Chapter 29:

The Viscount arrived at eleven, accompanied by his younger sister, Penelope. He gave his card to the Darcys' butler and was shown into the drawing room where there were refreshments and two footmen awaiting to serve them. He handed his coat and hat to the butler, who had shown them in, and sat in the drawing room with his sister.

They were soon joined by three ladies.

"Viscount Murphy, Miss Murphy, welcome! said Mrs. Darcy in greeting. "Allow me to introduce you to my younger sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy."

"A pleasure" he said, and Georgiana could have sworn she melted on the spot. The Viscount had the more glorious eyes she had ever seen and there was a mystery about him, that she could see why all the ladies of the ton were enthralled by him. Elizabeth smiled sweetly, noticing the impact the Viscount had on Georgiana. She realized there was a lot for Georgiana to learn about men and how to mask her emotions—she would begin those lessons in due time. Now, she was focused on getting Jane the man she deserved.

After polite conversation, the Viscount, his sister, and Jane Bennet, rose and left the drawing room, the Viscount offered an arm to each of the ladies, as they were to join his mother by the park, to promenade. Penelope knowingly and discreetly walked ahead, allowing the couple a private moment.

"How are you enjoying the weather?" asked the Viscount politely to Jane, unsure of how to begin a conversation. He had never been nervous around any lady and the night at the Ball he was ease, but now, surrounded by the Ton and their prying eyes, he was beginning to think this promenade was a big mistake. Peter never went with his sister nor his mother for a walk if he could avoid it. He had the reputation of a rake, a very honorable, handsome, and wealthy rake. But most of it was unfounded, he had, obviously, enjoyed the freedom that came from being a powerful and handsome young man, but he simply enjoyed the air of mystery. He was not one to toy with young ladies of society, and as he had not been eager to get married, he had avoided the scene all together, much to his mother's chagrin.

"Are we truly to talk about the weather?" teased Jane, holding back laughter. Miss Murphy had gone ahead of them with her mother, though she kept looking back and smirking. "And she could not be any less conspicuous" teased Jane.

"No" said the Viscount laughing, an answer to both her question and comment, "Perhaps I should tell you that I enjoyed our dance the other night and looking at the stars in the balcony" he added in a whisper, making Jane feel butterflies in her stomach.

"Oh" said Jane blushing becomingly, for she was not used to a man being so straightforward and found it rather romantic, "I also did."

"Are you always so proper?" asked the Viscount, knowing her responses were always so perfect, was she truly thus angelic or was she trying to ensnare a husband? He knew she was different or at least he thought she was, but he had been fooled before.

"I do not have the pleasure of understanding your question, my Lord" she said, her clear blue eyes looking at him confused.

"I apologize—I do not trust members of the ton and though I do feel at ease with you, I also wonder who you truly are" he answered honestly.

Jane turned her face to look at the water and serenely smiled, now looking back to face him.

"I believe I am trying to figure out the answer to that question, for myself, my Lord. Though, if we are still talking or promenading, I give you my word that I shall answer it once I know the answer myself" she answered truthfully.

The Viscount looked at her curiously and could not hold back from asking about her odd interaction with Mr. Bingley.

"Has this anything to do with Mr. Bingley?" he asked. Jane's reaction, though subtle, let him know the answer to his question.

"Do you know the gentleman?" asked Jane politely.

"No, I have only just met him, though it seems you have made his acquaintance" said the Viscount.

"I have. I met him a few months ago when he was staying in Hertfordshire" said Jane.

"Have you seen him since?" inquired the Viscount, looking at her once again.

"Perhaps we should speak about the weather" teased Jane, forcing a laugh. "I do not feel comfortable speaking of others my Lord, I have never done it and I do not intend to start now. I do know Mr. Bingley but if you are trying to find out about his interest in me, you should perhaps be asking him."

"I believe I shall be given the opportunity sooner than you think" said the Viscount, smirking.

"Whatever do you mean?" asked Jane, now looking towards the direction that the Viscount was looking at. It seemed Mr. Bingley was indeed close, though this time, he was unaccompanied and was walking towards them with a purpose.

"I was not serious you know" said Miss Bennet, now nervous at the Viscount's smirk.

"I know" said the Viscount lovingly and placed his hand on top of her hand, which was resting on his arm, "I would never."

"I know" said Jane in a whisper, knowing that he was honorable and not impulsive. Two traits she highly valued and wanted in a husband. And two traits she was not sure if the gentleman walking towards them possessed.

"Viscount Murphy, Miss Bennet, splendid morning!" said Mr. Bingley jovially in greeting. They greeted him and Miss Murphy, who had kept her distance with her mother, likewise stopped and joined them. "I was on my way to Darcy House" he continued, looking directly at Miss Bennet, "I was planning on calling."

Jane was unsure how to respond. She did not want to welcome his compliment, nor did she want to seem rude. He must have picked up on her hesitation and taking Mr. Darcy's words to heart, he was thinking before speaking.

"It seems like a lovely lady for a walk, I hope you both enjoy your walk. I shall call on your another day, Miss Bennet" he said politely, avoiding looking at the Viscount.

"I thank you" said Jane, feeling eager to have him gone and uneasy at how to dissuade him from continuing his pursuit. She never acted on impulse and she always thought through everything in her quiet way, and it was as clear as ever that they were not to be. Unfortunately, she knew they would have to discuss it sooner or later and sooner seemed to closer indeed.

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The Darcys were enjoying a quiet morning at home, when they were soon joined by their most favourite family members, the Gardiners. It was a pleasure for all and Mr. Darcy was more at ease with them than he was with some of his own family members. The scene before her caused Elizabeth great joy and she was glad there were some relations she did not have to cringe for.

"I am so happy for you, my dearest Lizzy" said Mrs. Gardiner, reaching for her niece's hand. "How are your parents? And your younger sisters?"

"They are well, I believe" said Elizabeth, raising an eyebrow, knowing her Aunt too well to know she had an agenda of sorts.

"Now that you are in a prominent position Lizzy, you will be scrutinized in ways you were never before" began Mrs. Gardiner, talking in a calming voice, "It is not just your dress my dear, though you do look quite splendid. It is everything about you and your sisters are an extension of you. Perhaps you and your Mr. Darcy can focus on the younger girls, specially Lydia in order to prevent a scandal."

"A scandal?" said Elizabeth, laughing, "Dear Aunt, I know Lydia is quite silly but I believe she is harmless."

"Your mother wrote to me that Lydia would like to go to Brighton for the summer. Your mother seemed quite sad that the Regiment was leaving and mentioned Lydia is of the same sentiment. Lydia has an invitation to go with a friend, I do not believe that is wise" explained Mrs. Gardiner, "Your Uncle and I wanted to go this summer to the Lake District, we had intended to invite you but it seems you have deicded to marry instead" teased Mrs. Gardiner.

"Indeed, I have" said Lizzy smiling, "I do not see what me nor Mr. Darcy could do about this."

"My dear, your father, and I beg your pardon for saying this, has not been strong with his daughters. You and Jane turned out excellent despite his disinterest in raising his daughters however, now that your husband has a certain position, perhaps you should take an interest in them" said Mrs. Gardiner.

"I see" said Elizabeth thoughtfully. She truly did not want to care for her sisters. She was quite glad to leave her childhood home and create a new life for herself, but she understood what her aunt was trying to say. Perhaps Mr. Darcy could write a letter to her father, suggesting or perhaps demanding that Lydia not go to Brighton...and perhaps a tutor or governess...there was definitely some thought to put into the matter. "I thank you for bringing this to my attention, dear Aunt, I shall discuss it with my husband."

Mrs. Gardiner smiled and reached for her tea cup, sipping some of the tea that threatened to get cold after her conversation. Now at ease at having shared what worried her, she happily enjoyed the refreshments that Mrs. Darcy had laid out in front of them.

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Hi everyone! I apologize for my absence. Life got busy and I just couldnt find the time. Hopefully now that summer is over (cough: school is back in session) we can continue with this (in my humble opinion) lovely story.

I hope you are as in love with the Viscount as I am :)