Friday October 1, 1813 – Matlock Manor, Derbyshire

As the carriage rolled to the front steps of Matlock Manor, Darcy felt a surge of excitement to see a very familiar face amongst those awaiting their arrival, "Richard! He's home!"

Elizabeth and Georgiana jostled to view out the nearest window and their excitement was palpable. The carriage had hardly come to a stop before Darcy had exited, not even waiting for the footstep to be lower. He did repress his urge to immediately envelop his cousin in a hug and assisted the three ladies accompanying him to descend.

The earl, countess and Richard had, by the time Darcy handed down Kitty from the carriage, begun the greetings. The earl, with a small smile on his face, waved Richard forward. "I would not dare stand between my youngest son and his favourite cousins." Richard grinned and stepped towards Elizabeth bowing over her hand , "Miss B…Mrs. Darcy, you cannot know how much pleasure it gives me to see you married to my scowling cousin. You have my utmost respect for taking on this challenge."

"Careful Richard, I am still better than you with the foil!"

"Ha! If you challenge me, I will select a horse race. You won't have a chance." He clasped hands with Darcy and was enveloped in a quick fierce hug, "I am glad to see you home and in one piece, cousin."

Richard winked at Elizabeth, "Oh and Mrs. Darcy, you must call me Richard and I shall call you Elizabeth." He then moved quickly to hug Georgiana and then sought an introduction to Kitty, "Miss Catherine, I am most pleased to make your acquaintance. I see that the reports of the beauty of the women in Bennet family are well founded."

The countess looked at Elizabeth closely and then moved to her side and arm-in-arm they entered the manor house. As they walked the countess spoke softly and intimately, "Do you maybe have some news for us all?"

Elizabeth laughed softly, "you are as perspicacious as my mother. She can spot a woman who is only in her first month. We plan to announce it tonight."

"Fitzwilliam must be delighted…and very over-protective I imagine."

"He is trying to be reasonable and we have not had any serious disagreements ….yet." Elizabeth laughed again, "We are both very pleased."

"Have you felt the quickening?"

Elizabeth smiled happily, "Not yet. The doctor assures me the child will arrive early in May..." She chuckled, "…which Mrs. Reynolds had told me a day earlier. She thinks I should feel the quickening quite soon now."

Laughing and talking softly together as they proceeded indoors, the countess was only recalled to her hostess duties by a quiet cough by the earl. Not releasing Elizabeth's arm, she turned to her guests, Miss Bennet, your rooms adjoin Georgiana's and she is in her usual rooms. She will show you there. Darcy, now that you are married I have moved you and Elizabeth into the Blue suite." Turning she began to lead Elizabeth to her room and Elizabeth, looking over her shoulder simply smiled at her husband. The three men simply stood and watched the four women walk up the stairs. The earl turned to Darcy with a rather odd look in his eye, "It seems I have acquired another daughter rather than a niece." He shook his head, "Fitzwilliam, why don't you wash the dirt off and join me and Richard in my study for a brandy."

"With pleasure, Uncle." As Darcy moved to walk upstairs, Richard accompanied him for a few paces – far enough that his father could not hear, "We will have to talk at some point about how your marriage came about. Not now, but later. Perhaps we can ride tomorrow?"

Darcy smiled, nodded and whispered, "Very well, but do not distress yourself. All is well." As he prepared to rejoin his uncle and cousin, his thoughts veered pleasantly to the change that had taken place in the opinions of his Uncle and Aunt Matlock in a little less than six months. The young woman that his uncle had freely disparaged – although Darcy had not revealed that to Elizabeth – was now considered a welcome and valued member of the Matlock family. That Elizabeth had been able to win his uncle's approbation did not surprise Darcy, but that she had done so in such a short period of time astounded him.

The cousins did indeed go for an early morning ride the following day. Richard listened quietly, if not altogether approvingly, as Darcy explained how he had located Lydia Bennet, arranged for her to travel with her prospective husband to the Canadas and the letters which had been provided to establish the legitimacy of her marriages. "I admit, Richard, that I was banking that no one would be inclined to question a marriage when the parties were an ocean distant. The fact that she is rightfully married now gives it even more legitimacy."

"Are you sure of that marriage?"

"Simpson would only receive his funds when he provided proof of the marriage. In this case, my agent was on the scene. It is valid."

"The only loose end, Darcy, is Wickham. I could wish he was truly dead but perhaps it matters less now since the chit is safely married."

"I have to believe that the threat of a death sentence or debtor's prison should he return will silence him. Also, as time passes, any revelation he makes becomes less significant"

They rode in silence for some time, before Darcy pointedly not looking at his cousin, asked, "how serious was your injury? You made light of it last night, but I suspect you have hidden the worst."

Richard grimaced, "I thought I had but mother quizzed me quite thoroughly and learned the whole of it." They rode in silence for some seconds before he continued, "It was a near thing. If one of my men had not killed the bugger, I would not be here now."

"Aunt Eleanor seems to think you will not return to action. Is this the truth?"

"Yes, I will never regain my strength in that arm. Even now it aches from our exertions which are mild compared to those required of a cavalry officer."

"Will you retire? Can you afford to retire?"

"Two separate questions, cousin. To the second, the answer is yes albeit with a limited income and consigned to a life as a bachelor. To the first question, I do not know. I could serve as a staff officer if I can find such a position. That is what I would prefer…unless I can find a young lady with a substantial dowry and a fondness for worn-out soldiers. I admit my envy for your felicity in marriage and would like to be as fortunate; however, I suspect that might be difficult to achieve."

"You are on leave for how long?"

"Until the new year, it seems."

"You will attend, of course, your family's ball at which Georgiana will come out. Will you participate further? If you are looking for a wife, it would seem advisable. Elizabeth and I plan to attend several balls and host two or three dinners before returning to Pemberley. We would very much wish for your presence."

"Georgiana has promised me a dance at her ball. I will concede the honour of her first set to my father but will ask for the second set. Beyond that I am not prepared to say."

Darcy decided there was nothing to be gained for pressing the issue at this time. He would have to talk to his uncle and aunt to see what arrangements could be made for his cousin's future. He had acquired a small estate that might serve and was more than willing to assist. Perhaps he and his uncle could talk with Richard before they left for London. "Actually Richard, I have some thoughts which might interest you and perhaps your father and I could talk with you tonight about them." He would say no more despite being pressed by his cousin and the latter was forced to be content with agreeing to discussing the matter later that day. The two cousins rode in companionable silence for the remainder of their time, returning tired, dirty and content.

Their stay at Matlock was not of long duration. Georgiana's coming out ball was in three weeks and there was some urgency to return to London. Gowns were to be made and plans for the ball itself to be completed. Lady Eleanor had sent the invitations already but there were numerous tasks to be completed in the coming weeks. Darcy thoughts were, for the most part, directed towards Elizabeth than the ball. During their stay, his aunt had tried to change Elizabeth's mind about having the baby at Pemberley but Elizabeth was adamant. She conceded that doctors were better in London but she herself would be happier and feel more secure at Pemberley. Finally conceding the point, the countess turned her attention to Georgiana's season in the spring. When apprised of her decision to remain at Pemberley with Elizabeth, her disapproval was expressed very strongly. It took repeated statements from Georgiana that she would not be happy to participate without her sister at her side to finally convince Lady Eleanor who, at last, sat back and stated, "I do not recognize this Georgiana. The young girl I knew would not have been able to carry her point like this." She looked at Elizabeth with a rueful smile, "I blame this on you, you know; however, I cannot be too unhappy. She has improved marvellously in the past months."

Elizabeth accepted the praise calmly with a slight nod, "I think having my sister Kitty as company has helped them both as well." She turned to Lady Eleanor, "We have decided to host a ball at Pemberley – on the first day of the new year. I have never organized such. The Harvest Festival we held last month was, I suspect, a small effort compared to that required to host a ball. I would much appreciate your guidance; if you would permit me to assist you in preparing for your ball, I am sure that the lessons will help me greatly."

Lady Eleanor was more than agreeable to the suggestion and the following hour was spent outlining the various tasks that were necessary. The subject was addressed the next day as well when Elizabeth sat down with Lady Eleanor and the Matlock housekeeper. Elizabeth's countenance was slightly rueful when she was finally convinced to rest that afternoon by her husband, "I suspect that I will be thankful for Mrs. Reynolds and hope that she isn't too distressed by the work I expect to lay on her."

"Nonsense, Elizabeth. She will love the chance to show Pemberley in all its glory. I assure you of this."

I trust you are right, my love. I trust you are right." Darcy lay beside his wife as she drifted off to sleep. Once assured that she would not wake, he carefully rose and went to sit by the fireplace to read until it was time to wake her once more; however, his thoughts were shortly drawn back to the discussion that had been held with his uncle and Richard the previous evening. He had been quite surprised and pleased that his uncle was in a position to support his proposition financially. That Richard would feel honour bound to reject any large gift he knew in advance; however, even his stubborn, independent cousin could not reject what essentially would be a wedding gift from his relations. That his cousin would be settled in close proximity to Pemberley added no small amount of gratification.