Mirror Image

What if all else was the same, but the Bennet girls were born in reverse? What happens when the rest of our cast of characters comes into the area? Just as letters are backwards in a mirror, so are the sisters in this story.

AN: Thanks to Jansfamily4 for the idea.

Longbourn, after the assembly...

There was never any doubt that Mrs. Bennet was back with four of her five daughters. The silence of a pleasant evening beside the fire, Mr. Bennet with a good book and Jane with her embroidery, was shattered by stomping feet, loud voices, barked instructions for "Hill" and sleepy complaints as the returning ladies shed their outer wear.

Jane lifted her eyes to look at her father, who raised an eyebrow in return. They both sighed. Jane did not have the same level of closeness with her father as Mary or Elizabeth, but they still had a bond. She could not thank him enough for not allowing her mother to force her "out" this year. She was only fifteen after all! But her mother wanted to push her out so that she could entice a suitor before she lost the bloom of youth! Being a somewhat shy creature, she hoped and prayed that her father would remain firm for at least another year.

Everyone came into the sitting room, Lydia and Kitty were arguing as usual. Mary was silent as she took the seat nearest her father. Elizabeth went to join Jane on the settee, where she gave her a roll of the eyes and a side-hug. Jane soon knew why.

"Oh, Mr. Bennet! What a night we had! My Lydia never sat out one dance. Why, Mr. Bingley danced an entire set with her! I am sure that he would have asked her for another, but alas, her dance card was full!" Jane could see that Elizabeth had other thoughts on the matter, but thankfully her dearest sister held her tongue.

Lydia scoffed, "He was handsome enough, and rich. But his blue coat is nothing compared to a red coat!" She and Kitty squealed, the Kitty began to say, "The militia are coming and..."

"Kitty! Be silent! I am telling this story! Aunt Phillips told us tonight that our uncle had a letter from a colonel of the militia. An advance party will be here any day to make arrangements for the Brighton Militia to encamp her for the entire winter!" The two eldest squealed again, causing Mr. Bennet and his three youngest to cringe and Mrs. Bennet to smile.

"Oh, I remember when the army encamped in my hometown when I was the age of my Jane. Redcoats for as far as the eye can see..." Sadly, her moment of silent reverie ended abruptly, "Oh, but Mr. Bennet! Mr. Bingley was delightful and his sisters quite stylish, but his friend!"

Lydia, in typical fair-weather-sister fashion, scoffed while her sister and supposedly best friend pouted. "Mr. Darcy refused to dance with Kitty! He said she was 'tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me!" Lydia then pointed and laughed at her sister.

Kitty, offended, declared, "Well... I did not wish to dance with him anyway! And he did not dance with you either!" The two sniped at each other as they pounded up the stairs, giving the rest a little reprieve. Unfortunately Mrs. Bennet picked up the subject again and complained ceaselessly until her husband declared that everyone should head to bed.

Elizabeth and Jane shared a bed that night so that they could talk. As Jane plaited her sister's hair, she asked, "Was he truly so rude, Lizzy?"

With a sigh, Elizabeth answered, "It was a very rude thing to say, but unfortunately Kitty was fixated on gaining his attention. Mr. Darcy was clearly not interested in dancing and he kept moving about the room to be alone. Kitty kept following him when she had an opening on her card. She could have danced every dance, but I think that she wanted to triumph over Lydia by being the only one in our family to dance with him. I did not hear his insult, but he was clearly aware of what she was doing. Still, it was an unkind way to make his point."

"Was she terribly hurt, do you think?"

"I do not think so. The very next set she was dancing and flirting outrageously with Billy Grovers. Jane, I fear that one of both of our eldest sisters will do something to bring shame down on all of us before the year is out."

"Surely they are not that terrible?" Jane wanted to think the best of everyone, but her two eldest sisters made that difficult. According to their mother, both should be married by now. But Lydia had already spurned two suitors and Kitty had none. According to Lizzy, Lydia drove off anyone who showed interest in Kitty by her antics.

When Elizabeth said no more about that subject, Jane prompted, "And what of you and Mary? This was your first assembly, after all."

"Mary snuck a book in. No surprise. Had Papa attended, they could have both sat in the corner and discussed philosophers." Jane giggled, because that was exactly what would have happened. "Thankfully for her, Mama had her attention fixed on Lydia, so she managed to sit out the entire evening without dancing once. I am quite certain that she counts that as a triumph."

Jane sighed, "Still, I wish that someone would ask her. She would make someone a good wife."

Elizabeth sighed, "Perhaps a college professor or a parson, She has made it her goal to be a bluestocking in every sense of the word."

"You love reading and learning as much as she does," Jane teased.

"Ah yes, but I also love walking trails, climbing trees, and helping with the estate. Certainly not ladylike pursuits. Would that I had been born a boy. Then perhaps Mama would not hate me so."

"She does not hate you, Lizzy," Jane said, but without great conviction. Elizabeth simply looked up into her younger sister's eyes. Then, to change the subject, she said, "Mr. Darcy was deliciously handsome, though. His friend Mr. Bingley as handsome too, but not as handsome. Even though her frowns too much, Mr. Darcy is something to behold."

This had the desired effect and the sisters spent a few minutes talking about the new single men in the area until they both drifted off to sleep.

Life in Meryton moved on. The Netherfield party attended some events and skipped others. Despite Mrs. Bennet's hopes, Mr. Bingley never came to call on her Lydia. She could not know that Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy did make their obligatory call on Mr. Bennet, but only when they were assured that Mrs. Bennet and her eldest two were out.

Elizabeth and Jane were just returning from a visit with the Lucas family when the men stepped out to mount their horses. Mr. Bingley's eyes fixed on Jane and he became quite frozen. Jane was not much better as she stood there, dumbstruck and blushing.

Elizabeth watched as Mr. Darcy observed the interaction and shook his head. Then there own eyes met in a moment of shared amusement. As they had not actually been introduced, she curtsied to both men and guided her younger sister into the house. Jane, suddenly very embarrassed, ran upstairs. But Elizabeth lingered just inside and heard the two men speaking.

"What a beauty! An angel! I have never seen her equal," Mr. Bingley declared with enthusiasm.

"What you failed to take note of was the manner of her dress. She is still in the schoolroom, Charles! It is well indeed that you were too tongue-tied to speak! Mr. Bennet may well have had some words to say if you had. Thank goodness the second youngest Bennet has more sense than her elder sisters."

Though she felt a momentary sense of irritation at the man's insult to her sisters, what struck her was his compliment to her. Certainly he said nothing concerning her looks, but he at least found her sensible. With her father declaring all but Mary to be "silly," even that much was a welcome compliment. He is not such a bad man after all.

As Darcy rode away, he kept ahead enough so that he didn't have to listen to Bingley's effusions on a girl not yet out of the schoolroom. His own mind was more pleasantly occupied with a pair of fine eyes in the pretty face of the only sensible Bennet daughter he had yet encountered. This was not the first time he had noticed her. At the assembly, after he became aware that his insult had been overheard and spread, the youngest Bennet girl had looked his way with a momentary fire in her eyes. Instead of putting him off, those flashing eyes had fascinated him.

Later, at a party at the home of Sir William Lucas, the young lady he could now identify as Miss Elizabeth Bennet had engaged in several intelligent conversations. When she was pressured to play and sing, she did not display the best technical proficiency, yet there was feeling and emotion in her performance. At one point they had engaged in a very brief conversation when Sir William had attempted to have them dance together. Then her eyes were determined as she politely refused.

And today she had displayed a clear understanding of propriety and decorum by removing her youngest sister from the notice of his friend instead of attempting to use the opportunity to push herself forward to their notice. Instead she shared momentary amusement with those remarkably fine eyes and then politely ended the exchange.

Darcy realized that he was thinking too much about this young lady who was herself barely out of the schoolroom. Get yourself together, man. Teach Bingley what he needs to know and then return to your own affairs. There is nothing here in Meryton for you.

The next time that Darcy encountered those eyes, they seemed to be reaching into his soul for answers. Elizabeth Bennet had just witnessed the interaction between himself and George Wickham. The man had fixated his own attention on young Miss Jane, who was looking decidedly uncomfortable under the man's gage. Though Darcy did not wish to involve himself with the Bennets, he felt honor bound to safeguard a young innocent from the man's vile ways.

The eldest two were flirting outrageously with several other officers, so they paid their younger sisters no mind. There was an odd looking parson in the mix, but he was being ignored by all.

Dismounting, Darcy walked right up to Miss Elizabeth, who was guarding over her sister. This made Wickham look away from the blond beauty and then suddenly step back in momentary shock and fear. Ignoring the man, Darcy addressed the ladies, "Miss Elizabeth, Miss Jane. It is a pleasure to see you both again. Are you walking to town or preparing to return home?"

Elizabeth shot a glance over to the white-faced Mr. Wickham, "I think, Sir, that Jane and I would like to return home... yet..." Her concern showed on her expression. Surprising himself, Darcy immediately volunteered, "Then shall I accompany you both... unless I am unwelcome?"

The brilliant, relieved smiled Miss Elizabeth gave him was reward enough. Turning to his mount, he commanded, "Gallie, Suivre." The horse nodded its great head and followed behind the trio as they walked away down the road. Elizabeth shot the briefest of glances back to witness a cold, hateful glare from Mr. Wickham, but for the moment she remained silent. Jane was clearly a little overset by encounter. While she wished to think the best of everyone, she had seen something horrible in the way that man undressed her with his eyes.

Thankfully Maria Lucas stepped onto the road from the trail she had followed in visiting another friend. Jane and Maria were the best of friends, so they walked ahead and talked. Elizabeth expelled a relieved breath, "I must thank you, Mr. Darcy. Knowing how poorly my family has behaved in front of you, you might easily have walked away."

"I will not comment on your mother and elder sisters, but of you and your sister, Miss Jane, I have heard nothing but good." The pretty young lady next to him flushed. Then she turned those considering, intelligent eyes on him, "That was not the first time that you have met Mr. Wickham. When you first saw him, your face turned red in anger while his turned white in fear. Having already endured a few minutes of his inappropriate attentions to my Jane, I have to believe that any fault lies with him. Will you please tell me the story. I do not feel that Jane is safe from him even now."

Darcy was a private man, not given to sharing his private life, but the idea of young Jane enduring what her own sister had... or worse... drove him on. "Is your father at home, Miss Elizabeth? What I have to tell is not appropriate for me to share without your father's presence."

Elizabeth's eyes now showed both gratitude and then concern, "He is in his study."

Mr. Bennet was surprised to see his two youngest coming home early. He was even more surprised to see his daughter Elizabeth in the company of Mr. Darcy. Before he could address the issue, however, his daughter said, "Papa, there was a problem in town and Mr. Darcy was thankfully there to intervene. He has important information to relate and I believe that you should hear him. I will leave it to your discretion whether or not I am allowed to hear it as well."

For the next hour the men spoke. After the first five, Elizabeth was invited in to hear the tale. Darcy decided to be entirely forthcoming. He included the information that his estate supported three different young girls, none of whom were older than fifteen when Mr. Wickham either seduced them or, in one case, simply took what he wanted by force. "So no, Mr. Bennet, your daughters are not safe just because they have little in the way of dowries... and as much as I dislike saying this, your youngest will not be safe while he is in the area. She is remarkably beautiful and once Wickham fixates on a girl, the only safe action is to guard her constantly or send her elsewhere."

Elizabeth, alarmed, interjected, "Papa, Jane and I could go to the Gardiners."

Thomas Bennet might be an indolent man at times, but he did love and care for his daughters, "Yes... I believe that would be best. I will send an express..."

"Mr. Bennet, I will be sending one of my own men to Town to carry a message. If you wish, I will also have him deliver yours. He will be able to carry any reply upon his return tomorrow."

Bennet nodded and began writing immediately. Elizabeth looked at Mr. Darcy with gratitude and warmth in those remarkable eyes. Then she rose, "If you will excuse me, Mr. Darcy, Papa, I will go and speak with Jane."

Mr. Bennet did not miss that exchange of looks, nor the way Mr. Darcy's eyes followed his daughter out of the room. With his brief note complete, he sealed it and then pushed it across the desk, "Mr. Darcy... what is your interest in my daughter Elizabeth?"

For a moment Darcy bristled, then calmed. "I am not used to being asked such a question, but as I look after my sister, I admit that it is reasonable. I find your daughter, Miss Elizabeth, to be intelligent, kind, and protective of her sisters... Miss Jane most of all."

"And is that all?"

"That is all that is can be at this moment in time. Your daughter is full young, though she is out..." when the silence stretched, Darcy went on, "... I will admit that I find your daughter eminently attractive. She has the most remarkable eyes that I have ever encountered. There, I have said it all. Beyond that, I am not in a position to say more. A man in my station, with my family, has expectations and responsibilities. As such I do not have the freedom to chose as I might otherwise."

Thomas Bennet released the man from his fatherly gaze and sat back. "Fair enough. You have been most honest and forthcoming. I hope that you are able to find happiness under the burden your family has placed on you. Only... please take care not to court my Lizzie's interest any further. You have already set yourself up unwittingly as her knight in shining armor. I would not see her hurt."

Darcy winced, seeing the truth in the matter. "I will do my best to maintain a separation. That should be quite easy if I am here and Miss Elizabeth is in London." His resolve was not helped by the concept that Miss Elizabeth might consider him her knight. It was an idea that followed him into his sleep that night.

Darcy's man delivered Mr. Gardiner's letter first, then he rode to where Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam was encamped with his cavalry troops. When the man mounted to return on the following morning, the good Colonel rode with him.

~oOo~

Mr. Bennet was alarmed on the following evening when his eldest daughters returned from a card party at their aunt's house with tales of how "poor Mr. Wickham" had been cheated out of a living by none other than "that evil Mr. Darcy." He knew the full story, but knew that it was unlikely to convince his two silly older daughters. He was grateful that he had thought to conceal the location where he had sent his youngest two, lest the man follow. Someone who lied and charmed so easily was dangerous. His wife was ready to believe any evil from Mr. Darcy. After all, had he not insulted one of her daughters?"

Mr. Wickham was able to carry on in his usual manner for a week, unaware that someone had him under surveillance. He was made much of by the young ladies of the neighborhood and he wasted no time in working his slow seduction on several. He had already begun his usual practice of buying on credit. He was also aggressive in smearing Darcy's name wherever he could. Eight days after his arrival, however, everything changed.

George Wickham stepped out of another card game at the Phillips house, this time for hard currency. Unlike many nights before, this had been a good night for him. It would not be enough, however. He was suddenly seized as soon as the door closed behind him. His shouts were so loud that everyone in the house rushed out to see, as did several people from neighboring homes.

"George Wickham, I arrest you for outstanding debt exceeding two-thousand pounds. Are you ready to pay this now?"

"Let me go at once! This is a mistake!"

The man produced a sheaf of documents, each one a debt. "These tell a different story, Mr. Wickham. I have numerous debts here from several different towns and cities, including London. I am also aware that people are searching for you concerning a much larger amount in debts of honor."

One of the other officers who had been inside now spoke up, "See here, George! You owe me twenty pounds! I know that you did well tonight, so pay up before they haul you off!"

The man who had placed Wickham under arrest answered, "My apologies, Sir, but any currency or salable goods in this man's possession upon his arrest are now property of the Crown. I am afraid that you will have to wait until he is released to get recompense."

This produced many more shouts with anger directed at both Wickham and the man, but the officer of the law had brought five very large men with him. Though Wickham's former friends were upset, they chose wisely to step away from the matter.

After Wickham was thrown into the back of a windowless carriage and hauled away, Mr. Darcy and Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam stepped out of the shadows. "I am glad that you are finally done protecting that man, Darce."

"When I saw the way he looked at the youngest Bennet, I could not help but think of all that Georgiana has endured. I realized that by remaining silent I was placing other innocents in danger. I could not stand by this time."

"Is Miss Jane truly that beautiful?"

Without thinking, Darcy answered, "She is quite beautiful, but I find her next elder sister to be the true beauty..." Then Darcy recalled himself and abruptly said, "We should return to Netherfield. Bingley will wonder where we have gone to."

Richard, riding after his cousin, thought, How interesting. That is the first time that I have ever heard such a freely complimentary statement about a young woman from Darcy's mouth. Several times this week he has spoken of the two youngest Bennets in an appreciative way. He even considered introducing them to Georgiana... which is as high a compliment as Darcy could make. I thought there might be something there...

The two cousins met with Mr. Bennet away from Longbourn the following morning to inform him. The man was relieved, but mentioned that he would probably leave his girls in London for another month full. This prompted the colonel to speak up, "Sir, my cousin has had only good to say about your two youngest. Might I have their uncle's address so that I might introduce my cousin Georgiana Darcy to them? She is in need of trustworthy friends."

Darcy froze in his saddle, but kept his silence while Mr. Bennet complied. When they rode away, Darcy demanded his cousin's reasons.

"Simple enough, Darce. Georgiana needs friends who we can trust, but you cannot make overtures without making it seem as if you are interested in one of them for yourself. You are a creature of duty, so no matter how lovely and perfect Miss Elizabeth might be, you would never have the courage to throw off the expectations of others. I, on the other hand, may make introductions without causing any great disturbance."

Darcy did not appreciated his cousin's words, but he did wish for his sister to know the pair. He resolved to say no more... and then Richard ruined his resolve by adding, "And besides, since nobody has placed any expectations on me, I may choose my wife wherever I may. Who knows, Miss Elizabeth may like me more." He spurred his horse away at a gallop, leaving Darcy to fume and then race after him.

It should come as no surprise to the reader that Mr. Darcy was with his cousin and his sister when they paid a call on Gracechurch Street two days later. Richard was amused. Georgiana was excited and nervous. And Darcy appeared ready to eat the brim off of his top hat. But the home of the Gardiners was so warm, comfortable, and welcoming that all were soon relaxed... well... almost all. The tension between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth was palpable, enough so that the others quietly moved away to allow them semi-private conversation.

"I received Papa's letter this morning, Mr. Darcy. Thank you so much for all that you have done." Those remarkable eyes compounded the gratitude in her simple words tenfold.

"It was nothing... I mean... it was the right thing to do... anyone would have done the same..." Darcy inwardly cursed himself for being so tongue-tied.

Unbeknownst to him, Elizabeth found his condition endearing. She had begun to understand now that much of his haughtiness and frowns were nothing more than a defense. He was, in reality, the very best of men. "Perhaps... and perhaps not... the fact is, Mr. Darcy, that it was you who helped us and you who took measures to keep my sister safe. Please allow me to thank you for her sake if you will not allow me to say more."

"I only thought of y... I mean... I am glad that she is safe; that you are both safe." They allowed the matter to drop and looked over to where Georgiana and Jane were quickly becoming fast friends. "My sister has needed a friend like you sister. So many young ladies of the Ton are looking only for connection and advantage. You and your sister are different."

Elizabeth felt the compliment of that, but she was also aware of the corollary. Softly she said, "Yes... we are different. We are not from the first circles, or even the second. As the daughters of a small estate we have little or nothing to recommend us." Elizabeth had sat down with her aunt for a long conversation. The end result of it was an honest appraisal of her chances to ever be this man's choice... and the chances of that were bleak indeed.

Darcy spoke just as softly, "You have everything to recommend you, Miss Elizabeth." He was startled when he saw tears form in her eyes. She hastily excused herself and left the room, leaving him bewildered.

Mrs. Gardiner had been paying closer attention than either had realized. She moved over to where he was now standing alone, "You do us a great compliment by this visit... and I hope that you will allow your sister to continue to be friends with our dear Jane. But as to your own visits, I do not know if you should repeat the exercise."

This set him back. Mothers and aunts were usually throwing their young ladies at his feet. "Have I done something to offend you, Madam?"

"No, Sir, you have done nothing more than be everything that a young lady with a pure and affectionate heart could wish for... and yet cannot have. Mr. Darcy, I grew up in Lambton, five miles from your own doorstep. I have seen your house and grounds many times. It was that magical place from another world for me as a child. It may as well have been St. James for as accessible as it was for me and mine. I tell you this so that you understand that I understand: you are so far above us as to be from a different country.

"But the heart wants what the heart wants, and if you continue to show my dear niece favor and continue to be her ideal of the perfect man, then you are only setting her up for heartbreak. You are not the sort to trifle like that. So please... have mercy on her in this."

Darcy realized at that moment that he had only thought of his own desires. Certainly, he was aware that he might raise expectations, but he had not thought as far as the emotional consequences. Does she truly think so well of me? Inside there was a war between joy and chagrin. He saw that Mrs. Gardiner was waiting for a reply, so he nodded, "I will do as you say."

Georgiana gushed all of the way home about Miss Jane and Miss Elizabeth. Darcy was silent. The Colonel watched them both and resolved to speak with his mother. He had found himself quite shocked at the beauty of both girls, having seen their sisters. Miss Elizabeth was quite fetching, but Richard had not seen Miss Jane's equal. She truly would be quite something when she came of age. If she were presented to the Ton... Richard found the idea somewhat disturbing.

The Bingley's showed up on Darcy's doorstep the next day. Bingley had business to attend to. His sister followed with the intention of shaking the dust of Meryton off of the feet forever. While Georgiana was forced to visit with the two sisters, Darcy met with Charles Bingley, "I left for business, as you know, but returned home to my townhouse to find my sisters and Mr. Hurst already installed! Then again, with the harvest done there is little to keep me at Netherfield."

Darcy might have noted that there was always work to do on an estate, but in truth he had already concluded that the lifestyle did not suit his friend. "Bingley, you must choose whether to own an estate, return to the world of business, or simply live off of the returns on your inheritance. I will be your friend regardless."

Those words seemed to release something inside of his younger friend, "The truth is, Darcy, though I have great respect for those who own an estate, I found the whole matter deadly dull. I like the excitement of my father's work. I wish to return to that. Do I have your blessing?"

"Do you need my blessing, Charles? You are your own man."

"No... but I should like it all the same."

"Then have at it. And know that you will always be my friend, even if you own ten factories... so long as you remain the good man that you are."

When they left the room, Miss Bingley tried to ingratiate herself to Darcy as always. Had she been privy to the conversation which just took place, she might have behaved differently. Thankfully for all, Bingley kept his silence.

It only struck Darcy after the Bingley's departure: If I can count Charles as my friend, no matter what his circumstances, then why can I not court the the only woman who has ever caught my attention, just because her father is only minor gentry? There was no easy answer to that.

The answer came from an unexpected source. An hour later Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived with his mother, Lady Susan, the Countess Matlock. "My dear boy, I understand that you have met a young woman and are having serious doubts."

Darcy shot an accusing glare at his cousin, but the man seemed immune. Grinding his teeth, he answered, "Yes, Aunt, I have met a woman who is not from our circle, but who is worthy in every way."

"And you are ready to ignore the expectations of society and the obligations of your family?"

"I care nothing for what Society expects. As to my obligations to my family, I have done my duty in a thousand ways. I live a respectable life, have improved my estate, and have lived a life which has brought no shame to anyone. So why should I not have the woman I want?"

The countess regarded him for a long moment, then turned to her son, "I thought you said that he had need of my guidance. It seems to me that he had reached the right conclusion on his own."

Richard looked bemused. Darcy was shocked, "I do not understand?"

His cousin answered, "I did not bring Mother to dissuade you, but to knock some sense into your head."

Lady Susan ordered, "Sit down, both of you. I do not wish to carry on an entire conversation standing when you have perfectly serviceable furniture on hand. Now, let me get right to the point: I am one of four sisters. You know this, of course. My three older sisters married the men my father told them to marry. Two of the three have been perfectly miserable ever since. One is content... but nothing more. I was ordered to marry the son and heir of a duke. I refused. I was already deeply in love with my Reginald, though he was only a second son at the time.

"My father blustered and threatened. I persisted. My mother, another victim of an arranged match, supported me. After my wedding my father did not speak to me again until circumstances made Reginald the earl. Of my four sisters, I am the only one who married for love and the only one who has never repined. That is what I wish for each of my children and for my beloved niece and nephew. If she is a good a creature as Richard tells me, then pursue her and make her your wife when the time is right."

When they departed, Darcy spent a few hours pacing. And the next day when Georgiana prepared to visit the Gardiner's house again, Darcy went with her.

It took some convincing for Elizabeth to believe, but the distant idea of loss was overruled by the present opportunity to get to know her Mr. Darcy. November became December and then slid into January, but Darcy's attentions never wavered. When he asked for her hand, Elizabeth was more than ready to trust and believe... and to say "yes!" of course.

Mrs. Bennet had requested, then later demanded the return of her youngest (but not Elizabeth). Mr. Bennet informed her that her Jane had become good friends with Mr. Darcy's sister, Georgiana. "If you insist upon her return, how will she spend time in the presence of rich men, my dear?" This had the right effect. Jane also remained in London.

It came as a complete surprise to her when she saw Mr. Darcy walking out of her husband's study later, only to announce the engagement of the arrogant man to her dear Elizabeth! Thankfully Darcy had already coordinated with his beloved aunt for the wedding to take place in London, where all of his noble relatives could attend. The Bennets were so intimidated by the people at the ceremony and the following festivities that everyone behaved well.

Of course "everyone" truly only included Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, and Kitty. Lydia had compromised Major Carter and had already had a quick ceremony. Mary had married Mr. Collins by her own choice. She actually quite liked the odd man and was determined to be the making of him. Since he was already accustomed to managing females, one more was no great trial. Amazingly enough, Mary and Lady Catherine formed a strong friendship and respect.

Jane and Georgiana were as close as any sisters, so when Elizabeth married her Mr. Darcy, Jane just remained with that family. Georgiana might have been overshadowed by coming out with the stunning Jane, but Richard solved that issue. Shortly after returning from Waterloo, he spoke with Jane and told her of his feelings. She had long ago decided that he was the handsomest and bravest man of her acquaintance. So when she came out, her father took her fist dance, her brother Darcy her second, and the Earl her third. But Richard had already secured both her supper and final set. That was also the very last time that anyone but his took her first set.

It was no great surprise when they were wed six months later. Jane had all of the season she could want and more. Now she had her Richard.

Kitty was not forgotten in all of this. Without Lydia to spur her on into trouble, she settled down enough that Darcy gave her a season in town. Bingley had stepped back into his father's shoes and was already increasing his wealth. When he met Miss Katherine for a second time, he was so impressed by the change in her mannerisms that he wanted to know more. Curiosity blossomed into love over time and he took her back to Scarborough with him by the end of that year.

Major Carter took a posting in Ceylon where he took his wife. Lydia wrote occasionally, seldom mentioning her husband. She did mention plenty of other men though. The family does not actually speak her name very often now.