RECAP:

Chapter 13 – Lizzy read Darcy's letter and decided to forgive him, Anne and Richard visited Lizzy in the Dower House and found out about Mr. Price, they then informed Darcy of everything they found out and the Netherfield Party was invited for tea by Lizzy. Luckily for Darcy, Anne made excuses for everyone so only the three of them would be attending.


"If I knew that you'd be fidgeting that much, Darce, I wouldn't have stopped you from riding your horse!" Richard said, looking at him with more amusement than irritation.

Across from them, Anne shook her head. "Do be silent, Richard. We all know that you wanted Ashbourne to ride with us in the carriage so you could enjoy watching him in a restless state."

Richard smiled teasingly at Anne. "Aww, my Anne does know me well."

Instead of listening to his cousins' exchange, Darcy focused his attention to the view outside. He knew very well why Richard took delights on seeing him so rattled. After all, his father, the Duke of Devonshire, raised him to be stoic at any situation. At the young age of ten, he perfected the art of masking his feelings, so much so that even his own family could not discern his thoughts.

The only one he allowed to know more about him was his mother. Perhaps it was because he knew that his mother would never judge him and she would always show him her support. Maybe it was because he had been separated from his mother at an early age and he wanted to get closer to her that was why he always talked to her about his life – be it in form of letters or actually speaking.

He was seven when his mother left Pemberly to settle in one of their other estates. At the time she was gone, his father began teaching him his duties as a landlord. When he was not with his tutors, he was with his father. He was also at this age when his father taught him to wear a mask on his face. When his mother came back, it was on the day of his eighth birthday.

And because his mother stayed with them at Pemberly again since then, he had had someone whom he could show his true feelings to. Unfortunately for Fitzwilliam, at the age of twelve, four months after his mother gave birth to Georgiana, his mother left again. It was a rough time for him because he did not know the reason why his mother left them and took his little sister with her.

Unfortunately for him, his sadness had no place at the time. His father had become more severe in reminding him of his duties and responsibilities. That same year, he was sent to school with George Wickham. When he came back to Pemberly to spend the holidays, he was relieved that his little sister was home. His mother, however, was still away.

Perhaps, the natural reaction that was expected from him was to be mad at his mother for going away. However, Fitzwilliam could not find it in himself to be angry at her. How could he when his mother was there, always supporting him and guiding him when he was lost. Indeed, Fitzwilliam felt that even though his mother was physically absent, she had helped him get passed the hard times in his life – even if her only way to show it was through her letters. She was so unlike his father, who, though present in his life, was always cold if not looking down at him in disappointment.

Up until now, Fitzwilliam knew not what his mother's reason was for staying away. The only thing he was sure of was that his father had allowed her mother to leave and that his parents' relationship was not the cause of his mother's separation from them. Even now, Fitzwilliam knew and could tell that his mother and father still loved each other very much. At times, he still wondered what could possibly be his mother's reason for leaving them.

His father always seemed to soften when his mother was by his side and he couldn't help but think of things like: Would his father act warmer towards him in his teens if his mother had not left them? Would he have bonded with him more, had his mother became more active in their lives?

Shaking his head of negative thoughts, Darcy tried to think of other things. Positive ones – like how his mother's advice appeared to be more effective than he thought. For, surely, if Elizabeth was alright with being in his presence then there was a huge possibility that she had forgiven him, considering she was always avoiding him in their past meetings.

Darcy still remembered writing to his mother, asking her on how he could apologise to a lady after offending her so gravely, twice. Of course, he had written it as a hypothetical situation only. He didn't know if his mother believed him or not but he suspected that perhaps she might have an inkling on what was truly going on. Nonetheless, his mother had replied and he was surprised that she had sent it in express.

'The first thing you have to do, son, in this hypothetical situation, is to let the hypothetical lady know that you realised you hurt them. Next is to admit your behaviour and acknowledge what you did. Of course, you should express remorse in your action, show her that you regret doing what you did. Lastly, make amends. Promise her that it will not happen again and reassure her that you are going to change your behaviour. Now, William, I have told you what I know but to gain the hypothetical lady's forgiveness. It is you who have to work. Just show her that you are sincere, son, and show her what you really feel. If you did that, then I am sure that she will find it in her to forgive you.'

With those wise words from his mother, he began composing a letter on what he would like to tell Elizabeth. He hid nothing in that letter, even going as far as revealing his own insecurities and his childhood. But of course, he only made that to act as his guide so he could say the right thing. He knew that he was better at written words than spoken ones, as Richard so often reminded him.

And as it was, by the time he found the chance to ask for forgiveness, he didn't get to express what he wanted in words. So in a moment of panic and desperation, when Elizabeth was about to leave, Darcy snatched the sealed letter hidden in the pocket of his coat and handed it to her.

"Done with your wool-gathering, cousin?" Richard's voice caused Darcy to start, making the former laugh. "I'll take that as a yes."

"Come, gentlemen. Miss Elizabeth is expecting us."

-p&p-

"I am very glad you came." Elizabeth greeted her visitors with a smile. "And just in time too. Please, do sit." She was not surprised that only the three of them were present. She had already guessed that Mr. Bingley would not want to leave Jane and it must be the same for his sisters. The situation was in her favour. This way, she could talk to Lord Ashbourne and make amends like she had planned.

Miss de Bourgh, who sat herself on the settee across her, smiled teasingly. "Are we just in time to save you from finishing another 'terrible drawing'?"

Elizabeth laughed. "No, Miss de Bourgh, I did not draw anything today. However, you are just in time to save Cook from my meddling in the kitchen. She loves me but I am afraid that after stealing my third cookie, I believe she was now unsure if her affection for me is wise or not."

"Stealing!" Colonel Fitzwilliam exclaimed in feigned horror from beside Miss de Bourgh. "And here we thought that you could never do something terrible like that." Elizabeth smiled in amusement at the Colonel's antics, but she could not help but frown at the Colonel's next statement. "However, I believe that everyone would still love you after doing such a horrible thing. Therefore, I conclude that your cook forgives you."

It was just too similar to the words Mama always drilled in her head. "Love?!" Lizzy could hear Mrs. Bennet's shrill voice echoing in her mind. "How could I love you after doing such a horrible thing – killing my son! I would never forgive you!"

The cousins noticed Miss Elizabeth's changed in expression and they wondered at which particular words in Richard's sentences caused it. Noticing her distress, Ashbourne spoke up. "Anne mentioned something about 'terrible drawings' earlier, Miss Elizabeth. Do not tell me that you still call your drawings 'terrible'? They are not."

To the cousins' relief, Miss Elizabeth responded well to Ashbourne's question. "Then, I shall not tell you, your Lordship."

"What's this," Richard started, feeling guilty for whatever he had said wrong earlier and wanting to lift up the mood by continuing the current topic of conversation. "You have shown my cousin your drawing yet you refuse to let Anne and I see it?! Why, Miss Elizabeth, I did not know that you play favourites."

"I do not play favourites, Colonel." Miss Elizabeth said solemnly. Then, her lips twitched upwards. "If I do, then the first one among the three of you to see my works would be Miss de Bourgh. Besides, Lord Ashbourne only got to see it because I met him first."

Richard tapped his chin, as if thinking seriously. "Very well, Miss Elizabeth, since I chose to court Anne instead of the Marquess here," he said pointing at Darcy, "I trust your judgement."

The two ladies laughed while Darcy frowned at Richard.

"And because you just implied that I am your favourite, Miss Elizabeth, would you now call me by my Christian name?"

Miss Elizabeth smiled. "Only, if you call by mine too. But if you prefer Lizzy, which is shorter, then you can use that instead."

"Of course, Lizzy." Anne smiled before batting her lashes at Miss Elizabeth. "Now, I believe it is time for you to show us your drawings and since you just said moments ago that I am your favourite among the three of us, surely you will not deny my request."

Shaking her head fondly, Miss Elizabeth sighed. "Nicely done, Anne."

As Elizabeth walked to the corner of the room to retrieve her latest drawings, Agnes placed the tea and cookies on the table. Lizzy thanked the maid when she walked past her before returning to her previous seat. She handed Anne her sketches before pouring tea. Since Lord Ashbourne was the one sitting closest to her, she handed him the drink first.

She was pouring some for Anne and the Colonel when Lord Ashbourne turned to her with a tender expression on his face. His voice soft as he whispered, "You remembered."

"Lemon and two teaspoons of sugar are not hard to remember, my Lord." She replied, giving him a small smile before handing Anne and the Colonel their respective teas.

Lord Ashbourne opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted with the Colonel's comment. "I do not see anything bad about your drawings, Miss Elizabeth. Indeed, I am amazed at your ability to capture the likeness of objects. However, I do understand that artists are prone to criticising their works because they see little details that normal people do not."

Elizabeth nodded in agreement. "I am glad that you understand, Colonel. It is my primary reason why I did not show you my drawings. I would not want you and Anne to think that I am fishing for compliments because I describe my most recent works terrible."

"I only understand it because Ashbourne acts the same with his drawings."

Lizzy smiled, "Indeed, he does." Noting that neither Anne nor the Colonel was surprised when she mentioned that she met the Marquess first, Lizzy felt safe to elaborate her reply. "We had a drawing competition once before and if you were watching, you'd think that we were competing on who was the worse artist for we kept on criticising our own works and complimenting the other's."

"Compliment?!" The Colonel exclaimed, looking at Lord Ashbourne in exaggerated surprise. "I never knew that Ashbourne could do that."

"Oh, hush, Richard. You know very well that Ashbourne can give compliments. I believe his favourite to give was 'decent enough'."

Elizabeth and the Colonel laughed at Anne's words. Lord Ashbourne, on the other hand, remained expressionless. Though, the other three could see very well that the tips of his ears were red with embarrassment. Because of this, the Colonel took charge of the conversation and talked of stories about the Marquess, teasing Lord Ashbourne some more.

The snacks cook have prepared for them were gone by the time they finished teasing the Marquess. After ringing for Agnes to pick up the tray, Elizabeth turned to Anne. "I believe it is now my turn to request something from you, Anne."

"It is only because you are my friend that I will allow you to have your revenge on me, Lizzy. What shall it be, then?"

"Will you play for us?" Elizabeth moved her eyes to the pianoforte in the corner. It was gift from her Grandma Claire.

Knowing that her cousin and Lizzy needed to talk privately, Anne agreed. "Very well but only if I can have someone turn the page for me. I am not as talented in music as you are, Lizzy, so be warned."

"I'll assist you with the pages." Anne smiled at Richard. They were of the same mind.

When the first notes from the pianoforte filled the room, Darcy immediately turned to Elizabeth. "Miss Elizabeth, I cannot express how happy I am, knowing that you do not avoid my presence anymore. I promise to make it up to you. I am truly sorry –"

"Speak no more, Lord Ashbourne." She said before he could speak any further. "I accept your apology and you need not make another."

Smiling, he took her gloved hand and pressed a light kiss on her knuckle. "I thank you."

Blushing at his actions, Elizabeth slowly moved her hand away from his and cleared her throat. "Now, I believe it is my turn to apologise, my Lord. I am sorry for running away from you and avoiding you these last few times we saw each other."

"You have nothing to apologise for, Miss Elizabeth." He was quick to reassure her. "I understand why you avoided me. However, may I be so bold to ask why you have run away from me when we went for a stroll near Longbourn?"

Elizabeth looked down and bit her lip as she fidgeted with her gloves. After taking a deep breath, she lifted her head, his blue eyes meeting her green ones. "I was afraid."

He furrowed his brows at her short answer. "Afraid?"

"Yes, you look positively angry at the time and I thought you were going to…" She trailed off, shifting her gaze from him.

"Going to what, Miss Elizabeth?" He asked softly, not wanting to frighten her.

"Hit me." She whispered so low that he thought was not going to hear her. Upon registering her words, however, he froze.

He would've remained frozen on his seat if he did not notice her paling countenance. Reaching out for her hand to calm her, he told her in a gentle voice that he would never do that. "I would not hit a woman, Miss Elizabeth, and I certainly would not dare raise a hand on you."

Squeezing his hand, Elizabeth replied. "I know that now, but your stance that day – your posture rigid, hands fisted on your sides and you were gritting your teeth… it was just so similar to –" she paused. "Forgive me, my Lord. I forget myself." She tried to smile at him but Darcy was not buying it. "What I'm trying to say is, you looked so angry that I lost my courage and ran away."

Darcy wanted so much to know what her actual words was going to be but he also understood that he had just gotten his second chance. She was not willing to open up to him, yet. He could understand that and so, he let it slide for now. "I was not angry at you, Miss Elizabeth. I was angry at myself at that time. When you looked up at me, moments after the first time I called your name, your reaction at my mistakes hit me hard. I realised then that I could not bear to see you look sad and I hated myself for it. Indeed, I wanted to kick myself in that moment."

This time, her smile was small but real. "That must be a real challenge to do – kicking one's self. However, I found it unreasonable. If you really wanted to kick yourself, my Lord, I believe the Colonel would be honoured to do the task."

He chuckled in response. "I know he would."

"You are lucky then, Lord Ashbourne, to have a cousin who is willing to do your task for you." He was glad to see her smile bigger, this time.

"While I consider myself lucky in having Richard as my cousin," Darcy said glancing in his cousin's direction, "I would not use the example you gave, Miss Elizabeth. What about you? Who would be honoured to do the task of kicking yourself when needed?" He was eager to find out her answer. It could confirm his suspicions if she was estranged from her family or not.

Darcy watched as Elizabeth pursed her mouth in deep thought. "I think it would be Charlotte – Miss Lucas, I mean. She is Sir William Lucas's eldest daughter and my dearest friend. If not her, it would be Alexa, my Abigail. You see, we have known each other at such a young age so we are very close and I know that she would not hesitate to put some sense into me if needed. I believe John Lucas would not hesitate to do it either. After all, he has yet to get his revenge of me after I bested him in climbing a tree when I was eight."

Darcy let out a small smile at her answer when all he wanted to do was frown. Not only because it bothered him that she seemed close to another man since she was a child but also by the fact that she did not she mention family members. To get his answer, he asked, "Wouldn't your sisters do it?"

"Mary and Kitty would, I am sure, but not without asking my permission twice. They tend to look up to me because I am older."

Before he could give his reply, a woman which appeared to be in her late forties entered the room. She has light brown hair that was styled in a bun and a kind face with dark brown eyes.

To his and his cousins' (he noticed because the music stopped) surprise, Elizabeth immediately stood up and greeted the newcomer. "Mrs. Winters!"

With a bright smile on her face, Elizabeth turned to them one by one. "Lord Ashbourne, Anne, Colonel Fitzwilliam, this is Mrs. Sarah Winters, my governess and companion. She has known me since I was a little girl. And just like Cook, by the countless of times I tried to sneak out from her, Mrs. Winters also doubts – from time to time – if her affection for me was wise or not."

The cousins expressed their pleasure at meeting Mrs. Winters. The three of them agreed that aside from wanting to establish a good relationship with Elizabeth during this visit, they will also take note of every little detail that could help them figure out what was going on with the Bennet family. Perhaps, Mrs. Winters could help the cousins find the answers to their questions.

"Mrs. Winters, these are my friends; Lord Ashbourne, Miss de Bourgh and Colonel Fitzwilliam."

"I am delighted to meet you all." Mrs. Winters replied. "If you do not mind, I would go and refresh myself in my room."

As soon as Mrs. Winters curtsied and left the room, Anne began playing once again and Darcy was amused to see Elizabeth crane her neck from side to side before looking seriously back at him and speaking in a low voice. "You promised to make it up to me, earlier, correct?" When he nodded, Elizabeth continued. "Well, here is what you can do, Lord Ashbourne. Please do not mention of our acquaintance in London with anyone else – especially Mrs. Winters."

Before he could reply, she spoke again, fear and panic lacing her tone. "I am not asking you to lie, your Lordship, just to prolong the revelation of the truth."

"May I ask why, Miss Elizabeth?"

Looking up at him with guilt, she replied. "Other than Alexa, no one else knew that I was meeting you in my Uncle's Warehouse."

Not satisfied with her answer, he asked her to elaborate further. She looked at him pleadingly, "Next time we meet, I will explain. But please do not ask me about it now." Then, she turned away from him again and craned her neck to the direction where Mrs. Winters exited earlier.

Darcy couldn't help but let out a quiet laugh at her antics. Upon doing this, she faced him once again. This time, with eyes narrowed and arms crossed against her chest. The only thing revealing her real feelings was the slight twitch of her lips. "Are you laughing at me, my Lord?"

"If I remember correctly, you were the one who thought me to amuse myself at other people's antics back in London when we first met." He made sure on emphasising the last six words which earned him a glare from the delightful lady before him to which he smiled at. He missed this, their teasing and banters. It was like nothing bad happened between the two of them and they were back to the way they were before.

On second thought, perhaps he had gone too far. She was actually glaring at him this time. "Miss Elizabeth –"

"Lord Ashbourne, I am proud of you because I can see that have improved your skills on how to tease, I really am." She softened her look. "But my request to you is no teasing matter. Well, as of now, it is not. Perhaps, in the future it will not be the same. For the meantime, please, do take my request seriously. If my Aunt and Uncle found out, my freedom will be even more limited and they might even separate Alexa from me. I don't want to lose a friend nor do I want to lose my Aunt's trust in me. London is my only escape from Longbourn. If I lose my freedom there then my visits there would make no difference."

"Escape from Longbourn? Of what are you talking about, Miss Elizabeth?"

"As much as I love the country, I also like to venture in Town Mr. Darcy. That is all I meant." The evenness in her tone would have him believe her, if she had not looked away from him so quickly. 'Why are you lying, Elizabeth?' He wanted to ask. But knowing that she needed more time to open up to him, he let the lie slide.

"Of course." He did not miss the way she released a small sigh of relief at his response.

-p&p-

Sarah Winters hurried towards her room and changed her clothes as quickly as she could. She did not know that Lizzy would have guests today. She knew it was a bad idea to leave for London yesterday morning, but what could she do? Madeline Gardiner had summoned her. There were things they needed to talk about everyone's safety which could not be achieved by just a simple correspondence.

She should have left immediately after breakfast earlier. But then again, the Gardiners had an emergency in the Warehouse and the nanny for the children was unwell. She needed to stay there.

But how could she not know about Lizzy's new friends? Judging on the way her charge had smiled at the visitors, she seemed very fond of them. That wouldn't just happen in a span of short meetings. No, it wouldn't. Sarah tried to think of the gatherings that she had allowed Lizzy to attend: the Meryton Assembly, the gathering at the Lucases – two. If she added the time Lizzy was asked to go to Longbourn and the one time Lizzy sneaked out, there would be a total of four meetings.

Was that enough to make Lizzy so attached? Sarah did not think so but it was also not impossible. But one of them was a Lord! What would she do? What if those newcomers would bring danger towards them?

Pulling herself together, Mrs. Winters decided that she would write a letter to Madeline Gardiner later. For now, she would go downstairs and observe Lizzy's visitors. If she found them alright, then she would let them visit Lizzy. But, if in any way, they would bring any danger to her charge, then she would do everything in her power to stop their acquaintance.

With this in mind, Mrs. Winters made her way to the drawing room.


This was, so far, the longest chapter I have ever written for this book and phew! Anyways, what do you guys think? Too sweet? Too much drama? Too fast? What about Mrs. Winters? And Darcy's parents? Hmmm…

Next update will resume to normal which is every other Sunday but if I finished a chapter earlier, then I would post it immediately. I'm sorry that you guys are gonna have to wait for so long and that I didn't get to do my plans to update faster by this time. :( On the bright side, we are now getting to the exciting part ( at least, in my opinion) of the story.

Thank you for the reviews, follows, and favorites – they never fail to make my day :)

Stay safe guys and take care of yourselves. Hopefully, a cure can be found to end the virus soon.