38. Chapter 38

A huge thank you to my wonderful beta, CassandraLowery!

Chapter 37

Elizabeth leaned back against the sofa, tossing her sewing next to her with a soft groan of dissatisfaction. Restless, she stood and wandered over to the window, parting the curtain to look down on the garden below. Rain drops ran in steady rivulets down the window pane, obscuring her view. A quick glance at the clock on the mantel indicated a mere five minutes had passed since the last time she had looked. The soft ticking of the clock mocked her as she willed time to move faster. A soft sigh escaped as she rested her forehead against the window. She hoped the sudden downpour would not delay Fitzwilliam's return.

If his meeting with her father had gone as expected, he should be halfway to London by now. He was expected for dinner that evening, and Elizabeth was anxiously awaiting his arrival. Despite the reassurances from Jane and her aunt that all would go well, Elizabeth was worried; there was so much that could go wrong. What if her mother discerned the real reason for Fitzwilliam's presence and interfered? What if her father proved difficult and refused his consent? Elizabeth shook her head at that baseless concern. No, she was not worried about her father's actions. He knew that she wished to marry Fitzwilliam, and he had never before denied her heart's desire.

Enough of this. What Elizabeth needed was a distraction, something to keep her mind off Fitzwilliam's pending arrival. With renewed energy, she left her sitting room to search for Jane whom she hadn't seen since their arrival home two hours previously. The three women had spent the morning shopping which had left Elizabeth mentally exhausted and in desperate need of peace and solitude. She was sorely tempted to leave all decisions regarding her trousseau to her aunt and simply show up for her gown fittings rather than endure a repeat of today's harrowing excursion.

Shopping had been followed by tea with Lady Worthington at Worthington House which had been an...interesting affair. That venerable lady had kept them entertained with stories of the different balls, soirees, and dinners she had attended over the years. Elizabeth had been especially impressed that not once had Lady Worthington divulged the names of the individuals from her varied stories. Lady Worthington may be a collector of gossip and scandal, but she was silent as the grave when it came to keeping secrets. It was a revelation for Elizabeth to learn that Lady Worthington was an enigma in many ways and making her acquaintance had been a welcome delight, especially considering her initial apprehension upon first meeting her at the draper's.

The greatest surprise of the visit had been Elizabeth's discovery that Lady Worthington had been more closely acquainted with Fitzwilliam's mother than she had previously thought. Lady Worthington had met Lady Anne Fitzwilliam shortly before her coming out, and despite the difference in their ages, they had become close friends. Apparently, Lady Anne had not been close to her own mother and had found in Lady Worthington a much-needed confidant and mentor. Much to Elizabeth's delight, Lady Worthington had proceeded to regale her company with fond memories of Lady Anne during her season. After Lady Anne's marriage to George Darcy, the two women had not been in each other's company with regularity as Lady Worthington preferred living in London, and the Darcys had preferred the country. But the two women had kept up a frequent correspondence that had continued until Anne Darcy had passed away.

Elizabeth descended the stairs, idly making her way to the drawing room as she pondered the end of their visit and Lady Worthington's peculiar request. She had pulled Elizabeth aside to inquire if Mr. Darcy had revealed that his mother had been a gifted artist. Elizabeth would have thought nothing of the question if not for Lady Worthington's unusually penetrating gaze, as if she were trying to impress the significance of the question upon her mind. Her parting words to Elizabeth had been no less astounding: ask Mr. Darcy to show her Lady Anne's drawings. Elizabeth's surprise at such an odd demand had turned to bewilderment at Lady Worthington's knowing smile, leaving Elizabeth in no doubt that the drawings were of some importance for a reason she could not begin to contemplate. Elizabeth hoped that Fitzwilliam would know why Lady Worthington thought his mother's drawings were so significant.

Elizabeth entered the drawing room, a smile alighting her face at seeing her sister, but her smile faded to one of confusion at the curious sight before her. Jane was sitting in the middle of the sofa with the contents of her sewing basket strewn out on either side of her while she painstakingly reorganized the colored threads. Jane was fastidious when it came to her sewing basket, so to see the contents in such disorder was startling.

Elizabeth sat on the end of the sofa and picked up the colored threads nearest her and began the laborious process of untangling them. Jane glanced up, her harassed expression changing to one of gratitude at her sister's assistance. The two sisters worked in companionable silence for some time until Jane spoke, sensing her sister's need of a diversion from her thoughts.

"What did you think of our visit with Lady Worthington?"

"Hmmm?" Elizabeth responded, her gaze focused on untying a stubborn knot of green thread.

Jane smiled, shaking her head at her sister's inattentive behavior and repeated her question.

Elizabeth looked at her sister for a moment before a slow smile stole across her face, her eyes twinkling with suppressed mirth. "Diverting."

A burst of laughter escaped Jane. "Indeed. I confess, I don't quite know what to make of her."

Elizabeth grinned, understanding Jane's sentiment. "Lady Worthington is known for her candor; she speaks her mind, always. It can be rather...disconcerting." Meeting her sister's eye, she winked. "But I like it."

Jane huffed a laugh. "I admit I am surprised that you get on so famously with her Lizzy. You despise secrets, and Lady Worthington holds many."

"Yes, but Lady Worthington's secrets concern others. I only dislike secrets when they concern me." Elizabeth sighed, dropping her hands in her lap. "It is more than just keeping secrets Jane; it is a matter of trust. How can I trust someone who is keeping something from me?"

"Even if it is for your benefit?" Jane mused.

Elizabeth's expression was contemplative as she recalled the secrets her uncle had kept for so long and the pain that it had brought not only to herself but to her aunt and Mr. Williamson as well. Would she have been better off not knowing the history behind her mother and Mr. Williamson's ill-fated love affair?

With careful deliberation, Elizabeth replied, "I suppose it would depend on the situation. I have been surrounded by secrets all my life, and it hurts to not know why."

Jane looked at her sister, her blue eyes filled with sad understanding. "You are speaking of our mother."

Elizabeth lowered her head, her gaze focused on her task.

Jane sighed, abandoning her place to sit beside her sister. Elizabeth looked up in surprise. "Jane, you're sitting on your thread."

"Lizzy," Jane began, her voice hesitant. "Must you know why our mother treats you with such disdain?"

Elizabeth stared at her sister in astonishment. "How can you ask that, Jane? Of course I must know!" She shook her head in frustration as her fingers attacked a stubborn knot, her brows lowered in consternation. "I know if I don't discover why I will never be able to move past the hurt she has caused and forgive her."

Jane reached over and clasped Elizabeth's hand, forcing her sister to focus on her words. "Yes, but Lizzy, you don't need to discover the reason in order to forgive her."

Elizabeth removed her hand from Jane's grasp. "You are starting to sound like our sister Mary: 'forgiveness should be given, not earned.' Please, Jane. Please, try to understand?" Elizabeth cried, a hint of desperation in her voice.

Jane clasped both her sister's hands in a firm grip. "Of course I understand, Lizzy. Just consider how much pain it will cause to discover the reason behind her disdain."

"I am stronger now, I believe," Elizabeth responded with confidence. "And I will have Fitzwilliam by my side; I will not be alone."

"No, you will not," Jane agreed, squeezing her sister's hands before releasing them. "You have me as well."

Elizabeth smiled at her best friend before saying with false merriment, "Now, enough of this! Let's find something less somber to discuss." With a sly glance, she asked, "I understand that Mr. Bingley paid you another visit today."

Jane wrinkled her nose making her sister laugh.

"Come now, Jane! It couldn't have been that horrible."

"Oh Lizzy! What am I to do? I don't wish to hurt his feelings, but he seems oblivious to my lack of interest."

Jane's obvious distress caused Elizabeth to return her sister's earlier comfort by clasping her hand in a gentle grip. "Tell him, Jane. It is better for him to know where your heart lies before his is further engaged."

Ignoring her sister, Jane continued, "I was barely polite to him during his visit. Indeed, if our aunt hadn't been present to converse with Mr. Bingley it would have been extremely awkward."

Jane lowered her gaze, her expression slightly ashamed. She leaned over and whispered, "I even mentioned Colonel Fitzwilliam."

Elizabeth's eyes brightened. "Did you? Well done, Jane! And what was Mr. Bingley's reaction when you mentioned the man whom you love?"

"Well, it was the strangest thing, Lizzy. His face paled, and he appeared...well, nervous and unsettled." After a brief moment's reflection, Jane added, "And he kept touching his left breast."

Elizabeth's brows shot up, an amused smile on her face. "He kept touching his heart?"

Jane swatted her sister. "Don't tease, Lizzy! I cannot explain why the mere mention of Richard would cause him to act so. In any case, he left shortly after."

"I believe that Fitzwilliam informed Mr. Bingley that you and Colonel Fitzwilliam have formed an attachment," Elizabeth said.

"Did he? Well, I must thank my future brother then," Jane replied with a kind smile. Her smile disappeared to be replaced with a look of melancholy. "It's been two days, Lizzy." Seeing her sister's confusion, she clarified, "I haven't seen Richard in two days."

"I am sure it must be something extremely important to keep him from your side, Jane," Elizabeth said with reassurance. "Perhaps he will come with Fitzwilliam to dinner tonight. I know the invitation included him as well."

Jane's resultant smile was blinding. "Oh, I hope he will! I miss him so." Realizing what she had said, Jane blushed a vivid crimson as her sister laughed.

"I understand the sentiment, Jane. I miss Fitzwilliam terribly, and it hasn't even been twenty-four hours since I last saw him." Elizabeth's eyes strayed to the clock on the mantel, her gaze betraying her uneasiness.

Seeing Elizabeth's anxious expression, Jane was quick to reassure her sister. "All will be well, Lizzy. Can you imagine anyone, least of all our father, saying 'no' to Mr. Darcy?"

Elizabeth laughed, and the tension dissolved. Jane stood and Elizabeth began picking the threads that had stuck to the back of her gown. "You're right, of course. I cannot help but imagine the worst. I just hope that Fitzwilliam was spared meeting Mama."

Jane gave her sister a sympathetic look, plucking a stray thread from her gown.

Mrs. Gardiner entered the drawing room, her eyes wild, a letter clutched in her white-knuckled grip. She paused before her two nieces, her lips working but no sound escaped.

Elizabeth and Jane exchanged looks of alarm at their aunt's agitated behavior.

"Aunt? What is it?" Elizabeth glanced at the letter. "Is that from Longbourn?"

"Oh, my dears, it is terrible!"

Elizabeth's face drained of color, her thoughts immediately flying towards Longbourn and her family. Had something happened to her father? Sisters? Mother? Her heart stuttered. What if something happened to Fitzwilliam?

"Please, Aunt!" Elizabeth cried desperately. "Who is the letter from?"

Mrs. Gardiner looked from one niece to the other, her gaze lingering on Jane. Elizabeth looked at Jane before turning her gaze back to her aunt, noting her expression was full of remorse and... fear? Elizabeth's heart dropped and suddenly she knew. She reached out to grasp Jane's hand, offering her strength, praying desperately that her assumption was wrong.

Mrs. Gardiner reached out, grasping Jane's free hand. "You must be brave, my dear. I just received this letter from Eleanor." She paused, her eyes moist as she met Jane's wide-eyed gaze. "Colonel Fitzwilliam is being sent back to the Iberian Peninsula."

A small gasp escaped Jane's lips. Elizabeth closed her eyes, squeezing her sister's hand.

"I am so sorry, my dear."

Jane sank down onto the sofa, her face strangely blank. "When?" she whispered.

Mrs. Gardiner glanced at Elizabeth before returning her gaze to Jane. Understanding her aunt's unspoken request, Elizabeth sat next to her sister, preparing herself for her aunt's response. Judging by her stricken expression, Colonel Fitzwilliam would be leaving soon.

"He left for Brighton this afternoon."

Elizabeth stared at her aunt. He was already gone? But, he hadn't spoken to Jane yet, and what about Fitzwilliam? The Colonel didn't get to say good bye to Fitzwilliam! She shook her head in disbelief, forcing herself to listen to what her aunt was saying, knowing that Jane would be incapable of focusing on her aunt's words.

"Eleanor writes that he will be in Brighton for about ten days or so training the soldiers in his regiment before traveling to Portsmouth, and from there, he'll sail to Portugal."

"How can this be, Aunt? Why is he being sent? I understood that he was to remain at the War Office," Elizabeth cried.

Mrs. Gardiner handed the crumpled letter to Elizabeth. "Read it yourself, Lizzy. I am amazed that Eleanor was able to write such a letter under the circumstances. I cannot begin to imagine what she must be feeling."

Elizabeth read Lady Eleanor's letter, shooting worried glances at her sister's continued silence. When she finished, she smoothed the letter out as best she could; Jane would want read it later. Jane stood, startling Elizabeth. Before she could utter a word, Jane had fled the room.

~oOOo~

Darcy arrived at Gardiners' town house with a heavy heart. He had fully expected to enter this house tonight triumphantly, having finally secured Elizabeth's hand. Not only had he failed in gaining Mr. Bennet's consent, but he had also returned home to find his sister distraught with unexpected and distressing news. Even now, he was finding it difficult to process what his sister had told him: Richard was gone. Darcy was no fool; he always knew that it was a possibility that Richard could still be sent to the Iberian Peninsula despite his current orders at the War Office. But he never imagined that his leaving would be so abrupt, without even time to properly say good-bye. Darcy did not consider himself an overly-sentimental man, his behavior towards Elizabeth aside, but even he could not deny the pain he had felt at realizing that he would not be able to farewell his closest friend and confidant, a man he regarded as a brother. Now he was faced with not only informing Elizabeth of his failure in securing her hand, but to inform her that his cousin had left. He knew such news would distress Elizabeth, not only for his sake but for her sister's.

Mechanically, Darcy handed his hat and gloves to Simmons, his thoughts and emotions too chaotic to focus on what the butler was saying.

"Gardiner wishes to see me?" Darcy was vaguely aware of how strangely hollow and devoid of emotion his voice sounded.

"Yes, sir."

Darcy sighed. "Very well."

Before long, Darcy found himself standing in front of a familiar oak door with no memory of walking there. He shook his head in exasperation at his state of mind as Simmons announced him. Entering the familiar room, he halted in surprise as Elizabeth stood before him, a soft smile of welcome on her face. As his gaze locked with hers, Darcy felt his tension, disappointment, and sadness dissipate.

Gardiner chuckled at the young lovers, excusing Darcy's lack of manners in greeting his host. He walked to the door, and before leaving he admonished, "Ten minutes, no more. Is that understood?"

Without breaking her gaze from her betrothed, Elizabeth answered, "Understood, Uncle."

"Darcy?"

"Ten minutes."

Gardiner eyed the two before exiting the room making sure the door was left ajar.

As soon as they were alone, Elizabeth was in Darcy's arms. As his arms encircled his beloved and gathered her close to his heart, Darcy took his first full breath since arriving at Longbourn earlier that day. He was so focused on the feel of Elizabeth in his arms it took him a moment to realize that she was speaking.

"...so sorry to hear about your cousin."

Darcy tightened his hold on Elizabeth, resting his chin on her hair. "You heard then?"

Elizabeth nodded against Darcy's chest. She ran her hand down lightly down his chest and sighed. "I am sorry that you missed seeing him before he left, Fitzwilliam. It is my fault. If I hadn't insisted that you travel..."

Darcy placed a finger over her mouth to stop her speech. "No, Elizabeth. It is not your fault. I am saddened that I didn't get to see Richard before he left, but there is nothing I can do about it now."

Elizabeth nodded and looked down, breaking his searching gaze. Darcy lifted her chin so he could see her expressive brown eyes. She could never hide what she feeling; it was always there for him to see. Her eyes were still full of remorse. How would she feel once she learned that his journey to her home had been unsuccessful? He closed his eyes, cursing Mr. Bennet for putting him in this position. For a brief moment he considered lying, if only to prevent the pain that was sure to pass through those eyes that he loved so much…eyes that should only reflect joy and peace. How could he tell her that her that the man she looked up to and respected had not yet given his consent to their marriage?

"Fitzwilliam, what is it?"

Elizabeth's soft inquiry brought him back to the present. He breathed in deeply before exhaling slowly, meeting her gaze once again. He was silent as his gaze roamed her beloved face, his eyes touching every cherished feature, noting every adored expression. Unconsciously, his hand followed the path of his eyes, gentle fingers tracing each curve and slope of her face. His fingers traced her petal-soft lips with reverence, her mouth opening as he caressed her bottom lip with his thumb.

Reading his unspoken request, she lifted her face to meet his lips in a gentle and chaste kiss. Darcy felt rather than heard Elizabeth sigh in contentment against his mouth, her hands resting on his chest over his heart. Darcy gathered Elizabeth in his arms once again, his lips caressing her temple as he sought for the right words to say.

Elizabeth must have sensed his inner struggle because she asked, "How was your trip to Longbourn?"

When he didn't answer right away, Elizabeth looked up. Her keen gaze noted his carefully controlled expression, and she stilled, her eyes widening in distress.

"My mother found out about us?"

Darcy shook his head, his hands grasping her shoulders. "No, she believed I was there for Jane, just as you said."

Elizabeth's brow furrowed. "So...all went well?"

Darcy held his breath, turning his head, unable to hold Elizabeth's penetrating gaze.

"Fitzwilliam?" Elizabeth whispered. "Tell me." Her slender fingers turned his chin so she could see his face. "What happened?"

"Elizabeth…." Darcy began, exhaling loudly. He stepped away, running a hand through his hair, mentally berating himself for his delay in conveying his failure.

Comprehension slowly dawned over Elizabeth's countenance, and she moved to stand directly in front of him so she could see his face. "My father refused his consent to our marriage," she stated, her voice full of suppressed anguish and disbelief.

Darcy reached out to Elizabeth, hoping his touch more than his words would reassure her. "Not exactly." Seeing Elizabeth's confusion, he explained, "He wishes you to return home unattached. He will give his consent to our marriage a week after you return to Longbourn."

Elizabeth reared back in shock. "My father said that? What reason did he give?"

"He didn't give a reason, Elizabeth," Darcy said, his voice gentle. "I am so sorry, my love. I failed you."

Elizabeth shook her head, her expression vehement. "No, Fitzwilliam. This is not your fault." Elizabeth broke from Darcy's grasp and begin pacing, her countenance thunderous. "How could he do this?" she whispered.

Darcy remained silent as he watched Elizabeth pace around her uncle's study. He felt inadequate, not knowing how to help her through yet another betrayal from one who should have cared for her well-being and happiness. He knew in his heart that Mr. Bennet's motives in making them wait were completely selfish. Elizabeth was his favorite child, and it must gall the old man bitterly to give her to another. The more he thought about it, the less surprised he was by Mr. Bennet's spiteful behavior. He had already demonstrated his extreme selfishness at least once before-his duplicity in obtaining his heart's desire, no matter the cost to the one he professed to love when he married Fanny Gardiner. Once again, Darcy marveled that such a wondrous person as his Elizabeth could have come from two such despicable individuals.

Elizabeth stopped pacing to stand in front of the man she loved, her gaze resolute. "I once told Jane that I would choose love over my family, but I never truly believed that it would ever come to that." Elizabeth smiled wryly. "I knew my mother would never give me her blessing, but I always believed that my father would never deny me whom I had chosen to spend my life with."

Elizabeth's gaze softened as she reached up to cup Darcy's face in her small hands. "I choose you, Fitzwilliam. My complete loyalty is to you. Only you. You have proven to be a man I can trust completely, a man I can rely on. I know you will never lie to me or give me false hope."

Elizabeth's heartfelt declaration inflamed Darcy's soul, and he expressed his love and appreciation in the best way he knew how. Drawing Elizabeth into his arms, he lowered his head and kissed her, imbuing the action with all the love he felt in the depth of his soul.

Darcy rested his forehead against Elizabeth's. "I have your father's assurances that he will consent to our marriage one week after you return to Longbourn, and I will hold him to his promise."

Elizabeth placed her hand over Fitzwilliam's heart, and raising her head to meet his gaze, said, "I know you will, Fitzwilliam." With an impish smile, she added, "If he doesn't, I am not opposed to absconding to Gretna Green."

Darcy's laughter joined Elizabeth's, and he breathed a quiet sigh of relief at her lighthearted teasing. Kissing her forehead, he took her hand and with reluctance led her to the study door. "Now, I believe we should return to the drawing room before your uncle comes and drags us out."

"I suppose so, although I am not looking forward to breaking the news that we are not 'officially' engaged."

"I will tell them," Darcy said, kissing Elizabeth's hand before placing it in the crook of his arm.

They descended the stairs at a sedate pace, neither wishing to give up their last few moments of solitude together.

As they approached the drawing room, Darcy asked, "How did your sister take the news?"

Elizabeth sighed. "Not well. She has been in her room all afternoon. I don't expect she will make an appearance at dinner."

Darcy nodded, unsurprised. He knew Richard would have visited Miss Bennet if he had the time. He could only imagine his cousin's state of mind, knowing he was to leave London immediately, especially since he had just resolved to pursue Miss Bennet to the altar. That fate should step in and deal so hard a hand was lamentable. He had received very little information from Georgiana when he returned to Darcy House as his sister had been too upset to be entirely intelligible. Only his sister's continued insistence that he keep his dinner appointment prevented him from spending the evening by her side. He hadn't the heart to add to her distress by informing her of his failure to secure Elizabeth's hand, a situation he would have to remedy immediately upon his return home.

As if she perceived the direction of his thoughts, Elizabeth inquired, "How is Georgiana?"

Darcy reached into his inner breast pocket, removing the letter his sister had pressed into his hand before leaving that evening, and handed it to Elizabeth. "She wrote this for you. I imagine her words could express her despair more adequately than I."

Elizabeth took the letter, turning it over in her hand. "I will be sorry to not see her before she leaves for Ramsgate tomorrow."

Darcy shook his head. "She is delaying her journey until next week. Under the circumstances, she didn't feel like traveling."

"I will invite her for tea tomorrow."

Darcy smiled. "I am certain she would appreciate seeing you. I will even find something else to occupy my time so you may visit without any distractions."

Dinner was a rather somber affair due to the news of Colonel Fitzwilliam's abrupt departure and Darcy's failure to secure Elizabeth's hand. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner attempted to liven up the conversation, but the notable absence of Jane at the dinner table and the subdued demeanor of the young couple was a constant reminder of the reason for their melancholy.

Neither gentleman wished to separate from the ladies, so the two couples adjourned to the drawing room where Mrs. Gardiner wasted no time in asking Elizabeth to play.

Darcy escorted Elizabeth to the pianoforte and took his place beside her. As she began playing from memory, he noticed her distracted air, and resolved to draw her attention away from the weighty events of the day.

Darcy placed his hand on her lower back, and leaning towards her, asked, "How did you occupy your time today?"

Glancing at him from the corner of her eye, Elizabeth smiled, grateful for the distraction from her frenzied thoughts.

"Shopping," Elizabeth replied with a long-suffering sigh. "Followed by a very interesting tea with Lady Worthington."

"Interesting? How so?"

Elizabeth didn't answer but continued playing until she finished the piece. Placing her hands in her lap she turned to him, her gaze wary. "She talked about your mother."

Darcy blinked in surprise. "Indeed? What did she say?"

"She shared memories of her. Did you know Lady Worthington was close friends with your mother?"

"No," Darcy replied, his expression thoughtful. "My mother was a very private person. She probably felt divulging her relationship with Lady Worthington was of no consequence to a young man."

Elizabeth randomly pressed the keys, her thoughts racing. Now would be a perfect opportunity to ask about his mother's artistic talent. She bit her lip, indecisive, trying to gauge Fitzwilliam's mood. He didn't appear averse to talking about his mother, but she didn't wish to press him.

"Fitzwilliam," she began, unsure how to proceed. Encouraged by the openness in Fitzwilliam's gaze she pressed forward. "Tell me about your mother's drawings."

Darcy froze. Without a word he stood, offering Elizabeth his hand. Without hesitation she placed her small hand in his. As he led her to the sofa, his thoughts were racing. It was obvious that Lady Worthington had mentioned his mother's talent to Elizabeth. Was it possible that she had told Lady Worthington about the drawing of Elizabeth? If so, why? All at once, Lady Worthington's fascination with his relationship with Elizabeth made sense. He had always attributed her uncanny gift for observation the reason for her certain knowledge of their undisclosed relationship, but now he was almost certain she knew. Somehow, she knew about his mother's drawing of Elizabeth. More importantly, that august lady knew that he had not yet informed Elizabeth.

Sitting beside Elizabeth, he smiled, his calm expression belied his inner turmoil. "Would you come to Darcy House tomorrow? I wish to show you something."

Elizabeth's immediate acceptance did nothing to calm his sudden nervousness. Would she understand? Would she believe him? Despite his misgivings, he would tell her all tomorrow. It was time.

A/N: Well, hi there! *waves sheepishly* My profound apologies for my long absence. I had decided to take a "little" break for the holidays but it turned into a much longer break than I anticipated. Did you know it is really hard to start writing again after a long break? So, lesson learned *nods head*

A huge thank you to all you wonderful people who reviewed and sent me PMs encouraging me to post another chapter-it seriously helped my muse :)

So, you're all probably wondering why Georgiana didn't tell Darcy about Richard's intent to ask Jane to marry him. Give the girl a break-she's distraught! But Lizzy will find out tomorrow at Darcy House. Should be a really interesting day :)

Thank you to everyone who reviewed last chapter. I appreciate ALL reviews (even constructive criticism) and I truly want to know what you think. You're all amazing!

Much love,

MAH