AN: Here is the sequel! Hope you enjoy! Please read and review, I'd love to hear your comments! Thanks for reading

Finished

Chapter 1

Several years had passed since the last Bennet sisters were married, 18 years in fact. A great deal had happened in the family in those years. Some horrible tragedies, but mostly things to be joyful about. But through it all, the sisters remained close, and were always there to support each other. Letters flew between the sisters, and they visited often, despite the difficult distance.

Charles and Jane Bingley were very happily married and still as much in love as the day they were married. They had one more child, Victoria, a year after Kitty was married to Andrew Cadogan. As Jane got older she became more nervous and careful with her children, making her family quite conservative.

The Darcy's remained happy as well and welcomed two girls into their family. Rebecca, who was born after Kitty's marriage and Emily who was two years her junior. The children were a credit to their parents and the Darcy family name. Lizzy had also proved herself worthy of her husband, well, to everyone except Lady Catharine. She died still believing her daughter Anne was still better suited for her nephew.

A beautiful home was purchased in London by Mary and George Rawlins. They wanted to be close to the intellectuals of England. After several years they decided it was time for children and had a boy and a girl, Benjamin and Molly. Mary was a better mother than expected, but especially made sure that her children were well educated. She wanted to make sure that they would never be called foolish.

Kitty Cadogan loved her life, every part of it. A beautiful country estate, a wonderful husband and five beautiful children. Hannah had always felt like her own daughter and then Kitty had four of herself, Abigail, Andrew, Jonathan and Charlotte. Kitty loved the energy and excitement of the house, never a silent moment. It reminded her of life in the Bennet house that she had spent so many years in.

The tragedy of the Bennet's came in the Wickham family. Lydia remained unhappy, despite her sisters help. After several years, Lydia became pregnant again, accidentally. Wickham of course was overjoyed for the new addition to their family, but Lydia grew more and more depressed. When she came to full term, she had a very difficult labor, the baby survived, but Lydia did not. Wickham was grieved, but loved Anna just as much as the other children. Eventually, he re-married, a horrible woman whom the children didn't like. Wickham had also fallen back into his gambling, caused no doubt by his new wife. The children spent most of the year traveling between their aunts homes because they were not welcome at their own.

Once Mr. and Mrs. Bennet heard about Lydia, Mrs. Bennet had one of her episodes. This one was different, after which Mrs. Bennet was placed in a wheelchair for the remainder of her life. But despite her episode, Mrs. Bennet was still very much alive and Mr. Bennet was in good health as well, besides being a bit deaf. The Bennet's tried to see their daughters, but with Mrs. Bennet's condition, it was difficult. Often times, they only managed to see their family during holiday week.

Since all of their marriages, the sisters had decided to set aside one week of the year for family. Each year the families traveled to one of the homes and stayed there for a week. A few other families also enjoyed the week of festivities, the Dison's and the Burton's. They became almost like family to all of the Bennet's. The whole family looked forward to this one week every year.

This year, holiday week was to be held at Pemberley. Lizzy had been preparing the house for nearly a week, making sure the rooms were to her satisfaction. Each couple received their own rooms, and then the children shared. It seemed that the children enjoyed the sleep over aspect most, they stayed up and giggled for hours. Lizzy smiled thinking about the people who would soon occupy her home, then she saddened as she remembered the one person who would not be coming.

"Mother, are you alright? Shall I fetch you some water, or a glass of wine?" Rebecca asked as she saw her mother frozen in the grand hall.

"No my dear, thank you, I am quite alright. I was only thinking of your Aunt Lydia."

"Do you think of her often?"

"No, she caused our family so much pain, and we never saw very much of her once she was married. But, she was my sister, and I did love her. I always manage to think of her around holiday week, knowing she will not be here to join in the merriment." Lizzy gave her daughter a half smile to assure her that she was alright.

"Yes, I understand." she paused, allowing her mother to remember aunt Lydia for a moment longer. "Do you need help with anything?"

"I would love to have some fresh flowers in the house when everyone arrives."

"I'll do it Mother, and I'll go get Emily to help me."

"The roses darling."

"Yes mother."

"Oh, and Becca," she called after her, "thank you."

"Your welcome." Rebecca smiled brightly and stood still for a moment, keeping contact between her mothers eyes and her own before turning to go downstairs. Lizzy watched her go and sent up a silent prayer of thanks for such a daughter, for three such wonderful children.

Lizzy continued her walk through her house, smiling as she thought of each person that would enter her home. Jane and her family would be arriving later that day and the rest of the family would come tomorrow. She made her way downstairs and was informed that lunch was ready. The children were called and they came racing in the front door, despite their age.

"Children!" Mr. Darcy's voice echoed in the hall as he walked down the stairs.

"Sorry Father." Samuel quickly apologized.

"Oh papa! We are only just so excited about everyone coming." Emily smiled up at her father.

"Emily dear, I don't think that sentence made very much sense." he laughed. "But I understand your excitement, don't worry, I am not cross. Come lets have lunch so we are finished before the Bingley's arrive."

The children took their usual seats and sat perfectly at the table, they had been raised to do so. Samuel was now 21 and was home from school on holiday. He would of course inherit the estate, but his father and mother felt he needed to be well educated. Rebecca was 18 and a beautiful young lady. She was elegant and beautiful, a credit to her parents. And then there was Emily, the baby of the family at 16. She was cute and full of life and energy and loved her family very much.

"Mother, is Mr. Wickham's new wife coming?" Emily asked.

"No, just the children are coming. The new Mrs. Wickham is to busy for a family gathering."

"Oh, I'm glad, I do not like her at all."

"Emily!" her father scolded.

"Well, I am merely telling the truth, but I would not repeat it to anyone else."

"I don't think Mrs. Wickham would ever go somewhere that the children were. She lives for her time away from the little brats." Samuel said, impersonating the new Mrs. Wickham.

Rebecca and Emily laughed quietly at Samuels imitation, which was absolutely perfect. Although Mr. Darcy was amused by his sons comment, he gave a stern look, warning that no such comment should be made once everyone else arrived. Samuel understood his fathers meaning, but continued to smile, proud of his comment.

They had an enjoyable lunch, recalling past holiday weeks. Each member of the family had a certain person they were most looking forward to seeing. It was a week full of laughter and enjoyment and no work or business could ever stand in the way. When lunch was finished the girls went back to cutting roses and Samuel accompanied them because he was to excited to be inside alone.

Because they were outside, the children heard the approaching carriage. They exchanged a quick glance then raced to the drive, at least Emily and Samuel did. Rebecca walked quickly, she knew it was very un-lady like to run. She reached the drive just as the carriage came to a stop and laughed at her brother and sister who were panting to draw breath. As the carriage door opened all three siblings were shocked because it wasn't the Bingley's, but the Wickham's.

"Well this is a surprise! Hello, Sarah, Beth, Albert and Anna." Samuel smiled, stepping forward to shake Albert's hand.

"It is so good to see you all." Rebecca hugged all four of her cousins, spending the most time on Anna.

"And you all as well, I know we're a day early, but stepmother practically pushed us out the door and she was being horrid unpleasant to Anna. I hoped Aunt Lizzy wouldn't be to put out." Sarah explained, always the speaker for her family.

"Of course mother would rather have you here if your stepmother was being unkind to Anna." Emily explained.

"Here, Emily, Sam, show them to their rooms. I will inform Mother and Father of their arrival and let cook know that dinner for four more is required." Rebecca gave out orders quickly but everyone stared, motionless. "Well go on, quickly, the Bingley's will be arriving shortly and it will be quite hectic with everyone's luggage in the entrance hall at once."

Samuel began to move according to his sisters instructions and lifted Anna onto his back. They filed into the house and Rebecca entered last and hurried to find her mother and father. She happened upon them having tea in the parlor, which was no surprise. Rebecca stood and observed her parents silently for a moment. She loved to watch them, they were so in love, so happy. Lizzy suddenly noticed her daughters presence and beckoned her inside.

"Becca? Is there something you need?"

"Oh yes Mama, sorry. The Wickhams have arrived."

"But they were not supposed to come until tomorrow. I was not expecting them." Lizzy rose quickly, confused by the sudden change.

"Yes, Sarah said that her stepmother was being terrible to young Anna, and practically pushed them out the door." Rebecca explained.

"Yes, of course they should have come. That horrible woman, I hate that they are stuck with her. And that he married her, how foolish!"

"Darling, calm down, they are here now, and they are safe." Darcy smiled.

"You are right."

"Mama, I sent Sam and Emily to show them their rooms, but I thought we would need to speak to cook about four others joining us for dinner."

"Ah yes, dear we will continue our conversation later, I have things to attend to. But while I am doing that, you should go and welcome our guests." she nodded, playfully, encouraging him to go upstairs with the children. He gave her a half smile and rose dutifully from his chair and walked toward the stairs.

Once everyone's room was found, Samuel and Albert left the girls to their catching up and went outside to the stables. Albert was one of Samuels greatest friend so he wished to speak to him more privately anyway. Their conversation covered many topics the first of which being new developments with lady friends. Eventually their talk turned to more serious matters.

"How is university?" Albert began, sounding calm and easy with his question.

"Very well, some subjects are more tiresome than others, but overall, I'm finding that I enjoy it very much."

"Oh how I envy you."

"Albert, why would you envy me?" Samuel laughed, thinking his friend was playing with sarcasm.

"I would love to go to university, you are very blessed."

"Why do you want to go to university? Trust me Albert, it's nothing but reading, not always the most fun."

"Sam, what is to become of me, and my sisters? We have nothing! My father gambles away everything that is of value and has debts that are unspeakable. I will gain no inheritance when he is gone, and with no education, will be ill qualified for an occupation. At least my sisters have the opportunity of marrying well, being connected to the famous Darcy's of Derbyshire. But I, I have no hope for my future."

Samuel was shocked by his cousins speech. They had practically been raised together and Samuel had never thought him any different than himself, but he was. Albert received none of the luxury that Samuel had grown up with. Samuel was not aware that Albert's future was so bleak, he was determined to do something that would help.

"Then go to university."

"But Sam, I've just told you, I haven't money to go, my fathers gambling." Albert looked at the ground intently. He was embarrassed that he had told his cousin his struggle and couldn't bear to look him in the eye.

"I'll speak to my father about it, and perhaps Uncle Charles as well. Surely they would be happy to invest in a noble cause, such as your education."

"Oh, no, I couldn't ask you to. Your father will think ill of me."

"Surely he will not! He knows your family situation very well and will not stand aside and let you suffer because of your fathers mistakes."

"Are you quite sure?"

"Yes." Samuel smiled and shook Albert's hand firmly. "Now, I do believe I hear a carriage, shall we go greet our cousins?"

Albert nodded his consent and the two young men headed for the front of the large estate. When they arrived, the whole family was already waiting. Lizzy quickly kissed Albert on the cheek, welcoming him to Pemberley. Then she focused on the approaching carriage and waited anxiously for her favorite sister to emerge.

"Jane!" Lizzy smiled as her sister took her first step out of the carriage.

Jane was still as beautiful as ever, age didn't seem to affect her looks. Her children took after their mothers good looks and calm disposition. They were a happy family and were all excited to be at Pemberley. As each of the Bingley's exited the carriage, someone else wrapped their arms around them.

"Come Victoria, we will show you to our room, you are with us." Emily smiled.

"Alright, but I must freshen up before we do anything else." Victoria sighed.

"Of course Victoria." Rebecca laughed.

The girls took Victoria upstairs as Samuel and Albert showed the boys to their room. Mr. Darcy took Mr. Bingley to his study and they caught up over a cigar and some port. Lizzy took Jane as well and they sat in the parlor and discussed new events as they sipped some hot tea.

"So how are the children?" Lizzy asked.

"Charles and Edward are wonderful. Charles just finished his last year at university and Edward will begin this year. They are good boys and both very attentive, always helping. It's Victoria who worries me, she is so frivolous and vain. She reminds me of Lydia, I worry whenever she is out of the house."

"Oh Jane, I'm sorry. But I'm sure she will turn into a respectable young woman."

"I do hope so. Lizzy, why are the Wickham's here? I thought we were arriving a day early so I could help."

"Yes, that was the plan, I was not expecting them until tomorrow. Apparently Mrs. Wickham was being particularly mean to little Anna and then practically pushed them out the door. I'd much rather them be here a day early than with her one day longer."

"I really can not believe Mr. Wickham married such a wretched woman."

"Bravo Jane. But really, can you not? Truthfully our own sister was not very much kinder to her own children. And now that Wickham is back to his old habits..."

"Oh Lizzy! The man has had a very difficult life." Jane was always trying to make excuses for bad behavior, and Lizzy loved her for it, but could not think so well of people.

Lizzy could not bear to continue talking of Mr. Wickham and his new wife, it would only make her blood boil. "Jane, I am not looking forward to September." she said seriously.

"Why ever not?" Jane laughed.

"Because this house is going to be more silent than it has been in 21 years. What am I going to do with myself?"

"I'm sure you will be fine. You love your husband and he loves you, you are much luckier than a woman who didn't marry for love."

"Well that is true. I thought it would be good for the girls to go together, that way they will have each other. But no I'm thinking it was a very foolish decision for I shall miss them."

"Lizzy, finishing school is only one year and they will become so accomplished! You shall have them back for good next summer. Heavens Lizzy, I don't know what you will do when they all get married."

"Neither do I Jane, neither do I. But I am surprised that you are dealing with this so calmly."

"Easy Lizzy, Charles Jr. will be home. If he were going to be at school, I would be equally upset." Jane's admission caused both ladies to laugh. They were interrupted by the housekeeper who informed them that dinner was ready. Lizzy thanked her and slowly rose from her chair, Jane quickly followed suit. As they got closer to the dining room the volume increased with every step. Jane and Lizzy took their seats quickly so everyone could begin eating.

"Victoria, why on earth do you have your hair like that? We are not at a ball." Jane said as she looked at her red headed daughter across the table.

"Mother, please stop! I like to look nice when I'm around people, and I think I look nice." Victoria said rudely.

The whole room fell silent awkwardly, not sure how to react. After a few moments Emily decided to try and change the mood. "So, what do you think will cause Grandmothers nerves to flare first? All the noise, or the fact that Grandfather can't hear all the noise?"

The mood of the room changed instantly, everyone was laughing. "Emily, that was not very nice to say of your Grandmother." Lizzy said, trying to stifle her laughter.

Everyone laughed a bit harder and the comments began. "The heat, this heat will do it." Sarah laughed.

"No, I am going to climb a tree, she will need her smelling salts." Samuel announced mischievously.

"Samuel!" Rebecca yelled from her end of the table. "The woman is already in a wheel chair. One more episode could prevent her from speaking again." she laughed.

"All the more reason to do it!" Edward laughed.

"I really could do without her nagging." Beth said quickly.

"Children, I'd like to remind you that she is our mother." Lizzy laughed.

"We are just kidding Mama." Emily smiled.

"But really, Aunt Lizzy, she can be overbearing." Victoria pointed out once the laughter had subsided.

"Oh darling, believe me, I know exactly how overbearing she can be, I did live with her for 20 years."

"Children, this may be an innocent dinner conversation to lighten our spirits, but when she arrives, you will treat her with respect. Is that understood?" Mr. Darcy said firmly.

"Yes sir." All of the children responded in unison, even Mr. Bingley felt compelled to respond to the stern words given by Mr. Darcy.

Once he was satisfied by their answers, he smiled to put them all at ease. The rest of the dinner conversation flowed easily as they joked about happenings in the past and more recent developments. After dinner the entire group moved to the parlor, where the merriment continued. Some of the children played cards while others exhibited on the piano-forte. The adults barely spoke, and simply watched the children who had once been so small and were now quite grown up. Eventually Lizzy insisted everyone go to bed, for the next day would be even busier. The children groaned at first, but did not fuss to much for they knew they would be sharing rooms, more fun could be had once in bed.

"Excuse me Father, I know Mother has said it is time for bed, but there is something important I wish to speak to you about." Samuel said quietly.

"Will it take very long?"

"No not at all, I only need a moment. And would you ask Uncle Charles if he might join us?"

"Of course, go to my study, we shall be there in a moment."

"Thank you Father."

Samuel obeyed and quickly made his way through the darkened hall to the large oak door of his fathers study. He sat in one of the chairs near his fathers desk to wait patiently. Memories played in his mind as he sat back in the comfortable leather chair. Samuel always wanted to be in his fathers study, bu had been allowed to enter very few times. The study was a place for work and concentration, not another room for children to play in.

The door opened and the two older gentlemen walked in. "What is it Samuel? And this better be fast or your mother will be angry with you for allowing you to stay up." Darcy smiled as he eased into his chair.

"Today, while in the stables, Albert told me that he is afraid for his future. I couldn't imagine what he was talking about, but then he explained. His father has gambled away all of his inheritance, and he has no education to try and make something of himself. But his father hasn't money to send him to university either." Samuel paused and took a deep breath. "So I thought, that perhaps you both would be interested in investing in Albert's education. I know we have more than enough money Father, and if it is to much of a burden, then perhaps Uncle Charles could help as well. Albert is a good man and does not deserve to be punished for the sins of his father."

Mr. Darcy remained silent for a moment and then looked at his son. "That was very noble of you Samuel, I am proud of you. Your Uncle and I will discuss this matter during the course of the week and will inform you and Albert of our decision at the end of it."

"Thank you for your time Father, Uncle Charles."

"Now go upstairs to bed before your mother notices you missing."