Our Message Board archives can be found at <a href="/archive/">http://www.dwiggie.com/archive/</a>. Our story archives are here: <a href="http://www.dwiggie.com/toc/">http://www.dwiggie.com/toc/</a>.https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/index.phpSun, 25 Oct 2026 15:09:57 +0000 Phorum 5.2.22 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131905,131910#msg-131910 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131905,131910#msg-131910
This story is a masterpiece in development! Thank you!]]> EvelynJean Derbyshire Writers' GuildMon, 19 Oct 2026 01:02:25 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131902,131909#msg-131909 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131902,131909#msg-131909Thank you again.]]> EvelynJean Derbyshire Writers' GuildMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:04:19 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131905,131908#msg-131908 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131905,131908#msg-131908 Doris Derbyshire Writers' GuildSun, 18 Oct 2026 15:57:04 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131905,131907#msg-131907 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131905,131907#msg-131907 LizzyS Derbyshire Writers' GuildSat, 17 Oct 2026 21:13:37 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131905,131906#msg-131906 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131905,131906#msg-131906Oh my, I do hope they / we are spared any more appearances of Miss Bingley.... will she never admit defeat?]]> Micha Derbyshire Writers' GuildSat, 17 Oct 2026 20:58:41 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131905,131905#msg-131905 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131905,131905#msg-131905I know it’s a day earlier than I normally post, but I got my review done.


Chapter 9

The evening at Westbury House proceeded with an air of easy animation. Anne de Bourgh, seated a little apart from the larger group, found herself in Lord Ashworth’s company, by chance, perhaps, or perhaps through the Duchess’s contrivance. She discovered his conversation unexpectedly easy. He listened with an attention which persuaded her that he valued her opinions.

In the midst of a discussion on recent London improvements, Anne chanced to mention, almost wistfully, “I have long wished to see the lecture room at the Royal Institution. The advances in scientific demonstrations are much spoken of, and I understand they allow visitors, even ladies, to attend some lectures.”

She watched as Lord Ashworth’s expression brightened in genuine interest. He showed none of the condescension she had so often met with when she spoke of her interests. Instead, he spoke to her as though her interest were entirely natural.

“The Royal Institution?” he repeated, his eyes warm. “Miss de Bourgh, you have excellent taste. I have not yet made my own visit this season, but I am told the latest experiments are quite astonishing.” He paused, lowering his voice slightly for her ears alone. “I have always admired those who can make difficult subjects intelligible to persons less learned than themselves. Many treat natural philosophy as a mere amusement, though it touches more of common life than they suppose.”

Anne felt a faint warmth rise to her cheeks, surprised and pleased by his agreement. “Precisely so. I should like to see it soon, and return home with observations sufficient to make even my mother pause before dismissing my interests as trifles.”

A playful smile touched Lord Ashworth’s lips. “If Lady Catherine objects, you may blame me entirely. She already considers me incorrigible. I have a talent for falling into disrepute among formidable women.”

A quiet laugh escaped Anne, surprising even herself. “Then I hope you will not object if I claim you as my guide, and my defence, in the cause of natural philosophy.”

“On the contrary, I shall regard it as an honour.”

Anne’s gaze drifted for a fleeting moment across the room, where Jane stood with such quiet ease and grace beside Lord Arthur. Encouraged by Lord Ashworth’s unassuming address, and driven by a sincere concern for the friend who had shown her such unaccustomed kindness, Anne ventured onto delicate ground.

“Lord Ashworth,” she began softly, her tone carrying a subtle, protective gravity, “you know your cousin far better than the rest of us. Miss Bennet has known,” she paused, hesitating a moment as she chose her words with deliberate care, “cruel disappointments in her past. I should be very sorry to see so sweet a nature subjected to any further distress.”

Lord Ashworth followed her gaze to Lord Arthur and Jane. He looked towards them for a moment before answering, with an earnestness which satisfied Anne.

“You need have no fear on that account, Miss de Bourgh,” he replied in a low, firm tone. “Arthur is incapable of trifling where his regard is engaged. He possesses a heart as steadfast as it is gentle. He would bear any extremity himself before he would allow a single pang of distress to reach one so deserving.” He turned his eyes back to Anne, a subtle smile touching his countenance. “I believe you will find that Miss Bennet has little cause to fear a repetition of her former disappointments.”

A quiet smile settled on Anne’s lips. “I am very glad to hear that,” she said quietly.

“Besides,” Lord Ashworth added, his eyes softening with a warm, intent expression as he recalled her attention to their upcoming excursion, “I rather think one appreciates a demonstration best in such agreeable company. May I propose we remedy this want of experience?”

Anne hesitated, scarcely daring to hope that he meant to include her in such a proposal. Before she could reply, Lord Ashworth turned with unwonted alacrity to address the others nearby, Jane, Will, Richard, and Lord Arthur among them.

“Miss de Bourgh reminds me of the opportunities afforded by the Royal Institution,” Lord Ashworth announced, catching the group’s attention. “Shall we arrange an excursion? A lecture in the theater, if a suitable subject may be managed?”

Anne was conscious of more eyes turning toward her than was customary to her comfort, but this time the impression felt different. It was less like scrutiny, and more like inclusion. Jane offered her a slight, encouraging smile, and even Will’s reserved expression softened with interest.

“An excellent suggestion!” said Richard at once. “I have heard the demonstrations are remarkable this year.”

The Duchess, overhearing, nodded her approval and declared, “A most suitable plan, Lord Ashworth. I shall see to the arrangements myself. It will be a fine diversion.”

Anne’s pleasure was difficult to conceal. She had spoken of an interest that others had so often dismissed, only to find herself surrounded by company desirous of participating in her amusement. She glanced at Lord Ashworth, whose pleased expression suggested that the proposal had given him as much satisfaction as it had given her.

As the hour for the gentlemen’s departure drew near, the footmen appeared with hats and gloves in readiness, hovering discreetly by the door as the final farewells were exchanged.

Lord Ashworth spoke again with Anne near the window, which afforded them a greater freedom of conversation.

“I did not expect the evening to pass so swiftly,” Anne said, composing her features into a look of calm despite the secret warmth of her feelings.

“Nor I,” Lord Ashworth replied, his gaze gentle and attentive. “There are evenings one endures, and rarer sorts one wishes would stretch out just a little longer.” He offered a formal but warm inclination of his head. “Until our expedition, Miss de Bourgh. I hope the day will come soon.”

Anne watched him take his leave of the company before Elizabeth touched her arm and Jane smiled at her.

As the last of the carriages rattled out into the night, Anne remained by the window. Her thoughts were not, as usual, occupied by apprehension, but by the conversation she had enjoyed and the prospect of seeing Lord Ashworth again.

~*~

The morning in Hyde Park was fine and clear, the kind of spring day that invited Londoners in droves to promenade along its winding gravel paths beneath newly budding trees. Sunlight filtered through pale green leaves, and the crisp breeze carried the sounds of distant carriages and lighthearted chatter from nearby walking parties.

Jane walked at Lord Arthur’s side, his arm offered with gallant ease and accepted with quiet grace. Around them, others from their party strolled in harmonious pairs. Elizabeth walked with Mr. Darcy, their conversation low and animated. Anne de Bourgh kept pace beside Lord Ashworth, the shy smile she offered him now and then lending her a rare glow of ease. Colonel Fitzwilliam escorted Astra, whose laughter chimed bright above the birdsong. Castor walked with Miss Vernon, who appeared particularly pleased by his attention.

Mrs. Jenkinson trailed just behind, walking beside Selina, for once indulging in the luxury of idle conversation rather than her customary watchful care, as the Duke’s footmen followed the party at a discreet distance.

Jane found the refreshing air of the park and the supporting firmness of Lord Arthur’s arm beneath her glove to be a great comfort, their pace delightfully unhurried. She found his company remarkably agreeable, and the ease with which they walked together had become a pleasure she was beginning to anticipate.

But then, as they rounded a bend near the Serpentine, Jane’s gaze caught a familiar pair at a distance, Mr. Bingley and his sister, Miss Caroline Bingley, strolling side by side on a parallel path. They were far enough not to notice the Westbury group, but close enough that his posture and the sharp, familiar tilt of Miss Bingley’s chin were unmistakable.

Jane paused involuntarily, the rhythm of her steps checking for a single heartbeat before she could command herself.

Lord Arthur, ever watchful of her comfort, instantly perceived the sudden reserve in her manner, and glanced down at her with quiet solicitude. “Miss Bennet,” he murmured, bending his head toward hers, “you have gone quite silent. Is something amiss?”

Jane paused a moment to collect herself before answering. “It is nothing of consequence, I assure you. Though I must confess, I had not expected to encounter that particular gentleman again.”

Lord Arthur followed her gaze with practiced discretion. “The fair-haired gentleman in the blue coat? I recall their late entrance at the theatre.”

She offered a slight, acknowledging nod.

“You seem discomposed,” he observed softly, his tone holding a depth of concern that both surprised and touched her.

Commanding her voice into a steady calm, Jane offered her explanation. “He is Mr. Bingley. Last autumn, he paid me very particular attentions in Hertfordshire.”

Lord Arthur’s expression grew intent, though his eyes remained entirely kind.

“He then departed for town without a word of explanation, swayed by the counsel of his friend and sisters,” she continued. “It gave me great pain at the time, though I have long since become reconciled. Still, to see him now... recalls an disappointment I had thought entirely at an end.”

Lord Arthur glanced at her, his expression thoughtful. “Would you prefer that we take another path?”

Jane was touched that he had asked her preference with such gentlemanly forbearance, demanding no further explanation. “Perhaps that would be best, my lord. I should rather not renew an acquaintance that has already ended.”

Lord Arthur imparted the slightest, most reassuring pressure to her hand where it rested upon his sleeve. “Then let us leave that volume closed, Miss Bennet. The author, it seems, left the lesser tale unfinished, and it is my most earnest hope that today’s story will possess far greater promise for your happiness.”

A soft color rose in Jane’s cheeks, and a genuine smile touched her lips. She was both amused and a little surprised by his boldness, though she could not deny that his words pleased her.

“I believe I should like that very much, my lord,” Jane said softly, her eyes reflecting his clever warmth. “Let us consider that old volume safely on the shelf.”

Lord Arthur’s gaze softened further, a brilliant, genuine smile lighting his countenance. “I am very glad to hear it, Miss Bennet. You make me a most happy man.”

Her smile lingered as she looked up at him, though a look of quiet wonder crossed her face as the weight of her own openness struck her. “Yet, what I do not entirely understand is why I have shared so painful a confidence with you in the first place.”

“Perhaps,” Lord Arthur replied, his dark eyes meeting hers with a warmth that set her spirits fluttering, “because you believed me worthy of your confidence, and I hope I shall prove my steadfastness.”

Jane found herself smiling at his answer. She had not intended to confide in him, yet he had made the subject seem less painful simply by listening without judgment.

Steering her smoothly onto an intersecting gravel walk, Lord Arthur neatly placed a high hedge between their party and the parallel avenue, temporarily shielding them from the view of the advancing pair.

“There,” Arthur murmured with a quiet, conspiratorial lightness. “A most successful manoeuvre.”

Jane smiled up at him, her spirits genuinely lifted by his playful tone. “A victory indeed, my lord.”

Yet the winding paths of the park soon defeated their attempt at avoidance. As their new path swept around a dense screen of laurel, it looped directly back toward the main thoroughfare, where Mr. Bingley and his sister were just then advancing.

Mr. Bingley’s gaze wandered absently across the green until, quite suddenly, his eyes met Jane’s. His expression changed at once, surprise giving way to an unmistakable eagerness as he recognized her.

Jane felt no surge of her former grief, nor any lingering uncertainty. The sight of him now disturbed her far less than she had expected. She had once wished for an explanation of his sudden departure. Now, even the prospect of hearing one held little appeal.

Before the moment could become oppressive, Lord Arthur’s quickness of eye caught the reason for her sudden stillness. A single glance down the avenue sufficed to discover the danger, and with a faint, conspiratorial smile, he turned her steps with easy elegance. With an amused and knowing glint in his eye, he smoothly turned their steps down a quiet, shaded side path out of view.

Jane followed his lead willingly, grateful that he had spared her the necessity of deciding how to greet a gentleman whose acquaintance she had no wish to renew.

As they veered aside, Jane caught the sharp, unmistakable tones of Miss Bingley’s voice carried across the open air, “Charles, look! It is Mr. Darcy. We must go and speak to him! See, he is just ahead on the avenue!”

Looking over her shoulder, Jane saw Mr. Darcy, who had observed both Lord Arthur’s second redirection and Jane’s quiet retreat. As Mr. Bingley raised a hand in eager greeting, Mr. Darcy met his gaze for the briefest instant. He neither paused nor inclined his head, but turned smoothly onto the side path after Lord Arthur, strolling on as though the avenue before him were entirely empty.

It was too distant for a proper greeting, too swift for clarity. No one could say he had openly cut them, but neither could they say he had not. It was a lesson in polite blindness, executed with flawless elegance.

Above them, Jane watched as a falcon circled briefly over the trees before veering away into the open sky.

“A supreme lesson in ambiguity, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth observed in a hushed, arch tone as they fell into step behind Jane and Lord Arthur, her gaze drifting briefly to the hunting bird before returning to him. “Why allow Miss Bingley even the smallest hope of encouragement? A true cut would have made your meaning clearer, though I suppose Miss Bingley has never been easily discouraged.”

Mr. Darcy’s lips twitched with the faintest, self-deprecating smile, a quiet mark of how comfortably he now bore her teasing. “Miss Bingley’s hopes have proven remarkably resilient against even the most decisive barriers, Miss Elizabeth. And as I have never mastered the art of falconry, I lack the proper means to whistle her off.”

Just beside Jane, Lord Arthur choked on a sudden, stifled laugh, coughing slightly to cover his amusement. Jane looked up at him with surprise and saw that he was amused.

Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled with playful disbelief at his words, though she was not yet disposed to abandon her inquisitiveness. “Yet you leave poor Mr. Bingley without knowing where he stands. Do you intend to have no further dealings with him at all?”

Mr. Darcy looked back towards Mr. Bingley, who was now some distance away. “I have not ceased to regard him as a friend. Though the Hursts have obliged him to establish himself separately in town, I have not determined to abandon the friendship.”

He quieted for a moment, his gaze fixed on the path ahead, before adding softly, “I have learnt that friendship does not oblige me to direct his conduct, or to preserve him from the effects of his own errors.”

“And you believe he may yet act with more wisdom on his own account?”

“I should like to think so,” Mr. Darcy said, his tone softening into genuine hope. “He has spent far too long relying upon the judgment of others, my own included. But if he is ever to become his own man, he must learn to navigate his life without a hand constantly on his elbow.”

“Careful, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth murmured, leaning in with an arch smile that was meant for his eyes alone. “If you encourage him to rely upon his own judgement, he might begin to question your magnificent evasive maneuvers.”

A soft, irrepressible laugh escaped Jane as she caught the playful murmur behind them, her own spirits rising at the absolute absurdity of their afternoon.

Lord Arthur looked down at her, his expression softening as his eyes caught the light in hers.

“Ah, there it is,” he murmured with a quiet, triumphant warmth. “I was hoping that smile might return.”

Jane felt the color warm her cheeks once more, though it was now entirely born of pleasure. “I could not help it, sir. Mr. Darcy’s prompt compliance with your escape was managed with quite remarkable swiftness.”

“Darcy is a man of exceptional loyalty when the occasion demands,” Lord Arthur agreed, his tone marked by a gentle amusement. He paused, his dark eyes lighting with a touch of playful earnestness. “Though I must ask, Miss Bennet, given the precision of our turns, the harmony of our steps, and the utter failure of the competition to keep up, ought we to count this promenade as our first set?”

A bright, delighted laugh broke from Jane, her eyes meeting his with charming unreserve. “In Hyde Park, my lord? Without music, or a master of ceremonies?”

“The birds provide an adequate orchestra, I think,” Lord Arthur replied, leaning in slightly with an easy, magnetic smile. “And as for ceremonies, I consider our escape a far greater triumph than any country dance.”

“In that case,” Jane conceded softly, her heart fluttering at his warmth, “I suppose I must grant you the set. Though I shall expect equal agility should we ever share a ballroom.”

“I shall hold you to that promise,” Lord Arthur said softly, his gaze lingering on hers before he recalled her attention to the avenue ahead, where they still maintained a comfortable distance ahead of the others.

“But tell me, Miss Bennet,” he continued, his voice dropping to a more conversational tone, “now that we have successfully navigated past unwanted encounters, how has your time in town treated you? Between the quiet enjoyment of your uncle’s house and the whirlwind of engagements with your maternal relations, has London managed to offer you anything truly worthy of your admiration?”

Jane smiled up at him with complete unreserve, her hand resting comfortably upon his arm as the tension of the encounter melted away. “I must confess, Lord Arthur, for a long time I believed quiet resignation was the only true contentment available to me. But the last few weeks have shown me that happiness can be found in the most unforeseen places.”

“I am exceedingly glad to hear that,” Lord Arthur replied, his dark eyes fixed upon hers with an intensity that made her heart race softly. “It shall be my chief ambition to ensure those recommendations continue to grow.”

The rest of their party, noticing the quiet changes of direction, had followed without question toward the Westbury townhouse. Light, cheerful conversation resumed all around them as they walked beneath the sunlit boughs.

Jane found herself looking forward to the remainder of their walk. Mr. Bingley’s unexpected appearance had disturbed her for only a moment, while Lord Arthur’s company had restored her good spirits with surprising ease. She wondered whether their next meeting would prove as agreeable as this one.

The party returned from their refreshing walk, making their way directly into the Duchess’s drawing-room. Before the company could separate, the Duchess graciously insisted that the gentlemen remain for tea rather than immediately taking their leave. The invitation was accepted with alacrity. The ladies settled upon the sofas while the gentlemen found seats. After pleasantries had been exchanged and teacups were passed, a pleasant murmur of conversation filled the room.

Lady Parchment, who had entered just as they approached the door, was already seated, an air of quiet gravity about her.

The Duchess turned to her friend. “Lady Parchment, you look as though you carry some weighty news. What is it that brings such a serious expression to your countenance?”

Lady Parchment straightened in her chair. “Your Grace,” she began, her voice low so that it carried only within their intimate circle, and with a faint, wry smile that acknowledged her own notoriety, “I am fully sensible of my own failings, and know that I am often accused of collecting news with the same diligence a banker collects coin. However, this particular intelligence arrived in a manner I could not, in good conscience, ignore.”

She glanced toward Jane and Elizabeth with a look of stern sympathy. “It concerns Miss Bingley, and a missive she penned earlier today.”

For a moment, the room grew still. Lord Arthur set his teacup down with deliberate care, his posture instantly rigid. Across from them, Castor straightened, his jaw hardening as his protective gaze shifted immediately between his two cousins.

“This was given to me in confidence. I am well aware that my possession of it is highly irregular, indeed, under ordinary circumstances, entirely unjustifiable. Yet, out of the deep regard I bear for your granddaughters, I felt I must make you aware of its contents. I would not have either of them surprised by any further attempt on Miss Bingley’s part.”

She paused, taking a folded, slightly rumpled paper from her reticule. “The truth is,” she continued, her gaze unwavering, “the letter came into my possession through my own maid, who is cousin to the young woman who has lately been pressed into attendance upon Miss Bingley. Following her maid’s sudden departure a few days ago, Miss Bingley was obliged to promote an inexperienced housemaid in the interim. This morning, following a minor mishap with a gown, Miss Bingley fell into a violent fit of ill-humour.”

Eleanor remarked, “How utterly disgraceful.”

“Her temper, it seems, was already sorely tried by Mr. Hurst’s insistence that the family economize by returning to the old family premises in Cheapside,” Lady Parchment added with a sharp, knowing look. “Frantic to escape a mortification that would forever cast her out of society, Miss Bingley set about drafting a letter to Miss Bennet, attempting to ingratiate herself once more with your family under the guise of past affection. But her spite, it seems, routinely got the better of her discretion.”

Lady Parchment held up the paper for everyone to see. “In her fury over the gown, she tore up her draft, hurled it toward the hearth, and missed. She then abused the poor girl and threatened to dismiss her without a character, a cruel threat to a servant who must depend upon one for another place.”

Mrs. Vernon looked shocked. “To dismiss a servant without a character? And for a mere stain? How heartless!”

“While clearing the cold grate, the maid retrieved the discarded draft. Seeing that it concerned Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth, the poor creature knew not what she ought to do. She dreaded her mistress’s wrath, and believing she was to be discharged without a character, she carried the paper to my maid to beg her advice and protection.”

Rather than reading the offensive lines aloud, Lady Parchment rose smoothly and handed the folded paper directly to the Duchess. “I shall not sully this room by reciting such audacious falsehoods, Your Grace. But its contents reveal the full measure of her hypocrisy, alternating between the most extravagant professions of friendship and the most contemptible insults regarding your granddaughters’ connections and birth.”

The Duchess took the paper, her gaze sweeping over the lines in silence. As she read, the room seemed to turn icy cold under the weight of her displeasure.

Beside Jane on the sofa, Lord Arthur shifted subtly, altering his posture just enough to angle himself toward her in a quiet, protective boundary against the rest of the room. Colonel Fitzwilliam’s countenance darkened, while Mr. Darcy maintained a rigid, terrible silence, his dark eyes fixed upon the letter in the Duchess’s hands with a harshly suppressed indignation. Lord Ashworth’s expression grew grave, his usual good humour giving way to quiet disapproval.

A sudden warmth of indignation betrayed itself in Castor’s features, though he mastered his feelings in an instant. Her grandfather looked on with dark, stern disapprobation, his expression set like flint.

The Duchess folded the paper with a steady, unhurried precision that signaled her immense displeasure.

“It is a desperate act of manipulation,” the Duchess pronounced, her voice resonant with cold authority. “And it reveals far more about Miss Bingley’s presumptuous folly than she could ever hope to conceal behind hollow professions of friendship. My granddaughters shall not be exposed to such duplicity.”

Jane felt a familiar pang of weariness, but it was quickly overshadowed by a sense of surprise at the sheer audacity.

Eleanor looked horrified, her gaze flitting between the letter and Jane, whispering, “Good heavens... to write such things, and yet to pretend to affection!”

Lady Danvers, her expression grim and her lips pressed into a thin line, shook her head with dry, sharp disdain. “The girl’s presumption knows no bounds. Did she truly believe a flattering letter could erase her appalling conduct at the museum? Any fool could see she had entirely forfeited her character the moment she made an exhibition of herself there. To attempt reconciliation now, and in so transparent a fashion, is not merely deceitful, it is miserably weak.”

The Duke, who had been listening with deep disapprobation, set his glass down with a deliberate force that drew every eye to him. His brow furrowed as he leaned forward slightly. “A remarkable display of arrogance,” he remarked, his deep voice arresting the attention of the company with calm, decisive gravity. “Miss Bingley seems to have mistaken an acquaintance’s good opinion for something she may demand at will. If she finds the prospect of Cheapside so unbearable, she ought to have conducted herself with greater modesty.”

“Indeed,” Mrs. Vernon agreed softly, her gaze steady. “A disgraceful attempt, which can do her little credit among all of London.”

Lady Danvers added, “Such want of command over herself. It speaks ill of her and her brother. The Hursts have acted with more judgement than she deserves.”

Castor looked on with a silent, burning resentment before he spoke. “It is a piece of monstrous impudence,” he declared, the absolute firmness of his tone striking the room. “To harbor such venom against Jane and Elizabeth while daring to presume upon their kindness, she ought to be banished from every respectable drawing room in London.”

Mr. Darcy, who had remained silent until then, spoke at last. “Does Mr. Bingley know of this letter?”

Lady Parchment shook her head. “I have no reason to suppose he does. The letter was never sent.”

“Then he may yet be unaware of the lengths to which his sister will go to regain the regard she has forfeited,” Mr. Darcy observed.

Colonel Fitzwilliam glanced toward the Duchess. “Whatever Mr. Bingley may know, the threat against the maid is a serious matter. Without a character, she might find herself unable to obtain another position, however deserving she may be.”

The Duchess looked up, meeting Lady Parchment’s eyes. “The Colonel is correct. As for the maid, to threaten her with dismissal without a character, merely to conceal one’s own folly, is inexcusable. Tell your maid that her cousin is to come to Westbury House tomorrow and present herself to my housekeeper. We shall find a vacancy for her, and she shall receive fair wages and the respect due to any honest servant.”

Elizabeth’s hand touched Jane’s for a moment, and Jane understood her sister’s feeling. The unpleasantness of the encounter in the park, and the fresh sting of Miss Bingley’s written cruelty, quickly faded from her mind before the powerful assurance of her grandmothers protection.

Lady Parchment nodded. “A gracious resolution, Your Grace. I have already, through my own maid, offered to find her another position, should she choose to leave Miss Bingley’s service. Such conduct ought not to be tolerated in any household.”

Across the room, Jane noticed Mrs. Jenkinson quietly excusing herself from the company, moving toward the writing desk in the corner where she immediately settled to prepare her paper.

Elizabeth, noticing the familiar habit, leaned toward Mr. Darcy with a subtle, arch smile. “Ah, I see Mrs. Jenkinson is intent upon discharging her correspondence again. Uncommonly diligent, as always.”

Anne, with a dry wit, murmured, “The appetite for scandal, it seems, is ever hungry, Will... and it prefers the choicest morsels.”

The Duke gave a faint, knowing chuckle as he watched Mrs. Jenkinson take her place at the desk. He inclined his head toward her, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. “It seems,” he remarked, his voice carrying just enough for all to hear, “our excellent secretary is already preparing to put the truth before those who ought to know. My deepest thanks, Mrs. Jenkinson, for your invaluable service to both truth and discretion.”

A quiet silence followed the Duke’s pronouncement, only to be interrupted by an unusual stir in the vestibule below. Jane, whose ear caught the faint accents of raised and pleading voices, listened as they were suddenly silenced by the firm shutting of the house doors.

A few moments later, Jeffers entered the drawing-room. Though his posture was as rigid as ever, there was a rare, haughty stiffness in his bearing, a silent token of the unseemly haste that had been forced upon him. His usually serene countenance, so familiar to Jane, bore the distinct, frosty strain of a man whose meticulous dignity had just been severely tested upon the threshold. In all the time Jane had known him, she had never seen his formidable composure so visibly tried. He carried a single sealed letter upon a silver tray.

“Your Grace,” Jeffers said with a crisp bow, his voice carefully level, “a letter has been delivered for you.”

The Duchess regarded him with some surprise. “You appear rather disturbed, Jeffers. Was there some difficulty at the door?”

Jeffers hesitated briefly, his gaze passing over those assembled before settling upon the Duke.

“Speak freely, Jeffers,” the Duchess reassured him, her voice soft but firm. “There is no need for reserve among our friends.”

“Begging Your Grace’s pardon,” Jeffers replied, keeping his gaze fixed strictly above the mantlepiece. “It was Mr. Bingley and his sister. They arrived without having been announced, and insisted upon seeing Miss Bennet. When I informed them, according to your explicit instructions, that Miss Bennet was not at home, Miss Bingley took considerable offence and raised her voice at the very door.”

Mrs. Vernon let out a soft gasp. Beside Jane, Lord Arthur’s eyes immediately sought her countenance, his expression carrying a quiet, unyielding strength that seemed to promise her total protection. Across the hearth, Castor met Mr. Darcy’s eye with a knowing raise of his brow.

Jeffers remained perfectly still for a moment before turning his posture toward the Duke’s chair and continuing quietly. “She declared that she had every right to see Miss Bennet, and would not be persuaded to leave. Mr. Bingley eventually prevailed upon her to return to their carriage. Before departing, he requested that this letter be delivered directly into Your Grace’s hands.”

“You handled an unseemly situation with your customary fortitude, Jeffers,” the Duke said, taking the letter from the tray. “You may return to your duties.”

Jeffers bowed and withdrew.

A heavy silence settled over the drawing room. The Duke turned the paper over, breaking the wax seal with a dry, decisive snap.

“Well, this promises to be as illuminating as the last communication,” he mused, a dry note in his voice. He drew out a single sheet, along with another, smaller folded paper. The first was clearly a brief note, the second, by its size and fold, a formal letter. He read the brief note first, his eyes scanning quickly.

His gaze then fell upon the enclosed letter, which remained securely sealed. He said nothing out loud, he did not need to. The sudden, stony finality of his expression told the room everything.

Lifting his gaze, the Duke met Jane’s eyes across the room. His look conveyed neither reproach nor curiosity, only concern for her comfort. Without a word, her grandfather casually tossed the note and the unopened letter into the center of the hearth. The paper caught quickly, the edges curling as the flames consumed the writing.

As the paper curled in the flames, Lord Arthur’s expression hardened. His posture remained protectively angled toward her, a silent shield at her side, though she no longer needed the reassurance.

Jane drew a quiet, steadying breath. “Thank you, Grandfather,” she said softly, her voice rich with genuine emotion. “I would have declined to read it, even had you offered it to me.”

The Duke inclined his head, and the matter appeared to be settled.

“Mr. Bingley might at least have spared Miss Bennet the indignity of his sister’s intrusion,” Lord Arthur said. “He must have known how unwelcome such a visit would be.”

Mr. Darcy’s countenance grew grave. “I had once believed Mr. Bingley possessed better judgment than to permit such conduct. I fear I have been mistaken.”

Castor glanced from one gentleman to the other. “And what, pray, are we to make of a man who permits his sister to treat a lady’s good name as though it were his to bestow or withdraw?”

Castor paused, his brow lifting slightly as he addressed Mr. Darcy directly. “Has Bingley made any attempt to call upon you, Darcy, to explain his sister’s madness, or his own silence?”

Mr. Darcy’s posture stiffened fractionally, his jaw setting in a line of quiet disappointment. “He came to my town house yesterday morning,” Mr. Darcy admitted, his voice low and measured. “He appeared much distressed, and assured me that he knew nothing of his sister’s design. Yet when I pressed him on why he failed to exert any control over his own household, he had no answer to give, only assurances that he had meant no harm.” Mr. Darcy met Castor’s gaze, a shadow of cold reserve settling over his features. “A man’s intentions signify little if he has not resolution enough to act. I informed him my time was engaged, and we have not spoken since.”

The Duke regarded his grandson and Darcy with a faint, approving smile. “We shall make nothing of Mr. Bingley this afternoon, Castor. Jane’s comfort is of greater consequence to us than any judgement of his character.”

Castor inclined his head, though his expression suggested that he had not exhausted his opinions on the subject.

The Duchess nodded in quiet approval before turning a meaningful look upon Lady Parchment. “Discretion is generally a virtue, Lady Parchment, but I see no reason to conceal the manner in which Miss Bingley behaved at my door. Indeed, it would be a disservice to society. Those who enquire may be told the truth.”

“Indeed, Your Grace,” Lady Parchment replied, rising smoothly and adjusting her gloves. “I expect the matter will be mentioned in the course of conversation during my calls tomorrow. I shall take care that my friends are not left ignorant of what has passed. I beg your leave.”

“I have no doubt,” the Duchess replied, with a slight smile. “I am obliged to you for bringing the matter to our attention.”

Lady Parchment bowed. “I was glad to do so, Your Grace. I should be sorry for your granddaughters to be troubled by any further impertinence from Miss Bingley.”

With that, she took her leave.

As Lady Parchment departed, Castor leaned toward Colonel Fitzwilliam with a faint, sharp smirk. “I daresay there will be some discussion at White’s this evening. Mr. Bingley has chosen a curious way of asking for an audience.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam gave a brief, humourless smile. “He might have considered the effect upon Miss Bennet before bringing his sister to the door.”

Elizabeth caught Mrs. Jenkinson’s eye, where the lady remained at the corner desk, her pen moving with unremitting steadiness. “Oh, Mrs. Jenkinson,” Elizabeth called out archly, “the public appetite for scandal will surely be surfeited before the sun sets!”

Mrs. Jenkinson merely offered a prim, triumphant smile, her quill scratching rhythmically against the letter paper.

Jane turned her gaze towards the glowing hearth. The sight brought no renewed sorrow, nor did she feel any wish to know what Mr. Bingley had written. Whatever he might have wished to say, she was content to leave it unread.

She was grateful for her grandfather’s quiet protection, for her sister’s presence, and for the affection of those gathered around her. The past had not been undone, but it no longer governed her hopes for the future.

~*~

The days that followed afforded Jane a welcome succession of pleasant engagements, far removed from the disturbances of the drawing room. Jane could not help reflecting upon the recent events, and upon the kindness with which her family had sheltered her from their consequences. The Duke and Duchess appeared determined that Jane and Elizabeth should enjoy every advantage London had to offer, and that no whisper against them should be allowed to prosper.

Castor, alongside Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Lord Ashworth, and Lord Arthur, truly excelled in their duties as attendants to the ladies. They formed a most attentive party, accompanying the ladies and Miss Vernon on a succession of delightful morning outings. At the art gallery, discussions of brushstrokes and composition flowed with great ease, while a subsequent visit to the gardens revealed the gentlemen to be surprisingly knowledgeable on the subject of exotic flora.

These excursions, so carefully arranged, served as a public display of family unity. By appearing together in perfect harmony, they offered a silent but powerful rebuke to any whispered slanders, effortlessly reinforcing the family’s consequence in the eyes of society.

Later that same afternoon, the company was to take a fashionable drive through Hyde Park, requiring no fewer than three barouches to accommodate the jovial party

Before the planned drive, Jane was enjoying a trip to Bond Street. She was shopping with her grandmother, Aunt Celeste, Astra, Selina, Elizabeth, Anne, and Eleanor.

The bustling streets of London, filled with elegant carriages and fashionable ladies, were a delightful distraction. They were admiring a display of exquisite French lace in the window of a shop when Jane spotted a familiar group of gentlemen approaching from the opposite direction. Lord Arthur, Castor, Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Lord Ashworth were walking together, clearly having set out to meet the ladies for their outing at Gunter’s.

Before they could join one another, a voice, unsteady and desperate, rose above the murmur of the pavement.

“Miss Bennet! What an unexpected pleasure!”

Jane turned with unwavering composure to find Mr. Bingley standing a few feet away, looking upon her with an expression of earnest, almost fearful hope. Beside him, Miss Bingley maintained an affectation of politeness that poorly concealed her inner displeasure, her eyes darting between Jane and the Duchess’s formidable presence. Her gaze then flickered to Eleanor, and Miss Bingley’s lips pursed, her eyes narrowing imperceptibly, as if estimating Miss Vernon’s consequence and entitlement to such society.

“Mr. Bingley,” Jane replied, her voice soft and entirely composed. “And Miss Bingley. It is indeed unexpected to see you here.”

There was no recrimination in her tone, only a serene and polite indifference which rendered his own awkwardness the more conspicuous, while making the sudden renewal of his attentions painfully obvious.

His usual ease entirely deserted him, leaving him looking momentarily discomposed, precisely because she gave him no reason for resentment. She offered only a sweetness of manners he so well remembered, and of which he now, perhaps, longed to prove himself worthy once more.

“I was merely attending my sister in her search for ribbons,” Mr. Bingley offered, though the pretext was too transparent to deceive anyone.

It was immediately obvious to the entire party that ribbons were but a convenient shield for his true design, to haunt the shops of Bond Street in the desperate hope of an encounter with Jane.

Perceiving no anger in Jane’s gentle demeanor, Mr. Bingley spoke with renewed urgency. “Miss Bennet, I risk your displeasure, but I cannot remain silent. Did you receive my letter? In my communication to the Duke, I begged his Grace to place it in your hands.”

An immediate change came over the ladies in Jane’s party. Elizabeth’s countenance betrayed her profound shock, Eleanor looked toward her companions with wide, startled eyes, and Anne drew herself up, astonished by so flagrant a breach of propriety.

Before Jane could speak, Lord Arthur closed the remaining distance with a few swift, decisive strides. He smoothly placed himself at her side, his tall stature effectively obstructing Mr. Bingley’s path and shutting him out from her view. Offering Jane his arm, which she accepted with immediate relief, Lord Arthur fixed Mr. Bingley with a look of such aristocratic displeasure and haughty disdain that the gentleman was instantly checked.

Jane’s fingers tightened against the fine wool of his sleeve, her heart fluttering with a tumult of sudden emotion. In this moment of public distress, Lord Arthur’s conduct was the very essence of gallantry. By his timely intervention, he had spared her the pain of further embarrassment. The steady comfort of his protection spoke to her innocence far more eloquently than words, and she felt, for the first time, a profound sense of security in his care.

“You are mistaken, sir,” Lord Arthur said, his voice low, firm, and carrying absolute authority. “Miss Bennet has not been troubled with any letter from you or anyone else. If you have anything further to say, you will address yourself to her grandfather, the Duke of Westbury.”

The Duchess stepped beside them, her air perfectly regal and her voice clear with a chilling authority. “Your question, Mr. Bingley, is extraordinarily improper. I must ask you to remember yourself, sir, and cease troubling my granddaughter upon a public street.”

Mr. Bingley faltered, turning crimson, clearly taken aback by the combined force of the Duchess’s rebuke and Lord Arthur’s firm interposition, while Castor, Mr. Darcy, and the other gentlemen moved forward to flank them, presenting a most formidable front. His sister, however, was by no means silenced. Her features tightened in defiance as she prepared to vent her indignation.

Before Miss Bingley could utter a single word, Castor broke the silence with chilling authority. “You will apologise to my cousin, sir, and to my grandmother, for forcing such an indecorous conversation upon them.”

Just then, Lady Parchment, who had been inspecting the lace within the very haberdasher’s shop they stood before, stepped out onto the pavement. Having discreetly observed the unfolding scene, she saw fit to intervene, gliding forward to address the company in a voice that easily arrested the attention of the surrounding onlookers.

“Indeed, Mr. Bingley, you seem to suffer under a most unfortunate misapprehension,” Lady Parchment remarked, infusing her voice with a cruel semblance of pity. “I chanced to be present at Westbury House when your missive arrived. I assure you, the Duke cast it unopened into the fire before the entire drawing room. Miss Bennet has received no letter from you, Mr. Bingley, nor need she concern herself with one now.”

She fixed him with a glance that dared him to question either her truthfulness or her authority, well knowing that any attempt to dispute her word would only hasten his own social ruin.

Under the combined weight of the Duchess’s displeasure, Lord Arthur’s commanding presence, and Castor’s chilling requisition, all sealed by Lady Parchment’s devastating testimony, Mr. Bingley was struck utterly dumb. The color rushed violently to his face, his anxious smile vanishing as he stood thoroughly abashed before the company.

“Miss Bennet, I entreat you!” Bingley cried, straining to catch a glimpse of her past Lord Arthur’s shoulder. “You cannot believe I ever designed to cause you a moment’s distress! I was grossly misguided, cruelly deceived, and have deplored my own compliance every hour since our separation. If you would only allow me the happiness of explaining to you...”

He stopped, conscious at last of the attention his conduct had attracted. Beside him, Miss Bingley had grown pale with mortification.

In desperation, Mr. Bingley continued, “It was not wholly my doing, Miss Bennet. I was strongly advised by my friend Mr. Darcy that your family was unsuitable. I acted on his counsel.”

Mr. Darcy met Mr. Bingley’s gaze with grave, unyielding dignity. “I gave you my opinion, Bingley, according to the judgement I then formed. I have since been compelled to acknowledge my error. But you chose your own course.” Turning slightly to Jane, Darcy inclined his head. “Miss Bennet, I have long regretted the injury my interference may have done you. I beg your forgiveness.”

Jane bestowed upon Mr. Darcy a look of quiet assent. Then, drawing closer to Lord Arthur’s side, she directed her gaze past his shoulder to meet Mr. Bingley’s earnest look, granting him one last glance of silent farewell.

“You need not concern yourself for my happiness, Mr. Bingley,” she said softly, her manner marked by a gentle but absolute finality. “I assure you, I am exceedingly well cared for.”

It was then that Eleanor drew herself up, stepped forward, and spoke, her voice carrying a sweet but chilling clarity. “Good day, Mr. Bingley. I trust your memory is not so short that you have entirely forgotten our acquaintance at the winter house party, however abruptly it was brought to its conclusion.” She offered him a cool, composed smile. “It appears you have a most unfortunate habit of being misled by your advisors, though I confess your present regrets are of very little consequence to this company.”

Mr. Bingley was struck entirely dumb. His speech failed him utterly, and he could only stammer as the color rushed violently into his cheeks. “My dear Miss Vernon, surely... that is to say, you mistook my intentions. There was never...”

But Eleanor had already turned smoothly away, dismissing him from her thoughts. Addressing Anne with a look of quiet amusement, she remarked, “It is truly remarkable, Anne, how easily some gentlemen permit their affections to be governed by the whispers of others. A mind so readily persuaded must surely find the demands of society very fatiguing.”

A ripple of astonished whispers passed through those assembled. Miss Bingley’s displeasure was plain. Among the bystanders, however, few appeared inclined to offer either sibling encouragement. No one stepped forward to defend him.

A lady standing nearby lowered her parasol and said to her companion, in a voice not quite so low as it might have been for the words to drift across the pavement, “He may be wealthy, but his character is remarkably common.”

“I wonder,” the companion murmured back, tilting her bonnet slightly, “if they came all the way from Cheapside merely to pursue her in the street, having already been turned away from Westbury House?”

Beside Mr. Bingley, Miss Bingley stiffened, her face burning as she felt the full weight of the chilling, silent disapproval directed at them from the entire Westbury party and the surrounding onlookers. Perceived that any further speech would only complete their public humiliation, Miss Bingley caught her brother’s arm with urgent haste, compelling him to turn away from the company without a single parting word.

“Come, Charles,” said Miss Bingley sharply.

Without another word, Mr. Bingley suffered himself to be led away, retreating into the passing throng with an expression of the deepest dejection, his spirit thoroughly crushed.

A sense of profound relief, accompanied by a few quiet murmurs of indignation, settled over the company. The Duchess’s commanding air had proved an absolute shield, while the gallantry of Lord Arthur and Castor had offered the most secure protection, all brought to a triumph by Lady Parchment’s timely testimony. Jane felt her heart overflow with the deepest gratitude for their defense.

Elizabeth took advantage of the quiet that followed their departure. She moved closer to Mr. Darcy, whose countenance still betrayed a stern and rigid displeasure as he watched the Bingleys retreat. Lowering her voice, she caught his eye with a look of pointed archness.

“A most remarkable coincidence, Mr. Darcy. I was under the impression we were to meet you at Gunter’s later, yet here the five of you are on Bond Street. One might almost suppose you feared we should fail to find our way to Berkeley Square.”

Mr. Darcy’s features relaxed, though a faint smile soon appeared. “Our meeting at Gunter’s was certainly arranged, Miss Elizabeth. But a gentleman may arrive somewhat before the appointed time when he wishes to hasten his arrival.”

“To hasten?” Elizabeth teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Is that what you call it? I have always known you to be a man of exact habits, but I had not thought ‘impeccable timing’ among your more gallant inclinations.”

Mr. Darcy offered a faint, fleeting smile. “I prefer to think of it as being prepared for the unforeseen. In this instance, however, I am glad we came sooner than intended. The Bingleys made the precaution useful.”

A few paces away, Jane watched the quiet exchange, a soft, genuine smile upon her lips. She felt a deep sense of gratitude that Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy had arrived at so perfect a mutual understanding. To see them now, with every past grievance happily cleared away, their lively banter revealing a newfound felicity, warmed Jane’s heart and completely dispelled the painful impressions of Mr. Bingley’s presence.

“We had planned to join you at Gunter’s,” Lord Arthur said, his voice softer now as he turned to Jane. “However, if you would prefer to return home, we shall be honoured to attend you. And, should you wish it, we shall still attend you in your drive through the park this afternoon.”

Castor stepped forward, offering his friend a look of quiet support. “An excellent suggestion, Harland. Come, ladies, let us leave this spot and forget the recent unpleasantness. Darcy, Ashworth, Fitzwilliam, your company would be a most welcome addition, both for our drive and for the remainder of the afternoon.”

“Lord Arthur,” Jane said softly, “I should still like to call at Gunter’s for some ices, as we had intended, if you please.”

A general murmur of assent rose from the ladies, and the gentlemen readily aligned themselves to form a most formidable and protective escort about Jane and her family. As they turned their steps toward Gunter’s, the curious stares of the fashionable throng upon the pavement no longer possessed the power to distress them. Instead, the company moved with a heightened consequence that commanded the absolute respect of all onlookers.

Jane, walking securely between her grandmother and Lord Arthur, felt a profound sense of peace return to her mind. Every lingering attachment to Mr. Bingley was now entirely at an end, and her future prospects, secured by such steadfast companionship, appeared wonderfully bright and unclouded.

]]> LizzyS Derbyshire Writers' GuildSat, 17 Oct 2026 18:57:42 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?4,131784,131904#msg-131904 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?4,131784,131904#msg-131904
I like to imagine much of her contentment in Kent might come from her growing relationship with Anne, or with some (several) other women of the parish. I believe something might be behind the statement that Anne rarely comes inside, though she frequently stops at the parsonage when she goes out for a ride. I often imagine she would only come in if Mr Collins is away, and if the ladies can be alone. Whether they just have a pleasant conversation, tea and cake, or anything more, is again, left to our imagination.

I don't pretend to know what Jane intended, whether it was anything more than a strong platonic friendship between any of her female characters. It was, as you wrote, a time when sisterhood or devotion could be put to paper, sexual activities could not, if an author wished to be published and not condemned. Fordyce's sermons might have been waning in popularity, but Mary Wollstonecraft's writings were blacklisted due to the biography published after her death. Anything in a draft of the novels that was too sexually explicit would have been edited out by a wise publisher wishing to maximize sales. Any letters mentioning Ms. Austen's thoughts on Charlotte's preferences or intimate relationships would likely have been burnt by her relations.

Jo D]]> Jo Duke Tea RoomMon, 12 Oct 2026 19:19:00 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131902,131903#msg-131903 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131902,131903#msg-131903 Micha Derbyshire Writers' GuildMon, 12 Oct 2026 10:28:40 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131902,131902#msg-131902 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131902,131902#msg-131902Chapter 8

The gentle motion of the carriage had become familiar to them during their stay in London. Around Elizabeth, conversation rose and fell beneath the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves as they made their way through the bustling streets toward Westbury House.

Elizabeth was tired, though agreeably so, after the day at the Museum. Miss Bingley’s behaviour had been an unexpected interruption, though Elizabeth could not deny that its conclusion had afforded her some satisfaction. She looked at Jane, whose countenance showed that she too was not displeased by the day’s events. Anne too appeared calm, though Elizabeth suspected that she had not been indifferent to Miss Bingley’s discomposure.

“It was certainly an eventful outing, was it not?” the Duchess remarked, a hint of amusement in her voice as she met Elizabeth’s gaze.

Elizabeth smiled. “Indeed, Grandmother. Though I confess, I was rather surprised by Miss Bingley’s persistence in her misconceptions.”

Mrs. Jenkinson, ever the discreet observer of the ton, leaned forward slightly. “Ah, but Miss Elizabeth, appearances are not always to be trusted. While we were in the gallery, through the usual channels of our companions’ network, I was made privy to two rather extraordinary details regarding the Bingley household, matters that shed considerable light upon Miss Bingley’s recent desperation and sudden lack of counsel, as well as those frequent, mysterious excursions she has been making with Mr. Bingley.”

Elizabeth felt a fresh surge of curiosity, remembering the whispered rumors of those late-night outings. “Two details, Mrs. Jenkinson? Do they explain where Mr. Bingley has been conducting her?”

“Do tell,” the Duke prompted, his interest piqued.

“First,” Mrs. Jenkinson began, her voice dropping to a confidential murmur, “it seems that Miss Bingley has become dangerously addicted to play. Those excursions were not to quiet family acquaintances or fashionable shops, as she led many to believe, but to houses where play is carried on to alarming high stakes. Mr. Bingley has attended her himself, in the hope of limiting her losses and preventing the matter from becoming more generally known.”

“Shield her?” the Duke interrupted, his tone laced with sharp aristocratic disdain. “He has done nothing of the sort! He has merely deferred the disgrace, while encouraging the very conduct which must bring it about. Had he a grain of sense or true honor, he would have removed her from town months ago and confined her to the country, where she could cause no further injury to her portion or her family’s name. A gentleman who cannot govern his own household, and instead escorts his sister to the very brink of public disgrace, is a weak man indeed.”

“Indeed, Your Grace,” Mrs. Jenkinson agreed quietly. “What began with cards has been carried to a most alarming excess. Her losses at play have been so considerable that a large part of her fortune has already been consumed in the payment of debts of honour. I am assured that little of her fortune will remain if she continues in the same course.”

“Good heavens,” the Duchess murmured, a frown settling upon her features. “To throw away so much of her own fortune! It shows very little judgement in her, and none at all in her brother.”

A heavy silence filled the carriage as Elizabeth exchanged a glance with Jane. The frantic desperation behind Miss Bingley’s social climbing, her frantic need to attach herself to a fortune before her squandered fortune became public knowledge, was now laid bare.

“And the second matter, Mrs. Jenkinson?” Anne inquired.

“The second concerns Mrs. Hurst,” Mrs. Jenkinson replied, smoothing her gloves with deliberate calm before looking up. “Many have wondered why Mrs. Hurst was absent, and why she did not prevent her sister from coming this morning. It turns out it was no mere oversight. Mrs. Hurst’s personal maid sought me out directly in the vestibule while we were admiring the marbles.”

Anne tilted her head, listening intently. “Was Mrs. Hurst aware of our planned outing in advance?”

“She was, Miss de Bourgh,” Mrs. Jenkinson answered smoothly. “A Duke’s carriage cannot be prepared without the stables and tradesmen taking notice. Early this morning, a delivery person chanced to overhear the stable hands discussing preparations for His Grace’s outing and the number of carriages required for the Montagu House. He repeated it elsewhere in the course of the morning. News travels with extraordinary swiftness through the servants’ hall. Upon learning where His Grace was bound, Mrs. Hurst mentioned that the museum had become fashionable among the highest circles, and made no serious objection when Miss Bingley proposed going there.”

Jane’s eyes widened slightly. “But why make even so mild an objection, if she believed Miss Bingley meant to go?”

“Because Mrs. Hurst knew that a direct refusal would only make her sister more determined,” said Mrs. Jenkinson. “She neither commanded Miss Bingley to go nor suggested that she seek anyone there. She merely ceased to oppose an intention which Miss Bingley had already formed.”

Elizabeth considered the matter, a quiet understanding settling over her. “It was not malice,” she observed softly, looking to Jane. “Mrs. Hurst has her husband’s household and reputation to consider. She also knows her sister’s disposition very well. She knew that the mere mention of the museum being fashionable would be enough to make Miss Bingley go, for she is always most determined to pursue a course when she imagines she is acting as her own mistress. She foresaw what her sister would do, but knowing a person’s nature is not the same as directing her actions. Miss Bingley chose to go.”

Jane was quiet for a moment, her fingers tightening slightly over one another in her lap. “Then Mrs. Hurst may have foreseen her sister’s actions, but she did not force her to go. I can understand why Mrs. Hurst wishes to protect her husband’s credit,” she said at last. “And I do not think she is wrong to do so. But I cannot help wishing she had understood sooner that a sister’s partiality is not always kindness. More than once, Mr. Bingley has given a young lady reason to hope, and afterwards withdrawn when his sister disapproved the connection. Mrs. Hurst saw the disappointment that followed. If she feared for the family’s name, I wish she had urged her brother to be more decided before another lady’s hopes, and her family’s peace, were made to suffer the consequences.”

Elizabeth’s expression softened. “You are right, Jane. She was not without warning, and her silence has not been without cost to others. But in this instance, I believe she has acted more from prudence than malice. She has ceased to think further opposition of any use.”

“I believe you understand her perfectly, Miss Elizabeth,” Mrs. Jenkinson agreed, a faint, ironical smile touching her lips. “She had ceased to believe that argument, restraint, or indulgence could influence her sister. Mrs. Hurst has seen how weak her brother is, and how unreasonable her sister has become. She has at last ceased trying to save her sister from the effects of conduct which she has opposed too long. Once she learned that your party would be at the gallery, she had little doubt that Miss Bingley would discover the Miss Bennets were there and attempt to cross your path.”

Anne gave a quiet chuckle, tilting her head. “Very ingenious. Mrs. Hurst did not direct her there. She merely stood aside when Miss Bingley chose her own course, and was finally obliged to answer for her conduct.”

“Just so, Miss de Bourgh,” Mrs. Jenkinson agreed softly. “In fact, Mrs. Hurst’s maid conveyed a most particular message to me, an earnest, private apology from Mrs. Hurst to Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth for her sister’s headstrong folly, along with an assurance that she intends to sever her establishment from Miss Bingley entirely.”

“A prudent decision,” the Duchess observed quietly, though without pity. “Nor an unwise one for a woman who must consider her husband’s name.”

Elizabeth could not help but see the justice in the arrangement. Miss Bingley had spent years trusting that other people would yield to her wishes, and Mrs. Hurst had merely learned to anticipate what her sister would do. Perhaps even Miss Bingley might learn something from experience, though Elizabeth suspected the lesson would require rather more than one uncomfortable afternoon at the museum.

“And how does Mrs. Hurst mean the matter to be understood?” the Duchess asked.

“By doing very little at all, Your Grace,” Mrs. Jenkinson replied. “She has no intention of making a spectacle of the matter. As it is Mr. Hurst’s establishment in Grosvenor Street, Mr. and Mrs. Hurst arranged to detain Mr. Bingley at home this morning on business of some importance. The moment Miss Bingley departed for the gallery, Mrs. Hurst gave orders that her sister’s trunks be packed. With Mr. Hurst, she then represented to her brother that Miss Bingley could no longer remain in Grosvenor Street, and advised him to take her at once to Netherfield, which he has not yet given up. Whether Miss Bingley will submit to the arrangement remains another matter.”

Elizabeth felt her breath catch slightly at the mention of Netherfield, she could not but think of the inconvenience of having Miss Bingley so near Longbourn. Yet she soon considered something else. She had not suspected Mrs. Hurst possessed such resolution. To cease opposing Miss Bingley when opposition could do no good, and to act once her conduct had rendered further indulgence impossible, showed a degree of judgement Elizabeth had not expected from Mrs. Hurst. Elizabeth could not but admire the decision with which she had acted. If Mr. Bingley had the sense to insist upon the arrangement, she suspected his sister would find the prospect considerably less agreeable than he did.

“Excellent,” Anne remarked, with quiet satisfaction.

The Duke gave a low, thoughtful hum, his heavy brow lifting. “Clever woman. And entirely proper. Netherfield is quite far enough from London to keep the lady out of the gaming houses, though I pity any neighborhood forced to endure her presence.” He shot a sharp, meaningful look at Elizabeth and Jane, his tone hardening with familiar indignation. “Hertfordshire appears singularly ill supplied with gentlemen willing to govern their own households. Should Mr. Bingley return to Netherfield with his sister, he may find Mr. Bennet an excellent example of the inconveniences produced when a gentleman leaves the management of his family to others. A father who will not exert himself for his daughters has little right to complain of the disorder that follows.”

Jane leaned back against the cushions, her hands folded tightly in her lap and looked at their grandfather, surprised by the faint approval in his voice. A degree of bitterness appeared in Jane’s countenance, an expression Elizabeth knew too well.

“It is a double-edged sword, is it not?” Jane said softly, her voice carrying a weight that drew the eyes of the entire carriage. “We, better than anyone, understand the exquisite agony of being tied to a reckless sister whose unbridled behavior threatens to drag an entire family into ruin. Indeed, it was Lydia and Mrs. Bennet’s wild folly that Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst once used as their finest weapon, the very sword they wielded to convince Mr. Bingley that our family was too compromised to touch.”

“Though in Lydia’s case,” Elizabeth added, her lips twitching with a flash of irrepressible humor despite the gravity of the subject, “it was a literal sword. I believe Captain Carter only surrendered his dress saber to her under the mistaken impression that she knew which end was sharp. Though I suspect the militia was in far greater danger of her dropping it on her own foot than using it to defend her honor.”

A subdued amusement passed through the carriage.

Jane shook her head, a faint, sorrowful smile touching her mouth. “How strange that Mrs. Hurst should now be obliged to guard her own household against the very disorder she once made so much of in ours.”

Anne, who had listened with serene composure, gave a measured nod. “Then perhaps, Miss Bennet, Lydia rendered you a greater service than any of us understood at the time. She removed from your path a gentleman whose affections have proved rather less constant than you once believed. And, from all we have heard today, you were spared more than the loss of Mr. Bingley.”

“It is the way of hypocrites,” the Duchess said, her voice cool and uncompromising. “They are severe upon the faults of others, while overlooking those nearest to themselves. Mrs. Hurst is merely taking care that her sister’s folly does not bring further discredit upon her husband’s household.”

“Precisely, Your Grace,” Mrs. Jenkinson added quietly. “Miss Bingley will return from the gallery not to a triumphal drawing room, but to find her brother waiting in the hall, her baggage loaded, and her removal to Netherfield already decided.”

“A very thorough banishment indeed,” the Duke remarked dryly, looking out the carriage window as Westbury House came into view. “Miss Bingley went to the gallery expecting to find half the fashionable world assembled there, and no doubt intended to make herself agreeable to persons of consequence. She did not realize that her sister’s household had already ceased to shield her.”

Elizabeth looked out the carriage window at the grand townhouse looming into view. She could not but perceive the irony of their situation. For months, Caroline Bingley had looked down upon the Bennet sisters from the fortress of her wealth, her connections, and her presumed superiority, treating them as upstarts unworthy of her sphere. Yet here Elizabeth sat, surrounded by genuine affection and the quiet protection of her ducal family, while Miss Bingley had discovered that the household she had long taken for granted would no longer shield her from the consequences of her own conduct.

She could take no pleasure in Miss Bingley’s disgrace. Yet the justice of it was not to be denied. Miss Bingley had built her world upon appearances and assumed that others would always yield to her wishes. Now, perhaps for the first time, she would be left to bear the effects of her own conduct without her sister’s intervention.

~*~

The afternoon sun, softened by the tall parlor windows, cast a gentle glow upon the elegant room at Westbury House. Jane sat near a window, a book of poetry open in her lap, though her gaze often drifted to her grandmother and grandfather who were discussing the seating arrangements for the evening’s dinner party. Across from them, Elizabeth engaged in a quiet conversation with Anne, while Mrs. Jenkinson, ever present yet unobtrusive, sat with her needlework nearby. The prospect of the evening’s company gave the room an air of agreeable expectation.

“Now, for dinner tonight,” the Duchess mused, tapping a finger thoughtfully against the guest list. “We have my son and his family, Lady Danvers, Mrs. and Miss Vernon, Lord Ashworth, Lord Arthur Harland, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Mr. Darcy, of course. We must take care that the conversation is lively at every turn.”

“Indeed, Grandmother,” Elizabeth agreed, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Mr. Darcy, I am certain, will manage quite well, no matter his companion.”

Mrs. Jenkinson finished her stitch and lifted her eyes. “Your Grace,” she said, “there has been a further development in the matter of Netherfield.”

The Duchess looked toward her. “Indeed?”

“Miss Bingley refused to go.”

Elizabeth’s eyebrows rose. “Already?”

“Quite firmly, Miss Elizabeth. Mr. Bingley has taken his sister to a house in London which belonged to their father, until some other plan can be settled.”

“A London residence?”

“The Bingleys still retain a house their father used when business called him to London,” Mrs. Jenkinson explained. “Rather farther east than Miss Bingley would have preferred.”

Elizabeth’s eyes widened. “Not...”

“In Cheapside,” Mrs. Jenkinson confirmed.

Anne’s composure did not entirely conceal her amusement. Jane caught the flash of irrepressible amusement in Elizabeth’s eyes before she composed her features.

“How very unfortunate,” Elizabeth murmured.

“For Miss Bingley, certainly,” Mrs. Jenkinson replied. “The house has belonged to the family for many years, though I understand Miss Bingley has never thought it fit for more than a temporary occasion.”

Elizabeth’s mouth curved. “How fortunate that the Gardiners live on Gracechurch Street, only a short distance from Cheapside. Miss Bingley may now enjoy the distinction of residing there herself.”

“The world has a curious sense of irony,” the Duchess stated dryly.

“Mr. and Mrs. Hurst remain at Grosvenor Street. Indeed, they were seen together at Lady Metcalfe’s last evening, without Miss Bingley, and society has already drawn its conclusions,” Mrs. Jenkinson explained. “It was understood that Miss Bingley was no longer to form part of the Hurst household.”

Jane lowered her eyes to her book, though not before catching the amusement in her grandfather’s expression.

Anne gave a quiet laugh. “I confess, I should very much like to know what Miss Bingley thinks of her new accommodations.”

The Duke gave a quiet hum. “Mr. Bingley has still not learnt that a brother must do more than attend his sister when she refuses to be guided.”

Jane could not help smiling. The Duke had a talent for expressing in one sentence what others required a quarter of an hour to explain.

At that moment, there was a soft knock at the parlour door. The butler, Jeffers, entered, his expression carefully neutral. “Pardon the interruption, Your Grace,” he announced, his voice clear. “A Mr. Bingley has called, requesting to pay his respects to Miss Jane Bennet.”

A sudden, sharp silence fell over the room. Jane felt a familiar tremor of surprise, quickly followed by a flush that warmed her cheeks. She instinctively glanced at the Duchess, whose serene expression had instantly vanished, replaced by an unmistakable coolness.

“Mr. Bingley?” the Duchess repeated, her voice perfectly level, yet colder than a winter’s dawn. Her eyes, usually so warm and welcoming, showed no encouragement. She paused, allowing the name to hang in the air for a moment before delivering her decree. “Tell him she is not at home, Jeffers.”

As they spoke, Jane noticed Mrs. Jenkinson had discreetly risen and moved to a small writing desk in the corner of the parlor, pulling out paper and a quill. A faint scratching sound filled the otherwise quiet room.

The butler inclined his head, but the Duchess raised a hand. “And, Jeffers,” she added, her voice dropping to a resonant, formidable authority, “should Mr. Bingley call again, pray be advised that Miss Jane Bennet is never at home to him. Ever. You understand?”

“Perfectly, Your Grace.” The butler’s expression did not flicker. He had served the family long enough to understand the Duchess’s meaning.

Jane felt a brief tremor of surprise, followed by something closer to resignation than distress. Whatever uncertainty Jane had once felt with regard to Mr. Bingley was now at an end. The Duchess’s refusal left no prospect of further intercourse between them. Mr. Bingley, for all his pleasantness, had proved himself too easily swayed, too willing to surrender his own judgment to those around him. Her grandmother’s intervention, however severe, had removed every possibility of misunderstanding. Mr. Bingley would not be permitted to suppose that Jane Bennet remained within his reach.

“Are you well, Jane?” Elizabeth asked softly. “Tell me truly, has Mr. Bingley’s call unsettled you?”

Jane met her sister’s gaze, a small, weary smile touching her lips. “I am well, Lizzy. And as for Mr. Bingley, I confess a certain sadness. Not for any prospect which has been lost, for I see now that it was never secure, but for the readiness with which he gave up his own judgement.” She paused, then added, “It is perhaps a kindness, this end. It leaves me no reason to doubt my course.”

Her grandmother reached across and gently took Jane’s hand. “My dear, I must apologize for the bluntness of my actions, but they were, I assure you, entirely necessary. He could not be permitted to mistake our meaning.”

“Indeed, my love,” her grandfather affirmed, his voice firm. “You did precisely the right thing. Such irresolution is not a quality I would see rewarded in a gentleman connected with our family. It makes our opinion sufficiently plain.”

“But why now?” Elizabeth mused aloud, her brow furrowed in thought. “The society papers made haste to acquaint all of London with the full details of our mother’s family almost immediately upon my arrival. Aunt Celeste’s correspondence has since spread the intelligence through every fashionable circle, and our frequent appearances in town have left scarce a soul in ignorance.”

“Unless their maid hides the news from them,” Anne murmured.

For a moment, the room was silent. Then Jane laughed softly, followed by Elizabeth and the Duchess, while even the Duke’s expression betrayed his amusement.

“Yet, after all this time,” she continued, her amusement fading as she returned to the matter at hand, “and after his sister’s public declarations at the museum, why should Mr. Bingley suddenly wish to call upon Jane? Only yesterday Mrs. Hurst suggested that he take his sister to Netherfield, and now he has conveyed her to the family house in Cheapside instead.”

“Ah,” her grandfather began, a knowing glint in his eye, “that, my dear Elizabeth, may be precisely the point. Mr. Bingley knew of his sister’s behavior long before yesterday. He has been paying her debts and attempting to conceal the effects of her gaming for some time. What changed yesterday was not his knowledge, but the extent to which her conduct became public, and the company in which she chose to behave so disgracefully.”

“Her gambling,” Jane finished softly, remembering Mrs. Jenkinson’s revelations the previous day.

“Precisely,” her grandmother confirmed, her expression tightening. “Mr. Bingley has long known how his sister has behaved. What he may only now have begun to understand is the danger her conduct poses to his own consequence, now that the Westburys have seen it for themselves. He may be seeking some means of restoring his credit before matters worsen. Re-establishing his connection with you, Jane, would certainly answer that end, and remind him of an attachment he ought never to have abandoned.”

Elizabeth gave a short, incredulous laugh. “He truly is easily led, is he not? First by his sister’s opinion of us, and now by the effects of having followed her.”

Across the room, the scratching of the quill ceased, then a seal was pressed into the warm wax, and the letter laid upon the desk.

Elizabeth’s eyes darted toward the corner of the parlor. “Mrs. Jenkinson,” she called out, a playful glint in her eye, “are you catching up on your correspondence? You are uncommonly diligent.”

Mrs. Jenkinson paused, a slight, almost imperceptible smile touching her lips as she looked up. “Indeed, Miss Elizabeth. I am merely answering my letters. One accumulates such a debt to one’s acquaintances, and it would be a sad neglect of duty to leave them in ignorance of our recent intelligence.”

Her grandfather could not entirely suppress a laugh. “Yes, intelligence,” he chuckled, exchanging a look with the Duchess. “Mrs. Jenkinson, in her own invaluable way, is merely providing the news-mongers with the freshest grist for their mill. The ton will be alive with the tale of Mr. Bingley’s ill-fated call by nightfall.”

Jane smiled, a genuine warmth spreading through her. She could hardly have imagined, only a few months before, the extent of the protection now offered her. But surrounded by her family, with the quiet scratch of Mrs. Jenkinson’s pen filling the background, Jane felt utterly secure.

~*~

The grand parlor at Westbury House was filled with the gentle murmur of polite conversation and the rustle of silk as guests began to arrive for the evening’s dinner party. Jane stood beside the Duchess greeting each new arrival with a calm smile. Elizabeth and Anne stood nearby to receive the guests with them. Jane’s heart felt lighter than it had in months. Her grandmother’s refusal to receive Mr. Bingley had, unexpectedly, relieved Jane of much uncertainty.

First to arrive were her aunt and uncle, their entrance bringing an immediate warmth to the room. Uncle Maxwell, with his easy smile, greeted Jane and Elizabeth with an affectionate embrace. Following them were her cousins.

Soon after, Lady Danvers made her entrance, her striking elegance drawing every eye in the room. Jane felt a quiet pleasure as she was followed by Mrs. and Miss Eleanor Vernon, who appeared far less timid than at their earlier meeting at the museum. Eleanor’s eyes found Castor across the room, and a faint blush rose to her cheeks as he offered her an encouraging smile. The Duchess, ever observant, exchanged a brief, knowing glance with the Duke.

Next entered Colonel Fitzwilliam, bringing with him his usual engaging smile and easy manner, and then Mr. Darcy, whose characteristic reserve softened into undeniable warmth as he addressed Elizabeth. Jane observed the unconstrained ease of their conversation with real satisfaction.

For a moment, there were no further arrivals, and Jane looked about her with satisfaction. It was precisely then that Jeffers announced the final guests.

“Lord Ashworth and Lord Arthur Harland.”

Jane’s attention shifted immediately. The gentleman who entered beside Lord Ashworth was the very man she had noticed on so many occasions around London.

She recognised him at once, and felt a degree of surprise she could not entirely conceal.

Lord Arthur Harland.

So, that was his name.

She had wondered more than once who he might be, though she had never imagined her curiosity would be satisfied so unexpectedly. He had hitherto seemed merely one of the many figures who animated the background of a crowded season, a gentleman met in the park, a countenance observed across the playhouse, whose glance had met her own often enough to leave her speculating whether such notice were purely accidental.

Now he was walking directly towards her.

As the two gentlemen approached, the hum of general conversation and the surrounding bustle of the parlor seemed to lose all claim upon Jane’s attention. Every lesser thought gave way to a sudden, heightened consciousness as Lord Arthur Harland drew near, and she was brought to the breathless realization that the gentleman who had so long occupied the margins of her thoughts was now standing before her.

The Duchess greeted Lord Ashworth first, presenting him to the family. As he bowed, Jane saw that Lord Ashworth’s attention rested upon Anne for a moment longer than politeness required. Anne, absorbed in the room around her, appeared not to notice. Mrs. Jenkinson, however, moved subtly nearer to her charge.

Then the Duchess turned to Lord Arthur Harland.

“Lord Arthur, allow me to present my granddaughters, Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and Miss Anne de Bourgh, mistress of Rosings.”

Lord Arthur bowed deeply to the young ladies in turn, offering a polite word to Elizabeth and Anne, before his gaze settled once more upon Jane.

His eyes met hers, and the warmth in his expression made her wonder if he were conscious of the same swift recognition that had taken hold of her.

“Miss Bennet,” he began, his voice a rich, resonant baritone, “we are, at last, properly introduced.”

Jane felt a blush creep up her neck, but she met his gaze with her characteristic composure.

“Lord Arthur,” she managed, her voice steadier than she expected. “It is a pleasure.”

For a moment, neither spoke.

The formal introduction was remarkably simple, yet Jane found herself more affected by it than she had expected. Until now, he had been a gentleman whose presence had repeatedly caught her attention without her knowing so much as his name. Now that his anonymity had given way to a name, her curiosity felt all the more lively.

“The pleasure,” he added softly, his smile warm and intimate, “has been entirely too long delayed.”

Jane could not help returning his smile.

The words were perfectly civil. Yet something in the quiet certainty of them made Jane feel, absurdly, as though the room had grown warmer.

She lowered her eyes for only a moment. “I believe, my lord, that proper introductions are worth waiting for.”

Only then did Jane’s awareness expand beyond the gentleman before her to encompass the rest of the company.

A faint, knowing smile curled her grandmother’s lips. She turned to include Lord Ashworth in the group, casting a significant glance toward Anne as she remarked, with evident amusement, upon the difficulty of finding suitable companions for all her dear grandchildren.

There was a brief pause. Then Lord Ashworth, unable to suppress a rogue’s smile, leaned toward Lord Arthur, speaking just loud enough for Jane and the others to hear.

“Arthur,” Lord Ashworth said with an amused drawl, “is this not the young lady for whom you found the play at Drury Lane so unexpectedly instructive? You seemed less attentive to the performance than to the company in the opposite box, despite Miss Brandon’s efforts to engage your attention.”

Jane’s cheeks warmed again. She was both amused and mortified. She was comforted, however, by observing a faint flush rise to Lord Arthur’s countenance as well.

Castor, ever the vigilant relation, stepped in, his voice holding a note of protective good cheer, though Jane detected an edge of challenge. “You appear to have been uncommonly diligent in securing an introduction to my cousin, Harland.”

Lord Arthur, regaining his composure, met Castor’s look directly, his gaze settling for a moment upon Jane before he replied. “Long enough,” he said, smiling wryly. “I have ever considered a proper introduction worth waiting for, Fairhaven, and am glad the opportunity has at last been granted. The patience, I find, is amply rewarded.”

Mr. Darcy’s expression suggested restrained amusement. “Indeed. I had begun to wonder whether Harland had forgotten conversation altogether, so frequently has he found reason to attend outings.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam chimed in with a laugh, clapping a hand on Lord Arthur’s shoulder. “Preoccupation? It has been more than that, Will. He has been as impatient as a man waiting for the signal to begin.” He looked towards Lord Ashworth with amusement. “Though you must forgive Ashworth’s teasing, Fairhaven. Cousins claim certain privileges, and Ashworth has never been reluctant to exercise them. But if you mean to challenge every gentleman who speaks to Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth, Fairhaven, you will find yourself very much occupied.”

The Duchess, presiding over the entire scene, allowed the laughter to ebb, then remarked with wry amusement, “We do seem to make rather a sport of introductions in this city. I begin to think that introductions are more troublesome than they once were.”

Lord Ashworth, not to be outdone, turned once again to his cousin with an air of exaggerated gravity. “Indeed, Arthur, one must admire such perseverance. A lesser man might have abandoned the field weeks ago, but you have proven that patience in the chase has its own reward.” The jest produced a general laugh among the company, effectually dispelling whatever lingering constraint remained.

Looking about her, Jane perceived that the temper of the room had altered. New attentions had declared themselves, and Jane found the altered atmosphere more amusing than alarming. She saw Lord Ashworth look towards Anne, who observed it and answered with an expression at once amused and questioning. The Duchess watched, undisguised satisfaction lighting her face. Jane felt, with particular pleasure, that she was no longer merely received among them, but valued by them.

When Jane reached the dining room, she found Lord Arthur’s place set beside her own. Across the table, her grandmother’s expression remained serenely innocent.

Lord Ashworth found himself placed next to Anne, who, entirely unconscious of the designs being formed around her, continued to discuss a rather intricate piece of Roman pottery with the Marquess.

Lord Arthur proved an attentive, intelligent companion, speaking with ease of the museum’s antiquities and listening with an interest that made Jane forget, more than once, how many people surrounded them.

The clatter of removed dishes and the low murmur of conversation gradually faded as the ladies withdrew from the dining room, leaving the gentlemen to their port and politics.

Jane began to think that the evening might prove more eventful than she had expected.

~*~

Will sat near the head of the polished dining table, the deep, garnet port glinting in his glass as the warmth of good wine and pleasant company softened the formality of the evening. The earlier hush had yielded to robust debate. Harland and Fairhaven sparred amiably with Ashworth over the shifting tides at Westminster, each trading wit for wit, while Richard regaled a smaller circle with tales from the Peninsula, the room filling with appreciative laughter.

Will contributed the occasional remark, out of duty more than ease, but his mind wandered again and again to the drawing-room, to Elizabeth. Her laughter, her understanding, and the liveliness of her conversation. He was more conscious than ever of how keenly he awaited the moment he might join her again.

Harland listened with only half his usual levity, though Will noticed his gaze stray once toward the closed drawing-room doors as well.

It was Richard who recalled him to the conversation. “Will, you are uncommonly grave tonight. Is it Wickham again that clouds your brow?” he asked, a glint of familial understanding in his eyes and, just under his words, an echo of old exasperation.

Harland, catching the unfamiliar name, paused mid-sip. “Wickham? You speak of him as though he were the villain of some wretched tale. Who is he?”

Will’s jaw tightened instinctively, but it was Richard who answered with practiced frankness. “You have not had the pleasure, Harland? Wickham was the son of the late Mr. Darcy’s steward at Pemberley so he grew up on the estate. Will and I have known him since boyhood.” He looked ruefully at Will before adding, “I have never known a man with more charm and less honour. He has made a livelihood out of finding new ways to abuse both hospitality and trust.”

Ashworth gave a short laugh. “I almost envy your provincial rogues, Darcy. My worst relation only borrows too much at the card table.”

Will shook his head. “Wickham has done far more harm than any debtor. He preys wherever there is an unguarded purse or an impressionable heart.” The words were low, clipped, but in the candle’s glow, anyone might see a trace of old anger.

Fairhaven smiled, evidently amused. “And what is to be done with such a blackguard, banishment, perhaps? Or must he be sent to some distant corner of the kingdom?”

Richard returned to the news at hand, a self-satisfied smile on his face. “You will be glad to know that Wickham’s opportunities for mischief are becoming fewer. He is to join his regiment on duty in London for the present, to serve as a guard at the Tower, where he will be under closer observation than he has hitherto been. And papers are even now in progress for a permanent transfer, either to some remote station in the North, where there is little company to be corrupted, or else to Canada itself, should the War Office succeed in dispatching a gentleman of his unfortunate character across the Atlantic.”

The gentlemen exchanged looks

The marquess, who had so far observed all with wry amusement, spoke up. “Canada? I might make some inquiries, if you wish. I have a friend in the Colonial Office who may be of use. If the object is to remove him from temptation, it would be difficult to choose a more distant station.”

Ashworth turned to Will. “But tell me, would not Scotland be yet more suitable? Fewer people to fleece, and far fewer young ladies to charm, I would wager.”

A round of laughter met this, and even Will allowed himself a rare, rueful smile. “He will find neither fortune nor easy prey in either place. For once, I am content to let distance do what persuasion never could.”

The Duke nodded gravely in agreement. “If you require it, my influence is at your disposal, Darcy. Some injuries must be answered for, particularly where young ladies are concerned.”

Will offered a measured bow of gratitude. “My thanks, Your Grace. I believe enough has been arranged to make his opportunities for trouble very few indeed.”

Will allowed himself a small, satisfied nod. The arrangement appeared likely to answer its purpose. Wickham would be at a distance, with fewer opportunities to injure others or advance himself at their expense. It was a fitting consequence for a life built on deceit. The weight which had so long oppressed his spirits seemed at last to lift, leaving in its place the quiet conviction that propriety and justice were satisfied.

Wickham’s name having been set aside, the conversation returned by degrees to wine and country affairs. Will felt at last a sense of relief steal over him. Amidst the distant clatter of glasses and the quiet murmur of voices before the fire, he found an unexpected peace, no longer oppressed by the constant threat of Wickham’s malice.

From the corridor came the faintest strains of music, a pianoforte, a bright feminine laugh.

Will set down his glass, the faintest smile tugging at one corner of his mouth. So far as Wickham was concerned, all that could be done had been done. A distant station in Scotland or Canada seemed a suitable prospect for a man whose presence had brought so much disorder. Let distance keep him from further mischief. For the present, Will could think of Wickham no more.

What awaited him in the drawing room was of an entirely different nature. Not another burden or dispute, but a prospect he found unexpectedly pleasant. There would be conversation, and Elizabeth. The prospect of seeing her again was not without interest.

The Duke rose from the table. But no sooner had Will pushed back his chair than Richard intercepted him with a knowing grin.

“Not so fast, cousin,” Richard said, languidly propping an elbow on the back of a nearby chair. “We have not yet settled the matter of the hunt, and here you are, already halfway to the drawing room. If I did not know better, I should say that every note Miss Elizabeth plays has the power to bring you instantly to your feet.”

Will paused, his expression carefully neutral, though a hot flush crept up the back of his neck. Blast the man. “I think you mistake me. Our host rose to rejoin the ladies.. It was my duty to follow suit. You are rather poetic tonight, cousin.”

“No, that would be Ashworth,” Richard said. “Ashworth has already found a subject for poetry in a certain lady’s chuckle.”

Laughter,” Lord Ashworth corrected with a smile, “and of a most dangerous sort. A quick, lively laugh, full of arch amusement, that quite disarms a man before he has the sense to defend himself.”

Will folded his arms, eyes narrowing. “Your powers of observation are formidable.”

The others required no further encouragement.

Fairhaven turned to Harland and said, loudly enough for Will to hear, “When was the last time our dear Darcy was so moved by a few notes on the pianoforte and a lady’s laugh? The man once traversed a ballroom filled with determined fathers and mammas without so much as a glance.”

“And now?” Harland added, smug with mischief, “if he does not soon find some diversion, he will start discussing the merits of basket-weaving to better understand the feminine mind.”

“You are scarcely in a position to mock him, Arthur,” Ashworth said lightly. “You have spent the evening looking rather pleased with yourself.”

Harland’s smile deepened. “For once, cousin, I have reason.”

There was a brief pause. Fairhaven’s brows rose, and even Will, who had been prepared to endure another round of ridicule, found himself looking at Harland with renewed interest.

“Well,” Ashworth said at last, his eyes brightening, “that is an answer I cannot dispute, cousin.”

Fairhaven gave a low, approving laugh. “Then we are undone. Two gntlemen lost in a single evening.”

“One may yet be saved,” Ashworth replied, turning his gleam of mischief upon Will. “But Darcy is already beyond ordinary remedies. Embroidery, without doubt. He will be discovered admiring Miss Elizabeth’s stitches, declaring her monogram more elegant than any in the Lady’s Pocket Magazine.”

Richard snorted, nearly choking on his port.

Claremont raised his glass. “My niece is not without her influence on impressionable gentlemen.”

Will found it increasingly difficult to preserve his gravity. He was, undeniably, surrounded by barbarians.

“You are relentless,” he muttered, though the corner of his mouth twitched.

“Only because we grieve for the man you once were,” Ashworth said, hand to heart.

Harland added, raising his glass, “If you begin offering suggestions on plum cake recipes, we shall have to send for a physician.”

Richard laughed outright. “Imagine! Fitzwilliam Darcy, of Pemberley, comparing hair ribbons to determine which best suit the flowers in a drawing room!”

Will closed his eyes for a moment. Evidently he had not been nearly so subtle as he had imagined.

Very well. He resolved to humor his cousin, if only to put an end to the assault. “I had considered falconry.”

“Only if the hawk can distinguish a stitch at a hundred yards!” Richard answered.

Even Will was compelled to laugh.

The Duke, who had been observing with a glint in his eye, finally set down his glass. “Steady, gentlemen. Darcy is clearly a man transformed, though not, I suspect, quite ready for the stillroom. Though, Darcy,” the Duke added with a slight smile, “I trust you have not yet begun arranging the library by the colours of its bindings?”

Will felt the heat rise again. “Your Grace is too kind.”

“I do my best,” the Duke replied. “There is no shame in admiration, but a man must not become so enraptured that he forgets to drink his port, or finish his supper. Though if you become the first gentleman in England to offer informed opinions on embroidery, I shall certainly be the first to congratulate you on your... versatility.”

The room filled with laughter once more.

Ashworth slapped his knee, laughing. “By heaven, Darcy has lost his heart! Soon he will be instructing the ladies in the proper arrangement of the tea things!”

Will laughed despite himself, shaking his head. “Very well. If I am to be mocked for my admiration, I shall defend myself by maintaining that the object is entirely worthy of the sentiment.”

For a moment, no one spoke.

Fairhaven looked at Will in open astonishment. Ashworth lowered his glass, his amusement briefly giving way to astonishment.

Richard’s grin softened. “That is the nearest thing to a declaration I have ever heard from you.”

A murmur of laughter followed, warmer now than mocking.

“Well said,” Ashworth conceded. “Still, find yourself a proper pursuit. Something less... lacy.”

Darcy raised his glass. “I shall consider wood carving.”

Richard laughed and lifted his glass to him. “Only do not begin carving Miss Elizabeth’s initials into every tree at Pemberley.”

With laughter still echoing about the room, chairs scraped back, and the gentlemen made their unhurried way to the drawing room.

“A capital evening, Your Grace,” Ashworth said to the Duke as they reached the corridor. “Perhaps tomorrow, if the weather continues fair, we might enjoy some exercise out of doors with the ladies?”

“Indeed, Ashworth,” the Duke replied, a thoughtful expression on his face. “What do you propose?”

“A walk in Hyde Park, perhaps?” Harland suggested. “The air would do us good after so much debate on Parliament and other subjects of equal consequence.”

Fairhaven nodded. “Or the Botanical Garden at Brompton? I hear the collections in the new conservatories are quite a marvel.”

Richard clapped Will on the shoulder. “Or, if Will requires a sterner amusement, we might visit the Tower of London! It might offer him a respite from the allure of pianoforte keys, with its grim history and sturdy walls. Perhaps the ghosts of old kings will distract him from thoughts of lace and watercolours.”

Will merely smiled, a slight arch of his eyebrow betraying his amusement. “The Tower, Richard? I confess, its ancient walls hold less charm than the prospect of fresh air and congenial company.”

“Then a stroll through the park it is,” the Duke concluded with a decisive nod. “Or the Gardens. We shall decide at breakfast, provided my granddaughters and Anne are willing to accept the invitation. Darcy, Harland, Ashworth, Colonel Fitzwilliam, you are all welcome to join us.”

His step, though steady, bore an unmistakable air of decision, as though he were returning not merely to company, but to the one presence that could make all things right.

~*~

Jane found herself in the drawing-room with the ladies. The wait, though customary, felt longer than usual this evening. The rustle of silk, the occasional clink of porcelain, and a subdued murmur of conversation filled the room. Jane exchanged a subtle smile with Elizabeth, whose impatient air and wandering eyes made it plain that her mind was entirely occupied with the company on the other side of the door.

At last, the drawing-room doors were thrown open and the gentlemen re-entered, bringing a fresh stir of conversation to the circle. Jane’s eyes, almost involuntarily, sought Lord Arthur. His countenance was as distinguished as ever, and his gaze met hers across the room with a swiftness that set her spirits fluttering. He made his way directly to her side, offering a polite greeting that conveyed, in its quiet warmth, an intention meant for her alone.

Miss Bennet,” Lord Arthur said warmly. “I hope the long interval since dinner has not entirely exhausted your patience?”

“Not at all,” Jane replied with calm grace. “It passed most agreeably, though the promise of company, now resumed, is no unwelcome change.”

“Did you enjoy your visit to Montagu House?”

“Perfectly, sir,” Jane replied, her composure unwavering. “The Museum was most agreeable, and I found several of its rooms particularly interesting.”

Lord Arthur’s smile deepened slightly. “I understand the excursion provided rather more entertainment than the exhibits alone might have offered.”

Jane met his eyes for a moment, understanding precisely what he meant. “London seldom disappoints in that respect, my lord. Yet I believe the ancient histories have the advantage of being safely removed from present company.”

Lord Arthur laughed softly. “A very diplomatic judgment.”

“I find diplomacy useful when discussing the living,” Jane replied, her smile gentle. “The ancient world cannot object to our opinions.”

She turned naturally toward the table where several books had been arranged. “Did you happen to see the exhibit of Egyptian antiquities? There were several pieces of considerable interest.”

Lord Arthur followed her change of subject without hesitation. “I did, though I confess I know rather less about the subject than I ought. Perhaps you will tell me which pieces deserve the greatest attention.”

Jane smiled. For the first time, they had been given leisure to speak without the bustle of company passing between them. There was something increasingly engaging about Lord Arthur Harland. His manner was easy without being forward, and his conversation possessed a liveliness which Jane found increasingly agreeable. She had begun to look forward to his company and found herself wondering what other subjects might hold his attention as readily as they held hers.

Across the room, Mr. Darcy joined Elizabeth. He approached her with an expression less reserved than usual.

“Miss Elizabeth,” Mr. Darcy said, “were the discussions among the ladies as lively as ours were tedious?”

Elizabeth laughed, a genuine, melodious sound that drew his gaze. “Oh, quite. Though I daresay your own company, Mr. Darcy, would always prove diverting, no matter the topic.”

“And yet,” he replied, stepping slightly closer, “I found myself envying the superior company.”

At that, Elizabeth arched a brow. “A bold declaration, indeed, Mr. Darcy. Are you now so emboldened as to flatter a lady outright?”

He smiled faintly. “It is not flattery if it is true.”

Meanwhile, Castor, after a brief, respectful nod to their grandmother, made his way directly to where Mrs. and Miss Vernon were seated. Eleanor looked towards him as he approached, and could not entirely conceal her pleasure.

Lord Ashworth spoke loudly enough to be heard by the company.

“As it happens,” he began, gesturing lightly toward the ladies, “you may all accuse us of forwardness, but I have secured generous leave from His Grace. The Duke has granted permission for we gentlemen to escort any ladies who would enjoy it to Hyde Park tomorrow, should the weather and your inclinations permit.”

A few surprised murmurs followed. Even Selina looked up with pleased curiosity.

“The Duke approves of the planned outing?” the Marchioness asked with an approving lift of her brow.

Lord Ashworth bowed slightly. “He was most gracious. He said nothing ought to prevent respectable society from enjoying fresh air and proper company.”

Jane felt a smile rise. “How thoughtful. A turn in the park sounds very agreeable indeed.” She turned, her gaze falling upon Eleanor Vernon, who was now engaged in soft conversation with Castor. “Eleanor, would you care to join us?”

Castor, meeting Jane’s look over Eleanor’s shoulder, gave her a passing smile of lively approval, silently thanking her for her consideration.

Mrs. Vernon, seeing Eleanor’s shy delight, spoke up with a pleased smile. “Why, Miss Bennet, that is exceedingly kind! Eleanor would be delighted, would you not, my dear?”

Eleanor nodded, blushing prettily.

Elizabeth looked at Mr. Darcy with an expression of amused enquiry. “Was this your idea, sir, or was it contrived while the ladies were in the drawing room?”

“Would you think any less of it if it were?” Mr. Darcy replied.

Elizabeth laughed. “Only if no one thought to invite me first.”

“You are, of course, already invited,” Mr. Darcy said, offering a bow.

They soon entered into an easy conversation, which quickly grew more interesting as it touched upon books, society, and the pleasant frailties of human nature, a harmony of sentiment establishing itself between them almost without the aid of words.

At the grand piano, Colonel Fitzwilliam turned to Astra with a charming smile. “Will you allow me the honor of being your escort, Lady Astra? Though I am not half as entertaining as a lecture on parliamentary reform, I shall try my best.”

Astra smiled at him. “Hyde Park it is, then. And if you misbehave, I shall lecture you on the merits of Cicero versus Byron.”

Their laughter joined the others’.

Meanwhile, with a quiet resolve that did not escape Jane’s notice, Lord Ashworth slowly made his way toward Anne, where she sat slightly removed from the circle, quietly watching the room.

Miss de Bourgh,” he said, taking the seat near her with a quiet deference. “I hope I do not intrude upon your peace. The room grows uncommonly lively this evening. Do you find the bustle of so many voices as fatiguing as I sometimes do?”

Anne looked up, a momentary surprise in her glance at his unexpected address, though the faintest smile touched her lips. “Lord Ashworth,” she replied, her voice soft but clear, “I find it often produces far too little of substance, for all its volume.”

Mrs. Jenkinson, whose watchful attention rarely deserted her charge, had taken up a seat at a convenient distance from Anne. Though her needlework lay idle in her lap, and her eyes seemed fixed upon the carpet, not a word nor movement of Lord Ashworth’s escaped her. A certain gravity in her air betrayed how closely she guarded the young lady.

Lord Ashworth laughed softly. “A most astute observation, Miss de Bourgh. If I might presume,” he said, inclining his head, “I should count myself very fortunate to attend you tomorrow.”

Anne raised her gaze toward him, and with a steadiness of tone that seemed to astonish herself, replied, “You may presume.”

Perhaps we might find a quieter part of the room, where conversation may be less interrupted?” As he offered his arm, Anne hesitated only a moment before placing her hand upon it, her countenance brightening with an animation as rare as it was pleasing. Mrs. Jenkinson, though preserving her customary composure, inclined her head in silent approbation, a gesture that escaped all observation save Jane’s.

From their sofa near the hearth, Jane’s grandparents, together with Aunt Selina and Mrs. Jenkinson, kept a watchful yet approving eye upon the young people. The Duchess looked on with particular complacency as Anne and Lord Ashworth retired to a quiet corner, her countenance beaming with unspoken satisfaction.

“It seems,” her grandmother murmured to her aunt, “our evening is proving quite fruitful indeed.”]]> LizzyS Derbyshire Writers' GuildSun, 11 Oct 2026 23:10:31 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131143,131901#msg-131901 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131143,131901#msg-131901
I discovered the link through a Facebook post from someone looking for a story with a brief description of this one. Thank you for sharing. I Loved it! ]]> dpennell Derbyshire Writers' GuildSun, 11 Oct 2026 03:53:26 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?4,131893,131900#msg-131900 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?4,131893,131900#msg-131900
To recap the rules:
1. A one shot
2. Based on the works of Jane Austen
3. Written by you some time in October
4. Posted on 31-October (whatever time zone you're in)
5. That somehow satisfies the prompt (water).

Hopefully people participate.]]> NN S Tea RoomTue, 06 Oct 2026 16:07:30 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131895,131899#msg-131899 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131895,131899#msg-131899Thank you again for sharing this with us!!!]]> EvelynJean Derbyshire Writers' GuildTue, 06 Oct 2026 02:01:53 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131887,131898#msg-131898 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131887,131898#msg-131898 EvelynJean Derbyshire Writers' GuildTue, 06 Oct 2026 00:53:45 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131895,131897#msg-131897 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131895,131897#msg-131897
Can't wait till Jane is introduced to Arthur.]]> Anne V Derbyshire Writers' GuildMon, 05 Oct 2026 05:24:04 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131895,131896#msg-131896 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131895,131896#msg-131896 ShannaG Derbyshire Writers' GuildMon, 05 Oct 2026 03:00:06 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131895,131895#msg-131895 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131895,131895#msg-131895I didn’t think I would get a chapter in this weekend.




Chapter 7

The carriage at last stopped before Montagu House, whose broad facade housed the collections of the British Museum. As the footmen swiftly opened the doors, Jane stepped out, drawing a deep breath of the crisp London air. Her gaze immediately fell upon the familiar faces waiting on the steps. Mr. Darcy, ever distinguished, stood conversing quietly with Colonel Fitzwilliam and Uncle Maxwell, while Aunt Celeste, Castor, Astra, and Selina waited nearby. A little apart, Uncle Edward and Aunt Madeline were laughing with their four children, Amelia, Frederick, Harriet, and James. Their cheerful energy was a welcome sight.

Greetings were exchanged with genuine warmth. The Duke and Duchess were soon surrounded by their family, with the Marquess and Marchioness joining them in welcoming those who had arrived before them. Aunt Celeste moved easily between the two generations, embracing the Gardiners with particular affection and exchanging warm words with the younger members of the family. Jane could not but feel comforted by the sight of them all together. Elizabeth quickly embraced her aunt and uncle, her face lighting up with unfeigned joy.

When greetings had been exchanged, the party entered Montagu House together, where they were met by an attendant appointed to conduct visitors through the collections.

Jane had scarcely begun to look about the collection when she noticed Miss Hartwell standing near a cabinet of ancient pottery, attentive without intruding. Beside her stood Miss Vernon, somewhat apart from the others and looking uncertainly about the collection. She seemed as reserved as she had been at the theatre, and Jane thought her ill at ease among so many strangers.

A quiet sympathy stirred in Jane’s heart. She knew too well how difficult it could be to bear the notice of a great many people at once. With a gentle touch to Elizabeth’s arm, she excused herself from their discussion of Roman mosaics and approached them.

Jane’s face brightened. “Miss Hartwell?”

The young woman turned at once, offering a graceful curtsy as recognition lit her expression. “Miss Bennet.”

“It is a pleasure to see you again,” Jane said softly, before turning her warm gaze to her companion. “And Miss Vernon, how wonderful to run into you again. I trust you have been keeping well since the theatre?”

Miss Vernon started and looked up in surprise.

“Miss Bennet,” Miss Vernon replied, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. “I have been quite well, thank you.”

“Pray, call me Jane,” she offered with her characteristic warmth. “Are you accompanied by a party today? My family and friends are close by, looking at the antiquities. We would be so delighted if you both would join us.”

A hesitant smile touched Miss Vernon’s lips, chasing away some of the uncertainty in her eyes. “Oh, Miss Ben... I mean, Jane. That is very kind of you. I am here with my mother and cousin, but I would be honoured to join you. And you must call me Eleanor.”

“Then, Eleanor, pray come with me,” said Jane, offering her hand. “Come, let me introduce you properly to everyone.”

Eleanor, after a moment’s hesitation, took Jane’s offered hand. Miss Hartwell followed at a proper distance, with quiet discretion.

As Jane led them back to the main party, she felt a quiet satisfaction. Kindness, she firmly believed, was never wasted.

Aunt Madeline looked at Miss Hartwell with sudden attention. She appeared to recognise Miss Hartwell, and acknowledged her with a slight, friendly inclination of the head.

As Miss Vernon and Miss Hartwell were introduced to Jane’s family and friends, Aunt Celeste greeted Eleanor with gracious warmth before turning to her companion.

“Miss Vernon, it is a pleasure to see you again. I hope the Museum has afforded you some relief from the bustle of London?”

Miss Vernon offered a graceful curtsy. “Very much so, Your Ladyship. The antiquities are most extraordinary.”

“I am glad,” Aunt Celeste replied with a smile. “We are fortunate in our company today.”

Jane was swift to catch the change in her cousin’s demeanour. Castor had been engrossed in a discussion with Mr. Darcy regarding Roman governance, but his gaze now settled entirely upon Eleanor. He listened intently as she spoke, his usually reserved expression softening into one of clear admiration. He deferred to her understanding with quiet respect, asking questions that invited her to share her own insights, and lingered beside her as they moved from one display to another.

Jane knew her grandmother too well to miss the look of satisfaction which appeared in the Duchess’s countenance. Her grandmother’s social acumen was legendary. Jane had little doubt the Duchess was already recalling every word Lady Danvers had murmured regarding Miss Vernon’s character during their recent, purposeful conferences over tea. The Duchess exchanged a brief glance with the Duke, a silent, shared understanding that Jane recognized instantly.

“Miss Vernon,” said the Duchess, drawing Eleanor closer as they paused before a collection of exquisite Greek vases. “You must join us for our next tea at Westbury House. I insist. It would give us great pleasure to see you there.”

Her grandmother’s tone left no room for refusal, yet it was accompanied by a smile so genuine and engaging that the invitation carried only warmth, leaving no trace of a command. Jane watched with pleasure as Eleanor’s countenance brightened.

“I would be honoured, Your Grace,” Eleanor responded.

Aunt Celeste, who had been watching her son with quiet, discerning interest, stepped forward with a soft smile. Her eyes darted briefly toward Castor, who remained attentive at Eleanor’s side, before settling warmly upon Miss Vernon.

“My mother speaks for us all, Miss Vernon,” Aunt Celeste added graciously. “Castor so rarely finds someone who shares his enthusiasm for antiquities. We should be very pleased to see you at Westbury House.”

Jane caught the slight, approving tilt of her aunt’s head.

Castor had been admired by ladies for years, yet he had never appeared particularly inclined to encourage their attentions. His position, handsome appearance, and quiet manner had made him the object of more than a few determined pursuits. Jane could still remember one occasion during a London Season, at Claremont House, when the daughter of one of Uncle Maxwell’s good friends had been rather determined to secure Castor’s attention.

Castor had been speaking with several gentlemen only a few steps from Jane and Elizabeth when the young lady approached him across the ballroom. Her step suddenly faltered.

Elizabeth was in the middle of saying something when her voice trailed away. Jane followed Elizabeth’s glance and saw the young woman stumble in Castor’s direction, in a manner that made her intention difficult to mistake.

Castor had seen the movement as well. Rather than wait to discover whether she meant to recover her balance, he turned at once and crossed the few steps separating them, taking his place between Jane and Elizabeth.

The young lady had recovered her balance by then, but not her composure. A few ladies nearby had exchanged glances, and Jane had noticed more than one smile and whisper hastily concealed behind a fan.

For a moment, the gentlemen with whom he had been speaking watched in silence.

Then one of them gave a quiet chuckle. “There is safety in numbers, Fairhaven.”

Castor merely raised an eyebrow, stepping seamlessly into conversation with Jane and Elizabeth as though nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.

Selina, however, had not been nearly so discreet. Joining them a moment later under the guise of admiring Elizabeth’s fan, she had murmured under her breath, “Desperate creature. Did she truly suppose my brother so clumsy as not to perceive what she was about in the middle of our own ballroom?”

“Selina,” Jane had cautioned gently.

“I only speak the truth, Jane,” Selina had replied with a cool, aristocratic tilt of her head. “Mama has already given her mother to understand that she is not to be invited to our private suppers. Such conduct is an insult to the house.”

Elizabeth pressed her lips together, clearly struggling not to laugh. Jane managed rather better, though she could not help noticing how readily Castor had abandoned the company of his friends in favour of theirs.

Jane had understood enough. Whatever the young lady had intended, Castor had been determined that no one should have the opportunity to misunderstand the scene.

He remained with Jane and Elizabeth for the rest of the evening, making no further effort to speak with any young lady. The incident amused Elizabeth considerably, but Jane remembered the change in Castor afterward. He had become more watchful, for he had learnt that a gentleman might be placed in a compromising situation in his own home without ever having invited such attention.

Since then, he had been remarkably quick to recognize when a lady’s attentions were becoming too determined, and quicker still to remove himself from her presence.

On the rare occasions when a lady succeeded in holding his interest, Jane had never known that interest to survive more than a sentence or two before Castor found some polite means of turning the conversation elsewhere. Aunt Celeste had often lamented, with increasing amusement, that her son might remain unmarried simply because no woman had yet succeeded in making him look twice.

Yet now he was doing precisely that.

Jane’s gaze moved between Castor and Eleanor. There was something familiar in the way he watched her, not the easy admiration she had seen from other gentlemen, but a quiet attentiveness, as though he had forgotten to guard himself.

And suddenly, Jane understood why the sight seemed so strange.

She had seen the same reserve in Mr. Darcy, except when he looked at Elizabeth.

Both men were well accustomed to the attentions of ladies whose interest was fixed entirely upon their rank and fortune, rather than their character. Both had learned to recognize an interested lady before she had said enough to make her intentions plain. Both, Jane thought, had become practised in discouraging attentions which they did not mean to encourage.

But Eleanor was not pursuing Castor.

She was simply speaking to him.

Jane looked at her cousin again. For perhaps the first time, she wondered whether that small distinction might be the very reason he had remained at Eleanor’s side.

Miss Hartwell might easily have remained unnoticed among the company, but the Duchess’s attention soon settled upon her.

“Miss Hartwell,” she said warmly. “I trust you are finding Miss Vernon agreeable company?”

Miss Hartwell offered a graceful curtsy. “Very much so, Your Grace. Miss Vernon has been most considerate.”

Aunt Celeste smiled at Miss Hartwell with evident approval. “And Miss Vernon is fortunate to have you beside her. My sister Madeline has spoken often of your thoughtfulness, steady care, and kindness.”

Elizabeth felt a small warmth at the words. Her Aunt Celeste had never allowed rank or fortune to dictate her estimation of a person’s merit, and Elizabeth knew her aunt regarded Madeline Gardiner as a sister in affection and esteem.

The Gardiners had shown Jane and Elizabeth nothing but affection and generosity. Indeed, whenever Mrs. Bennet found it convenient to send her stepdaughters to London, whether to lessen the expenses at Longbourn or to leave more room for her own pursuits, Uncle and Aunt Gardiner had welcomed them with open arms. What Mrs. Bennet intended merely as an ease to herself had often proved a blessing to Jane and Elizabeth. Their aunt and uncle never failed to render these visits delightful, seeking every opportunity for them to enjoy the society of their Sinclair relations whenever circumstances allowed.

Elizabeth was quietly proud that her mother’s family valued the Gardiners for their character, rather than despising them for their connexion with trade. She had never heard her family speak of them with the reserve which many ladies of the highest rank might have shown. To the Sinclair’s, Madeline was simply family.

“You are most generous, Lady Claremont,” Miss Hartwell said, inclining her head while performing a low, respectful curtsy. “I seek only to be of useful service to both Miss Vernon and the charitable works Mrs. Gardiner so kindly allows me to assist.”

“I expected nothing less of you both,” the Duchess said with a smile. “Mrs. Gardiner has spoken very favourably of the assistance you have given in several of our charities. I am glad to find that your judgement matches the attentive care you bestowed upon my granddaughter during her illness at Netherfield. Miss Vernon is fortunate to have placed herself in such capable hands.”

Miss Hartwell’s expression softened with a touch of surprise. “You are very kind, Your Grace. Mrs. Gardiner has been most generous in permitting me to assist whenever I could be spared from my duties.”

“Then we are indebted to you as well,” the Duchess replied. “Such assistance is always of value.”

“She has been a great comfort to us,” Aunt Madeline added, smiling at Miss Hartwell. “We are very fortunate in Miss Hartwell. Should Miss Vernon ever wish to join us, we should be quite delighted to receive her.”

“You all honour me,” Miss Hartwell murmured, offering a curtsy that was the very picture of quiet, dignified gratitude.

The exchange was brief, yet Jane noticed the effect it produced. Beyond their immediate circle, several other visitors who had recognized the Westbury party began to whisper. A few low remarks passed among the visitors nearby. The Duchess of Westbury and Marchioness of Claremont know her.

Jane could not help smiling.

Aunt Madeline, meanwhile, had drawn Miss Hartwell into conversation. “I had not expected to see you here,” she remarked pleasantly. “How fortunate that Miss Vernon has secured your services. We shall have to continue our charitable works together, whenever your duties permit.”

Miss Hartwell smiled. “I should be very pleased, ma’am. I have always thought such employment of great consequence.”

“So have I,” Aunt Madeline replied. “Indeed, I was just telling Jane how much easier our last undertaking became with her assistance.”

Jane, who had been listening with interest, looked toward them. “You are speaking of the families we helped before Elizabeth arrived?”

“The very same,” Aunt Madeline said. “Miss Hartwell was of considerable assistance to me then, particularly in discovering what each family most required. It is one thing to distribute what one has, it is quite another to discover what will be of real use.”

Miss Hartwell inclined her head. “It was a pleasure to assist. I have found that those in want are not always ready to ask for what they need.”

Jane smiled. “I remember. We spent nearly as much time persuading some families to accept assistance as we did preparing what was to be sent.”

Aunt Madeline laughed softly. “And you were remarkably patient about it. I confess I might have been tempted to become rather more forceful.”

“I believe that is why we made such a good pair,” Jane replied with a smile before turning to Miss Hartwell. “I remember hearing you prepare the parcels of clothes while I was ill at Netherfield. You seemed to know precisely what each family required. I thought it remarkable that you took such care over the matter, particularly when you had only recently entered the household.”

Miss Hartwell’s smiled slightly. “There was little merit in sending articles which would be of no use to those receiving them. Mrs. Nicholls was kind enough to tell me what the families required when I asked whether anything had been done for them. I was glad to assist where I could.”

Jane looked at her with still greater regard. There was something reassuring in discovering that the young woman who had been so attentive at Netherfield possessed the same thoughtful consideration in matters far removed from the sickroom.

Around them, the party continued through the galleries, pausing from time to time before some object of particular interest. Somewhere beyond the next gallery, Jane heard a voice that sounded familiar but gave the matter no further thought.

She turned her attention back to Aunt Madeline and Miss Hartwell, who had begun discussing another charitable undertaking, and found herself quite content to listen.

The visit to the Museum, begun merely as an occasion for family and friends to view its collections together, had become unexpectedly dear to Jane. Everywhere she looked there was some small reminder of how much had changed. Her sister was beside her, her grandparents were surrounded by those they loved, and new friendships were beginning almost without anyone having to seek them.

As the large party proceeded through the grand halls of the museum, the pleasant hum of conversation mingled with the quiet whispers of the children. Jane could not but feel happy in the society about her. Her sister at her side, her grandparents among those most dear to them, and her aunt and uncle received with such kindness by her distinguished relations. The Duchess herself, ever attentive, took care that Miss Vernon and Miss Hartwell should be included in their party, and Jane was grateful for the kindness shown them.

Jane smiled as she looked once more toward Eleanor and Castor. Her cousin continued to engage Eleanor in conversation, maintaining a gentle, constant devotion of manner that did not escape Jane’s notice.

It was a very pleasant afternoon indeed.

Near the Townley Marbles at the far end of the gallery, the Duke, the Marquess, Mr. Darcy, Castor, and Colonel Fitzwilliam had been detained by two eager museum trustees. Jane saw the Duchess, Marchioness, Lady Danvers, and Mrs. Vernon standing near the Rosetta Stone and a little further down the hall, Aunt and Uncle Gardiner were entirely engrossed by a display of ancient pottery, patiently answering the excited, whispered questions of the children.

Thus, dispersed about the room, Jane and the other young ladies found themselves for a time without the immediate attendance of their party.

Their pleasant examination of the Roman antiquities was suddenly broken by a sharp, unmistakable voice that intruded upon the quiet decorum of the gallery. Miss Caroline Bingley entered the gallery with all her accustomed air of consequence, followed by a small party of fashionably dressed ladies who followed close behind. Jane felt some apprehension, not for herself but for Miss Vernon, whose recent distress might too easily be recalled by such an encounter.

Jane noted the absence of Mrs. Hurst. For the past week, the story current in society had been that she was affecting all the devotion of a sister attending Miss Bingley during her recovery from a lingering chest cold.

Selina smiled with an expression which promised intelligence. “My maid had word from the Bingley household this morning,” she whispered. “It seems the devoted sister has had rather more difficulty with her patient than society supposes.”

Elizabeth turned to Selina with interest. “Indeed?”

“Miss Bingley was thought well enough to leave her room several days ago, but Mrs. Hurst contrived to keep her at home until the physician was satisfied that she was fully recovered. From what I hear, persuading her required considerable patience.”

Anne smiled faintly. “A remarkable piece of news. If the reports are true, Mrs. Hurst has at last been driven to actual exertion. I had not thought Mrs. Hurst capable of an independent thought, let alone the formidable task of governing her sister to save their reputation from further degradation.”

“By all accounts,” Selina replied, “she has had occasion for all the patience she possesses. Miss Bingley has twice threatened to defy the physician altogether and return to her usual round of visiting.”

Elizabeth glanced toward Miss Bingley, who was now examining the gallery with her customary air of superiority. “And yet she remained at home for a week?”

“Until yesterday,” Selina said. “Then she was apparently determined to endure no further confinement. When Miss Bingley discovered her maid had left her service yesterday, she was thrown into such a state of agitation that Mrs. Hurst quite lost all patience. She sent immediately for the apothecary, who supplied a composing draught to ensure her sister remained quietly in her bed for the rest of the day, if only to prevent her from embarking on more of those excursions Mrs. Jenkinson heard Mr. Bingley was foolishly enabling.”

“A devoted sister, indeed,” Elizabeth murmured, as Miss Bingley entered with all the consequence of a lady entirely unconscious of ridicule. “I begin to suspect that Mrs. Hurst’s nursing had less to do with medicine than with the prevention of further mischief. She has kept Miss Bingley out of society for a week, no doubt to preserve the family credit and prevent some irreparable blunder. It seems, however, that even the apothecary’s best efforts cannot keep a lady of Miss Bingley’s enthusiasm under lock and key forever.”

Selina agreed. “I fear no sister has authority enough to keep Caroline Bingley at home for long.”

Anne nodded, her expression cool and knowing. “Mrs. Hurst must surely understand who Jane and Elizabeth are by now. She has had every opportunity of knowing, whether from the household servants, the newspapers, or her own husband. Perhaps she has spent the week trying to keep Miss Bingley from discovering what everyone else already knows. If so, she has been attempting to preserve more than her sister’s health. She has been trying to spare the family further mortification.”

Elizabeth’s mouth curved. “And with Miss Bingley, I fear that is no small undertaking.”

Anne looked again towards Miss Bingley, who was approaching them with all the confidence of a lady wholly unconscious of the reception before her. “A wise scheme, then,” she murmured. “And a fruitless one. She appears resolved to expose herself to ridicule, in spite of every effort her sister may make.”

Jane gave a quiet laugh. “Save your breath to cool your porridge, Anne. This is hardly the proper place to predict another lady’s destruction.”

“Indeed,” Selina murmured, adjusting the drape of her shawl with elegant indifference. “Why take pains to restrain what is already rushing to its own ruin?”

“Let us not mistake desperation for foolishness, Selina,” Astra remarked, her voice bearing the quiet, unforgiving weight of a woman who had seen the world as it was. “Mrs. Hurst did not lock her sister away to save Miss Bingley’s feelings. She did it to save what remains. A woman who makes herself ridiculous in London ruins more than her own consequence. She compromises her family’s credit.”

Astra looked towards the doorway without visible emotion. “Miss Bingley believes that a husband is still to be won by such measures. She does not yet understand how much consequence she has already forfeited.”

Jane watched as Miss Bingley, clearly unaware of the shifts in the ton during her enforced confinement, scanned the room with a confident, appraising, and almost insolent air of superiority. The instant her eyes settled upon them, her confident smile vanished, replaced by a look of profound shock as she took in the Sinclair sisters positioned in unmistakable, cool-headed solidarity with the sisters.

Anne, quietly observant as ever, drew near and said in an undertone, “Let her bluster. We are no longer country girls whom she may affront with impunity. And her opinion is no longer of consequence to us.” Her words were echoed by a decided nod from Astra, who stood beside them.

Jane caught the exact moment Miss Bingley’s triumph vanished, the gloating expectation of their ruin faltering as she took in the scene. To insult country gentlewomen was one thing. But to treat the Sinclair sisters with open contempt would expose her to consequences she could not easily disregard.

Her gaze moved from one familiar face to another before stopping abruptly on Miss Hartwell. For one astonished instant, Miss Bingley simply stared. Her lips parted, and her colour changed as she perceived the elegance of Miss Hartwell’s gown, the composure of her manner, and the distinction of the company in which she stood. Miss Hartwell met her gaze with perfect composure, inclining her head as though nothing more remarkable had passed than the common civilities of an ordinary acquaintance.

A look of offended astonishment passed over Miss Bingley’s face. “Henrietta?” she demanded, in a voice sharp enough to draw attention. “What absurd foolishness is this? Have you taken to parading about Mayfair in stolen finery after deserting your post?”

Miss Hartwell received her gaze with serene indifference, as little affected by the outburst as by the marble statues around them.

Jane, observing the encounter with quiet wonder, could not help but admire a composure so entirely unassailable.

“Miss Bingley,” Miss Hartwell replied, inclining her head with deliberate courtesy. “I assure you, there is no foolishness. I am here in the service of Miss Vernon, as my present duties demand. And as a gentleman’s daughter, I am Miss Hartwell, if you please.”

A low murmur arose among the young ladies behind Miss Bingley.

For a moment, no one spoke.

One of the young ladies behind Miss Bingley turned to another, her eyes widening. “Her father is a gentleman?”

The other glanced toward Miss Hartwell, then back to Miss Bingley. “I had not understood that she was...”

“She is better born than...” The speaker stopped abruptly, but not before the words had carried farther than she intended.

Miss Bingley’s face changed.

“How dare you!” Miss Bingley exclaimed, a sharp flush rising on her neck as her anger broke through her composure. “Your duties? You are my maid! You fled my dressing room in a fit of insubordination!”

“On the contrary, Miss Bingley,” Miss Hartwell said, her tone as mild as before. “I merely obeyed your explicit command. You ordered me, quite loudly if you recall, to leave your presence and never return to your room again. I could hardly remain after being so plainly dismissed.”

Elizabeth turned away to hide a smile behind her fan, while Selina dropped her gaze to conceal her amusement. Anne kept her eyes fixed upon the pair, her countenance bearing a serene satisfaction she made no effort to disguise. Astra observed the ruin of Miss Bingley’s composure with a cold, discerning eye, the silent, unyielding spectator to an execution of Caroline’s own making. Even Jane, though pained by so violent a breach of decorum, could only look upon Miss Hartwell with quiet, involuntary wonder at a self-possession so entirely unassailable.

Miss Bingley stood rigid.

“As a dutiful servant, I could not dream of disobeying such direct instructions from my mistress, so I took you at your word,” Miss Hartwell continued. “I collected my wages from the housekeeper, packed my trunks, and departed. I left you, as you required, and troubled you no further.”

A low murmur passed among Miss Bingley’s companions. Jane could not make out every word, but enough reached her ears to understand that the circumstances were being discussed with considerable interest.

“I understand she dismissed her yesterday.”

“In anger, apparently.”

“There was some disturbance in her dressing room.”

“I heard she made rather improper use of a slipper.”

A few of the ladies could not entirely conceal their amusement.

Jane lowered her eyes, though she could not prevent a smile. Mrs. Jenkinson’s account had left little doubt as to what had occurred, though she had not expected the story to have travelled so quickly.

Miss Bingley went rigidly still, her hands clenching into tight fists against the fabric of her skirt. “You took advantage of a momentary misunderstanding.”

“No, I understood you perfectly, Miss Bingley.” The mildness of her answer struck with far greater force than an angry retort could have carried.

Miss Bingley regarded her with renewed displeasure. “And where, pray, did you obtain such finery?” she demanded, gesturing furiously toward Miss Hartwell’s gown.

“Upon leaving your service yesterday morning, I was fortunate enough to be engaged by Lady Danvers as personal maid and companion to Miss Vernon.” Miss Hartwell turned towards Eleanor, who acknowledged her with a slight inclination of the head.

“Her Ladyship was kind enough to restore to me my own wardrobe, rather than the sober attire you so insisted I adopt, together with a most liberal allowance for my present needs. I find her ladyship’s household exceptionally agreeable, and her instructions remarkably consistent,” said Miss Hartwell.

Miss Bingley stared at Eleanor, then at Miss Hartwell again. “You mean to say that Lady Danvers...”

“Lady Danvers,” Eleanor supplied calmly, “is quite satisfied with her.”

For once, Miss Bingley seemed unable to reply.

Several of the fashionable ladies behind Miss Bingley exchanged horrified, hushed glances, whispering behind their gloves. To see a former maid received under the protection of a Dowager Countess, and to have her own ill usage of a gentleman’s daughter so publicly remarked upon, was a mortification not easily borne.

Miss Bingley appeared unable to judge which circumstance inflicted the greater wound. She was equally paralyzed by the end of her household tyranny, the public revelation of her improper warmth, and the agonizing sight of her former dependent established beneath the patronage of a Dowager Countess. She cast a desperate look across the eminent personages assembled before her, only to encounter an impenetrable wall of aristocratic coldness.

Whatever she had expected to find in the gallery, such a gathering was entirely beyond her imagination.

Jane saw that Miss Bingley had at last begun to understand her situation. Miss Bingley had approached them prepared to find the same women she had known in Hertfordshire. She had not yet understood that those before her no longer stood upon the footing she remembered, nor that the young woman she had treated so carelessly now possessed protectors whose notice could not be slighted.

Anne’s hand rested lightly against Jane’s arm, while Elizabeth remained beside her with an expression of quiet amusement. Selina and Astra watched Miss Bingley with an indifferent, aristocratic amusement that seemed to strip her confidence. For the first time, the command of the room shifted, uncertain still, but no longer belonging exclusively to Miss Bingley.

Miss Bingley’s gaze travelled from Miss Hartwell to Miss Vernon, and then across the company gathered around them. For the first time, Jane saw uncertainty disturb her confidence. The woman she had driven from her dressing room only yesterday now stood perfectly composed, properly attired, and received with every mark of respect by ladies whose notice Miss Bingley had once valued.

For several moments, Miss Bingley seemed unable to determine how she might recover her countenance. Then, drawing herself up, her chin lifted in a final effort at defiance.

“Oh, Clara!” Miss Bingley exclaimed, turning deliberately toward one of her companions. “It seems certain country girls are determined to affect the manners of their betters here in London. One wonders what sort of connections they fancy they are forming, or whether they have entirely forgotten their true station.”

Clara offered no reply.

Miss Bingley’s smile became less pleasant. “There are persons who have no just notion of what propriety requires from their humble origins, especially when they presume upon the notice of families so much above them. One would think a previous disappointment might have taught them rather more caution.”

Her gaze settled pointedly upon Miss Vernon, a unmistakable allusion to Eleanor’s past disappointment with Mr. Bingley.

“Is that not right, Jane? Hertfordshire, I should think, must have taught you the danger of such expectations.”

Jane felt the color mount her cheeks, but her self-command did not falter. She did not raise her voice, yet her words carried across the gallery with unmistakable distinctness.

“Miss Bingley,” said Jane, with a composure which surprised even herself. “I assure you, we are perfectly aware of our connections and our station. As for your observations regarding our disappointment, we have learned by experience that a gentleman whose attachments are so easily turned is little worthy of remembrance. Perhaps it is others who are mistaken in their judgement of true worth and genuine consequence.”

Miss Bingley’s expression hardened, her gaze sharp with resentment at finding her attack so calmly turned aside. “You speak of consequence as if you were born to it, Jane,” Miss Bingley declared, raising her voice sufficiently for the whole room to hear the intended insult. “It is a bold affectation for someone who, until very recently, was content with complete obscurity in the country. And to parade yet another portionless country relation to increase your numbers,” her eyes settled pointedly upon Anne, “one who possesses neither the habit of town fashion nor the manners of good company, is truly straining benevolence to an extreme.”

Jane looked at her in silence. There was a moment when she might once have hurried to defend herself. She could almost hear her grandfather’s dry voice observing that when one is intent upon exposing one’s own deficiencies, it is a pity to interrupt, for silence is often the sharpest rebuke to those who converse only with their own vanity.

So Jane said nothing.

Anne came forward with perfect self-possession.

“Her name is Miss Bennet to you, Miss Bingley,” Anne said, her voice assuming a tone of quiet authority that instantly commanded the attention of those around them. “You are not in Hertfordshire, and you possess neither the rank nor the intimacy required to address my dear friend Jane by her Christian name.”

Miss Bingley opened her mouth. “We were friends in...”

“We were acquainted in Hertfordshire,” Jane interrupted softly, stepping up beside Anne. She spoke without resentment, and with the composure of one stating a plain fact. “Though as it has been many months since you left my letters unanswered in London, and returned my call only with a cold note of dismissal, you made it abundantly clear that whatever friendship we may have shared was at an end.”

A hushed, scandalized murmur passed among the young ladies of Miss Bingley’s party as they exchanged looks of surprise.

“It seems, Miss Bingley,” Jane added with unwavering composure, “that your practice of dropping an acquaintance the moment it ceases to be useful is no secret in London. One hardly expects the intimacy of a Christian name from a lady who leaves her friends’ letters unanswered.”

Jane paused, giving her stroke time to sink into the mind of every listener in the gallery.

“And as for residing in obscurity in the country, and your rather misguided assessment of my consequence,” Anne added, her eyes resting upon Miss Bingley with cool indifference, “I believe you are speaking of me.”

She used no exertion of voice whatever. Anne delivered the reproof with the cool, effortless superiority of one born to Rosings, to whom Miss Bingley’s pretensions were a fleeting absurdity.

Miss Bingley laughed lightly and looked Anne over with undisguised contempt. “I was merely observing that one should be cautious in entering society to which one has no proper claim. London is full of young women from the country who would be thought of consequence merely because they have come to town. One cannot be expected to distinguish every companion who is brought into society.”

Anne looked at her for a moment. “Then you have made your observation without troubling to enquire either my name, or my consequence.”

A few of the ladies nearby exchanged uneasy glances, arrested by the total and haughty stillness of Anne’s demeanor.

Miss Bingley attempted a smile, though it was less assured than before. “I hardly think an introduction necessary for every quiet young lady who happens to be attached to the Bennet sisters.”

“No,” Anne replied softly. “I suppose it is unnecessary when one is so entirely satisfied with one’s own judgement.”

Selina’s lips curved into a cold, glittering smile. “Miss de Bourgh has always been remarkably patient with those who speak before they have enquired,” said Selina, distinctly enough to be heard. “Anne is accustomed to listening before she forms an opinion. It is a habit derived from an ancient name and high birth, though I suppose the distinction is easily overlooked by those who must acquire their manners rather than inherit them.”

Miss Bingley turned sharply. “Miss de Bourgh?”

Astra, who had remained silent until then, inclined her head. “Miss Anne de Bourgh.”

For a moment, Miss Bingley said nothing.

The name passed through the little knot of observers with scarcely a sound. Jane saw recognition appear upon several faces, followed almost immediately by a hushed, rapid exchange of whispers.

“de Bourgh?”

“Rosings?”

“Lady Catherine’s daughter?”

“And Mr. Darcy’s cousin.”

A second whisper followed, lower still. “Is she not the one Lady Catherine has always intended for Mr. Darcy?”

“I believe so. Lady Catherine has long spoken of a match from the cradle as though it was settled.”

Jane caught only fragments, but she did not need to hear more. Miss Bingley seemed suddenly to find the gallery considerably larger than it had been a moment before.

Anne remained perfectly composed. “Yes,” she said quietly. “My mother has spoken of a supposed understanding between me and my cousin often enough.”

She offered no further explanation. There was nothing more to say.

Miss Bingley’s gaze moved from Anne to Jane and Elizabeth, then back again. She looked from Anne to Jane and Elizabeth as though the composition of their party had become suddenly incomprehensible.

Before Jane could respond, Selina stepped forward. She regarded Miss Bingley with an indifference more mortifying than open contempt. Her voice was icy, polished, and utterly devoid of warmth.

“I beg your pardon,” Selina began, her voice a slow, deliberate drop in temperature. “I find myself quite perplexed. You claim the familiarity of my cousins Christian name, and yet your tone suggests you are speaking to an inferior. To claim such intimacy, and to address the granddaughter of the Duke of Westbury by her Christian name, is a departure from decorum so extraordinary that it can only proceed from an absolute ignorance of good manners. But perhaps your education has not acquainted you with such distinctions.”

Jane saw the realization pass across Miss Bingley’s face before she could conceal it. Her eyes moved first to Selina and Astra, then to Jane, Elizabeth, and Anne.

Astra stepped up beside Jane, her gaze drifting over Miss Bingley with the cool detachment of a connoisseur spotting a flawed imitation. She turned back to her sister as though Miss Bingley had ceased to require notice.

“Do not be so harsh, Selina,” Astra said, her tone dripping with cultivated indifference. “One cannot expect genuine breeding from those who spend a lifetime frantically scrubbing away the smell of their father’s warehouses, only to turn around and use the very same funds to look down on others. It is a tedious error, is it not? To mistake the social proximity one buys with trade for a pedigree one inherits by birth. It is a pity, really, to try so aggressively to belong while remaining utterly unacquainted with the basics of grace.”

A quiet murmur of agreement rippled through the circle, though a dry, amused voice intervened before the silence could stretch too far.

“Quite so,” said Mr. Gardiner, turning towards Miss Bingley with an expression of perfect good humour. “Trade has never troubled me. I believe it is chiefly troublesome to those who profit by it while wishing everyone to forget the source. A warehouse is no disgrace, Miss Bingley. One may obtain a very respectable fortune from one. Good manners, however, cannot be purchased in bulk.”

A suppressed laugh from Colonel Fitzwilliam broke the tension, and even Elizabeth had to press her handkerchief quickly to her lips to hide her grin. Mr. Gardiner spoke with so much good humour that Miss Bingley could not easily resent him. Yet the point of his observation was not lost upon anyone present.

Selina glanced at Miss Bingley, her eyes narrowing slightly.

“You are that Bungley woman, are you not?” Selina asked, as though the name were of no consequence. “The one with the inconsistent brother,” she offered a swift glance toward Miss Vernon, “and who is so frequently noted for her rather enthusiastic attempts to attach herself to Mr. Darcy? I confess, I had not understood the reports to be quite so generous. One need only observe Mr. Darcy’s countenance in your presence to judge the degree of encouragement he offers you.”

As the final word left Selina’s lips, a sharp, collective titter rippled through the gallery. It was not a warm laugh, but a thin, jagged sound of pure mockery. Miss Bingley’s companions began, one by one, to withdraw from her side. They turned away, their backs forming a wall of silk and lace, their hands rising to hide their mouths behind fans as muffled whispers passed among them.

Miss Bingley stood silent, the blood draining from her face. Jane could perceive, in Miss Bingley’s altered countenance, the desperate effort to reconcile the ‘country girl’ she had intended to mock with the formidable barrier of high birth now raised against her. She seemed poised to deliver a sharp, defensive retort, but the words faltered upon her lips as the lady nearest to her, hitherto her most faithful echo, drew back with a deliberate, unmistakable movement.

“Forgive me, Miss Bingley,” the lady previously called Clara said, in a tone of sharp and sudden disavowal, “but have you perhaps overlooked the papersof late? I confess, I found no mention of your astute observations within their pages. Instead, the papers speak of nothing but the Duke’s granddaughters and Miss de Bourgh, who are, it seems, exciting an extraordinary sensation in town.”

Several ladies nearby could not suppress their amusement. Miss Bingley’s hands trembled slightly, and for a moment she had no reply.

Miss Bingley opened her mouth, but Elizabeth touched Jane’s arm and said softly, “Very well said, Miss.”

Anne took a deliberate step forward, her eyes fixing upon Miss Bingley with a stillness that brought an immediate hush to those nearest them. “Indeed,” she said, her voice entirely calm, yet carrying through the gallery with effortless authority. “We are currently guests at Westbury House, residing under His Grace’s protection. Perhaps,” Anne turned her head slightly toward the young lady who had just spoken, her expression chillingly pleasant, “you would care to enlighten your friend on how widely such news has spread, even to those whose fortunes are rooted rather more in trade than in title?”

At that moment, a new voice, equally confident but imbued with far greater authority, joined the conversation.

“Eleanor, dear child! How delightful to see you here!”

There stood the Duke and Duchess of Westbury, the Marquess and Marchioness of Claremont, the Earl of Fairhaven, Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Lady Danvers, and Mrs. Vernon. The distinction of the party could not be mistaken.

Jane saw Miss Bingley’s companions draw back in visible consternation, their countenances altering as they finally comprehended the exalted rank of the young lady she had so carelessly insulted.

The implications of Miss Bingley’s remarks, delivered within earshot of such personages, struck her party with silent dismay. One young lady subtly drew back toward the edge of the circle, while another suddenly absorbed her attention in a nearby bust, desperate to disengage herself from the impending ruin.

Jane watched as Miss Bingley’s breath hitched. The colour left Miss Bingley’s face, though she struggled to preserve her composure. Her eyes darted toward Mr. Darcy, searching his face for a shadow of approval or rescue, but met only the cold, impenetrable gravity of a gentleman entirely turned against her.

Lady Danvers, with her striking elegance and considerable presence, stepped forward from the adjacent display, her manner commanding immediate attention. Beside her stood Mrs. Vernon, whom Jane immediately recognized, and at the sight of her daughter, the anxiety of her countenance visibly abated.

Lady Danvers smiled. “My dear cousin! I had hoped we might find you here. Your mother and I were just discussing the merits of the Egyptian collection. They are most curious, and I know how much pleasure you take in such things.”

Then her gaze fell upon Miss Hartwell. “And Miss Hartwell! How pleased I am to see you.”

Miss Hartwell curtsied. “Lady Danvers.”

“I understand that you and Eleanor are already well acquainted.”

“Very happily, my lady,” replied Miss Hartwell.

“I am very glad to hear it. Eleanor is fortunate in your care.”

Jane, observing her closely, saw Miss Bingley change color, as though the breath had been quite driven from her. A lady whom Miss Bingley had treated as a mere hired dependant, stripped of consequence and forced into subjection, was being openly acknowledged by a Dowager Countess as an equal and a valued companion. Every syllable Lady Danvers uttered fell as an unanswerable rebuke to Miss Bingley’s arrogance.

The low whispers of the surrounding observers, kept in check until now by mere suspense, passed through the room with unmistakable significance.

“Cousin to Lady Danvers?” whispered one lady, not nearly softly enough. “Good heavens! Did not Miss Bingley say at Lady Metcalfe’s that Miss Vernon and Miss Bennet had neither fortune nor connection to recommend them? That neither could be thought suitable for her brother?”

“She made a habit of boasting that she had rescued her brother on repeated occasions from designing country girls,” interposed a lady nearby, with sharp, unmistakable contempt. “And yet here they stand. Miss Vernon, cousin to Lady Danvers and Miss Bennet, the Duke of Westbury’s granddaughter! What a want of judgement.”

“To slight such connections for want of fortune!” said a lady nearby. “To reject the prospect of a connection to Lady Danvers and the Westbury’s at once. The trade money has lost its senses altogether.”

Every whispered syllable carried across the gallery, falling upon Miss Bingley with all the weight of a public condemnation. The very gossip she had so gleefully spread across London, boasting that she had rescued her brother from scheming, low-born connections, now exposed her as not merely spiteful, but monstrously ignorant of the truth.

Miss Bingley had actively blighted two connections that would have raised the Bingley name into the first circles of society, revealing the depth of her own artful design to the very lords and ladies whose approbation she had spent her life attempting to secure.

“Jane, Elizabeth, there you are. Your grandfather has been looking everywhere for you,” the Duchess said, stepping into the circle and including the Bennet sisters with a warmth that drew immediate, whispered gasps from the periphery of the room.

“Anne, I hope you have not been made to stand too long,” Aunt Celeste said gently.

Lady Danvers turned back to Eleanor. “Come, my dear.”

Miss Bingley’s poise, previously so rigid, began to buckle completely. Her hands moved restlessly, her fingers grasping uselessly at the folds of her gown. She made a desperate, agonizing attempt to smooth her features into a smile, to offer some halting, agreeable remark that might reinstate her in the good opinion of her companions, but under Lady Danvers’s cool, passing glance, speech completely failed her.

Jane saw Miss Bingley’s colour change, and could not deny herself a small moment of satisfaction. It was a cold but undeniable pleasure to observe the exact moment Miss Bingley perceived that she had not simply spoken unwisely, but had dealt a fatal blow to her own consequence in town.

Trapped in the oppressive silence of her own making, Miss Bingley’s eyes turned helplessly toward the gallery doors, searching for any path of retreat, forced to endure the exquisite mortification of being completely disregarded by the very society she had spent her life striving to court.

Castor, who had been standing a short distance away, stepped forward with marked promptitude. He moved swiftly to Eleanor’s side, bestowing a passing glance of cool disdain upon Miss Bingley before turning his full attention to Miss Vernon. “Miss Vernon,” he said, his voice entirely calm, yet carrying a quiet authority that admitted no dispute, “perhaps you would allow me the honor of escorting you. Lady Danvers, Mrs. Vernon, if you would join us, I believe the adjoining gallery of antiquities offers displays that are truly magnificent, and considerably less disturbing.”

He presented his arm to Eleanor, a gesture executed with such resolute courtesy as to preclude all hesitation. Lady Danvers bestowed upon him an inclination of the head in clear approval, her countenance betraying a dry, knowing satisfaction as she turned to take Mrs. Vernon’s arm.

As Castor turned to draw Eleanor away, a voice of singular depth and authority broke the stillness immediately behind Jane.

“Jane, my dear,” said the Duke, touching her arm. “Have you seen the sarcophagi? They are quite remarkable.”

“Not yet, grandfather,” responded Jane answered dutifully.

The Duke’s attention then moved to the young woman standing a little apart from the others. “And Miss Hartwell,” he said pleasantly. “It is a pleasure to see you again.”

A sudden, quiet sensation moved through the surrounding group. More than one lady looked toward Miss Hartwell, and then to the Duke, as the significance of his declaration struck them in all its force. Miss Bingley’s countenance changed almost imperceptibly, though her composure was visibly shaken.

Miss Hartwell curtsied. “Your Grace.”

“I trust you are comfortably situated with Miss Vernon.”

“Very comfortably, Your Grace.”

“I am glad to hear it. Miss Vernon is fortunate to have so capable a companion,” the Duke said with a warm smile.

Miss Hartwell acknowledged the compliment with a respectful curtsy.

Mr. Darcy stepped forward then, his attention settling upon Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth,” he began, his voice deep and sincere. “I should be particularly interested to know what you think of the Roman antiquities.”

He offered his arm, his eyes never once straying toward Miss Bingley, appearing as utterly unconscious of her presence as if she were not there at all. To Jane, who observed the exchange with a quiet, undeniable thrill of vindication, it was a tribute of such marked respect for Elizabeth as rendered all Miss Bingley’s former malice entirely impotent, reducing her very existence to a matter of perfect insignificance.

The Duke turned to Anne. “Miss de Bourgh, might we have the pleasure of your company? I should be very glad of your opinion on what we are to see.” He then turned his gaze upon Jane with equal warmth, inviting her to join their party.

As the eminent party turned to rejoin Lady Danvers and the rest of their company, the surrounding silence stretched, thick and oppressive. There was no room left for Miss Bingley’s barbs, and certainly no hope for her to maneuver, her former companions had already melted into the shadows of the gallery, desperate to be found anywhere but near her.

Together, the Duke and Colonel conducted the ladies back to the center of their distinguished circle, leaving Miss Bingley to endure the full, agonizing weight of her self-inflicted isolation.

Miss Bingley offered a feeble, faltering curtsey as the Duke passed, a desperate bid for some fleeting mark of recognition, but he paid no more heed to her than if she had been invisible. Without the slightest pause, he turned away, directing his attention entirely to Jane, Anne, and Colonel Fitzwilliam.

A fan snapped open somewhere behind Jane.

“He did not even bow,” came a whisper.

“Not even a nod,” whispered a voice.

“My dear, why should his Grace stoop so low?” came the crisp response. “They do not inhabit the same world. She is insignificant to him. A man of his dignity does not bow to an upstart who has just insulted those under his own protection.”

“Absolutely. One does not acknowledge trade when it presumes to lecture the peerage.”

Behind her, Jane caught the quick, uneven sound of Miss Bingley’s footsteps withdrawing in total silence, a precipitate departure as lacking in dignity as her former presumption had been in sense.

Their party returned to the objects before them as though nothing of consequence had occurred.

Jane felt a quiet, steady satisfaction. The morning prints would soon circulate the news of His Grace’s distinguished young relatives, ensuring all London knew of their reception, while the town quietly smiled at the utter discomfiture of a certain Miss B, whose presumption had met with so prompt a chastisement.

The fortress, indeed, was holding strong.

~*~

The party continued through the rooms in easy conversation, examining whatever objects most attracted their notice.

As the hour grew late and word was brought that the Duke’s carriage had come round, the party began to leave the Museum. While the others made their farewells and prepared to depart, Jane joined the Gardiner children, who stood in the courtyard speaking eagerly of all they had seen.

Jane bent down to listen while they told her, all at once, of the objects which had most delighted them, and showed her their sketches. Their pleasure was so lively that Jane could not but be amused.

A footman returned to say that the carriage waited. Jane rose, wished the children and their parents good day, and joined the rest of the party. As Jane turned towards the Duke’s carriage, she noticed another coach waiting behind theirs.

Inside, she glimpsed the same intriguing gentleman she had encountered both in the park and at the theatre. He saw her at the same moment, and acknowledged her with a slight inclination of his head. He bowed slightly from the open window, and Jane returned the acknowledgement before entering the Duke’s carriage, the door closing softly behind her.


]]> LizzyS Derbyshire Writers' GuildMon, 05 Oct 2026 00:38:05 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131887,131894#msg-131894 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131887,131894#msg-131894 robert1095 Derbyshire Writers' GuildFri, 02 Oct 2026 11:45:34 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?4,131893,131893#msg-131893 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?4,131893,131893#msg-131893
Can anyone volunteer a prompt for this year's JaOctGoHoNo?

To recap the rules:
1. A one shot
2. Based on the works of Jane Austen
3. Written by you some time in October
4. Posted on 31-October (whatever time zone you're in)
5. That somehow satisfies the prompt (TBD).]]> NN S Tea RoomThu, 01 Oct 2026 01:26:12 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131886,131892#msg-131892 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131886,131892#msg-131892 Anne V Derbyshire Writers' GuildWed, 30 Sep 2026 03:49:40 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131887,131891#msg-131891 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131887,131891#msg-131891
Not sure how I can wait for the next chapter.]]> Anne V Derbyshire Writers' GuildWed, 30 Sep 2026 03:47:28 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131886,131890#msg-131890 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131886,131890#msg-131890 Tasha Derbyshire Writers' GuildTue, 29 Sep 2026 15:08:27 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131886,131889#msg-131889 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131886,131889#msg-131889 EvelynJean Derbyshire Writers' GuildTue, 29 Sep 2026 01:57:44 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131887,131888#msg-131888 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131887,131888#msg-131888
I start to fear for Darcy's chances as a suitor for Elizabeth :-): no title and friend of Bingley ^^ - how will he pass her familes muster ;-)]]> Micha Derbyshire Writers' GuildMon, 28 Sep 2026 17:18:06 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131887,131887#msg-131887 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131887,131887#msg-131887I had my weekends backward. This weekend I have something this afternoon, next weekend I have plans both days.

Apologies if this is rougher than previous chapters. It was a bit stressful at work and I wasn’t able to dedicate my lunch hour to re-reading the chapters.




Chapter 6

The following morning dawned in typical fashion for the Claremont household. The household was quiet and refined, though a little wearied after their lively evening at the theatre. The footmen moved quietly as breakfast was laid in the smaller dining room, silver gleaming beneath the early light filtering through tall windows. A faint scent of coffee and toast mingled with Selina’s perfume as she swept in with her usual chatter, recounting some minor absurdity she observed from their box.

Elizabeth, sipping her tea by the hearth, exchanged bemused looks with Castor, while Jane remained mostly silent, her thoughts returning again and again to the evening’s events. The family conversed as usual, discussing their arrangements for the day ahead. They spoke of a walk in Green Park, a call upon Lady Cowper, and perhaps a quiet afternoon at home.

Then came the sound.

It was not the familiar sound of a visitor’s phaeton, nor the quiet announcement of a calling card at the door, but the arrival of a ducal carriage. There were several horses, boots upon the gravel, and a coach brought swiftly to the entrance. A footman appeared at the breakfast room doorway, his expression composed but his voice a shade higher than usual.

“My lord and lady, the Duke and Duchess of Westbury have arrived.”

The silence was immediate. Even Selina stilled.

Aunt Celeste slowly set down her teacup, her countenance suddenly grave. “Papa?” she said softly, as though the word itself might make the matter plain. “Here?”

Uncle Maxwell rose and adjusted his cuff. “They were not expected back from Gloucestershire for at least another week.”

Her grandparents, usually prominent figures in the London Season, had remained at their sprawling country estate this year, overseeing extensive renovations to Westbury Abbey and enjoying a period of quietude away from the city’s demands. Jane could think of no reason for their sudden arrival in London, save a sudden, unexpected royal summons or a matter of the King’s business. Perhaps there was some important debate in the House of Lords for which her grandfather’s counsel was required. Whatever had brought them from Westbury Abbey, it had clearly not been a journey they had planned.

No one moved. Even the servants outside seemed to pause, uncertain whether they should admit the visitors at once or await further instruction. Then, from the front hall, came a low, familiar voice, measured and serene, yet carrying the unmistakable weight of authority.

“Maxwell, I believe we must discuss my granddaughters.”

Only then did the Aunt Celeste rise, drawing herself up. “Well,” she murmured, smoothing her skirts. “It seems the peace of the morning is at an end.”

And just like that, the household’s quiet rhythm changed, the calm of the morning giving way to something far more serious. Jane glanced at Elizabeth and saw that her sister understood the gravity of the visit as clearly as she did. This was no social call. The Duke and Duchess had come with questions, and they expected answers.

The imposing figures of Lionel Sinclair, the 12th Duke of Westbury, and Rosamund Sinclair, the Duchess of Westbury, were ushered into the drawing-room. Their arrival was not merely unannounced but felt, to Jane, a matter of the greatest consequence. Their stated reason for coming to town was plain enough, but Jane suspected another concern had brought them in such haste.

Her grandfather, a man of quiet authority and strong attachment to his family, must have heard troubling reports from Hertfordshire. Whispers of Mrs. Bennet’s great displeasure regarding Elizabeth’s rejection of Mr. Collins had evidently traveled far, reaching even Westbury and prompting her grandparents to come to London, unannounced, to inquire into the circumstances of their granddaughters.

The arrival of the Duke and Duchess was an event of consequence, even within the quiet walls of her uncle’s townhouse. The troubling rumours which had begun with Lady Catherine’s spiteful assertions, and which Aunt Celeste’s letters and Lady Danvers’ unexpected kindness at the theatre had done so much to soften, would now lose whatever sting remained. Unkind tongues might still whisper in quiet drawing rooms, but the personal intervention of her grandparents offered a shield no malice could easily pierce. Jane and Elizabeth were no longer simply two country sisters relying on their aunt’s goodwill, but granddaughters held safely under the formidable mantle of Westbury House.

The Duchess, elegant and evidently possessed of much intelligence, greeted her granddaughters with affection, though she observed them closely. The Duke, after a brief, affectionate inquiry into their journey, settled into a comfortable armchair, his gaze falling upon Elizabeth. Jane had often thought that Elizabeth had inherited their grandfather’s eyes, but the resemblance was never so striking as when the two were together. They were of the same clear colour and shape, with the same lively expression and that particular twinkle which gave even her grandfather’s most serious looks a hint of amusement. There could be no mistaking the family likeness.

“Out with it, Elizabeth. I want to hear everything that happened in Hertfordshire last fall and, more importantly, why you did not write to me,” their grandfather demanded, a hurt look in his eyes that softened the sternness of his tone. His disappointment was more painful to witness than anger would have been.

It was then that Elizabeth, with Jane’s quiet encouragement, related all that had occurred. Her sister began with the unhappy situation at Longbourn, Mr. Collins’s presumptuous proposal, and her stepmother’s anger afterwards, which had made the house scarcely tolerable. It was for this reason they had remained away from home for so long.

Elizabeth then spoke of Rosings, detailing Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s increasingly imperious behaviour. She described her Ladyship’s unyielding demands, her determined efforts to interfere in Elizabeth’s private affairs, and finally, the shocking and baseless accusation that Elizabeth was a ‘kept woman,’ which Lady Catherine hurled at her during their final and most heated exchange.

Jane’s heart ached as she listened. To think that Elizabeth had endured all this, and she had not been there to offer her even the smallest comfort! She reached for her sister’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, while beside them, Anne quietly took Elizabeth’s other hand.

As the final words of Elizabeth’s account faded, a profound hush held the drawing room. The Sinclair family remained entirely still, bound in a quiet, formidable solidarity. Not a soul spoke, yet their united sympathy enveloped Elizabeth, offering a silent protection that needed no words to make itself felt.

Grandmother could contain herself no longer. “That woman!” she exclaimed, her voice sharp with indignation. “How dare she?”

Encouraged by the warm support around her, Elizabeth continued her narrative, turning to the astonishing events that followed. “Anne de Bourgh made a sudden and decisive assertion of her legal rights as the true mistress of Rosings, offering me her immediate protection. It was her intervention that allowed me to leave the house with my honour intact, followed by our swift departure for London.”

As Elizabeth had continued to speak, Jane watched her grandfather’s expression grew steadily graver, while a dangerous glint had entered her grandmother’s eyes at the mention of the threats and accusations made by Lady Catherine.

“So, the Dragon of Rosings has taken an interest, has she?” Grandfather mused, his voice surprisingly calm despite the clear indignation in his eyes. “And has made it her business to spread her venomous opinions of you, Elizabeth, to anyone who will listen, I presume?”

Elizabeth nodded, her uneasiness returning. “We fear as much, Grandfather. She was deeply incensed.”

“And what of this Mr. Bingley, Jane?” Grandmother asked, though her tone remained gentle. “We have reports that he, too, caused you some distress.”

Castor gave a quiet laugh from his place nearby. “Reports?” he repeated with a dry chuckle. “Grandfather, you might as well admit the depth of your intelligence. We all know nothing happens in Longbourn, or Hertfordshire, without your knowledge.”

The Duke regarded him with perfect composure. “I do not know what you are talking about.”

Castor raised an eyebrow. “Of course you do not.”

A faint smile touched her grandmother’s lips before she said, “Go on, Jane. Tell us what happened.”

Her composure wavered, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. “He left Netherfield without warning, Grandmother. Without explanation. Only lately did Lizzy tell me the true circumstances. Mr. Bingley’s sisters did much to persuade him to leave. But it was Mr. Darcy who persuaded him to remain in town, having convinced him that I was not sufficiently attached. Then, when I came to London myself, they concealed my presence from him entirely.”

She lowered her eyes for a moment before continuing. “I cannot say that Mr. Bingley meant to cause me pain, but I have since learned that I was not the first whom he had raised expectations, only to leave her behind. There have been others. Perhaps Mr. Darcy was wrong to interfere, yet I cannot wholly deny the possibility that he believed he was protecting me from a man whose affections have proved less constant than I once imagined.”

Elizabeth’s expression tightened. “There is more, Grandmother. Miss Bingley wrote Jane a letter before they left Meryton. She gave us to understand that we were not to expect their return, and that the acquaintance was at an end.”

“And when Jane came to London?” grandmother asked.

“Jane called upon Miss Bingley at once,” Elizabeth said, with quiet indignation. “Miss Bingley delayed four weeks before returning the courtesy. And when she finally appeared, she stayed barely a quarter of an hour, cold and indifferent, making it abundantly clear that the acquaintance was at an end.”

Silence settled over the room.

The Duchess’s eyes sharpened. “Mr. Darcy. Is this true, Elizabeth? He presumed to judge your sister’s heart?”

Her sister met their grandmother’s gaze without hesitation. “He did, Grandmother. He admitted as much. And while his intentions, he claimed, were to separate his friend from Jane before there was even more of a general expectation of their marriage, he wanted to spare his friend an indifferent wife. He also mentioned the behaviour of the rest of the Bennet family, which agreed in many respects with my uncle and grandfather’s observations.”

“However,” Elizabeth continued after taking a deep breath, “Colonel Fitzwilliam has since informed us that Mr. Bingley’s affections are indeed very changeable. He has, in fact, been quite taken with two other young ladies since leaving Hertfordshire. Knowing this, I cannot think Mr. Darcy’s interference wholly to Jane’s disadvantage.”

A low murmur of displeasure rippled through the room. The Duke’s brow furrowed deeply. “So, not only did Darcy interfere, but the fellow himself is a trifler. Such want of constancy is precisely what we would spare our granddaughters.” He turned back to Elizabeth. “Why did you not write to me in the fall when it became obvious your stepmother wished to see you married to Mr. Collins, or when Mr. Bingley so rudely departed?” he asked again, his hurt more pronounced. “That is what I cannot understand. Did you truly believe we would not have taken some action?”

“I knew my father would support me, Grandfather. And I did not wish to trouble you unnecessarily with such a domestic matter,” Elizabeth replied.

Even Jane could not think the answer entirely satisfactory.

“She wished to solve it herself, Grandfather,” Selina interrupted softly, giving Elizabeth an apologetic glance. “Lizzy had no desire to be whisked away to London like a child needing protection before she had even reached her majority.”

In a sudden flash of clarity, the truth struck Jane. Elizabeth had planned this. She had known their cousins would never leave them to languish in Hertfordshire for the spring. She had simply bided her time in Meryton, enduring the autumn storms quietly until the invitation arrived on her own terms.

“You knew an invitation was bound to come, did you not, Lizzy?” Jane asked quietly, a faint, knowing smile touching her lips. “You knew our cousins would bring us to town before your majority, and so you simply waited until the time was right.”

Then the smile faded as a sudden wave of guilt washed over her. Jane remembered her own stubborn insistence, her refusal to leave Longbourn unless Elizabeth was brought along as well. Her expression softened, tinged with regret.

“And I made you wait all the longer, did I not? I refused to go to town without you, never realizing I was making you wait when you were so eager to leave.”

Elizabeth’s eyes softened, reaching out to give her sister’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “You gave me the excuse I needed to bide my time, Jane. I would have waited twice as long if it meant we came together.”

The Duchess’s gaze softened with a mixture of exasperation and affection as she looked at her granddaughter. “Independent to a fault, as always, and far too calculating for her own good. I am afraid she inherits that particular flaw entirely from me.”

“Just like my sister,” Uncle Maxwell added quietly, a fond, nostalgic smile warming his features as he looked at Elizabeth. “Augusta had that exact same stubborn composure when she wished to manage her own destiny.”

“Bennet,” the Duke said, with marked displeasure. “I should have kept declining his request and sent Augusta to the continent.”

“Father, Bennet was my good friend from university, and my sister was deeply attached to him. Even had you sent her abroad, she would have found her way back to England and defied you. She was almost at her majority and would have married him without our approval,” Uncle Maxwell said with a sigh before turning to Elizabeth. “You are very like my sister, Elizabeth. The portrait at Westbury shows how closely you resemble her, both in appearance and in disposition. She was even more headstrong than you.”

“His love for my daughter was my one solace,” her grandfather agreed. “He changed after her death.”

“Very much so. I tried to remain friends with him, but as time went on our correspondence was reduced to informing him of Jane and Lizzy’s transportation details,” Uncle Maxwell explained.

“At least Mr. Bennet never prevented us from seeing the girls,” her grandmother broke in. “He allowed us to spend a great deal of time with them.”

“That was Mrs. Bennet’s doing, Grandmother,” Elizabeth said. “All we had to do was suggest an invitation, and she would make sure Father agreed.”

“Until our absence began to attract notice,” Jane added gently. “Then Mrs. Bennet would sometimes insist that we return to Longbourn, particularly if there was an assembly or some other occasion at which she thought we might be useful to her.”

Elizabeth gave a small smile. “She was not always consistent in her wishes. One week she might be quite pleased to have us away, and the next she would declare that we must return at once, usually because she had decided our presence was wanted for some new purpose.”

Anne raised an eyebrow. “She has a talent for turning every circumstance to her own account. It sounds familiar. My mother is not the only lady who knows how to make use of those around her. A daughter at home may be useful for the neighbourhood, while a daughter in London may prove useful for rather different purposes”

Elizabeth laughed softly. “Indeed. She recognized a double advantage. Not only were there fewer mouths to feed at Longbourn, but the generous wardrobe allowance our grandparents settled upon us meant a steady supply of fine gowns returning to Hertfordshire.”

“Which went straight to them the moment you outgrew them,” Aunt Celeste scoffed. “One might almost admire Mrs. Bennet’s ingenuity, were it not employed so entirely for her own advantage.”

Jane watched her grandmother’s first displeasure give way to active consideration. At last, she brought her hands together softly.

The conversation took a new direction, becoming less an examination and more a council of war.

“Very well. We have the full picture now. And we must lose no time in determining what is best. Lady Catherine’s malice must be answered before it spreads further,” the Duchess stated definitively.

“Indeed,” said the Duke, looking from one member of the family to another. “Our immediate presence in London will, of course, speak volumes. It will make plain to the ton that the Miss Bennets are under the protection of Westbury, and not merely relations known at a distance. We shall take care that they are seen in our company upon every suitable occasion.”

It was then that Uncle Maxwell cleared his throat. “There is one other person, Father, Mother, whose assistance was of the greatest value during this unfortunate affair. Miss Anne de Bourgh, Lady Catherine’s daughter, exerted herself with remarkable firmness to protect Elizabeth and ensure her honorable departure from Rosings.”

The Duke’s eyes, which had been fixed on Maxwell, now turned to Anne, who had been quietly observing. The Duchess followed his gaze, a flicker of surprise crossing her aristocratic features. They had not yet had the opportunity to know her.

“Miss de Bourgh,” said the Duke, turning to her with renewed attention after Maxwell had finished. “We are indeed indebted to you for your admirable conduct concerning our Elizabeth.”

The Duchess agreed. “All that you have done, your timely firmness in protecting Elizabeth, and indeed asserting your rightful position, is most commendable. You have our deepest gratitude.”

Anne, quite unaccustomed to such direct notice from a Duke and Duchess, managed only a slight bow from her chair, her cheeks flushing with modest gratitude. “It was merely what was right, Your Grace. Elizabeth was a guest under my roof, and I could not permit her to be so unjustly maligned.”

The Duchess offered Anne a small smile. “Your courage is commendable, Miss de Bourgh. And as you are currently my daughters’ guests in London, it is only proper that you should remain under our protection. I insist that you, Jane, and Elizabeth remove to Westbury House this very afternoon. Your presence, both as the mistress of Rosings and an honored guest under our roof, will serve as a complete refutation of Lady Catherine’s malicious reports that Elizabeth left her house in disgrace. It will prove to all the world that she departed with unblemished honor, backed by your own sanction and the full protection of our family.”

Jane caught her breath. To reside at Westbury House, the Duke’s London residence, was an honour almost beyond imagining, and would make their connection with the family plain to all. It would deprive Lady Catherine’s accusations of all appearance of truth.

Anne’s eyes brightened, and a faint, sincere smile softened her features. “I would be honoured, Your Grace. It would be a pleasure to assist in any way.”

Jane turned to Mrs. Jenkinson, who had been standing discreetly by the door. “Mrs. Jenkinson,” she began, “may I ask you something? I observed you last night at the theatre, speaking quietly with the ladies who visited our box. You seemed to be seeing that my aunt’s observations reached the ladies most likely to remember them.”

Mrs. Jenkinson curtsied deeply, a faint, intelligent smile softening her features. “Indeed, Miss Bennet. That was my intention. To ensure that the Marchioness’s account of the matter was fully received by the company, and that a favorable report might spread more easily among those present more readily through the companions.”

The Duke raised his brows, evidently impressed. “Madam,” he said with evident approval, “your discernment is most impressive. To act with such discretion and foresight speaks volumes for your character and dedication.”

The Duchess nodded, her gaze fixed on Mrs. Jenkinson. “Indeed, Mrs. Jenkinson. Your loyalty and sharp understanding of the ways of the world are precisely what the occasion demands. You will, of course, accompany the young ladies to Westbury House. Your care and discretion will be especially welcome there.”

Mrs. Jenkinson’s face glowed with quiet pride. “It would be my singular honour, Your Grace.”

“Beginning tomorrow,” the Duchess added, a gleam in her eye, “I shall issue invitations for a succession of quiet morning visits. Not large entertainments, but small parties composed of the ladies whose opinions carry the greatest authority. Lady Danvers, of course, will be among the first to receive an invitation. Her good opinion, as you saw last night, will be of great consequence, and our friendship gives her every reason to call.”

“And we shall take care she speaks of my nieces in the same terms of high praise she bestowed at the theatre,” Aunt Celeste murmured, her thoughts already turned toward her company. “A single word of commendation from Lady Danvers will do more for their reputation than a dozen formal visits.”

“Beyond mere appearances, we must guide the public opinion more actively,” Uncle Maxwell mused, stroking his chin. “The newspapers and their fashionable intelligence, vulgar though they often are, may yet be useful. Perhaps a discreet article might be arranged? A notice, perhaps, touching upon the respectable origins of the Miss Bennets, and attributing their presence in London to the affectionate solicitude of their distinguished relations.”

“Precisely,” said the Duchess. “Not a direct answer to Lady Catherine’s folly, but a quiet display of the position in which Jane and Elizabeth are placed, one which will make her accusations appear ridiculous. Who would believe a country gentlewoman to be ‘elevating her station illicitly’ when her grandparents are the Duke and Duchess of Westbury, and she is the cherished niece of the Marquess of Claremont?”

Jane listened, relieved and astonished by the extent of her family’s influence. This was a realm of influence she had never truly comprehended in her former visits. Her relations were no mere bystanders. Her family was taking the direction of public opinion into their own hands, employing the full weight of their name and position with a practiced, elegant power.

~*~

Over the next few days, Westbury House became a place of continual activity. Invitations for the Duchess’s morning visits were duly dispatched, their wax seals bearing the crest that signaled the high consequence of her house. Jane, Elizabeth, and Anne found themselves accompanying the Duke and Duchess on highly visible morning drives through Hyde Park, where their elegant carriage and liveried attendants attracted every eye, and excited fresh conjecture throughout the fashion.

The Duchess made a point of stopping to converse with a few select matrons of high consequence, guiding the conversation, with exquisite tact, to the virtues and lineage of her granddaughters and the unblemished merit of Miss de Bourgh.

Meanwhile, Uncle Maxwell and Aunt Celeste exchanged quiet instructions, their low conversation suggesting that many willing friends were already engaged in the matter. Elizabeth suspected an article, subtly worded, would soon appear in one of the less sensational but more respected society gazettes, outlining the unexpected arrival of the Duke and Duchess and the delightful presence of their granddaughters, the Miss Bennet’s, whose beauty and accomplishments were already the talk of the ton, and Miss de Bourgh.

Each evening, Jane, Elizabeth, and Anne were informed of all that had passed, a quiet satisfaction settling over the family as the current of town opinion gradually turned in their favor. By the end of the third day, Elizabeth felt a sense of relief. The anxieties that had plagued her since Lady Catherine’s malicious assertions were beginning to abate. The fortress, as she had thought of it, was indeed holding.

A few days later, the Westbury ducal carriage, a grand vehicle with the family crest emblazoned on its panels, rolled smoothly through the bustling London streets. Inside, the Duke and Duchess sat opposite Jane, Elizabeth, Anne, and Mrs. Jenkinson. They conversed quietly, accompanied by the steady sound of the horses’ hooves. They were on their way to the British Museum, where they were to meet Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, the Sinclairs, and the Gardiners and their children to view a recent addition to the Roman collection.

The Duchess adjusted her silk shawl. “I trust you all slept well? The London air, though charged with activity, is quite invigorating, is it not?”

“Indeed, Grandmother,” Elizabeth replied with a smile. “And the quiet of Westbury House is a welcome change after Rosings.” Anne inclined her head, evidently grateful for the refuge Westbury House had afforded her.

Mrs. Jenkinson, seated discreetly beside Anne, leaned forward slightly, her voice a low, confidential murmur. “Your Grace, if I may be so bold, I received a curious piece of intelligence this morning from one of the ladies’ companions. It seems Miss Caroline Bingley has been quite vocal.”

The Duchess raised a perfectly arched eyebrow. “Oh? Do tell, Mrs. Jenkinson. Your network is always so instructive.”

“It appears Miss Bingley is quite aware that her brother has been the subject of unfavourable conversation,” Mrs. Jenkinson continued, a subtle amusement in her tone. “She has been most anxious to make it known that his unfortunate attachments have been entirely his own doing. From what I hear, she has been particularly vocal on the subject of the ladies he has left behind, assuring anyone inclined to listen that her brother has a regrettable habit of bestowing his attentions where he ought not. She went so far as to assure society she personally attempted to save him from an imprudent connection in Hertfordshire.”

Jane had cast down her eyes, her fingers tightening almost imperceptibly upon her embroidery. Elizabeth knew her too well to mistake that stillness for indifference. She recognized the quiet mortification of hearing the man her sister had esteemed represented as both fickle and weak.

“The audacity of the woman,” the Duchess remarked, her tone cool enough to make Elizabeth wince. “To parade her brother’s inconstancy about town as though it were a virtue, and to speak so of my granddaughters!”

Elizabeth frowned slightly, her mind busily attempting to account for so strange an inconsistency. “But the notices concerning Jane’s family have already appeared. Why would Miss Bingley continue to disparage a family of our standing?”

“Because the ladies of town appear to find her explanations most diverting,” Mrs. Jenkinson replied with a mischievous smile. “Several have taken to saying very little whenever Miss Bingley begins upon the subject, which she seems to mistake for agreement. They have discovered that Miss Bingley is quite capable of making a fool of herself without any assistance and decided it is far more amusing to let her continue than to contradict her.”

A brief silence followed, before Jane drew a quiet breath. She covered her mouth with her hand, her countenance lighting up with sudden, quiet comprehension. The Duke gave a low chuckle, while the Duchess shook her head, plainly delighted.

Anne’s lips curved faintly. “Then Miss Bingley has mistaken their civility for support.”

Elizabeth glanced toward Anne, appreciating the acuteness of the observation.

“It is a dangerous mistake,” Anne continued calmly. “If society opposed her openly, she might at least be brought to see that she had exceeded all propriety. But while they suffer her to believe herself admired, she will only expose her own folly more completely.”

“Indeed,” Mrs. Jenkinson agreed, her eyes gleaming with the final piece of intelligence. “And there lies the most singular turn of the whole affair. My understanding is that Miss Bingley’s maid, a woman of modest means but refined education who also serves as a companion when needed, has recently found herself unable to bear Miss Bingley’s arrogant manner.”

“Miss Hartwell?” Elizabeth’s expression changed with sudden, enlightened recollection. “I remember her from Meryton. Miss Bingley always called her by her Christian name, but I recall her telling me she was a rector’s daughter when she looked after Jane and me at Netherfield Park.”

Mrs. Jenkinson inclined her head. “The same.”

“Netherfield,” her grandmother said at once, her expression hardening. “I remember it well. Your stepmother sent you out on horseback in the rain, Jane. A most reckless and unfeeling piece of folly. You might have suffered far worse than a severe cold.”

“It resulted in a severe cold, Grandmother,” Jane admitted gently, “but Miss Hartwell was exceedingly attentive throughout.”

“She was indeed,” Elizabeth added, a small smile touching her lips. “And her kindness extended equally to myself. I had been sitting with Jane for so many hours that I scarcely noticed how tired I had become. Miss Hartwell did. She appeared one afternoon with a tray for Jane and informed me, in the most civil manner imaginable, that I was to take some nourishment and rest a while. It was difficult to decline.”

Jane smiled at the recollection. “Very difficult.”

“When I protested that I could not leave you, she told me that she would remain with you herself, and that I was doing neither you nor myself any good by making myself ill as well.” Elizabeth’s smile widened. “She would not be persuaded otherwise. She saw me safely down the stairs, made certain that I ate something, and then returned to you as though the matter were settled.”

Jane’s smile grew, a rare flash of playful mischief in her eyes. “I confess, Lizzy, I was thoroughly delighted. It is not often that anyone succeeds in persuading you once you have made up your mind.”

A quiet chuckle came from her grandfather. “Then Miss Hartwell possesses a formidable talent indeed. To persuade Elizabeth when she has determined upon a course requires a fortitude few commanders in His Majesty’s army could boast.”

Elizabeth laughed. “I had not realized I was considered so difficult.”

“You were not difficult,” Jane replied sweetly. “You were merely very determined.”

“That distinction may be of little comfort to Miss Hartwell,” Anne observed dryly.

The Duchess’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “I confess, I am beginning to understand why Miss Hartwell made such an impression upon both of you. Any young woman capable of persuading Elizabeth to leave a sickroom against her own wishes has already earned my respect. I think I should like Miss Hartwell very much.”

“So do I,” Anne said, a faint smile touching her lips. “Anyone who remembers to care for the person tending the invalid possesses uncommon sense.”

Mrs. Jenkinson’s eyes gleamed. “Then you may be pleased to know that Miss Hartwell has been most diligent that only certain sheets of the gazettes reach her mistress. Any mention of the Westbury or Claremont families, or indeed the Bennets, seems to mysteriously vanish from Miss Bingley’s morning papers.” A faint, almost imperceptible smirk touched Mrs. Jenkinson’s lips. “One might say she has been remarkably judicious in rationing her mistress’s daily portion of news.”

The carriage fell silent for a moment.

Elizabeth could not suppress a moment of wicked satisfaction. Miss Bingley, so certain of her own superiority, had apparently been allowed to speak at length while everyone else listened in amused silence. The irony was difficult to resist. There was something deeply satisfying in the thought of Miss Bingley confidently engineering her own social grave while believing everyone around her was in agreement.

Then Jane laughed, this time unable to contain her mirth. Elizabeth joined her, and even the Duke’s shoulders shook with quiet amusement. The Duchess covered her smile with one gloved hand, though she was plainly amused.

“Fascinating,” the Duchess drawled, a glint in her eye. “So, Miss Bingley believes herself better informed than the rest of the world, imagines herself acting with every advantage, when in truth, she is hopelessly deceived.”

“Precisely, Your Grace,” Mrs. Jenkinson assented with the same quiet relish, a faint twitch at the corner of her mouth betraying equal amusement. “Though I understand Miss Bingley has lately begun to suspect that something is amiss. She has apparently observed that a few notices have failed to reach her, and has been questioning her maid rather more closely.”

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. “And knowing Miss Hartwell’s cleverness, I doubt Miss Bingley obtained a single satisfactory answer.”

“She will obtain none,” Anne remarked, her eyes bright with a cold, dry satisfaction. “I should not be at all surprised if Miss Hartwell were doing rather more than merely shielding her mistress from disappointment. She may be taking a quiet and deliberate satisfaction in seeing Miss Bingley receive the very treatment she has so freely bestowed upon others. She remembers who treated her as a gentlewoman at Netherfield and who now treats her with scarcely the consideration due to a servant. If so, Miss Bingley is merely reaping the harvest of her own cruelty.”

“A most satisfactory settlement,” the Duke agreed with a low, gravelly chuckle. “I suspect you are right, Anne. It requires a remarkably sharp mind to turn an employer’s arrogance against her without ever appearing to do so. Miss Bingley has contrived to place herself in a most singular confinement, and Miss Hartwell need do no more than continue to furnish her with the information she is pleased to receive.”

“And all while Miss Hartwell is obliged to address her with the respect due to an employer,” the Duchess observed, her fan tapping lightly against her knee. “There is something rather amusing in the circumstance. A gentleman’s daughter, required to serve the daughter of a tradesman, and yet possessed of sufficient good sense to make her mistress’s own vanity serve her purposes.”

A smile touched the Duke’s mouth. “Indeed. Miss Bingley may have the higher place in the household, but Miss Hartwell appears to have the greater command of the situation.”

“And served with impeccable deference at every turn,” the Duchess added, her eyes sparkling. “I like this Miss Hartwell more by the minute.”

Mrs. Jenkinson’s smile widened. “She is adept at evading a direct answer, and appears to have been remarkably discreet.”

The Duchess gave a soft laugh. “Then Miss Bingley has at least begun to suspect the truth, that someone has been intentionally withholding intelligence from her, yet lacks the wit to find proof. How delightfully agonizing for her.”

“Indeed, Your Grace,” Mrs. Jenkinson added with a quiet nod. “Unfortunately for Miss Bingley, she appears to have taken prudence for disobedience.”

Jane’s expression softened with sympathy. “Oh, dear.”

“Miss Bingley lost her temper a few mornings ago,” Mrs. Jenkinson explained, her eyes glinting. “I am told she threw a slipper across the dressing-room and ordered her maid to depart. Her exact words, I believe, were, ‘Leave my presence! I will not have you in my room another moment.’”

Elizabeth puzzled out the design in a single, brilliant instant. “And Miss Hartwell chose to interpret a brief banishment as a permanent dismissal.”

“I suspect she understood perfectly well what her mistress meant. She merely chose the interpretation most advantageous to herself,” Anne added.

“Precisely,” Mrs. Jenkinson confirmed, her tone rich with quiet satisfaction. “She took her mistress at her word. She packed her trunks, obtained what wages were due to her from the housekeeper, and left the house, leaving Miss Bingley half-dressed and wholly without assistance in her own chambers.”

Elizabeth laughed before she could restrain herself, having no difficulty imagining Miss Bingley’s dismay at finding herself half-dressed and without a maid.

“Oh, Miss Hartwell,” Elizabeth exclaimed, her amusement overcoming any sympathy for Miss Bingley. “I cannot help but admire her. She showed the same determination at Netherfield. Once she had decided that I was to eat and rest, no protest of mine could move her. It seems Miss Bingley has now discovered that Miss Hartwell is equally firm in obeying an order.”

Jane smiled. “She has always possessed uncommon resolution.”

“And excellent judgment,” Elizabeth replied. “Miss Bingley told her to leave, and Miss Hartwell, quite properly, obeyed. I only wish I could have witnessed her expression when she understood that she had dismissed the one person in the house willing to oppose her.”

“Incomparable,” the Duchess murmured, her dark eyes flashing with dry delight.

Anne shook her head, though she could not quite suppress a smile. “One can hardly blame her. To be subjected to such ill usage is beyond bearing.”

Across from them, the Duke’s shoulders shook with quiet, rumbling amusement.

“Quite,” Mrs. Jenkinson replied. “Fortunately, she was not without resources. As a clergyman’s daughter of modest means but refined education, she possesses flawless manners and an impeccable character, in addition to knowing the requirements of a fashionable wardrobe. She is entirely capable of acting as her mistress’s companion whenever the occasion requires.”

“Miss Bingley was always immaculately turned out, however regrettable her choice of colors,” Elizabeth added with a grin.

Jane hesitated. “I hope I do not speak too freely, but I do remember her from my stay at Netherfield. Miss Hartwell was very kind to me while I was ill, and always seemed concerned that I had everything I required.”

Mrs. Jenkinson smiled. “Miss Hartwell has evidently made an impression upon you.”

“She did,” Jane admitted. “Indeed. It makes me wonder why she ever entered Miss Bingley’s service.”

Elizabeth smiled. “While you were sleeping, she told me that Mr. Bingley had been obliged to offer her rather higher wages than were customary. Apparently, no one else was willing to remain in Miss Bingley’s service for long.”

Mrs. Jenkinson smiled. “Word of her situation circulated through the servants’ hall with astonishing speed, and I understand she was engaged before the day was out by a lady only too pleased to employ so clever a maid.”

“I am relieved to know she will not be left without a situation,” Jane said gently.

“So am I,” Elizabeth added, still amused by the manner of departure. “Though I confess I cannot imagine Miss Bingley will be pleased when she learns Miss Hartwell has left her service altogether.”

Mrs. Jenkinson’s expression became remarkably innocent. “Perhaps not.”

“You know something more,” the Duchess interjected, her dark eyes flashing with sharp amusement. “She has entered the service of someone within our own circle?”

“I am told, by most reliable sources, you understand, that Lady Danvers was merely thrown in the way of a happy coincidence. After all, gentlewomen of such varied talents do not drop from the heavens every day. It was deemed a great pity to let such exceptional vigilance go to waste when a young lady of her family was so desperately in want of a personal maid and occasional companion,” Mrs. Jenkinson finished with a small, exceedingly smooth smile.

“For Miss Vernon, certainly,” Anne replied, her eyes gleaming with amusement. “Which means Miss Bingley has deprived herself of one of her respectable chaperones. Unless Mrs. Hurst can persuade Mr. Hurst to abandon his cards and attend her everywhere, Miss Bingley may find herself considerably confined to her parlor.”

Elizabeth smiled with unconcealed delight. She could easily imagine the scene which awaited Miss Bingley. She had not merely parted with a capable servant, stranding herself at home, incapable of setting foot in society without a proper escort, but had unwittingly gifted one of Mayfair’s most formidable hostesses with an intimate, unvarnished account of her own spectacular ill-temper. It was impossible to offer her pity. Miss Bingley’s own arrogance had supplied her rivals with all they needed to expose her folly, and she would have only her own vanity to blame when next they met in society.

Jane looked thoughtful. “Then Miss Vernon is fortunate. A maid of experience is of considerable value.”

“Very much so,” Mrs. Jenkinson replied. “Particularly one who has spent so much time in the service of a young lady accustomed to fashionable society. Such a woman learns to observe without appearing to do so.”

Elizabeth caught the full significance of the remark at once. A maid so closely attached to her mistress would know every caller who crossed the threshold, observe the letters that came and went, and hear much that was never spoken of in drawing rooms.

“A capable maid sees considerably more than most people imagine,” Anne observed.

“She might prove singularly useful,” Elizabeth murmured.

“I believe that is precisely what Lady Danvers thought,” Mrs. Jenkinson said.

The Duchess’s lips curved. “Then Miss Bingley has managed to do a kindness for someone after all.”

Elizabeth smiled. “I suspect Miss Bingley would object to the compliment.”

“Then perhaps something good has come of Miss Bingley’s temper after all,” Jane said softly, before adding with gentle hesitation, “Though, should we truly take such pleasure in her folly? It seems almost uncharitable to speak so, even if Miss Bingley brought it upon herself.”

The Duke’s features softened, an expression of deep affection warming his eyes as he regarded the gentlest of his granddaughters. “My sweet Jane,” he said gently, “your gentle heart does you the highest credit.”

“Uncharitable, Jane?” Elizabeth teased, giving her sister’s hand a gentle squeeze. “When Miss Bingley has supplied the town with such excellent amusement at her own expense?”

“Whether it is charitable or not, I suspect Miss Bingley would hardly view her temper as a blessing,” the Duchess remarked dryly, a glint in her eye. “She is bound to be very angry when she learns what has truly happened.”

“Precisely, Your Grace,” said Mrs. Jenkinson. “My sources inform me that Miss Bingley has noticed the room falling quiet whenever she approaches, but has mistaken the reason. She believes the ladies are silent from sympathy for her family’s fortunate escape from an unsuitable connection.”

“Let her believe it,” Anne said softly, leaning back against the carriage cushions. “Anger makes people careless. I said before that I would deal with the Bingleys, perhaps I will deliver the news myself. I should send her a framed copy of the notice concerning Jane and Elizabeth’s connections, with a note expressing my deepest sympathies for her misunderstanding.”

“Miss Anne, we must be careful,” Mrs. Jenkinson said, though her eyes danced with unmistakable glee. “If we send it framed in gold, people might think us boasting. A frame finished in silver leaf would be more elegant, though a heavy gilt frame would suit the gazette nicely. I saw both in a shop on Bond Street. It must be worthy of the notice.”

“Put it upon the Westbury account,” said the Duke, his expression perfectly solemn despite his Duchess’s quiet laughter. “I insist. Such strategic generosity deserves to be properly funded. If Miss de Bourgh is to send a gift of condolence to Miss Bingley, it shall be framed in nothing less than the finest gilt London can supply.”

Mrs. Jenkinson offered a slight inclination of her head in gratitude before her expression sobered. “Your Grace is most generous. Though I fear Miss Bingley’s arrogance knows no bounds. Only yesterday, a companion overheard her boasting rather boldly. She declared to her acquaintances that she had taken every precaution to protect her brother while they remained in ton, claiming that she had herself intercepted his letters to prevent him being pursued by ‘scheming country women’ intent upon improving their situation.”

Mrs. Jenkinson gave a faint, knowing smile. “She even declared that Miss Bennet would not be received in the fashionable streets, should she venture there.”

The Duchess’s smile vanished, replaced by an expression of icy disdain. The Duke’s expression hardened.

“Indeed?” the Duchess replied, her voice dropping several degrees, becoming colder than a winter morning. “So Miss Bingley speaks against her own brother in order to win approval? How exceedingly vulgar.” She turned to Jane and Elizabeth, her tone pointedly clear. “If Mr. Bingley is indeed as weak and easily led as his sister claims, then no lady of worth should suffer his attentions. A gentleman of true character possesses his own convictions and would never allow his affections to be swayed by the whims or machinations of another, least of all a meddling sister.”

The implication was unmistakable. Jane’s delicate color heightened, but she met her grandmother’s gaze with quiet dignity. Elizabeth felt deeply proud of her sister, and grateful for the protection their grandparents had extended to them.

As the carriage stopped before the grand entrance of the British Museum, the family prepared to alight.]]> LizzyS Derbyshire Writers' GuildSun, 27 Sep 2026 17:24:34 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131886,131886#msg-131886 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131886,131886#msg-131886
A Man of More Fashion than Fortune

Louisa Bingley stood among a cluster of friends at a London ball, smiling smugly as she looked at the faces around her, all fashionable, all handsome, mostly rich. She caught her sister's eye and they shared a knowing smirk. They had arrived as members of a glittering circle of the ton, the envy of everyone in the room – not to mention many of their own schoolfellows.

While basking in this moment of triumph, Miss Bingley (Louisa, that is) heard a loud cry of anguish and confusion: “Willoughby!” They all turned their heads towards the pathetic sound and there they saw a pathetic young woman looking beseechingly towards one of the men in their party, her hair cascading scandalously around her shoulders.

“Why, I do believe someone is after your Mr. Willoughby, Sophia,” scoffed Miss Caroline Bingley. “I suppose you ought to give her one of your set downs.”

“I think not,” retorted Miss Grey, glancing at Mr. Willoughby, who looked mortified.

Suddenly, the girl was in his face waving her hand at him, urging him to shake it. “Good God, Willoughby. What is the meaning of this?”

Mr. Willoughby cleverly extracted himself from his party and made it clear to this girl that her presence was not welcome. In the meantime, Mr. Robert Ferrars, fresh off his pair of dances with Miss Lucy Steele, approached the group with a friend. He took out his bespoke toothpick case and, placing one carefully carved ivory dental apparatus between his lips, said to all and one, “I see Willoughby has gotten himself into another scrape.”

His companion chuckled and, catching Louisa's eye, said, “I dare say he shall rid himself of that chit handily.”

“Oh, has he handled her already?” queried Ferrars.

Miss Grey was not amused.

“And who is your friend, Mr. Ferrars?” asked Miss Bingley, changing the subject.

“Oh, do forgive me,” said Robert, working hard against his molar, “this is my friend from Cambridge, Mr. Hurst.”

“Howard Henry Harold Hedwig Herbert Horace Hubert Humphrey Hortense Halloween Halitosis Hadrian Hepzibah Hezekiah Hurst, at your service,” said the gentleman, making a sweeping bow.

As he was thusly bent forward, Ferrars accidentally flicked a speck of gristle from his teeth into Hurst's hair. Hurst ran his fingers through his otherwise glorious locks to remove the offending particle, exclaiming, “Take it easy old chap, you'll wear down the carving on that delicate instrument at that rate!”

“My good man, stand over there,” retorted Ferrars, pointing across the room, “or take one of my toothpicks and take care of your own business. Your breath is dreadful.”

Hurst pushed away the offered toothpick case and grabbing a strong cordial off a tray, said, “There's more than one way to solve that problem.” He swallowed it in one gulp. He then smiled at Louisa and asked her to dance.

As they lined up to dance, Louisa noticed the pathetic young woman leaning weakly on another lady, who could only be a sister, crying piteously, as they walked out of the ballroom in shame and ignominy. An old man in a flannel waistcoat followed.

“It looks like she has a stalker,” said Hurst, watching as they departed.

Louisa sighed, “Seems they let anyone in these events these days.”

“Forgive me, I have been distracted. Allow me to say how much I admire and love your elegant turban. And your gown is an absolutely stunning shade of orange. The color is very becoming to your complexion.”

The lady blushed prettily, as any lady would under such a compliment. “Thank you,” said she. “And may I be so bold as to return the compliment. I don't think I've ever seen such a complicated cravat knot.”

“Oh, it is quite a new invention. My good friend Beau Brummel suggested it to me, and his valet was so good as to give particular instruction to my own man who, I daresay, has done justice to the design.”

“Oh, you know Mr. Brummel?” Louisa simpered as they cast down the set.

“Certainly! Who doesn't?”

“How did you chance to meet him?” asked Louisa.

“My good friend Prinny introduced us.”

Louisa was struck still in the dance, causing the couple above to trip and tear the young lady's gown. Luckily, the gentleman with whom she was dancing knew a little about muslin and was able to set her to rights in no time. “Thank you, Mr. Tilney,” she heard the girl gush.

“You are acquainted with His Royal Highness?” asked Louisa, literally clutching her pearls.

“We go way back,” answered Hurst. “We just had lunch the other day with the Earl of Sandwich. Amazingly, the Earl placed his cold meat between two pieces of bread before eating it.”

“What a novelty!” cried Louisa. “I believe I shall try that some time. Sounds terribly efficient.”

“That's just what Lord Alvanley said!”

“Oh, my,” said Louisa.

“Lord Byron concurred and even offered to write some verses about it!”

Louisa's head was whirling in ecstasy. This was no ordinary gentleman and might just be worthy of her favor and her fortune. She had never met a man more eligible. His friend circle alone would open unimaginable doors of society and fashion. Even her brother Charles might learn a thing or two.

As the musicians tuned their instruments between songs, Mr. Hurst took the opportunity to say, “How long have you been in Town?”

“About a fortnight. We were with our friends in Scarborough before that.”

“Oh Scarborough, what a delightful place. I went to a fair there once with my friend Lord Simon, the Duke of Garfunkel. He had us over for a fine meal. The pheasant was seasoned with parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.”

“Time? Seasoned with time? Is that a poetical reference from Lord Byron.”

“No. Thyme. The herb.”

“Oh, forgive me, I did not hear correctly.”

“Never mind, it's just a bit of troubled water we can build a bridge over.”

She smiled at his hint, enjoying for a moment, the sound of silence. Then she saw a friend waving at her and said, “Oh, Cecelia!”

“You know Mrs. Robinson?” asked Mr. Hurst in shock.

“We went to school together,” said Louisa. I really ought to go speak to her.”

The music soon stopped and Mr. Hurst escorted her back to her party saying, “I'll leave you to it then. I ought to be homeward bound. May I call on you tomorrow?”

“Of course. I would be delighted to receive you.”

As he turned and walked away, Louisa leaned towards Caroline and whispered, “I'm going to marry Howard Henry Harold Hedwig Herbert Horace Hubert Humphrey Hortense Halloween Halitosis Hadrian Hepzibah Hezekiah Hurst.”

Finis]]> Alicia M, Cindy C, Jen P, and Julie P Derbyshire Writers' GuildSun, 27 Sep 2026 14:25:50 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131882,131885#msg-131885 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131882,131885#msg-131885 EvelynJean Derbyshire Writers' GuildFri, 25 Sep 2026 04:02:25 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131882,131884#msg-131884 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131882,131884#msg-131884
Bingley seems more flighty in this story than in the original P&P. I look forward to his sisters realising Jane's true connections and the comeuppance that I sense is coming.

And we don't have confirmation on who wrote the letter? I presume it was from her uncle or cousins and was a simple 'Confirming your arrival' message and hence too dull to confirm?]]> Anne V Derbyshire Writers' GuildThu, 24 Sep 2026 09:56:26 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131882,131883#msg-131883 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131882,131883#msg-131883What a nice chapter: I would love to go back in time to visit the theatre or opera back then....]]> Micha Derbyshire Writers' GuildTue, 22 Sep 2026 09:43:28 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131882,131882#msg-131882 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131882,131882#msg-131882I don’t know if I will be able to post next weekend. I have plans on Saturday and Sunday.







Chapter 5

That evening, Covent Garden Theatre stood brightly illuminated before Jane, its entrance crowded with the carriages of fashionable company. The Sinclair family carriage, emblazoned with their crest, pulled up to the entrance amidst a throng of similar conveyances. Jane, in a new gown of soft rose-coloured silk, felt an unfamiliar anticipation as she looked upon the brilliant scene before her.

As they passed through the crowded entrance hall, Jane perceived a familiar figure off to the side. The lady from the park stood near a cluster of matrons, half-sheltered by the press of arriving patrons. Her stately manner and elegance of dress made her impossible to mistake. The lady’s gaze, sharp and assessing, rested upon Jane, and a subtle change crossed her countenance, softening its severity almost imperceptibly. Unsure whether the lady meant to acknowledge her, Jane offered a slight curtsy. The lady returned it with a restrained inclination of the head, far more civil than she had been in the park.

Inside, the theatre was a magnificent spectacle of gilt, crimson velvet, and the glittering jewels of the ton. Laughter and excited chatter filled the air, mingling with the subtle scents of perfume and pomade. Their party was escorted to a prominent box, offering a commanding view of the stage and, more importantly, the assembled company.

Aunt Celeste took her place with perfect ease, exchanging cordial greetings with acquaintances in the neighbouring boxes. Beside her, Uncle Maxwell surveyed the scene with a keen, approving eye. Elizabeth, in sapphire-blue silk, was already in animated conversation with their cousins, Castor and Astra, the latter observing the surrounding company with quiet amusement. Selina, ever vivacious, leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with delight at the spectacle.

Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam joined their box. Mr. Darcy took a seat next to Elizabeth, their conversation resuming with an easy flow that Jane found herself observing with quiet interest. Colonel Fitzwilliam, meanwhile, took a place near Astra. Jane observed that her cousin listened to the Colonel with more attention than she commonly gave to any gentleman, while his manner towards her had lost some of its usual levity. Their low conversation and frequent glances suggested an attachment more particular than ordinary acquaintance. Jane smiled to herself, sincerely pleased by what she suspected on her cousin’s behalf.

As the curtain rose and the orchestra fell silent, a hush came over the theatre. Jane’s gaze wandered almost absently across the boxes opposite and stopped.

There he was.

The gentleman from Hyde Park. Standing among a group of gentlemen in a box directly across from theirs, he cut a striking figure in the elegance of his evening dress. Even across the expanse of the theatre, she recognized him at once. In the brilliant company of the theatre, he appeared, if possible, more distinguished still. Yet his countenance retained the serious, reflective air she had noticed among the trees.

At that moment, his attention turned towards the opposite boxes, and their eyes met.

For a brief moment, they regarded one another.

Then a faint smile touched his lips, and he inclined his head in the smallest acknowledgment. Jane knew, with a quiet thrill, the gesture was intended for her alone.

Jane felt a small flutter of surprise, accompanied by a warmth she could not quite explain. He remembered her.

She returned his acknowledgment with an equally slight inclination of her head, a faint smile touching her lips before she turned her attention toward the stage.

Yet once the performance began, Jane remained conscious of the gentleman’s presence in the box opposite. More than once, she found herself looking towards him, before recalling herself and returning her attention to the players.

She had believed their meeting in Hyde Park to be no more than an agreeable accident, soon forgotten amid the multitude of London society. Yet now, seeing him again, she found herself wondering whether chance had brought them together twice, or whether London was, after all, far smaller than she had imagined.

Between the acts, the box received several friendly visitors, and conversation became general.

Colonel Fitzwilliam, in his usual good humour, turned to Jane and bowed. “Miss Bennet, may I present my cousin, Miss Eleanor Vernon? Eleanor, this is Miss Jane Bennet.”

Jane curtsied with perfect civility, though the name awakened her curiosity. The name was not wholly unfamiliar to her. Miss Vernon, a pretty young woman whose manner was somewhat reserved, offered a polite curtsy in return.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Bennet,” Miss Vernon said, her voice soft. “Richard has spoken highly of you. Yet I have already heard of your kindness. My mother’s cousin repeated to me what you said to her in the park this morning. Your words have given me great comfort.”

Jane understood at once. Only that morning, in the park, she had heard of Miss Vernon’s disappointment. At the time, it had seemed no more than one of those histories which pass from one relation to another in London. Now that Miss Vernon stood before her, the circumstance appeared in a very different light.

Jane smiled kindly. “It was my pleasure, Miss Vernon. I am so glad my words were a comfort to you. If my own disappointment may afford another lady some comfort in hers, I shall count myself fortunate.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam, perceiving that Miss Vernon might prefer a moment away from the others, guided them toward a quieter place beneath a gilded sconce.

“Eleanor has recently suffered a disappointment,” Colonel Fitzwilliam explained gently. “Mr. Bingley had paid her some attention while she was in the country, but his sudden departure left her greatly distressed.”

Miss Vernon’s countenance altered. “Indeed, Miss Bennet,” she said more seriously. “I must confess that I became rather partial to Mr. Bingley while I was staying with friends in the country earlier this year. He was so very amiable, so charming, and quite attentive. My family, and indeed, I myself, believed his intentions to be quite serious. There was even talk of an understanding, informal as it was.” She paused, a sigh escaping her lips. “But then, without so much as a proper explanation, he simply ceased his attentions. He departed to London with very little warning, and I have heard nothing from him since.” She spoke without resentment, though disappointment was evident in her manner. “It was both bewildering and painful. One feels quite foolish to have been so mistaken in one’s judgment of character.”

“I heard something of your acquaintance when I met your mother’s cousin in the park this morning,” Jane admitted gently. “It seems our experiences are not so very different after all. I am obliged to you for speaking so openly, Miss Vernon. I, too, have had reason to doubt Mr. Bingley’s constancy and it is some comfort to know that I was not alone in being mistaken. We ought not, I think, regret the loss of an affection so readily withdrawn. I am truly sorry for your distress.”

Miss Vernon regarded Jane with sudden understanding. “Then you, too...?” she began, her voice trailing off. “I had heard some report of Mr. Bingley earlier today, but I could not bring myself to inquire further.”

“Indeed,” said Jane, with a quiet inclination of her head. “Your account only confirms me in the belief that it is best to think no more of what cannot be altered. We must endeavour, I think, to be content that his attentions are at an end.”

A shared understanding passed between them, a quiet bond formed through the knowledge of similar disappointments.

Miss Vernon offered a small, appreciative smile. “Thank you, Miss Bennet. Your words are a comfort.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam stepped forward with his accustomed grace. Offering Miss Vernon his arm, he escorted her back to her companions. Miss Vernon accepted with a gentle nod, leaving Jane to step back into the quiet shelter of the box.

As they moved away, Jane’s attention was drawn to another corner of the box, where her Aunt Celeste was engaged in seemingly casual conversation with a visiting Lady Cowper. Anne de Bourgh, with a new assurance in her manner, stood nearby, occasionally joining the conversation.

“Such a pity about young Mr. Bingley, is it not?” her aunt remarked, pitching her voice so that those nearest could not fail to hear, though her expression remained one of studied sympathy. “Such a changeable disposition. He quite abandoned my dear niece in Hertfordshire, despite her being the granddaughter of a Duke. Imagine! His sisters, apparently, thought her connections insufficient for someone of their tradesman background.”

Anne turned slightly towards Lady Cowper and added, “Indeed. And Miss Bingley, I understand, was most anxious to discourage any attachment which did not answer her own expectations. She even attempted to claim her brother had no feelings for Jane, when his admiration had been perfectly evident.”

Aunt Celeste gave a quiet sigh. “That is precisely my concern. Mr. Bingley may be a kind young man, but one cannot excuse the pain caused when a family encourages a gentleman to disregard an attachment he has so plainly formed.”

Lady Cowper glanced toward Jane before lowering her voice. “It would seem Miss Bennet has been the injured party in the affair. I should think that, once the truth is more generally understood, few will question where the fault lies.”

Anne’s gaze rested briefly upon Jane, and a small smile touched her lips. “Nor should they. Jane has borne the matter with remarkable composure.”

Jane was surprised by Anne’s frankness, though she could not but feel grateful. What she had suffered in silence was now acknowledged, openly and without hesitation.

Jane then observed Mrs. Jenkinson speaking quietly with several ladies who had paused at the entrance to the box. Mrs. Jenkinson, generally so silent, now had a word for one acquaintance and an expression of sympathy for another. The effect was subtle but unmistakable. Jane began to perceive how much might be accomplished by a few words, judiciously spoken. Mrs. Jenkinson appeared to know exactly in whose hearing a remark would be most serviceable. She repeated the observations where they were most likely to be remembered and Jane understood that, before the evening was over, they would have travelled far beyond the theatre.

She had little time to pursue the thought, for a stir in the passage outside drew the attention of the whole box. A low murmur arose among the nearby ladies as a figure approached the entrance, the very same distinguished lady Jane had observed in the park. Whatever quiet business had occupied the box was forgotten at once, and Aunt Celeste welcomed the newcomer with evident pleasure.

“Lady Danvers! How delighted I am to see you. I had hoped you might favour us with a visit.”

Jane could scarcely conceal her surprise. She remembered Lady Danvers being mentioned as the only person Lady Catherine feared.

Lady Danvers offered a small smile, allowing the murmurs around the box to settle before she spoke. “Celeste, my dear, it has been too long. And I had a particular reason to call upon you this evening.”

She turned to Jane and regarded her with close attention. “This morning, I had the distinct pleasure of a most enlightening encounter with Miss Bennet, although we were not properly introduced,” Lady Danvers said.

Aunt Celeste looked from Lady Danvers to Jane with the greatest satisfaction. Jane understood that her aunt was well aware of the curious glances around the box and had every intention of making the most of the occasion.

“Jane, my dear, this is the Dowager Countess of Danvers, Cassandra Pelham, a very old and dear friend of your grandmother. Cassie, this is my niece, Miss Jane Bennet.”

Jane curtsied deeply, at last understanding the lady’s earlier recognition. “It is an honour, Lady Danvers.”

Lady Danvers regarded Jane with evident favour. “Indeed,” she continued, her voice carrying easily. “Your grandmother has long been among the most cherished friends of my own family. I confess I am surprised that Miss Bennet and her sister have not been more frequently in London. With so many relations and friends in common, an introduction ought to have occurred long ago.”

Jane understood at once that Lady Danvers did not speak merely from private interest. She ensured that no one within hearing could mistake the connection. Aunt Celeste’s warm welcome had already caused the surrounding company to take notice. Lady Danvers was now giving consequence to Jane in the eyes of the ton.

Aunt Celeste smiled with an air of delicate apology. “Jane and Elizabeth are generally with us for no more than a fortnight in the season, Cassie. They have little opportunity to form a wide acquaintance, though they know my friends and relations well.”

“Which is precisely as it should be,” Lady Danvers replied smoothly, with amusement. “A long list of acquaintances is easily acquired by anyone with a purse, Celeste. True discrimination is far rarer.”

Selina, who had wandered nearer upon hearing the remark, could not resist. “Then Jane and Lizzy have been very fortunate. They have somehow managed to acquire all the right relations without troubling themselves to acquire half of London.”

Aunt Celeste gave her youngest daughter an affectionate look, though there was a hint of warning in it. “Selina.”

Selina smiled innocently. “I merely meant that Mama’s friends are far more useful than a great many acquaintances.”

Lady Danvers’s lips twitched. “A very sensible distinction, Selina.”

Aunt Celeste then turned toward Anne. “And Cassie, allow me to introduce Miss Anne de Bourgh, mistress of Rosings Park.”

“And the best behaved guest we have ever had,” Selina added brightly. She offered her mother a fleeting, dimpled smile of entirely unrepentant innocence, executed a swift, faultless curtsy, and slipped back toward the others.

Jane could not help but smile at the silent volley between mother and daughter. Aunt Celeste’s fond exasperation was met only by Selina’s utter lack of remorse as she retreated.

Lady Danvers studied Anne for a moment longer than courtesy required. Whatever the Dowager Countess had expected of Lady Catherine’s daughter, the young woman before her appeared to surprise her.

“Miss de Bourgh. It is long overdue to see you established in town, and under such proper auspices,” Lady Danvers said. “I congratulate you upon your new responsibilities at Rosings. I have heard enough of recent events to know you have shown considerable courage.”

“You are very good, Lady Danvers,” Anne replied with calm elegance. “I find town quite agreeable when one is permitted to enjoy it in proper company.”

Lady Danvers turned again to Jane, regarding her with the same composed approval.

“I must tell you, Celeste, I found your niece to be a young lady of remarkable fortitude and good sense. She possesses a very clear judgment in matters of the heart, and has treated recent... provincial affairs with the precise degree of indifference they deserve.”

Lady Danvers paused just long enough before continuing. “Miss Bennet, you spoke this morning with a wisdom that belies your years. It is always a relief to see a young lady of birth recognize that an inconstant gentleman, no matter how amiable his manners or how eager his trade connections, is simply not worth the trouble of a second thought.”

She gave a soft, almost amused laugh. “It is always a marvel when those who ought to set an example of restraint lose all sense of dignity instead. It is curious how a long residence in the country may sometimes produce the strangest judgments. One hears such extraordinary accounts from the country nowadays,” Lady Danvers paused, her eyes resting on Anne with a brief, approving warmth. “Letters of mysterious importance, seals invested with astonishing powers, and ladies becoming greatly agitated over the private correspondence of others. London has always had its share of such amusements, but I confess I had not expected Kent to provide so rich a supply.”

Anne inclined her head, her expression composed. “My mother has always possessed a lively imagination.”

The remark was so mild that it might have passed for affection, though Jane noticed the whispers and exchanged glances.

Lady Danvers gave a crisp nod of satisfaction, letting her voice carry smoothly to the corridors. “Precisely, my dear Miss de Bourgh. To find scandal in the private correspondence of a family so plainly devoted to its own is a level of desperation one can only pity.”

Elizabeth, who had listened in silence, now stepped forward. Her eyes shone with a mixture of warmth and unwavering resolve.

“I am profoundly grateful to you, Anne,” said Elizabeth with feeling. “The promptness with which you came to my assistance, when others forgot what was due to a lady, has given my family the greatest reason to be grateful. It takes true, noble courage to stand so firmly against injustice, and my sister and I shall ever remember the kindness you have shown our family.”

Anne coloured with pleasure and answered only with a modest inclination of her head.

Aunt Celeste smiled. “And while Anne is in London, she is most certainly one of my family. My nieces are fortunate to have her friendship, and she shall always be welcome under my roof.”

Mr. Darcy, who had remained standing quietly near the back of the box, stepped forward into the light of the sconces. His expression was as unreadable as ever, but his posture carried an unyielding authority that commanded immediate silence.

“My cousin, Miss de Bourgh, acted with precisely the judgment and fortitude one would expect from her,” he said. “Whatever opinions may have been formed elsewhere, I am satisfied Anne has conducted herself with both propriety and honor.”

Anne met her cousin’s gaze, her chest rising with a quiet breath of relief. “Thank you, Fitzwilliam,” she said, her tone soft yet clear enough to carry the depth of her gratitude. “Your support is a comfort I shall not forget.”

Mr. Darcy inclined his head, a gentle softening in his eyes Jane had rarely seen, before stepping back beside Elizabeth.

“A noble sentiment, Mr. Darcy, and entirely deserved,” said Lady Danvers smoothly. Then, turning to Jane and Elizabeth, she added, “Miss Bennet, your grandmother, I recall, spoke highly of the character of both Bennet sisters, and I begin to understand why.”

“Indeed, Cassie,” Aunt Celeste said, stepping in to take Jane’s hand in one of her own while placing the other warmly over Elizabeth’s. “Jane and Lizzy are all that is good and true.”

Lady Danvers nodded. “So I have found. And I confess, after hearing of other young ladies who have lately been disappointed by gentlemen whose affections proved less constant than they had appeared, I think Jane has shown particular good sense. It is fortunate when a lady possesses sufficient discernment to recognize such a failing and bear the disappointment with grace.”

The final words were spoken with sufficient deliberation that several ladies beyond their immediate circle could scarcely have failed to hear. Jane saw several ladies exchange glances, and a low murmur began among them.

This brief, but highly public, endorsement from a Dowager Countess whose approval was not lightly bestowed, carried considerable weight. Jane felt a quiet wave of gratitude. Lady Danvers had become, quite unexpectedly, a powerful ally.

A stir near the entrance to the theatre drew Jane’s attention. She was startled to see who had entered. It was Mr. Bingley, accompanied by his sisters, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. Mr. Bingley looked well, and retained his customary good humour. Miss Bingley appeared more than usually pleased with herself that evening. Beside her, Mrs. Hurst moved with her usual quiet languor, perfectly content to reflect her sister’s fine airs

Seeing him now, after the painful truths revealed by Elizabeth and Miss Vernon, Jane felt a surprising calm. She felt none of the agitation she had once expected his presence to produce. In its place was a sorrowful conviction that she had at last judged him rightly.

His former attachments, his readiness to be guided by others, and the uncertainty of his affections, now appeared to Jane as parts of the same character. He was indeed not the man she had imagined. The pain had not wholly vanished, but it no longer possessed the same power over her. She knew that she could not again place her happiness in the hands of a gentleman whose constancy had proved so uncertain.

Jane glanced once more across the theatre. The gentleman from Hyde Park was watching the entrance below, where Mr. Bingley and his sisters were being shown to their places. His expression had lost its former ease, and when his eyes met hers, she saw concern plainly written there.

For a moment, Jane wondered what he had observed. Then his gaze flicked briefly toward the Bingley party and returned to her.

Jane understood.

A faint smile touched her lips, and she offered a subtle nod to assure him that she was quite well.

His brows lifted slightly, a silent question in the gesture. Jane’s smile deepened by the smallest degree, and she gave another gentle inclination of her head.

At last, some of the tension left his countenance. He returned the gesture with a quiet bow of his head before turning his attention toward the stage.

As the curtain rose for the second act, Jane composed herself and turned again towards the stage. The theatre, with all its splendour and bustle, seemed to Jane a fair representation of the world beyond. But tonight, Jane Bennet no longer felt herself wholly at the mercy of its judgments.

~*~

Arthur Harland, the Earl of Thornleigh, moved through the entrance of Covent Garden Theatre, the scent of expensive perfumes and the murmur of polite society a familiar yet somewhat detached symphony around him. Beside him, his cousin, Rupert Ellsworth, the Earl of Ashworth, exchanged pleasantries with an endless stream of acquaintances.

Arthur had never expected to inherit. Yet, by a stroke of misfortune, the succession now ran through him. His father was heir to the dukedom as Marquess of Aylesford, and Arthur, in turn, was heir to both. The weight of expectation settled anew upon his shoulders. He was no longer his own man. Now he was merely the custodian of a name, shackled to a lifetime of ledgers, duties, and public scrutiny.

He had spent two years on the Continent, ostensibly for pleasure, though in truth he had been engaged in a confidential service of the Crown. Eighteen months had passed since news of his elder brother’s death reached him in Vienna, and he had borne the loss far from home, while still bound to his duty. His brother had been sickly all his life, but Arthur had never imagined the end would come so suddenly, or that he would be so far from home when it did.

At the Crown’s direction, his brother’s death had remained a closely guarded secret while his mission abroad concluded. Even now, back on British soil, the public announcement was held in abeyance until the intelligence he had brought from Vienna was fully examined and his account formally received. This interval was all that remained before his altered status was made known, and his return to London felt less like a homecoming and more like the quiet prelude to obligations he had never sought.

Across the crowded hall, the Sinclair party was making their entrance. Amid the bustle and splendour, his attention settled upon a familiar figure, and the tumult of the evening seemed less oppressive.

He recognized the formidable presence of the Marquess and Marchioness of Claremont. And then, there she was. Miss Bennet, attired in soft rose silk, moved with a quiet elegance that set her apart even amidst the vibrant display of her companions.

The composure he had observed in Hyde Park earlier that day was no fleeting affectation. There was something remarkably composed in her manner, as though the noise and display of fashionable society held little sway over her. He looked at her longer than politeness allowed, recalling her kindness to the children and the composure with which she had met his cousin’s rudeness.

Rupert touched his arm. “Lost in admiration, Arthur? Do try to remember where your feet are leading you. The crowd is rather thick tonight.”

Arthur offered a faint smile. “Merely appreciating the spectacle, Rupert. The theatre is indeed a stage, even before the curtain rises.”

He allowed his cousin to guide him through the throng, his attention fixed on thoughts far removed from the idle conversation around them. Miss Bennet, among the Sinclairs. It confirmed what he had surmised in the park. Her acquaintances were plainly of the first consequence, whatever modesty her walking dress had suggested. He was no stranger to such company, his birth saw to that, yet his altered expectations made the prospect of navigating them all the more burdensome.

They reached their private box in the upper circle, from which they could see the stage and many of the boxes opposite. Arthur went to the front of the box and looked towards the Sinclair party.

There she was, seated now between Lady Astra Sinclair-Pembroke and the vivacious Lady Selina. She was clearly one of their company, and no mere visitor of consequence. Darcy was seated beside a dark-haired young lady, to whom he was already speaking with an ease Arthur had not expected of him. Colonel Fitzwilliam took a place near Lady Astra, and Arthur thought their manner towards one another more particular than ordinary acquaintance. He had heard that Lady Astra, lately returned to her family, had been widowed. The Colonel’s particular attention to her did not escape him.

As the music drew to a close and the curtain rose, a hush fell over the theatre. Standing at the front of his box, he found his attention fixed upon the Sinclair’s.

Miss Bennet looked about the theatre, and at last her eyes met his across the distance. For a brief, suspended moment, neither looked away. A faint smile touched his lips, and he offered the slightest inclination of his head, intended for her alone.

She returned the civility with a slight inclination of her head before turning towards the stage. Arthur was well pleased to have been remembered. Only then did he take his seat. Their brief encounter in the park had not been forgotten. The acknowledgement between them had become a small, unspoken understanding amidst the grandeur of the theatre.

During the first interval, the Sinclair box received a steady stream of visitors, and conversation became increasingly animated. Arthur saw Colonel Fitzwilliam bring a young lady to Miss Bennet and make the introduction. The young lady’s expression seemed tinged with recent sadness, and Arthur watched as Miss Bennet listened with serene attentiveness, her gentle warmth evident even across the distance.

Yet as their conversation continued, he noticed a subtle change in Miss Bennet’s countenance, one he recognized from that morning in the park. The warmth remained, but something more serious had entered her expression, as though the subject had touched upon a private thought.

A movement at the entrance of the Sinclair box then drew his attention.

Entering the Sinclair box was his father’s cousin, the Dowager Countess of Danvers, the very lady whose severe countenance and formidable tongue he had watched Miss Bennet disarm in Hyde Park earlier that morning. Known for her exacting standards and rare appearances at the theatre, the Countess extended a brief, civil nod to the Marchioness of Claremont before turning her full, undivided attention to Miss Bennet.

Arthur leaned forward imperceptibly, his interest thoroughly captured.

He watched as his cousin spoke, her manner distinctly cordial, even commending. Miss Bennet curtsied with effortless grace, a faint blush rising on her cheeks at the elder lady’s words.

Arthur’s lips curved into a genuine smile. The Countess was not a woman to bestow her favor lightly, nor to seek out an acquaintance without deliberate cause. That she had sought out Miss Bennet in so public a setting, following their chance conversation on a park bench, was an endorsement that would carry considerable weight.

Whatever mystery surrounded Miss Bennet, Arthur found himself increasingly, and quite unexpectedly, curious to learn more of her circumstances.

Just as the conversation in his own box began to subside, a familiar voice hailed him.

“Harland! Is that truly you?”

Arthur turned to see Castor Sinclair making his way through the crowd, a warm smile on his face.

“Fairhaven,” Arthur replied, extending his hand. “Indeed. I returned from the Continent only recently.”

“A fine time to return, with the season just beginning!” Fairhaven looked well pleased. “We have missed you, my friend. You must join us more often. I heard you were seen in Hyde Park this morning. Did it afford you any entertainment?”

Arthur chuckled. “It did. In fact, I had a brief, rather amusing encounter with some spirited children and their delightful companion.” He paused, affecting an air of indifference, though his gaze involuntarily drifted back to the Sinclair box. “I believe she was called Miss Bennet?”

“Ah, yes, Miss Jane Bennet,” Fairhaven replied, amusement evident in his voice. “My cousin, in fact. You encountered her in the park? She has a remarkable way with children, does she not? She has a truly sweet and amiable disposition.”

“Remarkable indeed,” Arthur agreed, his eyes returning to Jane. “She possesses a composure which is not easily disturbed. She seemed to handle a rather opinionated lady with admirable grace, my cousin, in fact.”

“It is very like Jane,” Fairhaven said. “She is a credit to our family, and to herself. London has not yet had sufficient opportunity to know her as we do. She has endured some disappointment of late, owing to a gentleman whose affections proved less constant than they had appeared. There was never any fault in Jane. She conducted herself throughout with perfect propriety.”

Arthur’s expression sobered. The changes he had noticed in Miss Bennet’s countenance returned to his thoughts. So that had been the cause. He felt a quiet displeasure on her behalf. Whatever the gentleman’s reasons, to raise a lady’s hopes and then withdraw without explanation seemed a poor return for the trust she had placed in him.

He leaned in slightly, his tone dropping conspiratorially. “My friend Darcy, I fear, was too eager to see his friend settled well and interfered where he ought not.” He shook his head. “But Jane, with remarkable composure, has borne it all with exceptional dignity. And it has given her a clearer understanding of what she truly desires.”

Fairhaven chuckled and glanced towards the box where Darcy was speaking with a young lady. “Darcy, however, has lately found his own judgment less secure. Have you observed the particular attention he pays to my other cousin, Jane’s sister? I have never seen the man so utterly disarmed. He watches her with the intensity of a man who has forgotten his own name, let alone his reputation for being unassailable.”

Arthur followed his glance to the dark-haired young lady seated beside Darcy. “The one in sapphire?”

“The very same,” Fairhaven replied. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet. If Darcy is not careful, the whole theatre will soon perceive the particularity of his attachment. I have never seen anything more diverting.”

Arthur watched as Miss Elizabeth leaned in, delivering what had to be a sharp, witty retort that made Darcy blink, then laugh, a genuine, unguarded sound. Arthur let out a soft laugh of his own. “Darcy? Disarmed? He has always been a man of the most exacting standards. I remember him once passing an unconscionable length of time in finding fault with the design of a stable. If he pays her such particular attention, she must be a lady of uncommon spirit.”

Fairhaven laughed, a fond look in his eyes. “Fierce is the word, certainly. Why, I remember when we were children, Lizzy took a particular dislike to the local vicar’s lectures on obedience. She climbed the garden wall and recited a particularly irreverent passage where the vicar could not fail to hear it, merely to observe his discomposure. She has been terrifying and brilliant ever since.”

Arthur smiled, shaking his head. “I suspect I should be wary of an introduction, then. A lady who can best a vicar and unsettle Darcy must be a formidable acquaintance.”

“Precisely,” Fairhaven said, clapping a hand on Arthur’s shoulder. “But I must return to my own party before the next act begins. You must call upon us, Harland. My cousins are staying with us for the season.”

“You have my word, Fairhaven,” Arthur replied.

As Fairhaven made his way through the crowd, Arthur turned his attention back to the Sinclair box. He considered what he had just learned. Miss Jane Bennet, despite her gentle exterior, had faced genuine hardship and emerged stronger. It explained the seriousness he had sometimes perceived beneath her gentle manner. And her sister, it seemed, had conquered the most formidable man in London through sheer force of wit.

Rupert, who had watched the exchange from nearby, glanced toward the Sinclair box. “You have become very interested in the Sinclairs, I see.”

Arthur gave him a restrained look. “I have merely seen their niece, Miss Bennet, twice.”

“Twice in one day is rather more than chance often provides.” Rupert’s expression turned thoughtful. “You have heard of the gentleman who disappointed her?”

Arthur shook his head. “Only that there was a disappointment.”

Rupert studied him for a moment. “Bingley.”

The name recalled something to Arthur, though its exact origin eluded him.

“Charles Bingley,” Rupert continued. “Darcy’s friend, the young man from a family lately raised by trade, whom Darcy used to introduce at his club. You remember him?”

Arthur’s mouth curved faintly. “I remember Darcy thinking rather highly of a young man to whom he had recently been introduced.”

Rupert’s expression sobered. “Miss Bennet was one of the ladies whose hopes he encouraged. The whole affair has been much discussed these past few days.”

“Ladies?” Arthur repeated as his gaze returned to the Sinclair box. “You mean there were others? I see.”

Rupert gave a soft chuckle beside him. “You have been away a long time, cousin. You will have much to learn of London before the Season is over.”

Arthur smiled faintly. “So it appears.”

Arthur’s expression hardened. One disappointment might be explained by misjudgment, but to have encouraged the hopes of several ladies was another matter entirely. He could not help but think it an inconstant way to behave toward any gentlewoman. Rupert had said ladies. Arthur found his regard for the absent gentleman diminished considerably. Whatever his good qualities, such inconstancy could not be lightly excused.

Arthur’s thoughts returned to the young lady Colonel Fitzwilliam had introduced to Miss Bennet. Her recent sadness had seemed plain enough, even across the theatre. Now he understood why.

Then his gaze shifted beyond Miss Bennet. His attention was caught by a man entering the theatre with some haste, his expression somewhat flustered. Beside him came a woman whose head was held high, her countenance suggesting considerably more satisfaction with the evening than her companion appeared to possess. Arthur did not know either of them. They had arrived late and were being shown to seats rather than a box. From their appearance, he supposed they might belong to some respectable mercantile family.

His attention returned to Miss Bennet just as her eyes fell upon them.

A brief look of surprise crossed her countenance.

Arthur’s thoughts returned at once to Rupert’s words.

Bingley.

He looked again at the gentleman entering below, then back to Miss Bennet.

Now he understood.

Arthur’s attention sharpened. He watched Miss Bennet for another moment, struck by the composure with which she received his appearance.

Then she looked across the theatre and found Arthur watching her.

Concern must have shown in his expression, for she answered with the faintest smile and a slight inclination of her head, as though to assure him that she was well.

His brows lifted almost imperceptibly in question.

Her smile deepened by the smallest degree, and she inclined her head once more.

Only then did some of the tension leave him. He returned the gesture with a quiet bow.

The curtain rose for the second act, and Arthur returned his attention to the stage, but his thoughts remained on the elegant figure in the Sinclair box.

At the play’s conclusion, the theatre erupted into a throng of departing spectators. Arthur, making his way towards the exit with Rupert, found himself swept into the same current as the Sinclair party.

He caught sight of Miss Bennet again, her face illuminated by the theatre’s exterior lamps, as she stood near the entrance to her carriage. She was a few paces behind her aunt and uncle, who were exchanging farewells with another noble family. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam were still with them, and he saw Darcy offer Miss Elizabeth a quiet smile.

While they waited, Arthur observed another small circumstance. His cousin, the Dowager Countess of Danvers, now making her own departure, paused briefly near the Sinclair party. She offered a warm, almost intimate smile to Miss Jane Bennet, who returned it with genuine affection.

Then, to Arthur’s slight surprise, the Countess’s gaze shifted to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and he saw her offer a quick, almost imperceptible nod of acknowledgment, a silent communication that seemed to pass between the two women. Miss Elizabeth, in turn, offered a small, knowing smile back to the formidable Dowager. It was a fleeting moment, easily missed amidst the crush, but it suggested a deeper, perhaps more personal connection than Arthur had initially assumed.

As Miss Bennet turned slightly, her eyes once more found his across the crowded thoroughfare. The flickering lamplight caught her gaze, and for a prolonged moment, their eyes held. There was no polite smile this time, no mere acknowledgment. It was a look of shared experience, perhaps even of a burgeoning understanding, a fleeting, almost heated connection amidst the chaos of the departing crowd. He felt a distinct pull, a quiet yearning to bridge the distance, to offer a proper introduction.

But the crowd was too thick, the carriages too numerous, and the moment, as quickly as it had arisen, was gone. The Sinclairs’ coachman called out, and Miss Bennet, with a final, almost imperceptible inclination of her head in his direction, stepped inside the waiting carriage. The door closed, and with a lurch, the carriage pulled away into the night.

Arthur watched the carriage disappear into the night, a peculiar sense of something begun, yet unfulfilled, settling within him. He now knew her name, her family, and a fragment of her story. Miss Jane Bennet.

Fairhaven’s invitation offered him a perfectly proper opportunity to renew the acquaintance, yet Arthur had no wish to appear importunate. Miss Bennet had suffered a recent disappointment, and the last thing he wished was to press his attentions where they might be unwelcome.

He would let the acquaintance rest for the present. London would provide ample opportunities for them to meet again.

And, having already crossed paths with her twice in a single day, Arthur thought it hardly necessary to force a third encounter.]]> LizzyS Derbyshire Writers' GuildMon, 21 Sep 2026 02:44:14 +0100 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131879,131881#msg-131881 https://www.dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?5,131879,131881#msg-131881 EvelynJean Derbyshire Writers' GuildTue, 15 Sep 2026 01:19:07 +0100