A/N Hi everyone! I want to say a massive thank you to you all for the continued support of this story and the well wishes for my exams! They are now over (yay!) and so I can back to this story. Sorry it's a little later than I said it would be, but I had to attend post-exam celebrations and so I can only just sit down to write it now! The amount of reviews on the last chapter was amazing so thanks again guys! In response to one of the reviews, "a reader" asked if Bingley was older than he is in the original. For the purpose of this story I'm going to have him a year younger than Darcy. I hope that clears things up! Anyway enough rambling, here's the next chapter

Chapter Eleven

Hearing the footsteps fade and the closing of the front door, Lord James Thomas Morecroft picked up the decanter containing his favourite brand of whisky and poured himself another glass. As he stared, mesmerised, by the amber liquid that he swirled around he mused on how he got to this stage in his life.

Despite being born into money and prestige his life had not been easy. After the death of his mother, Thomas Morecroft, James's father had spiralled into a deep depression. Already of a fragile mental constitution the death of his partner shredded what was left of his sanity. James had to assume the responsibilities of the estate when he entered his father into Ticehurst Private Asylum in Sussex. He had hoped that with rehabilitation his father would recover and be able to assume his duties so that no-one would know that he had an illness of the mind. He knew that his father would not want anyone to know where he was.

From a young age his importance in society was drilled into his consciousness. He was titled, handsome and rich and he was brought up to believe he was entitled to practically anything he desired, be it acceptance into the most prestigious houses and clubs, women or business deals. As time wore on he realised how fickle society was and he knew that although he could bend the rules that society dictated he would not openly disparage them. He would accommodate to the elite and sneer at the less fortunate. All this was realised at a relatively young age and by the time he had finished University he was arrogant in the belief of his own self-importance, drank freely, bedded many women and was a frequent visitor to Waiter's where he would gamble heavily.

Despite his many faults he loved his father dearly and was an extremely loyal and devoted son. He would travel the fifty miles between London and Sussex to visit his father often. There were times when he was lucid and father and son would reminisce about the old days. Thomas would regale James with stories from his past; his joys, sorrows and grievances. A favourite anecdote of his was to lament the great wrong that had been done to him.

A malicious and manipulative man, Thomas Morecroft would let no-one stand in his way when he had set his mind on something; a trait that had been passed down to the son. Thomas had devised a clever plan where he would gain a considerably large amount of money at the expense of an old acquaintance whom he had no cordial feelings toward. The beauty of the plan would enable him to gain all the profits without being blamed for the debacle. Unfortunately he was thwarted by a young Edward Gardiner, who in his youth was still as meticulous in checking client's business proposals as ever. Finding the discrepancy in the documents he reported them to his superior who then saved his client a substantial sum and Thomas Morecroft was left to stew over his failure and loss. It was shortly after this that his wife died and he slid further into his own mind. Over the years he had spent much time thinking of ways to punish Gardiner. He despised the man who had risen in society, to brush shoulders with the highest circles despite his background in trade whilst he was secluded in an Asylum. He told his son many times his tale of woe and his plans for revenge but James had not seen fit to execute them. He saw his son ensnared into the world of drinking, drugs, and debauchery but instead of attempting to stop him he just remembered the fun he had had when he was young.

It was the last visit that Thomas Morecroft received before he died that brought him much joy in his otherwise isolated existence. James had arrived looking dishevelled and pale with a frantic glint in his eye. Thomas's condition had worsened considerably and he had not noticed James's unkempt appearance, however when his son had asked him to explain to him in detail his plan to regain the fortune he had lost because of Edward Gardiner, he had a perfect recollection. Taking notes and making sure everything was understood James Morecroft left his father in a state of contentment. Three days later he was found dead in his bed where he had passed on during the night.

Reminiscing about his relationship with his father and their last meeting naturally led him to dwell upon the circumstances that had caused him to consult him so suddenly. Morecroft closed his eyes and remembered the night that would always be embedded in his mind despite his intoxicated state at the time; the shock at finding his own dear, sweet, innocent sister in bed with that man. The fight, the screaming, the thud of her head banging against the corner table and then staring into her blank, lifeless eyes was all he could take. Springing from his chair Morecroft emptied his glass and called for his carriage. He wanted, no, needed to forget those memories for tonight at least. Entering his carriage he directed the driver to take him to his regular opium den where he could once again rid his mind of his past for a short while.

As Morecroft was speeding across London, Darcy was lying in bed recounting the events of the evening. He thoroughly enjoyed the dinner. He was overjoyed at seeing Georgiana regain a semblance of her past self. Blake proved once again to be an excellent host and the Gardiners were intelligent, friendly people whom he had no objections to knowing better. Miss Elizabeth Bennet on the other hand was something of an enigma to Darcy. He was used to the fawning, simpering women of the ton who only discussed the latest scandals and lace patterns. Miss Bennet appeared to have as much tolerance to the happenings of the ton as he did and had displayed intelligent conversation, and these were traits he vastly approved of. His opinion of her beauty that he once dismissed as average at best was also changed over the course of the evening. Apart from the sparkling eyes he had first noted in the bookstore, Darcy noticed other aspects of her appearance that were pleasing to the eye; her smile was infectious, and her laugh simply enchanting. Yes. Enchanting. That was a fitting description for Elizabeth Bennet. His thoughts turned to a less pleasant reminder of the evening as he recalled that he evidently was not the only person to find Miss Bennet fascinating.

Gardiner's petition on behalf of his 'acquaintance' to deter Lord Morecroft weighed on his mind. After the experience that his own sister endured he was even more sensitive to her plight. He would carefully consider various ways to warn off Morecroft. He remembered him from University; once he had his mind set on something then he would do all in his power to attain it. Darcy knew that if he were to simply warn him off Miss Bennet then he would consider her hand even more enticing as she would present a challenge. This he would not allow. No careful deliberation was needed in this delicate matter. As his mind whirled with various scenarios to help Georgiana's new friend he drifted off to sleep with the image of Miss Bennet's sparkling eyes directed at him and a small, content smile playing across his face.

The following morning whilst Darcy and Georgiana were taking breakfast a letter arrived for Darcy from Bingley asking if it was convenient to call in the morning. After penning a quick acceptance to the letter he carried on conversing with Georgiana.

"Georgie, I know how much you enjoyed 'Much Ado' last week, I was wondering if there were any other performances you wanted to see whilst we are in town?"

"William that is an excellent suggestion, I have heard that 'The Magic Flute' is being performed at the moment. It has been a long while since we have attended the opera together. I would very much like to go."

Darcy smiled at his sister's enthusiasm; he had missed it these past months. "'The Magic Flute?' I have yet to see this particular production of it. I shall send a note to inform them that our box shall be in use."

Georgie gave her brother a radiant smile when another thought struck her.

"Brother. Did you enjoy meeting the Gardiners last night?"

Curious as to what direction Georgiana was going he replied positively.

"Well, I was wondering, as you approve of them, if we could possibly invite Elizabeth, Maddie and Mr Gardiner to the opera with us?" Georgiana looked pleadingly at her brother.

Darcy was more than pleased with his sister's suggestion and as he had no objections to the plan he acquiesced. He was rewarded by Georgie hugging him tightly before she excused herself from the table to practice her piano before she started her studying for the day.

Removing himself to the study Darcy started to sift through the never ending array of correspondence. He was perhaps half way through the pile when a footman announced Mr Bingley into his study. Standing up from his desk and striding towards his old friend they shook hands and greeted each other with much gusto.

"Bingley, it is good to see you"

Bingley studied his usually dour friend whilst replying. "You too Darce. I say, you are looking very chipper this morning. I am not so vain as to believe it is just my presence that has given you this almost jovial countenance?"

Darcy further surprised Bingley by shrugging off the remark. "I am just in a good mood this morning Bingley. Georgiana is finally regaining her old self and I have had an interesting few days meeting old and new acquaintances."

Knowing the particulars of Georgiana recent distress Bingley was pleased that the shy, younger sister of his best friend was recovering from her recent past. He was also interested in these new acquaintances that Darcy mentioned and so made his usually untalkative friend relate all his recent happenings. Bingley was overjoyed that Blake was back in society again, he too had lost contact with him for a few years and eagerly anticipated meeting up with him once more. He was also very interested in Darcy's acquaintance with Edward Gardiner. With his fortune made in trade he of course knew of Mr Gardiner, his own father had done business with him countless times before he died but had not had the opportunity for them to be introduced. As talk drifted back towards Bingley's new lease he grew even more animated.

"Darce, it is just what I was looking for; an ideal location, not too far away from London and not too big for my first property." Darcy smiled indulgently at his friend's exuberance in talking about his new home; he remembered the first time his father took him round Pemberley on horseback when he was an efficient enough rider. "I met some of the locals whilst I was there as well and they all seemed very friendly and welcoming."

"I am happy for you Charles, I know how much you wanted to fulfil your father's wish of gaining a property and you are well on your way."

Bingley grinned proudly at his new venture and after glancing at the clock realised he had a meeting to attend with his solicitor. Each friend extracted promises of dinner and further conversation whilst they were both in town and said their farewells. After Bingley had departed, Darcy sat back down at his desk and reflected on his friendship with Charles Bingley. He was a jovial breath of fresh air and counter-balanced his often stern demeanour and it was a friendship he valued greatly. Sifting through his correspondence once more he recalled his conversation with Georgiana that morning and set about writing an invitation to the Gardiners and Miss Elizabeth asking them to join them at the theatre in three days time.

That morning in Gracechurch was no different than any other morning. Mr Gardiner had left early for work as was custom, whilst Lizzy and her Aunt occupied themselves with the children and preparing the menu for that night's dinner. It was whilst they were sitting down for a well deserved cup of tea that a maid entered the parlour carrying a letter. After opening the missive and reading the invitation from the Darcy's the two ladies were excited. They both enjoyed the opera as did Edward Gardiner and they had no set plans for the set date. Knowing that her husband would heartily accept the invitation Maddie set about composing a reply thanking the Darcy's for the offer and that they would be delighted to attend.

The remainder of the day was spent bustling around the house and taking the children to the park for a short while to enjoy the rays of sun that had emerged. Lizzy was especially looking forward to Friday evening. She had only been to the opera once before and she thought it was exquisite. She had heard only good things of 'The Magic Flute' and was all anticipation for the event. The fact that Georgiana would be there was an added bonus. Mr Darcy she did not quite know what to think of him just yet. He seemed genuine at the dinner party last night and he conversed a great deal with her Uncle. He had a commanding presence when he was in a room but was not the most talkative of people. She was intrigued by this man and she was eager at the opportunity to observe and analyse what appeared to be a most complex character.

Thank you for reading! Please leave a review if you feel inclined and have time to do so! (^_^)