29. Chapter 29

Chapter 28

Darcy was in a hurry. And invariably when one was in a hurry, events transpired to delay his departure even further. A mishap in the kitchen that morning had thrown his household staff into chaos, causing his valet to be late. He sighed, suppressing the urge to tell Stevenson to hurry with his morning shave. He knew there were some things that could not be rushed. Finally, he was groomed and ready for the day and he departed his room to break his fast.

Entering the breakfast room, he breathed a quiet sigh of relief that it was empty. He was eager to be with Elizabeth and the presence of his loquacious cousin would only delay his departure further. Richard, no doubt, was still sleeping off the effects of their celebration the night before. He smiled, reminiscing over Richard's...exuberant display the night before. Dinner had been a festive affair, celebrating his engagement to Elizabeth and Richard's news that he would remain at the War Office. After dinner, they had moved their celebration to the Drawing Room where Richard had requested Georgiana play all the love songs she knew in her repertoire. He had then proceeded to sing. Loudly. And off key. Caterwauling indeed, Darcy mused silently. He hoped that Miss Bennet never had the misfortune to hear Richard sing.

As he finished his breakfast and stood to leave, Fletcher entered bearing a calling card. Darcy groaned at yet another delay. Who could be calling at this early hour?

Upon seeing the name on the card, he frowned. He looked at Fletcher, raising his brows. "Is he alone?"

Fletcher cracked the briefest smile, before adopting his customary solemn expression. "He is, sir. Mr Bingley is waiting in the library."

"Thank you, Fletcher. Would you be so good as to tell him I will be a moment longer?"

Fletcher bowed. "Of course, sir."

Darcy sighed heavily. He had a feeling this meeting with Bingley would not be brief, but he knew he needed to speak with him. He left the dining room, walking purposefully to the small conservatory adjacent to the garden at the back of Darcy House. Stopping in front of the bush containing his mother's red roses, he searched for the most perfect rose he could find. Perfect, just like his Elizabeth.

Rose in hand, he headed toward his study to write her a letter. He had decided years ago that he would continue the tradition his father had started. Since the day of his engagement to Lady Anne Fitzwilliam, George Darcy had written a letter to his wife every single day. He knew his father had continued the practice even after his mother had passed.

His letter to Elizabeth was brief, but heart felt. After signing and sealing the letter, he rang the bell. When Fletcher arrived, he handed him the rose and letter.

"Please see that this is delivered immediately to Miss Elizabeth."

Fletcher bowed. "Of course, sir." At the door, he paused and turned. "May I congratulate you, sir, on your engagement. We are all very pleased here at Darcy House and look forward to welcoming the new Mrs Darcy."

Darcy smiled, surprised at Fletcher uncharacteristic display of sentiment. Deeply moved, he bowed his head. "Thank you, Fletcher."

As soon as Fletcher left with the first of many letters he would write to Elizabeth, he sat back in his chair, preparing himself mentally and emotionally for his meeting with Bingley, knowing what he had to say would be difficult for him and for Bingley. He sighed and stood, walking with determined strides to the connecting door. The sooner his meeting with Bingley was over, the sooner he could be with Elizabeth.

FEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFE

Elizabeth stifled a yawn as she entered the breakfast room. She had received very little sleep the night before as Jane had been eager for details of Fitzwilliam's proposal and she had been too excited and euphoric over her recent engagement to sleep. She still couldn't believe that he had chosen her. Of all the accomplished, beautiful women of the ton, he wanted her to be his wife. She felt so very blessed that the man she loved unconditionally loved her in return. She sighed happily as she sat at the table, greeting her Aunt and Uncle.

Gardiner smiled at his niece over his coffee cup. "Good morning, Lizzy. Sleep well?"

Elizabeth shook her head, smiling sheepishly. "I confess, I didn't receive much sleep last night."

Mrs Gardiner smiled, her eyes twinkling. "That is understandable, my dear. As I recall, I didn't receive much sleep either after Edward proposed to me." She turned to her husband with a loving smile. "I was too happy with my good fortune."

Elizabeth laughed as her Uncle flushed a bright red. He winked at his wife. "I slept like a babe after your Aunt accepted me. It was the night before I proposed that I didn't receive a wink of sleep."

Mrs Gardiner shook her head in amusement. "Did you honestly think I would refuse you, Edward? I did, after all, give you a very clear indication of my regard."

Elizabeth looked at her Aunt, a curiously. "What did you give, Aunt?"

Mrs Gardiner raised her brows, and asked, teasingly, "Would you like to answer your niece, husband?"

Gardiner grumbled unintelligibly into his cup, his face red.

Elizabeth suddenly recalled something her Aunt had said when Fitzwilliam had sent her flowers. "A red tulip!" she declared. "You gave Uncle a red tulip!"

Mrs Gardiner laughed merrily. "I most certainly did! I was tired of his dithering. I knew he had developed an attachment to me, but he seemed determined to be obtuse."

Gardiner smiled tenderly at his wife. "You know it was more than that, Marianne. I knew what you would be giving up by marrying me. I didn't want to place you in an untenable situation."

Mrs Gardiner smiled at her husband, her eyes misty. "Which was why I gave you the red tulip, Edward. I had made my choice." In a softer voice, she added, "I would make the same choice again."

Elizabeth smiled at the obvious love and respect displayed between her Aunt and Uncle. She had always admired their relationship, secretly wishing that such an enduring love could be hers. Now it was. Her heart swelled with happiness as she thought of sharing her life with the man she loved deeply.

Elizabeth thought of Fitzwilliam as she ate. Glancing at the clock on the side board, she wondered when he would arrive today. She hoped now that they were engaged, although unofficially, he would arrive sooner than his customary one o'clock. Since the weather was fine, she hoped he would arrive before she took her customary morning walk so he could accompany her.

Recalling her inability to walk the day before due to her 'bodyguard' not being available, she turned to her Uncle with a hopeful smile. "Uncle, now that Mr Williamson has been found, is it really necessary to have a man follow me whenever I leave the house?"

Gardiner wiped his mouth before directing his attention to his niece. He thought for a moment, before responding. "Well, Lizzy. Mr Williamson is being followed by the men who were previously assigned to you, your sister and your Aunt. So, I suppose I feel comfortable with you venturing out, as long as you have a proper escort. If you wish to take your customary walk today, then I suggest you take a footman. Is that satisfactory?"

Elizabeth nodded happily. She understood the need for her bodyguard whenever she left the house, due to the uncertainty of Mr Williamson's intentions, but she had never felt comfortable with the arrangement. "Thank you, Uncle. I will be sure to have the proper escort if I leave the house. Hopefully, Mr Darcy will arrive and he can accompany me."

Mrs Gardiner smiled indulgently at her niece. "I am sure he will, Lizzy. Actually, I am surprised he has not arrived yet."

Before Elizabeth could respond, Simmons entered with the morning post. After distributing her Uncle and Aunt's correspondence, he walked towards her, a distinctive twinkle in his eye. As he neared, she could see what the silver tray held and she blushed.

"I believe this is for you, Miss Elizabeth."

Elizabeth smiled, taking a beautiful red rose and letter from the tray Simmons presented to her. "Thank you, Simmons."

Elizabeth inhaled the fragrant scent of the rose, placing it carefully beside her plate before eagerly opening the letter.

My Dearest Elizabeth,

This is the first of many letters I will write to you. My father wrote a letter to my mother every day, a tradition I am eager to adopt. Thank you, my love, for accepting my proposal. You have made me so very happy. I feel so blessed knowing you are mine to love and adore for the rest of my days. I promise I will strive each and every day to be worthy of your trust and your love. Your heart is safe with me, my Elizabeth as I treasure it above all else. Counting the moments until I see you again.

I remain, Forever yours, FD

Elizabeth swallowed the sudden lump in her throat, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall. Fitzwilliam's honest and sincere words had touched her deeply, especially since she knew he was such a private man, unused to expressing his feelings. He was a man of few words, but intense emotion. Was it any wonder that she loved him so? She refolded the letter with shaking hands, breathing deeply as she attempted to compose herself. What did she ever do to deserve him? She looked up, meeting her Aunt's affectionate gaze.

"I am overjoyed to see you so happy, Lizzy. Mr Darcy is a very lucky man."

Elizabeth looked down, shaking her head as she said, quietly, "I am the lucky one, Aunt."

Gardiner looked up from his correspondence, giving Elizabeth a pointed look. "Nonsense, my dear. Mr Darcy knows what a jewel he has found."

Mrs Gardiner nodded in agreement. "And you are worthy of him in every respect. You will make a wonderful Mistress of Pemberley."

Elizabeth's eyes lit up with mention of her soon-to-be home. "You have been there? Could you tell me about it?"

Mrs Gardiner smiled. "It has been many, many years, but yes, I have been there. I will tell you what I remember."

As they finished their breakfast, Elizabeth and her Aunt spent a pleasant quarter hour talking about Pemberley and its extensive grounds. It came as no surprise to Mrs Gardiner, that Elizabeth was more interested in the grounds and surrounding areas than the actual house.

"We need to start shopping for your trousseau as soon as possible, Lizzy," Mrs Gardiner said. "I think we could even get the majority of it completed before you return to Longbourn in three weeks."

Elizabeth nodded in agreement. "I will ask papa about it when I write him today."

Mrs Gardiner exchanged a weighted look with her husband before replying. "That won't be necessary, Lizzy. It has already been arranged."

Elizabeth looked back and forth between her Aunt and Uncle in bewilderment. "What do you mean? Have you already written to my father?"

"No, my dear. But the arrangements have been made. You don't need to bother your father." Gardiner smiled kindly before returning to the letter in his hand.

"But..." Her comment died in her throat at the look on her Uncle's face.

"Why Uncle! Whatever is the matter?" Elizabeth was startled to see his face was white, staring at the letter in his hand.

"Edward? What is it? Is it bad news?"

Elizabeth and her Aunt shared worried looks when he ignored their inquiries. They watched as he re-read the letter, before placing it down, running his hand over his face.

Abruptly he stood. "Please excuse me, but I must deal with this immediately." Without another word, he hastily exited the room.

Jane entered in the wake of Gardiners hasty departure. Seeing the stunned expressions on their faces, she exclaimed, "Whatever is the matter?"

Anxiously, Mrs Gardiner replied, "I hardly know, Jane." Standing, she said, distractedly, "Excuse me, girls."

Jane looked to her sister for an explanation, a perplexed look on her face. "Lizzy?"

Elizabeth told her sister what had happened prior to her entrance.

"Uncle didn't say anything?"

Elizabeth shook her head. "No, nothing."

"How peculiar." Jane sat down with her plate and began eating.

Elizabeth watched her sister for a moment before saying, hesitantly, "I believe it may have something to do with Mr Williamson."

Jane looked up from her plate, her eyes wide. "How do you know?"

"Just a feeling I have. I don't know what else would cause our normally imperturbable Uncle to become so discomposed. Do you?"

Jane shook her head, her brows furrowed in concern. "I just hope it isn't bad news."

"So do I, Jane. So do I."

FEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFE

Taking a deep breath, Darcy opened the connecting door and entered the library. He paused briefly, silently observing his friend. He didn't look well. Bingley was sitting in a chair in front of the fireplace, his gaze unfocused, his eyes weary. He looked like he hadn't slept much the past few nights. Two nights to be exact. Since his sister's abysmal behavior at his birthday dinner. He sighed. It was not Bingley's fault that his sister was such a horror. He meant to send a message to Bingley yesterday, but with his engagement to Elizabeth all else seemed inconsequential.

Darcy cleared his throat before speaking. "Bingley. I apologize for keeping you waiting."

Bingley looked up, his tired gaze focusing on Darcy. He jumped up, nervously smoothing his disheveled hair. "Darcy, please forgive the early call. I wanted to be sure to catch you at home."

They entered Darcy's study and he sat, motioning for Bingley to take a seat across from him. Instead of sitting, he chose to pace, treading the same path Darcy did when he was agitated. Darcy waited patiently for his friend to speak.

"Darcy..." Bingley began haltingly. "I know that words seem inadequate in light of my sister's behavior the other night, but I wish to convey how sorry I am." He paused, running a hand through his hair, tugging on the ends. "I know I should not have brought her, but she was so insistent..."

Darcy sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He had watched for years while Bingley's sisters, especially Caroline had manipulated and coerced their brother into doing their bidding. He had hoped that over time, Bingley would have developed more confidence in himself. He was a smart man, but he was too soft-hearted. He didn't have the backbone to tell anyone no, least of all his sisters. Much to his disgust, he was certain that with the passing of Mrs Bingley, his sisters would use it to their advantage.

"Bingley, you are not responsible for the actions of your sister. It is true that I would have preferred that she remained at home. Especially in light of how she treated my betrothed."

Bingley's eyes lit up with pleasure. "So, you are to marry Miss Ben- I mean, Miss Elizabeth?"

Darcy smiled contentedly. "As of yesterday, we are engaged to be married."

Bingley gave Darcy a genuine smile. "I am happy for you, Darcy. She seems like a wonderful woman."

"She is, Bingley. I am indeed, very fortunate." Darcy took a deep breath, knowing what he had to say would be difficult for him and for his friend to hear. "Bingley." He waited until he met his gaze, before saying gravely, "In light of what happened the other night, I will no longer have anything to do with your sister. She will not be welcome into any of my homes, nor will I acknowledge our acquaintance. If this means that our friendship is at an end, then so be it. But know that I still consider you a friend."

Bingley's countenance fell and his shoulders slumped in defeat. "I don't blame you, Darcy. I understand." Straightening, he said, firmly, "However, I don't wish to sever our friendship."

Darcy nodded, pleased. He and Bingley had been through much together. Their bond of friendship had begun at Cambridge and been strengthened through mutual hardship. They had each helped the other after the passing of their fathers; Darcy's father passing within months of his finishing Cambridge and Bingley's barely a year later. He would have been grieved if he had decided to cut the friendship. But he would have done it without hesitation.

"I am glad, Bingley. I need you to understand that as long as your sister resides in your home, I will not step foot inside it. You are always welcome here or at Pemberley, but I will not subject myself to the machinations of your sister."

Bingley sighed heavily, sitting across from his friend. "Yes, I realize that." With a wry smile, he added, "I am not looking forward to telling Caroline of your engagement or your decision to end your acquaintance."

Darcy paused, considering carefully what he needed to say next, knowing it needed to be handled with delicacy. "Bingley, have you considered what you are going to do with your sister?"

"Do?" Bingley shook his head, a baffled expression on his face. "I don't understand. What you mean, Darcy?"

Darcy took a deep breath. "Your sister's behavior is out of control. The fact is, Bingley, she verbally attacked Elizabeth in front of not only my relatives, The Earl and Countess of Matlock, but the Viscount and Viscountess of Worthington, as well."

Darcy sighed deeply, rubbing his forehead, bracing himself for what he had to tell Bingley. With a piercing gaze, he said seriously, "By her actions, she has sealed her fate. When word of her behavior gets out, as it no doubt will, she will be shunned from polite society. You have to decide if you will stand with her and join in her alienation from society, or distance yourself from her."

Bingley looked at Darcy in dawning horror. "Is it as bad as that?"

Darcy nodded gravely. "I'm afraid so, Bingley."

Bingley huffed out a breath, standing to pace in growing agitation. Running his hands through his hair, he groaned. "What am I to do, Darcy? She is my sister! I can't cast her off!"

Darcy stood, laying a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Bingley," he said quietly. "She has brought this on herself. She has deluded herself into thinking that she will be the next Mistress of Pemberley. Her actions bespeak desperation and quite frankly, an unbalanced mind. I have never given her the slightest indication that I ever thought of her as anything more than the sister of my dear friend. She needs to feel the consequences of her actions, Bingley."

"I know, Darcy." Bingley threw up his hands in exasperation. "I have tried, truly. I have told her time and time again that you would never offer for her, but she always insisted that I was wrong."

Darcy turned from his friend, walking to stand in front of the window looking out over the garden. He clasped his hands behind his back, his brow lowered in thought. He knew Bingley's attempts to correct his sister's erroneous assumptions over the past three years were half-hearted at best. He wished now that he had told Miss Bingley himself that he would never offer for her, as distasteful as that was. Although, if he had, she likely would have tried to compromise him. Her belief in her delusion was what kept him safe from her trying to force him to the altar.

He turned his head, studying his distressed friend. Besides Richard, Bingley was his closest friend and confidant. He wished to help him in any way he could. He just hoped his suggestions were taken as it was intended - a sincere desire to aid a friend in need.

"Bingley, I suggest you release your sisters dowry to her. With her money at her disposal, she can set up her own household, hire a companion and be completely independent from you. You can visit her on your terms. I believe you can still keep your sister in your life and continue to have a good standing in society."

With hope in his eyes, Bingley responded, "That is an excellent idea, Darcy! I don't know why I didn't think of it before." He ran his hand through his hair, his enthusiasm evident. "She is nearly twenty-seven, after all." He smiled, his eyes full of good humor. "Besides, I have been thinking it is time to settle down and marry. And can you imagine my sister turning over her role as mistress of my home to my wife?" He beamed at Darcy. "Thank you, my friend. I don't know what I'd do without your sound advice."

Darcy waved his hand. "Not at all, Bingley. But, it was only a suggestion. I am sure there are other options as well. She could still get married, you know." Darcy grimaced at the poor fool who would willingly marry that shrew. "Or perhaps your other sister could take her in..."

Bingley immediately shook his head. "No, no, that won't do. Louisa is just recently married, Darcy. I don't think Mr Hurst would appreciate having to adjust to married life with Caroline in the way."

"Besides, if what you say is true and Caroline is shunned from society, I doubt that Louisa will stand by her. She is very conscious of her social standing."

Darcy barely refrained from snorting. Apart from her younger sister, Louisa Hurst was one of the most vain, vapid, social climbers he had ever had the misfortune to meet. Separate, they were barely tolerable. Together, they were insufferable. He knew that the former Louisa Bingley had only married Mr Hurst because he was a gentleman of moderate means. He would not have been surprised if the marriage had come about due to a compromise. It never ceased to amaze him that Bingley was of the same blood as his sisters.

"Very well, Bingley. I suggest you implement the plan sooner rather than later."

Bingley smiled good naturedly. "Thank you again, Darcy. I feel much better." He shook his head in wonder, "A separate household. What a wonderful idea!"

Darcy refrained from laughing at the obvious look of relief and liberation on Bingley's face. He looked like a man who had received a second lease on life. He just hoped he went about telling his sister in the right way. He didn't doubt that Caroline Bingley would be fit for Bedlam once Bingley informed her of his decision.

"I say, Darcy?" Bingley tugged nervously on his hair. "I was wondering, that is, if you would be so good as to tell me..."

"Spit it out, Bingley." As much as he enjoyed being in Bingley's company, he wished to be with Elizabeth, not conversing with his amiable and good natured friend.

Bingley cleared his throat. "Is ah...Miss Bennet? That is, is she...?"

Darcy shook his head in amusement. Bingley was predictable to a fault. Why did his friend have to fall for every fair haired beauty that he met? He didn't think he could handle another of Bingley's 'angels.'

Deciding not to make it easy on him, Darcy asked, "Is Miss Bennet, what? My Elizabeth's sister? Kind? Accomplished?" Darcy looked at his hesitant friend, a playful gleam in his eye. If Bingley was showing interest in Miss Bennet, he would have to warn Richard. Again.

Bingley huffed. "Available. I meant, is Miss Bennet spoken for?"

Before Darcy could respond in the affirmative, that she was, indeed, spoken for, a knock sounded on his study door. He frowned. Fletcher knew not to bother him when he was with someone. "Come."

Fletcher entered, a slightly apologetic look on his face. "Forgive the intrusion, Mr Darcy. But this letter just arrived. The messenger said it was urgent."

When Darcy saw who it was from, his eyes widened in alarm. Not caring who was in the room, he tore open the missive, his chest constricting painfully, praying that it didn't contain bad news of Elizabeth.

Darcy, Please come immediately. I have heard from JW. Gardiner

Before he had even finished reading the brief note, Darcy walked towards the door, his mind in a tumult. Williamson had contacted Gardiner? For what purpose? Recalling his friend, he turned, meeting the astonished expressions of his friend and butler. "I apologize for my abrupt departure, Bingley. But I must leave at once."

He gave his butler the message from Gardiner. "Fletcher, please see that Colonel Fitzwilliam receives this immediately. And if you would, please see Mr Bingley out."

Not waiting for a reply, Darcy hastily exited his study.

FEFEFEFEFEFEFEFE

Elizabeth returned to her room after breakfast to leave the rose and her letter from her betrothed. She had lingered, re-reading Fitzwilliam's beautiful message, committing to memory her very first love letter.

As she descended the stairs to wait for Fitzwilliam's arrival in the drawing room, she heard the distinct sound of the door knocker. She paused, an involuntary smile gracing her face. Fitzwilliam. He was here. She forced herself to descend at a dignified pace, resisting the urge to hurry. As she neared the bottom of the stairs, she heard his deep baritone voice greeting Simmons. At the sound of his voice, her heart rate picked up and she hurried down the last few steps, impatient to be in his presence.

As she reached the bottom step, Fitzwilliam looked up, meeting her gaze with such a look of adoration that she faltered slightly. Ignoring Simmons, she walked towards Fitzwilliam, her legs unsteady, her gaze never leaving his.

"Good morning, Elizabeth." Darcy greeted her softly, bringing her hand to his lips for a kiss.

Elizabeth smiled and remembering her manners, dropped into a curtsey. "Good morning, Fitzwilliam."

Simmons cleared his throat subtly behind them. "Miss Elizabeth, Mr Gardiner is expecting Mr Darcy in his study. Perhaps you could show him the way?"

Elizabeth blushed as Fitzwilliam gave Simmons a grateful look. "Of course."

Darcy placed Elizabeth's small hand in the crook of his elbow, bringing her close to his side. Turning to Simmons he said, "Colonel Fitzwilliam should be here shortly, Simmons."

"Very good, sir."

Darcy watched him leave, a small smile on his face. Leaning towards Elizabeth, he whispered, "That man deserves a raise."

Elizabeth arched a brow, responding impertinently, "Indeed, and how exactly do you suggest we tell my Uncle why Simmons deserves a raise, Fitzwilliam?"

Darcy glanced down at Elizabeth, smiling at his beloved's teasing manner. "Well, perhaps a bonus then."

Elizabeth quietly laughed. She sighed in contentment as she glanced up at his handsome face. Softly, she asked, "My Uncle sent for you?"

"Yes." He paused briefly before adding, "It's about Williamson."

She nodded her head. "I thought as much. Will you be long with my Uncle?"

"I am not sure, Elizabeth."

Elizabeth sighed, hoping the situation with Mr Williamson was resolved quickly. She understood Fitzwilliam's desire to ascertain with absolute certainty that he didn't pose a threat, but she was impatient for the answers her Uncle had promised her.

As they neared the small alcove near her Uncle's study, Fitzwilliam quickly pulled her inside, drawing the drapes so they were hidden from prying eyes.

Being in a such a close, confined space with Fitzwilliam caused her heart to race in anticipation. They gazed at one another for a brief moment before he closed the short distance between them. As Fitzwilliam's lips met hers in a tender kiss, she closed her eyes, lost to everything but the exquisite feel of his lips on hers.

After a brief moment, they broke apart. Elizabeth slowly opened her eyes to meet his intense, ardent gaze. "Thank you for your beautiful letter and the rose, Fitzwilliam."

Darcy smiled, gently kissing her lips. "You are welcome, my love. I apologize it was so short." He leaned down placing a soft kiss along her jaw line. "I promise to make them longer in the future," he whispered, as he kissed her ear, before turning her head to the side and trailing kisses down her slender neck, breathing in her jasmine scent.

Elizabeth gasped softly, her pulse fluttering at the exquisite sensation, his kisses leaving her breathless. "No, Fitzwilliam. It was perfect."

Darcy rested his forehead against hers, slowly running his hands down her arms before interlacing his fingers with hers.

As their breathing returned to normal, Elizabeth asked, "Did your father really write to your mother every day?"

He nodded his head, leaning back so he could see her face. "Yes, he did. He was an early riser, whereas my mother was not. While she slept, he would write a letter for her to read when she woke up."

Elizabeth sighed, resting her head on Fitzwilliam's chest, bringing her hands up to lightly grasp his waist. "I think that is beautiful. He must have loved her very much."

Darcy encircled Elizabeth in his arms, placing a soft kiss on her temple. "Almost as much as I love you," he whispered.

Elizabeth looked up, her gaze melting into his. Wordlessly, she brought her hands up to cup his beloved face, bringing his head down to meet her waiting lips, tangling her hands in his hair. Fitzwilliam's passionate response left her weak in the knees and she was very grateful to be supported by his strong embrace.

"Elizabeth," Darcy said hoarsely. "I must go to your Uncle. I dare not linger with you here any longer or I fear he will take one look at me and call me out."

Elizabeth blushed as she nodded her head. Pressing a kiss to his ear, she whispered, "Come find me when you are done."

"I will." Darcy gave her a final lingering kiss before leaving the alcove. He tugged his jacket down and fingered his cravat as he walked towards Gardiners study door. Just as he was about to knock, he heard Elizabeth's frantic whisper, "Fitzwilliam, your hair!"

He turned to face Elizabeth who was biting her lip in an attempt to control her laughter, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

With a devious grin, he lowered his head towards her, raising his brows in an unspoken question.

Elizabeth shook her head, a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "You are shameless, Fitzwilliam."

"No, just besotted, my love." He waited, looking at her with an expectant look. "Besides, it's only fair, since you are the reason..."

Elizabeth huffed a laugh, closing the short distance between them. Giving him a look that told him to behave, she brought her hands up and quickly smoothed his hair. "There. Now, go find out why my Uncle called you here."

Darcy sobered immediately. He knew why Gardiner had sent for him. But he couldn't understand why Williamson had contacted Gardiner and not him. He was responsible for the men following him. He smiled wryly. I guess Richard's plan didn't work out quite the way he expected. At least Gardiner had sent for him. After his duplicity in his efforts in finding Williamson, Darcy hadn't expected Gardiner to be forthcoming with any further information. Apparently, their conversation the day before had pricked his guilty conscience. Taking a deep breath, Darcy knocked on Gardiners study door.

When he entered, he immediately noticed that Gardiner was not in his customary place, seated behind his desk. Instead, he was pacing, a wild look in his eye.

Darcy walked confidently up to Gardiner and without preamble, asked, "What is this about Williamson contacting you, Gardiner?"

Gardiner paused long enough to thrust a crumpled letter into his hand, before resuming his frantic pacing. In a tense voice, he said, "Read that."

Darcy smoothed out the wrinkled page before reading the brief message.

Gardiner,

It appears you have done well for yourself these past twenty-five years, despite your unscrupulous behavior. I am writing to inform you that I will call on you today, at 10 o'clock. Please do me the courtesy of being available when I call. I believe we have much to discuss, not the least of which is why you are having men follow me. J Williamson

Darcy read the letter twice before looking up to meet Gardiners troubled gaze. "He is coming here in..." Darcy glanced at the clock, noting it was nearly half past nine. "Less than an hour."

Gardiner nodded slowly.

"What could he mean by contacting you? Why now?" Darcy wished to ask Gardiner what Williamson meant by his 'unscrupulous behavior,' but felt it was not his place. Besides, it was very possible Williamson could be lying. The tone of the letter was direct and designed to put Gardiner on his guard. Darcy didn't like it.

Gardiner sighed heavily, running his hand over his head. "I don't know, Darcy. I haven't had contact with that man in nearly twenty-five years. I admit, I am not prepared to face him."

Darcy tapped the letter against his palm, his brows lowered in thought. He looked at Gardiner, a sympathetic expression on his face. The man wore his guilt like an uncomfortable piece of clothing. "I had hoped that when Williamson realized he was being followed he would confront my men. They were instructed to give him my card with a request to meet with me."

Gardiners eyes widened in surprise. "Indeed? Well, I suppose you'll get your chance to talk to him when he arrives in about thirty minutes."

"My cousin should be joining us shortly." Darcy sat in a comfortable chair before the fireplace. "In the meantime, let's discuss how we wish to approach Williamson."

FEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFE

John Williamson waited patiently outside Gardiner's townhouse, tucked away in a convenient alleyway between two homes on the opposite side of the street. He checked his pocket watch again. Half past nine o'clock. The time he had spent watching the movements of Gardiners daughters was about to pay off. He knew that the young lady, who looked like his Fanny walked nearly every morning around this time. Oftentimes, she was accompanied by her sister. He scanned the front of Gardiners home again, satisfied that neither of the men hired to protect Gardiners daughters and wife were there. He breathed a sigh of relief. His subterfuge had been successful. The men were likely still following the man he had hired to impersonate him so he could leave his boardinghouse undetected. He smiled in satisfaction. Everything was falling into place.

Yesterday, when he realized he was being followed, he had felt unsettled. Who were they? Why were they following him? But then he had recognized one of the men. He knew immediately that Gardiner must be behind it. He had taken the men following him as an act of providence. It was perfect. If the men, previously assigned to protect Gardiners daughters were now following him, then that left the young ladies without their protectors. Unbeknownst to Gardiner, he had provided the perfect opportunity to meet his daughter. Alone.

Sending Gardiner that message had been risky, but he wanted Gardiner to be preoccupied and on his guard in anticipation of his appointment. Which he had no intention of keeping. It was a diversion, nothing more.

His head shot up as he heard Gardiners front door open. He held his breath as he watched Gardiners daughter, the one who looked so much like his Fanny, exit the house. He waited, hoping that all his planning had not been in vain. He had been worried when the tall, dark haired gentleman had arrived, although he had not been surprised to see him. His frequent presence at Gardiners indicated that the tall gentleman must be courting one of the daughters. He hoped the gentleman's early arrival was at the request of Gardiner due to his unexpected letter. It would foil his plan if the man accompanied the young lady on her daily walk. He breathed an audible sigh of relief as the only person to exit behind Gardiners daughter was a young woman, obviously a lady's maid.

He smiled in anticipation as he watched Gardiners daughter and her maid walk towards the park a few blocks away. A moment later, he discreetly began to follow them.

A/N: Uh oh, it looks like Elizabeth should have taken a footman with her, huh? So, did anyone guess that JW was sending his message to Gardiner? No? Oh goody, I love surprising you! We'll have to wait and see if his little diversion is successful and keeps Gardiner, Darcy and Col F occupied for the time he needs...Hmmm, what does he want with Elizabeth? Next chapter will be the big reveal. Gardiner will spill all his secrets...oh boy! *rubs hands together in anticipation*

I apologize for not posting last Saturday, but my excuse can be summed up in one word: SUMMER. I had a family BBQ, an unexpected trip to the ER (my little guy fell and split open his chin - poor boy!) and other fun, summer stuff. I just haven't had as much time to write as I normally do. Unfortunately, this week will be the same. I have a family reunion this weekend, so I will likely not post again until next week sometime. Besides, I want to take my time on the next chapter. You've all waited so patiently for what the heck is Mrs Bs problem, that I want to take my time and do it justice. Plus, there are a lot of little details that I need to get right.

A guest reviewer (THE READER) asked what inspired the relationship between Jane/Col Fitzwilliam. Honestly, it was one of those instances where the story takes on a life of its own. When I began writing this story, Jane and Col F as a potential couple wasn't even a glimmer in the deepest recesses of my mind. And then I found myself writing Jane's reaction to Col F when E asked what she thought of him and I thought, 'wouldn't it be awesome if Jane liked Col F despite all her attempts to convince herself otherwise?' And the more I thought about them as a potential couple, the more I liked it. I wish I could say I had a Col F/Jane/Bingley love triangle from the very beginning, but I would be lying. Believe it or not, I think the characters wanted to be written in that particular way ;) That said, I have the love triangle all planned out. I know who Jane is going to end up with and how and when...And no, I can't be bribed into giving it away...but you can sure try :-)

Love you guys! Thanks for sticking with me despite my erratic posts. Please review!

Much love,

MAH