Chapter 1

It was Christmas. Elizabeth and Darcy were sitting quietly in the drawing room. They were waiting for the influx of the guests that they had invited to arrive. A footman opened the door and announced, "Miss Darcy". Both Darcy and Elizabeth got up and walked across to the door which Georgiana was now entering.

"It has been too long, sister" said Darcy smiling at her. Georgiana smiled gently back,

"I have missed both of you, and Pemberley. London is too loud" Elizabeth smiled; she knew that Georgiana was not fond of London because she was still afraid of her scandal emerging.

"Anyone took your liking?" Darcy asked her when they had sat down again.

"No" Georgiana said simply, and then looking around, "I'm not too early am I? I thought I would be late, my carriage set off late."

"No, you are just on time, replied Elizabeth. "Would you like some tea? You have had a long journey"

"Yes, thank you." Replied Georgiana quietly. Elizabeth nodded at the maid who was standing in the corner.

"So, brother, who is coming for Christmas?" Darcy smiled at his sister's boldness, as she usually hated knowing.

"Oh, the Bennets, of course. Colonel Fitzwilliam," Georgiana lowered her head and smiled, she always felt safe when he was around. "Mr Bingley, um that's about it." He looked at Elizabeth; she gave him a stern look. "Oh and Georgiana, you haven't heard about Lydia, have you"

"What about Lydia," came her reply, she had a small hint of concern in her voice as she knew of Lydia's ways and thought she may be in some trouble.

"Georgiana, I don't know quite how to tell you." He exhaled and rubbed his jaw, gave one last look to Elizabeth "Lydia, married Wickham about a month ago" Georgiana stiffened and closed her eyes. When she opened them again, there were tears in the corners. Elizabeth left her chair and crouched beside her 16 year old sister- in- law. She took her delicate pale hands and gently held them. Both her and Dray understood that Georgiana was still deeply ashamed of what had happened a year ago.

The maid came in with h=the tea, and with a nod from Darcy, swiftly left.

They had sat in silence for a few minutes, when the footman announced the arrival of the colonel. This time only Darcy got up to greet him, and took him to the corner of the room.

"Have you heard of this ghastly business with Wickham and Lydia Bennet/"

The colonel nodded and clenched his fist. "What right had he to do that? And I presume they both insisted on coming?"

"Yes," replied Darcy, "but I couldn't refuse Lydia with her being my wife's sister." The colonel merely nodded. He left the corner and went over to where Georgiana was sitting; now staring blankly into the middle distance.

"Georgiana, would you care for some air?" he asked softly. She nodded slightly and took his hand to get up. He offered her arm which she took.