4. Chapter 4

A/N: First of all I want to thank each and every one of you who have reviewed, favorited, followed, and read this story. Your support is overwhelming. I re-read your comments whenever I need a pick me up and with twin 3 year olds, that is quite often. Best. Mood. Lifter. Ever. So thank you thank you thank you!

So, some of you don't like my depictions of the Bennet family and that's ok. I realize that not everyone is going to agree or like the literary license I've taken with some of JA most beloved characters. I just want to give you a run down on my reasoning for writing the characters the way that I did.

Mrs. Bennet: Oh how I dislike that woman! She annoyed me in the book and annoyed me even further in the 1995 BBC adaptation. I actually started writing Mrs Bennet more canon, but it just didn't work. My depiction of her character is more dark, but there is a very good reason for that. I love reading P&P adaptations that explain why Mrs Bennet is the way that she is. I will explain why Mrs Bennet acts the way she does, particularly towards Lizzy. Be patient. For those that don't like her, she won't show up for awhile. So enjoy the reprieve! (I'm sure Lizzy will as well!)

Mr Bennet: I have a love/hate relationship with Lizzy's father. Essentially Mr Bennet will be the same as in canon; disinterested in his family, unwilling to discipline or exert control over his wife and children, lazy. However, I have added an element to Mr Bennet's character that is necessary for my story. Even though he realizes his failings as a father, he truly cares about Lizzy and more importantly, for her, he tries to be a good father. Hence my reasoning for him reprimanding her. That is what a good father would do, regardless of whether the person deserved it or not, (Mrs Bennet definitely deserved it!)

Jane: I love Jane. What's not to like? She's the ideal woman: demure, reserved, beautiful, angelic and...boring. (You know it's true!) So my Jane is all those things with a dash of sass. Because honestly, how can you have a sister like Lizzy and not have her rub off on you?

Elizabeth: My Elizabeth is much the same as in canon, except she is more emotionally fragile and vulnerable (with a mother like Mrs Bennet can you blame her?) Having a mother like Mrs Bennet has made her stronger and more resilient to whatever hardship will be thrown her way, and she'll need it! (Hint, Hint)

Mary: I've always felt bad for Mary and being a middle daughter myself (of 5 sisters, 2 brothers as the bookends), I empathize with Mary. It's not easy being the odd one out and feeling like you are invisible. So my Mary is not in the background. She is a staunch supporter and friend to Elizabeth. She is bookish but not a moralizer, spiritual, not just religious (Yes, there is a difference).

Kitty and Lydia: Not a huge difference from canon, except maybe Lydia picks up on Mrs Bennet's animosity towards Elizabeth and treats her accordingly.

Please keep your reviews coming, they make my day! I want to hear what you think, good or bad.

April 1812

Chapter 3

The next month passed excruciatingly slowly for Elizabeth. She learned just how stubborn her mother could be. She remained resolute in her decision to give Elizabeth the silent treatment. At first, Elizabeth didn't mind. It was pleasant to not have to hear her mother's lectures each time she entered her presence. But the silence wore on her as time passed. Her mother's thwarted attempt to have Lydia go to London in Elizabeth's place only increased her ire and determination to ignore her second eldest child. Even Elizabeth's multiple attempts at reconciliation had been rebuffed.

Finally, after the agonizingly slow month, she and Jane were on their way to London. As the carriage pulled away from Longbourn, Elizabeth looked back at her home. Her father and sister, Mary were still standing outside. Upon observing Elizabeth, they waved their hands in final farewell. Elizabeth smiled brightly and returned their farewell, not surprised her mother had already returned to the house. She came out to say goodbye to Jane, telling her how to make herself agreeable to the young men and to come home with a wealthy beau. She had ignored Elizabeth.

Elizabeth sat back and made herself comfortable for the twenty mile journey to London. She was happy to visit her Aunt with Jane, but there was nothing quite like home. Truth be told, Elizabeth was nervous. She had never had a season of her own. Her father's limited resources didn't allow him to support his daughters through an entire season. It was beneficial to all involved that her Aunt and Uncle lived in London and were willing to sponsor them.

Elizabeth smiled to herself as she thought of the woman who in many ways was more a mother to her than her own. Mrs Gardiner had been born Miss Marianne Vane, the only child of an impoverished Baronet, Sir Francis Vane. Growing up in a crumbling estate in Derbyshire, her life had been filled with excess despite the reduced circumstances of her family. As an only child she had been indulged and doted upon by her father; her mother having died giving birth to her. Despite being so spoiled, it did not affect her happy disposition and good humor. As she grew older, she realized that the life she lived was a facade; the family money having been lost in poor investments and gambling over the years.

Determined to help her father regain his pride and recoup their losses, she suggested investing in new businesses that were flourishing. Never one to deny his child anything, Sir Francis had agreed. This single decision led to a life-changing event for Miss Marianne Vane. When she was twenty years old, she met a young, sagacious business man by the name of Edward Gardiner. He was owner of a growing business in London that was anticipated to become even more prosperous. With Edward Gardiner's business expertise and Sir Francis' connections, within two years the business had expanded and prospered to the extent that made all involved very wealthy.

Among those to benefit from Mr Gardiner's business acumen was Lord Henry Fitzwilliam, the young Earl of Matlock. Upon his father's untimely death, Lord Henry had discovered that his father had been heavily in debt; mortgaging the London Townhome and Family Estate to pay for their elaborate lifestyle. Determined to pay back the creditors and free his family from debt, he quickly realized the best way to recoup their losses were through wise investments. Hearing of Mr Gardiner's business investment opportunity through his future father-in-law, Lord Guy Worthington, The Marquess of Lansdowne; together they decided to use the dowry of Lord Henry's fiancée, Lady Eleanor Worthington to invest in the up and coming business.

Through the business connection and close association of their fathers, Lady Eleanor Worthington and Miss Marianne Vane became close friends and confidants. When Lady Eleanor married the Earl of Matlock, Marianne was asked to stand up with her.

As Mr Gardiner's business prospered, he began to turn to more personal matters. He decided it was time to marry and start a family of his own. For years he had associated with and come to deeply admire Miss Marianne Vane. Despite his close association with her father, he knew she was out of his reach socially...and romantically. She was expected to marry within her social sphere, someone of the gentry, not a tradesman; however successful and wealthy he may be.

With the passing years, Edward Gardiner's admiration for Miss Vane turned to love. Joyous was the day when he discovered that she returned his affections. When the couple approached Sir Francis with their decision to marry, they were not surprised when Sir Francis refused to give them their blessing. Having reached her majority several years previously, Marianne determined that she would marry Edward, with or without her father's blessing. So they quietly married and began their life together.

The repercussions of Miss Vane's marriage to a mere tradesman was swift and complete. Life long friends and acquaintances refused to acknowledge her and invitations to social events ceased. Indeed, anytime she ventured outside her home became a very unpleasant experience. This didn't bother Marianne Gardiner greatly as she was blissfully happy in her marriage. The only regret she had was the rift her marriage had caused with her father.

The one friend that didn't abandon Marianne Gardiner was Lady Eleanor Fitzwilliam, Countess of Matlock. She was unfailingly loyal and unwavering in the defense of her friend. She persuaded her husband to accept Mr and Mrs Gardiner into their home , reasoning that if not for Mr Gardiner, they would not be free from debt and enjoying their current level of wealth. With the support of Lord and Lady Matlock, others soon followed and slowly over time the Gardiner's began to be accepted back into society.

"What are you thinking about so deeply Lizzy?" Jane's gentle voice brought Elizabeth back to the present.

"Hmmm? Just our Aunt and Uncle. Their story is so romantic, don't you think?"

Jane smiled. "Yes, it definitely is. Although I can't imagine the hurt our Aunt must have felt, especially in the early days of her marriage."

"Whatever do you mean Jane?" cried Elizabeth. "She was married to the man she loved."

Jane sighed, "I meant the pain she must have felt being cut off from all she had known and loved. To be so rejected by her friends and her father." Jane shook her head sadly. "I can't imagine how lonely that must have been for her."

"I suppose you are right. But if I had to choose between the man I loved and my friends, there would be no question I would choose the man I loved."

"But would you choose between the man you loved over your family?" Elizabeth contemplated Jane's question. Could she give up the relationship with her father? Sisters? For love? Elizabeth knew that if she was ever to marry it would be to a man she not only respected and admired, but one she loved deeply.

Elizabeth hesitantly responded, "I would like to think that I wouldn't have to choose. I believe that any man I deemed worthy of my hand would be accepted by those dearest to me."

Jane nodded. "That is true. I can't imagine Papa denying you anything." Elizabeth laughed and teasingly said, "Unless I came home with a Baker's son!" Jane's mirthful countenance turned serious as she said, "Lizzy, are you nervous at all? For the Season I mean?"

Elizabeth looked at her sister and saw anxiety and...fear? "Jane, what are you so worried about?"

"I am afraid of them!" Jane said distressingly. Elizabeth was confused. What could Jane mean? This was so unlike her normally composed sister. Something must truly be bothering her. "Who's them?'

Jane fiddled with the string of her bonnet nervously. "You'll think I am being juvenile, Lizzy."

"Oh course I won't Jane. Please, tell me." With a deep sigh, Jane looked in her sister's concerned eyes. Then in a rush, she said, "I'm afraid that I'll attract the wrong kind of man, that I won't be able to discern if he is good or not, that I'll be taken advantage of, or that the men won't find me attractive at all. Or worse, I'll fall in love with a scoundrel or someone Papa won't approve of..."

"Jane, Jane. Stop!" Elizabeth laughed. "Don't laugh Lizzy, this isn't funny! I'm being perfectly serious."

"I know you are dearest. I'm not laughing at you! I'm laughing because I share your fears."

"Truly?"

Elizabeth nodded moving to sit beside her sister in the carriage. Taking her hand she said, "We have never been to London during the Season, Jane. Of course I share your concerns. We are about to move in unfamiliar circles. We are used to the small society of Hertfordshire, it is natural to feel uneasy and nervous at the prospect of encountering so many new people. This is completely new for both of us. But, we won't be alone. We have each other and our Aunt will look out for us. She is familiar with those we will meet and those we should avoid. And as for falling for someone not worthy of our affections... Well, I'd like to think we are both good judges of character. Besides, it is unlikely that we will form any attachments! After all, we will only be in London for little more than two months! What could possibly happen in two months?"

FEFEFEFEFEFEFE

Fitzwilliam Darcy was not amused. In fact, he was downright annoyed. He currently stood at the edge of a ballroom surrounded by a bunch of simpering misses and their interfering mamas. Darcy looked heavenward in supplication, but not receiving any divine intervention he took a deep breath and entered the fray...er, ballroom.

With a false smile on his face, he turned to the man standing at his left with whom he had been conversing. What was his name? "Quite the turnout, isn't it?" the unnamed man observed. Darcy barely refrained from grimacing from his inane comment. This was torture! He was going to kill Richard. Slowly. Where was his idiotic cousin anyway?

"Quite." Darcy's clipped and sardonic reply was lost on his companion. "Don't see how anyone can move when there is such a crush." Darcy was about to make his excuses and leave when they were accosted by a large woman being trailed by a slip of a girl. Groaning slightly, Darcy braced himself for the inevitable. Curse you, Richard.

"Oh, Mr Wimpole!" simpered the large woman. "How good to see you!" The woman fluttered her eyes at Darcy's companion. To Darcy's amusement, Mr Wimpole turned a bright shade of magenta.

Bowing to the large woman, he stammered, "Er...Good evening, Mrs Hartley." Suddenly remembering that he wasn't alone, he turned to Darcy and gesturing to him said, "Let me introduce Mr Darcy. Mr Darcy, this is Mrs Hartley and her daughter, Miss Hartley."

Bowing, Darcy politely said, "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Mrs Hartley, Miss Hartley."

"Charmed, I'm sure." Mrs Hartley perused Darcy with a calculating look. "My, you are tall," she cooed. Darcy stiffened his back and carefully arranged his face in a blank mask. "Yes, I am," he stated. She tittered. Turning to her daughter hiding behind her, she unceremoniously yanked her forward and presented her to Darcy like a sacrificial lamb. It was obvious to Darcy the girl was terrified. Likely in her first season. Taking pity on the poor girl he asked her, "How are you enjoying the ball, Miss Hartley?" Glancing nervously at her mother, she timidly responded, "Very well, thank you, Mr Darcy."

"My Evelyn dearly loves to dance, don't you dear?" Mrs Hartley looked expectantly at Darcy. Here we go.With a deep breath, Darcy turned to Miss Hartley. "Then I would be honored if you would allow me to share in something you enjoy so much." Ignoring Mrs Hartley's triumphant smile he offered Miss Hartley his arm and led her to the dance floor.

Sometime later, Darcy found himself on the edge of the ballroom once again. This time he made sure to partially conceal himself behind a well placed potted plant. Scanning the ballroom for any of his close acquaintances, he spied his Aunt Matlock a little ways down from him conversing with a handsome and stately woman around the age of his Aunt. Catching his Aunt's eye she leaned over and spoke to her companion and together they made their way toward Darcy. He quickly ascertained that there were no young misses accompanying them. He breathed a sigh of relief.

"Hiding? Darcy really. Sometimes you still remind me of a little boy."

Kissing his Aunt on the cheek, he countered, "Good evening Aunt. I was not hiding."

"You were." Darcy huffed. "I was merely searching for Richard."

"In the corner. Behind a plant?" His Aunt laughed. Ignoring the scowl on her nephew's face she turned to her companion. "You remember my nephew Mr Darcy, don't you Marianne?"

"Oh course! We met several years ago at your Twelfth Night Ball. It is good to see you again, Mr Darcy."

Darcy smiled and bowed. "Pleased to see you again madam." His Aunt Matlock turned amused eyes towards her nephew. "Mrs Gardiner is one of my dearest friends, nephew." Darcy realized his Aunt knew he didn't remember her friend or her name. Maybe Richard was right, he needed to get out more.

Turning to Mrs Gardiner he said sheepishly, "Forgive me, Mrs Gardiner. I had forgotten our previous acquaintance; although I have heard you spoken of many times by my Aunt. I know my Uncle and Aunt hold you and your husband in very high regard."

With a pleased smile his Aunt responded, "I'm only teasing you Darcy. Marianne is very aware of your ah...aversion to society. Indeed, we speak of it often."

With a raised brow Darcy said, "I am pleased I can be a source of amusement to you Aunt."

Slapping his hand playfully, she said, "Oh, don't be like that Darcy. Marianne knows that I see you as one of my own and care as much for your welfare as I do my own boys."

"Indeed, Mr Darcy. Your Aunt misses you when you are away from town. Although I can't blame you for retreating to the wilds of Derbyshire. It is the best of counties in my opinion."

"You are familiar with Derbyshire, Mrs Gardiner?" Darcy was pleased to hear someone speak so warmly of his home. Mrs Gardiner laughed. "I grew up in Derbyshire, Mr Darcy."

"Indeed? May I ask where?"

"Vane Manor." Mrs Gardiner promptly replied. Mr Darcy was puzzled. He was familiar with the family of that estate, being but seven miles from Pemberly but he couldn't recall anyone by the name of Marianne residing within. Although he realized it would have been when he was a very small child.

Seeing Darcy's puzzled expression, Mrs Gardiner briefly told Darcy her history. Darcy didn't know what to say. He was amazed that Mrs Gardiner could speak of her disinheritance with such composure.

Finally, he said, "I am sorry that you had to make such a sacrifice, Mrs Gardiner. I admire your courage to make such a decision. It couldn't have been easy."

"Thank you Mr Darcy." Nodding her head in acknowledgement. "It was not easy. But it was worth it."

"Well, enough of that!" His Aunt's bright tone dispelled the seriousness of their conversation. "Let's talk of more pleasant things, shall we?"

Turning to Darcy, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she said, "Marianne was just telling me that she is expecting two of her nieces to join her in London for part of the season. Isn't that wonderful?"

Darcy knew where his Aunt was going with this line of conversation. For years, she had tried to match him with various daughters or nieces of her friends and acquaintances. She had limited opportunities to do so as he only attended her Twelfth Night Ball, but that didn't stop her from writing about each of them. In detail.

Darcy rubbed his eyes. He would need to tread carefully. He didn't want to offend his Aunt's dearest friend by showing a lack of interest in becoming acquainted with her nieces. He couldn't remember if his Aunt had mentioned these misses before. Probably.They were all the same. Heaven save him from highly accomplished women!

"Darcy, are you listening? Marianne's nieces are coming to visit!" Exasperated with the lack of attention by her nephew she turned to her friend and excitedly said, "I am so glad they are able to come. I did so enjoy their company last fall. I may just have to steal them from you and convince them to stay with me for part of the time they are here. Oh, we have so much to plan! When will they arrive?"

"They'll arrive the day after tomorrow." His Aunt squealed. Squealed! Darcy was astounded. His Aunt was a grown woman of two and fifty, an illustrious member of the peerage and here she was acting like a young, green miss!

Darcy was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. The longer he remained increased the likelihood that he would have to express interest in meeting Mrs Gardiner's nieces, and Darcy detested saying things he didn't mean. As pleasant as Mrs Gardiner appeared to be it didn't imply that the nieces would be. More likely they would be just like the rest; greedy, obsequious, and dull. Darcy desperately needed a distraction. He anxiously scanned his surroundings, looking for an escape. Spying Richard, Darcy quickly excused himself and fled.

"Ah! There you are old boy! Having fun?" Richard looked at Darcy with a distinct mischievous gleam in his eye. Darcy frowned at his cousin. "What do you think?"

Richard sighed. "Darcy, it's not that bad. Some of the girls are quite pleasant really." Darcy looked at his cousin like he was mad.

"That's because they don't peruse you like a cow at market!" This caused Richard to guffaw, loudly.

Slapping his irritated cousin on the back, he said sympathetically, "Well, at least it's almost over."

"This is 2 Richard." At his cousin's confused stare, he clarified. "This is the second of three balls I agreed to attend this season."

Thoughtfully, Richard rubbed his chin. "Can I convince you to add another social event to your calendar?" Richard looked at Darcy hopefully.

"No." Darcy's tone was emphatic.

"Killjoy."

"Meddler."

With a grin, Richard said, "And proud of it." Sensing Darcy's black mood he changed the subject. "What were you talking to my mother and Mrs Gardiner about?" If possible, Darcy's mood became more forbidding. "Her nieces."

Richard raised his eyebrows in an unspoken question. "They're coming to visit," he added.

"Ah. Let me guess, my dear mother is anxious to introduce them to you."

Darcy shifted uncomfortably. "No doubt; although I left before she could express that desire."

Richard laughed. "Take heart Darcy. Maybe one of them will be your lady love."

"I doubt it," Darcy murmured under his breath.