Darcy gaped at Bingley in amazement.

Since when had his friend gained

the ability to take charge of such a tense situation? Yorkshire, thought Darcy.

Turning back to Wickham, Darcy coldly said, “Leave my house. Now.”

“B-but,” stammered Wickham, “your sister is already ruined!”

Darcy wrapped his hand around Wickham’s throat and slammed him
against the wall. “You dared to defile her!” he roared.

“N-n-no,” rasped Wickham as he struggled for breath, supported only by

Darcy’s hand and the barest contact between the toe of his right boot and the
floor. “J-j-just a kiss. But the g-g-gossip rags have the story of our elopement
already p-p-printed for tomorrow.”

Bingley laid a hand on Darcy’s shoulder. “Better let him go before you
kill him,” he said mildly. “Not that I would object, but the last thing
Georgiana needs is the magistrate showing up to collect a body.”

The reminder of his sister was the only thing that enabled Darcy to
release his hold on Wickham. The faux beau collapsed to the floor, gasping
for breath, hands at his throat. Bingley crouched next to him. “You will
leave,” he intoned evenly, “and you will never breathe a word of this again.”
The dangerous tone of Bingley’s calm assertion managed to inspire more fear
in Wickham’s desiccated heart than even Darcy’s deafening outrage had.

Wickham nodded mutely, unable to force words past the swelling of his
throat. He staggered to his feet and clumsily stumbled out the door.

Darcy looked helplessly at Bingley, despair in his eyes. “What do I do

now?” he asked hoarsely.

“First, you comfort your sister. Make certain that Georgiana is well,”
said Bingley. “Meanwhile, I will see what I can do about the gossip.”

Darcy nodded dumbly, which Bingley took for agreement. Donning his
hat, Bingley cut an appraising look at his broken friend. Resolve filled him,
and he exited the home to assess the extent of damage.
 A maid quietly entered the sitting room where Darcy stood, numb and
immobile. He turned to look at her with blank eyes, and she dipped a quick
curtsy. “Begging your pardon, sir,” she ventured hesitantly, “but Mrs. Younge
just ran out the back door with her things.”

Darcy nodded, and she continued, “Miss Stewart has gone upstairs to
your sister. I tried to tell her that the house was not admitting callers, but she
pushed her way around me and went up.”

Darcy began to nod again, then froze. “Who is upstairs with Georgiana?”

“Miss Stewart,” the maid said.

Darcy repeated the name blankly and asked, “Who might that be?”

“Her father is a local tradesman, sir,” the maid said, “She has called on
Georgiana several times. They practice the piano-forte together.”

Darcy closed his eyes and groaned. Just what he needed in the middle of
this mess: a tradesman’s daughter discovering his sister’s ruin. What will it
cost me to keep her silent? he wondered. Hopefully, the payment will be
remitted in pounds and not in a wedding license.

After thanking the maid, Darcy slowly climbed the stairs. He knew he
should be thinking about what to say or do, but he was incapable of
generating anything worthwhile. His mind felt as though he had drunk an
entire decanter of brandy.

Hearing his sister’s sobs from down the hallway, Darcy winced. What
was it Bingley said? Right—comfort Georgiana.

He knocked gently on the door to his sister’s room. “Georgiana?” he

called softly.

The door opened to reveal a young woman in fashionable dress of about

twenty-five years. She looked him up and down, then declared, “You had
better not be George Wickham. If you are, then I shall set the footmen on
you.”
 Darcy’s eyes widened in surprise. Perhaps this won’t be as bad as I
expected, he thought hopefully. He removed his hat and bowed. “Fitzwilliam
Darcy, at your service.”

The flames in the girl’s eyes faded into relief. She curtsied and
introduced herself, “Miss Samantha Stewart. Delighted to make your
acquaintance.” Then she chuckled slightly. “Of all the absurdities,
introducing ourselves formally at a time like this. Well, at least society’s
rules for etiquette and decorum are good for something. They apparently give
us something to focus on when we would rather not think about a dreadful
situation.”

She shook her head and opened the door wider. “I am extremely glad that
you are here, sir,” she said. “I have been unable to understand much of what
has happened, other than Georgiana has repeatedly sobbed that George
Wickham has ruined her.”

Darcy’s heart twisted on hearing those words. He entered the room and
found Georgiana sobbing into her pillow on the bed.

He gently sat next to her. “Dearest,” he soothed, rubbing his hand on her
back. Georgiana only sobbed harder. Darcy looked imploringly to Miss
Stewart, who shrugged. He continued rubbing his sister's back.

After a few minutes, Darcy tried again. “Georgiana, please look at me,”
he pleaded.

She shook her head and forced her face deeper into her pillow.

“Rubbish,” said Miss Stewart firmly. She walked over to the bed and sat
down as well. Darcy looked at her in alarm, and she laughed. “Mr. Darcy, I
promise that claiming a compromise because we sat on the same bed in your
sister’s room is the last thing on my mind.”

Darcy blushed, vaguely remembering his words to Bingley about not

judging women so harshly. “My apologies, madam,” he mumbled.
 She waved her hand dismissively. Turning to his sister, she said, “Now
Georgiana, that is quite enough. I cannot understand a word of what you have
said, nor can your brother, I daresay. Be a good girl and sit up so we can help
resolve this matter.”

Georgiana obeyed, but she kept her eyes focused on her trembling hands.

“Very good,” Miss Stewart approved. “Now, Georgiana, can you please
explain why you believe you are ruined? Without crying, dear,” she added as
Georgiana’s blue eyes filled with tears again.

In halting breaths, Georgiana explained that she had chanced to encounter

George Wickham at the beach in Ramsgate. Mrs. Younge had assured her that
there was no danger in allowing an old family friend to call. The two were
often left alone, although Georgiana made certain that a door always
remained open. She found herself drawn in by the man’s flattering words and
charming company. She imagined herself to be in love with the man. Earlier
that very day, Wickham had confessed his love. He convinced Georgiana to
elope to Gretna Green, and the kiss Darcy witnessed was in celebration of
her acceptance.

Darcy let out a quiet sigh of relief, as did Miss Stewart. They exchanged
brief smiles, and Darcy asked, “Georgiana, why would you agree to an
elopement?”

“George told me that you would never allow us to marry,” she said
quietly. “He said that he could not bear to be apart from me for the
unknowable length of time that it would take to convince you to approve. I
knew you would not have any objection to his station, since he truly loved
me, but George said that you were under the impression that he loved another
and would think he wanted me only for my dowry.”

At these last words, Georgiana remembered the hurtful things Wickham

had said and her heart broke anew. Bursting into tears again, she collapsed
into her brother’s arms. “What must you think of me?” she sobbed into his
coat.
 Darcy immediately wrapped his arms around his distraught sister and
pulled her close. “I think you are a wonderful girl,” he assured her.
Georgiana stilled in his arms. He continued, “You were betrayed by your
companion and by a man much older than you who has fooled many a person
in his lifetime, including our own father.”

Georgiana looked up at him, her eyes hopeful. “You aren’t upset with
me?”

“I am more upset with myself,” Darcy admitted. “Had I enlightened you

to the deceitful nature of one whom you once called a friend, you would have
not been taken in. Even so, had I chosen a better companion than Mrs.
Younge, you might have been protected. I have failed in my duty to you as
your brother and your guardian.”

Miss Stewart shook her head emphatically. “I disagree, Mr. Darcy,” she
stated firmly. “The guilt lies solely with those who deceive. Your sister
cannot be faulted either, as she is still young and unsuspecting of those who
prey on the innocent. This is not a detriment to her character, however. To
trust freely is a beautiful trait, and she is actually better educated than many
young ladies her age. That is why I chose to befriend her; I appreciated her
company much more than the vapid misses who congregate at Ramsgate
every summer.”

Darcy gave her a grateful smile as Georgiana beamed. Then the younger
girl’s face crumpled as she wailed, “I am still ruined! I kissed a man, and we
are not engaged.”

Miss Stewart sighed despondently. “Unfortunately, my dear, you may be

correct. You are not ruined in the literal sense, but I came to your home when
I did because I heard one of your maids telling mine that you intended to
elope.”

Gratitude filled Darcy for this unselfish woman who clearly valued
friendship over potential taint by association. “Thank you,” he said, “from
the depths of my soul, I thank you for your kindness to my sister. I don’t know
how we shall ever repay you.” Though he now trusted her honor, he still
watched her closely for any reaction to the word ‘repay’.
 Miss Stewart gave Darcy a scornful look. “No repayment is necessary,”
she declared haughtily, “I merely ask that you allow Georgiana and I to
correspond after you leave Ramsgate.”

“Of course,” Darcy said, thoroughly impressed.

Miss Stewart hugged Georgiana tightly. “Now that the issue of repayment
is settled,” she glared at Darcy, “we unfortunately do need to discuss where
to go from here.”

“I will have to marry him, won’t I?” asked Georgiana sadly, “Even
though he does not truly care for me.”

“Absolutely not,” said Darcy firmly, “I will not allow you to be shackled
to such a scoundrel.”

“But what will I do? Where will I go?” Georgiana’s fearful voice tore at
Darcy’s heart. “I cannot return home ruined, and no one will want to marry
me now.”

“I will marry you, Georgiana, if you will have me.”

Three heads turned to see Bingley standing in the doorway. He removed

his hat and crossed the room to kneel at Georgiana’s feet.

“I will marry you,” he repeated solemnly, “Will you marry me?”

“Bingley,” Darcy warned, “perhaps we should discuss this in private

first.”

“No, we should not,” stated Bingley, keeping his gaze on Georgiana’s

face. He took the girl’s small hand in his. “I do not love you the way a man
ought to love a woman when he marries her,” he remarked, “But I do love
you as the sister of my dearest friend.”

Turning his face to look at Darcy, Bingley continued: “Darcy, more than a
decade ago, you saved my life—perhaps literally—in standing with me to
protect my friend. Allow me to now do the same.”
 Everyone was silent. Darcy looked at Georgiana, then back at his friend.
“This is not what I wanted for you—for either of you,” he added, taking
Georgiana’s other hand in his.

“I cannot guarantee that we will have a grand passion,” Bingley said to

Georgiana, “But what I can promise you is that I will always treat you with
kindness and respect.”

Darcy opened his mouth to speak, but Miss Stewart voiced her thoughts
first.

“Mr. Bingley, is it?” At Bingley’s nod, she continued, “What I am about

to ask may seem indelicate, but Georgiana’s wellbeing is too important for
me to worry about being ladylike.” She fixed Bingley with a stern look and
said, “She is still a child. A young woman, certainly—particularly in
appearance—but still a child. Do you intend to wed and bed a child, or will
you consider waiting until she is ready for that step in her life?”

Darcy’s jaw dropped open in shock, then he shuddered. He fervently

wished that Miss Stewart had never painted that image in his mind, but he
was simultaneously grateful for the foresight and tenacity she had displayed
in positing the question.

Bingley considered the question, which had not occurred to him until that
moment. After a brief introspection, he responded: “I will wait. I would want
both of us to come to know one another as partners before taking that step,
which will only occur when she wishes it, and not a moment sooner,” he
added firmly.

Miss Stewart nodded her approval, and Darcy released the breath he had
instinctively held. “Bingley,” he said hoarsely, “I cannot begin to express
what this means to me.”

Bingley looked directly into Darcy’s eyes. “I swear to you that I will care
for Georgiana,” he vowed.

Darcy looked at Georgiana, who had listened silently to the exchange.

“What do you say, my dear sister?” asked Darcy, “Would you prefer to marry
Bingley, or should we discuss other possibilities?”

Miss Stewart nodded approvingly at Darcy. “I had not thought you would
consider her feelings on the matter,” she admitted.

“In the past, I might not have,” Darcy acknowledged, “But I must confess:
Wollstonecraft makes a compelling argument.”

Miss Stewart let out a surprised bark of laughter, then covered her mouth
with a delicate hand. “She is probably the reason I have not yet found a
husband,” she declared mirthfully. Sobering, she looked down at Georgiana.
“What do you think, child?” she asked fondly.

Georgiana bit her lip, then looked at Bingley. “Yes, Mr. Bingley,” she
said clearly, “I will marry you. I thank you for the honor.”

Bingley smiled gently at her. Silence reigned for a minute, then was
interrupted by the gurgling of someone’s stomach. The four companions burst
into laughter at the unexpected disruption.

“Perhaps we should eat,” Darcy suggested with a smile.

The rest agreed and passed the evening in a pleasant manner.

 Chapter 8
Hertfordshire, April 1811

“Well, my dear,” said Mr. Bennet at the breakfast table. “I have news for
you. It appears my cousin, Mr. Collins, who has the power to turn you out of
this house upon my demise, has passed away himself.”

His wife and all five of his daughters stared at him in shock.

“Oh, what luck!” exclaimed Mrs. Bennet. “Now that he is dead and gone,
we are all saved! Dear Jane will of course inherit! We must away to London
immediately!”

“Whatever for?” inquired her husband.

“We must shop for new dresses! My beautiful Jane will have need of a
wardrobe befitting her station as the heiress of Longbourn!”

“Before you make any purchases,” replied Mr. Bennet, “I must inform
you that Jane will not inherit Longbourn.” When Mrs. Bennet opened her
mouth to object, he raised a hand to silence her before continuing. “The
estate will pass to a man whom I have never met. Mr. Collins—what a
miserly man that was—married later in life and fathered a son, a Mr. William
Collins. This younger Mr. Collins is now the heir to Longbourn.”

Mrs. Bennet wailed mournfully. “Oh, we are still lost! To have your
estate taken away from your daughters to be given to a mere child!”

“I would be very much surprised if he were a child,” Mr. Bennet said

wryly, “as he has just taken orders and has been granted a living in Kent.”
 Looking sharply at her husband, Mrs. Bennet delicately asked, “Does he
go to Kent with his wife?”

“He has no wife.”

Mrs. Bennet emitted a discordant squeal reminiscent of the noise Lydia

made whenever she was excited.. “Oh, my dear Mr. Bennet! You must invite
him here at once!”

The Misses Bennet looked at their mother quizzically. “Why would we

want to do that?” snorted Lydia derisively.

“Why, so he might marry one of you, of course!” cried Mrs. Bennet.

“Lah, what a grand joke!” cried Lydia. “I wonder if he should choose

me? I should like above all things— to marry before my sisters that they may
give way to me.”

Mrs. Bennet smiled fondly at her daughter. “You are almost fifteen and
ready to come out, my dear. And since you are the liveliest, he may decide he
likes you the best.”

Three of Lydia’s older sisters exchanged exasperated looks while Lizzy

rolled her eyes heavenward.

Mr. Bennet stood to leave the room, and Mrs. Bennet demanded that
before the day’s end he should issue an invitation to their “dear cousin
Collins.” Mr. Bennet waved sardonically at her in agreement and dismissal
before heading to his bookroom for the day.

“We must head to Meryton at once!” declared Mrs. Bennet as the door
closed behind her husband. “Each of you must have a new dress! We must
display you to your best advantage.”

After completing breakfast, Jane, Lizzy, Mary, and Kitty gathered in

Jane’s bedroom to discuss the younger Mr. Collins. They knew very little
about him, other than his father had a falling out with their own father many
years ago.
 “Is he amiable?” wondered Jane.

“He may be amiable, or he may be a scoundrel,” said Lizzy, “or

somewhere in between the two. We will have no means of knowing until he
arrives.”

The girls waited in rigid anticipation for a full week until a letter finally
arrived from Mr. Collins. Mr. Bennet’s daughters produced such a
disturbance about the letter that Mr. Bennet opened it immediately, rather than
allowing it to languish on his desk for days, as was his usual custom.

“Well?” demanded Kitty eagerly.

Her father slowly folded the letter and replaced it on the breakfast table,
a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. “It appears you will meet Mr. Collins in
a fortnight,” he informed the girls.

At this pronouncement, Mrs. Bennet immediately called for Hill that they
might discuss how to best prepare the house, which chambers should be used
to host their illustrious guest, and what menu he might prefer on his first day
in the house.

“May I read the letter?” Lizzy inquired. Mr. Bennet wordlessly handed it
over, then retreated to his study in search of solitude. The girls gathered
around Lizzy while she read the letter aloud.

“Hunsford, near Westerham, Kent, 15th April

“Dear Sir,—

“The disagreement subsisting between yourself and my late honored

father always gave me much uneasiness, and since I have had the
misfortune to lose him, I have frequently wished to heal the breach; but for
some time I was kept back by my own doubts, fearing lest it might seem
disrespectful to his memory for me to be on good terms with anyone with
whom it had always pleased him to be at variance
 My mind, however, is now made up on the subject, for having received
ordination at Easter, I have been so fortunate as to be distinguished by the
patronage of the Right Honorable Lady Catherine de Bourgh, widow of Sir
Lewis de Bourgh, whose bounty and beneficence has preferred me to the
valuable rectory of this parish, where it shall be my earnest endeavor to
demean myself with grateful respect towards her ladyship, and be ever
ready to perform those rites and ceremonies which are instituted by the
Church of England.

As a clergyman, moreover, I feel it my duty to promote and establish the

blessing of peace in all families within the reach of my influence; and on
these grounds I flatter myself that my present overtures are highly
commendable, and that the circumstance of my being next in the entail of
Longbourn estate will be kindly overlooked on your side, and not lead you
to reject the offered olive-branch.

I cannot be otherwise than concerned at being the means of injuring

your amiable daughters, and beg leave to apologize for it, as well as to
assure you of my readiness to make them every possible amends—but of
this hereafter.

If you should have no objection to receive me into your house, I

propose myself the satisfaction of waiting on you and your family, Monday,
May 18th, by four o’clock, and shall probably trespass on your hospitality
till the Saturday se’ennight following, which I can do without any
inconvenience, as Lady Catherine is far from objecting to my occasional
absence on a Sunday, provided that some other clergyman is engaged to do
the duty of the day.

I remain, dear sir, with respectful compliments to your lady and

daughters, your well-wisher and friend,

“WILLIAM COLLINS”

Upon its completion, there was silence. “He seems to be a rather…. odd
sort of fellow, wouldn’t you say?” commented Kitty.
 Jane fixed her sister with a stern look. “Perhaps his manner of expression
is different from those to which we are accustomed.”

“It behooves us all,” said Mary, “to reserve judgment until we have met
him for ourselves and can determine his character.”

“La, I have no need to meet him,” declared Lydia, flipping her braid over
her shoulder. “That letter gives me enough information to decide that I will
never marry Mr. Collins.”

∞∞∞
A fortnight later, Mr. Collins arrived in his rented gig at the precise
minute his letter had said to expect him. Coming down from the gig, he
greeted his cousins.

“I am very pleased to meet you all!” he said, mopping his brow. “I say,
the windows here at Longbourn remind me very much of the windows at
Rosings!”

“Rosings?” inquired Mrs. Bennet suspiciously as they entered the house.

“What sort of place is Rosings?”

“My dear Mrs. Bennet!” he cried in shock. “Rosings is the beautiful

estate of my new patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh!” Mr. Collins then
spent a tedious several minutes extolling the virtues of his noble lady and her
estate.

When he finally paused to draw breath, Mrs. Bennet interrupted. “And

what can you tell us of your living?” she inquired with a sly smile.

“There is a grand residence—though not nearly as fine as Rosings, of

course—that abuts her estate. Lady Catherine especially involved herself
with the repairs and furnishings to prepare it for my arrival. It lacks only a
mistress to make it complete,” he finished with a significant look at his fair
cousins.
 Mrs. Bennet smiled in satisfaction. Mary, however, looked at him with a
small frown on her face. “What about the people you serve?” she asked.

“Ah, yes! Lady Catherine and her daughter—”

“No, I mean, what about the tenants? The servants? The tradesmen?”
pressed Mary.

Mr. Collins looked at her with a blank face. His mouth moved several
times, but no words pushed past his lips. Finally he said, “Well, as I have not
been there long, I have not had a chance to become acquainted with them
all.”

Mary nodded and replied, “That is quite understandable. I trust, however,

that upon your return, you will immediately begin to visit those who live in
your domain?”

Mr. Collins nodded fervently. “What an inspired idea, Cousin Mary! I

certainly shall!”

Lizzy and Jane looked at Mary curiously. Mr. Collins went upstairs to
refresh himself from the journey after Mrs. Bennet finished quizzing him on
his favorite dishes. When she bustled out to speak with the cook about the
menu, Mary’s sisters turned their full attention toward her.

“Mary, what did you mean by questioning him so?” demanded Lizzy.

Mary looked calmly at her sisters. “I was inquiring to see if he would

easily be led to do what is right, or if he would insist on putting Lady
Catherine at the front.”

“And what—pray tell—do such questions portend?” Jane asked.

“Why, to see if he would make for a good husband,” Mary answered.

Lydia burst into laughter, and Kitty tried hard not to follow suit.

“Lydia,” Lizzy corrected sharply, “you may be excused to the

schoolroom. Once you are out in society, then you may participate in these
conversations. Until then, they are not fit for your ears.”

Though Lydia opened her mouth to protest, a firm nod from Jane warned
the young girl that resistance would be futile. Letting out a loud huff, she
flounced from the room, closing the door forcefully behind her.

“Why on earth would you want to marry Mr. Collins?” Kitty cried in
confusion. “He is ridiculous!”

Mary gave Kitty a hard look. “While it is true that he is not the most
clever of men, he does not appear to be vicious. His lack of sophistication
would make it difficult to hide a duplicitous nature.”

Lizzy nodded thoughtfully. “I see now why you asked your question. You
wanted to see if he would be willing to be led by a strong wife.”

Jane pursed her lips. “Mary, dear, could you be truly happy with such an
arrangement?”

Mary nodded thoughtfully. “I believe so. I have given this a great deal of
consideration ever since we saw the letter he wrote to my father. As you
know, I have always felt a great predilection toward living a markedly
religious life. Had I been born a man, I would have taken orders with
alacrity. As a woman, the closest I may come to such a life is to marry a man
of the cloth. Mr. Collins has the additional benefit of inheriting our family
home.”

Lizzy still looked troubled. “But what about love, Mary?”

Smiling gently at her sister, Mary replied, “I’m not romantic, you know. I
never was. I require only that I be treated well by my husband and that he
provides us with a comfortable home. I have not yet set myself solely on this
course, however. I would not want to align myself with someone like Mr.
Fordham, for example.”

“Lord, no!” Kitty burst out loudly. The sudden sound helped to ease the
serious mood that had enveloped the sisters, and the tension in their brows
waned.
 “Well, then,” Jane finally said. “If this is your wish, Mary, then we will
help you discover if Mr. Collins is worthy of your hand.”

“Indeed!” cried Lizzy. “I will not allow him to marry any of my dear
sisters – not even Lydia – if he is hiding a deceitful nature!”

∞∞∞
Over the following weeks, Mary’s sisters undertook to test Mr. Collins in
a series of campaigns that would have been worthy of the British army itself.
First, Kitty spilled a glass of water on Mr. Collins one evening at dinner,
much to her mother’s horror. Mr. Collins, however, merely smiled at her and
teased, “Quite alright, my dear cousin. I daresay my shirt wanted washing
regardless. You appear to have spared the maid some effort.”

Jane had much time to spend with Mr. Collins, as Mrs. Bennet was
forever leaving the two of them together in an attempt to matchmake. This
allowed Jane to inquire about Mr. Collins’s family history, which she then
shared with Mary, Lizzy, and Kitty. It was to their sorrow that they learned
how the elder Mr. Collins had been a miserly man who was nearly
impossible to please. “His father was so cruel, and yet the son has shown
himself to be kind. This demonstrates a goodness of character at his core.”

Lizzy undertook the responsibility of discovering what the servants

thought of Mr. Collins. In this, Charlotte Lucas was of use. Charlotte simply
asked her servants what the Longbourn servants had said about the man. All
reports were favorable, indicating that Mr. Collins was frequently apologetic
when he caused extra work, and that he never attempted to misbehave around
pretty young maids.

For her part, Mary spent many hours in doctrinal discourse with Mr.
Collins in an attempt to see if their views about the Almighty would be
compatible. She was pleased to find that their perspectives seemed to be in
alignment on nearly every point. Oftentimes he would parrot an edict of Lady
Catherine, which Mary would counter with scripture. Every time, he altered
his opinion to accommodate scripture.
 Her consistent praise of his understanding gave him a sense of confidence
that he had never before felt. Having lacked the approval of every important
figure in his life, the kind attentions of a lovely young woman had a much-
desired effect. As the days passed, Mr. Collins spent less and less time
quoting Lady Catherine. After a fortnight complete, he began to go an entire
day without once mentioning her name.

On the eve of this momentous day, the four elder Bennet sisters gathered
in Mary’s room to discuss Mr. Collins. Time was pressing, as he was due to
return to Hunsford and his parsonage in less than a sennight. All reports were
highly favorable, and the girls were inclined to allow Mary to accept his
addresses, should he offer them.

The next morning, Jane and Lizzy intimated several times that Mary
would make a superb wife to some fortunate clergyman, due to her love of
the scriptures and her practical nature. These comments were all Mr. Collins
needed to override his concern for approaching a younger sister when the
elder sisters were still unwed.

After a brief discussion with Mr. Bennet, Mr. Collins entered the sitting
room and asked to speak with his dear Cousin Mary in private. Mrs. Bennet,
who had still fixed in her mind that Mr. Collins was for Jane, sat with her
mouth agape for several seconds. Taking pity on their bewildered mother,
Lizzy and Jane guided her from the room, along with Kitty and Lydia.

While Mrs. Bennet repeated, “I do not understand,” Lydia pressed her ear
to the door, much to the dismay of her elder sisters. Some five minutes later,
an ebullient Mr. Collins opened the door and—alongside a beaming Mary—
announced their betrothal.

As it was May and life on Longbourn would be busy during the planting
and harvesting seasons, a wedding date was scheduled for December. This
would also allow Mary’s aunt and uncle Gardiner to attend, as they usually
visited for Christmas. Mr. Gardiner’s work schedule did not easily allow
him to travel otherwise.

With a joyful heart, Mr. Collins returned to Kent, eager to share news of
his betrothed with Lady Catherine, and the ladies began to make wedding
preparations.
 Chapter 9
Hertfordshire, July 1811

Lizzy covered her ears against the shrill sounds emanating from the sitting
room. Lydia was currently being fitted for the clothes she needed for her
come out. She had recently turned fifteen and was to attend her first
assembly. Her happiness was apparent by the squeals of joy that were
echoed by her mother.

Jane smiled kindly at Lizzy over the linens they were making for Mary to
take with her upon her marriage to Mr. Collins later that year. “She is still
young, and she has been waiting for this day for quite a long time.”

“She’s no younger than any of us were when we came out,” grumbled

Lizzy.

“Yes, well, you were upset to not get more walking dresses!” laughed
Mary.

The four elder Bennet girls were working together on the linens Mary
would take with her upon her marriage to Mr. Collins later that year. Since
there were many months yet, the girls were able to take their time and make
each item as close to perfect as possible.

Kitty looked up from a bedsheet and said, “It will be different to have
Lydia attend an assembly with us. I hope she comports herself with more
decorum than she does at home.”

Lizzy let out a laugh and replied, “I doubt it.”

“Lizzy, that is unkind!” cried Jane.

 “But also true,” Lizzy retorted.

Jane let out a sigh, but she could not argue with her sister on this point. In
truth, all four of Lydia’s elder sisters were concerned about Lydia coming out
into society. While she was of age, her behavior in company did not exhibit
the maturity one would hope for a girl of her years.

Changing the subject, Kitty said, “I wonder if Colonel Forster and

Captain Denny will be there.”

“I’m sure they will be,” Lizzy said. “They promised when we saw them
in Meryton that they will have returned from London by then.”

Colonel Forster and Captain Denny had come to Meryton a fortnight prior
in search of locations for their regiment to quarter for the winter. Though the
troops would not arrive for some months, the officers had several different
towns to scout before then. They had taken a room at the local inn for a month
complete in order to branch out to neighboring communities.

Colonel Forster was a smart young colonel—as Mrs. Bennet described

him—and had shown some small amount of attention toward Miss Harriet
Long.

Finally, the sounds from the sitting room quieted, and the Bennet girls
thought it safe to rejoin their mother and youngest sister. As they filed into the
room, their eyes widened in astonishment at the sheer amount of ribbons,
lace, and fabrics scattered throughout.

“Mamma,” gasped Jane in dismay, “how much have you purchased?”

“It is not really that much,” Mrs. Bennet said airily. “My dear Lydia
needs the very best for her first assembly!”

“But the expense!” said Mary with a frown.

“Oh, hang the expense!” cried Mrs. Bennet without concern. “This is my
last child to come out, so a bit of extravagance is warranted!”
 The older girls gave exchanged concerned looks while an oblivious Mrs.
Bennet prattled on about the flounces and accessories for each of the fabrics
that were in the room. It was into this circumstance that Mr. Bennet entered
the room.

“Mrs. Bennet!” he exclaimed in alarm when he viewed the rather large

pile of frippery. “I trust you have sufficient funds to cover these purchases?”

His wife’s eyes widened in slight alarm. “Well, sir,” she said hesitantly,
“since this is the last child to need a wardrobe for their coming out, I may
have spent a bit more than usual.”

Mr. Bennet gave her a long look, then said, “I told you last time you
overspent your allowance that the excess would come from the next quarter’s
pin money. Looking at all of these piles, I imagine you have made enough
purchases to deplete the following quarter’s pin money as well. The orders
will either need to be cancelled, or you will have to make do with no
allowance until January.”

Mrs. Bennet gasped in shock and indignation, while her elder daughters
raised their eyebrows in surprise. “Mr. Bennet,” she said in dismay, “think of
the gossip!”

“You should have thought of the gossip before exceeding your income,”
he told her sternly.

Mrs. Bennet turned towards her youngest. “Lydia, dear—” she began, but
before she could continue, Lydia let out a loud wail.

“No! No, no, no!” she screamed, stomping her foot. “Mamma, you
promised I could have these gowns and be the most beautiful girl at the
assembly! How else shall I be the first of my sisters married?”

Lizzy let out a laugh as her other sisters watched with wide eyes. “Lydia,
you are barely out, and Mary is already engaged! How can you expect to be
married before her?”
 “You’ll see! I will be married first! Mamma, you promised!” Lydia
punctuated her tantrum with another stomp of her foot.

Mr. Bennet chuckled at his wife’s dilemma, finding amusement in her

choice between herself and her favorite daughter.

Mrs. Bennet looked between her husband, her daughter, and back at her
husband. Finally, she said, “I supposed I can make do without pin money
until January.”

Lydia let out a squeal of delight, while Mrs. Bennet’s other daughters
lowered their heads in disappointment.

Lydia’s exultations continued for the remainder of the week until it was
time for the assembly. They crowded into the carriage, which was now a
very tight fit with five girls and two parents. Lydia insisted on taking more
than her share of the space to prevent her new gown from creasing.

After a difficult ride, the sisters poured from the carriage in relief. They
entered the building and were immediately greeted by Sir William Lucas.

“Ah, the Bennets!” the man cried. “How delighted I am to see you! I see
Miss Lydia is with us tonight. I must tell you, Miss Lydia, that tonight’s
decorations remind me greatly of Saint James’s court.”

Lydia interrupted and asked, “Where is Maria?” before dashing off

without pausing for an answer. Her friend—the younger Miss Lucas—had
come out only two months before.

Lizzy began to apologize for her sister’s poor manners, but the affable Sir
William merely waved his hand and chuckled. “Not to worry, Miss
Elizabeth,” he said with a wink. “I know my Maria was just as eager for her
first assembly as well. And who could blame them when such delights are to
be had?”

Smiling in gratitude, Lizzy and her remaining sisters continued into the
ballroom. Upon entering, they were approached by two young men in crisp
red uniforms.
 “Good evening, ladies,” Colonel Forster greeted them with a bow.

Captain Denny echoed with his own greetings. “I trust you have all come
to dance?” he asked.

At their nods, Colonel Forster asked each young lady for a dance.
Captain Denny solicited Kitty’s hand for the first set, which set her to blush.
As the music began, he escorted her to the floor, while the Colonel sought out
Miss Harriet for the first dance.

Lizzy looked around in disappointment. While she enjoyed dancing, there

were so few men available with whom to partner, even at the public
assemblies. Her father was escorting Lydia to the floor, who beamed with
excitement. She turned to her sisters, “Would any of you care to stand up with
me?” she asked with a grin.

“I will, Lizzy!” volunteered Kitty. The two headed to the dance floor
while Jane and Mary stood at the side, watching them with pleasure.

Although standing up with a sister did not bring the same enjoyment as
standing up with a young man, Lizzy still enjoyed dancing. It was as close to
running as she could get while comporting herself properly in the presence of
her friends and family. The exertion also lent a sparkle to her eye and a flush
to her cheek that was most becoming.

Several sets later, Lizzy left the dance floor, having stood up with all of
her sisters but one. “Where is Lydia?” she asked her elder sister, searching
around the room.

Jane frowned. “She was just over there,” she said, motioning to a
refreshment table near the hallway door. “She had finished dancing with
Colonel Forster, and he was escorting her to get some punch.”

Lizzy shrugged. “I’m certain she’ll appear on the floor for the next set.
Since this is her first assembly, I do not believe she would want to miss a
single dance!”
 The next dance began, and Mary joined them. “Have you seen Lydia?”
she asked in a low voice. When the girls shook their heads, Mary frowned in
concern. “I just saw Miss Harriet in tears in the retiring room. Colonel
Forster had been paying her some particular attention, but he has ignored her
since their first dance together, in favor of speaking with Lydia in between
sets.”

Lizzy raised her eyebrows in astonishment. “Well, that is not the mark of
a good suitor, to pay attention to another young lady instead of the one he
appears to prefer.”

Jane nodded in agreement. “Some young men attempt to increase a

woman’s love by inspiring jealousy. It is disappointing if Colonel Forster is
using such tactics. Poor Lydia would not understand that he is not truly
interested in her.”

The conversation halted as Kitty rushed toward them. “Lizzy, where is

Papa?” she asked in an urgent whisper.

“He is standing with Sir William, Mamma, and Lady Lucas,” answered
Jane. “Is something the matter?”

Kitty opened her mouth to respond, but she was interrupted by a piercing
shriek from across the room.

“Too late,” Kitty groaned, covering her face with her hands.

Mrs. Long had opened the door to the hallway, where she found Lydia
and Colonel Forster in the midst of a kiss. The shock of her discovery caused
Mrs. Long to emit the aforementioned disruptive outburst before falling to the
floor in a swoon. Miss Harriet—Mrs. Long’s niece—burst into tears at the
sight of her beau with another young lady.

“Mamma, you must congratulate me!” cried an oblivious Lydia, her arms
twined around a now-struggling Colonel Forster. “I am to be married!”

Colonel Forster finally broke free of Lydia’s embrace. Horrified, he cast

a desperate eye from Lydia to Miss Harriet. He opened his mouth as though
to speak, but no sound emerged. Finally, his shoulders slumped, and he
turned to an uncharacteristically grim Mr. Bennet.

“May I speak with you in private?” the colonel asked Lydia’s father
solemnly.

“Yes, I think we should,” Mr. Bennet replied. “I will expect you to call
early tomorrow morning.”

Colonel Forster nodded dejectedly. He looked once more at Miss

Harriet, who turned her back on him. Thoroughly dispirited, he left the
assembly, followed closely by Captain Denny.

For a few moments, silence held court in the crowded ballroom. Soon,
however, a few guests murmured to their neighbors, and it did not take long
for the gossip to stampede about unfettered. An ebullient Mrs. Bennet loudly
congratulated her “cleverest daughter” while Mr. Jones helped revive Mrs.
Long.

Lizzy and her sisters quietly gathered their wraps and exited the manor to
wait for their carriage. An unusually taciturn Mr. Bennet ushered his wife and
youngest child out the door after them, and they all waited outside. Lizzy
struggled to contain her temper in face of her mother’s raptures over another
daughter’s engagement.

“Silence!” barked Mr. Bennet at his wife. She froze, her eyes wide in
astonishment.

“La, Papa,” cried a gay Lydia, “I would have thought you would be happy
for me!”

“Happy for you?” he roared. “You have ensnared a man who was making
love to another, and you have brought great shame to your family!”

Lydia tossed her head indifferently. “He doesn’t care three straws for
Harriet Long! Else why would he have spent the evening with me?”
 Mr. Bennet shook his head in disgust. “Believe what you will, if it gives
you comfort. But if I hear one more word depart your lips tonight, I will deny
your young man when he comes tomorrow.”

Lydia gasped in horror. “You wouldn’t!”

“I would,” he said firmly. “And furthermore, I will deny you any wedding
clothes. Do not test me tonight. Not one more word.”

Lydia clamped her mouth closed and glared mutinously at him until the
carriage finally arrived and bore them home.

Once back at Longbourn, Lydia was banished to the nursery, much to her
displeasure. Her father’s threats, however, ensured she kept her temper. The
four remaining Bennet girls gathered in Jane’s room to discuss the events of
the night.

“I keep hoping it was a bad dream,” Lizzy bemoaned.

“Unfortunately not,” responded Mary.

“I don’t know how I can show my face to Mrs. Long again,” Jane said.

“We will be much talked of,” replied Mary.

The three looked to Kitty, who was sitting quietly against the wall. “I fear
this is all my fault,” she whispered. “I am to blame.”

“You are not to blame!” cried Lizzy, “Why would you even think that?”

“Because I saw Lydia leave with Colonel Forster,” said Kitty. “I

considered stopping her, but I was afraid it would call attention. That is
when I hurried to find Papa, but I could not discover where he was in time to
prevent. I should have accompanied her instead. I am to blame.”

Jane wrapped her arm around Kitty’s shoulders. “This is not your fault,
dear Kitty.”

“No indeed,” agreed Mary. “The blame lies with Lydia.”

 “And with Colonel Forster,” added Lizzy. “I do not believe he intended
for things to go as far as they did, but he should not have been paying his
attentions to Lydia when it was clear that he was interested in Harriet Long.”

Mary nodded. “It is a form of deceit.”

“And now they will be married,” Jane said sadly. “Poor Harriet.”

“Perhaps we should call on her tomorrow,” Lizzy suggested.

“Are you certain?” Kitty asked anxiously. “We do not know her very
well. She has only been visiting Mrs. Long for a few months.”

“It is the Christian thing to do,” Mary stated firmly.

Eventually all four sisters agreed, and they each retired to their rooms to
fall into an uneasy sleep.

Colonel Forster appeared at the house before the family had finished
their breakfast. Mr. Bennet immediately invited him into the bookroom for a
conversation. As soon as the doors had shut on the two men, Lydia began
discussing the new clothes she would need to order as a married woman.

Lizzy could no longer remain silent. “You foolish girl!” she cried.

“Elizabeth Bennet!” shrieked her mother. “You should not speak to your
sister in such a way!”

“La, she is just jealous that she must give way to me. I have caught a
husband, and I am the youngest of them all,” Lydia airily responded with a
dismissive toss of her head.

“I do not particularly like your way of getting husbands,” Mary stated.

Lizzy opened her mouth to again speak to Lydia, but she was stopped by
Jane’s hand on her arm.

“It will do no good, Lizzy,” Jane whispered to her. “Lydia will simply
need to learn this from experience.”
 Resigned, Lizzy sat down again. She was unable to settle her emotions,
however. After a moment, she excused herself from the table to prepare for
their call on the Longs. Lydia and Mrs. Bennet would remain at home to
receive callers, but the other Bennet girls joined Lizzy and the four began
their walk towards the Longs’ residence.

Once arriving at their home, Lizzy knocked. The housekeeper opened the
door. “The family is not at home to callers today, ladies,” the woman said
apologetically.

Lizzy bowed her head in sorrow; she had suspected this would be the
reaction to their visit. Jane stepped forward.

“I have written a note,” she said, to the surprise of her sisters. “Would
you be so good as to give it to Miss Harriet for me?”

The housekeeper took the paper, bobbed a curtsy, and closed the door.

“What did you write?” asked Kitty curiously as they began to walk back
down the lane toward Longbourn.

“I told Harriet that I was very sorry for how her evening ended. I assured
her that we knew nothing about the circumstances, and we were all quite
shocked by our sister’s behavior.”

The girls heard a shout behind them. “Wait!”

They turned as one to see Harriet Long rushing down the lane to meet
them. Her red-rimmed eyes and pale face confirmed the difficulties she had
experienced the previous night. Upon reaching them, she threw her arms
around Jane. “Thank you for your note, Jane,” she whispered.

Jane returned the embrace. Lizzy said, “Truly, Harriet, we are so sorry
for Lydia’s actions.”

Harriet released Jane and hugged Lizzy. “I admit, it has been an

extremely disappointing state of affairs.”

“There is one benefit, however,” Mary said.

 Harriet turned to her, astounded, “What possible benefit could you
mean?”

“You were able to see Colonel Forster’s true nature before being wed to
him. If his attentions were so easily turned in one night, then marriage to him
would not have been agreeable,” Mary answered.

Harriet nodded thoughtfully. “That is true. I did not like how he was
spending time with Lydia, but then looking at me on occasion throughout the
assembly.”

“He was attempting to increase your fondness through jealousy,” said

Lizzy. “A habit that would make for a very poor husband indeed.”

“That still cannot ease all of the pain,” interjected Jane.

“But it does help,” Harriet said. “I had not thought of it in that light. I am
so grateful you came to see me this morning.”

The girls all embraced once more before returning to their respective
homes.

Upon arriving home, the four elder Bennet girls were greeted by an
ecstatic Lydia and a somber Colonel Forster. After listening to Lydia’s
chatter for several minutes, Colonel Forster excused himself, stating that he
was required in London immediately to inform his superiors of his upcoming
wedding. He would be gone for the entire three weeks that were required for
calling the banns.

No one was sorry to see him go, not even his intended bride. She was
more eager to begin making calls with her mother to inform all their
neighbors of her new status as an engaged woman. Lizzy rolled her eyes
when she heard this and whispered to Jane that she would be surprised if
there was a single servant in all the neighborhood who did not belong to it
that had not heard the news by the end of the day before.

The next three weeks were difficult ones at Longbourn. Mr. Bennet held
fast that he would not purchase any wedding clothes, as Lydia had received a
sufficient number of new gowns for her coming-out that had not yet been
sewn, let alone worn. He did, however, allow for a new gown to be made for
the day of the wedding.

On the day before the wedding, Colonel Forster returned to Hertfordshire

and immediately called on Longbourn. While absent, he had written to Lydia
but once. Fortunately, he corresponded frequently with Captain Denny, who
in turn paid a few calls to Longbourn and was able to share any news with
the Bennet family.

Colonel Forster entered the sitting room and was greeted by the Bennet
family and an enthusiastic Lydia. She chattered for some minutes about
everything that had passed over the last few weeks. Her betrothed eventually
interrupted with a loud clearing of his throat. She froze, silent, as he said,
“Allow me to introduce my friend, Colonel Fitzwilliam.”

All eyes turned to the doorway where another red-coated officer stood,
previously unobserved. His features were not handsome, in person and
address he was must truly the gentleman. He executed a sharp bow and
seemed sincerely delighted to make everyone’s acquaintance. Seating himself
between Kitty and Jane, he initiated a conversation about his travel from
London.

“Forster and I have been friends since we were together at the Battle of
Raismes last year,” he explained,“ Since then, we had been assigned to the
same units until our recent promotions as colonels, being reassigned from the
Regulars to train soldiers in the militia. When Forster arrived in London to
inform our superiors of his engagement, I naturally requested leave that I
might stand up with him at the wedding.”

Accepting the tea offered to him by Mrs. Bennet, he continued, “Forster

has saved my life more times than I can count.”

At this, he was interrupted by his friend, “Ah, but not nearly as many
times as Fitzwilliam has saved mine!”

Lydia sighed adoringly at such obvious bravery, and Colonel Forster

graced her with a smile. He looked more at ease than he had ever appeared
in the Bennet household. He seemed to have accepted that he was to marry a
silly wife not of his choosing.

Lizzy leaned over to whisper at Mary, “It appears the colonel’s

attachments to poor Harriet were not as fixed as they appeared.”

Mary frowned, “Yes, but I hope they remain on Lydia, or she will not
have a happy marriage.”

After a long visit and an invigorating walk outdoors, the two gentlemen
made their farewells. Mrs. Bennet’s invitation to stay for dinner was
regretfully declined, as they had much to do in preparation for the wedding
the next day.

This reminder sent Mrs. Bennet into a flurry of activity that did not cease
until the early morning hours, when the bride-to-be fell asleep at the table. At
that, Mr. Bennet declared they must all have some sleep before the wedding,
else they would be liable to sleep through it.

A short few hours later—too short, in Lizzy’s estimation—Mr. Bennet

escorted his youngest and least-deserving daughter down the aisle of
Longbourn chapel. Much to her elder sisters’ relief, the wedding was
attended by all four-and-twenty families with whom they regularly dined,
including Harriet Long and her family.

The vows were said, the register was signed, and the happy couple
returned to Longbourn for the wedding breakfast. When it finally came time
for Colonel and Mrs. Forster to leave for their wedding trip, Mrs. Bennet
was the only one whose farewells were genuine in their sorrow and tears.
“Write to me, my dear,” she begged her daughter.

“Oh, I shall,” said Lydia carelessly, “when I find the time. We married
women don’t have much time for such things. My sisters may write to me,
however, as I’m sure they will have nothing better to do.”

Her four elder sisters rolled their eyes, which did not go unnoticed by
Colonel Forster. “Well, my dear, shall we depart?” he asked as he ushered
her into the carriage.
 He turned and gave a smart bow of farewell to his new family. “We shall
see you again when I return with the regiment in November to quarter here at
Meryton. Until then, I bid a fond farewell to my new parents and sisters.”
Another bow, and Colonel and Mrs. Forster were gone.
 Chapter 10
Derbyshire, September 1811

Fitzwilliam Darcy urged his horse into a trot as he left the tenant farm. He
had met with the Smith family about the state of their roof, which had begun
to leak a few days before. The building would need to be repaired quickly
before the imminent heavy snows of the north made any such work
impossible.

Approaching Pemberley, he directed his steward to make the necessary

preparations—all at the expense of the manor house, of course. It was an
estate owner’s obligation to care for the natural wear of a tenant’s property
and home.

Darcy entered his home and asked Stewart where he could find his sister.
He was directed to the large sitting room, where Georgiana sat doing
needlework. He crossed over to her quietly, and she jumped when she
noticed his shadow slip across her stitching.

“William, you gave me a fright!” she laughed.

“Someone has to keep you on your toes,” he said in return.

She stood and gave him a quick embrace. “How are the Smiths doing?”
she asked.

“Their daughters will probably need a few more dresses soon,” he

responded, “They appear to have grown several inches over the past few
months.”

“I will see what I have in the workbasket,” she said, “And where is
Bingley? Did he not accompany you on your rounds today?”
 Darcy shook his head. “Your husband said something about a surprise for
you and disappeared toward Lambton at first light.” At Georgiana’s
surprised look, he added, “He does dote on you, you know.”

She smiled shyly. It had been a rather difficult year since the three of
them had left Ramsgate. Bingley had purchased a special license, and he and
Georgiana had been married from the chapel at Pemberley, where she had
been christened as a babe. Since then, she had continued in her rooms in the
family wing and he in his as they grew accustomed to their new life. Apart
from the servants addressing her as Mrs. Bingley, their routine was very
much the same as it had been when Bingley lived with them before his
journey to the north.

Eight months after the wedding, chaos descended on Pemberley in the

form of Mrs. Hurst and her sister Miss Bingley. As sisters only one year
apart in age, they had completed their time at finishing school and were to
take up residence with their brother.

Mrs. Hurst—Miss Bingley-as-was—had in fact outgrown her finishing

school the year before. Due to his and Georgiana’s sudden wedding,
however, Bingley had written to keep Miss Bingley at the school for an extra
year while Miss Caroline finished her last year. Miss Bingley had no desire
to remain in a place she had outgrown, however. Instead, she wrote to her
brother to request permission to join a schoolmate at her home in Surrey for
the summer. It was there that she met Mr. Hurst, and they quickly fell in love
—he with her dowry of twenty thousand pounds and she with his status as a
landed gentleman.

The younger Miss Bingley then finished her year of school and went to
reside with her sister and new brother in Surrey. Unfortunately, Mrs. Hurst’s
dowry had not been sufficient to absolve all of her husband’s debts. They
were forced to retrench, choosing to let their estate and instead join Bingley.

The sudden influx of people at Pemberley nearly forced Georgiana back

into the shell of a person she had been immediately after the debacle at
Ramsgate. However, with the patient love of her brother and tender kindness
of her husband, she developed an inner strength that allowed her to retain her
position as mistress of her brother’s home, despite the presence of two
sisters-in-law who sought to impose their will on their young new sister.

Darcy was proud of the strong young woman his sister was becoming.
After Ramsgate, he feared she would crawl into herself and never return
whole again. However, Bingley’s cheerful presence and gentle solicitude
helped her blossom into an intelligent, self-assured young woman.

She was still young, however; he and Bingley spoke on occasion about
the nature of their marital relationship. Bingley was desirous to wait until his
wife was seventeen—the age at which she was going to come out to the ton’s
society and be presented to the queen—to begin a romantic courtship.
Bingley had spoken with Georgiana about the idea, and she had agreed that it
would be best for her. Although she was confident, her heart was still rather
bruised from Wickham’s betrayal.

“Where has your mind gone?”

Georgiana’s voice cut through Darcy’s musings. He realized with a start

that he had been staring at her for several minutes without hearing a word she
had said. “My apologies, my dear sister,” he said tenderly. “I was simply
contemplating what an incredible young woman you have grown into. I wish
our parents could see you.”

She blushed with pride and looked down at her needlework. Her brother
—while the best of men—was still very guarded and rarely spoke about his
feelings. This bit of praise from him was quite astonishing. She returned her
gaze to his face and smiled brightly at him. “Well, that is what comes from
being in the married state. Now we need only to get you to the altar!”

Darcy’s horrified expression caused her to break into peals of laughter.

“What, pray tell, is so amusing?” came a somewhat snide voice behind

them.

Caroline Bingley entered the sitting room, having just changed for dinner.
Her sister, Mrs. Hurst, accompanied her, and the two were followed closely
by Mr. Hurst, who was never late for a meal at Pemberley.
 Georgiana and Darcy gave one another a knowing look, then Georgiana
said with an air of reserve, “Fitzwilliam was merely telling me that my
husband had gone to town in search of a surprise for me. I was expressing my
delight at such kindness.”

“Yes, my brother is the most thoughtful of husbands,” Caroline agreed. “If

only I could find such a man,” she added, batting her eyes at Darcy, who
became suddenly preoccupied with something out the window.

When her hint went unnoticed—for she could not imagine herself
rebuffed—Miss Bingley walked over to join him at the window. “Such a
lovely view,” she simpered. “I have always said since we came here that I
would be content to stay at Pemberley and never leave.”

Darcy sighed inwardly. He had made great efforts to overcome his

tendency to label every unmarried miss a social climber, but Miss Bingley’s
cloying attentions made it extremely difficult to not revert back to the broad
application of such stereotypes.

Fortunately for Darcy, he was spared constructing a response when the

door opened and Bingley entered the room. His smile was exceedingly broad
—more so than usual—and he greeted Georgiana with a kiss on her hand.
“My dear wife,” he exclaimed, “I have the most wonderful surprise for you!”

Georgiana laughed at his endearing antics. “I am all anticipation, sir.”

Bingley let out a long, loud wolf whistle that caused Darcy to raise his
eyebrows. The door opened again, and in stepped Colonel Fitzwilliam.

“Richard!” cried Georgiana, truly delighted. She leapt to her feet and
embraced her cousin. He lifted her up and twirled her around, causing Mrs.
Hurst and Miss Bingley to gasp at the display.

“Put her down, you big oaf,” reproached Darcy genially. He crossed the
room and embraced his cousin. “She is a married woman now, after all.”

Richard’s smile dimmed slightly at this reminder. He had been on the

continent when the debacle at Ramsgate had occurred. The letter of
explanation that Darcy sent inspired in him a rage beyond anything he had
ever felt, surpassing even his hatred of Napoleon. He had been unable to
return to England for the majority of Georgiana’s first year of marriage, and
they had only seen one another but once before his duties of training militia
men began.

“She may be a grown married woman by now,” he said, gently placing

the young girl back on her feet, “but she’s still my little cousin,” he added
with a wink and a tweak of her nose.

A loud sniff from the window marred the celebratory atmosphere. Miss
Bingley stood with her nose pressed nearly to the ceiling, regarding the scene
before her with no small measure of condescension and condemnation.

Bingley laughed, clapping Richard on the back. “Where are my manners?

Richard, may I introduce my sisters to you?”

Miss Bingley paled slightly at Bingley’s wording; making the request to

Richard meant the newcomer enjoyed a higher position in society than she.

“Certainly, my dear cousin-in-law,” said the colonel.

“Colonel Fitzwilliam, allow me to present my sister Mrs. Hurst and her

husband, as well as my sister Miss Bingley. Sisters and brother, this is
Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, son of the Earl of Matlock and cousin to Darcy
and Georgiana.”

Miss Bingley immediately attempted to rectify her mistake by dipping

into a low curtsey. “It is an honor to meet you, sir. Any family of our dear
Georgiana’s is most welcome.”

Richard looked bewilderedly at Miss Bingley’s phrasing, which made

her appear as the mistress of the house. Georgiana simply rolled her eyes at
him, then smiled and said, “Yes, Richard, you are welcome any time to the
Darcy home.”

Miss Bingley blushed slightly in confusion and remained silent.

Georgiana turned to her brother and said, “Fitzwilliam, did you know that
Richard was planning to visit?”

Darcy shook his head. “I am just as surprised as you are, my dear.”

Bingley beamed and Richard laughed. “I wrote directly to Bingley as

soon as I knew I would have a few weeks leave. I wanted to surprise both of
my cousins!”

“We did not suspect a thing, did we, Brother?” exclaimed Georgiana.

“I had not the slightest inkling,” he confirmed.

At that moment, Stewart entered the room. “Dinner is ready,” he

announced.

Georgiana looked around the room. “We will not have formal seating
tonight,” she declared, “I would like to stay with my cousin the entire
evening!”

Richard laughed again and offered her his arm. Bingley offered his arm to
Caroline, and the Hursts brought up the rear, with Darcy following on his
own behind them.

The dinner table was full of laughter and cheer. Even Miss Bingley
relaxed some of her airs to actually emit a giggle at a story Richard shared
wherein he had let a small rabbit into the tent of a fellow soldier in the
middle of the night. “You should have seen the look on Forster’s face,” he
said, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes. “There he was in his nightshirt,
searching frantically for his rifle, all the while screaming that we were under
attack from the French.”

The table burst into laughter again. “You are fortunate he took so long to
find his gun, else he may have actually shot you!” said Darcy in between
gasps.

Richard grinned. Then he sobered, and said, “Speaking of Forster, I had

the great fortune of standing up with him at his wedding about a fortnight ago.
Poor man. He had been courting a young lady, only to be compromised by
another young lady at an assembly! Fortunately, his feelings were easily
transferred from one girl to the other. A more silly girl I’ve never seen in my
life. She had just barely come out—only fifteen years old! She was
completely mad for a uniform. Well, all’s well that ends well, I say.”

Darcy grimaced and Georgiana blushed slightly, remembering her own

foolish action just a year prior at the same age. An awkward pause filled the
room for a moment. Bingley finally ended the silence by asking Richard, “So,
what have you been doing since your return from the continent?”

Relieved, Richard answered, “With this latest promotion and my father’s

influence, I have been asked to train several militia regiments that are
stationed throughout the realm. Forster had been in Hertfordshire looking for
places for his officers to quarter for the winter. I plan to take my regiment to
join his down there.” He let out a regretful sigh, “After being here, however,
it will be difficult to leave you all again.”

“When do you have to leave?” asked Georgiana.

“I am afraid, poppet, that I can only stay a sennight, and then I must away
to Hertfordshire. Had I not already made this commitment, I would be
tempted to turn in my resignation and take up the estate that my uncle left for
me in his will two years ago.”

“What is being done with the estate while you are serving?” asked Darcy.

“My brother, the viscount, is caring for it. He knew I felt a duty for
service quite intensely, so he graciously agreed to have his steward oversee
it, along with his other properties,” Richard explained. “I have one more
year of service, and then I will be free to take over the management.”

“Managing an estate can be difficult,” said Bingley. “I have been amazed

watching Darcy and what he deals with on a daily basis. I only hope to be
half as good when I take my own estate.”

“Take your own estate? What do you mean, Charles?” asked Caroline
sharply.
 “My plan has always been to learn from Darcy for a while, then let my
own estate. Once I have had the practice, I will then make a purchase,” he
said patiently, although he had repeated this conversation with Caroline
multiple times since she took up residency at Pemberley.

“Say, I have a brilliant idea!” cried Richard. “I will be quartering in

Hertfordshire with Forster outside a town called Meryton. Forster’s new
wife is from a family that owns an estate there. Near their estate is another
empty estate called Netherfield. What say you to letting Netherfield while I
am stationed nearby? That way we will be able to be in one another’s
company over this next year.”

“What a wonderful idea!” exclaimed Georgiana with enthusiasm. “Oh,

Charles, may we?”

“Of course, my darling,” replied Bingley, lifting her hand and giving it a
gentle kiss.

Darcy interrupted, “Before you decide on this Netherfield, Bingley, we

should probably make a few inquiries about the condition of the house, the
quality of the families in the neighborhood, and other considerations.”

Bingley laughed. “What would I do without you, Darcy? If we let this

house, you must join me! I would be lost without your guidance. Although I
think I may have heard of this place before. The name Meryton sounds
familiar, but I cannot think of why.”

Darcy smiled but said, “Nonsense, Bingley. You may be a bit impetuous,
but you are quite capable of running an estate now after having seen me do it
these several years. However, I believe I will take you up on your invitation,
as I would like to remain near my sister and cousin.”

“It is settled, then!” said Bingley with a grin.

“After we make those inquiries, Bingley!”

The discussion continued as the ladies retired to the music room while
the men drank their port. A servant quickly fetched Darcy’s steward, who
confirmed that Netherfield was one of the many estates about which Bingley
had already made inquiries about over the last six months. Bingley knew that
Darcy was uncomfortable with Miss Bingley in the house, and he was eager
to give his friend some space.

Bingley had used the time Caroline was occupied with impressing Darcy
to do some research into estates. Netherfield had been his favorite, but he
had previously dismissed the place because he had not wanted to take
Georgiana so far from her brother. Richard settling for a year in Meryton
would allow Georgiana to continue to have the support of her family.

When the gentlemen rejoined the ladies, they shared the good news—to
Netherfield they would all go.
 Chapter 11
Hertfordshire, October 1811

“Mr. Bennet! Mr. Bennet!” cried his lady as she rushed into the house. She
had just been in Meryton to visit her sister Phillips and was eager to impart
the news she had received.

“What is it, my dear?” he asked as he exited his bookroom to see what all
the fuss was. “Have the pigs gotten into the garden again?”

“What? No! It is something wonderful! Netherfield Park has been let at

last!” Mrs. Bennet collapsed into a settee in the sitting room, shoulders
heaving with gasps as she caught her breath.

“Has it?” he inquired.

“Yes, my dear! To a gentleman from the North! A man with a large

fortune! Oh, what a fine thing for our girls!” she exclaimed.

The four Bennet sisters joined their parents in the sitting room, having
heard the entire conversation from up the stairs.

“For our girls?” Mr. Bennet asked, winking at Lizzy. “How can it affect
them?”

“Why, you must know that I am thinking of him marrying one of them! He
will prefer Jane, of course, as she is the handsomest. Oh, but Kitty is the most
lively now that dear Lydia is Mrs. Forster.”

Jane blushed slightly as Lizzy smirked at her. Kitty laughed at the idea of
her being the next to marry.
 “Mr. Bennet, you must call on him! I insist,” Mrs. Bennet declared.

“I do not believe I will have the time,” said Mr. Bennet with another sly
wink to his daughters. “I will be much occupied with preparations on the
estate for the winter.”

“Oh Mr. Bennet!” wailed his wife. “How can you be so cruel? What will
become of us when you are dead if all your daughters end up as old maids?”

Mary laughed. “Mamma, please remember that I am now engaged to Mr.

Collins. When Papa does pass away—which I hope will be many years from
now—I will be prepared to care for my mother and for any of my sisters who
are in need.”

Mrs. Bennet paused and blinked at her middle daughter. “Why that is
right! I had quite forgotten about you, Mary. But your other sisters will still
need husbands! What would our neighbors think if I could only manage to
have two of my five girls safely married?”

Lizzy bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing at her mother. Far
from being offended at having been forgotten, Mary chose to derive
amusement from the situation.

“Perhaps the new tenant of Netherfield will bring a large party,”

suggested Jane in an attempt to please her mother.

“It would not matter if twenty such men should come,” sniffed Mrs.
Bennet in indignation, “If your father will not visit them.”

“Depend upon it, my dear, when there are twenty, I shall visit them all,”
declared her husband as he quit the sitting room in favor of the quiet solitude
of his bookroom.

Over the next several days, Mrs. Bennet continued to bemoan the
unfairness of having such a husband that did not care whether his daughters
died as old maids. Her daughters took as many opportunities as possible to
escape her musings by going for long walks and visiting Meryton.
 One day, Kitty returned home from Meryton with news. “I have just heard
the most wonderful thing about Mr. Bingham, the new tenant at Netherfield!”
she crowed.

“Oh, I am sick to death of hearing about this man!” cried Mrs. Bennet.
“What did you say his name was again?”

“Mr. Bingham, I believe,” Kitty said. “Although it was rather difficult to

understand my aunt, as she has had a sore throat as of late.”

“Ah yes,” Mrs. Bennet nodded wisely. “It is from too many chocolates.”

“More likely from too much gossip,” Lizzy whispered to Mary, who
stifled a giggle and looked at her sister in mock reproach.

“Mr. Bingham—I never want to hear his name again!” cried their mother,
returning to the topic at hand.

“Well, I am very sorry to hear that,” said Mr. Bennet as he closed his
newspaper. “Had I known as much, I should never have called on him.”

“What?” cried the lady. “You have called on Mr. Bingham!”

“I called on the new tenant of Netherfield yesterday morning,” he said

with a private smile. “I am afraid we cannot escape the acquaintance now.”

“And you said not a single word! You sly man. What a good joke!” said
Mrs. Bennet in delight, jumping to her feet and giving her husband a hug in a
rare show of affection.

“You shall all meet Netherfield’s new tenant and all who reside there
tomorrow at the assembly,” he informed them.

“I hope he comes eager to dance,” said Lizzy.

“We shall see,” said Mary.

The young ladies spent the remainder of the day begging their father for
as much information as could be had about Netherfield’s new tenant. The
onset of rain that lasted into the next evening prevented them from going
calling on their neighbors, so their father was the only source of information.
To their frustration, Mr. Bennet claimed to not know who this Mr. Bingham
was, but said that the new tenant of Netherfield was a kind young man. This
was the only answer they received, in spite of their constant badgering.

In their frustration, the girls turned their attentions towards their clothing
for the assembly. As they could not go into Meryton to the milliner’s shop for
new fripperies to make over their dresses, they had to settle for the bits of
ribbon and lace that they had on hand. Although their futures were secure
with Lydia married and Mary engaged, they were eager to make a good
impression on their new neighbor. It was not often that a single man in
possession of a large fortune came into their part of the country, and—
according to Mrs. Bennet—he would surely be in want of a wife.

Jane, Lizzy, and Kitty were not wild to be married, per se, but they also
recognized that with their small dowries, they had little but their charms to
recommend them. They each wanted to marry someone with whom they were
in love (or at least of whom they were rather fond), but they also wanted that
person to reciprocate those feelings. With so many ladies and so few
gentlemen in Hertfordshire thanks to Napoleon, they knew they must make the
most of these opportunities to eclipse the other girls who would attend the
assembly.

With these thoughts in mind, the hours passed swiftly until the carriage
was called to take them to the assembly.

∞∞∞
Fitzwilliam Darcy looked up as Caroline Bingley sashayed into the
drawing room. He had been reading aloud a book to his sister as she made a
few repairs to a gown.

“Is there any better way to spend an afternoon than by reading?” Miss
Bingley asked as she sat down.
 “I do enjoy listening to my brother read to me,” agreed Georgiana as she
tied off a stitch.

“There is nothing like a good book to pass the time away. How I wish my
brother had a more extensive library. The one here at Netherfield is quite
empty,” Miss Bingley sighed.

“It is a situation that I will quickly rectify,” Georgiana assured her sister.

“Neglect of a library is unpardonable in this day and age,” Miss Bingley

declared. “After all, books are a wonderful way of improving one’s mind.”

“Yes, and their ability to improve one’s mind and to be enjoyable is

greatly dependent on one’s ability to find a quiet time to do the reading,”
Darcy commented in a dry voice.

Georgiana shot her brother a warning look, even as Miss Bingley tittered,
“Quite right, Mr. Darcy! Those who do not enjoy reading often distract—by
means of idle conversation—those who would rather spend the day with a
book. It is quite vexing!”

Georgiana looked a bit surprised at the absence of irony in Miss

Bingley’s comment. Rather than respond, she chose to change the subject of
conversation. “I hope, Brother, that you will not be vexed with our
entertainment for tomorrow evening. One of our new neighbors, a Sir
William Lucas, informed Charles that there is to be a public assembly. He is
the Master of Ceremonies and assured my husband that we are all invited. Of
course, Charles immediately agreed on behalf of the entire Netherfield
party.”

Miss Bingley immediately made her opinion known. “I cannot believe my

brother accepted! Surely it is bad enough that we have been relegated to such
an uncivilized place. We cannot be expected to mix with the locals as well,
and at a public assembly?”

Georgiana raised her eyebrows at this comment. “I am grateful my

husband accepted the invitation. One thing that you will learn, Miss Bingley,
is that a landowner is responsible for fostering good relationships amongst
his neighbors at all levels of society. A public assembly is the perfect way
for us to establish ourselves as one of the leading families in the
neighborhood, even if we do only stay for the year of leasing.”

Chastened, Miss Bingley turned to Mr. Darcy. “Sir, I know you must feel
the same as I about being forced to mingle amongst strangers. Should you
choose to remain at home, I will stay behind as well to keep you company.”

Darcy looked towards his sister in alarm. “Quite the contrary, Miss
Bingley. I agree with my sister’s opinion of the matter and will support her
and Charles. Additionally, my cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam quite frequently
enjoyed attending public assemblies at Matlock while in his youth with my
aunt and uncle. He will be delighted to attend. With so many friends present,
it will not be a hardship for me.”

Defeated, Miss Bingley said, “Well then, we are all in agreement; we

shall go to the assembly tomorrow. I only hope I can find something suitable
to wear.”

“This is what I am wearing,” said Georgiana, gesturing to the gown she

was mending. “I have only to finish repairing the slight damage that occurred
during our travels here.”

“You are mending your own dress?” gasped Miss Bingley in horror.
“Why is your maid not doing the task?”

“She already has much to do with unpacking and getting us settled. I

offered to do this,” Georgiana answered calmly. “I do not mind.”

Miss Bingley could not have looked more horrified. Torn between her
disdain for common work and her obligation to not openly insult her
brother’s wife, she merely opened and closed her mouth.

Darcy felt it necessary to contribute to the conversation. “I have raised

my sister to recognize servants for their value. Their time is worth just as
much as ours. If Georgiana wants to mend her own dress, she should be able
to do so without anyone in Society looking down on her.”
 “I quite agree,” said Miss Bingley weakly.

“It is too easy, if one is not careful, to assign characteristics and

attributes based on someone’s station,” said Georgiana. “My brother has
taught me to not assume that every servant is worthless or that every peer is
without fault. Some members of our station, for example, would feel it
beneath them to befriend the son of tradesman and would label his sisters as
grasping social climbers,” she added with a pointed look at Miss Bingley.

“I begin to understand you,” said a chastened Miss Bingley.

Fortunately, the lady was spared from further humiliation when the door
opened to admit Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam. “What are you all doing in
here when it is such a beautiful day?” cried Bingley. “Come, my dear, and let
us go for a walk before supper.” He extended his hand to his wife.

Georgiana agreed, having just that moment finished the last part of her
dress. “Allow me to return this dress to my room and fetch my hat and
gloves.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam turned to Darcy. “Would you like to go for a ride?”

he invited. “There are several trails that I have been eager to explore.”

“Perhaps tomorrow morning,” Darcy answered. “I have quite a lot of

correspondence that I cannot postpone any longer.”

The Colonel sighed. “I should join you, then, and learn from you as well
if I am to take up my estate after this assignment.”

“When do you report to the barracks?” Darcy asked.

“I head to London in a fortnight to escort my officers here to make camp.

At that point I will continuously reside with them rather than reposing in
luxury here at Netherfield,” Colonel Fitzwilliam sighed again.

“Will you be able to tolerate that after having become soft while on
leave?” teased Darcy.
 The colonel pretended to be affronted. “Soft? I’ll have you know I could
best you at a saber duel with my eyes blindfolded!” he cried in mock anger.

The two men left for the library to tend to their correspondence,
continuing their friendly banter the entire way.

Once shut safely in the library on their own, Darcy let out a sigh of relief.
Colonel Fitzwilliam laughed, “Finally able to relax?”

“Quite,” said Darcy. “I have learned over the years, I hope, to no longer
quickly judge people. However, in Miss Bingley’s case, I do not think it is
too much to say that she is a fortune hunter of the worst kind. We could not be
more dissimilar, but that does not matter to her.”

Fitzwilliam clapped his cousin on the back. “I have been impressed by

the changes you’ve made in recent years. You are no longer the disdainful lad
you were five years ago. Even then, though, you were never that bad. You
were chased by multiple women who only cared for your pocketbook. It
would have been foolish of you to not be wary.”

Darcy shook his head. “There were several times when I was quite
abominable. I still relapse when I am ill at ease; I am quick to judge and
speak dismissively, rather than try to see another’s perspective of the matter
at hand.”

“You will have plenty of opportunities to practice at the assembly

tomorrow night,” Fitzwilliam assured him with a smile. “There are several
very pretty ladies who will be in attendance, I am sure. I met many of them
personally when I attended Forster’s wedding.”

“Just be careful to not fall for a pretty face and nothing else,” Darcy
cautioned, “I imagine that in a society such as this, there are many desperate
women.”

“Darcy, you hypocrite!” cried Fitzwilliam. “First you speak of how much
you have improved, then you immediately warn me to be on my guard! Which
is it, man?”
 “It is both!” insisted Darcy emphatically. “Simply because I no longer
lump all persons of the same class together does not mean I cannot be
cautious. Once people hear of my income or your income, they immediately
thrust their daughters and sisters forward. This is understandable,” he
emphasized as Fitzwilliam opened his mouth to object. “But it is wise to
accompany sympathy with some skepticism.”

Fitzwilliam sighed. “I understand what you are trying to say,” he

allowed. “However, you have a tendency to phrase these sentiments in the
worst possible way, so as to give rise to the worst possible interpretation.
You may need to practice avoiding that, too, at the assembly. Otherwise you
are likely to give offense to the entire neighborhood.”

“I will have to rely on you to prevent me making an oaf of myself,” Darcy

replied. “Now, I really must see to this correspondence.”

∞∞∞
The evening of the assembly finally arrived. The Netherfield party’s
carriages left quite later than they had intended. Miss Bingley’s toilette took
much longer than she had anticipated, and—she claimed—it was all due to
the incompetence of her maid.

“No matter the reason!” cried Bingley impatiently. “The first dances have
likely already begun. Our arrival time is rapidly approaching rudeness,
rather than an hour that is merely fashionable.”

“These people would not know fashion from outdated,” sneered Miss
Bingley.

When her statement was ignored, she interpreted the silence as accord.
She began to feel all the satisfaction of one who misleads themselves in such
a manner, and the remainder of the carriage ride passed in relative peace.

Upon arrival, they removed their hats, cloaks, and gloves, and their
presence was announced: “Mr. Bingley, Mrs. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, Colonel
Fitzwilliam, Mr. Hurst, Mrs. Hurst, and Miss Bingley.”
 Chapter 12
Meryton, October 1811

Upon arriving at the Meryton assembly, Jane and her three sisters exited the
carriage, followed by their parents. When they entered the room, they were
immediately struck by the unusually large number of guests.

“I think everyone in Hertfordshire must be here,” whispered Kitty in awe.

She was mostly correct. Upon hearing about the promised attendance of
the illustrious guests who inhabited Netherfield, many people who typically
chose to avoid public assemblies decided instead to eschew their usual
habits in the hopes of a possible introduction.

The Bennets made their way through the crowd and greeted Sir William.
After many lengthy pleasantries that exceeded the short amount of time since
they had last seen one another, they moved amongst the crush of people
toward a table near a window.

“Put your things here, girls,” said their mother, “and I will watch them so
as to lay claim to this table for when you are overheated.”

“Mamma, it’s October,” laughed Kitty.

“Just you wait,” her mother warned, “and you will see. Whensoever there
are so many couples, the room inevitably grows unbearably hot before the
end of the first dance.”

Lizzy and Jane looked at each other.

“I should like to find Charlotte,” said Lizzy.

 “I will go with you,” said Jane.

The two women moved through the multitude, holding hands so as not to
allow themselves to separate. Thankfully, the musicians began at that moment
to warm up, and those with partners for the first dance made their way to the
floor in preparation for the first set. This allowed for more room in which to
maneuver, and the two sisters quickly found their friend.

“Hello!” cried Charlotte in excitement, “You’ll never guess! Mr. Jones

asked me to stand up with him for the first set!”

“Mr. Jones?” asked Lizzy in confusion. “Why ever would that excite you?
The man is sixty years old if he has lived a day.”

Charlotte laughed, “No, I mean his son! Have you not met him before? He
is an apothecary—like his father—but he has his own practice, which is
closer to London. He is visiting his father for several months, and he has
called at my house twice since I was introduced to him in Meryton this
week.”

“The rains have kept us indoors for several days,” said Lizzy glumly. “I
have not even been allowed to go out for my daily walks.”

“That is wonderful news,” Jane told her friend. “Do you like him?”

“I believe I do,” said Charlotte, beaming. “He seems to be a very hard

worker, and he frequently came to my home when we were children. You
may not remember, as he is a good deal older than the two of you. He left for
London and has not returned to visit since his marriage.”

“His marriage?” exclaimed a surprised Lizzy.

“Well, his first marriage, I should say,” Charlotte clarified. “His wife
died in childbirth two years after they were wed. She left behind a sickly
baby girl born premature, who is now six years of age. Mr. Jones brought her
here for the winter because the air near London aggravates her lungs.”
 “Are you ready to become a mother at the same time as you become a
wife?” asked Jane.

Charlotte nodded her head. “I do have seven younger siblings,” she

pointed out. “In many ways, I am like a mother already!”

Jane and Lizzy laughed with her, then congratulated her on her good
fortune. Mr. Jones came shortly after to claim Charlotte for the set. He was
not handsome, but he possessed a kindly face. He bowed politely to the
Misses Bennet and expressed his great happiness in finally meeting “dear
Miss Lucas’s closest friends.” As the couple walked toward the dancing,
Jane and Lizzy shared a delighted smile.

“Oh, I do hope he turns out to be a good man!” said Lizzy with great
feeling. “I could not bear to imagine Charlotte in a challenging marriage.”

“Should we make the efforts to discover whether he might be good for

her, as we did with Mary?” Jane asked.

Elizabeth pondered for a few minutes. “I think so, provided we do not

test him too much. We must make allowance for differences of temperament,
after all. Mary had the desire to marry for fond regard, and she was willing
to help Mr. Collins make changes only if he proved easily led by a wife.
Charlotte does not seem to have such requirements. As long as he is a kind
man, it should be alright.”

As she finished, the first set came to an end. The music stopped and the
room split into myriad personal conversations. The younger Mr. Jones
escorted Charlotte back to her friends, where he solicited each of them for
the third and fourth sets—he was promised to Maria Lucas for the second—
before turning back to Charlotte and requesting the last set. She accepted
with obvious pleasure, and Mr. Jones left to fetch Maria.

Suddenly, the doors opened, and all conversation ceased. Each guest
turned toward the entrance, with some craning their necks to gain a clearer
view of the doorway. Such a late ingress to the assembly promised to be the
product of either an emergency or a shockingly rude party. The late arrivals
as they were announced: “Mr. Bingley, Mrs. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, Colonel
Fitzwilliam, Mr. Hurst, Mrs. Hurst, and Miss Bingley.”

Jane gasped and grabbed her sister’s hand with fingers that seemed
suddenly to be carved from ice. “Oh, Lizzy,” whispered Jane. “It’s him.”

Turning to face her sister, Lizzy gasped herself at Jane’s white face.
“Who?” she asked urgently, desperate to know who had affected her sister
so.

“Mr. Bingley. He’s the one…. the one who left me in London,” Jane
whispered. Her blue eyes filled with tears.

Lizzy quickly moved to shield Jane from view, but the gesture proved
unnecessary, as all eyes were still fixed on the Netherfield guests.

“Are you well, Jane?” Lizzy asked. “Allow me to ask Papa to fetch the
carriage for you. We can say that you came down with a sudden headache due
to the crowd and the heat.”

Shaking her head slightly in declination, Jane withdrew a delicate

handkerchief to dab her eyes, then she pinched her cheeks. Reaffixing her
customary serene smile to her face, she appeared once again as though
nothing was the matter.

“No, I am well,” said Jane.

“Very well,” said Lizzy, “but do tell me if you change your mind. You
will have to be introduced to him at some point. Do you think you are able to
bear it?”

“I will be well, Lizzy,” said Jane affirmed quietly.

The two girls clasped hands and slowly wound through the crowded
room to their table, where their mother was beckoning for them insistently.
“What do you think, girls?” she cried in dismay. “There is no Mr. Bingham at
all, and Mr. Bingley is married!”
 Kitty and Mary joined them. “It appears I did not completely understand
my aunt Phillips after all,” said Kitty ruefully.

A mirthless laugh escaped Lizzy’s lips, but she quickly covered her
mouth. Kitty and Mary peered at her questioningly, but there was no time to
speak. Sir William was already headed their way with Mr. Bingley and his
party.

Lizzy felt her older sister stiffen, and she grabbed Jane’s hand to steady
her. As the Netherfield party approached, the eldest Bennet girls were able to
discern the precise moment that Mr. Bingley saw Jane. He looked at her,
blinked a few times in rapid succession, and turned a brilliant shade of red.
As it was too late to redirect Sir William with causing an incident, the party
stopped directly in front of Mrs. Bennet.

Before Sir William could speak, Jane curtsied and addressed the
newcomers, an act which surprised Lizzy greatly. “Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy,”
she greeted them in a strong, clear voice, dipping a curtsy. “How good to see
you again.”

Mr. Darcy looked at her in confusion. Mr. Bingley bowed and glanced at
his motionless friend, then ventured uncertainly, “Miss Bennet. I had not
thought… That is, I did… It has been many years since you last graced us
with your company at that card party in Cheapside.”

A light of recognition came on in Darcy’s face, though this expression

was soon mitigated by a flash of what appeared to be guilt. He bowed
deeply. “Miss Bennet,” he said, “it is a true honor to see you again.”

Mrs. Bennet, Sir William, and the rest of the party stared at them in silent
uncertainty for a few moments. Then Mr. Bingley said, “Allow me to present
the rest of my party. These are my sisters: Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst,
along with her husband Mr. Hurst. Then here is Colonel Fitzwilliam—”

Here Fitzwilliam interrupted. “Delighted to make your acquaintance once

again, ladies.” At Bingley’s confused expression, he clarified, “We met at my
friend Forster’s wedding. He is now married to their sister.”
 “Erm, yes, well, this is Mr. Darcy, who has already met Miss Bennet
some years ago. Lastly, I would like to introduce Darcy’s sister—Georgiana
—who is also my wife.” He took her hand and gently drew her forward.

Jane inhaled sharply. For once, Lizzy was grateful for her mother’s
forward nature as she interjected herself and presented her remaining
daughters. Bows and curtsies were exchanged. Mrs. Bennet’s voice masked
any awkward silences—rather than inciting such—which was a novel
experience for anyone acquainted with the Bennet family.

“…what a great shame it is that we had no idea of you already knowing

Jane! But that is no matter, we are all friends now. How good it is to have a
family finally take Netherfield. It is clear that you are a man desirous of
companions, Mr. Bingley, as shown by the large party you have brought.
What do you say of our assembly, hm? We dine with four-and-twenty
families, you know, and such relationships always make for the best
gatherings. My girls do enjoy a good dance, all except Mary, but as she is
engaged to the heir of Longbourn, it is of no matter….”

As Mrs. Bennet continued to prattle ceaselessly, Lizzy could feel Jane’s

tension ease, and she sent a silent prayer of thanks heavenward for her
mother’s social insouciance. Jane tried very hard to not look at Mrs. Bingley,
but she could not help glancing over at her on occasion. Similarly, Mr. Darcy
and Mr. Bingley kept looking at each other and at Jane.

Finally, Sir William interjected himself. “Capital, capital! So good to see

everyone enjoying themselves. Mr. Bingley, we had best continue on, lots of
introductions to make, you know!”

At that, Mr. Bingley and his party bowed and curtsied to the Bennet
ladies. Once they were gone, Mrs. Bennet spun around to face Jane. “Jane!”
she demanded in a shrill voice. “You did not tell me you had met such
wealthy and handsome gentlemen when you were in town! Why did you
return home still unmarried? With your beauty, you could have caught any one
of them!”

Jane blushed, but courageously said, “Mamma, I do not think any of those
gentlemen would have been a good match for me.”
 “Not a good match! Why, girl, what are you saying? Do you know that the
taller one has ten thousand a year?” shrieked Mrs. Bennet.

“Mamma,” Lizzy admonished in a harsh whisper, “lower your voice. It is

many years in the past, and Mr. Bingley is married now to Mr. Darcy’s
sister.”

“There are still two unmarried gentlemen in that group!” cried Mrs.
Bennet, heedless of Lizzy’s direction. “Jane, you will have Mr. Darcy. With
your beauty and me to guide you, you should catch him easily this time. Kitty,
you shall have Colonel Fitzwilliam. Your liveliness will fit well with his red
coat.”

“And who shall be for me, Mamma?” Lizzy asked in fatalistic

amusement.

“None, because you are a wild, ungrateful girl!” declared Mrs. Bennet
vehemently.

Lizzy bit her lip to keep from laughing. She turned to Jane. “Jane, would
you care to stand up with me? Even with Mr. Bingley’s party, there are still
not enough gentlemen, and this dance allows you to stay with your partner.”

Jane acquiesced, and the two stood at the bottom of the dance. Once the
music had begun, Lizzy whispered, “Oh, Jane, how brave you are!”

Her sister blushed. “I don’t know what came over me. When I first saw
him, it was as if I had been transported back in time. I felt every moment of
sorrow and anguish as strongly as I had that day. When I recognized his
friend, however, and then he introduced his wife… well, I am unsure as to
how I may describe it. Something came over me. I was suddenly able to see
the entire situation clearly. I did nothing wrong, nothing to deserve him
leaving abruptly after making his intentions so plain. I have nothing of which
I ought to be embarrassed. If anyone is to leave or be ashamed, it should be
him.”

Lizzy smiled at her sister, duly impressed. “Bravo, Jane! I declare, that is
the most unforgiving speech I have ever heard you make!”
 Blushing again, Jane replied, “These five years since I last saw Mr.
Bingley have altered my perspective on so many things. I am no longer the
young girl that he made love to. Whatever made him leave, it is clear that it
was more important to him than I was. I do not want a husband like that. In
many ways, I am grateful he left when he did. It prevented me from marrying
a man who would not have made me a good husband.”

With that statement, the dance ended. They politely applauded, then Lizzy
grabbed her sister in a violent hug. “My dear Jane, I am so proud of you,” she
whispered.

Unbeknownst to them, Georgiana had been standing behind them the

majority of the dance, dancing with her cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam. She had
wondered at the strange looks her husband and brother had shared during the
introductions, but she had not yet had the opportunity to ask about them. When
she saw the sisters stand up to dance, she had seized Fitzwilliam’s hand and
pulled him to the floor without so much as a by-your-leave.

The two cousins shamelessly eavesdropped for the entire set. Fitzwilliam
had reddened with indignation, and Georgiana was pale in sorrow on behalf
of the eldest Bennet daughter. “It is all my fault,” she whispered as tears of
shame gathered in her eyes. “Had I not erred with Wickham, Charles would
have been free to marry this woman.”

Fitzwilliam looked at her in surprised. “This is certainly no fault of

yours!” he declared hotly. At her shushing, he lowered his voice and
continued, “Did you not hear? Jane met your husband five years ago. You
were but eleven years old. Whatever happened to make him leave her
occurred long before your misadventure in Ramsgate.”

Georgiana brightened slightly. “That is true,” she conceded, “but if he

had not married me to save my reputation, he would have been free when he
met her again tonight. I still feel as though I have separated a great love.”

Fitzwilliam shook his head. “My dear,” he said gently, “you have grown
into a wonderful and kind woman. Part of your gentle nature, however, leads
you to assume a burden which is not yours to bear. True, you should not have
consorted with Wickham. But that is the extent of your error. Wickham is
guilty for what I shall delicately refer to as ‘dishonesty’, and Bingley is
guilty of leaving Miss Bennet in such a manner. There is nothing you can do
to change the past. All you can do is move forward with what you have.”

Georgiana nodded, but her face still held doubt. Fitzwilliam squeezed her
hand that rested on his arm and conducted her to where Bingley and Darcy
stood engaged in what seemed to be a rather heated conversation. “Talk to
your husband,” he encouraged. “Let him have a day or two, and if he does not
approach you to initiate the conversation before then, broach the subject
yourself. You have been married for 18 months now, and you talk about
everything, even if you do not share everything yet.” Georgiana blushed at his
reference to the marriage bed, but she nodded again, this time with
confidence.

“You are right,” she agreed. “I cannot change the past, nor can I hold
myself responsible for events of which I had no knowledge. I am not
blameless, but that does not mean I deserve to shoulder all of the blame.”

When Darcy and Bingley noticed the pair's approach, they abruptly halted
their tense discussion. After a moment of uneasy silence, Bingley said with
forced cheerfulness, “My dear Georgiana, would you honor me with the next
set?” She agreed, and the two joined the dance floor.

Darcy looked on as he mulled over the interrupted conversation, ignoring

Fitzwilliam.

“Did you see her face?” Bingley had demanded. “You cannot say now
that she was unmoved by our connection.”

Darcy blanched. “Bingley, I can see that now. What I did was
inexcusable. I have thought back on that day several times, always with
abhorrence. In that moment, I truly did not believe her heart to be touched
by you. I genuinely thought that I was saving you from a match of unequal
affections. Now—five years later—I see the damage I caused.”

Bingley had paced back and forth on a tight invisible line in front of
Darcy, who ignored the beckoning waves of Miss Bingley from across the
room. “It is my fault as well. I had made her promises, assurances of my
return, and yet I disappeared without even a word. I am a duplicitous cad.
I assured myself that, as her feelings for me were mere affectations, she
would move on to another wealthy man. It is very obvious that she did not.
I allowed myself to be led by you, and I let your observations of a small
portion of a single evening override the multiple encounters I had
experienced with her that spoke to the contrary.”

Letting out a sigh of frustration, Bingley stopped pacing. “There is

obviously nothing I can do to mend the situation. I am, after all, married. I
doubt that Miss Bennet would receive me even if I were unwed. Regardless,
I am a much different person than I was five years ago, and I imagine that
she is as well. She does appear to carry herself differently, at least. But it
is no matter; I cannot change it. What I can do, however, is make
reparations the best I can.”

“How do you propose to do that?” Darcy had asked, aghast. This was
the question that had hung—unanswered—between them when Georgiana
and Fitzwilliam arrived.

Darcy despised himself for orchestrating the rejection, which he now

knew had been unwarranted. As his eyes moved around the room, he asked
himself the same question: how can I make this right?
 Chapter 13

The remaining time of the Meryton Assembly was torturous for multiple
parties. Lizzy was desperate to speak with Jane, but she could not do so until
they had privacy. Georgiana simply wanted the solitude of her room where
she could contemplate the revelations that had occurred that evening. Miss
Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were bored, and Colonel Fitzwilliam felt as though
he would be shredded by the bindings of friendship and blood that anchored
him to divergent forces.

Darcy and Bingley noticed Lizzy’s repeated glances made in their

direction, and they felt certain that they were being talked about, though not
as prizes to be snared in a contest among fortune hunters. In fact, they were
entirely correct. Lizzy made it known to her various acquaintances that the
gentlemen had not behaved kindly to Jane in the past. No details were made
known beyond that, and Jane was mortified when she discovered what Lizzy
had done. Lizzy remained firm, however, that their general acquaintance
should be warned against the newcomers.

When finally the assembly reached its conclusion, both the Longbourn
and Netherfield carriages conveyed silent passengers to their respective
estates. Each occupant had much to consider.

Upon arrival at Longbourn, Lizzy rushed inside to prepare for bed. Once
she had completed her toilette, she entered Jane’s room. Mary and Kitty soon
followed; though they were not aware of the history between Jane and Mr.
Bingley, they were certainly aware that Lizzy had been the cause of the tense
atmosphere at the assembly.

“Lizzy, how could you tell others about what happened between Mr.
Bingley and myself?” Jane demanded, hurt and exposed.
 “I shared no specifics, Jane,” Lizzy defended. “I merely said that he was
unkind to you once when you were in London.”

“But why would you do such a thing?”

“I do not believe them to be trustworthy,” said Lizzy firmly, “and our

general acquaintance deserves to be informed before they accepted any of
them into their homes.”

“What did happen?” Kitty interjected.

Jane emitted an unladylike huff, surprising her sisters. “When I was

fifteen and in London, Mr. Bingley paid his attentions to me. He introduced
me to Mr. Darcy one night, and I never saw either of them again until this
evening.”

“It was not as harmless as that,” insisted Lizzy. “You forget, Jane, that I
saw you when you returned from London. He paid his attentions to you and
then left without a word immediately after requesting to speak to you about a
particular subject. He broke your heart.”

“Which has since been repaired!” cried Jane in exasperation. “Lizzy,

what happened was five years ago.”

“If you are so untouched, then why did you react so strongly when they
appeared?” questioned Lizzy.

“Because I had not anticipated the meeting! For but a few brief moments I
felt all of those feelings of hurt and abandonment and betrayal anew. After the
initial shock wore off, however, I realized that those emotions no longer live
in my heart. Yes, he hurt me in the past, but he does not continue to hurt me,”
explained Jane.

“But if you truly loved him—” began Lizzy.

Jane threw her hands up in the air in frustration. “I do not know that I
loved him, Lizzy! I was only fifteen years old. Fifteen. That is the same age
as Lydia is right now. I felt strong feelings for him, yes. He was kind and
amiable. But I did not know much about him or his character. In many ways,
he did me a service by leaving when he did.”

Mary interrupted at this point. “Lizzy, I know you tried to help Jane and
protect our neighbors this evening, but you also acted out of prejudice and
spite. As Jane pointed out, these events occurred five years ago. We have all
changed much in five years.”

Lizzy sighed in resignation. “I see your point, Jane, Mary. It may not have
been the most rational course of action. However, I cannot change what I said
and did this evening. I do apologize, Jane, for sharing your confidences.”

Jane smiled at her sister. “I accept your apologies, Lizzy, and I appreciate
your dedication in securing my happiness. I am happy. I would much rather
remain unwed than to have married a man with so little firmness of purpose.”

“I am also glad you did not marry him,” Kitty chimed in. “Poor Colonel
Fitzwilliam, to have such disagreeable family members.”

The girls fell silent for a few minutes as they contemplated how
differently their lives might have turned out had different choices been made
all those years ago.

Finally Lizzy said, “Very well, I will make an effort to be pleasant

toward the gentlemen in future.”

“I am eager to get to know his wife,” added Kitty. “From what little I
saw, she appeared to be very kind. She had a lovely smile.”

“She also appeared to be rather young,” Mary pointed out.

“I am less eager to know his sisters,” Lizzy said with a wry grin. “They
were better pleased with themselves than anything they saw at the assembly.”

“Perhaps they were uncomfortable in company?” suggested Jane.

Her three sisters looked at one another, then they began to laugh.
 “Oh Jane,” said Lizzy in between giggles, “Would that I were as good as
you.”

“They most certainly were uncomfortable in our company,” observed

Mary.

“Well, maybe they will improve upon further acquaintance,” said Jane.

“It is possible,” said Lizzy doubtfully, “but I believe we have more

important things to speak of than the Netherfield party.”

Her three sisters looked at her in confusion.

“What things?” asked Kitty.

“Not what – whom. Mr. Jones!” exclaimed Lizzy.

“Why is our apothecary more important than the Netherfield occupants?”

Kitty asked.

“Not our Mr. Jones, but his son,” said Jane. “He appears to be courting
Charlotte Lucas.”

“What do we know about him?” inquired Mary.

“He has been married before,” Lizzy began. “His wife passed away in
childbirth, and he was left alone to raise a sickly daughter, who is now six
years old. She does not breathe very well in the winter near London, so they
have come here for the cold months to see if her health improves.

“What does that have to do with us?” questioned Kitty.

“We simply cannot allow our dear Charlotte to be united with a man who
will treat her poorly!” Lizzy stated firmly. “Just as we did with Mr. Collins,
we must discover if the younger Mr. Jones is a good match for our friend.”

“What do you have in mind?” asked Mary.

“Nothing too elaborate,” Jane warned.

 “No, not at all. I simply want to see what the servants have to say about
his character. We already know the elder Mr. Jones to be a kind man. It is
difficult to think he would raise his son to be anything else, but it is always
good to be sure,” said Lizzy.

“I can try flirting with him,” said Kitty, “and see if he responds.”

“Only if Charlotte is aware of the reason,” Jane cautioned. “Otherwise,

she may believe you are in earnest, which would wound her.”

Kitty assured them that she would not act without having first sought
Charlotte’s approval. With this course of action settled, the girls bid each
other goodnight, unaware that conversations of a similar nature were being
conducted at Netherfield.

∞∞∞
Upon their return to Netherfield after the assembly, the ladies all retired
to their rooms. Georgiana eagerly sought the privacy of her chambers to
reflect on all that had happened that evening. Mr. Hurst followed his wife
and Miss Bingley up the stairs.

The remaining gentlemen retired to the billiards room. Colonel

Fitzwilliam eyed Bingley and Darcy as they waited for a servant to bring
refreshments and then depart the room. Once alone, Colonel Fitzwilliam
unleashed the pent-up fury he had allowed ever since he had overheard the
discussion between the eldest Misses Bennet while dancing.

“Would one of you care to explain the complete and utter idiocy the two
of you have displayed?”

Startled, Darcy and Bingley eyed the infuriated man. “To what do you
refer, Cousin?” Darcy asked cautiously.

“To what do I ref-…? No, this will not do. I am not uninformed of the
behavior the two of you exhibited five years ago. The sheer and utter gall of
making love to a lady, Bingley, and then abandoning her after promising to
return for a proposal—”

“A what?” exclaimed Darcy.

Bingley looked down at the floor, his face an unusual shade of purple. “I
may have told Miss Bennet that I would return after escorting you out in
order to ‘discuss a particular matter’,” he muttered in shame.

“You did not tell me that!” Darcy accused furiously.

Bingley raised his head to give Darcy a hard look. “Would it have made a
difference?”

“Yes, Bingley!” Darcy said defensively, “Your honor was engaged!”

“Whether or not I had been so explicit in that particular conversation

with Miss Bennet, my honor had already been engaged by the marked
attentions I had been paying to her for weeks previous. You knew that!”
Bingley retorted.

Darcy opened his mouth to respond.

“Enough!” shouted Fitzwilliam. Darcy and Bingley stopped short, both

having forgotten that he was in the room.

“It appears to me that both of you are to blame,” Fitzwilliam said harshly.
“I have spent time with the Bennet family. While it is true that their youngest
sister is a flibbertigibbet and their mother is coarse, the remaining daughters
are themselves above reproach.”

Chastened, Bingley and Darcy fell silent. Fitzwilliam continued berating

his cousin and his cousin-by-marriage. For a full quarter of an hour, he gave
them a dressing down that neither man had experienced in their lifetime, not
even as trouble-making lads in school.

Neither Darcy nor Bingley interrupted. For the first time, both men were
confronted unavoidably with the hypocrisy and shameful behavior they both
had exhibited. Once his tirade had finished, Fitzwilliam put down his empty
glass. As he made to leave the room, he turned and gave them both one last
hard look. “One thing more: Georgiana is as familiar with the situation as I
am, as she had the misfortune of being on the dance floor with me to overhear
the two elder Bennet sisters discussing your history. I have counseled her to
give you a day or two for contemplation, Bingley. If you do not discuss the
situation with her, she will approach you. If she has to initiate the
conversation, I can guarantee that it will be much less pleasant for you.
Women do not take kindly to being lied to, even by omission.”

On that note, Fitzwilliam exited the room, shutting the door firmly behind
him.

Bingley jumped at the harsh noise of the slamming door. After a few
minutes of silent reflection, he said: “He’s right, you know.”

“Pardon?” asked Darcy. He had been so caught up in his own thoughts of

self-castigation that he had failed to take notice of Bingley’s words. .

“Fitzwilliam is entirely correct,” Bingley repeated, “We deserve every

single thing he said to us, and possibly worse. I behaved so dishonorably that
I cannot look upon my behavior without abhorrence. I paid court to a genuine
young woman and left without a fair-thee-well.”

Darcy shook his head. “Bingley, it is more my fault than yours. I was an
arrogant, jaded young man who took the worst that society had to offer and
placed it on the shoulders of an innocent young woman who did nothing more
than try to ease my discomfort in an unfamiliar setting. I looked only for the
worst in her, which caused me to misread her every word and action.”

“But I was the one who allowed myself to be easily led,” Bingley argued.
“You had spent only a few hours in her company, whereas I had spent weeks
learning her character. You had no evidence other than your own
suppositions, and I paid more heed to your baseless opinions than to my own
experience.”

Darcy was silent for a few minutes, then said, “I think, Bingley, that we
are both to blame. We both behaved abominably. Our behavior was no better
than Wickham’s in treating someone else’s feelings with complete
disregard.”

Bingley nodded soberly. “We need to make amends. I know we cannot

change things, and I daresay that even were I in a position to do so, Miss
Bennet would not have me.”

Darcy looked at Bingley sharply. “Kindly remember that you are married
to my sister.”

Bingley looked at him in shock. “Of course I remember! By amends, I

mean to say that we should start with an apology. After that, I am not certain
what the best course of action is. I do not think we are in any condition to
make that kind of decision tonight, anyway.”

“We are tired,” Darcy admitted.

“And drunk,” Bingley said, gesturing to the now-empty decanter that had
been full when the conversation began.

“We should retire and speak again on the matter tomorrow,” Darcy said.

“Agreed,” said Bingley. He hesitated, then said, “I do plan to discuss the

matter with Georgiana as well. We are married, and as much as I believe in
making reparations for past sins, she is my first priority. I will not take any
action without her input and guidance.”

Darcy nodded his approval. He downed the last swallow from his glass,
and the two headed to bed.
 Chapter 14

The occupants of Longbourn awoke late the morning after the assembly to a
bright, sunny day. The peaceful skies reflected the newfound peace in Jane’s
heart. Although her experience with Bingley had occurred years in the past,
she had not fully recognized the weight she had carried from the experience.
The closure provided by the brief interaction of the previous evening had set
her free. Her shoulders felt lighter from the unseen burden that had weighed
down her spirit.

As the Bennets ate their breakfast—which should almost be considered

lunch due to the late hour of the day—a servant entered bearing the recently
arrived post. Mr. Bennet sorted through the mail and handed his wife a letter.
Recognizing the handwriting of her beloved youngest daughter, Mrs. Bennet
began to read eagerly.

“My dear Mr. Bennet!” she cried with excitement. “Lydia is coming
home!”

Her family stared at her in shock. “Why is she coming home?” asked
Kitty warily. She had quite enjoyed her younger sister’s absence, as she was
no longer overshadowed by Lydia’s exuberant nature.

“Is Forster sending her back?” Mr. Bennet asked sardonically. “If so, I
am afraid that I will not accept any returns. She has already been purchased
and used.”

“Oh, Mr. Bennet!” exclaimed his lady, “How can you be so tiresome?
No, Mrs. Forster and her husband will be returning to Meryton in less than a
fortnight with the regiment to settle here for the winter. What fun we shall
have! I long to see my dear Lydia. It has been so quiet without her lively
presence.”
 Lizzy and Mary let out small sighs of relief, then smiled at one another.
There had existed the very real possibility that Lydia was being returned to
her father in shame due to misbehavior. Any concern they felt had evaporated
with the news that her husband was to accompany her.

“I expect our little town will be quite changed with the influx of so many
officers and members of the militia,” remarked Mary as she spread some jam
on a slice of toast.

“Yes!” said Kitty enthusiastically. “I will no longer have to stand up with

my sisters at assemblies! Perhaps Colonel Forster will even hold a ball.”

“Is that the thanks I get for all the dances we’ve shared?” cried Lizzy in
mock indignation. “What an ungrateful sister I have!”

“Oh, Lizzy,” sighed Kitty as she rolled her eyes at her sister. “You know I
adore dancing with you. However, it is much more exciting when I do not
have to remember whether I am dancing the steps for the lady’s part or the
gentleman’s!”

“I once was fond of a redcoat myself, once,” Mrs. Bennet sighed in

remembrance. “I cried for two days together when Colonel Miller’s regiment
went away. I thought I should have broken my heart.”

Jane smiled fondly at her mother. “I look forward to making many new
acquaintances.”

Mrs. Bennet shook her head, her thoughts returning to the present. “Girls,
we must head into Meryton immediately after breakfast. We cannot allow the
officers to see you without new lace and ribbons to freshen your gowns.”

“I believe that is my cue to leave,” said Mr. Bennet.

His daughters laughed as he briskly strode from the room, anxious to

avoid any tedious conversation that included how his women adorned
themselves.
 Mrs. Bennet began to discuss the necessary colors and lengths of ribbons
they were to purchase, but she was interrupted by a loud clap of thunder.

“What on earth?” she cried in bewilderment.

Lizzy looked confused. “It was sunny not an hour ago when I returned
from my morning walk. There was nary a cloud in the sky!”

All faces turned toward the windows, and Kitty drew back the curtains.
The once-bright skies had darkened with rain clouds and lightning lit up the
sky.

“I imagine we will have to postpone our shopping,” said Mrs. Bennet in

disappointment.

“No matter, Mamma,” said Kitty kindly. “It will give us time to go
through our closets to determine exactly what purchases we shall need to
make.”

Mrs. Bennet brightened at this. “Indeed, my love, what a clever idea!

Come, we will begin with you.”

She led the way out of the breakfast room with Kitty following closely
behind. Once the doors closed, Lizzy turned to Jane. “How are you doing this
morning, Jane, dear?”

“I am quite well, Lizzy,” said Jane with a slightly confused expression.

“Is there a reason I shouldn’t be?”

“I merely wanted to assure myself that you were still alright following
Mr. Bingley’s attendance at the assembly last night,” Lizzy admitted.

“Lizzy,” Mary admonished. “You should do Jane the courtesy of

believing her when she stated that she is quite recovered from the heartache
that occurred five years ago.”

“Yes, thank you, Mary,” Jane said. She turned to Lizzy impatiently,
“Elizabeth Bennet, as I stated last night, I am completely recovered. Mr.
Bingley and I may meet as indifferent acquaintances, for that is all we are.
He is a married man, and I am no longer the naïve girl I was all those years
ago.”

Chastened, Lizzy nodded. Before she could respond, Hill entered the
room. “Miss Lizzy, Miss Jane, your father has requested your presence in his
bookroom.”

Jane and Lizzy looked at one another curiously. “I wonder what that
could be about,” Lizzy said.

“We shall never know if we do not go to him,” laughed Jane.

The three ladies stood.

“Not you, Miss Mary,” said Hill.

Mary smiled kindly at Hill and said, “Thank you, Hill, but I was not
going to go to my father. I will join Mamma and Kitty upstairs while they
look through gowns. I know Kitty enjoys such things, but sometimes Mamma
can be a bit tiresome. Hopefully my presence will help temper the multitude
of purchases she wishes to make.”

With that, Mary went above stairs, while Jane and Lizzy followed Hill
down the corridor and into their father’s study.

“Do you have need of us, sir?” asked Jane.

“Ah yes, do come in, girls.” Mr. Bennet beckoned his daughters into the
room and closed the door, indicating for them to sit.

“I have just received a letter this morning from your uncle Gardiner. He
writes to inform me that his wife is once again in the family way.
Unfortunately, this time she is more ill than usual and has been ordered to
remain in her bed until she has felt the quickening, which should be in a
month or so. He writes to inquire if one of you would be able to visit them in
Gracechurch Street to help manage the household and your young cousins.
Whichever of you is to go will need to leave tomorrow, and will not return
until they come for Mary’s wedding at Christmas.”
 Jane and Lizzy exchanged looks. “Which one of us do you think should
go, Papa?” asked Lizzy.

“It matters not to me,” Mr. Bennet with a sardonic tone, “As either way,
the amount of sensible conversation I may have will be cut in half for the
duration.” He softened this pronouncement with a wink.

At one point Mr. Bennet had considered himself the father of two—if not
three—of the silliest girls to be found in all of England. Over the past few
years, however, he had witnessed the changes in Mary and Kitty with pride,
though he also felt no small degree of shame at having neglected them. Lydia,
he knew, would always be silly, but her behavior and propriety were no
longer his concern. Kitty and Mary no longer caused him embarrassment, and
he found that he quite enjoyed the presence of each of his daughters.

Jane looked at Lizzy and said, “I believe I should be the one to go. After
all, I have more patience for the tending of younger children than you do.
Furthermore, you hate London in the winter.”

Lizzy laughed, “That is all true, Jane, but you had to go to London the last
time our aunt was ill. Are you sure you are willing to take my turn?”

“I am quite certain, Lizzy. There is nothing for me in Meryton at the

present time, even with the new tenants at Netherfield and the militia about to
arrive.” Jane gave her sister a meaningful look.

“I do confess that I would much prefer to remain in Longbourn for the

upcoming months,” Lizzy admitted. “As you said, I do hate London in the
wintertime. As it is the Season, it is considered the fashionable time to be
there, but I do not enjoy being confined to my aunt’s house when the weather
precludes walks in the park to divert the children.”

“Then it is settled,” said Mr. Bennet. “I will write to my brother Gardiner

immediately, although I believe you may arrive before my note does, Jane.”

The girls excused themselves and went upstairs to begin Jane’s

preparations for her journey. As she began packing a trunk, Jane noticed
Lizzy giving her a strange stare.
 “Lizzy,” warned Jane.

“What?” Lizzy asked in affected innocence.

“I know what you are thinking, Lizzy. You are thinking that I am using this
opportunity as a way to escape Mr. Bingley’s presence.”

Lizzy blushed slightly at being caught out. “I admit, the thought did cross
my mind.”

Jane sighed and faced her sister with her hands on her hips. “I will not
repeat myself again, Lizzy. I have no feelings for Mr. Bingley. I wish him all
the best, and I hope he is happy. My heart is not touched by him any longer.
Truly, Lizzy, you must believe me. Although,” she sighed, “I do wish that you
had not told our neighbors about what happened. It will appear to everyone
that I have left to escape his presence.”

Lizzy lowered her head in shame. “I am very sorry, Jane,” she said
quietly, “It was thoughtlessly done. I will do what I can to quell any gossip I
may hear.”

Jane expressed her gratitude, and the two girls returned their focus to
Jane’s preparations for London.

∞∞∞
The Netherfield party also arose later the day after the assembly than was
their custom. The only person to enjoy a full night’s rest was Mr. Hurst. Mrs.
Hurst was disturbed by her husband’s snoring, even in her separate
chambers. Miss Bingley’s sleep was filled with dreadful dreams of never
being allowed to return to London. Colonel Fitzwilliam passed the night in
restless concern for Georgiana, who in turn spent a sleepless night
considering what she would say to her husband. Darcy and Bingley had
imbibed sufficient drink to leave them with terrible headaches the next
morning.
 When the conscious members of the party gathered in the breakfast room,
Fitzwilliam smirked at the green-tinged expressions of pain on the other
men’s faces. “It serves them right,” he whispered to Georgiana as she took
her seat next to him.

“I quite agree,” she replied, smiling slightly as her husband paled when
offered a plate of bacon by the footman.

The two cousins kept up a steady stream of polite banter as they filled
their plates. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst had chosen to take breakfast in
their beds, while Mr. Hurst was sleeping off the drink from the previous day.
Or he has already begun the current day’s alcohol consumption—it is
difficult to tell, thought Georgiana.

Over the last 18 months since she had married Bingley and relocated
with him to Pemberley, she had come to know Miss Bingley and the Hursts
better than she ever would have cared to. She was grateful to Charles,
however, for saving her reputation that awful day in Ramsgate, so she bore
their company without complaint. Their presence brought him joy, and
although she found them annoying, they also caused her no real harm.

When a footman arrived to inform Bingley that there would be no one

else from the household to join them at breakfast, the atmosphere lightened
slightly. They had all been in one another’s company for a very long time, but
the cloying presence of Miss Bingley often elevated the tension in whichever
room she occupied.

“So, gentlemen, what is the plan for today?” Georgiana asked her brother,
husband, and cousin.

“I have quite a bit of business that will keep me in my study for most of
the day,” said Darcy quickly. “I believe Bingley was going to accompany me
so he can continue learning.”

“I do believe I will join you,” Fitzwilliam said.

“Er, yes, that would be fine,” said Darcy with a strained smile.
 “When you have some time to spare from your business, Brother,” said
Georgiana as she daintily wiped her mouth with her napkin, “I would
appreciate a few minutes of your time. I have something particular I wish to
discuss with you.”

At those familiar words, Bingley turned slightly red. Darcy swallowed

nervously, then said, “I would be happy to meet with you this afternoon.
Perhaps over tea?”

“Excellent,” she said, standing. “I shall inform the housekeeper that you
and I will have tea in my private sitting room. Charles,” she added, turning to
her husband, “I understand that you wish to have a conversation with me as
well. Would you prefer to speak tonight or tomorrow?”

Fitzwilliam hid a smirk as Bingley paled and tugged at his cravat. “I think
tonight after we all retire would be best.” Best to get it over with, he thought
privately.

“Wonderful. I look forward to it. Now, if you gentlemen will excuse me, I
have some business of my own to attend to.”

As Georgiana left the room, she finally allowed herself a smile. Oh, the
looks on their faces! she thought. They looked as though I had informed
them they were required to spend the day with Caroline and her friends!

The previous evening, Georgiana had spent many hours examining her
life. She was extremely grateful for the comfortable situation she enjoyed.
She had her reputation, a loving brother, and an understanding husband. Any
ills in her life were simply minor nuisances, like dealing with Caroline.
Nonetheless, she felt as though she had been merely going through the
motions since Ramsgate. For the first time in eighteen months, she was awake
and wanted to take charge of her life.

First, she wanted to issue an invitation to Longbourn to request the

Bennet sisters’ presence for tea in two days. They seemed to be genuine girls
—if their discussion from the previous evening was any indication—and she
was in desperate want of sincere friendship. Their history with her brother
and husband was immaterial. But we must have a frank conversation about
that, away from the prying eyes of their parents and friends. I would not
want to provide fodder for gossip. Before we can become friends, we must
clear the air.

This afternoon, though, she needed to discuss matters with her brother.
Although she had seen him be kind to tenants and servants, he had an
abominable sort of pride that often caused offence. He was an odd mix of
selfless and selfish at the same time. Raised with good morals but little
oversight, he was left to determine how to apply those principles solely by
his own judgment. As could be predicted, Darcy had not learned to remove
his pride and conceit from his personal interactions. It had never directly
affected her, so she had allowed him to continue to be who he was,
especially as he was more father than brother to her.

Georgiana reached her private sitting room and dipped her pen into the
ink. Her pen hovered over the paper, however, as she considered that she
needed to speak with her husband.

She winced slightly as she used the word. Even though it had been so
long, she still was not accustomed to that term. They lived in separate rooms,
and he was like a brother to her. While that had been sufficient while she was
recovering her heart from Ramsgate and Wickham, she now needed to move
forward with her life. After all, it would be nice to have children someday,
if nothing else, she mused. She appreciated his patience with her; she was
still young. Nevertheless, if they were to have progress in their relationship,
she needed to be the one to instigate it.

While Georgiana wrote her invitation to the Bennet girls, Fitzwilliam

ushered Bingley and Darcy into the room.

“Is it to be another flogging, then?” asked Bingley miserably as soon as

the door closed.

Fitzwilliam laughed, “And if it were?”

“Then we would take it like men,” said Darcy firmly, “It is no more than
we deserve.”
 “It is less than I deserve,” said Bingley.

Fitzwilliam shook his head. “Remember, lads, that one action does not
define you. Yes, you made a foolish choice that had far-reaching
consequences on persons other than yourselves. But you also have made
many, many good decisions over your lifetimes.”

Bingley looked a bit cheerier at this comment, but Darcy shook his head.
“There were none so consequential as this, whether good or bad.”

“You are not the first man to have misinterpreted a woman’s intentions,
and I doubt you shall be the last,” reassured Fitzwilliam. “If you want to
continue to blame yourself, though, I will not stop you, as you do deserve the
guilt. But no matter, that is not why I wanted to join you today. I truly meant
what I said in the breakfast room: I will be resigning my commission and
taking control over my estate at the end of training these officers, and I need
to learn the business. Who better to learn from than the Master of Pemberley
and his protégé?”

“I know why Darcy needed to teach me,” said Bingley, settling into a
chair, “but you are not from trade. Why do you not know how to manage an
estate?”

“As a younger son of an earl—and with the elder son having now
fathered three sons—there was little point in teaching me much
administration as a youth,” explained Fitzwilliam, “The estate that I am to
control is in reality the property of a great-uncle on my mother’s side. In a fit
of pique against his wastrel son, the uncle changed his will and left the entire
estate to me without informing anyone other than his solicitor. It was quite a
shock when the will was read last year, upon his death.”

“Now I begin to understand,” said Bingley. “I had often wondered why

you chose a life in the militia. I figured you had a strong sense of patriotic
duty and were merely waiting until that had been satisfied.”

“That is why I chose to be a soldier instead of taking orders or studying

the law,” Fitzwilliam confirmed, “But had I been raised knowing about the
estate, I may have found other ways to serve my country that are not so hard
on the body.”

“Well, Darcy is the best person to learn from,” Bingley said, “I have
appreciated being able to shadow him these several years. So many
landowners keep their sons with them from a young age to teach them all they
know. I had no such luxury with my tradesman father, and I have learned
more from observation than I could have from direct instruction. Even now, I
only feel comfortable enough to lease an estate.”

“I had wondered why you lived so long at Pemberley,” said Fitzwilliam.

“To be quite honest, I was concerned when Darcy wrote that your sisters
were joining you at Pemberley. I thought you may have grown accustomed to
a parasitical life and were bleeding Darcy dry.”

Darcy loosed a great burst of laughter. “Bingley, take advantage of me?

Never!”

“Those who are being taken advantage of are rarely the first to recognize
it. Or even the second or third,” Fitzwilliam pointed out. “In fact, they are
often the last to realize that their companions are mere leeches, if they
recognize it at all.”

“I understand and appreciate your concern, Cousin,” Darcy said, “But it

is quite unnecessary. At least once a month, Bingley offers to set up a house
for Miss Bingley and the Hursts. He has even offered to leave himself, but I
want him and Georgiana to be together, and I will not abandon her to her
sisters-in-law until she is ready to face them herself.”

Bingley nodded. “I wrote a few letters of inquiry for houses in town.

When Darcy found out, he was rather upset. He reminded me that any money I
am able to save now goes toward dowries for my future daughters and
increases the quality of estate I can purchase.”

Fitzwilliam was taken aback. “Begging your pardon, but I was under the
impression that your father left you a sizable fortune that should have been
more than adequate to make the purchase.”
 Bingley looked a bit embarrassed. “Well, yes, he did. However, the
difficulties in the North caused me to liquidate and expend some of those
assets in order to purchase the business of a man who was relocating to the
Americas with his daughter. Those funds are now tied up; while the
investment is proving fruitful, there is not enough capital at the moment.”

“There would be if he would take Georgiana’s dowry,” interrupted

Darcy.

“Darcy,” Bingley hissed.

“He is her guardian as well,” Darcy said defensively. Turning to

Fitzwilliam, he continued, “When Bingley first offered to marry Georgiana in
Ramsgate, I was relieved. I would have gladly given up her dowry in order
to keep her safe. Bingley, I knew, could be trusted to treat her with kindness
and respect.”

Here Darcy paused to pour himself a brandy. Fitzwilliam raised his

brows; it was a bit early in the day to indulge so. Then again, it has been a
rather difficult twenty-four hours for the man, he reminded himself.

After downing the entire glass, Darcy continued, “When it came time to
draw up the settlements, Bingley refused to sign unless Georgiana’s dowry
was tied up in a trust.”

“I was not going to be accused of being a fortune hunter,” said Bingley

hotly. “I don’t care what society thinks, but Georgina had just barely escaped
from a rake of the worst kind. Her self-esteem had been shattered. I knew that
one day we would want to have a real marriage, not just in name only. To that
end, I wanted to be able to show her that she was worth more than her
dowry.”

“So Bingley has not used any of her dowry?” asked Fitzwilliam
incredulously.

“Not even a penny of the interest,” Darcy informed him, “The principal
was put into the banks and the interest has been marked for Georgiana’s sole
use. Bingley cannot touch a shilling of any of it, and it was all his idea.”
 Bingley blushed in embarrassment as Fitzwilliam gave him a long
appraising look. The colonel then stood and sketched his cousin-in-law a
deep bow. “You have my most sincere apologies, Bingley.”

“For what?” asked a confused Bingley.

“For thinking you a bit of a cad.”

Darcy moved to protest at this, but Fitzwilliam silenced him with a wave
of his hand. “I have always known you to be a true friend to Darcy—your
actions when you first met at school demonstrated your integrity well enough.
But I assumed that your offer to marry Georgiana was—in part—motivated
by her dowry. So again, sir, you have my sincerest apologies.”

“Of course, of course,” Bingley muttered with an embarrassed wave of

his hand.

After a moment of tense silence, Fitzwilliam clasped his hands together

and asked, “So, gentlemen, what do you have in store for me for my first
lesson in estate management?” The awkwardness eased as they all chuckled,
then they bent over the estate ledgers to commence Fitzwilliam’s education.
 Chapter 15

Jane sighed in relief as the carriage left Longbourn. She had not lied to Lizzy
—she truly did not care for Bingley—but neither did she wish to stay and
bear the firestorm of gossip that Lizzy had ignited.

As the sisters had said their goodbyes at the carriage that morning,
Lizzy’s eyes had filled with tears. “I am so sorry, Jane,” she had whispered
in her ear during their farewell embrace.

Jane had reassured her sister that she bore her no ill will. This, again,
was not a lie. Jane knew her sister was only looking out for Jane’s best
interests, just as she had done so many years previous with Mr. Cartwright.
Would that Lizzy had been as circumspect in this situation as she had five
years prior. For all her strengths, Lizzy’s fatal flaw was that she protected
her loved ones a little too fiercely.

I shall need to write to Charlotte when we next stop to rest and warn
her that Lizzy plans to interfere, thought Jane. Pulling out her reticule, she
retrieved a small piece of paper and quill with a miniature bottle of ink.
Penning a quick note to Charlotte, she addressed the envelope to be sent to
Lucas Lodge. With luck, Charlotte would receive it before the next assembly.
Mr. Jones appears to still be the same good person he was when he was
growing up. I wish Charlotte success.

Jane returned the items to their place and again closed her eyes. She had
little desire to dwell on what she was leaving behind in Meryton. Instead,
she turned her thoughts toward the upcoming weeks at the Gardiners’ home.
Ostensibly she was there to help manage the household, but experience had
taught her that the majority of her time would be spent entertaining her young
cousins.
 Jane began a mental list of activities she could do to keep them occupied
whilst their mother retired to her bed until she could feel her unborn babe stir
within her womb. The weather would not be ideal, as they would be nearing
the colder seasons, but she could still convey the children to the local park
for exercise and fresh air. She had many new games she could teach them,
now that the elder two of her cousins were able to read.

The gentle movement of the carriage eventually drove these thoughts from
Jane’s mind, and she drifted into a deep sleep from which she did not awaken
until the next stop. Then, once she had posted her letter to Charlotte and
reboarded the carriage, she again slept until she arrived well-rested at
Gracechurch Street, where her loving family welcomed her with open arms.

∞∞∞
Lizzy wiped tears from her eyes as she watched Jane’s carriage drive
toward London. Once again, she was sending her sister away because of the
actions of a man. It was difficult to personally witness the dearth of freedoms
the members of her sex were able to enjoy.

Kitty greeted her at the door. “How is Jane?” she asked kindly.

“As well as can be expected,” replied Lizzy. “Oh, how I wish Mr.
Bingley and his friends had stayed away from Hertfordshire.”

Mary joined them and, upon hearing Lizzy’s last statement, raised her
eyebrows. “You must admit, Lizzy, that you had no small part in Jane’s
decision to leave.”

Lizzy bowed her head. “I know,” she whispered. “I should not have said
what I did about Mr. Bingley and our Jane. I was so angry that my tongue ran
away with me.”

“‘But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly
poison’,” Mary intoned solemnly. When Kitty looked at her in confusion, she
added, “James, chapter three.”
 “Oh, that I had kept my mouth shut!” cried Lizzy in frustration.

“Never mind that,” said Mary primly, “for all we can do now is attempt
to repair any damage.”

The girls entered the sitting room, where their mother was speaking with
Hill about the preparations necessary to welcome Lydia back. “—and we
will need to wash the linens for her bedroom.”

“Mamma,” said Kitty, interrupting, “is Lydia to stay with us for the
duration of their visit?”

“Where else would my dear daughter stay than at the home of her
mother?” demanded Mrs. Bennet.

“I believe, my dear,” said Mr. Bennet as he entered the room, “that Lydia
will reside with her husband, where she belongs.”

“My darling Lydia, living in a tent? Certainly not!” Mrs. Bennet

exclaimed.

“She must become accustomed to it at some time,” he responded mildly.

“This was the choice she made in wedding a man in uniform.”

“But how could she have known?” wailed his wife.

“Had she taken the time to do things properly and not rushed to be wed,
then she would have discovered it. This is a situation entirely of her own
making.” replied her husband firmly, thus ending the conversation.

Mrs. Bennet sulked on the settee until Kitty—assuming Jane’s role as

peacemaker—said, “Mamma, you can still host dinners here for Lydia.”

“Why yes, Kitty, what a wonderful idea! Hill! Come back! We must
discuss dinner parties for Mrs. Forster!” Mrs. Bennet rushed from the room
in search of the beleaguered housekeeper. Mr. Bennet gave Kitty a mildly
amused look, then returned to his bookroom.

The girls were then interrupted by the arrival of a note from Netherfield.
 “It is from Mrs. Bingley!” exclaimed Lizzy in surprise. “I wonder what
she could want from us.”

“You shall never know unless you open it,” answered Mary, a bit
snippily. “What does it say?”

“We Bennet sisters have all been invited to Netherfield for tea the day
after tomorrow,” Lizzy read aloud.

Kitty clapped her hands in glee. “Oh, I do so want to know the ladies
better! The lace on Mrs. Hurst’s dress—”

“No lace!” cried her two remaining sisters with laughter.

Kitty affected a mock pout, which merely served to encourage her sisters
in their teasing. Wiping mirthful tears from her eyes, Lizzy said, “Shall we
accept, then?”

“Yes!” demanded Kitty. “You must accept the invitation immediately!”

As Lizzy went in search of pen and parchment, Mary said, “I am afraid

that—for my part—I must decline the invitation. Mr. Collins is to visit us the
following day, and I must ensure everything is in readiness.”

Kitty looked at Mary with confusion. “I did not know he was to come.
Does Mamma know? I would have thought she would have begun
preparations by now.”

Mary had the grace to look embarrassed. “I have not yet informed my
mother of his visit. I wished to have peace for as long as possible before
hearing her effusions about my engagement to the heir of Longbourn.”

Lizzy laughed at this, having returned from her search. “I do not blame
you, Mary,” she said as she wrote her acceptance to Mrs. Bingley. Upon
completion, she sent the note with a maid to give to the Netherfield footman
who awaited a response in the kitchen. The departing maid nearly collided
with Hill, who entered the room to announce another visitor.

“Miss Lucas and Miss Maria Lucas.”

 The girls turned to the door as Charlotte Lucas entered the room.

“Charlotte!” Lizzy exclaimed with joy as she crossed the room to

embrace her friend. “You sly thing, you never once hinted that you were
receiving the attentions of a gentleman!”

A broad smile spread across Charlotte’s plain features, the pleasant

expression rendering her almost pretty. “I dared not speak of it until I was
certain,” she said, “but the attentions he paid me at last night’s assembly
demonstrated his intentions, even though he has not yet spoken with my
father.”

“We are very happy for you, Charlotte,” said Mary. “It seems like a
comfortable situation.”

“But you will be a mother as soon as you are a bride!” cried Kitty.

“That is what I said!” cried Maria.

“Penelope is such a dear, sweet girl,” Charlotte explained, “and there is

no assurance that I will be able to bear a child of my own. Such difficulties
do happen, though no one knows why. My future is very secure, and I am
happy to be mother to such a beautiful child.”

Maria and Kitty looked dubious, but they nodded at her words. Mary also
nodded, in full accord with Charlotte’s sentiments. “I understand your
feelings exactly.”

“But Charlotte, how can you know he will treat you well?” asked Lizzy.
“He will be taking you so far away.”

“Of course, there is no way of knowing to a full degree of certainty that

he will continue to be kind, but I feel confident in my assessment of his
character,” her friend replied. “I have watched him interact lovingly with his
daughter when he believes no one else is around. The way he speaks of his
father, his patients, and even his late wife shows that he is a man capable of
deep and tender feelings. It is not a love match, but there is a strong affection
and respect between us.”
 Lizzy nodded slowly. “I asked Hill this morning if the servants had
anything to say about him. She said no one has spoken an ill word of him.”

Charlotte smiled. “I appreciate you looking out for me, but I am going to
request that you do not attempt to discover anything more.”

“Why not?” Lizzy asked in surprise.

“Because I know you. You probably want to have one of your sisters flirt
with him to see if he will stray. Perhaps you wish to see how he will react in
a bad situation, the way you did with Mr. Collins,” Charlotte paused, then
continued, “I also received a letter from Jane this morning, informing me of
some of your intent.” Leaning forward, Charlotte looked Lizzy directly in the
eyes. “Please, Lizzy, do not do any more. I am thankful for your efforts on my
behalf, but I will not allow you to jeopardize this for me.”

“What do you mean, Charlotte?” cried Lizzy.

Mary sat down next to Lizzy. “I think what Charlotte is trying to say,
Lizzy, is that sometimes you are a little too zealous in your attempts to
discover if a man is genuine.” When Lizzy opened her mouth to protest, Mary
raised a hand. “Your greatest strength is your love for your family and
friends. That strength, however, can be a detriment when used without
caution.”

“Such as the rumors you began about Jane and Mr. Bingley,” Charlotte
added pointedly.

Kitty groaned. “What are the rumors saying?”

“Thankfully, it is all against Mr. Bingley, but people are saying that the
reason Jane remains unwed is that she has been pining for him all this time.
There is even talk of a broken engagement, and one person hinted at a foiled
elopement,” Charlotte said with concern.

Lizzy’s eyes filled with tears. “An elopement?” she asked in a broken
whisper. “That could destroy Jane’s reputation.”
 “Thankfully, the person who raised the subject was immediately silenced
by many of the matrons in Meryton. They have all known Jane since she was
a babe, and they know her nature. They are, however, earnestly discussing
her broken heart,” Maria chimed in.

“Which would be devastating for her to hear,” said Mary, “especially as

she would feel uncomfortable denying such claims. For all her beauty, Jane
does hate to be at the center of speculation.”

Lizzy fought back tears as the conversation continued around her. How
could things go so terribly wrong? she wondered.

After a few minutes, the Lucas girls made their farewells. They patted
Lizzy’s shoulder understandingly before they departed. Lizzy felt numb,
unable to move or think. Finally, Mary took her hand and gently urged her to
go upstairs. Mutely, Lizzy made her way to her bedroom, where she
collapsed onto the bed and sobbed into her pillow.

Lizzy’s greatest desire had only ever been to protect her sisters. She
wanted them to make good matches with kind men who would not mistreat
them or betray them. Where did I go so wrong? Lizzy cried.

The majority of the day passed with Lizzy’s emotions swinging wildly
between self-castigation and indignation that her loved ones did not
appreciate her efforts. Eventually, self-castigation won the battle. ‘Til this
moment, I have never known myself, she thought. How humiliating is this
discovery! Yet, how just a humiliation!

When the dinner bell rang, she sent word down that she still suffered a
headache. She requested that a tray be sent up. When a knock sounded against
the door some ten minutes later, she gave permission for the servant to enter
without bothering to lift her face from her pillow. “Please place the tray on
the chair.”

“Lizzy?” Mary’s gentle voice broke through Lizzy’s mournful thoughts,

and she sat up to see her sister standing in the doorway. “Are you quite
alright, dear?”
 Lizzy opened her voice to answer, but she instead resumed weeping.
Mary crossed the room, sat on the bed, and embraced her sister.

“What a fool I have been,” Lizzy cried into her sister’s arms.

“You are not a fool,” said Mary sharply. “You are a mite overzealous,
perhaps, but never a fool. If anything, you are the wisest of us all; you have
kept us safe. In that quest you may have done more than is necessary, but it is
better to overdo than underdo in matters of protection.”

Lizzy’s tears waned slightly. “I feared I had lost you all.”

“‘He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and
forsaketh them shall have mercy’,” Mary replied. “Proverbs,” she added at
Lizzy’s confused look.

“You are saying that I am forgiven, because I recognize what I have done
and will work to improve,” interpreted Lizzy.

“Precisely. You have not been malicious or selfish. Every action has been
conducted with love. You need to continue to be yourself, but perhaps a touch
less fanatically,” said Mary.

“I shall,” promised Lizzy.

“Now, then, let us go down to dinner,” Mary suggested. Arm in arm, the
girls descended the stairs to join their family.

∞∞∞
“A note from Longbourn, Mrs. Bingley,” said a footman as he bowed to
Georgiana, extending a tray with a note.

Georgiana took the envelope from the tray, attempting to conceal her
excitement from the servant. “Thank you, Fawcett, that will be all,” she said
as she laid it on the small table next to her.
 Once he had left the room, Georgiana eagerly tore open the missive.
Colonel Fitzwilliam laughed at her antics. “You would not be excited to see
the ladies of Longbourn, would you?” he teased.

“Oh hush, you,” she said with a smile. Scanning the note, her smile
widened. “My invitation to tea has been accepted. It appears the eldest Miss
Bennet has left for London this morning, however.” At this, her smile
dimmed. “I hope she did not leave because of Charles.”

“That may have played a part,” Fitzwilliam admitted with a frown.

“Well, two of the sisters have agreed to come, which means they do not
despise me,” said Georgiana with a rueful grin.

“Is there not a fourth sister?” Fitzwilliam asked.

“Yes, the middle sister,” she answered, reading the note again. “I believe
her name is Mary. She is engaged, and her fiancé is scheduled to arrive the
day after the tea, so she will be preoccupied with ensuring all is in readiness
for his visit.”

“Ah, yes, now I remember,” Fitzwilliam said. “She is engaged to the heir
of the estate—a certain Mr. Collins, if memory serves me.”

“Mr. Collins,” mused Georgiana. “The name sounds familiar, but I cannot
quite place it. Perhaps I have met someone with a similar name in the past.”

“Well, you will have plenty to discuss with the Misses Bennet who will
be coming for tea. I quite look forward to meeting them again.”

“Fitzwilliam, you will not be joining us for tea,” Georgiana told her
cousin sternly.

“What! I am wounded!” cried the colonel, putting one hand dramatically

over his heart and feigning a swoon.

“Be serious!” she laughed. “I wish to have a serious conversation with

these ladies about Charles. If we are to be friends, we will need to clear the
air. Your presence—or that of any of the gentlemen—will only impede
conversation.”

“Very well,” sighed Fitzwilliam. “I will find something to keep myself

occupied.”

“And my husband and brother,” she demanded.

“As you wish, my dear cousin,” he said with a kiss on her hand. “And
now, it is time for me to take my afternoon ride before the dinner bell is rung.
Please excuse me.”

Bowing deeply in false mockery, Colonel Fitzwilliam left the parlor,

leaving behind a laughing Georgiana. Once he had gone, her smile faded as
her mind turned to the upcoming tea. She was eagerly anticipating making
new friends, but she felt anxious about the conversation she must have with
them before they could become intimates. At least the one who Charles hurt
the most will not be present. That may help ease the discomfort, she
thought. Either way, it will all be over in a few days.

Checking the time, she realized she still had much to do before dinner.
She picked up the note from Longbourn and hurried from the room, eager to
begin making preparations for the tea.
 Chapter 16

The days leading up to the highly anticipated event passed swiftly for the
inhabitants of both Longbourn and Netherfield. Georgiana diligently avoided
the company of her brother and husband, having at last decided to conduct
her conversation with the Bennets before speaking to the gentlemen. She
feigned her courses and an ensuing megrim to avoid any encounters with her
cousin, so he could not insist she speak to her husband on the matter of Jane
Bennet.

As the hour approached, Lizzy and Kitty called for their carriage. Mrs.
Bennet began to insist they go on horseback, as it looked like rain, but Lizzy
stood firm in her refusal.

“I would rather walk the three miles than arrive on horseback,” she told
her mother.

“Walk three miles? In all that dirt? You would not be fit to be seen!”
cried the lady. Grumbling, Lizzy acquiesced, and the girls departed via
carriage with no small amount of relief.

As the carriage took them to Netherfield, Georgiana stood anxiously in

the parlor. She had chosen that room specifically for the view of the drive.
Although she had gained quite a lot of confidence since her marriage, at heart
she was still the shy girl she had always been. Making new friends had never
come easy for her, but she was determined to make the attempt.

Finally, the carriage arrived, and both Bennet sisters disembarked.

Georgiana sat down and smoothed her dress, then smoothed it again
anxiously.
 Lizzy and Kitty were admitted at the front door. While a footman took
their cloaks and bonnets, they looked around admiringly at the décor. It had
been several years since Netherfield had been inhabited, and even then, the
furnishings had been rather drab. Now, however, the carpets and draperies
bespoke the classic elegance of the mistress. It boded well for their visit. If
she had filled Netherfield with ornate bric-a-brac and decorated in the
Egyptian style, then we could not be friends! thought Lizzy in amusement,
following the footman down the hall.

“Miss Bennet and Miss Catherine,” the footman announced.

“Mrs. Bingley,” murmured Kitty and Lizzy in unison as they curtsied.

Georgianna curtsied in response, then cleared her throat before speaking,

“I am delighted to have you visit. Please, sit.” She beckoned the girls to sit
on the settee near her.

After a few moments of awkward silence, Lizzy said, “This is a lovely

room.”

“Yes, it is,” smiled Georgiana. Why can I not think of anything to say?
Stupid girl, loosen your tongue! “My sisters-in-law were very helpful in
sharing their opinions about the furnishings.” Not that I took any heed of
their poor taste.

Lizzy noticed the unique phrasing and smiled to herself. A few more
seconds passed in silence.

“Tea!” exclaimed Georgiana. Kitty and Lizzy jumped slightly, and

Georgiana blushed. “I mean, allow me to ring for tea.” She stood and pulled
the bell.

A maid quickly entered, bobbing a curtsy. “We would like some tea,”
Georgiana requested. The maid bobbed another curtsy and left without a
word.

A few more minutes passed in silence, which persisted while the

housekeeper brought in the tea service. Georgiana broke the silence only to
ask Lizzy and Kitty how they took their tea. She poured the tea, making sure
to cater to their requests, and served each girl a teacup and saucer.

The following silence was punctuated by the sips of tea as the ladies kept
their eyes trained firmly on their saucers. Lizzy and Kitty were waiting for
their hostess to begin conversation, whereas all of Georgiana’s carefully
rehearsed small talk had disappeared from her brain.

“Oh, for heaven’s sake!” Georgiana blurted out, unable to bear the
silence any longer. Seeing the startled faces of her guests, she continued, “I
cannot think of anything to say that would work for new acquaintances.”

Lizzy looked at her curiously. “Why not say what you want to say
instead?”

Georgiana looked at her gratefully. “I am not entirely unaware of the

history my husband has with your sister. I do not know all the details, but I
understand he paid his attentions to her once, several years ago, and that he
did not behave in a gentlemanlike manner.” At Lizzy’s raised eyebrows, she
rushed on, “My marriage to Charles occurred due to a rather uncomfortable
situation in which he did the honorable thing. It was not a love match, but nor
was it arranged by my brother.”

Biting her tongue to quell her curiosity, Lizzy nodded.

“I know, however, that your sister cared for him very much, and he felt
the same for her. I know my brother is not without blame, either. At that time,
our father had recently passed, and he was in a contrary mood for a few
years, with Charles blinding following his lead.”

Kitty’s mouth was slightly agape at this flood of knowledge, and Lizzy
discreetly elbowed her to close it.

“I know that nothing can change the past or the present circumstances. I
can, however, heartily apologize for any role my marriage may have played
in your sister’s current departure from Longbourn and any sorrow she may
feel. Also, while it is not my place to apologize for my husband and brother
—as I was only eleven years old when the situation occurred—I still wish to
offer my sincerest apologies for their shameful actions,” Georgiana
concluded in a rush.

The room was quiet for a few minutes. Georgiana focused on sipping her
tea to quench her parched throat. Kitty was at a loss for words and tried to
cover a nervous giggle with a cough.

Lizzy opened her mouth several times to speak, only to close it again
when nothing came out. Finally, she said carefully, “My dear Mrs. Bingley, I
am grateful beyond words for your forthright candor. Please be assured that
Jane’s travels to London are not a sign of a broken heart. Our aunt Gardiner
has been confined to her bed, and Jane goes to help tend the children and run
the household.”

Seeing Georgiana’s embarrassment, she continued, “I cannot deny that my

sister was much hurt by their behavior. However, given her reticent nature
and your husband’s apparent inability—at the time—to stand firm in his
resolve, it seems as though it has all turned out for the best. She bears you no
ill will in the slightest.”

Here Kitty interrupted, “Indeed not! Shortly before she left, she shared
her disappointment with me in not being able to further her acquaintance with
you, as she expressed a desire to know you better after seeing you at the
assembly.”

Georgiana’s shoulders straightened as the weight of her trepidation lifted.

“I, too, have desired a further acquaintance with her and all of you.” She
faltered, then pressed forward, “I have not had many friends over the last few
years.”

Lizzy reached out and grasped Georgiana’s hand, “I would like to be your
friend,” she said earnestly, “We all need friends in whom we can trust.”

Georgiana squeezed her hand in return, overcome with emotion at the

kindness from the Bennet sisters.

“Now then,” said Lizzy, sitting back and picking up her tea once more, “if
we are to be friends, we must learn everything about one another!”
 After a moment of stunned silence, Georgiana burst into laughter. “Very
well, but you must share first!”

The ladies passed several hours becoming better acquainted, their

conversation regularly punctuated with bursts of giggles. Lizzy and Kitty
shared their childhood adventures with Georgiana, who was fascinated to
hear about life with many siblings. In return, Georgiana told of her quiet life
at Pemberley and her discomfort at finishing school. Ramsgate was never
mentioned, however. That will be shared at a later date, when I have more
assurance of their discretion, Georgiana told herself.

Their cheer was only interrupted when Georgiana saw a carriage arrive
bearing Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley. “Oh, Lord, look at the time!”
exclaimed Georgiana, interrupting Lizzy in the middle of a story about when
the pig had gotten into the gardens.

At first, Lizzy was slightly hurt that her new friend seemed desirous of
ending what she had felt was an enjoyable visit. Then she followed her
hostess’s gaze to the scene beyond the window. Remembering the other
women’s hubris and snobbery at the assembly, she nodded at a confused
Kitty. “Quite right!” Lizzy said hastily, pulling her sister to her feet. “The day
has certainly gotten away from us. Come along, Kitty.”

“I am so terribly sorry,” Georgiana said in embarrassment. “I did not

mean to interrupt, I simply—”

“Really, Mrs. Bingley,” Lizzy broke in, nodding at the window, “I

understand entirely.”

Georgiana smiled with relief, then said, “Please, call me Georgiana.”

“And we are Lizzy and Kitty,” Lizzy tugged a bewildered Kitty toward
the door.

The Bennets met Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley in the entrance hall.
Curtsies were exchanged as footmen and maids retrieved and collected
cloaks and bonnets.
 “I did not know you expected visitors today, Georgiana dear,” said Miss
Bingley in a saccharine tone. “We would never have left you by yourself to
entertain company otherwise.”

Kitty stifled a gasp at the implied criticism, and Lizzy gave Miss Bingley
a sharp look, “We had quite an enjoyable visit, dear Georgiana,” Lizzy said.

Miss Bingley’s eyes widened slightly at Lizzy’s casual use of

Georgiana’s name. She opened her mouth, but she was silenced by
Georgiana’s response.

“Thank you, Lizzy, for coming, and you as well, Kitty,” replied
Georgiana with a warm smile at the two of them. “I will return the call in a
few days. I look forward to renewing my acquaintance with the others of
your family.”

“We would be delighted!” exclaimed Kitty gaily, oblivious to the tension

pervading the room. Lizzy hid a smile. For all of Kitty’s maturations over the
years, she occasionally showed signs of the girl she had once been.

Curtsies were exchanged once more, and the Bennet girls exited the
manor and climbed into their awaiting transport. Once the Bennet carriage
had disappeared from view, Georgiana returned to the parlor, closely
followed by Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst.

“Georgiana, dear,” began Miss Bingley in a cloying voice, “perhaps you

are unaware of the Bennet family’s true situation in life. While we were in
the rather small village of Meryton this afternoon, we inquired after them.”

“Why would you do that?” Georgiana asked, calmly picking up her

embroidery hoop.

Mrs. Hurst blinked in surprise. “We must ensure that we surround

ourselves with good society, of course. It would not do to keep company with
those who are beneath us.”

“Mr. Bennet is a gentleman, is he not? Whereas your father was from

trade,” Georgiana pointed out.
 “Yes, but their mother and her family are not of good breeding. Her father
was a solicitor, and her brother is in trade and lives in Cheapside,” Miss
Bingley impatiently explained.

“But marriage raises a woman’s status, does it not? Otherwise, Mrs.

Hurst could not be considered a gentlewoman, or so I believe.” Georgiana
blinked innocently.

Mrs. Hurst blushed, but Miss Bingley continued on, “My dear Georgiana,
surely you must see that the Bennets are simply grasping for whatever scrap
of respectability and fortune they can purloin! Their estate is entailed away
from the female line, and their dowries are small. Additionally, their uncle
must be coarse indeed, if he is dwelling in Cheapside.”

“Upon my word!” exclaimed Georgiana. “It would not matter if they had
uncles enough to fill all of Cheapside! It would not render the Misses Bennet
one jot less agreeable. No,” she said firmly as her sisters-by-marriage made
to protest, “I will not be dissuaded. I enjoyed their company very much, and I
plan to continue the acquaintance. Now, if you will excuse me, it is time to
dress for dinner.”

With her final statement ringing in the air, Georgiana marched from the
parlor and up the stairs to her bedroom. Once there, she rang for her maid.
As her maid helped her change clothes, Georgiana said, “Sarah, please
inform my husband’s valet that I have something I need to discuss with
Charles in private after we retire.”

“Yes, Miss Da— I mean, Mrs. Bingley,” her maid stammered in surprise.
Georgiana gave her a fond smile. Sarah had been her lady’s maid since she
went to finishing school. She was the only person in the world, other than her
brother and her husband, who knew the truth about Ramsgate and the celibate
state of her marriage. Sarah was more than a servant—she was a trusted
confidant. As such, she found this request that Bingley join Georgiana in her
rooms to be unprecedented and surprising.

“Thank you, Sarah. I merely have some things to discuss with him that I
do not want anyone to overhear,” she explained as Sarah finished pinning up
the last few strands of hair into her coiffure.
 Sarah bobbed a curtsied and departed. Georgiana took a few deep
breaths, then left her room and knocked on her brother’s bedroom door.

Darcy’s valet answered, a stern look on his face. “My master is not to—”
He halted suddenly when he recognized the person in front of him. “My
apologies, Mrs. Bingley. I did not expect you,” he stammered.

Georgiana smiled, “Do not fret; I am not Miss Bingley,” she teased, and
he blushed.

“Georgiana, come in and leave the poor man be,” an amused Darcy
called from where he was buttoning his shirt sleeves deeper into the room.
“To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?”

“You may change your mind about ‘pleasure’ when I tell you that I would
like to discuss the Bennets,” answered Georgiana as she entered the room.

The smile faded from Darcy’s face. “Ah, yes, Fitzwilliam mentioned you
would want to speak with me about them.”

Georgiana related the conversation she had shared with the two Misses
Bennet. As she spoke, his face grew progressively grim. “I sincerely regret
any distress that Miss Bennet felt by my actions,” he said fervently. “I was
unaware that Bingley had made such assurances to her, and that her heart was
engaged, or I would have advised him differently.”

“You would have allowed him to court her and propose?” Georgiana
asked in astonishment.

“Certainly not,” Darcy said firmly. “Bingley was only eighteen years old
at the time, and he had several years left at Oxford. I do not regret counseling
him against any woman during those years. What I do regret, however, was
labeling her a fortune hunter and absconding with him without even a
farewell.”

“You were of a more cynical nature at that time,” Georgiana admitted.

 “Yes, well, Father had recently passed, I had the burdens of Pemberley
and you, and since I was master instead of heir, my value had suddenly
increased tremendously. I was in no humor to give consequence to any young
woman searching for an increase or slighted by other men and still unwed.”

“Brother, that is harsh,” chided Georgiana.

Darcy hung his head. “You are correct, Sister. Although I have made
efforts to not give way to pride, it does not come easily for me. I have much
to learn, and much for which to make amends.”

“You will be relieved to learn, then, that while Miss Bennet was
heartbroken when Charles left her, she has quite recovered. Further, I have
determined that her sisters are all that is gracious, and I intend to befriend
them,” Georgiana informed him.

The worry lines in Darcy’s face eased somewhat. “I am grateful for it. I
still feel the need to atone, however.”

“Then be kind,” she said.

“Be kind? That is all?” Darcy asked incredulously.

“You may owe a formal verbal apology when you are better acquainted,”
she admitted, “But for now, the best thing you can do is to offer them your
respect and your friendship. They will then understand that you do not view
them in a negative light, and that your actions from years ago were not of a
personal nature.”

“I will do my best,” he told her. She smiled at him. Just then, Darcy’s
valet entered the room again, having left to give them privacy for their
conversation. “It is time for you to go down to dinner, sir,” he informed his
master.

“Thank you, Carson,” Darcy said, and he offered Georgiana his arm.

When they reached the sitting room, they saw all of the other occupants of
Netherfield had already gathered together, even Miss Bingley. “There you
are!” the lady pronounced in a loud voice. “How we despaired of you!”

Darcy rolled his eyes slightly at Georgiana. She grinned at him, then
turned to her sister-in-law. “My apologies, Caroline, but my brother and I
were having an important conversation.”

“And what, pray tell, was so important that you were late for dinner?”
Miss Bingley asked in a coy voice.

“A private matter,” Darcy answered shortly.

“A private matter! But we are all family, are we not? Surely, we should
have no secrets from each other, being as close as we are!” cried Miss
Bingley, crossing the room to Darcy.

“Then it would have been pointless to speak in private!” Fitzwilliam said

in a loudly cheerful voice. “We must allow siblings to have their own
secrets,” he said, winking at Miss Bingley when she opened her mouth to
protest.

“Quite right!” Bingley added. He gave his sister a sharp look. “May I
remind you, Caroline, that there are certain things you would prefer I discuss
with you in private rather than in front of guests or even family?”

Caroline blushed and murmured her assent. The butler spared them any
further discord when he chose that moment to enter and announce dinner.
Charles collected Georgiana, then extended his other arm to his sister. She
glanced at Darcy, then took her brother’s arm in annoyance when Darcy’s
remained stubbornly at his side. They were followed by the Hursts, who
were in turn followed by Darcy.

Dinner was unexceptional: Miss Bingley carried the conversation by

disparaging the unacceptably limited wares she had discovered at the shops
in Meryton. Darcy listened absentmindedly, his unfocused gaze betraying that
his thoughts were elsewhere. Bingley kept giving Georgiana furtive glances,
which she took to mean that his valet had passed along her request. Mrs.
Hurst periodically made statements in accordance with her sister’s, and Mr.
Hurst was heavily involved in his food.