Not everything is as it appears

Summary: Elizabeth's father is actually the younger brother to the king, but few know of who he is. When the Netherfield make their debut in Hertfordshire they find out that a part of the royal family is in this part of the country. Too bad Darcy doesn't realize that their Uncle George has plans for Elizabeth; will Darcy be able to convince the King that he is be best choice for Elizabeth?

Disclaimer: I don't own P&P.

Elizabeth's p.o.v.

I received a letter from my Uncle George today, he plans as father believed he would: he wants to make me crowned heir. He doesn't wish for Victoria to take the thrown; while she and I are in agreement that he is raving mad. Why he can't just let the subject rest I've not the slightest clue. I believe it is because he wants someone who will stand up to Parliament, which I know Tori will not do. Those wicked men scare her senseless; then again they scare most people, besides the direct Royal family, of course. Uncle George's only heir died a few years back, he and I were to marry this very day if he'd have lived. Uncle had it in his head the moment I was born that I was the one to marry Regence, and all because we were only one year and one hour apart in age. Parliament is now pushing for an heir to be christened. Impatient fools never could keep to themselves. I am off to papa's study to speak with him on the matter

I am off to papa's study to speak with him on the matter. Because it seems that our prayers are not going to be answered, and I would joint the Royal elite in a years time. Regence and I were to marry a month after I turned seventeen and he eighteen, not that he is gone though no one shall be there to protect me from horrid men who would wish to take advantage of me. I know my Uncle George loves me, even if it's in his own odd balled ways, but he isn't the paternal kind, doesn't have the instincts to protect those that are blood from danger.

Papa isn't pleased, he didn't agree with me marrying Regence either, but he preferred the idea over the social hierarchy being able to sink their claws into me. Papa knows many of these gentleman's parents, and knows they were taught that what ever they wanted they got. He's taught me all there is to know when it comes to being able to turn them away from me; they tend to prefer pretty faces and no brains behind it. All I'll have to do be my charming self, but keep to my wit and knowledge on subjects that I should not. When one does come along who does wish to marry me for well me, he'll already know what I'm like to know I am what he wants.

Papa had smirked when mama had disapproved of the idea of warding off eligible suitors vying for my hand; then again mama didn't understand that even though she'd married above her station in life, she had married papa from love. Yes she, loved papa, but she also wished up well off is all. I cannot blame her, my younger three sisters more than likely won't marry into the higher circles; papa says that they are far too silly. Jane is being courted by the Duke of York's second son as we speak. They fell in love almost instantly, I was so glad Jane was able to procure a high standing man without having to deal with all the attention of an heir, for their line.

That is when my mama bursts into the room at last.

"Is it true that Netherfield Park has let at last?" she asks my father. He had received a one Mr. Charles Bingley this morning. Poor fool would be prey for all the mothers in the area, including mine. Though, oddly, mama does not push anything in public all that much. It's when he comes to call that we will run into problems. She'll push Mary, Kitty, and Lydia his way and the poor man will be over whelmed.

"Yes the rumors are true. They have been let to a one Mr. Charles Bingley," papa says solidifying the rumor into fact, 'need you really sign the mans death certificate already papa?'

"Is he amiable?" mama asks.

"Is he single?" Lydia asks directly afterward.

"Naturally, he seemed like a cordial, charming young man," he tells us. He gives me a pointed look saying that I need to stay behind and speak with him. I nod in understanding.

"Mama, why don't you take Mary, Kitty, and Lydia out to buy more ribbons for their bonnets?" I suggest. If father and I are to speak we will need to be completely alone. The others are know to be eves droppers, and will more than likely ask me to drag them along for my first elite season. Mama and Lydia especially, I shudder to think of the havoc they would cause on the Ton.

"Yes I do believe you're right Lizzy, do you wish for us to pick you up any dear?" at least she thought to ask this time. I shake my head, in short time all of my things would be replaced, so new ribbons made no difference.

"Thank you though mama," I say as she leaves the room. Once I notice that they've left the house I start speaking, "He has decided that he shall spend the summer with us, then when Michaelmas is about to start he shall introduce me as his heir," Papa doesn't looked pleased, but he can't argue with his older brother; he's the king after all.

"I don't see why he doesn't choose Tori, she's been trained since she was young to reign over a kingdom; you on the other hand were raised thinking you wouldn't have to worry about being the queen. We had always known that if your Uncle went through with his plans that you'd only need a few lessons in etiquette of Royal society that your governesses were unable to teach you, but we never thought he would over look Tori," he had the same idea as to why as well.

"Do you believe it's because he wants someone who can stand up to those old buzzards that we call Parliament?" he nodded. I knew it.

"You were always able to charm them when you were a child; why would it be any different now? You have just as much charm, if not more so, as you did in your childhood. That wit is what wins them though Lizzy, always use that wit. It disarms them, specially the younger ones," I give him a pointed look, "Don't give me that look Lizzy. There's many a suitor that I've had to tell off because I knew you wouldn't want to be engaged at such a young age."

"You believe that I can keep Parliament in line Papa?" I really don't want to take the throne; but if the Royal family didn't want to become anything more than figure heads then I would assume my post as Crowned Heir and eventual Queen.

(A/N: I Victoria is supposed to eighteen when she takes the throne, but I'm gonna make her the same age a Lizzy to make the story flow better; 'cause if Victoria were a few years younger it could strain their relationship even further. I know I'm playing with history and that's wrong, but it's so much fun. I made the character Regence up, for all intents and purposes of the story. I've also switched up the family tree. Lizzy and Tori are his nieces.)

Darcy's p.o.v.

I don't know how Bingley had convinced me to accompany him to this new purchase he's made. Man thought if he could find a different scene he'd find love somehow. Fool, don't get me wrong he's my best friend, falls in love everywhere he goes. Last year it was Miss Baker during Michaelmas, then that pretty little brunette in Bathe. Bingley fell in love more times than Caroline says she loves Pemberley, alright I'm exaggerating, but the number is still quite high.

I'm in the drawing room composing a letter to Georgiana at the present moment, while everyone else is speaking amongst themselves; till Caroline insists that I add a note to Georgie saying how she misses her. I'm not blind it's not Georgie she has affection for, it's my damned money. Darcy money is a good as a Royals, after all we have a linage that can be trace to James I, and The Fitzwilliams are still in the House of Lord, and Aunt Catherine is still Lady de Bourge.

So I can understand why she'd want to marry me, but why she can't catch on that I don't want her is a mystery to me. Do not misunderstand me she is pretty enough, but her manners are atrocious. Always attacking those she believes are below her behind their back. I don't want someone like that, and I sure as hell don't want her around Georgiana more than is polite; I'm just glad Georgie doesn't like her what so ever.

"Mr. Darcy did you hear the rumor that part of the Royal Family lives here in Hertfordshire?" I give her an odd look. I remember my aunt mentioning one of her friends sons was marrying one of the Kings nieces, and that she lived in this area. I nod, yes I knew they lived here, I didn't know them personally though.

"Yes I knew; my Aunt Catherine told me just a few months ago one of her friends sons is engaged to a charming young niece of the Kings. They live at a house named Longbourn I believe," with that Charles gives me a shocked look, "What has you so startled Charles?"

"I went there is morning to pay a visit, I had no idea that they were Royals, they all seemed so normal. Then again I did not really meet any of them outside of the father and the second oldest daughter," he looked at me for a moment then continued, "I did not even get to see the daughter all that long before she received a letter from her uncle. Though I've got to say Darcy that you'd like the daughter very well; is polite and pretty, yet lively and teasing."

"How does a person even pull off a personality like that? Her Royal relatives must be disgusted by her manners," Charles gave her a sharp look that said 'shut the hell up, before I force you too.'

"No Caro I don't believe so because the father said she was supposed to have married her cousin if he'd have lived long enough. I believe that who ever sent her that letter was also a person of high standing because seal looked to be The Royal Coat of Arms."

"You can't be saying that her family allows her behavior? Such a disgrace upon their name."

"Royals are not perfect Caroline, and my Aunt and Uncle Fitzwilliam know how many of the younger nobles act, and their conduct is actually more appalling than you might think possible. Aunt Catherine's friend said that her son's fiancee is actually quite charming. She did; however, mention that it was the second oldest that captured Arthur's attention first. So much charm that every member in the House would be stopped dead in their tracks, and wit that could silence anyone," I had wanted to meet the girl since I'd heard of her from my Aunt. Now with Bingley confirming she's very much what I'm looking for in a wife; maybe, just maybe I can capture her heart.

"There is a ball tonight, at Lucas Lodge, we shall be meeting them there," at least this stay wouldn't be so bad. I had people beyond Charles I might be able to speak with.

"For this I cannot wait," with that I excused myself for a ride around the grounds.