I extend my sincerest thanks to every reader who has read this story.

AN: I have started penning down another P&P story, The Ward. I have already posted 3 chapters.I will post both my stories alternatively.

Guest, your inference of timeline of the story is correct, except on two fronts:

1. Lady Matlock was influenced to give poison to Matlock's mistress, Frederica in 1780.

2. Harold and Richard are Elizabeth's brothers, not cousins.

I hope this clears your doubt.

PLEASE REVIEW. CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM IS MOST WELCOME.

CHAPTER 11 : INTRODUCTION

Matlock House, London

"Georgiana, may I present you your cousin, Lady Elizabeth Fitzwilliam and her sister Miss Jane Bennet. Elizabeth, Jane this is Miss Georgiana Darcy." Lady Matlock introduced jovially.

She enjoyed watching her niece's astonishment as she gaped at Elizabeth. Indeed, the striking resemblance between Mother and Daughter had generated its fair share of bemusement and stupefaction.

Elizabeth smiled and curtsied in greeting, which seemed to remind Miss Darcy of her own manners for she too hastened to greet her, blushing furiously.

"Miss Darcy, I have heard of your proficiency on the pianoforte from both William and Richard. Can I tempt you to play something?" Elizabeth asked warmly to ease the lingering embarassment and nervousness of her cousin. She could also sense a general air of sadness that the girl exuded and was curious about it, though she decided not to question it.

"I...Oh, very well." Miss Darcy agreed self consciously on seeing her aunt nod in agreement.

The ladies had a lovely time, indulging in music. Even Lady Matlock could not hold herself from playing an aria. It did not take much long for Miss Darcy to become comfortable around Jane and Elizabeth, owing to their kind disposition.

"It is her way, Georgiana. Elizabeth does play very well and also possesses a pleasing voice." Lady Matlock said proudly when her daughter dismissed her musical capabilities as amateurish.

Elizabeth blushed furiously, having seldom been on the receiving end of such warm compliment, mingled with pride and adoration. Indeed, having a mother who adored her and catered to her every wish, was a new experience for her which she was admittedly enjoying.

"Then, I insist that you play for us Elizabeth." Georgiana said with the same stubbornness that the Darcys were known for. They had long since dispensed with the formal titles in favour of their given name.

"Fine, if you are so insistent, then I shall entertain you with my nonexistent musical prowess." Elizabeth said dramatically, and settled down to play.


Discordant tunes and playful giggling greeted Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr Darcy on their return from Mr Edwards's office. Curious, they advanced towards the parlour from whence the merry sound came. For a moment they stood in the doorway, mouths agape as they watched Georgiana burst into peals of laughter and nearly fall off the bench that she shared with Elizabeth and Jane, as the former played another horrible tune. Lady Matlock herself was ensconced on a nearby chaise, laughing with the young ladies indulgently.

Finally, Colonel Fitzwilliam gathered his wits and teased Elizabeth.

"For the life of me, I have never had the misfortune of hearing something which so keenly sounds like a dying cat."

"It is an extraordinary talent, brother, that many lack." Elizabeth retorted, her eyes twinkling with amusement, before they shifted to his silent companion and she flushed. She immediately dropped her gaze to the pianoforte.

The Colonel frowned and turned to look at Darcy. His cousin was staring at Elizabeth with a strange intensity in his dark eyes. However, there was no denying the admiration reflected in his gaze. The Colonel's suspicion regarding Darcy and Elizabeth was getting confirmed at a much faster pace than he preferred. It was evident, beyond a shadow of doubt that his cousin did hold his sister in some regard and that the feeling was perhaps reciprocated.

Although, he was very well aware that Darcy was an honourable man and was a perfect match for his sister in every way, he was still loath to entertain any thoughts of losing his sister to matrimony, so soon after he had gotten her again. So, he acted as peevishly as a child is wont to do on losing his favourite toy.

The Colonel cleared his throat loudly and arched a challenging brow on gaining Darcy's attention. He could barely suppress a guffaw when pink dusted his formidable cousin's cheeks, earning him a baleful glare.

"If you are done with ogling my sister, then perhaps we should inform my father about our finding." Colonel Fitzwilliam teased and started towards his father's study with a disgruntled Darcy in his tow.

Entering the study, they found the Earl sitting behind his desk, lost in his thoughts with a peculiar look on his face.

"What is it, Father?" The Colonel was concerned, noticing his father's discomfort.

The Earl started and gazed at them wildly for a moment which further exacerbated their worry.

"It is nothing. Just some usual estate business." Lord Matlock said flippantly, but his pretence could not have been more apparent.

"Are you sure, Uncle? We can help if you want us to..."

"Nonsense, Darcy. There is no need to get worried. Now, tell me if Jeremiah has found something important?" He asked, changing the topic.

Darcy and the Colonel were not fooled for a moment. However, they decided not to press the Earl. The Fitzwilliams too had their fair share of obstinacy in their gene.

"As a matter of fact, he has." They explained the new development to the Earl.

"Hmm...It seems that everything is centered around Elizabeth's birthday." He said contemplatively.

"So, it appears. Jeremiah is investigating the trustees further and has set some plan in motion for discovering the identity of this Mrs Esmeralda Caruther. However, he refused to disclose anything about it." Mr Darcy offered.

"That man always did have a flair for dramatics." Lord Matlock commented, chuckling.

"Then, there is also the matter of Miss Emily Sutherby. We are yet to discover her identity." As the Colonel spoke, that same, peculiar emotion crossed the Earl's face.

Lord Matlock was in a quandary. Although he was loath to disclose his past indiscretion in front of his son and nephew, as elders are usually wont to do, he also did not wish for Elizabeth to always live in the shadow of danger. Ever since his meeting with Caughey, he had been contemplating the matter. Finally, he decided on a compromise for he was still unsure if it was the same Emily Sutherby.

"As for Miss Sutherby...I did know one more than three decade ago." Lord Matlock began slowly. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr Darcy sat straighter in their chair, their interest piqued.

"In fact, that particular lady had several moniker, Ophelia Williams, Serena Wilmanson, Sylvia Dali...which she used for her assignations."

"What?"

"You mean..." Mr Darcy trailed off awkwardly. The Earl cleared his throat uncomfortably.

"Yes, she was a fallen woman who had several lovers. Her real name was The Honourable Miss Frederica Colton, the daughter of Baron Colton of Nettlestone."

"Clearly, there was nothing honourable about her." The Colonel mumbled, but the Earl ignored him. There was something cathartic about letting it all go.

"In her very first season, she gained popularity among men. In fact, there were many betting books kept at White's pertaining to..." He trailed off awkwardly.

"Right, and how did you get acquainted with her father?" The Colonel asked suspiciously.

Lord Matlock took a deep cleansing breath and reminded himself that this may as well ensure his daughter's continued well being. The moment of truth was upon him.

"She was my mistress."

"What?" The Colonel and Darcy exclaimed simultaneously, their eyes wide. While it was a common practice for a majority of peers to have numerous affairs and mistresses, they had never taken the Earl to be one of them.

"It was before my marriage to your mother. We were betrothed at that time. I was young, wild and had a large fortune at my disposal. I saw no reason to contain my lust...Besides, she was very beautiful and rather free with her favour." The Earl said almost defensively.

Mr Darcy stole a glance at his cousin, who had a pinched look on his face; a mixture of shock, incredulity and disgust. He himself felt a distaste on hearing his uncle's indiscretion, and could not even begin to imagine his cousin's feelings.

"So, what happened to her?" He asked after an awkward pause.

"I let her go before my marriage to Elienora. A few months later, she went into an early labour and died along with the babe."

"And whose child was she carrying, Father?" The Colonel asked testily, his eyes narrowing.

"I have no way of knowing...no surety...but, pethaps...mine." The Earl spluttered, awkwardly.


Cheapside, London

A man discreetly delivered a letter at the abandoned house. Mr Robins, an employee of Mr Edwards nodded to his partner Mr Beverly to follow the man. Then, he turned his attention back to the house.

Now, he had to lay in wait for someone to take the letter...someone to fall in their trap and lead them to the culprits.


Grosvenor Square, London

Not too far away from the Matlock House, the discovery of Lady Elizabeth Anne Fitzwilliam was causing a great deal of turmoil. Years of machinations, careful planning and money spent was all crashing down on the perpetrator.

The grand scheme was falling to shambles. Bit by bit, pieces by pieces, it was becoming unravelled. The revenge was yet to be exacted.


AN: There were some herbs that were used at that time to prepare potions that could cause miscarriage and even the mother's death if the dose was excessive. According to my research, such potions were usually available with midwives or apothecary.