Copyright 2021 Elizabeth Frerichs

Only three days later, the day dawned clear and warmer than it had been in some weeks. Darcy had spoken with Georgiana about Elizabeth, and his sister had urged him to 'hurry up and marry Elizabeth,' so the Bennet sisters could stay with her in London where she had access to more of her music and art supplies. And because she wished for sisters of her own.

He had questioned Georgiana about Elizabeth's character, and his sister had recited all the qualities she liked about Elizabeth as proof that she did indeed know her well enough and that she was certain he ought to intensify his pursuit.

As the weather was so cooperative, Darcy suggested they invite the Bennets to walk up to Oakham Mount. It would not provide as much privacy as he wished for with Elizabeth, but it would be more than he had gotten of late. Georgiana sent round a note, and the Bennet sisters sent back an acceptance.

When they reached Longbourn, the ladies were already outside. Darcy was struck dumb by Elizabeth's beauty as she smiled up at him, her chestnut hair shining in the sunlight.

"H-How are you today, Miss Elizabeth?" Darcy stammered out.

"Quite well," she replied. "The sunshine makes such a difference, does it not? It is as though the whole world is reborn anew after the past grey weeks."

"That was rather poetic; I thought you were not fond of poetry," Darcy said.

Elizabeth waved the objection aside. "I am not fond of bad poetry."

"I see. May I escort you?" he asked, offering her his arm.

Elizabeth accepted at once. As they left Longbourn, Darcy had Elizabeth on one arm and Georgiana on the other. Mere minutes later, however, Georgiana excused herself to go speak to the three youngest Bennets, leaving the pair to themselves. Before long, they had outstripped the others—not that Bingley and Miss Bennet were walking very quickly. Darcy had a feeling his friend was so distracted by Miss Bennet that they would be lucky to reach Oakham Mount at all.

"Thank you for suggesting this outing," Elizabeth said. "I needed to get out of the house."

"You are certainly welcome; however, I must confess that I had a rather more selfish motive."

"Oh?"

"I have missed speaking with you," he said, daring to glance down at her.

Elizabeth faltered before looking up at him. "I have missed talking to you, too. It is not the same when we are with our sisters, is it?"

"No. Though I am grateful for your attentions to Georgiana."

"As I said, she is a lovely young woman whom I like very much, so it is no hardship to spend time with her. Truly, my sisters and I are grateful for her friendship and her instruction."

"Have you moved on from sketching?"

Elizabeth made a face. "We attempted to draw silhouettes yesterday." She sighed. "I am afraid I am not any better at that variety of drawing than any other. Georgiana swears it is easier than everything we have attempted thus far, but I think she is exaggerating for some nefarious reason of her own," she confided with mock seriousness. "There is only less to draw; silhouettes are not easier to capture."

"I would not know, as I have never tried to draw a silhouette, though I can admit to some difficulty in remaining posed while having my silhouette drawn."

"I suppose your profile is distinct enough to be in high demand," Elizabeth mused.

Darcy nearly stumbled, trying to decide whether Elizabeth was complimenting him, suggesting that his profile was unusually awkward, or referring to the many young women of the ton who pursued him. He cleared his throat. "Actually, Georgiana is the only person who has drawn it."

"So it was brotherly affection that kept you riveted in place rather than societal obligation."

Darcy chuckled. "Yes. Georgiana was practicing her drawing and required a model several times. It was during spring planting, and I ended up dozing off twice. After I fell off my stool, Georgiana decided to ask a few of our long-time servants to allow her to draw them instead."

Elizabeth laughed. "I can see why Georgiana would enlist the assistance of more cooperative models."

"I was cooperative—just not conscious," Darcy said with a smile. "A minor detail."

"Details are the difference between success and failure."

"Indeed." Darcy glanced back, noting that the rest of the group was still out of earshot. "How are your projects progressing? I have been wanting to ask, but I was not sure who is already aware of your efforts."

"Thank you," Elizabeth said with a slight blush.

What must Mr. Darcy think of her? They had to guard their tongues while amongst her family simply because she was engaged in improvements that her parents would not approve of. Such an undutiful daughter! Practically forward. Her mother was forever admonishing her for running wild and had done so that painful day while she and Jane were staying at Netherfield. Did Mr. Darcy agree with Mama?

The man in question looked down at her inquiringly, and she realised she had not yet answered his question.

"They are going well, I believe. Now that the drains are put in and the various seeds and livestock are ordered, there is not much to do until spring."

Mr. Darcy nodded. "May I ask where you ordered your supplies?"

"Mr. Green's. He maintains relationships with all the farmers in the area and can usually obtain whatever one needs locally, or he can order it through his brother who has a supply business in London."

"And he is located in Meryton?"

Elizabeth nodded.

"Bingley was inspired by your drains. We have spent much of the past weeks preparing diagrams of the changes he wishes to make at Netherfield and determining the supplies needed."

"I am glad to hear that he is not intending to leave again soon."

Mr. Darcy's mouth twitched. "No. He does not intend to leave until after the spring planting at the earliest and certainly he would have to return in time for the harvest. He appears quite fixed in Hertfordshire."

Elizabeth nodded pensively, hoping for Jane's sake that Mr. Bingley's new resolution would prove a lasting change.

The conversation moved on to Mr. Darcy's improvements at Pemberley and from there to childhood reminiscences from both of them. Throughout it all, Mr. Darcy remained attentive, and Elizabeth could not help but hope that her sisters were correct about his intentions.

"Well?" Bingley prompted the moment they were alone that night.

"Pardon?"

Bingley gave him an exasperated look. "How did it go with Miss Elizabeth?"

"Ah." Darcy considered. The afternoon walk had been delightful. After so many days without private discourse, it had been wonderful to bask in Elizabeth's full attention and had only confirmed what he already knew: he wanted a life spent with Elizabeth. On the other hand, he was not sure that he had sufficiently (or efficiently) conveyed his interest. "I do not know. I tried to display my interest: I listened to her and asked after her concerns, although there was little new to discuss in the matter of Longbourn or Miss Lydia. I told her that I have missed speaking to her alone." He huffed. "I just do not know how to make my interest plain without simply proposing to her."

"Did you tell her how well she looked today?" Bingley asked awkwardly.

Darcy shook his head. "Georgiana was with me when I greeted her, and I did not wish to make Georgie uncomfortable. Nor did it seem the time to say so later in the conversation once Miss Elizabeth and I were alone."

"Have you considered asking to court her? That would clearly indicate your interest without jumping to a proposal."

"I have not. I was more concerned with trying to change her opinion of me first."

Bingley looked pensive. "I believe you have succeeded in changing her opinion. She is always delighted to see you."

Georgiana had said the same thing.

"And telling her of her beauty would never be amiss if you were in a courtship," Bingley pointed out.

"True." And perhaps the rest of it might come more easily if he was not constantly worrying about showing too much or too little interest? If he simply told Elizabeth that he wished to court her, she could either accept him or tell him why he was not acceptable, and then he could use that information to more effectively change her views.

"Do you intend to ask Miss Bennet for a courtship?"

Bingley hesitated. "I do not know. Perhaps. I believe I have settled in my own mind that I wish to marry her. She is more than just lovely—her kindness towards others and her goodness . . . such traits are not often found. But, like you, I am working to overcome those defects which I displayed last autumn. I believe I have made progress."

"Have you told Miss Bennet of your plans to improve Netherfield?"

Bingley nodded. "But it is an easy thing to say. It shows my intentions, but I do not believe it exhibits that I will follow through on them."

"Miss Elizabeth mentioned where she purchased the materials for her improvements; perhaps you ought to loudly order your supplies from the same source," he said with a slight smirk. "Gossip about your purchases will likely spread quickly. You will have effectively shown the neighbourhood that you intend to remain and have already committed your funds to doing just that."

Bingley brightened. "That is an excellent idea! Thank you, Darcy!"

"You are more than welcome. And thank you for your advice. I will—I will consider how best to broach the topic with Miss Elizabeth." And consider when to do so. He did not wish to wait too long, but neither did he wish to rush into such an important conversation and make a hash of it.

The next morning, Darcy had just begun eating a solitary breakfast when an express arrived for him from Lady Catherine. Apparently Mr. Collins had informed her of not only Georgiana's presence but also of a rumour circulating through Meryton that he was on the verge of offering for Miss Elizabeth Bennet. What was worse, she had commanded Mr. Collins to send an express to Mr. Bennet at Longbourn, strongly urging him to refuse the match—which meant Elizabeth had likely received such an express today as well.

If winter had not made the roads treacherous, he had no doubt that he would have had the full fury of his aunt bearing down upon him in person and that she might have harangued Elizabeth as well. As it was, her letter overflowed with vituperations about Elizabeth's likely character, mandates for him to repudiate the rumours at once as they reflected poorly on her Anne, and demands to know why Georgiana was there and for the both of them to instantly quit Hertfordshire so that the Darcy name would not be dragged through the muck.

In short, she forcefully reminded him of his duty to his family, to his name, to his sister, and to her daughter.

Darcy put down the letter and pushed his plate back in disgust. Her words had quite turned his stomach.

How could he have ever agreed with that bilge?

Mere months ago, he had wrestled with the same arguments and Lady Catherine's words would have seemed eminently reasonable, despite how little he would have wished to act upon them. Now though—she condemned Elizabeth simply for her parentage. She had never met Elizabeth; she did not know what a sparkling person she was (and likely Elizabeth's fortitude would only have irritated Lady Catherine). It was ridiculous for her to malign Elizabeth's character on so little information! All she knew was that Elizabeth had turned down Mr. Collins—which, in his opinion, showed her good sense and lack of greed—and the various things Mr. Collins had told her about the Bennets.

And her arguments about what was due to his position in the ton! How could he have ever allowed concern for what such a pack of jackals thought to run his life? High society had weathered a number of scandals and would likely continue to do so. If his marriage to Elizabeth caused them to reject him—well, as Bingley had said, it might at least thin out the worst of the lot. Perhaps the only people who would continue to accept him would be those who cared about character.

And if not, he doubted their rejection would last for all that long. Particularly not if his Aunt Margaret intervened.

He glanced back at the offending letter. Hopefully, his Aunt Margaret would be more open-minded.

Darcy sighed. Lady Catherine was, like Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Mathers, a mother attempting to take care of a beloved daughter. Ever since his father's death, she had been peddling this story that she and Darcy's mother had planned for their two children to marry. As Darcy could not refute the story, he had not said anything, preferring to let his actions speak for him.

Even were his cousin more to his taste and capable of providing him with an heir, Lady Catherine would make a wretched mother-in-law. She had already tried several times to "guide him" in his duties after he'd taken over Pemberley, not to mention her campaign for Georgiana to come live with her. Darcy's father's will tied Lacy Catherine's hands legally, but that had not stopped her periodic suggestions regarding Georgiana's upbringing nor her hints that Darcy was hardly the best person to raise a young woman.

Aunt Margaret had no daughters to marry off. Nor did she lack status, and she had no love for society's approval, preferring to navigate the whole without bending to the ton's whims. Some had rejected her—particularly as she had married above her station. Most, however, had only been attracted by her confidence; it was part of why she was such a leader.

Were it not for his concern that Lady Catherine would spread her complaints beyond the family and her lackeys, he would have consigned the letter to the fire as a pile of hogwash.

As it was, however, he would need to inform Fitzwilliam and Uncle Stephen. Thank heavens that both gentlemen were aware of his interest in Elizabeth!

More importantly, he would need to speak to Elizabeth today. He only hoped that Mr. Collins had been less denigrating in his letter than Lady Catherine had in hers. And what if Elizabeth believed that he was engaged to Anne? His stomach twisted. She had already rejected him once; he did not wish to repeat the experience. He had castigated her for her embarrassing relatives, but his were just as difficult. In fact, one might argue that Lady Catherine was rather more damaging than Mrs. Bennet, considering their respective reaches and behaviour.

Darcy picked up the letter and stood, breakfast abandoned. He would speak to Georgiana and then write the necessary letters. If Lady Catherine escalated the situation, his uncle would need to be prepared. Perhaps Lord Matlock could get through to his sister and show her the folly of trying to ruin Elizabeth. If Lady Catherine de Bourgh persisted in her behaviour, Darcy would certainly cut ties with her.

Elizabeth attempted to pay attention as Georgiana and Mary discussed the volume at which one should play Beethoven, Kitty occasionally nodding at one or the other's point, but her mind refused to focus. The four ladies were in the music room at Netherfield. Part of her had been tempted to stay home on the pretext of a headache or too much to do. She was only glad that Mr. Darcy had not yet appeared.

An express had arrived that morning, and Elizabeth was not sure whether to believe half the things Mr. Collins had written. The express had been for her father, but as all correspondence was coming through her, she had read it, trying to determine whether or not to forward it to her father.

After lengthy greetings, Mr. Collins had warned her father that news of her "impending nuptials to Mr. Darcy" was being noised about the neighbourhood and that he had informed Lady Catherine de Bourgh and she had vehemently objected. Apparently, Lady Catherine had requested that he write his cousin to instruct Mr. Bennet to refute the rumours and to curb his daughter, who was obviously out of control. Mr. Collins advised Mr. Bennet to comply as such a match would only "lead to the direst distress for all of them without Lady Catherine's approval."

She had pushed away Mr. Wickham's assertions that Mr. Darcy was promised to his cousin, but now they clamoured through her mind. What if there was a grain of truth to it somewhere, just as there had been about the Kympton living? And if so, what was the truth? She could not exactly ask Mr. Darcy about his supposed engagement, and Mr. Bingley had only said that Miss de Bourgh was Darcy's cousin in answer to Jane's hinting.

In addition to Miss de Bourgh, there were other impediments. Georgiana's tutoring had shown her just how lacking she was in accomplishments. No wonder Miss Bingley had categorised them as country bumpkins, despite their pedigree! They did not live up to their family standard. With Mrs. Bennet unaware of the niceties of polite society and Mr. Bennet either unaware or uncaring, the Bennet sisters had not had anyone to push them to fulfil those social expectations. Of course, Elizabeth had never expected to wish to marry someone from the ton; her few encounters with people of that class had left her desirous of avoiding them as a whole. She had not planned for Mr. Darcy.

Worst of all, Lady Catherine had threatened to cut her nephew and to ensure society followed suit. If marrying Mr. Darcy would lead to his ruin, could she really do so were he to propose?

Was it possible to be happily married in such a situation, or would he grow to resent her?

She could not bear the thought of Mr. Darcy's warm eyes growing cold or sardonic the way her father's had as he'd begun to make light of his wife. Of course, her father freely admitted that he had felt naught but infatuation with his wife when they married, and that had he spent more time with her or had they experienced any hardship together prior to their marriage, they might not have wed at all.

Elizabeth's friendship with Mr. Darcy had certainly not been without conflict, and they had experienced hardship in the form of their disagreements over the Letter and everything with Mr. Wickham . . . .

Before Elizabeth could collect her thoughts, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy entered.

Elizabeth's heart turned over as she met Mr. Darcy's gaze. She tried to smile, but the expression felt strange on her face.

The moment he had greeted everyone, Mr. Bingley immediately drew Jane into a private conversation in one corner of the room. Mr. Darcy greeted all the ladies and made some small remarks about their activity for the day.

Elizabeth tried to reply normally, but she still could not quite manage it. Mr. Collins had declared that the whole neighbourhood saw how shamelessly she threw herself at Mr. Darcy, and embarrassment left her tongue wooden.

The moment Georgiana announced that she wished to settle her conflict with Mary by playing the piece at varying volumes and having the group discuss the matter, Mr. Darcy drew Elizabeth into the corner opposite Jane and Mr. Bingley's, purportedly to ask her something about the estate.

Georgiana and Elizabeth's sisters smiled at the two but did not comment and turned to the music.

"Are you well?" Mr. Darcy asked under cover of Georgiana's louder-than-normal playing, studying Elizabeth intently as they stood facing each other.

Elizabeth nodded, unable to look him in the eye at such close proximity.

Mr. Darcy straightened. "I believe I owe you another apology, Miss Elizabeth."

"Oh?"

"It appears you may have received a certain express today," he said with a questioning lilt.

Elizabeth glanced up before returning her attention to his cravat. She took a deep breath, forcing her tone to remain even. "An express?"

"I received an express from my Aunt Catherine this morning; she mentioned that she had ordered Mr. Collins to send your father an express with similar strictures. I assume you received that express this morning."

Elizabeth nodded.

"I am truly sorry that my aunt felt she had the right to meddle in your life and to upset you so," Mr. Darcy said, his tone heartfelt.

"I believe we have already spoken of how little we are responsible for our relatives' behaviour, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth said lightly.

"It is one thing to be aware of that fact. It is another to witness one of my family members injure someone I care so deeply about," Mr. Darcy said.

Elizabeth could not stop herself from looking up. Someone he cared deeply about? Goose-flesh spread over her arms at the open affection in his gaze.

Darcy held her eyes, attempting to convey his sincerity. "My aunt has long wished for me to marry my cousin Anne. I, however, have never intended to marry her."

"You—" Elizabeth moistened her lips. "You have not?"

Darcy shook his head. "No. I am standing in front of the only woman who has ever caught my interest." He willed the tremor from his voice and castigated himself for once again rushing matters as Elizabeth's eyes widened. "I had intended to ask you—to speak to you sometime this week. Would you accept a courtship?"

"A courtship?" she asked uncertainly.

Darcy nodded. "I know that I have—that we have—I thought it might be a beneficial means of ascertaining whether we might deal well with each other." He cursed his clumsy tongue even as the words fell from his lips. How could he say too little and too much all at once! He had nearly confessed to considering proposing and then had managed to make the courtship sound like a business arrangement. But blast it all if he wanted to proclaim his ardent love for Elizabeth in a room full of both their sisters and Bingley!

"I—" Elizabeth's gaze returned to his cravat, and Darcy had an urge to ascertain whether it was properly arranged. "I do not know, Mr. Darcy."

"May I ask why, Miss Elizabeth?" Darcy asked, fighting to keep his tone even and reminding himself that even if she rejected him, he could gain enough information to try again at a later date.

Elizabeth looked troubled. "Although I do not agree with Mr. Collins's style of expression, nor your aunt's officiousness, are not their concerns valid?"

"How so?"

Elizabeth huffed. "I know that you are abundantly aware of the impediments between us."

"If you are referring to the nonsense I spouted last autumn, then no, I do not see how those things are real impediments," Darcy said shortly.

Elizabeth looked at him as though measuring his sincerity. She sighed. "My father married a woman who was not a true match, sir, and that did not turn out well for either of them. You—you are run away with your feelings and have not considered the difficulties you will face among the ton were you to do something so foolish as to marry a penniless country maid who brings only connections in trade."

Darcy's expression darkened. "I used to believe that. Yes, those impediments did loom large in my mind until I realised how little I cared for society's approval. Let us say, for the sake of argument, that they do not approve of our marriage; we would still be able to socialise with the neighbours in Derbyshire and with our families, with Bingley, and with your neighbours. My point is that there are so few in the ton to whom I possess any strong ties. My aunt and uncle are the primary ones, and my uncle has already said that he will support us."

Elizabeth started. "Your uncle, Lord Matlock? You spoke to him about—about me?"

"I told him about you when I was in London, yes," he said seriously. "I was infatuated with you last autumn, but now that I know you better—I have seen how hard you have worked to change Longbourn, your courage and kindness—my feelings have only deepened."

Elizabeth hesitated. A part of her was singing at the words. Mr. Darcy truly cared for her! More than cared, if she read his words aright. But . . . Mr. Collins's phrases wafted through her mind like some noxious gas. What if Mr. Darcy did grow to resent her?

"I know it is not customary to speak of such things so plainly before entering into a courtship," she began quietly, "but I am concerned that you, like my father, might grow to resent the inequality in our stations."

"Miss Elizabeth, do you believe that you will begin to resent the inequality in our stations?"

Elizabeth blinked at him. How could she resent such an inequality when she was the one who would benefit from it?

"As Mrs. Darcy, you would be subject to more scrutiny from high society than you are accustomed to. In addition, Pemberley is a larger estate and would require a great deal of your attention as its mistress. But more than that, you are richer than I in the things that matter. Your kindness and compassion, your wisdom and wit, your humility—I was an utter fool for much of my life. Secure in family pride, I did not strive to develop and mature until you came along. You entirely unseated me from where I sat, looking down upon others, and taught me that I should care for others as they are companions in the journey of life. Do you not believe that you shall grow to resent the inequality between us? I have tried to change my behaviour, but I am—it is a painfully slow process."

Elizabeth's jaw nearly hung loose. She had never expected Mr. Darcy to consider himself below anyone—nor to value character above station or money. Then again, she had seen inklings of such a shift since he had returned to Hertfordshire. And Miss Darcy did not appear at all proud. Mr. Darcy had raised a sister who was not proud and had a best friend who was the son of a tradesman. Perhaps he had always valued real things; the truth had just been hidden behind a veneer of pride that he used as a shield, much like Mary had used (and sometimes still used!) her moralising or Kitty had used her imitation of Lydia or Lydia had used her vivaciousness . . . just as she had used her quick assessments and impertinence and Jane had used her goodness. They had all been hiding behind those things.

She already knew that she wished to marry Mr. Darcy, as long as it was not too costly for him, and now Mr. Darcy appeared to be saying that the costs were negligible.

"You are not merely attempting to find another method of avoiding balls?" she asked with a slight smile.

"Not at all. The woman I care for is very fond of dancing," he replied seriously.

Elizabeth bit her lip. "And my family?"

"What about your family?"

She took a deep breath. "You are more aware of their faults than most. The Letter-writer revealed that my family's behaviour was his primary reason for separating Mr. Bingley and Jane. They will always be my family."

"I may be more aware of their behaviour, but I flatter myself that I am also more aware of their motivations. Your mother is anxious to gain security. Your sisters have changed more in the past months than I have. I do not believe their behaviour would cause one to blush, but even if it did, I was a fool for caring what society thought of them. After all, one is only embarrassed if one allows oneself to be. Trust me when I say that the ton's behaviour is often just as mortifying as ever I believed your family's. When I was in London over the Christmas season, I was struck by how similar your mother's behaviour is to one of the ton's most prominent mothers. Her behaviour is excused on the basis of her status, but that does not make it proper."

"And my father?"

A frown creased Mr. Darcy's forehead. "I have not spent enough time with him to be able to speak to his behaviour, but I have learned that everyone behaves the way they do for a reason. I am certain he has a reason behind his behaviour as well," he said firmly. "Though I cannot condone the way he has treated you or Longbourn, I am grateful for the opportunities to spend time together that your efforts with Longbourn have provided. They have only deepened my respect and caused me to desire more of your company." He took a deep breath. "Would you accept a courtship?"

Mr. Darcy had certainly considered all the things that seemed so insurmountable and had discarded the lot of them as insignificant. If he, who had been so adamant last autumn and who was more versed in the ton's behaviour, was willing to marry her, who was she to gainsay him? A bubble of happiness filled her chest.

"Yes."

A grin burst onto Mr. Darcy's face. "Yes?"

Elizabeth nodded with a chuckle. "Yes."

"You have made me happy beyond anything. Thank you, Miss Elizabeth," he said fervently.

Elizabeth merely smiled up at him. She was tempted to offer him a cheeky "you are most welcome, sir" but forbore as she did not wish to break the moment.

After some time of smiling widely at each other, Mr. Darcy cleared his throat. "Would you like me to speak to your mother or even to your father about courting you?"

The thought of Mrs. Bennet's wild jubilations and of the fervency of her recriminations should Mr. Darcy break things off sent a shudder through Elizabeth. She shook her head. "It is not necessary at this time. I would like to tell my sisters, as I am sure you wish to tell your sister, but I would prefer to keep the information private for the time being."

"I should also like to tell my Aunt Margaret and Uncle Stephen—"

"Lord and Lady Matlock?"

Darcy nodded. "Lady Catherine is accustomed to people complying with her instructions, and, though I have only done so when it aligns with my own intentions, she will not view my 'desertion' with favour. I would like to have my aunt and uncle's support in dealing with her."

"Mr. Collins did say that she intended to ensure the ton would reject you if you were so foolish as to pursue me," Elizabeth murmured.

"She said something similar in her letter to me; however, as she rarely leaves Rosings, Lady Catherine's influence in the ton is rather less than that of my Aunt Margaret. If Aunt Margaret approves, few people will actually listen to Lady Catherine's complaints."

"Still, I would hate for harm to come to your relationship with your aunt or for you to bear the ton's rejection."

Darcy's lips turned up. "I believe I will be able to bear any rejection that occurs. Bingley believes it might even weed out some of the worst hangers-on."

"And you might have fewer matchmaking mamas after you," Elizabeth said with a laugh before colouring as though only now realising what she had implied.

"I should hope so," Darcy said fervently. "They have been wasting their time for years since I could never see myself marrying anyone so lacking character." He paused as a thought struck him. He had judged many of those debutantes on the strength of their mother's behaviour. If he had judged Elizabeth solely on Mrs. Bennet's behaviour, they would be in a rather different position now. Perhaps there would be a few worthy friends for Georgiana among the ton.

And even if his Aunt Margaret argued that he could find a young lady like Elizabeth among them, it would be a waste of time. His heart was already entwined with hers, and it would be an exercise in futility to attempt to find another Elizabeth anywhere—in the ton or elsewhere.

"Then I shall be glad to assist you in discouraging pursuit," she said, her eyes shining.

That night, when the sisters were gathered in her room, Elizabeth considered whether to share her news. On the one hand, the deepened relationship between the five of them seemed to demand it, and she wished to share her joy with those dearest to her. On the other, Lydia had never been famed for discretion.

But perhaps she was not giving her youngest sister enough credit: Lydia had not breathed a word of Miss Darcy's confidences to the rest of her sisters—something Elizabeth would have believed impossible had she not seen it with her own eyes. Not even a week ago Kitty had been speaking to Georgiana about Lydia and had made some small comment about how Georgiana probably did not know Mr. Wickham well.

In addition, Lydia had maintained the secrecy of their improvements to Longbourn instead of informing their mother or even just misspeaking in front of her.

Regardless, Elizabeth wished to continue to deepen her relationships with her sisters and as she would certainly tell Jane and Mary, she decided to include Kitty and Lydia as well in an effort to strengthen those ties.

Elizabeth cleared her throat. "Mr. Darcy spoke to me today."

"We could hardly avoid noticing that," Kitty said slyly. "You both looked very cosy in your corners," she told Elizabeth and Jane with a laugh. "I thought Georgiana was going to nail me to the pianoforte bench when I suggested asking you about our activities for tomorrow!"

"What did Mr. Darcy say, Lizzy?" Jane asked.

"He asked me for a courtship."

The effect of this news was immediate: Kitty squealed and Jane engulfed her in a hug while Mary smiled and said that she was not surprised and Lydia proclaimed that she had been telling Elizabeth how much he liked her for some time.

"Georgie and I have been aching to be sisters for weeks now!" Kitty proclaimed, bouncing up and down on the mattress.

Elizabeth smiled. "Well, you are not yet sisters; he has not proposed."

Kitty waved the objection away. "He will though."

"It does seem likely," Jane agreed.

Lydia nodded vigorously. "Mama will be so pleased."

"I would rather not tell her yet," Elizabeth said firmly. "I do not intend to inform her until after Mr. Darcy proposes and Papa has given his blessing. Should these two events take place, then I will be glad for her to spread the news! But until then, I would rather not inform the neighbourhood."

"And Mama would not be able to remain silent," Lydia said sadly.

Kitty took her sister's hand. "Perhaps someday she will learn to watch her tongue, and you will be able to tell her about Mr. Wickham."

Lydia shook her head. "I do not think I could tell her anyway. She would be so disappointed that I failed to snare him."

"But you know that it is not your fault—he pretended to feel more than he did," Elizabeth said comfortingly.

Lydia held her gaze and nodded, the unspoken acknowledgment of Georgiana's pain between them.

"Mrs. Hatcher said that he had a habit of charming young ladies without any intention of marrying them," Elizabeth continued. "You could not have known that he was a practiced seducer."

"I would have if I had listened to you," Lydia said hoarsely.

Elizabeth frowned, wondering what was causing her sister's distress. "Lyddie, we have already talked about it; I am just glad that you are safe."

"I wish he had been a man of character like Mr. Darcy is. I meant to be so clever, marrying before all of you, and yet I only managed to make things much worse for myself."

"You will know better next time," Jane soothed. "And you did the right thing in the end."

Kitty nodded. "Besides, next time, you will have one or two brothers to chase off any unworthy suitors."

Lydia took a deep breath. "And I have learned to listen to others when forming my opinions," she murmured as though reminding herself of the truth. She turned to Jane with forced cheer. "Lizzy appears to have begun obtaining my first brother. How about my second brother?"

Jane blushed. "Mr. Bingley has not asked for a courtship."

"He does not strike me as the sort of gentleman to do so," Mary said thoughtfully. "He appears to be less impulsive than he was last year, but still I believe that he is more likely to simply propose when he believes the time is right or when he can no longer wait."

"Do you think he is less impulsive now?" Jane asked the group.

Elizabeth nodded. "From what Mr. Darcy has said, Mr. Bingley is being very deliberate about the improvements to Netherfield."

"Are you worried he may leave again?" Lydia asked curiously.

Jane nodded. "He has already proven that he is—he is less-than-reliable."

"Because he promised to return last autumn, and he did not?"

Jane nodded again. "Yes. How do I know that he will not say one thing and do another?"

"I do not believe Mr. Darcy would allow him to treat you that way," Lydia said firmly. "He took exception to how—how Mr. Wickham treated me even though he was not nearly engaged to my sister, as he is now."

"Lydia is correct that Mr. Darcy would object were Mr. Bingley to desert you," Elizabeth agreed, wondering at how strange it was to agree with her youngest sister. Who would have thought that Lydia might gain wisdom? "But I also think that Mr. Bingley's return speaks loudly of his current character. Last autumn, he was easily led by his friend and his sisters and did not return, believing you to be indifferent. This year, he returned of his own accord. Mr. Darcy told me that he had nothing to do with Mr. Bingley returning. I do not know about his sisters—"

"They are not aware of his location," Jane said quietly. "Mr. Bingley asked me not to communicate his whereabouts in any letters to them."

Elizabeth scoffed. "Did you tell him that they do not maintain a correspondence with you?"

"Yes."

"Good for you," Elizabeth said with a smile. "Now there is no question that he is here without the approval of his friend or his sisters—the same people who convinced him to leave last autumn. Just as I have changed and Mr. Darcy has changed, and—well, we have all changed in the past months. Is it so difficult to believe that Mr. Bingley has changed as well?"

"It is not difficult, per se," Jane said hesitantly. "Rather, I am more cautious than I was before because I do not know if this character growth is of a lasting duration."

Elizabeth hesitated, trying to decide how to explain her thoughts. "Character change does not always last; however, Mr. Bingley's changes have already lasted nearly six weeks, which seems to indicate they may be permanent. That is no guarantee that he will not slip into old ways occasionally, just as I have done, but I believe he is committed to changing. If he were not, he would have given up weeks ago."

"Six weeks is a long time to continue working on oneself without intending to follow through," Mary agreed.

"Do you like him?" Kitty asked Jane.

Jane nodded. "He is congenial to everyone, and though I am not happy that he listened to his friend and sisters before, I like that he cares about others and that he is humble. He is also very kind, and I believe he would make an excellent husband."

"I agree!" Lydia said firmly. "Like Mr. Darcy, he was very supportive during everything with—everything that happened. I believe he is the sort of person whom one can safely depend upon."

"Do you believe you will be able to address mistakes together?" Elizabeth asked Jane.

Jane's brow creased. "What do you mean?"

"You are both going to make mistakes and probably hurt each other," she said, thinking of her father. "But if you can talk honestly about those mistakes and decide together how to handle them, if you can forgive each other, I do not think he will be like Papa," she finished quietly.

Jane's expression cleared. "You mean if we can continue to speak about the mistakes without abandoning each other." She considered. "I would say that our conversations since he returned have led to that conclusion. Mr. Bingley freely admitted his fault in leaving so precipitously last autumn and apologised. He did not blame his sisters or Mr. Darcy for his absence, but rather confessed that he ought to have taken the time to return, regardless of their actions and advice, simply because he did not have the requisite information to make a wise decision."

"Then it sounds like he is the sort of man who takes responsibility for his own actions and works to rectify his mistakes," Elizabeth said simply.

Jane fiddled with the folds of her nightgown. "I suppose—I suppose that trust can only be rebuilt if one is given the opportunity to rebuild it."

"Trust is easiest to gain when the other person knows no ill of one and easiest to lose in that instance as well," Mary said thoughtfully. "It is hardest to gain when one has broken it; but perhaps it is not so easily lost after it is regained. I know that the process of growing our friendship," she looked around the circle at her sisters, "has changed the way I see all of you and the way I see myself. I am more ready to think the best of you and to speak to you if I am distraught over something you have done. I believe our bond is stronger than it has ever been and it would be far more difficult to break trust between us because we have had to rebuild it."

"I believe you are right," Jane said. "I have tried to signal my interest to Mr. Bingley clearly, but my hesitation may be more evident than I realise. I will try to be more open with him about my concerns."

"At least you do not have to worry that you will go for too long without seeing him now that Lizzy has secured a daily visit from Mr. Darcy," Kitty said with a laugh.

A/N: Thanks for all the encouragement and critiques and engagement this past week! I so appreciate it :)

Thanks to my betas for their awesome job on this chapter!

And thanks to the readers who point out issues :) Please do continue to do so. And if you notice bits that are repetitious, please highlight them. It all feels repetitious to me by the time I post since I've read through each chapter at least 4 times in the previous week prior to posting which means I tend to brush off feelings of repetition and figure I'll go back over the whole thing at the end. :)