A/N: Surprise! I know it's been a very long time since I uploaded and you all have my apologises. Work has taken over my life and my writing has suffered.
I would like to say a massive thank you to all those who have stuck with the story, for your reviews and adding me to alerts and favourites.
A thank you to my friend Abominable Ghost-writer who edited my story for me, any faults will be my own I do like to tinker.
Again can't thank you guys enough for your support, I will try to upload another chapter soon, you all have permission to moan at me if I don't.
After a very long delay enjoy...
Lasting Impact
Georgina watched anxiously as her brother paced the corridor, nervously waiting for his guests to arrive. She knew her brother better than most and never had she seen him this nervous. She knew that tonight's dinner meant a great deal to him. She had received a letter earlier that day from her friend Lady Amie warning her that Mr Darcy has attracted the attentions of a certain fortune hunter. Also explaining, further that this woman's sister has already secured the hand of Mr Bingley.
Georgina had yet to meet Mr Bingley's wife, she had seen them together at social gatherings attended by the upper class. Before Mr Bingley's marriage, she had noticed her brother and Charles had a disagreement, she did not know the cause for this. However learning this new information from Lady Amie, she had concluded that they had fallen out because her brother did not support Mr Bingley's marriage.
Why he had agreed to host a dinner party for Bingley and Mrs Bingley's family she could not understand. She knew her brother could be stubborn, she knew from experience how hard it could be to win an argument with him. How anyone could change his opinion on something she could not understand.
She wondered briefly if perhaps her friend had been wrong, she did not even know this fortune hunters name. Why her friend would deceive her she did not know, perhaps she was jealous, but she had seen nothing to suggest she was interested in her brother. She wanted to believe her friend, she wanted to protect her brother, and if this mysterious woman looked anything like her sister then she could understand how he could fall for her. When she first saw Mrs Bingley she was taken aback by the woman's beauty, she was very handsome and elegant. She could not imagine how someone who looked so gentle could be so deceiving.
She had met many women of the ton, who were interested in her brother, but they all acted the same, they were all heartless creatures whom only sought his fortune and reputation, to be the mistress of Pemberley. Of course, she would always respect her brother's choices; he was not as gullible as she was. Perhaps her friend had been wrong, her brother was not foolish enough to fool for tricks he is used to seeing every day. However she would stay vigilant and keep eye out for him, she would not like to see harm come his way.
~~~~~~ Brawls & Duels ~~~~~~
Jane smiled sympathetically as she watched her sister pace in front of the living room window. They waited for the carriage to arrive to take them to the Darcy house. She could tell that Elizabeth was nervous; her hands kept straying to her gown tugging ever so often, touching her hair and fiddling with her necklace. It was rare to see her sister so nervous, especially about a dinner party. "This must mean a lot to her". Jane thought to herself, she really wanted to get to know Mr Darcy.
Jane had spent little time with Mr Darcy when in Netherfield due to her pregnancy, but she found him an admirable man, as always, she would always admire him for going to Elizabeth's rescue. A man of determination, he would suit her sister very well. She could see them both happily married. All she had to do was make sure everything went well.
She reassured herself that at least tonight there would be no embarrassing relatives to deal with. She knew Darcy had a younger sister, but what she had seen of Georgina, she found her to be a shy timid creature. She hoped this would turn out to be the truth, as she knew Darcy valued his sister highly and she would not want to see him choose between both women.
Of course, her time in London Jane had spent much time with the ton. At times she found herself at the centre of gossip, she was not one for spreading harmful gossip but she could not help but listen to the rumours of Mr Darcy courting a Lady Amie. She had kept a close ear to that particular rumour, she had always listened out for rumours of Mr Darcy, and she would relate most of them to her husband. Who had laughed at the rumour of Darcy courting Lady Amie, explaining that the woman had three previous husbands and Darcy was not stupid enough to fall for her charm. Jane was not so sure which is why she was so relieved he had agreed to come to Netherfield. He had helped save Elizabeth from Mr Callaghan and had kept him safe from the clutches of Lady Amie. She was slightly disturbed hearing the news from Elizabeth that she had met Lady Amie with Mr Darcy while strolling in the park.
It seemed however that Mr Darcy was not interested in the woman, nether the less Jane would keep an eye out for trouble. She was concerned to learn Lady Amie was friends with Georgina and hoped the girl was not so easily influenced.
Perhaps she was wrong in her assumption of Lady Amie, the rumours of the ton were only meant to be taken lightly. Maybe she was only Georgina's friend and nothing else, but she could not shake this feeling that something was wrong.
"What happens if she doesn't like me?" Elizabeth asked turning from the window to face Jane.
"Who Lizzy?" Jane asked walking over to comfort her sister.
"Mr Darcy's sister, perhaps he had told her of me refusing him and she bares a grudge against me."
"I think you are nervous and over thinking the whole situation." Jane took her sisters hand in hers. "I will talk with his sister and keep her entertained all you must do is entertaining Mr Darcy."
"In what way would you have me entertain him?" Elizabeth asked smirking.
"Be yourself Lizzy there is no point in playing games, just enjoy the evening as best as you can." Jane glanced out the window on seeing their carriage arrive. "I can bet that the Darcy's are nice people and tonight will pass without event."
"I cannot help but think tonight is going to end badly." Elizabeth said gravely. "However our carriage is here and we must not keep your husband waiting." Smiling she dragged Jane from the room to the hall.
"Have faith Lizzy everything will end well." Jane whispered into her sister's ear.
~~~~~~~B&D~~~~~~~
Darcy stopped pacing on hearing the carriage arrive. He straightened his jacket once again and glanced at his sister who stood waiting patiently to receive their guests. He could not help but worry he would make a bad impression, but he had met most of Elizabeth's family. He found her aunt to be an elegant woman. He had nothing to worry about; he only hoped his sister would be fond of Elizabeth as much as he was.
"Brother are you ready?" She asked taking his arm.
"I believe so," he replied glancing at his reflection one last time.
"I am sure your friends will approve of tonight, I have never seen you so... nervous."
"Nervous?" The word hung in his mouth. "Perhaps a little."
"I will try to make a good impression on your friends." He glanced at her and smiled.
"I am sure Miss Bennet will find no fault with you, in fact she enjoys music as much as you." He said squeezing her hand.
"Miss Bennet?" Georgina questioned. "That is our guest?"
"Of course, did I not say?" Darcy replied absently fiddling with his sleeves.
"No, no you failed to mention it." She murmured to herself. "Is that not the one you protected from Mr Callaghan?"
"The very same." He smiled and turned his attention to the doorman.
"Mr and Mrs Gardiner, sir." The doorman announced as he opened the doors.
"Mrs Gardiner, Mr Gardiner." Darcy greeted them bowing to them both.
Georgina watched as her brother greeted their guests. Why had he failed to mention that it was Miss Bennet coming – had it slipped his mind? If it was the same Miss Bennet he had saved in Hertfordshire then her friends warning was wrong, why would a woman who was proposed marriage by a wealthy man refuse his offer. His estate was no smaller than her brother's; yes her friend must have been mistaken. This woman could not be a fortune hunter she was made out to be.
"May I introduce my sister to you, Georgina this is Mr and Mrs Gardiner."
"Pleasure to meet you." She greeted the couple.
"And this is Mrs Bingley and her sister Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Bingley you know."
The first thing Georgina noticed was Elizabeth was not as beautiful as her sister; she did not have the same slender form. But her eyes sparkled with mischief, her lips were curled into a playful smile and she could tell that the woman was slightly nervous. There was an air of fun about her and general playfulness. Georgina could not help but smile this woman was nothing like what she expected her to be. She curtsied to the two sisters and Mr Bingley. Before Darcy could speak however Georgina jumped at the opportunity to get to know Miss Elizabeth.
"Miss Bennet I am told you are fond of music and play very well."
"I would not say very well but I am fond of music." Elizabeth replied smiling at the young woman before her.
"Will you be willing to play tonight? My brother says he has not heard someone sing who has not brought so much pleasure."
"Well if you insist but I believe your brother has grossly exaggerated my talents."
"How about we prepare for the dinner." Darcy said hiding his blush, "we will discuss more of music later."
~~~~~~~~B&D~~~~~~~~
To Darcy's joy and annoyance the evening went well with Georgina occupying most of Elizabeth's time talking of music, books and plays they had both seen. He spent the evening speaking to Bingley's and the Gardiner's who he found to be people of great taste. He especially enjoyed talking of fishing with Mr Gardiner, whose knowledge on the subject intrigued him no end. Although he was ecstatic that Georgina and Elizabeth were getting on, he was annoyed not to have the chance to speak to Elizabeth. He grew almost to the point of sulking when it was time for the Gentleman to separate from the ladies after dinner.
He followed the men into the study where they helped themselves to drinks.
"Stop sulking Darcy," Bingley said after Darcy closed the door. "You should be happy that they are both getting along."
"What in blazes are you talking about Bingley?" Darcy asked stepping away from the door and glancing at Mr Gardiner who had made himself at home in one of the chairs.
"You know fine well of what I speak, ever since Georgina stole Elizabeth's attention from you, you've been sulking." Bingley handed him a glass of sherry.
"Indeed you have Mr Darcy, but take it from me it is much better to have them get along than to have them argue after they are sisters."
Darcy choked slightly on his drink, at Mr Gardiner's words; he glanced at the older man who smiled. Bingley patted him on the back as he sat down next to him.
"Come Darcy did you really believe you were being discreet?" Bingley asked in-between bursts of laughter.
"Does everyone know?" Darcy asked.
"Well I was told by my brother Mr Bennet that you, sir may be courting my niece and I was to act as guardian along with Mr Bingley." Mr Gardiner explained.
"As her brother she is under my guardianship." Bingley agreed. "Of course Jane already knew of your attentions before Mr Bennet told us, and she told me and Mrs Gardiner."
"Who told me," Mr Gardiner continued. "And on you asking us to join you for dinner we thought it prudent to understand the situation. I must say it is going rather well."
"Really, I fail to see how?" Darcy grumbled rubbing his forehead.
"Come Darcy everyone else saw it, you were sulking and Elizabeth was looking at you longingly from the other side of the table. Did you see that Mr Gardiner?"
"Indeed I did, I believe she is very interested in you."
"Really?" Darcy replied sitting up in his chair.
"If you did not mope so much you would have seen it for yourself." Bingley taunted.
"Come gentleman, I believe it time for us to join the ladies." Mr Gardiner said interrupting the two men and getting to his feet.
"I will endeavour to distract your sister from Elizabeth." Bingley planned as he led the group from the study to join the ladies.
~~~~~~~~B&D~~~~~~~~
As the gentleman entered the drawing room they found Georgina and Elizabeth playing the piano forte. Jane and Mrs Gardiner were playing cards and invited Mr Gardiner to join them. Bingley took it upon himself to distract Georgina; he strolled to the piano in a leisurely a manner and glanced at the sheets of music. Elizabeth glanced up at him from her position on the stool.
"Is there a problem Charles?" She asked flipping the page for Georgina.
"No, I was just curious, I did not realise the Darcy house had this piece of music in the library."
"I brought this with me from Pemberley." Georgina said halting her playing.
"Oh I see," Bingley acknowledged. "I know the Darcy town house does have an extensive library, nothing of course to Pemberley."
"Oh no Pemberley's library is much larger than this one." Georgina clarified for Elizabeth's sake. "Would you like to see our library Miss Bennet?" She asked, missing Bingley sly smile.
"Very much so." Elizabeth answered eagerly.
"I will show you," Georgina said motioning to get up.
"And interrupt your delightful playing?" Elizabeth said softly placing her hand on the young girls arm. "I could not possibly ask that of you."
"I do not wish to play in front of so many people on my own." Georgina confided, glancing at the faces of her guests who were all engrossed in their own conversations, except her brother who stood watching them.
"I shall remain here with you," Bingley said switching seats with Elizabeth before she could object. "I'm sure Darcy will give you a tour of the library Elizabeth." Bingley explained louder enough for Darcy to hear.
He looked surprised at the request, but soon smiled at the idea. He approached the trio and addressed Elizabeth who could not help smiling at her brother in-laws-plan.
"I would be honoured to show you the library Miss Bennet."
"Thank you Mr Darcy I cannot wait to see it." Elizabeth answered.
"Mr Gardiner would you be interested in viewing the library?" Darcy asked the older gentlemen.
"Indeed I would Mr Darcy."
Darcy led the way to the library, proud that his friend had devised such a plan to get Elizabeth away from his sister. Now all he had to do was distract Mr Gardiner. This did not turn out to be a hard task, as soon as they entered the library Mr Gardiner separated from the group in hopes to find a book on fishing leaving Elizabeth alone with Mr Darcy.
Elizabeth was too breath-taken with the library to realise the fact she had finally received the chance to talk to Mr Darcy on her own. Mr Darcy smiled as he watched Elizabeth take in the library; it was nothing compared to Pemberley however it did house some very old books. He stared transfixed as she ran her fingers over the spine of the oldest books he had. He trailed after her as she wandered aimlessly through the library; he caught a glimpse of Mr Gardiner in the corner flicking through a book.
"Does it please you?" Darcy asked.
She turned to him eyes lit with awe. "It is very impressive Mr Darcy."
"It has taken my family generations to fill this library, I am pleased you like it."
"Your family has excellent taste." She whispered holding a book in her hand.
His smile grew at the statement. "Have you added to it yourself?" She asked.
"Indeed, not as much though, in time. I am glad to see my sister take such a liking to you."
"She is a sweet girl." Elizabeth said smiling fondly.
"She is a very shy girl many people mistake her to be proud,"
"I saw no such behaviour." Elizabeth confessed.
"If I am not being to forward I would like to invite you to the theatre tomorrow night, with Georgina and I? Georgina has already seen the play.."
"Macbeth? Yes she was telling me about it earlier."
"She enjoyed it immensely," Darcy agreed. "I found the leading character to be somewhat lacking in performance, however she would have none of it."
"Well then I would have to judge for myself." Elizabeth teased.
"So you will come?"
"I will Mr Darcy."
"Excellent I..." He paused glancing again in the direction of Mr Gardiner. "I uh… Did you..." He stuttered failing to put his sentences together. "How could something so simple be hard to ask?" He demanded of himself.
"Mr Darcy?" Elizabeth asked, looking at him with a faint smile.
"I was wondering if your father spoke to you about me courting you." The words tumbled from his mouth and he grimaced.
"A month I believe Mr Darcy is what he requested." Elizabeth replied unable to hold back her grin, and Darcy looked relieved. At least Mr Bennet had kept his promise.
"And have you taken this into consideration?" Mr Darcy asked half afraid of the answer he would receive.
"Indeed I did sir, and I thought it most horrid..." His heart froze at the word, he saw her mouth but it took a second for his mind to catch up. "That he would ask me to wait that long."
He physically relaxed, doing all he could to not propose to her again; he would court her properly this time.
"You have nothing against me courting you Miss Bennet?" He said relieved, heart pounding against his rib cage in excitement."
"No sir, I would look forward to it." She said smiling and looking away to hide the flush that had crept up on her.
"I shall speak to both Mr Gardiner and Mr Bingley about me courting you tonight with your permission."
"You have it sir." She answered looking him in the eye, she could see the relief and utter devotion ridding in their depths.
"I shall speak to your uncle while we still have privacy." He said.
To her surprise he took her hand and placed a kiss, his normally guarded eyes alive with emotion. Her heart fluttered uncontrollably, her skin alight with fire from his touch, goose bumps travelling along her neck she stared back. He stared into the dark brown eyes so full of mischief and finding nothing but raw emotion. He was in love with her and she in return. He loved the feel of her soft skin, the delicacy of her hand and how it fit so perfectly in his. Nothing would stop him from marrying her this time; he already had her affection all he needed was her family's blessing.
He spent little time in talking to Mr Gardiner and acquiring his consent to court Elizabeth, Mr Gardiner granted it, after speaking to his niece. As they made their way back to the group, Elizabeth could not help the grin spreading across her face.
The Gardiners left not long after the news was told to the rest of the group; Mrs Gardiner gave her niece a blessing and a promise to see her later in the week. Mr Darcy escorted the Gardiner's to their carriage, where they exchange pleasantries and congratulations; he bid them good night and returned to the rest of his guests.
~~~~~~~~B&D~~~~~~~~
Not far from the Darcy household a carriage charged like a bat out of hell. The command for more speed uttered, with a crack of a whip the horses hurried along and those inside were tossed around. This was barely noticed however as the owner had only one intention.
The carriage rounded a corner kicking up muck from the road and spraying those nearby. A horse cried out as its' hoof struck a hole. London's road were never known for being smooth. The driver willed the black beauties on, the black carriage a shadow in the light as it ghosted through the centre of London. It glided to a stop outside the Darcy house. The driver quick to release their master; loosened his grip on the reigns and rushed to open the door.
The footman passed word to a maid to fetch the housekeeper, before he greeted the new arrivals. With a flick of the wrist a Cane pushed the footman aside, heels clicked loudly against the expensive stone floor. Their cloak flapped loudly behind this new intruder as they marched through the hallway.
"Where is my nephew? Why is he not here to meet me?" Their voice echoed through the corridor, carrying the sound of self importance and arrogance.
"Lady Catherine," greeted the housekeeper. "It is an honour to see you."
"Enough chit chat, I demand to be shown to Fitzwilliam. I will not talk to household staff, out of my way!" Lady Catherine ordered moving towards the drawing room.
"I apologise ma'am but Mr Darcy is entertaining guests." The house keeper said stopping Lady Catherine.
"Precisely why I am here, I will not allow the Darcy line to be tainted. Now move yourself from my path!" Shouted Lady Catherine.
"What is all this racket?" Mr Darcy asked striding out from the drawing room. He froze and frowned at the sight of his aunt.
"Aunt I did not know you were in town." He murmured. "Leave us," he ordered his staff and watched as they disappeared from view.
"I have heard a terrible rumour, that the Darcy line is to be tainted by a unknown country minx. On hearing this absurd rumour I set out to ensure it was not true. However on arriving in London, I find not only is the rumour true you have this person in your house. Tell me Darcy that this rumour is not true? Is Miss Bennet in this household?"
"She is, I do not –"
"By all that is holy have you forgotten your place, your position – have you forgotten what you owe this family. Think of your sister, think of the reputation. The Darcy's will be ridiculed."
"I did not forget anything aunt however it seems you have forgot your place. How dare you barge into my house insult my guests, bully my staff and demand answers from me!" Darcy questioned. "You have made a fool out of yourself and me. Now I ask you to leave and compose yourself before you set foot back in this house!"
"Very well I shall leave." She replied her cane clacking against the stone floor as she made her exit. "Do not believe for one instant Fitzwilliam, that your family will stand by and let this atrocity continue. There will be consequences." She warned, before she stormed from the household.