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Chapter Text

The Bennet family had inhabited the estate of Longbourn in Hertfordshire for many generations and were considered the most senior of the families of the Meryton surroundings as the estate of Netherfield – although twice the size of Longbourn – was a secondary estate and never inhabited. As a result, it was a coup of the greatest proportions when Frances Gardiner, the second daughter of Meryton’s attorney aged just sixteen, caught and kept the hand of Mr Thomas Bennet, the young master of Longbourn. Mr Bennet fell for Miss Frances’ beauty while she for his estate. It was not long before Mr Bennet found that beauty was not a substitute for intelligence and conversation and the felicity in the marriage never recovered from Mr Bennet’s disappointment. Despite his disappointment, Mr and Mrs Bennet had five daughters in the space of seven years – Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine, and Lydia. Lydia’s birth damaged Mrs Bennet and it was advised that she be the last the Bennet’s would have. The problem that faced the family was the entail that held Longbourn – it could only be inherited by a male and so, in the absence of a son, the heir to Longbourn was a cousin of Mr Bennet’s with whom had been a serious disagreement and estrangement – of which Mrs Bennet could not understand. All she knew was that upon Mr Bennet’s death, which she daily imagined being imminent, she and her daughters would be thrown out into the hedgerows. As a result she became increasingly more hysterical and unable to be calmed with anything short of the apothecary’s dispensaries.

Through an accident of too much drink on the part of Mr Bennet and worries on Mrs Bennet’s, two years after Lydia’s birth Mrs Bennet started increasing. Frequent visits from Mr Jones, the apothecary, and Mrs Gail, the midwife, did not ease Mr Bennet’s worries as to the advisability of Mrs Bennet’s condition. At the appropriate time, Mrs Bennet was brought to the birthing room but never left it. Both she and the child – a stillborn daughter – died. Mrs Bennet’s elder sister, who had married their father’s apprentice Mr Philips and had unfortunately not been blessed with any children, moved into Longbourn for the first three months after the passing of Mrs Bennet in order to care for the girls – Jane, the eldest, just nine, to Lydia who was only two – while the men found an appropriate governess to instruct and care for them. One was duly found in a Mrs Thalis, the widow of a navy lieutenant in her mid-thirties who had been a teacher in a reputable boarding school in Plymouth before her marriage.

The years passed and, under the tutelage of Mrs Thalis, the Bennet girls grew in beauty, grace, and accomplishments. Miss Bennet was of a sweet temper and unmatched by her sisters in her nimble fingers which were put into good use at needlework, netting, and the harp. Miss Elizabeth, two years younger than Miss Bennet, had a lively disposition who preferred being outdoors to being in the schoolroom and took on the organisation of the household early. Miss Mary, a year below Miss Elizabeth, had the most serious and musical mind of the sisters and it was the challenge of Mrs Thalis to instruct her away from the more conservative religious tracts such as Fordyce’s Sermons and the tragic scores she preferred. Miss Catherine, two years younger than Miss Mary, was the flightiest of the sisters and settled only when she had a paintbrush in her hand – her study of Longbourn completed when she was just seven years old hung pride of place in the Drawing Room. Miss Lydia, the youngest at two years below Miss Catherine, was the boldest and sometimes took advantage of her status as the youngest but, when she could be bent to it, had the greatest capacity for languages and singing.

Despite the estate being entailed away from the female line and his lack of wife, Mr Bennet did not remarry. He had been duped into marriage with the late Mrs Bennet by her beauty and refused to risk living with a shrew again. Other men in his situation, perhaps, would have concentrated themselves on their estate and daughters – to ensure that they would be looked after once he had passed – but Mr Bennet was inherently an indolent man, as long as there was sufficient port and books in his reading room and quiet with which to enjoy them then he was satisfied. Afterall, Mrs Bennet’s dowry of four thousand had been invested in the company of Mrs Bennet’s brother Mr Gardiner – a most gentlemanlike man – which would provide for his daughters and neither Mr Gardiner nor Mrs Philips would allow them to be thrown into the hedgerows. Mr Gardiner and Mr Philips had sat the girls down five years after Mrs Bennet’s passing – when it became clear that Mr Bennet would not remarry and would do nothing else for his daughters – and explained the precariousness of the Bennet girls’ situation, while ensuring they understood that they would always be there for them. Miss Elizabeth – although only twelve at this conversation – had already taken on the responsibility of overseeing the household, having the best head for sums, from the housekeeper Mrs Hill, and spoke at length with both Mrs Philips and Mrs Hill, as well as their neighbours Lady Lucas, Mrs Long, and Mrs Goulding, as to the correct usage of the funds that Mr Bennet provided her. Together, the six of them devised a method of saving one-hundred-and-fifty pounds a year from the household accounts – Mr Bennet still provided the same amount of money for the household that he did when Mrs Bennet had been alive but, without the parties and extravagance she participated in, great savings could be made. Mrs Hill had already the system of giving the spare funds from the previous five years to the Philipses to invest for the Bennet girls.

Mr Gardiner had married a young woman from the northern county of Derbyshire two years after Mrs Bennet’s death, and together they had moved into a respectable home on Gracechurch Street in the City of London and been blessed with three children. As a result, once Miss Bennet – at the age of seventeen – came out in Hertfordshire, the Gardiner’s invited her to be hosted by them for the season. The first season ended with no credible offers for the beautiful eldest Miss Bennet, although there had been several dishonourable ones, and so she returned to Gracechurch Street the next year where an acquaintance of Mr Gardiner – a banker of some wealth – made her acquaintance, fell in love, and proposed marriage. Miss Bennet – being of such sweet temper as to see the good qualities even in those without them – could see no evil in Mr Rotefil and happily accepted his hand. He was not put off by her small dowry, having more than enough for a family and more interested in having a gentlewoman as his wife, nor the prospect of having to look after her four sisters in the case of their father’s death.

While Miss Bennet was being courted by Mr Rotefil, Mr Bennet was being visited by Mr Collins and his son William – the heir apparent to Longbourn. Mr Collins was a mean man who spoke more often with his fists than his words while Master William was obsequiously subservient to every word his father uttered. The substance of Mr Collins arriving at Longbourn was the majority of his son whom he now judged deserved a wife – particularly a handsome one from among his cousin’s daughters. Upon finding the eldest – and most beautiful – daughter missing his rage was beyond describing and he struck Mr Bennet. Master William, meanwhile, had been introduced to Miss Elizabeth and Miss Mary and his fancy had landed upon Miss Elizabeth to the extent that he determined upon her being his bride. He followed her to the garden where she was engaged in cutting roses to take to the stillroom and her youngest sisters and attempted to impose on her honour. Luckily, Mr Hill – the butler – had ordered that none of the Miss Bennets’ were to walk unaccompanied while the Collinses were in residence for he remembered Mr Collins well from his last visit. The footman, and a gardener, removed Master William forcibly and, upon escorting him back in the house, found Mr Collins being escorted out by Mr Hill and another footman, dumped them both in the Bennets’ carriage and drove them to a coaching inn five miles away.

The substance of this encounter making the rounds of the Meryton surroundings within a day, Mr Philips and some of the leading figures of the area all exhorted Mr Bennet to remarry and attempt a son to ensure the Collinses could never inhabit the area. Mr Bennet was not one to exert himself and simply nodded along to their requests – having no mind to go out and find himself a wife. The men, knowing Mr Bennet’s disposition, then made their wishes known to their wives who passed it along to the Bennet daughters by their daughters and younger relations. The four girls at home decided to wait until their elder sister and Mrs Gardiner arrived from London, for they were due the following week to prepare for Miss Bennet’s wedding, to search for a stepmother.

Mrs Gardiner and Miss Bennet duly arrived and, after having acquainted the four girls with all that had happened in London to much squealing from Miss Catherine and Miss Lydia, they convened what Miss Lydia called a council of war along with Mrs Philips. They wrote out a list of all the eligible single women of the neighbourhood and then started working through them, crossing out those they disagreed with. This council was interrupted by the arrival of Miss Charlotte Lucas – the eldest of the Lucas children who was the particular friend of Miss Elizabeth despite being seven years her elder – to offer her congratulations to Miss Bennet and an invitation for a party at Lucas Lodge the following evening for all the Bennets – including Miss Catherine and Miss Lydia who, although thirteen and eleven, were of an age with Miss Lucas’ younger sister Miss Maria.

It was Miss Elizabeth who proposed to Miss Lucas. Miss Lucas was twenty three and had not had a single proposal in the seven years she had been out for, despite being eminently sensible, she was rather plain and her dowry of five-thousand could not force the local gentlemen to overlook her apparent defect. However, Miss Lucas was sensible and well loved by the Bennet girls. Her shock need not be described but, having thought the proposal over for a few minutes, agreed – she knew she had no prospects and the idea of being Mistress of Longbourn was not to be sniffed at.

Miss Lucas returned to Lucas Lodge to inform her parents of Miss Elizabeth’s proposal while Mrs Philips rushed off to her husband to have him write up the marriage articles. The next day, the Philipses and Lucases convened at Longbourn to discuss how to go forward – knowing Mr Bennet needed to be presented with a fait accompli. The marriage articles were finalised, a date for the marriage set, and all that was required was Mr Bennet’s knowledge and signature. Sir William Lucas and Mr Philips descended upon Mr Bennet’s reading room to inform Mr Bennet of his upcoming nuptials while the ladies discussed the minutiae of the wedding. Mr Bennet’s bemusement was enough to keep Sir William and Mr Philips amused for the next two months over being informed that he was marrying Miss Lucas in three weeks but, upon glancing at the marriage articles, had no reason to disagree and simply shrugged his shoulders at the idea of marrying Miss Lucas.

Three weeks later Miss Lucas married Mr Bennet at the Meryton church, being greeted after the ceremony by all five of her new daughters as ‘Mother’, much to all their amusement. Two weeks after Miss Bennet gained a mother, she resigned her surname and became Mrs Rotefil in the same church. She moved to Mr Rotefil’s house in one of the fashionable squares, however, shortly after having set up her house to her satisfaction, Mr Rotefil was required by opportunity to remove to New York City in the United States of America. After a teary farewell to Longbourn and her sisters, Mrs Rotefil left for America.

The new Mrs Bennet took over running the household from Miss Elizabeth – now Miss Bennet – and, having been raised to not expect fortune, continued to keep the household expenses to just a little more than what Miss Bennet had managed. Two years of marriage went by without Mrs Bennet increasing. Miss Bennet had two seasons in London at the Gardiners and Miss Mary one – neither leaving with a proposal. Miss Bennet had no wish to marry any of the fops nor a man who would curtail her pleasures of walking and reading. Miss Mary, although Mrs Thalis had made her into an accomplished young woman, was near painfully shy and preferred a quiet company to the entertainments of London – although she did truly enjoy the theatre and opera whenever Mr Gardiner could get tickets. In addition, Mr John Lucas, the second son of Sir William – and Mrs Bennet’s younger brother – had just returned from Cambridge with the intention of learning the law from Mr Philips and seemed to take an interest in Miss Mary. Sir William did send to the Bishop to inquire as to the permissibility of a man marrying the daughter of his sister’s husband by a previous marriage with the answer being if a dispensation was sought and properly enumerated then it would be allowed.

After two years of marriage, Mrs Bennet did start increasing and was joyously celebrated by her family as well as the community for none wished for Mr Collins, either one, to return. The midwife was concerned for she judged that Mrs Bennet was carrying two babes – a phenomenon which she had not presided over before. Mrs Bennet was brought to bed a month early and, after three days hard travail bore Master Thomas Bennet and his younger sister Miss Charlotte Bennet. Sadly, the babes were positioned wrongly and the midwife’s attempts to save the life of all three failed. For the second time Mr Bennet lost a wife in childbirth. Mrs Bennet had just turned twenty-six. The only consolation for Mr Bennet and his elder daughters was that both children seemed healthy – although small but that was accounted for as being twins and early – and there was a son to break the entail and stop the Collinses from inheriting.

Mrs Bennet was due to be buried just four days later – a day after her children would be christened in the same church of Longbourn which the previous Mrs Bennet had been buried in – and the day, as was normal for an English August day, dawned stormy. Nevertheless the people of the area braved the rain and the storm – the ladies heading for Longbourn to support the Bennet and Lucas women and the men to the church and the burial. Mrs Bennet’s coffin was borne the half mile to the church by Mr Bennet, Sir William, and Mr William and Mr John Lucas. Although the servants had been out earlier to sand the path to soak up some of the mud and rain puddles, the way was treacherous and, within sight of the churchyard gate Mr Bennet slipped in the mud. He professed to be alright but was visibly limping to the prepared grave and, once giving up his burden of the coffin, seen to be clutching at his ribs.

Upon returning to Longbourn, Mr Jones insisted on seeing to Mr Bennet and diagnosed him with a sprained ankle and cracked ribs. Although concerned, Mr Bennet waved his daughters off and saw the wake through – disappearing to his reading room once it was over. The next day, he was found dead in his bed by his valet. He had had cracked ribs – in fact he had broken them and they had caused a small puncture in his lung which he succumbed to in the night.

Miss Bennet was about to turn nineteen, Miss Mary eighteen, Miss Catherine was sixteen, and Miss Lydia just fourteen when their world was turned upside down. None were old enough to be without a guardian however that was where the difficulty came about. Master Thomas – just five days old – was the new Master of Longbourn and so a reliable steward had to be found to administer the estate. Mr Gardiner could not leave London and his business to look after the girls nor did they want to leave Longbourn and their new brother and sister. Mr Philips was too busy with his practice and it was not convenient for him to move from Meryton the mile away to Longbourn nor did he feel comfortable doing so. Despite this, Mr Bennet’s will had left the four grown girls to the guardianship of Mr Gardiner and Mr Philips while Miss Charlotte was to go to Sir William. The men gathered together in Mr Bennet’s book study and decided a course of action for the girls.

Miss Bennet was a sensible girl who could be trusted to look after the household and her siblings without the onsite supervision from any of the gentlemen – especially with the inclusion of Mrs Thalis. Sir William had no wish to remove his grandchildren from their sisters nor the estate which Master Thomas was Master of. Mr John Lucas proposed he remove from Lucas Lodge to the steward’s cottage on the estate and take up that role at the same time as he continued his education with Mr Philips which meant he was eminently placed to deal with the legal problems of the estate. As the Bennets’ would be in a year of mourning, the question of chaperonage need not be answered just yet but both the Philipses and Lucases were more than happy to take on that task when needed.

Chapter Text

The Bennets’ year of mourning passed as all years of mourning do and they returned to society in time for the August assembly where Miss Bennet and Miss Mary were greeted with much rejoicing from their neighbours. The laxer manners of the Meryton surroundings meant that no-one was concerned that the Bennet girls arrived alone. Mr John Lucas danced the first and last with Miss Mary and called upon her most days for the next month before he gained her hand. Despite Lady Lucas’ wishes to the contrary, Miss Mary insisted on a small private wedding at Longbourn Chapel as soon as the banns could be read. As a consequence Miss Mary became the second Bennet sister to resign that name the week before Michaelmas 1811. The new Mr and Mrs John Lucas forewent a tour – opting instead for a week away in a small villa on the south coast – as Mr Lucas was too busy with the Michaelmas rents.

This story starts properly two weeks before the second Bennet-Lucas marriage when the news that Netherfield Park had been let at last made the rounds of the area – promulgated cheerfully by Mrs Philips. Further joy was given by the news that it was let by a Mr Bingley who was a young, single man of large fortune from the north and that he would take possession of Netherfield at Michaelmas, just in time for him to attend the Michaelmas assembly. Mr Philips informed his nieces that he seemed an amiable man who gave himself no airs despite having a fortune which gave him four or five thousand pounds a year which – or so Mr Philips had found out – had been gained by his late father in trade.

Having no man in the house, the Bennet girls were at a disadvantage when it came to making the acquaintance of Mr Bingley when he arrived at Netherfield three days before the Michaelmas assembly. Catherine could be heard sighing that they would never meet him before others even though they were the most senior family while Lydia was sighing about being fifteen and being the last of her sisters to be in the nursery (although she did not reside in the nursery and had not done so since the age of ten as all her sisters before her). Young Master Thomas, called Tom by his doting elder sisters, was more concerned about stuffing as much of his sisters needlework supplies in his mouth as possible whenever he was allowed downstairs – which was most of the time for the girls believed in having their young brother and sister around them as much as possible, even if it did result in ruined threads and linen more often than not – and Miss Charlotte – Lottie – just wanted attention from someone. Elizabeth, meanwhile, was attempting to compile the final accounts for the Michaelmas period at a table in the corner and cheerfully avoiding the chaos.

“You know that Sir William and Uncle Philips will visit and inform him of our situation – indeed, Lady Lucas told me yesterday that, if Mr Bingley attends the assembly we will be the first they introduce him to, or if he does not then Lady Lucas will collect us when she calls upon him with Maria.” Said Elizabeth sensibly as she threw her pen down in despair for the day was beautiful for the end of September and she wished more than anything to be outdoors walking.

“But the indignity of having to be introduced to him at the assembly. I can see Mary King’s smug little face already for I am sure her uncle has already taken her to meet him. And she has ten thousand from her grandfather.” Catherine swung herself onto the settee and flung an arm over her face in despair.

“Oh Kitty. Do not be so dramatic.” Laughed Elizabeth, shaking her head at the antics of her sister.

“Yes Kitty, do not be so dramatic. You get to meet Mr Bingley and I do not.” Lydia pouted.

“You will meet him Lydia. I am sure Sir William will be throwing multiple soirees which you will be invited to and Mr Bingley will visit here. If you behave yourself then of course you will be able to sit in the Drawing Room. You know it is only dancing you cannot participate in yet.”

This speech was interrupted by Mrs Hill, the housekeeper, entering the room and announcing Lady Lucas and Maria. Maria skipped over to Catherine and Lydia and started speaking in fast tones on the latest fashion plate that had arrived in the Lucas household. Lady Lucas, meanwhile, seated herself with Elizabeth and took Tom onto her knee. Lottie, seeing her brother getting attention from her grandmother, insisted upon Elizabeth picking her up.

“Well, I have just come from Netherfield for Sir William has just introduced me to Mr Bingley. He is very amiable and has no pretensions to above his status as a tradesman’s son. I would say he is not above five and twenty but has quite a puppy-ish way about him. But he is amiable and seemed very disposed to dance. Sir William invited him to the assembly in two days and he immediately accepted on his behalf and that of his party for it seems that he is to be joined the morning of the assembly by his two sisters, the husband of the elder, and a great friend of his who was the master of a very considerable estate in Derbyshire.”

“I assume his married sister is to keep the house?” Elizabeth asked, bouncing Lottie on her knee.

“No. It is to be the younger of his sisters – who is a year older than Mr Bingley but still unmarried so I have no pretensions about her attitude – who will keep house. Mrs Hurst – for that is his elder sister – and her husband will not be in residence for long, returning to London in November. Mr Darcy, Mr Bingley’s friend, is a man of great renown. Sir William is narrowly acquainted with a distant cousin of Mr Darcy and assured me on our return that he is seven and twenty and has been Master of Pemberley for five years since the death of his father when he was just two and twenty as well as guardianship of his younger sister who is not yet out. His mother was the younger sister of the Earl of ---. Pemberley is supposed to have an income of ten thousand a year and he very likely has more than that. Now, would that not be a very good catch for you Eliza?”

“Lady Lucas! You have a great overestimation of my attributes if you think I could catch a man such as that. Surely he will marry a lady of great fortune who is a near relation of an aristocrat. Not an orphaned gentlewoman whose family estate makes just two thousand a year and prefers being outdoors than female accomplishments. Not to mention I will not marry, but stay and raise Tom and Charlotte and teach Mary, Kitty, and Lydia’s children to embroider badly and play the pianoforte ill.”

“Come now Eliza. You must not sell yourself so cheaply. You are a catch for any man, regardless of how high his family is. Although I do hope you do not mind my putting Maria forward for Mr Bingley.”

“I do not begrudge you searching for a husband for Maria but she is only ten and seven. She has plenty of time to find a husband if Mr Bingley does not prove so obliging.”

“Thank you Eliza. You are a good girl. If you do decide to chase him yourself then you have seniority.”

“Thank you Lady Lucas but I believe I can safely promise to not fall in love with any of the Netherfield gentlemen.”

“Be careful Miss Eliza. One day you will meet a gentlemen who will force you to review all your previous words.”

Having delivered her news, Lady Lucas stood, placing Tom on the floor, and called Maria over to attend her back home. Maria finished her visit with an embrace of Kitty and Lydia before hurrying off after her mother. Elizabeth sat back down, poured her and her sisters more tea, and retold her conversation with Lady Lucas to her sisters.

“Oh, ‘tis a shame that Mary and John will miss the Assembly.” Kitty cried, “for then we would appear chaperoned and not allow this Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst to think ill of us.”

“And why would you think that Mr Bingley’s sisters would do so. Mr Bingley is apparently all that is gentlemanly – even if he is not a landowner just yet.”

“Maria was telling me that she heard from Lucy – their upstairs maid – who has a cousin, Milly, who has just been hired by Mrs Nichols over at Netherfield, that Miss Bingley’s orders are all of one who is of the Haute Ton and disdains country living.”

“Then we shall show her how true ladies behave, if she is indeed as her orders seem to portray her. And true ladies do not gossip about one who they do not know if it may cause damage to that person’s reputation.” Elizabeth lectured Kitty and Lydia as they both hung their heads shamefacedly.

Despite Elizabeth’s lecturing on not gossiping, Kitty and Lydia spent much of the next three days visiting their friends – all young ladies on the verge of being out or having just come out – disseminating this information with the help of Maria Lucas. The news spread like wildfire and before any of the Netherfield residents stepped foot in Netherfield for their stay, the entire population of the surrounding area knew most of their life stories.

Mr Bingley was indeed a young, single, man of large fortune. His fortune had been made by his father, who had died eighteen months previously and had expressed the wish that his son become a gentleman. For the family fortune was made in trade – Mr Bingley Snr had owned several factories in the north of England manufacturing cotton. Mr Bingley had attended a reputable school in the north and entered Cambridge where he had made the accidental acquaintance of Mr Darcy at a social event. He was five and twenty years old, had happy manners, and was quite boyish and puppy-ish in his outlook.

Miss Caroline Bingley was the younger of Mr Bingley’s two sisters and yet was still four and twenty years old. She was considered by the Meryton surroundings as being on the shelf and all the matrons expected for her to wear a cap to signal this – for her own dignity. She had a fortune of twenty-thousand pounds – and yet still unmarried was whispered around. Her attitude in Town was considerably different from her brother’s – where he was ready smiles, she was sneers, and he happy comments, she snide remarks. Mrs Goulding’s friend in Town told her that Miss Bingley seemed to believe that, because she attended a fine finishing school and had a large fortune, she deserved a member of the Haute Ton as a husband and yet forgot the stench of trade was very strong on her. Her claws, it was told, were firmly set on Mr Darcy and woe betide any other woman who had the same idea as her – there had been a few ladies of the Ton who had had their reputations destroyed by Caroline Bingley.

Mrs Hurst – Louisa – was the elder sister at seven and twenty and had been married five years to a gentleman of more fashion than substance. Her dowry propped up Mr Hurst’s estate while his position propped up her own. It seemed to be a typical unhappy marriage. Mrs Hurst was considered in Town as less than her sister in all things – which was a good thing as she was less caustic, less abrasive, and generally less abusive than Caroline Bingley. Mr Hurst, all that could be found out about him, was that he enjoyed food and wine and resided entirely in Town, not having visited his estate in the northern counties since marrying Mrs Hurst.

The last of the Netherfield party was the one upon whom most of the gossip centred. Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy was the Master of the great estate of Pemberley in Derbyshire at the age of only seven and twenty – rumoured to be half of Derbyshire, the other half owned by the Devonshire’s – and worth around ten thousand pounds a year. This was quickly disregarded as an underestimate – Mr Philips estimated it was likely to be closer to twenty-thousand a year. All the ladies with unmarried female relations were in a tizzy at the thought of catching a man such as Mr Darcy but they all agreed that it was highly unlikely to happen. There was no way a man of the calibre as Mr Darcy – who was also the nephew of the Earl of --- – would look twice at a country gentlewoman of little means. Elizabeth was vindicated at this collective thought – although she would have been less so had she been privy to the conversations of some of the ladies who all decided to push Elizabeth forward. Mr Darcy had no known vices – he did not gamble, played cards only at reputable card parties and never for vowels, if he kept a mistress it was very discreetly done and he never entered houses of ill-repute – and was known to be intelligent, well-read, and hard-working. He had become Master of Pemberley five years previously at the age of two and twenty after the sudden death of his father, as well as the guardian of his much younger sister Miss Georgiana Darcy – who was just fifteen and naturally not yet out. Despite his youth, Mr Darcy had kept the family wealth and Pemberley – or so Mrs Gardiner who was a native of Lambton, a village just five miles from Pemberley, related to her nieces when the news reached her from Mrs Philips – was even more productive than under the late Mr Darcy. That he was reputed to be tall, and handsome, only made the young ladies of Meryton even more exited to meet this paragon of gentlemen.

The Meryton Michaelmas Assembly started promptly at eight with most of the four and twenty great families arriving on time – they did not proscribe to the fashion of arriving late, rationalising that it simply meant less time to see each other – along with the more prosperous merchants. Sir William was greatly enjoying his role as Master of Ceremonies, which was rather redundant as everyone knew everyone else and they all knew the rules of the Assembly. But it kept Sir William happy and the Assembly respectable so no one complained. Several of the elder gentlemen had entered – coerced by their wives into attending to meet the Netherfield Party – and made their way straight to the cards room where several games of whist were being hard fought. The first set started at a quarter past eight and yet there were two important parties absent – the Netherfield Party and the Bennet’s.

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The Bennet’s were late to the Meryton Assembly because of Lottie. She had gone down as normal but, just as Elizabeth and Kitty were about to leave, she woke from a terrifying dream that had her screaming without stopping until Elizabeth entered and calmed her. Lottie clung to Elizabeth and refused to let her put her down, the tears soaking into Elizabeth’s gown and spoiling it. Finally, Lottie allowed Lydia to take her – which distracted Lydia from her wishing to attend the Assembly (Elizabeth had promised her that when she turned sixteen Lydia would be able to attend the Assemblies as long as she only stood up with the Lucases, Philipses, or her sisters) – which enabled Elizabeth to run to her chamber and have Nell – the Bennet sisters’ ladies maid – change her gown into a peach silk dress that Mrs Gardiner had gifted her for her twentieth birthday. Elizabeth had been holding off wearing it for a more formal occasion – if one of the families hosted a private ball – but it would do for the Meryton Michaelmas Assembly. Finally, half an hour after the Assembly started, Elizabeth and Kitty were leaving and praying that they would reach the Assembly Rooms before the start of the second dance of the second set.

The Netherfield Party was late to the Meryton Assembly because of Caroline Bingley. She did proscribe to the idea of being fashionably late plus she had changed her gown multiple times – never being satisfied with what she was wearing for this provincial dance full of country mushrooms. The final concoction was a burnt orange silk ballgown with multiple furbelows in a contrasting golden yellow velvet, worn with a turban made from the golden yellow velvet with some dyed orange feathers attached to it. It would have perhaps suited a woman with a darker skin tone and deep brown hair – unfortunately Caroline Bingley was fashionably pale, and had light brown hair with a red undertone. The only reason the Netherfield Party was not later was Mr Bingley threatening to leave Caroline alone.

The second dance of the first set was in the middle when the Ball Room door opened and five figures were framed in the doorway – three men and two ladies. Sir William dashed to the doorway and bowed to the middle man.

“Mr Bingley. A pleasure. Welcome to the Meryton Michaelmas Assembly.”

“Sir William. May I present my party?”

“Of course. Of course.”

“My brother Mr Hurst, sisters Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley, and my friend Mr Darcy.”

Sir William bowed to each of the party as Mr Bingley named them, not getting a response from any of them bar a nod from Mr Darcy.

“Capital. Capital.” Sir William clapped his hands with enthusiasm and proceeded to escort Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy around the Ball Room, introducing them to all the participants. Mr Hurst had made a bee-line for the Card Room and installed himself there with multiple glasses of wine and many games of whist to keep him busy. Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley stood together in one corner of the Ball Room throwing sneering glances at the ladies and their fashions without making the effort to speak to any one of them.

Much to the amusement of the Meryton ladies Miss Bingley was not wearing a spinsters’ cap nor was she making any effort to make the acquaintance of any of the gentlemen in the room expect for Mr Darcy whose arm she had been clinging to when they entered and been quickly disengaged from.

Mr Bingley escorted Maria Lucas to the head of the room for the first dance of the second set – the honour belonging to her due to her status as the daughter of a knight and the Master of Ceremonies. As soon as the second set started, Mr Darcy retreated to the opposite corner to that of Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley and ignored everyone else. Mrs Long tried to start a conversation with him but got only a few sharp nods before she gave up – declaring to Lady Lucas and Mrs Goulding that Mr Darcy, for all his reputed virtues, was a proud and disagreeable man.

The second set had just started when the Bennet’s carriage pulled up outside the Assembly Rooms and Elizabeth and Kitty disembarked. After receiving their numbers for dancing – Elizabeth was twenty-seven and Kitty twenty-eight – and handing their cloaks over to the servants, the two Bennet girls headed upstairs to the Ball Room. Mrs Philips spotted them first and abandoned Mrs King to greet them with a hug and kisses on the cheek.

“Lizzy! Kitty! Oh, I thought something had happened to you for you are so late!”

“Aunt Philips.” Elizabeth laughed, guiding Mrs Philips back to Mrs King where Lady Lucas had headed knowing what Elizabeth would do. “Lottie, the poor dear, refused to let me leave and dirtied my original gown. And so Kitty and I are late. But we have only missed the first set have we not?”

“Indeed Eliza. And you were not the only ones who were late. The Netherfield Party have only just arrived as well. Mr Bingley is there dancing with my Maria. Mr Hurst has disappeared to the Card Room while the other three are standing around.” Lady Lucas informed Elizabeth, looking very proud of Mr Bingley dancing with her Maria first.

“Mr Darcy is very proud and disagreeable – he stood next to Mrs Long and refused to speak with her! Have you heard of anything so rude?” Mrs Philips exclaimed, her voice carrying to Elizabeth’s wince.

“I am sure he did not mean to be so. Had he been introduced to Mrs Long?” Elizabeth attempted to moderate the hasty opinion of the Meryton ladies and was very conscious of the fact that Mr Darcy was very likely to be able to hear them.

“Well, no he had not.” Mrs Philips faltered.

“Then he was not being rude. He was simply adhering to the rules of society by not speaking to someone he had not been introduced to. I am sure that, had he been introduced to Mrs Long, he would not have behaved so.”

The ladies’ conversation was interrupted by young Mr Grant asking for Kitty’s hand for the second dance which was about to begin. With a glance at Elizabeth, Kitty accepted and left the elder ladies to their gossiping – Elizabeth knew that once the second dance was done Kitty would go and giggle with Maria Lucas, and Henrietta Long whenever they were not dancing. Elizabeth, who had been seriously considering wearing a cap once she turned one and twenty the next year, decided to remain with the older ladies, in an attempt to moderate their words about the new people.

“Well, Mr Darcy might have a reason for not speaking to Mrs Long but what reason do Mr Bingley’s sisters have to stand there superciliously. They, after all, are just the daughters of a tradesman.” Lady Lucas said.

“They can have none bar bad manners.” Mrs Philips declared.

“Well, if they do not want to have anything to do with us then we shall have nothing to do with them. I am sure I do not want to invite Miss Bingley or Mrs Hurst to Longbourn if they are going to act so far above us when they are socially below us.” Elizabeth stated, a small smile playing on her face.

“No indeed.” Mrs Philips agreed with her, nodding her head firmly, “They shall not have an invitation to my house.”

“Nor mine.” Added Mrs King.

“Well, I shall have to invite them to Lucas Lodge for we all know Sir William would have no different but it shall not be with pleasure.”

Having made this damning decision, the ladies split to disseminate this to the other ladies and their male relations. By the end of the second set – the second dance of which Mr Bingley had danced with Miss King – the entire Assembly knew that the Bingley sisters would not be welcome into most of the houses of the surrounding area. All, except for the sisters in question and their brother who was too busy having his head turned by all the pretty girls to be conscious of the undercurrents of the Ball Room. Mr Darcy was not ignorant of these undercurrents – his hearing the first conversation notwithstanding – but, having declined to be introduced to most of the people as he thought they were too below him, took no part.

“Mr Darcy.” Darcy’s thoughts of being alone were disturbed by Sir William approaching him in such a way that he was unable to ignore him.

“Sir William.” Darcy gave him a small nod.

“You are not inclined to dance sir?”

“I rarely dance.”

“Then perhaps the Card Room would suit you better?” It was a pointed comment for Sir William to make and surprisingly subtle as well.

“I do not play as Mr Hurst does.”

Even Sir William, the ebullient figure he was, struggled to continue the conversation and almost gave up on it except for the fortunate occurrence of Elizabeth walking past them with Lady Lucas on the way to speak with the other ladies sitting down.

“Ah, Mr Darcy, I do not believe you have been introduced to Miss Bennet.”

“No I have not.”

Darcy found himself in such a situation as to be unable to refuse to be introduced to Miss Bennet – being aware that she had tried to mitigate the image he had accidentally presented in the first half hour he had attended the Assembly.

“I would be honoured to be introduced to the young lady.”

“Mr Darcy, may I present Miss Elizabeth Bennet, the eldest of the Bennet siblings of the Longbourn estate? Eliza, may I present Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire?”

“Mr Darcy.” Elizabeth dipped a curtsey in response to Darcy’s nodded head, “My younger sister Catherine you see there with Miss Lucas. I have three other sisters and a brother – Mary, the next youngest, has just married Sir William and Lady Lucas’ second son Mr John Lucas and will return tomorrow, and Lydia is not yet out. Thomas and Charlotte – Sir William and Lady Lucas’ grandchildren – are but a year and so still in the nursery.”

“And your parents?”

“My mother died when I was young and my stepmother Charlotte, the Lucas’ eldest daughter and my closest friend, passed last year. My father followed her shortly after.”

“My condolences Miss Bennet.”

“Thank you Mr Darcy. If you will excuse me, I see my uncle Mr Philips is free and I must speak with him on an estate matter that cannot wait until my brother Mr Lucas is at work again.”

The first meeting between Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet was over and yet it left a mark for both of them. Darcy was astonished at the lack of interest from Miss Bennet as well as how sensible her conversation was for such a short polite form. Elizabeth thought that Mr Darcy, although definitely socially awkward, was not as bad as the ladies had made him out to be in the first few minutes, but he was still extremely proud and concerned with convention – after all, asking where her parents were was indicative of his distain towards her and Kitty being unchaperoned (of course, all the community acted as chaperones, in particular the Lucases and Philipses).

This meeting went unnoticed by most of the Assembly participants. The Lucas parents were proud observants of Eliza and Darcy – and if Lady Lucas was planning on contriving more meetings between the two then it was kept to herself – while Kitty, from across the Ball Room, saw Elizabeth pointing to her as an introduction. The Bingley sisters also saw this – Mrs Hurst saw no problem with it, rationalising it as Mr Darcy being cornered by the Lucases, while Miss Bingley was outraged at her Mr Darcy speaking civilly to one of the country mushrooms, particularly one who was not plain. Miss Bingley vowed to redouble her efforts at catching Mr Darcy and to use these few weeks to show Mr Darcy exactly how perfect she would be as Mrs Darcy and Mistress of his London house (not Pemberley. That was in the country and even further from Town than this backwards estate).

The Lucases, keeping with their normal personalities, next manoeuvred to get Elizabeth and Kitty introduced to Mr Bingley. This was not difficult as the Bennets were the preeminent family in the region and both Elizabeth and Kitty were very pretty girls – jewels of the county as Sir William proudly announced he introduced them to Mr Bingley.

“Miss Bennet, Miss Kitty.”

“Mr Bingley.” Kitty said, giggling a little at how earnestly Mr Bingley had greeted them. At least until Elizabeth elbowed her discreetly in the side (something she could do as, despite Kitty being three years younger than her, she was four inches taller).

“Mr Bingley. How are you enjoying Netherfield so far?” Elizabeth inquired politely.

“Very much. It is in such a peaceful location and the people have all been so friendly.”

“Yes, Meryton is very quiet, despite us being so close to Town.”

“My thoughts exactly Miss Bennet. It is so fortunate that I was able to find Netherfield Park for such a reasonable rent. It is the exact distance from Town as to allow me to enjoy the best of both – Town entertainments and country living.”

“Indeed it is Mr Bingley.” If Elizabeth’s smile was an indulgent one – one she normally utilised for Tom and Lottie – then only the Lucases and Kitty noticed and none of them mentioned it. “And which, on such short time spent here, do you prefer?”

“Oh I could not say Miss Bennet. Both have their very obvious attractions.”

“Indeed. I know my younger sisters always enjoyed their time with our aunt and uncle in Town.”

“Not yourself Miss Bennet?”

“And myself Mr Bingley, but I have no time for that now – although my sisters do still.”

“And do you prefer town or country Miss Kitty?”

“I like Town and the diversions there, but I have not had the time to enjoy them much being so young and in mourning so recently, and here at Longbourn I have my sisters and brother with me as well as all my friends.” Kitty said, glancing at Elizabeth to see if what she had said was correct.

“You enjoyed the drawing master our aunt engaged.” Elizabeth added, seeing no reason to not promote her sister’s abilities.

“Yes, Master Kent was an excellent teacher. I was quite upset when he determined that he would no longer teach me.”

“Do you dance Miss Kitty?” Mr Bingley said, quite out of the blue for what they had been discussing, “And you Miss Bennet.”

Elizabeth laughed lightly, “I am not inclined to dance Mr Bingley.”

“I have the next dance free Mr Bingley.” Kitty said.

“Excellent.” Mr Bingley offered Kitty his arm as the previous set had just finished, and led Kitty to the floor where they were placed in the middle.

Elizabeth left them to it and headed for the refreshment table where she, in order to avoid a rather soused Mr Long (who was regularly soused at Assemblies much to the mortification of Mrs Long who Elizabeth could see was frantically gesturing to Mr Philips to aid her), stepped quite into the path of Mr Darcy.

“My apologies Mr Darcy.” Elizabeth said, curtseying a little and passing him a glass of (now warm) punch, “Mr Long will be removed soon.”

“Is this a regular occurrence?” Mr Darcy’s voice was strict and his face expressed his utmost displeasure.

“Mr Long is a good man but cannot hold his drink. More than two and he will be like this. My uncle Philips will escort him to his carriage while I will probably offer my carriage for Mrs Long at the end. We are more relaxed here in the country and we all know each other’s follies and foibles.”

“Indeed.”

“Ah, here is my uncle Philips now.”

“Lizzie, Mr Darcy.” Mr Philips greeted them as he gently pulled Mr Long away by his sleeve. “Lizzie, I will get to work straight on that so would you escort your aunt home?”

“Of course uncle. Let Mr Long know I will also escort Mrs Long.”

“I will. We shall probably call in tomorrow.”

“Please do. Mary wrote that they planned to be at Longbourn by three so perhaps come for dinner. The Lucases will also be there.”

“Until tomorrow Lizzie. Good evening Mr Darcy.”

“Your sister has been away?” Mr Darcy asked.

“Yes. Mary has recently married the Lucases second son John who is the Longbourn steward. They will be returning from their wedding trip tomorrow.”

“You have many sisters.”

“I am the second of seven siblings. My elder sister Jane has been married these last four years and living in New York City to a banker of some means named Mr Rotefil and, last I heard, the mother of a son. Mary, now Mrs John Lucas, is the next youngest after myself as I mentioned earlier, and then there is Catherine, whom you have met tonight, who is newly out. At home there is Lydia, the youngest of my full sisters, who is fifteen and so not yet out, as well as the twins – Sir William and Lady Lucas’s grandchildren – Thomas, who is Master of Longbourn, and Charlotte who are both a year old, and much spoilt by us I must admit. And do you have any siblings yourself Mr Darcy?”

“One sister, Georgiana, who is more than ten years younger than myself. She is not yet sixteen.” Mr Darcy paused and looked straight at Elizabeth, “I have shared guardianship of her with my cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam these last four years.”

“I am sorry for your loss Mr Darcy. What sort of girl is Miss Darcy? I must admit that Kitty and Lydia can be quite exuberant and caused our governess Mrs Thalis more problems than Jane, Mary, and I.”

“She is quite shy.” Every word Mr Darcy spoke seemed to have been weighed carefully before being said, “And has recently suffered a disappointment which has caused her to become even shyer. My aunt the Countess of --- suggested that it would be better if I were to give her some space.”

Darcy did not know why he said this to Miss Bennet – a lady he had only just met in a small provincial assembly. He could only rationalise it by the fact that Miss Bennet had not shown any inclination towards catching him. And she seemed to have guardianship – although she could not be of age and so there must be more to it than just her – of her younger siblings as well as overseeing the estate.

“Your aunt seems a wise woman Mr Darcy. I have no elder brothers but I do have younger sisters and there have been times in the last year that I have sent Lydia to my aunt and uncle in London for a few weeks so that she could have some space and the attention of my aunt who is an eminently sensible woman. It allowed Lydia to be treated as a young lady and not a girl and allowed myself the time to understand that she is growing up.”

Darcy was silent for a moment as he processed what Elizabeth had said. Then he slowly nodded.

“I believe that is what we both need. It is hard to see Georgiana as a young lady and not a girl with her hair still in ringlets.”

Elizabeth laughed lightly, “I know the feeling. I keep forgetting that Kitty and Lydia are young ladies – Kitty is even out – and not little girls running down the corridor of Longbourn, escaping from their lessons. Although, I must confess that that happened just last week so perhaps not everything has changed.”

A small twitch of Mr Darcy’s lips seemed to indicate a smile which Elizabeth already knew was a very rare thing indeed. Elizabeth finished her punch and stepped back from Mr Darcy.

“The dance is ending Mr Darcy and I must find out from my sister whether she enjoyed it. Excuse me.”

She left, leaving Mr Darcy staring at her retreating back. Never had a woman affected him so much as Miss Elizabeth Bennet just had. An entire conversation without mention of her, or her younger sister, being eligible for his wife, or asking after his sister in order to demonstrate how motherly she was. No, Miss Bennet had seemed genuinely interested in what Georgiana was like and offered genuine advice and sympathy from someone in the same situation as he was in. It was refreshing. And extremely terrifying for, for the first time in his life, Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy Master of Pemberley, owner of half of Derbyshire, and possessor of more than ten thousand a year, was in the position to be caught by a young lady if she so desired it.

Miss Caroline Bingley, having watched this interaction, was incredibly angry and her complexion had turned a very unflattering red – which clashed with her hair and gown. She vowed that, before they left this dreadful place, she would be engaged to Mr Darcy.

Chapter Text

The day after the Assembly saw Lydia being the only Bennet sister up before breakfast and she happily ensconced herself in the nursery with Tom and Lottie – as a way to avoid her own lessons and pass the time until Lizzie and Kitty woke up and could tell her all the gossip from the previous night. By forty minutes after breakfast had ended, Lydia’s patience had ended (a miracle which made Mr Hill money after betting with Mrs Hill and Mrs Sail the cook) and she ran down the hallway to wake her elder sisters up. She dragged Kitty into Lizzie’s room and refused to leave until she had had all her gossip. This duly done by a grudging – and tired – Lizzie, Lydia graciously allowed her elder sisters to get ready for the day.

Later, when the three ladies were seated in the winter drawing room, each occupied in her own diversions (Lizzie was going over the Michaelmas incomes, Kitty had seated herself in the window and was painting the scene outside, and Lydia was translating an Italian opera into French and German as an exercise from Mrs Thalis), Lydia broke the comfortable silence when she had reached a natural break in her translations.

“It would be lovely to meet Miss Darcy. She sounds a little lonely and imagine having only two unmarried gentlemen as your guardians!”

“Perhaps you may ask Mr Darcy if he would allow you to correspond with Miss Darcy when he visits – for Mr Bingley seems a sociable man who I am sure will make calls even to a household of just ladies.” Lizzie said, looking up from her calculations and stretching her back, “Mary and John should have reached to cottage by now so I am sure that it will not be long before they arrive. Kitty, can you see them or the Lucases or Philipses?”

“No Lizzie. The front is clear except for the gardeners. It will be so nice to see Mary and John again – even if they have only been gone for a week. And it will be so strange that Mary does not live here anymore and will be only a visitor.”

“Lizzie, when are you going to marry?”

“I will not marry Lydia, as you well know. After all, who else will look after Tom and Lottie and Longbourn?”

“But Mary and John will look after Longbourn. He is the steward after all. And Tom’s uncle and brother so who else will look after it as well.”

“That is Longbourn Lydia, not Tom and Lottie themselves. Or you and Kitty.”

“Any man that becomes my brother will have to take all of us, not just you.”

“Oh Lydia. Who would take me and four dependents on such a small dowry? No man of sense and you know I could not marry anything other than a man of sense.”

“What about Mr Darcy? He seemed quite taken with you last night. Mr Bingley commented that he has never seen Mr Darcy so talkative with a lady before.” Kitty said, grinning widely at Lizzie.

“Kitty!” Lizzie shrieked – she would never admit to it though – “Mr Darcy and I were simply discussing our siblings. There was nothing more to it. And Mr Darcy is the nephew of an Earl and extremely wealthy. There is no way he would be interested in me.”

“No way who would be interested in you?” A new voice said which caused the three Bennet girls to rush up and hug the young lady – plainer than the three Bennet girls but still pretty – almost causing her to topple over.

“Mary!” They all cried.

“I have only been gone a week.” Mary said with a slight chuckle in her voice.

“How was your trip? And where is John?” Lydia asked, poking her head out of the door to stare into the hallway.

“Good. He is speaking with Mr Hill about what has happened in the last week.”

“I have the Michaelmas accounts here which I need to show him.” Lizzie said, leaving the hug and pouring Mary a cup of tea which she took gratefully.

“So, who is interested in Lizzie?” Mary asked as she sunk down into her favourite chair and grabbed one of Mrs Sail’s famous ginger biscuits.

“Mr Darcy, the friend of Mr Bingley who is helping him learn to be an estate owner.” Kitty said before being interrupted by Lydia.

“He was terribly rude and did not speak to anyone but-“ Lydia tried to continue but was herself cut off by Kitty.

“You were not even there so you cannot know what happened! Mr Bingley asked me to dance – he is a nice man but rather too puppy-ish as Lady Lucas described him – and while he did Lizzie went to the refreshments. Mr Long had – as usual – had too much to drink and she sidestepped into Mr Darcy’s path and proceeded to have a long conversation with him.”

“And what was this conversation about that has Kitty and Lydia planning your wedding to Mr Darcy?” Mary asked.

Lizzie sighed before answering.

“About Mr Long to which Mr Darcy showed his abject disgust of our country manners. And our families and responsibilities. He is joint guardian – with his unmarried cousin who is a colonel – of his sister who is Lydia’s age. We simply discussed the trials of such responsibility.”

“Quite a heavy conversation for a first meeting.” Mary observed.

“Yes, but I get the feeling that Mr Darcy is quite a heavy and serious gentleman.”

The sound of hooves caused the four sisters to stop their conversation as they prepared to welcome their families. For now, the four decided to keep Mr Darcy’s conversation to themselves – not that it had not been observed by the matrons of the community who all smiled and plotted how to throw the two together again. John joined them, after a hug from each of his new sisters, in the entrance to welcome their families for the evening.

It was a very convivial one for every participant was well known to the other and all celebrating the new couple. The separation of the sexes was short – the Lucases and Mr Philips only had to discuss the Michaelmas income and all felt weird at using the study without a proper host – and, once they reconvened in the winter drawing room, talk naturally turned to the assembly the previous evening. The events were gone over again, compliments given at Maria being Mr Bingley’s first choice, and Mr Darcy’s rudeness then conversation with Lizzie discussed in great detail, despite her attempts to stop it.

“All I am saying Eliza, is that Mr Darcy did not show any interest in any other person except yourself. It is a great honour, to be so singled out by such a man.” Lady Lucas said wisely to Mrs Philips’ nods.

“And all I am saying Lady Lucas, is that this was simply a conversation between the guardians of young ladies.” Lizzie argued back.

Seeing Lizzie becoming more and more vexed, Lydia decided to be a good sister and distract the two matrons from their matchmaking.

“I am very much looking forward to meeting the Netherfield Party. It is so unfair that I do not get to go to dances yet. Oh, Lady Lucas, please say that you are having a soiree soon and that I may meet Mr Bingley, and his sisters, and Mr Darcy.”

“I must admit that I am quite interested in meeting the party as well. John has his observations on Mr Bingley but I do not quite know whether or not to believe them.” Mary added, aiding in distracting her mother-in-law. John mimed feeling hurt at her comments which had them all laughing.

“Well, we were discussing a soiree in two days.” Sir William said, exchanging glances with his wife.

“I have no good feelings about the Bingley sisters but it would not do to not invite them.”

It was agreed, therefore, that Mary, John, and Lydia would meet the Netherfield party in two days time at the soiree at Lucas Lodge. This agreed – and the youngest of the Lucas children flagging – the party broke up with Kitty and Lydia making plans to walk to Lucas Lodge to see Maria (Henrietta Long and Elise Goulding would also be visiting so the four girls could get up to all sorts of trouble) the following day.

Lizzie was, therefore, left alone the next day and quite enjoyed the free time to have quality time with the twins and then take a long walk during their naptime. As she was returning down the back path towards the stables, she was met by John and Mr Darcy – who was leading his horse.

“John. Mr Darcy.” Lizzie curtsied and jammed her bonnet back on her head with a blush. “How are you today gentlemen?”

“I am well Eliza. Mary went to the stillroom just now. We met Mr Darcy on the trail.” John replied.

“Good day Miss Bennet. I was exploring the estate when I mistakenly strayed onto Longbourn land where I met Mr Lucas who was so good as to correct me.”

“I suggested that Mr Darcy accompany me here – I have a couple of things to go through with you for the spring planting – to see our set up.”

“I am always interested in how other people run their estates to see if I may learn from them.”

“I do not see how you would learn anything from Longbourn. We are but a small estate and much further south than Pemberley.” Lizzie commented.

Mr Darcy coloured a little admitted to having bought Netherfield earlier in the summer – which was the reason Mr Bingley had gotten the tenancy for a very respectable price. John and Lizzie exchanged glances but John, speaking for both of them, promised to not mention it.

“Would you like to come in for some refreshments? Kitty and Lydia are at Lucas Lodge visiting Maria Lucas while Tom and Lottie are not due to wake for another thirty minutes.” Lizzie offered.

Mr Darcy assented and handed the reigns of his horse to a waiting groom before following Lizzie and John in the side door. Mr Hill greeted them and left on Lizzie’s orders to bring the tea and Mrs Sail’s famous ginger biscuits in. Lizzie had just poured the two men tea and settled herself on a chair when Mr Darcy asked an impertinent question – which he asked with all the grace of awkwardness and a slight blush.

“May I ask how Longbourn and the family work? Miss Bennet you cannot be of age I am sure and so cannot have guardianship of your siblings.”

“I am just turned twenty Mr Darcy. But you are correct, I am not guardian of my siblings, at least not yet. My uncles Mr Gardiner and Mr Philips share guardianship of myself, Mary – although no longer I suppose -, Kitty, and Lydia, while Sir William has guardianship of Tom and Lottie. It has been agreed that, when I turn one-and-twenty I will gain guardianship. My uncles and Sir William trust me to care for my siblings, and Sir William, my uncle Philips, and John are nearby as are the rest of the community. Now, with John married to Mary, the gentlemen have even less to worry about.”

“You will take guardianship when you are of age? Pardon me Miss Bennet for being impolitic, but what will happen when you marry for that will take you away from here.”

“I will not marry Mr Darcy, unless that man – one of sense – will take my siblings as well. But I shall never meet someone of that so I will put on a cap next year and raise my siblings and live quite happily in the dowager cottage once Tom marries.”

Mr Darcy blinked, completely stunned and shocked. Here was a young gentlewoman declaring that she would not marry in favour of looking after her siblings. He could not think of a woman of his acquaintance who would do the same – he could not even think of a man who would do such. Miss Bennet truly was unique. And her dedication to family was something that Darcy could very much appreciate. He felt himself in some danger of falling in love with this beautiful, intelligent, and determined young lady, even after so short an acquaintance.

He was saved from replying by a knock on the door and the entrance of a nursemaid who, bobbing a curtsey to Miss Bennet, apologised and declared that Master Tom and Miss Charlotte were awake and would the mistress like to have them down. Miss Bennet looked at Darcy in askance. It took Darcy a few moments to realise that Miss Bennet was silently asking him whether he would mind her youngest siblings joining them. He nodded his agreement. A minute later, the door opened again and the maid entered with two babies on her hips. Once they saw Miss Bennet and Mr John Lucas, they both made noises to go down and walked – with unsteady steps – towards them.

“Mr Darcy. May I present Master Thomas Bennet the Master of Longbourn and his younger sister Miss Charlotte Bennet?” Miss Bennet said, picking one of the children up and placing them on her lap. Darcy’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of Miss Bennet holding a child.

“Master Bennet, Miss Charlotte.” Darcy bowed ceremoniously at the two children, causing Miss Bennet to hide a smile in the child’s hair.

“I am holding Tom and John has Lottie. If you would be so kind, Mr Darcy, would you mind moving the work basket to the table?” Miss Bennet said, nodding at the work basket which had been abandoned on the settee, “They rather enjoy eating our work.”

Darcy assented and rose, carrying the basket to the table but taking the chance to have a glance inside and at the half-finished watercolour on the table. It was an accomplished piece Darcy noted, better than what Georgiana could do. Mr John Lucas had obviously noticed his glance for he spoke up next.

“That is Kitty’s. She is quite an accomplished artist. Mary is the pianist and spends much of her time in the stillroom, Lydia has the best voice and an ear for languages – how many does she speak now Eliza?”

“Four. English, French, German, and Italian. Mrs Thalis, our governess has her translating operatic works into the other languages as an exercise. I believe she wishes to learn Spanish next.”

“And you, Miss Bennet, what is your accomplishment among your sisters?” Darcy asked.

“Nothing such as my sisters I fear. I am good at mathematics, and I must be for I manage the household accounts, but prefer reading and walks – as you saw when I met you. I am not an accomplished lady. But as long as I can raise Tom properly then that is all I wish for.”

“You are a most unusual young lady Miss Bennet.” Darcy commented, attempting to sound neutral but, from Mr John Lucas’ smirk, he had failed.

“Thank you Mr Darcy.” A door slammed in the vicinity which caused Miss Bennet to shoot her head into the direction of the door. “It seems my sisters are home.”

“Lizzie!” The screech of a young girl echoed through Longbourn.

“In here Lydia.” Lizzie sighed as she raised her voice, not looking at Mr Darcy out of embarrassment.

The door swung open and hit the wall with a bang as Kitty and Lydia fell through with a giggle. They quickly stopped and sobered up when they saw Mr Darcy seated, sipping tea, in their father’s favourite chair.

“Mr Darcy.” Kitty curtsied and looked down embarrassed at her feet, “Sorry Lizzie.”

“Mr Darcy. May I introduce the last of my siblings, Miss Lydia Bennet?” Lizzie said with a long-suffering sigh, “Who is a decorous young lady. Most of the time.” The last was muttered but Mr Darcy still heard her.

“Mr Darcy.” Lydia also curtsied and looked to the floor in embarrassment with Kitty.

“Miss Lydia. Miss Catherine, I was admiring your painting earlier. You really are an accomplished artist.”

“Thank you Mr Darcy.” Kitty walked quickly to the table and took her seat at the painting in order to avoid looking at Mr Darcy. Lydia, seeing Kitty move, scurried to the chair next to Lizzie and fiddled with a plate with the biscuits.

“Lydia?” Lizzie looked at her sister in concern. “Is something wrong?”

Lydia was silent for a second, still fidgeting with the plate.

“I am sorry Lizzie. The first time I am introduced to someone new and I act like a child.” Lydia said quietly, in the hope that Mr Darcy didn’t hear him – unfortunately Mr Darcy had good hearing and heard every word of Lydia’s confession.

“Lydia.” Lizzie said quietly, “You did nothing wrong. You did not know that Mr Darcy was visiting as it is not a normal visiting day for us. I am sure Mr Darcy has seen similar with his sister. Perhaps now is the time to ask if you might correspond with Miss Darcy.”

“Mr Darcy.” Lydia said quietly.

“Yes Miss Lydia.” Darcy said patiently, quite enjoying the interaction with the Bennet family.

“Lizzie mentioned that you have a sister Mr Darcy.”

“Indeed I do Miss Lydia. Georgiana. She is not yet sixteen and very shy.”

“I know I have never heard of your sister and you have just met me – and I could not have made a good impression – but-“ Lydia, in a very uncharacteristic move for her, faltered and stopped.

“Lydia, and Kitty, would like to correspond with Miss Darcy. With your permission of course.” Lizzie carried on for Lydia, looking a little concerned at her.

“I am sure Georgiana would be delighted. She does not have many people with which to correspond. I will leave the directions when I leave. All I ask is that you allow me time to write to my sister and gain her permission.”

“Of course Mr Darcy.” Kitty said, looking at Lydia and not thinking that she would answer, “I am very much looking forward to writing to her and I know Lydia is as well.”

Mr Darcy put his teacup down and glanced at the clock over the mantlepiece.

“Thank you for the tea Miss Bennet, Mr Lucas, Miss Catherine, Miss Lydia. A pleasure to meet you Miss Lydia – and of course Master Tom and Miss Lottie.”

“I shall see you out Mr Darcy.” Lizzie rose and, moving Tom to her hip, walked Mr Darcy out of the drawing room.

“Your younger sisters are energetic young ladies.” Darcy said, glancing at the babe on Miss Bennet’s hip who was waving a hand at him.

“My apologies Mr Darcy. They are both young and have been out with their friends. They are normally well-behaved young ladies, please do not fear for Miss Darcy having contact with them.”

“I do not fear for my sister Miss Bennet. Your sisters have been raised by yourself.”

Lizzie stopped and turned to look at Mr Darcy. He took her free hand and kissed it, bowing before taking hold of Tom’s hand and shaking it mock-officiously.

“Miss Bennet. Until next time.”

Lizzie stood on the entrance step and watched as Mr Darcy swung himself onto his horse and, tipping his hat in their direction, kicked his horse into a trot down the main drive. Lizzie stayed where she was, watching Mr Darcy disappear into the distance until Kitty and Lydia appeared on either side of her with John hovering in the background, slowly walking Lottie to them.

“I think you are in danger of falling in love with Mr Darcy.” Lydia sung, a large grin covering her face.

“And he you.” John said.

“No.” Lizzie whirled around, “No.”

“Lizzie’s in love.” Kitty sung.

“We are not discussing this now. We are not discussing this ever.” Lizzie stormed off into the house and into the rarely used study, sinking down into the chair she had always sat in when her father was alive. “Oh Tom.” She whispered into his hair, “I cannot fall in love with Mr Darcy. He and I could never be together. If Papa were alive I could just go off to my aunt Gardiner to get away from him but I cannot abandon you or the girls. I will never abandon any of you.”

Chapter Text

Lizzie was still conflicted when she arrived – with Mary, John, Kitty, and Lydia – to the Lucas soiree the day after her meeting with Mr Darcy. It had not helped that Kitty and Lydia had insisted on loudly planning her wedding whenever they were in the same location. Lizzie was at the end of her tether with them and contemplating sending a letter to her aunt Gardiner to ask for her to take Kitty and Lydia in until Mr Darcy vacated Netherfield. As soon as they entered, Kitty and Lydia went off giggling with Maria, while John was co-opted by his father and elder brother. Lizzie and Mary were left to greet Lady Lucas, Mrs Philips, and the other ladies. All were waiting for the Netherfield party – for those in whose honour the soiree was being held.

They were late again, much to Darcy’s anger. Miss Bingley had not wanted to attend the Lucas Lodge soiree and so dragged her heels into being unfashionably and rudely late. Bingley was vibrating with his unbridled joy of being in a social situation with pretty girls. Darcy was simply looking forward to another conversation with the intriguing Miss Bennet, not that he would admit that even to himself.

The soiree was in full flow when the Netherfield party arrived and they were quickly introduced to Miss Lydia Bennet – who smiled sweetly at them but quickly left for her friends again – and Mrs John Lucas who was seated at the pianoforte playing a lively concerto quietly enough to not overpower the various conversations going on while still being loud enough to be heard. Darcy looked around to find Miss Bennet who was speaking gaily with an older gentleman in uniform.

“Mr Darcy.” Lizzie greeted the imposing gentleman who had made his way almost directly towards her, “Have you been introduced to Colonel Forster? He is to winter in Meryton.”

“Colonel Forster.” Mr Darcy nodded and settled into silence, occasionally staring out of the window.

Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley spent the soiree seated on a settee in the corner and sneering and gossiping at the Meryton inhabitants. The local ladies, therefore, spent the soiree sneering and gossiping at them. Mr Bingley missed all of this as he was far too interested in flitting between conversations where there was a pretty girl – which caused the locals to stand straighter and keep a close eye on him for meddling with their female relations. It was not a success for any of the Netherfield party and they left (except for Mr Darcy) not understanding the depth of the distrust Meryton showed them.

Darcy was aware of the feelings of the Meryton locals towards his hosts but, despite pulling Bingley aside for a game of billiards after the soiree and warning him to watch his and his sisters’ behaviour, he could do nothing about it. Instead, he spent the next few weeks writing to his sister every day, going over his correspondence with his various stewards and bankers, and out riding the lands – occasionally with Bingley who did not seem to be able to grasp the intricacies of land ownership – to check them over. He met most days with John Lucas who was, he determined, a most gentlemanly person and rode the Longbourn estate with him – often ending up at Longbourn where they would sit in the drawing room for a quarter of an hour, often in the company of at least two of the Bennet ladies. Every conversation Darcy had with Miss Bennet in the privacy of the Longbourn drawing room caused Darcy to fall in love with Miss Bennet even more which caused him no little concern when he was alone.

Miss Bennet was a most estimable young lady who had gone through such that would have caused most young ladies to collapse. And yet she had kept going and was fiercely protective of her remaining family. She had openly vowed to not marry in order to raise her brother and sister and keep her family estate running. Her sisters were all accomplished young ladies who, unlike the ladies of the Ton, had accomplishments which were useful to their lives. Miss Bennet herself was the perfect Mistress of the estate – the household budgets, raising the children, charity, friendliness with the neighbourhood. Except that she had an uncle in trade, was defacto mistress of an estate making just two thousand pounds a year, and seemed to have only a small dowry. His uncle would not be pleased if he arrived in Town with a connection to Miss Bennet.

While Mr Darcy was torturing himself over his duty, the Bennet ladies were getting acquainted with the officers of the Militia regiment whenever they visited their aunt Philips. As Mrs Philips had never had any children and the Bennet girls did not have a mother, she had taken on that role with vengeance and was very happy to introduce her nieces to the fashionable looking young officers. Of course, she and Lizzie had warned Kitty and Lydia to not fall in love with any of the officers for they were likely to be impoverished gentlemen nor to be alone with them as sometimes officers were not gentlemanly at all.

The handsomest of all the officers was a Lieutenant Wickham, who Mrs Philips estimated to be in his late twenties, who had arrived from Town and instantly found himself at the centre of the ladies’ attention. He had happy manners and Lizzie was the lady to whom he showed most of his attentions – despite her warning him off her. Their first meeting had been on a trip to Meryton by all the Bennet girls wherein Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy had happened to be riding down the main street and saluted the ladies. The faces of Mr Darcy and Lieutenant Wickham coloured and caused the observers some questions. Lizzie was given Lieutenant Wickham’s answer that evening at a card party at the Philipses house. Lieutenant Wickham claimed that Mr Darcy had cheated him of an inheritance and church position as well as being jealous of Mr Darcy’s father’s favouritism of Lieutenant Wickham. He also claimed that Miss Darcy was haughty and proud like her brother.

This declaration caused much discussion among the ladies who had heard of Mr Darcy’s visits to Longbourn and could not reconcile Lieutenant Wickham’s description of Mr Darcy with what they had observed. Mr Wickham was declared to be a man of no good intentions and he was only invited to parties when it would be rude not to. John had informed Mr Darcy of Mr Wickham’s information and passed on the intelligence he received from Mr Darcy as to Mr Wickham’s inclinations in money and maids. Mr Wickham found his welcome in Meryton was an uncomfortable one and many times reconsidered his idea of joining the Militia.

Mr Bingley had continued to visit his new neighbours and discussed the weather and state of the roads and hunting, and found nothing which made him unhappy. He was so happy in his situation that he decided to hold a ball at Netherfield Park at the end of November – much to the distaste of his sisters who wanted nothing more than to leave the country and return to civilization in Town. Darcy was apologetic and informed Bingley that he would be leaving the morning after the ball as he was required in Town.

The five days leading up to the Netherfield Ball were rainy and caused all the ladies to have to send for their shoe roses and other requirements for a dance. Lydia was dejected that she would not be allowed to go and caused Lizzie much despair over the five days of her tantrum. Kitty had the foresight to not gloat too much over her sister. In order to not act so childishly – having been reprimanded by Lizzie and Mrs Thalis repeatedly – and lose privileges, Lydia took up residence in the nursery with Tom and Lottie and allowed Lizzie and Kitty to get ready for the ball alone. The two ‘out’ Bennet sisters visited the nursery to say goodnight to the twins and for Lizzie to ask Lydia to go to bed at a reasonable time, before climbing into the Bennet carriage which headed for the steward’s cottage to pick up Mary and John – Mary laughed at Lizzie’s relieved face and mentioned how lovely it was to get ready alone in quiet.

They arrived at the ball perfectly on time and, after greeting their hosts, hurried into the ballroom to see the Lucases – of whom Mr William Lucas, Mr Samuel, and Mr Frederick (the eldest, third, and fourth sons) as well as Maria were attending.

Mr Darcy did his duty and danced with his hostesses – somehow avoiding being caught by Miss Bingley by judicious use of ducking behind pillars – but spent the rest of the ball being extremely unsociable and taciturn. He had resolved, however much he may wish to dance with Miss Bennet, to not do so as to avoid putting himself in a position of time with her to be caught more. This caused both pain – for Lizzie was also in much danger of being caught by Mr Darcy and it pained her that he avoided her company at the ball.

Needless to say, Lizzie also found the Ball painful and wished regularly for it to be over but she didn’t want to spoil Kitty’s enjoyment of her first proper ball. This meant that Lizzie spent most of the time sitting out with the matrons – the Militia who had been invited stayed clear of her as her disdain for them had been made clear as had her protectiveness over her younger sisters. John danced with her – especially as Mary was not keen on dancing – as did his brothers and a couple of the younger gentlemen of the area but they all quickly realised that she was not her normal self. They were also conscious enough to realise it was Mr Darcy not dancing with her – or indeed even acknowledging her – which was the cause of the change which led to the young men being rude to him.

The end of the ball could not come quick enough for many and Lizzie inveigled it that the Bennet carriage was one of the earlier ones to be called – ignoring Kitty’s moans at leaving early although they weren't too effective being interspersed with yawns. Lizzie was just collecting her cloak when Mr Darcy stepped forward to help her into it.

“Miss Bennet. I regret that I was not able to dance with you tonight.”

“I was not in that great a demand that I would have refused you if you had asked.” Lizzie shot back archly.

“I.” Mr Darcy paused, “I do not perform well to strangers.”

“You have lived among my neighbours for eight weeks and yet you would still call them strangers.”

“I do not possess that ability to converse easily with strangers nor catch the tone of a conversation.”

“I do not possess the ability that some, like Mary, have of playing the pianoforte well but I have always thought that was my own fault for not taking the time to practice more.”

“You are right of course.” Mr Darcy bowed his head at this acquiescence, “I came here simply to inform you that I will be returning to Town in a few hours and to pay my compliments to yourself, your brothers, and your sisters.”

“You are leaving!” The words slipped out of Lizzie’s mouth before she could stop them.

“Indeed.” Mr Darcy looked unusually grave as he spoke, “I believe it is for the best. Bingley will either learn to be an estate owner or not. And I have business in Town that I cannot put off any longer.”

“Your sister must be missing you as well.”

“Yes, I am desirous of seeing Georgiana again and of returning to Pemberley before the snows set in for winter.”

“Family is the most important thing in the world and you hang onto it as much as possible.”

“Indeed. Goodbye Miss Bennet.”

“Goodbye Mr Darcy.”

Lizzie curtsied and turned, intending to leave Netherfield but was stopped by Kitty nervously stepping forward.

“Mr Darcy.” She said quietly.

“Miss Catherine.”

“May Lydia and I still write your sister?”

“Yes Miss Catherine. Direct your letters to Pemberley near Matlock and Georgiana shall receive them.”

“Thank you Mr Darcy.”

John also stepped forward and shook Mr Darcy’s hand, the two agreeing to write each other on regards to Netherfield and planting. Mary simply curtsied and shot a look at Lizzie asking if she was alright. Finally, the goodbyes were completed and Lizzie was handed into the waiting carriage by John – Mr Darcy having been forced back into the ballroom.

“Are you well Lizzie?” Mary asked quietly.

Lizzie just sighed.

“I will be Mary. One day. I must confess that Mr Darcy was the closest person to whom I feel I could marry. But I have my responsibilities to Longbourn and Tom and Lottie and he to Pemberley and Miss Darcy and his other estates.”

“Perhaps you will find a way to work around and with all those responsibilities.” John put in.

“No. Our responsibilities are so similar but so different as to never allow that. No, I must say goodbye to Mr Darcy forever and look to the future of the Bennets.”
Lizzie turned her face to look out of the carriage and ignored her family exchanging glances at each other. Whatever feelings she had for Mr Darcy and he for her could never be expressed and she would have to learn to live with that. However painful it was.

Chapter Text

Darcy returned to Town and was reunited with Georgiana but his mood was black and scared Georgiana back into the silence which Mrs Annesley had started coaxing her out of. Georgiana’s retreat back into silence was noted by their aunt Fitzwilliam who managed to get out of her the reasoning and called in reinforcements for Darcy’s black mood. But it was in vain as Darcy quickly moved Georgiana and him to Pemberley for the Christmas period. The return to Pemberley seemed to help him – in that he threw himself into his duties and tried to use that to drown out his hope of Miss Bennet. Georgiana only saw her brother at dinner for the first week but, gradually, he spent more time with her as Miss Bennet’s fierceness towards her family reminded him of his to Georgiana. The equilibrium reached by Darcy was shattered when he started attending breakfast with Georgiana and so was present when the letters were distributed.

Intellectually, Darcy knew that Georgiana was corresponding with the two youngest Bennet sisters but he had avoided all mention from her of them. This was broken when Georgiana squealed loudly upon seeing the writing on her two letters. At Darcy’s enquiring look she elaborated.

“Kitty and Lydia have responded. We did not know whether their letters would get through with the recent snow. But they have. I have not heard from them for ten days!”

All Darcy could bring himself to do was grunt almost inaudibly in reply – not trusting himself to speak. Even hearing the names of the youngest Bennets was painful to him as all he could do was think of Miss Bennet and how she raised the two of them. It seemed that Georgiana did not need Darcy to reply for she hurriedly opened the first letter and was soon engrossed in the reading. Darcy shook himself and sorted through his letters – mainly letters of business from his various accounts but there was one from Bingley which he opened first. He was half-way through reading Bingley’s letter – which took him far longer than it should have done considering how atrocious Bingley’s writing was – when Georgiana squealed once again.

“Georgiana! You are a young lady now and I expect you to behave as such at all times.” Darcy reprimanded her.

“My apologies brother but Elizabeth has given Kitty and Lydia permission to go to their aunt and uncle’s in London in February for six weeks to have the benefit of the masters. That is just when we will return is it not? Do say that you will allow me to visit them and invite them to the house to visit me. They are gentlewomen and you wrote well of Elizabeth.”

“But their aunt and uncle are not. And as they will be staying in the care of a tradesman and his wife they will not be fit to be with you.” Darcy’s reply was implacable and Georgiana knew her brother enough to know he would not back down on this matter. It did not make what he said any easier for her to hear and the Fitzwilliam temper erupted.

“You are only saying that because you are terrified that you are in love with Elizabeth Bennet and believe that you need to marry as all the others of the Ton do. But you do not. You hate the Ton and the women the Ton create. It is why you have not married before despite participating in the Season for five years. But Elizabeth Bennet is different and you know it.”

“Enough Georgiana!” Darcy stood and slammed his hands on the dining table. “My decision on my marriage is my own and not my more than ten years younger sister who is not even out yet.”

“But it will affect me. You are my brother. Almost the only family I have left and I want to see you happy. And whoever you marry will become my sister and while I am unmarried the main female influence I have.” Georgiana shouted back, refusing to back down from her brother for perhaps the first time ever.

“To your rooms Georgiana. I do not want to see you for the rest of the day and do not speak of this to me again.” Darcy stormed out of the breakfast room leaving Georgiana standing there breathing heavily from the exertion of shouting at her brother.

The tension between the Darcy’s continued through January and into the first week of February when they departed Pemberley for London. The servants were far too well trained to show their relief at the departure of their master and mistress but the relief was palpable. Each of the servants seemed to slump when the carriage carrying the Darcy’s pulled away from the entrance and a general lifting of the mood was observed by Mrs Reynolds, the housekeeper, and Mr Matthews, the butler. All at Pemberley wished that the Darcy’s might resolve whatever their issue was before their return – and hopefully they would return with this Elizabeth Bennet that two of the footmen heard the Darcy’s arguing about.

The three day carriage ride for the Darcy’s and Mrs Annesley, Georgiana’s companion, was intolerable. Mr Darcy would not speak to Miss Darcy while Miss Darcy would not even look at her brother but to glare at him, near constantly reading over her letters from Kitty and Lydia Bennet. Poor Mrs Annesley was stuck in the middle of the warring Darcy siblings and resorted to knitting stockings to keep her head down. The sight of Darcy House was pure relief for the three in the carriage who quickly left the carriage and disappeared to different areas of the house in order to avoid each other.

Mr Darcy threw himself into the Season in an attempt to show his sister that Elizabeth Bennet was not the only woman he could marry. This was to the happiness of the Countess who hoped to have one of the three eligible young gentlemen of her immediate acquaintance – the other two being her two sons including the Viscount who was the heir – married off but she quickly saw that Darcy was only going through the motions, he still hated the way the women presented themselves as money hungry, vapid, creatures. Despite trying very hard to find a woman he could stand to be his wife, Darcy was unable to find a single one who complied with all his requirements.

In Hertfordshire meanwhile, Elizabeth Bennet was also struggling with her position. Kitty and Lydia insisted upon reading and then rehashing every letter they received from Georgiana in minute detail for days afterwards. This drove Lizzie to hiding out in her father’s study in an attempt to forget Mr Darcy. It was helped a little by the Netherfield party upping and leaving without a word the afternoon after the Netherfield ball ended – which definitely did not help their standing in the community. Multiple letters were sent to acquaintances, not just in Town but also in Bath and Liverpool, detailing the attitudes of the Netherfield party (excluding Mr Darcy who was so obviously in love with Elizabeth Bennet, and she with him, and had said his farewells to the senior members of the community during the ball). Lizzie was one of those who wrote to her relatives in London with stories of the Bingley’s.

(They were not to know it but the contents of the many letters made their rounds of the outer circles of the Ton and ruined at least Miss Bingley’s prospects and caused Mr Bingley’s to take a sharp dive. The rumours reached the ears of the innermost circles of the Ton and the Fitzwilliam Countess managed to trace the rumours back to the small town of Meryton (where the oh so interesting Miss Elizabeth Bennet lived) and silently raised a cup of tea to them as a toast. Miss Bingley would never find a husband within the Ton after the rumours finished their rounds.)

Lizzie only managed to quiet Kitty and Lydia by promising them six weeks with the Gardiners from February to March if they managed to keep the Darcy’s out of their mouths. This was done with considerable effort on the part of Kitty and Lydia who wished for nothing more than to make Lizzie declare her affection for Mr Darcy. Lizzie could regularly see Kitty and Lydia quite literally biting their tongues to stop them teasing her. Mary and John were of no use as they agreed with Kitty and Lydia, although in a more discreet way – indeed, John was corresponding with Mr Darcy regarding Netherfield Park (especially once it became clear that Mr Bingley would not be returning) which led to John being appointed as steward of Netherfield Park as well as Longbourn. Sometimes, it seemed that the only place Lizzie could have peace was in the nursery with Tom and Lottie.

Christmas came and went and with it came the Gardiners and their four young children. Longbourn was temporarily turned into a madhouse with the children – including the twins – darting everywhere and getting under everyone’s feet. Lizzie seemed to spend the ten days the Gardiners were in residence chasing after one child or another. Mr Gardiner met with his brother-in-law Mr Philips, as well as Sir William, and John on three occasions to discuss the finances of Longbourn and any problems which had occurred since his last visit – there were no major problems which had not been solved by John’s capable stewardship and Longbourn’s finances had increased from two thousand pounds at Mrs Frances Bennet’s death to two thousand six hundred which provided for a good amount being set aside for the younger girls’ dowries. Mrs Gardiner sat Lizzie down for a series of probing questions into her feelings towards Mr Darcy which left Lizzie wrung out and wanting to retreat into quiet with a good book to get her equilibrium back. She did wonder what Mr Darcy was doing very often but pushed that aside again and again. She was married to the estate until Tom came of age and then she would retire to the dowager cottage to be looked after by Tom and any of the girls’ who remained. Her destiny was not to become Mrs Darcy – however much she might wish for it.

With the advent of January came the leaving of the Gardiners and the countdown of Kitty and Lydia for their departure to London. Each insisted that they needed more clothing to cover their six week move to London which was opposed by Lizzie with the explanation that Kitty was out – and might need more dresses if the Gardiners were to take her to events – but Lydia was only fifteen and would not be going out to events. This caused a tantrum from Lydia which was only quelled by extra lessons from Mrs Thalis. Lizzie could not wait for the second week of February to roll around in order to have some peace.

Lizzie also found it hard to have peace as the Militia were firmly entrenched in Meryton. At every event some of the officers were invited and, although they were never invited to Longbourn, Lizzie could not avoid them when in Meryton or in company. Lizzie found them mostly genial fellows but not gentlemanly. Yes, some were second or third sons of gentlemen but others were of the lower classes and acted in ungentlemanly ways – at least according to John who told her and Mary of their actions towards credit and women. Kitty and Lydia were unimpressed with Lizzie, John, Mary, and Mrs Thalis’ strictures against the Militia – who they had been so excited to welcome – but somewhat mollified by the trip to London. It was another reason February could not come quick enough for Lizzie – with just her at home she could very easily avoid the Militia.

And February did come – perhaps not as quickly as Lizzie would have liked – and the second week saw Lizzie, John, Mary, Tom, and Lottie (the latter two held by their sisters) standing at the entrance waving Kitty and Lydia off with Mrs Thalis in the Bennet carriage – which also meant that Lizzie could not go abroad for the two days her carriage was at work. Kitty and Lydia had shed tears when they realised that they would not see their siblings for six weeks and had – almost uncharacteristically – clung to Lizzie when they realised this. But their excitement won out and they disentangled themselves from Lizzie, hugged Mary and John, kissed Tom and Lottie, and boarded the carriage.

Kitty, being seventeen, was considered out in Town and so the Gardiners escorted her to a few – handpicked – events wherein she met multiple young men but none took her fancy. Lydia was not left out completely for the Gardiners bought tickets to the theatre twice in the six weeks as well as Mrs Gardiner escorting the two girls to the Royal Academy’s exhibition, the British Museum – in particular the Parthenon marbles acquired by the Earl of Elgin - , and several other private exhibitions. She much preferred the theatre rather than the exhibitions – although seeing the Rosetta Stone (which had been donated to the British Museum a decade before) and the Greek translation of it caused her to inquire as to whether she could learn Greek next. Kitty greatly enjoyed the Royal Academy’s exhibition and endeavoured upon Mrs Gardiner to take her there again. Mrs Gardiner could not find the time to do so but Mrs Thalis was happy to take Kitty again.

It was at one of these return trips to the Royal Academy that Kitty ‘happened’ to run into Georgiana Darcy. This had been organised by the two girls in their letters as a way around Mr Darcy’s injunction against meeting the Bennet sisters in Town. Georgiana had convinced her brother to take her to the RA and expressed her shock at meeting Kitty. Mr Darcy did not fall for it but could not gainsay Georgiana without causing a scene. He was not pleased but could not deny that Kitty Bennet had been raised properly by Elizabeth Bennet as a true gentlewoman and, without the Gardiners, had no known connection with tradespeople to the Ton. Strongarmed into it, Darcy agreed to let Georgiana invite Kitty and Lydia Bennet to Darcy House – with the one proviso that it was Mrs Thalis who accompanied them. This was duly accepted, and, twice a week for the next three – which was how long the Bennet sisters had left of their visit – Darcy House was invaded by the giggling of the three girls. Darcy tried to hide his longing for Miss Bennet but failed as soon as he asked Kitty how her elder sister was faring. The smirk on Miss Kitty’s face said it all as she replied that Elizabeth was in good health but had been unhappy these last few months with a pointed look at him.

This caused Darcy agonies again at the thought of Elizabeth pining for him. But he stopped himself. It could never be. His duty was to marry a lady of the Ton and improve the standing of his family – not to marry a near penniless, orphaned, gentlewoman who had vowed to never marry but look after her family instead. This thought exhibited, Darcy quickly retreated and never left his study whenever the Bennet sisters were visiting. But he could still hear them in the drawing room and the joyful sounds permeating the house caused Darcy’s heart to stutter. He took to visiting the club in an attempt to block them out but this was quickly commented on by the other gentlemen who sussed out that Darcy was lovesick. Naturally, the gentlemen informed their womenfolk of this and soon Darcy’s change of attitude towards the marriage mart was put down to him falling in love with an unsuitable woman and trying to forget her. Although some of the mammas continued to push their daughters at him, the more sensibly minded ones stopped as they realised that Darcy would not be able to bring himself to marry one of their daughters while he was still pining over another. The problem for these ladies was that they did not know what sort of lady had turned Darcy’s head – and therefore were unable to arrange their daughters to suit.

The end of March came and with it the end of Kitty and Lydia’s visit to the Gardiners. Lizzie sent the Bennet carriage to pick them up and convey them home. Mrs Thalis was glad for the sight of Longbourn as the two young ladies were very excited to be returning home – however much both enjoyed London they had greatly missed Lizzie, Mary, John, and the twins – and talked near incessantly for the four hour journey. Mrs Thalis exited the carriage, bobbed at Lizzie, and retreated to her room for a few hours of peace and quiet – much to the elder girls’ amusement. The Bennet-Lucas family, after Kitty and Lydia had changed, retired to the winter drawing room (it was still too cold to use the summer drawing room) to catch up with the goings on.

Lizzie happily informed the girls that the Militia would be leaving in June for Brighton – and was counting the weeks down until then – and that all of the Meryton residents could not wait for it as the credit was piling up (as were the women and general hatred towards them). Mary exchanged looks with John who nodded as a grin split his face and he grasped her hand.

“I am with child.” Mary announced to shrieks from Kitty and Lydia and a gasp from Lizzie.

“Oh Mary.” Lizzie said.

“I felt the quickening last week but I did not want to tell you Lizzie until the girls were back.”

“I will tell my parents and siblings tonight.” John said – the Lucas’ were invited that night to celebrate Kitty and Lydia’s return.

“I will pray for you both.” Lydia said, uncharacteristically sober.

The mood plummeted as each remembered the two Mrs Bennet’s and their ends. John gripped Mary’s hand while Lizzie handed the twins to Kitty and Lydia to comfort them.

“It is in God’s hands what my fate will be but whatever happens I know this family will love my child.”

“Of course we will, but it will not be needed. Oh Mary, I am to be an aunt.” Lizzie pulled Mary into a hug.

“We already are aunts.” Kitty pointed out.

“Yes, but we have never met any of Jane’s children nor are we likely to. We barely hear from her as it is.” Lydia argued, pouting as they all missed Jane, “Anyway,” Lydia clapped her hands, “we have presents for you.”

Lizzie laughed, trust the girls to liven the mood with presents. Lydia called for Mr Hill to bring in the chests and happily opened them, passing out packages to the others. She held onto the last two packages, explaining they were for Tom and Lottie so she and Kitty would open them. Lizzie’s held a selection of new books that the Gardiners had found for her as well as two bundles of fabric for new dresses. Mary’s also held two bundles of fabric – which she said she would put away for after the baby was born – and some new music for her to practice (Kitty excitedly said that Georgiana Darcy helped her choose them) and carefully packed glass jars for the stillroom. John had the newest treatise on crop rotations and other gentlemanly works as well as a bottle of port which had him grinning. Kitty and Lydia had chosen some wooden toys for Tom and a new cloth doll for Lottie – who happily grabbed it and refused to let it go – as well as more linens for them.

“Thank you Kitty, Lydia.” Lizzie said.

“Oh, don’t worry about it Lizzie. We also have some very pretty new dresses and enough ribbons to redo all of our old dresses.” Lydia laughed, pulling a bundle of ribbons out of the chest.

“Of course you do Lydia.” Lizzie shook her head in amusement and shared a laugh with Mary and John.

The Bennet family settled down again into a routine – Kitty and Lydia spending most of their time with Mrs Thalis (Kitty might have been out in society but she still spent much of her time in lessons) or visiting the younger ladies of the area. Kitty was in great demand for the first few weeks to retell her tales of the events she had attended in Town. Mary’s situation was publicly disseminated and the congratulations flooded in as did aid from the ladies in preparing for the baby’s linens – but she was quite happy to quietly continue her work as daughter of the estate and wife of the steward. John was kept busy looking after both Longbourn and Netherfield and barely had time to socialise with the community – it had been quite a year going from second son to steward of Longbourn and now also steward of Netherfield. Lizzie continued as Mistress of Longbourn and helping raise Tom and Lottie who changed and learnt almost every day.

The next two months until the leaving of the Militia were dry and all the gentlemen of the community worried about the effects this would have on their income. The Militia left with little fanfare but much relief from the community and everyone settled in to brace for the effects of the heat. The ladies were incredibly thankful for their light gowns and wondered how their ancestors survived in the heavier gowns.

The Darcy’s also spent the next few months in Town – Georgiana spending most of her time with her music master and Darcy more and more despondent at finding a suitable wife and getting Elizabeth Bennet out of his head and heart. The Fitzwilliams watched this all happening but were unable to intervene much – except that the Countess was determined to help them. This in mind, she invited herself, her husband the Earl, and her sons to Pemberley for the summer. Mrs Annesley was given the summer off to visit her widowed sister as the Countess felt that Georgiana was sufficiently old enough to do without her companion’s company when with her. The Earl and Countess also had two daughters – both married with children – the younger of which – Lady Amelia, who had also married an earl – invited herself and her three daughters (Amelia (Melly), Charlotte, and Anne aged five, four, and two) for a few weeks in order to get away from her husband who was attending a party in Essex with some of his friends who she detested.

The Darcy’s went in their carriage but were also joined by the Earl and Countess’ younger son Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam – Georgiana’s other guardian – who kept them entertained with his latest stories of mishaps in the training camp. The Earl and Countess, along with their eldest son and heir the Viscount, and Lady Amelia, travelled in their best carriage while Lady Amelia’s daughters went with their nurses in the second best carriage. All was going well – the convoy had stopped at St Albans for refreshments before carrying on when the heavens opened and a summer storm rolled in. Due to the dry months previously, the influx of rain caused sudden flooding and the main road was quickly rendered impassable. The Darcy carriage was at the front of the convoy so Darcy ordered his coachman to make for Meryton and Netherfield Park.

The road to Meryton was barely passable and flooding worse every minute the downpour continued. They were a little over two miles from Meryton when the flooding reached a stage that it was impossible to carry on. Netherfield was another five miles on the other side of the Longbourn estate.

“I know the owner of this estate well as well as the steward for he is also my steward at Netherfield.” Darcy said to his uncle and cousins once the storm had died down – the men were protecting themselves with large oilskins. “I will ride ahead to the house and request aid. You wait here in the safety of the carriages until I return.”

“But Darcy. How will we move on once you return?” The Colonel asked.

“I have not quite worked that part out yet. But I am sure Mr Lucas, Miss Bennet, and I will come up with something. Wait here. I should be back within an hour.”

With that, Darcy ordered one of his horses to be unhitched and he carefully walked it through the floodwater. Luckily the ground was still hard and the horses hooves were not getting stuck in any mud so he was able to make headway though the floodwater towards Longbourn.

Chapter Text

The Bennets were enjoying the sunshine by participating in a picnic by the lake at the back of the house. The twins were turning two and learning new skills every day. Tom was speaking by now and his favourite word was ‘Ourn’ – his attempt at saying Longbourn which greatly pleased Lizzie who believed this to auger well for the future of the estate – while Lottie was not far behind him speaking wise but her favourite word was ‘Mama’ – which caused Lizzie to cry the first time Lottie called her that as neither Tom nor Lottie would ever know Charlotte but instead it would be Lizzie who was their mother. John had joined them for the actual food but had headed off to oversee repairs to two of the tenant cottages, leaving the women to enjoy the day. Kitty and Lydia were playing a particularly vicious game of quoits while Mary was chasing Tom as Lizzie sat with Lottie happily ensconced in her lap with her doll reading the newest novel that had reached the circulating library in Meryton.

The sudden onslaught of dark clouds and extremely heavy rain caused the ladies to shriek and rush back to the house – not before getting thoroughly soaked. The twins were hurriedly passed off to the nursemaids while the four ladies dried and changed to stop a chill occurring. They had just reconvened in the summer drawing room when Kitty – who was sitting by the window to capture the stormy atmosphere in a watercolour – exclaimed that there was a man on horseback approaching.

“In this weather!” Lizzie cried, rushing for the entrance to see what business this man could want. She only recognised the man as he dismounted and came under the cover of the porch – taking his hat off as he did so.

“Mr Darcy!”

“Miss Bennet. Forgive me for importuning you in this weather but I, along with my sister, aunt, uncle, and cousins, were travelling to Pemberley when we were caught in this storm and detoured towards Netherfield. Unfortunately we were caught this side of Netherfield – about a mile out from here. I rode ahead to see if there was any aid you could render us.”

Lizzie digested this information for a moment then sprung into action, calling for the various servants to aid her.

“Hill! Mrs Hill – prepare the guest rooms for occupants and have hot water brought up for them to refresh themselves and have Cook make enough tea to warm them, and if she has any of her special biscuits it will be appreciated. Mr Hill – have the men prepare the farm carts, they are the sturdiest we have and should deal with this weather (if your relations will not feel it below their dignity to be conveyed in carts).”

“I believe my relations will simply be happy to be safely inside. Any complaining may be forwarded to me.” Mr Darcy said in response to Lizzie’s glance.

“Good. May I ask who we are expecting?”

“My sister Georgiana, along with my aunt and uncle the Earl and Countess of ---, my cousins – their eldest son the Viscount ---, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Lady Amelia the Countess of ----, as well as Amelia’s three daughters aged five to two. My cousin’s daughters are accompanied by their two maids, and each of us have our maid or valet, and eight footmen as outriders and the four coachmen and their four assistants.”

Lizzie fought to stop her jaw dropping at the numbers that Mr Darcy travelled with and it simply reminded her of how different their statuses were.

“We only have three guest rooms.” Kitty said.

“Lady Amelia’s daughters will be in the nursery with Tom and Lottie. I will move to Mrs Thalis so the Earl and Countess can have the Master and Mistress suite. Lady Amelia will have one guest room while the Viscount will have another. Mr Darcy, you and the Colonel will just have to share the other while Lydia, you will need to move in with Kitty so Miss Darcy may have yours.” Lizzie directed.

“Why do I have to move out of my room?” Lydia complained.

“Because you are the youngest. And I am moving out of my rooms as well.”

“I will help Lydia move.” Kitty offered, “Come on Lydia.”

As Kitty pulled the still grumbling Lydia away, Mary quietly told Lizzie she would move Lizzie’s belongings to make way for the Countess. By now, Mr Hill had returned with the other men and they set out, with Mr Darcy to show them the way, to rescue the Fitzwilliams. The house was a hive of activity as every member of the household rushed around preparing for their unexpected guests. Mrs Hill felt that she was emulating the first Mrs Bennet in her nerves at how many people she was expected to accommodate – not just the family’s guests but their servants which numbered twenty-five (who she was expected to squeeze into just four rooms).
Somehow, in the forty-five minutes it took for the carts to return, Longbourn had prepared itself for the onslaught. When Lydia sighted the convoy she yelled for Lizzie so that the Bennets were ready in the entrance hall to welcome their guests. Two of the carts pulled up at the main entrance while the other two went around to the servant’s entrance. Mr Darcy climbed out, and once the other well dressed ladies and gentlemen stepped out and entered the shelter of Longbourn, he introduced his relations to the ladies of Longbourn.

“Welcome to Longbourn my lords, my ladies, Colonel, Miss Darcy.” Lizzie said, curtseying, “I am Elizabeth Bennet acting Mistress of Longbourn, my younger sisters: Mary Mrs Lucas whose husband Mr John Lucas is steward here and at Netherfield and currently seeing to a tenant, Catherine, and Lydia. My youngest siblings: Master Thomas Bennet and Charlotte are currently asleep in the nursery.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Bennet and I apologise on behalf of my family for intruding as we are.” The Earl said. He was a portly gentleman of perhaps sixty with a twinkle in his eyes.

“Not at all my lord, we are happy to welcome any who need help. If you follow me my lord, my lady, I will show you to your rooms. Mary will show Lord ---, Lady ---, the Colonel, and Mr Darcy to their rooms, while Kitty and Lydia will show Miss Darcy. Mrs Thalis, our companion, will show the young ladies and their nurses to the nursery. There is hot water for you to refresh yourselves with and your servants and luggage should be being shown up now. When you are ready there will be hot refreshments in the summer drawing room.”

The Earl and Countess were appropriately impressed with the fact that Miss Bennet had vacated the Mistress’ rooms in order to allow them to use it as befit their station. Their personal servants were already in the suite and had laid out dry outfits ready for the Earl and Countess to refresh themselves. The Countess’ maid informed her mistress that not only had Miss Bennet moved out of the suite, but that Miss Lydia had moved in with Miss Catherine to allow Georgiana her room. She could see why Darcy had fallen for Miss Bennet and would use this unexpected visit to evaluate whether or not to push for the match.

The character of Miss Bennet became quite clear to the Countess in the first half an hour of them being seated in the summer drawing room. The room was of a reasonable size for a house of Longbourn’s size but, with eleven adults seated around it did feel a little cramped. It was made even smaller with the advent of Mr John Lucas who had completed his rounds and, being informed by one of the tenants who had encountered the rescue carts, returned to Longbourn to welcome the newcomers. Seeing the tight fit, Miss Bennet had suggested to her brother that perhaps he might take the gentlemen to the study, leaving just the ladies in the drawing room. Miss Bennet then encouraged Miss Catherine to serve the tea – explaining that she taught her sisters by example – and gently turned the conversation to music to draw Georgiana out.

The Countess was impressed with the gentle way Miss Bennet brought Georgiana out and how, although rather boisterous, genteel Miss Catherine and Miss Lydia were and how genuinely interested they seemed in Georgiana’s answers and not just being her friend for her position. Soon Georgiana was sending a pleading look at the Countess to let her go with Miss Catherine and Miss Lydia – who had gotten Miss Bennet’s approval – to retire to the family drawing room to share fashion and the gossip from the last few weeks. The Countess, shocked at the transformation with Georgiana in such short time, happily agreed.

“Please do not feel anxious my lady. My sisters, although lively, are good girls and Mr Darcy has approved of them writing each other over the winter.” Miss Bennet said once the three young ladies were out of sight and hearing.

“I can see that from what little I have seen of them. And they have brought my niece out of her shell such as I have never seen.”

“They do have a gift for that. I have never met someone they have not managed to charm.” Miss Bennet laughed lightly, “Although I am never sure whether that is from charm or persistence.”

“A little bit of both I think Lizzie.” Mrs Lucas joined in laughing with her elder sister.

“Quite a bit of both Mary. Lydia in particular. She is harmless, I do promise ladies, just very exuberant at times.”

“She is young yet and still in the schoolroom it seems.” The Countess remarked.

“Indeed my lady. She is not yet ten and six and will not be out until she is seven and ten. Indeed, Kitty has only just come out this last summer herself. They are both growing to be fine young ladies and I am proud to call them my sisters.”

“You are more than a sister to them or so I have heard from my nephew.”

“I.” Miss Bennet looked shocked for a second before recovering herself in a masterful display of composure that the Countess did not think she’d seen in many a year in the Ton. “I suppose I have been in a small way. And I certainly have been and will be to Tom and Lottie.”

“It is an admirable quality in one so young Miss Bennet and one I know my nephew appreciates.”

The Countess was pleased to see Miss Bennet blush at her words and knew by that, that Miss Bennet was fond of Darcy in perhaps the same depth that Darcy was fond of her. She was willing, even with such a short acquaintance with Miss Bennet, to promote the match – yes, perhaps Miss Bennet did not have the greatest dowry, had close relations in trade, and had never participated in even the outer circles of the Ton, but she was kind, poised, intelligent, and very family orientated. The similarities between Miss Bennet and Darcy were evident – both orphans long before their time and left in charge of younger sisters (indeed, in Miss Bennet’s case, in charge of her younger brother) whom they looked after with almost reckless abandon. But their differences were great enough that they would complete the other.
The Countess’ contemplations were interrupted by a knock on the door and the entry of a maid who curtseyed to Miss Bennet and begged her pardon but that they young Master and Miss wanted her.

“My apologies my ladies but my brother and sister are used to being in mine and my sisters’ presence most of the time. No Meg, they will just have to do without me for the next few days.” Miss Bennet explained.

“Nonsense Miss Bennet.” Lady Amelia spoke up, having been happy to keep quiet until now, “I am sure your youngest siblings are charming creatures. In fact, Meg was it? Meg, would you bring my daughters down.”

The maid’s eyes widened before she bobbed a curtsey and near fled the room. Miss Bennet went a little red at the maid’s inelegance but the Countess mentally dismissed it – one could not expect servants in a small house like Longbourn to know how to behave when an earl, two countesses, and a viscount came to stay. A few minutes later the maid returned with one of Lady Amelia’s nurses, ushering along five children. The Countess’ three granddaughters all curtseyed prettily to their mother and grandmother before standing in the doorway with their nurse, unsure of what to do, but the Bennet children ran straight for Miss Bennet who happily scooped them both up in a cuddle.

“Did you have a good sleep?” Miss Bennet asked them.

“Mama! Irls!” One of the children pointed at the Countess’ granddaughters.

“I know. You have to share your nursery with three girls for a few days. But I know you will be nice to them. Yes.”

“Es! Mama!”

“Ourn” The other chimed in.

“Yes, Longbourn has a lot of visitors.”

A clock chimed in the drawing room which had Miss Bennet looking up from her siblings.

“I shall go inform the gentlemen to change for dinner.” Mrs Lucas said, rising.

“And I shall return these miscreants to the nursery. Lady ---, would you permit me to take your daughters as well?”

Lady Amelia looked shocked at being asked for her permission towards her daughters but nodded her assent. Miss Bennet placed the two children on the floor and ushered them towards the door and gently moved the Countess’ granddaughters with them. The girl – Lottie – grabbed Anne and pulled her along, leaving Melly and Charlotte to be moved along by Miss Bennet, with whom they seemed very happy to go with. The Countess shared a look with her daughter before also rising and following Miss Bennet and the children out of the room and upstairs to change for dinner.

The adults reconvened in the drawing room again ready to head in for dinner. Georgiana seemed very pleased with Miss Catherine and Miss Lydia (although Darcy and Miss Bennet shared a glance seeing the three standing, heads together, giggling) and that Darcy had allowed her to attend dinner rather than take it upstairs – although it seemed that the Bennets always ate en famille. Mr Lucas offered his arm to the Countess while Miss Bennet took the Earl’s and Mrs Lucas the Viscount. Miss Catherine and Miss Lydia each grabbed one of Georgiana’s arms and led her through – much to the amusement of the two remaining gentlemen and lady (Miss Catherine and Miss Lydia should have been escorted in by Darcy as the Colonel took in Lady Amelia and Georgiana) who gallantly (and jokingly) pretended to be ladies and be escorted in by Lady Amelia. Miss Bennet coloured and apologised to the Earl for the actions of her sisters.

“Never you mind Miss Bennet. They are excitable young ladies and this is an unexpected imposition. And anyone who can bring Georgiana out of her shell is excused."

“Your wife said the same thing to me earlier.” Miss Bennet observed.

“I often find myself repeating what my wife said as she is always correct.” The Earl chuckled to himself, “That is the secret to a happy marriage.”

“That is something my uncles as well as Sir William Lucas has observed. I am sure John will agree as well, although he is still in his honeymoon stage with my sister.”

Mr Lucas looked back at his sister’s comment and laughed.

“My Mary is always correct simply because she is so sensible. And you are always correct because you are so intelligent.”

“A very good statement to cover yourself there Mr Lucas.” The Earl laughed heartily, “which is always the right thing. It is good to see young people learning that – and I heartily wish my sons and nephew would learn it soon. Although,” he gave Miss Bennet a mischievous side glance, “I have hope that my nephew will learn that very soon.”

Miss Bennet coloured again and recomposed herself by the time she had sat down at the head of the table – flanked by the Earl and Viscount. Mr Lucas, at the other end of the table, had the two countesses on either side of him. The Colonel was sat next to his mother while Mr Darcy was next to his cousin. Miss Darcy seated herself next to her uncle with Miss Catherine on the other side of her, next to the Colonel, while Mrs Lucas and then Miss Lydia sat opposite them between the Viscount and Mr Darcy. The uneven number of ladies and gentlemen made the seating a little awkward, but the visitors happily excused it for the elegant way Miss Bennet had handled them. They were even more impressed – the two countesses in particular who knew the struggles the servants must have been labouring under – with the food served. Somehow the cook had managed to obtain some fish (this had been begged off the Gouldings at Hay Park who still maintained a stew pond by a beleaguered runner) in addition to the expected family joint of lamb and seasonal vegetables. Dessert was a little smaller than the main had given expectation for – consisting of some fresh baked biscuits, as well as strawberries and early cherries from the Longbourn garden – but was still gratefully eaten with Miss Darcy exclaiming loudly that cherries were her brother’s favourite.

It had been suggested during the meal that there be no separation of the sexes and instead the doors between the summer drawing room and music room be opened to provide space for all the guests. The three youngest girls went giggling instantly towards the pianoforte where Georgiana – to the astonishment of her relations – seated herself and begun playing. Miss Lydia stood next to her so as to turn the pages and began singing the accompaniment in a very accomplished Italian. Miss Catherine pulled a chair and balanced a sheet of paper on a lap desk and began sketching the scene quietly in front of her.

“Miss Lydia is an accomplished singer.” The Viscount observed, “Better than many I have heard in Town.”

“I thank you on her behalf my lord. Lydia is our singer and linguist – she speaks French, German, and Spanish in addition to Italian and, having seen the Rosetta Stone in the British Museum now wishes to learn Greek! And as you can see, Kitty is our artist – indeed, most of the modern paintings in Longbourn are her works.”

The Viscount stood and walked over to stare at the three largest painting which hung in the summer drawing room – two views of Longbourn and one of Rotten Row in Hyde Park which Kitty had completed that winter in Town.

“These are quite exquisite. I do not think my sister Augusta – who is the best artist I know – could complete something like this. Don’t you agree Richard, Amelia, Darcy?”

“Indeed. I must write her and tell her.” Lady Amelia said, “She is constantly lording it over me with her ability. She will be so very vexed.”

“And yourself Miss Bennet?” The Countess broke in.

“Myself my lady? I can play the pianoforte a little – although Mary is our pianist – and embroider very ill. My artist ability is best described as limited at best, and I speak French but poorly. No, my abilities are in household management – having had that thrust upon me at the passing of my late mother.”

“Lizzie!” Mrs Lucas shot her sister a glare, “You underplay your abilities as usual. You play the pianoforte well – and would do so better if you but practiced – and have more practice at plain sewing than embroidery but you can do the latter with style if you have the chance to sit at it. It is the same with languages – you just have not had the time to study them as you have always been more taken up with the household.”

“You were very young when you took over the household duties?” Lady Amelia asked with interest.

“Yes. My mother died when I seven and my father did not remarry until I was six and ten. In the years between that I took on the role of Mistress.”

“Good Lord!” Lady Amelia gasped, “I became Mistress of my husband’s estates when I married seven years ago at the age of nine and ten. They are, I must admit, much larger than Longbourn, but I still struggle sometimes with the duties. To be doing so at the age of seven!”

“Miss Bennet is an exemplary gentlewoman.” Darcy intoned, to the hidden grins of all the occupants except Miss Bennet who coloured greatly at Darcy’s compliment.

“Thank you Mr Darcy.” Miss Bennet said as she regained herself. She was prevented from more speech at the entry of a footman bearing the tea things which she hurriedly – but still with the utmost grace – distributed.

“Shall we have a few rounds of cards?” Mr Lucas asked as each sipped at their tea.

There were enough of them, once the three girls had been called over, for multiple games to be played. The Earl and Countess preferred Loo to which the Viscount, Georgiana, and Mr Lucas were convinced to sit down to. The Colonel slyly suggested the Miss Bennet and Darcy made a team for Whist, the suggestion of which was taken up by Miss Catherine and Miss Lydia as the other team. This left the Colonel, Lady Amelia, and Mrs Lucas to sit down to Casino. Mrs Thalis was called down by Miss Bennet to provide musical accompaniment, which she was glad to do.

Kitty and Lydia normally won at Whist, being that they knew each other so well. And so were quite put out at loosing to Lizzie and Mr Darcy who seemed to be able to communicate so intimately with just a glance. The Casino players, who were seated just next to the Whist table, watched with quiet amusement and satisfaction at the way Lizzie and Mr Darcy were in complete sync with each other. The Loo game finishing and none being inclined towards another, the five drifted their way to the Whist table – the Casino game, being more casual, had almost been abandoned in favour of watching Lizzie and Mr Darcy – to watch the entertainment there.

A raised eyebrow from Mr Darcy and a twitch of the fingers from Lizzie seemed enough for them to understand each other as Mr Darcy placed the winning card for the second game down and watched as Kitty and Lydia realised they had lost for a second time. Lydia was only prevented from complaining by the satisfaction she felt at having watched her sister and her admirer.

“Well done Darcy, Miss Bennet. You have had more luck than the Countess or I for Mr Lucas ruled the game. Mrs Lucas,” the Earl boomed, bowing in Mary’s direction, “I do hope Mr Lucas will buy you a sweet trinket for his win.”

“What shall we play next?” The Colonel asked, checking the time on his pocket watch and observing there were still a few hours before it was fashionable to retire.

Lizzie looked around and, counting the numbers, suggested Speculation if everyone knew how to play at it. This was taken up with enthusiasm as a game able to be played by the group as a whole. The first round was played with all twelve – being won by an exultant Kitty – and the second round with just nine for Mary declined to continue playing, preferring to take over the pianoforte from Mrs Thalis who retired, and Lizzie and Mr Darcy demurred in favour of reading.

As the game was being played in the drawing room, Lizzie and Mr Darcy retreated to the music room near to Mary and quietly seated themselves on a three-seater settee. Mr Darcy was reading the first volume of a set of works on Egypt which Lizzie had acquired only two months previous, while Lizzie was reading the second volume.

“The author has quite a way with description.” Mr Darcy commented after a few chapters of silence.

“Indeed. My uncle recommended this set to me for that particular reason.”

“I believe my uncle has this set himself and I have been wishing to see as to whether I would acquire a set as well.”

“And will you?”

“I believe so. I shall have to put in an order in Matlock when I arrive at Pemberley.”

“I can save you the trouble and some cost Mr Darcy” Lizzie smiled, “for my uncle distributes the set on the author’s behalf. I shall write him this very night if you so wish.”

“Please do so.” Mr Darcy paused, “Your uncle is involved in publishing?”

“My uncle is involved in anything that will create a profit. He imports all manner of items from the Continent but also transports items around England to provide a steady income in deference to the precarious situation on the Continent.”

“A sensible decision.”

“My uncle is a sensible man. He shares guardianship of myself, Kitty, and Lydia with Mr Philips – who you will remember from your last visit – but has already stated he will hand it (along with Sir William handing over Tom and Lottie’s guardianship) to me in July when I turn one and twenty and I put on my cap.”

“You are giving up on marriage entirely?” Darcy was startled, despite already knowing Miss Bennet had resolved to not marry but look after her siblings.

“I find I must. What man would allow me to bring my siblings with me? And I would neglect Longbourn in doing so.”

“I would.” Darcy said quietly, almost too quietly for Lizzie to hear. She was shocked and unable to form a reply, blushing deeply as well.

“Aha, I win!” Lydia’s shout broke the moment between Darcy and Lizzie and startled them out of it – much to the amusement of Mary who had been listening unobtrusively in.

“You Bennet’s are doing well tonight.” Lady Amelia observed. “Shall we have another round?”

“I think I will pass.” Georgiana said, standing as she hid a yawn, “Today has been tiresome.”

Kitty and Lydia instantly agreed with Georgiana that it was best to retire and the three left giggling. Lizzie would be astonished if they did not spend the night all together in Kitty’s room. This seemed to signal the ending of the evening as the visitors also stood and expressed a wish to retire. Lizzie saw John and Mary out once the carriage had been called, having argued with them as to walking back after such weather.

Neither Lizzie nor Darcy slept much that night. Both were turning over what the other had said during their brief conversation and each wishing fervently that it had not been interrupted by Lydia. Had Lydia known what she had interrupted then she would have been mortified to be the means of stopping the union she so wished for.

It was a very tired Lizzie and Darcy who sat down for breakfast the next morning to the bafflement of the rest of the party. Neither said much except when directly addressed but sat, still thinking over what had occurred the previous night. The Earl made some motions of inquiring as to the state of the roads to see if travel was possible that day for he did not want to trespass on the kindness of the Bennet’s for too long. Mr Hill was called to send some boys to scout and a satisfactory reply was received that the ground was dry once again. Being that the coaching inn they had intended on stopping at the previous day was just fifteen miles away it was decided they would leave after an early lunch.

Lizzie and Darcy dd not have the opportunity to speak privately before the party departed for Lizzie was kept busy overseeing the removal of the guests. The leftovers of the previous night’s dinner was given for lunch and happily eaten then the Earl rose and stated they must be off. The Bennet’s saw the Fitzwilliam-Darcy group to the door – Tom and Lottie included, the two bowing prettily to the commendation of the Countess – as Lizzie informed Darcy (in the only time she had to speak to him) that Cook had made more biscuits and packed them along with flasks of tea for the journey. Their eyes met and each communicated their desire to speak more but, with all their families hovering around it was impossible.

Darcy bowed over Lizzie’s hand and kissed it farewell.

“Goodbye Mr Darcy.” Lizzie said, “I do hope that you will visit Netherfield soon.”

“I will be here as soon as Bingley’s lease is up.” Darcy bowed again, “Until then Miss Bennet.”

“Until then Mr Darcy.”

She remained on the doorstep watching the carriages retreating until she could no longer see them, knowing in her heart that it belonged to Mr Darcy and, if he asked, she would give it freely. The reassurance that Mr Darcy would let her keep her siblings was the last barrier to her thoughts towards marrying him.

Chapter Text

Although the Colonel and Georgiana were both itching to question Darcy upon their exit from Longbourn, they held themselves back until they were reunited with the entire party at the coaching inn. There, as soon as the Colonel opened his mouth, Darcy held up a hand and forestalled him, stating that he would not speak of the matter in the public surroundings of a coaching inn but that any conversation would be held until they reached Pemberley. The convey were eager to reach Pemberley and the three days travel was indeterminable for them as each wanted to give their own opinion of Miss Bennet as speedily as possible.

As soon as they had reconvened in the yellow drawing room the Countess started.

“Miss Bennet is a dear girl, very elegant and refined and so poised in response to what has happened to her.”

“Indeed she is. I do not know of another lady who would be able to do what she has done.” The Earl continued for his wife.

“She has quite the pretty figure and countenance.” The Viscount grinned, “I was almost tempted to make a play for her myself but I must marry a lady of the Ton.”

“So would I had she had a few tens of thousands. If she’d had that then she would have been perfect but as it is…” The Colonel trailed off with a shrug, enjoying tormenting his cousin.

“But I do like her and give my blessing for the match.” The Countess finished, looking at Darcy expectantly.

“I do thank you for your permission dear aunt.” He drawled, a little sarcastically, “I will be returning to Netherfield after Michaelmas to see how it progresses from there. Until then, I do not want to hear another word about Miss Bennet from any of you.”

The Fitzwilliam’s, seeing the resolve on Darcy’s face but also a little stunned that he had not argued against them, acquiesced to Darcy’s wishes and remained silent on the issue. They enjoyed the summer at Pemberley – Lady Amelia’s girls most of all as they were doted upon by their grandparents, aunt, and uncles who, having seen how Miss Bennet was raising her siblings, spent more time with them. Melly, in particular, enjoyed seeing how she could escape from the watchful eyes of her elders and make a break for the lake, much to the rest of the party’s exasperation.

The summer, likewise, passed at Longbourn. Lizzie was subjected to an inquisition from John and her sisters as to her exact relationship with Mr Darcy but managed to fend most of that off. Kitty and Lydia happily disseminated everything that happened – within reason for they did understand family secrets – to the other young ladies of Meryton as well as to Georgiana (Georgiana had kept out of her family’s statements but happily read Kitty and Lydia’s letters out in front of her brother). The Gardiners arrived in the middle of July, ready to celebrate Lizzie’s twenty-first birthday.

Lizzie’s birthday dawned clear and bright. Lizzie had allowed herself to sleep in but was awoken by Tom and Lottie, who had been snuck into her bedchamber by Kitty and Lydia, bouncing happily on the bed.

“Well, good morning my darlings.” Lizzie murmured as she swept them up into a hug. “And how to do you do this morning?”

“Prise Mama!” Lottie cried, squealing and throwing her arms around Lizzie’s neck.

“Thank you darling.”

“Happy birthday Lizzie.” Kitty and Lydia chorused, also coming to the bed to hug Lizzie.

“Thank you.”

Once Lizzie was properly awake and dressed respectably, she headed downstairs to greet the Gardiners, Philipses, and Lucases who crowded into the drawing and music rooms. Presents were given and congratulations flowed. The children and younger people were ushered outside to play in the grounds under the supervision of Kitty, Lydia, and Maria Lucas while Mr Gardiner, Mr Philips, and Sir William pulled Lizzie aside to the study and presented her with documents that gave primary guardianship of Kitty, Lydia, Tom, and Lottie over to Lizzie – although the three men still held control over monetary affairs and secondary guardianship of the Bennet siblings as well.

“Thank you Uncle Gardiner, Uncle Philips, Sir William. This is truly the best gift I could be given.” She said as she hugged each of them briefly.

“We are aware of that.” Uncle Philips chuckled, helping himself to a spot of port, “So, when shall you put on the spinsters cap as you have always threatened to do?”

“Not yet.” Lizzie said to shocked silence – it was a truth universally known in Meryton that Elizabeth Bennet had declared she would put on the cap at the age of one and twenty, although many cherished hopes that Mr Darcy would have persuaded her against it. “I shall see how events after Michaelmas go.”

“Michaelmas Eliza?” Sir William asked, confused.

“Mr Darcy is returning to Netherfield after Michaelmas when Mr Bingley’s tenancy is up.”

“Ah.” Uncle Gardiner’s erudite answer amused Lizzie while Sir William’s ‘Capital, Capital’ just amused her even more.

Mr and Mrs Gardiner departed the day after Lizzie’s birthday, leaving their children behind under Lizzie’s care, heading for a short visit to the Lakes on holiday with the intention to return to Town in the second week of August (affording them three weeks away) although the Gardiner children would stay at Longbourn for a further two weeks to enjoy the countryside and avoid the heat and illness of Town. August passed at Longbourn to the sounds of children laughing. The girls celebrated Tom and Lottie’s second year of life while remembering Father and Charlotte solemnly. September was quieter as Mrs Gardiner had arrived to collect her children, leaving four less sounds at Longbourn but Lizzie quietly enjoyed the increased calm. Her cousins were dear children but quite boisterous and Lizzie had her hands full with Tom and Lottie – who, as children will, grew and learnt each day.

Michaelmas arrived and with it the news throughout Meryton that Mrs Nichols, the housekeeper at Netherfield, had ordered a hunch of pork. Rumours abounded that Mr Bingley had returned and many a lady gossiped in their drawing room as to the affrontery of the man and how they would not permit their menfolk to call on him. Mrs Philips and Lady Lucas kept quiet as to the name of the incoming occupant for they particularly relished the idea of holding one over their friendly rivals. Somehow, Kitty and Lydia also kept quiet. Mary had kept close to her house for the previous six weeks as her time came nearer – despite Lizzie trying to convince her to remove to Longbourn for the birth.

The day after Michaelmas and it was throughout Meryton that a parade of carriages had been spotted heading for Netherfield. The ladies all met at Longbourn and were in the middle of disparaging Mr Bingley when the bell rang and the muttering increased – the effrontery of the man to call upon Longbourn the same day he returned.

“Mr Darcy and Miss Darcy.” Mrs Hill said as she opened the door – a motherly grin at Lizzie as she said so.

The ladies stopped speaking immediately and stared at the Darcy’s in astonishment – all except the Bennets, Lucases, and Mrs Philips who welcomed them with happiness.

“Lizzie, may we abscond with Georgiana for a bit?” Kitty asked.

“I believe that is a question for Mr Darcy and not myself.” Lizzie said smiling, staring still at Darcy.

“I would not suspend my sister’s pleasure for anything Miss Kitty.” Darcy bowed at Kitty.

“Thank you Mr Darcy.” Lydia called as the three hurried out of the room, Kitty calling for Maria Lucas and their other friends to join them – who all waited for their elders' indulgent nods before running after.

After explaining the situation to the ladies and asking after, and being asked after, their health, Darcy turned to Lizzie.

“And how are your brother and sister?”

“Terrors.” Lizzie’s answer was dry but full of love. Darcy laughed at it and expressed a wish to see them.

The other ladies, seeing how the land lay, made their excuses – they truly had stayed longer than the socially acceptable thirty minutes but in a community as theirs, they rarely abided by that rule – and left the two young people alone, bar for Lady Lucas and Mrs Philips who retreated to the music room with the excuse of continuing to work on items for Mary’s imminent baby.

“How are you Miss Bennet?”

“I am well Mr Darcy. I have turned one and twenty and been given guardianship of my younger brother and sisters.”

“And have not put on a cap.”

“No. I have not.”

They lapsed into silence, broken by the arrival of Tom and Lottie. Lizzie reintroduced Darcy to them and smiled widely when Lottie, always the most adventurous of the twins, showed Darcy her new doll. After admiring that sufficiently, Lottie decided that, since her brother was happily ensconced on their mother’s lap, that the strange man who her mother was smiling at was as good a lap as any.

“She likes you.” Lizzie murmured, looking Darcy in the eyes.

“And I her, and young Master Tom as well of course.” He met her look, “And I would be honoured to see them grow.”

“And I would be honoured for you to do so.”

Their grins widened and shared looks of happiness and satisfaction followed. But before they could stand and announce their news to Lady Lucas and Mrs Philips, a winded John arrived, bursting through the door.

“Lizzie! It’s Mary. The babe is coming.”

He collapsed in the nearest chair.

“Good lord!” Lady Lucas exclaimed, “I must go to her at once.”

“I too.” Mrs Philips said, rising with Lady Lucas, startling John who had not seen his mother and wife’s aunt in the room.

“Come Lucas.” Darcy said, making John start again, “Let us to the study and open some of the old Mr Bennet’s port.”

He stood and placed Lottie on the floor, nodded at Lizzie, and guided John out of the room. Lizzie called in the nurserymaid to watch over the twins while she went and found Kitty, Georgiana, and Lydia and relayed the news about Mary. Georgiana suggested that they collect John and Darcy from the study and help distract him in the music room, an idea which was taken up accidentally with alacrity by the twins who had seemingly decided to be terrors.

The hours passed and, when it reached dinner with no word, Lizzie invited Darcy and Georgiana to stay for it – an offer which was happily accepted. As the hours passed though, John became increasingly difficult to distract from his worry for Mary and eventually Darcy asked Lizzie permission to get him drunk enough to relax him. This was given and Darcy took John back off to the study for some liquid courage. There they passed three hours until Darcy heard a commotion out in the hall. He stuck his head out of the door and was met by a smiling Lizzie.

“I have a niece!”

Darcy gripped her hand in joy and turned his head to look back into the study where John, having heard the door open, had unsteadily clambered to his feet. Darcy pushed the door open more so John could see Lizzie but he didn’t have to let go of her hand.

“You have a daughter.”

Lizzie was barely able to get that sentence out before John had lunged for the doorway and weaved his way down the hall. Darcy and Lizzie exchanged looks before Lizzie called for Mr Hill to make sure John actually got to his house and wife and new child. The new father having left, Darcy lifted Lizzie’s hand to his mouth and kissed it.

“I shall leave you and the girls to your celebration.”

“We shall tell people our news after the christening shall we? Give John and Mary some time as the focus.”

“Indeed. I will leave you now.”

Darcy and Georgiana joined in with the celebrations for Miss Jane Charlotte Lucas and Darcy was overjoyed to be asked to be her godfather alongside Lizzie and Maria Lucas. Seeing Lizzie holding little Jane Lucas almost caused his heart to burst out of his chest, and the same when Lizzie saw Darcy holding Jane or playing with Tom and Lottie who, in the five days between Jane’s birth and her christening, had decided that Darcy really was a fun playmate like their mother and aunts.

Jane’s christening party was held at Lucas Lodge and the inhabitants of Meryton spent some of their time meeting and cooing over the new Miss Lucas, and the rest watching Lizzie and Darcy. The two stood next to each other most of the time, only parting when Darcy fetched refreshments, or Lizzie was called away by her sisters. All were hoping for an announcement soon but also understood that Lizzie would never overshadow her sister’s happiness – so devoted towards her family that she sacrificed her happiness for them many times over. The only people who were more relaxed were Lady Lucas and Mrs Philips, who had been in the adjacent room when Darcy and Lizzie came to their agreement, but had a great time watching everyone else watching the couple.

“Can you hold her?” Lizzie indicated to Jane who was asleep in her arms.

“Of course.” Darcy replied, neatly taking her without a stir. “Is all well?”

“Yes, I just need to take a minute.”

Darcy nodded and watched Lizzie as she hurried out of the room, avoiding being caught by any well-meaning people. He was left alone for a minute before Lucas disentangled himself from the conversation he had been caught in and headed over to reclaim his daughter.

“This will become an occasion that is few and far between methinks.” Lucas commented.

Darcy was puzzled and expressed so to Lucas, who looked like he was struggling not to roll his eyes.

“You will be taking Lizzie off to Pemberley soon. And Kitty, Lydia, Tom, and Lottie with you. Longbourn, and Meryton, will feel empty without the Bennet sisters.”

“I do not know what you mean.” Darcy prevaricated, not wanting to make the announcement during the christening party – him and Lizzie had agreed that they would inform her sisters and uncles two days later.

“None of us are intellectually challenged Darcy. We have all been waiting for the announcement. Indeed, the ladies of the area had you put aside for Lizzie as soon as it was known you were entering the neighbourhood last Michaelmas.”

“We are engaged.” Darcy held up a hand as Lucas looked like he was about to exclaim in happiness. “This will not be shared until two days hence. You know Elizabeth, she would not hear of overshadowing you and Mary.”

“Always putting the family before herself.” Lucas shook his head, “But I am so happy that Lizzie has finally found someone who could induce her into matrimony. We had all but given up getting her to wed, so dedicated is she to her siblings – nothing to jeopardize their welfare even at the cost of herself and her happiness.”

“We are alike in that way. My aunt and uncle have tried for five years to get me to wed a lady of the Ton but their values were not the same as mine. It is almost as if the Lord was leading me to Elizabeth – as the only woman I could ever marry.”

“I am happy for you both. But Mary will not be in any way upset if you speak to her uncles today – neither of us like to be the centre of attention and she loves Lizzie so much that seeing Lizzie happy will make her happy.”

“She is much like Elizabeth.” Darcy paused, “You will become de facto Master and Mistress of Longbourn upon our marriage, until Tom comes of age. And I cannot think of someone more worthy of it for I know you will keep the estate in the best condition for your nephew. I would not have appointed you as Steward of Netherfield if I did not think so.”

“You honour me Darcy.”

“Not at all. Your presence here will help Elizabeth feel comfortable leaving Longbourn.”

“Ah, here are Mr Gardiner and Mr Philips. Come to coo over my daughter again?”

Mr Philips laughed.

“My great-niece is a beauty but is but a babe still. No, we came here to speak to Mr Darcy.”

“I am not the only one to have noticed then.” Lucas joined in the laughter.

“Are we truly that obvious?” Darcy was a little horrified, for being supposedly so blank-faced, he seemed to be very transparent.

“Only to those who know Lizzie well, which is the entirety of Meryton.” Mr Gardiner added, also laughing at Darcy’s horrified face.

“So then young man,” Mr Philips said, “I believe you have something to say to us.”

Darcy gulped and drew in a deep breath, but he was saved by Lizzie’s return.

“John, uncles. What are you doing to poor Mr Darcy?”

“We are doing nothing Lizzie!” Mr Gardiner protested.

“Apparently our feelings are obvious to all in this room and so your uncles have cornered me for a conversation.”

Lizzie slipped her hand around Darcy’s elbow and felt, rather than heard, the entire room take a deep breath in. Instantly, there was a rumble as all turned to their neighbours and discussed what this meant. Mary, Kitty, Lydia, and Georgiana all made their hurried way over to the small group in the corner and were soon joined by Mrs Gardiner.

“Elizabeth and I have come to an arrangement to marry.”

The three girls squealed in joy, waking a disgruntled Jane Lucas who let her displeasure be known by a mighty shriek. Once Mary had gotten her settled and given her over to the nurse, they all returned to the announcement.

“Oh, now we shall truly be sisters!” Georgiana squealed, “I am so happy for you and Lizzie brother.”

“Congratulations my dear.” Mrs Gardiner kissed Lizzie on the cheek, “You deserve it more than anyone else.”

“Indeed Lizzie.” Mr Gardiner continued from his wife, “You have given up so much for your family that you deserve to have your own happy ending.”

“Truly Lizzie,” Mary pulled her into a hug, “You have sacrificed for us constantly since Mother died, and again and again since Papa and Charlotte passed as well.”

“You and brother are well matched as he has given up so much for me.” Georgiana added.

“When will you marry?” Lydia piped in with the most important question.

“We have not discussed that yet. Mr Gardiner, Mr Philips, I must return to Town to organise the marriage settlement, and perhaps Elizabeth might also visit Town to organise her trousseau?” Darcy turned to Lizzie with a look.

“I cannot leave Longbourn!” Lizzie exclaimed.

“Lizzie!” Mary laughed and sighed at the same time, “You will be leaving Longbourn soon as Mrs Darcy. John and I will have it all well in hand, as well as Mrs Thalis. And do not forget that our Aunt Philips, my mother Lucas, and the other ladies will be very happy to watch over Kitty, Lydia, and the twins.”

“I suppose you are correct. It is just that I have not allowed myself to leave Longbourn, even though I know it is in the best of hands.”

“Then that is settled. I will return to Town in three days to meet with my lawyers to draw up the marriage settlement and stay there for two weeks to organise all that is needed. Georgiana, do you want to come with me to Town or stay at Longbourn with your new sisters?”

“Oh, can I stay please?” Georgiana looked between Darcy and Lizzie who both agreed.

“Excellent.” Mr Philips rubbed his hands together in excitement. “I will go inform my wife of the news.”

“Aunt Philips already knows,” Lizzie said, “She was in the room with Lady Lucas when Mr Darcy proposed.”

“Then I will just inform her that she may disseminate the news, although I must say I am impressed both ladies have kept it to themselves these past days. May I inform her of a date?”

Darcy and Lizzie shared a visual conversation before nodding and Lizzie informed them that six weeks was the date but the specifics would have to wait until they had spoken to the vicar of the Longbourn church. Mr Philips happily assented to this and moved away to tell his wife the news and watch as the news swept Lucas Lodge. This signalled the ending of the family conference as each group drifted away, all speaking excitedly of Lizzie and Darcy. It also signalled the ending of the party in general as, despite the fact that the entire participants wanted to congratulate the new couple, they also did not want to overshadow John and Mary’s day – as Lizzie so feared their news would do.

The couple had to part then as Lizzie returned to Longbourn with her siblings and Darcy to Netherfield with Georgiana to ready himself for his journey to Town. It was with great regret that they parted even for a short time but both knew that the next six weeks would be the last that they would spend as separate families.

Chapter Text

The ladies of the neighbourhood flooded to Longbourn for the next three days, all to offer their congratulations to Lizzie – who they wholeheartedly believed deserved to find happiness with Mr Darcy and could not be even a little jealous at Lizzie’s good fortune to ‘catch’ such a wealthy and connected man as Mr Darcy. They were also eager to see the couple together and many a happy sigh – and jealous reflection – were heard in the Longbourn drawing room when watching the couple indulgently watch over their siblings. Every heart was melted when Lottie would pull on Mr Darcy’s tails to be picked up and happily cuddle with him while showing off her doll. It was uniformly asserted that Elizabeth Bennet was a very lucky woman for Mr Darcy already looked to be a doting father.

After three days, Darcy left for Town to draw up the marriage settlement and Georgiana temporarily moved into Longbourn – where Mrs Hill was heard to quip to her husband that one more girl did not make much of a difference to Longbourn – where there was much giggling from her, Kitty, and Lydia. Mrs Thalis had her work cut out keeping the girls to their lessons, but, between her and Lizzie, they managed to keep the girls focussed on their individual lessons, although they did allow that they would work only in the morning and have the rest of the day helping Lizzie in her duties as Mistress of the estate and organising the wedding.

Four days after Darcy left, Lizzie also left for Town – having John and Mary return to the manor house while she was away to oversee the girls – to gather her trousseau. Mrs Gardiner had made appointments with her modiste while Darcy’s aunt the Countess, having been informed by Darcy as to the particulars, also made appointments for Lizzie with her modiste – who was the modiste to go to for ladies of the Ton – as well as at the milliners, shoemakers, haberdasherers, jewellers, tailors, and staymakers. And this just for her clothing and accessories. The Countess then took Lizzie – accompanied by Mrs Gardiner and Lady Amelia, who was more than happy to help spend her rich cousin’s money – to the stationers, cabinet makers and upholsterers (to order new furniture for her suite of rooms at Darcy House which the Countess showed to her, much to her astonishment. At Longbourn the Mistress suite was a bedchamber with attached dressing room and a shared sitting room with the Master suite. In Darcy House, the Mistress suite was a bedchamber, dressing room complete with separate bathing area, and a sitting room as well as the shared sitting room with the Master suite. Plus, there was a Mistress’ Study next to the Master’s Study. And Lizzie was encouraged to redecorate throughout the entire house), booksellers, drapers, and confectioners. As a treat, the Countess took the group to Gunter’s Ices to see and be seen.

The news that Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, Derbyshire, nephew of the Earl and Countess of ---, handsome, rich, noble, and perhaps the most moral man of the Ton, was to be married to the country nobody Miss Elizabeth Bennet sent shockwaves through the Ton. All the ladies had their own opinions on Miss Bennet and none of them good. She was deemed to be a grasping, money-hungry, ill-favoured harlot who obviously managed to compromise Mr Darcy somehow (they all ignored the fact that they had each failed to compromise Mr Darcy, either for themselves or on someone else’s behalf). Therefore, news that the Miss Bennet was in Town and shopping for her wedding caused all the ladies of the Ton to rush to the shops. It was a shock, therefore, to find Miss Bennet in the company of the two countesses, all three of them chatting amiably. To find them again in Gunter’s was the last straw for many of the ladies who sat at the tables whispering spitefully about Miss Bennet.

Those ladies who were close, or thought themselves close, to the two countesses hurried over to the table in the corner where they had seated themselves. Each greeted the two countesses then were forced to be introduced to Miss Bennet and her aunt Mrs Gardiner (a tradesman’s wife!) who were found, universally, to be genteel, well-spoken, elegant, and intelligent. Miss Bennet was owned to be rather pretty but not a true beauty and that many of the young ladies of the Ton were far more beautiful than her. There was something in her manner and energy that drew people in – obviously how she drew in Mr Darcy – and managed to turn each barb on the sender or wrapped it around and laughed it away. The ladies went off grudgingly impressed with Miss Bennet but decided to withhold all their judgement until the Season to see how the Mrs Darcy-to-be would conduct herself through the arduous months of the social season. A few of the ladies who were, in truth, the closest to the Countess, were happily told by her about Miss Bennet’s family situation and how devoted Miss Bennet was to them – such a good match to Mr Darcy.

Lizzie staggered back to Longbourn after ten, exhausting, days shopping swearing to never go on such a trip again – much to the amusement of John and Mary and astonishment of Kitty, Georgiana, and Lydia who were already planning their shopping trips once all three were out – but her ears ringing with the Countess’ intention of having her presented at Court to the beleaguered Queen Charlotte, which would involve a universally dreaded Court Dress. By the time she returned, there were just four weeks until the wedding, at which point she threw herself – with the help of her sisters (Georgiana was included in this statement already), Mrs Philips, Lady Lucas, and Mrs Hill – into wedding preparation. With the capable help of all, Lizzie had the wedding planned in two weeks, leaving the last two weeks for her to turn her attention to Longbourn.

It was agreed that John and Mary would move into the manor house for the next nineteen years – until Tom came of age at one-and-twenty – and John would run both Longbourn and Netherfield from old Mr Bennet’s study which had been sadly neglected since his death two years previously. With all the inhabitants of Longbourn moving out, there was a lot of packing and moving to complete. Essentially the entire manor house had to be sorted, and either packed or left, which caused great chaos for all the inhabitants who found themselves unable to find certain items. It did mean that previously cherished items had had gone missing were found – Kitty skipped around happily for an entire day when the watercolour set given to her by her father for her thirteenth birthday was found at the bottom of a chest containing their late mother’s fripperies – while Lizzie rediscovered their great-grandmother’s set of diamonds which their father had sworn had been lost when his uncle gambled away half of Longbourn’s fortunes.

Darcy returned after just over two weeks in Town with a finished marriage settlement – which he had already shown to Mr Gardiner and gotten his signature – which gave Lizzie two thousand pounds a year as pin money, set aside dowries of thirty thousand for each daughter, and twenty thousand for any sons after the third (the first would, naturally, inherit Pemberley; the second would have Netherfield; and the third would receive Elm Park in Lincolnshire which made just under three thousand a year). Lizzie, when she saw this, protested that it was far too much but acquiesced once Darcy revealed exactly how much he was worth. Pemberley alone brought in eleven thousand, add in the four thousand of Netherfield, and three thousand of Elm Park, and almost five thousand in miscellaneous investments. Well, Mr Darcy was worth twenty-three thousand pounds a year and so the marriage settlement really was not a huge amount for him. Darcy also added money to Kitty, Lydia, and Lottie’s dowries to bring them up to ten thousand pounds each – much to Lizzie’s futile efforts against.

It was decided that Lizzie and Darcy would honeymoon for a week at Netherfield – neither were comfortable leaving their siblings for extended periods – and that the inhabitants of Meryton would leave them alone for that time. John and Mary would move into the Master and Mistress Suite at Longbourn during that week while the girls would mainly be under the supervision of Mrs Thalis and Mrs Annesley – who had returned from her extended holiday just in time for the wedding and got along instantly with Mrs Thalis. The two governess-companions compared their expectations for their own charges and created a plan for the three combined which Lizzie and Darcy happily agreed to. Kitty and Lydia would need a wider education now that they were Darcy’s sisters and would be presented at Court and have Seasons in Town with Georgiana. Lizzie would make her bow before the Queen in February when the Season started while the three girls would be presented together next November (Kitty would be nineteen, and Georgiana and Lydia seventeen) under the auspices of the two countesses. Naturally, a period of study over the course of the year was ordered by Darcy’s aunt to prepare the three girls adequately – Georgiana was already quite well prepared by Kitty and Lydia needed a lot of work, as did Lizzie who would undergo a crash course in presentation etiquette over the winter.

Before Meryton knew it, the date of Elizabeth Bennet’s marriage to Mr Darcy arrived. His family had arrived at Netherfield the evening before (and were departing again after the breakfast to allow Netherfield to be empty for the newlyweds) and Darcy had spent the night being ribbed by the Viscount and Colonel as to the ending of his bachelorhood over a bottle (or two) of good, illicitly procured, French brandy. The Earl also joined in at points but he was happy to sit back and watch his sons annoy his nephew. Georgiana had absconded Netherfield in favour of Longbourn – causing Darcy to joke that Lizzie had already overtaken him in Georgiana’s affections – and had piled, with Kitty and Lydia into Lizzie’s bed for the night to spend parts of it giggling and exchanging confidences.

The most embarrassing conversation had been given privately to Lizzie by Mrs Gardiner and Mary when they had cornered her in the summer drawing room – where Lizzie was carefully packing the last few items of her mother’s prized china figures – and explained about the marital act. The conversation had left all three blushing deep red and vowing to not speak of it again.

The wedding day dawned clear and bright. There was a sharp wind – it being the end of October – but no sign of rain or indeed clouds. Longbourn was a hive of activity as the many occupants rushed around getting themselves as well as the bride ready. John and Mr Gardiner had it easy – they retreated to the study for conversation after getting themselves ready – although a harassed looking Mary rushed in ninety minutes before they were due at the church carrying baby Jane and herding Tom and Lottie as well as the Gardiners’ four children. She left them with her husband and uncle with the exhortation to watch over them and deliver them back to the nursery in an hour so they could all be dressed. The two men looked at each other, knocked back the shot of port they had each poured, and ushered the six children (with baby Jane in John’s arms) out to the gardens to play.

Somehow all were ready in time. Mrs Gardiner took the six children (baby Jane was being left at Longbourn in the charge of the nurse as she really was too young to make it through the ceremony) and Mrs Thalis in the Gardiner’s coach to the chapel while Mary and John followed with Georgiana in the carriage that Darcy had sent. Upon reaching the chapel, Georgiana separated to sit on the groom’s side next to her aunt and uncle. Darcy appeared in the company of the Viscount and Colonel who were acting as his party and all were set in the chapel. Only the bride was wanting.

As Lizzie sat in the Bennet’s carriage on the way to the chapel with Kitty and Lydia as her bridesmaids and her uncle Gardiner to give her away, the absence of her parents, Charlotte, and Jane hit her. She barely had any memories of her mother – Lizzie was just seven when she had passed – and her aunts had filled that role admirably but the loss on her wedding day hit her suddenly. Memories of her dear papa were much stronger and she marvelled at all that had happened in the previous two years and wished that – however much she did truly love her Uncle Gardiner – it was Papa’s arm that would be leading her down the aisle. Charlotte’s absence was almost as heavy as that of her father’s for, despite the seven year age gap between them, she and Charlotte had always been close and one of Charlotte’s dry comments on love and marriage would be greatly appreciated. She would always miss Jane – her dear, sweet, older sister – but it was less and less every year. Jane had been married for five years and in America for four. The occasional letter was all that was left of their once twin-like closeness and letters had been few since England declared war on America that year. Jane was happy with her three children and there was always the hope she would visit England one day and Lizzie could be reunited with her. Lizzie hurriedly wiped the tears that were sliding down her face away and refused to answer her sisters’ questions on whether she was alright – her uncle just smiled sadly at her, likely knowing what she had been thinking of, and reached over to squeeze her hand reassuringly.

The carriage slowed to a stop and the occupants got out. Kitty and Lydia fussed over Lizzie’s train as her uncle escorted her to the door of the church as the congregation inside stood and inhaled for Lizzie was truly a vision of a young woman in love.

Neither Lizzie nor Darcy remembered the ceremony but it proceeded as all wedding ceremonies do. The bride and groom were nudged by grinning members of their parties to complete their parts and the Colonel had a momentary panic over which pocket in his regimentals he had placed the ring – he found it quickly to avoid the glares from his mother, sister, and the Bennet girls. But the ceremony progressed as normal and Lizzie and Darcy were declared man and wife by the grinning Vicar of Longbourn – an elderly gentleman who had christened the Bennet girls’ father and so was very proud (as with the rest of Meryton) at Lizzie having gotten such a husband – before being shown to the registry where Lizzie wrote her name as Elizabeth Bennet for the last time.

She was now Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy. The Mistress of Pemberley, Netherfield Park, Elm Park, and Darcy House. Never again would she be Miss Elizabeth Bennet de facto Mistress of Longbourn.

Everyone in the chapel made their way to Longbourn for the wedding breakfast where Mrs Hill had outdone herself. She was invited by the new Mrs Darcy to take a round of thank yous in gratitude and was later heard being informed by Mrs Philips that Mrs Philips’ sister would have been proud of the job Mrs Hill did sending her second daughter off. It was agreed by the older residents that Mrs Darcy’s mother could not have overseen such a feast as the wedding breakfast was and that it truly did her proud – Mrs Goulding and Mrs Purvis said to Lady Lucas that ‘can you imagine the raptures Fanny Bennet would have made at this match’ and all were quietly relieved to have spared their eardrums that.

The wedding breakfast, although exceedingly superior to all others, did not last overly long for the groom’s family departed in time to complete the four hours to Town safely, while the sky – so beautiful that morning – had turned overcast and threatened rain which all the Meryton residents were keen to avoid. Plus, it was seen by the older residents that Mr and Mrs Darcy plainly wished to be alone.

The party duly broke up and the Bennets, Lucases, and Philipses waved Mr and Mrs Darcy off for the three mile journey to Netherfield. Let us leave it at the fact that the servants at Netherfield barely saw their master and mistress that week.

After a week, the new Mr and Mrs Darcy emerged and spent three days making the rounds of Meryton before a convoy of carriages were packed and loaded with people – all ready to head off in three stages to Pemberley. The four-and-twenty families braved the cold to say their farewells to the Bennets at Longbourn before they departed. Happy, but teary, words were had by all – Kitty and Lydia promising to write to Maria Lucas and the other young ladies and to see if they could wheedle invitations to Pemberley out of their brother and sister. Mrs Philips gave way to hysterics which rivalled her late sister's nerves at the departing of her dear nieces and had to be comforted by Mary who reminded her that she was not going anywhere. Sir William was heard to exclaim ‘capital, capital’ multiple times but was also seen hugging his grandchildren and the Bennet girls. Lady Lucas had to be untangled from Tom and Lottie by John and Mary – who replaced a squirming Tom who just wanted to escape his grandmother with a happily sleeping Jane – and was only placated when Lizzie repeated her promise to send weekly letters updating her on her grandchildren, monthly drawings by Kitty, and that they would be back at Netherfield in January and February.

Eventually, the goodbyes were had and the convoy loaded itself. Lizzie and Darcy boarded the finest Darcy carriage with Kitty, Georgiana, and Lydia, while the second Darcy carriage had Mrs Thalis, Mrs Annesley, the twins, and their nurses. There was a third carriage for when various occupants wanted some peace away from the others standing empty. The Bennet carriage was being left at Longbourn for the use of John and Mary.

“Are you ready to leave Longbourn?” Darcy asked Lizzie as he watched her stare out of the window forlornly.

“Are you ever ready to leave your ancestral home?” She retorted then sighed, “No, I am not, but I never will be. Longbourn has been the home for the Bennet family for three hundred years and now – apart from Mary – no Bennet will live in it for nineteen years. But I am not a Bennet anymore am I? I am a Darcy.”

Darcy lifted her hand to his mouth and pressed a tender kiss to the back of it, squeezing it gently in the process.

“This is why I fell in love with you my dearest – your devotion to your family. Think of it this way, this is not goodbye to Longbourn but simply a farewell for now. Lucas and Mary will make sure that Tom inherits the best possible Longbourn and you will make sure that Tom is the best possible gentleman to do so.”

“With your help.” Lizzie leant over, ignoring her sisters’ giggling, and pressed a kiss to her husband’s cheek. “Always with your help. Now, what shall we do with these three giggling girls sitting opposite us?”

Chapter Text

It was three long days of travelling – with the Bennet-Darcy family constantly changing carriages as to get a more peaceful or interesting few hours – before Darcy ordered the convoy to slow at the top of a rise and helped Lizzie, as well as the twins who were having a short outing in their carriage away from the nurses, down.

“Welcome to Pemberley.” Darcy gestured down the rise where a honey coloured building rose out of the opposite hillside, nestled among the woodlands and gardens behind and framed by the river winding its way in front.

“Oh.” Lizzie gasped, a reaction echoed by Kitty and Lydia who had also exited their carriage on the urging of Georgiana, “I have never seen a place so happily situated.”

“It is beautiful.” Lydia cried.

Kitty’s fingers twitched and the family knew that she was itching to sketch the view and paint it. Lizzie made a mental note to warn Mrs Annesley and Mrs Thalis to ensure that Kitty did not spend all her time at her art but still completed her other lessons.

“Shall we proceed?” Darcy asked and stifled a laugh as the three girls entered the first carriage and looked expectantly at Darcy and Lizzie who each picked a twin up and carried them in. Mrs Annesley and Mrs Thalis retreated to their carriage, no doubt relishing the few minutes of silence without the three girls.

The convoy continued its way down the rise, winding through the woodland until it reached an open stretch of parkland, populated with deer, on the other side of the river from the house. The path followed the curves of the river towards the house where it crossed a stone bridge and pulled up the slight slope to the house, stopping in front of a double set of stairs which were lined with smartly dressed servants who had come out to greet their new mistress. Lizzie gulped at the size of the house and the number of servants – she was used to running a house the size of Longbourn, not one the size of Pemberley. Darcy, sensing Lizzie’s unease, squeezed her hand and smiled gently at her as he led her up the stairs, passed the bowing servants to the top where an older couple waited with parental affection for Darcy.

“Elizabeth, may I introduce you to Mr Milson the butler, and Mrs Reynolds the housekeeper. Mr Milson, Mrs Reynolds, my wife Mrs Elizabeth Darcy.”

“Mrs Darcy.” Mrs Reynolds bobbed a curtsey, “It is a pleasure to meet you ma’am.”

“Thank you Mrs Reynolds. I am sure I will come to rely upon your knowledge these first months here.”

Mrs Reynolds smiled wider at Lizzie’s conciliatory remark – Lizzie knew that Mrs Reynolds had been de facto mistress since Lady Anne had passed when Georgiana had been a babe and so, despite it not being her place, may feel put out by a new mistress coming in and taking over everything with no reference to her and her knowledge.

“And these are Mrs Darcy’s siblings – Master Thomas, Miss Catherine, Miss Lydia, and Miss Charlotte Bennet.” Darcy introduced his new siblings/children to Mr Milson and Mrs Reynolds.

“Mrs Reynolds. Would you see someone escort my brother and young sister and their nurses to the nursery?” Lizzie asked, handing Tom over to the nurse who had followed them up the stairs.

“Of course Mrs Reynolds. Molly will do so. I hope it is not too much but I moved Molly and Maggie – two of the maids – over to the nursery to see after Master Bennet and Miss Charlotte.”

“Thank you Mrs Reynolds. It seems you truly are a treasure.”

The Darcy-Bennet family settled in to Pemberley easily. Georgiana was most of the time found in the music room with her new pianoforte. Kitty, accompanied by a maid and footman, spent most of her time outside when possible – although the harsh Derbyshire winter curtailed most of that and restricted her to the conservatory and various rooms where she found no end of inspiration for her artworks. Lydia flitted between the two – singing with Georgiana or working on some trifle such as trimming bonnets or quilled designs – but could also be found in the pink drawing room (declared by her to be her favourite room and soon known as Lydia’s drawing room) with a Greek dictionary and works by the Ancient Greeks which Darcy had passed as being able to be read by a young lady. Tom and Lottie found that they had a much greater space to run around in and more people who could be made to play with them and barely missed their grandparents and other aunts and uncles – Mama was still here with Aunt Kitty, and Aunt Lydia and new Aunt Georgie, and their new Papa who was great fun.

Lizzie took advantage of any good days to wander the paths and accompany Darcy to the tenants to introduce herself and start taking over the responsibilities of Mistress of Pemberley. As it was late in the year, this was sporadic and, as Lizzie was not a confident rider nor could drive a gig, was limited until the spring and summer when Darcy promised to improve her equestrian abilities and teach her to drive the gig to enable her to visit the tenants in good weather herself. (There had been a gentle old mare at Longbourn which the girls had learnt on but, with one mare between five girls originally, it was always easier to walk or take the carriage. Both Darcy and Georgiana were expert riders and there was enough space in the stables for a mare each – Darcy would go to the next horse sale to purchase them as well as two ponies to start Tom and Lottie on) Lizzie, instead, split her time between the Mistress’ study, often in the company of Mrs Reynolds, getting to grips with the expenses of the household and writing copious letters to all her friends and relations, or with the three girls in one of the drawing rooms.

Darcy, having been absent from Pemberley more often than usual the past year, had a lot to oversee and was forced, by the virtue of being a wealthy country gentleman, to spend most of his time holed up in the study at work or else riding out – even in horrible weather – to meet with tenants and merchants and other gentlemen of the neighbourhood.

The nearest large town to Pemberley was Matlock and so Darcy purchased tickets for the five to attend the Matlock Assembly on the full moon in December. He sometimes attended the Matlock Assembly, and, naturally, knowledge of the new Mrs Darcy, and Misses Bennets, had spread. Most of the gentry had visited Pemberley – and hence the new inhabitants – at least once and so they were eagerly awaiting the Pemberley party’s arrival. It would be a treat for them as Miss Darcy was now considered out in Derbyshire – although not in London – and both Miss Bennets were also out. This was looked upon both with excitement by those with unmarried male relations – they would never get permission to court Miss Darcy but the Miss Bennets were of a lower sphere with a lesser dowry and so considered fair to approach – but not by all those with young ladies, for there was a shortage of men due to the wars.

The three girls acquitted themselves admirably and all those who were at the Matlock Assembly agreed that the Miss Bennets were genteel girls, the youngest of whom was rather lively (perhaps a little too lively was whispered but in a harmless way), and very pretty to boot. Miss Darcy did her brother proud and it was supposed that she would be one of the most sought after debutantes the next season. It was commented on that Mr Darcy seemed less uptight (the sniggers from the gentlemen and the married ladies at this observation need not be mentioned) and smiled more than had ever been witnessed by any of the gentry near Matlock before. Mrs Darcy was a lively woman whose temperament complimented her husband’s and could discuss almost any subject rationally and prettily.

Apart from that one Matlock Assembly, the Pemberley residents stayed relatively isolated. Darcy organised for the Lucas family to visit and stay for the Christmas season – Lady Lucas was exceedingly glad to be reunited with her grandchildren (baby Jane was a sweetheart but Tom and Lottie still had a very strong place in her heart) – and the Bennet girls enjoyed being reunited with Mary. The Philipses and Gardiners had also been offered to stay but had declined and the Philipses were travelling to London to visit the Gardiners instead as Mr Gardiner could not get the time to visit Meryton.

In January the Countess moved in to Pemberley for the next three weeks to train Lizzie in her presentation. The dress code for the Court required a hooped petticoat which had gone out of fashion thirty years before. Kitty, Georgiana, and Lydia almost split their sides laughing when they saw the monstrosity that the Countess’ modiste had created. It had wide side hoops erupting from the waistline, which was, as fashion dictated, just below the bust, creating a silhouette which looked ridiculous on anyone. The dress itself was embellished with tassels, lace, spangles, and a draped sash which Lydia commented looked more like a curtain arrangement than a petticoat. In addition, there was a train which Lizzie had to learn to walk backwards without tripping over and to have handed to her over an outstretched arm. To top it all off, Lizzie would have to wear large feathers in her hair. It truly looked ridiculous and monstrous.

The Countess stopped the girls laughing by reminding them that they would be wearing the monstrosity at the end of the year when they were presented to the Queen. This sobered them up quickly. Lydia could not help commenting that there was one thing the French did right and that was in their court fashion for the ladies of the French court did not have to wear hoops. It simply was not fair that English ladies were expected to do so.

After a lot of practice, Lizzie was as prepared as it was possible to be and the Pemberley inhabitants packed up and left in a convoy for Netherfield. They stayed there – minus the Countess who had continued on to Town to prepare for Mrs Darcy’s arrival – for a week, greeting all their old friends and family, before leaving for Town. They did make the decision to leave the twins at Netherfield so the Lucases could have time with them, but would journey back to Netherfield once a week to see them. They finally arrived in Town two days before Lizzie’s presentation and kept the knocker off the door for those two days to allow them to settle in.

The day of Lizzie’s presentation to the Queen arrived and with it came the Countess early, along with her own ladies maid to make sure Mrs Darcy looked her best for the Queen and those also attending the presentation. Lizzie would be one of thirty ladies presented that day – and the only married one – so it was a bit of a to do in the Ton, and was sure to be heavily reported on. Kitty, Georgiana, and Lydia had to stay behind as only Darcy, Lizzie, and the Countess could attend. Lizzie was all laced in and feathers added ready for the carriage to take them the short distance to St James’ Palace where the presentation was to happen. They had to leave early as the other debutantes and attendees would also be arriving by carriage and so create quite a crush and queue. It would not do to be late.

Darcy had to separate from Lizzie and the Countess and wait with the families of the other debutantes where he was forced to socialize and fend off remarks at how Mrs Darcy was only just being presented. It put him in a dreadful mood which was only lightened a little by the entry of Lizzie in her truly hideous dress. Lizzie had also endured the comments from the other ladies – all of whom were in their first season and so around seventeen – as to her only just being presented and as a married woman, although they were not that catty as the Countess was next to Lizzie looking vaguely amused in their directions.

At last, Lizzie was called for and made her way to the end of the room where Queen Charlotte was sitting and curtsied deeply to her. She was bidden to rise, nodded at, and that was it. All was over. She had been presented to the Queen, been acknowledged, and was now free to go and be an accepted part of the Ton.

They did not attend any events that night, far too relieved that it was over – Lizzie was relieved that she did not need to wear that monstrosity again – and just wanting a quiet night with the girls. However, the Countess did not let them rest for long as she dragged them around Town in a whirlwind of events. There were balls, the obligatory evening at Almacks which Lizzie had been given the voucher to by one of the patronesses who was a friend of the Countess and which neither Lizzie nor Darcy wished to endure again (the punch was warm and really quite disgusting and the numbers attending, for such a selective venue, were overwhelming, creating a crush) but knew they would have to again for the girls’ sake. Then there were the musical evenings where Lizzie found herself obliged to display her pianoforte skills, which seemed rather lacking compared to the highly polished debutantes, and make insipid conversation with the ladies of the Ton who all wanted to have their own opinion on her. The calls were also as painful as Lizzie was forced to dodge many cutting remarks from those ladies who had lost Mr Darcy to her.

The girls were incredibly happy that they could avoid the events for the next few months, having seen what Lizzie was being put through. Georgiana, despite Kitty and Lydia’s exuberance, was still painfully shy and unsure of herself in social situations – a trait that was shared with her brother and Lizzie hoped was not a family trait that would be passed down to her children. Kitty and Lydia, despite Mrs Thalis, realised how different the Ton was from the strata of society they had been prepared for and worried that they would disgrace their brother and sister – particularly as the Ton was being vicious towards Lizzie for being an outsider and stealing one of the greatest catches. Lizzie and Darcy, being informed of these worries by the girls, encouraged them to sit in on calls to gain some practice while still being considered as ‘not out’ and therefore not have the same pressure as Lizzie had.

The one social event that the entire household enjoyed was trips to the theatre. Darcy had a box in the Covent Garden Theatre which was alternating between ‘Measure for Measure’ and ‘The Winter’s Tale’. He and Lizzie had invited the Gardiner’s to attend their box for ‘Measure for Measure’, which, due to its content Darcy had not deemed it proper for his ‘not out’ sisters to attend, while the girls had attended ‘The Winter’s Tale’. The girls together helped distract each other from the looks of the Ton who were still eager to observe Mrs Darcy for any improprieties. The entire family enjoyed this trip very much and Lydia convinced Darcy to take them to the opera next – just so she could practice her Italian.

Other visits the Darcy-Bennet family enjoyed, although some more than others and all in different ways, were trips to the galleries and museums. Lizzie and Darcy were interested in the academics, Kitty in the art, Lydia in the languages, and Georgiana in attending with her dearest brother and sisters. It made for excited dinners afterwards as each wished to discuss what they had gotten out of the trip. Lizzie and Darcy were pleased as it showed that their sisters were growing into educated and good-natured young ladies.

Their time in Town was curtailed in early May when Lizzie felt her babe quickening. Lizzie had had some inkling as to her condition since March when she had noticed that, not only had her courses stopped, but that certain foods and smells had made her nauseous, particularly in the mornings. She had confided her suspicions to her aunt Gardiner when they had first come to Town and had soon afterwards declared her happy news to Darcy who agreed that they ought not to be in Town after the quickening – at which point they would announce the happy news to their sisters and relations.

Lizzie had been in the Mistress’ Study going over that week’s expenditure with Mrs Hall – the housekeeper at Darcy House – when she had paused and clapped her hand over her stomach.

“Is ought the matter Mistress?” Mrs Hall had asked, although she had much of an idea as to what had happened.

“Thank you Mrs Hall.” Lizzie had said, rising, “That will be all for now.”

She had hurried down the hall to the Master’s Study where Darcy was busy going over reports from his stewards – including John who had sent the latest updates on Jane, for John was a doting father, alongside the reports on the early harvesting – and flung open the doors, a smile threatening to overwhelm her face.

“Elizabeth? What is the matter? Are you ill?” Darcy asked, rising from his chair in alarm.

“Nothing is the matter. Nothing bad at any rate. No – I just felt the quickening!” Lizzie exclaimed in happiness.

Darcy had strode for her, gathered in her in his arms, and near swung her about in his delight.

“Oh, we must have the family over tonight to celebrate the news.”

“I will write a note for them now. At least we do not have any events we were attending.”

“I will write to all those we had agreed to attend from next week to make our excuses. We shall leave in three days, spend a few days at Netherfield so you may tell all of Meryton of our news, and then we shall head for Pemberley.”

Lizzie did not feel like pointing out how dictatorial Darcy was being, so happy were the both of them at the confirmation of their hopes. It also helped that Lizzie was not completely happy in Town – she was a country girl and no amount of time in the Ton would change that – and was very happy to be returning to the country. In addition, Lizzie (and Darcy) missed the twins greatly and wished to be able to spend time with them as a family.

The exclamations of delight on the part of Kitty, Georgiana, Lydia, and Mrs Gardiner need not be described, suffice to say that the gentlemen thought they had gone temporarily deaf and quickly retreated to Darcy’s study to drink French brandy and toast Darcy’s impending (official) fatherhood. Darcy’s family were more restrained than their sisters’ reaction but nonetheless joyful at the imminent arrival of a Darcy heir and the Countess likewise agreed with Darcy that it was best they withdraw from Town until after the birth.

And so it was that the Darcy-Bennet family packed up and left Town for Netherfield in the second week of May, staying there for a week to make the rounds there with all Lizzie’s old friends and relations. Mrs Philips did her late sister proud at her exclamations of joy – as was noted and commented on by many of the Meryton inhabitants – and had to seat herself with salts for a few minutes to recover. Mary was equally, although much less demonstrably, overjoyed for her sister and wished that their children – despite the distance between Longbourn and Pemberley – would be close, and the two spent a few hours together reminiscing on their mother, father, Charlotte, and Jane now that both sisters were entering or had entered motherhood. Lady Lucas worried that Tom and Lottie would be neglected now Lizzie and Darcy were expecting their own child but was quickly reassured by Darcy’s continued doting on the twins.

The Meryton inhabitants waved the Darcy-Bennet’s off on their journey to Pemberley and the ladies all reminded Lizzie that she had to write them twice monthly with her news and would press Mary, Lady Lucas, and Maria Lucas if there was any news almost every day. Meryton really was proud that their Elizabeth Bennet had caught Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley and Netherfield and was now in the family way.

Life at Pemberley fell back into the routine seen over the winter. The twins continued learning new ways to outwit their nurses and escape the nursery, causing havoc as they went but they were such sweet children that neither Lizzie nor Darcy could discipline them that greatly. Kitty, Georgiana, and Lydia worked away at their accomplishments and pleasures and started practicing for their curtsey before the Queen that November (if Lizzie laughed when seeing her sisters in the court dress for the first time then it was simply payback for them laughing at her before). Lizzie grew and had to curtail her walks – which was a great shame for her as summer at Pemberley promised to be the best season yet and the most able for long country walks – but was still kept busy as to being mistress of such a property as Pemberley. Summer was Darcy’s busiest time and he had little spare time for his wife and sisters, therefore any time spent with him was stored up and thought as even more precious.

August saw an invasion of Pemberley. The Gardiners, children included, descended on Pemberley for two weeks – which was all the time that Mr Gardiner could spare from his work. Darcy was persuaded to spend time with Mr Gardiner at the trout stream and Mrs Annesley and Mrs Thalis persuaded that the young ladies could complete their lessons outside just as well as inside (if Georgiana had to curtail her playing a little for this then she did so happily). Lizzie was escorted outside to a cushioned settee which the servants had moved to a vantage point, and there was able to work at her household running and the layette for the coming child. Three times in those two weeks, Darcy and the girls went with Mr and Mrs Gardiner to see the sights of Derbyshire and the Peaks – leaving a disgruntled Lizzie behind at Pemberley with the twins and four Gardiner children who tried their hardest to distract her from being left by running around and being generally sweet to her.

After the Gardiners left, the Fitzwilliams invaded. The Earl and Countess stormed Pemberley first – the Earl continuing Mr Gardiner’s work at the trout stream – followed by Lady Amelia, accompanied by her husband Lord Frederick the Earl of ----, and their daughters where Lady Amelia revealed her news that she too was in the family way and expecting in January. The couple were hoping greatly for a son and heir, considering they had had three daughters already and not a son in sight, as Lord Frederick’s heir at present was his uncle who he despised. Colonel Fitzwilliam managed to get a few weeks leave and extended it by promising this superiors he would check on a regiment in the North, and entertained the company with his outrageous tales of mishaps in camp. The Viscount was the last to arrive and the first to leave for it seemed that he had been introduced by an old university acquaintance of his to the Hon. Miss Charlotte Frances Whitting, daughter of Lord George Whitting whose estate was in the neighbouring county. This Hon. Miss Whitting, it appeared, would be the lady who caught the Viscount who, at five and thirty, had refused to settle until now. Had Lizzie not been in the family way and expecting to be brought to bed in a month, she would have invited the Hon. Miss Whitting and her brother – the Viscount’s old acquaintance – to Pemberley to allay the curiosity of the Fitzwilliams, Darcys, and Bennets.

As it was, Lizzie found herself wishing for her condition to be over, particularly as the heat of the summer had caused her to suffer greatly – for such an active young lady. Happily the last invaders arrived the week before that happy event. Mary, with baby Jane (John had remained at Longbourn to oversee the bringing in of the harvest at Longbourn and Netherfield), was accompanied by Sir William and Lady Lucas, Mr William Lucas, Maria Lucas, and Mrs Philips (Mr Samuel Lucas, the second son, had remained at Lucas Lodge to oversee that harvest and look over his younger siblings). Mrs Philips, although at first overwhelmed by being in the presence of two countesses, soon butted head with the elder one as to who had the most right to be with Lizzie at her travail. Lizzie settled this by wishing only for Mary and the midwife and asked that the three matrons kept the girls – including Maria – from knowing what was happening.

Lizzie’s travail started, as mentioned above, a week after the Lucases arrived in the third week of September. The Countess, Lady Amelia, Lady Lucas, and Mrs Philips were barred from the room and sent off by Mary to distract the others and look over the children. Darcy was in constant worry for Lizzie’s health – after all, his mother Lady Anne had passed after complications with childbirth, as did Lizzie’s mother Mrs Frances Bennet, and step-mother and dearest friend Mrs Charlotte Bennet – and it took the combined efforts of his uncle the Earl, cousins the Colonel and Lord Frederick, and Sir William and Mr William Lucas to stop him storming Lizzie’s rooms. It was a rather mixed group who would not normally have ever met or sat in the same room but their differing dispositions worked for the better. The Colonel and Lord Frederick broke into Darcy’s good wine and plied him with that, while the Lucases told stories of Lizzie as a young person – including ones including Charlotte Lucas Bennet and Jane Bennet Rotefil – much to the amusement of the Earl who thought Darcy’s worry too much and rather vulgar. The matrons were left to keep the girls busy and watch over the children whenever their nurses brought them into the drawing room.

Fifteen hours from the barring of the door to the matrons, Mary emerged to find her brother having been plied with rather a lot of wine by his cousins in order to calm his nerves which returned as soon as he saw her.

“Lizzie is well sir.” Mary said to start, knowing what had been going through his mind for Lizzie had confided Darcy’s terror to her. “As is your son.”

“Son.” Darcy croaked, unable to believe what he had just heard, “and Elizabeth is well.”

“Yes sir. She is asking for you, go to her. I will acquaint the others with the news.”

“Thank you my dear sister.” Darcy said, kissing Mary on the cheek as he ran out of the room and took the stairs two at a time in order to shorten the time until he saw his dear Elizabeth.

Darcy burst through the door, making it slam against the wall and startle the bundle of blankets held in a very tired looking Lizzie’s arms into loud cries. He stopped dead at the sight.

“Come William.” Lizzie whispered, attempting to quiet the bundle, “Come meet your son.”

“You are well?” Darcy needed the affirmation from her own voice to be finally able to relax.

“I am well.”

This nudged Darcy forward and he carefully sat himself on the bed beside his wife and child, looking down at him with the gentlest expression on his face.

“Welcome to the world Bennet Thomas George Darcy, and to this mad family you have found yourself in.”

Chapter Text

This author feels that it is her duty to round this narrative up in as succinct a way as possible for all our personages as to quiet the questions as to the fates of the Darcys, Bennets, Lucases, and those we have not heard from for many a time including the Bingleys and Mr Wickham.

Mr Wickham, having found Meryton turned against him and that, as with any work, being in the Militia disagreed with him, soon after his arrival in November 1811 deserted with that month’s pay chest for the entire regiment. One must admit that Mr Wickham had bravo for that crime but not a great mind for he was found in Liverpool – having fled up there – intent on catching the next ship to America with the monies stolen which would have set him up quite well had he been able to avoid gambling. He had already gambled away a third of his stolen income and was caught as he gambled away another quarter. Needless to say, the crimes of desertion and robbery caused Mr George Wickham to be hung at Liverpool in December 1811. His loss was mourned only by those creditors who would never gain their money from him. Mr Darcy only found out about Mr Wickham’s fate six weeks later when the news of the scandal had been told to Colonel Fitzwilliam who had happily informed his cousin. Mr Darcy mourned the boy George Wickham had been but not the man he had become. Mr Wickham’s miniature was removed from Pemberley and his name never mentioned in England again.

Mr Bingley, after quitting Netherfield at the end of November 1811, as we have seen, never returned to Netherfield for the remainder of his tenure. His sisters rejoiced in their return to civilization as they saw it and endeavoured to cause him to never leave it again (this author does wonder whether the Bingley sisters realised that, to become a landowner and hence a gentleman, entailed a country estate). The efforts of the Meryton inhabitants as to disseminating the ways of the Bingley sisters and how puppy-like Mr Bingley was, caused their reputations to fall and they soon found many of the entertainments that Mr Darcy’s patronage had opened for them were closed. Mr Hurst, a most indolent man, was the first to see the way the wind was blowing when visiting his club to drink and play at cards and expressed a wish – much to the astonishment of his wife – to visit his estate in Lancashire. This removal occurred and neither Mr nor Mrs Hurst returned to Town for two seasons to allow the gossip to die down. Mr Bingley found himself growing apart from Mr Darcy due to the gossiping regarding his family but did not notice until Mr Darcy cut Miss Bingley at the theatre which caused the distinct end to their friendship. (Mr Darcy mourned this but was distracted by events and wished Mr Bingley only the best, with the hope that he would grow up at some point). This separation meant that Mr Bingley was only able to access the outer circles of the Ton where Miss Bingley was quickly outstaying her welcome. Miss Bingley, furious at the rumours circulating and blaming the country mushrooms for her disgrace, kept on working to enter the Ton and gain a rich husband – even she had to allow that Mr Darcy was now completely out of her reach. This anger continued and her true colours were brought out. Miss Bingley found all gentlemen closed to her, and, after a further three seasons when she really was past time to be a spinster, managed to compromise a gentleman of his late forties who she believed had an estate worth eight-thousand pounds. The gentleman – Mr Gart – was in fact an estate owner of a derelict estate in Cornwall with more debt than he could count which, when at its height fifty years before had only created fifteen hundred a year. What happened to Miss Bingley, now Mrs Gart, is not a concern of ours except to say that she was not happy.

Mr Bingley fell in love and fell out of love with his angels multiple times over the next few years. He never bought an estate himself and found himself quite content flitting from young lady to young lady. The young ladies menfolk were less happy than Mr Bingley at the way he treated – accidentally to be sure – their womenfolk and finally, in March 1815, Mr Bingley was called out by the elder brother of one of his angels – either marry her or a duel. Mr Bingley found himself married to the blonde, seventeen year old angel Miss Marie McPherson – daughter of a Scottish landowner in the Isles – who he soon found was not an angel but, being of a happy (and still puppyish) disposition could not be unhappy. He continued in harmless flirtations with angels while giving his wife three daughters and living on the edge of the Ton with his four or five thousand a year.

The Lucases remained at Lucas Lodge and as the first family in Meryton. Lady Lucas saw all her children married and seventeen grandchildren born before passing. Sir William continued as the affable leader of the four and twenty families and outlasted his wife by three years – it will surprise no-one that his last words were ‘Capital, capital!’. Mr William Lucas took over the running of Lucas Lodge and passed himself creditably. Maria Lucas married the eldest Goulding son and so never left the surroundings of Meryton except to visit Miss Catherine and Miss Lydia Bennet’s marital homes.

The Gardiners and Philipses were not materially changed by the removal to Pemberley of their nieces. As the Darcy's holidayed at Netherfield for a month every year Mrs Philips was able to dote on her absent nieces quite well, although her attentions were normally turned to Mary as she was the only one in the Meryton surroundings for most of the year - a duty she shared and fought over with Lady Lucas. Mr Philips handed over his business to John Lucas and enjoyed his retirement while Mrs Philips continued as the leader of the professional class of Meryton. They would often take up the offer of a carriage to Pemberley for the Christmas season and many happy Christmases were spent there. Mrs Philips saw her six Lucas great-nieces and nephews born before passing and Mr Philips followed two years later. The Gardiners continued in business, although they made enough money for their sons to buy an estate if they so wished. When the Darcys were in London they would share many visits and summers were spent, at least partially, at Pemberley where Mrs Gardiner could see her old friends and Mr Gardiner empty the stream of fish. Mr Gardiner passed twenty years after the Darcy marriage, having seen three of his four children happily settled (his youngest son was a confirmed bachelor for the rest of his life), while Mrs Gardiner refused repeated offers to move to Pemberley and stayed with her youngest son. She passed three weeks after the retirement of the Darcys back to Pemberley.

Jane Rotefil and her husband made a visit to England a few years after the War of 1812 and the sisters were reunited once more. Time and life had changed all the sisters and they were never able to enjoy their previous closeness. Mrs Rotefil was able to introduce her children to their aunts and be introduced to her nieces and nephews (including Jane Lucas who she declared to be the most beautiful child (after her own of course)). Mr Rotefil's business did not require another journey to England for many years, by which time the sisters had changed once more. By the 1840s, there were regular steamship crossings of the Atlantic Ocean and so Mrs Rotefil took advantage of this to make the journey once a year, staying in England visiting her sisters and their families for two months before returning to her own family in America. Her second son decided to open a branch of the Rotefil bank in England and so settled there with help from his aunts and uncles in 1849 and encouraged Mrs Rotefil to spend more time in England than before. She passed in New York in 1855 at the age of six and sixty and was mourned on both sides of the Atlantic by her family and the high society of New York of which she was a leader.

John and Mary Lucas continued living at Longbourn for nineteen years until dear Tom Bennet – better to be called Mr Thomas Bennet – graduated Cambridge (for Darcy’s were Cambridge-men. His Mama joked to his Papa that his Father and ancestors were turning in their graves for Bennet men had been Oxford men for as long as they had owned Longbourn). After this event, they retired to the stewards cottage on the Netherfield estate which John Lucas had extended in preparation for this event. John Lucas continued as Steward of Netherfield and Longbourn until his death at the age of seventy in 1858. The couple, after Jane Lucas, had six more children although only five survived to adulthood – John, Mary, Elizabeth, William, Frances, and the lamented Samuel. At the retirement of Mr Philips, John Lucas also took over that practice which was soon afterwards passed to their eldest son while their second son entered the church and became a much loved vicar of Meryton. Mary Bennet Lucas lived until 1866 when she died at the age of four and seventy, these last few years being spent back at Longbourn at the insistence of her nephews.

Mr Thomas Bennet and Miss Charlotte Bennet grew up at Pemberley calling Mr and Mrs Darcy ‘Mama’ and ‘Papa’, although they always knew about their mother and father. Although mischief makers when young – and great encouragers of the Darcy children in their mischief – Master Thomas settled down with his tutors and showed himself possessed of a great wit, much like his father’s. He attended Eton and thence Cambridge – which caused a great argument between his Mama and Papa over whether it would be Cambridge or Oxford – where he graduated at the top of his year. Afterwards he made a home at Longbourn, which he found very well managed by his uncle and sister (who he had always called aunt), and became a true country gentleman. He was persuaded to attend Town whenever the Darcy children – whom he called brothers and sisters – came out and it was through this connection that Thomas Bennet found a wife in the dear friend of one of his younger sisters. Lady Adelaide Michaels was eight years younger than him and the sixth daughter of an earl who allowed the marriage because of Mr Bennet’s being the brother and adopted son of Mr Darcy. Mr Bennet and Lady Adelaide were well matched and had a happy marriage. As the entail on the estate was broken with Mr Bennet’s birth, it did not matter whether Lady Adelaide had a girl or boy. Happily, Lady Adelaide brought forth one son and two daughters. Mr Bennet and Lady Adelaide holidayed at Pemberley every year and Netherfield was holidayed at by his siblings every year. He passed away quite young at the age of forty-five after falling from the roof of a tenant house he was helping to repair in the year 1850.

Miss Charlotte Bennet had inherited the Bennet looks rather than her poor mother’s and, having had the expertise of the best masters, was a good match the year she came out – although not great for she had only ten thousand pounds as a dowry. Nonetheless, she was considered foremost in that year for harp and quite pretty at the needle, as well as being eminently sensible in the same way as her poor mother had been. She spent two seasons in Town and married, at the age of nineteen, Mr George Lorde of Buckinghamshire and so was happily settled only a county over from her dear twin brother – who she was always very close to. Mr Lorde was worth four thousand a year and had a romantic disposition quite unlike that of Miss Charlotte’s but nonetheless seemed to create one in Miss Charlotte. Mrs Lorde was brought to bed four times with four girls – Charlotte, Elizabeth, Victoria, and Louise – but followed in her mother’s fate with Louise and passed in the childbed in 1837 at the age of seven-and-twenty to the grief of her husband, twin brother, Mama, Papa, aunts, and younger siblings.

The Fitzwilliams continued in much the same way as they always had. The Viscount did successfully court the Hon. Miss Whitting and the two became Earl and Countess of --- in due time. The Countess outlived her husband by some ten years and took great pleasure in turning up at the homes of her children, nieces (including the Bennet girls who she had quite adopted to the same status as Miss Darcy), and nephew at inopportune times. The Colonel found a widow of substantial means and married her, enabling him to retain his accustomed style of living. Lady Amelia did bring to bed a son for her husband and went on to have the spare for the earldom.

(It must be admitted that this author has not mentioned Lady Catherine de Bourgh or Mr Collins (past his attempt on Mrs Darcy all those years before). Lady Catherine was horrified at her nephew’s proposed alliance to Miss Elizabeth Bennet and jilting of her daughter. However, the earl her brother had anticipated this and sent to say that in no uncertain terms was she to express her displeasure. She grudgingly agreed with this for her brother had been subsidising her income for many years and she had enough sense to know that she would not be able to live without that subsidy. However, she did refuse to know Mrs Darcy or Mrs Darcy’s relations and the connection was dropped. Mr Collins still remembered the decree against entering Longbourn again and, with the birth of Master Thomas, had no need to know of it again. He spent his life at Rosings kowtowing to Lady Catherine and then to Miss Anne de Bourgh. He never married, despite Lady Catherine’s order for him to, as he was never able to find a woman who could live with him. He died unknown and unmourned by all.)

Miss Catherine Bennet, Miss Georgiana Darcy, and Miss Lydia Bennet made their curtsey before Queen Charlotte in November 1813, shortly after their nephew was born. None met a husband in that first season and all returned again in 1814 where Miss Lydia Bennet caught the attention of a scholar who had had the misfortune to lose his elder brother and become master of the family estate – Mr William Foxton. Mr Foxton preferred to leave the running of his estate to his steward and instead spent his time wandering the continent learning the histories of the regions. Miss Lydia’s knowledge of most of the European languages made her the perfect companion for him – who was embarking on Russia next which had been the next language Miss Lydia had learnt after Greek – and the adventures Mr Foxton promised suited Miss Lydia to the ground. They married after five months in 1815 when Napoleon was finally defeated and the continent became relatively safe again. Mr and Mrs Foxton spent the next twenty years wandering Europe collecting the histories of the nations and seeing the nations be made. Their first child, a girl, was born in Russia and named Elizabeth Alexandra (in honour of the defeater of Napoleon and Emperor of Russia). Their second child, another girl, was born in Tuscany and named Lydia Ferdinanda (after the Grand Duke of Tuscany). This theme of naming their children after the ruler of the land they were born in continued with William Francis (Austria), Catherine Frances (Austria still), and Georgiana Frederica (Prussia). They returned to England in 1827 for their final child Mary Wilhelmina four years later. Together they spent the next twenty five years collating all they had gathered in the twelve years of their travels into a series of books which became the standard textbooks for Oxford and Cambridge European history and earnt Mr Foxton a knighthood from Queen Victoria elevating Lydia to Lady Foxton. Once their daughters were safely married and their son had taken over the estate, they left for their travels again – this time to the Ottoman empire and Greece where they were caught up in some troubles in 1854 and sadly perished.

Miss Catherine Bennet grew even more accomplished as an artist over her residence at Pemberley as the nature around her inspired her greatly. Her brother allowed her to tour Derbyshire and the Peaks for her art in one of the carriages as long as she was accompanied by a maid and three footmen. It was there she first made the acquaintance of Lord Edward Harting, the second son of a duke, who had a great passion for art and the picturesque. He himself had some renown as a poet and the two gentle souls found a connexion when Lord Edward apologised then complimented Miss Bennet on disturbing her and her watercolour of Mam Tor. They met again when Darcy was escorting her around the Royal Academy’s Exhibition the following year and were properly introduced. Lord Edward’s father did not quite agree with his second son’s choice of bride – she was just a gentlewoman although had the great luck to be connected with Mr Darcy – but Lord Edward had been prudent in his saving and had also bought some sought-after paintings which he could sell at some profit. The duke eventually assented to the marriage and agreed to continue his son’s two thousand a year which allowed the young couple to rent a house in Matlock Bath and explore the area. Lord Edward persuaded his wife to exhibit and sell her paintings – signed as C. Ben. Edward – which was a great success. Ben Edward became one of the most sought-after landscape and picturesque painter of the early nineteenth century and was much admired by George IV as well as Queen Victoria later on. The mystery of Ben Edward added to the renown. The selling of Lady Edward Harting’s paintings brought such an income to the couple that they were able to buy a small estate of the same size as Longbourn in the Peak District and settle there. It was remarked upon in later years that the estates of the Bennet-Darcy girls had the greatest number of Ben Edward paintings which led to the reveal of Lady Edward Harting as Ben Edward in the early twentieth century. The Harting’s had only one child – a daughter – named Catherine Elizabeth who also grew to be a great artist, although only in the domestic circles of her cousins. Lord Edward Harting died in 1860 while Lady Edward Harting continued for many years afterwards, dying at the grand age of eighty-seven in 1881 – painting almost to her last day.

Miss Georgiana Darcy never completely overcame her inherent shyness and was only comfortable in society if she was with one of her more lively sisters. As a result, when Sir Nathaniel Crowther, who was a kindly gentleman the same age as her brother and a brilliant politician, proposed to her at the age of twenty she refused him as she had no wish to live in society and host the Ton. Her brother and sister did not push her to marry, stating the Pemberley was always open to her whatever happened. Miss Darcy gained the reputation as almost an old maid by the time, at the age of three and twenty, she met Mr Alexander Mayhew who was the new owner of Livey Range twenty miles from Pemberley. He was the distant cousin of the previous owner and an American born and raised. Livey Range brought in eight thousand pounds, was close to Pemberley, and Mr Mayhew had no interest in becoming part of the Ton. It was the perfect match for the shy Miss Darcy although it took Mr Mayhew almost a year to gain her hand. Once he did, Miss Darcy did not look back. Sadly, Mrs Mayhew suffered her mother’s difficulty with childbirth. She brought to bed a son named Alexander Fitzwilliam Mayhew but lost babe after babe for the next eight years when she managed to have a daughter – Georgiana Catherine Lydia Mayhew – but, in much the same way as her mother, was weakened from the previous miscarriages and passed away at the age of four and thirty in 1829. Mr Mayhew remarried two years later to give his children a mother but always sent his dear Alex and Ana to their uncle and aunts to know their mother.

As for Mr and Mrs Darcy. After Bennet Darcy, Mrs Darcy brought to bed of four daughters and two more sons – ensuring both Netherfield and Elm Park would be handed down separately to George and Richard respectively. Their daughters were Anne Elizabeth, Madeline Frances, Victoria Sophia, and Alexandra Adelaide and each married very respectably, becoming well known in the society of the young Queen Victoria who was of an age with Madeline and Victoria. Mr Darcy, although being of a stern and forbidding (and it may be said also arrogant) disposition, was persuaded by his cousins to stand for Parliament for Matlock and had a celebrated career in politics for three decades, rising to the Cabinet. His priority was always Pemberley and his family and he was known to miss sessions if any of his children or sisters were ill or his wife was in the family way. Despite these frequent absences, Mr Darcy’s character meant that he was always respected. Mrs Darcy’s lively disposition meant that she became one of the most celebrated hostesses in the Ton and formed a perfect complement to her foreboding husband. It always amused her that Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn, Hertfordshire, had become Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, Derbyshire, wife of an MP and leader of the Ton. Like her husband, if a member of her family was ill she would cancel an engagement to be with them.

Mr Darcy’s dedication to his nation was well noted and he was created first a knight by the elderly King William IV, causing Mrs Darcy to become Lady Darcy and her sisters to jokingly call her that with much reverence. When he entered the Cabinet, Sir Fitzwilliam was elevated to Earl Darcy, much to his horror. The Earl Darcy tried to resign from the Cabinet many times but was only able to do so when there was a change in government and, although Earl Darcy was esteemed for his impartiality and honour, he was asked to make way for the new Prime Minister’s friends. This duty discharged happily, the Earl and Countess Darcy retreated to Pemberley, only leaving to visit Netherfield or attend part of the Season. They could not hide completely for Queen Victoria had made the acquaintance of their third daughter Victoria Sophia – known as Sophy in the family – who was two years younger than her and Sophy became part of Queen Victoria’s set.

Lord Fitzwilliam Darcy 1st Earl Darcy died at his beloved Pemberley after having just returned from the christening of Princess Beatrice in 1857 at the age of three and seventy – his death was attributed by his eldest daughter to exhaustion for he had not stopped working since he was two and twenty and became Master of Pemberley. His funeral was attended by the great and good of Victorian society, including the Queen’s elderly mother the Dowager Duchess of Kent and five former or future Prime Ministers.

Lady Elizabeth Darcy Countess Darcy continued as a grand dame of the Ton and, having reached an age where all her children were married and she was entrenched so totally, she amused herself by scandalising the younger Ton with her comments and insights. She spent her later years with her sister Lady Edward Harting, marvelling at her younger sister’s talent. To the end she was concerned with her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and all her descendants and relations. The young people knew that, if they ever needed a champion, or even a piece of advice, they would send a telegram for Countess Darcy’s assistance. She greatly enjoyed travelling to see her relations via train – which was so much more comfortable and quicker than by carriage – and was visiting Longbourn and her nephew/grandson Thomas Bennet (son of her brother/son Thomas Bennet) when she suddenly collapsed. Her body was returned to Pemberley and the chapel there to lay beside her husband for eternity in the Darcy crypt. It was 1877 and she was eighty-six.

The first Earl and Countess Darcy were remembered as the founders of the powerful Darcy family – although they would have said they only built on that which had been created by their ancestors – and absolutely devoted to their family. One of the most famous paintings in the Pemberley holdings – apart from all those of C. Ben. Edward – is a family painting from 1815 of (titles given as they were known as at the time of the painting) Mr and Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy, Mrs John Lucas, Miss Georgiana Darcy, Miss Catherine Bennet, Miss Lydia Bennet, Master Thomas Bennet, and Miss Charlotte Bennet painted by Sir Thomas Lawrence. Another painting in the Pemberley holdings was a commission by Queen Victoria of her favoured artist Franz Xavier Winterhalter of the Earl and Countess Darcy, and their six children. Both these paintings, uncharacteristically, show the subjects happy and relaxed with each other. The Earl and Countess Darcy’s devotion to each other and their family was infamous and passed down through the generations – that sometimes one must ignore the situation of a person and judge them by their devotion to their family for that is all that matters in the end.