I don't own Pride and Prejudice.

Charlotte wrapped her robe around herself, trying to move as quietly as she could through the room, so as not to wake its other sleeping occupant. "Where are you going?" A sleepy voice informed her she hadn't done a very good job of it.

"I couldn't sleep, I thought I would look in the library for something to read." She informed her new husband.

"Shall I join you?" He was already rising from the bed.

"No, go back to sleep, I shall be just fine, and will return shortly." She reassured him, smiling when he laid back down.

Slipping out the door, a candle in one hand to light her way. She was not at all surprised to find a few of the staff still wide awake and asking if she required anything. She would forever be impressed by Pemberley, both the family who owned it, and the staff that felt honored to work there. It was clear her new cousin was loved by his people, and she knew his new wife was well on her way to joining him in their esteem.

She startled when she heard someone clear their voice behind her, and turned to see her father sitting in one of the chairs in the library. "I had hoped for a chance to see you or your sister."

"Well, here I am, what is it you wish to say?" She asked curtly.

"Surely my child, you know I did what I could for you and your sister..."

"You did just enough to get by. You are the head of the family, you should have reigned mother in. You could have ended the contract right then and there, told Mr Collins that attacking your daughter was a breach." Charlotte found all the anger she hadn't realized she was bottling up come spilling out of her.

"Your sister's reputation..."

"Could have been preserved, for who would our neighbors believe? Those of us they've known most of our lives, or a man who had been new to the area. We could have played it off as if someone had come forward claiming an attachment to him. We could have made almost anything up, we wouldn't have even had to mention Maria."

"You went to Mr Bennet for help, did he act as though Maria were ruined? From what my brother's overheard he reacted with compassion. Do you not think others in the neighborhood would have done the same?"

"Your mother said..."

"Hang my mother, she is nothing to me anymore. Her main goal in life has always been to one up Mrs Bennet. She has always lamented the fact that Mrs Bennet was gifted five beautiful daughters, while she was cursed with me. She saw Mr Collins as her chance to finally win, and she didn't care what or who she had to sacrifice to do so. Nevermind that switching the bride from me to Maria would destroy my reputation, but I'm sure mother didn't care about that as I was too plain to ever marry anyways."

"As I said, you were the head of the house, it was your duty to protect us. I will grant you that you did try some, but it was just not enough. What's going to happen to Amanda and Isabel when they are old enough to marry off? Are you going to allow them to be hurt by vile men, all so that mother can crow over her neighbors? If so, tell me now so that I may prepare rooms for them." She truly worked for her eight and ten year old sisters.

A new light in the doorway caught her attention, "I'm sorry my dear, your sister has had a nightmare, and came looking for you." It was then she saw the cowering young girl clinging to his arm, half hidden behind him.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there dearest, she moved to collect Maria." Looking at her husband, "Do you mind terribly if she spends the rest of the night in my room."

"Not at all, I shall return to my own." He smiled sadly at the young girl clinging to her. "Allow me to escort the two of you back there."

"We shall need to stop at her room to pick up Luna on our way back." It was a testament to how shook up her sister was, as she hardly went anywhere without the kitten in tow. Granted, none of the girls really did.

"I already asked someone to retrieve the kitten and put her in the bed with Ash." Flooded with gratitude, she found herself kissing his cheek before she caught herself, and blushed at his wide grin. "Now, let's get you ladies off to bed. We have a big day tomorrow."

With that the three left her stunned father behind. Had any of them thought to turn around they would have seen the tears trickling down his face.

Sir William cast one long last look at Pemberley before boarding his carriage. "You will care for them won't you." He asked the young man there to see he and his wife off.

"Till the end of my days I assure you." Andrew Darcy spoke solemnly. "Your daughters shall have every protection the Darcy name can afford...all of your daughters"

"Please give this to your cousin's wife." He held out a letter, "Her father requested I deliver it to her, but in all the excitement I forgot."

"I shall see that she gets it."

"She truly is a remarkable girl, Mrs Darcy, both Mrs Darcys. I just wish we parents could take the credit for it."

Elizabeth tuned the letter over in her hands, trying to decide if she wanted to read the words it contained. That her father had even written her was surprise enough for he had never been much of a correspondent.

Seeing her husband watching her from across their shared sitting room, she fortified herself and broke the seal, secured by his mere presence.

My dearest Lizzy,

Words can not express the shame I feel as I watch Sir William try to ensure his children's safety, while trying to maintain a level of secrecy he feels is required. Normally I would find this folly entertaining, were it not for the fact that it highlights my own negligence.

I will confess I never thought your husband to be as disagreeable as the neighborhood proclaimed him to be. I saw the pride in which he carried himself, but felt that if anyone could humble hit would have been you my dear girl.

When he included the clause pertaining to your sisters, any lingering fears I had diminished. For what man would willingly accept three more unmarried ladies into his protection, and care for them as if they were his own, if he were not himself, good and kind. That he instantly seized guardianship of Kitty after hearing your mother's plans to marry her to Mr Collins cemented this for me.

One aspect of my conduct that I can only look back on with abhorrence is my inaction to stop your mother from sending poor Mary off the way she did. I confess I have nightmares of what could have befallen my pious daughter. Especially after hearing what happened to Sir William's own sweet child.

I have read and reread the letters from your uncle Gardiner, and am much shamed. He writes to me of the four of you often, and often sings the praises of you and Mr Darcy for how you have helped your sisters to grow and mature. In his latest letter he spoke of his pleasure discussing a book to had recommended to Mary. Said that she has just as sharp a mind as you yourself do, but had been too shy to show it until you took her under your wing.

That Kitty actually chose not to be out in society and has found a true friend in Miss Darcy. That the shy Miss Darcy tempers some of Kitty's exuberance, and that Kitty help boost Miss Darcy's confidence. He tells me that he hopes for their sakes they fall in love with men from neighboring estates, as separating them will be quite difficult.

I confess to being most intrigued by the changes your uncle has written of, and temped to ask that you send your sisters back to me. However, I know this is no longer the best place for them, nor are your mother and I the best guardians. You and your husband have been better parents than your mother and I ever were, and I couldn't be more proud of you.

I know that when my time comes to pass on from this life to the next, you and your sisters will be well cared for. I just hope you can find it in your heart to forgive this regretful old man one day.

Love

Your Papa