Darcy sat next to Georgiana in their carriage as it returned to Netherfield. Georgiana spoke, "I had not realized I would hurt her by playing so."

"You did nothing wrong."

Georgiana did not reply. Damn him. How dare Mr. Bennet use his sister as part of his petty vendetta? He intentionally acted to injure two young ladies, one his own daughter. A selfish disdain for the feelings of others. Darcy was not the only gentleman of Elizabeth's acquaintance of whom that could be said.

Darcy nudged Georgiana. "You should not worry. It really was not about you."

Georgiana smiled a little and nodded. Georgiana's acceptance allowed Darcy to relax. He began to ruminate again upon Mr. Bennet.

Georgiana said, "I like Lizzy enormously. She is different from Jane, but she is just as wonderful."

Once back at Netherfield Georgiana changed clothes and sat to play, and Darcy went to the desk he generally used in the drawing room and buried his head in his hands.

Damn Mr. Bennet. He never wanted to see the man again. He hated the thought of being tied to him. He hated the thought of asking him for anything. He didn't want to ask him for Elizabeth's hand.

Was he being a fool? Would it be a terrible mistake to become that man's son?

The question made Darcy feel a wrenching horror. He couldn't lose Elizabeth. Nothing was worth that. Nothing. She was worth anything. Georgiana was well, or at least she would be, and — he couldn't even think of allowing anything to separate them. He needed Elizabeth.

He stood up preparing to head back again to Longbourn. He needed to speak to her, to make sure she knew he didn't care about her father's foolishness. She would know, but she would worry. How had she looked as they left? He couldn't leave for London without reassuring her.

Darcy heard Bingley and Jane return and looked out. The rain had started to pour again, and it was late enough in the evening that the light was dying. He shouldn't ride across the three miles.

The door opened, and Bingley entered. Darcy's friend stood awkwardly in the middle of the room and pulled his hands through his hair. At last he cried out, "That was a damned bit of tomfoolery. I am dreadful sorry. Mary should never have acted like that, and she knows it. She apologized most profusely and wanted Georgiana to know that she enjoyed her performance greatly. Jane is delivering that message now." Bingley stammered, "I do hope Georgie is well, and you are not too terribly offended."

"Georgiana is fine. I am not offended by Mary at all."

Bingley chuckled. "You did warn me Jane's family showed a lack of propriety. This is quite embarrassing. Mary isn't a bad girl."

"I'm sure she is not." Darcy's anger flamed back into his chest. "Mr. Bennet. Did he apologize? Did he admit how wrongfully he acted? Or does he think his daughter's remorse is sufficient?"

Bingley flushed. "What do you mean?"

"You heard him. He pushed Miss Mary into a tantrum, likely to offend me."

"That explains why she shouted at him." Bingley rubbed his face. "I know not what to say. You do not need my apology. Mary tries hard to improve her playing. It matters a great deal to her."

"My sister practices enormously as well. She would not behave so badly if faced with a superior performer." Darcy flushed. Bingley knew nothing of the incident, but with Wickham, Georgiana had made a mistake of far greater moment.

Bingley did not realize Darcy's silence meant he disagreed with himself and exclaimed, "Dash it. They may not always behave correctly, but the Bennets are my family, and I love them for it. I have never been so happy as I have been since I married Jane. I would deal with twenty such women as Mrs. Bennet descending upon me daily or a thousand girls weeping about something silly to have her with me. I think any man put off by the failings of a lady's family cannot be in love."

In a rush Darcy's anger left, and his concern for Elizabeth returned. He clapped Bingley on the shoulder. "You are right. Completely correct. You have never been so right."

Bingley stammered a bit at Darcy's voluble agreement. Darcy added, "You can see the weather. It would be unwise for me to ride back to Longbourn at present, and I ought to head to London at the earliest moment tomorrow. I know it is improper, but would you deliver a note from me to Elizabeth tomorrow morning?"

"What?" Bingley was surprised into stillness and then grinned widely at his friend. "Of course I shall. With the absolute happiest of feelings."

Elizabeth felt wretched the next morning. She had spent half the night unable to sleep. She would not see Darcy for another two days. That made the matter far worse. What was he thinking? Elizabeth had not spoken to her father during dinner or breakfast.

Jane and Bingley arrived together early in the morning, and Elizabeth immediately sought her sister. "How did they seem? Is Georgiana well — Darcy, was he angry?"

"Georgie accepted Mary's apology. She was most understanding. She did not feel well enough to come out with us this morning though." Jane spoke quietly to Elizabeth, "I gathered she wished for a bit of solitude this morning."

"And Darcy?" Elizabeth asked, "How did Darcy appear?"

"Oh, he was much as he always is. He was not angry, and he too holds no rancor against Mary."

At this statement from his wife, Bingley coughed; then, he winked at them and said, "Lizzy, might you step out with me? I have a matter I wish to discuss with you."

Elizabeth looked at Jane who shrugged. Then she followed Bingley into the gardens.

"I have been charged with the most serious task," Bingley said with faux gravity once the door closed behind them, "A most serious task. Can you imagine what it might be?"

Elizabeth looked at him impatiently.

"A gentleman. Yes, a gentleman gave me a missive to deliver to you. Now as your brother, I am not sure —"

"Darcy left a note for me?" Elizabeth exclaimed eagerly. "Please let me see it."

A little miffed by her interrupting his fun, Bingley said, "I have not named the sender."

"If it was not Darcy, I have no care for it." So saying Elizabeth stuck her hand out. "Stand and deliver."

Bingley laughed. "You eager young lovers — no patience." He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Elizabeth.

Nothing, no consideration could dim the pleasure your presence gives me. I care only for your happiness. I could never regret anything which contributed to it. I wish I were with you now, and you are in my thoughts. Georgiana is well, and for my part, I hate that I must travel away from you, even though it only be for two days. Alas, business must be dealt with, but when I return we shall travel to Pemberley and finish that conversation your sister interrupted.

Yours, with the sincerest and steadiest affection,

F Darcy

When she completed the brief message, Elizabeth brought it to her mouth and kissed the signature. All her worries evaporated. She was sure nothing could ever concern her again.

"Well? What did he say? It could not have been horrible or you would not have kissed the page."

Elizabeth went bright red. "Bingley that is no proper question. I showed you greater consideration."

He laughed. "You did. I shall ask no more, but I am glad the message pleased you."

Elizabeth carefully hid it in her dress and asked, "Do you think Georgiana might enjoy it were I to call on her. I know she wished solitude, but perhaps the right company would be welcome."

Bingley nodded, "I think that a good scheme. I would not want yesterday to sit on her mind much, and it will be impossible for us to keep her company today. We must finish our round of farewell calls before setting out for Pemberley."

When Elizabeth was announced by the butler, Georgiana met her with a wide smile. "Lizzy, I am delighted to see you. I had been practicing, and with your sister and brother gone for the day, it is a little quiet. I am used to that, but I still hoped to see you."

"I am glad to hear it." Elizabeth smiled. "My dear sister claimed you to be resolved against company. I feared I may have acted quite rudely to come nonetheless."

Elizabeth could tell Georgiana wished to speak about the previous day. To encourage her she said, "You played beautifully yesterday. I have heard that piece before, but never so well managed. I am sorry you left so soon, but — I understand. However you should not take it to heart."

Georgiana blushed and looked down. "Tell me truly, did I do anything amiss yesterday? I had no idea I might offend Miss Mary."

Elizabeth smiled. "Of course not, dear."

Georgiana shook her head insistently. "Do not dismiss my concerns — I hope I can trust you not to spare my feelings. Fitzwilliam will say whatever he thinks will increase my confidence in company, yet how can I be confident when I do not know whether I give offense? Jane said I had nothing to worry about and that my behavior was perfect in all respects, but she is so nice she would not see me as having acted wrongly even if I behaved in a quite horrid manner."

"That is a true portrait of my sister. I salute you on it." Elizabeth laughed and squeezed Georgiana's arm. "You did nothing wrong. Let me explain what did occur."

"Whilst Jane is perfection, and the Gardiners are excellent people — the rest of my family is not entirely what they ought to be." Elizabeth let out a slow breath; it was unpleasant to expose her family so. But Darcy already knew what they were, and Georgiana's distress demanded she explain.

"My sister Mary — it is partially mine and Jane's fault as we always were tightly bound and did not bring Mary into our games. Mary always has been a little isolated, and — as my mother tells her at length — Mary is not quite so pretty as the rest of us. She chose to seek distinction by being more studious and accomplished than the rest of us."

"So when my playing was so much superior to hers she felt bad? It meant she was surpassed in the one area she sought to excel. I knew when I sat down that, while her playing was by no means bad, mine would be superior. So I did act wrongly, at least in that."

Elizabeth let out a breath and forced herself not to smile at Georgiana's concerned expression. She really was a sweet dear. "Georgie, a little vanity and pleasure at the skill developed through great practice cannot be reprehensible. It cannot. You intended no harm and have nothing to feel poorly about. My sister and father were entirely to blame."

"Oh yes, it was quite horrid of him to say that. I cannot imagine how poorly I would feel if Fitzwilliam spoke that way to me." Georgiana blushed. "I should not insult your father."

Elizabeth laughed. "You should not. But as I am vexed with Papa myself, I shall not be offended."

When he arrived back at Netherfield two days later, Darcy came in by a side door and scrubbed the dust off his face and hands. The butler informed him that Elizabeth and Georgiana were in the drawing room, while Jane and Bingley had called at Longbourn.

"Can't we make it four out of seven?" Darcy paused in front of the doors to hear Elizabeth's wheedling voice. "I near won that game."

"Nay, nay. We had agreed on three out of five. I win." There was a pause and Georgiana started giggling. "Do not act like that," she said as she continued to giggle, "you shall pick the next game."

Darcy had worried Georgiana would be lonely while he was gone, as Bingley and Jane would be often busy during their last few days in the county. He should have expected Elizabeth would keep his sister company. Darcy knocked on the varnished oak door and entered. Elizabeth had stuck her tongue out at Georgiana and was flicking cards at her. Georgiana was red-faced from giggling.

The two immediately straightened at his entrance. Elizabeth gave a smiling curtsy, and Georgiana jumped up and hugged him before stepping back with a blushing glance at Elizabeth.

"I can see you did not terribly miss me while in London."

Georgiana exclaimed, "I did too!"

Elizabeth said, "I've kept Georgiana company when my sister and Bingley call at Longbourn; today my father and Bingley are out shooting while my mother gives Jane advice on how to pack for the trip. I came to play cards with your sister — I would say delightful sister, except she won."

Georgiana giggled. "Don't be a sore loser."

Elizabeth laughed; her face glowed. Darcy felt a rush of tenderness at the easy banter between his sister and the woman he loved.

"Did you plan to stay long? I thought to call on Longbourn this afternoon to give my regards a final time before we decamp tomorrow morning."

"You wish to visit Longbourn? It is not necessary." Elizabeth's eyes were stuck on him.

"They are your family. I want to show them every respect and friendship."

A broad smile spread across Elizabeth's face. Darcy felt like her happiness pulled his heart from his chest and nestled it against hers. Turning to Georgiana, Darcy asked, "Do you wish to come to Longbourn?"

Georgiana looked about, glancing at the piano and the bound volume of a novel on a table near her. "I suppose I ought."

Elizabeth smiled at Georgiana. "Are you certain?"

"I am. Hiding from awkward situations will do me no good. Let us go now."

In the carriage Georgiana was a picture of nerves as she picked at her gloves. Darcy was not sure what to say. Telling Georgiana, again, she had done nothing wrong did not promise to help.

Elizabeth sat across from the two siblings. She grabbed Georgiana's hand and squeezed it.

Darcy made his own attempt to comfort Georgiana. "You are calling upon the family of dear friends. There is nothing to be concerned about."

"I know, but I ought to have returned earlier. It was dreadfully rude to hear Miss Mary's apology and not return to Longbourn to accept in person."

As Darcy searched for something to say, Elizabeth said, "I know how awful it is to think you performed some horrid faux pas. But this is nothing to worry about. Mary will not hold it against you."

"I know, yet…" Georgiana trailed off with a confused face.

Elizabeth laughed and squeezed her hand again. "I can only advise you so far." Elizabeth gave Darcy a pretty smile. "Your brother believes everyone to have their own particular failing — mine is not excessive shyness. Perhaps were you to pretend yourself to be me for half hour it would go well."

Darcy smiled. "Like when you dined with Lady Catherine?"

"Very much so. And you shall paint the scene for your sister."

Darcy raised his eyebrows and smirked at Georgiana, who now appeared more curious than nervous. "Our dear Miss Bennet had the previous day expressed her view that the names of reigning English monarchs made the best Christian names — which was as a cruel blow to me as there has not been, and most likely never will be, a monarch named Fitzwilliam."

"Now, if I remember this conversation aright, you were expressing deep sadness that you had not been named after Agamemnon, or Oedipus, or some other similarly unfortunate figure."

Elizabeth's eyes sparkled, and her pretty mobile mouth turned up delightfully. Darcy replied, "Madam, you had demanded I be the one to tell the story. And you are most mistaken, I'm quite certain I never expressed that opinion."

"Oh, that is right, you had not. I recall now, clear as day, the disappointment, the awful tortured disappointment in your countenance when Lady Catherine convinced you that Fitzwilhelmina would be a poor name for a daughter."

"Fitzwilhelmina?" Georgiana dissolved into giggles, which were only enhanced by Elizabeth's winks at her and Darcy's pursed lips as he shrugged at Georgiana. "I confess the name came from my mind. Though I recall quite clearly Lady Catherine had not convinced me to abandon the scheme."

Elizabeth laughed.

"I tell you, I am serious. The more I hear it in my mind, the better it sounds — and you convinced me I should avoid names from antiquity."

Elizabeth appeared aghast before she dissolved into giggles. "And to think I once believed you knew not how to laugh."

"Nay," Darcy insisted, "'tis no joke, Fitzwilhelmina has a special ring to my ear."

Elizabeth's eyes were delighted, but Georgiana was worried and said, "That would be an unkind name to have. It would show family pride, but no girl would like such a name."

"Then as your advice corresponds with that of your aunt, I must take it. Though it is an unhappy blow."

Elizabeth grinned at him. "I daresay, you shall not cease to insist you like that name anytime soon."

"For I do like it — familiarity wears away the great strangeness, but leaves the monument to my vanity." He suddenly saw a pregnant Elizabeth, her belly swollen with his child, laughing as he insisted he really did wish to name the child Fitzwilhelmina if a girl.

Only the awareness of Georgiana in the carriage kept him from kissing Elizabeth right then.

They were quiet. Elizabeth and Darcy stared at each other, their eyes speaking what they could not say aloud in Georgiana's presence.

Georgiana plaintively asked, "Tell me the rest of the story. How did Lizzy act with Lady Catherine?"

"Ah, yes — so our dear Miss Bennet the previous day had expressed her opinion that classical names were best avoided, while those of reigning British monarchs — such as Elizabeth or Georgiana — were excellent. I was unconvinced, but aware of my own fallibility in this matter, I suggested Miss Bennet ask my aunt for her advice." Darcy leaned close to Georgiana. "As you know, our aunt is a great giver of advice."

Elizabeth smiled. "As she did not perfectly agree with my pre-existing sentiments, I am not inclined to agree with you. For if she were a good giver of advice, she would have replied to me with what I wished to hear in the first place."

"I see your point. However I claimed her to be a great giver of advice, not a good one. That single word makes the difference. We do agree that Lady Catherine should not be approached if your desire is to hear what you already thought."

Elizabeth gave a pretty bob of her head in agreement.

"Miss Bennet asked our aunt her opinion when we all dined together the next day. Though — you were more deferential to Lady Catherine then. You said you would do as she wished."

"She agreed that the names of reigning monarchs were excellent choices, even if not superior to other aristocratic names. And, though I do love you dearly, and Georgiana is an excellent name, in most cases a girl should not be given a man's name with a feminine ending. I was honest when I told Lady Catherine I would name within the constraints she suggested."

"Lady Catherine doesn't like my name?"

It was wonderfully sweet the way Elizabeth leaned across the space between the seats to pat Georgiana on the hand. "I'm sorry my dear, but it is true. I'm sure if you ask, she would own it directly. She does not blame you though — if it helps you to bear up under the weight of your aunt's preference, I like your name."

"Oh, I do not care. I'm always terrified of Lady Catherine; I would never dare ask her a question — even if it were serious."

"She is an impressive woman," Elizabeth agreed, "and very sure of herself. Your brother did defend your name. Quite valiantly, he directly argued with your aunt — which I would not have done without closer acquaintance to her than I had."

"I did promise her not to name my daughter Fitzwilhelmina — a promise I may need to break. And what will be left of my honor then?"

Elizabeth laughed.

The carriage rolled up to Longbourn, and Darcy quickly stepped out, so he could help each lady to the ground. Darcy smiled for the short walk to the door. Elizabeth entangled her arm sweetly around his, and her thumb rubbed at his wrist. He glanced at her face as they knocked. Her clear eyes and pert smile promised future joy.

Elizabeth woke elated the morning they started the trip to Pemberley. She was sure that in two weeks' time she would be engaged to the best and handsomest man in Britain. It had been so kind of him to visit Longbourn once again after all that had occurred. Everything felt perfect. Even Mr. Bennet, while he did not apologize, made a real attempt to be amiable towards Darcy.

Darcy had accepted with grace her mother's civility and challenged her father to several games of checkers. He had been too willing to engage with Papa. She would not be happy till Mr. Bennet admitted wrong doing. Darcy showed that while he might not approve of all of the Bennets, he could treat them as family.

Happily, Mary and Georgiana properly befriended each other. They had gone outside to talk, and when they returned, they smiled and practiced a duet. Elizabeth asked Mary about it after the Netherfield party left, but all Mary said in reply was that Georgiana was very good and kind.

When the Gardiners arrived shortly before supper, Darcy greeted them with real enthusiasm. Elizabeth knew they had dined together several times in London, and she loved the way her uncle and Darcy enjoyed each other's company.

When the plans for the parties were arranged, Elizabeth managed to place herself in the Darcy carriage while Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner rode with the Bingleys. It was a happy party. They talked and exchanged stories and played games.

After the stop for lunch Elizabeth asked, "How do you entertain yourselves on long rides?"

"In general we talk, like now, or read," Darcy replied.

"That is boring, and I'll not allow you to continue with it. When it is me and Jane in the carriage, or the Gardiners, we always play riddles and ask each other conundrums." Elizabeth gestured back towards the carriage following a dozen yards behind theirs. "Unless Bingley has some terribly clever plan which persuaded Jane to betray our tradition that is what they do now."

Darcy raised his eyebrows. "I can vouch that Bingley has no terribly clever plans to pass the time. Though we have posed puzzles to each other. Most likely your guess about what they do is correct."

Georgiana said in a nostalgic voice, "You used to invent stories for me."

"I did? — Oh yes, I recall. That was several years ago."

Darcy appeared slightly embarrassed, and Elizabeth begged for more details.

"It was after father died," Georgiana answered for him, "I was miserable the first year when we traveled to London to gain the attention of a renowned music master. I spent an hour crying on the first day, and Fitzwilliam had no idea how to comfort me."

"I remember now, I knew you enjoyed stories, so I retold the first one that came to mind, which was Othello."

Elizabeth bubbled at the image of a much younger Darcy comforting a small, teary eyed Georgiana. "Othello? That is hardly the tale I would choose if I needed to comfort a crying child."

"Which is why he invented a new ending." Georgiana smiled at Elizabeth. "Halfway through he started to change what happened. The lieutenant saw through Iago's plots and convinced Othello of Desdemona's innocence. There was a battle of wits where Desdemona used a clever stratagem she had learned from Othello's stories to save him from Iago. Iago repented and became a traveling priest who gave sweets to children — it was very good."

Elizabeth laughed and said to the blushing Darcy, "That is a most charming story."

Darcy tapped Georgiana's knee. "I fear my sister was terribly disappointed when she later saw Othello performed."

"I was not — I knew perfectly well you made up the ending."

Every story, every habit, every small matter she learned about Darcy made her affection grow. "You said he invented stories, was this the only one?"

"Oh no, I insisted he tell more, so the next time he told about a princess Georgiana. Until the year I first went to school I always begged him to tell me stories on carriage rides."

"That was sweet of you. You will one day make an excellent father."

Darcy flushed and smiled. "I hope to." He then added, "I do look forward to taking little Fitzwilhelmina on my knees and inventing stories for her entertainment."

AN: Sorry for the short posting, the next one will be more than twice as long because I felt it would make a better dramatic unit.

I've found a great BBC documentary series where an several archaeologists and historians try to live like historic farmers for a full year. So far I've just watched the Tudor Monastary Farm series, and the first episode of the Victorian Farm series, but they've all been very fun and informative to see the patterns of daily life reconstructed.