How remarkable, Elizabeth thought. Within a matter of weeks, she had become privy to details that challenged her previous opinions about her husband. She had learned of Wickham's true character from her sister-in-law. On top of that, she became a witness to daily instances of Darcy's true character. His employees truly did admire and respect him. Who knew that a wealth of kindness lay underneath his cold facade?

Not to mention the passion that was cleverly hidden behind his reserve. The kiss they had shared had been brief, but even 27 days later it still lingered in her mind. It was her first kiss and it had not been unpleasant.

Despite all the promising changes to their relationship, a niggling doubt remained in Elizabeth's mind. Why had he not told Bingley about Jane's visit to London? She could only reason that Darcy did not think her sister good enough for his friend.

Well, they would see what would happen tomorrow. The Bennets and Bingley and his sisters were to visit Pemberley. If she had her way, Bingley would not leave without asking for her sister's hand.

"Oh my, what a lovely home you have, Lizzy!" Mrs. Bennet cried the second she stepped into the entryway of Pemberley.

Her mother had barely given a faint acknowledgement to Mr. Darcy's greeting of welcome. Her mother's pride still smarted from their initial meetings in Meryton.

In a hushed voice that always seemed to carry, her mother said, "Living in such luxury, you can almost forget how disagreeable a man you married. Almost."

"Mother," Elizabeth blushed, for Mr. Darcy was but two feet away and had certainly heard her mother's remarks.

"Well, it is true, is it not?" her mother asked, but after glancing at both Jane and Lizzy's horrified faces she added, "Well Lizzy, do not stand there staring at me. Show me your home. I must see everything."

Glad to remove herself from the awkward situation, she led her mother and sisters on a tour of Pemberley. Even though she had lived here for a little over a month, she hesitated to call it her home. None of the belongings were truly hers. They were either possessions or heirlooms of her husband's.

Mrs. Bennet was of a different mindset and felt compelled to touch everything. Elizabeth had never seen her mother so happy. She was practically squealing with excitement as each new room was encountered.

"You, dear Lizzy, have caught yourself a very wealthy man. I could not be more surprised. I always thought that Jane would be the first to marry, the one who married a rich man. Well, if that stupid Bingley had not gone away. No one wanted him anyway. But it is a shame..." her voice trailed off as she became distracted by a shiny object across the room.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and gently squeezed her sister's hand. Although her sister was trying her hardest to forget him, she had not been able to do so. Some of Jane's vivaciousness and light had gone away when Mr. Bingley had left.

Elizabeth had yet to tell her family that other guests were expected today. She felt a little mean for not speaking of this matter to Jane. However, she felt that after the initial shock wore off, Jane would be very glad indeed that Elizabeth had invited her family to visit at the same time that Darcy had invited Bingley to visit.

The sound of a carriage approached. "Father, if you will excuse me, I have other guests to welcome."

Elizabeth and her father had been visiting in the library when they had heard the carriage pull up.

"Anyone I know?" her father asked.

"Actually, yes. Mr. Bingley and his sisters have come for a visit."

A sly grin appeared on Mr. Bennet's face. "Lizzy dear, what sort of mischief have you planned?"

Pausing at the door, Elizabeth flashed a grin at her father and said in a scandalized voice, "Why none at all, Father."

Dinner went better than expected Elizabeth thought as she retired for the evening. It was clear that Bingley's interest in her sister had not waned. Throughout the evening Elizabeth constantly caught Bingley's eyes roving to her sister. In fact, his whole manner suggested his interest in her. The way he would lean in to hear, his body angled towards her, the slight flush to his face whenever Jane's gaze met his. Yes, Elizabeth thought, her plan was unfolding nicely.

"Father, I was wondering if I might have a word with you."

"Anything for you Lizzy," Mr. Bennet said, marking his place in his book and setting it down.

"Lydia has indeed gone to Brighton with only Mrs. Forrester as a chaperone?"

"Yes," her father sighed. "I was none too happy about it, but our home would never have any peace if I would not have let her go."

Elizabeth steeled herself from rolling her eyes. "I am certain that she would have learned to bear the disappointment. Have you not thought, Father, how her sisters might be affected?"

Mr. Bennet looked taken aback. "Well, Kitty is undeniably unhappy about the whole situation but I must say I do not believe that Jane or Mary had any wish to go to Brighton."

"Father, that is not what I mean. Simply put, Lydia is a flirt. She does not think about the possible consequences of her actions and does exactly what she wants. Time and again, she has made her family look ridiculous. And I fear this trip will only make it worse."

"Ridiculous?" her father asked, concerned. "Has anyone...?"

"Yes Father, people notice how our family behaves. Bingley and his sisters notice. Why do you think Jane did not receive a marriage proposal? My husband noticed. He has let me know in no uncertain terms that our family's social standing is decidedly below his own. Not that I care. His opinion is of no consequence."

A worried look appeared on her father's face again and a flash of pain and guilt accompanied it. He cleared his throat and said, "I did not know of this. I would have never let you marry Mr. Darcy if I had known how little you think of one another."