderful governess to three charming boys." Lydia quickly tired of the subject and abruptly changed topics.

"I was just telling your husband about my daughter." Elizabeth shot her son a look and watched the blush spread upon his cheeks. "Miss Susan is quite enamored of Mr. de Bourgh and it would seem that he is close to a marriage proposal." Young Darcy looked over and saw Lewis conversing with Miss Susan. But he also saw him make eye contact with a very pretty brunette on the other side of the room. Just like the man, he thought.

If Darcy had ever wanted to leave a room and never return, it was now. The complete suffering he felt for himself and Miss Wickham was too monument to put aside. His Aunt Wickham was so disturbing his thoughts he felt like screaming. His mother trying to shy away from her sister but could not. Mrs. Fitzgerald was trying to introduce a young man to Miss Wickham and Darcy could feel his heart beating so hard and fast that he thought it might just jump out of his body. Miss Wickham explained to the young man that she did not feel like a dance at this time and turned to Darcy and raised her fingers to her lips and kissed them. Darcy excused himself and hurriedly over to her side. Lydia continued for a full 10 minutes then realized that the younger Darcy had fled. She saw the post he had taken up and smiled brightly at her sister and brother-in-law

"I dare say. Your son is quite taken with my daughter, Sarah." Elizabeth nearly fainted and Darcy bellowed.

"Who madam!"

"Good God, Fitzwilliam lower your voice." Elizabeth managed to say. "Lydia must have it all wrong. They are friends no doubt." Her husband looked over to where the younger Darcy stood. Yes she was extremely beautiful, more beautiful than a creature he had seen in a long while, save his wife. Any alliance between his son and his enemy's offspring had never occurred to him.

Elizabeth quickly tried to change the subject and saw that her husband had many thoughts on his mind. The elder Darcy left her side and walked over to see his son. Henry Bingley tried to intercept but saw that it was fruitless. Darcy's demeanor was severe. Although his son was the same height, the elder's composure made him appear slightly taller. But Fitz would not back down. Not now. Miss Wickham saw what had just happened and quickly grabbed his hand and pressed it. Fitz brought it up to his lips and kissed it. Showing his father that he would not back down from. It was utter defiance in the younger Darcy! He was forsaking his father for the woman that he loved and he would not back down! Elizabeth quivered at what was just about to take place.

"What is the meaning of this show." Darcy yelled. The musicians stopped playing and Elizabeth rushed to her husband's side. The mortification showed greatly on her face. Lydia laughed at it all. "Son, I demand you to release her at once."

"I will not sir!" Fitz kept his ground. His gaze never leaving his father's face. "I will not allow you to ruin a relationship that has yet to bloom into something great." Fitz's features softened as he made his case. "You once told me that I would know when I found that woman. My sungoddess. Well, by Jove and Providence I have. Look at her man! She is truly radiant. The most beautiful creature I have ever seen!" The elder Darcy's face contorted into a rage that Elizabeth nor Fitz had ever seen before.

"What do you know about love. I grant you she is extremely beautiful. But what do you know about your heart. You are being foolish. Boy, this is just a fling. You know not what you are. You were not sent up here for foolishness, you had a job, which I need to remind you still has yet to be taken care of. At last, I now know why the job has not been taken care of." The elder Darcy turned to Miss Wickham and thusly said. "I hold no ill will towards you. But this cannot continue. I will not allow it to continue."

Elizabeth fought hard to restrain her emotions at this time, but it all fell to naught. Miss Wickham stood her ground and Fitz refused to let go of her hand. She felt quite dizzy. All the emotions, from her heart to her head rendered her feeling quite light-headed.

"Father, you forget one important detail and that detail is that this is my decision and my life. I have never loved anyone as much as I love Sarah Wickham. I love her with my heart, with my soul. Every inch of me. You can and will never take that away from me. You may take the woman away. But my love will be as fastidious as ever!" He turned to Sarah and saw the tears. He also so her shudder so violently. "Sarah, I do love you! You are very mistaken, Father. I know very much who I am. I am my father's son." The elder Darcy burned with fury. Elizabeth took Miss Wickham's hand and led her to the chair directly beside them. She looked as if needing a glass of water. Though wine was passed around she took two. Calming the nerves was essential.

Elizabeth spoke up. "Darling, please we do not need to discuss this now. It is not the time nor the place. We can discuss it later, Fitz tell him we'll talk later." Fitz laughed. His mother trying to be the moderator was humourous.

"No mother. I've said all that needs to be said." Fitz turned to Miss Wickham and led her up. With her strength back and her countenance in order, Miss Wickham pulled away from Fitz and addressed his father.

"Sir, I know that to you I may not be the woman you wanted your son to have. But I love him so very much. Look past your mistaken pride. I have waited a long time to meet just the right sort of man for me. I don't care about his money. If he had none I would still want him. He has always treated me with utter respect, honesty and gentleness. Not one impropriety. I love him with my being as well. Please don't condemn him for that." She took the elder Darcy's arm a led him away from the group surrounding them. "I know of your disdain for my father. I know how you fixed upon my father marrying my mother. Your son does not. And it will never leave my lips. Don't dislike me due to my connections. I am just an equal to your son. We share the same like and hopes. We read the same books. We think alike. We are one being." She took her leave of him and quitted the room.

Sarah headed down to the lake to clear her thoughts. This evening was not going at all as planned. She had never intended to confess her love to the younger Darcy. No this would not do! Sarah looked out onto the lake and sighed. She always regretted the life she had had. To be the daughter of an empty-headed mother and conniving father made her realise that she could never become what she wanted. Yes, she was more spirited than her other sisters. She had always possessed a natural and quick wit that was always attributed to her Aunt Darcy. She had always adored Elizabeth. When the elder Darcy had stopped the visits altogether, she silent blamed her parents for taking away the only sanity that she knew. It was different with the Bingleys, they possessed a more happier air. But the Darcy's had always treated her with as much love as they could give. She was always special.

Now that her sister had been taken in by the mercenary Lewis de Bourgh, things just started to bleaker. She hadn't heard the footsteps behind her. She had anticipated the younger Darcy and the person in front of her startled her. George Wickham held out the second glass of wine that had been in his hand for her. She gladly accepted it.

"Well, daughter you certainly have made a muddle out of things this time."

"Father, please I don't need this from you know." She pleaded with him.

"I will explain all to you. I've never told this of you, but I have always been extremely proud of you. Sarah, you are by far the most beautiful child any man could have hoped for. Now that I have explained that to you, I have a further confession. Before I met your mother, Mr. Darcy and I were friends, well I grew up around him. His father's love for me was so steadfast that it always angered him.

When his father died he had it put in the will that I should take orders and the living in the village of Kympton should be mine. I was young, loose, loved women." Sarah looked at her father with mouth wide open. Wickham continued, "After my father died, I went to the son and told him that I would not be taking orders, he had assumed that it was not the 'right' thing for me to do. So I made up a scheme about studying the law. He paid me three thousand pounds and so ended our friendship. He knew what type of person I was. He was the good one and I was the blackguard. I hated him. I hated him so much that I did something that would have scandalised his being forever." Wickham turned to Sarah and took both her hands. "What I will say will pain you, but you need to know this. If I can make anything right for you.

"Georgiana Darcy, Mr. Darcy's sister was fifteen years old. She was in the company of a woman that I was intimate with. When I found out about this, I saw my revenge to him and it would have marred the Darcy's forever. I set out to find Georgiana Darcy with this woman and it took me to Ramsgate. I pretended to be in love with this young child. I talked her into an elopement. I promised her things that I knew I would never give her. I never even intended on marrying her. But to have her go away with me. To ruin her, would have been the greatest thing. Unfortunately, the brother adores his sister and paid an untimely visit to her. She broke down and told him everything. He threatened my life. Told me that if he ever saw me again he would kill me. I fled." Sarah was dumbstruck. She could not believe what her father had been telling her. How horrible. To know what sort of person he was. What sort of person she could be.

"Papa, please. I don't see... I can't"

"I met Elizabeth Bennet. She was beautiful, witty, vibrant and hated Mr. Darcy. I told her how contemptibly Mr. Darcy had treated me. I knew that he was in love with her. And I kept it coming. She truly despised the man. Her friend married this commoner. A vicar, I believe. She went to visit her friend and when she came back, I had lost Elizabeth. I knew that he had to told her something about my character. But what I did not know. I since learned that he had proposed to her and she rejected him."

"Rejected him!!" This was too much for her, she wanted to run away. To leave this place immediately. Oh, if only the Darcy's had stayed away! If Susan had not become so enamored with de Bourgh! "You, in love with Mrs. Darcy, but how....why... Good God!"

"Yes, I loved her. Then I hated her. Because Darcy had got to her. So I did the only thing I could to get back at the both of them. I eloped with Lydia Bennet. I never intended on marrying her, either. But Elizabeth told Darcy her troubles and he paid me a lot of money to marry your mother. And Elizabeth would send money to keep us afloat. He never knew that, for sure! Now that I have told you everything. You must be wise in your decision. You must use this information to make things right. You are a good child and you are worthy of the name Darcy." He bent down and kissed her forehead, wiped the tears from her eyes and left as quietly as he came.

Elizabeth Bennet went to her husband's side and took his hand. He had been left completely speechless by Miss Wickham so much so that he had been staring at the door that she had presently left for ten minutes. She saw Fitz run after her and knew that he would not be stopped.

"Where did they go to?" The elder Darcy had finally managed to say.

"I don't know."

"We cannot stay here." He said very quietly.

"I know."

"I love you Elizabeth." He didn't look at her. His eyes were focused on the door.

"I know."

"I love him too." His gaze never wavered.

"I know, darling."

"I sounded like my aunt. She practically said the same thing to you all those years ago. And you stood your ground. You would not be bullied. She said something to me that reminded me of you nearly thirty years now. She has your eyes. She has your spirit."

Mr. Darcy was interrupted by the return of Miss Wickham to the ballroom. She had let her hair down and the candles reflected the light off it, in such a way that most of the men had turned to look. Fitz was behind her.

"Mrs. Darcy I hope I am not being bold in asking your husband for a dance. I see that the musicians have started up again. And well we cannot let the festivities go to naught." She turned to Mr. Darcy whose shocked look bespoke everything. Elizabeth smiled at her and readily agreed. She gave a conspiratorial grin to her husband and whispered in his ear to hear her out.

"Very well, Miss Wickham." He grimaced at the name. Fitz had requested a song that would work very well for this tête-à-tête. Mr. Beveridges' Maggot.

Darcy looked very fine walking down the line and the pretty redhead complemented his mien. Darcy was shocked by the music that his son and requested but agreed by it.

"Well Mr. Darcy we must talk and now is the best time to do it. That way we can say as little as possible later." Darcy smiled when she said that.

"Whatever you say, Miss Wickham." He took her hand and moved behind her.

"I would never hurt your son." She started when they came back to each other. "I also never intended on professing my love to him tonight."

"When would you have. For obvious reasons, I would like to know how long you and he have been cavorting around. He was quite blatant in his impropriety towards you." They separted again and this time they were on the outside of the line. It was a minute before she could answer him.

"Oh no! Mr. Darcy you have it all wrong. We have talked to be sure, but about my sister. She is in love with the odious Mr. de Bourgh and Mr. Darcy has been trying to save her from him. He does not love her. My feelings for your son came on quite gradually. We talked about books, music, abolishing the slave trade. You." She said that quite sheepishly, "He adores you and his mother."

"Where did you get your knowledge of books, music and the slave trade?"

"I must confess, I always saved my pocket allowance to pick up a newspaper. I knew that was the only way I could hear what was going on in other parts of the world. I never had parents who cared about those things at all. My mother was more interested in the latest fashions and my father, well he took to the bottle all the same. Reading the paper also brought me to the America, France, Ireland." She said that extremely wistfully.

"Have you been to school?"

"No, Never." She tried to avert his gaze.

"Who taught you to read?" They separated again.

"I would sit outside the school in the town and one of the boys who had the teacher the year before gave me his books. I would follow lesson plans. My parents never knew." This brought a big smile to his face. "I'm sorry sir, but pray what is so amusing?"

"Why wouldn't you have professed your love for my son today?" His stern look was back again.

"I didn't know his feelings for me. I thought... He used to stare at me a certain way. He'd get this dreamy sort of flighty look about him. He looked quite handsome. I would walk up to him and I would shock him back into reality." They separated again.

Fitz looked at what was transpiring and blew Miss Wickham a kiss. His heart was bursting with all his love of her. It was now their turn to wait for the line to move and Elizabeth Darcy had edged her way to her husband. His demeanor was not quite as rough as it had been earlier and she took the moment to tell them what a handsome couple they made. Miss Wickham bowed and Mr. Darcy kissed his wife's cheek. They were now beginning to move again.

"Mr. Darcy I will not trifle with you any longer. I love your son. And I would like to save my sister. And if I could change my connections, I would, but I cannot. Your son is leaving here in a fortnight and I will probably never see him again. But while he is here allow us to enjoy ourselves. Allow him to get to know me." The song ended and Mr. Darcy took Miss Wickham's hand and gently squeezed it.

"And you are sure of my sons intentions to you, Miss Wickham"

"Mr. Darcy I don't believe your sons has any intentions to me. If he does, I don't know of any. Honestly."

Mrs. Fitzgerald was nearly in uproar after Mr. Darcy's outburst. She thought an illustrious man as himself would never condescend to such behaviour. She was thankful that Mrs. Darcy had the good humour to gently talk her husband into calming down. But the younger Darcy. Now he was in a muddle and the poor Miss Wickham. All that loveliness and for nothing. A marriage of such extremes could never take place. She automatically thought of introducing another young man to the very pretty Miss Wickham.

She edged her way closer to Miss Wickham after her dance with the elder Mr. Darcy. "Miss Wickham how very handsome you look tonight. You and Mr. Darcy looked charmingly grouped, I must say."

Miss Wickham replied, "Thank you, Ma'am. I must say you do throw an interesting ball." She looked archly at the woman.

"Pray tell me, Miss Sarah. Would you be so kind as to let me introduce you to a very worthy young man. His name is Pinkham. And I dare say he just may catch your fancy."

Miss Wickham eyed her cautiously and said very sweetly. "My dear Mrs. Fitzgerald, I would normally be obliged, but I am afraid to say that my dance card is quite full now. Please tell Mr. Pinkham that I am very sorry and that he may dance with the other very pretty ladies also at the ball." Fitz heard the transaction and smiled quietly to himself. But his reverie was to be short lived. Lewis de Bourgh had just slapped his arm and brought him back to the dance.

"So Darcy, are you having fun yet?" The insincerity oozed out of him like gelled blood. "I say, Darcy nothing like a good set down in front of strangers to bring one back to reality."

"I think, cousin, that we should not be having this conversation. Whatever my feelings are for Sarah do not concern you. But what does concern me is that child that you are toying with. I demand that you release her now. She is much too young to be involved with the likes of you."

Lewis looked contemptibly at Fitz. Miss Susan Wickham had left earlier to freshen up. "Damn you Fitz, you don't know what I feel. Actually I just might be falling in love with naiveté. And it does not concern you, whatever you may. Now leave me be. I think your lady love is trying to get your attention." Lewis stalked off looking for Miss Susan.

Damn you Lewis! Thought Fitz, Damn you to hell and back!

Miss Wickham saw the stern look on Fitz's face and could not help but ask why he looked so anxious.

"Oh Miss Wick..." he smiled gently at her, "No, sorry... Sarah. I don't think there is much we can do for your sister. I don't think we should do anything for her. I don't want to upset you, but I feel as though there is nothing more I can do for her. He seems, I hate to say it, but happy with her."

"Oh Fitz, but you know she will not be happy with him. He'll make her miserable. It will be like my father..." She stopped and realised what she was about to say. "No, I believe you may be right. Maybe we should just let things go on a normal course."

Fitz smiled and gently hugged her for understanding him so well. There was one little thing that was ferociously nagging at him. "Darling, we have not had one dance together this whole evening, would you kindly oblige me." His grin reached from ear to ear.

"You know Fitz, I believe that my dance card is all filled up. I believe a Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy has requested all the open spots. I'm terribly sorry." He shot her a strange look and saw his father heading in her direction. The elder Darcy did want to finish their conversation and the only way he could talk to her without interruption.

"My father, I see." Sarah did notice the shocked look upon his face. "I do believe he may allow me one dance." He pulled Sarah closer and whispered to her. "If my father does not retreat, stand tall. You are a wonderful person, regardless of your parentage. If our dance does not take place, pray meet me tonight, late, say around 2. We'll have our dance." His eyes twinkled and he gave his father a grave look.

Elizabeth managed to catch up with her son after Sarah left him for his father. He was not amused at his father's manipulation of Sarah emotions. Fitz was in no humour to give any sort of consequence to his mother right now and headed right for the refreshment table and ordered a double whiskey.

"I've never known spirits to help anyone with problems, dearest." He drank the liquid quickly and requested another one. "I don't think this is the way to solve your problems."

"Enough mother. I don't see why you should be bothered with what I feel I should have to drink. I make my own decisions now." He started to walk away and thought better of it. " What on earth is he doing with her, mother? What is it that makes him want to ruin a wonderful relationship. Why can't he just leave well enough alone and be done with it!" His face was getting red and his tongue with thick with all the whiskey.

"Your father wants to know more about her, darling that is all." She smiled ever so sweetly at him and he ordered another drink. "Fitz, please you'll embarrass yourself."

"How dare you say that to me. How dare you be so patronising to me. You never should have come. Why aren't you with Katie or Jack. They need looking after. Not I!"

"Your drunk Fitz. I will not have you speak to me in that voice. I am still your mother. And I love you. What your father is doing is for your own good. How could you get involved with her. We had plans for you, darling. Your father expected a lot from you and he feels a little betrayed." The word betrayed seemed to set him off.

"Meet me outside mother." And he hurried past most of the guests. Elizabeth was a little dismayed at her son's insistence. What could he possibly want She thought quietly to herself. Once she met him outside, she saw how glassy his eyes looked. This tongue now extremely thick with spirits.

"I have never done anything to betray the Darcy name. A name that has been a curse to me all my life. I know what plans you had for me, ma'am. You and he conspiring to marry me off to Lady Penny Atherton. All my life you threw us together. Her parents as well. Well I'll have none of it. I cannot and will not love anyone but Sarah." Fitz tried to back away as he said and all he managed to accomplish was falling into the water fountain.

"There, well maybe that will cool you down a bit, son." And Elizabeth stormed back into the ball.

"You know Mr. Darcy, I find this very strange that you would want to dance every dance with me when you have the most beautiful wife in all of England. Your son seemed quite put out that I have not danced one dance with him." Her smile was so sweet that it did not go unnoticed by Mr. Darcy.

"I have my reasons for doing what I do, Miss Wickham." She replied just as curtly.

"Sarah, please. We are family you know."

"I try to forget at times, Sarah." He felt himself becoming quite enraptured with this strange and beautiful creature and decided that now is the time that what must be said, be said. " I'm not happy with my son. I've come to a conclusion that I will take my son with me tomorrow."

Here she interrupted. "Tomorrow! No you can't do that, my sister. Mr. Darcy, that is not right. You realise he will not leave with you. You can't force him to do what you want anymore." Her face become enraged and developed a purplish red hue to it.

"I can and will, Sarah. I am prepared to offer you a great deal of money to leave my son."

"I cannot be bought..."

"Ten thousand pounds."

"Ten thousand pounds?"

"That should be sufficient to even help your sister. I do not play games. Meet me tonight I will have a cheque prepared for you. Or if you prefer cash, I could manage that too." He saw that gleam in her eye and knew that she would take it. He also knew that if his wife and son found out, there would be hell to pay.

Part IV

r. Darcy released Sarah and headed off towards his wife. When Fitz was able to skulk back to the party, wet, albeit, Sarah had a difficult time looking at him. She realised the magnitude of the proposal that Mr. Darcy had made. It was intriguing to her to have that much money. She could invest it wisely and live quite happily. She could march right to Mr. Darcy and tell him that nothing will ever come between her and Fitz. But ten thousand pounds! Good God girl, never in your life have you ever seen so much money, nor will you ever! she thought. Sarah quickly left the ball.

"Lewis I don't see why we can't go somewhere. Somewhere we can be alone." Susan Wickham pouted.

"Darling, its not that I don't want to be alone with you, but right now is just not the time. I promise later, I must help Fitz dry off." He smirked and walked away.

"I see your lady love has abandoned you. What's the matter Fitz, is daddy trying to steal your girl. He seemed quite smitten. And I say you've got yourself all wet. It is very tough when a man has to compete with his father for a woman." Fitz barely unable to stand up managed to bring up his fist as if to hit Lewis and managed to fall into a table.

Lewis grabbed Fitz by the collar and said. "Listen Fitz, don't start this right now. Firstly, you are too drunk to know what time of day it is. And secondly, in the condition I could do some serious damage to you." Henry Bingley had witnessed the whole scene and came to Fitz's rescue.

Luckily Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy were in the other room and did not witness the son make a resounding fool of himself.

"You know Lewis, you are nothing to me. You have not fortune." The words came out extremely slurred. "and you can not offer my cousin anything." And then the punch connected and down went Lewis. Henry Bingley had not seen that coming for the life of him, but smirked when Fitz's punch did connect.

"Now, now gentlemen. We are not here to fight but to find women and have a good time. Fitz leave him be you know he is not worth your breaking your hand. And you Lewis, your behaviour during this trip has been horrendous." Lewis was nursing his jaw as Henry handed him a handkerchief to stop the blood from dripping down his vest. Fitz cradled his head in his hands. He suddenly got up and asked Bingley where Sarah was.

"She left at half past eleven. Right after her last dance with your father. Fitz go upstairs clean yourself up and go to her. Lewis you come with me." Fitz nodded in ascent and headed up to wash up. He had to find Sarah. She has to know how much I love her! was his tormented thoughts.

Sarah Wickham thought long and hard regarding the proposal. She was in a quandary and did not know what to do. She had planned to meet Fitz at 2.00 am and his father just hour before. She needed guidance and did not know where she could go for it. If only just this once I knew.

George Wickham appeared out of the shadows and placed his hands on his daughter's shoulders. "I can see that something is bothering you daughter. I'm here to listen if you want." Sarah had never, ever seen this side of her father and thought it quite miraculous that a man with his history would be finally willing to actually hear his daughter out. He who never said one decent word to her her whole life. And he was what the Angels had sent her.

"Oh papa!" she turned to him and threw herself into his welcoming arms. "I never thought it would be like this. Susan and Lewis de Bourgh. Fitz and myself. Mr. Darcy trying to pay me off to leave his son alone." Mr. Wickham sighed at the thought of the money that Darcy was using to get what he wanted. "I don't know. I love him, papa. So very, very much. I waited. I told him that. Its useless. He'll give me the money whether I want it or not. And he'll take Fitz away and I'll be miserable. Oh papa." She sobbed harder into his breast. George stroked his daughter's hair and tried to calm her down. He curiosity was piqued and could help but ask how much money Darcy was willing to part with. "Ten thousand pounds." And she cried harder.

"Well that is quite a large sum of money. I see why you are in turmoil. Sarah only you can follow your heart and I can safely say that twenty, thirty years ago I would have gladly accepted any amount. But you are not me and you must follow your heart. From what I have gathered you love him too much to be swayed by such manipulations. The information I gave you earlier. Use it. Your answer is in there." She looked up at him and wiped the tears from her face. He extended his handkerchief and dried off her face. She knew exactly what needed to be done.

She would keep the appointment with the father. She looked down at her father's pocket watch and saw that it was quickly coming upon the hour. She would also keep her engagement with Fitz an hour later.

Mr. Darcy was waiting behind a bramble bush when he saw Miss Wickham walking up the path. She had changed out of her ball gown and was now wearing a simple muslin frock that looked very appealing on her. Her face had been scrubbed and gave her skin a pinkish hue, much like new skin on a baby. He saw her determined look on her face and shuddered at what was just about to take place.

"You neglected to tell me how you wanted this money, I have come prepared with a cheque." He handed her the check and she took it.

"I thank you Mr. Darcy. This is a lot of money and indeed, it can go to some use, but." And as she fingered the cheque she looked him straight in the eye and ripped the cheque into tiny pieces. "I love your son Mr. Darcy. More than anything in this world. I love him more than England. More than the heather that grows on the moors. Why can't you just accept that. I am not a harlot nor am I just like my father. I am a women who has so much passion for a certain gentleman and so much love that my heart burst and breaks and repairs itself every time I see him. I am so sorry Mr. Darcy, I have tried to come into your good grace. I want to be accepted by you and Mrs. Darcy. I remember your trips to our house when I was younger and you always talked to me and played with me. You were the only one who treated me wonderfully. I have not changed and neither have you. Please Mr. Darcy. Listen to my heart and Fitz's heart. Remember your heart when Mrs. Darcy first denied your request to marry you. I know everything. My father has apprised me of....."

"Your father madam?" He interrupted quietly, gentlemanly like.

"Yes, my father. He felt I needed some information in order for me to actually listen to my heart before I made a decision. Mr. Darcy I never intended on taking the money. You thought I would be cold-hearted like my father or empty-headed like my mother. I am neither. I am a serious young women with her head and heart in the right places."

"Yes, yes I see that. I am heartily ashamed of my actions. I guess I do not take enough time to listen to what is said around me. I believe I may be called presumptuous. We never need to discuss this with any one... Sarah." She was shocked at the turn of events, but she eyed him carefully. She know how dangerous he could be.

"I believe that is the best thing that you have said all evening, sir." She handed him the torn pieces of the check and gave her hand as a gesture. He took it and quietly walked away. She ran to him "Mr. Darcy, I will love Fitz for all my life. Please know that."

Ever so quietly he said. "I know."

Part V

itz was able to bring himself back to his wits and swore off whiskey for a long time. His head was throbbing and the coffee was weighing him down. But he had to meet Sarah; he wanted her to know how much she meant to him and no matter what his parents thought he would always stay with her. He had decided that he would stay on in the northern part for a fortnight longer than intended. He knew how suddenly things were turning out and wanted to ask her to be his bride.

He was happy and in love. Things were marvelous. He loved the trees, the flowers, the dew on the flowers. He loved her rich red hair that always smelled of Heather. She was perfect. His passion for her was undying; his love for her was unyielding. He had changed out of his ball clothing and settled for something more comfortable. He carefully selected his dark great coat and was off. To see his love.

Sarah waited by the grove of Yew trees that they had settled on. The moon's fullness and brightness made her skin look luminescent and her hair fiery than ever. She rearranged her skirts just so and sat, waitingly, on the stump of an old tree. Wistfully, she glanced at the moon and just radiated the heat back and fro from it. She was happy in love, too.

Fitz came up from behind her and wrapped his arm around her waist drawing her closer to him. Behind him a man with violin waited for the signal to start playing; the signal given, he quietly asked Sarah for this dance. She smiled brightly and assented her approval. They were violently in love. Slowly they rocked to the beautiful strains of the violin. He had her in his arms which is where they had both wanted her this horrible and long night. All forgotten about what had transpired earlier. Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy could not come between them now. No, their souls were on fire; their souls bespoke a certain language that no one would be able to understand.

With the final strains for the violin concerto coming to an end, Fitz nodded to the violin player and when he finished, he was gone. The two young lovers left to themselves. As not to ruin a single moment, not one spoken word only lingering looks and heat between the two. The moon bathed them in wonderful golden light. It was a few moments before Fitz walked beside Sarah down to the brook. They were so quiet you could almost hear the new flowers popping up from the dark ground. The crunching sound of the footsteps sort of broke the reverie.

"It is a beautiful night." Fitz said.

"Mmm." Sarah was still lost in her reverie.

"Your beautiful." He grinned.

"Mmm....what?" She grinned back.

"Come back to me, Sarah, your lost in your thoughts."

"Only thoughts of you darling."

He put his arm around her waist again and pulled her closer. She gently lay her head against his shoulder. He could faintly smell the Heather. The found a little log seat that looked like it had been carved for two lovers in a moonlight stroll. They had wanted this. This feeling; this moment.

"Sarah, I must say and add that I am horribly sorry about earlier tonight, my parents, my father, well he must have his own way. He does not brook opposition." He face clouded over, but Sarah's radiance quickly dissipated it.

"No, I don't believe he does. But that is the past and we must just for now think of the future. I refuse to allow Mr. Darcy to ruin my romantic interlude, with his most handsome son!"

"Sarah, Marry me!"

"What sir?"

"Marry me." He said slowly

"No. I heard what you said. You just surprised me. Marry you. I don't think I can." His face looked hurt and shocked. "You haven't asked me properly." She smiled and he took her face and slowly kissed her lips. She straightened her back, fixed her skirts and pointed him down to the ground. He looked longingly at her and laughed a little nervous laugh. On bended knee he took her hand, "Miss Wickham ever since I first saw you down by the river, I have wanted to know you and love you. You have made my life complete and happy and you will make me the happiest of men if you would consent to be my wife and life partner." He stayed down on his knee waiting for her answer.

"I believe sir that I must say....... No.......... I mean yes. Yes! I will marry you." He pulled her up and kissed her. As only a man violently in love is allowed to do. "But my father, you will have to go to my father tomorrow. And your father and mother, and oh my." Her face became dark and it was his turn to bring back the radiance.

"I am not afraid, darling. I want to be with you and that is most important." He found on the ground a small flower and with the stem made a loop and wrapped it around her finger. "This is a token of our undying love for each other. Until I get you a real ring you must promise to wear this always."

"It may not last."

"It will last as long as our love will." And he embraced her.

Sarah awoke with a smile on her face and her heart as light as the soft spring breeze. Never in her whole life has she ever felt so happy. She remembered the early morning proposal, but then wondered could it have been a dream. For she still felt hazy, but upon looking down on her finger and seeing the ring of flower stem still firmly on her finger she realised it had not been. She quickly hugged the pillow and sighed contentedly.

The only thing that could possibly take her out of her reverie was the clock which had just struck eleven. Did I possibly sleep this late. A small smile still remained on her face and she started to hum. Quickly she dressed and ran down the stairs to greet the day.

Unfortunately, the day was not quite ready to greet her. Standing in the outer foyer was Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy, her face was darkened and she had been wringing a handkerchief. Mrs. Wickham was apoplectic with tears. "Shush, my dear, we are doing everything we can. I am so sorry." She turned to Sarah whose face still beamed of bright sunshine. "Sarah, it is very nice of you to join us; unfortunately, we have a problem."

"I'm sorry ma'am, but...." Sarah was afraid that this crying fit had to do with her acceptance of Fitz.

"Yes, well never mind." Elizabeth said sharply, "This concerns your sister. It seems that Mr. de Bourgh has taken her away. He left word with my husband. He thought that now that it was all settled between you and my son that the two of you were to be married, he too should like to partake in the Darcy fortune. And how better but to marry your sister. Both my husband and son have left. It seems that they have been married for three days." As Elizabeth repeated the story to Sarah, Lydia's sobs became louder and incessant.

"This is impossible. How can it be so. When did they take time to marry. Susan has been around here along with that leering Mr. de Bourgh. Were did Mr. Darcy and Fitz go to?" Sarah was not sure if Fitz had said anything to his mother regarding the last night.

"I believe they are on their way to London."

"And that is where my sister and her Mr. de Bourgh have traveled to?" Sarah sat down on the sofa, still extremely perplexed.

"No, he took her to Rosings. They are looking into separating the two of them. Sarah are you sure, she never said anything to you at all." Elizabeth seemed quite put out about that Sarah may have known something, but knew it was not like her to withhold anything. "My husband will pay out a lot of money to get them divorced."

"Nothing. She has not confided in me for some weeks. Since her attraction began. Oh how stupid. Married! Are they absolutely sure." Elizabeth removed a document from her frock; it was the certificate announcing the marriage. "How... Fitz, how did he take it?"

"Well he feels utterly responsible, of course. He cursed that he should have left a fortnight ago and this never would have happened."

"Oh." Was all Sarah could manage to say. Elizabeth hated bringing any pain to her family, but knew that it must be done. "Sarah, they will do everything in their power to separate her from him. The marriage does throw a curve into things, unfortunately, but my husband is one to get the job done quietly, quickly and efficiently. I believe my son is just like him also." She said that with a smile on her face and turned her attention to Lydia.

"Sister, I will stay here with you while the men are gone. Do not think that everything is ruined." She leaned closer and whispered to her, " you know that Darcy will take care of things, he does always manage to get you out of scrapes." Sarah did hear, but pretended not too.

Father and son did not so much as speak to each other the whole way to London. Mr. Darcy was wondering why it always fell to him to help the blasted Wickhams and Fitz was pining for his love. The trip was uneventful by all means, but Darcy had a hard time looking at his son for the duration. It was interminable. Fitz finally decided to speak up.

"Father, you do not think that everything is totally hopeless do you." Darcy managed a small grin.

"Of course not, son. Not everything is entirely hopeless. I'm finding it hard... I don't quite understand what gets into you kids nowadays. We never behaved in this fashion." His small grin now emerged into a full laugh and Fitz realised that it was okay to relax. "That Sarah is quite a woman. Very headstrong, extremely beautiful. Those green eyes..."

"Yes, father." His tone was more protective, than agreeable.

"Well she'll be a good one for you. Very devoted. I believe even very much in love with you... One of your biggest supporters, I dare say. I say, son, a rollicking good time with her, if you catch my meaning." Darcy gave him a knowing smile and waited for his son's reaction.

"I dare say, yes, she will be, father. Rollicking good time, indeed." Darcy and son laughed heartily for this brief moment of togetherness. Fitz thought it a good time as ever to tell his father his good news.

"I say, I may find out sooner than you think. I have asked her to marry me and she has accepted. She has made me the happiest of men father. But this blasted Lewis, Damn him."

"Well son, I pray that things go well for the two of you. You still realise that you are a Darcy and you must still ask her father for her hand in marriage. Thirty years ago I was damning Wickham, now not only is he my brother by marriage, but he will also be the father of my son. Irony, I believe that is what your mother calls it."

"Irony dad?" Fitz did not understand the full import of this discussion.

"Another time son, another time. Let us rest and be refreshed when we head into London."

To Be Continued