10. Chapter 10

A/N: I decided to post this early in immense gratitude for your awesome support of my story. Seriously, you guys are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! Thank you so much to everyone who has followed and favorited (I know that's not a real word :) and especially reviewed! I live for your reviews! They make my day.

So with out further ado, I give you Chapter 9! Enjoy!

Chapter 9

Elizabeth paced back and forth in growing agitation. The more she thought about what her Aunt had done, the more anxious she became. Not for the first time, Elizabeth tried to make sense of why her Aunt had invited both Mr Darcy and Sir Reginald to tea. How was it fair to either gentleman? Elizabeth was not one to trifle with a respectable gentleman's affections. She didn't want to give encouragement and false hope where there was none. She was afraid that by inviting Sir Reginald to tea, it would send the wrong message. She liked him, very much. But she was fairly certain she could never feel anything beyond friendship.

At the same time, she did not know either gentleman's intentions. Despite her woman's intuition that there was some affection felt by both gentleman, she could be wrong. At this point in time she was not ready to commit to one gentleman over the other. Her heart was leaning in a certain direction, but it was too soon to tell. In the meantime, it would be a difficult balance; trying to appease both gentleman without raising the ire of either. She needed time to become better acquainted with both gentlemen. If only there was a way...

A soft knock, followed by Jane's quiet entreaty, "Can I come in, Lizzy?" penetrated her thoughts.

Jane? She should be resting! Elizabeth quickly went to the door, and upon opening it, said in admonishment, "Jane! You should not be up. Let me help you back to bed."

"Don't be silly, Lizzy. I am almost completely better. I will be dancing again in no time." Jane smiled and with a slight limp came into the bedroom. "I thought you could use a listening ear. You are still troubled over what our Aunt has done, are you not?

"You know me well, Jane. I anticipate receiving very little sleep tonight. At least if I have a headache tomorrow, I'll have an excuse not to be present."

"I know our Aunt means well, Lizzy. She is trying to help you in her own way, however unconventional her methods."

"I don't know what she hopes to achieve by this ridiculous situation. Using jealousy to 'help things along?'" Elizabeth laughed with a slightly bitter edge. "I am not the sort of woman who would play such games to win someone's affections!"

"I know, Lizzy. But think. It would be beneficial to see how they react to each other. It is an effective method to determine if their affections are engaged."

"Or they will simply resolve that I am not worth it." Elizabeth said mulishly.

"Don't be ridiculous, Lizzy. I think it will take a lot more than the presence of another suitor to dissuade Mr Darcy."

"And Sir Reginald?"

"Do you really care what Sir Reginald thinks?"

"Of course I do! He is an honorable gentleman and deserves to be treated as such. Even if I do not believe I am interested in him romantically it does not mean I wish him ill." Elizabeth began pacing again as her agitation escalated.

Jane looked earnestly at her sister for a brief moment, before saying, "Lizzy, if you had to choose between Mr Darcy and Sir Reginald, who would it be?"

Elizabeth stared at Jane. "Well...I don't... I mean, I'm not..." Elizabeth sighed in exasperation and threw up her hands. "Jane! How can I answer that? I know very little about either gentleman. After furthering my acquaintance with them, I could determine that neither would suit me."

"Lizzy," Jane said gently, "you already know in your heart who you would choose. Don't you?" Jane looked affectionately at her sister.

Elizabeth took a deep breath. Yes, she did know. In fact, she had already admitted it to herself. She slowly nodded, "Yes, I do know. However, I am not willing to admit it until I am sure of where his heart lies. I could be mistaken, Jane. I only have one heart to give. I will not waste it on someone unworthy."

Jane smiled. "I would expect nothing less from you, Lizzy." With a sly smile, she said, "Are you sure that Mr Darcy is the object of your affections?"

"Yes. No. I don't know!" Elizabeth paused and looked at her sister in consternation. "That was very neatly done, Jane."

Jane laughed. "I think it helps to give voice to your thoughts, Lizzy. Especially in matters of the heart."

"I am still confused about my feelings for Mr Darcy, Jane. My heart is saying one thing, but my mind is saying another."

"What is needed to make your heart and mind agree?"

"Time." Elizabeth simply stated. "And the opportunity to become better acquainted."

"Well, then that is what you shall have," Jane said emphatically. "We have two months in London. That should give you ample opportunity to become better acquainted." With a slight laugh, she added, "starting with tea tomorrow."

Elizabeth made a face. "I don't know what to expect, but I know it will be interesting."

"All will be well, Lizzy. They are gentlemen. They aren't going to break out in fisticuffs in the middle of the drawing room!"

Elizabeth laughed. "No, I suppose not." With a mischievous smile she added, "Such a pity."

"Lizzy!" Jane dissolved into laughter. Composing herself, she got up and went to the door. "Try to get some sleep, Lizzy. Goodnight."

"Good night Jane. Thank you." With a parting smile, Jane left.

Elizabeth laid in bed, trying to quiet her mind so she could fall asleep. She was tempted to purposefully stay up so she could excuse herself from tea tomorrow, pleading a headache. But she was no coward. She sighed. At least Miss Darcy would be there. She could always focus her attention on her. Thoughts of Miss Darcy naturally led to thoughts of her brother. She would see him tomorrow...With that last thought, Elizabeth finally succumbed to sleep, a smile on her lips.

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Elizabeth awoke the following morning to the unmistakable sound of rain. Going to the window, she gazed out at the rain drenched garden. She sighed. Hopefully this wasn't a omen of things to come. She laughed silently to herself. Quickly getting dressed, she left her room and made her way to the small dining room.

When she arrived, she saw the dining room was already occupied. Tensing slightly upon perceiving her Aunt, she stiffly said, "Good morning Aunt."

Her Aunt looked up and smiled a greeting, ignoring her nieces contrary behavior. "Good morning, Lizzy. Did you sleep well?"

"I did. Thank you." Elizabeth turned her back to her Aunt and helped herself to the food laid out. "You are up early," Elizabeth observed.

Her Aunt sighed. "Yes. I wanted to talk with you."

Elizabeth took a seat across from her Aunt. Raising a brow, she simply said, "Oh? What about?"

"Lizzy," her Aunt began, her voice slightly hesitant. "I am sorry that you are uncomfortable with the invitations I extended for tea today. I hope you know I have your best interests at heart. Please don't regret confiding in me yesterday. I just ask you to trust me. Please."

Elizabeth looked up from buttering her toast at her Aunt's earnest pleading. She sighed. "I am sorry, Aunt. I know I am being difficult. You have never led me wrong before. I just wish you would be more forthcoming with why you are doing this."

Her Aunt smiled. "Lizzy, I do not know Sir Reginald well; he is new acquaintance. But I observed the two of you together at his ball. There was something there," as Elizabeth opened her mouth to protest, she added, "don't deny it, Lizzy. I have eyes."

Elizabeth huffed. "But that was before...before.."

Mrs Gardiner smiled, "Before you saw Mr Darcy. I know." Looking seriously at her niece, she said, "I believe you when you say there was an instant connection between the two of you. I know Mr Darcy. He is a very reserved and extremely private man. He is practically a recluse, living at Pemberley for most of the year. He has never attended any events of the season before now. I know you, Lizzy. Your tempers are so dissimilar. I don't know if you would find happiness with such a man. But," Mrs Gardiner shrugged her shoulders, "I could be wrong. Until I see the two of you together, I won't know for sure. I just want you to be careful."

"Is there something I should know about Mr Darcy's character?" Elizabeth was fearful that there was something that would prevent her from forming an attachment. She had been so sure...

Seeing the slightly panicked look in her nieces eyes, she quickly reassured her "No, no. Mr Darcy is a true gentleman. He is completely honorable. But I admit I question his motives."

"What do you mean?" Elizabeth was starting to become distressed.

"Be calm, Lizzy. I merely meant to say that it is rather extraordinary, his sudden interest in you. For a man who has avoided the ton since he entered society nearly ten years ago, it is rather unusual."

Elizabeth's distress was not relieved by her Aunt's reassurances. All her doubts came to the surface. Why would he be interested in her? Did he have some darker motive? No! She wouldn't believe it!

Noticing her nieces growing distress, Mrs Gardiner tried to sooth her fears. "Lizzy, he is a good man. Please don't make yourself distressed. Just follow your heart and all will work out for the best, you'll see."

Elizabeth nodded, her mind elsewhere. "Yes, you're right. Of course." Distractedly, Elizabeth got up from the table and wandered out of the room.

Mrs Gardiner watched her niece leave the dining room, her breakfast forgotten, her tea untouched. She sighed. Then straightened her back in determination. She would help her niece. If her heart was leaning towards Mr Darcy, then she would encourage it. With her decision made, she stood with purpose. She had work to do.

FEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFE

Elizabeth spent the morning aimlessly moving from one activity to another, desperately trying to keep her mind occupied. Unfortunately ,she was not able to concentrate on anything. She tried embroidering, but after the tenth time of having to unstitch her mistakes, she gave up. She tried to read, but her mind kept wandering, and she was unable to focus long enough to read a single sentence. Practicing the pianoforte was a disaster. Everything she played came out sounding like a dirge; solemn and heavy.

As morning rolled into afternoon, Elizabeth's agitation increased in proportion to the approaching time for the guests to arrive. Frustrated, she decided a walk would do her good. Fortunately, the morning rain had ceased hours before and the sun was shining brightly. It was a glorious day. If only she could truly enjoy it. The upcoming tea was hanging over her head like a storm cloud, dark and forbidding. Her stomach was a bundle of nerves and her mind kept jumping from one random thought to another.

She entered the garden and began wandering through the pathway to the oak tree. She noticed Mr Smythe, her Uncle's elderly gardener pruning some bushes. She frowned. Didn't he usually come on Wednesdays?

Elizabeth greeted the kind, elderly gardener.

Mr Symthe doffed his cap. "Afternoon Miss. Right fine day."

Elizabeth smiled. "Yes, it is." The gardener went back to his work and Elizabeth moved on. As she approached the oak tree, she was surprised to find Jane sitting on the bench.

"Jane! This is a pleasant surprise."

Jane smiled. "I thought you would eventually wander out here. I felt the need for some air. Being inside these past four days has left me feeling restless."

"I understand." Elizabeth noticed her sister had a book and asked, "What are you reading?"

Jane looked sheepishly at her sister. "Much AdoAbout Nothing. I noticed you reading it earlier. Or rather, trying to read it." Jane laughed, "I forgot how diverting it is."

Elizabeth smiled, taking the book from Jane. "Yes, it is one of my favorites."

"I can see why. Beatrice reminds me of you."

"Surely not! My wit is not so acerbic as Beatrice."

"No, it is her liveliness, her passion for life, and the ability to find humor in all situations that I find similar."

"Well, my 'ability to find humor in all situations' has deserted me today."

Noticing her sister's anxious expression, she changed the subject. "Do you think Benedict a good match for Beatrice? I always thought they were too similar in temperament."

Elizabeth was thoughtful as she said, "Yes. In a sense, I would have to agree. Although, their intellects are evenly matched, which I believe is very important. They are equals in that sense." She turned to Jane, with a smile. "If I am Beatrice, then you surely must be Hero. The beautiful, and gentle heroine."

"And my Claudio? Where is he?"

"Sir Reginald?" Elizabeth said teasingly.

"Lizzy! You are not going to foist one of your suitors off on me. He is interested in you. I would be a poor substitute."

Elizabeth sighed. "It would make things so much easier if he were interested in you. I wouldn't be in my current dilemma."

"Well, he is not and I am glad."

Elizabeth looked at her sister in surprise. "Truly? I think his temperament is much more suited to you than me. I feel that we are too similar. Much like Beatrice and Benedict."

Jane raised her brows. "Or maybe you simply prefer a different kind of gentleman?"

Elizabeth blushed. "Perhaps."

"I admit I am looking forward to meeting your Mr Darcy, after everything I have heard about him."

"He is not mine, Jane."

Jane echoed her sister's earlier statement. "Perhaps."

Elizabeth laughed and shook her head. Her expression sobered as she said, "Jane, you will find your match."

"I know Lizzy." Her expression brightened. "Perhaps, Mr Darcy has a friend?"

"I am sure he does. But, he does have a cousin!" Elizabeth absentmindedly said, "I wonder if the Colonel will attend today?"

"I am looking forward to meeting the Colonel. With all the stories Lady Eleanor tells of him, he sounds quite...interesting."

Elizabeth laughed. "Interesting, is an apt word. I think you will enjoy his company very much."

Jane stood to go. As Elizabeth began to stand, Jane prevented her. "Stay awhile, Lizzy. I know you could use some time alone before our guests arrive. I will make sure Aunt sends someone to fetch you when it is time."

Elizabeth sat back down. "Thank you, Jane. I could use a moment to compose myself." Elizabeth was too preoccupied to notice the mischievous gleam in her sisters eyes as she left.

FEFEFEFEFEFEFEFE

"Would you stop that, cousin? You're making me nervous with all that bouncing." Richard grinned at Darcy, who was sitting across from him in the carriage, Georgiana at his side.

Darcy glared. "I am not nervous, Richard. I am excited. There is a difference."

"Is there? Well, in any case, your leg has not stopped moving since we boarded the carriage. It will not make us go any faster, I assure you."

"Don't make me regret inviting you," Darcy retorted.

"You didn't invite me, I invited myself. I am not about to miss an opportunity to watch Miss Elizabeth best you again with her wit. I would pay good money for that."

"Richard, please. Stop." Darcy ran his hands through his hair. "I am trying to compose myself before I meet her again. I don't need you remarking on whatever thought passes through that imbecilic head of yours."

Richard laughed. "I am merely trying to distract you, Darcy." Richard peered out the window of the carriage. "See. We are here."

"What? Already?"

Richard looked at Georgiana with a large smile. "See? He is nervous."

Georgiana stifled a giggle. "Behave, cousin. I am nervous as well."

"What do you have to be nervous about? You are already friends with Miss Elizabeth. You have nothing to prove." Richard pointed a finger at Darcy, "Unlike your brother."

"But this is the first time meeting her since, you know. I know." Georgiana whispered the last sentence.

"Georgiana, please tell me your brother's inability to form a coherent sentence has not rubbed off on you. Maybe I should talk with Mrs Annesley?"

Georgiana glared at her cousin. "Fitzwilliam, I think we should make Richard wait with the horses. I just know he is going to say something to embarrass you."

"Don't be ridiculous. Darcy doesn't need me for that. He'll manage fine on his own." Richard rubbed his hands together and grinned. "I can't wait."

With an irritated look aimed at his cousin, Darcy descended from the carriage and turned to assist his sister. Taking a deep breath, he mounted the steps. Just a few more minutes and he would again be in her presence. Darcy smiled. What could possibly go wrong?

In moments, Darcy, Richard and Georgiana were announced and ushered into the parlor, where they were greeted by Mrs Gardiner. Darcy took in the tasteful, well-appointed room. As he glanced around the room, he frowned. He did not see Elizabeth. He noticed the pretty, blond woman that had received the injury at Lynton's ball. She must be Miss Bennet, Elizabeth's older sister. Trying to hide his disappointment, he turned his attention back to his hostess as she made the appropriate introductions. Before he could ask where Elizabeth was, Georgiana spoke.

"Where is Miss Elizabeth? She has not taken ill, I hope?"

"Oh, no. She is outside in the garden. I suppose I should have a maid fetch her."

"I would be happy to go and get Miss Elizabeth, Mrs Gardiner." Darcy quickly stood.

She smiled beatifically at him. "That would be wonderful. Thank you Mr Darcy." She motioned for a maid to show him the way outside.

With eagerness, Darcy followed the maid out of the room. Entering the garden, he paused in surprise. It was much larger than he thought. Larger even than the garden at Darcy House. Eager to find Elizabeth, he walked purposefully forward, scanning the foliage as he went. He quickly came upon an elderly gardener. As he nodded politely in his direction, the gardener spoke.

"If ye be lookin' for the young miss, she be by the large tree." He pointed with a gnarled hand in the correct direction.

"Thank you." Darcy resumed his quick pace. As he came upon the large, oak tree he stopped in amazement. What was she doing?

FEFEFEFEFEFEFE

Elizabeth sat quietly on the bench, letting her thoughts flow unchecked. Spying Much Ado About Nothing lying beside her, she picked it up; turning it over in her hand. Opening it up, she decided to read her favorite passages. It would help time pass quickly and would take her mind off seeing Mr Darcy again. Her stomach fluttered in anticipation. She thought about seeing Sir Reginald again. She waited. Nothing. No nervous excitement. No flutters of anticipation. Shaking her head, she smiled and began reading.

Sometime later, she laid the book down beside her. Leaning back, she gazed up at the tree, spreading out above her in all its glorious splendor. Suddenly feeling a desire to be in the tree instead of under the tree, she quickly stood and climbed up on the bench. As she reached up to the lowest branch to pull herself up, she heard a voice that immediately halted her progress.

"Miss Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth froze. Turning slowly and carefully so she didn't fall, she met the amused gaze of, "Mr Darcy!" Elizabeth gasped and immediately blushed. Why did she always find herself in the worse predicaments when he was around? Fate was cruel, indeed.

"Were you about to climb that tree?" Darcy's lips twitched in an effort to keep from laughing.

"No, of course not!" Elizabeth's indignant expression contradicted her actions, as she was still standing on the bench.

"Hmmm..." Eyes dancing with barely concealed delight, he extended a hand to assist her off the bench.

Taking a deep breath, she reached out and took his proffered hand. Her gaze met his as his hand closed firmly over her small one, gripping it lightly. As he helped her down, he briefly squeezed her hand, before letting go.

"I didn't realize it was so late. I apologize for not being there when you and Miss Darcy arrived."

"That is quite alright, Miss Elizabeth. I was happy to come and fetch you." With raised brows, he added, "Do you often climb trees, Miss Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth blushed slightly, but unflinchingly met his gaze. "Yes. I do." What do you think of that, Mr Darcy?

Darcy smiled at Elizabeth's courage to acknowledge it. "I admit it has been some time since I have climbed a tree. I don't think I would be able to perform it as easily as I'm sure you do."

Elizabeth grinned playfully at Mr Darcy. "Should we find out?"

Darcy's eyes widened. "Now?"

Elizabeth raised a brow in challenge. "Afraid, Mr Darcy?"

"Of you? Never. Of falling? Absolutely."

Elizabeth laughed with delight. "I suppose it isn't proper. We don't have the time for it in any case."

Darcy placed a hand over his heart and said with mock gravity, "I promise to climb a tree with you one day, Miss Elizabeth."

"Be careful what you promise, Mr Darcy. I will hold you to it."

"I hope you do." Darcy said with sincerity, his gaze warm.

Elizabeth smiled. This man never acted in the way she expected him to. She found it quite...appealing. Turning, she picked up her book. "Shall we go inside?"

Darcy was reluctant to leave the garden and join the others; when Elizabeth's attention would be divided amongst his sister and cousin. He was being selfish, but he wanted to prolong this time with her as much as possible. Pointing to her book, he asked, "What are you reading?"

In response, Elizabeth handed it to him. As he read the title, his eyebrows raised, and a small smile graced his lips. "A Shakespeare Comedy?"

"You look surprised, Mr Darcy."

He shook his head, "No, not surprised. I guess I expected you to be reading a different Shakespeare play, say, Hamlet?" He looked at Elizabeth with a knowing smile.

Elizabeth's eyes shined as she playfully said, "why? Because I quoted Hamlet at tea last Saturday?" She shook her head, "In truth, I have never cared much for Shakespeare's tragedy's. Too dark and dramatic for my tastes. I have always preferred his lighter comedies; I love the ridiculous."

Darcy handed the book back to Elizabeth. "Yes, I can see why you would. Life for you is like a comedy, I imagine. I have always preferred Shakespeare's Tragedy's."

"Maybe our preferences are indicative of our dispositions?" Elizabeth arched one eyebrow. "I am generally a happy, optimistic person, while you tend to be more serious and reflective, I think."

"His tragedy's are more realistic; they more closely resemble how life is."

Elizabeth looked at Mr Darcy in astonishment. "You think life is a tragedy?" Elizabeth studied Mr Darcy's countenance. If she hadn't been searching his face so intently, she would have missed the barely concealed flash of pain cross his handsome features.

"I just know mine is, or has been...until now." Darcy lowered his head slightly to gaze into Elizabeth's eyes. For a brief moment, he allowed her to see behind his carefully constructed mask. He showed her his pain, his loneliness, his hopelessness before he met her. He had never allowed himself to be so vulnerable to another human being.

Elizabeth held Mr Darcy's gaze with her own. A myriad of emotions passed through his blue eyes. Pain. Loneliness. Despair. She felt an intense desire to give him relief, to show him that he was not alone; that she understood. Without conscience thought, she lifted her hand to gently cup his face. She couldn't explain it, but in that moment she felt bound to him by some inexplicable link. Mr Darcy sighed, closing his eyes, he leaned his face into her palm. He slowly opened his eyes; his gaze soft, intimate. Without breaking her gaze, he gently took the hand cupping his face and placed a light kiss on the inside of her wrist.

Darcy retained Elizabeth's hand, gently rubbing circles on the back of it. He never wanted to let her go. As he leaned in and whispered, "Elizabeth..." his gaze caught another person walking steadily towards them. As the man got closer, his eyes hardened. What was he doing here?

Elizabeth was startled by the sudden change in Mr Darcy's expression. She turned her head slightly and sucked in a quick breath. Sir Reginald. She quickly looked back at Mr Darcy. His gaze was hard and forbidding.

Darcy glanced down at Elizabeth, his gaze hard and unyielding. In a tense voice, he asked, "Were you expecting Sir Reginald, Miss Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth recoiled from his forbidding glare. Raising her chin slightly she said, "My Aunt invited him." Elizabeth made sure she emphasized who was responsible for Sir Reginald's invitation.

Darcy searched Elizabeth's eyes, looking for any signs of duplicity. She said her Aunt invited him, but did she desire his company as well? Her eyes held nothing but sincerity and honesty. Darcy sighed in relief. Of course his Elizabeth would not play him false. He softened his gaze and said, "Forgive me. I was not expecting him to be here."

"No, the fault is mine. I should have mentioned it earlier."

Darcy smiled and said, "I'm not. Why waste our time talking about him?"

Elizabeth was prevented from replying as Sir Reginald approached. He eyed her and Mr Darcy with a speculative gleam in his eye. Elizabeth greeted him with a slight smile. She curtsied as she said, "Sir Reginald, welcome."

Sir Reginald bowed, taking her hand to raise it briefly to his lips. He smiled slightly as he noticed Darcy stiffen in response. "It is a pleasure to see you again, Miss Elizabeth." Turning to Darcy, he nodded in acknowledgment. "Darcy. A pleasure as always."

"Lynton." Darcy's terse response clearly indicated his displeasure.

Sir Reginald turned to Elizabeth with a warm smile. "I was sent to discover if you and Mr Darcy had gotten lost."

"No, not lost. We started talking and lost track of time." Elizabeth turned slightly toward Mr Darcy, noting his stiff posture and tense expression. "We were simply discussing our differences of opinion on Shakespeare."

Sir Reginald raised his eyebrows. "Indeed? How...interesting."

Elizabeth could tell by the tone of his voice that he did not believe her. Well, he could believe what he wanted; they had been discussing Shakespeare. They had done nothing of which they should be ashamed. Elizabeth briefly wondered if he had observed her as she touched Mr Darcy's face. Elizabeth blushed slightly as she remembered that indescribable moment. As she met Sir Reginald's perceptive gaze, she blushed further.

Darcy watched as Elizabeth became uncomfortable under Lynton's scrutiny.How dare he? Eager to get her away from Lynton, he offered Elizabeth his arm. "Shall we return to the house?"

"Just a moment." Sir Reginald raised his hand, stopping their progress forward. He turned to Elizabeth, and said, "Miss Elizabeth, if you will excuse us? I wish to speak with Darcy for a moment."

Elizabeth turned to Mr Darcy. As her gaze met his, he nodded slightly and smiled. Taking a deep breath, she turned and started back to the house.

She glanced back once before the path obscured them from her sight. She couldn't hear what was being said, but she could tell by the stiff posture of Mr Darcy that he was not pleased. Shaking her head in slight annoyance, she turned and continued her way back to the house. Men!

A/N: Well, there is Part I of the Terrible Tea Party. What do you think Lynton will say to Darcy? What did you think of E&Ds 2nd official meeting? Please review!

A reader pointed out that it was confusing switching between Mr Lynton and Sir Reginald. Back in chapter 4, when Darcy is getting ready for the ball, he explains how Sir Reginald likes to be called Lynton due to hating his given name (Really, who wouldn't!). When he inherited the title, he insisted on being called Lynton, instead of the customary, Sir Reginald. I had a scene in Chapter 4 where Elizabeth and Lynton dance the first time, and he explains how he prefers to be called Lynton. But I cut it out, thinking it was unnecessary and delayed the scene where E and D see each other for the first time. So that is why I had Elizabeth refer to him as Mr Lynton, instead of Sir Reginald. But, it is confusing. When I go back and edit after finishing this story, I will clean that up a bit. In the meantime, I will have everyone refer to Lynton as Sir Reginald, except the men. Clear as mud? Good.