To say that the Lord Augustus Fitzwilliam, Earl of Matlock, had been surprised when his nephew asked for his support at a dueling tournament would have been an understatement. Darcy had questions for Matlock frequently enough, but they were usually over business matters. To be asked to simply observe and encourage was something entirely foreign, and Matlock was very much looking forward to figuring out why such a request had been made.
With such thoughts running through his head, Lord Matlock cheerfully bid his wife and young niece goodbye, stepped into his garden, and disapparated.
"Uncle, thank you for agreeing to attend me today."
Matlock turned and smiled, not at all surprised that his nephew had arrived early. "I could hardly refuse the chance to see how you've been progressing under Filius's tutelage," he said as he shook Darcy's hand. "Do you intend to tell me, straight out, the reason you've really invited me, or will I have to piece together small hints throughout the day?"
Darcy's face became nearly unreadable, but it only made Matlock laugh.
"I've known you since before you could walk, boy. You'll have to work a lot harder than that to evade my notice," Matlock declared. "As you wish, nephew. I shall observe all around me until I gather enough evidence to come to an educated conclusion. Shall we go in?"
Darcy grimaced. "I am not trying to evade your notice, Uncle."
"Of course not," said Matlock airily.
Uncle and nephew walked through a door next to a fencing club that many people passing by seemed to be completely unaware of. The small and unappealing entryway led into a massive, ornately decorated room with four large circles marked out and elevated seats surrounding them.
"Flitwick's told you how the day will go, I presume?" Matlock asked his nephew after handing off his cloak to a house elf.
"He has," Darcy answered. "Have you any advice you would be willing to share?"
Matlock was happy to spend the next half hour alternating between giving Darcy different pointers and introducing his nephew to various peers that milled about. Matlock had once been quite active in the dueling scene, but age and responsibilities had drawn him away from it. To spend a full day back in such an atmosphere was invigorating.
"Lord Matlock, what a pleasant surprise to see you!" squeaked a familiar voice. "I thought you had given up dueling for a pair of comfy chairs in the Wizengamot and Parliament!"
Matlock turned and smirked at Flitwick. "I felt it incumbent to come see if my nephew has been receiving adequate attention from you."
Flitwick grinned and offered his hand. "It is good to see you again."
"And you," said Matlock pleasantly. "Perhaps, once all these young bloods have had their fun, you might give me the chance to show my skills have not degraded so much as you think."
"Speaking of young bloods," said Flitwick, beginning to look around. "Where's Bennet gone?"
Matlock noticed Darcy's eyes widen slightly out of the corner of his own. So, Bennet was of import to his nephew…
A small young woman with bright eyes and a laugh lingering on her lips made her way forward. Both Flitwick and Darcy relaxed.
"I am so sorry, Professor!" said the woman. "I was distracted by seeing Zona. Curse breaking seems to suit her well, does it not? She is determined to extract a promise from me to join her after Hogwarts."
Matlock looked between the new arrival and his nephew only twice before beginning to repress a smirk. This was the reason Darcy had asked him to come.
"Lord Matlock, allow me to present Miss Elizabeth Bennet," said Flitwick, gesturing to the girl that had addressed him. "She has been studying with me for nearly a year and a half now."
Elizabeth curtsied and expressed her pleasure to meet the earl.
"Bennet," said Matlock thoughtfully. Suspicions were beginning to form in his mind as to why Darcy had been so evasive earlier. "I don't know that I've ever heard that name."
"That is hardly surprising, sir," said Elizabeth. "My family's estate would be considered inconsequential in comparison to yours and is in Hertfordshire."
More gears clicked into place in Matlock's head. Hertfordshire was where Darcy had gone after settling Georgiana at Matlock House. "In Hertfordshire?" he said interestedly. "I have heard of it but rarely."
"We are a quiet sort of people," said Elizabeth.
Flitwick chuckled. "I hardly think you could describe yourself creditably as quiet, Miss Bennet!"
"Professor, you must allow me to have some small amount of dignity!" Elizabeth said. Her eyes were alight with joy at being able to tease her professor.
"Has your family attended Hogwarts of Beauxbatons?" Matlock asked.
At this, Elizabeth's manner became somewhat more cautious, but she did not shy away from the question. "My sisters and I have attended Hogwarts for all our schooling, my lord."
"And your father and your mother?" Matlock pressed.
"Neither attended any school for magic," Elizabeth answered. She raised her chin slightly, as if expecting a fight.
Months ago, Matlock might have dismissed the girl out of hand. He had been raised to value the purity of blood. The more ancient a person's bloodline, the better. The only thing that might be better than an impressive pedigree would be an impressive vault at Gringotts. His son's marriage, however, had shattered all such perceptions.
When the time came for Harland Fitzwilliam to find a wife, Lord and Lady Matlock had set about the task with expedience. After searching among those of their own circle, the Matlocks had suggested Adelia Malfoy to their oldest son. The young couple met only three times before agreeing to a wedding. Both sets of parents had been thrilled with the match.
Harland had hardly been back a month from his wedding tour when he declared to his parents that a marvelous mistake had been made. He and his bride did not suit at all. She was aloof, shallow, greedy, rude, and a whole host of other unflattering things. She did not have pleasant things to say about him, either. Despite encouragement from Lord and Lady Matlock to continue to work at the relationship, that respect could grow, Harland stated emphatically after only another two weeks that he would certainly never produce an heir with Adelia Malfoy.
The bitterness and vitriol of their eldest son caused Lord and Lady Matlock to reconsider how they viewed the world. They were ashamed to realize they had cared more for the status and wealth gained from the marriage of their beloved child than whether that marriage would suit him. Their shame turned to agony as the weeks continued to pass. Harland had started drinking. Excessively. Adelia went to one remote estate and he retreated to another on the complete opposite side of the country not long after. Matlock lived every day with the fear that he would receive news of being cut by his son, or of his son's death. He only knew about Harland's continued deterioration thanks to the stealth and loyalty of well-placed servants.
Now, confronted by a lively young woman of an unimpressive background, Matlock found himself unwilling and unable to look down on her because of it. He was determined to learn from the mistakes he had made with his eldest. They would not be made again with Darcy or with Richard. He would judge Miss Elizabeth Bennet based on her personality, skill, and suitability to his nephew.
"Then I suppose it is hardly surprising I have not heard the name Bennet," said Matlock with an easy grin. Elizabeth's expression became less guarded when he did not become condescending. "You say your sisters have attended Hogwarts. What of your brothers?"
"I have none," Elizabeth answered. Mischief and challenge lit up her eyes as she drew herself up taller and, almost imperceptibly, squared her shoulders. "I am one of five daughters, born to a Squib and a Muggle, raised on an estate entailed away to a distant relative. Before Hogwarts, we had not received any formal schooling, nor the guidance of a governess."
Matlock simply stared in astonishment at the girl before him. He was well aware of the fact that Darcy was gritting his teeth and that his shoulders had tensed significantly. What pushed Matlock over the edge, however, was the arch look Elizabeth gave his nephew. At that, he burst into uproarious laughter.
"Tell me, Miss Bennet," said Matlock, wiping a tear of mirth from his eye, "what House were you put into?"
"Gryffindor, my lord," Elizabeth answered proudly.
"I thought as much," Matlock said with a nod. "I imagine you're rather one of Minerva's favorites, with your penchant for speaking so plainly! You just might even outdo her one day."
"I take that as a compliment."
"As well you should!" Matlock said enthusiastically. "There's hardly a woman I respect more than your Head of House!"
"I feel much the same, my lord," Elizabeth said, finally smiling again. She turned to Flitwick. "Is there any place in particular we are to sit?"
As the group began heading for seats, Matlock set his hand on the back of Darcy's neck and pulled him close. "If you let that girl go, Darcy, you're a fool of a man," he said lowly.
Tension melted from Darcy's countenance. "I have no intention of doing so, Uncle."
The first eight contestants were drawn at random and made their way into the dueling rings on the floor. Qualified witches and wizards set appropriate enchantments on the boundaries, clearly stated the expectations, and then made the call for the duels to begin.
Darcy and Elizabeth, seated a row in front of Matlock and Flitwick, quickly became entirely absorbed in studying their competition and sharing their observations with each other in hushed tones.
"Alright, Filius, tell me everything you know," Matlock said lowly, nodding toward his conversing nephew.
"Can you not guess for yourself at this point, Augustus?" Flitwick asked amusedly.
"I'd appreciate some observations from an inside source that isn't quite so green as my nephew," Matlock snorted.
Flitwick chuckled before providing an answer. "They had been at each other's throats since I met your nephew. They had some interaction with each other prior to Hogwarts, as I noticed you gathered."
"I know how to read the boy," Matlock said as confirmation.
"Things have changed over the holidays," said Flitwick. "That is all I know, truly."
Matlock sighed. "I'll set Richard onto him."
"And then you'll set into Richard," said Flitwick knowingly.
"That is a distinct possibility," Matlock admitted. He applauded appropriately as the last of the first round of duels came to a close.
Elizabeth was called in the next round. She received the well wishes of Matlock, Darcy, and Flitwick before lightly making her way down to the floor. Matlock could see that her opponent was not taking her seriously, likely due to her small size and the fact that she was smiling pleasantly at him. Though Matlock had yet to see the girl use her wand, he already pitied the poor sod across her.
Elizabeth's first round was over within a minute. Her opponent retreated to his seat looking properly humbled, grabbed his things and his sponsor, and left.
"Who typically wins between the two of you, Darcy?" Matlock asked his nephew.
"Whoever makes the first mistake, usually," Darcy answered without turning to show his face.
Matlock raised his brows from a combination of being impressed and surprised. He was familiar with Darcy's dueling capabilities, had been his first instructor, in fact. That Elizabeth not only kept up with but sometimes bested Darcy said a great deal of her.
"Well fought, Bennet," Flitwick said when the girl returned to her seat.
"It was hardly a fight, Professor," Elizabeth said shortly. "Hopefully, my next opponent will present a decent challenge."
Darcy was called for the next round. Much like Elizabeth, his duel was short. His win, however, was due to skill and not to being underestimated. Afterall, it was difficult to underestimate a man of Darcy's stature.
The next few hours were spent alternating between observation and discussion of the participants and the competition. Matlock found himself increasingly impressed with Elizabeth and began formulating ideas as to how to increase her status in both worlds in which she lived. Marriage to Darcy would certainly accomplish that, but Matlock thought she might not be satisfied with that being the reason for her elevation. The way Darcy looked at and spoke to her made Matlock think that, though Darcy would be thrilled to have her for a wife, he also would not be happy unless she was respected for her own self, first.
Matlock's path became suddenly clear to him as he watched a pair of young witches twirling about each other. He, for all his wealth and influence, could not handle how people might react to and esteem Elizabeth nearly so well as his wife would be able to.
"You know, Filius," said Matlock almost casually as it was announced that the first level of the tournament was over, "Diana would enjoy the chance to see you, also."
"Oh?" Flitwick asked. "Does Lady Matlock still enjoy hearing tales of you being properly humbled in duels?"
Matlock chuckled. "She does like it when others help to keep me in line. She gets tired of it, you know. You must come to dinner, and soon."
Flitwick smirked at Matlock with a knowing glint in his eyes. "When were you thinking, Augustus?"
"Tonight, even, if it suits you," Matlock answered, choosing to feign ignorance.
"I'm afraid I have promised Miss Bennet's aunt and uncle that I would have her back at Gracechurch Street immediately following her last duel," said Flitwick with a slight, pompous waggle of his head.
Matlock narrowed his eyes at Flitwick slightly, knowing full well what the man was about. Flitwick knew of Matlock's past folly in regards to belief in what made a person worthy of note, and was now determined not to make it easy for Matlock to gain access to Elizabeth. If Matlock wanted her to become better acquainted with his family, he would have to work at it.
"Perhaps tomorrow then," Matlock offered. His plan to 'just happen' to invite Elizabeth to accompany her mentor to dinner after the duel having fallen through, he had to adjust strategy. It would only be natural for much of conversation at a dinner with Flitwick to revolve around dueling and, having spent a day observing two of his students, Elizabeth's name would have to be mentioned frequently. Lady Diana Matlock would certainly become interested in meeting the young woman and demand that Flitwick come to another dinner and bring his protégée along.
"I will have to double check what my duties are at Hogwarts tomorrow before I commit," said Flitwick a little too lightly. "I will inform you of whether or not I shall be able to attend by lunch."
Elizabeth and Darcy made it through the second level of the tournament nearly as easily as they had the first. The third level, with just twenty competitors remaining, might just present their first challenge. The four dueling circles on the floor were exchanged for just one.
Darcy was called first, pitted against a girl with her long blond hair thrown back in a large braid. He and Elizabeth had already identified the braid as a possible weakness of the girl. It could easily get caught on something, wrap around her throat, or temporarily obscure her vision as she turned.
"Do try not to purposefully use her hair against her," Elizabeth said as Darcy rose.
"I shall not use her lack of wise decisions in hair styling against her, Miss Bennet," Darcy promised, "though she would do well to take a lesson from you on that front. A young lady displaying the quality of her hair is quite understandable, and often effective, but a tournament such as this is not the time." He looked pointedly at the tight bun in which Elizabeth had set her locks before descending to take his place in the ring.
"Have you any light to shed on my nephew's rather strong opinions of a lady's hairstyle?" Matlock asked lowly and with great spirit.
"I do believe a certain brunette of interest had her hair almost completely loose when last I saw her," Flitwick said with barely contained mirth. "Tell me, Augustus, is it you that has instructed him in how to pay compliments? If so, I must say you are a wretched teacher!"
"Professor, what do you think is at her wand's core?" Elizabeth asked, turning to her mentor while gesturing at the dueling circle. "It doesn't behave quite like any wand I've seen."
Flitwick watched Darcy's opponent carefully as the duel began. "Ah, I think her core might just be thestral hair," he said. "Ollivander doesn't use it, but many wandmakers further east do."
"Curious," Elizabeth said, turning back to the duel. "I think I should like to know more about other cores, Professor."
"Such information will surely be useful if you continue to progress in this competition," said Flitwick.
The blonde girl was certainly an accomplished duelist but, as Elizbeth and Darcy had thought, her poor choice in style put her at a disadvantage. The girl executed a quick turn that temporarily put her braid in her line of sight, which allowed Darcy just enough time to land a Stunner. The girl was revived quickly, shook hands with Darcy, and sat with her sponsor to observe the rest of the tournament. She took her loss graciously, but made sure she would not lose the same way again by using a severing charm on her braid.
"That's very dedicated," said Elizabeth as the girl tossed her detached plait over her shoulder. "The look suits her, I think."
"Perhaps," said Darcy, retaking his seat, "but it was completely unnecessary."
Elizabeth watched the girl shake her drastically shortened locks, thoroughly entranced. "You might not appreciate it, Mr. Darcy, but I cannot help but think how much time and bother that girl has just saved herself. I find I am rather envious of her."
Matlock fell into a coughing fit to cover his laughter as Darcy looked both horrified and intensely concerned, his gaze alternating between Elizabeth's hair and his defeated opponent's.
Several more duels progressed. Comments and questions from Elizabeth and Darcy stopped almost entirely. There was only to be one more level of the tournament. They needed to know all they possibly could about the styles and capabilities of their remaining contenders.
Elizabeth was called in the last round of the third level to compete against a completely average looking boy, though he had done quite well in his previous duels.
Matlock had noticed Elizabeth's competition had been distracted by her all day and seemed rather flushed about the face at present. He could not resist the opportunity to provoke his nephew. "Considering how distracted that young lad is with Miss Bennet, I rather think this will be a short round."
"I think you are correct, Uncle," said Darcy through his teeth. "I only hope Miss Bennet will get to fight another woman in the next round. I should hate for people to think she made it this far on her looks rather than her skill."
"Somehow, I doubt people will think that," said Matlock as the duel ended. With a flourish of her wand, Elizabeth had propelled her opponent through the air until he landed flat on his back and, while he struggled to regain his breath, set her foot on his wrist and plucked his wand from his hand.
"And now things truly become interesting," said Matlock while rubbing his hands together. The overseers of the event had gathered in the dueling circle. The last level of the tournament would not be random, so some discussion was required as to who would be paired.
"If they pair us, Mr. Darcy, I expect your very best effort," said Elizabeth sternly.
"I will not hold back, Miss Bennet," Darcy assured, "but I do hope they do not pair us. That way we can both go through to the next qualifying round."
Darcy got his wish. He was set against a young man that had displayed marvelous footwork throughout the day. Elizabeth, much to her disappointment, was pitted against her friend Zona.
"Oh, I do not want to fight Zona!" Elizabeth said unhappily when the announcement was made. "She is twenty! She will have reached her majority before she has another opportunity to enter this competition! I don't want to take this from her."
"You are not planning on throwing the duel, are you, Bennet?" Flitwick asked with furrowed brows.
"No!" Elizabeth objected. "I just – I don't want – "
"If Zona were to go easy on you, simply because you are friends, and you won because of it, you would be furious," said Flitwick. He was being uncharacteristically harsh. "Respect the competition, Bennet. Only one of you can win, and so whoever goes on ought to be whoever is more skilled."
Elizabeth sighed, then nodded. "You are right, Professor. We both deserve an honest duel where we each give our full effort. May the best woman win."
"She will," said Darcy almost inaudibly.
Darcy's duel was third in the lineup. Matlock thought his nephew was finally having to exert himself to assure victory, and was well pleased for it. Darcy's first three duels had been rather unremarkable. Matlock liked the look of concentration upon his nephew's face, the automatic reactions, the control exhibited. Darcy could go very far in the competition, indeed.
When Darcy stood with two wands, the crowd applauded. He shook hands with his opponent, who took the loss gracefully, exchanged a few words, and returned to his seat.
"Well done, Darcy," said Matlock, slapping his nephew's shoulder.
"What were you two talking about?" Elizabeth asked curiously.
"He and I simply shared weaknesses we had noticed in each other," said Darcy. His eyes shone brightly from the fight, and he looked very well. "I should like to duel him again, I think. Havers is his name, he said."
"Yes, Nathan Havers," said Elizabeth. "He only just graduated Hogwarts last year. Hufflepuff. Friendly fellow, though I never did get to know him well. He's training at St. Mungo's, if I remember correctly."
Matlock counted Elizabeth's excellent memory for people as another point in her favor.
Elizabeth's duel against Zona was the last of the day. Whoever won would join the four already slotted for a second qualifying tournament.
"Remember, Bennet," Flitwick began as Elizabeth rose from her seat.
"No pity, Professor, only an honest fight," said Elizabeth resolutely.
Once both in the dueling circle, Elizabeth and Zona exchanged a few words, kissed each other on the cheek, then took their proper places. No one watching could doubt the affection between the pair, nor could anyone believe either would go easy on the other.
Matlock thought it lucky this was the last duel of the day, for no other one could possibly compete in terms of skill displayed and entertainment value. Both women were exceptionally accomplished and very well matched. The entirety of the duel was done with nonverbal spells. The crowd saw fire, water, conjured and transfigured objects, an impressive spectrum of color, and very fine footwork.
Matlock heard Darcy's breath hitch as Zona drove her wand into the ground, throwing Elizabeth backward. To his side, Flitwick urged Elizabeth to get up under his breath.
Zona, as any competent dueler would do, pressed her advantage and sent a flurry of spells toward Elizabeth, who barely managed to get a Shield Charm up in time. Elizabeth regained her feet, but she was very close to the boundary of the ring. If she stepped outside, she would lose. The young woman kept her defenses up a few moments longer, then dove toward Zona's right, tumbling as she did so and quickly popping back upright. Zona turned rapidly and, as she was getting her bearings, failed to protect herself against Elizabeth's Disarming Charm.
The crowd roared with appreciation as Elizabeth was declared the winner of the duel. She and Zona parted with smiles, though Zona was clearly disappointed, and the crowd began to clear.
Matlock looked to his nephew to see longing and pride mixed together. When Elizabeth glanced over, however, Darcy quickly school his expression, causing his uncle to sigh. He was determined to get to the bottom of all this, not only for Darcy, but because he decided he rather liked Elizabeth Bennet and was interested to see what would become of her.
Lizzy spent the next two days floating on air. She knew there was still a long way to go, but she was thrilled to pieces that she was on her way toward getting to interact with practitioners of various kinds of magic from all corners of the world. She had long been interested in the practices of different cultures, but did not think she would ever get an opportunity to experience it. Travel was expensive, and she did not think that expense was something she would ever be able to spare between caring for her sisters and caring for her mother. The competition, which Flitwick had privately assured her would not cost her a single knut because the Ministry would sponsor whoever qualified, was the perfect opportunity.
"You have not been in such good spirits since you came, Lizzy," Mrs. Gardiner observed. "I'm so very pleased to see you like this. You had been worrying me."
"While my old problems have not gone away, I find I am much better able to process them after a few good duels," Lizzy said cheerfully. "Thank you for your concern of me, Aunt, but I shall be well. I promise!"
Mrs. Gardiner was not able to express anything more as her children spilled into the room and demanded Lizzy's attention.
"Can we go to the park, Lizzy?" asked Irene while tugging on her cousin's sleeve. "We want to see our kittens!"
"You will not be going to the park," Mrs. Gardiner said with finality and a stern look at Lizzy.
Lizzy pursed her lips briefly. A representative from the aurors had stopped by the morning after the dueling tournament to discuss options. Lizzy and her aunt and uncle had chosen not to take a full-time guard, but an auror did check by the house at least three times daily. Much though she had not wanted to, Lizzy had bent to the demand of her relatives and the aurors and promised to stay on family property unless accompanied by her aunt or uncle.
Mrs. Gardiner was impervious to the whining of her children, and eventually gave them an ultimatum: be satisfied with amusing themselves in the house or spend the rest of their day doing extra lessons over their least favorite topics. Lizzy's cousins had made themselves scarce after that.
"I should hate to put you back out of spirits, Lizzy, but I have to ask you what you plan to do to address your old problems that have not gone away," Mrs. Gardiner said after several minutes of silence while she and her niece pursued their own interests.
Lizzy sighed heavily and closed the large book in her lap. "I should think that, if I ignore them long enough, the problems will simply fade out of existence," she said with a mischievous smirk.
"Lizzy," Mrs. Gardiner chastised. "These are not matters to take lightly!"
"Can I not just be allowed a few days in peace?" Lizzy asked harshly. She rose quickly from where she had been reading and curled herself up in the window seat.
"Unfortunately not," Mrs. Gardiner said with a perfect mixture of firmness and kindness. "You return to Hogwarts in a mere three days, my dear. I think your time there would be much happier if you came to terms with your situation before then."
Lizzy huffed and stared resolutely out the window.
"On the subject of Mr. Darcy, I will not press you," said Mrs. Gardiner. She took up her needlework again, allowing her niece the continued privilege of hiding her face. "The pair of you have clearly come to understand each other better. I have no expectations one way or another, and will support you in whatever decision you make, when the time comes. You have a good head on your shoulders, Lizzy. Just remember all you have come to realize these past weeks."
Lizzy continued to face the street, but some tension left her shoulders and she hastily brought a hand to her face.
"As for Wickham," Mrs. Gardiner continued, her eyes flicking from her sewing to her niece and back again, "I believe you will be safe from him at Hogwarts. Between your own skill, your friends, and your professors, it is highly unlikely you will come to harm. Do be cautious in Hogsmeade, though. And we shall discuss your intent to go into Kent closer to the time."
"The excursion to Kent is one I could easily forgo, as you are well aware," Lizzy said with a bitter laugh.
"And yet you will fight when it is suggested you abandon the trip," Mrs. Gardiner came back with. "There is no use denying it, Lizzy. We both know I speak the truth.
"Now, your parents."
"I don't want – "
"The world does not revolve around your wants, Lizzy," Mrs. Gardiner said somewhat harshly. "You have to consider your sisters in this, especially Kitty and Lydia."
"Mr. Bingley has offered to take us on once he and Jane are married," said Lizzy.
"The girls need their parents, Lizzy."
"Why?" Lizzy asked acidly. "Jane, Mary, and I have overseen them better these past months than my mother and father ever did. You have not gotten to see them, Aunt, but they are truly becoming young witches worthy of notice."
"You are their sister, Lizzy, not their mother," Mrs. Gardiner insisted.
"Their mother only sees them as a way to secure her own future!" Lizzy snarled. She vaulted out of her seat and stood with her fists clenched. "I care about their happiness as well as their security, and I can see to both!" If she had been called to explain how it was that she could defend her parents when they were condemned by Darcy, yet become enraged when Mrs. Gardiner suggested mending the break, Lizzy would have been completely flummoxed. She was made even more upset by recognition of the dichotomy.
"It is not your burden to take on," said Mrs. Gardiner resolutely. "I have no doubt you could do the office considerable justice, but, Lizzy, think of how it is distressing you so that you feel rejected. Would you have Kitty and Lydia feel the same?"
"What would you have me do?" Lizzy asked irritably, crossing her arms firmly over her chest. "I am not the one that was being unreasonable, therefore I am not the one that needs to take the first step in resolving this mess."
Mrs. Gardiner sighed, and would have responded, had not the maid popped in to announce Lady Diana Fitzwilliam, Countess of Matlock.
Lizzy and Mrs. Gardiner exchanged wide-eyed glances before the older woman told the maid to show the lady in.
"Well, I hope you will forgive me for not standing on Muggle ceremony and insisting on a formal introduction," said a well-dressed woman, announced to be Lady Matlock, as she entered the parlor. "I find all the pomp and circumstance to be far too troublesome, sometimes.
"Your maid has been so kind as to tell you who I am, and I'm sure you will hardly be surprised to find I know your names."
Mrs. Gardiner recovered from her initial shock over the lack of formality quickly and offered Lady Matlock a seat. "To what do my niece and I owe the honor of your visit, my lady?"
Lizzy sat next to her aunt and regarded the lady across her carefully. She could not believe it a coincidence she had met Darcy's uncle and aunt in such quick succession. Part of her wanted to be irritated that he was orchestrating her introduction to his family without seeing if she even desired as much, and part of her was flattered that he was letting them see her as just plain Lizzy Bennet, without any other sort of attachments to her person.
"Curiosity is my main motivation, I confess," said Lady Matlock. "My husband and I had a guest to dinner last night, Filius Flitwick. In the course of the conversation of the tournament, plus Flitwick's extra commentary regarding your schooling, I became simply fascinated and entirely determined to meet you, Miss Bennet."
Lizzy's face went blank and she blinked rapidly for several moments. "I confess I do not know how to respond to such a statement."
"Have I rendered you speechless, Miss Bennet?" Lady Matlock asked with an elegantly arched brow. "I've been led to believe that is quite a feat."
Lizzy felt herself blush. She blinked one last time and sat up straighter, determined not to be intimidated. Lady Matlock could be as curious as she so wished. Lizzy would not allow the woman to unsettle her. "Yes, my silence does not make an appearance so much as some would like," she said cheekily.
"Lizzy," Mrs. Gardiner breathed out of the corner of her mouth as Lady Matlock smiled.
"I shall be content with my victory, then," said Lady Matlock. "Tell me, Miss Bennet, how did you come to be so interested in dueling?"
Lizzy had only a hazy idea of how the next fifteen minutes passed. By the time Lady Matlock rose to leave, she found she had agreed to attend the opera, but had no recollection of doing such.
"I quite look forward to the adventure, Miss Bennet, and am glad you are willing to come on such short notice. I have no daughters, and my nieces are hardly able to attend such social functions," said Lady Matlock, dawning her cloak. "It will be refreshing, indeed, to be with such a young woman as yourself, who, I am quite certain, expects nothing of me. I shall return to gather you in just a few hours!"
Lizzy stared at the closed parlor door for several seconds, then turned to her aunt and mutely pointed to where Lady Matlock had just gone out.
"Who can account for the whims of the wealthy?" Mrs. Gardiner asked with a laugh. "Come, my dear. Let us find you something suitable to wear for the evening."
"I don't remember her asking me to attend her," Lizzy said as her aunt pushed her up the stairs.
"That hardly surprises me," said Mrs. Gardiner. "She seems a very efficient woman, and quite competent at managing conversations. Perhaps you have met your match, Lizzy."
"But why should she single me out so?"
Mrs. Gardiner rolled her eyes. "For such an intelligent woman, Lizzy, you can be so dreadfully slow at times."
"You simply must come back to Matlock House, my dear, for I am eager to continue this conversation," Lady Matlock declared as she and Lizzy climbed into her carriage.
Lizzy grinned at Lady Matlock, feeling quite at ease. Lady Matlock had talked freely with her all evening, introduced her to various friends and acquaintances, and, best of all, been truly interested in the opera performance. Lizzy had half expected Lady Matlock only to be attending to see and be seen by others and had been much gratified when the woman ceased conversation and devoted attention to the stage. She found she quite enjoyed Lady Matlock's company.
"I am at your disposal, my lady," Lizzy said smoothly. "After all, I am dependent on you for transportation."
Lady Matlock flashed a great smile. "I am glad to find you so reasonable, Miss Bennet. As soon as we arrive at the house, you shall send word to your aunt and uncle. Who knows, I may even have to keep you overnight!"
Lizzy laughed lightly, then suddenly sobered. "Unfortunately, such may not be possible, my lady." She looked up and pursed her lips as she considered how to phrase her situation. "I am currently the object of the caution of the aurors. They believe someone they are tracking may try to find me." Lizzy felt herself blush violently and turned her gaze firmly to her gloved hands.
"I did not marry such an influential man for inconsequential reasons," said Lady Matlock with an unconcerned wave of her hand. "Lord Matlock is perfectly capable of negotiating with the aurors, and he likes to keep me happy, so I shall have my way in this instance."
Lizzy felt her smile creep across her face again. "If you are so determined, my lady, I will not argue."
"Smart girl," said Lady Matlock.
"However," Lizzy continued, her eyes lighting with mischief, "I think there are those that might dare to call you foolish for taking on someone, such as myself, that could bring the most dastardly of criminals to your door."
"Oh, I know well the kind that would call me a fool for doing such, and I am confident in my ability to handle them," said Lady Matlock unconcernedly. "As for some criminal possibly following you to Matlock House, I should like to see them escape the likes of my husband or son. It is rather late already, and neither of them like to be bothered much after dinner."
"Your son is home?" Lizzy asked somewhat anxiously.
"Ah, yes, I've heard you've met Richard," said Lady Matlock as the carriage rolled to a stop. "I do so hope he has behaved himself well enough to represent my rearing of him well. If not, you must tell me so I may scold him most thoroughly."
Lizzy laughed in spite of the knot she felt forming in her stomach. Darcy had said that Fitzwilliam was his most trusted confidante. Surely he would know the whole of Lizzy's dealings with Darcy. Lizzy did not much like the idea of being in the major's company, presently. "He has been a perfect gentleman, my lady."
Lizzy followed Lady Matlock into the house, handed her cloak off, and followed the lady into a parlor. When given supplies to do so, she quickly penned a note to her relatives stating, at Lady Matlock's insistence, that she would stay the night at Matlock House and be returned before lunch on the morrow.
"Miss Bennet, how good it is to see you again!" said Lord Matlock jovially, entering the parlor nearly half an hour after the ladies' arrival.
"I feel the same way about you, Lord Matlock," Lizzy said genuinely.
"Did I hear the name Bennet?" asked a familiar voice.
Major Richard Fitzwilliam stepped into the room, a familiar little blonde girl perched on his shoulders. "You aren't being held against your will by my mother, Miss Bennet, are you?"
Lizzy laughed and assured Fitzwilliam she was pleased to be where she was. Though she dearly wished to ask after Georgiana, she believed it would be best to pretend she had never had any interaction with the girl, as she had no idea what Darcy had told his family.
Lady Matlock looked concernedly at her niece on her son's shoulders, but held conversation well enough. All talking ceased, however, when Fitzwilliam put Georgiana down and the girl made a straight line to Lizzy.
"Hello," Lizzy said pleasantly to the little girl standing directly in front of her. She felt rather awkward, as all other noise in the room had ceased. The fire itself seemed to have silenced.
Georgiana stared at Lizzy a few moments longer before reaching her hand out and putting it on Lizzy's collarbone.
Lizzy smiled and began taking slow, conscious breaths, which caused Georgiana to grin sheepishly.
"Georgiana, have you met Miss Bennet before?" Lady Matlock asked.
Georgiana nodded delightedly, then grabbed Lizzy's hand and began pulling her out of her seat.
Lizzy saw, from the corner of her eye, the Matlocks and their son exchange wide-eyed glances before Lady Matlock nearly rocketed from her seat to quickly follow wherever Georgiana was leading.
"Where are you taking me, Miss Darcy?" Lizzy asked. "I fear your cousin will be absolutely crushed by your abandonment of him."
Georgiana turned her head slightly to show Lizzy a very shrewd face, considering the girl was only six, before beginning to mount a set of stairs.
"Oh, I don't think we should – "
"It is quite alright, Miss Bennet," said Lady Matlock quietly from several steps behind. "I would have you continue wherever my niece is leading."
Swallowing uncomfortably, Lizzy began climbing the plush stairs behind Georgiana. The girl next took her into the family wing, then reached up and opened a door that led to what simply had to be her own private chambers.
Lizzy looked around the room and schooled her expression as best she could to keep from showing any of the awe that she felt. The room was absolutely exquisite, containing high-quality furniture, though it was not at all ostentatious. The coloring suited a young girl perfectly, and it was clear that anything Georgiana required or desired was provided for her. Lizzy felt a slight pang of jealousy and longing; Georgiana was obviously well loved and cared for.
"You have a beautiful room, Miss Darcy," Lizzy said after a moment.
Georgiana flashed a smile, then pulled Lizzy over to a corner and gestured proudly to a basket.
Lizzy laughed as she recognized the kittens from the park, complete with their mother, curled up on a plush cushion. "So you have some new friends, do you?"
Georgiana nodded enthusiastically, then reached in and pulled out a kitten with bold stripes and held it out to Lizzy.
"This is certainly a handsome fellow," Lizzy praised. "His mama must be very proud of how he turned out." She stroked the kitten several times, smiling as she felt the soft fur and the slight purr her ministrations caused, then held the kitten back out to Georgiana.
Georgiana shook her head and pushed the kitten back toward Lizzy's chest.
"She has been paying particularly close attention to that one," said Lady Matlock. When she turned to look, Lizzy was shocked to see tears had welled in the lady's eyes. "I believe she wants you to have it."
Lizzy whipped back around to see Georgiana nodding and clapping her hands in excitement. She felt her heart swell and grinned before going to her knees and saying warmly, "That is very kind of you, Miss Darcy, and I am honored."
"Georgiana," the girl said, then blushed a brilliant red from the effort.
Lizzy started slightly, but recovered quickly. "I should very much like to take you up on your offer, Georgiana." The girl positively beamed at being addressed in such a way. "However, I do not think this little one is quite ready to be separated from his mama yet. Would you be willing to look after him a bit longer for me? Perhaps, when I next visit my aunt and uncle, I can come collect him."
Georgiana looked between the kitten and its mother a few times before gently plucking the kitten from Lizzy's hand to return it to where its siblings lay.
Before long, Georgiana became utterly engrossed with playing with the kittens and seemed to forget there were others in her room. Lady Matlock tapped Lizzy's shoulder, then led her out into the hallway.
"I don't know what it is you've done for my niece, Miss Bennet," said Lady Matlock, her voice thick with emotion, "but I thank you very much. I did not know it was possible for her to interact with those not in her family in such a fashion anymore. She has – She has been through some difficulties that have made her painfully shy. I do not even know all the details."
Lizzy looked down at her hands, lest she accidentally let Lady Matlock know she was fully aware of what Georgiana had been through.
Lady Matlock reached out suddenly and grabbed Lizzy's hands, demanding her full attention. "Please, Miss Bennet, promise me that you will come see Georgiana whenever you are in town. It inspires such hope in me to see her this way."
"I will," Lizzy said breathlessly.
Lady Matlock's face became brilliant, and she twined her arm with Lizzy's. "Now, Miss Bennet, you must come back below stairs with me and give me a full accounting of how my son handles himself among strangers."
Lizzy laughed and allowed herself to be led away.
Author's Note
Longest chapter so far! Whew!
I hope you enjoyed meeting the Matlocks. Consider letting me know your impressions of them and the dueling in a review. Have a good week!
