Royal Expectations

Thomas Bennet is far from indolent. In fact, he has been training Jane and Elizabeth assiduously since they were very young to take on their future responsibilities. With the end of the conflict with France, the time is now here for them to return to where they belong. How will this impact their interactions with Bingley and Darcy?

AN: For the sake of this story, the new 1811 is now 1815. Bear with me until the end and all shall be explained.

Additions to the neighborhood

Elizabeth held out her hand and took Jane's foil. She would put the blades away while Jane collected their bows for an hour of archery. Then it would be another hour with Papa Bennet in his study, reviewing what they had learned about current world politics. They had already spent much of the morning on history and commerce. At one time this routine might have been exhausting, but after years of their daily grind, it was just another day at Longbourn.

The foils were returned to their ornate case and tucked safely out of view. It would do nobody any good for visitors to see the practice foils or the crested case. Though it was doubtful that anyone in Meryton would recognize the ornate crest, there was always the danger. Besides, seeing such a symbol would raise unwelcome questions.

Jane had already emptied her first full quiver when Elizabeth joined her. "Your grouping is getting tighter, Jane. Keep doing it like that and you'll have no concerns."

Jane sighed and rested her bow while Elizabeth notched her first arrow, "And now you may once again demonstrate how much better your aim is, Lizzy." Elizabeth might be tempted to flub her aim for the sake of her older "sister," but that would only insult Jane. It would also served little purpose. As weapons-master Freidrickson had drilled into the pair many times, "There is no easy way around hard won success. When you assume your roles, the world will expect you to be ready. The time for practice will be over."

In the near future, Jane would need all of her steady calm, her wisdom, and her patience. Elizabeth's tactile and martial prowess was what would keep Jane safe... at least she hoped so.

As expected, Elizabeth's grouping was concentrated in the center of the target. Several of her arrows had even been marked by the following arrows. When her quiver was empty, both young ladies set their bows on the stands and went to collect their arrows. Jane frowned as she drew near. "My grouping is still too large, Lizzy. What if I miss the pear?"

"When the time comes, you will hit it perfectly center, dear Jane. You always perform best when it is the most important. Please believe."

They pulled their arrows out and then returned to their firing line. Many might expect servants to collect their arrows, but according to both Papa Bennet and Master Freidrickson, the first and most important lesson was to be self-sufficient. They shot four more quivers full and then went on to their next lesson.

When they were about to step into Mr. Bennet's study, they heard Mama Bennet crowing, "... Netherfield Park is let at last, Thomas! And by a single man of large fortune! What a fine thing for our girls!"

"How so? How can it possibly effect them?"

"Oh Thomas, you know that I mean that he might very well be attracted to one of our girls and wish to marry them! Dear Jane is two and twenty and Lizzy is twenty! They should be married and have children by now!"

Thomas sighed in frustration. No matter how many times he explained the same matter, his wife of almost twenty years would still return to the same issue. "Francesca, you know..."

"Yes, yes! I know!" His wife interrupted sadly, "But couldn't we just allow the past to fade into history? The first treaty was signed last year!"

"And the Corsican rose again, invalidating the first treaty. But this time he is dead and will have no more influence. This new treaty will be much more in our favor... especially with delegations there to ensure the matter. Then it will only be a matter of weeks before someone comes to Longbourn to collect our eldest two."

Francesca's shoulders slumped, "I know, husband. And I shall miss them dearly." She stepped out after this and found Jane and Elizabeth standing there. She gave them both affectionate hugs before sniffling and walking off to speak with the other three girls.

When Jane and Elizabeth stepped into the study, Papa Bennet was tapping the edge of a thick envelope on his desk. Have a seat, girls. I have the latest update from Lord Rostello. It seems that he has gained the ears of the Russian, British, Prussian, and Austrian ambassadors. As you already know, the Pope is on our side. He anticipates that the treaty will be completed and signed by the end of this year."

Mr. Bennet then extended the envelope to Jane to read. As she extracted the contents and began, Mr. Bennet met Elizabeth's eyes. Understanding passed between them. She had trained so hard, harder even then Jane, in order to support her "sister" when the time came... and it seemed that that time drew closer with each day. Were they truly ready? Could they ever be ready?

After the Meryton Assembly...

"I should not have attended," Jane bemoaned to Elizabeth as her glorious blond hair was brushed. This was their routine almost every night, regardless of how late they might return home. When Jane's hair was brushed and bound, then it would be Elizabeth's turn.

"It is no crime to dance a dance... or even two sets with a handsome man, dear Jane."

"But what difference will it make? I cannot marry him and he is just what a young gentleman ought to be. He is kind, polite, an excellent dancer, and we had so much to speak about."

"He is handsome too, which a young man ought to be if he can possibly be so. You have been attracted to a few lesser men. I give you leave to like him. You just should not fall in love with him."

"And there's the problem, is it not? People I have never met will want to make that choice for me. Grandmother will certainly do all she can to influence the final decision, but others will want to have their say. At least you may choose."

"Ah, but you forget that I am only 'tolerable, and not handsome enough to tempt'. Heaven forbid that Mr. Darcy give me consequence after I was slighted by other men!"

Jane commiserated, "He should not have said such things, dear Lizzy. But what will it matter to either of us if Papa Bennet is right and we go soon?"

Elizabeth finished plaiting Jane's hair for sleep and they switched places. While she sat, Elizabeth continued to hide the hurt she felt at Mr. Darcy's insulting words. It would help if she had not been so attracted to him at first.

November in Meryton...

Elizabeth had just returned from a rather intensive weapon's session with Mr. Freidrickson when she learned that Jane had been caught in a rainstorm and was now sequestered at Netherfield. Alarmed, she hurried to her father's office, "Papa, we cannot leave Jane there at Netherfield! At the very least I or one of her men-at-arms must be with her. How did this happen?"

"I spoke with Francesca. It seems that the Bingley ladies sent a letter inviting Jane to tea while both you and I were away. By the time she arrived, according to the note, she was soaked to the skin. After fifteen minutes of sharing tea, Jane fainted. When she came to in a guest room, she sent a note right away." Thomas ran an irritated hand though his white hair.

"I cannot determine the truth on whether it was my wife or Jane who made the decision to make the trip by horse. I suspect the former. She still wishes to keep you both here and what better way than by marrying you off to Englishmen?"

"Then I must go, Papa. You raised me to be her protector and advisor. We cannot afford for there to be any inappropriate rumors at the final hour. There are almost certainly those who would wish to supplant her."

Mr. Bennet grimaced in agreement and sent for a footman to have his carriage made ready.

~oOo~

"You must have seen her dress, Mr. Darcy?! It was six inches deep in mud!" Caroline Bingley was seeking any way to denigrate the Bennets and most specifically the eldest two. Not only were her brother and Mr. Darcy much too interested in them, but there was also something intimidating about the pair. There was a self-confidence and an almost regal quality not in keeping with the daughters of a minor country gentleman. It irked Caroline, who believed herself above her surroundings and the people of Meryton.

Mr. Bingley spoke up, "Of course her dress is muddy, Caroline. Netherfield does not have a portico, so she was left with little choice but to step out in this storm and onto muddy ground! It was no different from Mr. Darcy and I."

"But it is the very idea of her arriving uninvited to take care of Dear Jane, as if Louisa and I were insufficient to take care of her sister's needs! And to bring along that huge footman as well!"

Darcy's own thoughts were directed towards the servants who had delivered Miss Elizabeth and the one who remained. Having interacted closely with his cousin, a Colonel in the Horse Guards, he was able to recognize military men. Every one of those who came with Miss Elizabeth had worn the bearing and discipline of experienced soldiers, perhaps even more than his cousin! Oddly enough, even Miss Elizabeth seemed to give off that feeling... but that must be an illusion! And Darcy would have sworn that Miss Elizabeth spoke to them as a general ordering her troops. There was a mystery around Longbourn and the Misses Bennet that he wanted to solve.

He just needed to be careful lest his investigations give Miss Elizabeth the wrong idea about his intentions.

~oOo~

Two days later Darcy encountered Miss Elizabeth on her morning walk. Whenever her sister was sleeping, the young lady took the opportunity to expel excess energy with a brisk walk. Darcy asked to accompany her and she reluctantly agreed. Of course Darcy was oblivious to her reluctance.

She then surprised him by immediately addressing an issue which he had not expected, "Mr. Darcy, I am well aware that you do not approve of my family or of Mr. Bingley's interest in Jane. That is actually fortuitous because I require your help in discouraging his suit. You see, Jane is just too kind to reject your friend outright, but neither is she in a position to accept his interest.

"Her forced tenure here is unfortunate and has only served to exacerbate the issue. I promise you that the moment our physician deems her ready to travel, we will create a separation by returning to Longbourn. But would you please be more direct in your efforts to discourage your friend?"

Darcy took a minute to compose his thoughts. He should have taken at least a few more minutes to compose his words, "I find it difficult to accept your assertion at face value when your own mother seems so keen on matching your sister with Mr. Bingley, Miss Elizabeth. And what of your own campaign to attract my interest?"

It was Elizabeth's own turn to be surprised and even shocked. It was true that she had engaged in several arguments with the man over questions of politics, history, literature, and current world affairs. But she was certainly not trying to attract his attention. She was merely attempting to correct his wrong-headed thinking. Granted, she could appreciate that Mr. Darcy had a fine, learned mind, but he was so fixedly English in his thought processes that he did not always see the larger picture. But she was not attracted to him or trying to draw his notice!

Then she laughed. It was not a kind laugh. "First, Mr. Darcy, while it may be true that Mrs. Bennet desires the match, it does not follow that Jane does... or even can consider such a match. She is a dear Mrs. Bennet has been our mother for most of our childhood and wishes nothing more than to keep us close and well. My own dear mother, my father's first wife, perished when I was young." She did not state specifically that Jane was not a sister by blood. With the truth soon to be revealed, Elizabeth did not wish to lie to this man... though her mind refused to examine the reasons behind that.

"And second, I have no desire to attract your notice or improve your assessment of me from 'tolerable, and not handsome enough' into something more. Nor am I in need of any consequence your interest might lend to me. At no point since I became aware of your arrogance and your selfish disdain for the feeling of others have I desired your 'interest'. Good day, Mr. Darcy."

Darcy stood bewildered as Miss Elizabeth walked briskly away from him towards Netherfield. He was angry at her heated dismissal until his own foolish words at the assembly came back to his memory. Darcy groaned and cursed, but when he kicked a rock it only made his toe hurt.

Then he sat on a fallen tree to nurse his sore foot and curse his own stupidity.

Longbourn, 17 November

Mr. Collins had planned a grand entrance upon his arrival at Longbourn. He was immediately taken with the beauty of the five young ladies arrayed in two lines around the older couple which must be his cousin and the man's wife. It gratified him to see that the entire family were dressed in their finest and ready to receive his visit. In fact it surprised him just how finely they were dressed. The eldest daughter looked positively regal!

Collins was more than ready to deliver a well-planned speech when two very large and ornate crested carriages pulled to a stop right behind the little trap which had conveyed him from Hunsford. While Mr. Collins opened and closed his mouth like a fish, liveried servants rushed from where they had ridden to open doors. They handed down several very finely dressed and majestic personages. If the crest had been different Mr. Collins might have thought them the Royal family.

Mr. Bennet stepped forward right past Collins and bowed to an older woman, while behind him his entire family curtsied. Your Majesty, I am gratified to see you safe and well."

Mr. Collins was even more confused and gradually incensed. Who was this woman to be addressed in the title reserved only for a King or Queen? Yet the entourage of large and powerful men around this pretender helped him to keep his mouth shut for the moment.

"Lord Bennet, We are pleased to see you well and grateful for all that you have done to protect and raise Our dear Princess." The woman looked over to where Jane was standing uncertainly, "Come, Jane, and embrace your grandmother."

The nervousness which had fixed Jane in place fled as she finally recognized the elderly lady she had loved so dearly when she was a little child. She ran (with dignity) into her grandmother's arms.

Collins had enough, "Now see here! I do not know what this is about, but I have seen a portrait of Their Royal Majesties and you are not them! I demand that you cease this farce right this minute and leave Longbourn... and unhand my bride!"

Everyone seemed to notice him for the first time. Several very large men in uniform moved to block him from their lady while the lady looked to Mr. Bennet, "Who is this person, Lord Bennet?"

That was twice that the Queen had addressed Thomas so, but now was not the time to correct her, "I think that he may be a distant cousin. I completely forgot that the fool was to visit once we received notice of your impending arrival. If you will give me a moment, I will send the man packing."

Collins was blustering, though afraid to get too close to the soldiers in foreign uniform. When Mr. Bennet approached, he finally found a target for his ire, "See here, Cousin Bennet! What is this all about? I informed you of my arrival at four today! I came to offer an olive branch by marrying one of your lovely daughters. I came here prepared to admire them, but it was the work of a moment to choose your eldest, as she is the comeliest..."

The soldiers' faces became more fierce and they looked ready to run the man through. While Collins cringed in fear, Mr. Bennet spoke, "First of all, Mr. Collins, you invited yourself and did not wait for a reply from me. Allow me to deliver that now: we are unable to entertain your visit at this time. Second, the young woman who you have arrogantly claimed is not my daughter, but a Crown Princess and heir to the throne of her country. Third, not one of my daughters is available to your whim. This is the nineteenth century, Sir, and my daughters will choose for themselves who they marry."

"But... but... who ARE these pretenders!?"

"Since you insist, allow me to introduce Her Majesty, Antoinette Jane Minionette Grimaldi, Queen of Genovia. And now standing beside her is Her Highness, Jane Isabella Antoinette Marietta Grimaldi, Princess of Genovia. Now, because we are presently being graced with the presence of foreign royalty, it should be obvious to you that there is neither space nor welcome for you at this time." Thomas looked at one of the older soldiers, "General Reichart, it is good to see you again. Do you think that you could spare one or two of your fine men to escort my cousin to the local inn?" The general happily complied with a single gesture.

Mr. Collins tried to protest, but the two large men lifted him easily and carried him effortlessly to his little trap, where he was deposited unceremoniously. Then one of the men slapped the rump of the horse in the traces and the vehicle lurched away to the loud exclamations of the ejected man.

Mr. Bennet now returned his attention where it belonged and invited Her Majesty inside. Mrs. Francesca Bennet was an accomplished hostess. Even though Longbourn was smaller than most places which might welcome a Queen, it was a very pleasant manse tastefully decorated. Queen Antoinette took it all in with grace, never letting go of her gentle hold on the granddaughter she had not seen for many years. "Thank you, Lord and Lady Bennet. You have a pleasant and welcoming home."

Mr. and Mrs. Bennet exchanged confused looks. Then Thomas addressed the Queen, "Your Majesty, I fear there is a mistake. I am not a noble. I am only a gentleman."

"It is not polite to tell a Queen that she is wrong, Lord Thomas. You should know better. Did you think that you would receive nothing for safeguarding Our granddaughter for so many years while that tyrant occupied Our beautiful Genovia? General, if you would please?"

General Reichart drew his saber and extended it, hilt first to his Queen. She smiled to Thomas and his wife, "Kneel please, Thomas." When he complied, she dubbed him Count Longbourn and extended her gratitude to Lady Francesca as well. "We have spoken with the Regent... a foul man even if he is Our distant cousin. When informed of your faithful service and Our intentions, he reciprocated. So from now on, when in England, you are the Earl and Countess of Longbourn. When in Genovia, you are the Count and Countess of Longbourn. Of course in Genovia you may name your new feudal lands whatever you may wish."

She gestured for both to rise and then looked over at the other four girls, "Elizabeth, please come forward." When Elizabeth complied, Queen Antoinette first reached up to caress the young woman's cheek. "Our dear Jane has written with great enthusiasm and appreciation for all that you have done to help her and prepare yourself to support her in the coming years. The Prince Regent is a fool who does not appreciate the power of a woman, so he will not grant you a title, but I most certainly will. Kneel please, Elizabeth."

Looking shocked, Elizabeth obeyed. The Queen availed herself of her general's saber again and this time said, "In honor of all that you have done until now, and to ensure that you have the power to support Our Princess Jane from this day forward, We dub thee Duchess Oakham. Our Princess informs me that the rise in the distance is one of your favorite places. Now rise."

Elizabeth did not rise right away, however. She kept her kneeling position and replied, "Your Royal Majesty, in return I pledge my title, my house, and my person to protect, serve, and support your house and line from this day forward and forever." This moving gesture only served to put into words that which Elizabeth was already doing. The Queen kissed the top of her head and then Jane stepped in to hug her dearest "sister."

Once everyone was seated as comfortably as possible while entertaining royalty, the great lady explained further, "The second treaty should be signed at any moment*, but troops have already been dispatched to secure the borders of Genovia once again and prevent any more depredations against our beloved country. Once all is ready, We will make a triumphant return. We have already set aside estates in Genovia for both titles. Sadly there are many properties available, since there were many noble families which were completely destroyed by the French aggressors. Those who fought and died beside my dear son, Jane's father, paid the highest price."

There was a moment of silence shared by all before the Queen spoke again.

"Lord Thomas, you and your family may remain here or follow us as you will. Prior to Napoleon's invasion of our small country, you served as a tutor and a mentor. Now We would welcome your presence as a Royal Advisor. Lady Elizabeth, it is Our understanding that you intended to travel with Princess Jane. Is this still your intention?"

"Of course, Your Majesty," Lady Elizabeth declared with a smile at Jane. Then she added impertinently, "The Princess will not shake me off that easily."

Queen Antoinette watched with pleasure as the two girls embraced, then spoke again, "Oh yes, and there was one more matter which may require your assistance, Lord Thomas. Prior to the Tyrant's invasion, my son was good friends with a man here in England. They went to Cambridge together and even attended each other's weddings. Sadly, We have learned of his untimely passing, but his son lives and We have been notified that he is presently in this area visiting a friend. His father contributed greatly to Us while we were in exile and his son has continued the practice. Might you aid Us in locating the son?"

While her father agreed to help, Elizabeth felt a shiver down her spine. It cannot be! Please no!

Then, just as she feared, Queen Antoinette identified the son as Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.

~oOo~

Elizabeth was not in the room when the Queen and Princess of Genovia met with Mr. Darcy, so she had no idea what was said. But when the door was opened, he was introduced to the family as Baron Pemberley, now a noble of Genovia in gratitude of his and his father's devoted service. Unlike her title, his was also sanctioned and duplicated by the Regent.

Lord Darcy looked directly at her when the others were done with their congratulations. He bowed and asked, "Could we speak outside for a moment, Lady Elizabeth?" Unable to demur with the Queen watching on, Elizabeth followed the irritating man outdoors. He turned and regarded her with sorrowful eyes, "Lady Elizabeth, I have been told of all that your family, and you specifically, have done for Princess Jane. Please allow me to apologize for all of the many ways that I have managed to insult and offend you since our first meeting. I have been told many times by those I care about that I needed to mend my ways. Only now, after offending the last person whom I would wish to offend, am I finally making the attempt. I ask for your forgiveness and an opportunity to prove that I can be a better man than the one you have met thus far?"

Skeptical, but willing to move on, Elizabeth nodded, "I will forgive you, Lord Darcy. As to starting over, I am willing to throw away my old impression if you are willing to forgive my harsh words toward you?"

He took one of her hands and raised it to his lips, saying, "Thank you, Lady Elizabeth."

Elizabeth had to work to ignore the tingling of her hand where he had kissed it. Irritating man!

Genovia, 1825

Elizabeth journeyed back to Genovia with the Royals as soon as it was deemed safe to do so. The Queen was in her later years, so she delegated much of the ruling to her granddaughter, Princess Jane.

Jane leaned heavily upon her dearest friend and "sister," Duchess Oakham, but over time she gained the confidence to rule with wisdom and decisiveness. Three years after her return, Jane married a minor prince from Russia. He was everything that Jane had dreamed of and he felt the same about her. Together they led the newly restored country into a new era. Oh, and by the way, Princess Jane was able to shoot an arrow dead-center through a Genovian pear.

When Elizabeth was not advising and protecting Jane, she was turning her new Duchy into a viable concern. It turned out to be perfect for grapes, so in later years the name Oakham became widely associated with a quality red wine. She had her suspicions when she learned that Baron Pemberley's property bordered hers, but neither the Queen nor Princess Jane admitted anything. Nevertheless, when Darcy finally made the journey with his sister Georgiana, Elizabeth found it quite easy to make a new and quite pleasing sketch of the man's character. Within five years their two estates were combined through marriage.

Whenever the couple argued (which was often) Darcy's sister Georgiana liked to remind her brother that a Baron should defer to a Duchess. The couple found it amusing, but they had their own ways of making up. It should be noted that the couple eventually had eight children... so perhaps there was some benefit to all those arguments.

The future Dukes and Duchesses of Oakham continued be the closest supporters of the Crown. Once Princess, and later Queen Jane was secure in her position, Lady Elizabeth was able to relinquish and martial responsibilities and just be Jane's sister and friend... which Jane needed the most. That bond remained strong and passed down through many more generations.

The Longbourn Bennets moved en masse to take up their estate within a year of the Genovia's restoration. Mr. Collins, upon learning this, tried to argue that he should now take over Longbourn. He was ignored. Mr. Bennet lived another three decades, precisely one year longer than Mr. Collins, who had on sons. This meant that the estate went go to one of the sons of a Bennet daughter. Mary's son Stephen was the happy young man to inherit both his father's English title and his property, while Kitty's son Lawrence was given his grandfather's Genovian title and those properties.

When Miss Bingley learned that her Mr. Darcy was now a baron, she was overjoyed. Sadly for her, she drank a little too much at the next dance she attended, slipped, and was compromised by a landless knight. Lady Gompers was less than pleased with her life, but at least she got her title, right?

* The second Treaty of Paris was signed on November 20th, 1815

AN: Oh by the way, in Genovia the rules are different and if the Queen wishes to address the new Duchess as "Lady Elizabeth", she gets to do so, so please don't send me any comments or PMs about titles and addresses for this story. I know, I know. But for this story I just don't care. Fictional story. Fictional place. Fictional rules. Queen Antoinette has so decreed. So there!

AN: I have wanted to write a story combining those two stories for several years, but couldn't make it work. This is my shoddy attempt. If anyone out there is a passionate P&P and Princess Diaries fan, then please feel free to take this and turn it into something more. I would enjoy reading it. LFU

In my mind, the Royal Family was separated and had to flee when Napoleon's troops invaded their small country. As added protection, Jane was sent away with her tutor's family to his small English estate and hidden away, lest the Tyrant try to kidnap her and marry her off to one of his relatives. Of course you may do what you will with your story.