Dear Readers,

Thank you for patience. I hope that you could forgive this stupid old me for forgetting the password I set to protect this story, and only just now remembering it. And so, without testing more of your patience, here goes.

I hope you continue to support me by enjoying another vignette.

- molly

The Greater Fool

(London, 1807)

Just two years ago, Fitzwilliam Darcy would be hard pressed to imagine the life he was currently living. While he could readily imagine himself indulging his little sister, staying in their home estate while studying how to manage all Darcy properties at his father's knees - He was, to say the least, off kilter.

Four years ago, Mr. George Darcy confessed to his suffering an ailment in the lungs. If he was reticent after the death of his much-loved wife, he was even more so in the year three, preferring to stay in London, away from his home, from his family, from everything that would remind him of his wife. Then a year later, he came home looking hale and hearty, bursting with laughter and energy. He would play with his daughter, and even with his young-adult son (silly it might have been). Then he requested that a small ship be made to float on the lake, naming it Marie of San Sebastian, stating that one day, pirate Lizzy might hear of it and seize it.

As for Fitzwilliam Darcy, he had grown tired of hearing that name. No. Not so much of hearing, but rather of searching for the right person. He still remembered that day, almost a decade ago when he had met an interesting girl who taught him about greeting strangers. He even wrote of it as encouraged by his mother, back then, the only thing he knew about her was that she was called Lizzy, and how he begged his parents to change Georgiana's name to be that of Lizzy, so that she would grow to be as interesting as her. Then he met her again the next day and he had gotten her complete name, even the name of her home county. She even promised to abduct him when she became a pirate captain – she had called him a prince charming worth abducting.

Of course, when he shared it with his childhood companion, it became an object of derision. He was teased of his fascination with this little girl, and mocked for being described as prince charming. (It must have been back then when their friendship began to turn sour.) Then he stopped talking about his little instructor, even with his little sister.

Eventually, Georgiana found the two anecdotes he wrote in her father's desk drawer. Briefly, he entertained her with the story. Later, when he finally managed to persuade her to take her nap like a good girl, he threw the evidence of his silliness into the fire lest it be George Wickham who found it.

Still, he could not stop himself from turning whenever he hears the name Lizzy, or Elizabeth. He would think that he had finally found her, that what he had glimpsed was the curiosity in her eyes, that behind the smirk on her lips was a bubble of interesting knowledge resisting to burst for propriety's sake. Once, on his younger days, he had thought himself infatuated with one of the Elizabeth's. He was glad for his awakening. He had met the real little Lizzy of his memory some years ago, and how relieved he was of it.

She was merely a slip of a girl. But of course! She was barely half his size when first they met and apparently too young to remember him that fateful day in London. She was just as he had remembered her – with her bright red cape even more emphasizing her impishness. Torn, however would best describe his hopes for her. He hoped that she would remain as she was, on the other hand, he could not ignore his rational side that she would soon need to grow, to leave her childish innocence in her childhood as was proper. Perhaps, by now, she had already grown to be as vapid, as insipid, as boring, and worst of all, as mercenary as the ladies about town.

For his late father's sake, he would hope that pirate Lizzy was none of those. Because someday, when they meet again, he would not quite know what to feel had she changed in essentials.

"BOOM!"

Everyone would surely forgive Fitzwilliam Darcy for jumping out on his seat and nearly tearing in half his father's will while cursing at his cousin's lack of finesse.

"I have a most amusing tale to tell, and you will be thankful for it." Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam laughingly spoke as he entered the room, striding directly to where he knew his cousin's collection of fine drinks were stored. He helped himself with a glass not bothering to offer his cousin, nor asking for permission.

Now comfortably ensconced on his favourite leather seat on his cousin's study, Richard took a glance at the glaring yet interested gentleman.

"We, that is Alex, Lady Sarah, Devon, and I, met the most interesting of siblings while out on a walk this morning. One of them would interest you very much. You know, Elizabeth." Richard nonchalantly spoke as he surreptitiously glanced to see his cousin's reaction.

"Elizabeth. I am tired of hearing that name. I would hope to never come across another Elizabeth in my lifetime." Exasperated, Darcy unwisely spoke.

"You know you can't escape meeting her sooner or later." Richard retorted while pointedly looking at the telling pile of papers his cousin was currently trying to put away.

Darcy merely huffed in reply.

"By the by, when next you see Alex, you must wish him joy. He is to be married to Lady Sarah. But I have now spoiled the ending of my tale."

"Richard, if you wish to speak of it, have it all out now. There are more pressing things I must do than listen to your winding tales."

"Hah." Scoffed Richard. "And if I tell you I have found your Elizabeth?" Darcy responded with a huff.

"I have gleaned all the important things you need to find her through her charming little brother, to whom Alex owes his recent news."

Darcy merely looked at his cousin with a raised brow.

"She is Miss Elizabeth Bonnet of Hert-born."

"Hert-born? Elizabeth Bonnet?" Darcy almost chuckled. "You are sure the little brother was not making sport with you?"

"I daresay Darce, children of his age are the most honest beings." To which he received another look of disbelief.

"Even I, in my twenty-three years have yet to hear of Hert-born."

Richard chose to ignore his cousin's flippant remark. "As I was saying; we were walking at the park and I happened to meet young Bertram. We chatted a bit and learned that he was waiting for his friends. Did you know that today is the date of his birth? And here is a complication for you, it is also Miss Elizabeth's birthday and they seemed to be pretty close. Oh, have I mentioned that it was she, Bertram was waiting for?" He did not fail to notice the furrow in his cousin's brow.

"Continuing, Master Jamie, well he is Miss Lizzy's brother, he does not want to be called master Bonnet…"

"Who would?" muttered Darcy.

P&P

It was a very cool morning and shy Alexander Fitzwilliam, Lord Milton, haltingly suggested a walk at the park. It was not the fashionable time for a walk but fortunately for him, the Devonshire siblings cared not about being seen. Today, he determined, he must simply let Lady Sarah know she owns every whit of his affections, or he would die of a broken heart. Surely, she must realize. He has been most attentive to her, and it seems she welcomes them, to his great hopes.

Lord Milton and Lord Hartington, brother to Lady Sarah, have been great friends since their Eton days. It was fortunate for Lord Milton that Lord Hartington is inclined to forward their relationship, not to gain more good connections, for unquestionably, he had the better of them, but he knew his friend's character well. Milton was a good man, well loved by his family, well-respected by all who knows him, he is well-spoken and intelligent enough for good natured debates though shy around ladies – which recommends him all the more to him, not to mention, he was head over feet in love with Lady Sarah. And Hartington was fairly certain his sister returns his friend's affections. If only the blasted shy fool would cease smiling and start talking. Well, at least he smiles, unlike his cousin Darcy who only glares at every woman he meets who is unfortunate enough to not have been christened as Elizabeth.

It was while Hartington was muttering to himself when he spied Richard, Milton's younger brother, down the entrance of the park walking towards them. At least he could have some conversation while chaperoning a clumsy fool and a besotted lady. Sigh. Did they even realize that they have already circuited the park once?

"Why, is that Richard?" Milton asked, distracted by a sight of red coat waving his way.

"It is. It seems he has resigned his commission and opted to become a governess instead, but failingly at that? Who is that child behind him?" Hartington asked confusedly.

"I don't recognize him. Perhaps a child of one of his superiors."

"Richard!" Hartington greeted the approaching man first, "and who is that young man with you?"

Bewildered, Richard stopped in his tracks and looked at Hartington. He swept his eyes around and failing to notice anyone near him realized his friend's teasing and begun again to walk towards them while shaking his head at their laughs.

"He failed to notice the child!" Hartington exclaimed, "What shall become of England!"

"Poor boy must have been lost." Lady Sarah looked worriedly at the child. It seemed that the boy was fascinated of the sword swinging by the Lieutenant-Colonel's hip.

"Richard." Milton recovered at that. "Have you not noticed the boy following you? He has been jogging to keep beside you all this time."

Richard finally noticed the boy who had been looking at the sword on his hip, and he flushed red at his initial embarrassment, followed through by an utter look of panic towards his older brother. "I- I…brother… I…" to this, Hartington laughed anew, complimented by the boy who had finally had the courage to touch the sword.

Taking pity on his brother, and being especially concerned for the child, Milton knelt and tried engage the little boy, who looked to be a gentleman's son. "Hello there."

The child finally tore his gaze away from the sword and faced Milton. He bowed politely to the two gentlemen, with an added effect of reaching his hand towards Lady Sarah – which she found entirely charming.

"May I introduce myself?" asked Lord Hartington, finally realizing the gravity of the situation, to which the child eagerly nodded his head. Their titles and names seemed to be too much for the child, but the child took initiative in shortening them for his convenience. Hence, the two Lords found themselves named Pirate, while Richard designated to Captainship, and Lady Sarah was fortunate enough to retain her name, although with a bit of a lisp.

"Master Jamie." The child once again gave his clumsy bow to the assembled adults.

"Where do you live Master Jamie?" asked Milton, still kneeling to level with the child.

"Het…bon?" he answered shyly with just a bit of uncertainty.

"Did you have company… someone with you? Did you come with someone here?"

Master Jamie once again nodded his head eagerly, "Sissy Lizzy and Si Fancies." He pointed at nowhere in particular. It seemed that his focus has once again been engaged by the sword. Milton looked at his brother in need of more information.

"I have certainly noticed no one about while I walked here. Well, only young Bertram, by the gates waiting for a friend of his. Certainly, no young ladies nor gentlemen."

They asked all manners of question to Jamie pertaining to his knowledge regarding his residences and his family, trying to solve the puzzle of how to return him to his family. An extremely muddled circumstances compounded with by the knowledge that Master Jamie was only three years old, and what do three-year-old children know about directions? NONE but the way to their ineffective hiding spots.

It was perhaps the forbidding look on the gentlemen's faces, definitely not due to the gentle yet unfamiliar hand of Lady Sarah, that Jamie felt the stirrings of fear. Of course, any three-year-old child would cry in such a case, and Master Jamie was among them.

Flustered, and wholly empathic to the child's plight, Lady Sarah held Jamie to her bosom, cooing comforting words to him. "It's alright. It's alright. You will soon be home with mama…"

However, the reminder that he was not with his mama intensified Jamie's tears. His silent crying rent Lady Sarah's heart, although she didn't fail to be charmed anew at the child's gentle manner. In the short while that they became acquainted, she noted his intelligence, which not many three-year-olds possess. His polite manners rendered him delightful. And his big brown orbs, curly dark locks and puffy red cheeks made him all the more adorable. How she hoped to be blessed someday with a child like him, but perhaps with the sandy locks of Lord Mi…

The world seemed to fade away at the penetrating look that particular gentleman bestowed upon her. She was very much aware of the child she was rocking in her embrace, yet at the same time, felt removed from everyone, save that gentleman.

Lord Milton was entranced. His heart beating furiously at the sight of his beloved trying to comfort a child in distress. She was everything kind and gracious. That she would willingly comfort a crying child, that she was not offended nor disgusted that her coat has become wet of that child's tears and snot, had him imagining her doing the same to their child. Was that wistfulness he saw in her eyes as she stared at him? Dare he hope. Oh, how he dared. Indeed!

So preoccupied he was of his imaginings that he unwittingly rubbed the child's head, his gaze firmly fixed in the eyes of his beloved. "You must know, surely you must know how I love you. Will you consent to be my wife, mother to all my children, keeper of my heart?"

At her beatific smile, the world was soon forgot.

Richard and Hartington gaped at the sight before them. The child completely unaware of the goings on around him, as he fell asleep between his sobbing and the soothing caress of Milton.

Extremely compromising. Absolutely scandalous.

P&P

"You jest.", Darcy roared disbelievingly.

"Indeed not, Darcy."

"I cannot believe it of Alex. He is a level-headed man. No, no. Either you are embellishing the events, or trying to sport with your brother at my expense." Darcy shook his head then tried to focus on the papers before him.

"Really, Darce? I daresay, you would not believe the next events with your current mindset. Even I and Hartington were shocked. If you would not believe me, you may ask the involved parties for confirmation. I am even willing to bet my horse!", that was enough to make Darcy pause, and give his cousin the benefit of the doubt.

"Now, where was I…", continued Richard.

P&P

It was fortunate for all of them that no one was about. That they were in the denser regions of the park hid them from view. Even more fortunate was the arrival of a rather peculiar bird calling for Jamie, which brought the newly engaged couple back to their senses. Astonishing, really, that neither of the two teasing men could find any words to break the awkward silence that enveloped them. The couple trying hard to ignore the becoming flush in each other's countenance.

Soon, the bird perched atop Milton's shoulder, cooing Jamie's name. Richard and Hartington once again lost their tongue. And everyone went into shock when the bird pecked at Jamie's ear. Quickly recovering, Lady Sarah protectively cradled the head of the now awakening child, if Lord Milton's hand happened to still be in place, she was not aware then. Refusing to separate from his beloved's hand, Milton rather futilely tried to catch the bird single-handedly.

Finally coming out of their stupor, the two gentlemen assisted Milton, and between five hands, the bird was shortly shooed away.

P&P

"Now, I am assured, you are entirely making this up."

"You offend me dear cousin. I tell you, you can disbelieve all the other things I say to you regarding my experiences in the war, but you must trust me in this. I am faithfully narrating to you my bewildering morning, and Alex's good fortune." Richard defended, all the while Darcy shook his head.

"Hmph. Suit yourself.", Richard harrumphed. Finishing his brandy, he excused himself rather petulantly, "Well, I shall go visit with Georgiana. To be sure, she will be a more receptive and gracious audience than her brother. I tell you, Darce, you shall not hear another word about this morning from me, but an I-told-you-so. You are letting good fortune run away from you. You shall look for your little instructor Lizzy, while I shall be laughing at you in the corner."

"Yes, yes. Move along, but do not interrupt Georgiana until tea time.", responded Darcy indifferently.

If Richard thought he could once again fool Darcy he is entirely mistaken. More fool him.

A/N:

For those forgetful people like me, here is a reminder,

Jamie - or more formally known as James Andrew Bennet is the youngest and only brother of Elizabeth Bennet.

Sir Francis Drake - is the parrot owned by Elizabeth Bennet, the only reminder that Elizabeth Bennet was once a pirate.

What do you think dears?

Thank you for your patronage. HAHA