Hello my dears! I want to express my deepest thanks to everyone who has read the story so far, and especially those who have given me encouragement. The story is, as I warned, rather dark, but Lizzy and Maria will see light again. Sadly, the subject matter is a very real one that is not often tackled in JAFF - sex trafficking has been going on for centuries and is still going on today - and as I made the decision to go ahead and start sharing this story, I came to realize that authors need to address such topics, even in fiction. We cannot let those who have been hurt and lost be forgotten.

To the those who have mentioned the "unbelievability" and "too-convenient" chance of Elizabeth and Maria finding a cabin that happened to be Darcy's... As one of you said, I had to start somewhere. I knew back when I first started this story that I did not want the girls to be rescued, I wanted them to save themselves. And in order to return them to their families and reunite Elizabeth and Darcy, they were going to have to meet somehow. At least by their happening upon a cabin that belongs to Darcy, he can still "rescue" his lady love and be the hero who reunites her with her family. I have, however, changed the method by which they are reunited. Upon discussing the plot point with a fellow writer and good friend, I decided that Darcy does not go himself to the cabin, but rather sends a gamekeeper who surprises the girls with the revelation that they are on Darcy property. Thus, his meeting with Maria and Elizabeth will go rather differently. Much of the prose remains intact as was, I've simply had to rearrange it with a few rewrites and also some additional prose and dialogue. The first three chapters are reloaded, so if you like, go back and read them before you read this one.

To the guest reviewers who described Elizabeth and Maria as "fallen" and "ruined" women... I get where you are coming from with your comments, but Elizabeth and Maria aren't fallen women. They're victims of kidnapping, sexual assault, and abuse. That's how I see them and how the principal characters - and some secondary characters - will see them. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds are the only two of the staff that will have any idea what really happened to Elizabeth and Maria, and the others will only only know that their master has brought two unexpected guests into the house. Any speculation the servants may have as to what their story is might be discussed among themselves out of the hearing of the butler and housekeeper, who would berate them for gossiping if they were overheard, and anyone who gossips with persons not employed by Darcy will likely be dismissed without reference. Any servant who learns the truth who has an issue with their being in the house with a young unmarried woman will be free to seek employment elsewhere.

"Fallen" women make the choice to sin, and these girls did not. Society at large will only know that they disappeared for a year, and while that might breed speculation and gossip, only the opinions of people who actually matter to Elizabeth and Maria will be regarded.

As my friend said, I believe Darcy would be his own man in any age and damn what others think, because there is no expiration date on devotion - and he is still in love with Elizabeth. If her vehement refusal of his marriage proposal wasn't enough to dismiss his feelings for her, I seriously doubt that her being the victim of violent crime will. True love does not hold actions not in one's control against them, and only the weak and insecure, of any era, will care about what society deems "fit and proper." Besides which, we all know that with the temptation of £30,000, there would be many men willing to marry Georgiana regardless of the presence of "fallen" women.

Chapter Four

When Elizabeth was fully covered, Mrs. Reynolds encouraged them to follow her into the dressing room. The two girls stopped as they stepped through the door, both of them warily eyeing the young man who stood near the opposite door, which led into the hall.

"This gentleman is Dr. Anthony Jones," said Mrs. Reynolds. "Sir, Miss Bennet and Miss Lucas."

Dr. Jones bowed from the waist, but did not come any closer. "Good evening, ladies. I am sure you will pardon the liberty, but Mr. Darcy has shared with me what you told him. I am truly, deeply sorry for all you have endured."

Elizabeth shared a look with Maria, who replied, "It is very kind of you to say, sir. It…it's been a very long, very hard year."

The doctor's eyes flicked between them for a moment. "I have some training in midwifery, Miss Lucas, so I should like to know if your child moves at all? If so, does it move often?"

"I've felt it move nearly every day for…maybe five months? I can't be certain," said Maria. "And I think often. I mean, more than once a day is all I can really be certain of."

Dr. Jones nodded. "That is very good to hear. I can see you're both rather thin, which means you're not eating enough, but it's been enough to nourish the child."

His gaze then returned to Elizabeth. "Mr. Darcy says we are related by marriage, Miss Bennet—my cousin Marjorie is your aunt? Married to a Mr. Gardiner?"

Elizabeth nodded. Oh, how she wished then that she could ask about her aunt! She and Jane had always been close with Mrs. Gardiner, as she was far more sensible and ladylike than her husband's two sisters.

"I imagine you would like to hear of her," said the doctor, and she nodded again. "Why don't you and Miss Lucas sit and eat, and I will tell you a little about how Mrs. Gardiner has been."

Maria went eagerly to the Pembroke table on one wall, where Mrs. Reynolds was uncovering cold meats, fruits, cheeses, bread, and some vegetables. There were two steaming carafes, one of chocolate and one of tea. Dr. Jones advised them to eat as much as they liked, but to go slowly so as not to upset their stomachs.

"It's been some time, I imagine, since you've had good food. So take your time and don't rush," said he.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and pointed at her face, to which the doctor chuckled. "I know you cannot eat well at the moment, Miss Bennet, but do try. When the two of you are satisfied, perhaps I can take a look at you both."

With a nod of her head, Elizabeth filled her plate with a little of everything, and carefully sipped a cup of chocolate. She kept her eye on the doctor as she did her best to eat without dribbling; he might be a distant relation, but he was still a man she did not know. He, in turn, had taken a seat near the door, keeping himself across the room, and talked of their connection, Mrs. Gardiner. Her aunt had been deeply affected by her disappearance, but had remained firm in her belief that Elizabeth would come home. Her four young cousins were all of them doing well, which she was happy to hear, and despite his involvement in the search for herself and Maria, her uncle's business continued to prosper.

At least her family had not suffered too much during her absence. For that, she was grateful.

After she and Maria had eaten their fill, Elizabeth was encouraged to hold a palm-sized chunk of ice, wrapped in a towel, to the side of her jaw where the dislocation was. Dr. Jones said that it would help reduce the swelling as well as the amount of discomfort she would feel when he put it back into place.

"You shouldn't try to talk immediately afterward—I'd recommend waiting until tomorrow, to give the reset joint time to heal—and you should not open your mouth too wide for a fortnight or more as the joint could be weak for as long as a month," he cautioned her. "Consuming only soft, easy-to-chew foods will best aid you in healing, and because of the weakness, wearing a bandage around your head to help keep your mouth closed and supported may be necessary."

Elizabeth nodded, and it was only then that he stood and came nearer. As he did so, he said that he would look over Maria first to give the ice time to do its work. Maria began to tremble when Dr. Jones stood over where she now sat on the sofa, and her breathing became shallow. Elizabeth reached over with her free hand to hold the younger girl's, which she grasped tightly. Jones, on seeing her anxiety, knelt down and cautiously held out his hand.

"I promise you, madam, that you have nothing to fear," he said softly.

Tears streamed silently down her face as Maria looked to Elizabeth, who gave her an encouraging nod. You can do this, she thought. We were strong enough to survive Hell, you will survive a simple examination.

Jones's examination of Maria—which included looking into her mouth, flexing her joints, listening to her heart and breathing, and gentle prodding of her stomach to feel the baby—was quickly concluded. He'd even smiled and laughed a little when the child kicked, and said, "Don't think he or she likes being bothered. But the movement is good, and the heart sounds good. You've done very well, Miss Lucas, for all that this little one should not even be here."

"No, it should not," Maria agreed. "But it is, and as much as I hate the vile monsters who used me, I cannot blame this baby for their actions. He or she is innocent."

Jones smiled again. "You are remarkably level-headed about your situation, Miss Lucas."

Maria shrugged. "I have to be, sir. Somebody has to care for it, as nobody will want it if they know how it was created."

Elizabeth found herself reflecting on how Maria had once been called "pretty and good-tempered, but rather empty-headed" by Mrs. Bennet (who really had not room to talk!), and while her mother's assessment might once have been accurate, captivity had forced her to develop a quick understanding and maturity, and a great deal more sense. She knew what she faced now, even after achieving freedom, and though still scared of what was to come she was willing to stand up to it.

Maria Lucas had grown into a marvel of a young woman.

Dr. Jones then turned his attention to Elizabeth, conducting much the same examination; he listened to her heart and lungs, flexed her joints, and then probed her jaw. His touch was gentle, his expression kind and caring. She also sensed he was disturbed, and she did not blame him.

"An anterior dislocation, the most common form of this injury," he said. "Were you… were you punched? There's signs of bruising on your face."

Elizabeth fought the sting of tears, and nodded her head. She would not cry—it was over.

Warning her that she would feel some discomfort and that it may even hurt, Dr. Jones at last placed one hand at the back of her head and took hold of her jaw with the other—leading to an internal struggle to contain her own rising anxiety at being so held—and worked her mandible back into place. Elizabeth could feel it the moment it was right again, and though there was a fair amount of pain, she was—more than anything—relieved.

As soon as her jaw had been reset, Dr. Jones made Elizabeth take a powder that he said would help with pain, swelling, and inflammation around the damaged joint.

He then tied a strip of cloth around her head for support of her jaw and encouraged her to reapply the ice—which had not yet melted—for another quarter hour. The physician then drew a breath as he stood, and Elizabeth surmised he wished to ask them questions, but was hesitant. At last Mr. Jones ventured to say, "I should like to know all the injuries you have suffered in the last twelvemonth. You need not tell me now—you may even write everything down, if you are too uncomfortable speaking of them—but knowing what you have endured will give me a better idea of the condition your bodies are in at present. That understanding will enable me to give you both the proper treatment for getting you healthy again."

Elizabeth exchanged a look with Maria, who seemed aghast at the very idea. She gave her friend's hand another light squeeze and nodded, for she understood why the doctor felt the information was of importance.

Maria then looked up at him. "I-I would rather write it down than talk of it all," said she. "Can you wait until tomorrow, sir? I do not think I have the courage to relive the past year at present, not when I'd much rather forget it."

Dr. Jones inclined his head. "Of course, Miss Lucas. Whenever you feel up to it will do," he replied. He then followed that statement with a recommendation to both of his patients that they should take themselves to bed.

Elizabeth was in full agreement. The last week's exertions were beginning to take their toll—she felt weariness to her bones—and thought for sure that she could sleep for a month.

"But Lizzy," said Maria. "We must see Mr. Darcy, remember? He was to tell us about our families."

An almost desperate energy surged through Elizabeth—she'd nearly forgotten Darcy's promise.

Dr. Jones inclined his head. "Of course you wish to hear of your families. I can lead the way to Mr. Darcy's study, along with Mrs. Reynolds."

Elizabeth was relieved he had suggested it. His touch had been gentle and his countenance was kind, but he was still a man. Maria, too, appeared pleased to have the housekeeper along.

The walk to Darcy's study was not long, but Elizabeth was sure they'd crossed all the way to the other side of the house. Goodness, she thought, Pemberley really is grand! She'd heard so much about the place from Wickham, and from Bingley and his sisters—especially Caroline, who aspired to be its mistress—that she'd half wondered if they were all exaggerating. Clearly, however, they were not. The hallways were wide and long, the floors marble. There were many pieces of artwork in alcoves and tapestries on the walls, and again Elizabeth found herself almost looking forward to seeing the place in the daylight, the better to appreciate all the finery around her.

Darcy's expression as they entered behind Dr. Jones was surprised, though not because they were with the physician—Elizabeth suspected him still very much surprised that they were really there.

"How are you feeling?" he asked softly as he stood from the chair behind the large, ornate desk.

"A good deal better," said Maria. "It feels good to be clean, at east on the surface."

Darcy's expression flickered but he quickly mastered whatever emotion he had been feeling. He then stepped slowly around his desk and gestured to the sofa before the fireplace. "Please, be comfortable and warm yourselves," said he. After they were seated, he moved to one of the adjacent chairs. Dr. Jones moved to stand by the other, but waited.

Glancing over their heads at the housekeeper, who had not yet departed, Darcy asked, "Do you wish Mrs. Reynolds to stay? I shall not be offended if you will be more comfortable with a lady present."

Elizabeth looked to Maria, and sensed that she had wanted to ask that very question but had been afraid to. Looking back to Darcy, she merely nodded. Darcy inclined his head to Mrs. Reynolds, who joined her and Maria on the sofa. The two men at last sat down.

After inquiring as to whether Elizabeth's jaw had been reset successfully, and appearing relieved when Dr. Jones replied having no trouble putting her to rights, Darcy sat back in his chair. For the next quarter hour, he told them about their families. Maria cried when she heard how despondent her mother had been on hearing of her disappearance, but was happy to hear that her father and elder brothers had been active in the search for them. She and Elizabeth were both of them happy for Charlotte on learning that she and Mr. Collins had a daughter born only two months past. That she was called Catherine, after their patroness—who was Darcy's aunt—was no surprise to either.

Elizabeth was sorry to learn that it was her disappearance which had brought Bingley and Jane back together, but she was beyond pleased for her sister on hearing they were married and expecting a child in the autumn. Mr. Bennet had taken the loss of his favorite daughter very hard, but he had also taken it very much to heart. Mary, Kitty, and Lydia had lost the privilege of being out in society and could not go anywhere without escort by himself and a footman, which had bothered Mary not at all and the two youngest girls the most. Elizabeth did not doubt that they were sorry for the loss of her in their own way, but sadly, Kitty and Lydia were selfish creatures—they always had been, Lydia especially so.

"Though I will say that Miss Catherine stays often with Charles and Jane at Netherfield, and has in the last six months or so improved," said Darcy with a wry grin. "I daresay there is yet hope of true remedy for her."

Maria snorted softly. "But not Lydia, I am sure."

Darcy's eyes flicked to Elizabeth. "I do not like to speak ill of anyone, though you may once have believed otherwise, but… yes. Miss Lydia remains rather recalcitrant. When the militia prepared to remove to Brighton that summer, Mrs. Forster invited her to go along, but your father denied her. She tried to run away that she could go without his consent, and was afterward locked in her room until they had gone. Miss Lydia later sneaked out of the house to visit with her friends a number of times, after which your father restricted her to the nursery until she could amend her behavior and follow his rules. Last I heard, the nursery is still her room."

What of my mother? Elizabeth wanted to ask. He has not spoken of my mother.

"What about Mrs. Bennet, sir?" Maria asked, much to her relief.

Again his eyes flicked between them. "Mrs. Bennet was abed with grief for many months, though I heard recently from Mr. Gardiner that she has of late begun to improve."

Elizabeth looked to him with some surprise. On noting her expression, he chuckled and said, "Yes, I have met your mother's brother—I would even say the tragedy of losing you, and our efforts to find you, has made us friends. I can assure you, Elizabeth, that I have no scruple about being seen entering a house in Cheapside."

Darcy then looked to Maria and asked her how they had come to the cabin. Elizabeth looked to her, expressing with her eyes as best she could what she wanted her to say and hoped she would not reveal. Thankfully, they had been forced to be in such close company for so long that Maria easily understood what she at present could not say. The younger girl then looked to Darcy and explained in simple terms how they had been left alone in the house where they were kept, which they had not been before, and took advantage of the opportunity to make their escape.

"We were so very afraid he was testing us, or that he would come back again—or that one of his friends might catch us—that we took hardly anything with us," said Maria. "Really it was only a flask for water and a small basket of food, which we ate quickly, for he often denied us anything to eat. We'd been walking through the woods for a week, I think, when we found your cabin."

"Was it…" Darcy paused, and Elizabeth noted a vein throbbing in his jaw. "Was it the incident that gave Elizabeth her injury that motivated you?"

Both of them nodded, and Maria added, "It was also my child, sir. I believe I am due soon, though I am not precisely sure if it is only a fortnight or a whole month from coming. It's been rather hard to keep track of the days, you see. Anyway, he said he was going to 'get rid of it.' Said he would sell it to some couple who wanted a brat, as he put it, but couldn't have their own."

Here, Dr. Jones spoke up. "From the size of the child, Miss Lucas, I feel confident in saying he or she will arrive within a fortnight."

She paused and laid her hands atop her belly. "I don't know who the father of this baby is. And may God forgive me, but for the longest time I didn't want it. I hoped I would lose it. I thought no proper gentleman would want me after what we'd been through, if we should ever be rescued, and certainly wouldn't want the responsibility of a bastard child sired by a monster. But as the little one has grown and I've felt it move, I came to realize it's not her fault—or his, if it should be a boy. Just like it's not my fault; I was forced to lay with those men, and this baby didn't ask to be created. I'm sure I shall have to raise it alone, but I will raise it myself, for this is the only good thing to come out of that hellish nightmare."

Darcy nodded his approval. "As well you should," said he. "And you need not worry for your welfare, Miss Lucas. I'll see to a situation for you."

Elizabeth shared a look of surprise with Maria, and knew her expression as she looked back to Darcy was just as curious as the other girl's spoken question.

"You would truly aid me, sir?" she asked.

Again he nodded. "As I've already written to your families, you'll soon be reunited with them, but should they for any reason not accept you at Lucas Lodge—"

"Oh! Oh my, I don't know that I'd even considered that," interjected Maria, her eyes filling with a new freshet of tears. "I suppose that's a possibility, isn't it? That my mother and father may not even allow me to come back home for the shame and disgrace my conceiving out of wedlock will bring on the family."

Elizabeth wanted to tell her how much she was wrong, but knew she was not. Even though what had happened to their daughter was not at all her fault, the fact that she intended to keep the child might be perceived as a disgrace by Sir William and Lady Lucas. Maria's child would be a blight on the family honor, the dirty little secret that was best kept away from the view of polite society. It was entirely possible that Maria's parents would want her to remain hidden away until she'd had the child, which they could then have quietly adopted to some childless couple unknown to their neighbors, before they'd let her come home.

"Miss Lucas, pray do not distress yourself," Darcy said softly. "While what you say is regrettably a real possibility, you should not allow any shame they may feel to be yours—you've done nothing wrong. I will see to it you have a home in which to raise your son or daughter."

Maria began to sob, and leaned over to lay her head on Elizabeth's shoulder. Elizabeth held her, her own turmoil temporarily forgotten in light of the immeasurable kindness Darcy offered and Maria's relief in it. She glanced at him sidelong, hoping that he could see her gratitude that he was being so generous. Darcy offered a small smile of acknowledgment.

After a few moments, Maria quieted. She sat up and sniffled, and Elizabeth passed her the handkerchief that Dr. Jones had held out to Mrs. Reynolds to dry her face.

Although the doctor had advised her not to speak until morning, Elizabeth found herself then compelled to ask, her voice coming out hardly above a whisper, "When, sir, do you expect our families to receive your letter?"

Mr. Jones shook his head at her, though his expression was not reproving. Darcy seemed for an instant absolutely delighted to have heard her speak, though none were as excited as Elizabeth herself. Her jaw ached, but it worked.

"I wrote to Mr. Gardiner at Netherfield—he and your aunt are there every weekend," Darcy replied. "If my man was able to meet the mail coach in Matlock, and I do not doubt that he did, I imagine it should arrive around Bingley's usual breakfast hour, or shortly after. So between ten-thirty and midday."

"Will you allow them to come here to see us?" Maria asked.

"But of course," said Darcy. "In fact, I issued a direct invitation for Mr. Gardiner, both your fathers, and Mrs. Gardiner."

"But not our mothers?"

Again, Elizabeth noted Darcy flexing his jaw, and she suspected the answer before he gave it. "Miss Lucas, Elizabeth… I pray you would both forgive me this, but given the propensity of Lady Lucas and Mrs. Bennet to dissolve into hysterics, I thought it rather more beneficial for you both that you be spared their company until you are acclimated to the presence of your fathers."

"Mr. Darcy is right, Miss Lucas," said Dr. Jones in a gentle voice. "A large number of people gathering about you all at once could overwhelm you. As it is no small miracle that you've come so far in your condition, too much excitement or upset could bring the child early."

Elizabeth glanced between the two men, certain that there was something they weren't saying. She suspected it had to do with hers and Maria's obvious discomfort in their presence, and the two gentlemen were concerned that even their own fathers might frighten them. It pained her to admit that she could not say with any certainty that they were wrong—she had missed her father desperately this last year, but even the previous closeness they had shared could not tell her how he would react once he knew the whole of what had been done to her. Would he treat her differently, knowing she was ruined? Even though she had escaped Maria's fate of being left with a child, she knew that Mr. Bennet would be within his rights to deny her return to his house for the sake of his unmarried daughters.

What would she do then? she wondered. Probably take up residence with Maria and the baby in whatever out of the way cottage Mr. Darcy secured for her.

At this juncture, Dr. Jones suggested again that the two girls take themselves to bed. Elizabeth nodded—she was feeling utterly exhausted—and Maria agreed also. Mrs. Reynolds rose and went to the bell-pull. She asked the maid who answered whether she knew which rooms Miss Darcy had ordered prepared; she did, having helped to open and air them. The housekeeper then directed the girl to lead them to their rooms so they might rest. Maria and Elizabeth rose in unison and joined the servants at the door.

"Mrs. Reynolds," said Maria, turning to the lady. "I… Have you the key to our rooms? I pray you would understand, but in spite of Mr. Darcy's extraordinary generosity, I know my friend and I would feel much more secure if… if we could lock them from the inside."