AN: I would like to point out that in Jane Austen's book; Colonel Fitzwilliam has no first name. I even searched my digital version just to be sure! Although a lot of fanfiction chooses to name him 'Richard', the Mr. Darcy takes a Wife series calls him 'Geoffrey'. I chose to keep that name since I started writing this not long after I finished reading that series …

October 27th, in London until 31st.

Ch. 39 –Plans Go Awry

At the Hurst townhouse, Mrs. Hurst sat in her morning parlor quietly sipping her tea trying to ignore the incessant stomping brought about by her sister's impatient pacing of the room. Unable to completely block out the noise of her sisters footfalls and grumbling, she turned her eyes upward hoping for heavenly intervention.

She did not have long to wait, after another minute of watching Miss Bingley's spectacle, Mr. Bingley came into the room and sat with his calmer, eldest sister and reached for a sweet cake. Mrs. Hurst was pleased by the appearance of her brother and said so.

"I am glad to brighten your day, Louisa. Now if you could calm Caroline, you might reciprocate the favor."

Caroline scowled at her siblings when Louisa laughed and raised her cup in mock-toast. "It is all well and good that you tease me. Beware that I shall return the kindness at the earliest convenience." She said continuing her circuit of the room.

Bingley watched her with some degree of surprise. Caroline did not appear unhappy or agitated as she normally did while walking in that attitude; she appeared to be anxious. Directing his query to Louisa, he said, "What has inspired Caroline to be such an enthusiastic walker this morning? Perhaps I should have a wheel made for you. Whenever she threatens to run a path in your carpet, you can send her to it to run in circles as rats do when confined to a cage."

At that Caroline stopped short and huffed. "A rat? Really Charles, you have quite a way with words."

Her brother shrugged his shoulders and reclined back waiting for an explanation. He was hoping to hear some enlightening comment on why she had graced the ball with her presence and why she seemed so agitated this morning. He did not expect: "Confounded, where is he?!"

"Who?" Bingley asked, confused.

Louisa explained while Caroline resumed her pacing. "Her new love interest: a Mr. Monroe."

"The gentleman she danced with?" He remembered catching a glimpse of the gentleman, however his features did not particularly stand out in him as distinctive compared to the other gentleman attending the ball.

"Indeed. She has been here waiting above an hour."

Charles was not aware of an acquaintance with a Mr. Monroe. "How long have they known each other? What do we know of him? Did he make a point to say that he would call this morning?"

"They met only the other day. I do not know the particulars."

Caroline huffed again, "Really Charles, for someone so set on marrying me off, you are being quite difficult."

This comment caused Bingley's eyebrows to rise to his hairline. His purpose for visiting his sisters this morning was; first, to find out why they had come to the ball the night before and, second, inform Caroline that she must choose a husband, or he would choose a husband for her. Caroline had anticipated him and he was not accustomed to her being privy to his thoughts before he voiced them. With the best of intentions, he opened his mouth to comment, but was thwarted by the announcement of a guest.

"A Mr. Monroe is here to call on Miss Bingley."

Louisa told her man to see him to the sitting room and the trio stood to make their way there. Louisa shared a look of anticipation with her brother as they made their way to meet with Mr. Monroe.

Caroline entered and smiled suggestively at her caller. With a curtsey she offered her hand for him to kiss and, as a good hostess, asked him to sit while her siblings entered and sat after a brief greeting to the gentleman.

The silence of the few moments after the party sat was, at first, awkward while each thought of what conversation would suit the new arrival best. Miss Bingley was surprisingly lost for words, not wishing to say something foolish.

It was Mr. Bingley who first asked, "How long have you been acquainted with my sisters, Mr. Monroe?"

"Not long, Sir. I have only recently come to town to take care of some arrangements and quite suddenly found Miss Bingley at my feet. It was most unfortunate and I have tried my best to make certain she suffered no ill from her spill."

Miss Bingley colored, "Of course I am well; I am happy to announce that I was born with a strong constitution. In any case, I believe I was fortunate to make your acquaintance." Mr. Monroe agreed.

Bingley was not satisfied. "What sort of arrangements are you making? Perhaps I might be of assistance."

Mr. Monroe tilted his head to the side wondering what answer Bingley was really looking for. "I am not certain that I am in need, however I will keep your offer in mind. Thank you. It has to do with my family and estate."

Miss Bingley smiled inwardly triumphant in her knowledge that he was indeed a gentleman by birth. "I do hope you plan to stay in town some time at least. I would be greatly saddened to know you were to leave soon."

Mr. Monroe thought of his answer for a moment. Looking upon Miss Bingley's hopeful countenance he replied truthfully, "I had not planned to be in town above a week. Though I must confess that I find your society intriguing and would like to continue our acquaintance longer than that."

"I would like that very much." Miss Bingley was barely heard. She was afraid that she might cry if she raised her head. What a strange emotion she was experiencing. It was not happiness or anger, it was akin to relief. Caroline had always prided herself on her lack of emotional displays, as many women are inclined to do.

In an effort to introduce a subject that would be of interest, Mrs. Hurst asked, "Did you enjoy yourself at the ball last night? I thought it was very well done." Miss Bingley was grateful for her sister and managed to continue the conversation with Mr. Monroe without insulting any of the ladies in attendance the night before. They discussed their dance, the décor and fashion.

Mr. Bingley listened to the conversation while also watching the gentleman. He was inclined to like him very much, as was his nature, though he could not help his suspicion toward the man. Why did he wish to call on Caroline? Yes, she had a fine dowry. The general opinion of men of a marital age in regards to Caroline has always been rather negative due to her judgmental attitude and shrewish ways. Perhaps Mr. Monroe did not know Caroline well enough; in which case, Bingley wondered if they might marry before he did.

At the twenty minute mark, Mr. Monroe moved to take his leave not wishing to overstay his welcome for a morning call. Standing he bowed and thanked Mrs. Hurst for her hospitality.

Mr. Bingley, not wishing to let the gentleman leave so soon, asked, "Are you in a great hurry? Might you join me in my brother's book room for a moment?"

P&P

"You have been quiet, Fitzwilliam." Elizabeth said quietly. She was leaning forward in her seat making an effort to meet his eyes in the carriage. Since his Aunt took him to task for his brief paroxysm of jealousy, he had been introspective.

He quickly shook his head and offered a brief smile and reached for her hand. "Forgive me, Elizabeth. I seem to be lost in thought."

"It shall be my pleasure to find you whenever you find yourself lost. Might I be of assistance?"

He had been reflecting on his foolishness in several areas—including the raising of his sister, his courtship of Elizabeth, their introduction to London society, and his general irrational behavior—and did not wish to verbally own his stupidity. With a negative shake of the head he offered, "I was considering that our time in London is limited. Tomorrow we are for the Theatre Royale. We might stay in tonight and venture to Vauxhall Gardens Thursday, if you wish."

Elizabeth looked to the other two ladies to gage their opinions. Jane and Georgiana both offered smiles prompting Elizabeth's reply. "That sounds lovely. I know that we have another fitting and I am certain Mama is not through shopping. It seems that we have been very busy, does it not?"

Darcy was quick to reply, "If you feel that you need time to rest, there will be plenty of other opportunities for us to be in town. Georgiana will be out next season and that shall be eventful, I am sure. There is no need to see and do everything now."

Elizabeth's appreciation and love was reflected in her eyes when she responded, "Let us see. There is no need to make set plans now. We ought to consult with our Aunt."

Before he was able to reply, a commotion was heard outside the carriage causing the ladies to look at one another with trepidation and confusion while Darcy, hearing his name called, looked out the window. "My word!" Taping on the roof of the carriage with his walking staff, the carriage pulled to the side and stopped.

"Darcy! Imagine spotting you on the road! What luck! I simply must tell you of my morning. It was absolutely extraordinary." Darcy tried not to make a face at his friend who stood in his saddle talking to the lowered window.

"Bingley, as relieved as I am that you have escaped your sisters unscathed; you might want to follow me and the ladies to the Gardiners to delight us with your tales there."

Bingley bent over his horse to look into the carriage at the four faces which all looked back upon him with varying degrees of amusement. Tipping his hat and bowing his chin briefly, he belatedly attempted to make up for his manners. "Pardon me, my dear Jane, I did not see you there. Darcy, are you not going home first? It is so close by and I might ride with you in the carriage. I really cannot wait to tell you of the conversation I had this hour past."

Darcy turned his annoyed gaze to his betrothed, "Elizabeth, would your family mind if we took a detour? Are we in a hurry?"

Elizabeth raised a brow, silently laughing at the situation, and replied, "I believe we are in no hurry, Fitzwilliam." He acknowledged her humor with a nod and took a calming breath.

"We will meet you at Darcy House." With a look, he approved the new direction with the waiting footman and sat back in his seat muttering about the lack of dull moments and his desire for the peace of Pemberley. This earned him a round of giggles from his favorite ladies who could not help but tease him.

"Brother, what was that? Lizzy, I believe my brother is bored. We must come up with some diversion to lift his spirits."

At the sidelong, scowling glance Darcy sent in Georgiana's direction Elizabeth agreed. "Indeed. I am certain the dreariness of our situation and my family might be too much for Mr. Darcy. I shall have to ask my mother to cheer him up; for I am sure I do not know how."

Darcy rolled his eyes, "Do not dare; for my revenge will be swift. I shall be happy to tell you how to remedy my mood at another time, when we have less of an audience."

Elizabeth's large smile lifted his spirits as she laughed. She was distracted when Jane wondered aloud over her Bingley's mood, "I do hope it was good news." Darcy assured his future sister that he was certain that all was well.

As the carriage rambled down Park Lane to Darcy House, Darcy thought that he might take advantage of Elizabeth's presence at his home and show her the wedding band he planned to place on her finger. He had waffled in his decision to show her or not since adding it to the safe in his chamber. Darcy had ordered several of his family's jewels cleaned and fixed when he was last in London, ultimately hoping to secure her hand. As much as he thought a surprise on their wedding day would be ideal, Darcy did not want to assume that the ring would fit and it would be a bad omen if it did not—not that he usually trusted in myths or wives tales. The more Darcy thought on the ring, the more excited he became to showing Elizabeth.

When they arrived, Darcy told his driver and footman that they ought to enjoy lunch in the kitchen while the horses were also given leave to be detached from their harness. He did not anticipate being there less than an hour since Bingley undoubtingly wished to refresh himself before venturing to the Gardiners.

With a wave and a promise to return shortly, Bingley bound up the stairs to his room, leaving the rest of the party in the entryway. Smiling, Georgiana began to play hostess to her friends. Elizabeth and Jane declined refreshments when Georgiana began leading the way to the sitting room, having just partaken at the Fitzwilliam household.

Darcy stopped Elizabeth before she walked too far ahead of him. "Ladies, please excuse Elizabeth for just a moment." Jane nodded and continued down the hall. When they were alone, with the exception of a footman, Darcy smiled with anticipation, "I hope you do not mind. I have the need to show you something."

Elizabeth agreed. She could feel his slight nerviness and smiled. "What is it, William?"

Leading her to his study, he asked her to wait for him one moment inside then turned and left in the opposite direction. Elizabeth was slightly bewildered, yet still moved more into the room and looked around in curiosity. His study was very masculine with its dark woods and shelving; even the furniture upholstery screamed of a manly inhabitant. She smiled and studied the portrait of a young couple above the fireplace; undoubtingly they were the parents of Fitzwilliam and Georgiana Darcy.

Elizabeth did not have long to wait since Darcy returned after a few short moments. Elizabeth turned with a brow raised when the door shut from the inside. "Mr. Darcy, it seems that you have placed me in a compromising position this time. What is your plan for me?"

He smiled readily at her remark, "Many things, my love. However, for now I wish to show you what I have in my pocket." He moved in front of her and removed the ring box, holding it in his hands while searching her eyes. "I have had this restored for you. It is an heirloom, though no other has worn it as a wedding band before. I am uncertain of the fit, so thought to have you see it now." Just as he was about to open the box a thought came to him and he looked into the expecting features of his betrothed to tease her. His hesitation won her attention away from the velveteen box, "Before I show you, I wish to tell you that you cannot have it until your name is changed. This piece is to be the property of Mrs. Darcy, so you must marry me in order to have it." Then he revealed her ring.

Her breath caught at the beauty of the glimmering diamonds surrounding a great deep blue sapphire attached to the dainty gold band. She had not touched it before she breathlessly replied, "All I have to do is marry you to have it?"

Darcy laughed. "Indeed, you do." He took the ring out and tossed the box onto a nearby seat. Asking for her left hand, he slid the band over her fourth finger. It was an exact fit.

"I did not expect anything so remarkable. William, it is perfect." Elizabeth whispered admiring the accessory on the hand he still held.

He briefly squeezed her fingers, "It is; just as the woman who wears it is perfect for me in every way."

His statement caused her to look up in surprise. He had said the sweetest thing to her with such extreme sincerity; Elizabeth could not help the tears that gathered in her eyes or the sob she sniffed back. "Oh, Fitzwilliam, you are going to make me cry." He gathered her close and whispered his love to her as she clung to his coat willing the emotional wave to pass. "I do love you so."

When she had calmed she reached up and initiated an enthusiastic string of kisses to convey her gratitude for his thoughtfulness. "Thank you for giving yourself to me. I cannot wait to wear your ring." She suddenly pushed away from him, steadying herself with his arms, "Would you also wear a ring?"

His brows went up and he thought on her request thoughtfully, "I believe I would like that. I always wear my signet ring."

Taking hold of his left hand Elizabeth looked into his eyes and said, "I should like a ring on your finger to signify that you belong to me. And if we are ever apart, you can always think of me when you look upon it."

"It is settled then," he said before he bestowed one last kiss on her willing lips.

Realizing that they had spent some time alone, the wedding ring was placed back into its box and stored safely in the top drawer of Darcy's desk. Escorting her to the sitting room to join the ladies, they were met by Mr. Bingley who encouraged a private interview with his friend. Elizabeth smiled and left them to join her sister and Georgiana.

AN: I wanted to note that, from what I have read, it was not common for a woman to receive an engagement ring. Usually wedding rings were simple bands, however where's the fun in that? Though it was not common for men to wear wedding rings either…

The ring is something like: flickr dot com/photos/20788798 at N02/4640156832/

What do you suppose that Bingley was so excited to talk to Darcy about? Please Review!