AN - I'm worried I'm torturing Darcy too much. Please give me you honest opinion once you've read this chapter. Secondly, English is not my strong suit. Please don't hesitate to add spelling errors and corrections to reviews or PM me. I will make chabges as soon as possible.

'Darcy,' Bingley commented, watching his house guest pace the room restlessly as he waited for this carriage to be ready, 'are you mad to be going along with this?'

'I believe I am,' he fumed on entering his friend's office and informing Charles of his need to go to London, 'in both senses of the word.'

'Is there nothing that can be done to rectify the situation?' Bingley shook his head in uncertainty. 'Good God man, this was an accident, an unfortunate one, I'll agree, but an accident none the less. I have known you many years now, and you are incapable of such a deception or behaviour towards a Gentleman's daughter. Besides, no harm was done to the lady.'

'Except her reputation now lies in tatters because of my actions,' Darcy frowned. 'Miss Elizabeth Bennet wants none of it, I assure you. I believe, given the choice, the young lady would try to weather this storm which speaks well of her character. The point is no man would have her after such a display.' Watching his friend, Fitzwilliam added, 'or her sisters, for they must partake of her ruination.'

'But must you marry her?' Bingley understood, only to well, how a mother might engineer this very situation. 'Could she not be sent away until this is forgotten? You know nothing of her family, her relations, her position in life. I am not casting a disparaging eye, but consider, you had not even been introduced to the young woman before this. Her sister is an Angel and everyone speaks well of Miss Elizabeth. She is universally respected amongst the people of Meryton. Still you do not know enough of her character to be making such a decision.'

'I am a gentleman,' Darcy sighed wearily, sitting down as if he'd finally come to terms with his fate, 'and Miss Bennet a gentleman's daughter. My reputation, my very character, has been called into question and demands I make reparations for the damage I have caused.'

'You will be trapped in a marriage without felicity or respect,' Charles couldn't help be concerned for his friend.

'Perhaps something maybe salvaged,' Darcy replied. 'I am almost eight and twenty. I must marry soon and leave Pemberley an Heir. I am sure Miss Bennet will eventually be able to accomplish this task for me.' Sighing and holding his head in his hands, Fitzwilliam's voice sounded defeated. 'I hope, in time, we may come to respect each other.'

Staring at his friend, Charles Bingley had little further to offer on the subject. A few minutes later, Darcy stood. Without a word, he hurried to inform is valet of the trip to town. While there, he would have several important calls to make. He would need little for the journey as he would be staying overnight at his London home.

'I hope to return in time to Dine at Longbourn tomorrow night. Mrs Bennet has insisted I extend the offer to you. If I am delayed, I will send an express to both you and Mr Bennet tomorrow. I bid you goodbye until then,' Darcy gave a quick nod.

The special licence granted by Mr Darcy's connections took only a few hours to achieve. He would collect it on the morrow, before returning to Hertfordshire. After a late lunch, he spoke to his attorney to hurry a settlement. Incensed at being so easily captured on his entry into Meryton society, Fitzwilliam allowed for very little in the way of monetary gain for his intended. Mr Binks, the family lawyer ensured the future Mrs Darcy received nothing from Pemberley or Darcy's ten thousand a year. Finally, as the sun kissed the western horizon, he called on Lord and Lady Matlock. After informing his uncle, the man reacted with laughter.

'So a woman finally caught you, hey, Darcy,' he chortled, finding humour in the incident. 'I wondered what it would take to force you to marry. Miss Bennet is fighting you all the way, although you're trying to be a gentleman about this whole affair. Obviously she's not after your money or positon which speaks well of her character. I'd say you've finally met your match, Nephew.'

'Time,' Darcy sounded exasperated as his demeanour became even icier than usual, 'will tell, Uncle. I am not hopeful for a happy marriage to begin with.'

'Anything that comes easily, my boy, is never worth having. When,' Lord Matlock tried to hide his smile, 'will we meet this country lass? I confess I am intrigued and eager to meet a woman able to best you.'

'I am glad my misfortunes bring you mirth,' Fitzwilliam stated acidly. 'Shall I call upon you before going to Pemberley?' he asked caustically. 'I'm sure my Aunt will be delighted.'

'I'm sure she shall when I tell her the story,' Matlock answered. 'Now, I gather, you are off to inform your sister.'

'Indeed,' he rolled his eyes. 'I am not looking forward to the interview.'

Humour disappearing instantly, Lord Matlock nodded sagely. Only three people knew of the intended elopement besides the participants. Until Georgiana could be returned to her brother's care, she would stay at Matlock House in the company and protection of his wife and daughters.

'After Mr Wickham,' Miss Darcy sounded angry and unsure, 'you bring this shame on our family. It seems to me you are the kettle calling the pot black. You have behaved no better than me.'

'It is not the same,' Fitzwilliam tried to elucidate, gently. Well aware the Ramsgate incident left deep and abiding scars on his sibling, he'd hoped a few weeks with Lady and the Misses Matlock would restore his sister's usual character. It had not and the continued despondency worried him. 'I have explained, neither Miss Bennet nor I were to blame in the least. We must marry because society demands it. The ladies reputation would be ruined, as would mine if I shirked my duty. It cannot be helped.'

'I have,' pausing, she could not look at her brother, but felt this the right time to make her confession after he'd acknowledged his folly, 'missed my courses. I believe I am with child.'

Georgiana rushed through the words both embarrassed and horrified. She did not know how to tell her nearest relation and guardian. Still she hoped rather than believed the stress of the last month affected her cycle. Glancing up at Fitzwilliam from under her lashes, she noted her brother's expression. He had become very still and pale. Not a stupid man, he understood her meaning.

'Dear God,' Darcy stood abruptly and began to pace. It displayed his agitation. 'Did he, please tell me he didn't force you.'

'No,' the girl whispered the word. 'I though myself in love and about to be married.'

Thinking rapidly, Darcy came to the only conclusion he could. 'You will return to Pemberley with my new wife. You will both be confined there until the babe is born. The household staff are very loyal and will keep this disgrace quiet. Everyone will believe it to be mine after the display at Meryton. It is the only way to save your reputation.'

'No,' stricken, Georgiana understood the meaning. Placing a hand on her still flat belly, she felt a connection to her child. She still loved Wickham but understood his character to be vile and beyond redemption. 'Do not ask me to give it up. I will not.'

'You must, Georgiana,' Darcy suddenly realised what Miss Bennet must be feeling at this very moment. She would now be trapped not only in a forced marriage, but with a new baby. 'The child will be raised at Pemberley under the Darcy name. No shame will ever come to your offspring but the child will only inherit if Miss Bennet does not bare my natural children.'

'Will she let me,' hesitating, Georgiana tried to articulate the thoughts going through her mind, 'be a mother.'

'You know that will not be possible,' Darcy tried for a gentle, understanding tone. He could see the fear and anxiety in his sister. 'But you will see the child every day you live with us.'

'Then,' Georgiana determined, 'I will end up an old maid, supported by my brother. Take me with you to Netherfield, so I can meet the woman who will steal away my child.'

'How on earth,' Darcy wondered, 'did I get myself into this situation? And how on earth will Miss Bennet react.'

Still enjoying? Shall we see Miss Bennet's reaction? Any ideas on how she will take the news?