Wow, so four hours and about twenty reviews. I seem to have you guys on tenterhooks. So I have had a whole evening to go through the rest of the story, and I made the slightly upsetting discovery that I haven't actually finished writing it. Totally thought I had. Oops. So I'm gonna get working on the ending. I've edited the rest but it still needs a little work, so I will get on that as I go too.

Two chapters tonight might mean none tomorrow, but I shall try!

Thanks to the latest reviewers - suddenly single, lynned, student871, jwgriff, Gaskellian (love your story btw), lpinney, nancyjeanne, nanciellen, r, Tina, raey and the guests also. Thank you all. I know there is a lot of annoyance over the sexism. I agree. Mr Bennet was one of my least fav characters. He really could have done better, and he knew it he was just lazy! I know at seems pale in comparison to the malicious Bingley girl or the Wickham con man but it always seemed to be bad to me! Anyway...

Chapter 36 - The Newly married couple.

When Captain Sanderson and Mrs Lydia Sanderson came to Longborn for a short visit there was even more excitement for the gossip wheel. Elizabeth had to admit that Sanderson, whom she had barely spared much attention for before, seemed like a likeable fellow. He had taken charge of Lydia admirably and they both seemed adorably enamoured with each other. Their auras did show some interesting flares when close. He was magical, but not powerful. She was really pleased to see that he was encouraging Lydia to study and practice her magic.

They were a sweet couple. She hoped it would last. They were not staying long, for Sanderson wished to visit his family on their way to Newcastle.

"Sister, may I impose upon your solitude?"

Elizabeth jumped with surprise. She had been contemplating her aunts latest letter which had been in response to her entreaties to explain why Mr Darcy had called the day she had left. Her aunt had written with very little detail but enough to suggest that Mr Darcy had been to visit for more than the brief call her father had suggested.

"You may, the imposition is not unwelcome"

"I hope not. I never had any sisters, I should hope not to offend one before I had a chance to really know her" Elizabeth laughed, "shall we take a turn?" He added offering his arm.

"So you are to Yorkshire? I would not have guessed you were from that part of the country"

"Indeed, my accent is not so pronounced. My father owns a neat piece of land there, about the size of Netherfield"

"Is that so? It sounds charming. You must miss it"

"Yes, sometimes. But I was the youngest of four sons see, so the estate was never going to be mine. A new home is what I have always aimed for"

"The lot of the younger son and the daughter?" She added a lilt that implied the question

"Indeed," he smiled "my second youngest brother is an attorney, but he loathes London. I am pleased to say that he will be coming to join your uncle here in Meryton"

"That is excellent news, uncle has been wishing for a clerk for sometime" she wondered if this had something to do with Lydia.

They had turned away from the house, she looked around there was no one nearby.

"Brother, I hope you do not mind me expressing my gratitude to yourself. What happened was.." She paused to find the words. "Lydia was careless, but she did not deserve what happened. My whole family is grateful for you"

He patted her hand where it lay on his sleeve

"Tis not me you should be indebted to. I am content in my marriage Miss Elizabeth, but it has been an advantageous match for me also"

She looked at him puzzled

He merely smiled at her and pulled her in to motion again, walking around the hedge that gave them privacy and started back towards the house.

"I hope we can be honest with each other, Miss Elizabeth?"

"I would like that"

"Then perhaps we shall talk more on this subject in the future, if you should wish it."

He turned to her, bowed over her hand and gave it a kiss before returning in to the house. She stayed outside a moment contemplating what had been said and not said. Clearly her new brother was a fan of riddles, but this one seemed to imply that he was financially well off for this marriage, commissions were not cheap but that did not seem to be all that he meant. Her father could not have given them much, could he? Her mind brought her back to Mr Darcy, could he have been involved somehow?

She took a deep breath of fresh air and decided to leave it alone for now. Her first brother and youngest sister were leaving on the morrow and she for one wanted to enjoy their last night at home.

An odd comment about Mr Darcy, by Lydia of course, sent Lizzie back to speculating about how he came to be involved in things. She resolved to write to her aunt to see if she knew any more about the matter.

She did not have to wait long for a reply.

.

My Dear Niece,

I must say I was surprised by your letter. I had thought you acquainted with the particulars of these terrible events. You were very sly in your last letter, implying knowledge you did not have. But I suppose now you have enough information to draw the wrong conclusions. It would be better for me to acquaint you with the whole.

Mr Darcy did call the afternoon of your return home. He stayed for a visit with myself and spent more time with your father and uncle. He was most kind to myself and asked after yourself and Lydia. The purpose of his meeting with your father was to discuss the plans for managing the situation. Mr Darcy did not wish for his name to be bandied about as gossip any more than we wished for your role in the situation to become apparent. They knew of the gossip in Meryton and so hatched a plan.

Colonel Forster located the suitable candidate and made the promotion recommendation. Your uncle paid for his accommodation in town and your father paid for his travel and arranged for a place for his brother with your uncle Phillips. Mr Darcy insisted on being part of the whole. Citing his responsibility for Wickham and trying to take the blame upon himself for not exposing his character earlier. Of course your uncle and father argued but he was most insistent. I believe they gave in just because they wanted the business dealt with and the argument was taking too long. Certainly longer than Wickham deserved.

As it was they allowed Mr Darcy to purchase the captaincy in the regulars and I believe he gifted some money to the couple, although he did not disclose what amount or even if he did, this was my supposition after watching them converse one afternoon.

I believe my husband felt Mr Darcy had another motive for his charitable endeavour and that belief was the main reason for us allowing his actions. If I have supposed too much I am sorry and I shall say no more. I must add that I do like him very much.

Yours with affection

Aunt Madeleine

.

Elizabeth did not know what to make of this letter. The insinuations about herself and Mr Darcy were the first thing she noticed. It made her hope and fear, fear won out. Her aunt must be assuming too much. The part about Mr Darcy funding Lydia's new situation was confusing, but his reasons were just so that she could believe he felt that way. Mr Darcy had gone to Derbyshire and she had no way of contacting him. She desperately wished to know what he thought of the whole but everytime she thought on it she came to one conclusion. He must despise her and her family.

What respectable family would raise a daughter that would allow herself to elope? What family would raise a daughter that would go on her own to a warehouse in London? What man would wish to be connected to a woman who could fight with magic. Why would Mr Darcy want her after her unladylike display and her apparent lack of concern for the danger she put herself in? He must be congratulating himself on his lucky escape.

Her Aunt's words came back to her 'another motive' but she could not credit such assertions. She counselled herself to think no more on it lest she raise hopes that may not be met.