"The thing about a hero, is even when it doesn't look like there's a light at the end of the tunnel, he's going to keep digging, he's going to keep trying to do right and make up for what's gone before, just because that's who he is." - Joss Whedon

Chapter 25

"William, what have you done?"

Darcy looked up from the document that he was reading to see his sister storming into his study. Her face was flushed and her eyes accusing as she walked right up to him, clutching what appeared to be a letter in her hand.

"Georgiana, what is the meaning of this?" Darcy asked more curious than angry at his young sister's tone.

Georgiana seemed to calm slightly but only just before she continued.

"I have received a most distressing letter from Elizabeth."

Hearing her name spoken, felt like a knife to his heart. Darcy had returned to his house in London three weeks ago after the disaster at Hunsford. The overwhelming feeling of loss and regret seemed to weigh upon him heavier with each passing day. He had hoped to conceal his abominable behavior from his sister. Looking dejectedly at the letter clutched in her hand, it appeared that he was not to be so lucky. Gathering all of the fortitude he could muster, he looked up into his sister's face.

"Is your friend well, Georgie?"

Georgiana was not ignorant of her brother's melancholy since his return from Hunsford. She had wanted to approach him about it but could never find the courage over the past few weeks. Upon receipt of this long-awaited letter from her friend, she now had more questions than ever.

"It seems that you may answer that question better than I, brother." Georgiana responded cryptically. Without another word, she held the letter towards her brother.

Darcy took his gently into his hands. Although he dreaded what he would read within, he could not help but feel closer to Elizabeth while holding her letter. Taking a deep breath, he unfolded it and began to read.

My Dear Georgiana,

I hope that this letter finds you well and enjoying all that London has to offer since we last met. I apologize for my delayed response to your previous missive but much has transpired since I received it. Unfortunately, I must make a request of you that may appear peculiar. I would ask that you speak with your brother to ascertain whether we may continue our correspondence. I realize that this request may come as a surprise to you. As you are aware, I was in your brother's company while visiting my friend in Kent. While there, it became apparent to me that your brother may no longer look kindly upon our friendship. I apologize that I cannot provide any more details but I implore you not to ask me to divulge the nature of our disagreement. As a result of my last interview with your brother, I feel that I cannot continue our correspondence without you securing his approval.

I hope that I shall hear from you again soon and that all will be well. However, if I should not receive a response from this missive, then please know that I feel blessed to have had your friendship even for the brief amount of time that it lasted. I will always think fondly of you and wish you the very best in the future.

Your devoted friend,

Elizabeth Bennet

Darcy set the letter down and wiped his hands over his face. Georgiana wasted no time in taking up her cause.

"Well, brother? What has happened to make Elizabeth believe that you would not wish for us to continue our friendship?" His sister demanded.

"Georgie, I…I know not what to say." Darcy looked at her beseechingly.

Georgiana looked surprised and then fell into the chair opposite of him.

"Then this was not a misunderstanding? Elizabeth truly has reason to believe that you dislike her?" She asked quietly.

Darcy shook his head slowly while responding, "Unfortunately, yes, I can certainly understand why she would think so."

"Brother, please, tell me what happened. Do you really wish that I would sever our friendship? She is the best friend that I have ever had! Please do not ask me to give her up, William!"

Darcy gently took Georgiana's hand in his own. She would not look at him as she continued.

"She is the first friend of my acquaintance that was truly a friend to me. She encourages me without false flattery and…I hope that you will not be angry with me brother but…I told her of Ramsgate."

At Darcy's quick intake of breath, Georgiana looked up with tears in her eyes.

"I am sorry, William. I know how important it is to keep it quiet to avoid scandal but I felt that I could trust Elizabeth. I wanted to speak about it with someone and she was so understanding."

"Georgiana, I cannot tell you the details of what happened but I will confess to you that the fault is solely my own. I would not ask you to give up your friend due to my own transgressions. Please assure her of my continued approval in your next letter."

Georgiana threw herself at her brother and hugged him. When she leaned back, she noticed the sadness in his eyes and stopped smiling.

"You must make things right between you two. She was your friend, too."

"Georgie,…" Darcy began but was interrupted by his sister.

"No, do not try to deny it, William. I know that you valued her friendship. You have never appeared so at ease in company before than when Elizabeth was with us. Will you not tell me what you did? Perhaps it will make you feel better?" Georgiana asked.

"I…I cannot. I am sorry."

Georgiana looked at her brother thoughtfully.

"I will not press you further but, please, know that I am here for you just as you have always been here for me."

As Georgiana hugged her brother again, Darcy closed his eyes and cherished the feeling of being loved when he felt completely unlovable.

His sister rose.

"I will leave you now so that I might respond quickly and put Elizabeth's mind at ease. Thank you, brother."

Darcy could only nod and then his sister left the room. He sat for a long time after thinking over how to proceed. He knew that he must make amends to Elizabeth but knew not how to accomplish it. He would travel to Hertfordshire immediately if he thought that she might receive him but he knew that would not be the case. After the awful things that he said, he could not expect her to welcome him to the very home that he disparaged. If only he could speak with her privately to apologize, but he seemed to make matters worse when he opened his mouth during their last meeting. He could not impose his company on her when it obviously gave her pain.

Later that evening, Darcy was passing the hallway and noticed a letter on the table waiting to be posted. At a glance to the direction, he realized that this was his sister's response to her friend. An idea crossed his mind and quickly took hold. Before he could stop himself, he picked up the letter and walked into his study. Closing the door, Darcy turned towards his desk with new determination.