I recently added a profile pic and a few of you have mentioned it. The little furry dude you see is the young master Fitzwilliam. He is the model for Dogberry, who you will meet in a couple chapters. The profile pic is his 'Adopt Me' picture from the shelter. I must admit, he drew me in with his arts and allurements. He is a adorable punk*ss and even has his own Instagram.

(JLC, 09/19/2021)

~~IOAF~~

Darcy settled back into his rooms at Netherfield Park. So much had happened since that day when the suspicions about Elizabeth's true parentage were revealed. He wondered what would have happened if a few random comments had not piqued David's interest. He wondered not only for the Hurst family but for himself. Would he have stayed to court Elizabeth Bennet as he was now prepared to court Elizabeth Hurst? Elizabeth, herself, had not changed in essentials, nor had her connections or status, really. What had changed was his own understanding of the importance of love and family.

His musings were interrupted by a knock on his chamber door. Recognizing the soft pattern to be that of his sister, he quickly bade her enter. She slipped inside and shut the door and locked it decisively. "We shall need to be cautious here, brother." She whispered. "I just noticed Miss Bingley hovering about in the hall. It would not do for you to invite her into your rooms, thinking it is I who is knocking." They both shuddered at the thought.

"I do not think she will be able to hear us but let us go into my sitting room." He ushered into the room next door, and they took seats by the fireplace. "I am long accustomed to being on my guard in Miss Bingley's presence, but your concern is well-noted. I shall be more vigilant. But how are you? Are you comfortable? Bingley as accumulated quite the party here."

"I am feeling much more at ease with the Hursts now. It was quite fun to switch between carriages on the journey here. I feel I know them all a little better now." A procession of carriages had made their way to Meryton, their occupants assembling in different arrangements at each stop. Unfortunately, Darcy never found himself in the same carriage as Elizabeth. However, Georgiana found herself spending time with both Elizabeth and Tessa and had enjoyed their company. "Miss Hurst is wonderful. I think we are becoming friends."

"I am glad of it. And, yes, she is wonderful. I have never heard anyone speak a word against her." Georgiana wrinkled her nose at him, reminding him of his first meeting. "Other than a misguided few, of course. I know she is held dear by many."

"Including yourself."

"Including myself," Darcy admitted. "It does make me wonder, she has so many in her life, so many who love her, is there room for more?"

"I realize it is so different from what we know, our family is so small, and you are so wary of letting others get close, but I do not believe there are limits to such things. I do not believe Miss Hurst would think so either, so that is one excuse you can set aside."

"Georgie, I am not making excuses I am simply being cautious. I have no idea if Miss Hurst would welcome my attentions."

"Are we not here to determine just that? If it will help you to know, Miss Hurst spoke quite favorably of you during our journey."

"Georgiana, you should not say so. She would not wish for you to share your conversation with me." Darcy, ever proper, gently chastised his sister. "What did she say?"

Georgiana grinned, she knew his curiosity would get the better of him. "She was full of praise for you, for the help you have given her family during this time. She made you sound quite heroic, though to my mind it was a bit disproportionate for what you have done, so I think that is very promising. However, more than that, she spoke fondly of the enthusiastic debates you shared when she and Miss Bennet were staying at Netherfield. And then there was a dance at Lucas Lodge. Oh, also, that walk—"

"Georgie, you are enjoying this far too much."

"I know." It was true, she was, but she could not let that distract her from her course. "Miss Hurst did speak of you often. I feel confident in saying she is not indifferent to you. I think she appreciates that you knew her and respected her before all this happened with her family. She is not a novelty or a bit of gossip to you, nor are you interested in her as the new heiress of the ton."

Darcy was thoughtful. He was grateful to Georgiana for this intelligence but at the same time it added to his uncertainty. He did desire Elizabeth's esteem but wished to be more than a safe choice or known entity.

"Brother, do not think too hard on that. I do not think Miss Hurst is one to place herself in a situation she does not wish to be in simply because it is easy. She will not go against her own feelings."

"My wise little Georgie, you know me well. You were right to insist on coming with me. I know your presence will prove to be invaluable."

Georgiana was pleased at her brother's approval. "I am glad to be of aid to you. It will…wait, I do not trust that expression. You look just like Richard." The expression was one she had often seen on her cousin's face when he tried to cajole her into doing something she might not want to do or something she might find unpleasant. She racked her brain about what that might be, "Oh dear, you want me to distract Miss Bingley."

"Your powers of perspicacity are much in evidence these last few weeks. You shall not be alone. Mrs. Michaels and both Mrs. Hursts will no doubt provide support for you in your efforts. I do not have much time, for when the Hursts depart for Warwickshire, we shall remain at Netherfield. Finding a moment or two of privacy will be difficult as Miss Hurst says her goodbyes and prepares to leave what has been her home for so long. Miss Bingley will make it even more difficult as she is sure to insert herself into my presence whenever possible."

"The things I do for my family." Georgiana heaved a great sigh. "I am going down to the drawing room before I get myself entangled in more unpleasantness. I trust I am safe from your maneuverings in the company of others, yes?"

Darcy stood and offered his hand to assist his sister up from her chair. "Of course, but I must remind you, you did volunteer to come. Just think, if everything goes well, you will not be called to service ever again."

"There is that. I shall take comfort in that thought during every sour moment I spend in the company of Miss Bingley."

~~IOAF~~

Dinner that evening was a larger than usual affair, Bingley had invited the inhabitants and guests of Longbourn to dine at Netherfield. Most all were happy on the occasion, with the exception of one particular young lady. Caroline Bingley's life have taken a most unexpected turn. Her sister had proven herself a disappointment, her loyalty having shifted to her husband. Her brother ignored her wishes to return to town and she had been practically isolated in this backwater of Meryton, all so he could pursue the insipid Miss Bennet. Worst of all, Mr. Darcy had been absent these past few weeks.

And now, she found playing hostess to the Hurst, Michaels, and Bennet families to be quite unbearable. It left the edges of her temper jagged and close to the surface. She had been instructed by her brother on proper behavior for the evening, which made the circumstances even more intolerable. Mind your manners, he said. Did he expect her to grovel at the feet of Elizabeth Bennet Hurst? The chit had two names, two estates to call home, two families that embraced her in loving care, and two dowries, which to Caroline's mind was the most objectionable of them all. Caroline had not been able to ascertain the combined figure, but it could only but add to Elizabeth's attractions. And she thought Mr. Darcy found Elizabeth far too attractive already.

She had been sniping under her breath about everybody and everything throughout the evening, not quite willing to go against her brother. As Bingley and Louisa kept her close to keep her in check, only they heard her barbs. However, the harsh whispers between the siblings made it apparent that she took no pleasure in the evening. She grew bolder with the separation of the sexes after dinner. Hours of watching everybody fawning over Elizabeth got the better of her.

"Miss Eliza, you must be quite overwhelmed with everything that has occurred. I am sure you will easily adapt to the transition from Hertfordshire to Warwickshire. After all, when one is but a country nobody it hardly matters where in the country one finds oneself."

Gasps could be heard from the assembled women. Pleased her arrow hit its mark, Caroline smiled arrogantly while the others struggled to find a suitable response. Mrs. Bennet was the first to react, surging to her feet and crossing to the shrew. Her hand prepared to deliver a well-deserved strike, but hovered instead, making no forward movement. Her attention was drawn to something behind Caroline. Her husband and the other gentlemen had entered the room at the precise moment Caroline made her ill-considered comment.

Mr. Bennet went to his wife, took her raised hand and kissed it gently, and ushered her back to the seat. Bingley quickly took her place before his sister, his face red with apoplexy. "Caroline, do you never learn?" He asked in a low growl. He would have continued if Mr. Hurst had not waved him away.

Mr. Hurst took a nearby chair, sinking into its soft comfort. His manner was almost too unhurried and controlled, deceptively relaxed. "Miss Bingley, what is it you wish to accomplish with your vitriol? Please tell me for I truly wish to know." It was now Caroline's turn to sit in silence. "For I must confess, I do not understand you.

"Is it simply that you wish to vent your spleen? For I must tell you, it does not serve you well. Your words and manners do nothing but alienate those around you. You show nothing but contempt to your own excellent brother. You have not extended any kindness or friendship to anyone in this room, and I dare say, beyond it. In doing so, you have not shown yourself to any advantage. You make it impossible to trust or respect you. Is that what you hoped to achieve?"

A stillness had settled over the entire party. Everyone was riveted by the situation before them, even Lydia, who was trying to determine whether tea, coffee, wine, or sherry would best suit Caroline's fashionable gown. She was sure Mary would help with a subtle method of delivery.

"We welcomed you into our family and into our homes and you have shown nothing but disdain. You have been cruel and selfish. You have no one and I cannot tell you how sad that makes me." Mr. Hurst's quiet tone did convey sincere sadness. "I hope you understand that as we move forward, we must reserve our consideration and our feelings, our love, for those that appreciate them. We will not, none of us, indulge your repugnant behavior. You have taken far too much of our attention."

A teary Caroline finally felt just a bit of remorse for her past actions. The gentleman's rebuke, both gentle and… paternal, hit her more forcefully that any harsh words, raised voices, or palpable anger. It was weary and emotional and prompted from some genuine concern for her, not just defense of his daughter. "Mr. Hurst, I, I do not know what to say."

"At some point an honest apology will be required. An honest and sincere apology. Also, I kindly ask you to remove your belongings from the house in town as soon as may be. I know David as already imposed a ban on your residence there, but I must reiterate the sanction. We have supported you long enough. It is time you find your own home and perhaps you will find yourself the better for it."

"Of course, I understand," Caroline responded, weakly. "If you will excuse me. I believe I will retire for the evening." Bingley helped his sister up and led her from the room.

"Miss Bingley, one more thing, you called my daughter a 'country nobody." Caroline blushed at her own words being repeated back to her. "I think I can speak for Mr. Bennet, as well as myself, when I say we have no desire to hold a more elevated position in the ton. If that marks us as nobodies, so be it, but it also grants us the great privilege to live without conforming to the often-ridiculous rules of society, nor do we bear the weight of its scrutiny and we are happier for it.

"That dubious status you choose to bestow on my daughter was, I think, meant to put her in her place. I also think you forget a very important distinction in that regard. All estates are, of course, in the country. It does not insult a gentleman's daughters to be reminded of her country origins, as it only serves to reinforce that she descends from the landed gentry. In Elizabeth's case, she comes from many generation of good, respectable country nobodies from both the maternal and paternal line. It is a matter for pride not derision. Would you not agree?"

"Yes, sir." And with that a chastened Caroline Bingley left the room.