Chapter 170

Papa's obvious concern had a profound effect on his son-in-law. Like Fitzwilliam, Wickham probably feared his father-in-law's sarcasm, and with more reason. This kind inquiry almost sounded like a premonition, as if papa feared Wickham's fate in France.

By now they were all sitting down in old-fashioned but reasonably sound chairs, Wickham having taken care that Elizabeth got the most comfortable one, as if she needed cosseting. But she understood his wanting to show her respect and thanked him for his kindness, though a bit more formally than she actually wanted to. It wouldn't do to incite his preference, he was obviously not free from it, yet.

The fireplace was large for the size of the cottage and a merry fire kept the entire space comfortably warm without causing this seating area to be sweltering. Above the fireplace was a broad mantle made out of a single massive oaken beam, almost too large for the size of the room but somehow fitting the style. On top of it was a collection of curiosities that Elizabeth would have liked to study for a few moments, if papa's question hadn't brought a certain tense atmosphere to the room. This wasn't the time for chat and niceties, apparently this was to become a moment for serious conversation. But if an opportunity yet presented itself she would like to know why one would keep a flat piece of rock on one's mantle. The pretty little weasel standing on a gnarled branch she could understand, it was a perfect adornment of this room, but a piece of slate in a drab grey colour?

'I'm glad you asked, Mr Bennet, you have been a true friend to me although I still don't understand why. I would have broken your youngest daughter's heart, left her robbed of her honour and her friends, and blamed her for her own folly. The life I led was a blemish to my father and the late Mr Darcy's best efforts to make a man out of me. By risking my life for King and country I can only hope to make up a little bit for what I did to your daughter and others. And yet you are kind to me, hear me out when I need to clear my mind, why?'

Papa didn't say anything in reply for in the silence right after Wickham's rather grandiose statement Deirdre the housekeeper came in, bearing a tray with a pot of tea, cups and saucers and some dubitable-looking cookies. Instead of merely thanking her and getting rid of her, Wickham let her pour tea for each of them, and offer them the plate with the treats. Imitating Wickham's consideration towards his friend they all took one, it wouldn't do to seem above their company, and the treats might actually be fresh and edible.

'Deirdre's cookies are delicious, Mrs Darcy, though I guess you have had the best of what London has to offer.'

So there was to be some meaningless chat after all, for Deirdre's benefit. Well, Elizabeth was happy enough to oblige.

'I think I have, Lieutenant Wickham, did you know I spent an afternoon and an evening at Carlton House? Prince George employs two French confectioners, and their creations were as beautiful as statues, though they were really cakes and sweets. They use chocolate and oranges and some exotic fruits and condiments I don't even know the names of. It was delicious, and yet I have tasted better pie in our very own village.'

'That must be Mrs Brewer's work then, Mrs Darcy. She has a reputation for her pies and sweets all over this neighbourhood, but I've never tasted anything she made. Did you really get to see the prince? What was he like? I cannot believe you say Mrs Brewer's pie is better!'

'It was indeed Mrs Brewer's pie, and I thought it was as good as what those Frenchmen made, since they had the advantage of all those expensive ingredients and still Mrs Brewer's pie was at least as good. But of course I'm not an expert, and I have been known to have a very simple taste in food. Prince George is very nice, very smart and educated, and very charming as well. Not as handsome as the lieutenant, though.'

That brought the attention back to Wickham and Deirdre beamed on him, then picked up the tray and said, 'Well, I wish you a good time together,' and went straight back to where she had come from. The tea was better than Elizabeth had expected, and so was the cookie. There wasn't much sugar in the tea but plenty of cream, and somehow that suited Elizabeth's changing taste exactly, hopefully she wouldn't develop even stranger cravings or worse, aversions to certain flavours.

Elizabeth could see Wickham was dying to ask her about Carlton House and Prince George, but papa had a mission and he was going to get Wickham to talk.

'You are part of my family now, Wickham, and Lydia loves you. She doesn't feel you've mistreated her, she doesn't know you were planning to leave her, and as far as I'm concerned she will never find out. These days, you put in an effort to let her believe you love her, just to make her happy, and you are willing to give your children a better start in life than I gave Lydia. You are trying to make something of your life, and I cannot but respect that.'

'Thank you so much, Mr Bennet. I am trying very hard, but I'm afraid Lydia will find out soon enough that my chances abroad are less fortuitous than in good old England.'

'I suspect she already knows but fears to discuss the subject since that will make it real. Having Abbey about will make it easier for her to cope. Thank you for agreeing to let her come over.'

'Abbey is a good girl, Mrs Darcy, and she has already had an excellent influence on Lydia, also because there were some things Lydia could teach her.'

Suddenly he became very intense, and Elizabeth was glad to have papa there.

'Are you happy, Mrs Darcy? I've been torturing myself about what I did in Newcastle. Here you were, trying to make your marriage with Mr Darcy work, and I kept badgering you with the past. I suppose I just couldn't believe that you of all people would choose to marry for money. Of course having such a powerful man fall for you must be rather gratifying, and knowing Mr Darcy I am certain his love will last forever. But does it make you happy, after what we had together, after feeling the bond two mere mortals can have? Or is your life like mine, as good as it can be but always lacking the one thing it might have contained but for my own folly? And in your case it wouldn't even have been your folly but mine keeping you from true happiness. I would hate to sail to France and face the enemy knowing I'd done that to you. I should have known that his offer to release me from debt was but a ploy to remove a rival.'

Elizabeth felt her temper rising at this proof that Wickham still believed himself loved by her, when she had told him on several occasions that she didn't care for him and never had. Only a little shove of her father's sturdy riding boot kept her from lashing out in anger, and when she looked at papa he gave a minute shake of his head and observed calmly, 'Remember how I couldn't believe it at first? Just tell him the truth.'

Part of her anger now found an outlet towards her father, who didn't deserve that at all.

'I'm not a fool, papa, I told him twice already. He just doesn't listen. Living with Lydia has likely convinced him everybody must love him mindlessly.'

'It was rather difficult to believe that you should suddenly love someone you used to hate with a passion, my dear Lizzy.'

'I hated Mr Darcy because of Wickham, papa! He lied to me, made me believe Fitzwilliam was some kind of monster who threw the companion of his youth from him out of jealousy of his father's attention. Had taken Wickham's prospects away from him as soon as the elder Mr Darcy passed away. When I found out the truth, that they had settled for a sizeable compensation, that Fitzwilliam had regularly paid off debts for Wickham, that Wickham had tried to elope with Georgiana, my opinion of Fitzwilliam improved a lot. And when we met again at Pemberley he was so kind to me and so considerate of uncle and aunt Gardiner, after all the unjust accusations and reproofs I'd heaped on him, I started to actually admire him. And when I thought I had lost my chance at him because of Lydia's foolishness and imminent public disgrace, I slowly came to realise my admiration had somehow turned to love. If he hadn't come back to Longbourn and proposed it would have broken my heart, I was so glad to come to an understanding. To think we've only been married for half a year, we know each other so well and we are so close it seems like we have been in love forever.'

Wickham apparently forgotten, Elizabeth looked at her father with mischief in her eyes.

'I suppose I could have done with a more modest income, I was perfectly happy at Longbourn. Jane and I knew how to do a lot of chores ourselves, as if we knew we might have to settle on less income than we were used to, though we didn't realise that at all at the time. I flatter myself I would have married a clergyman if he had been the one I loved, or a soldier, even on a modest income, though I would never have married a gamester, or a skirt-chaser. And fortune, or fate, put me in the way of the handsomest, kindest man I know, then in some mysterious way caused him to fall hopelessly in love with me, against his own inclinations.'

Now, Elizabeth acknowledged Wickham's existence once more. It seemed he had gotten the message this time, though she had thought that before and had been proven wrong.

'I'm glad you do love him, really. I suppose he deserves it, but you certainly do. I think Lydia even mentioned it once, she thought it so romantic. Thank you for giving me peace of mind, Mrs Darcy, I'm sorry I didn't want to hear it before. It will be a relief when I am out there, on the front.'

And he truly seemed calm, he had accepted what life would bring, like papa had when he realised he had married the wrong woman. Time to change the subject.

'Do you know why your friend keeps a piece of slate on his mantle, Lieutenant Wickham?'

And since he did know, Wickham explained that it was a special piece of rock because it contained some curious impressions of shells, remains of creatures that according to some local experts had lived in a long-forgotten time in a long-forgotten sea in this area. And after she had studied the stone and indeed seen the beautiful shapes buried in the dense material, he showed her the other curious finds Jacob had taken home with him from his long rambles. They spent another fifteen minutes talking whilst they drank their tea and ate their cookies, then readied their horses for their return. Elizabeth answered Wickham's admiring questions about her Barley, then allowed him to help her mount, though of course she could do that very well by herself.

Only then did he notice she rode astride, and once he'd managed to close his mouth again, his parting words were, 'I can see why you are very happy with Mr Darcy. I suppose you have changed him, for the man I knew would never have suffered a woman under his authority to ride astride.'

And Elizabeth knew that was true, they had both changed. As had Wickham, and this might be the last time they would see him alive. Or he might survive and make his fortune, only time would tell. 'I will not say fare well, Lieutenant Wickham, for we will meet again.'

'I hope so, Mrs Darcy, maybe when our child is baptised. Good bye, Mr Bennet, I look forward to continuing our correspondence.'

'So do I, my son, so do I. Good journey, and thank you for taking such care of my daughter.'

And then Barley was eager to be off, back across the fields and through the beautiful woods of Pemberley, and Elizabeth let him go home to Pemberley.

In the days that followed the country took a turn towards spring, temperatures rising steadily, the grass turning bright green and the trees and shrubs putting out new leaves. Just one day after Prince George had returned to London, Mr Bennet was glad to see Lady Catherine taking her leave, he had felt more or less obliged to give her a good deal of attention because he was closest to her own age and well, it wouldn't do Lizzy any harm to be on good terms with her husband's aunt. It gave the young people the opportunity to be together, and there was plenty of time left to spend in the library, hopefully with Mrs Annesley.

Mr Bennet's nephew returned with his patroness, of course, but there was reason to believe that Mr Collins didn't regret the days away from his wife and child, he had been accepted back into the family fold by Darcy, and was even admitted to the select company at headquarters on the second floor, where Darcy's sister and her friends planned a trip to the continent. To be sure they seemed to be mostly listening to music, from what Mr Collins had told him, but since there was no chance of Mr Collins ever crossing the North Sea, Mr Bennet believed he actually preferred music to poring over maps and discussing the situation with the French. Or learning German.

Mr Collins had entered Lady Catherine's equipage with his head stuffed full of music, and a thick letter in his pocket, from Lizzy to Mrs Collins. He would be eager to return to his dear Charlotte and little William, and Mr Bennet dared think they might even have missed him. These last days, Will Collins had been an acceptable companion during dinner and when the ladies had retreated afterwards. Miracles did happen.

But now, it was time for another guest to leave, and this was someone Mr Bennet himself would miss more than a little. Darcy's London carriage would soon be ready, the large mares rested and eager to be back on the road, Mrs Annesley's travelling bag and her work safely stowed away inside, a thick pile of sketches added to the whole as the result of this visit.

They were in her room on the second floor, taking half an hour to make this parting less painful, though it might be months before they had the chance to meet again. In that time Mrs Annesley would lose her husband, there was nothing they could do to stop that. She would not mourn a loved one, their love had been lost years ago when her dashing admirer had turned out to be an indifferent husband, but her children would be affected and the friend who had taken care of him on his long sickbed would be devastated.

'Will you hold me one more time, Mr Bennet? I will face the time ahead as bravely as I need to, but I'd like to lean on someone for a few moments before I have to be strong again.'

That was just incredible, Mrs Annesley seeking support with him? He took her in his arms and indeed, she actually clung to him and spilled a few tears. Words would only spoil the moment, so he held her firmly and dared rest his head on hers, standing together for what seemed a long time.

Then she looked up at him and they kissed one last time before they would be separated for what would likely be months, unless he dared drop in on his return through London, maybe to convey his his sympathies?

'Thank you, Mr Bennet. I will remember this moment to help me cope with what is coming. I fear Mrs Floyd's reaction, I'm afraid she will go to pieces altogether and she has no-one to support her but me. I suppose she may even feel guilty about stealing my husband when I was away, we never talked about it, you see. But we will now, and maybe she will feel better for it. Will you write? May I write to you as long as you are here?'

Was this a dream? The righteous lady who had insisted on keeping a certain distance wanted to risk writing? Yes, please!

'If you would, I'd love that. And if you need me let me know, I'll find an excuse to visit London, and of course I'll stay in my daughter's house.'

'That makes me feel better about leaving. I have had a great time, Mr Bennet, and I am eager to continue working on my art. Imagine what it would be like if Prince George really came to visit.'

'I have a suspicion he will, Mrs Annesley. If he does, please be careful, you know he has a reputation for liking older women with a lot of sophistication and talent.'

'How you flatter me, Mr Bennet! I assure you, he did not so much as look at me twice when he viewed my work, though he did study that minutely and praised it lavishly. But my person is of no interest to him. Besides, I like my men a lot slimmer. Remember, I fell in love with a navy man.'

That was the spirit, that was how she would survive the next months. It was still difficult to part, but with Mrs Annesley so positive Mr Bennet had good hope she would weather her husband's deterioration and passing well.

One very last kiss and then she had to go, the carriage would be ready. Mr Bennet decided to risk the servants talking by accompanying the lady they knew as the Darcy's London housekeeper outside, to wave at until the carriage had disappeared out of sight across the bridge. When she was gone, he turned on his heels and headed towards the breakfast room, maybe there would be something exciting going on today, a hunt or at least a long ride. He could ask Lizzy to be included in those riding lessons that had given her such a magnificent seat, or he could match his billiards skills with Manners. Though with all the visitors gone and the first of a new batch to arrive Saturday, the young people might want to spend the larger part of the day together in their haunt on the second floor, and as someone who knew what they were really up to but had not been officially informed, he might not be welcome among them.

After a long, cold winter it was so good to feel the warmth of the sun, and to exchange a thick winter coat for a much lighter one. Lydia's dresses and coat were nearly finished, just in time for her to see Jane and Kitty and then leave for Kent. Elizabeth hoped that Wickham had kept his promise and sent for Abbey, it would be such a surprise for Lydia not to have to start all over by herself in a new town.

Lydia seemed like a changed character here at Pemberley, she loved hanging out with Anne and especially Georgiana, was eager to pick up the basics of playing the piano from the latter, but when the explorers spent time at headquarters she did not try to be included. Somehow, Lydia had learned to judge when she was not wanted and she gladly kept Elizabeth company at those times, using their time together well by improving her sewing skills with her elder sister's help.

'I'm so excited to see Jane today, Lizzy, I cannot wait to show her my new dresses and this lovely coat you gave me. It's not too fine, is it? I want my new friends to admire my new clothes but I don't want them to envy me, I would never want to make my friends envious, especially since I don't even know them, yet.'

Elizabeth assured her the coat was perfectly suitable for an army camp, which is was, Fanny's taste was immaculate. Lydia clearly didn't doubt her own ability to make new friends, so why should Elizabeth? Or Wickham? No, their decision to let her have Abbey as a morally sound companion and trust to Lydia's new friends to provide her with certain intellectual challenges was a sound one. It was very unlikely that Lydia would seek out inferior company, somehow she looked for friends who were much like her elder sisters at home.

'I cannot wait to see Jane, either. I have so many questions to ask, and you know I just love to look at her? She is so beautiful it's like having an exquisite work of art around, except she is very sensible as well.'

'Certainly more sensible than you, Lizzy, the way you talked to the Prince of Wales sometimes almost frightened me. You realise he is going to be our king some day, don't you? Though he seemed to like you a lot, especially when you were being pert.'

Imagine Lydia noticing such things these days, and criticising her sister. And rightfully so, Elizabeth had to admit, she did take liberties with Prince George because she thought he liked it.

'And though you're not nearly as beautiful as Jane, most men do seem to admire you, Lizzy. Wickham does, too, you know. Do you suppose men like smart women? Or is it because you dress better than most other women? That is why I came to you for dresses, I know Jane would give me whatever I liked but she still dresses as we all used to, only better quality. I thought it was your seamstress who made you fashionable but it's Fanny, isn't it? And she says Simon taught her, Mr Darcy's valet. Is that true, can a man know about dresses?'

'Why not, Lydia? You know what looks good on a man, don't you? Why shouldn't a man be able to decide what looks good on a woman? But the lady in London where we bought our dresses also helped teach Fanny. She still has the best clothes.'

'True, Fanny really had to look through the entire book with sketches to find a dress she liked for me when I'm going to grow so much. The seamstress didn't think that was as it should, a maid choosing dresses, but with Georgiana present she didn't dare say. Aren't you afraid Fanny will get bored out here and leave you?'

'If she wants to leave to work for someone in town I'd understand, but you know she is married to our driver, and he loves to drive Fitzwilliam's thoroughbreds so much he'll always stay with us. I suppose Fanny will adapt, though I think she may want to become housekeeper one day. I've learned that housekeepers of places like Pemberley are usually ladies themselves, those who didn't have a fortune of their own or lost their husbands before they had children. They need a place to stay and work for their living, and rich households like their housekeepers to have perfect manners. Of course Fanny is very genteel already and she will learn more from Mrs Reynolds here.'

'If Wickham falls in France I'll be penniless, I know. It's what frightens me, though never seeing him again would be worse. But what if you were to become a widow, Lizzy, would you lose everything?'

Lydia really thought about things these days, even if it was a bit blunt of her to ask.

'You cannot ask that of just anybody, you know that, don't you? But since I am your sister I will tell you. Georgiana would inherit everything and I don't think she would throw me out.'

Should she tell Lydia about the independence Fitzwilliam had secured for her, to make sure she never need serve others? Better not. Nor did she want to tell her youngest sister about her pregnancy before talking to Jane. But Lydia just accepted her answer.

'Georgiana is just the kindest girl, even though she is a married woman like us. But she is still so young and she doesn't have a care in the world, she just plays the piano all day. Still she would be a fine heir to Pemberley, I don't understand why Jane can't just inherit Longbourn, women are so much smarter with money. All my friends in Newcastle shared the responsibility for their husbands' money, well, except me but I understand why Wickham didn't use to trust me. I was foolish. But you and Jane never were, and I suppose Georgiana is smart with money. I was a bit jealous at Jane's wedding that Kitty was so close to your husband's sister but now I understand, she is great fun to be with.'

'And very good at handling money, Lydia. If you ever need advice of that kind, write to Georgiana, she knows a lot about housekeeping and investing, even if it appears as if the only thing she does is playing the piano.'

'I will remember, but I suppose we will never have any money to spare. I just hope Wickham will be safe, or we will end up in the poorhouse.'

'No, you will not, you have three rich sisters, we will always be there for you. And papa is not that old, he will live for plenty of years yet.'

'To think he let mama and Mary go to Brighton, we should all have gone last year. It seems ages ago but it isn't. They will have such fun, though Mary is a bit of a spoilsport, she never seems to enjoy herself.'

'I suppose she may learn to, without all of us present to draw the attention away from her.'

'Well, you certainly drew Prince George's attention, though he talked to Mrs Manners a lot, too. Do you suppose your husbands really love you? They didn't even get angry at the prince for spending so much time on you.'

'They cannot fight with their future king, dear Lydia. I bet they didn't like it, but they're gentlemen, they can hide their feelings so well that no-one knows they have them.'

'Of course they cannot, I forgot. Wickham can control himself, too, except that one time when he hit that man who wanted to hurt Fanny, at Jane's wedding. Say, what time do you expect Jane? I cannot wait to see her and hear all the news.'

'Any time now, Lydia. I had expected them to be here before noon but I suppose they may be a bit later. I'm kind of sorry we forgot to ask Mrs Annesley to show us some new techniques while she was here. Lady Catherine arriving suddenly kind of got to me, despite my being determined not to do anything different than usual.'

'There are still so many things you can teach me, but I guess you might want to learn more, too. Can't you find some book in the library? Wickham told me it was huge. Said he could think of a few other things to do there since he never cared much for books. I suppose that was rather bad of him to think and say, but I thought it was funny.'

It was funny, and he was right, the thought had occurred to Elizabeth that it was enough of a maze to do such things. The few seats made it even more attractive, they were all sort of hidden and very comfortable.

'I think it's funny as well, Lydia. I haven't turned in Lady Catherine just yet, you know. Jane and I were only severe on you because you needed it, but you have grown up quite a bit. You have seen yourself that I like to misbehave once in awhile.'

'I certainly did, and I'm glad you are not trying to be my mother anymore. Though maybe I should have listened to you and Jane every so often. Still, I had a good time, and now I have Wickham and I will have my baby.'

'And looking for a book on anything you might want to have more information on is a great idea, one I should have thought of myself. I will check the library, and maybe I will take Fitzwilliam.'

Elizabeth took great care to say this with a big, fat wink at her sister, and Lydia laughed as she had used to do so often at Longbourn. Hopefully that silly girl was not altogether gone, as Elizabeth's own youthful pertness still had a place in her new life.

'Oh, Lizzy, how naughty! And how you dare call Mr Darcy by his first name like that I just cannot imagine! I wouldn't even be able to say it here, where he cannot hear us. I like that you do it, though, it makes him seem more like a normal person. I remember him as he used to be and we were all a bit afraid of him, the way he looked at us like we were, say, insects crawling. I'm afraid I didn't like him one bit, Lizzy, I just couldn't believe you loved him for real until you told me in Newcastle. I could see he loved you, everyone could, but I really thought you'd married him because he wanted to.'

'He is not at all like that, Lydia, really. Fitzwilliam just doesn't have Wickham's easy manners, and with his tall figure and serious face that makes him seem haughty, when in fact he is kind and sweet. He loves me just as I am, he relishes my quickness, even if it may sometimes offend someone like his aunt. I couldn't have met a better man, I would have married him even if he had been a soldier or a minister.'

A knock on the door heralded what Elizabeth hoped would be Jane's arrival. And indeed it was Bates.

'A carriage is approaching the house, Mrs Darcy, and is expected to arrive in ten minutes. You asked to be notified, but do you want me to find Mr Darcy as well? I think I saw him heading for the billiards room with Mr Bennet.'

'Please do, Bates, and we will meet them in the hall in ten minutes. Thank you.'

Finally, Jane was coming, now Elizabeth would finally know for certain whether she was with child or not, Jane would tell her everything she needed to know.

'Come, Lydia, let us be ready to receive Jane, maybe she isn't too tired of her journey to take tea with us and have a little chat.'

Imagine him standing here in the front entrance with Elizabeth and her father and sister, waiting on yet another sister of hers. A year ago Darcy had been in the depths of despair about her, the harsh words of her rejection still grating on his soul, taking all the joy out of his life but also forcing him to reconsider his opinions and actions. He couldn't help himself, he just had to hold her for a few moments to make his current situation real.

'I'm glad to see you, too, my love,' she said, looking up at him from his arms. 'You may kiss me, papa and Lydia won't mind.'

Not because of propriety, but they might miss their own loved ones all the more. Poor Lydia, in love with a man who had only taken her to get rid of some pressing debts, and poor Mr Bennet, who had found the woman he could love with his heart and mind but about thirty years too late. Well, Darcy had done all he could to help them, and he was not going to enjoy having his dearest Elizabeth right here with him any less because of his new relatives' bad luck.

Fortunately, the carriage was approaching rapidly, and Darcy found himself looking forward to this visit very much. In town, there had been a certain distance between Bingley and himself, mostly because of the situation with Miss Bingley and Grenfell, but also because neither Bingley nor Darcy were really townspeople. They thrived in the countryside, and the enjoyments of a spring spent there together would bring them closer, hopefully as close as they used to be, since their new spouses were also beloved sisters.

Being with Jane would likely help Elizabeth accept her pregnancy and all the discomforts and restrictions she expected to come of it. Though she would need him, too, to let her know he didn't expect her to sit inside and knit little dresses all the time, but to encourage her to fully enjoy her last months of freedom before she would grow too large to hunt or even ride.

The phaeton and ponies were a work already in progress, but since there was still time, Darcy meant to present his beloved with the prettiest and safest ponies his stablemaster could find and the most beautiful little phaeton the local craftspeople could build. It had to be built from scratch because Elizabeth's idea of beautiful was so much more subtle than that of most wealthy folk, no gilding and flourishes for her but elegant and honest woodwork, superbly crafted of the best oak, walnut and cherry their estate had to offer. Mrs Brewer would oversee the build together with her husband, and she would make the metal ornamentation herself. It would be the best surprise ever, and Darcy's proof to his beloved that he wanted her to feel free even when burdened with this huge responsibility.

'Darcy, my friend, how I have missed you! So good to see you!'

Deep in his contemplations Darcy had missed the carriage stopping and his friend and sister-in-law getting out. Suddenly seeing Bingley's glad face and hearing his earnest greeting, a mere handshake wouldn't do, and the two friends embraced heartily.

'Bingley, you look fabulous! Marriage certainly agrees with you!'

'So it does, so it does, Jane and I are so incredibly happy together. But you look more than happy yourself, Darcy, and as handsome as ever. Small wonder with your beloved Lizzy practically glowing, just look at her greeting Hurst, he is absolutely stunned. She isn't, though, maybe Jane wrote to expect him, he practically begged us to take him. You'll like him much better when you get to know him, Darcy, he has been staying with us quite a lot, recently. Come, let me show you my new team, I cannot wait to hear your opinion, you have this reputation, you know.'

Wait, what? Mr Hurst was here, and Bingley thought him good company? The way the chubby gentleman looked at Elizabeth didn't please Darcy at all, and why did Bingley insist on being so familiar with her? To call her Lizzy in public, wasn't he supposed to show a certain respect to his friend's wife?

In serious danger now of letting his excellent mood be spoiled by yet another unexpected visitor, Darcy found his gaze caught by the prime object of his disgruntlement, his beloved Elizabeth. She looked at him with an expression of humour that instantly cleared his mood, she was right, this was more funny than bothersome. Mr Hurst was no competition but entertainment, and Bingley was no longer just Darcy's friend, he was also Elizabeth's brother by marriage, and brothers had as much right to familiarity as sisters and parents.

'I'm sorry I didn't notice your new team before, Bingley, I was a bit distracted. We've had a busy few days, with some important visitors. I'll tell you about it later, let's have a look at these beauties first.'

Leaving Jane and Mr Hurst in Elizabeth's capable hands, he accompanied Bingley to his familiar carriage but indeed, with a new team of perfectly matched bays in front of it. Bingley signalled his driver to put the team in motion, and they walked beside the horses towards the stables, watching their every move. These were good, solid horses, elegant yet strong, but Darcy privately thought Bingley might have sacrificed speed to beauty.

'They are incredibly beautiful, look at those perfect feet and the long, elegant necks. I always wonder how four horses can look so much alike, these even move in exactly the same rhythm. Compared to this team, my thoroughbreds are a total mismatch, and yet we were so happy to find four of the same colour and height. But Bingley, these don't look very fast, merely very strong and beautiful.'

Feeling a bit of a spoilsport to utter his reservations, Bingley's reaction was one of delight, not insult.

'Aren't they the most beautiful creatures you ever saw? You are right, they are not fast, but I wasn't looking for fast, I was looking for hardy and dependable. We have serious plans to buy an estate up north, Jane wants to live closer to her favourite sister and I have missed you, my dear friend. That means a lot of travel, and I wanted to make sure to have horses that are up to it.'

And then Bingley's expression changed altogether, Darcy had never seen him anything but kind en rather soft, well, except on one or two occasions when there was good reason, but now his dear friend seemed to almost feel superior.

'Speed is no longer an object, Darcy, remember, it's no longer the two of us travelling, there is a tiny new life to consider. I want my wife and future child to be safe, and if that means taking a few hours extra so be it.'

Instead of feeling patronized, Bingley's remark made him think. A new life to consider, Elizabeth was most likely carrying a new life as well, should he be more considerate of their unborn child? Let go of the thoroughbreds because they could be nervous? Should he be planning to teach his pregnant wife to drive a pair of ponies? Wasn't that dangerous? Phaetons weren't the safest conveyances around, and controlling a team wasn't all that easy.

No.

Cosseting his pregnant wife was the right thing for Bingley to do, his character practically guaranteed it, but Elizabeth was very much unlike Jane. Bingley's care would make Jane feel loved, but if Darcy did that to his beloved she'd feel patronized and restrained. Elizabeth had to fly free, to try to keep her safe was to cage her and that would make her unhappy and even angry. If there was anything Darcy understood, it was that he had married a very special woman, one who could sit by the hearth for hours stitching an intricate pattern on a tiny piece of unblemished, delicate silk, but who could just as easily fly across a dangerous obstacle on the fastest horse in his stable. To try to stop her from doing things that might be dangerous was to keep her from living and Darcy was not going to do that to her, or himself. The phaeton and ponies would not be cancelled because they might not be altogether safe.

But for Bingley, things were different. Jane didn't even want to do dangerous things, she was happy staying at home most of the time, she probably felt loved with this proof of Bingley's love for her and her unborn child.

'In that case, Bingley, I think you have bought yourself a fine team. They look very strong and durable, look at those muscles. You can have Mr Hugo look at them if you want to, he is the best at spotting imperfections.'

'I was hoping to, yes, I really value his opinion. Would it be possible to be present when he examines them?'

'Of course, we're in the stables all the time, we ride every morning. I'm sure Hugo will be thrilled to look at these, he loves good horses. Come, let's join the ladies, and Mr Hurst and our father-in-law.'

'Imagine him sending Mrs Bennet and Maria to Brighton to amuse themselves, did you ever expect that to happen?'

'Certainly not! But I suppose neither of the two is going to do anything foolish.'

'It is rather hard to picture them behaving improperly. Well, I'm glad you like my horses, and I'm looking forward very much to the coming weeks. You'll hardly notice Hurst, I assure you, he has had a rough time in town, I think he will sleep as much as he used to do.'

'He has never been a demanding guest, I suppose we'll do well enough accommodating him and his valet. You know I never really got to know your brother-in-law, but I admit that may be my own fault, he just never seemed that interesting. I'll try to correct that error.'

'I'm certain you will find him very obliging, Darcy. Oh, look! Lydia is here as well! Lydia, my dear, you look well, please tell me how you have been!'

Soon, Darcy's misgivings could no longer stand against the joy of a family-reunion going on right before him, making a man who had been rather lonely for most of his life feel part of a much larger, warmer whole.