The storyline, new character development, new events, and new characters are my intellectual property. Glorioux

A/N Warning: The rating will change to M in the one of the next chapters. I will write warnings at the top. Thanks to the reviewers. No time to answer, dropbox keeps disappearing my files, and having to re-write :(.

Help Arrives

Lord Fitzgerald was back outside. He saw the knife display and knew that Bartlett was afraid. The Earl breathed in, experiencing well being when his son left, yet his face was hard. "William, tell me the truth did Bartlett kill my Richard, did he? If he did, I would end his sorry life with my own hands. I have my suspicions." His eyes were hard, Darcy had no doubt his uncle would follow thru with his threat.

"Uncle Gene, I don't know, I just don't. Uncle, there is something you must know, you always trusted my father, you said he was 'gifted' and the same with me. I felt Richard in Elizabeth's womb. It was him, ask my wife. He is here, tell my aunt, it brings me great joy. I cannot wait for his arrival."

His uncle's face shone with hope, "Are you sure?"

Since he was, Darcy nodded. His uncle hugged him and ran to tell his wife. They ordered to have a bottle of champagne brought up. Everyone believed Darcy, he never lied. They all had seen what he could do. His aunt wasn't bedridden because of him, but Bartlett had always despised him because his parents loved the younger of the male cousins so.

By night time, the house was happier. Elizabeth ate a decent meal for the first time. "If it is a boy, I like to call him Richard Bennet," she looked at Darcy, "I want the baby to be a Fitzwilliams, you said I could choose."

Darcy nodded, "Whatever is good for you, whatever my dear; of course, I think it is the right name." He had heard much about Bennet and wasn't too sure if he liked the name choice. The man sounded selfish, but if he hadn't been so, Lizzie would be long gone, Darcy was sure. He hadn't told anyone, but for a moment out there, he thought Lizzie's father was going to take her away.

A tall perch was brought for the hawk. The hawk took place on it as if it was a regular thing. Lizzie fed him a rare steak, which he accepted, but was looking at the chicken intently, so Lizzie obliged. The hawk also received other non-meat choices. Darcy and his uncle were confident this was no ordinary hawk. Both thought him someone disguised as a bird but said nothing aloud. Their suspicions were stronger, particularly, when the hawk wanted strawberry trifle. They decided to attach a dish to the perch to serve him a regular meal; mice were probably not a welcome menu item, they both agreed.

Jak was invited to dinner, he arrived a little late, carrying a bundle, "For you, my lady, a gift, to keep you company."

Elizabeth opened the bundle, a wriggling one. She opened it slowly, "A puppy," she held it to her face, Warrior whined not knowing why his mistress wanted another dog. The puppy licked her cheeks and tried her lips, "Pff, no, not my mouth."

Everyone was grinning, looking at Lizzie. Warrior put his paws on Lizzie to sniff the interloper. Warrior banged its tail, wondering what kind of puppy smelled like a human. The puppy smelled very familiar, very much so. Warrior barked, inviting the young dog to play.

The pup jumped, barked at Warrior, and they took off running around the table. Elizabeth smiled happily. She felt lighter after meeting her father, how she wished she could see him more. Many ideas were coming to her head. It was wonderful. Richard would have a chance to live, if it were true, what happiness.

As soon as Elizabeth was able to talk to her husband alone, she lowered her voice. "William, do you think that my mother is with my father, maybe he didn't want anybody to hear, he said to remember that."

"I thought the same, it is possible."

The puppy barked, like agreeing with Darcy. Later, when they all sat down, Warrior sat on the couch next to Elizabeth, with its head near her belly. Its master was there, it felt wonderful. The puppy, who everyone said was a wolf, sat on her other side, she was embroidering baby clothes. Not for long, the puppy pushed her hand until she petted it, then it relaxed.

Darcy told her, "I would happily trade places with either one," he waited for a response.

She smiled and blushed. It was a start, Darcy thought.

The next day Darcy received a letter from his good friend Charles Bingley. He needed his help and wanted to see him. Bingley wanted to buy an estate, Netherfield. His neighbors were the Bennet; in case he wasn't aware his cousin Richard was married to one of the daughters. He needed Darcy's advice since he didn't know much.

Darcy excused himself and said he wanted to go away for a few days.

"My dear, come with me," he told Elizabeth, who looked crestfallen. "Don't be upset, come, and you can see your sisters."

Richard's parents explained to him all about Mrs. Bennet. Additionally, they thought it unwise since Lizzie's pregnancy was too advanced. Particularly considering that the travel was rough, and it would last at least two days.

Elizabeth cried. She was desolate, "What if something should happen to William, or while he is gone, my uncle comes to take me." She didn't want more pain. She now wanted William with her, something was changing inside. What if he was also taken away, the idea scared her.

Darcy was uncertain what to do. He wanted to help Charles but didn't want Lizzie to be upset. She was right, Frederick could arrive; moreover, Bartlett wasn't gone. However, the length of the trip and the woman who had raised Lizzie sounded problematic.

That night Darcy stood outside. His duty was by Elizabeth. Thus, he was upset that he made her cry.

Jak just appeared from nowhere. "I am a relative of yours, a very close one. My sister was stolen over 120 of your years. Her child, and those from the line after her, all found untimely deaths, each one of them. They were killed the same, one of the ways we can be killed. Whoever killed them, knew how."

Darcy appraised him. Jak touched his forehead, ans a place like nothing he had seen before, a city hidden inside a forest. He saw a couple, a bit hazy, crying over the stolen child, a young boy stood by the father.

"My parents grieve still; maybe when they see you, the pain will ease as mine has. You have my sister in you. My heart rejoiced when I saw you. You should know I would give my life for you, it necessary. So you understand, our time moves differently, and we live a lot longer. When we found out you lived, we were hoping to find her, but she is long gone. Now, I am here to protect the lady and you. "

"Elizabeth's father said as much. It gladdens my heart to know I have another family. I have a young sister, she will be here in a month or so."

"A female? May I see her in your memories?" Jak waited.

"Can you do that?" Darcy would like to do the same. "Do it, her name is Georgiana."

Jak smiled after he lay his hand on Darcy's head, "Georgiana is from my family, I saw you as a boy. You are as well. Your sister is almost a copy of my mother. As for you, we looked a lot alike when you were a young one. I think it is your coloring what makes you look different. You and your sister will gladden my mother's heart. It will heal our sorrow."

Darcy nodded. Jak had never volunteered where did he come from, not what he was.

"We can go where you wish, but only travel with those who you trust. Maybe just the three of us. Come with me for a stroll." Jak took his arm.

Darcy nodded, interested, they went for a walk into the forest. Both could see in the dark, so it wasn't a problem. Jak did something with his wrist and pointed in front of them. A clear path appeared, they stepped on it, and walked on the narrow road for a couple of minutes,

Soon, they were in front of a large manor. They were in Kent, "We are at Aunt Catherine, how?" Darcy's voice filled with wonderment.

Jak shrugged, "Passages, let's go back. You'll learn. You should go to see your friend, she can use the change, but only for a few days. Wait." Jak passed his hand over his face.

Jak now looked more like Lizzie's father. His features narrowed, somewhat changed. He pulled a mirror out. He passed his hand over Darcy's face, "Look," Darcy was taken by surprise. He looked like Jak, his eyes, his coloring, "Why?"

"You are like us, but whoever hid my sister's nature she was abandoned. It is best if you stay hidden until you are ready. Don't worry, you are back to yourself. Now, you know. You might feel human, but you are only marginally human. Our nature is predominant. You must be ready to leave this world eventually. In here, you are in danger, constantly. Unless you are murdered, you will live hundreds of human years."

Darcy was speechless. "How can I die?"

"You have two hearts, stop both of them, and destroy your organs with a special poison; not easy, but possible. Most of our bodies regenerate. Let's go back, William, my loved nephew." He retook Darcy's arm.

With much reluctance, his uncle allowed Elizabeth to go with him. William promised to be gone for only the minimum amount of days possible.

"I cannot explain how we will travel. But be certain that it will only take us the blink of an eye. By now, you must have figured that Elizabeth is different. Trust me, everything will be fine. We will take the puppy; Warrior and I guess the hawk will also come along."

His aunt was worried, "Keep the nasty woman away from Lizzie." His aunt told him all about Mrs. Bennet.

They sent an express. William wrote to Charles that they were leaving right away, but in reality, they wouldn't leave until a few days later. They decided Jak would drive the carriage. In the carriage, Darcy told his wife, "My dear, we will be there in minutes, but we need to say to them that we had been on the road for two days."

Netherfield

Charles saw the carriage approach, he ran down to meet them. His sisters and Mr. Hurst also came out with him. The news of his marriage had reached Charles, but the others had not yet heard. Charles knew, but he hadn't shared.

When the sisters saw Mr. Darcy descend the carriage, they squealed in delight, "Mr. Darcy."

He was followed by a rambunctious puppy, that resembled a wolf pup and a more dignified Warrior. Darcy had not even greeted anyone when he turned around to help one more passenger. At the same time, the tall and somber Jak descended to help.

Elizabeth, already big with child, was a scandalous view, in the sisters' opinion. Elizabeth carried a large hawk on her arm, when she came out, helped by both Darcy and Jak; and she was immediately surrounded by the dogs.

Hurst, in his drunken stupor, made an untimely comment, "My, my, Darcy, comes married to a Fae princess. Not fair, I a mere common mortal, marry a shrew, and he gets the princess, with child, may I add; a princess and a child. It is unfair, Darcy is always the fair child."

Charles broke out in a guffaw, "William, my man, what a surprise. You said she was beautiful, but you came short, Reginald is right, always the lucky one."

Darcy went to his friend, and they greeted effusively.

Elizabeth stayed back, holding Jak's arm for support, which the sisters condemned on sight. Caroline's face soured. Two handsome men at her beck and call?

The puppy and Warrior took an immediate dislike to Miss Caroline Bingley, whose animosity was apparent.

"Lady Darcy, my cousin Richard's widow." Darcy introduced her around. He was obviously besotted with his wife; a fact that angered Caroline.

Carolyn whispered, "Who does she think she is, the fat peasant?"

The wolf puppy grabbed the hem of Caroline's gown, growling, and pulled hard. She started screaming on cue. Hurst, who had decided to behave like an idiot, sat on the steps to laugh non-stop. "Good fellow, I wish I had the valor to tear up that gaudy orange confection, a poorly wrapped bon-bon, nasty at that."

Jak grinned; Darcy's heart lifted to see Elizabeth giggling. Richard had written his Lizzie was naughty and had a sense of humor, she did. Her laughter made him hope.

Luisa ran to assist her sister since the puppy had left Caroline's legs partly bare.

"That rabid beast needs to be drowned," Caroline demanded.

"Touch my dog, and you will no like it." Elizabeth stood defiant, she looked like an affronted princess; she called her puppy, "Thor come here that was a naughty pup." Warrior licked the puppy when Thor ran to Elizabeth. Warrior liked the strange puppy, who might not be one.

Charles was the first to observe that the trees were filled with birds, a strange occurrence in late fall.

"Our lady has a following," he pointed at the birds, maybe unwisely, "Caroline be a good sport, Darcy, do come in."

"I will pay for your gown," Darcy offered.

Hurst refused to back down, it would seem this was his emancipation day, and he was embracing it. "Darcy, heed my counsel. Don't throw good money after bad one, best to donate the money in the Sunday offering."

Louisa threw him a poisonous look.

Darcy and Jak had agreed to the next words, "Charles, this is Jak Silver, my cousin. John Coachman took ill along with the footman on the way here. Jak volunteered to drive the coach. He is from the continent, a noble from Prussia. I would like his room to be next to ours."

Bingley agreed. Jak looked at the sisters, his eyes were hard when Caroline tried to smile. He offered his hand to Hurst. "Here, let me help you."

Hurst smiled; he liked this somber fellow. When he took Jak's hand to stand up, he was swaying, but not for long. Hurst felt totally sober and rather well. Hurst decided this was not the time to tell anyone. He looked at the sun and turned to face Lizzie. "Mrs. Darcy, please allow me to walk your dogs, I am rather fond of them, but my lady wife, forget it. May I?"

Elizabeth grinned, "I would like to join you, a leg stretch is what I need. Mr. Darcy can talk to Mr. Bingley in the meantime."

Louisa said, "I don't want to walk, it is too chilly; let's go inside. It cannot be good for Mrs. Darcy."

Hurst answered, "As you wish."

With Louisa's last remark ignored, Jak asked, "My Lady Darcy, do you mind if I join you, I could use the walk."

Caroline and Luisa were fuming; they disliked Elizabeth, and Darcy and Charles were already going inside the house while footmen emptied the carriage. They were being ignored by everyone.

The walking group left, with the hawk flying right behind them, "She is a witch, that is what she is." Caroline said nastily, staring at them, maybe the neighbor was right, "A changeling, probably a goblin." Her words were duly noticed by more than one.