AN: I am sorry to say that I might have been exercising Mr. Bennet's procrastination, as one reviewer accused me of. Sadly, life just does not stop for my passionate endeavors. I hope you enjoy!

Summary: All our favorite characters are in town. Lady Matlock is ready to jump into the merriment. Georgiana has yet to answer for her trip and the brides are not excited about the endless fittings that await them.

Ch. 12

Elizabeth and Jane stayed in their usual room at the Gardiner's house. It was a comfortable and familiar room with two matching beds and a chaise in a corner. The girls were already in their night wear, propped up in their beds talking, when Mrs. Gardiner knocked on the door.

She entered when Elizabeth called to her, and walked around to sit at the foot of Jane's bed. "Girls, I am so happy that you are here."

Elizabeth teased her, "You already said that, Aunt Maddy." Elizabeth had expected her favorite Aunt to join them for their nightly talk.

"Well it is no less true. I am ecstatic that you will both be as happy as you deserve and I am near to bursting to assist with your wedding plans. Now you must tell me everything that has happened."

"Well…" Elizabeth began starting from the time she had with Mr. Darcy at Rosings, to Jane's surprise. Although she did not relate the particulars of Mr. Darcy's first proposal, she said that they were regularly together in company and had a confrontation about Mr. Bingley's desertion of Hertfordshire.

The story unfolded over the next hour with Jane and Elizabeth trading narratives and adding to the story of what brought about the betrothal of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. Mrs. Gardiner asked questions to prompt descriptions of sentiments. Jane said that once she accepted Mr. Bingley's proposal, they had speculated whether Lizzy and Mr. Darcy would find romance together, but Bingley had dismissed the subject as wishful thinking.

When Mrs. Gardiner was satisfied that her nieces would be the happiest of creatures, she kissed each on the forehead and left them to their dreams.

P&P

During the night, Georgiana had time to ponder on her decisions. She in no way wished to rescind her actions, especially when the two people she most wanted to be near were close-at-hand and near to numerous diversions and shops. It seemed to her that providence smiled and fondly encouraged her deeds, all the while shaking its head and daring her to follow her heart.

She felt as though she was just getting to know herself. After all, who was she? A motherless, accomplished young lady with all the advantages of wealth—a social label should not be a factor of deciding who she was, or what she wanted other people to see in her. A family name and history did not define a person's true worth. Her brother had proven that to be fact with his declaration of love to a country lady of little means.

She harbored no remorse and only wished she had been able to save her brother from the worry or annoyance he undoubtedly felt. Fitzwilliam was very dear to her. Georgiana had keenly understood the sacrifices he had made for her since the death of their father during the summer after he graduated from the university. She wanted him to know that she was no longer in need of care; his concern should be for Elizabeth and Pemberley. She longed for his happiness above all, which is what had prompted her to journey from Derbyshire.

He would never disregard her as a responsibility, she would have to prove herself to be self-sufficient, and therefore worthy of his trust. She felt an inkling of fear before she discounted it as unimportant.

She nodded to herself in the mirror once she was ready to join Fitzwilliam in the breakfast room. Georgiana took a breath and opened the door ready to start her day.

Fitzwilliam was waiting for her as she suspected that he would be. She found him seated at the head of the small table reading the paper while drumming his fingers impatiently next to a steaming cup and saucer. When she came near her seat to his right, he folded the paper and placed it on the table so he could study her with a carefully blank, inquisitive expression.

Georgiana was not fooled by Fitzwilliam's curious and calm mien. She had decided to adopt a manner of nonchalance and go about her morning as if she had no one to answer to. Her demeanor was decidedly cheerful as she poured a cup of tea, gratefully accepted an egg from a servant, and dished a spoonful of preserves onto her scone. Just as Fitzwilliam opened his mouth to speak, Georgiana said, "It looks like winter is setting in. I am sure that the day will be a little chilly. Mr. Bingley is here, is he not? A pity he could not join us to break the fast." She then took a dainty bite while looking forward out the window.

Fitzwilliam was baffled. He had never discerned this facet of Georgiana's character before, had never been blatantly ignored by her before. What could she possibly mean by it? He had decided not to be harsh with her—he was naturally happy that she was there, able to take part in activities and share his joy. However, she had to account for her impetuous behavior. It was his duty as her guardian and closest relation to check her actions and teach her what was right. Right?

"Georgiana, why are you in London?"

She took a moment to chew her food and wipe her lips with a cloth. "What do you mean? I imagine that I am here for the same reason you are. Why are you here?" But before he could answer, she continued, "It is no matter. I am glad I came here straightaway rather than traveling directly to Hertfordshire. It would have been terribly disappointing if you were not there when I had traveled all that distance to be with you and Miss Elizabeth. How is she?"

"She is well. I am still waiting for the answer to my question. Allow me to rephrase, why did you travel alone to London?"

"Oh good! I am so excited to be with her. What time will you be going to see her today?"

He waited, but she was not inclined to speak more. She just ate her food and stared at him waiting on an answer. He sighed, "Later in the afternoon. I have matters that need to be addressed. Like my question."

That won him a chuckle and a smile. "Fitzwilliam, I am in no mood to argue with you. Geoffrey could not come to me for a fortnight and that was unacceptable to me. I did not travel alone, I had Mrs. Annesley with me after all, and did you not hire her for that reason? I traveled with an additional footman—I am surprised that Geoff did not tell you." She watched his frown grow and interrupted what he was about to say yet again. "Need I remind you that you are not the only Darcy in the room? I am quite capable of being as stubborn as you are."

"I see," he said, while scowling at her.

"Now, I suppose I must thank you for such an interesting conversation. I think I will go play for a while. Mr. Bingley won't be making you wait that much longer for his company, I expect." She pushed her chair from the table and would have left the room had Darcy not reached over and caught her hand.

"Georgie, I am happy to see you. I have missed you. I am not terribly mad. However, I do not like the deceit, and I shall not tolerate it. If I have to spend the time I planned for a wedding trip at Pemberley to watch over you, I will."

Fitzwilliam was astonished when Georgiana's countenance softened and she leaned down to bestow a kiss on his brow. "Dear William, I am glad to be with you as well. I do love you and was not deliberately deceitful. As much as I appreciate your warning, I must warn you that I shall not allow you to postpone a trip with your bride to babysit me. I am perfectly capable of seeing to my own needs. You should save your threats for your own children." She smiled, squeezed his hand, and then left the room.

He could do nothing but stare after her retreating form. What was he to do with the impetuous (yea, impertinent!) sprite she was becoming?

P&P

A little over an hour had passed when Georgiana left her pianoforte. She knew her brother was in his study with Mr. Bingley and had errands to see to before going to the Gardiner's—without her.

She delighted in her intrigue; her blue eyes glittered as she encouraged Mrs. Annesley to visit her sister and ordered a carriage. Mrs. Annesley eyed her but accepted a ride to her sister's home near Cheapside and understood that the home of the Gardiners was close by. The only way Emma would agree to Georgiana's scheme, was if the carriage left the girl with her future sister before taking her to the home of her relations. Georgiana agreed and so the ladies set out after informing the housekeeper that they would return at a reasonable time.

Before the Darcy carriage pulled up to the Gardiner's residence, Emma asked her charge about her intentions. "Miss Darcy, although I am impressed with your energy, I would be amiss if I were not to caution you. Do not test your brother's patience so. You should have discussed your plans with him before we left."

Georgiana only smiled. "I talked to him this morning. I truly have no intention of testing him; he is occupied with other matters, after all. It is time for him to allow me to make my own decisions."

Emma was unhappy with that answer. She watched as Miss Darcy entered the house on Gracechurch Street and shook her head before telling the driver the address of her destination.

Georgiana was invited into the house and doffed her coat and gloves before following the housekeeper to the parlor. Jane and Elizabeth were playing a card game with the three younger Gardiner children while the eldest played on the harpsichord. Jane and Elizabeth stood up when Georgiana was announced and they curtseyed to each other.

Elizabeth gave Georgiana a warm, genuine smile and stepped forward to take her hands. "Miss Darcy, I am pleasantly surprised! You look wonderful. How are you?"

"I am very well. Please, no more 'Miss Darcy' nonsense. I refuse to be called anything other than 'Georgiana' or 'Georgie' from my future sister."

Elizabeth laughed. "Very well, I shall call you by your given name and you shall call me by mine. Let me introduce you to my family." Jane was introduced to Miss Darcy and just as the children were being introduced, another bell sounded.

Mrs. Gardiner came into the room as the door was opened again, "Goodness, it seems that the fun is about to begin." She was introduced to Georgiana just before the housekeeper came in.

"Excuse me, Madam. The couturier has arrived with several assistants and items, where would you like Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth to be fitted?"

Mrs. Gardiner nodded, "Thank you, Diana. They are earlier than I anticipated. Show them to the sitting room upstairs, it is large enough. We will be up directly." Then she turned to occupants of the room. "Ellie, Sally, Michael, Ben, it is good that you spent time with your cousins this morning. I fear they might be busy the rest of the day. Please clean up and return to the nursery, I will be there shortly. Jane, Lizzy, I know how much you hate being fitted, but the sooner you go, the sooner it will be over." She ushered her children from the room and went to speak with the housekeeper. Mrs. Bennet was still abed. Mrs. Gardiner hoped to finish some household matters before spending time with her sister, eager to distract her as much as possible, so the girls could be fitted quickly in peace.

Elizabeth linked her arm with Georgiana's and said, "I am glad you are here to share the pain with Jane and I. Will you come to keep us company?"

Georgiana nodded, "Of course! That is why I am here. I want to help you any way I can, for I have always longed for a sister."

Jane followed them up the stairs and said, "Miss Darcy, you will gain more than one sister." Georgiana liked that very well and said so, giving Jane permission to call her by name.

When they entered the sitting room, piles of papers, fabric, and boxes already cluttered the room. Two ladies were moving furniture against the wall, another was looking over a page of notes. They were approached by a middle aged French woman who seemed to be directing the activity, "Bonjour, Miss Bennet, Miss Bennet, Miss Darcy," she nodded to each lady and gestured to herself and the lady holding her notes, "I am Madame Marguerite and this is Madame Francine. I am very pleased to know you. Madame Francine will fit Mr. Bingley's bride. I am here for the next Mrs. Darcy."

Elizabeth blinked at the name and smiled. "Madame, I am Elizabeth Bennet. My sister, Jane, is betrothed to Mr. Bingley."

The Madame nodded, "A pleasure, Miss Bennet. Now if you will step over here, I shall unhook your gown." She became very businesslike and directed Elizabeth while taking up her measuring tape. Madame Francine did likewise with Jane while gushing over her beauty and the splendor of her new creations.

Georgiana moved to stay out of the way while watching the spectacle with an amused expression.

Madame Francine had one assistant to who wrote measurements. Madame Marguerite also had an assistant. Once the measuring was complete the fitting commenced. Several gowns were already fashioned in various states of completion for altering. Elizabeth was directed to stand still or lift an arm as the Madame adjusted, pinned and guided.

Mrs. Bennet came in briefly to share her exclamations of the fashions and wealth her daughters will enjoy. Georgiana was not sure how to comport herself under the onslaught of compliments that Mrs. Bennet bestowed upon her after being introduced. Elizabeth was able to save Georgiana from some unpleasant conversation by asking her mother questions, but was admonished not to move, lest the Madame mistake her measurements or stick her with a straight pin.

It was lucky that Mrs. Gardiner checked in on them minutes after Mrs. Bennet's arrival. She was able to distract Mrs. Bennet by requesting her assistance elsewhere. When Mrs. Gardiner followed Mrs. Bennet out of the room, she caught Elizabeth's eye with a small smile and a wink. All the ladies were grateful for Mrs. Gardiner and a few sighs of relief were released.

As the tedium continued, Elizabeth could no longer refrain from talking. She talked to Jane over her shoulder and to Georgiana about the London weather and amusements. It was soon clear to Elizabeth that the majority of the boxes were devoted to her. "Madame, how many dresses did Mr. Darcy order?"

The Madame answered absentmindedly while pinning the hem of an elaborate evening gown, "Over a dozen for now plus more winter gowns. I have not yet started on your shifts, since those will not need mending. I had to have your measurements exactement."

Georgiana noticed the astonishment Elizabeth tried to hide from the dressmaker. Before Elizabeth could reply, she said, "You have always done a fantastic job with my gowns, Madame. I am sure my sister will be pleased with your efforts." The Madame smiled and nodded her thanks, returning her focus to the dress.

Elizabeth tilted her head and studied Georgiana. She remembered her to be a shy girl who did not care to call attention to herself; however, she must have been mistaken. The girl before her possessed poise, not entirely confident but not owning a reticent character either. Elizabeth's eyes sparkled, acknowledging the young lady before her as a welcome friend and sister. She anticipated the enjoyment she would have getting to know her better.

Madame Francine entered into the conversation addressing both brides. "It is fortunate that the styles are what they are. Marguerite and I left a large seam since we were not certain of your measurements. They can easily be altered when you are in the family way to accommodate change." Elizabeth and Jane both blushed at the allusion. They realized that due to their marriage, pregnancy could certainly be a possibility in the near future.

Georgiana smiled at the discomposure of the brides. She already thought of them as friends and decided to acknowledge the comment rather than ignore it. "Oh Lizzy, you and my brother will make the best parents! I do hope I will not have to wait long to spoil my nieces and nephews." She laughed lightly and quietly told Elizabeth, "I told William this very morning that he ought to save his admonishments for his own children—he is sure to be good at it with all the practice he has had with me. What a happy family we shall be."

Elizabeth smiled at her enthusiasm. She did not comment with all the ladies in the room, but secretly thought that Jane would make a more patient mother than she.

Jane was slipping carefully out of a dress when the housekeeper, Diana, knocked and opened the door. "Excuse me. Miss Bennet, there is a Lady waiting for you in the drawing room below. I told her you were occupied, but she insists on staying."

Jane smiled to her. "Do not worry yourself. I think I can take a small break to see to her." Jane asked to put her morning dress back on to receive the caller and promised Madame Francine that she would be back as soon as possible.

Elizabeth frowned, "It must be Miss Bingley. I was hoping she would not bother us today."

"Do not be unkind, Lizzy. She has not been very endearing, that is true, but she will be my sister soon. I would like to think that she will start accepting the fact and try to know me better. I will return shortly."

When the door closed, Elizabeth looked to Georgiana, who was seated on a couch looking at fabric samples. "I am sorry, Georgie. I suppose that I am not a very forgiving person."

"Never mind. I am confident that you are. Miss Bingley does make it difficult to enjoy her company. I am sorry that Jane must endure her attention." She looked up to Elizabeth and giggled.

P&P

Jane entered the drawing room and was surprised to see an older lady she had never before been introduced to. The Lady was considering the painting over the mantle and was dressed in a lovely gown of rich lavender with cream lace and tassels adorning the bodice and skirt. As Jane entered, the Lady turned and openly examined her before lifting her brow.

"Good morning, Miss Bennet. I apologize for my timing. I did not realize the couturier would be here so early in the day."

Jane nodded and smiled demurely, "It is no matter. How may I be of service to you?"

The Lady seemed to consider the question for a moment, "Well, I must admit to being surprised. Though I did not know who to expect, I did not think my nephew would have chosen such a soft spoken girl."

"Madam? I apologize, since you clearly are aware of whom I am, may I have the pleasure of your name?"

At that, the Countess smiled, "Indeed. I am Lady Helen Fitzwilliam. I understand that you are already acquainted with my son and I am rather put out that William has not so much as informed me of your engagement."

Understanding dawned in Jane's eyes and she returned the Lady's smile. "I am sorry to disappoint you, but I am not engaged to your nephew. I am Jane Bennet." Jane curtseyed politely. "I am betrothed to Mr. Darcy's friend, Mr. Bingley. It is my sister, Elizabeth, whom you are looking for." She paused for the briefest of moments before continuing, "I realize it might not be entirely proper, but would you care to return upstairs with me? Lizzy will be busy with Madame Marguerite for quite some time, I imagine, and I did promise to return straightaway."

Lady Matlock was startled to receive the wrong sister, but recovered quickly with an apology. "I owe you an apology then, Miss Bennet. Your sister is engaged to Mr. Darcy?" At Jane's answering nod and friendly countenance, "Then lead the way, young lady. I am most anxious to meet the creature who captured my nephew's heart."

Jane was happy to oblige and privately enjoyed the tale she would tell Lizzy before bed.

AN: Hope you enjoyed.
Do you think Darcy will come looking for Georgiana or will her presence at the Gardiner's be a surprise?