Jump to new as of August 21, 1999
Chapter 1
"I am concerned about our son," Lady Anne Darcy said to her husband George as they lounged in the drawing room at Pemberley. Although he had been dead for five years and his wife had died ten years before that they had never really left Pemberley, preferring to stay and oversee the lives of their children.
"Of what are you speaking? Pemberley is flourishing. My investments were never handled better and Georgianna is becoming a lovely young woman."
"I agree that Fitzwilliam is an excellent master of our estate. He learned well from you. But something is missing. He finds no joy in his life and he was such a happy child. He tries to maintain the expected lifestyle of friends and gatherings, balls and parties. But I believe he finds little happiness in anything. I believe our untimely deaths are a major contribution to his current state."
"What do you think he needs to make him happy?"
"Well, he has plenty of money, acquaintances enough, the respect of his peers, as well as those above him and those beneath him in station, but he has no one to confide in."
"What about Richard? Of all his acquaintance, Richard seems to be the closest to him."
"Yes, he and Richard are close friends. Yet, with Richard being the younger son, I do not think they share the same view of life and its responsibilities. Besides Fitzwilliam needs someone more than just a fencing partner. He needs...He needs...He needs a wife. That is it. He needs a wife and some children who will help him find the joy in life again. But he MUST marry for love and not out of necessity."
"So will you now be spying on any eligible female who happens to visit Pemberley?"
"Perhaps. Perhaps he will find her somewhere else."
"What about Catherine's Anne? Was she not part of a grand plan in your previous life?"
"Oh, George. He does not love her, nor could he love her. She has grown up to be quite unfit for him. I hope that he can continue to ignore Catherine's assertions. I wish she would have a care with my name. She uses it so freely in her letters and conversations. She will wear it out."
"What about that Caroline Bingley? She seems to love Pemberley."
"She loves Pemberley only for the jewels, money and furs she believes she could have. She is the most mercenary woman I have seen in all my years. Besides, she would redecorate the entire place in orange. Hell would be better than that."
"You are quite right as usual my dear."
The door to the drawing room opened and in stepped Fitzwilliam Darcy. All eyes turned to him. Four of his long strides took him to the table where Georgianna and her companion and tutor, Mrs. Annsley, were working.
"Charles has found an estate he wants to rent. He wants me to accompany him to the country, a place called Hertfordshire. I will be leaving for London the day after tomorrow, unless you need me to stay with you."
"Fitzwilliam, you know Mrs. Annsley and I will be just fine. You have been trapped here with me since..." her words trailed off and left unsaid that which would have caused pain to four parties in the room. "I am sure that you have business awaiting you in London as well. It is time for you to rejoin society." With that Georgianna smiled and turned back to her studies indicating that her decision was made.
"I should not be gone more than a fortnight. If there is anything you need, I will be happy to deliver it to you directly."
"Thank you, brother, for your care and concern. I am sure that it will not be necessary. I will enjoy occasional letters of the things you are doing."
Lady Anne poked her husband, "See what I mean. A young single man whose life revolves around his sister and his estate business to the exclusion of all else. Let us hope that this trip to wherever it is helps his outlook on life."
Chapter 2
To say that the elder Darcys haunted Pemberley would not accurately describe their existence. They did not show themselves to the mortal inhabitants, rattle doors, or those other things we attribute to ghosts. Rather, they simply lived in the house much as they had before their deaths. They did take care that they left no evidence of their existence.
"He has decided to accept Charles Bingley's invitation to stay at Netherfield," Lady Anne announced to her husband.
George looked up from his book. Being dead afforded him the opportunity to read all the books he had put off in his lifetime. "Perhaps a change of scene and society will benefit him."
"Does a mother dare to hope that included in that society is someone who can help him find the joy he has lost?"
"I believe that it is a mother's job to hope," George said reassuringly.
Lady Anne sat quietly in the music room listening to her daughter practicing the pianoforte. Anne was pleased with her only daughter. She was a beautiful girl with a serenity that enveloped her like a cloak. Anne's only concern was Georgianna's shyness. She hoped that some minor excursions into society would help her overcome it. She knew that Fitzwilliam would not knowingly push Georgianna into uncomfortable situations.
The door to the music room quietly opened and a young maid presented a single letter to Georgianna on a silver tray. She immediately recognized the handwriting. It had been almost a fortnight since his last letter informing her that he would be staying with Charles in Hertfordshire. Georgianna broke the seal and began to devour the contents, as did the other occupant of the room.
"Well, dearest," announced Anne later when she had located her husband, "our prodigal son has been heard from."
"I am not sure I would use those exact words to describe him. What news of Hertfordshire does he send? Has he made you happy by finding a wife yet?"
"Well, he has apparently attended several gatherings, including a ball. He writes that Charles has, as usual, singled out the most beautiful girl as his the current love of his life. She is the eldest daughter of a local gentleman. Bennet, I believe, is their name. She is the eldest of five sisters. She became ill while visiting Charles' sisters and was forced to stay three days at Netherfield."
"Does he send no news other than that of Mr. Bingley's love life?"
"He mentioned that one of Miss Bennet's sisters, the second sister I believe, came to attend to her sister while she was ill. She arrived on foot after a three-mile walk."
"Walked three miles, eh? Alone? Are these girls so poor that they could not hire a carriage for such a journey?"
"I believe he wrote that their father is a gentleman of modest means. Certainly enough, though, to keep a carriage. Oddly enough, his tone about the incident was not one of shock or scandal but rather that this is not at all out of the common way for this young lady. He also mentioned that she had quite a quick wit the even sparkles in her eyes."
"Our son has met a woman, a gentleman's daughter, who has sparkling eyes and confidence enough to walk three miles to visit her sister? Perhaps your hope was not unfounded. Did he have any other news?"
"Oh yes, he said that the hunting was good and that Charles is hosting a ball later in the month."
"Maybe he'll ask the eyes to dance," George said under his breath.
"What did you say, dear?" asked Anne, slyly.
"...Er...Ah...My pants. I am tired of wearing these pants. Same ones five years now."
Chapter 3
"He's home," Anne called to her husband.
Like Georgianna, they rushed to the foyer to greet him as he stepped through the door. He had returned to spend Christmas with Georgianna. He would then return to London to take care of business he had there before his annual trip to his Aunt Catherine's.
Christmas was a quiet affair. Mrs. Annsley left to visit her family so Lady Anne and George spent the evening watching their children celebrate Christmas. Georgianna played several pieces on the pianoforte. They exchanged gifts, a monogrammed handkerchief for him, a small garnet cross pendant for her. They talked quietly together, reminiscing about Christmas past, the family traditions of attending church, the dinner meal, even the way the house was decorated. While the decorations and dinner had not changed thanks to the attention of Mrs. Reynolds, Christmas was so different for the Darcy children now. This year was especially difficult.
Georgianna was still upset after the events of the summer. She was more concerned that in the eyes of her beloved brother, she had forever disgraced herself. His guilt over the unfortunate choice of Mrs. Young as well as his "failure" to expose George's earlier, lessor offenses, turned his normally reserved manner almost cold.
"Georgianna, you don't seem to be yourself. Are you quite all right? Did you not like your gift?'
"I am well. I am only upset about the trouble I caused this summer."
"You caused? Do you believe that you are to blame for these unfortunate events?"
"I should have known..." Georgianna said gently.
"How could you have known? I didn't tell anyone here at Pemberley about George's inappropriate behavior. Had I told father about his antics while living here and later at Cambridge, he would have been out of our lives long ago. I am to blame."
"Neither of you are to blame!!!" bellowed George Darcy. "George Wickham holds all the blame for this!"
"It does no good to shout at them, George," said Anne quietly. "It only hurts my ears."
"But dear, they have been living like this for months. Each avoiding the other and this topic. The ocean is narrower than the gap between them."
"Sh-h-h. That will all change tonight. It is Christmas. A time of miracles. A time of gifts. This will be the most important gift they give to each other."
"Fitzwilliam, you are not to blame," said Georgianna, "and neither am I. George Wickham and Mrs. Young are to blame. They took advantage of my naivete and your pride and reserve."
"You are correct. But father's last words to me were 'Take care of Georgianna for me.' After what happened I do not feel that I have lived up to his expectations."
"Not lived up to my expectations?! Not lived up to my expectations?!?! How could he ever believe that he has not lived up to my expectations? He has become an excellent guardian to Georgianna. It is not his fault that he was deceived. We all were deceived! Tell me, my dear, am I responsible for this...this feeling of failure in him?"
"Yes... and no. We both set high expectations for our son... and our daughter, but more so for Fitzwilliam. His demeanor was such that we could give him responsibility early in his life and trust that he would bear it well. While it was good practice for his adult life, we saw him less and less as a child because he was less and less a child. Those times when he showed his true age and immaturity, we were harder on him, because we did not see the nine-year-old boy, but a future master of Pemberley in short pants. Were we wrong? Perhaps. Can we fix it now? No. Will all be well in spite of it? I believe so."
"It seems, my dear, that the women in this family are more intelligent and knowledgeable of the ways of man than the men are," George said tenderly as his kissed his wife.
"As it should be, my dear," Anne said with a sly smile, "As it should be."
Fitzwilliam and Georgianna Darcy spend the rest of the evening engaged in conversation unlike any they have ever had. They spoke of memories and plans, friends and family. They discussed his stay in Hertfordshire and her upcoming trip to London.
Their parents spent the evening laughing at the stories and discussing with each other the success they had in their children.
A passerby may have thought there was trouble in the house with the light streaming from the house so late into the night. Nothing, however, could have been further from the truth.
Chapter 4
"Fitzwilliam!" Georgianna exclaimed, "We did not expect you back for at least another fortnight. Our Aunt is not ill? Or Cousin Anne, is she ill?"
"No one is ill. I shortened my trip to Rosings this year. After I returned Richard to London, I found myself anxious to get back here."
"Did you have a good visit with our Aunt and Cousins?"
"They were in good health when I left. I am tired now, Georgianna and I must speak to my steward. I will see you at dinner."
With that Fitzwilliam Darcy turned on his heel and headed for his study. His retreat was somewhat hasty and his demeanor very different for the one he had assumed since their talk Christmas night. Georgianna was concerned, but knew that it was best to leave him alone for now. She also knew how merciless Aunt Catherine was regarding her daughter Anne's 'engagement' to Fitzwilliam. All the more reason to leave him alone. A few more days' distance between Fitzwilliam Darcy and the occupants of Rosings Park always improved things.
"What has happened to our son?" Anne asked her husband one evening in June. "Every night since he came home from Rosings, he has done the exact same thing. He says as little as possible to Georgianna at dinner. He then retreats to the library where he drinks too much port and stares into the fire. He acts as if he has lost himself."
"I, too, am concerned about our son, however, not about the port. He has mumbled about a 'a more gentleman-like manner.' I wonder what he sees when he looks into the fireplace?"
"I wonder who he sees in the flames and if she is the cause of his current distress."
"A woman is to blame? Not likely, my dear," said George rather assuredly.
"My arrogance, my conceit, my selfish disdain of the feelings of others? How dare she?" cried Fitzwilliam at the fire.
Lady Anne grinned at her husband and said, "It takes a woman to know these things."
"Someone said those things about my son? How dare she?"
"George, calm down. We don't know the whole of the situation. Perhaps she misunderstood him."
"I offered you a position most women would die for, and you turned me down. You don't want to be my wife. You don't even want to be mistress of Pemberley. I am the last man on earth you would ever marry. Miss Bennet...Elizabeth...had you cut me with a dagger, you could not have wounded me as deeply as those words have. Was I wrong to speak as I did about your family, your connections? Your mother's mercenary behavior and your parents lack of restraint on your younger sisters. How was I to overlook those? You have no fortune and no connections. Could I simply forget these along with your relatives in trade? I cannot...I will not disguise my feelings."
"He said these things...to a woman...a gentlewoman...while proposing marriage. It is no wonder she refused him," said his mother, incredulously.
"Most women would not have refused him regardless of these insults," said George. "This Miss Elizabeth Bennet must be an extraordinary woman. I like her."
"As do I, but I am most concerned about Fitzwilliam's feelings. I did not raise my son to be as heartless as his last statements imply. Does he fulfill his duties as master with a caring and compassionate heart or disdain for this task done only because it brings profits to the estate? I believe only one of these views can ensure long-term success."
"You are correct again my dear. I believe our son has learned too much of one lesson and not enough of another. He is too concerned with family pride and social position and not concerned enough about his ability to relate to those around him who are perceived as beneath him. It is time he learned it right."
"How do you propose to accomplish this?" Anne asked.
"I am not sure, my dear. But leave it to me. I believe I made this mess. I therefore must fix it."
Chapter 5
After his wife had retired, George Darcy sat in the library with his son. He tried to think of ways to communicate with his son without direct interaction. "Direct interaction should be avoided at all costs," was the directive he and all deceased persons were to live by, so to speak. Until now, he had no reason to even consider breaking this rule. Tonight, however, he saw no other way.
"Besides, he thought, "there are those who break this rule all the time for far stupider reasons, rattling chains, scaring people and the like. Utter nonsense."
One advantage of being dead is not being able to die again. With that he walked into the fireplace and sat down. He was now eye-to-eye with his son through the flames of the fire. He willed himself to be seen and heard, then addressed his son.
"Fitzwilliam, my son."
"Father?" he replied as he stared into the fire only to quickly look away. "No! It cannot be. Must be too much port."
"It is not the port, although your mother would disagree. I have been listening to you and watching you. I do not like what I have seen and heard."
Fitzwilliam looked back into the fire. He saw his father's face staring back at him.
"Father?" he said quietly with a note of confusion in his voice.
"Yes, my son. I am here. First let me tell you how proud your mother and I am of you. The way you have handled the estate, the way you have raised Georgianna are a tribute to you. You have far exceeded all my expectations in these areas."
These were words that Fitzwilliam had longed to hear all his life. In life, George Darcy had adhered to the socially acceptable role of disciplinarian, lord and master of his home and ruler of his estate. In death, he had learned how important praise, nurturing, and love were to his children, including his son. While he had longed to tell his son these things earlier, he did not wish to break the rule that now governed him. Since he had made that choice, he decided to seize this opportunity to its fullest.
"Thank you, Father. I appreciate your compliments."
"I think I know how you really feel. I know how long you have waited for me to say this. I was wrong, son, to wait so long to praise you. You have always deserved praise, which you received from your mother, but not from me. My fear of spoiling you kept me from giving you the praise you so richly deserved. Do not make this mistake with your own children. Always tell them how you feel about them. Do not leave them in doubt of your heart."
"Thank you for the advice, Father, but I do not foresee children in my future. The only woman I have ever loved, could ever love, has refused me."
"So you've said. Tell me about her."
"She is beautiful with a smile that lights up her whole face and eyes that reflect her playful spirit and her love of life and everything and everyone in it. Everyone, except me. She told me I was the last man she could ever consider marrying. I've made a complete mess of things. I was sure she would accept my offer. Not only did she refuse me, but she accused me of ruining George Wickham's life and her sister's happiness."
"I know all about George, so we shall skip that accusation. Did you ruin her sister's happiness?"
"Well, I thought that she..."
"Did you?"
"But Bingley is so..."
"Did you ..."
"How could I allow..."
"Fitzwilliam Darcy, did you ruin the happiness of Miss Elizabeth Bennet's sister?!"
"Yes, sir. I believed that she was indifferent to Bingley's growing affection."
"Would it have been so bad to let Bingley find out for himself what her feelings were?"
"But Mrs. Bennet's mercenary behavior. She was determined that Bingley would marry her daughter at all costs."
"And Bingley has never encountered a determined mother with an unmarried daughter?"
"Yes, but the Bennets have not connections, their estate is entailed away, they have relatives in trade, and many in the family exhibit a want of propriety that is difficult to overlook. These things are hardly inducements to support the union."
"Fitzwilliam Darcy, I am as ashamed of you about this as I am proud of you on other scores. Let us take each of these accusations one by one. Relatives in trade. Was Bingley's fortune not made by his father?"
"Yes."
"Was his father not in trade?"
"Yes."
"How would you have felt should I have forbid your friendship with Bingley because his father was in trade?"
"I would have obeyed your decision."
"That is NOT what I asked you. I asked how you would have felt."
"I would have thought you mean-spirited and hard-hearted to hold that against him."
"Yet it is acceptable to do the same to the Bennets."
"No, but their connection..."
"Let us discuss their connections. Does Bingley need to marry a woman with connections or fortune?"
"Good connections and fortune should be a consideration in marriage."
"Thank you Lady Catherine. Yet, you were willing to overlook Miss Elizabeth's. Do you really think Bingley has concern about Miss Bennet's connections or fortune."
"No. He doesn't have a care for his connections or fortune. He listens only to his heart."
"Which is not as bad as you may think. I learned many things when I died. The most important is that money, connections, power mean nothing after you die. All of use, right and poor, titled and untitled, intelligent and dull live the same existence now. There are no class distinctions here. I have found that some of the most intelligent people, with the quickest wit are those who spent their lives in trade, as servants, even as beggars. I have also found that many of the people in our life circle are the dullest of people without much wit. Everyone, in life and death has feelings, feelings that matter. These feelings are more important than money, friends, and influence. When you told Miss Elizabeth of your objections to her and her family, did you consider her feelings?"
"No."
"Did you consider the feelings of Mr. Bingley or the elder Miss Bennet when you interfered in their relationship? Do you consider the feelings of the tenants and the servants in your dealings with them?"
"Not as often as I should, Father."
"Nor did I in my lifetime, but I was wrong. Use me not as a role model in this. Look to your sister and remember your mother, for the women in our family are much more skilled than we are in this area... and many others."
"So I have seen," said Fitzwilliam. "What should I do now, Father?"
"Oh, no. That is not for me to decide. Only you can decide to change yourself. There are some things you can change about yourself and other things you cannot. Your demeanor will always tend to be more reserved than others. This you cannot change. What you can do is think about how your reserve will impact the feelings of others and act accordingly. This is only an example of the decisions you have to make starting now. Make these decisions for you. Do not change for me. Do not change for Georgianna. Do not change for Miss Bennet. Change only for yourself, to make yourself a better man. I must go now. Remember son, your mother and I love you and always will."
"Thank you father. I love you, also. Tell mother that I love her."
Chapter 6
"We have visitors, dear," Lady Anne said excitedly.
"It is summer, my dear," George replied, "We have an almost constant stream of gawking travelers."
"You may be interested in these visitors. It is a handsome couple called Gardiner and their niece, a Miss Bennet... Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Hertfordshire."
"Fitzwilliam's Miss Elizabeth Bennet?"
"I believe so, my dear. She is quite a pretty young woman with the most extraordinary eyes."
"It is a shame that Fitzwilliam is not here to see her."
Almost before the words had escaped his mouth, both parents stood aghast as their proud, reserved son rushed past them, clad only in his shirt and breeches, soaked to the skin and bellowing for his man to assist him.
George turned to his wife and laughingly said, "It is not hard to imagine the cause of that scene. Let us hope that all turns out well."
"I do not believe I have ever seen hope and mortification expressed on the same face at the same time before."
Minutes later, their son rushed past them again. This time, however, they were pleased to see him completely attired though slightly tousled in his appearance.
His parents fought the urge to watch out the window, preferring to give their son as much privacy as he should have. They figured that in his current state they would know the outcome soon enough.
His third trip past his parents was much different than the previous two. He walked slowly into the house and headed straight to his study.
"Well, I believe his expression tells all we need to know. She obviously does not hate him, as he feared for so long. Perhaps she has even given him reason to hope," George said to his wife.
"Let us hope that she will be honest with him about her feelings."
"I believe, based on what we have heard about her, that she has always been honest with him, even when he did not want to hear it."
"You are right, my dear husband, as always."
"I have seen our son pace before, a trait he inherited from you, but Georgianna is not due until after noon. Is he going to pace from window to window until then?" Lady Anne asked her husband.
"Have patience with him, my dear. I understand that Miss Bennet has agreed to meet our dear daughter. I am sure that he is anxious to make the introduction."
"Yes, but my rug..."
"It is no longer your rug, my dear."
"Did you see Miss Bingley's reaction to the news that Miss Bennet and her relations will be joining use for dinner? I now believe what you have said about her. She is a catty, hypocritical mercenary. I am glad our son has shown no interest in her. I could not believe the things she said about Miss Bennet. Does she really believe that her behavior endears her to Fitzwilliam?"
"Women understand each other better than men ever could. It is sad to think that she will miss so much happiness in her life because she is so bitter."
"Dinner was an unquestionable success. Miss Bennet is a most enchanting woman, gracious, charming, witty. Why if I was thirty years younger..."
"And not dead," his wife reminded him.
"Oh yes. Well, it is obvious from her manner that not only does she no longer hate our son, but that she is beginning to regard him in a special way."
"Oh, for heaven's sake, George. She loves him. She just hasn't admitted it to herself yet."
"What is he doing wandering about. I thought he had retired," Anne remarked as she saw her son walk past the library door.
"I'll take care of it, my dear. I often made the same trip when my mind was in turmoil. Why do you not retire for the evening."
With that George Darcy left to find his son. He knew exactly where to look.
"The music room, the scene of the crime, if you will," he said to no one in particular.
He observed his son for a moment. The topic of this revelry was obvious. It was as if the scenes playing in his mind were also playing on his face. The longing looks across the room, tempered now only by the doubt that plagued his heart. Had he imagined her looks? Did she really smile at him? Was that really love he saw on her face, or was it simply wishful thinking?
For only the second time in his death, George Darcy willed himself to be seen and heard.
"She is lovely," he said quietly.
"Father? Yes, she is. She has captured my heart, utterly and completely. Just the sight of her causes my heart to skip and my breath to quicken."
"That, my dear son, is called love. It is the most wonderful thing in the universe, also the most powerful. I know all about it. Your mother and I were fortunate to have love. The kind of love you have for Miss Bennet."
"But if she does not return my love...I do not know."
"What do you have to lose? You've already lost your heart. What do you have to gain? The love of a woman whose equal has rarely been seen, a lifetime of happiness and mirth with a woman whose love of life is unsurpassed. You tell me, is it worth the risk?"
"How can things be so clear for you, yet so clouded for me?"
"That is one of the advantages of being dead."
"I think I can wait to find out about the other advantages. Thank you Father. You have no idea how you have helped me."
"You have grown up since we last spoke. I am proud of you, son. You have made the right decision."
"Thank you Father. I have my task now for tomorrow. I must see Miss Bennet. I must find out if we can come to an understanding...or at least the beginning of an understanding."
"Good night, son."
Conclusion
"I have not seen our son this angry in a long time, not since the situation with Georgianna. Do you suppose something happened with Miss Bennet?" Lady Anne asked her husband.
"I do not know, my dear. I am sure we will know soon enough."
It was barely moments later that Fitzwilliam ushered Mrs. Reynolds into the library.
"I will be leaving for London at first light. Please see that my things are ready. I will see to the carriage. Please help Georgianna as she acts as hostess. I do not know how long Mr. Bingley and his sisters will stay after I depart. I will speak to both Georgianna and Bingley before I leave. I have several letters to write that will need to go express, so have someone ready to deliver them to the post in one hour. Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds. That will be all."
With that Mrs. Reynolds curtsied and left the room, closing the door quietly behind her.
"George Wickham is determined to ruin my life. I have endured his childhood antics, his wanton behavior at school, his attempted seduction of Georgianna and now this! Run away with Lydia Bennet! I never in my life want to see Elizabeth hurt as badly as her sister's disgrace has hurt her now. I swear I will find them out, settle this quietly and save the Bennet name. I will not allow George Wickham to ruin her life as well."
"I better find Georgianna and Bingley and let them know I will be leaving."
"I do hope he will not do anything dangerous in his search for George."
"My dear, our son is intelligent and worldly. He will be careful in his dealings with George Wickham. He has had the most experience dealing with him in the past. He knows what he is up against."
"It is a mother's job to worry."
"I know, my dear, and you are most diligent at this task."
"His letter says that his business is finished in London but he and Mr. Bingley will be going to Netherfield for some hunting," Lady Anne explained to her husband.
"Let us hope that his trip to Hertfordshire is a sign that his business was successful."
"Dare we also hope that his trip to Hertfordshire is also successful."
"I believe I have told you before that it is your job to hope, my dear wife."
"He's getting married!" Lady Anne rushed into the library. "He's getting married! He finally asked her to marry him and she said yes!"
"So your hope so long ago was not unfounded. His trip to Hertfordshire did help his outlook on life and he found the perfect wife and confidant."
Epilogue
As Fitzwilliam Darcy handed his new wife out of the carriage, his parents smiled down from the window of the master bedroom. It had been opened and aired and all the linens had been replaced. It was ready for the master of Pemberley and his wife to move in.
"It is time," George Darcy said quietly as he put his hand on his wife's shoulder. "She will take our place watching over Fitzwilliam and Georgianna."
"I know George. I could not think of a better person to leave this to. I know that she will take care of him. You can see that she loves him as deeply as he loves her. It is hard to let go."
"I know my dear but it is time."
"Yes, dear."
That evening as Elizabeth Darcy sat at her dressing table preparing for bed, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked into the mirror to see a woman standing behind her. She looked closely at the other woman in the mirror. She was the image of Georgianna but older by at least twenty years. She was dressed simply but elegantly. She was the picture of charm, grace and beauty. She smiled at Elizabeth, a smile of caring and love.
"He is the very best man I have ever known," Elizabeth said quietly. "He is intelligent, kind and compassionate. I love him with all my heart. I promise to do everything in my power to make him happy."
The smile in the mirror told Elizabeth everything she wanted to know.
"I'm a little concerned about my ability to be mistress of Pemberley. I don't know if I can live up to Fitzwilliam's expectations...or yours."
The face in the mirror showed complete confidence in Elizabeth.
"Thank you for your faith in me. I sometimes wish I had as much faith in myself."
The ghost picked up Elizabeth's left hand and pointed to her wedding ring.
"Yes, he also has complete trust in me and my abilities. If I hold tight to him and draw strength from him, I know I will be fine. I promise."
The ghost gave Elizabeth a tender, motherly smile and hugged her. Elizabeth felt the whisper of a kiss on her check. She turned to return the gesture and the vision was gone. Elizabeth thought she felt a rush of air brushing past her. When she turned to face the mirror, she found a single white feather. She picked up the feather and held it to her heart.
"Thank you, Lady Anne," she said to the night air. "I promise to make you proud of me and of Fitzwilliam."
She tucked the feather into the drawer of her dressing table and finished her toilette with a happy heart. She was now more confident than ever that she was where she belonged. Even the ghosts thought so.
The End.