Elizabeth was dressed in her finest that night. A dress of fine white muslin fell to the floor, beautifully embroidered with flowers and curling vines in white thread. The short bodice was pulled diagonally across the stay she wore so that it dipped into a very flattering 'v' neckline. More muslin draped from her shoulders to fasten in a knot at the back of the dress and flow down to the floor to meet her soft white dance slippers. Her personal maid, Anita, and a very talented woman when it came to dressing her hair, had it curled, twisted and fastened to the rear of her head, strands of pearls intertwined with it.

Staring at her reflection in her vanity mirror she pondered over how much her life had changed in just a few months.

A tentative knock at the door sounded and Mr Darcy opened the door when she bade him enter, just as Anita finished the final touches to her hear. For a moment Mr Darcy was silent at the sight of his wife looking such a vision of beauty, she could have been Venus herself.

"Mr Darcy, this is indeed a pleasant surprise." Her face was flushed as she looked forward to the evening ahead and the early arrival of her husband.

"I have a gift for you my dear." Mr Darcy said, extending his hands which held a flat box, one very likely to contain jewellery. Taking tit from him she opened it, carefully lifting the lid to reveal what lay inside. A small gasp of astonishment passed her lips, the box held some of the most beautiful items of jeweller she had ever seen. "They were my mothers, the settings have been changed but the jewels are the same. I wish that you would wear them tonight." He said, gesturing towards Anita to take them to adorn his wife.

This was a romantic side to her husband that Elizabeth rarely saw, she had always held that he had a romantic soul but this came beyond her contemplation. She ran a gloved hand over the collar of four strands of pearls, leading to the giant ruby surrounded by diamonds in the centre. There was a matching bracelet and pearl earrings to accompany the grand gift. For a moment she looked at herself in the mirror, a completely different woman stared back at her. "Thank you sir, they are beautiful."

"As are you my dear." She replied, taking her hand and placing a lingering kiss on her wrist and enclosing her hand with both his own. "Now shall we begin the proceedings? I fear our guests may grow impatient.

Snapping out of her reverie she nodded and took the arm he offered her, holding it just a little tighter than she needed to. They descended the stairs and entered the ballroom together, Elizabeth's eyes sparkling with happiness, Mr Darcy the very image of a proud husband and a man very much in love.

Despite Darcy's dislike for dancing it was Elizabeth and himself that began that particular entertainment for the evening. The first dance over he took to the floor but twice more that evening, much more content to fall into the occupation of watching his wife and occasionally engaging in conversation with one or other of his guests.

It was Miss Bingley who now claimed his attention, much to his distaste, she had no yet given up her hopes of degrading Elizabeth in his eyes, though she used slightly more subtle methods than before. There may have been a time when he would simply remove himself from such company if found distasteful to him. But several months' marriage had softened him somewhat and he forbore her loosely veiled insults and leading questions with a show of grace.

Caroline had a habit of not knowing when to stop, continuing until she received a clear rebuke. Mr Darcy's appearance of a mild temper did nothing to dissuade her comments fuelled by a greater jealousy than before. When Elizabeth had descended the stairs, the jewels at her throat were impossible to miss. Though she had never seen them, she recognised them instantly from the numerous portraits of the late Mrs Darcy. The sight of such gems being worn by a woman she considered little more than a commoner went against every belief she had.

"I must congratulate your wife Mr Darcy, on the magnificent organization of this ball. Mrs Reynolds help must have been invaluable."

"Yes, I believe she was of some assistance."

"And how is she settling in at Pemberley? I am surprised not to have seen you both in town these last six months"

"My wife and I have had a great deal to do. Nor did we wish to leave Georgiana alone."

"Well London is quite desolate without your society Mr Darcy, and of course Eliza would be a wonderful addition."

A quick glance was exchanged between Darcy and Elizabeth, within a minute she was moving across the floor, a young man in tow.

"Excuse me Miss Bingley, forgive me for interrupting you but I must claim my husbands attention for a few moments."

"Of course Mrs Darcy, I must speak with Georgiana."

"My dear, allow me to introduce Mr Ashton. He arrived with Mr and Mrs Weatherby."

"I am very pleased to make your acquaintance Mr Ashton. I have not seen you in these parts before."

"No indeed Mr Darcy. I am visiting some old friends who live in these parts. You may perhaps see more of me in the future; I have taken a small abode not far from here."

"Is that so, you were so pleased with the country then?"

"I believe it is the most beautiful country I have ever had the pleasure of passing through."

Elizabeth's smile caught his attention; she never looked more beautiful than when she smiled, especially at him. This time it was something behind him that caused the smile to light her face. Only a slight turn on his part revealed Georgiana stood at his shoulder, Caroline appeared to have retired to speak to her own sister.

"Mr Ashton, may I present my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy."

This introduction was met with a shy smile and a graceful curtsey from the lady and a gallant bow from the gentleman.

"Mr Ashton has just recently taken a house in the area. I hope you are pleased with what you have seen so far. If you like you must make yourself acquainted with our grounds, I would be happy to show you around."

"I will gladly take the offer Mr Darcy, tank you." The direction of his attention then moved to Miss Darcy, taking an instant liking to her she, quiet appearance as Elizabeth had done upon their first meeting. "Do you live here at Pemberley Miss Darcy?"

"Yes. Since my brothers marriage I have taken up permanent residence here."

Mr Darcy watched the exchange with an expression not even his wife could fully understand but it soon settled back into a half smile as he turned to her and offered his hand.

"Would you do me the honour of dancing the next with me my dear?"

"Of course."

They joined the rows of couples preparing for the next set, their positioning giving Darcy ample opportunity to observe Mr Ashton and his sister. Georgiana would shortly be 18 and with no elder sister she was already out in society. The right marriage for her was foremost in his mind when it came to thoughts of his sister. Of course a young woman of her fortune and connections made her an object of interest to all and her shy, trusting disposition made her an easy prey to some of the more unscrupulous characters, one of which she had already been taken in by. It was both in her interest and his own that young men first had to gain his approval before courting Georgiana. For this reason he watched Mr Ashton and Georgiana closely. It pleased him to see her so much more comfortable in company or at least have the appearance of it.

Elizabeth too paid little attention to the dance, her mind engaged upon a similar subject as that of her husband.

It was while the attention of both was fixated on the pair that a commotion at the door caught them off guard. From their position it was impossible to tell what was wrong but a familiar voice and Georgiana's sudden pallor was a good indication.

"Well, isn't this all just lovely?" The shrill voice only confirmed Elizabeth's suspicion. Her youngest sister Lydia stood in the doorway hanging onto the arm of her husband. The stillness of the room lasted only a few seconds, the unfortunate incident involving the two of them had been kept only within the family; few of their guests knew the story. Elizabeth and her husband moved out of the line of dances as the music began. Darcy moved instantly towards his sister, her weak constitution concerned him and his worries had a good grounding. Her fainting figure was saved from the hard floor by the arms of Mr Ashton, a look of severe bewilderment on his face.

"Lizzie!" The year of marriage had done nothing to tame Lydia and the charm of marriage had not yet worn away. She left her husbands side to weave her way towards her sister. "Lord! What is the matter with her?" She said disdainfully on sight of the collapsed Georgiana.

"For heavens sake Lydia, lower your voice. Mr Ashton, would you be so kind as to assist Miss Darcy into another room."

With Mr Ashton's assent she led the way through into the hall and from there, the parlour. With Georgiana laid carefully on a couch Elizabeth sent a maid for her smelling salts while the gentleman hovered nearby. "Please feel free to return to the ball Mr Ashton. Miss Darcy will be well taken care of."

"Thank you Madam, will you please keep me informed of any change to her condition?"

Elizabeth answered in the affirmative and he bowed his way out of the room. At least one good thing may result from this, the young man seemed very concerned about Georgiana, and something would hopefully result in that quarter. The maid soon returned with the salts accompanied by Jane and Lydia.

"I really do think it quite harsh that you should not invite your own sister to a ball." Lydia commented as she entered while Jane tried to explain why she had not been issued an invitation while Lizzie bent her attention to Georgiana.


Darcy had waited till his sister was safely taken from the room before dealing with his unwelcome guest.

"Would you care to follow me Mr Wickham?" He left his guests in the capable hands of Mr Bingley and escorted the gentleman to his study. "What do you mean by coming back here?" His voice had dropped very low and was carefully controlled, his temper barely kept in check.

"My regiment have been called to France; we are on our way to London. My wife wished to see her sister; I could not deny her that pleasure."

"I believe I warned you never to come back to this house. I will suffer Mrs Wickham to enter Pemberley for the one reason that she is the sister of my wife, but you are never to have admittance. I want you to leave these grounds immediately."

"Darcy my good man, I can hardly leave without my wife."

"You can and you will, Mrs Wickham will be informed of your departure and, I am sure, shall follow you directly. Now, please remove yourself from this house."

"Very well, please inform her I shall take a room for us at the Inn at Lambton. I am sure you will be good enough to allow her the use of your carriage for the journey." Wickham was not a fool; it was clear there would be no room for negotiations with Darcy on this matter. "Please pass on my regards to Mrs Darcy." With a sharp bow he left the study and the premises.

Left alone in his study Darcy sat in his winged chair and dropped his head into his hand, fighting to regain his composure and temper. A soft knock sounded at his door and at his call to enter he lifted his eyes to see Elizabeth walking softly across the wooden floor. For the hundredth time he thought how lucky he was to have the love of such a beautiful and intelligent woman.

Her hand rested lightly on his shoulder, silently giving him strength to continue the evening. He gently covered her hand with his own. "How is Georgiana?"

"She has recovered but has retired for the evening."

"That will disappoint Mr Ashton."

"You observed that too? He seems quite taken with her. Has Mr Wickham been dealt with?"

"He has left, he will be staying at the Lambton Inn, you had better inform your sister."

"I am sorry, they were not invited and Lydia gave no warning as to their being in the Country."

"Do not worry yourself my love, I lay no blame for this at your door." A heavy sigh escaped him and he lifted himself to his feet, still holding her hand. "Come, I think we must return to our guests."

Nodding her agreement she allowed herself to b led from the room. Perhaps some happiness may still be salvaged from the evening.

No questions were asked on their return to the beautiful room. Jane was firm on Lydia's tale, keeping her in check amongst the other guests.

The first person to approach them was Mr Ashton, anxiously enquiring about Georgiana's health.

"She is quite will Mr Ashton, merely tired, she has decided to retire for the rest of the evening."

"I wonder if I may call in tomorrow to ask after her."

"I am sure she would be delighted to receive you."

This seemed to satisfy him and he left the pair with a pleasant smile. The next person that had to be dealt with was Lydia. Darcy allowed Elizabeth to deal with this herself and retired to a quiet corner.

"Lydia."

"Oh Lizzie! I must say this is quite a fantastic house. Of course not as fabulous as some of the houses near Newcastle. Dear Wickham would love to have somewhere like this but the salary of an officer does not allow for it."

Elizabeth bit her tongue on the many things she could have said in reply to this. "Yes, well your 'Dear Wickham' has left. He has taken a room for you both at the Lambton Inn."

"An Inn?" Have you no room for us here Lizzie?"

"No." Her tone may have been harsh but not for any price would she allow Lydia and her husband to reside for any length of time beneath her roof.

"Very well, then I shall join him now. Can I borrow your carriage Lizzie?"


Lydia was soon packed off to Lambton much to the relief of all. Taking Jane's arm she took strength from the support of her steadier sister. "Oh Jane, what should I have done without you tonight?"

"I will admit Lydia is still a little reckless, but she is our sister."

"Reckless?! Jane she is uncontrollable! How could she possibly believe she could seek residence here?"

"Forget about it Lizzie, enjoy what is left of the night."

Elizabeth took her sisters advice. She spent the rest of the evening in the company of her husband and those she loved most.

It was not till the early hours of the morning that everyone retired and even Darcy had to admit that he had enjoyed the evening. He had received numerous compliments about the beauty of his wife which of course cheered him immensely. Though she may have come from low connections there was no doubt that she was a worthy object of his affection and he had chosen his wife well.

"You were truly the belle of the ball tonight my dear." He said to her when they were both closeted in their own private quarters.

"Have I gained the approval of your high standing friends from London then do you think?" She asked of him teasingly as she brushed out her dark tumbling hair.

"Undoubtedly." He answered with a smile of his own. He took the brush from her and folded her in a tight embrace from behind.

With a contented smile she let her head rest back against his shoulder, "So it's just your relatives I have to win over."

"Give them time, they will come round eventually."

"And if they don't?"

"They are not close relatives we can both live without their approval." He breathed deeply of the sweet scent of her hair, smiling as she laughed; he did love to hear her laugh.

"We have to try, Lady Catherine is your Aunt, we have to try and make some sort of gesture of good will." She said, turning in his arms.

"Very well. I will write, perhaps she will consent to visit us here and she will see for herself how good you have been for Pemberley."

"Perhaps she will see for herself that the shades of Pemberley have not been polluted after all."