Section I, Next Section

Part 1

Posted on Sunday, 10 October 1999

Sir John Preston waited gleefully to be announced, turning a newspaper around in his hands. Lady Catherine de Bourgh would be livid at the news that her niece had married that impudent boy instead of the mature knight she had found for her. But of course, Sir John cared nothing for this. He was happy, for now he would be able to marry Anne de Bourgh, the irate Lady's daughter.

Of course, he was convinced he did not love Miss de Bourgh. He only felt sorry for her, because her mother was so determined to find a "suitable" match for her.

Lady Catherine was one of those persons who think they know what is best for everyone, and they will not be talked out of an opinion. So, while she able to find a man suitable enough for her niece - even though the ungrateful niece settled for somebody else - she was reduced to advertising for her daughter. The fact she was most loudly proclaiming was Anne's dowry of thirty-five thousand pounds. This was all too humiliating for the shy, sickly girl, and Sir John was all too aware of this to let it pass. He would marry her and put an end to the mother's interference.

Finally, he was admitted into Lady Catherine's presence.

"What is it?" she demanded without ceremony. "It is quite early to be up and about. One should never rise earlier than nine o'clock. It is better for your complexion and nerves to sleep later."

"Of course," he said with a small smile, and handed her the newspaper article. "Your niece has made the papers. The top left-hand corner of the fifth page, Your Ladyship."

Lady Catherine looked, and read aloud the following:

"'Miss Georgiana Darcy is to be married.' Well, Sir John, you have been successful at last?" Sir John motioned for her to continue. "'To Mr. Christopher Blakeney'!" Lady Catherine was so overset, she actually deigned to stand up and sit down several times before she could speak. "But what is this nonsense!" she demanded.

"It is true," he said, forcing a sad expression. "Miss Darcy has accepted Mr. Blakeney. They are to be married in June. Has not Your Ladyship received an invitation?"

"Well, yes, but I discarded it as garbage. It is not possible for both my nephew and my niece to go so blatantly against my wishes."

"Well, I suppose that is the end of my business with you," Sir John sighed, standing up. Lady Catherine was startled. She had no wish to lose this young man to some other lady whose daughters were not half so worthy as the female members of her family - even the less-deserving Darcys.

"But Sir John, do reconsider. I am sure you must be heartbroken of missing such an opportunity for my constant company. Perhaps you should consider another course of action..."

"What does Your Ladyship suggest? I am in anticipation of anything you might say."

Lady Catherine looked desperately around her, searching for an idea. Finally, one came to her.

"You might marry Anne, if you asked politely. Of course, I could not force her on anyone. But I'm sure any smart young man, such as yourself, would be glad to have such a prize."

Sir John's eyes flashed, but he pretended to hesitate.

"I don't know," he said slowly. "I think I should be able to see her at least one more time before I make a decision."

"But of course. Jenkins!" she called to the butler. "Bring Miss de Bourgh to the parlor at once!"

Anne was shown in a few minutes later. She would have been extremely pretty, if not for the fact that she was very sickly. Her eyes had dark circles around them, and she was much too thin. The dark, curly hair which was a characteristic of anybody belonging to this particular family, hung limply around her face. She looked fearfully at her mother.

"Ah, Anne," said Lady Catherine. "Come here, by me." Anne glanced at Sir John momentarily, then went to her mother, who whispered a few things in her ear, then rose herself.

"I shall leave you two alone for a few minutes. Jenkins, however, will be just on the other side of the door, so do not worry about your reputations."

She left.

Part 2

Posted on Tuesday, 12 October 1999

Anne sat down quietly on the sofa, while Sir John observed her from his seat.

"Do I frighten you, Miss de Bourgh?" he asked after some moments of silence. She jumped at the sound of his voice.

"N-not at all, Sir John," she stammered, then blushed at her falsehood. He thought she was charming. But he was not in love with her.

"I am glad to hear it," he said. "I should hate to be feared by the person I wish to marry." She looked at him, startled. And yet, there was a glimmer of something in her face. What was it? he wondered.

"You wish to m-marry me?" she asked. She did not normally stutter so, but she could not help herself this time. She was relieved that he did not seem to notice. He nodded.

"I do. I have many reasons," he added, "but first and foremost is that I wish you to be happy, and know you cannot be so here."

She hesitated only a moment, wondering if he loved her, or if he only pitied her. But he would not care for her happiness so much as to marry her, if he did not love her, would he? Her face broke into a wide smile, which made her look quite pretty.

"I thank you, sir. Yes, I will marry you."

"Good." Wondering why he felt so relieved, he came next to her, and kissed her hand. He thought it might frighten overwhelmingly if he tried too much all at once. She was such a little thing. Then he called Lady Catherine back into the room.

"Well?" she demanded. Anne looked like a frightened bird whenever her mother was around. She unconsciously stepped closer to Sir John for protection. Lady Catherine looked from one to the other.

"Be not alarmed, madam," said Sir John quickly. "I have asked, and your daughter has most graciously accepted."

Lady Catherine was pleased.

"I knew Anne would not disappoint me. Sir John, you have gained a terrific prize today. You will not regret your choice, and I trust, Anne, you will not regret yours. Now, let us start with the preparations. Have you two decided on a date?"

And so began the long road to the wedding. Sir John tried to get Anne to participate more in the preparations, and come out of her shell, but she had spent nearly twenty years living solely with her mother. She would not get over that experience quickly. Sir John hoped it would not take too long.

Part 3

Posted on Wednesday, 13 October 1999

Lady Catherine grudgingly put in an appearance at her erring niece's wedding. Anne was thankful for the visit. She longed to see Georgiana again. She had been hoping her cousin would marry that nice young man who had stood up to her mother so charmingly. Indeed, the only thing Anne found lacking in her own fiancé was the will to stand up to Lady Catherine.

In an attempt to prove how low the Darcys had sunk, Lady Catherine dragged Anne to the room where Georgiana's gown was having a last-minute-adjustment. Anne thought her cousin looked beautiful, and told her so.

"Thank you, Anne," Georgiana smiled. "I am sure you will look ten times lovelier when it is your turn."

"I am sure you will not be able to see her, Georgiana," Lady Catherine sniffed. "Somebody must take a stand to this family's wild behaviour as of late."

"Mother, I don't think..." Anne began nervously.

"Anne, was I speaking to you? You should learn not to speak unless you are spoken to. You are not Lady Preston yet, you know."

Georgiana shot an annoyed look at her aunt. Some of her fiancé's spirit had rubbed off on her, and she was not afraid of her aunt anymore.

"Anne," she said, "I wish I could be present for your wedding, but it might not be possible."

Anne looked startled.

"But why not?" she asked in dismay. "I was counting on you to be there."

"I do not see why we are discussing this," said Lady Catherine. "I told you, you would not be invited."

Georgiana ignored her.

"Christopher wants to take me on an extended honeymoon." She giggled nervously. "First, we shall go to France, to meet his uncle there. Then we shall go to Ireland, I think. But he might have said America. So, you see, we might not be back in time for your wedding."

"But, this is too much," said Anne. "I really was counting on you. I don't know how I shall be able to get through the ceremony without somebody there for moral support."

"Really, Anne, I do not see why you continue on in this manner. It is most unbecoming. And besides, I shall be there. Who can give you more support than your own mother?"

Elizabeth Darcy and Jane Bingley entered the room. Mrs. Bingley had suffered a miscarriage the previous year, but had recovered from it quite well recently. Mrs. Darcy had her own suspicions about why she was suddenly so happy, but she would keep them to herself until the wedding was over.

"Georgiana," said Elizabeth excitedly. "It is time. The minister is waiting, and you should see your future husband." She made an expressive face.

"Oh, dear," Georgiana fretted. "I am so nervous. And yet I cannot stop smiling. I cannot find my veil!" she looked around herself worriedly.

"It is on your head," said Anne and Lady Catherine at the same time.

"You are too excited," said Jane calmly. "Have a sip of this; it will calm you down."

"Yes, we would not want you to faint on your way up the aisle," said Elizabeth.

Part 4

Posted on Friday, 15 October 1999

Georgiana did make a beautiful bride, but Anne could hardly concentrate on the ceremony. The reason was simple: Sir John had also been invited to the wedding, and of course he was seated next to Anne. Being seated in between Sir John Preston and Lady Catherine de Bourgh was not a pleasant experience for such a slight girl as Anne, and she could only sit there feeling quite like an ant.

During the reception, Lady Catherine remarked to Anne about her appearance,

"Anne, do not look so sour. Your fiancé is here, you should look like you are glad to see him. You would not want him to cry off." She muttered something about a lawsuit that Anne did not quite understand.

Sir John came to stand next to them.

"Hello, Anne. Lady Catherine."

Lady Catherine nodded at him, then nudged Anne slightly. Anne looked up at Sir John, smiled radiantly, and said,

"Hello, Sir John. How are you today?"

"I am well. How are plans for the wedding coming along?"

"Very well, indeed," said Lady Catherine. "And how about on your side?"

"Very nicely. I think all will be ready by October."

"October!" said Lady Catherine, shocked. "This October?"

"Well, yes," said Sir John somewhat sheepishly. "Charell is quite an extensive manor, you know. And I do not keep many servants, as formerly it was only myself there. But now that there shall be a Lady Preston, I thought it could do with a little polishing. It seems it will not be ready until October, at the nearest."

"Charell," said Anne. "That is the name of your estate?" Sir John nodded. "What a queer name," she mused.

"No more so than Rosings or Pemberley. It is only a name."

Anne was becoming nervous again; she could not bear the scrutiny with which Sir John and her mother were eyeing her. She was grateful when she saw her cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, approach.

"Ah, Fitzwilliam," said Lady Catherine. "The only one of my nephews to marry well. How is Lady Laura?"

"She is well. She is talking with my brother's wife, so I thought I would come and speak with you."

"You do not like Lady Cavendar?" Anne asked.

"Who could?" said Lady Catherine. "Surely you have heard she is the bastard child of the Duke of Carrington. Your wife's father, Fitzwilliam," she added.

"Oh, Julia is a wonderful person," said Colonel Fitzwilliam, embarrassed. "It is somewhat strange knowing my brother and I unwittingly married sisters. But the reason I did not join their conversation is because I cannot bear the topic. They are talking about babies." He grinned

"You do not want a baby?" Anne asked in amazement.

"You should take extra great care to have a son," said Lady Catherine. "If Mrs. Fitzwilliam's brother does not get married soon, and have an heir, your son might well be the next Duke of Carrington."

"You mean the next after Michael? Yes, I know that. But I do not want a baby just yet. If we all of a sudden started having children, Laura would not be able to follow me wherever my regiment takes me. That is, it would not be easy."

"But the war is over, is it not?" said Anne, confused.

"And as for your brother," said Lady Catherine, obviously still upset by David's choice of wife. "what is he doing, letting his wife appear in public when she is so far along?"

The colonel blushed.

"It is hardly my place to say, Lady Catherine."

"All the same, it is most vexing."

Anne was embarrassed. Despite her attempts to turn the subject from Julia, her mother kept returning to it. Anne did not know Julia very well, but from what she did know, she liked her. She looked at Sir John in mortification, and he smiled reassuringly at her. She beamed inside. Any encouragement at all was like food for a year to her, but from Sir John it was different. She really did love him.

She did not know exactly when she realized she was in love with him. Perhaps it was because he was the first man to look at her without horror or disgust. She knew she was frightfully pale and thin; she did not need to have people's stares intensify her knowledge of the fact. She could not help it, anyway.

She had been so happy when he had proposed. She had not expected it; he never seemed to pay very much attention to her. But now, she thought, maybe she was happy. Maybe she was content. Maybe Sir John loved her. Maybe.

Part 5

Posted on Monday, 18 October 1999

A month later, Lady Catherine invited herself to Matlock, to see how the Fitzwilliams were getting on. Julia was most definitely ready to deliver. Anne was frightened by how huge she had become. Her cousin, David, did not seem to notice. It was not that he was indifferent towards his wife; it was more like he could not think of her as anything but beautiful. Anne wondered if John would be that way. Somehow, she doubted it.

Every day, Lady Catherine made her views painfully obvious towards Julia's low birth, pointing out that not only had the son of an English earl married the daughter of a Scottish commoner, but an illegitimate one at that. David pointed out that whether she was legitimate or not, she was still the daughter of a duke, and he loved her regardless. Anne was weary of the subject after the first day. She wished her mother would be quiet for once.

One night, Anne heard a loud scream. She sat up straight in bed. She heard it again. She quickly put on a robe, and stepped into the hall. Servants were running in all directions. She followed one of them, and found herself in front of Lady Cavendar's room, standing with the entire family as it now existed - except Julia and David.

"What is going on?" she asked.

"Highly indecent, I say," Lady Catherine grumbled. "Screaming like that in the middle of the night.

"Catherine," said Lord Matlock tiredly. "She is having a baby..."

"Do not argue with me, brother," she snapped.

"The baby?" Anne asked. They all nodded. "But, why is she screaming?"

"Anne, go back to bed," said Lady Catherine. "This is not the place for you." Anne did not budge. Julia's screams became louder.

"Why does not someone do something?" Anne cried. "She might be dying."

"The doctor is with her," said Lord Matlock. "So is Mary. She should be fine. She is a healthy girl."

David wandered into the hall.

"Any word yet?" he asked as another scream pierced the air. He winced. They shook their heads. Anne looked at the door. What was happening to Julia?

"David?" she asked worriedly. He blinked at her.

"Good Lord, David, you did not need to get drunk so quickly," said Lord Matlock disapprovingly. "You will have a terrible headache tomorrow." David smiled somewhat sarcastically.

"That was the plan. Julia is in agony now; I shall be in agony tomorrow."

"Hardly the same thing," said Lady Catherine, glaring at Anne.

"You are not helping the situation," said Lord Matlock. They all jumped as Julia screamed again, this time much louder than before.

"I'm sorry," said David, on the verge of tears. "I just feel so helpless. There is nothing I can do...." He sat down on the floor, and held his already aching head in his hands. Lady Matlock came out of the room to give an update, and seeing him thus, rushed to comfort him. Lord Matlock looked away, disgusted.

"I have had enough of this," said Lady Catherine, and she turned to go back to bed. Anne followed her, more because she was sure she could not stay without fainting. She lay awake most of the rest of the night, thinking about what Julia was going through. How could she endure that? There was no possible way. She could not even stand the thought of the slightest pin prick. The thought of it made her tremble. Her thoughts tormented her, and she could not sleep. She tried forcing her mind onto different subjects. The last thing she remembered hearing before she drifted into a state between sleep and consciousness was an ear-piercing scream.

Part 6

Posted on Tuesday, 19 October 1999

Anne went down to breakfast the next morning very worried. She had not heard anything since she woke up.

"Is Julia all right?" she asked. What she meant to ask was if Julia was alive.

"Yes," Lady Matlock smiled at her niece. "Julia is well, and she gave my son twins."

"Twins?" Anne was agape.

"Yes. A boy and a girl. I do not know what they will be called yet. David is with them right now."

"You may visit Julia after breakfast, if you like, Anne," said Lord Matlock. "I think she would be happy to see you."

"She will do no such thing," Lady Catherine announced. "I would rather die than see my daughter enter the room of a strange woman who has just given birth."

"Catherine," said Lord Matlock. "You never know when Anne might be the strange woman."

"Nonsense. Anne is not strange. She is perfectly normal."

Lord Matlock held his head in his hands. Anne picked at her food nervously.

"Catherine, I don't want to argue with you. You are giving me a headache."

"Speaking of headaches, how is your son after last night's escapades? Downright shameful, the state he got himself into. It is probably the influence of that little wife of his."

"Enough!" Lord Matlock rose, and pointed at his sister. "If I ever hear you talk that way about my son and his wife, I will never permit you to step foot in Matlock again."

"Sit down, Edward," said Lady Catherine angrily. "I am beginning to think Miss Monroe did not have so much influence on him, after all."

"Her name is not Miss Monroe anymore. It is Julia Fitzwilliam, Viscountess Cavendar, wife of the son of the Earl of Matlock. She will be the Countess of Matlock after I am dead. And you, Catherine, can rot in Rosings if you do not shut up right now."

"Really, Edward," said Lady Matlock, pulling at her husband's jacket. "Such a display. It is not that I do not agree with you, but really. Calm down, please." He obeyed grudgingly, glaring at his sister, who was strangely silent. "Now, finish your breakfast. I think some of us did not get enough sleep last night."

Anne looked fearfully from her mother to her uncle. It was moments like these, watching her mother fight with her brother, that made her grateful she was an only child. That thought suddenly made her wonder if Sir John would like many children. Then she thought of last night, of the agony Julia had been through. She wondered if she wanted any children.

Part 7

Anne knocked timidly on Julia's door. She heard a faint voice tell her to come in. Inside, she found Julia holding one baby wrapped in yellow - apparently the girl - and David holding the other, wrapped in blue - apparently the boy. Anne smiled into each baby's face, but they were both asleep.

"What are their names?" she asked Julia. Julia looked at David and raised her eyebrows.

"Well," he said slowly. "I like Jason Michael for the boy...?" he looked at his wife for approval. She beamed at him.

"I like that." He raised his eyebrows back at her. "Oh, yes. Well, I was thinking Jocelyn for this one." She smiled into her daughter's sleeping face.

"Jocelyn?" Anne asked.

"Yes, after my mother."

"Your mother's name was Jocelyn?"

"Yes. If my mother's name was Eunice, would I name my baby Jocelyn and say it was for my mother?"

"Well, no..."

"Isn't she beautiful?" Julia asked happily. "I always wanted a daughter, but of course David needed an heir. I'm glad I was able to give us both."

"She is very pretty," Anne agreed. "Will she have red hair, do you think?"

"She had better," said David. "I would hate for her to take after me. Her mother would be the perfect model."

"David is fishing for compliments," said Julia. "He likes for me to tell him how beautiful he is."

"Thank you very much, Julia," said David sarcastically, then added, "You did not choose a second name for Jocelyn. Perhaps it should start with an M, since we have Jason Michael?"

"Marie?" Anne supplied. The proud parents smiled, and accepted it. Then they switched babies.

"I think Jason Michael will be exactly like his father," said Julia. "Look, he already has the curls."

"You have curly hair, too," said David.

"Very true. So, Anne, will you be staying much longer? You must have a lot of preparations to make, still."

"Not really. Mother is tending to most of that. All I do is smile and nod."

"Would you rather be in charge?"

"No, this suits me just fine."

"You ladies are bringing my headache back," David complained, standing up.

"Oh, David, do be careful. You nearly dropped him."

"I did not. He is perfectly safe here." David shifted Jason's weight to the other arm, and left the room, looking quite injured.

"Is there something you wanted to talk to me about, Anne?"

"Actually, yes," said Anne, looking at her feet.

"What is it?"

"Are you really all right? I mean..."

"I am fine," Julia laughed. "Really."

"But, you were screaming so loudly... Everybody was so worried."

"Well, it's not every day your daughter-in-law or wife has a baby. And the pain is worth it, believe me." She smiled at Jocelyn again. Anne was not convinced.

"Are you still in pain? Is there anything I can do?"

"Can you go and take Jason away from David? I'm afraid he will fall down the stairs if he has to concentrate on both at once."

"He is not stupid, Julia," Anne laughed.

"Oh, I know. It is just that the novelty of being a father has done something to him."

Anne laughed again, and left the room. David and Julia were so cute together, it was amusing.

They were not the only married couple she knew that were like that - her cousin Fitzwilliam and his wife, Elizabeth, were very cute together. But she knew that not all married couples were like that. Her cousin Richard and his wife, Laura, were very much in love, but they were more tender than her other cousins. She had not yet witnessed Georgiana and Christopher together, but from what she had gathered from the times she had observed during their engagement, she thought they made a somewhat odd couple - she being serious, and he being extremely impertinent at times.

But she knew that no matter how those particular couples chose to show their love for each other, it was there, and it was obvious. She wondered what her life with John would be like. She wondered if he loved her.

Part 8

Posted on Wednesday, 20 October 1999

Anne and Lady Catherine left Matlock the next day. Lady Catherine might not have been the smartest woman in England, but she knew when she was not wanted - although she could not understand why anyone would not want the company of herself.

They had not been back at Rosings for two days when Sir John came to call on his fiancée.

"Hello, Anne," he greeted her in the drawing room, carefully avoiding the garish ornaments Lady Catherine had used to decorate the room.

"Hello, Sir John."

"Oh, that is much too formal. Since you will be my wife, you must call me John, at least some of the time."

"Very well. John."

"Well, that is settled. How was your trip to Matlock? Are all your relatives in good health?"

"They were when I left, thank you."

"Where would you like to go for our honeymoon? I was thinking Vienna...."

"That would be lovely, certainly." She paused, and came over to the chair where he was sitting. "John, do you love me?"

"What?"

"You have never said you loved me. Mr. Darcy says it to his wife; my other cousins say it to their wives, as well. Mrs. Blakeney tells everybody how much she loves her husband. Do you love me?"

"Of course I love you, Anne. I asked you to marry me, didn't I?"

"That does not mean much. My father did not love my mother, but he asked her to marry him."

"I was under the impression it was an arranged marriage."

Anne shook her head.

"My mother told me all about his proposal, and for the first ten years of my life I witnessed the indifference between them."

John stood, and looked down at Anne. She held his gaze frankly.

"Anne, I promised myself a long time ago that I would not marry anybody unless I loved them. Yes, I do love you."

Anne smiled. She was still not convinced, but she let the subject drop.

Part 9

The weeks flew by, and before Anne knew it, it was the day before her wedding. A year and a half ago, she thought she would be trapped into a loveless marriage with her cousin, Darcy, and here she found herself about to be married to the one man she loved. Needless to say, if she had not been so sickly, even now, she would have been giddy.

She was a little disappointed, however, that Georgiana was not yet back from her honeymoon. During the months between the two weddings, she had allowed herself to hope that Georgiana would be in time to attend.

She sat in the drawing room, going over everything in her head, trying to remember if this had been done, if that was taken care of, etc., when she heard the front door open. Assuming John was making his final call before they were husband and wife, she went to meet him.

She heard two voices in the foyer.

"What was your aunt thinking when she decorated this room?"

"Christopher! You are incorrigible."

It was Georgiana! Anne quickly composed herself, and went to meet her cousin.

"I am sorry," Christopher was saying, "But your aunt does have insupportable taste." He picked up something from one of the tables. "What does this remind you of?"

Georgiana looked. It was what was left of an elephant tusk Anne's father had brought home from Africa one summer. It had been nearly destroyed in a fire once, but Sir Lewis had somehow saved it from being completely destroyed. Nobody would know now it was supposed to be ivory. She laughed.

"Put that down! I shall never be able to look at it with a straight face again!"

He placed it back on the table and tried to look innocent as Anne entered the room.

"Georgiana, what timing! I thought you would not be able to come to my wedding at all! I am so glad you are here. Hello, Mr. Blakeney."

"Good afternoon, Miss de Bourgh. It is not too late to call you that, is it?"

"No, I am not Lady Preston until tomorrow. I am so nervous!"

"That is normal," said Georgiana. "I think. At least, I was nervous, so even if it is not normal, you know you are not the only one."

Lady Catherine entered the room ceremoniously.

"What is this? I told you, Georgiana, you are not invited to the wedding."

"Hello, Aunt Catherine," said Christopher cheerfully. "I love what you have done with the place."

Georgiana and Anne burst into laughter. Christopher was a little disturbed when he realized Anne had overheard him and Georgiana discussing the room's decorations, but he paid no attention to it when he saw Anne's obvious amusement at her mother's expense. Lady Catherine frowned at all of them.

"I do not see what is so amusing. And you may not call me Aunt Catherine. I am Lady Catherine, or Your Ladyship, and do not forget it."

"Of course, Aunt...I mean, Lady Catherine. I shall remember that from now on. You shall never be `aunt' again, you have my word."

"Well, let us go into the parlor, we shall discuss what is to be done with you. I am most put out by your sudden arrival. I do not have any suitable rooms ready."

"Oh, that is all right, Aunt...I mean, Lady Catherine," said Christopher. "Georgiana and I will take any room available; we are not extremely fastidious in that area. When we were going to America, the ship was so over-crowded, there were invariably two couples to a room."

"You cannot be serious!" Lady Catherine exclaimed. "Share a room? It is highly indecent. Sir Lewis and I never shared a room."

"Oh? Is Anne adopted? The two of you are so much alike, I should never have guessed." He looked from mother to daughter and back several times, feigning bewilderment.

Georgiana gasped, and put her hand to her mouth to hide her laughter. Anne looked displeased at being compared to her mother. Lady Catherine looked severely at Christopher, her lips turned down.

"Young man, if you are to stay in my house, you shall have respect for my daughter. I do not want her ears to be sullied by the filth emanating from your mouth."

"I assure you, Aunt...I mean, Lady Catherine, I bathed this morning."

"This is not to be borne! You are highly impertinent."

"Thank you, Aunt...I mean, Lady Catherine."

"It was not a compliment."

"But anything directed by Your Ladyship towards myself must be determined a compliment, therefore, I thank you again."

"You are disrespectful, sir!"

"I was not aware of that. Do you think I am being disrespectful, Georgiana?"

Georgiana was laughing too hard to speak, but she nodded her head yes. Christopher looked hurt.

"Sink me, I seem to have made a bad impression."

"Oh, Christopher," Georgiana reached over to comfort him. "It is all right. I like you best when you are disrespectful."

"Thank you, m'dear," said Christopher, still pouting. He laid his head on her shoulder, and she patted it affectionately. Lady Catherine looked severely displeased. She immediately sent for a servant to show Mr. and Mrs. Blakeney to their separate rooms.

Part 10

Posted on Friday, 22 October 1999

That night, Lady Catherine paid Anne a special pre-wedding visit. There were still last-minute details to be tended to, and of course she must warn Anne about the wedding night. She sat her daughter on her bed, and proceeded to regale her with wedding-night stories.

She started with the basics - birds and the bees, etc. Anne was shocked, of course, but decided she would bear it if John absolutely insisted. But Lady Catherine was not satisfied with Anne's reaction. It was her wish that Anne be absolutely horrified of the marriage bed. She began to make things up.

She told Anne what she had heard about a certain Mrs. Grant, who had tried to keep her husband away with a pitchfork, and he had responded by tying her to the bed. If Anne could have gone paler, she would have.

She told Anne that all men thought the same thing when looking at any woman. Sir John Preston would be no different from any other man.

Anne could not listen anymore. Lady Catherine, finally satisfied with her work, left the room. Anne pondered everything her mother had said. She thought back to that night at Matlock. Julia had seemed so relieved to have received both a son and a daughter at the same time. Now Anne thought she could understand why.

But then there was Georgiana. She did not seem repulsed by her husband. In fact, she seemed to be the more affectionate of the two. Anne could not understand anything. Her head ached, and she wanted to sleep. But first, she needed to speak to Georgiana. She needed answers.

She knocked hesitantly on Georgiana's door. Georgiana opened it an inch, and peeped out. She smiled when she saw Anne.

"It is only Anne," she said to someone inside the room, and opened the door wider. Anne was shocked to see Mr. Blakeney sitting in a chair next to Georgiana's dressing table. She was even more shocked to see that Georgiana had evidently already begun undressing. Georgiana blushed deeply, and grabbed a robe. Christopher was staring at the ceiling, avoiding Anne's gaze. She eyed Christopher warily, remembering her mother's words.

"Georgiana," she said softly, "I would like to speak to you... alone, please."

"It seems I am unwanted," said Christopher with a sly smile at Georgiana, who blushed again. Anne retreated a step as he passed her into the hall. Georgiana noticed her cousin's stiffness around her husband.

"What is going on?" she asked, worried. She was not suspicious of anything; merely concerned for her cousin. Anne, relieved to finally be alone with Georgiana, flew to a chair, and immediately poured out the whole story.

"Oh, Georgiana, I am so frightened! What if ... what if John does not like me? What if he hurts me? Can I really be horse-whipped? What if I cannot give him a son? Oh, what am I going to do?" She brought her knees to her face, and wept. Georgiana blushed, and blinked several times before saying,

"Oh, dear, this is serious. It seems, Anne, that your mother has been grossly exaggerating what happens between a man and a woman." She cleared her throat, and looked down. She was not used to the role of matron - after all, she was a few years younger than Anne.. "I am sure Sir John will respect you in every way--he is a perfect gentleman, after all."

"But, Mother said..."

"Anne, listen to me. Sir John would never willingly hurt you. He is a good, kind man, and if he does not love you - which could not be possible; you are so sweet - then he certainly likes you enough to respect you."

"Then, he will not... If I do not want him to, he will not..." Anne was flustered, and could not think of the right words.

"He will not hurt you," Georgiana repeated emphatically. "I am sure."

Anne sniffed, and wiped her eyes with her hands. She nodded her head, appearing to accept Georgiana's promise.

"There is just one more thing I am wondering about..."

"What is that?"

"If a man is not satisfied until he has a son, why do I not have a brother?"

Georgiana laughed. It seemed to clear the tension from the room, and Anne giggled hesitantly.

"You must ask your mother, I suppose." She yawned. "Oh, dear me, I am tired. Good-night, Anne. Tomorrow, you will be Lady Preston. Be happy, cousin."

Anne left the room in slightly better spirits, but still doubting. She sincerely hoped all would be well. However, she was not the type to raise false hopes, and she had been trained to believe her mother in all things. When she left the room, she was startled to see Mr. Blakeney waiting almost directly outside Georgiana's door. She stiffened again, and was both relieved and puzzled when he nodded at her, then went back in the room.

This, added to all the other worries a wedding brings, caused Anne to get very little sleep that night.

Part 11

Sir John could not, for the life of him, figure out why Anne looked so frightened behind her veil. True, she was getting married, but there was still no cause for her to look like such a frightened rabbit. He tried to reassure her by taking her hand and whispering to her that she looked lovely. But somehow, this only made her look more frightened. He wished he knew what she was worrying about.

Anne, of course, was completely flustered. A night's rest had not put aside the fears her mother had kindled within her. She felt like crying when she saw how upset John looked. She could not tell that he was only concerned about her. She thought she had done something wrong.

Finally, the ceremony ended, and everybody left for the reception. Anne's last day at Rosings was celebrated in a grand manner. Lady Catherine seated herself next to her daughter, and answered all the compliments aimed in that direction. Anne was annoyed and relieved at the same time. She was annoyed at her mother's officiousness, and relieved at not having to answer all those people herself.

Sir John was seated on Anne's other side. He noticed some things about her in that hour that made him quite uncomfortable.

"Why do you not eat more, Lady Preston?" he asked.

"Anne has never had much appetite," said Lady Catherine. "She gets sick if she eats too much."

"On the contrary, I think she should definitely eat more." He helped his new wife to more roast beef.

Lady Catherine was offended, but for once decided not to show it. She smiled thinly, and said,

"Of course. You must be certain she will be able to bear you sons."

Anne choked, and her fork dropped to the table with a clang. Fortunately, nobody noticed except her husband.

"Is something wrong, Anne?"

"Anne is fine, I assure you," said Lady Catherine.

"I would thank you, madam, to allow Anne to speak for herself."

"Who better to speak for her than her own mother?"

"Anne has a mind of her own, and I would like to be able to know how it works. I already know how yours works."

"Well, I never..."

"No, and you never will again. Stop your interference, I beg you."

Anne listened to what John was saying. What was he doing? Nobody spoke to her mother that way. Lady Catherine pursed her lips, and sat back in her chair. After a few minutes, she said,

"Anne, you are eating too much. Give me your plate." She took Anne's plate and started shoving the contents onto her own. When she put it back down, Sir John immediately replenished it. Anne was getting terribly confused. Who should she obey, her husband or her mother? She was awfully hungry, and decided she would eat. Sir John looked triumphantly at Lady Catherine, who stormed out of the room.

Part 12

Posted on Sunday, 24 October 1999

During the ride to Charell, after the reception, Anne was feeling quite giddy. They had decided to forego the honeymoon in Vienna, and spend their time at Anne's new home. She looked happily at her husband beside her. Husband. It felt good to think that. She smiled to herself. John looked at her, and smiling, said,

"What are you smiling at, little wife?"

"I am so happy," she said with a sigh, then giggled self-consciously. "I thought I would never get married."

"Really? I can't imagine why not."

"Well, my mother always said I would marry my cousin. After he married Elizabeth, I was relieved, but he had still been my only hope for marriage at the time."

"I am glad you did not marry Darcy; you are not suited to each other."

"What do you mean?"

"You are different and alike in all the wrong places. He would have stifled you, and you are both so introverted, you would have constantly been in each other's company, and soon tiring of each other, would have ended up hating each other."

"Perhaps you are right. Although it does not paint a very flattering picture of myself. Or Darcy, for that matter." She giggled again, and put one hand to her face to hide her smile. "Oh, dear," said she, still giggling. "I am quite giddy tonight. You must think you have saddled yourself with an extremely silly wife."

"Not at all, I assure you, little Anne."

"Well, I am determined to be sober," said she, straightening up. She burst into giggles again, however, when they hit a bump in the road, and she was flung onto his lap, head first. He laughed, too, and helped her up. She looked at his face, and burst into fresh laughter. She put a hand up to hide her smile.

"Don't do that," he said, bringing her hand down. "You have a pretty smile." She blushed, and looked down. "Have I embarrassed you? I am sorry."

"No," she said. "I was just trying to think of something with which to compliment you." She burst into laughter again. "Perhaps I should not have had that last cup of wine," she said ruefully, attempting a serious expression.

"Are you drunk?" he asked, disappointed.

"N-no, I don't think so. It must be the fresh air. I am not used to it. My mother always said it was bad for my constitution."

"I believe you must have an extremely strong constitution, to have lived thus far with your mother. You have survived admirably."

"I do not know whether that is a compliment towards me, or an insult to my mother, so I shall not answer."

"There is our home," he said, pointing. She looked.

"It is beautiful. I am quite in raptures over it." She giggled again. "Oh, I am being such a goose. I am sorry."

"Don't be sorry; I like it when you are happy. But you have seen Charell before."

"Yes, but that was by daylight. Now, it is quite dark."

"Then I shall give you the grand tour again. Tomorrow. Tonight, we will revel in our happiness." They drove up to the entrance, where a servant was waiting to take the carriage. John helped Anne down, and led her into the building. It was quite large, and grandiose. However, even Anne could see that it needed a woman's touch. John showed her the parlor, the dining room, and led her up the ostentatious staircase.

"And this," he said, opening a door on the right, "is your chambers." He waved her in, and followed behind her, closing the door.

Part 13

Posted on Tuesday, 26 October 1999

Charell was not ten miles from Matlock. The new Lady Preston had become a good friend of Lady Cavendar while she was at Matlock, and so it was that three months to the day after the marriage of Anne de Bourgh to Sir John Preston, Lady Cavendar was standing on the step of Charell, waiting to be admitted to Lady Preston's presence.

She was shown into the drawing room, where Lady Preston was waiting for her. Anne smiled when Julia entered.

"Julia, I am so happy to see you. Sit down, I will ring for tea. The servants here are wonderful; as soon as I ask for anything, they bring it in five minutes. I never saw anything like it. At Rosings, I got the distinct impression that the servants avoided me and my mother as much as possible."

"Thank you, Anne, I came merely to see how you were getting along. How does married life suit you so far?"

"It is wonderful," said Anne cheerfully. Almost too cheerfully, Julia perceived. "It is such a relief. I am twenty-three, you know. Pretty soon, people would have been calling me an old maid."

"Is that the only reason you accepted Sir John?"

"No," Anne laughed. "There were other reasons." She looked pensive for a few moments, then asked cheerfully, "How are the twins?"

"They are wonderful," said Julia with all the pride of a mother. "Jocelyn is wonderfully quiet; hardly ever utters a sound. Jason is quite the little rogue. David is wonderful with both of them; so patient. The other day, he was playing with Jason in the drawing room, and trying to drink his tea at the same time. Well, Jason spilled his tea all over David's face - thank goodness none got on his clothes. Well, anyway, David reached for his handkerchief, but he couldn't find it. Where do you suppose it was?"

Anne shrugged.

"I have no idea."

"Jason had it. He had taken it without David even knowing about it. Wasn't that clever of him? Of course, David would have been angry if it had been anyone else's child, but I think he will spoil the twins. It is so hard not to spoil your children."

Anne smiled as Julia went on with various stories about her children. They spent a good hour simply chatting before Julia interrupted with something that was seriously bothering her.

"Are you sure you're all right, Anne? You look as if something was wrong."

"I am fine, Julia," Anne assured her. "Really, I cannot imagine anyone as happy as I am." Her face worked, and she looked down before Julia could see her eyes well up. The movement did not escape Lady Cavendar.

"Whatever it is, Anne, you can tell me."

"You wouldn't understand," Anne sniffed, still trying desperately not to cry. "You're so happy with your husband. He did not marry you for pity."

"Pity? What are you talking about?"

Anne looked up, and for the first time Julia noticed how red her eyes were.

"Oh, Julia, it is so embarrassing! I cannot tell anybody."

"You can tell me," said Julia soothingly. "You have to tell someone, or you will explode. I can see it."

Anne paused for a moment, gaining control of her emotions. She had been quite unstable the last few weeks.

"The night of our wedding," she started softly, still sniffing occasionally, "we were so happy." She smiled at the memory, now seemingly so distant. "But when we were home, he followed me to my chambers."

"Well, Anne, that is only usual. Did not your mother tell you about this?" Julia was quite uncomfortable.

"Well, yes, but Mrs. Blakeney said she was wrong..."

"But Mrs. Blakeney is married, surely she would know..."

"Well, she did not say it in so many words, but she told me not to worry. She said John would never hurt me."

"Anne, this is not about suffering. I am also certain Sir John would never hurt you." Julia was trying to be delicate with this difficult subject matter, but it seemed she was only confusing Anne.

"But he did hurt me!" she sobbed. "Oh, it was dreadful. I was so angry with him. I wanted to hurt him... I .. I told him I only married him to get away from my mother. I told him I used him to escape."

Julia stared at the unhappy girl. She could not believe it. But Anne was not finished.

"He became angry. He called me ungrateful. He said he married me because he pitied me. He felt sorry for me because my mother was advertising my dowry. I thought he loved me. He told me he loved me!"

Julia shook her head, frustrated with this new couple.

"Anne, you made a mistake. You both made mistakes. But mistakes can be fixed. Do you love him?"

"Yes, I do. I have ever since my mother introduced us the first time. I never thought I could feel this way. And now it is ruined!"

"No, it is not ruined. Anne, listen to me. You must apologize. I know he was in the wrong, too, but somebody has to make the first step. He was probably hurt by your declaration, and if I know men, he is probably even more proud than you are. You cannot count on the other person to ever make the first step in these matters. You must take it into your own hands."

"I can't."

"Whyever not?"

"It would be too humiliating. Julia, my pride has suffered enough. I cannot bear any more."

"Anne..."

"Do not worry," said Anne, wiping her eyes. "All is not lost. At least I will have a part of him with me always, although I cannot have him in person."

"What do you mean?"

Anne laughed almost hysterically.

"I am going to have a baby. A son for my husband. I can still give him a son, if not my affection."

"Oh, I am so happy for you. A baby already! But Anne, a baby will not solve your problems. And in any case, there is no guarantee that it will be a boy."

Anne knew Julia was right, but she remained firm, and resolved that she would be as happy as possible from now on. With a little baby boy, she could have her fill of love, and not have to apologize to her husband. If he wanted her - which he said he did not - he would have to come to her.

Part 14

Posted on Thursday, 28 October 1999

"A baby?" Sir John was incredulous. "But how?" he asked dumbly. Anne gave him a look. "Oh, of course, how stupid of me. But are you sure, absolutely positive?"

"Perfectly," she said firmly. Sir John was dumbfounded.

"A baby?" he said, breaking into a huge smile. He laughed hysterically, and swept her around the room in a tight embrace. She held on for dear life. "Oh, Anne," he said, realizing her condition suddenly, and setting her on the sofa. "I can't tell you how happy I am."

"I believe you just did," she smiled. "I am glad."

"But are you absolutely certain? I mean, have you seen a doctor?"

"No," she shook her head. "But a woman knows when she is expecting."

"I will send for a doctor, to be sure," he said. "Oh, it is not that I don't trust you, Anne, but we must be sure. After all, this is my heir we're talking about." He grinned, and left the room.

"Indeed," she murmured. "Your heir, and my life line."

Dr. Carter arrived an hour later, and after examining Anne for a few minutes, confirmed what she had said earlier. However, he was not without warnings.

"Your wife is very thin," he told John. "Think and sickly. She must take better care of herself if you want a healthy baby. If she does not, you could have, at best, a very sick child. At worst, both the mother and child could die."

"But Lady Preston has always been sickly," said Sir John worriedly. "What am I to do?"

"Fresh air would do her good; take her for walks now and then. Not too much, of course. She must eat more, too. I asked her about her diet, and it was most unsatisfactory. Also, there are to be no more bleedings."

"Bleedings!"

"You did not know? Lady Preston informed me that since she was a young girl she has had regular bleedings as a supposed health regimen. They must stop."

"I did not know about the bleedings, but I assure you they will be stopped. Thank you, Dr. Carter."

The doctor nodded grimly, and left. John hastened up to Anne's room. She was lying comfortably on her bed, thumbing through a fashion magazine. She smiled at him.

"Well? Did I not tell you it was so?"

"What is this I hear about bleedings?" he demanded. She looked confused.

"Well, bleedings are supposed to ride the body of harmful substances..." He shook his head.

"Bleedings rob you of much-needed blood, especially now that you are responsible for two lives. There will be no more bleedings."

"Yes, John," she said softly. "I do not like them, anyway."

"Then...why?"

"Well, I was always told they were healthful..."

"Never mind about that," he said, kissing the top of her head. "We will take good care of you, and our little one." He rose from her bed, and made to leave the room. "Good-night, Lady Preston."

"Good-night, husband," she said as he left.

Part 15

Posted on Thursday, 28 October 1999

Elizabeth Darcy and Georgiana Blakeney arrived to congratulate Anne in person, soon after they heard the news. Anne welcomed them warmly.

"A baby already!" said Elizabeth, feigning shock. "How is Lady Catherine bearing the news?"

"Very well. She congratulated me on a job well done," Anne waved a note she had received from her mother only that morning.

"You are looking well, Anne," said Georgiana. "Pregnancy suits you." There was a slightly envious tone to Georgiana's words, but neither of the other women noticed it.

"As to my looking well, that is all due to John. He is so considerate."

"So, are things looking up for you?" asked Elizabeth, concerned. Lady Cavendar had discreetly informed her of Anne's unhappy situation.

"Things are wonderful," Anne beamed. "And as soon as my son is born, I have high hopes of their being perfect."

"Can you tell what sex the baby will be?" asked Georgiana. Anne flushed.

"Well, I am hoping it is a boy. Everybody has warned me not to hope for a specific sex, but I cannot help it. A son would make John so happy."

"Would he be less happy with a girl, do you think?"

"I do not know, and I do not care to find out."

"I would be happy with either a boy or a girl," Georgiana declared. "I do not see why men always seem to want a son above a daughter."

"I do not think Will would have minded too much if Alexander had been an Alexandria," said Elizabeth. "He was too overjoyed at having a child in any case."

"Would Mr. Blakeney object to a daughter?" asked Anne.

"I don't know," Georgiana sighed. "And it seems I shall not know, either."

"You have not been married a year yet. Surely you are not despairing of having children?"

"It is not that," said Georgiana, looking down. "Christopher has gone to London, indefinitely."

"What?" asked Elizabeth, shocked.

"It is not what you think," said Georgiana. "He has not left me. He is very devoted to his business there."

"He is in trade?" asked Anne, aghast.

"No," said Georgiana. "He simply likes helping people." She shrugged helplessly. "Apparently, I do not seem to be in need of assistance anymore."

"But why did he go?"

"He just can't give it up. He said there were more important things to be done than sitting around all day, reading the society pages and going to parties."

"Well, I suppose that is true," Anne conceded, and Elizabeth nodded thoughtfully.

"But he could have taken you with him," said Elizabeth.

"Oh, I begged him to take me along, but he said it was too dangerous. I mean, after what happened last year...."

"What happened?" asked Anne, curiously. Georgiana flushed.

"Well, in any case, he was right. It is too dangerous. For him, as well as me."

"You mean, he just left?" Elizabeth was having difficulty swallowing this. "You didn't quarrel, did you?"

"Oh, no! Well, not seriously."

"He'll be back," said Anne.

"Of course he will," said Georgiana, affronted. "He always comes back after a week or so."

"Always? He's done this before?"

"It is his business, Elizabeth," Georgiana tried to explain. "He cannot abandon his work just because he happens to be married now. I really have nothing to complain about him. I only wish he could stay with me."

"How can you be so calm, when you know very well what could happen while he's there?" asked Elizabeth.

"Am I calm?" asked Georgiana. "Am I, really? I don't think so. I think I am always on the verge of fainting, or hysterics. But I am becoming used to it."

The other two women stared at her.

"Why should she be worried?" Anne wondered aloud. What did they know that she did not? Elizabeth changed the subject.

"Will got news this morning that Lady Laura Fitzwilliam is expecting. The Colonel is ecstatic."

"Is everybody in the family having a baby besides me?" asked Georgiana pitifully, then hastily assured them she was all right.

"What do you mean, everybody? Is there somebody besides me and my cousin's wife?" asked Anne.

"Only my sister, Mrs. Bingley," said Elizabeth cheerfully. "That is all I know of."

"And you are all due at the same time, too," said Georgiana. Realizing she sounded bitter, she immediately changed her tone. "Well, not exactly the same time, but it seems that way. When are you due, Anne?"

"July. My mother has prophesied a long spring for me."

Part 16

Posted on Saturday, 30 October

Sir John hurried home one day to check on his wife. It was the beginning of July, and the doctor had said to expect the little one any day now. He was surprised to find Lady Catherine had been there for some time.

"Good evening, Lady Catherine," he said politely. She nodded in reply. "Is everything all right with Anne?" he asked, worried.

"It will be. I am shocked to find how she has been neglected in the past few months."

"Neglected?" he exclaimed. He had been all attentiveness, or so he thought.

"Do not worry yourself overmuch," she said severely, putting one hand up to cease his talk. "Everything is righted now."

"But how is Anne?"

The doctor came down the stairs. He looked at John, and shook his head.

"She is not doing well. She is weak."

"Can I see her?" asked John.

"Not until the child has been born," the doctor negatived.

"The child!" John exclaimed. "Good God, nobody told me it was coming today!"

"We did not know until a couple hours ago. You can be thankful the labor has not lasted too long. If it lasts more than two more hours, I do not think Lady Preston will make it."

Sir John slumped into a chair. Lady Catherine looked critically at him. The doctor went back up to Anne's room, where he had left his assistant with her.

Anne was exhausted. She was sure she could bear no more. The doctor told her to push, just one more time. She grabbed the assistant's hand, squeezed her eyes shut, and did as the doctor ordered. The doctor made a glad sound, and in a few seconds, Anne heard her baby cry. She sank onto her sheets, and cried. The doctor congratulated her, and handed her the baby.

"You have a daughter," the doctor said with a smile, and left the room to retrieve the husband. This was his favorite part of his job. The assistant began cleaning up the mess.

Anne's tears of pain and exhaustion turned to tears of disappointment. What had happened? Why did she not have a son? The baby in her arms wiggled a bit, and nestled into her. She did not want to look, but knew she must. The instant she did so, however, all feelings of disappointment went away. This was the most beautiful baby she had ever beheld. Did she create this perfect being?

John entered the room, and softly crept to his wife. Anne showed him the baby.

"Our daughter," she whispered. "Is she not beautiful?" John looked. It was a very pretty baby, yes, but he was also disappointed at not having a son.

"Beautiful," he said. Anne could hear the disappointment in his voice, and was saddened.

"I'm sorry," she said softly. "I know you wanted a son."

"You wanted one, too," he reminded her. "Don't worry about it. She is perfect."

Anne smiled wanly, and hoped he was sincere. This baby was her only hope. She was certain she could not live through the ordeal a second time. The doctor pulled John out of the room to speak with him.

"I am disappointed in you, sir," the doctor said seriously. "I told you specifically to stop the bleedings."

Sir John was agape.

"What are you talking about? I talked to Anne. We agreed there would be no more bleedings."

"It is a miracle she did not die," the doctor huffed. Lady Catherine entered the room at that moment.

"Stop the bleedings? What nonsense is this?"

"Madame," said Sir John, "can you explain why it seems my wife has been having bleedings without my permission?"

"Anne has been having bleedings every week of her adult life," said Lady Catherine indignantly. "I saw no reason to stop now."

John was momentarily speechless. He paced the hall several times, raking his hand through his hair, then turned to Lady Catherine again.

"Lady Catherine," he said angrily, "I am fed up with your interference. What makes you think you have the right to decide what is medically best for anybody?"

"Sir John, I would beg you to remember to whom you are talking," said Lady Catherine, narrowing her eyes. "I am Anne's mother, and I will be for the rest of my life, and hers."

"You are her mother, yes, but I am her husband, and she is no longer under your rule. You are no longer her guardian, and as far as I can see, all you have ever done for her has done her more harm than good. I will not have you interfering in our lives anymore, do you understand me?"

Lady Catherine drew herself up to her full height, which was not very impressive.

"I understand that you are being insolent, yes. Such behaviour from my own son-in-law is not to be borne. You will apologize to me this instant, or I will never speak to you again."

John glared at her, turned, and walked away. Lady Catherine could not believe it. She turned in the opposite direction, and left the house before even meeting her granddaughter.

Part 17

Posted on Sunda, 31 October 1999

Anne watched her sleeping baby as the tears ran down her cheeks. She had heard John outside her door. He had been so angry. In her sleepy, hormonally unbalanced mind, the only thing she could think of with which he could have lost his temper so was the baby sleeping beside her. The little girl did not even have a name yet. Frantically, Anne searched her mind for the perfect name for her daughter. She had been planning to name her son John for his father; she had not even thought about what she would do if it was a girl.

John entered the room again some minutes later. Anne looked up at him.

"I do not know what to call her," she said plaintively.

"How about Anne, for her mother?" asked John.

"That would be too confusing for me; I would never know which Anne you wanted. Besides, she does not really look like an Anne."

"I suppose you are right."

"I was going to call it John, if she had been a boy."

"Our names are pitifully common, I fear." Anne nodded at this remark.

"There were ten other Annes at the seminary when I was a girl."

"Most of my friends at Eton were named John."

"I have no experience in naming babies. What if she is nothing like her name when she grows up?"

"I should hope you had no experience in naming babies," he said with a playful smile.

Anne was hoping he would have a hand in naming the girl. Apparently, he had no idea what his daughter should be called. After he left, Anne's mind produced a strange idea, that just might work. She asked her maid to take a letter for her. It said,

Dearest Mrs. Blakeney,

I have just been delivered of a daughter. As you know, I was bent on having a son, but be not alarmed, my daughter will not be neglected or unloved.

The purpose of this letter, however, is not to beg for congratulations, but to ask for assistance in choosing a name. John and I have no ideas. She would have been called John if she were a boy, but I will not hear of her being named after me, as it would be too confusing. I feel pathetically stupid at not being able to pick a name for my own daughter. (Catherine is out of the question.) Please help us.

Sincerely and oddly,
Anne Preston

P.S. Nothing too common, if you please. We would like to know whose daughter is being spoken of when we are gossiping.

A few weeks later, with their daughter still going by the unfortunate name of "the child," Anne received a reply.

My dear Lady Preston,

Forgive the lateness of my reply, but at the time I received your letter, I could not think of any names, either. Fortunately, my husband has just returned from London, and he wrote out a list for me. I have enclosed it in the envelope.

The list Christopher had written out for Anne was as follows:

Marguerite, or Margaret; Josče, or Josephine; Georgiana; Lucie; Anastasia; Elizabeth; Laura; Julia; Lydia; Natasha; Cassandra; Belinda; Audrey; Sibyll; Daphne; Rhoda; Tiffany; Marissa; Gillian; and Kaitlin.

Anne stared at the list on her lap. What kind of tastes did this man have? She blinked several times, then rang for her maid.

"Yes, ma'am?"

"Tell Sir John I would like to see him." The abigail curtseyed, and left to fetch John. When he came, she showed him the letter and the list. He laughed at the choices. Anne was perturbed.

"But what about the child's name?"

"Anastasia looks promising. Ana, if she proves to resemble you, or Stacy if she is playful. Or just Anastasia if she is proper. Or her siblings can call her Nasty." He grinned.

And so it was that the first of Sir John and Lady Preston's children was named Anastasia Cassandra.

Part 18

Anne was almost content. True, she loved little Stacy - as she had grown to be called - but she was still disappointed over not having a son. She was becoming increasingly awkward around her husband, mostly due to the fact that she believed him to be disappointed in her.

After the birth, the doctor had pronounced her too weak to move very much. Finally, three months after Stacy's birth, Anne was able to move around. She ran into her husband in the hall.

"Anne!" he exclaimed. "You're up?"

"Well, I am not in bed," she replied.

"I'm glad to see you walking again. Really." He handed her some letters. "These came for you."

"All today?" Anne looked at the pile in surprise.

"In the course of the last two months. I've been extremely busy lately, and the mail has been piling up on my desk. I was just getting to the bottom of it today."

"Oh. Well, thank you. I'll go read my letters."

"All right. I hope there is no bad news." He bent down to kiss her cheek before she went back to her room. Anne touched her hand the place he had kissed her, after she reached her room. Was it possible? Could John really love her? She told herself not to be silly. It was only a little kiss; it meant nothing. But when he had looked at her, there had been something in his face. It couldn't be indifference. Anne was extremely puzzled. She looked over at Stacy's cradle. The baby was whimpering. Anne went to have a look at her daughter.

"Anastasia," she cooed at the child. Stacy recognized her mother's voice, and stopped fussing. She opened her brown eyes, and stared at Anne. Anne smiled. "What a sweet baby girl you are!" she said softly, and picked her up. "Yes, you are. You're the sweetest little baby in the world." She tickled Stacy's stomach with one finger. The baby giggled. Anne carried her over to the bed, and laid her on her back. As she rubbed Stacy's tummy with one hand, she opened her first letter with the other.

"Well, Stacy, you have a cousin." The baby made a questioning noise. "That's right. Your Uncle Richard and Aunt Laura have had a baby girl. Hm." She looked critically at the letter. "Richard must meet you, and soon. He actually thinks his Andrea is sweeter than my Anastasia. What do you think about that?"

Stacy blew a raspberry.

"Yes, that's what I think, too." She opened another letter. "It is another one from your Uncle Richard. Oh, no, it is from Lady Laura. Your Uncle Michael has come back, it seems."

Stacy made another questioning noise.

"Uncle Michael is Lady Laura's brother," Anne explained. "He disappeared five years ago, and now he is back."

Stacy blew another raspberry.

"Yes, that is what I think, too." She opened another letter. "A letter from Aunt Georgiana!" she said to Anastasia impressively. "What can Aunt Georgiana have to say?" She read the letter quickly, and gave a glad cry.

"You're going to have another cousin!" she said happily. "Oh, I must tell your father." She took the letter, and ran to find John, then realized she had left her three-month-old baby on the bed. She quickly scooped Anastasia up, then ran to find John. She found him in his study.

"John!" she cried. "Good news!"

"Did Stacy say something?" asked John.

"No; it is too soon for that. But there is going to be a little Blakeney soon."

"Really? How are Mr. and Mrs. Blakeney?"

"Georgiana is ecstatic. At least, that is what I gather from the letter. She wanted a baby so badly!"

"And now she will have one. But what about Mr. Blakeney?"

"She has not told him yet. He is still in London. At least, she had not told him when she wrote this letter, which was..." she looked at the date. "Two weeks ago." She made a face. "I must write and congratulate her," she said.

Suddenly, Anne had an idea. She looked at her husband, who was sitting back down into his chair. A sly smile appeared on her face, then a grin. She went over to John, kissed his cheek, then planted Stacy in his lap.

Stunned, all John could do was rub his cheek and stare after the retreating figure of his little wife.

Part 19

Posted on Monday, 1 November 1999

Georgiana Blakeney sat in her parlor, thinking back to the last time she had seen her husband. She blinked quickly, to keep from crying. When would he be back? It had been a whole month. She dreaded hearing he had been hurt, or worse, killed.

Anne's letter of congratulations had arrived that morning. Anne seemed to be doing much better, and she had not been able to resist sharing some stories with Georgiana about little Stacy's behaviour.

Georgiana was staying with Sir Percy and Lady Blakeney while Christopher was away. They all tried to act cheerful for each other's sakes, but the atmosphere in the house was full of tension.

"Are you well, Georgiana?" Josče asked worriedly. "You look pale."

"No, I'm fine," said Georgiana. "I did not get much sleep last night. My eyes are a little tired."

Georgiana had not told anyone about her condition, except Anne and Elizabeth. She did not want to give her husband's family any more cause to worry. Josče threw her work down angrily, folded her arms, and said,

"Next time he goes somewhere, he is not going alone!"

Georgiana and Marguerite stared at her. This was the first time any of them had brought up the subject. At least, they assumed she was talking about her brother. There were times when they thought she was referring to Christopher, when she had actually been referring to her fiancé, Anthony Ffoulkes. This had resulted in much confusion, so they both decided for Josče to elaborate further.

"You'd think he'd have sense enough to stay with his family!" she exclaimed again. Now they knew she was talking about Christopher; Anthony still lived with his parents.

"Well, dear," said Marguerite, "Your brother has a peculiar sense of duty. He is not like Anthony, who is content to stay at home most of the time."

"I think I could bear the separation better, if he did not stay away so long," said Georgiana.

"I am going mad, I think," said Josče dramatically. "We must have some diversion. It does no good to sit here worrying all day and night."

"Georgiana's brother and sister will be here tonight," said Marguerite. "And Armand and Jeanne, with the children. That might be entertaining."

"Especially if they bring Alex," said Georgiana. "But after last year, I do not think they will leave him alone very often." Her voice trailed away as she thought of last year. The other women's minds took the same turn, and soon, they were all sniffling.

"Oh, pooh," said Josče. "This is foolishness. He'll take care of himself. He would not make you a widow at nineteen, Georgiana."

Sir Percy entered. They all looked up expectantly, but looked dejected again when they realized it was the father, not the son.

"No need to be so disappointed," he said pleasantly. "I am sure my family should not be so dejected to see me."

"Oh, Papa," Josče rushed to kiss his cheek. "You are such a goose. Have you heard from Christopher?"

"No," he said seriously, and looked at Georgiana. The poor girl was obviously suffering very much. He would have to have a serious talk with his son - a lecture, if you will - the next time he saw him. But when would that be?

Part 20

Posted on Monday, 1 November 1999

\"Sir, Lady Cavendar is here," the butler addressed Sir John.

"Very well, Thornton. Tell Lady Preston I will be there presently," John replied.

He stacked his papers neatly, and left the room. As he passed the drawing room, he heard music. This puzzled him, for he knew his wife could not play any instrument. He stopped to listen. It was very pretty, but simple. The music stopped suddenly, then started again a few moments later, only more hesitantly. He opened the door to see who was playing. He was very surprised when he saw his wife and Lady Cavendar sitting at the pianoforte.

"John!" Anne cried. "Why did nobody ever tell me this was such fun?"

"I thought you never learned music," said John.

"My mother always said I was not healthy enough. But it is not so very tiring, after all. Julia is the best teacher."

Lady Cavendar blushed.

"It helps when the pupil is so willing to learn; I hope Jocelyn is as good a student when her turn comes."

"Where are the twins?"

"The Colonel wanted to observe them for a few hours, so I have left them with the Fitzwilliams."

"You would think he and Lady Laura would have their hands full with the new little one."

"Richard has been complaining that Laura never lets him have his full share of Andrea. He wanted the twins partly to make him jealous." Julia smiled in that peculiar half-smile of hers when she was struck with the humor of a situation. John laughed.

"They'll turn the house upside down. Little children are never still."

Julia was quick to jump to the defense of her children.

"Jocelyn is still quite often; especially when she has a new toy. It is Jason who always gets into trouble. The other day, David brought home a kitten..."

Before she could get any further, Anne interrupted her with,

"John, listen to what Julia has taught me." She proceeded with a few scales, then a minuet. John was impressed.

"Quite remarkable progress. Tell me, how long have these lessons been taking place?"

"Almost a month," said Anne sheepishly.

"And how did I not know of this?"

"You were always in town."

"So, why do I know now?"

Anne looked at him strangely.

"Don't you remember? It is your birthday. Happy thirtieth birthday, Sir John Preston. Surprise!"

John was very surprised, indeed. To have forgotten his own birthday!

"It is a very nice present, thank you, ladies. I would never have supposed it."

"Well, it was Mrs. Darcy's idea. She said she would do it for Darcy, if she did not already know how to play."

"Well, then, my thanks to Mrs. Darcy. Lady Cavendar, will you join us for tea?"

Later that night, there was a party. John was amazed that Anne had been able to pull off such a party without even a hint about it dropping, or being leaked through the servants' gossip. He was quite proud of her.

He spotted Mrs. Blakeney in the crowd, sitting with her sister-in-law. He went over to her and bowed.

"Mrs. Blakeney, I am disappointed to be deprived of your husband's company tonight."

Georgiana smiled sadly, and her hand went unconsciously to her stomach.

"I am sorry, Sir John. I will tell Christopher that he was missed tonight, next time I see him."

"I see. So, have you announced your happy news yet?"

Puzzled, Josee looked at Georgiana, who was flustered. She stammered something in reply that none of them quite understood. Sir John saw that he had gone too far, and embarrassed, quickly escaped to talk to Lord Cavendar.

Georgiana expected Josee to say something right away, but she did not. She was too busy thinking about what Sir John had said. Happy news? What happy news? What happy news could any young married lady wish to announce? Could Georgiana be pregnant? She studied her sister-in-law more closely, and for the first time, noticed some things that were different about her. Pleased with herself for discovering the truth without asking any questions, she relaxed in her seat and said,

"Have you thought about what you will call it?"

Startled, Georgiana said,

"What are you talking about?"

Josee had by now thought of another side to this `happy news': her brother was going to be a father, and he did not know. Slightly angered, she said,

"The child, Georgiana. My niece or nephew. Does Christopher know?"

"No."

"You have not sent him a letter, or a note, informing him that he is going to be a father?"

"I cannot send him a letter."

"Don't you know where he is?"

"No. Yes. No. Maybe. I don't know."

"I see. And even if you did, you could not send him a letter, because you do not know what name he is using." Georgiana nodded at this surmisal of her situation. "Well, then, do you have any idea where he could be?"

Georgiana thought back to the night she and Christopher had officially met.

"Yes, I have a slight idea."

"Excellent. We shall go there now." Josee stood up, and began making preparations to quit the party immediately. Georgiana was quite startled, of course.

"What? Go there now? Impossible! I cannot travel!"

"You traveled here, did you not? Stop putting it off, Georgie. It will only make it worse. Come along."

Anne happened by them just then, and smiling, she said,

"Come along where?"

"We are going to find my brother," said Josee.

"Leaving already! But the party..."

"It is imperative that we go at once. There is some very important news that he needs to know."

Anne knew at once what Josee was talking about.

"He does not know yet?" she was incredulous. Josee stared at Anne, then at Georgiana.

"You told her, but not me?" She shook her head, and said, "We will discuss that later. Right now, we cannot lose a minute."

Josee dragged Georgiana off, leaving Anne staring after them. She hurriedly grabbed her own cloak.

"Wait!" she cried. "I'm coming with you!"

Part 21

Posted on Tuesday, 2 November 1999

The theme of this chapter (and the next few) was pretty much stolen from "Young Sherlock Holmes," which I did not particularly enjoy, but hey, anything is useful in a tricky part of a story. Also, some credit must go to my brother, Trevor, for suggesting it, although I forget how he did so. :) - Gabby

"Georgiana, tell the driver where to take us!" said Josee, exasperated with her brother's wife. Georgiana still had not decided she wanted to go back to where she thought Christopher was.

"Please, Georgie?" said Anne. "I need to get back to the party."

"Will ye please just tell me where ta go?" the driver pleaded.

"Take us to the bakery on _______ Street," said Georgiana resignedly.

"The bakery?" said Josee. "This is no time to eat."

"And there were plenty of sweet things at the party," said Anne plaintively.

"Christopher has a room above the bakery," Georgiana explained. "At least, he did last year." Anne was shocked, but Josee took the news in stride.

"Well, at least he does not live above a stable. And he cannot be wanting for food."

When they came to the bakery, Josee and Anne tried to go through the front entrance, but Georgiana remembered something else, and instead surprised her family when she rapped in a weird succession on the wall.

"What are you doing?" asked Josee. Georgiana waved at her to be quiet; she was listening. Finally, there were three rapid taps coming from the upper level.

"What was that?" asked Anne, worriedly. Georgiana said,

"He's here; he's alive; he's well. Let's go home."

"No, Georgiana," her friends were firm. "You have something to tell him."

Georgiana felt cornered. She looked up at the steep stairs, and the door at the top. She remembered the first time she was here. She looked back at her friends, then smiled, went to the top of the stairs, and knocked on the door.

"Come in," said a voice - Christopher's voice - from inside.

She opened the door, and quietly stepped inside. Josee and Anne smiled satisfactorily at each other, and prepared to wait patiently downstairs.

"Georgiana!" Christopher exclaimed. "What are you doing here?" He closed the door behind her, after looking outside to see if anyone had seen her come in.

"I have to tell you something," she whispered.

"Are you well? Has anything happened? Is there something wrong?" He looked panicked, as if he expected something terrible to have happened, or that something was going to happen.

She momentarily lost her nerve.

"I've missed you," she breathed.

"And I, you," he said, relieved. "Is that why you came to see me?"

"Is it not reason enough?" she countered, paling at her sidestep of the issue at hand. "Hasn't a woman a right to miss her husband when he is away for two months? Why were you not home when you said you would be?"

He rubbed a hand down his neck nervously. She was angry with him. Of course, she had a right to be, but what could he do? He tried to explain.

"Urgent matters of business, cherie. It would not be safe to return home right now. For you, and everybody else."

Georgiana sighed.

"Why must you always insist it is dangerous to know you?"

"But this time, I'm right. It is probably dangerous for you to be here right now." He sat down heavily in his chair, and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he looked her straight in the eye. "Sam was killed."

"Sam?" she echoed, then she remembered. "The one you told I was your cousin?" He nodded.

"Apparently, I was getting too close. And so was Sam. They ... cut his throat, and dumped him in the river."

"Oh," she breathed. "Christopher, I'm so sorry." She knelt beside his chair and put her arms around him.

"So am I," he said ironically. He began pacing nervously. "But I still cannot figure out why. What are they trying to hide so ... effectively?"

"What are you talking about? Who are `they'?"

He stopped his pacing, and smiled at her sheepishly.

"I don't know. But it has to be something important."

"Could you please explain it to me?"

"I don't know if I should; the details are pretty gruesome."

"This is your work, dear. And I wish to know everything that goes on in your life, even if you have to spend a little bit more in order to secure a safe way of sending me a letter every now and then."

He winced at the mild rebuke, and decided he should do as she said.

"About a month ago, you may have read about a murder in the newspaper. A young lady named Victoria Bombay was found in the forest, dangling by the wrists. Her throat had been cut, and several methods of torture applied to the rest of her body.

"Miss Bombay's case was abandoned by the police as one of those unfortunate happenings for which there are no explanation. She was well-liked, successfully engaged to a gentleman named Mr. Walter Terry. She never seemed to fight with anybody. Nobody could explain why anybody would want to kill her.

"In a fit of desperation, her father hired me to take the case." He smiled self-depracatingly. "He must've been terribly desperate.

"Well," he continued on a more serious note, "I have come to the conclusion that we have an entirely incompetent police force. Not only were they unwilling to help me with the investigation, they also overlooked several obvious and important clues. The first was an inscription in the tree from which Miss Bombay's body was..." He took a scrap of paper off his table, and showed it to her.

"It doesn't say anything," he said, bewildered.

"Not in English, no. This is Hindi. An Indian language. Roughly translated, it means, `For this act I gain great reward.' So, you see, whoever Miss Bombay's killer is or was, he is most likely Indian, he can write, and he expects to gain something from the killing."

"Three logical conclusions to draw, I suppose," said Georgiana.

"So now I had to look for connections between Miss Bombay and India - besides her name, of course, which is a strange coincidence, if I do say so myself. Mr. and Mrs. Bombay were going out one evening, so I had Sam break into Miss Bombay's old room."

He grinned at her.

"Don't ask how. He found several Indian articles, and two or three books on Indian culture in her room. When I asked certain people how she acquired these things, I was told they were presents from her fiancé, Mr. Terry.

"Sam and I had a few questions for Mr. Terry, so to his estate we went. He is a pleasant enough fellow. Modest looks, average brain, extensive pocketbook. He said Miss Bombay had expressed an interest in all things Indian, so he had obliged the `dear girl,' as he called her, by giving her the aforementioned items.

"The next day, Sam informed me of a secret shipment of tea that had come into port the previous day. That was the day he was killed." He stopped talking for a few minutes, then said, "That is all that has happened in the last month, and I am glad there is no more, for I have suddenly got a terrible headache."

"I shall leave you, then," she said.

"No, don't," he pleaded. "There is no reason to believe I shall be able to return soon. We should make the most of our time together, unexpected as it is to me. Why are you here?"

"Josee made me come. She has powerful persuasive talents."

"Is she here?"

"She and Lady Preston are downstairs, waiting for me."

He laughed.

"The Three Husband-Finders. Sounds terribly close to a farce on Drury Lane."

She smiled nervously and said,

"There was a reason why she wanted me to come, much bigger than merely missing you."

His face dropped. It was as he feared: she had been threatened. He licked his lips nervously.

"What is this reason?"

"I am going to have a baby."

Continued in Next Section