AN: Again, I will try and update weekly! Rated T to be safe.

Disclaimer: Anything you recognise is Jane Austen's. I don't own the characters :(

Elizabeth watched with no little apprehension as a grand carriage pulled up to the house. She debated on whether or not to hide herself, but knew it to be futile, for she would have to rejoin her aunt and uncle in order to leave, and would surely be spotted then.

She swallowed as the steps were lowered and the tall, impeccable figure of Mr Darcy descended from the carriage, smiling softly over his shoulder at the other occupant of the carriage. Elizabeth's heart smiled with him, and immediately plummeted as he extended a hand and helped one of the most beautiful ladies she had ever seen out of the carriage. To be sure, she was not as handsome as Mr Darcy, but she was quite elegant and striking with blonde curls and an almost regal visage. Her blue eyes were fixed on Darcy's and she was smiling happily. Darcy picked her up and swung her around, placing an affectionate kiss on her forehead.

They released each other immediately as they caught sight of her meandering by the path.

'Miss Bennet!' Darcy said in astonishment. The woman next to him was eyeing her curiously, her arm tucked through his. Elizabeth felt as though he had ripped out her heart and torn it in two in front of her very eyes. Perhaps this was how he had felt when she had spurned him so cruelly in Kent.

'Mr Darcy,' she replied shakily, giving him a small curtsy. He bowed automatically. She swallowed. 'I – I really must –'

'Miss Elizabeth!' the unknown woman exclaimed, and before Elizabeth knew what had happened, she had rushed forward and clasped her hands eagerly. 'I am sorry,' the woman said, suddenly blushing and shy. 'I only – I have looked forward to meeting you for so long,' she stammered.

'I do not have the pleasure of understanding you,' Elizabeth replied, bewildered.

'Oh – my brother has spoken of you often – well, written,' explained the woman. 'Indeed, almost every letter from Hertfordshire contained at least two paragraphs of you and your doings!'

'Georgiana,' said a softly reprimanding voice. Mr Darcy had joined them, looking only slightly less stern than usual, but Elizabeth suddenly realised that that was a facade for hiding how embarrassed and awkward he felt.

Georgiana blushed and fell silent, biting her lip.

'May I present my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy,' Mr Darcy said. 'Georgiana, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet.'

'I am pleased to meet you at last also,' Elizabeth said, suddenly feeling extremely happy. She was his sister! As she pondered over why this mattered, she realised she was quickly on her way to falling in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy. 'I have heard that you are a most accomplished woman. And your brother spoke most fondly of you in Hertfordshire.'

'My brother is too good,' Georgiana replied, blushing.

'How is your family, Miss Bennet?' Darcy asked suddenly. Elizabeth turned to look at him. His eyes were fixed not quite on hers; he seemed too embarrassed to even meet her eyes. 'They are well, sir.'

'Have you been long in Derbyshire?'

'But two days, sir.'

'And where are you staying?'

'The inn at Lambton.'

'Oh. Yes.' Darcy fell silent, seeming quite agitated.

'I fear I have overstayed my welcome,' Elizabeth said, taking pity on him. 'I shall collect my aunt and uncle and then we must be –'

'No!' Darcy said loudly, and then swallowed, flushing. 'I mean – will you stay for refreshments?'

Elizabeth was shocked. 'Oh. I shall have to speak with my aunt and uncle, but I would like to accept, if it is of no inconvenience to you.'

'It is not,' he said shortly, and turned to Georgiana, who was watching their exchange with a bemused, but slightly knowing look. 'Come, Georgie. We must make arrangements for our guests.'

With an apologetic smile, Georgiana followed her brother into the house.