A/N: Quite a few positive and negative comments about the split nature of the story. I won't argue with either one. All I will say is that it's by design. The disorientation you feel when you switch between red and green is part of the experience. You can decide whether it's a feature or a bug, but it is deliberate. Of course, I'm a software guy, and sometimes we fall back on the 'by design' argument just because we designed it that way because we couldn't think of anything better ;)

At any rate, I did the split for a specific reason that I'll tell you what it is when it's done, in what we call a port‑mortem. I am trying to settle into a rhythm of mostly 2 chapters between switches, but each chapter is a scene and a scene is as long as it needs to be.

A small note - the HMS Manilla did in fact go down on that date, and I used the real captain's name. I didn't know about the "Gunboat War". It's fascinating. It was basically an early version of PT Boat or Liberty Ship warfare from WWII (and Sherman tanks for that matter) - lots of small, cheap, fast attack boats that could be taken out with a single lucky shot, but effective in their own way by sheer force of numbers.

In case it wasn't clear, Darcy was not on it when it went down. That would kind of put a damper on the red thread, so I updated the last sentence to clear it up.

If you are having trouble following, I made a cheat sheet that you can refer to. It's at the bottom of this page, so if you're lost, scroll to the bottom.

Wade


Much to her surprise, Mr. Darcy left his chair, covered the distance to her own, and kissed her lightly on the forehead. It was not the worst experience in the world. He then got up, and much to her surprise, left the room. She sat there in confusion for a moment, until he returned, looking just as he had when he left.

He walked over to her. "I hope you do not object to a self‑introduction, since we have no common acquaintances. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, at your service, madam," followed by a bow fit for a queen.

Laughing slightly, Elizabeth gave her own matching curtsy. "I do not object, Good Sir. Propriety is satisfied. Elizabeth …"

And she paused in confusion a moment, then finally gave a big smile as if meeting a handsome man for the first time, (which, come to think of, she was). "Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy. I am very pleased to meet you."

Decisions - Green


GREEN

Darcy smiled. "It is my greatest privilege to meet you, Mrs. Darcy."

Elizabeth laughed. "There is no need to overdo it, Mr. Darcy."

Darcy paused a moment, looked carefully. "In this case, I am not overstating my position. I believe –"

He paused to get his bearings, so Elizabeth helpfully said, "What do you believe, Mr. Darcy?"

"I do not know if it is faith or belief, or if there is really any difference between the two; but I believe that statement will turn out to be the literal truth at some point. I do not know how or when, but I do think the two of us will get on very well eventually."

Elizabeth thought about it for a moment, but it turned out her husband was not quite finished.

"It may seem impossible for you to believe right now, and I certainly do not blame your skepticism. From your point of view, I must appear to be a beast, but I …"

Elizabeth leaned forward, listening intently.

He finally continued, "… I think when you truly understand me, and I truly understand you – that we will find ourselves far more compatible than you might reasonably credit."

Elizabeth arched an eyebrow. "Not 'we might reasonably credit', Mr. Darcy?"

He stared intently. "No, I already believe we will do well if I can dig myself out of this hole. Once the scales were removed from my eyes, I – well – I cannot say that I 'know' you at all – but I believe that the attraction I felt towards you was my better self, trying his best to beat some sense into me."

Elizabeth chuckled. "I would not have believed you had a sense of humor, Mr. Darcy, but evidence suggests you just might."

He frowned. "I do have one, but I think the only people who really know are those I have let my guard down around. That mostly amounts to Bingley, my cousin Richard, who is by the way, the reason for my hasty departure, and a few friends. Certainly, no marriageable women."

Elizabeth frowned slightly. "I believe we may explore that topic later, but are you saying that I am to be let into your humorous tendencies because I am no longer marriageable?"

"Yes – perhaps you still somewhat cling to the idea of possible escape of some sort, and …"

Elizabeth stared at him for a moment while he appeared to be both deep in thought and grinding his teeth. She thought to suggest he stop, but then decided he was well past the age where he needed mothering, but not yet to the point where he needed wifing, if that was even a word.

Darcy finally blew out a breath to continue. "… As we both said a few minutes ago, we will TRY, and we will give it our all. But, before we do, let me make two things clear, if I may."

Elizabeth bowed nervously. "You are starting to sound frightening, Mr. Darcy."

"I am trying not to. The first is that I will give it my all, but I am unaccustomed to being open about my business. I may need some gentle prodding or digging from time to time."

She smiled. "Or not so gentle?"

"If that is what it takes. I hope to do better. I am learning, but the process is far from over."

"And the second thing?"

Darcy closed his eyes in concentration, and finally said, "There are certain acts married couples do that are more irrevocable than others. They are euphemistically called 'marital duties', though I must say I hate the term. They should not be 'duties', but pleasures, shared between two fully aware adults."

Elizabeth blushed scarlet. Even thought she was now a married woman and expected to not only be able to discuss such things, but to participate in them. She had, however, been a maiden a few hours earlier, so it was very difficult, especially with a man with whom her relationship was so fraught.

Darcy continued, speaking quickly as if he was trying to get the words out while his courage held. "Let me make you a promise. I will not impose such 'duties' on you until you ask. I know this is unconventional, to say the least, but I am not in the least interested in an unwilling or even reluctant participant."

Elizabeth's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "That is …"

She trailed off in thought, gave it more consideration, and finally said, "… That is either very generous or very unfair of you to put the burden of decision on my shoulders, Mr. Darcy – but I shall endeavor to see it as kindness. I will admit to having had some trepidation. How shall I let you know when I am eventually ready?"

"I have no idea. I suppose saying it outright might be difficult. I know that in your position it would be for me. Perhaps, when we get closer to being ready for that, we will know each other better and a subtle hint will be enough."

Elizabeth laughed a bit nervously. "Bullfighters in Spain wave a red cape, I am told. Perhaps if I wear a red scarf, that will do?"

Darcy laughed. "That will do nicely."

Feeling as if they had just run a couple of miles, Elizabeth asked, "So – what next?"

"I still have a schedule to keep, I am afraid. My business is not worth the destruction of our marriage, but it is important."

"Are you willing to tell me what this business is, in some detail?"

Darcy looked carefully. "Why do I think the answer to that question might direct the rest of my life?"

Elizabeth stared at him for some time and started to speak two or three times, while Darcy at least had the courtesy to allow her to answer.

Finally, she said, "Probably because it does. You just made a promise, and that is your first chance to prove it. Think about it, Mr. Darcy. About one in one hundred births result in the death of the mother. Most women want three to five children, so we face around a three percent chance of death when we say our vows. I will assert that with those kinds of odds, we should be treated as something more than emptyheaded fools who should do whatever their husband says without knowing what is happening around them."

To his credit, Darcy did not hesitate. "You are correct. We both just agreed to try to make a go of it, and you are only asking for the most basic consideration. I have no objection to telling you."

Elizabeth waited for him to continue, saying only. "Thank you. I suppose you passed the first test."

Darcy raised his eyebrows. "First of how many?"

She chuckled a bit. "However many it takes."

Darcy laughed along with her, although he was not at all certain if she was in jest or serious. He thought it would behoove him to get to know his wife a bit better before he started making assumptions.

"As you surmised, I have a ship at around eight o'clock in the morning. I have some time to discuss it, but not all night."

Elizabeth paused in thought for a moment in thought, before finally replying, "Since I steadfastly refuse to go to Pemberley alone, I suppose we may as well get in the coach and move towards London, since that is where we are going anyway. We will have several hours to discuss it on the way."

Darcy kind of liked the way she just gave him instruction in the form of plainly stated facts that nobody of any sense could argue with, or at least, that was obviously how she saw them. He had no objections to it, and for the first time in his life, thought that he might actually have someone to help carry some of his burdens.

"In what was either a lapse in memory, or more likely a bit of unwarranted vindictiveness, I did not engage a lady's maid for you."

"Mr. Darcy, during my attempted escape, I had an eleven-year-old girl help me undress, and she was entirely up to the task. I do not require a lady's maid at the moment."

"But this moment will not last forever. Is it your intention to stay in London?"

"My intention is to go wherever I determine has the best chance of making an effort to either make this marriage either succeed or fail faster."

Darcy thought the last half of that sentence should have made him burn with anger, but it really only filled him with shame, that even after all that had been said, his wife did not have any more faith in the outcome than she did. However, she was as she had asserted, a 'rational creature' and he thought he had better start treating her like one.

"Let us discuss that after you know where I am going, but just for the moment, and hear me out, suppose I do sail away for some time. Would you be more comfortable in London or Pemberley?"

Elizabeth was happy he was starting to ask her opinion, and doubly happy that he seemed to be taking her warnings seriously.

"Yes. I have family I have not abandoned in London, and even though I might be more visible, I believe staying in London would cause less gossip so long as I remain visible and act as if nothing is wrong with my marriage. Marriages of convenience are common in your circles, so I do not think it will be challenged overmuch."

Darcy thought it best not to challenge the 'act as if' part of that tirade. "If you intend to stay in London, we will need to engage a lady's maid for you."

Elizabeth, feeling somewhat feisty, said, "Oh, that is not necessary. I already have one. Send your other coach to Pemberley with instructions to bring back Molly Hatcher. Search the kitchen, as she should be the newest maid in your employ. She will do nicely."

Darcy laughed a bit. "You do realize that maid to the mistress of the house is the second highest maid's position in the house, so you will be elevating Miss – what was it, 'Hatcher' – from the lowest position to the highest?"

"Of course. I am the daughter of the most indolent squire in England, but I am the daughter of a gentleman and landowner. I know how estates work."

Darcy just shook his head but decided this was one battle he would just concede, since, to be honest, he had not the slightest idea what a lady's maid did. He had always assumed that his wife would need a maid with knowledge of how to dress and move in society. However, underestimating her knowledge and intelligence had been a consistent error, so he thought he should abandon that line of reasoning and leave all mistress' matters to the mistress.

"I assume you know what you are doing, so I will do as you suggest. The housekeeper can help you or assign one of the upstairs maids in the interim. It might be best if we put it about that you brought her with you from your old life, somehow."

Elizabeth shrugged. "Yes, that seems best. We do not need jealousy in the ranks, and it is somewhat true. She has been to Longbourn. I need someone I can trust, and she is the only one in Derbyshire I know."

Darcy thought it more likely she wanted someone with loyalty to her first and Pemberley second, but thought it would be best not to argue the point. If he could not trust the mistress of the house to hire her own maid, how could he trust her to raise his children. He briefly wondered how his wife ended up knowing a maid in Pemberley personally, but thought it was a mystery that could well wait.

He walked out into the common room where his coachmen were waiting. He instructed one of them to fetch Miss Hatcher from Pemberley and bring her to London with alacrity but without panic, and the other to prepare his own coach. It would take a few days, but the mistress had several months to be in London, without very much in the say of social engagements, so there was plenty of time.

That done, he returned to the dining room and said, "Your maid should be in London in about three days. For the moment, I would suggest we start that way ourselves. We can continue our discussion in the coach.

"That seems reasonable. Shall we?"

Quite deliberately, Elizabeth walked over to her husband and reached for his arm. She assumed he would ordinarily offer it, but they were on such fragile terms, she wanted to let him know that she was not afraid of him, and that she wanted to start showing the world that they could get through a day without murdering each other.

Darcy smiled and offered his arm, saying, "Your carriage awaits you my lady," in the hope that the 'my lady' part might one day transform from the figurative to the literal.

.

.

.

.


Cheat Sheet, if you're having trouble following

Stories diverge when Green Darcy's departure from Hatfield is delayed by half a minute.

Red (Dark Thread)

· Elizabeth shouts "Fair Warning" to Darcy's coach, but nobody hears it

· She befriends the coachman and grooms, and goes towards Pemberley

· She fakes being in mourning by dying her day dresses and mobcap to try to be less humiliated by being alone at Pemberley and not making calls

· She finds the butler and housekeeper befuddled by Darcy's instructions, and slightly nervous in their approach to her

· She decides to hunker down and not make a lot of waves. She redecorates her horrid chambers by swapping furniture with another room. She says she'll eat what the servants eat, which is probably counterproductive, but she can't stand the idea of formally dining alone for several hours each day

· She engages Molly Hatcher as a pseudo-lady's maid, since Mr. Darcy did not provide one.

· Finds the steward Mr. Knight knows more than he should and is both dismissive and insulting

· Darcy heads off to France, still ill. He starts to realize he's in the wrong. Writes a couple letters, but they never arrive.

· Elizabeth settles in to wait and see what happens.

· She visits Lambton frequently, and further befriends Mr. Bartlet at the bookstore

Green (Lighter Thread)

· Elizabeth shouts "Fair Warning" to Darcy's coach. He hears, and comes back to confront her

· They have it out right there in the inn at Hatfield and come to a better understanding. Still don't like each other much but agree to give it a real try.

· Elizabeth tells him the truth about the compromise and her attempts to escape

· They agree to TRY to make a marriage out of the mess

· At Elizabeth's suggestion, Darcy sends the coach to Pemberley to bring Molly to London

· Elizabeth and Darcy head to London. Darcy is expected to explain his mysterious business on the way.