I'm sorry for not updating for a month. Studies caught up with me and I was able to update now because it's the start of Christmas break. Yey! Unfortunately, we still have some schoolwork to do, but it's more manageable now.

Without further ado, here's the next chapter.

RECAP:

Chapter 21 –Anne, Richard and Darcy were back at Pemberley where the latter two met two of their closest friends, Alex and Tony who were also Lizzy's elder siblings.

© 2019 Zest Layne


During her tour of the gallery two days ago, her parents told her about her siblings. And while she had thought of many ways to greet her brothers since then, Elizabeth was still not prepared to meet them for real.

She stood frozen on her spot, quietly observing her siblings.

Alexander, her eldest brother, looked like a younger version of their father – from his slightly curly dark brown hair, pointed nose and sharp jawline. The only difference between Alexander and their father was the colour of their eyes. Instead of dark green ones, Alexander shared the same grey eyes like their mother.

Anthony shared the same features with Alexander, except his face was softer than sharp. His curly hair was evidently inherited by their mother but unlike Elizabeth and their mother's hair, it was not the colour of mahogany. It was a dark shade of brown, slightly lighter than Alexander's with only a few hints of dark red. His eyes were grey with some greenish tint in them.

Finally, Elizabeth realised that she had been staring at her father and siblings for too long so she decided to break the silence by doing a curtsey and smiling lightly at them. "Good morning, father, brothers."

Her greeting seemed to do the trick, for her brothers bowed and greeted her good morning as well while their parents smiled at them happily. Mother then rushed towards the brothers and kissed their cheeks good morning while Father escorted Elizabeth to sit on his right side. Alexander took the seat across from her and Anthony settled beside her while their mother sat at the other end of the table.

As soon as they were all seated, the servants started serving their meal which was composed of hot rolls, bread, toasts, butter, plum cake, tea and hot chocolate. Elizabeth found out that Alexander shared her love for sweets, like their mother, and Anthony also had the same fondness for butter, like their father.

The conversation started a little awkward since neither Elizabeth nor her brothers knew how to act around each other, but their parents were patient and helped them get to know each other. By the time, they finished breaking their fast, Elizabeth was more relaxed and so, when her brothers asked her to join them in the library, she immediately accepted.

It seemed that their parents wanted them to bond on their own because Father told them that he would be in his study to deal with business matters while Mother said that she'd join them later after she finished talking to the Cook and the Housekeeper.

Elizabeth had been to their library before but she was still amazed at the number of books every time she entered it. The shelves, taller than her, were full of various books. The three huge windows gave her enough light to admire it all. At the very centre, on top of a large carpet, were two settees and a long coffee table. And by the fireplace, there was a skinned bear that served as a rug.

"Do you like reading, sister?" Alexander asked.

She nodded, "Yes, 'tis one of my favourite pastimes."

"Now, we have proof that we're siblings!" Though Anthony had said this with a smile, Elizabeth's brows furrowed.

"You do not believe that I am your sister?" She couldn't help but ask.

"Of course, I believe it," Anthony said. "What I meant was, physically, we look almost nothing alike."

"That is because we take too much after Father while Isabel is the copy of Mother, except for our eyes that is. So, sister," Alexander turned back to her, "what are your favourite books?"

She smiled, "You are the first one to ask me about favourite books. Usually, one would ask me only what my favourite book is."

Her eldest brother only shrugged, "One cannot have a single favourite book. Not when there are so many to choose from."

"Very well, but do not complain if I keep talking for hours." And so, Elizabeth listed all of her favourite books to her brothers. In return, they had also told her their favourites and Elizabeth was glad that they found common ground in reading. Soon, their parents joined them and what started as a conversation turned into a debate which Elizabeth and her mother won.

As a reward, the two of them enjoyed delicious cups of hot chocolate. If that was not a reward enough, Elizabeth had also received letters from Hertfordshire later that afternoon, all bringing good news. The Gardiners had now returned to London to see to their children and attend to their business. Elizabeth had asked for their forgiveness in one of her first letters for leaving so hastily. After realising what she had done, she had been mad at herself for her poor judgement.

What if Lady Catherine did not turn out to be her Godmother? She shuddered to think of how unwittingly she had placed herself in danger. Yes, she had the right to get hurt by being kept in the dark but hadn't she given Mr and Mrs Bennet so many chances over and over again? Why did it take her long to be able to forgive the Lucases, Mrs Winters and the Gardiners for their deceit? She was very lucky that they were very understanding people, and after some light reprimands on the missive, had told her that they forgave her for leaving without so much as a clue.

The next letter came from Mrs Winters, inquiring about her well-being and telling information about how Apollo and her sisters had missed her. Mary and Kitty were still in the dark, only knowing that she was spending some time in Bath.

Hopefully, she could inform her sisters of the truth of it all sooner. Perhaps, once she came back to Hertfordshire. For now, she had written separate letters for Mrs Winters and her sisters. On a side note, it seemed that Mr Bingley had finally asked permission to court Jane, which Elizabeth was happy to hear. She and Jane might not have been as close as she would like but Elizabeth was glad that Mr Bingley was there for the Bennets.

The third missive came from Charlotte and Elizabeth was overjoyed to hear her friend's engagement to Colonel Forster. The only downside of the news was that she might not be able to attend her dear friend's wedding which was to take place before next year. Still, Elizabeth wrote her response happily. She had encountered the Colonel a few times and she was glad that the man seemed to truly appreciate her friend.

The last letter she opened surprised her. For not only had it contained her Alexa's handwriting but there were two enclosed letters as well, not counting the short note from John Lucas. Apparently, Fitzwilliam did not know what really happened for he was the same as Mary and Kitty. He thought she was in Bath and he had asked John to forward his letters to her.

When she read his first letter, Elizabeth felt guilty because aside from worrying about her, Fitzwilliam's mother had also been sick. She knew that he dearly loved his mother and these past few days must've been terrible for him. It might've been his words that had driven her away but she still should have tried to see his reasoning to why he had exploded like that.

She sighed. It was done and nothing could change the past. She could, however, smooth the path to their future. Quill in hand, Elizabeth began writing. By the time she had finished the note that she will attach to her letter to Alexa, which was addressed to John Lucas – informing him that she would be using his name to correspond with the Marquess – Chloe entered through the servant's door.

"What would you like to wear, Lady Isabel?"

-p&p-

Fitzwilliam Darcy rubbed his aching neck with his hand. He had been so busy dealing with business matters since that morning and hours of sitting in his study for hours was starting to wear on him. He did not have much of a choice though. Alex and Tony had left the other day. Then, yesterday, Aunt Catherine and Cousin Anne had also departed for Rosings. His Uncle Matlock and Richard, on the other hand, had left earlier that morning after breakfast.

With no cousins or friends to distract him with their teasing, Fitzwilliam had locked himself in his study and started looking over the business matters he had left unattended since he'd accompanied Bingley to Hertfordshire. His mother and sister did their best to keep him out of work, of course, but he knew that he couldn't slack off on his duties… especially when he was trying to get on his father's good side so that once he approached the topic of marrying Elizabeth, his father would see reason and listen to his perspective.

Of course, even if his father did not agree, he would still marry her. Only Elizabeth's own rejection could stop him from doing so. That was another reason why he wanted to focus on working. He had not heard a word from her in more than a sennight now and he was worried and anxious. He wanted to put his anxiety into something productive, so dealing with estate matters it was.

Just as he leaned his head back on his chair in tiredness, a footman delivered a new set of letters for him to oversee. Sighing, he straightened back again in his seat and began sorting out the missives in different groups – depending on which one needed immediate reply first.

The first four ones were from his different investments and so he set them on his right side. The fifth one, however, was a reply from Mr John Lucas. Eager to receive any news about Elizabeth, Fitzwilliam grabbed Mr Lucas' letter and set the other unchecked missives on the left side of the desk. Business could wait, Elizabeth would come first.

His brows furrowed when he saw that the address was not from Hertfordshire but from somewhere in Warwickshire. His confusion turned into a pleasant surprise when he opened the letter and saw a familiar feminine handwriting inside. Though he and Elizabeth had never exchanged letters before, aside from the letter he gave her as an apology, he remembered reading her letter to Anne about her plan of sneaking out of the Dower House back then when Mrs Winters wouldn't let her out unless necessary.

It was the same clean and thin elegant cursive that he was holding now. Hands shaking in anticipation, he eagerly let himself absorbed the information she was giving him.

Dearest Fitzwilliam,

He felt his lips curled upwards at her opening words. It gave him hope. He was still dear to her. They were going to be alright.

I am truly sorry for running away from you – for the third time now, I think – but you must understand that you cannot just say hurtful things like that when you are angry. While I do know that angry people are not always wise – for I have also said some hurtful things to you on our last meeting – I do not like using it as an excuse to be careless with words. To be fair for both of us, I promise to hold my tongue from lashing out without thinking if you do too.

Though she was not in front of him to see his response, he found himself nodding in agreement with her words. 'I promise, Elizabeth,' he vowed silently before continuing to read.

After all, if we are to marry then we must strive to have a good marriage, therefore try to understand one another as much as we could. This statement has probably surprised you, but if you still wish to marry me like your letter says (yes John Lucas sent me your letter through Alexa) – as I do you – then I do not apologise for my forwardness.

This time, he smiled fully – both in happiness in relief. She had forgiven him for his offences and told him that she still wanted to marry her!

Now, dearest, you are probably relieved yet astonished at why I have let your actions slide so easily.

Now that Fitzwilliam thought about it, it did seem that she had forgiven him rather quickly this time than their previous arguments. Of course, he was not complaining, for he didn't want her to be angry at him anymore. Elizabeth was not cruel but she was a sensitive soul and she took offences seriously. Their previous arguments and misunderstandings proved that. Knowing that her next words would answer his confusion, his eyes went back to where he left off in her letter.

The answer to that is… partly because I have done something also hurtful to you, aside from our exchange of heated words at the Netherfield library. I believe it is now my turn to ask for forgiveness.

He paused at this, his smile fading off of his face as he stood up from his seat.

Was it because she had taken so long to respond to him? If that was so, she need not worry for he understood that she needed space. He was not exactly a patient person when it came to her, but he would try his best to give her what she needed… even if that was some time away from him. But then again, something about the tone of the letter told him that it was not what he was thinking. This last thought caused him to start pacing.

You have probably stood up from your seat now, or if you are already standing, then you are now pacing anxiously for my next words, and I shall end the suspense.

Despite his agitation, he couldn't help but smile at her words. No doubt she would be laughing in amusement now if she could see him. The fact that she had predicted his actions made him smile. To him, it was only further proof that Elizabeth was the only one for him. However, upon reading the following sentences, his smile turned into a frown.

You see, my love, the night that I fled from the library... a woman found me and she claimed to know my mother.

He halted his steps. His mind thinking of a hundred different ways that Elizabeth could've been endangered but he forced himself to read on.

Now before I proceed with the story, do take a deep breath – for I am safe and unharmed – and calm your mind before it started thinking of the worse possible scenarios.

Once again, his frown turned into a small smile. Shaking his head, he took a deep breath just as she said, and tried to keep in mind that she was indeed safe and unarmed.

Naturally, I was frightened at first, but then, she told me that she knew of the hair comb and she showed me a frame and it matches the insignia found at the back of my hair comb. After that, she told me to pack my trunks and come with her as soon as possible. It was only then that I noticed that the coachman who drove me there was not under the Gardiners' employ.

Was this why she went to Bath? To hide from this woman who claimed to know her real family?

I am afraid, my Fitzwilliam, that I was not the wisest woman at the time and I easily complied with the woman's wishes.

He inhaled sharply at this. He couldn't believe that she would easily come to an unknown woman, whatever proofs said woman might have presented her. But then again, that had been a very emotional week for her already and their argument in the library definitely didn't help.

Since no other servant, except for my Abigail, was in the Dower House, my escape was easier. But before I could fully go – Alexa caught up with me.

So he had been lied to? Why didn't the Gardiners or Digby tell him about this? Did the Lucases also know? Unclenching his fist that wasn't holding the letter, Fitzwilliam took another deep breath.

Please do not be mad at her, dearest. You must know that her loyalty lies to me first and foremost.

He sighed knowing that she was right. Nonetheless, he was glad that Elizabeth had someone so loyal on her side.

That was why the Gardiners and Mrs Winters only found out the next morning after my departure that night. I am aware of your visits and I truly appreciate your efforts, Fitzwilliam. I am also sorry that I added to your worries, especially since your mother was also sick – I do hope she is feeling better now – but you must understand that I was desperate for escape at that time.

He shook his head when he found himself smiling at her concern for his mother. Oh, Elizabeth would be the death of him!

I understand if you are mad and disappointed at me – it was selfish of me to worry so many people, especially the Lucases and the Gardiners who took so many measures to ensure my safety and I threw it to their faces like nothing – but I promise not to act rashly like that ever again.

'I am not mad, my love,' he thought, 'worried yes and perhaps a little perturbed.'

Thank goodness that the Gardiners, Mrs Winters and the Lucases are very forgiving people and we are all on better terms now. However, I must admit, that the good outcome of my unthinking decision probably made it easier for them to forgive me.

And what good news is that, you ask, my darling?

He rolled his eyes at his own self when his smile turned into a grin at her new appellation for him.

Oh, good news is an understatement Fitzwilliam! I have found my family, at last! The lady who found me the night of the ball turned out to be my Godmother and she brought me to my family, my love! My parents are both alive and healthy and they are a love match! Most of all, they are looking for me and they love me! I could hardly believe it! Now, you are probably wondering: how do I know that they are telling the truth? Grandma Claire was right, dearest, I do look very much like my mother, but I have my father's eyes though. Oh, my love, they have been very kind to me and it feels wonderful to be wanted as a daughter.

Now, he was really grinning widely. He could hear her voice as if she was with him now. He could already see the sparkle in her eyes as she talked about her family. She'd also probably laugh from time to time and that charming smile of hers would be fixed on her face, making her all the more radiant. He was happy for her truly. She deserved this kind of happiness and more. Since they met again in Hertfordshire, he rarely saw this enthusiastic side of Elizabeth and it warmed him to see her so cheerful again like the beguiling unknown lady he had met in the Gardiners' Warehouse in London.

Despite this, he was still worried. Who were her parents? – not that it mattered to him for he would still marry her no matter what – but he wanted to know that she was in good hands and to know where she was residing. Was she in Warwickshire now, as the address in her letter implied?

I know you are full of questions, my love – you would not be my Fitzwilliam if you are not worried about every single thing about me right now – but I cannot tell you the particulars of my situation right now such as their names and the place I am right now for they believe I am still in danger. It is not that I do not trust you, dearest – you must know that I do; for I allowed you to take care of my heart, did I not? But as per my parents' request, I cannot tell you just yet.

Darcy groaned at himself. Only Elizabeth could make him switch from smiling to frowning over and over again. Despite her efforts to assure him, he still settled into a frown. For how could he smile when everything about her – from her family to her current whereabouts – was vague? And she was still in danger!

Oh, do not frown like that, sir, for you look less handsome with a frown and I will not concede.

Now that she pointed it out, he tried to turn his frown into a less severe expression.

Think of it as a punishment, since you planned to keep the information you know a secret from me.

He looked up at the ceiling with a sigh. He should've known she was going to use that against him.

I know 'tis unfair, my love. Now, you feel how I feel when I found out you were not being fully honest with me. However, since I truly do not want to keep this from you – tease you, yes but punish you, not so much (for as I have said before, we are both at fault) – please give me a month and a half.

Again, do not pout, Fitzwilliam.

He paused and looked at his reflection on the glass window. He was indeed pouting. As of now, he didn't know whether to be amused or annoyed at his betrothed's prediction. Who was he kidding? He was annoyed but at the situation.

What will people say when they see you pouting like a child to a piece of paper?

He could never be annoyed at Elizabeth's teasing, even if he did not like the fact that she was rubbing it in his face that she could predict him. No, Elizabeth had been in a sombre mood for so long that he was glad to see her like the lady he had been secretly meeting in London. Still, it would be better if he could see her like this in person.

A month and a half is less than the 'a month or so' that you are originally planning in keeping your secrets from me, Fitzwilliam. I just need enough time to get to know and settle with my family first before I can convince them to write to you and the Gardiners about my exact location and details about my family.

He sighed conceding to her point.

I just realised you cannot threaten my parents in getting their consent as you did with Mr Bennet, love. So yes, we have to comply with this for now. Also, I fear that if I told them of our engagement too soon, they'll not allow it. I have only been back with my family for less than a sennight and they might see my suitor as a threat to take me away.

At this, he slumped in his seat. He thought that only his father would need convincing – seeing as it seemed that he and his cousins had been wrong in their assumptions. According to Elizabeth, she was with both of her parents so his Uncle Lewis couldn't be her father. He knew that his Aunt Catherine was still somehow related to Elizabeth's past – the miniature of Claire Bennet said as much – and he was going to look further into it later.

Now, however, he let himself worry about the fact that he actually had to start from the beginning. He would need her real family's approval, so technically their engagement was not fully valid.

It would be favourable for us if they found out that their daughter's fiancé is a very patient and understanding man, is it not? I promise once we see each other that I will relate to you every single detail you wanted to know but I really do hope that you could wait for me and for the specific answers to your questions. For now, we will have to stick with exchanging missives through the help of my lady's maids and John Lucas (so please do not be mad at Alexa or she might just delay our only means of communication for now. I am not jesting.)

How are Anne and the Colonel? I hope they are in good health. I am thankful that Anne tried to convince you to tell the truth to me, even if it didn't end like she was expecting it. Speaking of health, please tell me that you are taking care of yourself, my love. Try to get enough sleep, eat well, and do not work yourself to exhaustion – as I heard from the Colonel that you are prone to doing just that.

He was smiling again before he knew it. But why would he not smile when his beloved had just bid him to take care of himself? She had also inquired about his cousins' well-being so he couldn't ask for a better fiancée.

I believe that it is almost time for dinner so I must end this letter now.

Though it was silly, he found his smile fading at this sentence. He wanted to hear more from her, especially since it's been more than a week since they parted.

I do promise to write again soon, though. I just realised that I have made so many promises in one single missive! Do not worry though, seeing as I will be promising myself to you soon, I will do my best to keep my word. And because I do not think it will cause any harm to add one more promise, I promise to think of you tonight – not that I needed to promise it to you, for you have always been on my mind since the day we met. It does not stop you from haunting my sleeping moments though.

'We are even, Elizabeth,' he thought, 'for you haunt me in my dreams too like you are doing now when I'm awake.'

Thoughts of you are truly selfish things, my love. I have to endure them both in my waking moments and my dreams. Still, I knew that nothing can compare with the real you – flaws and all. So really, it's a senseless promise. But what can my last promise be? Ah, I know! I shall strive to get you on my brothers' good side before they get to meet you in person.

I bid you good night, my love, until my next letter.

Your perfectly safe and teasing betrothed,

Elizabeth.

Darcy stared gobsmacked at the letter for a few seconds before shaking his head with a light chuckle. That was definitely one way to end her letter.

P.S. I know deception of any sort is abhorrent to you, dearest, but I also know that you still do such things if you think it best. So, will you use Alexa's name when writing to me directly? (Since having Alexa and John assist us might take more time to send and receive our letters). As you can see, I have used John Lucas' name and I tried to write the name and address as less masculine as I could master. My family let me have privacy with my correspondence but I want to tell them that I have a fiancé first before they found out about it by surprise through our letters.

He could see the credit in the idea. As long as there was constant and quick communication between them, he was alright with it. Besides, he wanted to get on her family's good side and surprises weren't good in this situation. It would be better if they found out the engagement through Elizabeth herself and not by accident.

P.P.S. Also, yes, I only told you about my brothers at the very end so I can be assured that you will write back as soon as you can for I know that you are eager to ask questions like how many brothers are there and how old are they. Worried now, are we?

He rolled his eyes. As if he wouldn't write back to her as soon as he could! And now that she mentioned it, he was starting to get worried. As a brother himself, and an elder one at that, he wasn't ready to see his little sister be courted, let alone get married – even though it would be a couple of years from now. What would her brothers think? Were they elder brothers or little brothers? Perhaps he could ask Alex and Tony for some advice. His cousins Richard and Henry would surely help too. With that thought, he allowed himself to relax.

P.P.P.S. Again, do not think about my brothers or my parents or me too much. You must get your sleep. You should take care of yourself so in case that they do not like my reports about you, they'll agree to give their only daughter (or sister, in the case of my brothers) to you because you are a very handsome man.

Though he already knew that he was blessed in his looks, being a younger copy of his father, he delighted in hearing it come from Elizabeth.

P.P.P.P.S. Yes, you are very handsome, my love, so wipe that ridiculous smile off of your good-looking face. Now, go to sleep or if you received this letter by day time then, do take a short break from work.

This time, he did not do what she told him to. Honestly, how did she expect him to stop smiling when she was complimenting his looks, being sweet to him and teasing him! He would, however, oblige to her second request and take a rest from working.

P.P.P.P.P.S. This is the last one, do not worry. I just wanted to say that… I love you, Fitzwilliam, and I miss you very much. Take care, my love.

Now, he was certain that nothing could wipe the ridiculous grin from his face. Tracing her treasured words with his fingers, he closed his eyes and pictured her smiling widely at him. After savouring the moment, he settled back on his chair and began writing his response.

More than a quarter of an hour later, he emerged from his study and gave the letter to one of the servants, asking them to send it in express. Then, he surprised his mother and sister in the music room who were embroidering and playing the pianoforte, respectively.

"Brother!" Georgiana exclaimed, pausing for a second at his sudden presence before continuing her playing. "I am glad that you finally left your study."

"As am I son," said her mother, "What a pleasant surprise."

He smiled at them in return. "A pleasant surprise, indeed," he echoed, though his sentiment was directed to Elizabeth's unexpected letter.

Realising that he was probably standing there by the entrance of the room like a fool preventing his lips to smile, he clamped his mouth shut and walked towards the shelf on the corner and picked up a book. He wasn't really interested in reading anything, his mind still stuck his betrothed's letter, but he couldn't let his family see him staring at nothing and grinning.

"I hope I am not disturbing you," he said before sitting on the chair diagonally across from his mother. "I thought that I should take a break and so I went here."

His mother dropped down the light green handkerchief she was embroidering and looked at him. "You know very well that your presence is always welcome with us, William. It is you who does not like being disturbed in your study."

"Do you have any song you wanted to hear, brother?"

He shook his head. "Play whatever you like, Georgie."

"I think I shall practice the new pieces I am learning, then. I hope you do not mind it being played over and over again."

"I do not mind it."

With that, Fitzwilliam pretended that he was very serious about his reading. However, not more than a minute later, once Georgiana finished rearranging the music sheets in front of her a familiar tune began playing. His head snapped up from the book to his sister immediately.

It was the same song Elizabeth had been singing when they first encountered each other in the rain a few months ago back in London.

And so, though his eyes were fixed on his sister, his mind was reliving the first time he and Elizabeth met, looking forward to their next reunion.

-p&p-

Her Grace, Anne Margaret Darcy, Duchess of Derbyshire, observed her beloved son's expression with slight amusement and no little wonder. For while William appeared to be watching Georgiana play at the pianoforte, it was obvious if one looked closely, that his thoughts were elsewhere. She, being fortunate enough to have a tight bond with her children despite being away from them for quite some time, had a definite guess about his son's suppressed joy.

Surely it could only come from his betrothed. She smiled at the thought. While she had yet to meet, let alone know the name of the lady who had captured her son's heart, she could tell from William's letter that he made a good choice for himself. Of course, she had been worried at first when her son confessed that the lady had no title, though she was glad to hear that she at least had some connexions and fortune.

It was not that Anne Darcy looked down on the people below her stations. She was just worried for the girl because being the wife of a Marquess – who was also a future Duke – was no easy task. In her opinion, a lady who came from a titled family would be able to ease into these duties better than those who did not. But as it was, she trusted her son's judgement, and from some of the couple's encounters that William shared with her, she could tell that while the lady was only a gentleman's daughter (which was a relief), said lady was intelligent and accomplished.

William was very particular in choosing the things he wanted – from books to clothing – her husband had made sure of it. Anne knew that the same thing applied in choosing a wife. So despite only knowing the littlest of details, Anne was prepared to assist the lady and train her properly in becoming William's wife. Of course, she would also make sure that the lady would be welcomed in the family, especially since it was a love match. Unpopular as it might be, it was what Anne had always wanted for her children.

George, her husband, would be harder to convince, she knew. Still, he loved her and their children very much and she was certain that he would give his blessings with enough amount of convincing. For her part, she was willing to use every method there was in helping her son be married to the bride of his choice including what her sister Catherine referred to as 'arts and allurements'. Or in this case, she could threaten George that she would not use her 'arts and allurements' on him.

Oh yes, that proved to be very effective for she had done the very thing to him a few months ago when she had been mad at him for thoroughly scolding Fitzwilliam for a circumstance that was not even their son's fault!

She focused her eyes back on embroidering a handkerchief with flower patterns for her newly returned Goddaughter to hide the anger in her expression as she recalled what happened. They were looking for possible companions for Georgiana – so even when the rest of the family were busy in fulfilling their duties, she would still be protected and well-cared for – and one of the applicants was a woman by the name of Mrs Younge.

Naturally, since the woman had good recommendations and background (and because nothing bad was found out when they investigated her) she was hired. It started going on well until that blasted boy, George Wickham, managed to persuade the woman in his scheme of kidnapping her precious daughter for ransom.

Since William was the one who hired Mrs Younge, her husband had laid the fault in their son's shoulders. As if William had control over the woman who would easily agree to that Wicked Wickham's schemes! William already felt responsible for what almost happened to Georgiana and George's harsh words didn't help either. She tried her best to comfort her son and told him that he wasn't at fault but he wouldn't listen. So, she suggested for him to stay in London while the rest of the family went to Scotland with the Leightons.

Oh, she had been so furious at George that time. She knew he had his own troubles to face, his own past hunting him, but for it to affect William so! No, she had had enough. If there was anyone who deserved all the happiness in the world, it would be her children. And so, she would support her son's decisions and would stand by William's side for it.

If worst comes to worst, she could threaten George with his harshness to William and guilt him into giving their son the blessing, or at the very least, permission, he so wanted. Hoping it would not come to that, Anne knew that she could also persuade Georgiana to use their 'puppy eyes' on her husband.

However, those were all last resorts, for she believed that William needed to stand up to his father in this matter. As much as she loved her husband and son, she believed that if the latter finally made his stand against the former, then their previous misunderstandings would start to get resolved. Perhaps it was the sign that George wanted from William, that he was his own man who was capable of making his own decisions.

Anne sighed and brought her attention back to the handkerchief in her hands. She was getting ahead of herself.

Hopefully, everything would work out soon.

-p&p-

Elizabeth smiled to herself as she twirled around the empty garden, looking up at the sky and welcoming the sunshine on her face. Her bonnet and gloves were long abandoned on the bench mere minutes after she arrived. She had missed going outside.

Granted, she had already explored a part of their family estate yesterday and the day prior to that. The next morning of her brother's arrival, after breaking their fast, her siblings offered to tour her in the gardens, the conservatory and the nearest paths she could take if she wanted to spend some time out of the manor. Yesterday, her brothers asked her if she could ride and when she told them that she could, all of them enjoyed some time riding outside.

Now, Elizabeth started missing her old habits and so, she decided to walk outside as soon as Chloe dressed her for the day. She inhaled happily, letting the smell of grass and earth engulfed her senses. She wondered what the garden would look like when it was springtime. Since winter was almost there, only a few blooms were present.

Meow.

The little sound brought her out of her musings and she eagerly looked around for the source. She hadn't seen a cat in so long and she was eager to find this one.

Meow.

She walked towards the corner where tall trees were surrounding the garden. When it meowed for the third time, Elizabeth looked up at one of the trees and confirmed its location. Determined to meet a furry companion, Elizabeth started climbing up until she reached the third branch, where the little creature was hiding.

"Aw," she couldn't help cooing upon seeing the little fellow. It was a little blue cat [1] with large yellow eyes that looked at her curiously. "Poor darling," she murmured, reaching out a hand to the small kitten, "do you want to come down?"

Elizabeth smiled when the chubby little dear responded by slowly walking towards her. Its grey fur was so soft against her hand that she couldn't resist cuddling the little one to her chest. "You are so adorable!" She said, rubbing its soft belly.

The irresistible darling only meowed in response, causing Elizabeth to laugh.

"Do you have a home? If not, I am afraid that I am tempted to keep you with me?"

Before it could reply, a voice calling Elizabeth's name from below them startled the poor kitten. She patted its head fondly. "Do not be afraid, it is only my brothers."

As soon as she said that, her elder brothers did enter the garden still shouting her name. "Isabel? Are you here?"

"Up here!" she called, waving at them cheerfully. Then, tucking the kitten on one arm, she expertly climbed down the tree to greet her brothers properly. However, once she saw the severe look on their faces, she was not exactly sure that they were happy to see her like she was to see them.


[1] The final distinct and foreign breed our character might encounter in 1800 London is the Chartreux cat – the 'blue cat'. It's so called because the fur is "grey ash, blackish-brown at the base, the coat is very dense of the sort which, when one sees the grey of the tips and the brown underlaying, the mixed colours make the appearance of the cat to be blue." – Josephus Flavius Martinet 1778