Posted on: 2009-01-15

Chapter 23

The fire crackled in the grate of the Levens Hall's study. Colonel Fitzwilliam spent some time re-reading his correspondence before handing them to Darcy.

February 28th, 1813

Lord Matlock.

The Last Will and Testament of Sir Lewis de Bourgh, witnessed by Messrs Jennings and Clifford, at Rosings Park, Kent in the year of our Lord, one thousand and seven hundred and eighty nine.

I, Sir Lewis de Bourgh, being of sound mind and body, leave my land and holdings to my wife, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. In the event of her unfortunate death preceding my own I leave my assets to our daughter, Anne de Bourgh.

I furthermore state that if our daughter Anne, dies, or does not marry before the age of twenty-five, (April 8th, 1813), the assets and management of my estate will pass to my wife's sister's youngest son, Richard Fitzwilliam, who shall by that time be over one and thirty. This provision for his future is not to be disclosed to the general public. I do not wish for any animosity between cousins over this clause.

Dated the tenth of February, 1789.
Sir Lewis de Bourgh.
Rosings Park, Kent.

Darcy folded the papers and let out a breath that he had not realised he was holding in. "Why do you still look ever so grave, Richard?" he asked, "This is pleasing news. Anne does not wish to marry you. You do not wish to marry her. You will be able to provide for her and assume ownership of Rosings!"

"You must try to see it from poor Anne's perspective, Darce," the Colonel protested, "I cannot sally forth next month and say, 'A secret clause in your father's will means I now control all of his assets.' She is his daughter and..."

"Estates are often entailed to male heirs," Darcy objected, "Anne knows that you care for her. She shall not resent your management of the estates."

"Our Aunt most certainly will!" Fitzwilliam muttered bitterly, "Her actions are more than 'reprehensible'! She has concealed this provision from Lord and Lady Matlock, let alone me! She does not wish to forfeit control of Rosings to me! It shall be unbearable!"

There was a tap on the door, "Begging your pardon, Mr Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam," Cartwright said with a bow, "But Mrs Darcy asked me to summon you at once."

Darcy and his cousin exchanged troubled glances – the ladies had already retired for the evening. Darcy hoped that Elizabeth was not ill. They followed the valet out of the manor house's study and up the grand staircase. Elizabeth was clutching a shivering Georgiana in the younger woman's suite.

Although not a good walker, Georgiana had been enjoying their jaunts around the Lake Country. Darcy and Fitzwilliam were both surprised to see her looking so upset.

"What is it, my dearest Georgie?" Darcy asked, scooping his sister up into his arms. He cradled her in the chair closest to the fire.

Georgiana felt ashamed and did not want the Colonel to see her like this. She looked pleadingly at Elizabeth, who asked the Colonel if he might fetch Georgiana's fur-lined pelisse from the hook in the next room.

"I think I saw... I saw... a gh... ghost," Georgiana mumbled apologetically.

Elizabeth was not sure whether to leave the room while Darcy calmed his sister down. He decided the matter for her by reaching out and taking her hand.

"You had a nightmare, Georgie," Darcy murmured, "Lizzy and I shall stay with you until you fall asleep."

"I... I saw a grey lady. She was ever so thin and her face was twisted and bitter. I could see the bricks of the pele tower and the fine panelling through her. She floated right out the window... over the bay laurel and a yew topiary shrub... then she was no more..."

"What were you doing out of your room?" Elizabeth asked, squeezing Darcy's hand, seeing from his face that he was becoming impatient.

Georgiana coloured, "I wanted to ask you about... something personal, Lizzy."

"The woman kept chanting something about male heirs," Georgiana added, trying to think of as many details as possible to convince Darcy that she was telling the truth.

Colonel Fitzwilliam hesitated in the doorway and then walked over to hand the pelisse to Elizabeth. She wrapped it around Georgiana's shoulders and then helped her over to the bed.

"I shall sleep with you," Elizabeth told her, tucking the covers around her.

"No, no," Georgiana blushed, "It is your honeymoon. I shall be alright now. I was just being silly."

Elizabeth smiled and kissed her on the cheek. Darcy and Fitzwilliam both reminded Georgiana that they were right down the hall. Elizabeth took Darcy's arm and followed the gentlemen out into the draughty corridor.

"She is ever so impressionable," the Colonel quietly observed. He took a candle from Cartwright and turned towards his own room.

"Pardon me?" Darcy asked.

Fitzwilliam turned back to face them, "While we were strolling behind you and Lizzy this morning, I told Georgie the story of the Bagot-Howard family's curse."

"Oh," Darcy nodded grimly, "Georgie is impressionable, but in matters of importance, she knows her own mind."

"I begin to wonder," Fitzwilliam hesitated, "If perhaps you and I have not somehow persuaded her that I am the only man of consequence who shall ever care for her. She is so young, Darce and knows so little of the world."

"Apart from Will, I think you the very best of men;" Elizabeth reassured him, "Do not let her imagining seeing a ghost in a dark corridor, shaking your confidence in her love for you."

"Perhaps I am not so very confident of it at all," the Colonel replied solemnly, "I shall bid you both a goodnight. I have much to think about."

Elizabeth was snuggling into Darcy's side when she next broached the subject, "So, my love, what is the 'curse' of the Howard-Bagot family?"

"I will not have you seeing ghosts!" Darcy exclaimed, teasing her.

"I thought you promised never to suspend any pleasure of mine," Elizabeth pretended to pout.

"Oh, such a petulant face!" Darcy chuckled and then kissed the look away, "Well, Mrs Darcy, as you know I attended Cambridge with the man who has given us an Elizabethan manor to roam. Henry does not actually own the place. It was left to his daughter, Mary, when her grandmother, Lady Andover, died."

Elizabeth stroked the stubble on his chin, "And now she haunts the grounds, forcing the gardener to maintain them to her standards?"

"No, my love," Darcy caressed her cheek, "Some years ago, a destitute young woman made the unfortunate error of knocking on the main door and asking for bread. The butler dismissed her at once, saying that there may be some scraps brought out from the servant's entrance, if she waited her turn. She collapsed on the back drive. As she lay dying from lack of nourishment, she made a prophecy about the family. She said that there would not be a direct, male heir until the river had frozen over and a white fawn was born to one of the black fallow deer."

Elizabeth shivered slightly, "No wonder that Georgiana was scared; If she thought she saw the ghost of a destitute woman cursing the place!"

"Perhaps she is too impressionable," Darcy mused, "It is not such a bad thing - if she is being led by me or someone of good character."

"I can see why she wanted Richard to leave the room. She does not want the Colonel to think that her feelings for him are some flight of fancy. She wants to seem like the brave girl who stood her ground in the face of Tilney. I do hope that Richard does not do anything rash. He will not marry Anne out of some sense of..."

"Ah," Darcy looked at her smugly, "I shall allow him to give you the particulars at breakfast, but it seems that there is a clause in Sir Lewis' will that means that my cousin is shortly to inherit Rosings. If Anne is not married by the age of five and twenty, the holdings pass to Richard."

Elizabeth embraced him gleefully. "It could not happen to anyone more deserving!" she exclaimed and then paled, "Oh, dear! I do hope that Lady Catherine will not make things too unbearable for him!" Darcy nodded and then stifled a yawn. Elizabeth giggled, "Am I keeping you from your slumber, sir?" She pretended that she was about to withdraw to her own chamber.

"I hope you keep me from my slumber for the rest of our lives, my love!" Darcy smiled and then pulled her back under the quilts.

Chapter 24

Dawson handed Anne de Bourgh down from the curricle and they approached the front door of Derby House.

"If you please, Miss Anne, may I ask if you are warm enough?" he reached out to knock on the door.

"Certainly," she replied, blowing her nose. Anne was relieved that her mother's butler was not one to fuss over her every sneeze.

Cartwright cordially received them and announced Anne's arrival in the drawing room. Elizabeth was alone. She hastily put away a letter she had been writing to Jane, who was settling in to her new life at Netherfield Park. Elizabeth rang the bell for refreshments.

"Mrs Darcy," Anne gave a slight curtsey, "Allow me to apologise for my absence at your nuptials. It was not of my own volition." She took the seat that Elizabeth motioned to and studied her cousin's new wife.

"Thank you for your congratulations," Elizabeth replied warmly, intrigued by this less reserved and cross version of Darcy's cousin. "I hope that your mother is well."

"I thank you," Anne replied, taking the proffered cup of tea, "She is much improved. My mother has such a strong constitution that whenever she is ill, she imagines it to be a death knell. Lady Catherine has enjoyed staying with Lord and Lady Matlock."

"Do you enjoy staying in London?" Elizabeth asked.

"My constitution is not quite as strong. The country air suits me much better." Anne replied. "Miss... Mrs Darcy, I wonder if you could supply me with some information. Do you know where my cousin is?"

"Certainly," Elizabeth replied, "Will took Georgie out to meet with one of the patronesses of Almack's. I do hope that you will be able to attend her 'coming out' ball."

"I hope so, too," Anne said, looking doubtful, "I am afraid that I did not make myself clear. I wish to speak with my other cousin... with Colonel Fitzwilliam."

"Oh," Elizabeth raised her eyebrows, "He is probably in my husband's study. The Colonel has been much occupied with... business. I shall tell him of your arrival."

Anne nodded and nervously shifted in her seat. Elizabeth fetched the Colonel, but did not follow him back in to the drawing room. She sensed that the Colonel and his cousin needed time to discuss the inheritance of Rosings Park.

"You are looking well, Anne," the Colonel began, trying not to sound too awkward.

"Thank you, Richard," she replied, "I would ask after your parents, but as I am staying at their townhouse, it seems a little unnecessary. I came as soon as I received your letter."

"I hope it has not caused you too much alarm," the Colonel replied, sitting down opposite her.

"It merely proved to me that you are a true gentleman, Richard," Anne assured him and then smiled impishly, "I hope that you have not prepared a long proposal speech. It may be hard for you to recover from my refusal of your hand."

"Then," the Colonel cleared his throat, "Then, you do not wish to marry me, Anne. You do not feel affronted by finding out about this clause in Sir Lewis' will."

"To the contrary," Anne replied, "I am delighted that my father provided for you. I know that you will manage the estate well. I apologise for my mother's schemes and I think that we both know that I have no desire to marry."

"You do not wish to marry at all?" the Colonel frowned.

"To be frank, Richard," Anne sat forward, "My physician told me several years ago that I would not survive if I tried to bear children. When mother is not in too ill a humour, I am quite content at Rosings. My only concern is that you may bring in Repton or some other 'improver'."

"I have no such plans," Colonel Fitzwilliam replied, "I will retire from my profession and manage the estate to the best of my ability."

"About my mother," Anne said hesitantly, "I do hope that you will be able to forgive her. She clearly wanted me to marry Darcy so that Pemberley and Rosings would both be at her..."

He interrupted her at once, "Please do not make yourself uneasy, Anne. I only wish that I knew sooner of the contents of the will. I shall endeavour to treat your mother with the respect that any troubled dowager deserves."

"See, a true gentleman," Anne replied, reaching out to shake his hand on their 'pact.'

The double doors burst open and Georgiana rushed in. She had been delighted to hear of Anne's arrival, but now she stood frozen to the spot. Anne was holding the Colonel's hand. Georgiana mumbled an apology and rushed from the room. Elizabeth followed her up the stairs. Darcy stepped in to the drawing room, looking puzzled.

"Good morning, Anne," Darcy said, "I apologise for Georgiana's unconventional behaviour."

"I shall go and explain at once," Anne excused herself. She knew from reading between the lines of Georgiana's letters that her young cousin was infatuated with the Colonel. She walked up the stairs to tell Georgiana that she had not just witnessed a betrothal.

"She did not even give me a chance to propose, Darce," Colonel Fitzwilliam said. "Anne is pleased by my acquisition of Rosings Park."

"That's good, Fitzwilliam," Darcy distractedly replied, hoping that Georgiana was not too embarrassed or upset.

"I shall resign my commission. I would not wish to be called back to the front with all of these new responsibilities to see to."

Darcy approved of the decision, "You will certainly do a fine job. I wonder if I could ask for your assistance in another matter."

"I am sorry that Georgie is upset, Darce," Colonel Fitzwilliam replied, "but I really don't think it wise for me to comfort her. You know how uncertain I am about..."

"No, no," Darcy interrupted him, "I wished to speak to you about another matter. Georgie and I visited Lady Sefton. She... she does not believe that Elizabeth is... suitable to attend Almack's. You can have little doubt at how affronted I was by this slight. Lady Sefton relented and stated that if Lady Catherine or Lord Matlock were to give their approval to my wife, then they would also accept her."

"The nerve of them!" Colonel Fitzwilliam exclaimed, "Those despots have never even set eyes on Mrs Darcy! They could learn a thing or two about manners from her!"

"Thank you for your endorsement, Colonel" Elizabeth smiled from the doorway.

Georgiana quietly re-entered the room, haltingly apologised to her cousin and brother for her outburst and then walked over to play the pianoforte. Anne took a seat nearby and listened appreciatively.

"You are ever so good at soothing her," Darcy smiled down at his wife.

"I believe that her music does far more than I ever do," Elizabeth replied, settling herself beside him.

"I hope that you are not too offended by Lady Sefton's antics, Mrs Darcy," Colonel Fitzwilliam said apologetically, keeping one eye on Georgiana.

"I only wish that my 'inferior birth' did not cause any of you such distress," Elizabeth replied, "Might I suggest that I at least meet Lord and Lady Matlock? Then they can judge for themselves whether I am a social pariah."

"You could never be that!" Darcy exclaimed. "I think we should invite Fitzwilliam's parents and Lady Catherine to a dinner party. They shall see how infinitely worthy you are."

"A fine idea," Colonel Fitzwilliam agreed, hoping that his parents and Aunt would treat Elizabeth with the respect that she deserved.

Chapter 25

Darcy laid there, his fingers threaded together behind his aching head, looking out at the moon's lonely face in the dark sky. He realised that it was the first night since their marriage that they had not slept in the same bed.

As if she had read his mind, Lizzy slowly opened the adjoining door. She must have thought he was asleep, because she just leant against the door frame.

Elizabeth gazed at Darcy, still angry about the 'dinner party debacle', but wanting to take the ten steps to his side. Elizabeth wanted to accept the apology she had stormed away from. She wanted to feel his warm hands on her body. Elizabeth swallowed her pride and padded across the room.

"Will," she whispered as she tentatively sat down on the edge of the bed.

"I'm awake, my love," he murmured and pulled her down into his arms.

She slowly relaxed, nestling into him as he pulled the covers over them both.

"I... I am sorry about how I treated you," Elizabeth said. "Heavens knows you have endured much more than a few slights from my family! I... I should not have taken out my frustrations on you... You are not to blame for your extended family's behaviour, and..."

He kissed away her anxieties and the cold night outside seemed to melt away.

When they broke apart for breath, Darcy apologised once more for the way that most of his relations had treated her. "I should never have proposed it, Lizzy," Darcy continued, running his fingers through her luscious, auburn hair, "It was too soon. It takes people in my family years to cope with change. Lady Catherine was on edge as it was because of the Colonel's inheritance of Rosings. My uncle's snide comments disappointed me, but then, he has always been very biased against people of 'low rank'. They're all just too used to having their own way."

Elizabeth snuggled against him and her scent wafted over him. He watched her breasts rise and fall with each breath as she interlocked their fingers. This intimacy with her was worth far more than any carriage he could buy or admittance to some society soiree.

"I've been thinking," Darcy murmured, "I... I don't want you to think that this has anything to do with Lady Matlock mocking your table arrangements, or Lady Catherine saying that Lady Sefton had every right to see you as 'inferior' to us. I... I was wondering what you thought of leaving London sooner than we had planned."

"I will be happy being wherever you are, my love," Elizabeth softly replied. "Perhaps we could hold Georgiana's coming-out ball in Bath. She mentioned an assembly room with..."

"I shall hold it at Pemberley," Darcy replied, feeling more confident because of her avowal of happiness by his side. "The delightful Mrs Darcy, who made such a brave sacrifice for my sister, shall be the toast of the whole shire!"

"Oh! I don't know about that!" Elizabeth laughed. "I am sure there are society matrons in Derbyshire who would..."

Darcy cut in, "I shall not invite anyone to our home who looks down their nose at you, my love! Besides, Georgiana will be delighted to pass some quiet months in the country."

"She is happy when you are, Will," Elizabeth reminded him and then added, "By the by, the only man she wants to 'come out' for will happily stay at Pemberley with us!"

Elizabeth began to grow more and more excited by the idea. There was so much to learn about and share at Pemberley. She imagined making love to her kind and handsome husband in front of the large fire in the master suite. Just the thought of it made her start unhooking the buttons on his shirt.

He cut into her reverie. "I think we should dissuade Georgiana from that notion for now, my love."

"Pardon," Elizabeth asked, sitting up suddenly, "I thought you approved of Richard marrying her!"

Darcy propped himself up against the pillows and ran a hand through his hair. "I... I have not changed my mind. There is no man more worthy of Georgie than my cousin. Whether he had a property in Kent or not, he would be the one I would want her to wed."

"But?" Elizabeth asked, reaching out to touch his cheek.

"She is so young, so easily tossed back and forth by every stormy feeling... There is no need for her to marry. I could provide for her..."

"Until she was fifty," Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. She cupped both his cheeks in her hands and straddled him. "Georgiana is a passionate, young woman, Will. If the Colonel asks for her hand, you must not tell him to wait. He is worried enough about this matter as it is."

Darcy nodded and lay back, causing her to tumble on to him. "You're right. I want them both to be happy like this." She rained kisses on his chest and he caressed her soft calves.

"It's not going to be next week, Will." Elizabeth murmured, "Georgie won't leave your home in the blink of an eye. It will be in the future."

"Yes," Darcy agreed fondly before his mouth crashed onto hers. "It will be a future that we shall face together."

Chapter 26

Elizabeth turned over, expecting to snuggle with her husband. Instead she found a tangle of empty sheets and pillows. She glanced out the window at the dawning sun, knowing that she had not overslept. Elizabeth was concerned that Darcy was still upset by his extended family's actions.

She pulled on one of his coats and then made her way downstairs. After a fruitless search, she approached her husband's valet.

After politely greeting him, she asked, "Was there some urgent business that called your master away?"

"I believe that he went to call on his Uncle, Mrs Darcy," Cartwright replied.

"Oh!" Elizabeth exclaimed, "At this hour? I... Thank you."

Knowing that her husband would not have discussed any private concerns with his valet, she did not press Cartwright for further details.

Instead, Elizabeth completed her toilette; relieved yet again that Lucy had such a pleasing temperament. As the lady's maid was leaving, Darcy entered the room.

"I was surprised when Cartwright said that you had already been downstairs, Lizzy," he said, striding over to lean on the back of her chair. He gazed at her beautiful face reflected in the dressing table's mirror. "I am sorry that you were troubled by my absence."

She stood up to embrace him and he rained kisses on Elizabeth's neck and hair.

"Is your Uncle well?" she asked anxiously. "Oh, please do not tell me that Lady Matlock or Lady Catherine got food poisoning from the dinner party!" she exclaimed.

"No one is ill, my love," he assured her, intertwining their fingers. "I... I just went and... broke 'all the rules of propriety'!"

"Really?" Elizabeth raised her eyebrows. "I cannot imagine you breaking even one rule of propriety!"

He squeezed her fingers. "That was Lady Catherine's description of me calling there while they were all still abed."

"How shocking!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "They will certainly attribute such impertinence to my influence, Will!"

"Well, that is why I went to see them. I told my mother's brother and sister that I would publicly deny any connection with them unless they accepted my wife."

"Oh, Will," Elizabeth began to protest.

"Let me finish," he replied, "I told them that if they could not respect the woman who had risked her life to save Georgiana's then I could not respect them."

Elizabeth was startled and felt guilty for being the cause of so much tension. "I... What did they say, Will?"

"Well, when I mentioned that I wanted to hold Georgie's debutante ball at Pemberley, and that anyone who looked down upon you would not be invited, they capitulated."

"You make it sound like a battle," Elizabeth sadly observed.

Darcy cupped her soft cheeks in his hands, "It is a battle, my love. It is a battle of wills. I was not even intending to issue such an ultimatum. I merely sought to explain that they would not be invited to the event. I could not bear to see you looking so forlorn and uncomfortable. I sat across from you at the dinner table, watching you act like an unwanted guest in Derby House! This is your home, Lizzy! I would not have them make you feel like Pemberley is not your home!"

"My home is where you are, Will," she murmured and his lips crashed onto hers.

At length, he replied, "That is one of the facts that I stressed to my relations! For years, I did not feel 'at home' anywhere. I... I did my best to be there for Georgiana; but I missed being able to seek my own dear father's advice. You make this place a 'home' Lizzy!"

She took his arm and they made their way down to the morning room. After watching Elizabeth push her eggs around her plate, Darcy leant over and stilled her hand.

She gazed into his soulful eyes and whispered, "I... I am sorry... I am worried that your relations will resent me all the more."

"Why?" Darcy asked; his brow furrowed in confusion.

"They may assume that I demanded that you make them 'capitulate'!"

"Once they spend time with you, watching your lively wit making the eyes of the Ton's gentry sparkle, I cannot imagine them resenting you."

"I love you, Will," Elizabeth replied, feeling relieved.

"And that's what they shall also see," he added, annoyed that there were so many servants bustling about. The chaste peck on her cheek seemed like a crumb of affection, when compared to their amorous love-making of the previous night.

"So, does this mean that you will still hold Georgie's debutante ball at Pemberley?" Elizabeth asked, blushing at the ardent desire burning in his eyes.

He shook his head. "I was angry when I proposed it last night, my love. I awoke while it was still dark and lay there thinking about what you had said about Georgiana. I know that you think that her devotion to Richard is quite fixed. As you know, I think him the most honourable man of my acquaintance... but I do not want my preference for him to unduly influence her. She has no need to marry, but as her heart seems set on it, I would like her to have at least danced and conversed with other gentleman first."

"You are still worried that she has been too swayed by the events of the last two years to be sure of her own feelings," Elizabeth surmised.

Darcy nodded, "Lady Matlock promised to call on you 'at an acceptable hour' to tell you of her negotiations with Lady Sefton and the patronesses of Almack's assembly rooms."

"I am sure that Georgiana would have been pleased to hold the ball at Pemberley, Will," Elizabeth replied, "but there will be plenty of gentlemen for her to 'set her cap at' at Almack's."

"Oh, do not tease me so, Lizzy!" he exclaimed. "You will make all of my hair turn grey!"

Elizabeth reached over and ran her fingers through his hair. "How will you cope when we have our own children?" she whispered.

"It is still early," he murmured in her ear.

The breakfast forgotten she replied, "I must admit that I think we did both rise too early."

Darcy extended his arm and escorted her back upstairs. He locked his bedroom door behind them.

"What was that you said earlier about breaking the rules of propriety?" Elizabeth playfully asked.

He smiled as he tugged off his boots and clothes. Elizabeth giggled as he pulled her under the bedcovers.

Chapter 27

*The following day: April 13th, 1813*

"Are you feeling ill, Georgie?" Elizabeth murmured.

The younger woman kept her eyes trained on her soup. "No...I thank you, I... am quite well."

"You are nervous," Darcy deduced, reaching over to squeeze his sister's clammy hand.

"I... I do not wish for Lady Matlock to upset Lizzy again," Georgiana admitted.

Elizabeth smiled reassuringly, "Please do not make yourself uneasy on my account. I apologise for losing my temper after the dinner party. Your brother has been kind enough to forgive me..."
"There was nothing to forgive," Darcy insisted. "Well, not on your part, Lizzy. It will all work out for the best, Georgie. You must keep in mind that our Uncle and Aunts love you dearly. They are not displeased with you in the slightest."

She nodded and then sat gazing out at the view of Hyde Park from the dining room window.

"Is there something else wrong?" Elizabeth asked at length, noticing how pale Georgiana still looked.

"I... I worry that... if the Earl and our other relations... learnt that we were lying to them about...about Lydia..."

"We are not lying, Georgie," Darcy objected, looking at Elizabeth to make sure that she was not too upset. "We are choosing not to tell them the worst details about poor Lydia's involvement with Wickham and tragic death."

"A secret is different from a lie," Elizabeth quietly agreed. "I would not have my youngest sister remembered for how she died, but for how she lived. Lydia was always such a jolly young woman."

Darcy caressed his wife's cheek and then said to Georgiana, "I would not have my dearest Elizabeth judged by the misfortunes that befell Lydia. I would have her honoured for who she is and what she has done."

"What if the Ton were to learn of the secret?" Georgiana mumbled, remembering how close Captain Frederick Tilney had come to exposing it.

"I doubt that Doctor Blatchford or Bingley or anyone from Lizzy's family would dishonour us by gossiping," Darcy assured her. "If it the entire situation is laid bare to the 'vultures' of the Ton then we shall know who our true friends are. Lizzy and I will always love you, Georgie."

"We shall always have one another," Elizabeth said, walking around the table to embrace Georgiana.

Cartwright politely interrupted them, showing Colonel Fitzwilliam into the room. He greeted them all with his usual genial manners and then took a seat beside Georgiana. After accepting a cup of tea, he sat watching his cousin gazing at the ripples in her soup.

Darcy cleared his throat, "I am surprised to see you, Richard. I thought that you would already have left for Kent."

"Kent?" Georgiana asked, her spoon clattering to the floor.

"I came to take my leave in person, Georgie," the Colonel replied. "Estate business calls me to Rosings. Lady Catherine wishes to leave town at once." He glanced at Elizabeth, "I... Allow me to apologise for my father's snide remarks. You were remarkably patient with him, oh, and Lady Catherine for that matter."

"I was not after they had left!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "Please do not feel that you bear any of the blame for their actions, Richard. It must be very difficult for you to be in the middle."
"You are the epitome of compassion!" Darcy beamed at his wife.

"I hope that you shall enjoy the preparations for your debutante ball, Georgie. I hope that you shall not forget to save a dance for me," the Colonel gazed at her, noting how her cheeks flushed.

"Oh, I shall certainly not forget!" Georgiana exclaimed.

Elizabeth arched an eyebrow at her husband. Darcy excused himself from the table. He extended his arm and invited the others to join them in the sitting room.

"I am afraid that I cannot stay," the Colonel said regretfully, "Lady Catherine's barouche box will return for me, once Miss Bingley's trunks..."

"You're taking Miss Bingley to Rosings Park!" Georgiana exclaimed.

"Well, no," Colonel Fitzwilliam replied, stunned by how angry Georgiana looked, "I... that is, she is coming to Kent with our party, but she is visiting Anne. My being there has little to do with it."

Elizabeth and Darcy exchanged a doubtful look. Caroline Bingley would no doubt now see the Colonel as 'a fine catch.' His inheritance of Rosings, coupled with his connections to the Matlocks, the Debourghs and the Darcys, made him a most eligible husband for any young woman.

"You shall write to us, shall you not?" Georgiana asked more than once as the Colonel took his leave of them.

"I certainly shall," he took another opportunity to kiss her on the cheek.

Darcy soon had a 'treasure' on each arm. To distract Georgiana, he began bantering with Elizabeth.

"You know, my dear," Darcy said, sitting beside her on the chaise lounge, "Almack's is the reason why there are no females in government."

Elizabeth was quick to retort, "If women sat in parliament then there would be fewer costly wars!"

"Next you will be saying that women should vote!" Darcy exclaimed, but before she could indignantly reply, he added, "I should have directed my comment specifically against the ladies who run Almack's assembly rooms."

Elizabeth raised her eyebrows at him, relieved that Georgiana was smiling once more. "Why is that, Mr Darcy?"

"'Mr Darcy' indeed!" he shot back, grinning at his sister. "I always know that I am on dangerous grounds when my lovely wife addresses me so!" He turned to Elizabeth, "I merely meant that Lady Sefton and the other matrons demonstrate that female government leads to pure despotic rule!"

"Indeed!" Elizabeth stood up in mock outrage.

Georgiana giggled as Elizabeth shrugged away from Darcy's attempts to placate her with a kiss.

Cartwright entered and gave a low bow. He announced the arrival of Lady Matlock and Lady Sefton. After the formal introductions, Darcy excused himself to attend to his correspondence.

It pleased him that his Aunt was attentive to Elizabeth and hoped that this was due more to witnessing their happiness than his ultimatum. Elizabeth felt a little uncomfortable at how overly polite the Earl's wife was. She hoped that, in time, exchanging pleasantries with Lady Matlock would not seem so forced.

She was especially relieved when, while Georgiana was shyly showing the view to Lady Sefton, apologised for the dinner party 'debacle.'

"Allow me to apologise, Mrs Darcy," Lady Matlock murmured, "for my husband and his sister's remarks. Unfavourably comparing you to Lady Anne in such a manner was unjust."

"I thank you," Elizabeth replied. "I am sure that they miss their sister very much. I wish that I had met my husband's mother. I know that I can never replace her."

"I regret that I could not defend you, based on what Richard has told me of your character..."

"I would not have you dishonour the Earl on my account," Elizabeth interjected.

"Oh, I am so glad that you understand," Lady Matlock replied.

Elizabeth smiled, "I do not always agree with my husband, but I would never publicly rebuke him."

Lady Sefton rejoined them when the refreshments arrived. After complimenting Mrs Darcy on the fine selection of pastries, she launched into a detailed description of the addition of gaslights alongside the King Street facade of Almack's.

Georgiana quietly sipped her tea, relieved that Elizabeth and her Aunt were amiably receiving the unsettling attention from the social matron. She glanced up worriedly when she suddenly realised that all three women were looking at her.

"I... Excuse me?" Georgiana mumbled apologetically, blushing and averting her gaze.

"Oh, you are a shy one!" Lady Sefton exclaimed, "I was asking whether you were acquainted with the Allens of Wiltshire House. Mr Allen also has an estate near Fullerton in Wiltshire."

"They are not known to me," Georgiana replied, wishing that Lady Sefton would stop scrutinising her and continue talking about guest lists, menus and crystal chandeliers.

"Well, my dear Miss Darcy," Lady Sefton continued, "I believe that I should introduce you to their ward. Miss Morland's father passed away last year and she is almost exactly your age. Mrs Allen is a particular friend of mine and of one of the other patronesses of Almack's."

"Oh, I would be pleased to make their acquaintance," Georgiana replied and then quickly added, "if my brother approves..."

"I am sure that Mr Darcy will be pleased that you have a friend among the debutantes!" Lady Sefton exclaimed, as if the matter was already settled. "I shall invite you, Lady Matlock and Mrs Darcy to meet Miss Morland after the next Committee meeting. What do you think of that, Miss Darcy? You are ever so grave!"

"I... look forward to making Miss Morland's acquaintance," Georgiana murmured, relieved when Elizabeth 'rescued' her by asking Lady Sefton about the best warehouses for debutante gowns.

*The previous year: April 19th 1812*

As the cart rattled towards Fullerton's rectory, General Tilney's harsh words echoed in her head. Catherine was at a loss to understand why she had suddenly been banished. The General did not even know of her preposterous and unkind delusions about his wife's death.

Catherine sighed and, yet again, wished that Henry had returned from Woodston before she had been sent back to Wiltshire. Just the thought of him, however, made her feel ashamed. Catherine had been so foolish to think that she had stumbled onto her own gothic mystery at his home. She had barely slept since leaving Eleanor at Northanger Abbey.

Catherine wished that she could write to Henry and apologise profusely for her feebleminded imaginings. Social strictures about such matters made her feel as if her very hands were bound. Catherine shifted, trying to get comfortable. Her only consolation was that she could write to Eleanor.

Henry's sister would convey all of her remorse in such a sweet way. Surely that would be a balm to ease his anger. Perhaps, he would find a way to renew their friendship. She missed his smirks, jests and the way he always asked her opinion about everything from dancing to trees.

The cart suddenly rolled to a stop and she realised that she was home. Little did Catherine know, that she was not returning to her girlhood home. It was not that she had matured, for she certainly had, it was that a catastrophe had that meant that her family would never be the same again.

She paid the horseman and tried to lug her portmanteau up the drive.

"Cathy! Cathy!" Sarah and Harriet called, running towards her. "Thank God you got the express!"

"Express?" Catherine asked, wiping her sweaty hands on her dusty gown. "What express?"

"Mama sent one all the way to Gloucestershire," Harriet explained, reaching Catherine and throwing her arms around her eldest sister.

Catherine also gave Sarah a quick hug, "I...The General had a sudden engagement and so I needed to return home. I... did not have time to send or receive any messages. Whatever has happened?"

"Oh, Cathy," Sarah said, beginning to sob, "It's Papa. He's... Papa is dying!"

"What?" Catherine asked in complete shock. "I... What happened? He has not even been ill!"

"He fell from his horse!" Harriet exclaimed and the two of them huddled against her while she began to weep. "The surgeon says that Papa is still bleeding on the inside of his head!"

"Whatever is to become of us, Cathy?" Sarah murmured.

Catherine pulled fresh handkerchiefs out of her sleeve and gave them each one. "We... shall do our best to help Mama. Is James home from Oxford yet?"

"Yes," Harriet replied, "he keeps to Papa's room. He barely leaves his side."

"Good," Catherine said, silently thanking the Lord that she had, however horribly, been sent back to her family. "We shall look after the four littlies and free Mama up to spend all the time she can with Papa," she said resolutely. "Help me to get my trunk inside and we'll get to work."

After riding with only the briefest breaks for three days, Henry Tilney arrived in Fullerton. He quickly found lodgings at the Inn and stabled his horse. He bathed, donned a clean coat and combed his hair, wanting to look presentable for when he met Catherine's parents.

Henry had been rehearsing the apologies he wished to make on his father's behalf for the entire journey. He prayed that they would be forgiving; just thinking of what horrible fate could have befallen an unchaperoned girl on such a trip made his blood boil over at the General's actions.

Henry asked for directions to the rectory and then walked across the pleasant fields towards it. He rehearsed his speech to Catherine, smiling as he thought that she would probably interrupt it with some intriguing observation or unusual question. He again planned what he would say about his depleted finances when he asked Mr and Mrs Morland for their daughter's hand.

When Henry saw the funeral procession winding its way up to the church on the hill, he did not immediately realise what disaster had befallen his lovely, innocent Catherine.

"Pardon me, sir," he murmured to an elderly man carrying a wreath towards the church. "My name is Henry Tilney and I am a friend of the Morlands and the Allens. Do you know whether Mrs Morland generally attends her husband's funerals?"

"Just what are you playing at!" the man spat angrily.

Henry held up his hands and took a step backwards, "I merely meant that in some parishes, clergymen's wives do not attend christenings, weddings and funerals; and in some they do. I was just wondering whether I might have been able to call on her, while her husband conducted the service... or uh, not?"

"Oh," the man said, looking placated, but still extremely sad. "You haven't heard then. Sorry to have to tell you, sonny, but it's Reverend Morland's funeral. Our poor rector had a riding accident on his way back from Bessie's sickbed last week."

Henry was completely dismayed and immediately fell into step with the man and headed up to the church. Henry excused himself and went in search of Catherine. The small church was so full of people, however, that it was difficult to find her among the bustle of figures clad in navy and black.

He took a seat on one of the wings and then almost immediately stood up again out of respect for a man he would never have the chance to meet. The pallbearers carried the casket to the front of the church and Henry recognised James among them. It was not until after the intercessory prayers that he saw the woman he loved.

Catherine stood up and took a step towards the lectern. No less than four small children were clutching at her dark skirts. Two older girls, who he assumed were her sisters, scooped the little ones up and Catherine walked haltingly up the front and turned to face the congregation.

She was clutching a book of John Donne's poetry in her shaking hands.

"I... I know that James gave a beautiful eulogy for Papa, but I... I wanted to share my father's favourite poem with you all," her voice broke and Henry almost strode to the front to embrace her. "I... The only comfort that my dear family has at this time...apart from your kindnesses...is the knowledge that Reverend Richard Morland was...was not defeated by death... because Christ, himself has defeated it..."

Catherine haltingly spoke over the lump in her throat, relieved that she knew the words by heart when her vision became too blurred by tears to make them out.

Death be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadfull, for, thou art not so,
For, those, whom thou think'st, thou dost overthrow,
Die not, poore death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleepe, which but thy pictures bee,
Much pleasure, then from thee, much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee doe goe,
Rest of their bones, and soules deliverie.
Thou art slave to Fate, Chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poyson, warre, and sicknesse dwell,
And poppie, or charmes can make us sleepe as well,
And better then thy stroake; why swell'st thou then;
One short sleepe past, we wake eternally,
And death shall be no more; death, thou shalt die.

James stepped forward and extended his arm. Catherine took it and he led her back to their family's pew. Henry considered forgetting the strict rules of propriety and rushing to be by her side. He held back on this urge, not wanting to cause her or her grieving family the slightest embarrassment.

It was not until Catherine was leading the smallest children away from the interment that he reached her side.

"Ca... Miss Morland," Henry called.

She spun around, completely astonished at seeing him there. Her brothers and sisters tugged on her hands.

"Allow me to pass on my deepest sympathies to you and your family, Miss Morland," he stated formally and then gazed fondly at her.

"You... you came all this way, after how angry you were with me the other..."

"Oh, it is all forgotten!" Henry said at once. "I... came, well, one thing I wanted to do was apologise to your family for the horrible misunderstanding instigated by John Thorpe, which led to my father turning you out so shamefully."

She was not sure what to say beyond a few inquiries after Eleanor and a brief introduction of her small siblings. Henry offered her his arm as they walked. To fill the tense silence, he briefly explained the circumstances of Thorpe's manipulation of the General.

"Oh, I... see..." Catherine murmured, distracted by her siblings tugging on her gown. Of course, she did not 'see' much at all. She was having difficulty walking and talking at the same time, let alone understanding the intricacies of the Thorpes' plot against her.

Catherine finally regained her composure at suddenly seeing Henry, just as Thomas' tantrum intensified.

As they reached the rectory, Henry mumbled awkwardly, "You seem to have your hands full."

Not wanting him to leave so soon, she immediately apologised but he quickly told Catherine that there was no need. He squatted down and extended a hand to Thomas. The small boy's eyes widened in his tear-stained face, after looking at Catherine for reassurance, he shook Mr Tilney's hand. Henry's conversational tone and kind eyes had soon won him over. Thomas stopped bawling as the tall gentleman picked him up and placed him on his shoulders.

Catherine barely had time to take delight in the picture they made. She bustled into the kitchen and offered Henry a chair. After apologising for the informality of the situation, she pulled on an apron and set to work. He told her not to worry, sipped the proffered tea and read a story book to the children. Catherine helped the servants to prepare the parlour. Henry glanced up as she arranged tray after tray of food to be served at her parent's wake.

Soon Catherine was scrambling to take off the apron and rubbing at her aching neck. While the parishioners began to arrive, condoling with Catherine's mother and siblings in the parlour, Henry stood against the far wall. The cramped, yet cosy room was brimming with people and tears.

The Allens arrived and after offering them his sympathies, Henry explained the 'shocking business' of Catherine being suddenly sent home from Northanger Abbey.

"Oh, my dear Mr Tilney!" Mrs Allen exclaimed, "I barely slept the next night! I kept imagining her being spirited away by brigands and..."

"Now, now, my dear," Mr Allen interrupted her. "Do not become so alarmed. Our Cathy is fine...Well, she is as fine as can be expected at such a tragic time."

"Oh, I fear that she will quite lose her bloom!" Mrs Allen exclaimed. "Oh, and that cannot happen because she must marry well. It is a sad fact, but she must raise the fortunes of them all."

"We, of course, will help them find a new situation. The living here will not be vacant for long and they will soon need to move."

"Perhaps they could stay in Revesby House!" Mrs Allen exclaimed and then began a long list of advantages and disadvantages of its furnishings, prospect and location.

Henry held the bridge of his nose and bowed his head for a moment. He now deeply regretted telling his father that he would not give Catherine up for 'all the sovereigns in your account!' He cleared his throat and cut into one of Mrs Allen's ramblings. "I...Forgive me, madam, sir, but I understood that the Morlands, contrary to what Thorpe said, without moderate means."

"Well, that's true enough, I suppose," Mr Allen answered. "I am the executor of Richard's estate and he has holdings that will give them a modest income to live on. Mind you, no man plans for such an untimely death, Mr Tilney. Merely, sending James to Oxford, particularly with so many little ones, was not an easy endeavour. We shall do our best to help Mrs Morland to settle into suitable accommodation."

"Oh, but the sooner that Cathy, Sarah and Harriet marry, the better off Mrs Morland and the children will all be, my dear!" Mrs Allen exclaimed.

"Dearest," Mr Allen said warningly. "Please keep your voice down. The girls are hardly going to enter into any engagements for at least a year."

"They need to mourn their father's loss," Henry agreed. He silently cursed himself. He had finally taken a stand against his father, vowing to win Catherine's hand. Instead, that very action had left him without the means to help her in her darkest hour, and meant that he may have to watch her wed another.

The mourners slowly began to file out of the rectory and Henry was taken over to meet Catherine's mother. He was relieved when Mrs Allen did most of the talking and touched by Mrs Morland's kind welcome. He could not see Catherine as he made his way out into the garden where the Morland children were quietly huddled together.

Henry was introduced to her other sisters by James and then the young man tilted his head towards a tree on the edge of the lawn. Henry glanced up; shielding his eyes from the bright, afternoon sunlight and saw Catherine's lithe figure perched on a branch.

She was not facing him, but he could tell from the way her shoulders were shaking that she was crying. Henry walked around to the front of the tree and gave her time to dismiss him if she wanted to be alone. Her chin trembled as she cried and she kept wiping fresh tears from her eyes with a sodden handkerchief.

Henry pulled a fresh linen one from his top pocket, "May I come up, Catherine?"

She nodded and tried to fix her hair as he climbed up the oak. "Papa nailed this plank on here for me," she whispered, wiping her eyes with his handkerchief.

"It's a special place. I wish that I had met your father. I am sure that he was an extraordinary and kind man."

"I am sorry that your father is so unhappy with my conduct," Catherine replied.

"As I said earlier, you have nothing to apologise for. His actions were not those of a gentleman." Henry told her and then, not wanting the few precious moments he had with her to be spoiled, he looked out at the sunlit panorama. "I like the view."

"Yes," Catherine said, "At harvest time, it looks like a patchwork quilt with squares of different coloured crops."

"Beautiful," Henry sighed, but he was looking at her, not the fields. He reached out to caress her soft cheek.

Catherine closed her eyes and sighed contentedly. She allowed herself this one moment of peace, remembering when he had touched her face in the rain at Northanger Abbey.

"Mrs Allen wants to take me to stay in London after we have mourned father's loss. Do you think that you will be in town during the next Season?"

"I..." He wanted to say 'Yes'. He wanted to tell her not to 'come out' after mourning her father's death and be put on the marriage market. Henry felt torn, but most of all he did not want to be selfish. She needed time to grieve and he would not add insult to injury. "I... may be kept in the country... parochial duties... and the like..."

"Oh," Catherine said, feeling disappointed. She felt like he was not telling her something and worried that he still, despite his kind nature, resented her hurtful insinuations about his mother's fate.

"You will write to Eleanor, will you not?" Henry asked. "I will want to know... that you are well."

"I certainly shall," Catherine replied. "Please tell her how much I long to see her again."

"I shall as soon as she returns from Hereford," Henry promised. He wanted to kiss her and soothe away all of Catherine's hurts that he found that he could not stop gazing at her lips.

Catherine waited for him to say something more. She broke the tense silence by thanking him for coming so far to explain his father's actions. She even asked after his horse. Henry could not stay and exchange polite pleasantries when he wanted to embrace her and carry her away in his arms.

"I should be on my way, Miss Morland," he announced, praying that this was not the last time he would address Catherine by her maiden name.

"If you must, then..." She watched him climb back down the oak.

He gave a low bow, "Goodbye, Miss Morland."

"Travel safely, Mr Tilney," she replied, weeping once more when all she was left with was his handkerchief.

*Present day: April 15th, 1813*

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Catherine curtsied, smiling warmly at Georgiana, Elizabeth and Darcy.

Mrs Allen was soon commandeering the latter's attention as they followed Lady Sefton and two of the other Patronesses through the assembly rooms.

Georgiana nervously glanced around the large, elegantly appointed ballroom. Her footsteps echoed along with Catherine's as they trailed after the adults.

"Have you ever been to Bath, Miss Darcy?" Catherine ventured, wondering if Georgiana was more shy than snobbish.

"I am afraid...that I have not," Georgiana murmured. "Have you been there... Miss Morland?"

" Yes," Catherine smiled, "I went there with the Allens. There were many delightful balls."

"The Allens are your guardians..." Georgiana wondered aloud.

"My Papa died this time last year," Catherine replied and then rushed on, wanting to banish the sad recollections from her mind, "My Mama hopes that I will make a good match. I do not wish to be a burden on my family. The Allens have been very kind to us all. Mr Allen does not particularly like London. He generally lets out Wiltshire House to bachelors, but he arranged for us to be here for the Season."

"I am sorry for your loss," Georgiana replied, feeling foolish for raising the topic. "I... My brother practically raised me all by himself!" She then looked away, "Well, Colonel Fitzwilliam, our cousin is also my guardian."

"Is he ill?" Catherine asked, concerned by how grave Georgiana suddenly looked.

"No, no," Georgiana replied, "I just... I miss him. He recently inherited a large estate in Kent... He... I..."

Catherine linked arms with her, "There's no need to explain, Miss Darcy."

"There's not?" Georgiana raised her eyebrows.

"I know how you feel," Catherine replied. "I have not seen a.... friend of mine for over a year now. I miss Mr Tilney very much. I... had hoped..."

"Make haste, girls!" Lady Sefton suddenly trilled. "There is much to discuss about the Ball!"

Elizabeth and Darcy beamed at Georgiana and Catherine as they approached. Catherine's kindnesses and their reassuring looks were the only things that sustained Georgiana throughout the 'interrogations' led by Lady Sefton, Countess Lieven and Mrs Drummond-Burrell.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Posted on: 2009-06-03

The Coming-Out Ball - April 1813

"What a lovely shade!" Lady Sefton exclaimed, reserving a snide smirk for Mrs Drummond-Burrell behind her extravagantly embroidered fan.

The latter held a similar item of fashion in front of her mouth as she stifled a laugh.

Elizabeth was relieved that Georgiana did not seem too unnerved by these disparaging gestures. That is, until she realised that Georgiana's focus was on the Colonel and Caroline.

The ostentatious displays of excess exhibited by most of the patrons of Almack's paled in comparison to Caroline's bright orange plumage. Georgiana's rival for the Colonel's affections expertly steered him away from Elizabeth and Georgiana. He was soon looking uncomfortably towards them from the corner where Mrs Hurst had taken up residence.

Darcy was so busy keeping the peace between Lady Catherine and the Mattocks' over the issue of whether his wife was being presented in the best possible light, that he did not even notice Georgiana's discomfiture.

Elizabeth discreetly whispered to Catherine and they each took Georgiana by an elbow to take a much needed turn around the room.

"Mr Tilney!" Catherine suddenly exclaimed.

Elizabeth and Georgiana were both startled, and much relieved, when the 'Mr Tilney' in question was Henry, rather than Frederick. There had been some consternation, particularly on Darcy's part when he had realised that there was any connection between his sister's new friend and the man who had tried to blackmail them.

It had been decided not to tell Catherine of that unfortunate situation – surely she would require some explanation of why Georgiana had met the scoundrel at night and then the whole horrible business of Lydia's unfortunate demise may need to be shared with another. Georgiana felt uneasy about not being able to confide in Catherine, but knew that she must not risk or brother's happiness with Elizabeth.

Georgiana and Elizabeth stood in stunned silence while Catherine gave a low curtsey and gushed about a chance meeting with Mr Tilney in Bath. Georgiana knew enough of unrequited love to see how devoted Henry was to Catherine. Surprisingly, he did not ask her to dance, he merely repeated several times that he was awaiting news of a living on his sister's husband's estate; and that the Allens had vouched for him so that he could attend this 'delectable coming out ceremony'. He moved aside as soon as an eligible young man approached and asked Catherine to dance the next quadrille.

Elizabeth insisted that Georgiana accept an invitation from one of the Barrington heir. She then turned to talk to Mr Tilney, but her husband had already approached.

"Mr Henry Tilney," Elizabeth said warmly, "it gives me great honour to introduce my husband to you. This is Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy."

"I am delighted to make your acquaintance, Mr Darcy," Henry bowed.

"I understand that there was some trouble at the door, Mr Tilney," Darcy replied. "Allow me to apologise. Almack's is an odd sort of matriarchy."

"No apology necessary, Mr Darcy," Henry said at once. "I believe that the Ladies' desire to bar me was due to a patriarchal difficulty."

"Oh, yes," Darcy said awkwardly, "Forgive me, I had not made the connection."

"Oh, do not trouble yourself over it, sir," Henry said conversationally, accepting the glass of port that was offered to him. "My father and I have not seen eye to eye on several... family matters."

"Enough said, enough said," Darcy replied, nodding to Elizabeth when another footman offered them refreshments.

"I understand," Elizabeth said, declining the wine, "that you are looking for a living, Mr Tilney."

"Ahh, yes, I managed the living near Northanger Abbey, my family's ancestral home. I forfeited my right to it, however, when I disagreed with my father. My sister, Eleanor, has recently married Lord Edward Radcliffe. She insists that a parish may become vacant in one of his estates, but I would not have one of his fine parson's dispatched so that Edward could do me a favour. Ah, well, it is all in God's hands. Uh, excuse me."

"He seems quite a nervous fellow," Elizabeth murmured, but one look over her shoulder told her that the approach of a displeased looking Lady Catherine may have hurried his sudden departure.

Georgiana, meanwhile, was delighted to have danced two whole reels with Colonel Fitzwilliam. When he excused himself, she despondently went in search of Catherine. The assembly rooms were crowded with debutantes, suitors and all of the Ton's gossips. Georgiana blushed behind her fan several times at the indiscreet appraisals of her appearance and cringed several times when she heard competitive mamas discussing her dowry.

Georgiana was shocked when she saw Catherine with Frederick Tilney. From where she stood beside an elegant pillar, Georgiana could hear nothing of their conversation. All she could see was the scoundrel's smile as he led Catherine further out onto one of the balconies. It was even harder to tell what was happening in that darker setting.

"I do not know of what you are speaking," Catherine insisted, feeling frustrated when Mr Tilney led her out onto the barely lit balcony.

"I just wanted to put you on your guard, Miss Morland," he said, a wide smile distorting his handsome features in the dim light. "My brother has fallen on hard times. He means to marry Georgiana Darcy for her thirty thousand pounds."

"What utter nonsense!" Catherine exclaimed, "Unhand me at once!"

"As you wish," Frederick replied, "but I do warn you to watch your step. We wouldn't want you to topple on to King Street."

Catherine's fingers tightened around his jacket sleeves as a gust of wind blew against the old building.

"I have decided to court you, Miss Morland," Frederick said with such sheer tenderness that it took Catherine's breath away.

"You...you have," she said, trying to step back towards the safety of the assembly room. "Why would you do that?"

"Tilney!" Darcy barked and Catherine saw Elizabeth and Georgiana worriedly looking on.

Just before Catherine reached for Darcy's arm, Frederick whispered in her ear. "You thought my family had secrets! Wait until you find out what they're lying about!"

Long after Georgiana had apologised for Darcy's 'over-reaction' at having Frederick Tilney removed from Almack's – supposedly for spending unchaperoned time with a debutante – Catherine could not get to sleep.

For once, it was not Mr Allen snoring in the next room that kept her awake. It was not thoughts of Henry and why he seemed so distant. Catherine simply could not get Frederick Tilney's mysterious words to stop reverberating in her head.

Posted on: 2009-06-10

Chapter Twenty-Nine

"I believe you dropped this, Miss," the young lad said.

Catherine began to protest until she saw the Tilney family crest. She was waiting for the Darcy's at the Berkley Square confectioners. Catherine glanced around the brightly lit and bustling eatery. Thinking that Henry must be nearby and was teasing her, she pulled off the wax and opened the letter. Catherine gave a start – almost spilling her tea on her fine muslin dress. The letter was from Frederick Tilney.

My dearest Catherine,

Frederick Tilney

"Good afternoon Miss Morland!" Elizabeth called happily, followed by Georgiana.

Catherine blushed and hurriedly stuffed the letter into her reticule.

"Bad news?" Georgiana asked anxiously, knowing that Catherine often worried about the health of her widowed mother.

"Oh, it's, uh, nothing," Catherine said unconvincingly.

"Before I forget," Elizabeth said, breaking the awkward silence that followed. "My Aunt Gardiner is bringing her brood for a picnic in Hyde Park tomorrow afternoon. Georgiana and I would love for you to attend, Miss Morland."

"I... I thank you, but I... I have an engagement with... Mrs Allen tomorrow afternoon..." Catherine then quickly offered to fetch a servant and a tray of refreshments.

"I hope she is not too offended by how Will dealt with..."

"Please do not fret, Georgie," Elizabeth said, tucking a curl back behind her sister-in-law's ear.

"If only we could tell Catherine the reason why we do not wish for her to associate with Frederick Tilney," Georgiana whispered.

"Is something wrong?" Catherine asked.

Georgiana unconvincingly shook her head and then looked at the front door with a most mortified expression.

Caroline Bingley and Lady Sefton were weaving their way through the crowded tables.

Elizabeth was relieved that Catherine had chosen a small private table at the back of the establishment. It would spare Georgiana from having to listen to her rival crow about the Colonel's 'fondness' for her.

Unfortunately, Caroline was not at her most discreet. As much as Elizabeth and Catherine tried to distract Georgiana by discussing the highlights of the Season; Caroline's shrill voice and self-congratulatory speeches still penetrated their discourse.

Suddenly, Lady Sefton stood up, knocking an arrangement of pastries to the floor.

The women looked on as the society matron rebuked a frightened young lady.

"Susan?" a gentleman called and then immediately stepped between the young lady and matriarch.

"Good afternoon, Lady Sefton," he said with forced politeness. "Please excuse us." He extended an arm to Susan and guided her towards the back tables.

"Come, Caroline," Lady Sefton moodily announced. "This establishment is not worthy of our patronage. It appears that they will let mere urchins partake of the sweetmeats!"

"I'm sorry, Tom," Susan whispered, a tear sliding down her cheek, as she tried to wipe the crumbs from her dress. "I... I promise I did not bump into her."

"She is trying to publicly cut you," Tom explained in a low voice; ignoring the remonstrations from the conceited women, "Let's get you a nice cup of tea, hmm?"

Elizabeth stood up and immediately offered her chair to the young lady. Susan was so stunned that she sat down between the tall blonde lady and the pretty brunette. Taking a napkin from the table, Elizabeth quickly tidied Susan's dress.

A servant hurried over, "Allow me, Mrs Darcy."

"Please fetch two more chairs," Elizabeth replied.

"Perhaps, you best not eat with us," Susan said morosely, blushing as she wiped another tear from her eye. "Surely you heard Lady Sefton and Miss Bingley..."

"I do not listen to such nonsense," Elizabeth murmured and winked at her.

"Forgive me, madam, we have not been introduced. I am Sir Thomas Bertram and this is my cousin, Miss Susan Price. I recently inherited my father's estate, Mansfield Park." He gave a low bow.

Elizabeth and the other ladies curtseyed as they were introduced. With much prompting from Elizabeth and Tom, the young ladies soon found themselves having a pleasant chat about the wonders of London in springtime.

Georgiana forced herself to keep up her end of the conversation. She was quite pleased with how well she was accomplishing this; until in her desire to put Susan at ease, she did the opposite.

"I am surprised that we have not seen you in the assembly rooms, Miss Price," she ventured, "Catherine and I both love to dance."

"I... I am afraid that even Tom... Sir Thomas' patronage has not been enough to grant me admittance to Almack's."

"Oh, pplease do not make yourself uuneasy," Georgiana stuttered.

"Miss Price's mother, my aunt, married a man without title or fortune." Tom explained. "Miss Price's sister, Fanny married my brother, Edmund. Since then, Susan had been my mother's companion. Unfortunately, Lady Bertram passed not long after my father. Her sister and my brother recently moved to a new parish – Edmund has been promoted to Dean of Northampton Cathedral. For all of these reasons, I decided to bring Miss Price with me to London. Among other reasons, her 'inferior' birth is being held against her by the matrons of the Ton. I continue to insist, however, that she is quite deserving of a London season."

"Undoubtedly," Elizabeth said at once, "how kind of you to care for your dying aunt, Miss Price! I must insist that you call on us at Derby House. Why, tomorrow afternoon, we are having a family picnic in Hyde Park. We would be honoured if you would come and meet my 'inferior' connections!" Elizabeth smiled. "The very same matrons thought my husband had taken leave of his senses for marrying someone who had an uncle 'in trade'!" She explained.

"We gratefully accept your compassionate offer," Tom said, rising and offering an arm to Susan.

They formally took their leave of the ladies. Elizabeth could not help but notice how Tom's eyes rested on Georgiana's sweet face longer than on those of the other ladies.

Chapter Thirty

Darcy tapped on his wife's door and waited for her to grant him admittance. Assuming that she was not finished with her toilette, he waited a few minutes. He cleared his throat and tapped again. "Lizzy?"

The door was wrenched open and hit the opposite wall with a thud. Elizabeth then turned on her heel and strode back over to her trunk. She folded another gown and placed it on top of the light muslin one.

"We need to talk, Lizzy," Darcy murmured, wishing that she would at least look at him.

"We have talked," Elizabeth sniffled, "at length."

"No," Darcy said, reaching around her to still her hands. "The night before last... I talked... I commanded, and you listened... very patiently... and now, we need to talk... that is, I need to listen."

Elizabeth did not lean back in to his embrace. She twisted around to face him and he felt fresh pangs of guilt as he saw how bloodshot her lively eyes were. She sat down on the edge of the bed, folded her hands in her lap and waited for him to explain where he had been for the last two days.

"I... I apologise for my absence... I... It was necessary for me to leave to deal with an urgent matter of business..."

"Your note said as much," Elizabeth replied moodily.

"Where would you go?" Darcy asked, motioning at the portmanteau, "If... If you wished to leave me?"

"I... I hardly think it's fair for you to imply that I was deserting you!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "I was merely going to stay at my Uncle Gardiner's! I would have left you thirteen words, and I certainly would have told you my destination!" She stood up and tried to walk past him.

Darcy gripped her hands and brought them to his mouth to kiss them. "I am sorry, Lizzy! I could not bear to put you in danger!"

"You took two sixteen year olds with you!"

"It was necessary for me to take Georgiana and Miss Morland to an unknown location!"

"Was it necessary to leave me here alone?" Elizabeth asked, her voice sounding far more petulant than she had meant it to.

"You were not alone, my love!" Darcy protested, "Mrs Lovell and the housemaids were here to see to your every need, and Phipps and Cartwright both had sidearms."

"Where were you?" Elizabeth asked, wiping a fresh tear from her eye. "Why didn't you trust me?"

"Oh, my dearest," Darcy said at once, pulling her into his arms. "I do trust you... I love you so much that I did not want you to leave this sanctuary, while I dealt with the threat levelled against us."

Elizabeth sat quietly, "The night before last... after the picnic when you demanded that I retire to my room... who were the visitors who arrived after midnight?"

"Oh, my dear Lizzy," Darcy replied, stroking her hair. "I thought you were asleep by then! That was Mr Ashby and Mr Cohen of the Bow Street Runners."

"Why did you call in the Constabulary?" Elizabeth murmured, immediately remembering her frightening encounters with the criminal underworld.

Darcy saw the fear marring her features. "I wanted to protect you, my love," he whispered, brushing kisses across her tear-stained cheeks. "It was insufferable of me to presume that you would not pace the room with a hundred questions pressing against your breast. I did not want awful recollections to haunt your dreams, but I fear I quite underestimated your fortitude and independence of spirit. Will you accept my most heartfelt apology?"

"Yes," Elizabeth whispered and he was relieved to see that she looked less tense.

"Miss Morland called on me in my study after the picnic. She confessed that she had been unsure whether or not to trust Frederick Tilney. He had convinced her to await his arrival at her guardian's home. When he did not materialise, Miss Morland ordered the carriage to make a belated appearance at your picnic in Hyde Park. Suddenly, Frederick Tilney appeared and demanded that she depart with him. He was so forceful in his repeated requests that she became very frightened. He began to tell her that Georgiana was lying about Lydia's death. Miss Morland broke free and rushed back to her guardian's fireside."

"Oh, the poor girl!" Elizabeth exclaimed.

"I then took the steps that I claimed I would," Darcy continued. "I sent for the constables and told them of Frederick Tilney's threats and his failed attempt to abscond with Georgiana and her dowry."

"Do you think that was his motive this time?" Elizabeth asked worriedly.

Darcy nodded, balling his hands into fists, "I believe that his aim was to convince Miss Morland to lure Georgiana out from under my protection."

Elizabeth leant forwards and clasped his hands, "But, you took the girls to safety?"

"Yes," Darcy replied and to somewhere that Frederick Tilney would never think to look for them.

Elizabeth was puzzled, "Where is that, my love?"

"Bertram House," Darcy replied, "Our connection with Sir Thomas is so recent, that I doubted that Tilney would know of it."

"So, you were in London all this time?" Elizabeth asked indignantly.

"Please do not make yourself uneasy my love," Darcy replied, "I took Sir Thomas up on his offer of a visit to any of his estates mainly for Georgiana and Miss Morland's safety. Mr Allen, the constables and myself then went in search of Frederick Tilney. I also dispatched an express to his father, informing him of my disapprobation."

"So... you have returned... am I to understand that Mr Tilney is no longer a threat?" Elizabeth asked.

"His father arrived at Bow Street just as the scoundrel was being taken in. I personally had the satisfaction of hearing him threaten to disinherit his son if there were any further 'shenanigans.'"

Elizabeth sighed and then contentedly melted into her husband's embrace.

Darcy stroked her back and nervously cleared his throat. "If you... if you still wish to spend time with your dear relations in Gracechurch Street then I shall order..."

"What a preposterous idea!" Elizabeth exclaimed. She stopped smiling when she saw how vulnerable her husband looked. "Will, I would never desert you. I was merely going to await your return with my family by my side. I was hurt and angry that you confided none of this to me."

"I understand," Darcy replied, "and you must understand that I still live to regret my arrogance at times, my dear. I now realise that keeping you in the dark does not alleviate your fears."

"I'm not a book you can place on the Library shelf until you return to explore the next chapter," Elizabeth observed, raising a wry eyebrow at him.

"I was thinking you were more like a jewel that I must safely lock away," Darcy said with an apologetic smile.

Elizabeth reached forward and ran her fingers along his stubbled jaw. "Please promise that you shall never keep me in the dark again," she whispered.

"You have my word," he murmured and his lips crashed onto hers.

After an exquisite reunion of fond kisses, Elizabeth stood to begin unpacking her bags.

"Lizzy," Darcy began nervously, "I... I fear that I will offend you yet again, but please do not stop packing."

Elizabeth's forehead creased in concern, "What is it, Will?"

"I really should have consulted you...once again, my love... but I... well, let's just say that I arranged a surprise..."

"A surprise?" Elizabeth raised her eyebrows.

"Yes, I think we have all seen quite enough of the excesses of life in the Ton. I... I've arranged for us to travel back to Pemberley ahead of schedule."

"Oh! That will be delightful, Will!" Elizabeth exclaimed.

"I... I also arranged for Sir Thomas and his cousin to join us... to thank them for 'sheltering' Georgiana and Miss Morland."

"Well, that will be lovely!" Elizabeth replied, "We must invite Miss Morland. Her loyalty to Georgiana must certainly be rewarded."

"Ah, yes, I am glad that we were like minded on that front," Darcy said hesitantly.

"What is it, Will?" Elizabeth asked. "Did you also invite Lady Catherine or someone you thought I may disapprove of? She is part of your family and I shall bear..."

"No, I... Well, Colonel Fitzwilliam was actually the one who managed to capture Frederick Tilney..."

"Aha!" Elizabeth exclaimed in triumph, "So, he shall come and Georgiana shall be delighted to..."

Darcy shook his head and trained his eyes on the rug.

"Please just tell me, Will."

"He... he asked for my blessing... for... he plans to propose to Caroline. He's bringing her to Pemberley..."

All of the colour once more drained from Elizabeth's cheeks.

Posted on: 2010-02-25

Chapter 31

"Sir Thomas!" Darcy called again, bringing his horse to a trot beside the other man's steed.

"Oh, I do apologise," the younger man replied, "I do wish that you would call me Tom or Bertram. I am not quite used to the title."

"Fine, Bertram it is," Darcy replied, "it took me some time to… assume the responsibilities left in the wake of my own dear father's passing."

Tom nodded to thank him for his understanding and they rode on in silence. It was relaxing to be away from the bustling metropolis, particularly the matrons of the Ton who had made things so difficult for his ward.

"How is Miss Price," Darcy asked, breaking into his thoughts. "I do hope that the events of recent days were not too distressing for her."

"She is well, thank you," Tom replied. "Susan… Miss Price is often very overawed in the company of strangers."

"As is my sister," Darcy told him. "My wife has helped her remarkably in that regard. Miss Morland has also been a god-send and…"

"Forgive me for being so bold, Darcy," Tom interjected. "I couldn't help but sense a growing uneasiness in Mrs Darcy's countenance… if Miss Price or myself have caused the least offence, then…"

"There is no need to make yourself uneasy," Darcy quickly assured him. "My wife is concerned about my cousin's recent acquisition of a fortune…" Darcy paused, and then realised that he must keep his vow to be more open with his acquaintance."Well, that is Eliza is concerned about the effects that said fortune will have on the ladies with whom he associates…"

Tom realised that it was a highly delicate matter, so he cast his mind around for a change of subject. Realising that they were near a small parish church, he asked Darcy about its heritage.

"Oh, I had not realised that we rode so far!" Darcy exclaimed, before regaling Tom with the history of the parish of Kympton. He added, "It is currently vacant after the unfortunate loss of its last rector."

"What a pity!" Tom exclaimed, "If only Edmund, uh, my brother were free, but, after all, I should not wish for him to be so far from Mansfield Park."

"Well," Darcy turned his horse back towards Pemberley, "I am sure that the Bishop will recommend a good candidate."

"Of course," Tom agreed as he followed Darcy's lead.

Cantering towards Pemberley, they perceived that a carriage had just arrived. From a distance, Darcy could see the livery of Rosings Park.

"Fitzwilliam," he called, handing his horse to a stable boy.

"Darcy!" Fitzwilliam exclaimed, "It seems like months since I last saw you!"

It was not long before the men were sitting in the drawing room, chatting about their business opportunities, the state of the roads and the weather.

The ladies returned from the garden and more introductions were made.

"I believed that Miss Bingley would accompany you," Elizabeth quietly murmured, when she passed the Colonel his tea. "I trust that she is in good health."

Colonel Fitzwilliam glanced over at Darcy, then at Georgiana listening to Sir Thomas, and then back at Elizabeth.

"Miss Bingley is, I believe, in fine health. She… preferred to visit with her brother and your sister."

Elizabeth was startled, "She has remained in London for the season after all?"

"Charles thought that it was for the best," the Colonel replied, studying his tea cup, "as did I. Perhaps, I have not the means to… travel this world with such a lady by my side."

"You two…" Elizabeth bit her tongue, wanting to ask him if he had realised just how two-faced and avaricious Caroline was, but knowing that it was far too improper to do so.

"Mrs Darcy, I did not know my own mind until I received your husband's dispatch about the recent… threat to…" he glanced again at Georgiana.

"I much approve of your choice," Elizabeth said knowingly, her eyes almost brimming with tears of joy.

"I… I was surprised that… the party had… expanded so… considerably…" Colonel Fitzwilliam mumbled, keeping an eye on Sir Thomas and Georgiana.

"All are very agreeable, I assure you," Elizabeth smiled reassuringly.

"That is what is worrying me, madam."

After taking tea, Darcy excused himself to attend to business. He glanced out of his study windows several times washing Elizabeth and Georgiana lead their guests on a tour of the grounds. He had expected (after a brief conversation with his cousin) that the Colonel would be very solicitous of Georgiana. Unfortunately, Fitzwilliam was spending most of the time conversing with Elizabeth. It was Sir Thomas who held the gates open and handed Georgiana up the steeper steps.

Darcy watched Miss Morland and Miss Price giggling at the gentleman's jokes and felt a sense of satisfaction that Georgiana was among friends. The clock striking two broke into his reverie and Darcy returned to his matters of business. His estate was well-managed and there was only one pressing matter: the appointment of a new clergyman to the Parish of Kympton.

Darcy opened the wax seal on the letter from the Bishop of Derby. He was surprised by the name of the main candidate recommended for the living. The surname, at least, was quite familiar to him: Tilney. The Bishop, like most of respectable society, had no knowledge of the recent threat, to Darcy's sister, posed by Frederick Tilney.

The Bishop clearly believed that Mr Henry Tilney, late of Northanger Abbey, would be a kind and learned rector. The Bishop hinted that the younger son did not have General Tilney's full approbation for 'preferring the Church to a career in the military.' Darcy raised his eyebrows and cast his mind back. At Almack's, Mr Henry Tilney had seemed like an agreeable young man and an attentive friend to Miss Morland. Surely, it would be wrong of him to hold the sins of one brother against the other. They may, as adults, be little acquainted with each other. Darcy picked up his quill and wrote to both the Bishop and Henry Tilney – he invited the young man to visit Pemberley for an interview.

Chapter 32

Catherine was rushing, in the most lady-like manner possible, towards the breakfast room when she heard a very familiar laugh.

Forgetting all about the errand she had been sent on by Elizabeth, she ducked behind the nearest column.

"Tilney!" Darcy exclaimed, "I had thought that you would have been delayed by last night's deluge."

"Mr Darcy," Henry replied, removing his hat and giving a low bow, "It was very kind of you to send such a fine carriage on to Lambton. We've made good progress, sir."

"Well, let me show you through to my study," Darcy said warmly, passing on a few instructions to the footmen as he led the way.

"You must allow me to apologise for my brother's conduct, sir," Henry began as soon as they were seated.

"Not at all," Darcy quickly asserted. "You are not responsible for his misdeeds. Your father has assured me that Mr Frederick Tilney will cause no further… consternation…"

Catherine crept closer to the study door, eager to hear more of Henry's sudden and remarkable appearance at Pemberley.

Suddenly, she lost her footing and a marble statue crashed to the floor.

Almost at once, and to her great embarrassment, she heard the rushing of feet and realised that Mr Tilney had hoisted her into his arms and laid her on the nearest sopha.

"Miss Morland!" he exclaimed, a look of panic marring his features.

"Fetch my wife," Darcy told the servants as he offered Catherine a tonic.

Red-faced and shaking, Catherine stood up. "I do beg your pardon, Mr Darcy… Mr Tilney… I wish that I could repay you for the statue… I…"

Their protestations and entreaties to be seated frazzled her nerves all the more. Elizabeth almost immediately ushered Catherine out into the corridor and led her to the morning room.

Catherine knew not what Mr Tilney and Mr Darcy discussed, but sometime later, she saw Mr Tilney leave in the same carriage in which he had come.

Thankfully, Elizabeth carried the conversation, allowing Catherine to sit quietly while the new addition to their party, Colonel Fitzwilliam, told them of his recent travels.

Presently, Catherine was able to regain her composure enough to chat pleasantly with Fitzwilliam, Sir Thomas and the ladies.

Darcy joined them for refreshments and after quietly reassuring her that he had not particularly cared for that statue anyway, he announced, "Mr Henry Tilney has accepted the living of Kympton. He is a fine fellow."

To everyone, but Georgiana and Elizabeth's surprise, Catherine once more turned scarlet and rushed from the room.

"My dearest, are you sure she is quite well?" Darcy asked in bewilderment.

"I shall… see that she is not feeling… ill… after her fall…" Georgiana mumbled and then darted after Catherine before the gentlemen could gain their feet.

Colonel Fitzwilliam studied Sir Thomas' reaction to Georgiana's departure so intently, that Elizabeth quickly took action.

Elizabeth quickly arranged for them all to take a walk, fearing that more that it was not just Catherine who was having trouble expressing her own feelings.