Lady Marjory's particular friend

Elizabeth Bennet and Lady Marjory Fitzwilliam met and became friends when they were both eleven. Since that time Elizabeth had visited Marjory whenever she was in London and had even visited her father's estate in Derbyshire. Although she and Mr. Darcy, Marjory's cousin, had never met, he arrived in Meryton loaded with stories and admonitions. How might this effect the story of their relationship?

AN: I thought a lighthearted story might be in order after so many dark ones. I have always enjoyed stories where Darcy and Elizabeth had a prior connection, so let us give this a try.

On the road toward Meryton, late September

As Caroline droned on, saying whatever it was she was saying (Darcy had not paid attention to a word out of her mouth for the last twelve miles), Darcy reviewed everything that his cousin Marjory had warned him about for this visit. He would never suggest (admit) that he was slightly afraid of his younger cousin, but she did have all of the same fire as her mother and the temper to match. It was best to follow her guidance in this situation and stay on her good side.

Besides, Georgiana had attributed at least a large portion of her recovery from the previous year's near disaster to the combined efforts of his cousin Marjory and this stranger, Marjory's particular friend, Elizabeth Bennet. Oddly, though Marjory had counted the girl as her closest friend for almost a decade, He had never once met the young lady. Everyone else in the family, including his own sister, knew her. Even his own father had met her prior to his passing. But to Fitzwilliam Darcy, she was only the character in the story of his cousin's many and various little adventures... and the pair must have certainly had adventures.

All that Fitzwilliam Darcy knew was that his uncle, the Earl of Matlock, liked the girl, his aunt, the Countess, adored the girl, his oldest cousin and his wife, the Viscount and Viscountess Ashbourne, looked upon her fondly, his only slightly older cousin and best friend, Colonel Fitzwilliam, would marry her if she had a decent dowry, and his own sister, Georgiana, thought she was one of the most wonderful people in the world. With all of those favorable reports... and with the momentum of their favor... it was very important that he not do anything to offend her.

In Lady Marjory's very clear warning: "If you go in with your usual stone mask and offend one and all, I will be most seriously displeased. And if you insult or offend my dearest friend, I will find a way to pay you back tenfold. Never forget, my mother is Spanish. They invented the Inquisition. Torture is in our blood."

With threats like that at his back, Darcy was determined to put his best foot forward... though he already felt the trepidation of going into a place he did not know and meeting people who were total strangers. It always started in his spine and radiated through his body, turning him to stone. When that happened, if he allowed it to happen, he usually managed to offend one and all.

Thankfully Richard had offered him sound advice, "Lizzy is a person who loves to help others in need, so capitalize on that. When you meet her, immediately explain that you are socially inept and beg for her to be your guide. With that beginning, she will be charitable even if you slip occasionally into your normal self."

"I am not that bad, Richard."

His cousin only laughed, "Darcy, I was being generous. You're worse! But Lizzy is a dear soul and if you let her see the real Fitzwilliam Darcy, she will be the greatest of aides. And then you will not do anything to set my sister and mother on you... which would be a very, very bad thing indeed."

"Actually, Georgiana too."

Richard chuckled, "Even Little Mouse threatened you?"

"She isn't timid anymore. Her interaction with your sister and this Miss Elizabeth has helped her to break out of her shell. I sometimes do not know whether to thank or curse the pair."

Richard's expression was serious as he answered, "Considering her condition after last summer, I thing that the pair should be awarded knighthoods. Of course Marjy doesn't need one now."

The carriage rolled on and the scattered farms began to resolve into a small town. They were approaching Meryton and Darcy's trial by fire.

Meryton Assembly, that same night

Darcy fought back a groan as the entire room, even the musicians, went silent. Beside him and latched onto his arm like a lamprey, Miss Bingley preened at the attention she felt she deserved. Of course she also sneered since she had already decided that the locals were nothing but bottom feeders. Darcy felt his spine stiffen and his stone mask trying to slip into place. Why oh why did this assembly have to take place on the same day that we arrived? I had hoped to meet Miss Elizabeth in a more hospitable setting!

With the greatest of efforts, Darcy fought to put a smile on his face. It must not have been his best expression because the man who stepped up to greet them, Sir William Lucas, paused for a moment before speaking. Darcy had met him and his daughter briefly, earlier that same day when they arrived. Thankfully the woman, he believed her name was Charlotte Lucas, had cut through her father's loquacious speech to remind him that the new group had only just arrived and would probably wish to refresh themselves.

There was the sound of free and easy laughter somewhere in the large hall. It had a tinkling quality which made Darcy turn his head. There, across the room, his eyes found the most enchanting creature.

~oOo~

Charlotte had just finished informing Elizabeth about the identities of the new arrivals when she noted Mr. Darcy's odd, almost tortured expression. When she mentioned it to Lizzy, the young woman had only laughed.

"I believe that is his attempt at a smile, Charlotte," Elizabeth offered. Then the tall, unfairly handsome man scanned the room. His eyes found hers and they seemed to lock together. Even across that crowded distance she could see those startling Fitzwilliam azure eyes. She had heard so many stories about the man from her friend, from his sister Georgiana, and from Richard. But none of them had made mention of his near perfect handsomeness.

Thankfully the man broke eye contact to answer a question from Sir William. Elizabeth suddenly found that she had been holding her breath and she now drew in air, feeling starved of the essential substance. Beside her Charlotte gave her a teasing look. "That was fascinating to watch, Lizzie. Up until this moment I believed that the phrase 'their eyes met across a crowded room' was only a trite idea in novels."

Elizabeth blushed, but for once she didn't have a handy rejoinder. Why is it so hot in here?

A minute later her mother was loudly calling for her to join her so that Sir William could make introductions.

Darcy was actually grateful when the talkative Sir William drew his attention away from the young lady. Until that point, he felt as if he was trapped in her gaze and unable... truly unwilling... to break the contact. "Your pardon, Sir William, but what was the question?"

"I was only asking if you had danced at St. James of late. It is of no consequence."

Remembering all of his cousins' warnings, Darcy tried to give a properly social reply. The truth was that he never danced anywhere if he could help it, and certainly not St. James. But the Marquess was very distantly related to the Royals, just enough for it to be noted but not enough for theirs to be considered of "Royal" blood. "I did, in fact. My cousin recently married and became the Marchioness of Wallingford. I could not attend the wedding, so I was obligated to attend the celebratory dance at the palace."

"Capital! How marvelous! I have intended to take my wife and eldest children there again, but never find the time. Oh! Mrs. Bennet! I suppose that I should do my duty and begin making introductions."

If Darcy had not been warned by his cousin, he would have given this vulgar woman the cold shoulder. She was loud, crass, and every inch the match-making mother. But Marjory had prepared him and had also made certain that he did not offend. He gave her a bow which she missed as she loudly demanded her daughters' attendance on her. Then introductions began. It was no surprise at all when Charles fixated immediately on the eldest Miss Bennet. Marjory had met her several times and had told him of her rare beauty.

Thankfully Bingley wasted no time in soliciting a dance from her, because Darcy only had eyes for Miss Elizabeth. Both Marjory and Georgiana had spoken of her beauty and her kind nature, but neither had mentioned her captivating eyes. He had never seen their equal. Later that night he would wonder what color they were. All he knew at the moment was that they seemed to shine with life, energy, and amusement. "Miss Elizabeth, do you have any sets left available?"

Elizabeth blushed, but answered, "I an engaged for the next, but am free the set thereafter." She offered her card, which was tied to her wrist with a ribbon. Darcy took the opportunity to hold her wrist gently as he tried to write on the little folded paper. When he released her arm, both felt disappointment.

He heard her mother warning her to act appropriately, to not frighten him away, and to direct his attention towards "my dear Jane." Once again he thanked the intelligence provided by his cousin. Otherwise he might have despised the whole family.

Acting upon other advice and warnings delivered by that same source, he asked for and received Charlotte Lucas' hand for the next dance. After that, he danced with Miss Mary, the middle Bennet sister who had brought a book to the dance. That, by itself, made him like the girl. "I sometimes wish that I could bring a book to these types of events," he confided.

Mary, who had already been shocked to be asked to dance, looked up now in bewilderment, "Truly?" She had received many rebukes from her mother for that same action.

"Truly. I usually never dance unless I know my partner well... and even then I would usually pursue other forms of interaction."

Mary smiled and Darcy was pleased to see some of the beauty that her sisters were noted for. He had a thought and, uncharacteristically, shared it without long hours of prior contemplation, "Your sister is a friend to mine. I wonder, would you care to meet my sister when you are next in London?"

Mary looked confused, "You know one of my sisters already, Mr. Darcy?"

Darcy grimaced slightly, "Oh! I suppose that is a secret. I did not know any of your sisters prior to this evening, but Miss Elizabeth is a particular friend to my cousin, Lady Marjory... it seems that she had kept that secret for what is most likely a good reason. I hope that you will accede to her wishes on the matter?"

Mary thought on this as they continued through the steps of the dance, then nodded, "It was wise of Lizzy to hide the matter. Otherwise our mother would try to use it to 'throw us into the path of rich men!'" This last part was delivered in a voice that Darcy already recognized as a mimicry of Mrs. Bennet. He laughed softly, gaining the notice of Miss Elizabeth, who was dancing just down the line with her partner. Then Mary regained his attention by answering shyly, "I should very much like to meet your sister, Mr. Darcy."

When the dance was over, Darcy walked her to a seat. Their dance must have garnered attention for her, however, because another young man approached her before she could resume her book.

It was with great anticipation that Darcy then claimed Elizabeth for the next two dances. Neither could explain it, but there was an electricity between them which was almost palpable. They danced in oddly pleasant silence for most of the first dance before Darcy finally remembered himself and Richard's advice, "Miss Elizabeth, I was hoping... you have most likely heard of my difficulty with crowds of strangers?"

Elizabeth's hand met his for a the start of a turn and both made the contact more tactile than might have been proper for strangers. Then she answered, "Thus far I find that you have done remarkably well, Mr. Darcy. And I cannot thank you enough for giving my sister Mary consequence. She is seldom asked to dance and it breaks my heart for her."

"It was no burden. In fact, given the reports passed to me by my cousin that Miss Mary is of a musical bent, I would like her to meet my sister."

"Oh! That would be wonderful! I think that Mary and Georgie would carry on well together." Darcy now remembered his request, "What I was meaning to ask is if you would be willing to... what I mean is... would you be my guide in meeting the locals and establishing a rapport. By myself I might easily offer offense without intending to, and that would hurt Mr. Bingley's prospects... it would also draw down my cousin's displeasure."

Elizabeth laughed softly, a sound which Darcy was very quickly coming to love, "Well, Mr. Darcy, for the sake of protecting you from the frightening and terrible Lady Marjory, I shall commit myself to doing everything within my limited power to endear you to the local populace. And have you heard from the marchioness?" Elizabeth delivered the last with a teasing tone. He knew from his cousin that this young lady was not impressed or intimidated by titles, but that she did like to tease.

"She and Arthur are carrying on quite well together. It is a good match, not just for fortune, but because they suit each other. I imagine that they will explore the world together once the French trouble has finally settled. She was born to travel."

The dance ended and there was a short break in between. Other than standing instead of dancing, the pair showed little awareness of the change. They continued talking, with Elizabeth fondly saying, "My friend loves to explore. That is how we met, you know."

"I have heard the story. It was at your uncle's warehouse, I believe?"

Flashback:

"Hello, is everything well? You look frightened," the young girl, who looked at least a year younger than herself, asked Lady Marjory. Marjory was the ripe old age of eleven, but at the moment she felt as helpless as a child of three.

"I... I'm lost. My mother and John, the footman both disappeared and now I don't know where I am or where anyone else is."

"You're in luck, then, Miss...?"

"I'm Marjory. Lady Marjory. I am eleven, almost twelve. And you?"

The young girl curtsied and gave Lady Marjory a smile, "I am honored to meet you, Lady Marjory. I am Miss Elizabeth Bennet, of Longbourn in Hertfordshire, but everybody calls me Lizzy. I am also eleven, only just. I am visiting my aunt and uncle for a month. Today my Uncle Gardiner allowed me to come to work with him and tour his warehouse... sort of as a birthday present." She gestured around at the wondrous building full of goods from other places.

Marjory returned the curtsy, saying, "And I am honored to meet you, Miss Elizabeth. Your uncle is in trade?" She tried not to put too much disdain in her voice, but still blushed at the question.

Little Lizzy was not bothered in the slightest. Instead she grinned and said, "Yes! And isn't this place marvelous?! It is like walking through a king's treasure room from a story book!" Lizzy twirled around, then stopped and frowned, "Oh, but we must find out where your mother is. Come! Let's talk to my uncle," And with that she grabbed Lady Marjory's hand and led her away."

It took less time than might have been expected because a very worried Lady Valentina, the Countess of Matlock, and a very contrite footman were already there, also seeking help from Lizzy's uncle.

There followed cries of joy and remonstration, but once that had settled introductions were passed around.

Now that the family had been reunited, the countess was at first inclined to depart, but the irrepressible Lizzy said, "Please don't leave so soon! I had hoped to take Lady Marjory on a tour and tell her all about the items in Uncle's warehouse."

Marjory gave her mother such a pleading look that her mother relented and agreed, though she and her footman stayed with the young pair. What followed was an enjoyable afternoon for all. Lizzy, who had a remarkable memory and an even better imagination, dragged her new friend all over the huge warehouse, and told stories about the wares. She interspersed her tour with references from what the clerks and her uncle had told her, but also with references to the many and various books she had read and snippets she knew from the history her father had taught her. Young Marjory was fascinated.

The countess was just as taken with the helpful Miss Lizzy as her daughter had been. Marjory was an indifferent student at best, whereas this little girl seemed to be quite the scholar. Although the countess was still concerned about the girl's ties to trade, she was content that the girl was a gentleman's daughter. Lady Valentina, though from the finest Castilian stock, was less hidebound than many of her English peers. The countess thought that this young girl might just turn out to be a good influence on her daughter.

Tentative steps were taken for the two girls to get to know each other better. Lizzy visited Matlock House twice, and after some hesitation the Countess and her daughter visited the Gardiner's home. They left that day quite impressed. Mrs. Madeleine Gardiner was a well-spoken, intelligent, and genteel woman. Her home gave the feeling of both style and comfort. Lady Valentina's fears were finally set aside.

From that point on, Lizzy and Marjory visited whenever both were in London. Lizzy was even invited to pay three extended visits to the Matlock's country estate in Derbyshire. Jane Bennet, Lizzy's elder sister and dear friend, was sometimes included in the London visits but it never worked out for her to go north. It seemed that their mother valued Jane the most and liked to keep her near, while the woman actually appreciated and encouraged Lizzy's absences.

Over time Lizzy and Marjory became the dearest of friends. Marjory disliked the arrogance and selfishness of many of her peers. She cherished Lizzy for her impertinent honesty. Lizzy appreciated Marjorie's easy acceptance of her lower status. The both had warm, loving hearts and a longing for adventure. Together they got into numerous little scrapes, but never anything which might prompt the countess to separate the pair.

Eventually Lizzy became known to most of Marjory's extended family as well.

End flashback

Regretfully for both, the second dance of the set ended and the rest of her card was full for the evening. Elizabeth, wise to her mother's schemes, begged Mr. Darcy to request at least one dance from her sister Jane. Darcy complied, taking the only dance left on her card. Mrs. Bennet did not know that Jane spent the entire fifteen minutes talking about Elizabeth and answering Mr. Darcy's gentle questions about that particular sister. Jane left the dance quite convinced that her sister had made a worthy conquest.

Over the following weeks Darcy and Elizabeth met with great regularity, both in company and (shockingly) alone. Their attraction for each other quickly grew into affection and just as quickly matured into a deep and abiding love. One day, while sitting far too closely together alone on the top of Oakham Mount, Elizabeth said, "You know that my friend and your entire family set us up, don't you, Fitzwilliam?"

"I reached that conclusion long ago myself my dearest, loveliest Elizabeth. But given the result, I cannot complain. Without their intervention I might very well have messed up everything with my recalcitrance and intransigence. They may boast of their victory all that they wish, but I am the one who has won the greatest prize."

Elizabeth gave her betrothed an adoring look which quickly turned into a passionate regard. "You say the sweetest things, my love. I find it hard to believe that you were ever lost for words." They kissed after that and therefore no more talk was necessary.

Meryton Church, December, 1811

If Mrs. Bennet was irritated with her second daughter for stealing the wealthier match from Jane, she was easily consoled when by the presence of no less than ten peers, including a marquess and marchioness, several earls and countesses, a viscount and viscountess, and a baron or two... she actually lost track. So overwhelmed was she by such nobility at her daughters' double wedding that she was quiet and meek through most of the day... a blessing to everyone.

Caroline Bingley watched in horror as her rival took all of the honors that she had striven and schemed for. She could only console herself that she was now distantly related to all of these distinguished personages through her brother's marriage to Jane Bennet.

Mary Bennet, who had already befriended Georgiana, boarded a carriage with the girl and her relatives back to London. She would pretty much live with her new friend from that day on until her own marriage to another distant Fitzwilliam relative. She would cherish her friendship with "Georgie" all of her days and always count Fitzwilliam Darcy as her dearest brother.

Kitty and Lydia Bennet were disappointing when the deliciously handsome George Wickham appeared in Meryton and donned the uniform of a militia officer, then promptly disappeared. They had no idea that Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam was overjoyed when the scoundrel had finally surface and, more importantly, had put on a uniform. Within days of signing George found himself on a troop ship for Australia*, where the prisoner garrisons needed fresh troops.

Lydia still made her fated trip to Brighton, where she flirted so ridiculously and skirted so close to scandal that Colonel Forster sent the girl packing with a bug in Mr. Bennet's ear. As a result, Lydia was sent back to the schoolroom for another year.

Kitty was the unplanned beneficiary of this action by her father. When Mrs. Bennet continued to wail and protest and make a nuisance of herself, Mr. Bennet wisely sent Kitty to the Gardiners in London so that she would not be effected. Kitty, seeing the need to improve, gave herself completely over into her aunt's hands. A visit of a month or two turned into a year, after which Katherine Bennet returned home. This new and improved young lady attracted the interest of several local suitors, but it was the newest Master of Netherfield, Landon Everett, who claimed her hand.

Like their predecessors, Mr. and Mrs. Bingley, the Everett's soon decided that Netherfield was much too close to Longbourn. And much like the Bingleys, they also found a new estate in the north.

Of Lydia there is much to write, but this historian chooses instead to skip to the end of that long and sordid tale to say that she eventually gained some sense and led a reasonably good life with a comparably good man.

* My apologies to Australia, but if you can stomach Vegemite, then certainly you can find an appropriate way to deal with Wickham.

AN: Hope that you enjoyed this lighter tale. It is probably more fitting for the first two collections, but here it is.