"Lady Catherine?" Anne asked quite bewildered by Darcy's sudden line of conversation. "Whatever do you mean Darcy? What has happened to mother?"

"I am afraid I do not know the particulars. All I know is Lady Catherine has fallen the entire length of the grand staircase. I do not wish to alarm you, but having just spoken with the messenger, I believe it would appear most urgent that you should return to Rosings. I think it best not to delay. I have already agreed that you may take my carriage for it is already outside waiting."

"Do you mean for us to believe a small trifling fall should render our most formidable aunt quite to her sick bed?" Richard mocked slightly. Darcy could be so serious and tediously droll at times. "Surely it can be not so urgent that delaying until morning would do any harm."

Darcy scowled at this cousin most severely. "Richard do be serious; do you think myself an alarmist? I would not have found Anne out so immediately if I did not believe the situation to be most severe indeed."

Anne stood quietly, paying little attention to the gentleman's disagreement, as her mind raced. Her mother had fallen? How could such a terrible thing occur? Oh, how awful that she should be so far away, her poor mother. She had been a most ungrateful retch of a daughter; why she had not even had the courage to send her mother a letter! She had tried to write her mother on many occasions but did not know what to say after such a disagreeable parting. Nor had her mother written to her. There had been no signs of forgiveness or the extension of an olive branch from such a lady.

"Darcy, I do believe I wish to leave for home immediately. Would you be so kind as to escort me? I do not wish to travel on my own."

"Of course, I was quite intent on doing just that. If you will give me but one moment, for I need to speak with Mr Bingley. I shall meet you in the foyer directly."

Anne nodded as he strode away in search of his friend. She turned to Richard, her face pale.

"If you would rather," he said softly taking hold of her elbow gently; "I would be more than willing to accompany you to Rosings. Anne, whatever you may believe, you must know I would do anything in my power to bring you comfort."

She looked up at him. His face seemed sincere and his look concerned. There was none of his well-worn bravado. Instead his face wore a sense of true genuine affection. It was an expression Anne had not felt him bestow upon her in a very long time.

"No, I do believe it is best if Darcy were to accompany me. He is always so well suited to matters such as these. I do believe I shall need his composure in order to hold my own."

It was not quite the answer Richard was hoping to receive, but seeing Anne's hollow expression and the worry in her amber eyes, truly did pull at his soul. As warped and twisted as his emotions may have become when presented with the workings of the world, the simple fact remained; he did love Anne. Whatever it was to love someone, his feelings towards Anne were as genuine as Richard was able to comprehend. As much as he wished her to comply willingly with his plans for their future, he did not wish to cause her any pain. He need not rush, for she would soon be safe at Rosings.

"I shall take you to meet Darcy," he simply replied, placing his arm under hers to lead her from the room.

Darcy was already in the foyer, walking back and forth impatiently, as a young maid stood holding Miss de Bourgh's wrap. Upon seeing them approach Darcy stopped pacing.

"Ah good, let us be on our way. Richard, I have spoken to Bingley. Would you please look after Georgiana for the foreseeable, at least until we know the circumstances? I shall send an instruction with news as soon as I am able."

"Of course, Fitz, anything you need." He turned to Anne, "I am at your service always. If you need anything, or indeed change your mind, I can be in Rosings Park with you in but a moment." He took her hand and kissed the back of it.

She gave him a small smile and turned to follow Darcy out onto the street and the awaiting carriage. She was just about to be handed up into her seat when suddenly she remembered.

"Oh Richard! I do need to ask something of you most urgently."

"Of course, Anne, what it is it?"

"Could you please find Lord Colville and tell him what has occurred? Apologise that I did not do so in person, but I am sure he will entirely understand under such circumstances. Could you ask him if he would please write to me directly? He should know the direction, but if you would be so kind as to remind him."

"Of, course," Richard replied flatly, "I shall do so without a moment's hesitation." He stood back as the carriage pulled away. He watched it until he was barely able to make out its silhouette against the darkness of the evening. Slowly he turned and made his way up the stairs back into Hart's, in search of Edward Colville.

They sat in silence for quite some time; Darcy was never one to make idle conversation and his cousin made no attempt to engage him at present. He looked across the carriage and studied her face. She was deep in thought. He was quite certain he could guess her feelings; a deep sense of parental guilt was a common worry the two of them greatly shared.

"Do not fret Anne, it was merely an accident. Do not for a moment read too much into the situation. It would have occurred regardless of you being present at the time or not."

She looked up at him, his observation on her train of thought was quite spot on. "I cannot help but think if I had been there this may not have happened. She is not a young woman Darcy."

"Yes, but she is as strong as an ox and three times more fierce. As Richard said, something so benign as a fall could not deter our aunt. I am sure the staff were just shocked and worried over such an event. I am sure they simply felt compelled to send for you. It would not do to not call upon the true mistress of Rosings Park immediately after such an incident."

"Yes, perhaps you are right. There is nothing neither of us can do until we reach home. Pray how long do you think until we arrive?"

"It is mostly good road between here and Kent. I would assume we shall be there around dawn. If I were you, I should try and rest awhile. Would you care for my coat?"

"No, I am quite the perfect temperature. The evening is warm and I find myself quite content. I am sorry that I have taken you away from London and poor Georgiana."

"I had planned to return to Pemberley for a meeting with my steward later this week; so, do not fret at my leaving London. You know I tire of the social scene quite easily. I shall stay at Rosings for as long as you wish my presence. I had invited Mr Bingley to join me on my return to Pemberley. When I leave Kent, I shall make my way to Pemberley from there; there is nothing of such dire importance that it cannot wait for my arrival. The plan is that Bingley shall join me on my return. I am sure one, or indeed both of his sister's, will have no issue in joining the party. I shall write to him directly and ask that they bring Georgiana home to Pemberley with them. I am sure Richard can keep a watchful eye over her until then."

"You are too hard on her sometimes. She is a young woman; she does not need your constant supervision Darcy. She would be quite fine left in London, send Mrs Annesley to stay with her at Grosvenor Street. She has a lifetime to be duty bound to a large estate in the country. I should know."

"Like all young woman she is too full of nonsense and open to suggestion. You will not sway me on this Anne, regardless of your personal views on the situation."

"My, are we not severe upon the female sex," Anne mocked trying to make light of Darcy's suddenly stern response.

"I have little reason to think otherwise."

"Then I pity you," she replied turning her face to the darkness of the window.

Richard scanned the room until he found Edward. He was amongst a small group which included Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley. He would give it to the latter, she was nothing if not determined. Her tenacious desire to gain stature within society really was something to be quite admired. There was nothing more useful than a woman driven by pure ambition.

He made his way across the room, greeting people as he went and nodding politely to those he crossed paths with. Thankfully the Carmichael's were not present this evening; the host not being quite up to the standard in which they entertained their social sphere. For this Richard was grateful. It seemed Annabelle was quite ready to be made an offer, or at least was under the impression that one would be made to her very soon. It would seem all he desired for his future stability was quite within his grasp. Lord Carmichael wished for a son in law of good breeding, but would not tolerate anyone who made his Barony seem anything but superior. Richards charm, and being the younger son of a well known bloodline and family seat suited this purpose entirely. Yet Richard was not quite ready to give up all thoughts of Anne and their possibility of a most advantageous union.

Anne already possessed Rosings Park. He had done little discrete enquiring of his own and had been surprised upon hea look ring the other properties and business adventures that were also in her name. He was almost certain he had not even uncovered them all! This made her a most wealthy woman indeed. There was of course no title carried with such a seat; but he could not deny the draw of having Anne as his own, was also a powerful inducement. The threat which Lord Colville clearly placed upon the situation only upped the anti. The more time he spent with Anne the more he appreciated her virtue and good sense. The more he saw her with Lord Colville, the more his competitive streak ached to be victorious.

Annabelle, though a sweet girl, was purely a union of convenience. To be rich and titled was quite the desirous combination, especially when this would then pass onto any of their offspring. Yet was this enough to make him happy? Seeing Anne with Edward in company only grated on his feelings and made him desire her more so. Was it simply that he did not like to be outdone?

He paused and observed Edward. It was not that he disliked the fellow. On the contrary he was excellent company, and a damn fine horseman. His close, rather unorthodox relationship with Anne however was an ever-growing concern. Yet despite their frequently being in one another's company, no understanding had seemed to have yet taken place. Though from their blatant improper closeness upon the dance floor earlier, Richard was confident it would not be long until an agreement was formally announced; from the gentleman anyway.

But did Anne really care for him no longer in favour of another? He had wronged her, he knew that now. He should have married her years ago, when both their hearts had been carefree and open to the affection of the other. Surely, she had not so forgotten him that the prospect of their union could not sway her to be his wife. She may have feelings towards Colville at present, but had she not loved him first? Surely he would win.

He made his way towards his rival.

"Ah Colville there you are old boy. Ladies I must apologise most profusely, for I must steal Lord Colville from you. It shall be but for short duration I assure you. Do not look so alarmed Miss Bingley. I am sure there are plenty young gentleman most eager for their share in your attentions. We cannot let Lord Colville monopolies your precious time and sweet smiles."

She scowled at him with such venom he could not help but laugh. Richard waited patiently as Colville made his apologises then headed towards the terrace, momentarily followed by the other gentleman.

"I believe you have done me quite a kindness. Miss Bingley is indeed a most attentive host." Edward smiled as he took in the warmth of the evening air.

"Yes, well as a matter of fact I do indeed wish to discuss a small matter with you."

"Oh," remarked Edward raising his brow. "Well after such a gallant rescue I am forever in your debt. Whatever I can help you with, be sure I am more than willing to oblige."

"I shall hold you to that promise," Richard replied as he led them further along the terrace to a much more secluded position. "I must ask you Colville, what are your intentions towards my cousin?"

Edward paused, surprised by such a direct question. It was not so much that the question itself shocked him, but by whom it had been asked.

"Your concern for you cousin is commendable, though I promise there is nothing untoward happening between myself and Miss de Bourgh. On the contrary, I am most desirous to make her my wife. If truth be told, I have every intention of asking for her hand this very evening."

"I am afraid that shall not be possible," Richard replied, doing all in his power to sound calm. "You see Anne is no longer present, nor is it likely she shall return to London for the foreseeable."

"What do you mean?" Edward demanded. "Is she alright? What do you mean she is no longer present? What in the devil do you mean sir, that she is gone?"

"My, temper temper, my Lordship. She has this very evening returned to Rosings. I suppose it is only fair that I should tell you." He paused, rather enjoying the look of worry across Colville's typically calm exterior. "I know, with some very good authority on the matter, that Miss de Bourgh will soon be Miss de Bourgh no longer."

"That is impossible," replied Edward his voice raising as his temper flared. "What is the meaning of this Fitzwilliam?"

"Call it a friendly piece of advice. Where the lady is concerned it would be best, for all interested parties, if you would simply leave matters well alone. Miss de Bourgh is promised to another."

"Ridiculous," Edward replied with feeling. "Why Anne has confided in me, on several occasions might I add, that she has no intention of ever marrying Mr Darcy. It is her mother who desires the union, not herself. You must know she told her mother she would not marry him this spring and came to London by way of escape of her displeasure? I know it all, for Anne and I have discussed such matters openly. I also know Darcy happens to agree. Her mother, you, nor any of her family, can insist upon a union which is so clearly unappealing to the lady. Do not tell me her mother intends to force her hand?"

"I would be most grateful, my Lord, if you would check your behaviour. Do not use my cousin's christen name quite so freely. You are, regardless of your fancy, not attached to my cousin."

"Richard you cannot be serious in such views. Surely not. I am astonished that you would be so foolish as to try and force such a notion. Miss de Bourgh does not care for the gentleman."

"And I suppose you believe that Anne cares for you?"

"Why as a matter of fact I do. I do not just believe it; I am most certain. Colonel Fitzwilliam I am in love with Anne. I shall do all in my power to make her happy. You cannot look at me with such severity when my intentions are entirely true. I shall make her an offer, with or without your blessing. If it is Mr Darcy's feelings you are concerned by; I am sure he would not stand in the way of his cousin's future happiness."

"I have warned you Colville. Stay away from Anne or you shall have me to deal with."

Edward stood, rather taken aback by the warning in Richard's tone of voice. Why was he being like this? He had known the gentleman socially for quite some time, he could not understand his behaviour at all, unless...

"It was you," Edward said suddenly as he recalled his previous conversations with Anne when their friendship first blossomed. "It was you of whom she spoke."

Richard visibly stiffened, his discomfort evident. "I do not know what you think you know of the matter..."

"You abandoned her," interrupted Edward his voice rising once more. "You made her love you then left her under the rule of her domineering mother. You broke her young heart and left her miserable. Why if it was not for the Dowager of Elgin bringing her north, who knows what the poor girl's fate would have been. Forced into a loveless marriage which neither party desired."

"Do not speak on matters that you can have no understanding in. My conduct has been my choice and my choice alone. The situation was not so simple, nor did I abandon her. I will not be chastised by someone so unconnected with me who knows nothing of the particulars."

"I know enough. It may surprise you Colonel Fitzwilliam, but my feelings for your cousin have been borne from a deep and highly respected friendship. The girl confided in me as a friend, long before I knew of my intentions. Your name had never been mentioned, but your behaviour confirms your involvement. You sir are no more than a cad. I will not be deterred by a man who could not see the value of the girl whose heart he had once captured."

"You think I do not value her? You know nothing of my situation, my reasons for what I do. I will not stand here and listen to such ridiculous claims, especially when I intend to put things right once and for all."

Edward paused. He looked at the determination upon the Colonel's face. "And pray, what do you intend to do?"

"I intend to take Miss de Bourgh as my wife."

Edward felt his chest tighten and his palms clench. "So that is your intention? To separate myself from your cousin so you may make her an offer? And pray Colonel, why now the sudden decision? Was it merely the fear that she may be happy with another? What makes you think she would even accept such an offer?"

"You said it yourself," replied Richard smugly, his confidence rising at Edwards lack of composure. "She loved me once, I am most confident she will do so again. We are family Lord Colville, you are not. Do not make yourself appear anymore ridiculous; why all of London ton can see how you have pursued my cousin all season. Yet there has been no understanding. The deed is done. She will never be your wife."

"What do you mean the deed is done? Where is Anne, I must speak with her?" Edward demanded his temper quite reaching its end.

"I have told you she has left for Rosings." He considered his position and decided to simply out manoeuvre the gentleman once and for all. "I did not wish to cause you any further discomfort this evening, but as you are so insistent, I shall tell you. I have already made Anne the offer of marriage, which she has accepted most whole heartedly; she left for Rosings immediately to inform of her mother of the happy news."

"That cannot be. When did this occur?"

"Earlier this evening, hence our late arrival. I would have thought she would have told such a dear friend her news. Though the lady was likely concerned over your reaction. She has told me on several occasions that your overly familiar attachment to herself can be slightly unwelcome."

"You are lying sir."

"On the contrary, it is quite the case. I would tell you to ask Darcy for clarification, but our dear cousin has kindly gone as Anne's chaperone to Rosings. So, you see Colville the deed is done. I shall be married to Anne by the end of the season."

Edward did not know what else could be said. She had left for Rosings Park without even telling him of her plans? Could it really be she had done so to avoid his reaction? That was not the Anne he knew. That was not the woman he had partnered on the dance floor. He looked across at Colonel Fitzwilliam, his smug face wore a most triumphant expression. How could Anne love such a man?

"Oh, I do have one more thing Colville for your attention. Upon her departure Anne did wish for me to give you a message. She asked me to tell you not to write her and that she hopes you will respect her wishes. Of course, at the time I found this an odd request but in light of our conversation, it seems exceedingly appropriate."

"I think this conversation has reached its end. I should say I wish you all the happiness in the world but I am neither a liar nor do I wish it." Edward turned and walked back inside leaving Richard on the terrace. Richard let out a sigh of relief, everything had come together quite perfectly. In but a few days he would leave for Rosings and ask Anne to be his wife. All thoughts of Annabelle were simply forgot, besting Colville was far more engaging.

Edward marched across the room, heading straight for the buildings exit. He needed time to think, time to process and understand what had just occurred. He was certain the situation was not what the Colonel described. There was something much greater afoot, he was certain of it. For heaven's sake he had held Anne in his arms; felt her shiver and seen the look upon her face as his own had been so close to hers. That was not the reaction of a woman newly engaged to another. Upon reaching the foyer he asked the attendant if Mr Darcy was still present to which he was informed the gentleman had already left.

Angry, but above all confused by the entire events of the evening; Edward left Hart's for home. He had no idea what to believe but he was most determined on one thing. He must speak to Anne.