The storyline, new character development, new events, and new characters are my intellectual property. Glorioux

A/N Here we go again. A correction, thanks Joann

Relatives

A footman came, "Sir, a gentleman, is asking for you. He says that your Lady wife's relative you recently met sent him. He is waiting in your office."

Charles hurried up. The man stood up; he wasn't very tall, but was broad, looked strong, probably Slavic. When Charles closed the door, the man moved his hand over his face. He had Lizzie's true coloring, but the hair was in shades of green and orange, and the eyes a greenish-yellow. The lips were also green; he looked like one of Lizzie's people. He looked like a fall day.

"I see." Charles was in awe; he felt as if he were in the middle of a fairy tale. There was even a nasty witch, Lady Meredith Darcy. He was the hero; he hoped.

"My Lord, your wife's father sent me. My wife will arrive shortly with her our daughter and a couple of male and female warriors to help guard her. She will be your lady's lady. My daughter wished to come. She will help when in company. You might not know who your wife is, but she is very important to all of us. She is the heir; male or female is all the same to us; we are all warriors, we fight side by side. I saw her the day our Lady the day was born." The newcomer smiled wistfully.

"You should have seen her, the perfect babe ever, looked a lot like her father. We were honored to see a most powerful one's birth. I do wish you had been there. Ah, you can; we have seen her grow up; we take turns. You see, we all love her." He moved his hand over Charles' eyes.

Charles was inside a room. There were many others there. The room was packed, and many sat in the air. They looked like Lizzie's people. They were dressed in their finery, celebrating, drinking something, maybe mead. Someone who looked like a young Jane was staring at the naked newborn by her side, looking distressed. The baby stared at her mother knowingly. The baby was now in front of Charles's eyes. Charles grinned. He knew it was baby Lizzie; he loved her wild hair, large violet eyes, skin, and ears. "Baby Lizzie, so pretty, such a perfect baby," he stretched his hand to touch her, and the vision went away... Charles blinked, wishing he could see her again.

"Indeed," the newcomer continued, "several of us came; we competed for the right to come. What a wondrous event. She brought us joy and hope. She inherited all our gifts and her father's; without one like her, we would be lost if something happened to our Lord. Anyway, we are here to train both of you. You have dangerous beings under your roof; they are what you would call undesirables. They used to be like us, but a long time ago, they changed. It is complicated. They crave power and have started many wars here. Pain and suffering make them stronger. They are reborn into human bodies. With the knowledge inside, it is important to blend perfectly, to find the right body. Years here are but days to us."

"So, who should I say you are," Charles asked.

"Say I am a far relative of your wife. We will help run the estate and won't interfere with your life. Just employees, but since we are relatives, include us in all events. My Lord says 'the one' who wants my lady could be the one, but he is not certain. He could be just wicked. Tell me, what name should I have?"

"Let me think, how about Lucas Greenfall? Now, the warriors, I need a secretary, and maybe a personal footman, dedicated to my wife?" Call them Mark and John? I will remember those names. The females, Anna and Martha, and your daughter Sarah?"

"My Lord also said to give you this. He placed a band around his wrist; it melted in his skin." Charles broke out in a sweat, feeling off like he was very drunk. Lucas looked at Charles until he looked well.

Rosie- a special present-

"And this is for our Lady." Out of his satchel, he pulled out a small creature. It looked like a tiny wolf but green. "Wait," he passed his hand over and grew into a small dog. "She talks but won't do it around here; she promised." Lucas narrowed his eyes, and Rosie looked the other way, "You can talk to her, though. Her name is Rosie. She can see things you cannot; she will also help protect our lady."

Rosie barked, standing by Charles.

"Lucas, come with me, " he talked loud. "You will be my steward; I am in bad need of one; I am glad you finally came; how is your wife, err, Daisy?

One spying outside saw the stranger, dismissing him quickly; he was nobody of importance. He couldn't see thru the cover simply because Charles accepted him.

Rosie growled, moving to sniff the spy; once she did, she snarled and went for his calf. "No Rosie, no, no, come here, be a good girl," Charles commanded. Rosie obeyed without hesitation. When they went up the stairs, Charles told his new steward, "One of them!"

Rosie confirmed with one short bark. Charles bent to pick Rosie, "Such a good girl." She licked Charles; she liked him; he tasted of goodness, loyalty, and courage; all of them were delicious tastes, her favorites; they made her stronger.

Lucas Greenfall greeted Lizzie; he sat in the receiving room. Lizzie loved Rosie at first sight. It was mutual. The small dog sprung up to Lizzie's arms. "Who is this fierce beast?" Lizzie asked, letting Rosie lick her face.

When they closed the door to the receiving room, Lucas went on one knee, his head down, "My lady, I was granted an honor we all wanted; we competed for it, and I won. I am on your father's council. I was here at your birth and other times. Nobody can hear us; I just wished for silence surrounding us; you can do it, but use it sparingly; others might sense it." Then, he explained to her why he was there.

"Please stand. You don't need to kneel. I have a question, how can I change to look like my father? How can I see if people are hiding another being inside?" Lizzie asked.

Lucas smiled, "Just wish it so. Like you did with the animals in the forest, you saw them when they were hiding. One day you can call your family to our side, or those you wish. I wanted you to know. We brought the mama pig and her babes; hunters were after her and the piglets, just a few days after you saw them. They won't reproduce but will live long, happy lives. We brought others, all the ones you marked thru your life. When they are sick or in danger, they just go into our side. You have touched many, but we like them; they are your gift to us. For now, let me get settled. Since my wife will be your lady, and I am your cousin, nobody will suspect when we stay near you. My daughter is also coming to help. The moment you accept me, those related to you will recognize me as so; they will 'remember' us."

They talked. When done, Charles left with Lucas to introduce him.

Lizzie went to look for Caroline and Louisa; Rosie liked them on sight. Jane came, and the three of them went crazy with Rosie. Rosie sniffed Caroline's belly and licked it, banging her tail.

Caroline smiled, "She feels the baby inside, I am sure." Rosie barked twice, making them laugh. Rosie sat on Caroline's lap, with her head against Caroline's belly, licking It once in a while. It made all of them laugh with delight.

Charles brought Lucas to introduce him around. He saw Albert, who said after the introductions, "Charles, I don't like Lord B. Tobias swears he is more than a human. He said he is cruel and likes to cause misery. Tobias is on his way; he wants to tell you personally something he heard or saw."

Lucas asked, "Who is this man?"

"When I see him, I will introduce you," Albert answered.

Lucas looked at him, "I must say, you look a lot like one of my cousins; he fell in love with a lady, but she didn't want to go with him until much later," Lucas grinned.

Albert frowned, shifting his weight from one leg to the other while biting his lip; finally, he asked, "At the risk of sounding strange, go where? You see, never mind, that was too long ago, it couldn't be. Though it makes sense, she disappeared during a walk."

"Please, could you show me your right hand?" Lucas didn't answer; instead, he asked.

"Why not? Here, " Albert stretched his hand.

Lucas looked, "I'll be, see?" He showed Albert his hand near the wrist; both had a blue mark, a freckle that looked like a small square with a dot inside. "You are my relative. When my Lady wants to explain more, we can talk."

"Please," Albert begged, "I want to know more; I am trustworthy."

Lucas shook his head; nothing more would be forthcoming. So nothing else was said.

Charles showed Lucas some more, before his wife, daughter, and four others arrived; one would be Charles' valet since his valet wanted to retire. One of the other two women was Lucas's wife's niece. She and the other two would be lady's maids, and the last male, a footman.

He looked for Lizzie. After introductions, they went for a walk, followed by her new guards and the four new ladies.

Charles walked ahead with Lizzie, "My love, please listen without interrupting. Remember, I didn't know you before."

"I am listening." She looked amused, seeing the awful faces he was making.

He told her about meeting William in Cambridge. "I will tell you the truth without embellishments. William and I shared mistresses at least twice over a while. We both found out we like to, err, watch."

Lizzie looked more curious than upset, "You did?" She tapped her lip, thoughtful, trying to figure it out. "Why did you?'

Charles blushed, not expecting this question. "Hmm, we, ahem, well, best I say it, we found it tantalizing. Exciting, it is difficult to explain; I am not sure how. The point is that one of our guests reminded me I had done so. Then he asked me if I would consider him in our marriage bed and said he would try to win your favor."

That made Lizzie angry, "How did he dare? Did he threaten you to tell me about Mr. Darcy and you? That is none of his affairs."

She was distraught, not over Charles' disclosure but over Lord B.'s proposal. Rosie wanted up, so Charlie bent to get her for Lizzie. Lizzie picked her up, and Rosie settled on Lizzie's arms. Rosie tried to lick her, to comfort her.

"Tell him I know, and it is not any of his affairs. I must tell my father, and you must tell Lucas. Maybe that man is the dangerous one." Lizzie was angry.

Charles breathed easier. Gratefully, he kissed her hand twice.

Elizabeth was quiet and thoughtful. "Show me the man; I want to be aware. I am glad you told me."

She had other questions, but not now.

Lucas and his wife overheard and smiled. They knew those who formed such unions; many of them did, including them. Their lady was wise.

During their walk, they met with William Darcy and his cousin. Meredith was leaving, and they wanted to be away. She tried to see William again, and he refused to talk to her.

Charles introduced them. Lucas stared at Darcy but said nothing. Rosie walked to him, whined, scratching his leg. He chuckled, "And who are you, pretty girl?" Lizzie had tied a small bow around Rosie's neck, matching the ribbon on her head.

William picked her up to his face. Lizzie was amazed to see Mr. Proud letting Rosie lick his face all over; he smiled, calling Rosie silly names. Rosie liked him; he tasted of goodness, lovely.

Charles noticed Lizzie's face and grinned. Richard had also seen Lizzie's look; she was amazed and said, "Yes, he gets along better with all dogs, horses, cats, you name it; they love him back."

"Yes, I noticed," Lizzie nodded.

Rosie was ready to go back to Lizzie. She wiggled to get down.

"I hadn't seen her before; when she has puppies, may I have one? She is a beauty." William asked. Rosie barked once. Lucas shook his head. It almost sounded like maybe. Rosie forgot she couldn't talk. Rosie looked away from Lucas, ignoring him. Charles smiled, sure Rosie had said maybe.

Lizzie looked at Darcy, "My cousin gave Rosie to me. I am not sure if she will have babies."

Rosie was naughty; she made a couple of growly sounds, but Lizzie understood them well, "Not sure." Lizzie had to stop herself from laughing.

Lucas started coughing to confuse Darcy, who hadn't heard. Rosie was playing games, but it was in her nature. Her kind tried to do as they wished.

George's Infamy

Suddenly, Rosie jumped from Lizzie's to lunge at a bush. A horse and his rider hid behind. Darcy saw the one getting away, "That was George Wickham. What is he doing here?" Darcy was angry, as well as his cousin; it was easy to see, both looked different.

Lizzie paled; she explained that Wickham was probably to take her niece away to ask for more money. He already spent Lydia's dowry; who knew how. She was worried because her father had sworn to kill George Wickham.

"We must go to Longbourn right away. I want to bring Lydia home with us, and someone should stay until my father is gone or until George is found.

Darcy growled, "My father spoiled him. He wanted George to have a good future, but he rather takes what he can."

Richard offered, "Let me help." But Lizzie wanted to go herself. Since they were close, they kept walking. But Richard went back to bring a carriage and get a horse and gun.

Lizzie remembered her father told her she had many powers; she wished her father was looking. She picked up Rosie, held her, and walked fast. The nasty lord saw them running. He was going to offer assistance but instead just spied. She was marvelous, breathtaking, and he was going to take her; she was his.

Rosie kept growling feeling him, ready to attack.

William saw George climbing a window. He was irate. He ran to stop him, but Lizzie wished George would fall. Out of nowhere, a powerful wind grabbed George, throwing him to the ground. When George saw William, he grabbed the gun, readying to fire, when Rosie suddenly appeared and bit George's leg. With all the noise, Mr. Bennett came out and went for his gun when he saw George.

The situation was deteriorating quickly, but Lucas was by Mr. Bennett in a second and grabbed his arm. Lucas said, "Sir, don't do that."

George took advantage of the confusion and ran away. However, he didn't run too far because Richard was already there with the horse and carriage. George fired his pistols, one bullet went into Darcy's chest, the other went into Richard's shoulder; and he kept running. The ones in Longbourn heard the shots but most were busy

A/N Oops, no, not Darcy, yikes.