The Masque

Previously; Jane and Daniel Quinn looked to their sister and their friend, they were still talking, and William looked smiling on Elizabeth and both Daniel and Jane knew that he felt strongly for Elizabeth. Jane knew that Elizabeth's feelings were at least as strong as William Darcy's were for Elizabeth. Jane looked towards Georgianna Darcy, even for a six year old, she was very observant because when Jane and Georgianna's eyes met, they shared their information, about William and Elizabeth, and they both smiled in bliss and happiness.

Chapter 10; London

It was only three weeks after the Quinn'-s visit and the Quinn'-s and Mr. Bennett had travelled to London, to get Elizabeth and Jane settled with their biological family. Mrs. Bennett had been delighted and sorrowed to see her two eldest daughters; adopted or otherwise daughters leave Longbourn. The rest of the Bennett's had met the Quinn'-s a few days after the meeting. Mrs. Bennett had been her embarrassing self, Mary her serious self and Lydia and Kitty their giddy and improper selves. Jane and Elizabeth looked on their sisters to their childhood friends; Darcy and Bingley, with eyes filled with anxiety about their family.

Fitzwilliam sent Elizabeth a reassuring smile, and saw Bingley send Jane a smile of silent reassuring and happiness.

The Quinn'-s seemed a bit overwhelmed by the Bennett's, and when the Quinn'-s left for the evening, Elizabeth and Jane saw out Fitzwilliam and Bingley.

Elizabeth said: "I am afraid that our Bennett family has scared away, our…real family, Will."

"No, do not worry, Elizabeth. You all need some time to adjust to this change."

When they arrived in London, Daniel began pointing things out, and soon they drove along a big road and a park on their left side. Daniel Quinn said: "It is St. James Park, and this road is the Mall."

Mr. Bennett said: "I wonder if the government will build anything around here. It is a beautiful ground."

Duke Quinn said: "Yes, you are right, Mr. Bennett, it is a wonderful location. We will be our London house, in a few minutes."

A few minutes later, the carriage drove into a street and Daniel Quinn said: "Welcome to Grosvenor Square, Elizabeth, Jane and Mr. Bennett."

Elizabeth, Jane and Mr. Bennett looked out the window, and saw lot of handsome houses, and then the carriage stopped and Lady Quinn said: "Welcome to our London home, girls, and welcome to our home, Mr. Bennett."

Duke Quinn and Mr. Bennett went out of the carriage first, followed by Daniel, Lady Quinn and Elizabeth and Jane. The door to the house opened and a butler said: "Welcome home, sir."

Duke Quinn said: "Prepare one guest's room, Wilkins."

The butler said: "Right away, sir."

Lady Quinn said: "Mr. Bennett, girls, Daniel, let us take tea, - in the sitting room."

Mr. Bennett said: "May I escort you, milady?" and bowed graciously to Lady Quinn.

Lady Quinn said: "Yes, you may, Mr. Bennett." And then they all walked into the sitting room, and everybody sat down and first then Lady Quinn said: "Jane will you do the honor?" and indicated the teapot, which was on the little table in front of the sofas and the chairs.

Elizabeth couldn't help roll her eyes and send a glance in Mr. Bennett's direction, and found him repressing a smile. Elizabeth saw Jane send a warning glance in her direction, and found it even harder to repress the laughter which was threatening with coming out at any moment.

After tea, Lady Quinn showed them up to their rooms. She went with Mr. Bennett, Jane and Elizabeth but had a maid with them. When the door opened to the first room, it was definitely a room for a man.

Lady Quinn said: "Mr. Bennett, I hope this will do for your needs?"

Mr. Bennett replied with a polite bow: "It will do every well, Lady Quinn."

They were showed both Jane and Elizabeth's rooms, they were pretty, and handsome furniture was in the rosewood, which was the most expensive wood at that time.

Jane said when she saw her room: "Oh, it is…as I remember."

Elizabeth replied: "It is a very pretty room, so like you, Jane."

Jane said: "Oh, Lizzie…do you remember…when we moved in here?"

"Yes, I do, Jane – it was a great adventure, with all the rooms. A great place for hide and seek."

Jane smiled and so did Daniel and Mr. Bennett.

When Elizabeth saw her room, she was all silent, and Jane asked: "Lizzie, are you all right?"

"Yes…this is perfect. Jane, see all the books! And a reading corner and a table for writing…and it has the right feel to it. What do you think, Papa?"

Mr. Bennett said: "You are right, Lizzie. It does have the right feel to it, and it is quite perfect for your nature. Light colours and light."

As Mr. Bennett and Daniel were with Duke Quinn, Lady Quinn said: "Girls, I have to tell you something, it is important for you both."

Jane said: "Mother, - what is it?"

Lady Quinn said: "I know we have been separated for years, but this is a fact which has not changed for the last eight years. You are both engaged. You, Elizabeth are engaged to the Duke of Nottingham."

Elizabeth sat silently, with a look on her face; her sister had only seen once when she met Fitzwilliam Darcy again. Jane said: "Mother, this is…not an option for Elizabeth…for as well as I remember, she got engaged with Fitzwilliam Darcy eight years ago."

Elizabeth rose and said: "Excuse me!" and fled from the room.

As Elizabeth existed the room; she was thinking about what she remembered from years ago, which was returning.

"It will be half a year before we see each other again, Will!"

"I know, Lizzie. But I have to leave as well, in a few days. I have to attend Cambridge and you the academy for ladies. I was thinking…will you take this with you?"

"It is beautiful, Will. I will be most honoured to have it with me."

"May I request that you always carry it on your person?"

"Yes, of course, William."

Elizabeth looked at the ring in the little box, William had handed her, and said: "It is the ring, which is given to the next Mistress of Pemberley, as an engagement ring."

"Oh, William! It is beautiful, and I will be most honoured!"

Elizabeth rushed up to her room, and looked through her most sacred keep sakes, and found the necklace with the ring on, the ring still shone as brightly as back then! She sat down, and began a letter for her fiancé…and childhood friend, William.

AN; Please leave a review! I dedicate this chapter to Jelly Babes 101, thank you for a wonderful last review for chapter 9.