An: These next couple of chapters are going to be time jumps, as things are smoother for ODC since they are of the same class. However, then we are off to Heartfordshire.
Her parents had investigated how Mr Wickham had managed to get an invitation, and found that one of the staff they had hired for the event itself and stolen one that had already been presented upon entrance, and had snuck it out to him. He had then presented it again when the many other guests were arriving, and had been able to slip in with the crowd.
The maid that helped him could not be let go, for she had been only temporary to begin with, but they did spread the word to the rest of their peers and friends, and she would be hard pressed to find a job in the future. As for the footmen who accepted the invitation with only a cursory glance, they were given a warning to be more diligent, that another mistake like this one would result in dismissal without reference.
Lady Catherine had actually been the one to argue for them, saying as busy as things were, it could have happened to anyone. Info fact, none of them noticed his presence there until he har already been dancing with Elizabeth. In fact, it was one of those same footmen who had tracked him down, and tricked him into revealing how he had gotten in.
He had followed Wickham to a pub in one of the shadier parts of town, and then proceeded to act like he had been let go from his position due to Wickham sneaking into the ball. He started a confrontation, and allowed Wickham to gain the upper hand. Thinking he had won, he couldn't help but gloat about how he'd managed to get into the ball. Once he had all the information, the footman took great pleasure in laying the man out.
"I wanted to thank you for your kindness to my sister last night. I spoke to her on the issue we discussed last night, and she told me what you said." Mr Darcy spoke the following night, while they were sitting together at a dinner party of mutual acquaintances. Elizabeth had a suspicion the two were invited in the hopes of striking up a match with their hosts' son and daughter, but of course no one would admit something like that outright. She was just fortunate enough that Mr Darcy was standing closest to her when dinner was announced, and there had been no seating arrangements, presumably so the hosts wouldn't look too transparent in their hopes.
"Georgiana is one of the dearest girls I know, and her innocence is something I wish to guard most assuredly. However, she also needs to know how the world works if she is ever to protect herself from the darkness that exists within in." She spoke, mindful of the fact that they could be overheard.
"I believe you experienced some of that darkness last night." He had obviously caught her meaning.
"He is nothing but a simple shadow, easily chased away. However, should that shadow be permitted to remain unchecked, it has the potential to grow into a great darkness indeed." She answered.
"But how does one check a shadow?" His question was a good one, and it was clear that he felt it his responsibility to do so.
"Well, if you listen to my father, sometimes all it takes is letting them live with the consequences of their own mistakes. He has said many a time that the reason many of the old families have fallen into ruin, or been consumed by the darkness so to speak, is because they have given everything they have to save the one family member who would let the darkness consume the rest of them without thought."
What she said carried much weight with him, he had been going around buying up Wickham's debts because he didn't want the people who were owed them to suffer. However, in doing this, he was also contributing to Wickham's depravity, as he never saw the consequences of his actions.
"But what of the merchants who could lose their livelihood, or be unable to provide for their families." This was something he could bring himself to allow to happen.
"No, of this you are absolutely correct, and maybe it is best for them to buy up debts. However, if the shadow has sunk so low as to take out loans from those more in tune with the darkness, then maybe it is best for it to reap the consequences it would provide." She could see he knew she had the right of it, but would he be able to allow someone he had once loved as a brother to possibly feel those consequences.
"The idea bears thought." Was all that was said on the topic.
"Miss de Bourgh, was a pleasant surprise to find you out on this wonderful crisp morning." Mr Darcy spoke as he offered her his arm. The two had attended many of the same functions through out the season, and had come to enjoy each other's company quite a bit. There were many in the Ton anticipating an announcement, and many more making last ditch efforts to secure one or the other of them. It did not help matters that Caroline and Mr Andrews had recently announced their own engagement, and as the saying goes, one always begets another.
"I find I must make as much use of these fine mornings as I can, for I was not made to sit idle at home." She smiled, the two footmen and maid, falling a little further back to give them some privacy.
"You have often spoken of your preference for long walks." He commented as the two set a leisurely pace.
"Yes, it is one of the many reasons I prefer the country to town." She smiled as she spoke, "Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the pleasures town has to offer, but I find more pleasure in a long walk through the wilderness. The different plants and animals one sees makes it immensely enjoyable."
"I dare say, that is a novel concept for many young ladies of the Ton." He had only ever heard them speak about how town was better, mainly for the shopping. It would seem most ladies of the Ton preferred being where they could spend the most money.
"I would believe that," she said with an impertinent grin, that had Fitzwilliam more than once wishing he could kiss away. "When Caroline and Louisa came to live with us, Caroline and I would argue for hour over the benefits of town over the country. However, once I convinced her to join me on one of my many rambles, showing her all that the country could offer should one merely take the chance to look, well, she came around to my way of thinking."
"That is good for her, for Andrews is much like myself and prefers country to town." She smiled knowing her friend was aligning herself with a good man.
"It is also nice that she will be settled so close to her sister." She smiled, "They have been sorely missed at many of the events this season."
"I couldn't agree more, though I find I can not blame them for their absence." He responded with a wide smile, and it reminded her that he was good friends with Mr Hurst.
"And have you seen your godson recently?" His eyes brightened at the inquiry, and it was clear he adored the child almost as much as she, Caroline, Anne, and Georgiana did.
"Hurst tells me little Theo is now pulling himself up to stand agains any surface available, and driving his mother to distraction." They both had to chuckle at that.
"Mr Darcy, imagine seeing you here." Both turned at the sound of the voice, and saw Miss Kent making her way over to them. Neither was unsurprised to see the lady was alone. The lady, if one was generous enough to call her that, was one year away from being on the shelf, and was neither handsome, nor came with much of a dowry, and therefore was quite desperate to get a husband. She had already made many attempts to compromise any man with fortune, so everyone was on their guard around her.
"Yes, imagine that." Mr Darcy's tone was rather droll, and it was clear he was less than pleased. He offered her his other arm when she looked expectantly at it, and the three resumed their walk. It wasn't long before she seemed to trip over a little bit of air, but it was not Mr Darcy who stopped her fall.
"You really must be more careful Miss Kent, you could have turned your ankle." Elizabeth spoke as she helped the girl find her balance. She was not at all surprised when the girl fell to the ground and looked up at Mr Darcy expectantly.
"It seems I have done just that. I don't think I will be able to walk on it, and shall likely have to be carried home." She simpered, looking like she forgot she was supposed to be in pain.
"Of course you will," Elizabeth spoke, clearly unimpressed by the woman's theatrics. "Michael, would you help Miss Kent home." The larger if the two footmen came forward and lifted the woman.
"Really, I'm sure Mr Darcy can manage." The girl simpered, trying to be put back down.
"Oh, but it would be most improper for him to be seen doing so. No, you are best off with Michael." The girl knew she had lost, but was unwilling to give up.
"What about you, I can not deprive you of your footman." She argued.
"I have another as well as a maid with my, my reputation will be well preserved. If I am worried for my safety, I'm sure Mr Darcy would be willing to see me home, for it gives him the chance to spend time with my parents, his aunt and uncle." She said with a sweet smile, and the other lady knew she had lost, and allowed herself to be carried off.
The two continued on their way, though it was clear something was on Mr Darcy's mind. "I hope I did not offend you with how I handled Miss Kent."
"Not at all, it is just I had something I wished to do today, but I fear my chance is ruined." He seemed truly disappointed.
"It is only ruined if you let it be." She said with an encouraging smile, having an idea of what it was he wanted.
Turning to her, he took both of her hands into his. "You must know, surly you must, how much I admire and have come to love you. I have never been easy in company, but knowing you will be there has always made me look forward to it. Your sweet smile and cheerful laugh make my heart soar, especially when I am the cause of them. I never thought I would find someone I thought I could love, as that is not something we see often in our sphere, but I have come to love you most dearly. I pray that you will grant mine and my sister's greatest wish, and consent to be my wife."
"Nothing would give me more pleasure." She spoke, unable to keep the happy tears from rolling down her cheeks.
