This was one of my favourite chapters to write. I just loved the gypsies and had so much fun with it. :)

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Chapter 19

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Mrs Elizabeth Darcy, nee Bennet, yawned, stretched and rolled over. Her eyes fluttered open and she took in the watery light of a pleasant February day. Her first feeling was one of contentment. She loved this house, she could safely say she had never seen a place more happily situated. She had the company of two of her sisters and was very close to her newest sister, who had more confidence of late. The contentment was swiftly followed by a wave of nausea and pain as she remembered the events of the previous evening. She had slept surprisingly well considering the image burned in to her head as she had gone to bed.

The image once again rose unbidden in her mind's eye, her husband with his arms around another woman and his lips firmly on her neck. She shuddered and spent time ruminating what was wrong with her, why would he seek comfort in another woman's arms when she was more than willing? She scolded herself for such thoughts, the intimacy between them was entirely his doing, if he was unhappy that was not her doing. But why would he...?

She shook off such thoughts. Caroline Bingley was clearly playing a dangerous game. She knew if word got out about this Caroline's reputation and marital prospects would be ruined. Her marriage would become a joke and she would likely be gossiped about, but she would still be able to move in society, Caroline would not. A fallen woman was not welcome in most circles. No, she could not imagine Caroline would gossip about this and neither would she. The only person who was hurt was herself. Was that Caroline's plan? How hateful does a person have to be to be willing to compromises one's own reputation in the name of revenge.

So what should she do? Evicting Caroline would draw attention, confronting her would only result in heartache. Should she confront Darcy? Probably, she rationed, but not this moment. He would be still feeling the effects of his indulgence, likely still asleep, and nothing good would come out of a discussion when they were tired or inebriated. She felt nauseous at the prospect of confronting Darcy and decided to proceed with their plans that day, she would think on how best to confront him later.

She rose and rang for her maid, it was still early so she thought she could go for a walk before the others rose.

...

"Peter, how lovely I was hoping for a stroll and you know Simon cannot keep up with me of a morning"

Peter grinned "no ma'am, I will fetch your cape and we shall set off,"

They did and mostly walked in silence around the lake, it was a pleasant half hour walk and the air was bracing. When she returned her sisters were all awaiting her.

"Good morning sisters" she embraced them both "I am not surprised that none of the gentlemen are down yet, but where is Georgiana?"

Kitty looked up "she was just choosing what to wear, why would the gentlemen not be down?"

"I believe they all over indulged last evening, I suspect they will not be down until late."

Kitty sniggered then muffled the sound.

"Yes, Charles was rather worse for wear. I confess he was rather ill and so I felt it best to allow him rest!"

Georgiana entered and the ladies all helped themselves to breakfast. A note was delivered from Caroline saying she had a headache and would not be coming to Lampton that morning, no one minded her absence.

Elizabeth wavered at the end of the meal, should she wait for Darcy to rise and see him or should she go? She was not sure that he would be entirely happy with them going to see the troupe she had heard of. The servants had raved about their tricks over the past few days and she knew that the troupe would be moving on shortly.

She had made enquiries of Mrs Reynolds and Georgiana was indeed correct, this particular troupe had been travelling through Lampton for years and Mr Darcy had never stopped Georgiana from visiting, although he did not always accompany her. She also said they were quite friendly and she did not see that there would be a problem visiting.

"Elizabeth?"

She started at the sound of her name.

"I am terribly sorry, I was not attending."

Kitty laughed "you were not."

"Was there a question?"

"We were merely waiting on your pronouncement regarding if we are to see the travellers?"

Elizabeth made the decision, the conversation with Darcy was unlikely to go well and would be better done when not faced with a day of putting on a brave face.

"Yes, let us away this morning and we shall leave word for when the gentlemen come down."

Everyone was in agreement and the four of them were off after they had gathered their effects. Elizabeth secured three footmen to accompany them, for which there were no shortage of volunteers. It seemed that the staff were more than willing to accompany the ladies on such an outing.

...

The ladies of Pemberley were obviously spotted by the travelling troupe for on their arrival, the whole camp appeared to be out. Groups of travellers like this tended to travel to welcoming towns and put on displays of magic and feats of daring for the rewards of coins from their happy observers.

There were twin jugglers throwing fire over the path which the group were walking along. There were at least ten arcs of fire passing over the pathway. Georgiana and Kitty were walking ahead, arm in arm and giggling to each other.

There were a few people with children wandering around but most of the group were focussed on the affluent ladies who were more likely to tip well.

"Welcome ladies" a man in a very brightly coloured coat and hat with a few tall feathers in greeted them. Elizabeth wanted to laugh at the height of the feathers in his cap but they actually worked with the unusual outfit.

"We have all sorts for your amusement today, what catches your attention first Ladies?"

Georgiana and Kitty were pointing at the horses and their riders and the man in the bright coat caught their interest.

"Ah ladies, you have excellent taste in the fantastic. Come come, meet sisters Anna Maria and Marie Annie." He nodded in the ladies direction and they immediately smiled and brought their horses forward. The horses were beautiful white mares, equally matched in height and bedecked with ribbons.

"No saddles" Georgiana commented.

"No Miss" grinned one of the sisters.

They turned the horses and clucked at them. The two ladies started running with the horses and smoothly and in perfect harmony jumped and landed lightly on the bare backs of the horses. They circled the field in front of the ladies once and then both ladies were stood on the backs of the horses.

Both Georgiana and Kitty exchanged excited looks and all four ladies watched with riveted attention and the ladies jumped from each of heir horses to the one next to them.

Elizabeth and Jane clapped in appreciation and continued watching as the ladies performed other tricks. No magic, just skill and daring.

When they had finished they brought the horses round for a pat from the younger ladies and everyone was warm in their praise of the performance.

There were acrobatics, both with and without the help of magic, there were more magical juggling feats and all sorts of unusual people to see.

Elizabeth was particularly interested in one of the magical acrobatic duos. One, clearly a skilled earth magician, used his earth magic to form a platform for his partner, who could then be lifted up and would perform flips and jumps but high in the air.

Elizabeth studied the magic and realised it was similar to a shield. A disc of earth magic that would stop, or in this case raise, any earth object. The platform would flex slightly with the impact of the other person but still provide an upward lift, almost like a springy surface. Elizabeth was captivated by the show, she had seen earth magic used to raise an object, like a stone or branch, but never to form a platform for a person. If you couldn't see the magic you would think the person was flying.

She clapped enthusiastically at the end of the show.

Georgiana and Kitty wanted to talk to the ladies who rode the horses again, Elizabeth and Jane were quite happy to follow and set off after them.

"Mrs Darcy?"

The voice was old but gave one the feeling of comfort.

"Yes" Elizabeth was curious how this woman knew her name, Jane was a few steps ahead and turned to look.

"Your fortune awaits."

Elizabeth frowned "I beg your pardon, I do not have the pleasure of understanding you."

The old woman smiled and beckoned her to a multicoloured tent.

Elizabeth did not know what to do, she looked around. Peter, the footman was near by, she gave him a quizzical look.

"She wishes to tell your fortune ma'am, it is a way of answering questions about your future. We can walk away if you wish."

Elizabeth was about to do just that when she though of all the unanswered questions in her life, she shrugged and followed the old woman.

"I'll be just outside ma'am"

Elizabeth smiled at the footman in thanks and followed the lady in to the tent.

The inside was dark and it took a moment for Elizabeth's eyes to adjust. The room had thick rugs on the floor and an array of tables around the edge. Candles flickered and there was a heavy scent in the air, some kind of herb smoking on the fire. There were at least six cats around the room, all were completely one colour. Two black, two white, one grey and one ginger but no markings at all. They were sleek and graceful and looked at Elizabeth with piercing intensity.

The old lady indicated Elizabeth should sit on one of the rugs while she brought over some discs made of blackened wood maybe. Elizabeth could just make it some subtle markings on them but they did not mean anything to her. The lady had to be over sixty, maybe eighty, but she moved with a grace that Elizabeth would be envious of at that age.

Once sat two of the cats came to sit by her, Elizabeth patted them absently and the lady eyed them both with a small smile.

"My name is Madame Fredericka, I can tell you all you wish to know. I see you have many questions to ask."

Elizabeth nodded.

"Now Mrs Darcy, what do you know of cats?"

Elizabeth was surprised by the question. "Ahhhh, they are good at finding mice?"

The Madame laughed, a wheezy chuckle which sounded like she was struggling to breath.

"Cats are intelligent, they can sense unhappiness, love or anger. They are gatekeepers to the afterlife and some say they can speak to the ones who have passed on."

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, skeptical of her words

The Madame merely smiled serenely. "Not many believe at first."

She paused and looked at one of the cats on a table to the side of the room, she nodded and turned back to Elizabeth. Elizabeth was beginning to feel uncomfortable. This woman did not seem to posses all her wits, she looked as if she spoke to the cats. She pressed her lips together, forming an excuse to leave.

"Let us begin with what I can tell you". Madame Fredericka closed her eyes and Elizabeth could see the madame's aura brightening and reaching for her own, tendrils of bright magic wrapping around her own aura. Then they were gone and the Madame threw the odd discs in to a silver plate with a clatter. Elizabeth, interest piqued, was just leaning over to look at the odd collection of symbols when the Madame grasped her hand and turned it palm up to study. She traced a few lines on her palm, humming to herself before allowing Elizabeth to draw back her hand. To say that Elizabeth was slightly confused at this point would be somewhat of an understatement. Surely most fortune tellers would only use one form of the art, this one seemed to be trying all sorts.

"I see that you have great power, more than your shield would allow most people to see". Elizabeth stiffened, this was a mistake being here. One of the cats miaowed and jumped on to her lap.

"Hush child" Elizabeth wasn't sure if the gypsy woman was speaking to her or the cat "you have nothing to fear from me. You keep it a secret and I can see why. The country is in turmoil, magic is fading and there are those that will pursue any means to ensure it does not die away.

There are also many who would see it gone for good. You face many challenges in the future on that score. Hiding your power will not stop that, but it may delay things for the time being."

Elizabeth opened her mouth to ask a question, but decided against it. Madame Fredericka smiled and continued.

"Those are not questions you seek the answers for." She peered at the discs. "You have many questions about your marriage, I could answer them but you would be better served by asking the one who confuses you."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes, so this was one of those fortune tellers. The sort who said much without saying anything.

"You feel your husband does not trust you, he will not tell you of your legacy and he continuously seeks you out as if you are in peril."

Elizabeth nodded.

"The reason for the latter behaviour should be apparent. He feels you are in danger and indeed you are."

Elizabeth again opened her mouth to say something but Madame Fredericka held up her hand.

"You may dispute it my dear but your condition is one that is perilous to all women. You cannot blame him for feeling the draw, perhaps if you had told him of your situation you may both have understood better?"

Elizabeth frowned in confusion, and then the cat on her lap rubbed its head against her belly. She looked down and the cat looked straight back at her.

"Oh" she gasped, one hand to her mouth and one to her belly. In truth she had been so preoccupied with the events of the preceding months that she had no concept of when her last courses had been, but of course they were back back in early December, as they had travelled to Pemberley to aid with the flooding.

Madame Fredericka smiled and Elizabeth thought hard, how could she of known? The cat hopped down and strolled away, it's job was seemingly complete and he stretched out on a cushion at the edge of the room.

Elizabeth turned her attention back to the fortune teller.

"Now, as to your other issue. You are not truly a Darcy"

Elizabeth just sat in stunned silence, what could she possibly mean?

"You are wondering why you have not obtained the Darcy legacy, and that is the reason. You may thank your husband, or the people who seek your power, for this lack. There is a web of lies, woven with truth, that clouds your husbands vision. He has been trying to break free but to no avail. His aura needs to combine win yours and you shall have your legacy, this cannot happen whilst you both repress a basic part of your nature. Until such a time that you both break free, you shall remain without it."

"What can you mean by that?" Elizabeth was frustrated by this point,

"He knows more!"

"Who? Mr Darcy?"

Madame Fredericka grinned and Elizabeth saw she was missing a few teeth.

"I know you would like me to tell you all but the results of the coming conflict would differ if I told you everything you wish to know, know that the past Darcys are with you and you will always be accepted by them." She nodded at the other cat, still sat by Elizabeth, who purred and rubbed their face against her side. Elizabeth had he oddest sensation run through her, an image of a woman similar to, but older than, Georgiana smiling at her, hand extended. She shivered. The sound of Madame Fredericka's voice brought her attention back to the old woman.

"The people who seek to destroy you are close, they think they have me helping them but I serve no man and I will seek to balance power. With the information I have given you you should win the coming contest, although the war is yet to be decided. Even I cannot see all. Ensure that you draw on your skills from childhood and do not let the soldier lead the charge. Now go, time is running short."

With a clap of her hands the candles flared, brightening the room so that Elizabeth could see the cats had all stood up, watching her. As she looked quizzically back they all turned and started walking towards her. She scrambled to her feet and left the tent.

"Everything alright miss? You weren't in there long." Peter's voice sounded over the ringing in her ears.

"Pardon?"

Elizabeth turned and looked, her sister was not more than a few steps further away down the path. How was that possible? She had been talking for almost twenty minutes she was certain.

Peter just looked quizzically at her. "Are you well ma'am?"

"Yes of course. Would you be so kind to prepare the carriage. I feel we should return shortly."

He mumbled his agreement and set off towards the front of the camp.

She hurried after her sisters.

"Elizabeth, did you not wish to see the fortune teller?" Jane asked.

"I did dear Jane, although she did not make a lot of sense. I believe there is a pressing concern at home, might I implore your help with tearing Kitty and Georgiana away from the horses?"

"Of course" although Jane looked perplexed, however it was not in her nature to question someone when they have asked for help. So she did as her sister asked and they made their excuses to the troupe. After they had left generous tips for everyone they were soon on their way home again. Kitty and Georgiana talking excited lay about all they had seen, Elizabeth lost in contemplation and Jane trying to join the conversation and also throwing quizzical, worried looks at her sister.

Elizabeth whispered the spell for air transfer of voice, after one too many quizzical looks from Jane.

"Tis nothing to be concerned about Jane."

Elizabeth checked, it was likely that both Kitty and Georgiana could tell the spell had been cast. The spell created a direction of air to aid a voice to travel in a particular direction. In this case to Jane's ear. But to any who were nearby there would be a sound of air rushing, which hardly made it a subtle form of private communication, and one Elizabeth only used on certain occasions.

Luckily Kitty and Georgiana seemed engrossed in their discussion although Elizabeth suspected they were giving the two older sisters their privacy.

"I just have lots to think upon."

Jane appeared appeased and spent no more time sending quizzical glances Elizabeth's way.

When the coach arrived every started towards the steps, Elizabeth did not.

"I believe I need a few minutes of air." She said when everyone had paused to allow her to catch up. "Please order some refreshments and I will join you shortly."

Everyone nodded, with varying degrees of curiosity on their faces, but they allowed her to leave.

Elizabeth needed time to gather her thoughts.

What had the fortune teller meant? Enemies closing in? A coming conflict? More worryingly, a war! And what about her relationship, she had made things less clear there. A web of lies clouding Darcy, whose lies? Why would he not have spoken to her of this? How did her aura combine with Darcy's?

"Oh 'tis vexing Indeed!" She huffed and trudged on.

A/n - confrontation next. just an fyi. dunno if i'll get it up today. does anyone really want to read a shouting match? :)