20. Chapter 20

A/N: So, I decided to post this a day early for reaching over 1,000 reviews! Holy Nuts, guys! I can't tell you how flabbergasted and extremely happy that makes me.

Enjoy!

Chapter 19

Darcy and Elizabeth were silent as the carriage made its way to the Gardiner Townhouse. Richard, knowing that something had happened to cause his cousin's countenance to darken in that forbidding way of his engaged Miss Bennet and Georgiana in conversation to distract them from the growing silence.

Darcy gazed out the window, lost in thought. He was worried. He couldn't shake the feeling that the man knew his Elizabeth somehow. But how? And more importantly, what did he want with her? He turned his head to gaze at Elizabeth. Her eyes were directed downward, brow furrowed in thought, her expression troubled. He knew she must be thinking about the unknown man. He would talk to Gardiner as soon as possible to determine if the man was an acquaintance of his. He hoped that it was so.

Elizabeth sat silently, trying to convince herself that the man meant nothing by staring at her in such a disconcerting way. He looked at her like he recognized her. But how? Could he know her family somehow? Her father or her mother? Elizabeth mulled over this possibility, but could come to no definite conclusion. She sighed in frustration. She looked up, meeting Mr Darcy's reassuring gaze and smiled.

Seeing Elizabeth so worried made Darcy frustrated and angry. When she met his gaze, he mouthed, "All will be well." He brought his boot to rest against her foot, trying to offer what comfort he could in a carriage full of people. How he longed to comfort her in the way that he wished. Soon.

"I hope you will all stay for tea." Jane's quiet invitation broke through Darcy and Elizabeth's thoughts.

Darcy smiled warmly at Elizabeth's sister. "Thank you, Miss Bennet. We would be happy to accept." Perfect. He could seek out Gardiner and hopefully put this mystery to rest.

Mrs Gardiner greeted them warmly as they entered the Drawing room. She quickly rang for tea, inviting her guests to make themselves comfortable. Mrs Gardiner asked about their outing. With enthusiasm, Miss Darcy launched into a detailed account of their experience at The Royal Menagerie.

As Mrs Gardiner handed Darcy his cup of tea, he used the opportunity to ask if her husband was at home.

"I expect him shortly, Mr Darcy." With an imperceptible glance at Elizabeth, she asked, "Do you wish to speak with him?"

"Yes, if it would not be too much trouble, Mrs Gardiner."

Mrs Gardiner smiled. "Of course not, Mr Darcy." With a knowing look at Elizabeth, she rose and left the room.

Elizabeth blushed, knowing that her Aunt thought she and Mr Darcy had come to an understanding and was seeking her Uncle's permission. She turned to Mr Darcy and in a voice the others would not overhear, asked, "You are going to ask my Uncle if he is acquainted with the man from earlier?"

Darcy nodded, responding softly, "Yes, I want to rule out that possibility."

Elizabeth shook her head, perplexed. "I don't know what else it could be."

Darcy reached over, grasping her hand. "All will be well, Elizabeth. I will see to it."

"I know, Mr Darcy." Elizabeth smiled warmly, gratitude infusing her features.

Darcy longed to touch the softness of her face, but settled for squeezing her hand. He placed his teacup down and stood, holding out his hand to Elizabeth. Quietly, he asked, "Play for me?"

Elizabeth smiled, taking his hand. "Of course." Elizabeth allowed Mr Darcy to lead her to the pianoforte. As she sat at the bench, she looked up and asked, "What would you like to hear?"

Darcy smiled, reaching for the stack of music. He quickly searched through the sheets of music, looking for a particular piece. Finding it, he placed it in front of Elizabeth, taking a seat next to her.

Elizabeth arched her brow, smiling. "I am still in the process of learning this particular piece, Mr Darcy. Are you sure you don't mind hearing my mistakes?"

"No mistakes by you are worth mentioning, Miss Elizabeth for they are as charming as you are."

Elizabeth laughed. "Such flattery, Mr Darcy! But I am afraid you are not fully cognizant of my many faults."

Darcy gently placed Elizabeth's hands on the keys. "Your faults, if you indeed have them make no difference to me. They simply add flavor to your character, Miss Elizabeth."

Elizabeth shook her head and sighed. "Well, I suppose you witnessed my impertinent and obstinate behavior the other night at dinner." Elizabeth blushed as she remembered her appalling behavior towards Lady Emily, even if she did deserve it.

With a warm look, Darcy leaned in and said in a low voice, "I remember claiming you were magnificent after that set down you gave Lady Emily."

Elizabeth laughed and playfully responded, "Ah, but Mr Darcy. My impertinent and obstinate behavior was not directed towards you. Heaven help you, if you experience it firsthand."

Darcy leaned in, whispering in her ear, "I look forward to it, Elizabeth."

Elizabeth blushed and with trembling hands, began playing Beethoven's Piano Sonata No 14 in C Sharp Minor.

Mrs Gardiner entered and approached the pianoforte. She listened silently until Elizabeth had finished the first movement before saying, "My husband will see you now, Mr Darcy."

Darcy stood, looking down at Elizabeth. "Thank you, Miss Elizabeth. That was beautiful."

Elizabeth watched Mr Darcy leave the room, hopeful her Uncle would put their minds at rest.

Mrs Gardiner settled in next to Elizabeth on the bench, turning to her niece with a glowing smile. "Well?"

Elizabeth looked at her Aunt in confusion, "Well, what?"

Mrs Gardiner asked in barely concealed excitement, "Am I to wish you joy?"

Elizabeth stared at her Aunt in shock, "Of course not, Aunt! He has barely courted me for a week!"

Mrs Gardiner's countenance fell in disappointment. "Oh, I thought for sure that was the reason he wished to speak with your Uncle." She shrugged her shoulders, "Oh well, I am sure that conversation is coming." With a wink at her niece, she added, "Soon."

Elizabeth idly pressed the keys. Shaking her head she said, softly, "He might not, you know." When her Aunt didn't respond, Elizabeth looked up to meet her Aunt's disappointed gaze.

Mrs Gardiner rarely found Elizabeth at fault. But hearing her niece disregard the feelings Mr Darcy so obviously displayed for all to see made her disappointed in her niece. Firmly, she said, "Elizabeth Bennet, I want you to listen to me. That gentleman is in love with you. I know that your fear is preventing you from admitting your own feelings for Mr Darcy, but I will not have you think so little of his obvious regard." She lifted Elizabeth's chin with her finger, and in a gentler tone, said, "His intentions are clear to everyone it seems, but you. Take care my dear, or your fear will drive him away."

Elizabeth was silent as she pondered her Aunt's words. Slowly she nodded her head in agreement, "You are right, Aunt. It was ungenerous of me to say such a thing." She sighed and looked up to meet her Aunts understanding gaze. "It just seems so unreal, after what my mother has led me to believe, that he could, that he could possibly..."

"Love you?" Mrs Gardiner said gently, brushing an errant curl from her niece's face. "Oh my dear, if his love doesn't disprove your mother's lies, I don't know what will."

Elizabeth looked at her Aunt, her eyes full of anguish. "But he doesn't know about mama. What will he say when he learns that I am not worthy to be his..."

"Stop it, Lizzy!" Mrs Gardiner exclaimed. Her outburst caused the others in the room to look up in surprise and concern. She smiled and waved her hand. "Forgive me, Miss Darcy, Colonel." Sharing a sympathetic look with Jane, she turned back to Elizabeth and said, "Mr Darcy will not believe what your mother says, anymore than I, or Jane or your Uncle do. He sees you, Lizzy. He sees the warm, caring, intelligent, witty, lively, and generous woman we all love and admire." Mrs Gardiner took Elizabeth's hand. "Tell him, Lizzy. And you will see that I am right."

Elizabeth stared into the warm, loving eyes of her Aunt. How different her life would have been if she had been raised as her daughter instead of her mamas. Was her Aunt right? Would Mr Darcy understand? What if he realized that her mother was right, that she was unworthy of his esteem. The thought of losing Mr Darcy's regard sent a sharp pain through her heart. She took a deep breath. "I will think about it, Aunt."

Mrs Gardiner searched her niece's eyes, noting the uncertainty and fear. She sighed. "He will find out eventually, Lizzy. I think it would be best coming from you. You need to trust him, my dear."

Elizabeth swallowed the lump in her throat, her heart beating painfully in her chest. Trust. She trusted so few people in her life. But if she wanted a future with him, she would have open up to him. And she wanted that future with him, more than anything. Her Aunt was right, she had to tell him. There was no other way. She straightened and said with resolve, "I will tell him, before he asks me to be his wife."

Mrs Gardiner smiled proudly at her niece. "Good." She patted Elizabeth's hand. "Now, let's speak of other things. I have a favor to ask of you and Jane. However, it will interfere with whatever plans Mr Darcy and the Colonel have for tomorrow."

Elizabeth looked at her Aunt with curiosity. "What is the favor, Aunt?"

"Several of the ladies I volunteer with at the Foundling Hospital have sent word that they will not be able to come tomorrow. I hate to ask you to give up an opportunity to be with Mr Darcy, but would you be willing to come?"

Elizabeth smiled. in pleasure. "Of course I will. That is no favor, Aunt. I have always wanted to see what you do there. I would be happy to help."

Mrs Gardiner beamed. "Wonderful. Thank you so much, my dear. I know you will love it. There are so many children, that the staff are not able to spend much quality time with them. We simply go and hold the babies or play with the younger children."

"I am surprised you have not asked me sooner, Aunt." Elizabeth would be sorry to miss seeing Mr Darcy tomorrow, but it would give her time to gather her courage to talk about her mother.

With a sly smile, Mrs Gardiner replied, "I would have thought that was obvious, my dear Lizzy."

Elizabeth smiled and said teasingly, "Well, perhaps Mr Darcy could come as well."

Elizabeth and her Aunt laughed in amusement. Mrs Gardiner stood up and with a wink said, "I'm sure if you asked him, he would come. I think I would like to see the proper Mr Darcy romping around with the children." With a knowing smile, she said, "It would give you an idea of how he would act with his own children." Laughing at her nieces embarrassment, she left to go talk with Jane.

FEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFE

Darcy approached Gardiner's study with determination, hopeful that Gardiner would know who the man was. He couldn't countenance any other possibility. The idea that the man could have some nefarious purpose towards Elizabeth made his blood run cold.

Gardiner stood when Darcy entered. "Ah, Darcy. What can I do for you?"

Darcy shook Gardiners hand before sitting across from him, running a hand through his hair. He looked up to meet Gardiner's amused gaze.

Gardiner leaned forward. "This doesn't have to do with my niece, does it? You don't waste any time, Darcy."

Darcy flushed. Of course Gardiner thought he was here seeking permission for Elizabeth's hand. He wished that was the purpose of his visit rather than seeking the identity of a man who could possibly mean harm to his Elizabeth. Gravely he said, "No, I am not here seeking permission for Miss Elizabeth's hand, Gardiner. But, what I have to say does concern Miss Elizabeth."

Gardiner looked at Darcy with lowered brows. "Indeed? Well, then you better tell me. Judging by your grim expression, I don't expect pleasant tidings."

Darcy took a deep breath and began relating to him what had occurred earlier at The Royal Menagerie. "I didn't get a chance to confront him. As soon as he saw me approaching he turned and left in a hurry. I didn't see him as we left, so I am hoping that is the last we see of him. But..." Darcy rubbed his forehead, "judging by Miss Elizabeth's reaction to the man, he caused her no small amount of unease and distress."

Gardiner rubbed his head in concern. "What can you tell me of this man?"

Darcy rubbed his chin in thought. "He was of average height, perhaps slightly shorter than you. He was older, I would guess fifty or thereabouts. He was dressed well, but I am sure that he was not a gentleman. Perhaps a solicitor, or a successful businessman."

Gardiner ignored Darcy's remark that the man was not a gentleman and asked, "Did he have any distinguishing characteristics? A limp, or disfigurement of some kind?"

Darcy slowly shook his head. "No, he seemed remarkably...ordinary. I was not close enough to determine even the color of his eyes, or if he had any distinguishing marks upon his face." Darcy sighed in frustration. "I was hoping that you knew him or of him. The idea of an unknown man recognizing Miss Elizabeth makes me uneasy and quite frankly, worried."

Gardiner looked at Darcy in satisfaction. Although, the news Darcy shared was disconcerting, it warmed his heart to know that Elizabeth's well being was already of utmost importance to him. Elizabeth would be well taken care of. He sighed. "Well, I don't know what to say, Darcy. I don't believe this man is of my acquaintance, but I could be wrong. All we can do is be vigilant and hope that nothing comes of it."

Darcy stood and began pacing in agitation. "That's not good enough, Gardiner!" He stopped, running his hand through his hair. "Forgive me." Darcy turned to face Elizabeth's Uncle and with anguish in his eyes, asked, "What if he means her harm?"

Carefully, Gardiner asked, "Are you sure the man is not an acquaintance of yours?"

Darcy nodded his head, "Yes, I am sure. I know I have never seen the man before. Besides, I don't think Miss Elizabeth would have been so shaken if he had been staring intently at me."

Gardiner raised his brows. "No? I would not be too sure, Darcy," he said dryly.

Darcy smiled in contentment that Elizabeth would be concerned for him. But he knew, instinctively that the man had somehow recognized her. This had nothing to do with him. Suddenly a chilling thought came to his mind. "Gardiner. Could it be possible that he mistook Miss Elizabeth for someone else? Someone who resembled her in some way?"

Gardiner stared at Darcy, his face turning white as realization set in. Yes, it was very possible.

Darcy, noticing Gardiner's pale visage, asked in alarm, "What? Gardiner, am I right?"

Gardiner took a deep breath. Why hadn't he thought of this possibility? He had a strong feeling he knew who had so upset his niece earlier and who exactly the man thought he was seeing. He rubbed his forehead. His past was catching up to him. Again. "Yes, Darcy. It is very possible."

Darcy stared at Gardiner. After a moment of silence, he asked impatiently, "Well? Who does she resemble and why would this man care?"

Gardiner looked at Darcy, feeling very tired. He sighed. Resting his hands on the desk in front of him, he looked down, gathering his courage for what he had to say. He would not share all, but enough. "It is possible the man thought he was seeing Elizabeth's mother, my sister Fanny."

Darcy took a seat, looking at Gardiner in confusion. "Her mother? Elizabeth looks like her mother?"

Gardiner smiled sadly, "Remarkably so, Darcy. There are differences of course, the greatest being the difference in their ages, but despite my sister's bitterness she is still a very lovely woman. But from a distance it would not be as noticeable."

Darcy stared at Gardiner in bewilderment. "I don't understand. Why would Mrs Bennet treat her daughter so contemptuously if she is so much like her?"

"Why indeed?" Gardiner mumbled. Louder, he said, "I have never tried to understand the convoluted workings of my sister's mind. I have my suspicions, but I am not certain why." Oh, he knew. He knew all too well.

"And this man, who thinks he saw Mrs Bennet? Who is he?" Darcy was so close to getting his answers. If he could just resolve that this man posed no threat to Elizabeth, he would be relieved.

Gardiner pursed his lips, and slowly said, "I believe he may be an old acquaintance of our family from years ago."

"I ask again, Gardiner. Who is he? And what does he have to do with Mrs Bennet?"

"He knew my sister, Darcy. He probably was surprised to see someone who resembled my sister after so many years."

Darcy narrowed his eyes. Gardiner was withholding information and he didn't like it. "Who. Is. He?"

Gardiner sighed, rubbing his head. "I am not entirely sure it is the same man. I could be wrong. The man I am thinking of moved to Scotland years ago. I haven't heard from him since."

Darcy sighed in frustration. "Then why stare at Miss Elizabeth in a way that made her clearly uncomfortable? Is he a threat?"

Gardiner thought about Darcy's question. Was he a threat? He swallowed hard at the thought that he could be out for revenge. But now, after all these years? What could he gain by it?

Darcy watched Gardiner intensely, and saw the flash of uncertainty in his eyes. He clenched his jaw in anger and in a forbidding tone, asked, "Give me his name and I will make sure that he poses no threat."

Gardiner looked at Darcy, and said firmly, "Elizabeth is still my responsibility, Darcy. I will make inquiries. I will find out if he is in England."

Darcy stood and began pacing, his anger barely contained. "And in the meantime? What if he tries to harm Elizabeth?"

Gardiner shook his head, "I think that is very unlikely."

Darcy stared at Gardiner, searching his eyes. "Look me in the eyes and tell me that this man poses no threat to Elizabeth, Gardiner."

Gardiner sighed. He couldn't give Darcy the reassurance he needed. If it was John Williamson, then he could very well have a vendetta against him. And if he used Elizabeth to get back at him? There were too many unanswered questions. He first needed to establish if Williamson was even in London. He ran his hand over his head, looking Darcy in the eyes as he said somberly, "If it is the man I am thinking of, I cannot tell you with absolute certainty that he means Elizabeth no harm."

Darcy closed his eyes, pain lancing through his heart. Why had he taken her to the Menagerie? If only he had stayed here, none of this would have happened. "We must keep her safe, Gardiner."

"She will be, Darcy. I will ensure her safety," Gardiner said soothingly.

Decisively, Darcy said, "She must not leave this house until we can ascertain the whereabouts of this man. What is his name, Gardiner? I can have my contacts search for him as well." Darcy continued pacing, his mind busy with ways to keep Elizabeth safe. Maybe he could hire protection? He was sure Richard would know of some men who could do it.

Gardiner held up his hands, "Wait, Darcy. I think that is going a little too far. There is no need for Elizabeth to become a prisoner. The last thing I want to do is alarm her. It is better if we make our enquiries and be aware of where she is at all times. To be honest, Darcy, if the man wishes to harm anyone, I believe it would be Marianne, not Elizabeth."

Darcy stopped pacing and looked at Gardiner is shock. "Mrs Gardiner? Why?"

Gardiner sighed. So many secrets. "This man, John Williamson may hold a vendetta against me. I did something...years ago. He would want to harm my love as I kept him from his."

Darcy stared at Gardiner in confusion. What could he mean? Unless, this John Williamson was something more to Mrs Bennet? "What do you mean? Does this have to do with why Mr Williamson was so interested in Elizabeth? Because he thought he was seeing her mother?"

Gardiner nodded. "Yes, I believe that John thought he was seeing Fanny. And after so many years...well, I can imagine it would have come as quite a shock."

Darcy sat and said firmly, "What happened between them?"

Gardiner shook his head emphatically, "You don't need to know the particulars, Darcy. It is not important. What's done is done. All you need to know is that he may hold some resentment against me and my family."

Darcy glared at Gardiner. This was unacceptable! Darcy stood to go, anxious to make sure Elizabeth was well. Gardiner was right about one thing, he didn't want to cause her undue worry or stress. But he needed to say something to ease her mind. Before he reached the door, Gardiner called to him. He stopped but didn't turn around.

"Darcy, say nothing of this to Elizabeth or to anyone. Make your enquiries, but please don't do anything rash. He may be harmless after all."

Darcy turned to stare incredulously at Gardiner. "How can you say he holds a grudge against you and may harm your wife in one breath and excuse him of ill intent the next?" Darcy shook his head, "I will do what I must to protect Elizabeth, Gardiner. You cannot stop me." And with that he turned and strode from the room.

"No, but Elizabeth might." Gardiner mumbled.

FEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFE

Elizabeth remained at the pianoforte after her Aunt left, absentmindedly playing a piece from memory. She sighed softly. She knew her Aunt was right, Mr Darcy needed to be told about her mother. But how to tell him? When? She closed her eyes, groaning softly.

"Are you well, Miss Elizabeth?" Miss Darcy's hesitant inquiry jolted Elizabeth from her thoughts.

Elizabeth abruptly stopped playing, looking up at Miss Darcy in surprise. "Oh, yes. I am quite well, Miss Darcy. Thank you."

Miss Darcy smiled. She fidgeted with her hands, suddenly unsure of her request. She blurted out, "May I ask something of you, Miss Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth smiled to reassure her young friend, who was obviously distressed about something. "Of course, Miss Darcy. Please, you may ask me anything you like."

Miss Darcy smiled brightly. "I would love it if you would call me Georgiana. It seems silly to be addressed as Miss Darcy when you are almost my sister."

Elizabeth blushed at Miss Darcy's reference to her relationship with her brother. But wisely, she didn't say anything. "I would be honored, Georgiana. You have such a lovely name. Please, I would love it if you would call me Lizzy, like my sisters."

Georgiana's eyes sparkled with delight. "Oh, I would. Thank you so much, Lizzy!" With a happy sigh, she sat next to Elizabeth and began playing as she gathered her thoughts. "I want to thank you for making my brother so happy."

Elizabeth started in surprise, blushing slightly, "Oh, I haven't done much, Georgiana."

Georgiana stopped playing, turning to Elizabeth as she protested, "Oh, but you have! You can't know how he has changed these past few weeks. Do you remember at the bookstore how I said I was worried about him, that he had been so down lately?"

Elizabeth nodded, her brow lowered in concern. She did remember. He made reference to his feeling of hopelessness when he asked to court her. He had said that since he met her he would never be that way again. Her mind lingered on that memory and how he had looked at her...she blushed hotly.

"Are you well, Lizzy? I hope I didn't say anything to upset you?" Georgiana said in slight distress.

"Oh no!" Elizabeth was quick to reassure her young friend. "You didn't upset me. It is just a little warm, that is all."

Georgiana looked at her with chagrin. "Oh, and here I am crowding you on this bench. Forgive me, Lizzy." Georgiana stood to move, but was taken by the arm and pulled back down beside her friend.

"Don't be ridiculous, Georgiana. It is nothing, I assure you." Elizabeth smiled at Georgiana. "Now, there was something you wished to ask me?"

Georgiana nodded her head, "Yes, I was wondering...that is, if it would not be too much trouble..."

Elizabeth laughed. "Just ask me, Georgiana. I promise I won't say no." Elizabeth looked up from Georgiana, startled to see Mr Darcy standing just inside the door, staring at her in the most peculiar fashion. She raised her brow, cocking her head in silent inquiry. She was rewarded with a soft smile.

Georgiana, noticing Elizabeth's preoccupation, followed her gaze to where it rested on her brother. She stood, chuckling, "Well, I will talk to you later, Lizzy."

Elizabeth stood, "Oh, that is not necessary, Georgiana. Please, forgive me."

Georgiana shook her head and smiled. Moving to sit beside her cousin, she greeted her brother as he made his way to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth stood beside the pianoforte, watching Mr Darcy make his way towards her, her heart beating loudly in her chest. The affect this man had on her. As he drew nearer, she noticed his expression was grave. She took a deep breath and hesitantly asked, "What did you learn from my Uncle?"

Darcy stood before Elizabeth, searching her beloved face. How could he keep her safe? What would he do if anything happened to her? He forced himself to smile and said reassuringly, "It went well, Elizabeth. There is no need for you to worry."

Elizabeth searched his face, but his expression was guarded. She felt, instinctively that he was keeping something from her. "What did he say? Does my Uncle know him?"

"Yes, he is an acquaintance of your Uncle's."

Elizabeth nodded slowly, as she said, uncertainly, "So, all is well, then?"

"Yes, all is well." Darcy took Elizabeth's arm, leading her away from the others. He took the seat next to her but did not speak.

Elizabeth glanced at Mr Darcy, surprised at his distant behavior. Unlike previous occasions when they sat in companionable silence; now, the silence felt heavy with things unspoken between them. She didn't like it. Mr Darcy was obviously lost in thought, his brows lowered in concentration. Ignoring the sense of unease she felt, she asked lightly, "What has you looking so serious, Mr Darcy?"

Darcy looked up to meet Elizabeth's sparkling eyes. He sighed. At least she didn't seem concerned over what happened earlier that day and he wanted to keep it that way. He said evasively, "I was just thinking of how we should occupy our time tomorrow. If it is still raining, we could go to the museum or..." Darcy stopped at the look on Elizabeth's face.

Elizabeth bit her lip and said apologetically, "I am sorry, Mr Darcy but I have a prior engagement tomorrow with my Aunt and Jane."

Abruptly, Darcy asked, "What prior engagement, Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth looked at Mr Darcy, puzzled by his tone. She replied, "Our Aunt has asked for our help at the Foundling Hospital tomorrow, Mr Darcy." With a smile, she added, "So you will have to forgo my company for one day."

Darcy shook his head. "No."

Elizabeth stared at Mr Darcy in surprise. "I beg your pardon? I don't quite understand you, Mr Darcy."

"I mean, no, you are not going." Darcy said firmly.

Elizabeth blinked at Mr Darcy, her ire rising. "Excuse me, Mr Darcy, but I don't believe I was asking for your permission. My sister and I have committed to helping my Aunt and we are going. I am sorry if that interferes with your plans, but it cannot be helped."

Darcy stood, his expression hard and said resolutely, "I forbid it, Elizabeth! You will stay here tomorrow." He couldn't let her leave! Not until he found the man and had him followed and watched. He would not risk her safety.

Elizabeth's face went pale as she stared up at Mr Darcy. Then flushing with indignation, she stood, her eyes blazing, fists clenched at her side. In a low voice, she retorted, "You forbid me, Mr Darcy? You don't have the right to tell me what to do, sir. I bid you good day." Elizabeth quickly curtsied before leaving the room as quickly as possible.

Darcy stood, stunned. What just happened? He just wanted to keep her safe! He groaned, running his hand through his hair. He looked up to meet the censorious gazes of the others in the room. Georgiana was staring at him with wide eyes, her hand covering her mouth. Mrs Gardiners expression showed extreme disappointment, whereas, Miss Bennet was fighting back tears; Richard just looked shocked.

Darcy walked to Mrs Gardiner, meeting her disapproving glare. "Mrs Gardiner, would you please fetch Miss Elizabeth? I need to explain myself. Please." Darcy had to make Elizabeth understand without divulging too many details that she was not safe.

Mrs Gardiner assessed Mr Darcy for a brief moment. Her countenance softened at the remorse she saw in his eyes. Quietly, she replied, "I think, Mr Darcy it would be best to let her calm down. Lizzy is in no state to hear what you have to say."

Darcy closed his eyes, nodding his head. "I think we have trespassed on your hospitality long enough. We will leave you now." He bowed to Mrs Gardiner and Miss Bennet.

"Yes, of course, Mr Darcy." Mrs Gardiner showed them out, discreetly pulling Mr Darcy aside. Softly, she said, "I would give her a day or two, Mr Darcy. There are things that you don't know about Lizzy." Mrs Gardiner hesitated. "She...does not take kindly to those who try to exert control over her." Mrs Gardiner hoped she was not breaking Elizabeth's confidence, but Mr Darcy needed to understand why she reacted the way she did.

Darcy stared at Mrs Gardiner in dismay. He only sought to protect Elizabeth and he ended up hurting her, horribly. He nodded to Mrs Gardiner in acknowledgement, too angry at his appalling behavior to speak. With a heavy heart he left the Gardiner Townhouse, determined to spend his waking hours finding John Williamson and ensuring that he was not a threat to Elizabeth or anyone else.

A/N: Ah, there's the officious Darcy we all know and love! It looks like Elizabeth is getting some flowers :) So, you now have more info on the Mrs Bennet mystery - what do you think? The entirety of what happened will not be revealed until Elizabeth heads back to Longbourn, but I think I've given you enough to whet your appetite. So, is John Williamson a threat? What do you think?

I will reward those who review this chapter with a nice preview, that may possibly have Darcy climbing a tree ;) I'm just saying. So please REVIEW! If not for the preview, but to tell me how wonderful I am for posting a day early!

Love you guys!