This is a first for me so please bear with me. This is the sequel to Pride and Prejudice.

Disclaimer: I do not own Darcy or Elizabeth.

"Oh papa, must we go to London?" 17 year old Nicole Darcy asks her father, Fitzwilliam Darcy. Fitzwilliam looks down at her and smiles. Elizabeth Darcy places a hand on her daughter's shoulder.

"You don't have to go with us if you don't want to."

Nicole turns a hopeful glance to her mother, then pleads to her father with her eyes.

"Oh, yes I would much rather stay here at Pemberly. I promise to keep up with my studies, and when Aunt Georgiana comes I can further my studies in music."

"Do not forget your reading, Nikki." Mr. Darcy glances of at his wife and smiles, remembering a time when he told her how he valued a woman that read.

"Of course papa, I shall not forget that." A smile of relief washed over Nicole as her father gives her permission to stay in their country house, rather then travel to the noisy city of London.

"No parties while we are gone and I will tell Bingley to keep an eye out for you. Do not forget to visit your aunt and uncle." Darcy runs through a mental check list and other bits of protection for his only child.

"Yes papa, I will not fail to visit the Bingley's. May Christine stay over a night or two?"

Darcy looks at his daughter with pride. She was pretty, like her mother, and becoming very accomplished. She was nearly fluent in four languages, talented in drawing, and was very light on her feet. There was only one thing, she took after her parents. A sharp tongue and a quick wit from her mother and preference to the country and quiet solitude from her father. As she grew up those characteristics began to show. First in gentle declines to go into town, then it turned into solitary walks around the park or hiding in the library with a book.

Darcy sighs, but smiles at Nicole. Giving in to her request of staying home was not unexpected but he had hoped it would have come at a later date. He was worried that she might draw back from society. Despite his worries, a smile forms as Nicole his him a kiss on the cheek.