RE-REPOST: This is the 4th time I'll post this chapter since I heard that the site is working again.

REPOST NOTE: I don't know what's going on guys, but I posted chapter 21 yesterday and even reposted it again last night when I found out that you guys can't view it. This is my third time posting this and hopefully, it works now. Again, I'm sorry for the delay but I think that something's going on with the site or something. Anyways, have a good day :)

I am terribly sorry for this late update but I fear that our online classes have messed with my schedule of writing, mainly because we have many activities that were due at the same time not to mention our research, along with some reports and presentations as well. In the free time that I have, my eyes were too tired to stare at the laptop and my brain isn't working anymore.

That being said, from this day on, no regular updates will be given. However, I will try to post as best as I could. Like you, I am really eager to get this story done because as I have mentioned before, other stories are waiting to be written and posted. (Hint: I will not be writing Work in Progress stories anymore after this and Proving Him Wrong. Instead, I'll try to do Posting in Progress stories).

Despite this unfortunate news about updates, thank you guys for supporting this story. We made it past one year now and I will not let it go to two. March is still my planned completion date and hopefully, I will be able to do just that. For now, I hope you enjoy reading. Conflicts will be resolved soon and more answers will be given.

RECAP:

Chapter 20 – Lizzy finally met her parents and she found out why she was given away and how she came to be in Claire's care.

© 2019 Zest Layne


Once Sophia and Leicester got back from escorting their daughter to bed, Lady Catherine told them the full story of how she managed to find her and bring her home, including how Anne and her nephews had come to the incorrect conclusion that her Goddaughter was an illegitimate child. She had also informed them of Anne's engagement to Richard and the two expressed their joy at the news. After all, Sophie was one of Anne's Godmothers.

What she did not tell the couple about was Fitzwilliam's possible attachment to their daughter since she was not certain about it. Besides, her Goddaughter had mentioned nothing about her nephew so she let it be. She would investigate it later. Instead, Lady Catherine told Sophie and Leicester about her Goddaughter's favourite food. It was close to midnight when the three of them retired.

The next morning, Sophie had persuaded Lady Catherine to stay for a few more hours and to depart only after breaking her fast with them. It warmed Lady Catherine's heart to see her friend so happy again. She could still remember how devastated Sophie was when she thought that her daughter was dead. Thank goodness that Marie's niece came to them with that diary. It might be years too late but at least they found out that her Goddaughter was alive.

Before she left, she managed to have a few moments of alone time with her Goddaughter and Lady Catherine took it as an opportunity to talk seriously to the young lady. "While I am very glad that you came with me so easily, nykin, I would not advise you to do it again. I suspected that I was being followed so I did my best to get you to your parents as soon as possible. However, that was wrong on my part. I am sure I have worried your guardians exceedingly."

"They were very worried," Her Goddaughter had replied guiltily. "And if anyone is to blame, it is I. I should not have let my emotions get the best of me. Despite everything, I am glad that it turned well. Do not worry, Godmother, I shall strive to be better and not make any haste decisions."

When she boarded her carriage, she worried for her Goddaughter seemed to be always wool-gathering. At the same time, she was confident that the poor nykin was in good hands and her parents could cheer her up. The young lady was processing a lot of information after all.

Because her journey had no problem, she reached Pemberley early in the evening. She was greeted by her sister and brother-in-law, along with two familiar faces of young men which made her smile.

"Alex, Tony," she smiled at the latter two, "I did not know that you'd be here. What a pleasant surprise!"

Tony flashed a charming smile at her, "I am glad you think so, Godmother. My brother here," he gestured to Alex, "wanted to head home immediately but I convinced him to stop here at Pemberly. I do not want to overwhelm the people at home."

She thought about it before nodding approvingly. "That is wise of you, Tony, but have you written to your parents?"

"I have, Lady Catherine," Alex answered, looking as serious as ever. "I believe that Mother has already received it an hour ago."

"Come, Cathy," her sister smiled, "let us go inside and you shall tell us all about your journey. I have persuaded Georgiana to retire early so you shall tell us the full story."

"You are not even going to let me rest, Annie?"

"But I have your favourite cake prepared in the drawing room, Cathy." Annie looped her arms in Lady Catherine's, "I also doubt that Alex and Tony will let go that easily. They are very eager for your news, you know. Besides, are you forgetting that she is my Goddaughter too? I have a right to know how she fares."

Lady Catherine rolled her eyes, "How can I forget when you never fail to remind me that she was half named after you."

"Well, we can't have three Annes wandering around for it will be confusing. Besides, Sophie's second name and my name is a good combination, is it not?"

Lady Catherine did not reply but from behind them, she heard her brother-in-law replied "It is, my dear."

'Great,' Lady Catherine thought, 'I would be surrounded by another happy couple.' She was happy for her sister and her friends' relationships with their husbands, of course, but sometimes, being with them reminded her of what she was missing.

These thoughts were soon banished when they reached the drawing room and Annie offered her a lemon cake as soon as she sat down. She had only just taken her first bite when Annie asked her to start telling her what happened these past few days. Usually, among their group of friends, her sister was the most patient one. However, in this case, Lady Catherine could not blame Annie for being eager to hear news about their Goddaughter.

They did search for years in hopes of finding the young lady and Annie did spend the past months searching in Scotland with Sophie and Leicester. Besides, Lady Catherine knew that Tony and Alex were also as eager for the news as much as Annie.

With a sigh, Lady Catherine put down her plate of cake, took a sip of her tea and turned to her companions. Her conversation with them was pretty much the same conversation she had last night with Sophie and Leicester – she told them how she found her Goddaughter and how her daughter and her nephews suspected that she was a bastard child but nothing about the things she was not yet certain of – like the possibility of Fitzwilliam courting her Goddaughter.

"The poor dear!" Annie exclaimed, "It must have been a very trying time for her, not having any idea of her parentage and then suddenly meeting her family in a span of a fortnight. I do hope she is doing well with Sophie and Leicester."

"I am sure they will be alright. You know how much those two love their daughter and our Goddaughter seemed to be a sweet and kind girl."

After a few more minutes of asking some questions, Alex and Tony excused themselves to rest in their rooms.

"They are eager to meet her, you know?" Annie said once the brothers exited the room. "But I can tell that they are also anxious. Why else would Tony persuade his elder brother to stop here? He always listens to his brother and not the other way around. And I know Alex, my Godson rarely allows his younger brother to get his way."

Lady Catherine nodded. "I can see it too but I think anyone in their situation would be both eager and anxious to meet the sibling they hadn't seen in eighteen years. Speaking of siblings, have you heard anything from our brother?"

"Yes," Annie nodded, "his letter arrived last night. He told me that he was doing his best to delay things. Maybe they'll arrive here in three days. I do feel guilty for making them travel all the way to Scotland for nothing. William must be so worried about me, you know how he is."

Lady Catherine sipped her tea. "I do not feel sorry for the three of them. It is what they get for looking in my personal things without my permission."

Annie took hold of one of Lady Catherine's hands. "Since little Dianne is now safe, are you going to tell Anne the truth about Lewis' affairs?"

She sighed. "It will be hard but I am planning on it."

"Then you better be ready for that conversation, Catherine," her brother-in-law spoke for the first time after the customary greeting, "for an hour before your arrival, I have sent a letter to Matlock to show my son and his cousins. It is a letter informing them that we are now in Pemberley. They shall be here on the morrow night at the earliest."

She raised an eyebrow at him. "You are not making them travel all the way to Scotland?"

"Matlock has been delaying their trip from the very beginning. I may not show it often but I do love my son and I care for his well-being. Since I cannot let him know that his mother was never sick in the first place, the least I could do is to tell him that she has already recovered and not to tire him any further by travelling needlessly to Scotland."

Annie turned to him. "I think it would be better if you show William this caring side of you, husband."

Lady Catherine started eating her cake once again and watched quietly as her brother-in-law sighed. "You know that I am only tough on him for his own good." With that he excused himself, leaving the two sisters alone in the drawing room.

"It's still a sore subject for him?"

Her sister nodded sadly. "I understand where he is coming from, I really do, but I also think that William needed his father right now."

Curious, Lady Catherine asked her sister, "And why is that?"

"The letters I've received from him since September were not like anything of his previous letters. I think," Annie lowered her voice so only Lady Catherine could hear her, "I think that he might be interested in someone."

Lady Catherine could tell that Annie was not telling her the whole truth but she let it be.

"He has yet to say it directly but I believe that he is hesitant about it because he feared for his father's disapproval."

'Interesting…' Lady Catherine thought. 'Am I right in my assumption after all?'

"Anyway, have Anne and Richard set the date for their wedding? When are they planning to announce their engagement?"

-p&p-

Fitzwilliam Darcy sighed in relief and immediately sent a prayer of gratitude when his Uncle showed them his father's letter, informing them that his mother was now well and that they were now back at Pemberley. He now regretted not following Richard's suggestion that they should make a stop at Pemberly yesterday. Instead, with his Uncle Francis taking charge, they headed to White Hall, the Matlock's estate.

Earlier this day, they had left White Hall. Now, it was almost evening and they decided to stop at an inn in Yorkshire. Hopefully, by tomorrow he could return home and see his mother.

"How are you doing, Darce?" Richard asked.

"Better now that I know my mother is in good health." He sighed. "But I am still bothered about how I left things with Elizabeth."

"It will get better soon, Cousin."

He certainly hoped so. He had already written a letter for Elizabeth the other day, which he sent to Mr Lucas. Hopefully, the younger man would forward the letter to Elizabeth since he did not know her address in Bath. He would talk to her in person if he could, but he did not know exactly when he would be able to return to Hertfordshire.

The next day, Fitzwilliam and Richard rode on horseback on the way to Pemberley. His Uncle Francis and Cousin Anne were following them in a carriage. They stopped at some inns to rest themselves and the horses and they arrived at Pemberley late at night. Still, his parents and Aunt Catherine were all awake to welcome them.

"I apologise for causing trouble," his mother said, "I was the one who asked my husband to write a letter. Fever can make one delirious, you know."

"It is no trouble, Mother," he said, kissing her on the cheek, "I am just relieved that you are well."

"Yes, I am well, but what about you, William?" Her mother's forehead creased with worry, "You have dark circles under your eyes. Have you not been sleeping well?"

He smiled at her. "I am fine, Mother. I am just exhausted from all the travelling."

"Then why don't you retire to your room. Or if you are hungry, I can have Cook heat the food–"

"Thank you, but I will retire to my room now." He kissed her again on the cheeks. "Father," he bowed.

"Sleep well, Son." He almost stopped in tracks at his father words. Usually, it would be along the lines of 'Do take a rest, William. How can you do your duties properly if you fall asleep on the job?' or 'The dark circles under your eyes are unbecoming. That is not what a Marquess is supposed to look like.'

"Thank you, Father." He responded quietly before heading upstairs to his room.

If only he had not hurt Elizabeth and they had not parted in such a way, then perhaps he could sleep well as his father bid him to. As he felt his eyes closed unconsciously, Fitzwilliam knew that it was because of his tiredness and not because he could finally sleep well that he let the darkness consume him.

-p&p-

"I hope your journey has not been too trying, brother." His sister, Anne, said once the others have retired. Now, it was only him, Anne, and his brother-in-law in the latter's study.

"It was fine," Francis answered. "I am just thankful that none of the children suspected that I was delaying our journey and keeping them away from Pemberley. But enough about that, tell me, sister, how are Leicester and his family? Has Catherine truly found our Goddaughter?"

"Cathy told me that they seem to be doing as well as they can be. Sophie and Leicester are very happy to have their daughter back and our Goddaughter, according to Cathy, is a sweet sort of girl who looked a lot like her mother."

Francis smiled at the news. "That is good. I must say though, that if she is truly Sophie's daughter, then our Goddaughter would not be too much of a sweet girl. Where do you think did Catherine learn the distraction she made to get Isabel back safely?"

Anne smiled. Her older brother was right. Before Catherine travelled to Hertfordshire, she had already asked Anne's husband for a letter, telling their children that Anne was sick and that they needed to go to Scotland immediately – for emergency purposes. Catherine also definitely learned how to startle the horses by Sophie.

"You are right, brother, but I think that our poor Goddaughter is not herself yet. Not fully, at least. Cathy told me that little Dianne has been mostly quiet during their journey together and that she only found out about her parentage a week before Cathy found her."

"I hope they can all be a happy family. Then, we can meet our Goddaughter soon and you can all be reunited with Sophie. I already know that my wife will be very happy to see her friends again." Francis then turned to his brother-in-law. "I am sure you are looking forward to seeing Leicester again."

"Oh, yes," Derbyshire nodded, "I cannot wait to have another chess match with him to even our scores."

Francis only laughed and shook his head. "You mean, it is not enough that you two spent the last what, almost four months in Scotland playing chess?"

"We were searching for his daughter at the time. I do not believe that I have won three more games than him."

Francis nodded. "That is not like him at all. Well, then, you better practise Derbyshire. I am sure now that his family is complete, he will not be distracted enough to lose."

"Are you asking me to play with you, Matlock? Then, I suggest you rest now so you can prepare to lose tomorrow."

-p&p-

Waking up the next day had been a pleasant surprise to Fitzwilliam. It turned out that his cousins, Aunt Catherine and Uncle Matlock were not their only guests. Tony and Alex were there too. Apparently, they had been at Pemberley since yesterday but they had already fallen asleep last night before he and the others had arrived.

Seeing the brothers did not lessen his longing for Elizabeth but it did brighten his day a little. He had known those two since he was little, especially Alex since they were the ones closer in age with Alex only about a month older than him. Tony, on the other hand, was a year younger than them but he remembered being close to him too when they were boys.

That was, until one day, they suddenly stopped playing with each other for a reason that he could no longer remember. The day they stopped playing together was also the same day they started losing communication. Yearly, he would receive birthday presents and Christmas presents from them and he would do the same with them but that was how far it went.

It was not until two years before his Mother permanently came back to Pemberly – that's more than seven years ago – when she asked him if he wanted to write to his old childhood friends.

Of course, Fitzwilliam immediately agreed. He was not the best with people and he never forgot about his first-ever playmates so he was very happy when his mother gave him the address to write to them. At that time, he was starting his second year in university and he was glad to have friends – even though in only the form of correspondents. He would not exactly refer to Wickham as his friend.

Speaking of Wickham, whenever he felt that he was losing his patience with that scoundrel, it was his letter exchange with Alex – and Alex's brother and cousins – that helped him held onto his principles as a gentleman and avoid Wickham's bad influence. Among their pieces of advice was to befriend someone on his own since they were not attending the same universities and because they could not always meet each other in person. (He befriended that someone in Bingley).

Despite their infrequent meetings, Fitzwilliam knew that if he could trust anyone else in the world outside his family, it would be them.

And now, seeing two of his friends in person after almost two years of only corresponding by letters, he could not help but smile.

"Milton," he greeted Alex, who also held the title of Marquess just like him. More reason for them to have a closer friendship – they both understood each other, having the same responsibilities. Not to mention that, unlike their other friends, they were the least sociable and always serious. However, unlike him, Alex could be sociable if he wanted to. "It is good to see you."

His friend only rolled his eyes, "Shall I call you, Ashbourne now? I thought we are closer than that, William?"

"We are, Alex. You are one of my closest friends after all." He said, sitting down next to him.

"What, you two are just going to ignore my presence?" Tony asked looking at him and Alex. "I cannot believe you, Alex. And you, William, I thought I was your closest friend?"

Fitzwilliam shook his head with a small smile. "You and your brother, along with your cousins, are all my closest friends."

"I would never have believed it had I not heard it myself." A new voice said from behind him and Fitzwilliam only rolled his eyes at the amusement in his cousin's voice. "Who would have thought that the unsociable Fitzwilliam Darcy would have many friends?"

"Richard!" Tony smiled. "It is nice to see you and William again."

Richard returned Tony's happy expression. "I could say the same for you and your brother. How have you two been?"

Alex sighed before asking, "Are you up for a ride? I believe that we can have a better conversation in Pemberley's woods. Besides, we won't be breaking our fast for another two hours."

Since they rarely got time to do things together such as horse-riding, Alex did not have to ask twice. Ten minutes later, they were saddled up on their horses and trotting around Pemberley with content smiles on their faces. After about half an hour of trying to outrace one another, they finally settled to a slower pace.

"I remember playing here when we were all little, with my cousins and Richard's brother," Tony said looking around, breaking the silence.

Fitzwilliam nodded. "I always wonder what caused us to stop being playmates."

Alex sighed. "Yes, the fault lies in my family."

"You always say that," Richard said, "but you never explained the exact reason why. But since we are your friends, we would not push you to tell us."

"I wanted to… but…"

Richard patted Alex in the back understandingly. "I've seen enough soldiers on the battlefield with that look in your eyes, man. You have to let go of your guilt. Whatever it is, it is not your fault and if it is, you have to learn to forgive yourself."

Tony and Alex remained silent after that.

A few moments later, Alex spoke again. "We will be able to tell you about it soon. It was not only guilt that was keeping us from explaining everything but you know our mother."

"Ah, yes," Richard chuckled, "I have not seen my little sister's Godmother since I was a boy, and honestly, I have forgotten what she looked like, but I have heard enough about her from my Mother. Apparently, my mother somehow got her overprotectiveness from your mother."

Tony laughed at this. "Your mother blames my mother for her overprotectiveness? But my mother claims that it was the other way around!"

"How are your parents anyway?" Fitzwilliam asked.

"What, finally wanted to see the Godfather who hides from you?" Tony asked with a smile.

"He does not hide from me," He defended, "Though I admit that I have forgotten how he looked like since I have not seen him in years."

"Hey," Richard shook his head at him, "he is my Godfather too and let me tell you," he turned to Tony and Alex, "your father may not hide but he definitely does not show himself."

Alex let out a small laugh, "Then we shall go tell father that his Godsons were looking for him. Do not worry though, my father is in good health and I believe that he and mother are the happiest they've ever been."

"What about the two of you, how have you been?" Tony asked.

Richard was the first to answer, telling the brothers about his engagement with Anne, the plan of selling his commission before the year ends and Aunt Catherine's approval. Tony and Alex congratulated him and expressed their relief that Richard would finally retire, telling Richard that as much as they were proud of him, they constantly worry for their friend.

"Our Aunt will be very happy that both her Godson and Goddaughter will soon be wed." Tony smiled before turning to him teasingly, "And you, William? Have you finally met a lady who can tolerate you?"

Fitzwilliam contemplated about it but after a few minutes, he decided to tell them. These were his friends since childhood and he trusted them. However, he did omit names and places for he still wanted to protect Elizabeth (Claire Bennet's list was still in his mind). He also did not tell them about Elizabeth's real parentage, only that she was an unknown county girl with very little connections and that he was afraid that his father would disprove the match. Lastly, he did not specify their last meeting but told them his horrible words.

"I knew you are bad with words, William," Tony said after he finished his story, "but this was taking it to a new level."

"I know," he sighed, "I wish I could take it all back. I truly love her," he confessed quietly.

Alex put a hand on his shoulder, "I am sure it will be all better soon, William. I know it is hard to believe that right now, but things do get better."

Tony nodded, "My brother is right, and I don't always say that. As for Godfather, I am sure that he would eventually approve of the match if he saw that you and your lady love each other. He is your father. He will support you."

"And if Godfather, does not agree, it wouldn't hurt to stand up to him and defend your lady," Alex said.

"You are right." Then with a small smile, he turned to the brothers, "Where is your advice coming from, anyway? Has a lady finally caught your interest?"

To his surprise, instead of laughing at his jest or shrugging, the brothers' expressions turned serious. "We just thought about our little sister and how we think a man interested in her should act."

They were all quiet after Alex's statement. Fitzwilliam and Richard might not know much about Alex and Tony's family, for they were very private about it, but the cousins knew enough that the brothers' late sister was a sore topic for them so they never pry. All that they knew was that Alex and Tony's little sister had died from drowning. When or how, they did not know, but their respect for their friends was greater than their curiosity.

A few minutes later, they decided to head back to the house. Upon hearing the sound of the pianoforte in the music room, Fitzwilliam quickly headed there. When he reached the room, he smiled when he saw his little sister, Georgiana, or Georgie as they all fondly called her, playing.

For a brief moment, his mind flashed back to the room at Lucas Lodge when Elizabeth was the one playing the pianoforte and singing. 'Soon,' he thought to himself, 'I'd go back to Hertfordshire and make it up to her.'

"Brother!" Georgiana's happy exclamation brought him out of his thoughts.

"Georgie!" He smiled opening his arms to hug his little sister. "How was your stay in Scotland?"

"'Twas alright brother," Georgie smiled, "I had fun but I missed you. How is your stay with Mr Bingley?"

He told Georgie about his stay with Bingley but he did not mention anything about Elizabeth. He wanted to talk to Elizabeth first and fix things with her. Then, he would introduce her to his family and announce their engagement – if she would still take him – God, he prayed that she would. He would not lie anymore if she took him back and she would proudly present her to his parents.

On second thought, forget about his plans. This time, if by some miracle she still accepted him, he would consult Elizabeth first with what she wanted the two of them to do. He would not deny her his family and he would deal with his father. Before his sister could notice his melancholic mood, it was already time to break their fast and Fitzwilliam sighed in relief. His mother was already worried about him. He did not want his sister to be the same.

He spent the rest of the day helping around the estate with his friends and when he responded to business correspondence, he also wrote a letter to Mr Gardiner and another one to Mr Lucas, asking how Elizabeth was and when she would return to Hertfordshire. The meals were spent with his family and friends and Fitzwilliam tried his best to act like he was alright and perfectly content.

The next morning, Tony and Alex left for their home, assuring Fitzwilliam and Richard that they would see them in a few months. Since Richard was busy talking with his father in matters regarding his commission and engagement details with Aunt Catherine and Anne, Fitzwilliam spent his day as he normally would – helping his father around the estate and spending time with his Mother and Georgiana.

And while he had two of the three ladies he loved the most, he would never be truly happy and contented until Elizabeth forgave him.

-p&p-

"Good morning, Lady Isabel," her lady's maid smiled.

"Good morning to you as well, Chloe," Elizabeth replied, getting from her bed and proceeding to her dressing room where Chloe had set up her bath. With the help of her lady's maid, she stepped out of her nightclothes and settled herself on the tub.

Closing her eyes, she recalled her first day here in Rosewood Manor. That was three days ago. When her parents called for her using the name, 'Isabel', Elizabeth did not respond since she did not fully realise that she was the one they were referring to using that name.

Ever since her arrival her parents mostly called her 'darling' or 'daughter' that it escaped Elizabeth's notice when her mother had first called her 'my little Dianne' or 'my darling Isabel' but after apologising for not responding to them when they called for her, her mother told her that her real name was Isabel Dianne Leighton.

She was named after her Grandmother from her maternal side, who was Isabel Wesley, the former Countess of Manchester. Her second name, on the other hand, was a combination of her mother's second name, 'Diana', and one of her Godmother's names, 'Anne'.

"We know it is an unusual name but my mother has a fondness for names that are not popular. She used to tell me and my sister that it made us even more special, hence my second name. Your Aunt's second name is Selina and both our names have a connection with the moon."

She had smiled at her mother's explanation. That must explain why Grandma Claire encouraged her fondness of the moon and why her grandmother would only smile at her softly whenever the older woman saw her pretending that the moon was her guiding light.

"Now, I think I know why I was named Elizabeth Artemis, Mother. Elizabeth is another variation for Isabel, is it not? And Artemis is the counterpart of the Goddess Diana in Greek Mythology. And my hair comb was composed of Emerald, Amethyst and Lapis. The initial of the stones also stand for Elizabeth Artemis Leighton, does it not?"

"I see that my Governess remained clever in her old age." Her mother had smiled fondly. "Since your name has the same meaning, I shall call you either way but I admit that I am more used to thinking of you as Isabel. Will it be alright with you?"

"Of course, Mother," she had replied, "but I must admit that I do prefer you and father calling me, 'daughter'."

"Then, I shall call you that, daughter."

They had resumed their tour of the house after that brief conversation. When Chloe had come to dress her that evening, the maid had asked which name she should call her. Elizabeth assured her abigail that she could address her either way. And so, that night, Chloe had addressed her as Lady Elizabeth. The next day, it was Lady Isabel. Yesterday, it was Elizabeth again and now it was back to Isabel. Apparently, Chloe was having fun taking turns to call her with both of her names alternatively.

The silliness of it amused Elizabeth so she just let it be. Alone, with only plenty of clothes on the other side of the room to accompany her, Elizabeth looked up at the ceiling and sighed. She loved it here. She was glad that her parents loved her. They always made time for her and they always try to accommodate her needs.

On her first day, once Lady Catherine left, her parents toured her around the house. Since the place was huge, they had only finished touring it yesterday. She had yet to explore anywhere outside the house and she was not sure if she wanted to.

Her first reason for not doing so was that if she stepped foot outside, she had this silly notion that it would all be a dream. Her second, more realistic, reason was that if she stepped outside, she feared that she would want to explore the woods around the house and she was not sure if her parents would let her. They did believe that she was still in some danger and Elizabeth knew that she would somehow manage to disobey them – even if she did not want to – once the beauty of nature calls for her.

So instead, she busied herself exploring the house and memorising the house. She could prevent herself from going outside but she refused to sit and be idle. She was, after all, very fond of walking. But if she was being truly honest, her third reason was her main reason that she did not want to go outside.

The woods – the trees, the sight of nature – it reminded her of Fitzwilliam. She wanted to avoid the woods, not because he had hurt her but because she was guilty, for leaving all of a sudden and doubting his love for her. These past few days had given her enough time to think and reflect on her last argument with him.

After spending the past few days with her parents and hearing their story on her first night here, Elizabeth realised that couples would always have their problems. Hadn't she and Fitzwilliam had a row before, during their last meeting in London? And back in Hertfordshire when he had insulted her at the assembly? She had done the same thing she did then, ran away from him.

And while she did not regret meeting her real family, she wished that things had taken a better turn. What would happen if she hadn't run away from him? She'd like to think that she'd still have found her real family. After all, her mother did say that she made the list that included the names of their family friends. If Godmother Catherine was among the good people, it meant that Colonel Fitzwilliam's and Lord Ashbourne's family were also no danger to her, right?

Yes, Fitzwilliam was wrong for not telling her what he knew, and for saying some hurtful things. But if she was in his position, would she do the same? She was not certain, but now that she tried to look at things from his perspective, she began to understand why he said what he said and why he did what he did.

He had told her about his father and their relationship was not exactly the best. Fitzwilliam had confessed that he always felt pressured by his father. And even when he did his best, he always felt that his father was looking down at him in disappointment. If he married an unknown county girl, his father would not take it as good news.

It dawned on Elizabeth that it was why Fitzwilliam wanted their engagement to be announced publicly so that not even his father could do anything to stop their marriage. It must've also been the same reason why he did not want her and Godmother Catherine to meet. She had told him that Grandma Claire said that she looked a lot like her mother if he suspected that she was a bastard child of Godmother Catherine's husband – He really had thought of it all. If only he had told her…

Well, that did not matter now. What's done was done. Now, Elizabeth knew that she loved him, despite his flaws just like he loved her despite her faults. Her parents' marriage had faced a much bigger problem and Elizabeth was not going to let a simple misunderstanding get in the way of her and Fitzwilliam being happy together. Of course, she would tell him first that they needed to be equal in their relationship. No more deciding things for the other.

Before Elizabeth could reflect further, Chloe returned. "What would you like to wear, Lady Isabel?"

"I would like to try the pink morning gown."

Chloe nodded and prepared the pink gown she chose before helping her out of the tub. Once she had already donned her chosen dress, the abigail sat her in front of her vanity desk and Chloe started pinning her hair into a bun with a few loose curls.

At their sight in the mirror, Elizabeth couldn't help but missed Alexa. While she was fond of Chloe and she liked the enthusiastic way the maid helped her dress, Alexa was her dearest companion and Elizabeth was sure that Alexa was worried about her. Thankfully, her abigail had received all of her letters.

Thank goodness that they came up with a secret code years ago.

She had asked her parents if she could continue sending letters to the Gardiners and Alexa again to make sure that she was alright and while they agreed, they had also cautioned to limit the information she would give them. They also suggested that she could write and seal her letter but it would be delivered under the name of Maria Smith and a different address.

For this reason, her letters and the letters for her were always delivered by Chloe. Her lady's maid would be the one to post her letters and twice a week, Chloé would also check on the nearest inn in Warwickshire – the place where the letters were addressed – to see if any letters arrived for Elizabeth otherwise, the people at the inn would directly forward the letters for her at Rosewood Manor.

While she disliked keeping the truth from the Gardiners, Elizabeth knew that being cautious was better. So, since she got here, she kept on writing letters to the Gardiners that she was indeed safe and gave them vague information regarding her parents. She included how she felt but no specific names, titles or places.

Of course, since she realised that she needed to fix things with Fitzwilliam, she had also sent Alexa a personal letter, inquiring about the Marquess. Her letter to her abigail included the county she was in and that vague information was for safety purposes, but she also left out specific names and places. It was not because she did not trust, Alexa, but Elizabeth thought that it would be better to talk to Alexa about it all in person.

Also, she kept writing coded messages to Alexa because she did not fully trust Godmother Catherine back then. Now, however, she trusted her parents and since they have been honest with her from the start, she did not want to betray their trust by going against them and giving Alexa specific details.

Bless her Abigail's soul, Alexa had been very understanding about it and told Elizabeth that she was only happy to hear that her mistress was safe and was now reunited with her real family.

"You look beautiful, Mademoiselle," Chloe smiled at her through the mirror after pinning the last of her hair up.

She smiled back. "Thank you, Chloe."

When she proceeded to the dining room to break her fast with her parents, she was greeted happily by her beaming mother with a kiss on the cheek. "Good morning, my darling, you look very beautiful."

She smiled and she could feel her face flushing slightly at the compliment. Though her mother had always greeted her with kind words every morning, Elizabeth was still unused to it. Perhaps, because the previous mother she had known would only throw insults her way.

"Thank you, Mother. I must say that you look positively glowing," she said and it was true. Her mother's eyes were so bright and she had such a warm smile on her face that endeared her to Elizabeth even more. "Where is Father?" She asked when she realised that her father was not at the head of the table.

"Remember what we talked about when we were in the family gallery?" Her mother asked and Elizabeth slowly nodded. "Well, your father was just fetching some people who wanted to meet you. They had arrived late last night and they did not want to catch you off guard when you go down here so your father went to fetch them from their rooms when he heard you coming."

Her mother then squeezed her hands in assurance before turning her around slowly in the direction of the other doorway in the dining room.

"My daughter," her mother started, "meet your eldest brother – the Marquess of Milton, Alexander Francis Leighton, and your elder brother, Anthony Robert Leighton. For short, we call them Alex and Tony."


In Chapter 12, it was mentioned that Darcy liked to reminisce about his childhood playmates – his very first friends and not George Wickham. In this chapter, we got to meet some of those said friends. It was said in Chapter 12 that he wondered why they stopped playing and that he couldn't remember the reason but he didn't say that they completely lost in touch.

Anyway, what do you think of this chapter?