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Chapter 1
1792
Five-year-old Andrew Callahan curled up in his bed, thoughts racing as only a small child's can. I have a sister! Is she coming to Uncle Thomas and Aunt Rebecca's house too?
He tossed and turned in his bed, his new bed in the nursery. Next would be his real bedroom, but that wouldn't happen until he was six.
Thomas and Rebecca Callahan were kind enough to have taken him in, generous enough to call him theirs, and they loved Andrew as if he were their own child. But they carried a secret, a secret so great that if exposed it could cause serious trouble when the boy grew older. Andrew Callahan was adopted, the birth records sealed and held tight within the magistrate's office, unable to be opened until Andrew's twenty-sixth birthday.
His birth was hidden so well that not even his biological father knew he was alive. Hidden under the veil of secrecy, Andrew had not even been named until he reached Harrington, home of Lord Thomas Callahan and Lady Rebecca Callahan. The Callahans were of a rich background, Thomas the son of a Lord, Rebecca the daughter of an Earl, the Bellingfords. Money had been in both families for decades, and Harrington was a wonderful estate, with parks and streams, all that five-year-old Andrew could ask for. He had a governess, Miss Parker, and a pony, and of course, his aunt and uncle.
The only catch was that Andrew knew he was adopted. Rebecca thought it to be ridiculous that he should know of his birth parents, yet not be able to see them. It was earlier that morning when they had received a notice of Andrew's sister's birth, a momentous occasion. However, Rebecca hurt for Andrew, realizing that his birth parents would keep the younger, but spurn the elder. The circumstances surrounding Andrew's adoption were not the clearest, the records not easily comprehended by any other than the gifted and expensive lawyers who had done it.
From what Rebecca understood, Andrew's birth mother was a tart and vulgar woman who refused to have a son, stating that she already had three nephews and did not want to trouble herself with a boy. Rebecca had quite an opinion of this woman, but knew better than to say anything. Miss Parker, Andrew's governess, had been a servant to the woman, and had somehow orchestrated parts of the adoption, but Rebecca hadn't asked. Part of her was afraid to know.
She took the child when Thomas had mentioned it to her. Rebecca was barren, a cause for pain and sadness. She took it especially hard when she saw her sisters bear children, and she ached to give Thomas a child. Being of an opinionated nature herself, she didn't believe she was inadequate, however she wanted a baby. The adoption was a perfect solution, and she welcomed Andrew with open arms when he was just two days old.
Andrew's birth father, for his part, had been adequately fooled. He believed that his son was a stillborn baby. He was grieved by the news, but his wife had assured him that he would have plenty of fun with his nephews that her sisters had borne when they came to visit. So, for the time being, Rebecca was content with being Aunt Rebecca, even though she felt as if she should be his mother.
As Andrew grew up he had the finest the Callahans could give. Schooling, riding, hunting, fishing, everything he wanted he could have. He learned business, home management, and charm. Other than being a bit prideful, he grew up to be a fine, upstanding gentleman. He was not shy or reserved, but pleasant to all, but still wary of deceit. Most startling was his bright blue eyes, clear and beautiful. Andrew's hair turned thick and dark, slightly wavy, but not unruly. He was a wiry child who grew into a tall man, never knowing that he was like his cousins.
However, his tongue could be quite sharp, even if he never meant any harm. He inherited that from his mother. He was only fifteen when he received word that his birth father had died, but his birth mother was content in managing both the estate and his sister on his own. Andrew wondered why his mother did not wish to see him or hear from him, but he loved his Aunt Rebecca and Uncle Thomas as much as any boy could love his parents.
The only thing that did bother him was that he'd never seen his sister or his cousins, of which he knew to have four. Rumor had it that one of his cousins was actually at Eton when he attended at the age of eighteen, but his cousin was older than he was and he didn't know who to look for, even though he had heard that his cousin looked very much like him.
It was all very puzzling to Andrew, and he was a sharp, intelligent young man. It seemed that he couldn't know who they were because it would cause great trouble to that family. Bits and pieces of news came to him through Rebecca and Thomas. He knew that the father of two of his cousins was an Earl, but he did not know of what. He also knew that he had one girl cousin, much younger than he, in addition to his sister. After his birth father had died, he heard that one of his aunts had died. He searched all the obituary notices with a fine toothed comb, but again, he did not know what he was looking for.
Rebecca Callahan ached for her son once again, and Thomas Callahan began some detective work of his own. He searched death notices, birth notices, anything that would tie Andrew to the people in the few and far between notices that he received from the unknown woman. Miss Parker had gotten married, and Thomas paid numerous visits to their home to figure out this mystery.
Unfortunately, Miss Parker knew very little. She was brought in solely for the pregnancy of the woman who had carried Andrew to term. With the help of a lawyer, the woman had created a fake identity, making it almost impossible for Thomas to trace. He dug through paperwork, brought it home, and pored through it with his wife and son, knowing that it broke Rebecca's heart.
It was 1813 before they received their first clue by way of the postman. Another anonymous letter proclaimed such:
My dear boy,Be happy that you have escaped this family, as one of your cousins has married a country girl and brought immense disgrace to our family. You would be just as ashamed as I knowing of this tragedy especially knowing that your sister was to be most advantageously married to your cousin and I regret not being able to tell you the names just yet, but the agreement was for twenty-six years. Your twenty-fifth birthday must have just passed. I've never regretted giving you to the Callahans. I hope you've never regretted being there.
Andrew coughed and guffawed and threw the letter all about the room. "What kind of woman is my birth mother? What kind of mysteries and secrets does she hold, dangle in my face, and then take them back? I do not want to know her, I wish to know my cousins and my sister!"
His face was red, and his temper peeked through his normally calm veneer. "I just don't understand it, Aunt Rebecca." Rebecca held her grown baby in her arms, heart aching. A revelation hit her and she swooned with the thought.
"My dear wife," Thomas started, alarmed, "What seems to be the matter?"
"A clue! Check the marriage notifications! Perhaps we will be able to figure out who has married outside of social circle from there!" Andrew clapped his hands and Thomas held his wife's hand, proudly.
"My dear, your quick mind never ceases to amaze me. This will be most helpful in our endeavors." He quickly kissed Rebecca's forehead and went in search of the papers. Thomas returned. "There are three announcements," he called excitedly, and Andrew ran into the library to see.
Chapter 2
"Mr. Charles Bingley, of Netherfield, is to marry Miss Jane Bennet, of Longbourn on Sunday, 18__."
Andrew racked his brain for an answer. "I believe we've seen the grounds of Netherfield," he said, slowly, "it was very grand. Do you know of Longbourn?"
Thomas shook his head, ruefully. "I haven't. Although, I do believe it is a quaint country town."
"Mr. Hayden Cook, of Ruthersford, is to marry Miss Lynette Jennings of Gretna Greene," he read, but shook his head. "Ruthersford is very similar to Gretna Greene. No big disgrace there."
"Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, of Pemberley, is to marry Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn."
"Do you know of Pemberley?"
Thomas shook his head. "I have not been familiar with that estate."
"I do believe I'll be writing the Bingleys a letter," Andrew said, excitedly, "Uncle Thomas, do you believe that Charles Bingley could be my cousin?"
"It might be so," Thomas replied, with a bittersweet smile. If Andrew did in fact find his cousin, would things change? Thomas hoped, for Rebecca's sake, that they wouldn't. He could not bear to see his wife lose the child that she had loved for twenty-five years. In his haste, he did not pause to investigate Pemberley further.
It was no coincidence that the Callahans had never heard of Pemberley in connection to Andrew. It was orchestrated that the Callahans would have no connection to Rosings Park, Pemberley, or Matlock. This could not happen, under any circumstances. He was to be as far as possible from all Fitzwilliams, Darcys, and DeBourghs. Andrew's real identity was to be concealed, buried with the lawyers who arranged it and the woman who bore him.
He took out a quill and began writing.
Dear Sir,You do not know me. My name is Andrew Callahan, of Harrington. I am about seventy miles from Netherfield. The reason for this letter is remarkable. I was adopted as a child and have been searching for my birth parents. It has been brought to my attention that you might be a cousin of mine.
I realize that you have been recently married, and I wish you all the best. If a visit would burden you in any way, I will of course understand, but I would very much like to hear from you.
Yours & etc.
Mr. Andrew Callahan
He received a reply shortly:
Dear Sir,My wife Jane and I would be delighted if you were to journey to Netherfield. We will be having other visitors as well and it would be no burden on us for you to join the party. Please feel free to come within the next week, if you wish.
Yours & etc.
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Bingley.
Chapter 3
"Uncle Thomas, prepare the carriage," Andrew said, trying not to sound too excited for Rebecca's sake, "I will be traveling to Netherfield this very night!"
The trip was uneventful, to say the least, and at last Andrew reached Netherfield. He exited the carriage and looked at the estate. Very grand, he thought, very grand indeed! He did not notice the woman who saw him from the upstairs window. The woman stared at him and took some deep breaths to keep from hyperventilating.
Why, thought Caroline Bingley, that looks just like Fitzwilliam Darcy! She screamed for a maid, and as soon as one appeared, she ordered a cold cloth to soothe her reddened face. Could that be? Another Darcy?
Andrew waited to be let into the house, and he was led to the library. He waited no more than five minutes before he was greeted by both Mr. and Mrs. Bingley. His palms were sweaty, and he licked his lips nervously when he heard the doors opening. Andrew stood.
"Mr. Bingley," he said, throat dry.
Andrew had to admit it was slightly disappointing to see Charles Bingley. He was expecting to find a cousin that would leave no doubt in his mind about their relations. However, Charles Bingley and his wife were fair, with blonde hair. Andrew had dark hair, and was of a bigger build than Bingley was. They both bowed, and Jane Bingley curtsied.
"Mr. Callahan, I am so pleased to meet you," Charles Bingley greeted him, enthusiastically, with a huge grin. "My wife and I have been so very curious ever since we received your letter a week ago. How was your journey? I trust it was well?"
"Yes, yes of course!" Andrew could not possibly match this man's enthusiasm, but he smiled warmly. "Your home is wonderful, Mr. Bingley."
The doors opened and a maid interrupted, curtsying deeply. "Miss Caroline Bingley, sir," she introduced, and Caroline swept in regally, her dark hair expertly coifed, a smug smile on her face.
Andrew bowed and studied Caroline carefully. Dark hair, dark eyes, that would fit, I've heard my blue ones are somewhat of a mystery... Could that be my sister? He bowed. Caroline curtsied, her smile growing deeper.
She held out her hand and he kissed it, not knowing what else to do. Caroline was beside herself with joy, mistaking his sharp gaze for admiration. "Mr. Callahan, I regret to tell you that my brother has not truly informed me of your arrival," she commented, and was puzzled to see the sparkle in Andrew's eyes diminish slightly.
She is not my sister, however she may be my cousin. I do have a female cousin. Andrew attempted to keep a smile on his face. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance, then, Miss Bingley. I come from Harrington, which is north about seventy miles."
"Ah, yes," Charles interrupted, and Caroline shot him a glare that could freeze even the hottest coals. "I believe Mr. Callahan and I have some business matters to discuss. Never fret, Caroline, Mr. Callahan will be staying with us in Netherfield for at least a little while."
Jane curtsied to announce her departure and wished Caroline would do the same. She did, only when Charles motioned for her to do so. Andrew stifled a chuckle, assuming that Caroline was just curious, and curiosity was getting the better of her. He was different from one of his cousins just by that simple action because his assumptions often made him have a better impression of people than they should have.
"Mr. Callahan, I have no doubt in my mind who you are related to, but unfortunately, it is not me."
Chapter 4
Andrew looked up at Charles, startled. "Not you, sir? The clue I received offered me a bit of information regarding your marriage. I was informed that the marriage was of differing social circles, and in saying this, let me assure you I mean no disrespect."
"You were told that my marriage is out of social circles..." Bingley's smile grew wider. "Mr. Callahan, I believe that you may be related to one of my closest acquaintances, a Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley. Mr. Darcy is wealthier than I am and he has married Mrs. Bingley's sister, Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn. That is more advantageous, considering the splendor of Pemberley."
Andrew sat up straighter. "Did this Fitzwilliam Darcy attend Eton University?"
"Yes, sir, he most surely did! Is that also where you have gone for schooling?"
Waving his hand around dismissively, Andrew nodded with a sheepish grin. "I went there and was told how much I look like an older student. Only when I left did I find that my cousin attended there as well, although he was to graduate when I began. I am only five and twenty."
"Ah, I see," Charles quickly replied, shaking his head. "Although it seems strange that you would not have come upon any of your cousins, you look remarkably like some of them. I do believe that if your relation proves to be correct, you also look remarkably like David and Richard Fitzwilliam, more like David. Perhaps he is your cousin?"
"I agree that it is odd," Andrew agreed, when a thought crossed his mind. He could have screamed aloud at his stupidity. "Please tell me, sir, who is my mother? Is David Fitzwilliam my brother or my cousin?"
"Mr. Callahan, I cannot help you with that," Charles said, remorsefully, "I do not know enough information other than the fact that you look like Fitzwilliam Darcy and David Fitzwilliam. I can tell you as much, however, that Anne Darcy could not have been your mother. You are younger than Darcy, and I doubt he would not remember his brother's birth."
"I see," Andrew repeated, looking pensive. "Is there any way I can find this Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy?"
"He is on his way to Pemberley as we speak, he might already be there. I will write him a letter post haste, and you may stay here until we receive correspondence from Mr. Darcy and his lovely wife."
"I thank you, sir, for your generosity," Andrew Callahan said, extending his hand for a handshake. "I shall enjoy staying with you and your bride as well, as long as it is no trouble."
With a tiny glint in his eye, Bingley shook his head. "Your room is nowhere near the master suite, I assure you, it is across from the room of my sister Caroline."
Andrew nodded mutely and took his leave, wandering about the halls in complete confusion. It reminded him of when he first found out that Thomas and Rebecca were not his parents, and instead his "Aunt and Uncle". It was hard for a three year old to grasp, but later on he had learned that a letter had come instructing Thomas and Rebecca to give up the title of mother and father. He still did not understand why they listened to the letter, but he supposed at that time, they were being paid handsomely.
How is this possible? How can it be? Mr. Bingley is sure that I am related to this Mr. Darcy, but if he's only my cousin, who is my sister? Am I a Fitzwilliam? Am I anything else? How many siblings did my mother have?
Andrew would have continued wandering aimlessly, however, he heard a noise behind him. It was peculiar, to say the least, that somebody would watch him wander without offering help or an introduction, but Andrew was the last person to say anything about that, especially to people he wasn't properly acquainted with. It was Bingley's sister, Caroline, who watched him, and Andrew hated to admit that he was growing quite uncomfortable under her scrutiny.
He fiddled with his cravat, his coat sleeves, his hair, anything to get her gaze off of him. Andrew felt like she was trying to devour him with her eyes. He didn't want to turn around and look at her because he could sense her gaze and her smug little smirk that was anything but cute and alluring. Caroline wasn't an ugly woman, even if her nose was slightly pointed. She was tall and slender, and Andrew was positive she'd make a good wife for somebody, as long as it wasn't him. He could just sense her thoughts, and he involuntarily shivered.
"Are you cold, Mr. Callahan? I always tell my brother that Netherfield is so dreadfully cold! He could have picked a residence anywhere, you know," she said, smirking again, "but he wanted the country for a change of pace."
"I myself live somewhat in the country, madam," Andrew said, with a smile, "I'm terribly sorry you don't seem to like it. I think the air does wonders for a man's soul. I often sit in the park and read with my Uncle. I find it peaceful, do you not?"
"Of course I do, Mr. Callahan! I never meant to give you the impression that I did not like the country, because I most surely do. I just find Netherfield a bit chilly with the country air, but that's nothing a blanket, fireplace and lamp can't cure." Caroline managed a weak smile back at Andrew.
"Indeed, Miss Bingley, indeed," Andrew agreed, but fought the urge to laugh. He wondered if her attraction to him was because of his resemblance to a recently married gentleman who was hopefully coming to visit shortly. He wondered if Miss Bingley thought that he was worth as much as his cousin, and although Harrington was a sizable estate, he doubted that it was worth as much as the fabled Pemberley.
Chapter 5
Andrew finally found the staircase that led him to the table for supper. During the meal, Jane Bingley captivated Andrew with her candor, even temper, and sweetness. As he ate, he looked to her with inquiring eyes.
"Mrs. Bingley, tell me, do you have any sisters perhaps?" He meant the question as a joke, and Charles Bingley laughed, as did Jane and Thomas Hurst. However, Caroline Bingley nearly choked on her soup.
"Mr. Callahan, my sister Elizabeth was recently married to Mr. Darcy of Pemberley, as you know, and my youngest sister Lydia has also been married. I do, however, have two other sisters, Katherine and Mary."
"You will find them much younger," Caroline interjected with another smirk. "Is Kitty yet twenty?"
Jane looked at her confusedly, as if to say "You know the ages of both Kitty and Mary." Andrew looked for something to rectify the situation, as it had grown sticky and charged.
"I have a sister, so I have heard," he said, "I'm hoping I'll be able to find her."
Jane and Charles shared a troubled glance. Their eyes seemed to convey their thoughts, troubled thoughts of possible sisters. It cannot be Georgiana. There is one other female in the family, unless there are cousins Darcy has not disclosed previously. I can sense some legal work in the future, for he is older than who I presume to be his sister...
"I'm sure you will," Caroline simpered, "and I'm sure she'll be absolutely charming!"
"I hope so," Andrew replied, honestly, "but even if she is not, I will find her charming because she is my sister and I have never known her."
Mr. Darcy and his bride sent word that, upon hearing of Andrew, that they would be heading directly out from Pemberley, even though Elizabeth had yet to become fully acquainted with its walls. Andrew spent the remainder of the week peering out windows for a glimpse of any kind of carriage bearing somebody who could enlighten him on the matter. Caroline spent the week watching Andrew stare out the windows, and she couldn't help but compare Andrew to a wistful Darcy. She desperately wished to engage him in some conversation, however, he was nervous, edgy, and not focused on anything other than meeting the upcoming visitors.
It was on the fourth day of Andrew's window watching when a man on horseback pulled up wearing the military attire of red. He pressed his nose to the glass, vaguely thinking how childlike he was being. The man was blonde, and Andrew could not detect his eye color, nor his identity. He went in search of Mr. Bingley, in hopes to relieve his curiosity, but Bingley was in his garden waiting for the party.
The wait was not too long and the military gentleman dismounted his horse so Mr. Bingley could greet him. Andrew practically ran out of Netherfield, but he did remember to straighten himself up and act in a gentlemanly manner.
He came to where Bingley and the man were standing and waited to be introduced.
Bingley did not disappoint him. "Ah," he said, his face lighting up, "Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, I would like you to meet Mr. Andrew Callahan. Mr. Callahan, Colonel Fitzwilliam traveled from Brighton when he heard your story."
"Pleased to meet you, sir," Colonel Fitzwilliam and Andrew exclaimed at the same time, and both men laughed. Our eyes are the same, Andrew noted, almost with relief.
"Mr. Callahan, I am pleased to inform you that my cousins, Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy, are a little bit down the road. They have brought Mr. Darcy's sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy. My brother, Mr. David Fitzwilliam, the viscount of Matlock, is also accompanying them. We are very curious of your tale and also, if I might add, you could be my brother's twin, if he were younger."
If Andrew was surprised, he didn't show it. He merely waited for the rest of the entourage to arrive. Colonel Fitzwilliam had quelled part of his nervousness, but his curiosity was peaked sky high. After what seemed like an eternity, the Darcy's carriage pulled into the drive, accompanied by another man on horseback.
The man on horseback was as tall as Andrew, which was quite tall at about six feet, five inches, and he also had dark, wavy hair and blue eyes. Andrew was quite inclined to believe the Colonel, because this man bore distinct resemblance to himself. Almost an uncanny resemblance.
The man on horseback was David Fitzwilliam, and he was as shocked as Andrew Callahan when he looked at his appearance. There was no denying that they looked alike. David dismounted and quickly introduced himself, the shock evident on his face. When Darcy exited the carriage to introduce himself, the resemblance between the three men was enough to knock Elizabeth off guard, and send Caroline into a tizzy.
Four Darcy men? In my own house? Can this be? Caroline could not believe her luck!
Andrew's guileless blue eyes missed nothing. They saw Caroline's stiffening when Elizabeth exited the carriage, Darcy's love for his wife, the ease between Colonel Fitzwilliam, Darcy and Bingley, and the stately manner of David Fitzwilliam. Finally, Georgiana Darcy stepped out of the carriage, shyly.
He bowed to the young blonde woman, his mind whirling faster than a tornado. He could barely introduce himself to all of the party without choking on his own thoughts. Based on looks alone, Andrew Callahan had found his mystery family. Part of it, at least.
Chapter 6
Elizabeth and Georgiana curtsied and Andrew bowed. He opened his mouth to speak, but no sound came out. Elizabeth looked uneasily at Georgiana, unsure of what to think. She knew that her husband didn't have a missing brother, but the resemblance to David Fitzwilliam was shocking. Unfortunately, Darcy was always suspicious of David, and this would just be another notch in Darcy's belt of suspicion.
"Mrs. Darcy," Andrew interrupted, an open, pleasant look on his face, "I believe you see what I do. This certainly is a treat for me, I've been searching for my family for years!"
"Hold on," Darcy interrupted, "We must consult a lawyer and try to locate your birth parents, because I'm not quite sure who's your brother or who's your cousin."
"I wasn't notified of a brother," Andrew said, confused. "I was only notified of a sister, I can procure the letters from my mother if you'd like to see."
"Yes," Colonel Fitzwilliam interjected, "I'd like to see those, if you don't mind. Perhaps handwriting would be a clue?"
"Good thinking," David added, nodding, as Andrew gave directions to one of Bingley's servants to go retrieve the letters.
"Wait a minute," Georgiana interrupted. She said it so quietly that everybody missed her saying it the first time around.
"Wait a minute!" At the sound of her voice above a shy murmur, all was quiet. "David and Richard have no sisters, not since Emily died when she was but a child. Fitzwilliam and I have no other siblings, either. Was Anne Deborah overlooked? She is an only child."
"Or maybe not," the Colonel said, wryly. "Aunt Catherine is certainly crotchety enough to put a son up for adoption." David arched his eyebrow and nodded silently.
The servant reappeared with the letters, which Andrew gave to each member of the family.
"This is Aunt Catherine's handwriting," Darcy said, more than slightly surprised.
"Why is Anne not with you?" At Andrew's innocent question, all eyes turned to him.
"She is sickly," Georgiana said, apologetically.
"Her mother would probably not permit her to make the trip," Richard explained, gently, "Catherine is very protective of Anne."
"I see," Andrew said, quietly. "Believe me, there is much work to be done. I need to find records of my birth, records of any transactions, and probably Lady Catherine as well. I doubt she would recognize me?"
"She would," Darcy interjected, apologetically as well. "It is to my extreme displeasure to let you know that she would indeed. What you need is irrefutable evidence, Mr. Callahan, and I will do my best to help you find it. My cousin David Fitzwilliam, viscount of Matlock, is acquainted with many lawyers who will get to the bottom of this."
"Money is no object," Andrew was quick to point out. He did not want his newfound cousins to think he was a street urchin.
In all the excitement, nobody had noticed Caroline when she had made her dramatic entrance. Her mind raced. There were men as wealthy as Darcy, handsome as Darcy, and unmarried all within a grasp. David Fitzwilliam was out of the question, she had always been afraid of him. Even more so than Darcy, only because Charles was not friends with him. Richard Fitzwilliam was a second son, and that would never do. But Andrew Callahan was to inherit one, possibly two estates! He was still older than she was, which made it socially acceptable as well. Caroline hoped she was not appearing too eager in her endeavors.
Elizabeth Darcy attempted not to ridicule Caroline's greatest folly, her desire for a husband. To Elizabeth, Andrew seemed quite intelligent, well-mannered, and handsome. He looked very much like her husband, and she was eager to speak with him.
She had her chance during dinner that night, seated between Andrew and her husband. When the conversation between David Fitzwilliam and Andrew subsided, she leaned to her side, eyes glinting inquisitively.
"How did you first become suspicious of your adoptive parents?"
Andrew wiped his mouth with his napkin. "Oh no, madam, I was never suspicious of them. I always knew I was the child of another, however, they are my parents on terms of generosity and kindness. I only hope that when this situation is resolved they will be as happy as I hope to be."
"Your mother has been very frank about everything except her identity," Elizabeth commented, and Andrew nodded.
"Your husband seems to be quite sure of her identity," Andrew offered.
"That I am," Darcy said, nodding his head in agreement, "I just hope she is willing to admit it easily and we will not have to search too many record books for your birth."
David nodded his agreement as well. "I have many lawyers and acquaintances who would no doubt enjoy to see my aunt in scandal. She has quite a reputation, you know, but it's all been concealed from you, Mr. Callahan. Might I tell you a bit of family history?"
"Yes, please, if you could," Andrew managed, as graciously as he could considering the circumstances.
"My father Edward, the earl of Matlock, had two sisters, Anne and Catherine. Anne married George Darcy and my cousins are Fitzwilliam and Georgiana." Darcy and Georgiana nodded at their names.
"My younger brother, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, is also your cousin. My father's sister Catherine married Francis deborah and bore Anne, and I would assume you as well, although I should tell you your sister does not resemble you."
Andrew ate up the information and smiled. "I cannot tell you how I have searched for my family. This does make me happy. Oh! I should have you meet the Callahans, my foster parents!"
"We should have a ball for Andrew," Caroline gushed, "and invite everybody to meet him!"
"That may be premature, Miss Bingley," David started, but was interrupted by Darcy.
"We could invite all our relations. We could see if Lady Catherine does recognize Andrew or can guess his identity."
"Would that be proper, Darcy?" Bingley frowned. "That does not seem like an option that is kind to your aunt."
"It was not kind of her to ignore her son," the Colonel pointed out, "provided he is her son, and we do have to find out. Extend an invitation to the ball to Rosings Park. I doubt she will attend, but she will send her errand-boy Collins."
"Charlotte will also attend and I shall be happy to see her," Elizabeth said, firmly. "I have not seen her since the birth of her son. It will be good, for I have missed her."