Chapter 28

Elizabeth leaned forward as she sat on the garden bench, rested her elbows on her knees and clasped her hands in front of her. She could feel the warmth of the sun beating down on her shoulders and while she knew that she should be wearing a bonnet - or a sun hat at the very least - she would not, for the sake of propriety, deny herself the pleasure of feeling so unconstrained. It was a sensuous pleasure and one enhanced by watching a man she had come to love dearly, and desire greatly, entertain his children and hers. She knew herself to be singularly blessed, for how many women could possess the good fortune to have engaged the affections of men such as Anthony Waring and Fitzwilliam Darcy? She had not thought it possible to marry another truly good man like Anthony and yet she was on the brink of doing just that. She was amazed that Darcy still loved her after all these years and she felt . . . treasured, in his company. She promised herself that he would never have cause to doubt her affections. She knew all too well how quickly a man and his love could be ripped away from her.

She wondered if Darcy knew the effect he had on her. His character was not flawless but he remained one of the finest men she had ever known. He was also unquestionably one of the handsomest men she had ever known. She hummed softly to herself as she quietly observed him. She could not say what part of him she admired more. Oddly enough, once she had learned to read his expressions, she discovered that part of him that had angered her the most when she first met him, his mouth, very endearing. Of course, she found no fault with his eyes – the ardency of his gaze had the power to render her witless. And his hands . . . she best not think of them at the moment; she had more than adequate proof of his desire.

She felt herself flush as she remembered the evening past. It had started out innocently enough. She had been on her way back to Gracechurch Street when an impulse to see her betrothed had struck. For whatever reason, fate or providence or simply horrible timing, they had had precious little time together over the past four or five days; when they were together, there was always someone else with them and she was chafing under the restrictions. She wanted - no, she must be honest with herself - she needed to be with him – no, she corrected herself again - she needed to be with him alone. To be held, caressed and kissed. Oh, most assuredly, to be kissed.

She had not been sure he would be home; he had spoken of some business matters that he was trying to resolve before their wedding so as to have no demands on his attention for at least a month afterwards. If he was not there, she would just continue on to Gracechurch Street; if he was, she was not sure what she, or they, would do, but returning to Gracechurch Street would not be a priority. Not for a while, at least; and not for a good while, if she could convince him to humour her.

And she had; indeed she could not have encountered a more willing subject, for he had been as desperate for her company as she for his. She had hardly been shown into the front hall when he, having heard a carriage draw up to the front of his house, appeared to inquire as to the caller. His greeting had left her in little doubt of his pleasure at her having called at Darcy House, and his subsequent actions had shown the desire she had hoped to find. Relieving his butler, Mr. Holmes, of his duties, Darcy drew her into the library and locked the door behind him. before she had a chance to say a word, she found herself suddenly being pressed rather firmly against a bookcase. However, if she had been surprised by the abruptness of his embrace, she had not been slow to respond. Finally they had separated, both breathless and flushed; his desire and her body's reaction to it were unmistakeable. He had not missed the most obvious, for his hand had fondled her breast freely and she knew that her response had encouraged his attentions.

Suddenly the shelf of the bookcase was digging into her spine and the discomfort led her to whisper, "I have a great admiration for bookcases, Mr. Darcy but . . . "

He kissed her thoroughly for almost a minute. "Elizabeth, you called me Mr. Darcy, and we are alone. I warned you before about this. You must be punished."

"Mr. Darcy, I . . . ."

He kissed her again and just as thoroughly, "You did it again! Have you not learned your lesson, Elizabeth? I shall not stop if you call me Mr. Darcy whilst we are alone."

Elizabeth laughed delightedly, "And somehow you believe that under such circumstances and with such a punishment, I will call you anything but Mr. Darcy every time we are alone? Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy," she taunted.

"Oh, Mr. Darcy!"

He reacted as she had hoped. This time when he kissed her his hand ran down her back and stopped only when it reached her bottom which now began to feel his attentions. She moved against him although she was unsure of whether it was by her own volition or his. As that mattered not at all, she simply gloried in the feeling and wished that his hand was caressing her bare flesh. She finally tore her lips from his and looking at the sofa across the room, nodded in its direction.

Darcy was not slow to heed her idea, and a few quick steps found them embracing on the sofa. She flushed even now remembering how they had explored the other's body. She had no idea how long they spent so engaged but her own desires had been so overwhelming that she finally heard herself begging him, telling him she needed him, making her want known. Unfortunately, that had the opposite effect of what she intended. He did not withdraw his hand from where he was stroking her but he suddenly slowed his ministrations and allowed her to regain her composure.

His own was in tatters, his voice was raspy and almost harsh when he whispered in her ear, "When I make you my wife, it shall be in a proper bed, with a proper amount of time available and with no fear that someone will intrude. I shall have you in my bed and I shall have you properly . . . . Mrs. Waring."

What could she do with such an insufferable man but draw his lips to her own and kiss him until she needed to breathe? His voice suddenly brought her back to the present.

"Elizabeth? You appear flushed. Is the sun too much?"

She looked up. He stood before her with her daughter in his arms, and was looking at her most worriedly.

"I am . . . fine. Just thinking."

"About?"

"Yesterday . . ."

"Ahhh."

Jane squirmed out of Darcy's arms to her mother's. She lay down, cuddled her head into Elizabeth's lap, closed her eyes and promptly fell asleep. Darcy sat down on Elizabeth's other side, his arm behind her and his hand resting on the seat.

"Now that I have you at my mercy," he said, He whispered in her ear as he nipped her earlobe.

"The children!" She hissed.

"They heed us not."

His hand, she thought to be resting on the bench, was not resting at all and indeed had begun to massage and caress her back. It was all she could do to restrain herself; if she could have purred, she would have done so. And then that hand went exploring. Tiptoeing up to her neck and then gently stroking around her ear, her chin . . . she felt his thumb run slowly across her lips. His hand tilted her head towards him and then it was his lips on hers that she felt. It was a gentle kiss though the desire was there. She could feel it - him - holding it in abeyance.

"I love you." She murmured against his lips, "and when the opportunity presents itself, you may be assured, Mr. Darcy, that I shall torment you as greatly as you are tormenting me at the moment."

He kissed her much more thoroughly in response – which had been her intent.

"I shall hold you to that promise, Elizabeth; but for now, allow me to tease you a bit more."

Whatever his intentions might have been, and she would put nothing past him at this point, they could not be realized, for their children had come to claim their attention and were not to relinquish it for the remainder of their time together that day.

The next day saw the arrival of Darcy's sister to London. Georgiana Fellowes and her husband, Henry, were obviously tired after their long journey and Darcy had been reluctant to introduce Elizabeth to them until the next day when they were refreshed and less fatigued by the stress of travel. Georgiana would not have it so and thus, Darcy brought Elizabeth to meet his sister that very day.

In truth, this meeting could not happen quickly enough for Georgiana; she was quite concerned about her brother remarrying. His announcement had shocked her greatly for there had been no indication that he was even considering a return to the married state – and to Elizabeth Bennet!

Georgiana had attempted to recall, on her journey to London, what she knew of her brother's betrothed – for the name had not been unknown to her. Of Mrs. Elizabeth Waring, she had known nothing. Of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, she knew enough to be wary on her brother's behalf. She remembered that Miss Bingley had spoken very poorly of her. Of course, Miss Bingley rarely spoke well of anyone – out of their hearing anyway – but she had been particularly disparaging about Miss Bennet. Vulgar - unattractive – scheming – artful – impertinent – wilful – unmannered – had been but a few of the adjectives laid to Miss Bennet's account. Georgiana had not been insensible to the fact that Miss Bingley's failure to secure her brother's affections had been the cause of such disapprobation and undoubtedly reflected a jealousy arising from a suspicion that Miss Bennet had done otherwise, so she was not overly worried that Miss Bingley's description was true. Indeed she could not imagine her brother becoming enamoured with a woman like that.

No, it was the injury that Miss Bennet had laid upon her brother so many years ago that was the root of her wariness about the lady. In a moment of despair, he had shared with her Miss Bennet's refusal of his offer of marriage and the manner in which that refusal had been delivered. It had taken years for him to recover from the heartache. And yet, here she was, and her brother's happiness could not be denied, nor, Georgiana had to admit, could the pleasure that Mrs. Waring was exhibiting.

In truth, she also felt disloyal to Judith Darcy who she had come to value greatly as the sister she had longed for. It had been Judith who guided her through her first season. Judith had been her confidante before Henry Fellowes proposed marriage, and had proffered advice and support through the first years of her marriage. Judith's death had shocked and dismayed her. While it was not unexpected that a woman might die in childbirth, Judith had born one child already and Georgiana had fully expected that the birth of the second would be equally successful. That it had not been, was a source of great distress: for herself, for having lost a sister she had come to love; and for her brother, for having lost a wife whom he had esteemed and loved. Nonetheless, here he was, marrying a woman he had known before he had ever met Judith, and after only having been reunited with her for a matter of weeks.

This, however, was not the time or place to voice her concerns and she resolved to make the effort to appear amiable and to learn enough of the lady, who would be her sister, to judge her fairly. In this, she had been guided by her husband to whom she had related her worries. His advice had been simple. "You must judge for yourself. Do not rely on the words of those whose motives you suspect. I have never appreciated Miss Bingley and her opinion is not one I would value. If I remember correctly, she had little that was complimentary to say of your brother's first wife as well. As far as your brother is concerned, I would suggest that you trust his judgement. Allow yourself to know the lady." And so she would.

Unfortunately, their initial meeting had not started out well.

"Georgiana, may I have the pleasure of introducing Mrs. Elizabeth Waring, my betrothed."

Elizabeth had not known what to expect. She had long since discounted the negative report of Miss Darcy received from George Wickham; however, she had not been able to replace it with another more accurate image. From Darcy's description, she had expected a rather reserved, soft-spoken, gentlewoman. The Earl and Countess could not speak highly enough of her and seriously repined that she had settled so far from them as to make frequent visits difficult. What Elizabeth observed as she entered the room was a tall, slender young woman whose countenance was pleasant and handsome. Elizabeth thought she detected signs of good humour and common sense in her features; however, at the moment of their first acquaintance, she discerned only coolness.

Georgiana's greeting was equally so. "Mrs. Waring," was all she said.

Darcy was surprised at the obvious lack of warmth from his sister and his concern did not lessen with Elizabeth's civil response which was its match in its degree of warmth.

"Mrs. Fellowes."

Georgiana appeared to realize that her initial greeting had been wanting in civility and that she had made an unfortunate first impression.

"I am pleased to have finally met you. My brother has spoken very well of you, and, as you must know, he is a most discerning gentleman."

Elizabeth's smile widen slightly, "Indeed! I am pleased to meet you as well. I have heard a great deal about you and I hope that we can get to know each other a little better in the next few days."

Over the course of the afternoon, they gradually developed a greater easiness in each other's company. It was clear that Miss Bingley's disparagement was pure jealousy – Mrs. Waring was nothing like her description. And, she had to admit, she had never seen her brother so happy, not even during his entire marriage with Judith. But she was unable to release her worries that Mrs. Waring would hurt him again. Finally, she requested a few moments to speak privately with Elizabeth. Georgiana revealed her concerns and the reasons for them and Elizabeth attempted to explain matters as they had developed from her perspective. She assured Georgiana that her feelings had begun to change long ago, and that she now loved Darcy without reservation. Georgiana could see the truth in what she said and resolved to be happy for her brother. To further this end, Georgiana and her husband were, with their children, to visit Pemberley when the Darcys returned from their wedding trip.

With Georgiana's concerns resolved, the dinner held on the occasion of her arrival had gone as well as might be expected. The company was comprised of only those closest family members who were all of a mind to be agreeable and, as Georgiana and her husband had much to learn about the events which brought Elizabeth and Darcy together, there was no shortage of subjects to be discussed. The tale could not be complete without mention of the threats issued by the Stokes family and the measures being undertaken at the initiative of the Earl and Countess of _. Henry Fellowes simply shook his head in disbelief when Elizabeth finished.

"It is incredible to me that such a sense of entitlement - such presumptuousness – can exist." He said, "Clearly your nephew-by-law had been led by his parents to expect to step in as Master of the estate. Had he spent any time learning the tasks required of a Master?"

Elizabeth shook her head, "Not to my knowledge. My husband told me that when his nephew visited as a lad he never expressed any interest in learning what was required to manage Oaksley."

Darcy and Henry Knowles exchanged glances and each shook his head. Knowles obviously spoke for both when he replied, "He is in no way fitted to be Master of your estate. It took me several years and much instruction and guidance from my father and elder brother for me to manage my estate. I wonder what would have happened if your late husband had not married?"

"I believe," said Elizabeth, "that his estate would have been left in trust for his niece's eldest son."

"Are they sensible people then?" he inquired.

Elizabeth smiled, "Quite sensible. You may judge for yourselves for I expect them to attend the wedding. I like them both a great deal and only wonder that Mary Hart is the sister of Nelson Stokes."

"We have within our own family, Lizzy, proof that siblings can be very different." said Jane quietly.

"As do we." added Darcy, "My mother and Lady Catherine could hardly be more dissimilar if they had been born to different families."

Mr. Gardiner thought the topic was beginning to depress the mood unnecessarily and mentioned the proposed wedding trip to Cornwall which caused Henry Knowles to suggest that the Darcys might wish to visit his family and offered to write them.

"For I know," said he, "that they do not plan to travel this summer, as my brother's wife will be entering her confinement shortly."

"A visit by strangers will be an imposition, I am sure." responded Elizabeth for whom the thought of visiting strangers on her wedding trip was . . . awkward.

"Nonsense! They will delighted. We do not get as many visitor as we might wish in Cornwall. I think you will appreciate Fellowes Park a great deal. It has some lovely walks and Darcy here has said that you are a great walker."

"Fellowes Park?" muttered Mr. Gardiner, "Did we not visit it on our trip to Cornwall?"

Mrs. Gardiner nodded and Elizabeth interjected, "I believe, Mr. Fellowes, that we met your parents and your brother when we toured the estate. I do remember thinking it was quite lovely."

Fellowes was delighted, "Then you shall, if you stay for a few days, be able to see a great deal more of it. I shall write my father directly. When might they expected you?"

Darcy laughed, "Allow me to consult with Elizabeth and we shall fix on a time to visit."

Elizabeth was determined that if such a visit could not be avoided, that it would be best to undertake it on their return to London and rather thought Darcy would not object to such an arrangement.

If the remainder of the evening was passed primarily in conversing about the upcoming ball and the plans that had been made for dealing with the Stokes, the mood was very convivial for such a disturbing topic. Georgiana was impressed greatly by Elizabeth's composure.

"I must admit, Elizabeth – for the ladies had agreed to such informality in private – that I am amazed that you can remain so - composed, I think is the most appropriate term - in the face of such malice. I could not be so confident, I am sure."

Darcy smiled wryly, "I remember Elizabeth saying, quite a few years ago now, that she possessed a stubbornness that could never bear to be frightened at the will of others. It is, I think, one of the more attractive aspects of her character."

Elizabeth blushed.

Darcy continued, "In fact, I can remember her also saying that her courage rises with every attempt to intimidate her. I can attest to that beyond any doubt." He smiled warmly at her.

Elizabeth's blush deepened.

Her relatives laughed and Mrs. Gardiner, to spare her niece further embarassment at such praise, began to question Georgiana on her children, a topic of interest to everyone, and one which was quickly broadened to encompass those of Darcy, Elizabeth and the Simmonses. Georgiana quickly understood, from comments by her brother and Elizabeth, that the merging of the two families had begun and that Elizabeth had already developed a pronounced affection for Darcy's children. She looked forward to being part of their new family when they met again at Pemberley in a few months. Despite such interesting and pleasant discourse, the evening eventually came to end.

Severn House

None of the guests could find cause to complain. Although the ballroom could accommodate forty pairs of dancers, the guest list included less than thirty. The day had been quite warm, but the open windows and light breezes made the room comfortable. The musical assemble providing the music was excellent, the room was decorated finely and the liberal emplacement of flowers added a subtle bouquet to the air and colour to the room. The prospect was excellent. The company was also fine, if measured by status, for there were few strangers in the room, and if they each took some comfort from the knowledge that they were amongst their peers, there was no one present who could wish to take issue with it. In other words, the participants were happy with their company and with themselves. There was not a discordant note to be found.

Darcy's first glimpse of Elizabeth when she entered Severn House with her relatives had left him almost speechless. Her gown was a deep ruby colour which seemed to catch and enhance the reddish tints in her hair. It was a simple style, gathered under her bosom and falling in such a way as to allow her body to move freely and yet make one very conscious that a delectable female form was contained within. He knew naught of the dressmakers art but the end result was in every way admirable. He was concerned that her décolletage was such as to draw the eye of every man in the room – even Lord _ who was five and seventy if he was a day. The ruby pendant on its delicate gold chain fell so as to draw one's eyes to her bosom and Darcy felt himself flush slightly as he raised his eyes to hers and realized that his thoughts and focus were obvious. She simply smiled and whispered, "I said I would have my revenge, did I not?"

The ball had been underway for almost two hours. Elizabeth and Darcy were introduced by the Earl at the beginning and their engagement announced to equal amounts of wonderment and pleasure. They had circulated after their opening set, accompanied by both the Earl and Countess and Lord and Lady Fairly, who took upon themselves the office of making Elizabeth known to each of the guests. That process had passed very successfully.

Elizabeth's musings were interrupted as Darcy whispered in her ear – a gesture of familiarity that did not pass unnoticed by those around them, "The Fairlys have just gone to the hall to await the Stokeses and their guests. They should, along with a few others, be arriving about now."

"Do we know who the Stokeses asked to have included in their invitation?"

Darcy shook his head and then gestured towards his sister who was standing across the room.

"Let us join Georgiana and Henry."

As they began to wend their way slowly around the perimeter of the room, their passage was frequently interrupted by the greetings and comments of those they passed,

"It is going very well tonight, Elizabeth." offered Georgiana as Elizabeth and Darcy finally reached them. Henry Fellowes nodded in agreement. "We have heard nothing but praise."

Darcy did not bother to hide his satisfaction and was about to respond when Elizabeth's hand tightened on his arm.

The announcement, this late in the evening, caught most, though not all, of the people in the room by surprise.

"Lord Percival Stokes, Earl of _ and his wife, Lady Stokes, Countess of _!" the butler pierced the chatter in the ballroom.

And then once more,

The Honourable Sebastian Stokes and his wife, Mrs. Melanie Stokes.

Darcy followed her gaze to the ballroom's main entrance, grunted and watched for a second or two as the new party entered the room. The Fairlys remained with the Stokeses, and were, in fact, guiding them carefully through the crowd, and bringing them to the attention of those considered to be leaders of society's opinion.

Elizabeth watched as the Stokes' party moved into the room and murmured to Darcy, "Their son is not with them."

"Nelson, is it?"

"Yes. I would have expected him to be here." She huffed slightly and grimaced at Darcy's quizzical look, "For perhaps the tenth time, I am not wholly reconciled to your aunt's strategy."

Darcy shrugged, "'Tis too late to worry about it now. Lord Fairly is taking great satisfaction at his role in the affair and cannot wait until "his old friend Puffy" discovers whose nephew you are marrying." He smiled, "As my aunt was loath to deprive the Fairlys of such pleasure and argued that it would fix your reputation most favourably in the ton, I could not dissuade her." He looked across the room to the entrance where three more people had just entered and been announced.

"Well," he said "we now know who their guests are."

"Is that not a surprise. The Bingleys! I wonder at the connection." Elizabeth murmured, "And Nelson Stokes is not with them either."

Darcy shrugged. "I can only assume the connection is through Mrs. Bingley. I doubt Stokes would associate with Bingley otherwise."

Darcy moved to shield Elizabeth from the sight of the Stokeses. The confrontation would, of necessity, take place but he hoped to have the Stokes' party learn of his engagement and the esteem with which Elizabeth had been treated before forcing the matter. Turning Elizabeth so that her back was to the room in general, he faced outwards and viewed the progress of Percival Stokes and his party as they made their way through the other guests. As he watched, he murmured his observations to Elizabeth.

"Lord Stokes' countenance is extremely . . . pinched and your brother-in-law is decidedly unhappy."

Georgiana interjected, "Is the gentleman with a distinct shortage of hair your brother-in-law, Elizabeth?"

"Stout and ill-tempered as well?"

"Very much so, I think," chuckled Henry Fellowes who had been watching the progress of the Stokes' party with as much interest as Darcy. He and Georgiana had been incensed when the actions of Sebastian Stokes and his son had been imparted to them and Henry had wished to be part of the confrontation that was to take place shortly. He had been only dissuaded when assured that he and Georgiana, who were not unknown in society's first circle, would be most useful by indicating, to all they encountered, their support for Elizabeth.

"Damn!" muttered Darcy.

At Elizabeth's inquiry, he growled softly, "The crowd has hidden them."

She turned around but could see nothing for the press of bodies that intervened.

Henry Fellowes exclaimed "Stokes - your brother-in-law, Elizabeth – is moving towards us. I believe he has seen you, Darcy."

"He must have recognized you from your previous encounter, brief as it was." whispered Elizabeth.

Darcy was about to move them away when Elizabeth stayed his progress. "I will not avoid him, William." She pursed her lips, "It would look bad for us to appear to do so, would it not?"

Darcy reluctantly agreed and Henry Fellowes nodded as well and added, "The plan is to meet with them in the small drawing room, is it not? It looks as though you and Elizabeth must perform the service, Darcy."

Even the best of planning sometimes goes awry, however, and this evening was no different. Thus, it should have come as no surprise that as Elizabeth and Darcy made their way towards the Stokeses, their progress was interrupted by someone who desired Darcy's attention. The minute Darcy's head was turned away from Elizabeth, Sebastian Stokes approached and pulled her into a corner of the room where his brother awaited them. Although their attention was not unexpected, Elizabeth shivered at the suddenness of their meeting.

In a low voice, Stokes introduced Elizabeth to his brother. "Mrs. Waring, you are in the presence of the Earl of _, a man of great power and connections. He is also my brother. I expect you to listen to what he says because, I can assure you, he can and will destroy you and your relatives if you do not act appropriately."

Expecting Elizabeth to act deferentially, both men were shocked at Elizabeth's answer. "As I clearly explained in my response to your lovely invitation, sir, I am simply not interested in discussing my personal circumstances with you or anyone else so wholly unconnected to me. Now, if you will excuse me…"

Percy was not about to permit someone of Elizabeth's station treat him so. "How dare you disrespect me so, do you have any idea with whom you are speaking?"

Hearing no response, Percy continued. "I am no stranger to the particulars of your youngest sister's infamous elopement. I know it all; and unless you act appropriately, the world will soon share in my knowledge."

Before Elizabeth could answer, the Earl approached . "Percy, what is going on? Why are you importuning my new niece?"

Sebastian and Percy stared at the Earl, unable to comprehend what he had just said. After a brief pause, Percy responded, "I beg your pardon, Fitzwilliam, did you call this woman your niece?"

The Earl gently took Elizabeth's arm, and gazed fondly at her, saying, "I certainly did."

Darcy quickly came forward as well. "May I have my share of the conversation, Uncle?"

Sebastian grimaced upon recognizing Darcy but had no way to inform his brother that Darcy was the man who had been spending time with Elizabeth.

Lord Fitzwilliam was not about to deny himself the pleasure of the introduction. He turned to Percy. "I have the very great pleasure in introducing my nephew, Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley and London, and his betrothed, the lovely Mrs. Elizabeth Waring, of Oaksley in Wiltshire. Darcy, Elizabeth, be known to Percival Stokes, Earl of _. Elizabeth is such a dear girl, we are truly delighted at the prospect of her joining our family."

Not one to go down gracefully, Percy, pressed forward with his agenda. "Matlock, my friend, permit me to warn you and your nephew before it is too late. You are being snookered. This woman is a fortune-hunter of the most blatant sort. Even worse, her sister…"

Darcy took a step closer until there was but a foot separating his face from Stokes. He spoke quietly. "I advise you, Mr. Stokes, to be cautious in what you say. You have few, if any, friends, here. Mrs. Waring has imposed herself on no one. You may take my word for that, sir! Mrs. Waring and I have been awaiting your arrival . . ." He noticed a flicker of surprise cross Stokes' face, "Oh yes. You and your brother were invited for a purpose, sir. We have something to impart to you."

"And should I choose not to oblige you, sir? What then?"

"Then I shall, with considerable pleasure, speak my piece here and in such tones as will leave no one in doubt as to my opinion of your character and that of your son. I assure you, sir, neither you nor your brother can wish to have me do so." Darcy paused for a moment, "Know this, Mr. Stokes, that I would not, for a single second, regret doing so. Is that your wish, sir?"

Whether it was some inner sense that such a discussion would be best held in private or the obvious willingness of Darcy, in defiance of all strictures of propriety, to apparently castigate someone in public, the Stokeses assented to the arrangement and allowed themselves to be escorted to the private room.

Miss Bingley quickly surveyed the guests as she entered the ball room. She was not altogether unfamiliar with the first circle of society. Her brother's wife, by virtue of being a daughter of an Earl, had an entrance to such society and Miss Bingley had often accompanied her. Nonetheless, she had never before encountered so many prestigious personages at once and the pleasure she experienced suffused her countenance such that Jane, who had not met her in over eight years, hardly recognized her.

And it was Jane and her husband who, by chance alone, were happily placed to be the first to encounter the Bingleys when they entered. Jane had focussed on them as soon as they were announced and was placed advantageously to observe the widening of Miss Bingley's eyes when she recognized her and smiled slightly when those same eyes just as quickly slid off to gaze past her. She doubted not that Miss Bingley would avoid the acquaintance if it were possible. Jane herself had no reason to wish to further it; however, neither her intentions nor Miss Bingley's were proof against Mr. Bingley's recognition of Jane and his greeting was as ebullient as ever she remembered it.

"Miss Bennet . . . forgive me. Of course you are no longer Miss Bennet!"

Jane was civil and found that eight years and the attentions of a most admirable husband allowed her to greet Bingley as an indifferent acquaintance.

"Mr. Bingley." She replied, "I am now Mrs. Simmons. Allow me to introduce my husband, Mr. James Simmons."

The two gentlemen exchanged bows and Bingley undertook to introduce his own party to the Simmonses.

All the proper acknowledgements were made. James Simmons, who was quite aware of his wife's history with the gentleman, looked upon him with some amount of interest and a great deal of satisfaction. He, James Simmons, had not been so foolish as to walk away from Jane Bennet. That a supposed gentleman had done so, spoke poorly of his understanding and intelligence. He returned his attention to the conversation occurring between Mr. and Mrs. Bingley and his wife. It was, as far as he could determine, replete with the usual inanities. Miss Bingley, who hitherto had been a silent witness, suddenly chose to interject a question into the conversation.

"I am surprised, Mrs. Simmons, that you should be attending this ball."

"And why is that, Miss Bingley?" interposed James Simmons. Jane smiled slightly. Her husband was not inclined to tolerate slights to her from any source and there had been a degree of condescension in Miss Bingley's tone which could not but offend.

Miss Bingley sniffed softly, "I would not have expected to find you amongst such company as this."

"Caroline!" hissed her brother.

James Simmons smiled, "And you would be quite correct, Miss Bingley. Like you, Jane and I would, in general, have no expectations of, or particular interest in, attending such an event. But here we all are! And quite enjoying ourselves, I assure you. Marvellous, is it not?"

"Are your aunt and uncle here? The ones who live in . . . Cheapside, is it not?" asked Miss Bingley, managing to mask almost completely the disdain she felt.

"Indeed they are." responded Jane, "shall I introduce you to them? I am sure that they would be delighted to meet you."

Miss Bingley finally could not mask her shock, "I am quite surprised that the Fitzwilliams would invite tradesmen to this ball."

James Simmons' smile did not reach his eyes. "I have noticed that not all peers take exception to those whose roots are in trade. You must have found it so as well, Miss Bingley. Your family, Miss Bingley, has been generally accepted, has it not?"

Miss Bingley chose not to answer and a brief uncomfortable silence lasted for a few seconds until Jane undertook to relieve it.

"I am sure that we were invited because of my sister; however, I have found the Fitzwilliam family to be quite welcoming." Jane replied with a small smile.

"Sister?" inquired Mrs. Bingley. Miss Bingley's countenance grew extremely flushed.

"Yes," replied Jane, "my sister, Mrs. Waring. I believe you met her a few days ago, did you not?"

Charles Bingley looked confused, "I do not comprehend . . . Of what are you speaking?"

Jane's gazed at him serenely, "Apparently you are unaware that this ball is in honor of Elizabeth. It is her engagement ball. The Fitzwilliams are, so to speak, welcoming her into their family."

"Who . . . Who is she to marry?" blurted Miss Bingley.

Jane smiled at Miss Bingley and the latter was in no doubt of Jane's satisfaction when she responded, "Why Mr. Darcy, of course."

"Darcy!" exclaimed Bingley. "I must congratulate him."

He glanced around obviously seeking his friend, finally seeing him across the room. Taking his leave of the Simmonses, a separation welcomed by both parties, he began to shepherd his wife and sister in that direction.

As they attempted, in company with the Stokeses, to move in the direction of the meeting room, Elizabeth and Darcy found their progress slowed by those wishing to once more extend their felicitations. More than a few were eager to have, after their wedding, the new Mrs. Darcy and her husband to dine or visit. Most were disappointed to learn that they would not be returning to London until the fall but were insistent that, when they did so, an invitation of one sort or another would be proffered. As Elizabeth remarked when they finally escaped their well-wishers, "I fear, when we return to Town in the fall, that our calendar will be extremely full. At least a dinner every night, a ball when not dining and callers every day. However will you survive, my love?"

"I shall have you to protect me, Elizabeth. And I shall sit with you at dinner and dance only with you!"

"Oh, that will never do . . . Mr. Darcy!" she glanced up at him provocatively, knowing he could not silence her as he – and she - wished.

"Minx!" he whispered close to her ear. She shivered.

Behind them Sebastian Stokes glowered. It was impossible to discern if he was more displeased with the obvious affection shared by Darcy and Elizabeth or the apparent acceptance being tendered by those who greeted Elizabeth. If Mrs. Stokes had an opinion, it was not divulged for less than a dozen words passed her lips and no one could have discerned from her mien whether she shared her husband's displeasure or not.

Darcy looked up to see a footman watching him expectantly, his hand on the door's handle, awaiting the signal to open it. Darcy shook his head briefly, turned his gaze on Elizabeth and raised his eyebrows. She took a few deep breaths – which did nothing for his composure as his attention was immediately fixed on her décolletage. She, not aware of the direction of his thoughts, nodded and took a step forward. The doorman reacted as would be expected and Darcy and Elizabeth entered the room with Darcy scrambling to refocus his thoughts. The Stokeses followed behind, their gazes flickering towards the room's other occupants.

Wasting no time, Lord Stokes began lambasting the Earl. "I fail to see what you hope to achieve by this little charade, Fitzwilliam!," he blared.

"I would have thought even you could understand something so obvious, Stokes." stated Lord Fitzwilliam, amusement clear in the tone of his voice.

"I was just informing his lordship, Darcy, of the reason for this . . . little charade, I believe he called it." He turned his attention back to the two Stokeses. "I suggest, gentlemen, that you recall the attitudes of those to whom you spoke as we made our way to this room. Mrs. Waring has met and charmed them all. She has the complete support of the Fitzwilliam and Darcy families and no small few of the leaders of the ton. Do not dispute this! It is a fact. You will find any effort to besmirch her reputation will fail. Who will be so foolish as to believe you after having met her themselves?"

"I will not be deterred by such a paltry exhibition." sneered Stokes.

"Paltry you call it? Are you daft, Puffy? You spoke to three Dukes, a Marquis, two Earls and several gentlemen of the highest ranks of society. All of them your equal or better. I repeat, are you daft?"

"You have been taken in by her! Take my advice, old friend." Lord Stokes waved his hand dismissively at Elizabeth, "She is a fortune-hunter of the most blatant sort. A commoner – not worthy of my consideration or yours. And my brother has advised me that the estate she has inherited is being most improperly managed. She will squander her son's inheritance if she is not replaced."

Sebastian Stokes, emboldened by his brother's support, sneered, "If you permit this marriage to go forward, your nephew will be marrying a common . . . trollop like her sister."

"SMACK!"

Sebastian Stokes reeled backwards from Elizabeth's open-handed slap and had barely time to register his outrage when he found himself being lifted up, shaken and face-to-face with an enraged gentleman. Elizabeth had never seen Darcy so angry. His face was white and his lips bloodless as he shook Sebastian Stokes like a mastiff might shake a lapdog to which he had taken exception.

"If it were not illegal and if you were any kind of a gentleman, I would call you out, sir. As it is, you are too disgusting to waste a bullet on or dirty a clean sword. I advise you to silence, sir, lest you feel my hand rather than Mrs. Waring's."

Darcy released Stokes, who almost collapsed from fear and shock, and turned to face Lord Stokes.

"The same goes for you, sir," and the tone of his voice as he spat out the final word left no doubt as to his disgust.

Elizabeth laid a hand on his arm, "This is not necessary, William. Truly it is not."

Darcy looked down at her, laid his own hand atop hers and pressed it firmly. "On that we must disagree, my dear. I would have no one doubt your character. No one!"

Darcy turned back to the others, "I know Mrs. Wiring's character well, sir. Very well, indeed! Mercenary? A fortune-hunter?" he shook his head. "No, it will not do. And I will not allow you to slander her so."

Before either of the Stokes could respond, Elizabeth spoke once more.

"I must also respond, sir, to the second charge of improper management of Oaksley. I know not from whom your report was gleaned but it is grossly in error. Management of the estate I undertake, however, I have hired a competent steward and I rely on the good advice of Mr. Crowley, who, with me, was named as the co-guardian of my children by my late husband."

"You discharged the previous steward for no reason other than a woman's fanciful and petty dislike of the man." blustered Sebastian Stokes.

"Petty, you call it?" exclaimed Elizabeth, "I should hope you discharge your duty to your clients in law better than to yourself. The man was a thief, sir. It was only due to his father being a respectable man, who discharged his duties as steward to Oaksley in an admirable manner, and the fact that his son's wife and children would have suffered from his actions, that I was persuaded to leniency. Mr. Crowley wanted him charged, convicted and transported, I assure you. And this is the source of your report?" She sniffed loudly, her disdain evident to them all.

Darcy's uncle finally broke a silence that, while seemingly endless, had lasted less than a minute.

"You and I, Stokes, will leave this room, arm-in-arm, accompanied by your brother, and both of you will make a circuit of the room with me, Darcy and Mrs. Waring; and you will be delighted to express your pleasure at Mrs. Waring's engagement to my nephew."

"I certainly shall not! Whyever would you expect me to capitulate to your whim in such a manner? The truth will out! And I shall help it be communicated amongst our friends. You are just attempting to cover this up to save your family's reputation. You certainly know what I think of that!" Percival Stokes blustered. His brother, who had, by this time, recaptured his composure - although making every effort to remain as close to his brother and as far from either Elizabeth and Darcy as possible - nodded his head in agreement.

Darcy's uncle looked at him and raised his eyebrows.

"Nephew?"

Darcy nodded, "I suggest, your lordship, that you reconsider that position. I have, over the past week, acquired over five thousand pounds of your debt and have left instructions with my solicitors to acquire such others as may be available. I would be within my rights to demand immediate repayment; and I might well do so, unless you comply with my uncle's . . . request."

"You would not dare." shouted Lord Stokes.

"Believe me, sir, but there is little I would not dare in defence of Mrs. Waring. Do not try me, sir. You will regret it, I assure you. Your presence in acknowledging Mrs. Waring will ensure that you will not reconsider your position in the future."

His uncle interceded, "I suggest you concede the matter, Stokes. If you are unable to meet your obligation right away as I suspect is the case, imagine the enjoyment such news will bring the Ton. Your reputation is not so sound as to weather such a disgrace." Lord Fitzwilliam had to suppress a desire to once again call Percival Stokes 'Puffy' but had realized that such an insult, at this point, might cause him to be intransigent to the point of stupidity, and he did not think highly enough of the man's intelligence to wish to assume such a risk.

Elizabeth had to turn away to hide her smile; both Stokeses turned such a violent shade of red that Elizabeth rather thought that they would have an apoplectic attack on the spot.

However, a notion that had been niggling at the back of her consciousness for some minutes suddenly made itself known and Elizabeth felt it necessary to make an inquiry.

"Where is your son, Mr. Stokes? I had thought to see him here with you."

"He has left town," said Sebastian Stokes.

"And where might he be?" demanded Darcy who was mentally kicking himself for once more overlooking that man's absence.

"I have no idea of his present location." replied Stokes.

Elizabeth was about to speak when she was interrupted by Darcy.

"I must warn you that should anything happen to Mrs. Waring, I will hold you both accountable."

Sebastian Stokes began to bluster loudly, "You cannot hold me responsible. I have no idea where my son is or what he is planning."

"Planning?" exclaimed Lord Fitzwilliam, "So you admit he is planning something?"

Sebastian Stokes glanced at his brother before muttering, "I cannot say."

"Cannot? Or will not?" demanded Darcy.

"Cannot!" blurted Sebastian Stokes.

"Nonetheless, I shall assume that he acts under your direction. I suggest you locate your son, Mr. Stokes . . . immediately."

"Gentlemen." Darcy's uncle gestured towards the door, "we have an . . . audience that awaits our performance."

As the three older gentlemen filed through the door, Elizabeth's hand on his arm held Darcy back.

"I do not . . . like the fact that Mr. Stokes will not or cannot say where his son is. Could he have gone to Oaksley? I did tell Miss Bingley that I was to return there soon and she could easily have revealed as much to him." She shook her head, "Perhaps I should have asked his father specifically if he is there."

"Stokes!" called Darcy. The Earl and his brother stopped and turned towards Darcy. "Has your son gone to Wiltshire? To Oaksley? I must have the truth, sir. It will go poorly should you lie to me now."

Sebastian Stokes nodded and left the room.