Chapter 4:

Mr. Darcy was answering some letters and tending to some business in his study, which had a perfect view of the garden by the back of the house, when he heard a laughter that was so contagious that he instantly smiled and then looked out the window and saw Miss Elizabeth, walking arm in arm with his sister, admiring the beautiful flowers his mother had once planted.

He did not realize how widely he was smiling, until he touched his face and felt such happiness at seeing the interaction that his heart filled up with love and hope. He had felt such ease at having Miss Elizabeth in his home and now seeing her spend time with Georgiana brought him a feeling of peace and calm. It had been five days since she had arrived and already their home was more peaceful and full of a lot more laughter. Mr. Darcy had not seen Elizabeth since that fateful night, but he had heard them laughing in Miss Elizabeth's room, when Miss Elizabeth was still confined to her bed, her sister having visited her every day since she arrived.

Without thinking twice, he put down his quill, got up, and left the study, in search of the two young ladies who had a special spot in his heart. He had to remind himself that this was all temporary, for this was exactly what he had once wished for and a unwelcome whisper told him, it is too late…

Mr. Darcy felt the sun in his face, smiled, and walked on, searching for the ladies. He saw Miss Elizabeth standing, inside one of the greeneries, admiring the flowers, a genuine smile on her face, a shawl lightly wrapped around her arms, and a light morning dress, presumably Georgiana's, touching the floor. Mr. Darcy looked around for Georgiana but could not see her, when Miss Elizabeth heard him and turned around, her surprised turned into a blush, and then into a smile.

"Mr. Darcy!" she said, surprised at having found him in the garden. "I hope we did not disturb you" she said.

"Not at all—where is Georgiana?"

"She just went inside, I am afraid you have missed her" said Elizabeth, fidgeting with her shawl. "Mr. Darcy" she said, biting her lip nervously, "I wanted to apologize...again" she added with a smile.

"Miss Elizabeth—there is no need to apologize. We are happy to have you with us" he said, motioning to one of the benches near them, so they could sit down. Miss Elizabeth nodded and followed him, sitting down first and watching him do likewise.

"How is your family?" he said, after a few moments of silence. He stifled a laugh, for it reminded him of the time they danced at Netherfields, which felt like a million years ago.

"I do not wish to speak of them, sir" she answered, respectfully but curtly. He nodded, understanding there were topics she did not wish to speak of yet. He hoped, in the future, she would. For he had every intention of helping her but he could not do so unless he knew more of the situation. She let out a heavy sigh, feeling she had offended him. The truth was she wanted to speak to someone—and for a reason she could not yet explain, she knew she could speak to him.

"Lydia had a baby boy—he is quite adorable. For better or for worse, he has his father's looks" she added, laughing at the irony. "She has changed—I do not think she realized what was at stake or how quickly society would shun us—her. She is still Lydia, I am afraid my family's bad connections have not completely ceased, however, she has matured and grown. In fact, it is quite sad to see her quiet at times, even crying...I do not blame her, though I do think she should have known better. I blame my parents, mostly my father" she said, looking down as she spoke, embarrassed but also feeling the need to let it all out. If she were honest, she would say that she hated her father, who had ignored them all ever since Lydia came back. He could have gone after Wickham or tried to get Lydia married—done something. But he kept saying it is too late and shut himself in his room with his books.

"Jane married a tradesman. We do not write so often" she said sadly, and then looked up at him, "She was never mercenary, I do not wish you to think she was fooling your friend."

"I now know she was not" said Mr. Darcy, "And I am sorry I intervened."

"He most likely, given the circumstances, is not" said Elizabeth bitterly. "But that is neither here nor there...it has been so long…."

"Yes, yes it has and I do not know what would have been if I had not intervened, but I am glad she is married and well" he added.

"I thank you" she said, "I do think she is well. He is a kind man, as old as my father, but he did not care for our family's situation and Jane made a respectable match, all in all. We women have very little choice..."

"Would you have felt the same way if I had given you a different response when you arrived here?" he asked, needing to know if she had meant to use him or if she could possibly feel something too. Did she reciprocate the feelings the had poured out from his soul back at Rosings?

"Mr. Darcy" she said, letting out a heavy sigh, "I believe I have made quite the fool of myself" she added, laughing. She could not help it but she laughed, really laughed, raising her hand to her mouth, trying to hide her heartfelt laughter.

"Can I inquire what is so funny?" said Mr. Darcy, clearly amused. Her eyes danced when she laughed and if he had one wish at that moment was to always be able to see thus.

"I never cared for your good opinion, and now that I do, I fear it is lost forever..." she said seriously.

"Miss Elizabeth, I know your family situation must be such that it led you feel there was no other option. Please do not be concerned on my account, I have and will always hold you in great esteem" he said, reaching for her hand. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it lightly, looking at her mesmerizing eyes.

"I thank you," said Elizabeth. "I shall appreciate your offer in helping me return to Longbourn" she said, removing her hand from his softly and perhaps a bit reluctantly. "I believe I am well enough to travel now."

He wanted to beg her to stay. He wanted to do so much more. He felt his body leaning in towards her and when the distance was no longer appropriate, she stood up, pointing to a nearby bird.

"It is quite beautiful here" she said, now turning back to face him, "Oh my, it is getting hot. I believe I shall go inside and have a drink."

"Yes" said Mr. Darcy, standing up and nodding his head. "When you are ready to plan your departure, please let me know and I shall have a carriage take you to your home."

"I thank you" said Elizabeth, giving him a weak smile and leaving him alone in his thoughts…

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Anne watched her reflection in the mirror as Smith, her lady's maid, fixed her hair and help her ready for supper. Tonight would be the first night that Miss Elizabeth would be joining them, as she had been taking her meals in her room while recovering.

"Would you like to wear some jewels, ma'am?" the lady's maid inquired, lifting a pair of earrings to right below Anne's ears, so she could see the reflection in the mirror.

"Yes, and could you take out a nice muslin dress—one that matches the red stone of the earrings" she added, smiling weakly. She reached for her handkerchief and coughed, hating her failing body but determined all the same.

Anne had seen them this afternoon, smiling, laughing, and almost kissing. She would never say anything for she never did. If there was one thing her mother had taught her was to not talk—to be quiet and docile. And that, she was. But seeing them so happy had awakened a sadness in her. She knew Fitzwilliam did not love—at least not like a wife. He cared for her and took such care that she should be well at Pemberley and she was, very very much. It had been a dream to leave Rosings and her mother, whom she loved but who also suffocated her. Even if Anne had remained quiet and reclusive, she was becoming more herself here in the mere months she had married Fitzwilliam. She could not give that up...

She had hoped their marriage would eventually turn to love—she had been shocked when Fitzwillaim did not visit her on their wedding night, for her mama had prepared her for that. The nightgown that had once shocked her for being so immodest, now begged to be worn, and she had a heavy feeling that it never would be.

She looked up again at her reflection and was pleasantly surprised. She had asked Smith to put some pigment on her face and with the jewels and pretty gown, she almost looked good. She would never been as pretty as Elizabeth Bennet but she was looking better than ever and how she wished he, her dear husband, would notice! She still remembered the comments she heard of their engagement, jealous ladies commenting on how he only married her for money or because of duty. But she did not care. He was the handsomest gentleman of her acquaintance and she loved him and he was marrying her….

This entire week he had smiled more than he had since they married. He treated her like a responsibility, exactly as he would treat Georgiana. Attentive, loving, caring, and kind, but that was all. Nothing more. In the odd chance he looked at her, it was never as a wife.

Anne wanted to cry but she found she could not. She simply shrugged her shoulders and allowed Smith to help her up where she took a final glance at her reflection and with a determined smile on her face, went to join the others in the dining room down the grand stairs.

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wow thank you so much for all the reviews, the interest and the kind words! I was so nervous to post this chapter because I feel like the more interest, the more scrutiny. I really love this story and I want to do it justice. I already have the main plot etched, the hardest part is getting from point A to point B in a believable way. I don't want to give much away but I will say that:

1. There is 100% HEA and the entire story wont be only angst. I can't jump from Lizzy getting to Pemberley to the next big thing, it needs to flow and feel like a real development.

2. There will be no suicides or murder lol. I also dont write anything M rated. Everything here will be sweet and perhaps hint, but never write something straight out. I do not think Lizzy nor Fitzwilliam would ever commit adultery, even if it feels like their hearts are now and one could argue that what he is doing is emotional cheating but remember that you saw his raw reactions when he FIRST saw the LOVE of his life after so long. I think it was such a natural response.

Since that night he hasn't sought her out or seen her, I hope this interaction also felt very natural...he is drawn to her...

As always, looking forward to your thoughts :) What do you think should happen next?