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Chapter 45

Posted on Thursday, 22 March 2001, at 10 : 55 p.m.

The drawing room filled with a plethora of loud voices, the exuberance of Mrs. Bennet and her younger daughters evident in the pitch of their squeals as they admired the room, ecstatic at the notion that it would belong to Jane soon. It was entirely this sort of excitement that Mr. Bennet had sought to avoid; hence he had stayed home despite all his wife's objections. The display might have been irksome to Elizabeth, but she was too preoccupied to notice. Jane's face was graced with a flattering color of red and had she not happened to look at Bingley, she might have been more than a little embarrassed. Georgie and Anne appeared soon after to greet the guests. Elizabeth managed to say as much as propriety dictated, but not a syllable more. She exchanged polite pleasantries with the hosts, even managing to glance at Darcy for a brief moment, a very brief moment. He was standing next to Bingley, a rather somber expression on his face. Not entirely somber, though, for Elizabeth detected a hint of a smile, yet she could not be certain. He spoke a little to Jane and Bingley and Elizabeth could not quell that tiny twinge of jealousy at the fact that he was not speaking to her instead. But that sentiment had to be quelled, so Elizabeth diverted her eyes; a most fortuitous occurrence for Darcy happened to glance at her just then and had she looked into his eyes directly, the results might have been disastrous. Elizabeth found Georgie at her side and smiled at the younger woman, determined that her feelings for the brother would not interfere in a relationship with the sister, whom she had come to like immensely.

"Georgie," Elizabeth greeted her with a small smile.

"Elizabeth, you look very well," Georgie said diffidently.

"Thank you," said Elizabeth. "I feel much better. The other day when you and Anne came to call upon Jane, I was out of sorts, so I am sorry for not receiving you properly. Lately, I have been a victim to sudden headaches and I believe that when I am thus under attack, it is better that I remove myself from company." Elizabeth smiled. "I can be rather horrid, otherwise."

Georgie laughed. "That is hard to imagine, though I will take your word for it."

"You are the only one," said Anne, as she joined them with a grin. "Surely you will not forgive her impertinence so quickly, Georgie. I think that her hasty departure was as much motivated by a "headache" as it was by her wish to avoid certain people."

Elizabeth looked at her friend. "And what reason would I have to avoid anyone."

"Do not lie, Elizabeth," said Anne. "I know the truth. You are envious of my wit, my beauty, my vivacity. You could not bear to remain in my company for my flawlessness reminded you of your own imperfections." Georgie snickered. "You find that amusing, Georgie? It is true. Elizabeth cannot deny it any more. She has been avoiding me to escape those painful comparisons that must inevitably ensue from being in the vicinity of greatness."

Elizabeth smiled. "You are right, Anne, I cannot lie anymore. Your beauty blinds me."

"I am sorry, dear," said Anne solemnly. "But there is really nothing that I can do about the matter. It is out of my hands, really. I did not ask for these gifts, and yet, fate did smile upon me. What can I say? I am perfection itself."

"O perfect one, you continue to amaze me," said Elizabeth.

"I amaze even myself," admitted Anne.

"That is a feat in itself," muttered Georgie. "But I thought you knew everything? Then how can you amaze yourself?"

"Georgie," Anne glared at her. "Did I give you leave to think?"

"I think you have made the great one angry," Elizabeth observed. "Well done."

"Your jealousy is causing you to rally my troops against me," Anne accused.

"Your troops?" Georgie raised her eyebrows.

"Every general must have troops," said Anne.

"Now it makes perfect sense," muttered Elizabeth with a sarcastic roll of her eyes.

Even as Anne began to retort, Bingley announced a proposal to show the Bennets the house. This proposal was met with instant excitement, especially Mrs. Bennet, who was intent upon counting the number of fireplaces, having been so inspired by Mr. Collins. Mary begged indifference and preferred to stay in the drawing room with her book, but no one else voiced any objections, so they soon exited the drawing room for a grand tour of the house. Jane found it hard to conceal her excitement. She had only been to a few rooms and that had been when she had been sick, so in essence, this would be her first viewing of her future house. Bingley led the tour with Mrs. Bennet, Jane, Kitty and Lydia by his side. Somehow in the commotion, Darcy had managed to slip away, hence he was nowhere to be seen. Anne, Elizabeth and Georgie followed the party, though they barely listened to Bingley's descriptions or directions for they were much engaged among themselves.

"I am an excellent general," Anne declared.

Elizabeth looked at Georgie. "I think that if we encourage her, the problem will only get worse."

"You can mock me to your heart's content," said Anne.

"I intend to do just that," said Elizabeth.

"It is your prerogative," said Anne. "But when you witness my military skills, you shall learn to respect me."

"Doubtful," said Elizabeth, as they reached the top of the stairs. Bingley was already leading the other ladies to the east wing. Elizabeth suggested that they explore the other wing of the house. As they walked down the long hall, Elizabeth said, "If I shall have you both as my guide, you should at least entertain me with ghost stories of Netherfield's haunted past; otherwise, we shall be very dull indeed."

"You wish for a story?" Anne said. "Alright then. You asked for it, so do not complain if you do not like it." Anne cleared her throat. "It happened exactly 387 years ago."

"I thought it was 388?" Georgie said with a grin.

Anne glared at her. "Anyway, it is the legend of Damcy and Lizaveta, whose tale of tortured, forbidden love is timeless and whose ghosts haunt Netherfield even today. You see, Damcy met Lizaveta when he saved her from highwaymen and -- "

"I have heard enough," Elizabeth said quickly.

Anne was about to persist when she remembered something. Ah yes...subtlety. "Well, if you are going to object to any story that I might have to tell you, then I wonder you ask for a story at all?"

"I changed my mind, is all," said Elizabeth.

They walked in silence for a little while, before Anne said, "Well, there is something I have to tell you."

"As long as it is not another ghost story," said Elizabeth.

"Indeed, it is not," said Anne. "Only an invitation." Anne paused. "To a picnic. Charles might soon arrange for a picnic and I believe he intends to invite your family. But I thought I would take this opportunity to invite you particularly."

Elizabeth looked at Anne. "A picnic? With everyone?" Anne nodded. "That is a kind invitation, but I must refuse."

"Why?" asked Anne. "I thought you favored fresh air."

"I do, but I am not fond of family picnics," said Elizabeth.

Especially the ones which Darce might attend. "You must reconsider, Elizabeth."

"No," said Elizabeth firmly.

"Charles would be upset, would he not, Georgie?"

Georgie seemed uncomfortable. "I believe so." Too bad he does not even know that he is arranging a picnic.

"Then I shall explain the matter to him directly," said Elizabeth.

"Of course this is all a plan - nothing concrete," mumbled Anne.

Elizabeth looked at Anne suspiciously. "Then I will explain if and when the need arises."

"It would be very enjoyable," Anne attempted for the last time.

"Sounds promising," said Elizabeth. "Enjoy yourself."

Anne sighed. "I will." At the phantom picnic. Ah, foiled again.

They were upon a large gallery of paintings along with some portraits of previous residents and owners. Elizabeth, who prided herself to be somewhat of a connoisseur of art, regarded these particular pieces with some interest. Anne and Georgie were not very interested, but they stood by Elizabeth's side as she marveled and wondered aloud. After a few minutes, though, it became apparent that they were fast becoming impatient, so Elizabeth suggested that they go ahead; she would follow them directly. Anne resisted at first, insisting that she was not bored at all, but at length, Elizabeth persuaded her, promising them that she would follow them soon. Kitty happened upon them at that time and Georgie offered to lead her back to Bingley. Anne followed them and soon Elizabeth was left to enjoy her paintings in peace. She especially admired the one portrait of a young woman, a portrait that seemed some fifty years old, at least. As Elizabeth looked, she was reminded of what Anne had said earlier. Damcy and Lizaveta indeed. She shook her head. It was just so...Anne. Surprisingly enough, she had desisted, a small miracle for which Elizabeth was very grateful. She was in no humor to battle with Anne. But she could not help but wonder why Darcy had suddenly disappeared. Not that she wished to see him or anything, but it was curious. Was he avoiding her? Or perhaps he had some pressing business? Either way, Elizabeth knew it should not matter. And it did not. It did not matter, in the least. She did not care if he was avoiding her. Although it was rather presumptuous of him for she had not yet answered his proposal of friendship. So much the better. She did not know what the answer was, anyway.

Few minutes had elapsed and Elizabeth determined that she should rejoin Anne and Georgie. She attempted to trace their steps, but found with dismay, that there was no way to tell where they had gone. She stood, befuddled, for a moment. She could not hear any voices, so they had returned to the drawing room, in all probability. As Elizabeth looked around, she discovered that this was a wing of the house that she was not familiar with. Elizabeth stood motionless for a moment, then started retracing her steps, proceeding back to the gallery. She felt slightly stupid at being lost in a house that she had inhabited for a few days. It was a rather large house, but she had been fairly certain that she knew her way. That arrogance on her part might be to blame. At any rate, Elizabeth hoped that she would find her way - or a footman - soon. If she was absent for too long, her mother would undoubtedly have the servants search the house and she could not conceive of a situation more embarrassing. Elizabeth was so engaged in these thoughts that she hardly paid attention to her surroundings and so, when she exited the gallery, she walked straight into a terribly familiar chest. She did not need to look up to realize who it was and at that moment, Elizabeth would have willingly swallowed poison rather than be there with him. Alone. Elizabeth toyed with the idea of running, but then reminded herself that she did not know where she was going. And running around the house in circles was not a particularly pleasing option. So, Elizabeth forced herself to look up at him and she blushed as she did. He was looking at her with a bemused smile. How she wished that he would stop smiling. Elizabeth struggled to regain her composure and her tongue; so the responsibility to begin the conversation lay with him.

"Are you lost, Miss Bennet?" he asked.

"No, indeed," she replied hurriedly. Um... "Well...that is to say, slightly."

"Slightly?" he raised his eyebrows. "I did not know there were degrees of being lost."

"Nor I," said Elizabeth. "Before today, that is."

"Would you care to explain?" asked Darcy.

"Well," said Elizabeth. "I know where I am and I know where I want to go, but I don't know how to get there. But I am certain that if I continue walking, I will eventually reach my destination. Hence I am only slightly lost."

"I see," said Darcy. "You could, of course, remedy the situation easily and allow me to escort you to wherever you are going."

"Yes, but I have only just happened upon you," said Elizabeth. "I was lost before."

"But not anymore," said Darcy. "So where would you have me take you?"

"The drawing room, please," said Elizabeth, wondering if he would offer her his arm.

He did not. Instead, he motioned for her to follow him and Elizabeth found herself walking beside him in silence. She glanced at him covertly. It did not seem as though he would initiate any conversation and Elizabeth certainly did not wish to. Yet, the alternative was not very attractive either. The present silence was somehow rather tense and Elizabeth only wondered if she was imagining the tension. Perhaps she was, and if so, she felt especially foolish. But there seemed to be no rational way for her to relieve her tension. Despite his assurances to the contrary, Elizabeth knew that he expected some sort of response from her. Even if he did not, she certainly felt obliged to respond. He had offered his friendship, seemingly with little expectation of anything else and he deserved a response at least. Elizabeth was not withholding her response due any hidden malicious agenda; rather, she did not know what to say. Her feelings were very conflicted on the matter and the passage of several days had not proved to be enough to provide her with any solutions. The proposal seemed simple enough. Given the past, given everything that had happened, a friendship did not seem wholly out of the ordinary. It did not pressure her to forgo her convictions, it did not dictate her to alter her decision. But even as those thoughts crossed her mind, all Elizabeth could remember was the pain on Victor's face that last fateful night. She could still see his soft smile, his last words to her had been so kind and he had not reproached her for what she had done to him. She could still remember his labored words, his damp forehead, his ragged breaths. He had valiantly attempted to conceal his suffering, protecting her to the very end. And he had been reduced to that state due to mere friendship with her.

Who would have thought that her friendship came at such an unimaginably high cost. And how could Elizabeth agree to another friendship when she knew of the disastrous consequences that were not only possible, but probable. Any association with her could never be beneficial for Darcy; he would understand that soon enough. Wickham might be gone, but her tainted past would haunt her forever and hurt those who were foolish enough to be close to her. The blame rested with her and her alone. She had brought it upon herself by her foolish decisions. She had allowed herself to be flattered and charmed by a handsome face and had willfully married a man against the better judgement of her own father, who had never been terribly in favor of the match. The blame lay with her pride and her arrogance. She had trusted and believed in her own judgement. Never again would she make that error again. Especially when it related to men. Especially when it related to Darcy. He had known what Wickham was; what must he think of her. He secretly despised her, she was sure of it. How could he not? And even if he claimed not to, she knew that he would very soon. It was inevitable. He would realize that she had not been worthy of Victor's sacrifice and she, surely, was not worthy of his love - or his friendship. The more Elizabeth thought about it, the more she realized that no real benefits could be derived from this proposed friendship. It would be pure torture for both of them and in the end, nothing would be achieved. He would return to his Pemberley and she - she would not be at Pemberley. Of course they would meet sometime, at Anne's or Jane's house, but she supposed she would be able to manage that. A few meetings, a few pleasantries, a few conversations. Elizabeth was certain she would manage to cope with it. It was the least she could do.

"So...." Elizabeth began, breaking the silence.

"So," said Darcy, glancing at her.

"This is a very nice house," Elizabeth said, a little awkwardly.

"Indeed," replied Darcy. "I believe your sister shall be very happy here."

"I believe she will," agreed Elizabeth.

"Bingley is terribly fond of her, you know."

"Just fond?" Elizabeth said.

"Well, more than fond," Darcy smiled slightly. "Very fond."

Elizabeth smiled. "That's reassuring." She paused. "I wonder if they shall live here. Will Mr. Bingley buy Netherfield, do you think?"

"Perhaps," said Darcy. "He has to settle somewhere."

"Yes, but the question is whether he shall be able to bear living but 3 miles from mama."

Darcy smiled. "Well, I believe that as long as he is with Miss Bennet, he shall be happy to live in a hut. It is remarkable; love is."

"Yes, it is," Elizabeth sighed. She boldly glanced at him as he spoke, but he did not look her way and the unfamiliar twinge of disappointment followed. "Mr. Darcy," she said suddenly. He stopped and looked at her. "Do you believe in destiny?"

"I never used to," he said. "But now I think I do."

She colored slightly. "I believe that...things happen for a reason and it is not in our place to question destiny." She paused. "We cannot control life and the sooner we realize that, the happier we shall be." She paused again, struggling for words, hoping he would understand her meaning. "And sometimes it is hard to understand why things happen the way they do, and in those circumstances, it is best not to challenge or question - just trust in a power whose judgement is better than ours. And in the end, all will be as it should."

They had reached the drawing room and before opening the door, Darcy said, "Is that a promise?"

Elizabeth did not reply and when they entered the drawing room, they were separated. The remainder of the evening passed without any incidents and further excitement, except for Anne's continual teasing of Elizabeth for having been lost. Elizabeth bore the attack with tolerable humor, although she did learn from Georgie that when Anne had been 10 years old, she had managed to get lost in Pemberley and it had taken 5 hours and 7 servants to finally find her. Darcy did not have occasion to speak with Elizabeth anymore, but his eyes were more or less steadfastly trained upon her and his sister, who seemed to be getting along exceptionally well. Elizabeth noted with pleasure that Georgie seemed to be in excellent spirits, without any hint of her former gloom or guilty conscience. So much the better, she mused and thanked the stars for sparing this innocent girl the pain, but she only had to glance at the brother to be reminded of her own. All will be as it should. Both Darcy and Elizabeth believed in that, but they differed in their conception of what should be. In their hearts they might believe in the same thing, but that would be a fleeting moment of weakness for Elizabeth. All would be as it should; it was inevitable, it was undeniable. And only a small miracle would coincide their versions of that eventuality.

~~

"It is the most elegant house, I do declare," said Mrs. Bennet, the next afternoon as she sat in the parlor with her daughters. "So very big. And the rooms so pleasant. I say Jane, I knew you were not so beautiful for nothing. You shall be mistress of Netherfield. 'Mrs. Bingley.' Oh, how well that sounds! And a daughter married (properly, this time)...to think, a year ago I was convinced that we were all ruined. Especially when Lizzy came home."

"Mama," Jane said, shocked, stealing a fearful glance at Elizabeth.

"It is the truth, Jane," said Mrs. Bennet, unconcerned. "Our good name was sullied in all of Meryton - rumors of Miss Lizzy's escapades abounded." Jane seemed shocked. "You must have heard it too, Jane?"

"Yes, but you know it is not true," said Jane.

"Yes well, that hardly matters now, does it?" said Mrs. Bennet. "You shall be married and our misfortunes will be over. It shall throw the girls into the path of other rich men."

"Aye," agreed Lydia wholeheartedly. "But I infinitely prefer a redcoat."

"But you must be careful, Lydia," said Mrs. Bennet. "Look where it got Lizzy."

"Mama!" Jane exclaimed.

"No, Jane, it is quite alright - it is true," Elizabeth said calmly, focussing on her needlework.

"It is very well that you accept that, Lizzy," said Mrs. Bennet. "But the time to wallow in self pity has long passed. You must think of the future."

"I am clear about my future, mama," said Elizabeth aware of the direction of this conversation.

"Are you? Then, pray, do share it with us for we would love to hear of it."

"My plans are not concrete of yet, but I am clear on one thing and that is, I shall not marry. I say that now so you may cease entertaining any such notions."

"Not marry? Oh Lizzy, what a notion!" said Mrs. Bennet. "Of course you shall marry."

"Mama, I really have no wish to discuss this any further; my decision is final."

"Headstrong girl," said Mrs. Bennet. "Oh what will become of us all! Who shall take care of you, Lizzy, when your father is gone? For certainly I shall not be able to and then you shall be sorry. It is ridiculous; you are young yet and handsome enough, I dare say. You would find a suitable match in two seasons, I do declare and if you refuse then, it would be pure selfishness. For if you cared about your mother or your sisters, you would reconsider."

"That is not fair, mama," said Jane. "Lizzy owes us nothing."

"We took her in, did we not?" said Mrs. Bennet.

"But this is her house too," said Jane.

"A woman relinquishes her name the day she marries, Jane," said Mrs. Bennet. "And with that, she relinquishes any claim to her previous home."

"Rest assured, mama," said Elizabeth. "I do not intend to become a burden."

"What shall you do? Earn your living?"

Elizabeth nodded. "When I find something suitable."

"So you would rather disgrace our family by becoming a servant than get married?" Mrs. Bennet said. "I do not understand you, Lizzy, I never have and never will. What is this sudden aversion to marriage? You might have been attached to dear Mr. Wickham, but surely that should not prevent you from marrying again."

The idea was so laughable that Elizabeth almost smiled in response. "I do not expect you to understand."

"Well!" exclaimed Mrs. Bennet. "You have always gotten your way - and this is the result of it. If you persist, you will ruin your life."

A little late for that - I already have. "This is a mute discussion, mama. I do not intend to alter my decision." With those words she rose and excused herself.

"Unfeeling, selfish, headstrong girl," Mrs. Bennet said.

As Elizabeth left, Jane looked at her mother. "Mama, you must not do that."

"And why not?" said Mrs. Bennet. "I am not afraid of her."

"She is very fragile, mama," sighed Jane. "She is confused and upset and I do not think that arguing with her about her future decisions is appropriate. Besides, she is in mourning. She could not marry if she wanted to."

"Yes, but finding husbands requires time, so if she begins now, she will have a husband in a year."

Jane began to speak, but stopped. It was wasted effort, she would never understand.

As they returned to their work, Anne was announced.

"Miss de Bourgh, we welcome you," greeted Mrs. Bennet cheerfully.

"I am happy to see you again," smiled Anne. She looked around the room. "Where is Elizabeth?"

"In her room, I suppose," said Mrs. Bennet with a frown.

"Oh I see," said Anne.

"I could have her summoned, if you want," offered Mrs. Bennet.

"No, no, it is quite alright," Anne assured her.

Mrs. Bennet nodded. She cleared her throat. "You must be acquainted with Mr. Collins, no doubt? Oh yes of course. He is our cousin, you see. He visited us not too long ago, actually." Anne made some interested sounds although she inwardly rolled her eyes. "He tells me that your home - Rosings is very grand indeed."

"Well, not very grand," said Anne. "It is pleasant enough."

"I heard the chimneys themselves cost a small fortune," Mrs. Bennet said.

"Ah yes, the chimneys," Anne frowned. "Yes, the chimneys. They are very...um, nice chimneys." She concluded with some confusion.

"Of course," said Mrs. Bennet and was about to expound on the merits of large staircases when Anne stood up.

"I, actually, am very interested in taking a turn about your wonderful grounds, Mrs. Bennet," Anne said. "Perhaps if Jane would be so kind as to accompany me?"

"Jane would be delighted," said Mrs. Bennet, looking at her daughter. "Go with her, dear."

Jane nodded and followed Anne out the parlor. As soon as they had walked several steps, Anne said, "Jane, we need to talk."

Chapter 46

Posted on Saturday, 31 March 2001, at 9:47 p.m.

Jane was slightly surprised at the briskness of Anne's tone, but as soon as they were in the grounds, she said, "Yes, of course, Anne. It sounds urgent."

"It is," said Anne. "And you can easily guess the object of my concern."

"Lizzy?" Jane mused aloud.

"Indeed," nodded Anne.

"Lucky guess," said Jane wryly. "So...what is the matter now?"

"Nothing new occurred, if that is what you mean," said Anne. "And that is exactly why I am concerned. Elizabeth does not seem to be improving very much. Actually, I lie. For a very short while yesterday, I thought she was improving, but that was when she was with Georgie and me. However, once she was in Darce's presence, I could feel her coldness. Perhaps it was simply self-restraint, I do not know. Either way, I do not think that she is showing any signs of healing. Of course, I understand that such a process would take time, but I would still expect to see some gains."

"As would I," sighed Jane. "But she does not share her troubles with my anymore, so I am hard pressed to help her in the process."

"Did she speak of last night's dinner at all?" asked Anne. "Or Darce, perhaps?"

"Not at all," Jane shook her head. "But then she had not had the opportunity to speak with me in private. Mama has been with us practically the entire time."

"Ah yes, Mrs. Bennet," said Anne. "I do not wish to offend you in any manner, but I am also concerned about Mrs. Bennet."

"You are?" said Jane, confused. "Why?"

"She does not appear to be the most...how shall I say, sensitive of persons?" said Anne. "And I cannot help but think that she is not helping in Elizabeth's healing process; rather she is an obstacle in that path." Jane was silent. "I have offended you...?"

"Oh no," Jane said hastily. "I was just thinking about what you said. You know, Lizzy and mama had another argument today, just before you arrived actually. Mama told Lizzy that she should try and find a husband. And Lizzy refused. They argued about it for sometime and mama was not the least bit tactful. I, actually, agree with mama that Lizzy should not rule marriage out entirely, but this is not the time to bring up such a delicate subject for Lizzy is not ready to hear it." Jane paused. "But mama does not understand. So Lizzy left the parlor to escape. It is always like that. They always argue and Lizzy always leaves. It cannot be beneficial for Lizzy in any way."

"I should think not," said Anne. "She has enough problems to cope with without Mrs. Bennet adding to her misery. There is only one thing to be done, of course." Jane raised her eyebrows. "We shall have to remove her from Longbourn."

"But Lizzy will not leave while I am still here," said Jane. "She told me, the other day, that she intends to stay at my side till I am married."

"Well, she can escape for a week or two, at least," said Anne. "Any small time would be beneficial." Anne paused. "Do you suppose she'll agree to go to the Gardiners?"

"But she had been impatient to leave town," Jane pointed out. "It held too many memories of her last days with Victor, I think."

"True," Anne said, thoughtfully. "In that case, we shall have to give her a reason to go." Anne paused. "I know -- Jane, you have not yet looked for any wedding gowns or trousseau or anything of that sort, have you?" Jane replied in the negative. "Then you can write to Mrs. Gardiner and ask to visit her so you can start your search of the perfect gowns and such. And of course, you could not dream of undertaking this extraordinarily important endeavor without the help of your dearest sister, Elizabeth. She would never be able to refuse."

"Perhaps not," said Jane. "But do consider, mama would insist on joining us."

"Would she?" said Anne. "Well, then, let her come. I dare say even if she went to town, she would be entirely too engaged in advising you about the best warehouses to pay much attention to Elizabeth. Which is exactly what we want. And besides, Elizabeth could stay in town a few additional days, after you left even. Surely some time by herself, in the company of Mrs. Gardiner would not be undesirable?"

"Not in the least," said Jane. "Though it pains me to say it, Aunt Gardiner has always been more of a mother to Lizzy than mama." Jane paused. "Do not misunderstand, Anne, mama loves Lizzy very much. She just does not understand Lizzy - she never has, even when we were young. It has been a constant battle and both of them are to blame, I suppose, because Lizzy never humored her either. I cannot blame Lizzy, I think, for it is not in her nature and besides, she never got the support she needed from mama. For that, she always turned to Aunt Gardiner."

"Then, I suppose, it will do her much good to go to town," observed Anne.

"If she allows herself to be open and frank with my aunt, yes," said Jane.

"True," said Anne. "But do you not think that she will be tired of being silent on this subject? She has to speak to someone; let your aunt be the one."

"Well, she has spoken of her guilt on some occasions," said Jane. "But I do not think she listened to what I had to say."

"Exactly," said Anne. "My words fall on deaf ears." She paused. "Yes, going to town is an excellent idea. Coincidentally, Darce left for town this morning."

"Coincidentally?" Jane looked at her with a smile. "I suppose the fact that Mr. Darcy went to town did not intrude upon your concern for Lizzy at all?"

"Not at all," Anne smirked. "Why does everyone always assume the worst of me? This is not promising. You do not believe in my innocence in this matter. And you are the most trusting of them all." She sighed. "I confess that I thought it would not be undesirable for Elizabeth and Darce to be in town at the same time, but that was not my only consideration. If you had suggested a better place for Elizabeth to visit, I dare say I would not have objected."

"Of course, I do not doubt that," said Jane quickly.

Anne smiled. "I knew you were trusting."

Jane laughed. "So, why did Mr. Darcy leave for town?"

"He claims that he has business there," said Anne.

"And you have reason to doubt that?" asked Jane.

"He is obviously trying to distance himself a little from Elizabeth," said Anne. "Remember when I told you that he intends to wait for Elizabeth, no matter how long it takes?" Jane nodded. "Well, perhaps, he was a trifle disappointed yesterday, when Elizabeth showed no signs of improvement. What else could he have expected? Elizabeth is not going to change overnight. But he is human, nonetheless, and I dare say he was crushed, despite his best intentions to remain objective. I know Darce very well, Jane. When he is disappointed, he consoles himself by distancing himself from the object of his disappointment. Hence, the sudden business trip to town." She paused. "Of course, he could also have legitimate business there, but that is not very likely."

Jane spoke thoughtfully. "But if Mr. Darcy wants to distance himself a little to find some hope, wouldn't Lizzy's appearance there defeat the whole purpose?"

"I imagine not," said Anne. "Darce has to learn that this situation is different from all the other problems he has ever faced; so he must not deal with it in a similar manner. If, as he says, he is willing to wait for Elizabeth, then he will be faced with disappointment nearly every day. He cannot very well run away from her every time it happens. He must face the disappointment with a perseverance that he professes to possess. If he is not equal to the challenge, then he should recognize his defeat and save himself and Elizabeth unnecessary heartache." She looked at Jane. "I wish it were not so, but Darce might have to wait many months before he is successful in his endeavors. And those months can only mean pure torture for both parties involved. He knows that, I think, but he must also learn that the disappointment will be temporary. If I believe in anything in this world, I believe that Darce and Elizabeth will eventually find happiness; it is just a matter of time."

"I suppose," sighed Jane. "Things would have been so much simpler had Lizzy met Mr. Darcy before Mr. Wickham."

Anne smiled. "Perhaps, but knowing those two, they would have found a way to misunderstand each other and resist happiness anyway."

"You might be right," smiled Jane.

"As you shall soon discover, I am always right," grinned Anne.

Jane laughed heartily. "Well, I will write to my aunt directly, and with any luck, we shall be on our way to town in a few days."

"Excellent," said Anne. "By the way, Jane, may I ask you something?"

"Yes, of course."

"Do you think I am being subtle now?" asked Anne gravely.

In response, Jane burst out laughing.

"So I take it the answer is no," said Anne.

"Yes," Jane managed to say.

"Yes?" Anne became excited.

"Yes, the answer is no," said Jane, amused.

"Cruel, cruel Jane; you had me excited for a second," said Anne. They began walking towards the house. "No matter, I will become subtle yet. Do not snicker, Jane, I will. By the by, what are you doing standing here and laughing? Have you not a letter to write? Make haste, Jane. There is no time to lose." They were at the door. Before entering, Anne added. "We have a town to conquer and broken hearts to mend." With that, they returned to the parlor.

~~

"Explain to me again why exactly it is necessary for you to accompany us to town?" Elizabeth asked of her carriage companions.

"Elizabeth, I know you did not mean to be cruel, so I shall forgive you," replied Anne.

"You are certain about that?" said Elizabeth.

Anne looked at her. "I have to be." She paused dramatically. "Else I shall be heartbroken."

"Better you than me," said Elizabeth.

"Ah, cruel fate, how you torture me," said Anne. She looked at Elizabeth. "You are the fortunate one; just think of Jane. She is in the carriage with Lydia, Kitty and Mrs. Bennet."

Elizabeth shuddered. "Good point."

Georgie said, "Well, Elizabeth, I confess that I wish to go to town to see William. He has been away for a week already and I miss him."

"Oh," Elizabeth lowered her eyes.

"I cannot reproach him for he has business," said Georgie.

"You are too forgiving," said Anne. "I dare say he just got sick of me."

"Can we blame him?" said Elizabeth.

"Your words will not wound me," said Anne decisively.

"A pity," murmured Elizabeth.

"I wonder if Charles saw him," said Georgie.

"Charles has been there for 2 days," said Anne. "I dare say he did." She paused. "We should, in fact, commiserate with Charles as well. He has been staying with Caroline Bingley."

Now it was Georgie who shuddered. "Do you suppose she will come back to Netherfield with us?"

"Heavens, I hope not," said Anne. "But I fear that the moment she learns that Darce shall be staying there awhile, she will be pack her trunks in the blink of an eye. Especially now that her dear sister Louisa and Mr. Hurst are in the continent. I dare say she has no more friends to bother." Anne paused. "I find it extremely unfortunate that I was acquainted with Caroline for so long, and yet have met her brother only recently. It is a mystery how that happens. We had some common acquaintances in town, I suppose. And although Darce spoke often of his friend Bingley, I never chanced to meet him. I got the wrong sibling."

"I cannot say that I disagree," said Elizabeth.

"I wish Caroline would just accept the fact that my brother will never marry her and that I will never marry Charles," said Georgie with a small sigh.

"I think it is all the orange," mused Anne.

"What do you mean?" said Elizabeth.

"Have you not heard?" said Anne. "Orange clouds the brain."

"That would explain it, then," said Elizabeth with a smirk.

Anne nodded. "For sometime I thought she was after my Richard. Thankfully, he is not rich enough to suit her fancy."

"Speaking of Richard, he is returning from Spain soon, is he not?" asked Georgie.

"Tomorrow," Anne could not stop grinning.

"Excellent," said Elizabeth. "That should be distracting enough."

Anne was too distracted to pay attention. "I have not seen him in an eternity, it seems. It has been too long. I have barely spent any time with him since our engagement. And now he will be home at last." She paused. "Of course, now we must tell my mother. She is town, you know. Yes, she is in town today and intends to stay for a few days. So Richard and I must tell her about us. I wonder how she will react."

"Anne, she will be happy for you," Elizabeth said. "She loves Colonel Fitzwilliam."

"Yes, but...," Anne frowned. "I suppose so, but I am not certain how she will react to this news. You know as well as anyone else, Elizabeth, that she likes to be in control of every situation and I cannot help but think that she will not approve of the fact that I got engaged without her knowledge or permission."

"But you could not tell her then," said Elizabeth. "She thought you were engaged to..." Elizabeth paused. "Victor."

Anne felt the slight tension in her voice and decided to avert the conversation from that subject. "Well I shall wait till Richard comes before I tell her. Whatever happens, at least I will have him to console me."

Georgie said, "Anne, you never told me how this engagement came to pass. The last time I was in both your and cousin Richard's company, you addressed him as 'Colonel Fitzwilliam' and he teased you incessantly. I would never have imagined that you were in love with him, though I confess I suspected some partiality on his side."

"Did you really?" Anne said, interested. "I do not know how it came to pass, myself. I have loved him for as long as I can remember, but never had the courage to admit to my true feelings for I was certain that he did not return them. I dare say I would not have been engaged to him this very moment had it not been for Elizabeth." She looked affectionately at her friend. "Elizabeth convinced me to try and win Richard when he visited us at Rosings. Of course it was not entirely easy. Richard did think that I was engaged. Do you know, he actually hit Victor; he was so upset?!" Anne paused, realizing that she had unwittingly mentioned Victor's name again.

Elizabeth looked at Anne and said, "I remember that day very well. Mr. Darcy and I had spoken with Victor earlier. We had devised a plan, you see, Georgie. If Colonel Fitzwilliam saw Anne with Victor alone, he would certainly lose his temper and perhaps reveal his heart in the process, in which case Anne could tell him that she was not actually engaged to Victor and all would be well. Of course it did not go exactly as planned for the Colonel did hit Victor, but Victor was very spirited." Elizabeth's eyes were focussed on a distant object as she traveled to the past. "Victor was a gentleman about it, not even chastising me for involving him in the plan. He was always prepared to help those in need." Elizabeth stopped, and when she resumed, there was a trace of bitterness in her voice. "He was too helpful, too concerned about everyone else, so much so that he did not care about his own safety."

Anne knew that Elizabeth was referring to quite another situation. "Yes, but it gave him pleasure and satisfaction to do so."

Elizabeth looked at Anne. "I shall never get used to referring to him in the past tense."

"Nor I," said Anne.

Elizabeth hurriedly brushed off a stray tear. "I am sorry," she said softly.

"Do not be," said Anne, aware that releasing pent-up emotions was desirable.

"I am scared that as time passes," Elizabeth said slowly. "He will become a distant figure, a forgotten figure, a figure from the past and I shall not remember anything. Then, he will truly be dead."

"He will never be forgotten, Elizabeth," said Anne. "As long as you live, you - or I - will never forget to whom you owe your freedom."

"One can only hope," murmured Elizabeth.

"I wish I could have known him," said Georgie.

"You would have liked him," said Elizabeth. "He was very entertaining and very handsome. He teased everyone and loved to laugh. Actually, in that respect, he was very much like Anne, which, I think, is why she did not like him."

"I did like him," Anne protested, though she knew it was not entirely true.

"You did not," said Elizabeth. "Not in the least."

"We had our differences, but we cleared them in the end."

Elizabeth flinched at the word end. "Really?"

"Yes," said Anne softly. "You may choose not to believe me, but I learned to like him myself."

"A miracle that I would have liked to witness," said Elizabeth with a small smile.

"You would have been proud of me," smiled Anne. "I behaved very well."

"Were you feeling quite well?" said Elizabeth. "And he did not suspect something?"

"I am capable of behaving civilly, thank you very much," said Anne.

"Likely story," said Elizabeth. "Do you know, Georgie, that the first time I saw Colonel Fitzwilliam at Rosings, he was very pleasant and we talked a good deal. Dear Anne, of course, was in awe and did not utter a word. Later that night, when I came to her chamber, she actually threw a pillow at me and accused me of trying to win the Colonel's affections." She looked at Anne. "Do you deny that you did that?"

"Well, no, not exactly," said Anne. "But I had good reason. You were batting your eyelashes at him. What else was I to do?"

Elizabeth snorted. "I rest my case."

Georgie laughed. "That sounds like Anne, I would say."

"I have to wonder what will happen when she has a child," said Elizabeth.

"I will make an excellent mother," declared Anne.

"I do not doubt that," said Elizabeth. "But I wonder who will be the greater baby: you or your child."

"I will not even condescend to respond to that," said Anne.

"Well, either way, children are a blessing for those who are fortunate enough to have them," Elizabeth said. Anne realized that Elizabeth never expected to have children since she never expected to get married again, but before she could say anything, Elizabeth continued. "I remember that Victor once said that he wanted to have a dozen children, at least, and I laughed at him. Indeed, the number seemed laughable, but I suppose I see his point. He would have been a good father, too. If only he had had time." She stopped, dark thoughts enveloping her.

Anne and Georgie exchanged worried glances. Elizabeth lost herself in silent reverie, indicating her disinclination for further conversation and the remainder of the journey completed in silence.

~~

Darcy closed the book in frustration; Pemberley business would have to wait. There was no use in keeping the book open for he had barely read half a page in the last hour; his mind had traveled to more interesting subjects. He had not seen Elizabeth in a week and that separation was self imposed to a degree, he mused. His business in town had been pressing, but he could have completed it in a few days. And yet a week had elapsed and he was still sitting alone in his townhouse. Darcy wondered why that was. He had been aware of the challenge. He had not expected any encouragement. He had been prepared - or so he thought - for disappointment. Just not prepared enough for the bitter taste of disappointment had not been appealing in the least. Not that he had expected otherwise, yet acceptance did not render it any less bitter. It had not caused him to veer away from his course, however. No, his intentions remained firm as they ever had been, but he had felt the need to distance himself temporarily. All will be as it should. Darcy believed in that fervently. He had to, otherwise he would drive himself mad just contemplating the alternative. The alternative was ugly and depressing and Darcy could not believe that his life would be reduced to such loneliness as would certainly result if Elizabeth refused to see reason. So Darcy believed that she would see reason, if not now, then later. In the meantime, he had to learn to be patient. He thought he had learnt that art of patience, but he had not foreseen the adversary in his struggle; namely despondence. It was extremely difficult, nay impossible, to remain focussed and patient when not an iota of hope or encouragement presented itself. But, Darcy mused, he would have to seek hope in the dimmest of places and for now, satisfy himself with the belief that in the end, all would be as it should.

Darcy's thoughts were interrupted by the announcement of a new arrival, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. He wondered what she wanted and had only conjectured some possibilities when the lady herself appeared. He bowed slightly and with a somewhat welcoming smile, said, "Lady Catherine. What an unexpected surprise."

"Darcy, my boy, I am pleased to see you," said Lady Catherine. She accepted his offer of a seat and looked around. "Is Anne here?"

"No," replied Darcy with some surprise. "To my knowledge, she remains in Hertfordshire."

"That girl will be the death of me," Lady Catherine declared. "I sent her a letter, expressly stating that I wished her to meet me in town when I arrived. Darcy, she is running positively wild, I do declare. And you know who is to blame."

"I confess I do not," said Darcy.

"Why that confounded Miss Bennet...or whatever her name is, of course."

"How so?" Darcy said, confused.

"I thought it was obvious," said Lady Catherine. "Anne had never disobeyed me before Miss Bennet entered our lives. She never dreamed of disobeying me, even. And then, all of a sudden, she refused to marry Victor. She traveled to strange inns at night and put herself in a dangerous situation. She continued her association with Miss Bennet without my approval. And she even went to Hertfordshire against my expressed wishes. If that is not all Miss Bennet's doing, then I shall be very surprised indeed."

"Lady Catherine, I think you are being unjust to Miss Bennet," Darcy said carefully. "Far being from a bad influence, I think she is an excellent companion for Anne."

"Darcy, how can you say that?" Lady Catherine said. "That woman is unworthy."

"I beg to differ," said Darcy. "Every charge you have laid at Miss Bennet's door has been unfounded. Anne refused to marry Victor because she did not like Victor. She traveled to that inn only once and she was with Victor or me the entire time. She continued her acquaintance with Miss Bennet because she likes Miss Bennet. She went to Hertfordshire because she wished to be with Miss Bennet. All that Anne has done, the choices she had made, has been her own decision. Miss Bennet has not influenced her in the least; so if there is any blame in the matter, it rests with Anne, not Miss Bennet."

"Darcy, I do not believe you are actually saying this," said Lady Catherine. "How could you so easily forget that Miss Bennet is the reason that my dear friend Lady Annabelle is without a son?"

Darcy sighed. "Miss Bennet is not responsible for Victor's death. He was trying to save her because -- because he respected her. He was acting out of affection and respect. She did not force him to do anything. Indeed, the mere fact that Lord Victor Sheffield was willing to risk his life to save her must tell you that she is an exceptional person."

"She took him in," said Lady Catherine. "And I am afraid that she has taken you in as well." Darcy said nothing. "That would explain why you are defending her in this manner when you know her to be evil."

"I know no such thing," said Darcy, his temper rising slightly. "And neither does Anne. And I think that as long as we think that Eliz -- Miss Bennet is worthy of our friendship, we shall continue our acquaintance with her."

"Darcy, I am most seriously displeased. Such insolence! Oh your mother must be turning in her grave."

"If my mother had known Miss Bennet, she would have liked her very much," said Darcy decidedly.

"I think not," said Lady Catherine. "So you are determined to continue your acquaintance with this woman, who is decidedly your inferior in several ways, despite the disapproval of your family and the ridicule of rest of society?"

"I do not think that anyone, besides yourself, disapproves of or ridicules Miss Bennet," said Darcy. "And even if they did, I would continue my acquaintance with her because it simply does not matter to me what anyone thinks. In short, my answer is yes."

"I am appalled, shocked, displeased," said Lady Catherine. "This is not to be borne."

"I am sorry to have displeased you, Lady Catherine, but there is nothing to be done."

"Well, at least, I can be consoled that you will not be able to ruin your name completely."

Darcy looked at her. "I have not the pleasure of understanding you."

"Well, your Miss Bennet is a woman of honor, is she not?"

"Of course," said Darcy.

"And she keeps her word?"

"Yes, of course," said Darcy, wondering what she was getting at.

"Then she will keep her promise."

"What promise?" Darcy was terribly confused.

"Surely you cannot have forgotten?" Lady Catherine said.

"I am afraid I have." Darcy had no idea what she spoke of.

"Why, Darcy, Miss Bennet promised me, in no uncertain terms, that she would never marry you."

Chapter 47

Posted on Sunday, 8 April 2001, at 5:50 p.m.

Darcy stared at her in a state somewhere between shock and disbelief as he strained to comprehend the impact of those words. As he dredged the corners of his mind, he recalled vaguely when he had heard of this promise before. It had been on the day of Victor's funeral, he was almost certain of it. It was no wonder that this small detail had buried in his consciousness, never to be accessed again until this very moment. Darcy had attempted to erase the memories of those few, unfortunate days. He had, consciously or unconsciously, endeavored to forget everything; the momentous and the trifling, the painful and the upsetting. He did not, for a moment, pretend that the past did not exist. Such a denial could not be beneficial to anyone, least of all him. No he did not wish to escape the past; he embraced it. The more he understood and remembered what happened in the past, the better he would understand the future. However, in spite of those noble notions, Darcy did not want to remember the ugly details. He did not want to remember the pain in Elizabeth's eyes when she had asked him to let her be alone with Wickham. He did not want to remember the feeling of helplessness as he had waited for some new developments. He did not want to remember the anguish on Elizabeth's face, that night in the inn, when Victor had so valiantly saved her. Least of all, he did not want to remember the coldness, the distance, the aloofness he had witnessed in her since the day Wickham had arrived at his door. Darcy realized that Lady Catherine was observing him curiously, undoubtedly surprised at his introspective silence, probably expecting some sort of a response. So he cleared his throat.

"Lady Catherine, I vaguely recall you mentioning that promise before," he said. "Yet I have no recollection of the circumstances that led to it."

"It was very simple," said Lady Catherine. "I spoke with her the day of Victor's funeral. You must recall that I left the church early? Yes, well, I came here immediately, hoping to speak with Miss Bennet in private, and fortunately, she was in the parlor when I arrived. Darcy, I must confess, she is quite an impertinent girl. I was most seriously displeased with her, especially since I had allowed her to stay in my house. At any rate, I was able to impress upon her the ridiculousness of a match between her and the illustrious Darcy family. The mere thought of it is preposterous. Why she, the wife of your former steward's son, the very reason that poor Victor lost his life?! When I explained it to her in that fashion, she seemed to see my point. She is a little sensible, at least."

Darcy trembled slightly as he spoke. "So you extracted the promise?"

"No, I would not say that," Lady Catherine said.

"Really?" Darcy felt his anger rise. "What would you say?"

"I cannot force anyone to make promises, Darcy. Miss Bennet agreed to it consciously."

Darcy recognized that the statement was true to an extent, but he was not prepared to accept defeat yet. "Perhaps that is true on the surface, but you and I both know that Miss Bennet was in no state to make any promises. She had just witnessed the greatest tragedy of her life. She was upset and more than a little shaken. Under those circumstances, she was in no condition to make any decisions that would affect her life so drastically."

"That is hardly the point," said Lady Catherine. "Indeed, I do not see why we are even discussing it. Whatever state Miss Bennet might have been in, she made a conscious decision and I expect her to keep her word like any honorable woman ."

"You do not understand, do you?" said Darcy. "Miss Bennet is not under any obligation to keep her word because it was extracted under great duress."

"Darcy, you almost sound as if you want her to break her word?" said the lady with suspicion.

You have no idea. "I did not say that," Darcy fought for composure.

"But you implied it," said Lady Catherine. "Am I to understand that you want to marry this woman?"

"You can understand anything you like."

"Darcy!" Lady Catherine exclaimed. "This is not to be borne. Such impertinence from the nephew I have loved as a son?! You are willing to risk everything - your name, your family, your respectability - for a worthless, conniving upstart? I - "

"Lady Catherine," Darcy interrupted her, the anger evident in his voice. "Please do not abuse Miss Bennet in my presence."

Lady Catherine seemed shocked beyond words. "You are willing to take her side against your aunt's? The problem is graver than I previously thought. It is insufferable, Darcy. This woman took Victor in and look where it got him? And now she is after your fortune. She is pursuing you before her husband is cold in his grave. Such an unfeeling, selfish woman is to be the next Mrs. Darcy? Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?"

"You could not be further away from the truth," muttered Darcy, almost laughing at the idea of Elizabeth pursuing him.

"Darcy, the wiles and powers of that woman is not to be underestimated, I have learnt that much."

"I am quite capable of attending to my own well-being, thank you," said Darcy dryly.

"I am sure you are," said Lady Catherine. "But Miss Bennet - "

"Enough," said Darcy firmly. "I will not discuss this any further."

Lady Catherine stared at her nephew. "What about her promise?"

"What about it?" Darcy said.

"She cannot break her word," Lady Catherine was desperate.

"Perhaps I was not sufficiently clear the first time," said Darcy. "But Miss Bennet is under no obligation to keep a promise that was unfairly extracted from her at a time when she was distraught from grief, loss and guilt. At any rate, you had no right to even ask for such a promise. Miss Bennet's life does not concern you; you are not entitled to know any of her concerns."

"But I am entitled to know yours," Lady Catherine cried.

"That is where you err," said Darcy calmly.

"I am your closest relative, Darcy. I knew you as a boy. Your dearest mother was my darling sister. Surely you cannot deny my claim to know of your concerns? I have always wished for your success and only want the best for you. Can you not see that?"

Darcy looked at her. "I appreciate your efforts, Lady Catherine, but I am afraid your meddling in this affair with Miss Bennet was officious and unwelcome."

"So you are determined to marry this woman and ruin yourself and your family?"

Darcy sighed. "I am only determined to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or any other person so wholly unconnected to this matter."

"I am very disappointed in you, Darcy," said Lady Catherine with feeling.

"Then I am truly sorry, but it is unlikely to alter my decision."

"I have underestimated Miss Bennet, I see; her conniving, deceptive powers are quite tremendous, indeed - "

"Lady Catherine," Darcy rose. "I believe I asked you to refrain from abusing Miss Bennet, and since your business here has concluded, I shall ask you to leave."

Lady Catherine rose likewise. "You are making a huge mistake Darcy."

"It is my problem, then, is it not?" Darcy said coldly.

"I shall pray for you, that you recover some good sense," Lady Catherine muttered.

"I would thank you, but I cannot," Darcy said.

"If Anne comes here, inform her that I wish to see her. I will not have her live under your roof anymore," Lady Catherine said. "Goodbye."

Darcy sighed as he sank into the nearest chair, his mind replaying the conversation that had just occurred. He did not know what to think or feel or do. He was thankful, at least, that Lady Catherine had spoken to him about the matter. He had forgotten about it completely. It was rather amusing how the mind overlooked such events that were unpalatable. His mind had blocked that promise from his consciousness. He had had enough complications in his life already without that added inconvenience. Darcy wondered what he had done to deserve such luck. From the first moment that he had laid eyes on Elizabeth, there had been nothing but complications, highwaymen and husbands being the least of them. He had not helped his own cause, he knew, by alienating her on several occasions. And now the gulf between them was as wide as it had ever been and he could do nothing but wait patiently. Sometimes patience seemed like such a despicable word to him. How long had he to wait? Weeks, months, years? This thought unnerved him slightly, but there was little he could do about it. The alternative - life without Elizabeth - was far more frightening. Darcy supposed he understood why Elizabeth had given Lady Catherine her word. She had been consumed by grief, her guilty conscience dictating her to severe any relationship with him. And Lady Catherine had struck at just the right moment. But Darcy was certain such an unreasonable promise could be disregarded. Once Elizabeth reconciled herself to the past and agreed to move on to the future, the promise would become inconsequential. Even if she had any reservations at that point, he would be able to reassure her that he had taken care of it. Lady Catherine knew what to expect. The promise had been nullified today, or so Darcy thought at least.

"Darce?" Anne's voice broke his reverie.

"Anne, I am in here," said Darcy loudly.

Moments later, Anne and Georgie appeared, smiling. "Darce, lovely to see you."

"William," Georgie smiled.

Darcy rose to receive his guests. "What are you both doing here?"

"You think you were the only one with business in town?" Anne said.

"Anne....," Darcy began warily.

"Do not worry, Darce," said Anne. "I am not plotting some evil plan - yet." She laughed at the distress on Darcy's face. "I am not helping my own cause, am I? Well, let me explain then. You probably saw Charles already? He arrived a day or two ago? Yes? Well, Jane wanted to come to town to decide on her wedding gown and trousseau and such, you know how brides-to-be are? Indeed, such being the case, I surely did not wish to remain in Hertfordshire alone. Neither did Georgie, did you Georgie?" Georgie shook her head. "So, we decided to come to town as well. And besides, Richard is coming back tomorrow and surely, you did not expect I would wait for him in Hertfordshire, did you?"

"I cannot imagine you waiting for anything," smiled Darcy. "So...um...is anyone else in town?"

Anne pretended to be confused. "Who do you mean?"

"No one in particular," said Darcy quickly. "I just thought that since you mentioned Jane, her sisters might have accompanied her."

"Yes all her sisters but one came to town," Anne said slyly.

"Oh," Darcy had no illusions to who that one might be.

"Yes, Mary preferred to remain home," said Anne, repressing a smile.

"Oh," Darcy said.

"Well, I shall refresh before dinner," said Georgie.

"Of course," said Darcy. "You must be tired after the journey."

When she was gone, Anne looked at Darcy keenly and said, "So what happened?"

"Nothing," said Darcy hurriedly.

"Nothing?"

"Nothing," said Darcy decisively.

"Darcy, please, I could tell you were lying if I was blind and deaf," Anne declared.

"Nothing happened," said Darcy. "Your mother was just here."

"Oh," said Anne, understanding dawning. "That is enough to make anyone frown. So was she upset that I was not in town as per her request?"

"Upset is not quite the word," said Darcy. "Try furious and indignant."

"Well I am sorry that you had to see her like that," said Anne. "Next time, I shall make sure she is mellow before she sees you."

"There might not be a next time."

"Why not?" Anne was confused.

"I sort of...threw her out of the house," said Darcy.

"You what?" Anne could not believe her ears.

"She was abusing Elizabeth," Darcy explained as he briefly recounted the conversation.

"Darce, I am so sorry. I should have told you about it before."

"You knew?" Darcy looked at her.

"Well, yes," said Anne. "And I thought that you did too. You were standing next to me when she told us about Elizabeth's promise, remember?"

"Yes, but I forgot about it, I suppose."

"Not surprising, under the circumstances," said Anne. She looked at her cousin. "You are taking this very well; I am proud of you."

"How else can I take it?" Darcy said.

Anne touched his hand. "I am sorry, Darce. I know it is painful, but you and I both know that it has nothing to do with you. Elizabeth does not mean it in that sense."

"I know," Darcy sighed. "It is just difficult to remember sometimes."

Anne was silent for a moment, then decided to lighten the mood a little. "I wish I could have seen the look on mother's face when you asked her to leave."

"It was priceless," Darcy confessed with a small smile.

"I dare say I would have given a small fortune to see it," said Anne.

"Many others would have done the same."

"True," said Anne. "Perhaps next time you intend to tell mother exactly what you think of her, you should charge admission. You could make yourself quite a fortune, I dare say. I would be the first to purchase tickets to the show."

"You can have your own show," said Darcy. "She asked me to tell you that she wishes to see you immediately. I think she believes I am a bad influence on you now."

"I am not going," declared Anne. "Not without Richard anyway."

"Good luck, then," said Darcy. "She is quite upset."

"The greatest euphemism of our times," said Anne wryly.

"Well you can console yourself that you are still fortunate," said Darcy.

"Indeed, how so?" Anne looked at him.

"At least your mother is not Mrs. Bennet," said Darcy and Anne shuddered in agreement.

~~

"Do you see what I mean, aunt?" said Jane as she sat with Mrs. Gardiner after rest of the party had retired. Mrs. Gardiner nodded silently. "It has been thus since Lizzy returned home. She has not had a moment of peace. Much as I love mama, she has been very cruel and thoughtless as far as Lizzy is concerned. I spoke with papa about this matter and he agreed with me that the best course of action would be if she stayed with you for a little while; a week or two perhaps?"

"Need you even ask Jane?" said Mrs. Gardiner. "I would be delighted."

"Thank you," smiled Jane. "I knew you would help her."

"Of course I would," said Mrs. Gardiner. "I had been adamant to keep Lizzy here before, if you recall, but she was bent upon returning home. So I had respected her wishes. I wonder that she even consented to come now, she had been decidedly against town then?"

"You may thank Anne for that," said Jane. "She devised this plan. As far as Lizzy is concerned, we are just here to find the perfect wedding gown for me."

"Ingenious," smiled Mrs. Gardiner. "Speaking of wedding gowns, Jane, I have not had the opportunity to congratulate you properly yet." Jane blushed. "You and Mr. Bingley will make the handsomest couple. I have no doubt as to that. You shall be very happy, Jane."

"Thank you, aunt, I believe I shall," said Jane. She paused. "I only wish...I hope that someday Lizzy will find the same happiness."

"She will, dear, I am sure of it."

"I am too," said Jane. "It is just that sometimes I...I, feel guilty. It seems as though all the good fortune has been cast my way, while Lizzy has had the worst of luck. In love, in marriage, everything." She looked at her aunt. "It began with Mr. Wickham. I know you were uneasy about him; papa was too, but I truly believed that he loved Lizzy and would take good care of her. I honestly believed that. I never imagined that he could be quite so bad. Indeed, I still have trouble believing it. Somehow, it seems impossible. Sometimes I think that it was all a horrible mistake."

"I am afraid it was no mistake, dear," said Mrs. Gardiner.

"I know," sighed Jane. "But it is so unreal. Who would have known that Mr. Wickham was so bad?"

"Who indeed," said Mrs. Gardiner. "And I confess that even though I was a little hesitant about him at first, I never believed him to be truly bad. It took us all by surprise. Lizzy, most of all, obviously. But she cannot blame herself for that. It was not just her; he took us all in. There is no shame in that." She paused. "She still blames herself for Lord Victor's death?" Jane nodded. "It will pass, Jane. Time heals all wounds and this, too, shall pass."

"I hope it is sooner than later," said Jane. "For Lizzy's sake and Mr. Darcy's."

"Mr. Darcy?" Mrs. Gardiner was interested.

Jane said, "Well I am sure you are aware of their mutual admiration?" Mrs. Gardiner nodded. "Anne tells me that Mr. Darcy is willing to wait till Lizzy changes her mind. He is willing to wait for her till she is ready to accept him."

"Is he really?" Mrs. Gardiner seemed impressed. "Then he is more of a gentleman than I thought."

"He is, indeed," agreed Jane. "I only fear that he might have to wait too long."

"Lizzy just needs time," said Mrs. Gardiner. "Anyone in her situation would. Give her some time and she will come around. She is a sensible girl. She will see the error in her ways and realize that she cannot punish herself and those around her for something that was not under her control."

"It sounds so easy," sighed Jane.

"It is easy," said Mrs. Gardiner. "And Lizzy will think so too." She paused. "In the meantime, she cannot stay at Longbourn. She will not heal there. Do you suppose she will consent to stay here a little longer?"

"I doubt it," said Jane. "She wants to stay with me till I am married."

"After your wedding, then?"

"Perhaps," said Jane. "She did mention something about her old friend, Mrs. Julie Bedwell. You remember her? She used to live in Meryton before she married and moved to the north. Well, Lizzy received an invitation to stay with her and I know that Lizzy was considering availing herself of that invitation. Perhaps she will stay with Julie after my wedding?"

"Perhaps," agreed Mrs. Gardiner. "Till then we shall make the most of it."

"And wait for her luck to turn," added Jane.

"If what you say of Mr. Darcy is true," said Mrs. Gardiner. "Her luck is already turning."

~~

"Alone at last," said Anne with satisfaction as she looked around the library.

The object of her affections tilted his head and grinned. "And what shall we do?"

"I am open to suggestions," Anne giggled.

Richard clasped her hand and brought it to his lips. "I missed you more than you can imagine."

"I approve of this, do continue," Anne declared.

Richard looked at her. "Well, madam, every second of every single day, I yearned to be at your side, so much so that every officer who came in contact with me, knows your name and your many lovely qualities."

"Is that how you win your battles, Colonel Fitzwilliam?" said Anne. "By telling them ghoulish tales about your fiancée?"

"I am shocked, Miss de Bourgh," said Richard with mock-seriousness. "I thought that army secrets were better guarded."

Anne struggled not to smile. "You would be surprised at my persuasive powers, dear Colonel. I cannot be denied access to any secret."

"I am not surprised in the least," said Richard. "I expected nothing less."

"Are you saying that I am predictable?" Anne raised her eyebrows.

"Predictable in your unpredictability, yes," said Richard.

"I shall have you know that I am not at all predictable," said Anne. "I will have you guessing at all times."

"I would not have it any other way," smiled Richard.

Anne's face softened. "Well, sir, you are forgiven, then."

"So easily?" Richard said. "I have heard much of your wrath. Perhaps I was misinformed?"

"You should check your sources, Colonel," said Anne. "For surely misinformation could cost you a war."

"Some wars are meant to be lost," said Richard, amusement in his eyes.

"That is a novel concept," said Anne. "I do not believe in losing."

"But when one can lose to such loveliness as you," Richard said. "It is not such a bad option."

Anne blushed. "Flattery will get you everywhere. You certainly learnt that very quickly, Colonel. A pity. It would have worked too had you not been lying so blatantly."

"Me? Lie? Never."

"Really?" said Anne. "Loveliness used in conjunction with me can be nothing but a lie, a falsehood. So you must be a blind fool or a skilled liar."

Richard looked into her eyes. "I am not a fool or a liar."

Anne's heart skipped a beat. "See, you are lying still."

"If you can doubt your own loveliness, you must be misinformed."

"Elizabeth is lovely. Jane is lovely. Even little Georgie is lovely," said Anne. "I, on the other hand, am not. And I never pretend to be."

"You do not have to pretend," said Richard softly.

Anne had not adequate experience with compliments, so she blushed and looked away. "Now that you are back, we must tell mother about our engagement."

"Of course," said Richard, smiling slightly.

His smile unnerved her. "She might not take the news very well."

"So?"

"Nothing," shrugged Anne. "I was just warning you so you can decide whether you wish to remain in this engagement or not." This last part was said softly as Anne refused to meet his eyes.

"Anne, look at me," Richard ordered. She complied and he saw the hint of a tear drop forming. He held her face as he said, "Listen very closely. I would rather battle all of Napoleon's troops alone than break this engagement."

"You would?" Anne said softly, a single tear falling down her cheek.

"Yes, silly," Richard wiped the tear off her cheek. "Do you think me that inconstant?"

"No, I---I just..." For the first time in her life, Anne was at a loss of words. No clever quips or sarcastic, witty remarks. And that was saying a lot. "It happened too fast. One moment, I was wondering if I had lost you forever, the next moment we were engaged. And then you had to leave for Spain. And I thought ... well, I thought you might change your mind. After all, you could have so many lovelier women and I am just so plain and it is just hard to believe that you actually want me." She stopped talking, her feelings overwhelming her.

"This has been bothering you all this time and you never said a word to me?"

"I was afraid," confessed Anne. "I still am."

"Anne, you have nothing to be afraid of," said Richard. "I love you. I love you. I love you. There, are you happy now?" He paused. "It is I who is lucky to have you, not the other way around. And do not deny it for a moment. It is true. And what is this nonsense about you being plain? I do not know who has been feeding you these lies, but the moment I get hold of that scoundrel, he shall get his due." He looked at her. "Now smile for me. Please? The memory of that smile made this separation bearable."

Anne obliged him with a sweet smile. "I love you so much Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam."

"And I you loveliest Anne." With that, Richard kissed her soundly to remove any lingering doubts that she might have had.

"Oh," said Anne when the kiss ended.

"Just oh?" Richard smiled. Anne nodded, still dazed and he knew that the message had been received.

"Now," Anne cleared her throat. "We must talk of business."

"Business?" Richard asked.

"Yes," Anne nodded with a grin.

"I am afraid to ask," Richard did not trust her grin.

"You should be," said Anne. "It is called Operation Love."

"Operation Love? Sounds intriguing."

"I am glad you think so," said Anne. "For you are going to help me knock some sense into two lovelorn souls."

"Darce and Miss Bennet?" Richard asked.

"Indeed," Anne nodded.

"But...I do not think...that is to say, Darce would not appreciate our interference."

"Darce will not know," said Anne. Seeing Richard's reluctance, she said. "Surely you cannot deny me this one little wish?" It was accompanied by the batting of eyelashes and a little pout.

Richard groaned. "What is the plan?"

Chapter 48

Posted on Friday, 13 April 2001, at 8:48 p.m.

Anne looked at him with teasing eyes. "You do not sound very excited."

"Really? I would have thought that my excitement would shine through?"

"Colonel Fitzwilliam," Anne shook her head. "You should know that sarcasm is completely lost on me. I never choose to hear the things I do not want to hear." She paused, smiling. "So, as I was saying, Operation Love is meant to impart the very essential lesson of love. Elizabeth and Darce are, as you know, very much in love." Richard nodded in agreement. "Well, the problem is that even though that is true and they know it to be true, they will not confess it to each other. There are many reasons for that, which I will not enumerate at this time, but that is how the situation stands. We have two people, our good friends, who are masochistic to the umpteenth degree, Elizabeth more than Darce, I would say, and our goal is to make them see reason."

"Indeed," said Richard. "And how exactly would we do that? Tie them up and lock them in a room together?"

"I considered that idea," said Anne. "But I think we should reserve such extreme measures as a last resort. I have already determined that my words fall on deaf ears. I cannot make Darce and Elizabeth see reason. Confused? Yes, so was I. How to make them see reason without making them see reason? Well, the answer is very simple, indeed. We let them see reason on their own terms." Richard still seemed confused, so Anne continued, "That means, we facilitate the process covertly, but do not actively express our opinions. I believe that if Elizabeth and Darce are in each other's company for a long enough period of time, they will realize their best interests eventually. Our goal, then, is to ensure that they are thrown in each other's company. We cannot allow them to run or shrink away from each other. Given sufficient time together, I believe they will set things right. It might be awkward and tense at first, but in the end, they will thank us."

"Are you certain about that?" Richard raised his eyebrows.

"Yes, Colonel Skeptic," retorted Anne. "The plan is flawless."

"In that case," said the Colonel with a smile. "What are my duties, ma'am?"

"Well, I can handle Elizabeth," said Anne. "But you must deal with Darce. You see, the problem is that Darce does not trust me in the least."

"I wonder why that is," Richard murmured.

"I do not appreciate this subversion," said Anne with a glare. Richard murmured his apologies. "So, anyway, as I was saying, Darce does not trust me, so it is difficult for me, many times, to ascertain his true feelings. He tends to hide his emotions from me and he is skeptical of what I have to say. You, on the other hand, he trusts implicitly, so you may spy on him as much as you like and he would never suspect you."

"Assuming that I want to spy on him," Richard pointed out.

"Have you not been listening to anything I have been saying?" Anne said in frustration.

"Yes, my dear, every word," said Richard. "And while, I agree with what you say in principle, I am not so certain that the execution of it is such a good idea."

"It is an outstanding idea," Anne said stubbornly.

"But Anne, do consider," Richard said. "We would be officiously interfering with their lives. I know that you just want them both to be happy, but I am not sure if they want our help in that matter. They might be in love, but for whatever reason, they do not want to admit it to each other, and perhaps, it is better that we do not interfere. If it is meant to be, then it will happen with or without our help."

"Perhaps you are forgetting a similar case when two people were too stubborn or insecure to reveal their true feelings...?" Anne said.

Richard understood her immediately. "But that was different..."

"Was it really?" Anne replied. "I think not. We both, for some strange reason, did not want to admit our feelings for each other. Stupid as it was, it was our reality and had it not been for Elizabeth and Darce's help, we might not be engaged at this moment. Have you forgotten what they did for us? Elizabeth, especially. She made me realize that I could not pine for you from afar. She gave me the confidence to tell you of my true feelings. I know that had she not supported and encouraged me, I would not be standing here right now." Anne paused. "And that is why I want to help her. She needs me, Richard. She needs my help and yours, if you are willing to offer it. She may not know it, but she does. She went through the most awful time. You did not have to witness the horrific things that she endured. Wickham came into this very house and took her away and we were all helpless. He threatened and hit her and she endured it in silence. Victor tried to save her and died trying. She had to watch Victor die, Richard. She watched him die and so did I and I know that she has not yet recovered from that experience. Indeed, I would be surprised if she had." Anne paused. "I know that she needs my help and nothing will stop me from helping her. You, on the other hand, are free to do as you please."

Richard looked at her. "You feel very strongly about this."

"Yes I do," said Anne, nodding.

"Then I am at your service," he said.

Anne looked at him for a moment, then smiled. "I knew you were, all along."

"That certain of your persuasive powers, are you?"

"Indeed," nodded Anne. "Every good general can sway the masses."

"And you are the very best," laughed Richard. "Although I take offense, dear General, at being just 'one of the masses.' I thought my position in your estimation was higher than that. I had flattered myself that you fancied me, almost." Anne shook her head. "No, not even a little, perhaps?"

"Revealing one's true feelings is the surest sign of weakness," replied Anne. "And a general cannot be weak."

"So you are determined to be cruel?"

"And practical," said Anne. "If I hope to win the war."

"Ah yes, you despise losing," said Richard.

"I have not your strange penchant for losing," said Anne.

"Well, my weakness results from my proximity to greatness," grinned Richard.

"Anne the Great," Anne said with a grin. "How well that sounds."

"Let it never be said that the great general is humble," Richard laughed.

"Humility is for fools," Anne said decidedly.

"Poor humble fools," said Richard. "They know not what they miss."

"Exactly," said Anne. "The taste of power is ever so sweet."

"I am not familiar with that taste for I, myself, am powerless."

"And do you mind?" Anne raised her eyebrows.

Richard thought for a moment. "Not particularly."

"Colonel!" Anne exclaimed. "Never embrace your weaknesses."

"Is it unwise?" Richard said.

"Very much so," Anne said gravely.

"Then I must be punished," Richard said wickedly.

"You are a masochist too?" Anne's heart beat a little faster.

"Yes," Richard nodded, pulling her closer.

"Then punish you, I shall," Anne remarked, trying not to be scandalized. "Any ideas?"

"One or two." And he proceeded to demonstrate

~~

Mrs. Gardiner entered the chamber tentatively and saw that Elizabeth was sitting by her familiar place on the windowsill, lost in silent reverie. She watched the figure of her niece for a few moments, lamenting the loss of innocence at such an early age. It had been a long time since she had heard Elizabeth's laughter. Too long. With a small sigh, she made her presence known and smiled as Elizabeth turned to greet that intruder upon her solitary contemplation. "Lizzy, I hope you are feeling better?"

"Yes, thank you," Elizabeth smiled slightly. "It was only a little headache."

"Nonetheless, I am glad that it passed," Mrs. Gardiner said. "Do you mind if I stay here awhile?"

"Not at all," Elizabeth assured her. "I would enjoy the company."

Mrs. Gardiner sat down on the edge of the bed. "Your mother and sisters are gone to the seamstress, you must have heard their departure?" Elizabeth nodded. "Well, your mama was asking after you. She wanted you to join her and Jane, but I told her that you were unwell."

Elizabeth thanked her. "I really did not wish to see mama today," she admitted.

Mrs. Gardiner nodded, recalling the scene between the mother and daughter the night before. "I understand, Lizzy."

Elizabeth looked at her. "I know she loves me, but I find that hard to believe sometimes. She does not understand me, aunt, she does not even try. I do not believe she knows a single thought, a single emotion that has gripped me since...well, since I was a child. I have never been able to be open with her. It is impossible. Even if I tried, she would not understand. So I ask myself, what is the use? There is no point in trying." She paused. "I know that I am fortunate to have a mother who loves me, but...I cannot help but feel that perhaps I would have been better off without her." She looked away. "It is horrible, I know. I feel ungrateful, but I cannot help feeling such things. I can only hope it will pass." She glanced at her aunt. "I am sorry. You must be horrified."

"No," said Mrs. Gardiner. "Far from it. Lizzy, it is not unnatural to feel such things, especially since you and your mother do not get along as well as you would wish. Your mother has many excellent qualities. Unfortunately, tact and sensitivity are not among them. You must recognize that and pay no heed to what she says. She does not mean to be hurtful. She just does not know a better way."

Elizabeth sighed. "I suppose."

"No, Lizzy, it is true," said Mrs. Gardiner. "You must know that."

"Yes, but..." Elizabeth paused. "I wish that she would understand."

"She is not about to change now, Lizzy," Mrs. Gardiner remarked. "It is too late for that. So you must accept her as she is, recognize her faults and her merits." Mrs. Gardiner rose and seated herself next to Elizabeth on the windowsill. She squeezed Elizabeth's hands. "I know that you wish you could speak frankly with your mother and I am sorry that you cannot. But I am always here to listen to you. If you need to speak with someone, I will be more than willing to oblige."

Elizabeth smiled. "You are too generous, but I fear I will bore you enormously."

"Impossible," Mrs. Gardiner grinned. "You have always been most interesting."

"Interesting?" Elizabeth raised her eyebrows.

"Of course," Mrs. Gardiner nodded emphatically. "I remember when you were a little girl, you would stay here with your sister Jane and what mischief you would cause. Why, I remember this one occasion, I believe you were around 10, you had a disagreement with Jane and you hid her favorite doll."

"Miss Lucy!" Elizabeth cried in remembrance.

"Ah yes, Miss Lucy," Mrs. Gardiner nodded. "Jane loved that doll and well, you hid her in your uncle's library, I believe and we could not find her for whole 3 days. Jane was beside herself in sorrow. The servants searched and they searched and they could not find her. We thought she was gone for good. No one suspected you for surely, sweet little Lizzy could not have hidden the doll. You had us all convinced of your innocence and certainly, we did not think you had the means to so cleverly hide the doll that 9 grown men could not find it."

Elizabeth smiled. "I knew I was underestimated and so the best hiding place was also the most obvious -- "

"Your uncle's safe," Mrs. Gardiner completed. "Although how you obtained the combination for it, I still do not know."

Elizabeth laughed. "I had a few tricks back then."

"I am certain you did," Mrs. Gardiner smiled, rejoicing in the sound of Elizabeth's laughter. "I still remember that day when you came to me and told me that you knew where Miss Lucy was. We all marched straight to the library and sure enough, she was in the safe as you said. Jane was so deliriously happy."

"And furious," added Elizabeth. "I think she refused to speak to me for 2 whole days."

"Which, knowing Jane, is a lot," Mrs. Gardiner commented. "For anyone else, it is equivalent to a month."

Elizabeth's eyes sparkled as she said, "Well, it was not my fault that no one was able to find Miss Lucy sooner. I could not have foreseen that no one would think of looking in the safe. I could have told you or uncle, I suppose, but that would have spoiled all the fun of seeing everyone scrambling about."

"Just be thankful, Lizzy, that Jane has a forgiving temper," Mrs. Gardiner smiled.

"Indeed," said Elizabeth with a grin. "Or she might still hold a grudge."

Mrs. Gardiner laughed. "Whatever happened to Miss Lucy?"

"I believe Jane still has her somewhere," Elizabeth said. "Locked away where no one will see her. I think Jane does not want anyone to know that she is still fond of her childhood dolls. She would be embarrassed if anyone knew, although I do not think she is aware that I know. I let her have her illusions, though."

"How magnanimous of you," said Mrs. Gardiner. "For surely you do not have any embarrassing remnants of your childhood."

Elizabeth understood what she meant. "Mr. Rabbit is entirely different."

"Of course he is," said Mrs. Gardiner.

Elizabeth nodded. "He is much more sophisticated than Miss Lucy."

"Of course," Mrs. Gardiner suppressed a grin.

Elizabeth looked at her aunt. "If I did not know better, I would think you were mocking him."

"Mock Mr. Rabbit?" said Mrs. Gardiner. "Never."

"Good," said Elizabeth. "For he has feelings too."

"Of course," Mrs. Gardiner said and dissolved in laughter.

The aunt and niece, thus, reminisced about the latter's childhood for another half hour, recalling mischievous acts and unforgettable toys. Mrs. Gardiner was rewarded for her effort by Elizabeth's laughter and the twinkle in her eyes. For those few minutes, Elizabeth seemed to forget about everything else; every worry, every incident, every reminder of the painful past. She was almost transported to a different place, a place where such disastrous events had never transpired. It was momentary relief from the past that plagued her mind constantly. Elizabeth laughed and she laughed and she did so uninhibitedly, perhaps for the first time in a long while. And when Mrs. Gardiner finally took her leave to attend to her children, Elizabeth realized that an incredible feat had been accomplished, perhaps unwittingly, but it had happened nonetheless. A full half hour had elapsed when she had laughed without restraint and not once thought of Victor.

~~

Anne paused outside the door of the parlor and turned to face Richard. "Well, here we are."

"Astute observation," Richard teased.

Anne shook her head, smiling. "Are you nervous?"

"A little," said Richard. "How do you think she will react?"

"I don't know," shrugged Anne. "Not very favorably."

"I should be insulted," smiled Richard.

"No, it is not personal," said Anne hurriedly.

"She would disapprove of my marrying her daughter," said Richard. "Sounds personal to me."

"Richard," said Anne. "You know mother. You know how controlling she is. She will simply find it difficult to believe that I can find a match on my own, without her help or interference. She tries to control who Darce marries. Surely, it is doubly important for her to find a match for me, her own daughter." Anne sighed. "And...well, there is also the matter of fortune. She has her heart set on my marrying an earl or something with a great fortune."

"And I am just a second son," observed Richard. "Without a great fortune."

"A second son whom I happen to love," Anne was quick to say.

"That is reassuring." Richard looked at her. "But still sans fortune, unlike Lord Victor, who had it all."

"Come, Colonel," said Anne. "Jealousy does not become you."

"I am sorry," he said, ashamed of feeling jealous of someone who was dead. "It is despicable of me."

"Is it not?" grinned Anne. "She will come around eventually. She loves you, too."

Richard sighed. "True. I am very loveable."

Anne laughed. "And horribly vain."

"I learn from the best," said Richard with a pointed look.

"I resent that implication."

"What implication?" Richard said.

Anne shook her head. "We shall have to continue this conversation at a later time. There is no point in delaying the inevitable."

"True," Richard agreed. "Want to go in?" Anne nodded and Richard kissed her hand.

"What was that for?" Anne asked.

"Does there have to be a reason?"

"No," said Anne. "But sometimes there is a reason."

"Do you think there was a reason?"

"Yes," nodded Anne.

"Why?"

"Just because," shrugged Anne.

"In that case," smiled Richard. "I shall tell you it was for luck."

"I knew there was a reason," said Anne gleefully.

"Indeed," smiled Richard.

"Thank you," Anne said softly.

"My pleasure," whispered Richard.

"Mother?" Anne said as she peered into the parlor of the townhouse.

"Anne is that you, child?" Lady Catherine's unmistakable voice boomed.

"Yes," said Anne as she entered the room, Richard few steps behind her. "And look who I brought with me."

"Fitzwilliam, you are back from Spain?" Lady Catherine said.

"Yes, ma'am," said Richard. "As you see."

"Very good," said Lady Catherine. "I am glad to see you." Richard expressed a similar sentiment and Lady Catherine nodded, then glared at Anne. "Maybe you can make Anne see reason. She is being most unreasonable. You met Miss Bennet while she was at Rosings, did you not?" Richard confessed that he had. "Well, that woman has completely duped Anne. So much so that Anne followed her to Hertfordshire against my known wishes. What do you have to say to that, Anne?"

"Mother," said Anne calmly. "I went to Hertfordshire because Elizabeth needed my help; she still needs it."

"See what I mean, Fitzwilliam," Lady Catherine said. "Anne has been disobeying me thus since Miss Bennet entered her life."

"I really did not come here to enter into that debate again," said Anne warily.

Lady Catherine glared at her. "Really?"

"Yes," nodded Anne. "It is hardly relevant."

"I, alone, will decide what is relevant," Lady Catherine said.

"Nothing you can say will change my mind," said Anne. "So I suggest that you stop trying to control my life and my actions, as you have always done." She glanced at Richard, who seemed uneasy, and took a deep breath. "I did not come to argue, mother. Darce informed me that you wished to see me, so here I am."

"Darcy told you, did he?" Lady Catherine was annoyed. "Well, I am glad the boy still has control of some of his faculties though god knows that he has lost many others -- his ability to think, most notably."

Anne looked at her mother and years of training counseled her to look the other way and listen to her mother's words in silence. Anne had always done that to maintain peace. There was no other way for her mother would surely never accept the fact that Anne could have any contrary views. So she had remained silent, completely silent, for many years, not losing her own opinions, but not expressing them either for surely there was no point in a confrontation. Lady Catherine would never change and Anne saw no reason to antagonize her. But as she stood in the parlor, at that moment, Anne felt years of repressed anger and frustration rise within her. It was a powerful and potent feeling, that anger. Her mother always had to be right. The subject did not matter. It could be the weather in the plains or the possibility of an attachment between some acquaintances. Lady Catherine's words were always true and final. Anne had always resented that, but somehow refrained from commenting. But now, it seemed, that she had no reason to repress her views. Her mother's wrath might be great, indeed, but she was insulated from it because of Richard. She had Richard now and her mother might disapprove of her to her heart's content and it would not touch her. She was in another place, where Lady Catherine and her words could not touch her. It was a pleasing and a liberating thought. It was a thought that put a small smile on Anne's lips. She had waited for this moment all her life.

"Just because Darce disagrees with you," said Anne. "Does not mean he has lost his ability to think."

"Anne de Bourgh, you will not talk to me in that manner," Lady Catherine ordered.

"I was just making an observation," said Anne coolly. "A valid one."

"That upstart Miss Bennet is corrupting all of you!" thundered Lady Catherine.

"Maybe she is," said Anne, enjoying herself now. "And I, for one, await the day she finally marries Darce."

"Fitzwilliam, talk some sense into her," Lady Catherine said.

Richard looked uneasy. "I really should not interfere..."

Lady Catherine's frustration only increased. "Well, I am fairly certain that such a union will never take place and I know that this foolishness of yours, Anne, will pass as well. In the meantime, I forbid you from leaving my sight. You will not live with Darcy. You, most certainly, will not return to Hertfordshire. You will come to Rosings with me and that is final."

Anne looked at her. "It is not final, mother."

"Anne..." began Lady Catherine.

"No, mother," Anne shook her head. "You have imposed your will on me for the last time. After I am done here, I will return to Darce's townhouse. And when my business in town is concluded, I shall return to Hertfordshire. And there is nothing you can say or do to alter my mind. The only way I will return to Rosings at this time is if you have me kidnapped and brought there against my will." Anne knew she was being rather dramatic, but she believed she was justified.

Lady Catherine was appalled. "I never imagined...believed it to be possible. My own daughter -- "

"Has a mind of her own," Anne said. "And is not afraid to use it."

Anne did not wish to hurt her mother, even if it seemed like she did. But if she did not forcefully express her feelings now, then she may never have a chance to do so again and before she knew it, she would be forbidden from seeing Darce or Elizabeth and married to some old earl. If Anne wished to live her life on her own terms, she would have to speak now. Or, as they said, forever hold her peace. Anne preferred to speak because she was not prepared to abandon Darce or Elizabeth and certainly, Richard. She had lived with her mother, under her rules, for far too long. It was time to claim some happiness for herself and if that meant, breaking ties with her mother, so be it. Anne was prepared to take that risk if it meant that she would be able to find some happiness. Finally. Her own home with her darling Richard. Where she could speak her mind freely and fearlessly. So she was willing to be a little crass and impolite and inappropriate and uncivil. It did not matter if anyone thought that she was being rude to her mother. It did not matter if anyone disapproved. In the grand scheme of things, it just did not matter.

Anne sighed, "Mother, please, I am not trying to disrespect you, but you must recognize that you cannot control my life anymore. I believe that you are being unfair to Elizabeth, who is my good friend. Both Elizabeth and Darce need my help, which is why I will return to Hertfordshire. I am not trying to disobey you on purpose. I just wish to help my friends."

"You will have nothing to do with Darcy or Miss Bennet."

Anne rolled her eyes and looked helplessly at Richard. "Have you not been listening? It is not your decision."

"Anne," said Lady Catherine. "You must return to Rosings with me. You cannot go scampering about the country because you think that Darcy needs your help. You must think of yourself. You must make a match for yourself and so, I have invited Lord Gerschwin to stay with us for a little while. He will make you an excellent husband. He has an estate in ----shire, you know and he is very well respected. An excellent match, all in all."

"Even better than Victor?" Anne said in distaste.

Lady Catherine looked at her. "Well, I am sure you are sorry about his death, but you must think of the future."

"Exactly," said Anne as she glanced at Richard. "Which brings me to the very reason that we came here today."

Lady Catherine looked at her, inquiringly.

Anne took a deep breath, aware that it was not the best time, but perhaps as good as any other. "Mother, Richard and I are engaged."

Lady Catherine's face fell. "To be married?" she said rather stupidly.

Continued in Next Section