AN: Here is the first chapter of the new year. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it. The next chapter is already out to my beta, so it should be posted in the next couple weeks. I hope you enjoy reading this chapter as I did in writing it. Many thanks to my betas ElizColl and NotACursedChild for making this chapter readable.

Chapter 10: Seven Unmarried Gentlemen

"There you are! I have been waiting for you for some time," Elizabeth shouted as Mr. Darcy turned around the corner and into sight. He trotted his horse the remaining distance, dismounted, and tied his horse to a tree quickly before standing behind where Elizabeth was sitting on a rock. "The sun is almost up. I was beginning to worry you would not meet me."

"I will never disappoint you, Elizabeth. I simply forgot which path led to Oakham Mount. I needed to try a few before I found the right one. I am here now. Good morning, my darling." Feeling emboldened by their relative privacy on the lane, he placed his hand over her shoulder and rubbed her shoulder gently. Even through the layers of fabric, he could tell he was sending a thrill down her spine. She shivered slightly.

"Are you cold?"

"Not particularly. I am just new to these feelings."

"As am I." Needing to be closer, he claimed a spot on the rock about a foot away from her.

Elizabeth smiled as she recognized the passion mirrored in his eyes. "You have never had the chance to kiss me." She blushed at her boldness, however, she did not look away.

He took his time coming closer to her, elated that she wished for the same contact as he did. He briefly cupped his hands around her face. "You are so beautiful, Elizabeth." Gently, he kissed her lips briefly. Emboldened by her resulting smile, he kissed her deeper, savoring the taste of her lips.

A twig snapped in the distance, causing the couple to break apart. Mr. Darcy looked down the lane but could not find anyone. Assuming they were still alone, he turned back to face her. "Elizabeth…"

"Do you feel that you must still address me thus. We are to be married in about a month, I believe. Can you not call my Lizzy?"

"I would be honored, Lizzy." Mr. Darcy cupped her face again, this time without his gloves, slowly moving his fingers around her cheeks and savoring the feelings the touch created. "This bonnet looks very pretty on you, however, I would like to see your hair, if I may."

"You may, Fitzwilliam." Elizabeth smiled as she reached up and untied the ribbon around her chin. The bonnet was soon removed, and her curls fell around her neck.

"Promise me that you will always wear your hair down when we are alone together."

"My mother explained to me that no gentleman would like such dark curls as mine to be free. She is always encouraging me to cut my hair short and pin it very tightly to my head."

"She is a fool, then. I could not imagine you without your curls. They are perfect." He leaned forward and kissed her again, relishing the feel of her curls as he moved his hands to the back of her neck. She responded by placing her hands on his chest.

The kiss did not last long because Mr. Darcy could feel his self-control was beginning to slip away. They turned toward the horizon as the sun began to peak over the distant hills. They were so heated from their earlier activity that it was hard to notice the heat from the sun as it bathed them in golden light. Sitting in silence, the couple watched the sunrise for a few minutes. When Mr. Darcy could no longer convince himself that they had not been waiting long, he suggested they return to Longbourn.

Elizabeth tried to think of a safe subject that would not lead them off the path and into seclusion once more. "What will your aunt say when she hears from Mr. Collins that we are engaged? I am certain the Lucases will write to Mr. Collins soon, if they have not already."

"I do not really care what she says. I suppose I should go to her, but I have no true inclination to do so. I should be the first one she complains to. She needs to know there is no hope of my marrying her daughter or she will harass your family as well as mine up until we are married."

"You can still be the first one to speak to her even if you wait for her to come here. Do you believe she will attend Netherfield to speak to you or Longbourn to speak to me first?"

"She will think you more pliable than myself, so she will likely visit Longbourn first. As we will be together frequently, it should not be difficult for me to intercept her. If she visits Netherfield first, she is likely to bite off more than she can chew. Hayward or Lovell would enjoy baiting her."

"Why is that?"

"Because she does not like to admit when someone outranks her. She did not even like deferring to her husband while my uncle was still alive. It rankled her. That is why she does not invite landed gentry to her home. Some of her neighbors would expect deference from her, and she shall not give it."

Elizabeth laughed. "She does not seem the type, you are right. It is too bad for her sake that she only married a knight when she was born with a title. I wonder what prompted her to accept him. Were they in love?"

Mr. Darcy pondered the question. "I doubt it. Rosings and the de Bourgh's are well connected. As she will always be Lady Catherine, she must have decided that was enough for her. Like Miss Bingley, her nature did not attract very many callers."

Elizabeth smiled at the thought of Miss Bingley's attractiveness, but she quickly subdued her wandering mind. "We ought not to be so cruel as to laugh at someone who is not here to defend herself." She changed the subject. "Mama has been peppering me with questions about your friends, but I have claimed ignorance in hopes of seeing you work your magic on her as you did my father. He could hardly stop talking about your character and other admirable qualities as we were enjoying a final tea before bed. I will admit I had been afraid he would not warm up to you, but it seems my fears were unsubstantiated. He will undoubtedly request your assistance in touring the fields to improve his yield."

"I should be happy to attend him, although it might be more prudent for Sims." At Elizabeth's questioning gaze, he clarified, "Lord Worthington to tour the fields, as he has had more luck with improving yield and profitability. He inherited his estate in near ruin, and now he is turning a profit similar to Bingley."

"Unless Lord Worthington is about to become his son, I doubt my father will be truly interested. You have charmed him because he wants to know you well, and he wants to ensure he may visit us often when we are married."

"He will always be welcome at our London home and at Pemberley."

"And my mother?"

Mr. Darcy laughed. "She is welcome also. I have learned to be more accepting of your mother. After all, she raised you into the woman you are, and she clearly cares for you a great deal. There are worse mothers amongst the Ton."

"You would not have admitted that a year ago."

"I should have. I have known it to be true for some time. I almost detest balls and dinner parties for the schemes many ladies and particularly their mothers play out to entrap or encourage my suit."

"I suppose that is a good enough excuse for your poor behavior at your first Meryton assembly."

"And as that excuse is no longer valid, I am looking forward to the next assembly, especially if I might claim you for the first two dances, and the last two as well, and any waltz, should your humble village choose to be so scandalous."

"I doubt there will be a waltz, but four dances will be quite exhausting for you, will it not?"

"I shall prepare myself adequately in that time. I plan to ask each of your sisters and Miss Lucas for a dance as well, so that I may begin to make up for my previous behavior."

"Then you had better not leave out Miss Goulding and Miss Long."

Mr. Darcy groaned as Elizabeth laughed. "You have no need to dance so often. With all your friends, I doubt anyone will be watching your behavior. After all, you cannot become engaged to anyone else."

"You have saved me from endless scrutiny, my dear, and I shall be forever grateful." He kissed her hand, and then, remembering they were alone, he pulled her in for a quick kiss to her cheek. As they continued their walk, Elizabeth wrapped her arm more closely to him, and enjoyed the prolonged contact. Longbourn became visible before long, but Elizabeth led them to a side gate close to the stables. Depositing Mr. Darcy's horse, Elizabeth guided Mr. Darcy into an enclosed hedge for one more long, passionate kiss before they entered the house.

The Bennet family had already gathered around the table when they entered the dining room. Elizabeth was delighted to see two seats beside her father still open. She showed Mr. Darcy the side bar where all the food was laid out, claimed a plate for herself and took the seat beside her father. Mr. Darcy greeted the room before preparing his own plate and sitting beside Elizabeth. Mrs. Bennet nearly bounced in her anticipation for the day, but she wisely allowed Mr. Darcy to finish eating first. Elizabeth would have laughed at her mother's antics, but she was too proud of her control.

Mr. Bennet claimed the conversation, asking after their walk.

"Oakham Mount is lovely at sunrise," Mr. Darcy began, although he hardly remembered the sunrise so much as he remembered the look of Elizabeth's hair bathed in the sun's soft glows.

"Mr. Darcy almost missed the sunrise. I saw his horse pass through the fields a few times before he found the turn and came up the path." Elizabeth laughed as Mr. Darcy blushed. She then turned the conversation, "I passed the Tanner home and noticed the boys were taking out their rugs. Warren must be free of his illness as he was lifting the heaviest one. With that ordeal over, they ought to be able to catch up in the harvest. There are still a few weeks before the frost comes."

Mr. Bennet raised his brows. "That is good to hear. I was worried they would need to hire a man to help them finish. They cannot afford the expense, but it would have been worse to not bring in their yield." He shifted his gaze to his future son-in-law. "Mr. Darcy, your home must be larger than Longbourn and Netherfield."

Mr. Darcy, unsure how to answer such a question, nodded.

Mr. Bennet continued, "Do you keep tabs on your tenants to ensure they have what they need to be successful?"

"Whenever I can. I try not to be too interfering, but I would not wish for any to be afraid to tell me of their troubles. My steward visits with them every month to collect rent, and he tells me which are struggling. My housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, prepares baskets when she can to send to those in the most need. I am certain there has been some neglect, as Lady Anne, my mother, passed away sixteen years ago and has never been replaced. A housekeeper cannot fulfill all of a mistress's duties. She is very relieved that she will be able to pass on those duties to Miss Elizabeth." Darcy looked at his betrothed, pleased she took the time on her walk to tend to her father's tenants. It would make her transition to the role of the mistress of Pemberley much easier.

The Bennets expressed their grief at hearing of his mother's early passing. Elizabeth patted his arm, "It must have been hard on you to lose your mother so early. Miss Darcy must not have any memories of her mother." She looked at her mother with tenderness. While her mother vexed her, she was grateful that she had always known her mother's love.

Kitty, ever the romantic, thought of the former Mr. Darcy. "It must have been hard for your father to cope with a young boy and a baby while grieving."

"Yes, if not for Mrs. Reynolds, I believe we might have been neglected for that first year or two. My father was much in love with his wife. They had been together constantly, giving me ample evidence of what an ideal marriage should look like. His health turned for the worse after her death. After ten years of sadness, he joined my mother in heaven." He tried to introduce some levity. "Leaving me to all the madness of the Ton. Although many were more titled than myself, I was a better catch because I had already inherited Pemberley. So many were enraptured with my wealth, they sought to ensnare me, which only made me disgusted with them. I had begun to think I would never find a woman I could love."

"Until you met Lizzy!" Kitty added. "That is so sweet! Now she will visit your tenants, plan your meals, and entertain your guests."

"And bring back the happiness that Pemberley used to know," Mr. Darcy added, placing his hand over Elizabeth's.

Kitty sighed as her eyes glossed over while Mary commended Mr. Darcy for his positive views of marriage.

Mrs. Bennet followed her daughter, "Elizabeth will be a perfect wife for you. I have taught her to be a perfect mistress of an estate, despite her father's filling her head with nonsense every chance he managed." She narrowed her eyes briefly at her husband, then bestowed a beaming smile once again on Darcy.

Mr. Darcy nodded to acknowledge her instruction, once again unsure how to respond.

"Mama, we ought to hurry," Mary began. "Calling hours begin soon, and it would be rude to make them wait while we finish our meal."

"Quite right!" Mrs. Bennet's bouncing began anew. They all finished their plates as quickly as possible. Mrs. Bennet and her daughters departed one by one to refresh themselves before reuniting in the parlor.

Mr. Bennet and Mr. Darcy sat together while Mr. Bennet read the newspaper. Occasionally, Mr. Bennet chuckled as his wife's voice carried down the stairs. "It is easy to laugh at my wife's silliness for I know there is no cure for it. I am relieved there is no malice in her. There are worse things in life than a silly wife."

Mr. Darcy nodded, thinking how grateful he was that he would likely not know such a fate. He could not imagine Elizabeth ever being silly.

"I know what you are thinking. Elizabeth will tease and make you laugh. Her wit will carry any conversation. For your sake, I hope she continues this way. She is her mother's daughter, after all, and my wife was not always so silly as she is now. I believe it is time for me to retire to my study, and for you to retire to the parlor. If you find my family too tiresome, you may claim that I promised you another round of chess. I shall welcome you into my sanctuary. First, however, I believe my wife wishes to learn of your friends, and you ought to amuse her."

"I will do my best, Sir." Mr. Darcy rose and bowed to his future father-in-law.

In the parlor, Mrs. Bennet seemed to be directing a performance. She had seated each daughter where she thought they would shine most. Kitty and Mary sat together with their sewing baskets and room for a gentleman on each end of the sofa. Jane and Elizabeth each claimed a chair beside the sofa, and each chair had an accompanying empty chair. Finishing the circle were four more chairs. Mrs. Bennet claimed a chair in the middle of the set and looked on. Dishes had been laid out, ready for use. Three cakes sat in the middle of the dishes: a lemon cake, a rum cake, and a gingerbread cake. Mr. Darcy looked over the spread and was pleased with how well everything had been designed. He congratulated Mrs. Bennet on her spread and quickly claimed the seat beside Elizabeth before he could be directed elsewhere.

Mrs. Bennet then rose and claimed the seat on his other side and began to say, "Mr. Darcy, you must tell me about your friends. Who is the eldest?"

"That would be me, Mrs. Bennet, followed by the Marquess of Cornwall, who is six and twenty."

"A Marquess! I cannot believe he will be sitting in my parlor! Jane, you must remember to sit up straight. I know you prefer Mr. Bingley, but to be a Marchioness would be so much more."

Mr. Darcy coughed, causing Elizabeth to blush. "Mama, Cook has outdone herself today, I believe. I doubt anyone will find anything wanting."

"Yes, of course I have prepared everything." Mrs. Bennet seemed to remember herself. "Cook has been awake for a number of hours, ensuring everything was ready for today. She and I have even planned a menu for a dinner party. We have only to determine which day would suit Mr. Darcy's friends most. Do you know their plans, Mr. Darcy?"

"I believe we are to remain in the country for eight weeks or so. As of now, there are no evening engagements aside from the assembly. Mr. Bingley has spoken of a ball at the next full moon."

"That is four weeks away!" Kitty exclaimed.

Mr. Darcy smiled. "You are correct, but there will be dinner parties and evenings out enough to fill our time between now and then."

Mrs. Bennet stood up in excitement, walked around the furniture, and returned to hear seat as she said, "Yes, and we will host the first dinner party. We cannot wait for the Lucases to beat us to the punch. Cook declares that any day after to-morrow will suit her. Do your friends have any preferences, Mr. Darcy?"

"Lemon delicacies are the only treat that will keep Lord Worthington in a seat more than the requisite fifteen minutes. The Earl of Sheffield has a sweet tooth, particularly for chocolate."

"This sounds more like your preferences. Are you certain your friends have the same taste as you?" Elizabeth laughed.

This time, Mr. Darcy blushed. Thankfully, Mrs. Bennet did not seem to notice as she had already left the room to request chocolate be served with the tea.

Mr. Darcy claimed her hand and led it to rest on his chair next to his thigh. "Actually, I believe the chocolate will be for you, as I have never seen you drink anything else when chocolate is served. I do not make a habit of studying the choices my friends make in their diet, but I felt I must tell her something."

"No doubt Mrs. Reynolds and your housekeeper in London inspect the tea trays on their return to determine your friends' favorites so that you do not have to."

Mr. Darcy nodded in acknowledgement. He would have responded, but Kitty heard a carriage coming up the drive, bringing all their attention to the door Mrs. Bennet had recently closed. Mrs. Bennet entered moments before her guests were shown into the room. Unfortunately for Mrs. Bennet, the carriage belonged to the Lucases, and Maria and Olivia Lucas were now sitting beside Kitty and Mary. She huffed in disappointment, but she dared not say anything. This was a good choice as the gentlemen she had desired to meet entered the room shortly.

As he was of the highest rank, Mr. Lovell, Marquess of Cornwall entered the room, followed by Mr. Hayward, Earl of Sheffield. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth rose to greet them. Once they had greeted their guests, the Marquess requested to be introduced to the rest of the room. Mr. Darcy, as the highest-ranking person who knew the Bennets, made the introductions while Lord Worthington, Viscount Harding, Mr. Bragg, and Mr. Bingley entered the room. Mr. Darcy had to wind through the introductions twice before Mrs. Bennet attempted to find room for each person to sit.

Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, highly amused by the fanfare about them, chose to retire to a window seat where they could easily see everyone and have enough privacy to hold hands. If their arms brushed together as they whispered their thoughts to each other on occasion, no one was paying any mind.

The Marquess and the Earl of Sheffield, at the instruction of Mr. Darcy beforehand, chose the seats beside Mrs. Bennet. Lord Worthington had planned to sit beside his friend, but one look at Jane and he had a different plan. He took the seat beside Jane and began speaking about the weather. Mrs. Bennet lifted her chin in her attempt to contain her joy. Her warm smile welcomed Viscount Harding who claimed the seat beside the Marquess where he could still converse with Mrs. Bennet. This left Mr. Bingley and Mr. Bragg to take the seats at the opposite side of the small table in the center.

Mr. Bragg happily began conversing with Miss Olivia and Miss Mary. Mr. Bingley, on the other hand, looked like a cat who had lost his cream. He occasionally attempted to understand the conversations around him, but one smile from his beloved Jane and he was boiling with restrained jealousy.

Elizabeth noted the change in Mr. Bingley, but when she watched Jane, she saw no looks of admiration pass her angelic face. She listened with polite attention and smiled in encouragement, but she showed no interest in her partner. Mr. Darcy agreed with her assessment, although he refused to state his opinions so decidedly, for he had misjudged Jane's feelings before, to her and Mr. Bingley's detriment. Instead of focusing on the negative, he rose to collect the tea and cake samples for Elizabeth and himself. In doing so, he was able to hear Mrs. Bennet's conversation with the Marquess.

"Do you not think Hertfordshire is quite lovely?"

"I do think so, although it is not as lovely as the ladies of Hertfordshire. Your daughters, and the Miss Lucases are lovely, as well as Miss Goulding. We met her Saturday evening, when we dined with Mr. Ashton. He was quite surprised to see us, but he and his staff behaved admirably."

"Yes, Miss Goulding is a lovely lady. She spent many years abroad, so we do not know much of how she is now. Her mother doted on her and was quite distraught when she chose to go abroad to her uncle's finishing school. Her return has been much talked of. Mr. Ashton arrived in our neighborhood four months ago and he seems a reasonable neighbor, though his house is ill-equipped to host very many dinners. I am glad you had such a good experience!" Mrs. Bennet glanced at Maria and Olivia. "You must still meet Sir William Lucas. He is a very handsome gentleman with very pleasing manners. Do you plan to attend our assembly?"

The Marquess answered with delight, "We do indeed, and we intend to dance with all of the single young ladies!"

Mrs. Bennet could not suppress a satisfied smile. "That is quite a task. We are inundated with more ladies than gentlemen in our corner of Hertfordshire. Mrs. Long has three nieces you have not met yet, and Miss Watson and Miss King are all very genteel ladies. Your feet will be sore from so much dancing if you are not careful. However, I should not think ill of you if you do spend the majority of your time dancing with all the young ladies." Mrs. Bennet leaned toward the Marquess and lowered her voice. "Some of your party are not so passionate as you to dance, but you will not hear me speak ill of him. He is as fine a fellow as has ever lived, and he has made my Lizzy very happy."

Mr. Darcy's face fell as he wished he could have gone back in time and talked sense into his earlier self. It could not be helped; however, he could begin to make amends. "Miss Elizabeth has already accepted the first dances at the assembly. Miss Bennet, would you be so kind as to accept me as your partner for the second set?" At being accepted, Mr. Darcy quickly swept through the remainder of the ladies present and secured dances with each. This prompted the others to begin claiming dances.

Thankfully for Mr. Bingley, he had already secured the first dances with Jane. He need not worry that Lord Worthington would beat him to it. When Lord Worthington asked for the dances, Jane blushed and said she was otherwise engaged as she glanced at Mr. Bingley and shared a few moment's silent communication with him. Mr. Bingley relaxed after that exchange.

Miss Olivia had only come at the behest of her sister who did not wish to walk alone. As she was not yet out, she had to announce that she would not be at the assembly. Her attitude quickly shifted between feeling awkward at being amongst so many gentlemen, terrified at being addressed by strangers, and amazed that coming out could be so exciting. Thankfully, Miss Lucas decided not to remain long. She quietly took her leave and bid the gentlemen a quiet parting before grasping her sister's hand and leading the way back home. Elizabeth noted their laughter and shocked expressions as they relived the conversations of the mornings.

"You will have sore feet." Elizabeth teased her betrothed when he returned with her chocolate and cake.

Mr. Darcy laughed. "I doubt one evening of dancing will make my feet sore. We ought to be more in shape than that. Are you looking forward to the assembly?"

"I cannot determine. I have avoided speaking of it, but I still worry about being tainted by Lydia's disgrace." Her face took on a serious mien.

"My friends learned nothing of it when they dined at the Ashton's home."

Elizabeth said quietly, "I guess I have to see it for myself."

Mr. Darcy caught her gaze, a confident but tender look in his face. "And see it you shall, at the assembly if you do not have a chance to dine out before then."

"The Lucases have invited us to attend them after dinner on Wednesday. They are inviting the Watsons, Longs, Phillips, and Gouldings as well. Mama will probably have us going into Meryton to tour the shops to improve our dresses on the morrow. I should have a better feeling about this by the end of a sennight."

"You should not worry, but since you insist, I shall ask you again on Saturday. I hope for a more favorable answer." Mr. Darcy hated waiting to begin making arrangements for the wedding, but he knew she needed this time to come to terms with all the changes in her life. "Scandal or no, I desire to make you my wife as soon as possible. We need not wait for the season to pass as you seem to think necessary."

Elizabeth blushed as she was about to respond, but Mr. Bingley interrupted them. "We have stayed long enough, we ought to continue our visits."

"Who else do you intend to visit?" Elizabeth asked.

"Far too many people. We are too large a clan to be making so many people uncomfortable by hosting us during morning calls." Mr. Darcy stated.

"Only you would think so. My mother was delighted, as all the mothers shall be."

Mr. Bingley agreed. "We are to visit the Gouldings and Mr. Ashton. On the morrow, we will visit with the Lucases, attend your dinner party and we hope to be at the Lucases' evening party the following day."

"Mr. Bingley! I did not know you were listening to our conversation." Elizabeth stated, aghast. What else had he heard?

"I was not listening long." Mr. Bingley winked. "I believe we ought to leave now though, Darcy."

Elizabeth rose to walk the gentlemen to the door. As they climbed into the two carriages they had come in, Mr. Darcy was able to lightly kiss Elizabeth on the cheek and wish her a pleasant afternoon. Elizabeth then returned to the parlor to witness all her mother's effusions on how successful the visit had been.