Neither of the couples could be prepared for the revelations that were about to happen. As Elizabeth listened to Darcy's rebuttal to her accusations the night before; Anne and Richard were about to find out some news that would change everything for all involved.
As Darcy explained how he really did believe that Jane didn't love Bingley. He admitted that she obviously knew Jane better than he did and so she must be right. He assured her he would correct his mistake as soon as he could.
Then he told her about Wickham, asking her to keep silent about what he was going to tell her. He explained how George Wickham was the sin of his father's steward and a favorite of his father. When his father passed away he left the living at Kempton, but Wickham didn't want it and asked for the value of the living which he was given.
"How he lived after that I have no idea, then last April he approached my sister, Georgiana who was just 15. He convinced her that she was in love with him and he, her. He connived for her to run away with him to elope in Scotland." Darcy told her gravely.
Elizabeth paled as she heard this and gasped. She knew now that he was telling the truth because why would he make up such a story about his sister?
"Thankfully I had decided to surprise my sister and discovered his plan. My sister couldn't keep the news from her most beloved brother. Wickham of course was only after her fortune."
Tears pooled in Elizabeth's eyes, how could she be so wrong. "How is your sister doing now?" She croaked out.
Darcy sighed, "She seems to be doing some better, but I don't really know. She's very quiet and shy and she doesn't open up to me."
"Oh Mr. Darcy." Elizabeth whispered. "I'm so sorry. I don't know how I could have been so wrong."
Darcy shook his head, "I was wrong too. I don't know how I could have been so wrong about your sister."
Elizabeth shook her head unable to say anything else. Darcy sighed, "Let me escort you back to your friend's house."
The four young people, being far enough away from the house were unaware of the commotion going on up at the house, commotion that would change everything. Colonel Fitzwilliam's father, the Earl of Matlock, has made an unexpected arrival.
Lady DeBurg has her brother shown into her parlor. "Brother, what is it? Why have you come unannounced?" She questioned as soon as the pleasantries were out of the way.
"My dear sister all will be explained, but I must talk to Darcy and Richard," The Earl replied.
"I'm sure it can wait."
The Earl shook his head, "I am afraid not."
"Well it must be important for you to come in such a way." Lady DeBurg pursed her lips in disapproval. She rang for a servant and inquired of them, "Where are Darcy and Col. Fitzwilliam?"
"Your Ladyship, The young gentlemen were last seen on their way to the gardens."
The Earl bowed to his sister, "I beg you to excuse me. I need to go talk to him."
Lady DeBurg frowned but waved him on, not happy with his lack of manners and deferment to herself. The Earl strolled out of the house with an urgent and determined air. He came across Anne and his younger son first.
Richard stood up and addressed his Father surprised, "Sir? What are you doing here?"
Any other time the Earl would have reprimanded Richard for his lack of manners but this time he ignored it. "We have found your sister," he replied abruptly
Anne gasped, her long-lost cousin of 17 years found? "What about...?" She couldn't bring herself to name the other cousin, Darcy's sister who went missing at the same time.
"She has been found too," came the reply.
Richard sank into the garden bench besides Anne who grasped his arm. Richard places his hand on her arm, "How? Where?"
"I have received a letter from a Mr. Bennet of Longbourn." The Earl began not knowing that at that moment Elizabeth and Darcy rounded the corner on their way back to Charlotte's cottage.
Elizabeth stopped in her tracks as she overheard her father being mentioned by a man she didn't know. Mr. Darcy was obliged to stop as well.
The Earl continued speaking to Richard and Anne who were also unaware of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth being present. "He wrote to me telling me that he believes has our girls."
Elizabeth was confused, 'What were they talking about? What did it have to do with her father?"
Darcy's arm tightened on Elizabeth's arm as he heard his uncle's words. He was starting to realize just who his uncle was talking about.
"He wrote saying that his oldest two are adopted." Elizabeth gasped. "And he believes they are our girls.
Darcy looked down at her and saw his Elizabeth was shocked but did not seem at risk falling ill at the news. Darcy hadn't really thought about the implications of his uncle's words he was completely focused on Elizabeth. At the Earl's next words Elizabeth's Countenance changed though.
"Why did he write you now," Richard asked.
"Apparently he is ill and has been told that he only have a few months left. He wishes to get his affairs in order."
Elizabeth paled at the news, clutching Darcy's arm tight as her vision blurred and everything grew dark. Darcy