Author's Note: I do not own any of Jane Austen's characters or works. Apologies for the length of time between posts (and length of note!) but I have one hell of a lot of homework and I cannot write this when I haven't finished it (or at least most of it!). I see my fanfics as a hobby so it's something I do in my free time and I have very little time right now, it seems.

Having said that, it is very important to me and I am always thinking of new ways to improve the storyline and characters (although bear in mind this is predominantly a Lizzy/Darcy sequel). I put great effort into thorough research of the period so that I can tell a story that is as close to historically accurate as possible.

On that note I would like to ask you please, if you can, to review the story with any thoughts you have while reading. Receiving responses is one of my favourite parts of this whole process. Thanks! Xxx

P.S. If you look on my profile page, there are visual links for the houses of the different families mentioned in the previous chapter. Enjoy!

Turned and Tossed and Stretched

Sunday 8th May 1814

2.30pm

Elizabeth Darcy had always considered herself a rational woman and her marriage had only confirmed her thoughts as her husband encouraged her not to make immediate judgements of characters and to more calmly deal with her emotions. However, she thought that she might have been forgiven for wanting to act completely indecorously at the arrival of Mr and Mrs Wickham to Pemberley. She did not hear her mother's words as she tried desperately to make any and every plausible excuse and she did not see Darcy as he surveyed the grounds and noted that the small group of them were the only ones who noticed the arrival of the Wickhams. Elizabeth only saw the three children at Lydia's feet.

"I do not know what she is about, Lizzy!" Mrs Bennet squawked. "I only told her she had a nephew and look what liberties she takes – she should have presented a calling card!"

Darcy turned to her with an icy stare and an equally icy tone. "Mrs Bennet I find it hard to believe that you could not have predicted your daughter's reaction to such information." Mrs Bennet was silent and her husband, sensibly, removed his wife from the anger of their son-in-law.

Before long, Lydia had run up to her sister and congratulated her on such beautiful arrangements. "Oh, Lizzy, I could never do such a thing as this! Of course, you have only one son and I have all three at once." She said smugly. Her happy demeanour was slightly dampened, however, when her eyes caught Darcy's stare and she sensed the tense looks that passed from one family member to the other. "Well, of course you will want to see them but they have been taken to the nursery just now."

There were very few people now paying attention to Lydia, although both Elizabeth and Darcy would rather hold a long private audience with Lydia then acknowledge the man behind her. "Mr Darcy, Mrs Darcy." Wickham bowed solemnly. Neither Mr nor Mrs Darcy reverenced in response. "My wife and I would be very grateful if you would allow us to remain here whilst I arrange for other accommodation. We cannot stay for more than a few hours in any case."

"You will not stay for more than a few hours." Darcy calmly said, gesturing to Lizzy to stand next to him. "I will make plans for your lodgings immediately."

"Thank you, sir. But if you will provide the addresses, I can quite competently book rooms of my own accord." Wickham's voice was cutting the fine line between polite and impatient: his discomfort was plain to see and Lizzy did pity him. Darcy reluctantly agreed and with a kiss on her hand, he led Wickham to the study – yet again.

4.30pm

Bennet slept in his mother's arms as she carried him to the Nursery; his mouth hanging open and his tiny little hands clutching her clothes. Elizabeth was very jealous of her son as he rested; there was nothing she would have wanted to do more. Unfortunately, God was not about to let her do that even as she put Bennet down for his nap.

"Lizzy!" Lydia cried when she saw her enter the Nursery. Lizzy's instinct made her shush such loud noises.

"Lydia, do not wake the children. There are so many of them that we cannot hope to calm them ourselves and I have no wish but to put him to bed."

"I am sorry, but I am glad to talk with you." Lizzy looked up from her son at Lydia's unexpectedly earnest tone and listened intently as she removed Bennet's christening garb and wrapped him in less precious clothes. "My life is very content now, Lizzy."

"I do not doubt it."

"Indeed you do. As do most people in our family and I suppose with some good reason." She sighed and fixed some invisible spot on one of her boys as they slept. "But I have my boys now and we are a nice little family!"

Elizabeth placed Bennet in his cradle and covered him with what had become known throughout the day as 'the Darcy quilt'. She lowered her voice and stood close to her sister, "I only worry that you will encounter insuperable problems trying to maintain your lifestyle with three boys to support. Lydia, is he fair with his money?"

"He knows little about his full payment I am sure, for I take the cheque from him as soon as he is home. He never sees the total, I think. We keep our money in an account and as long as he has some with which to entertain himself then he does not question it." Lizzy did not want to think what the phrase 'entertain himself' meant. "I believe we shall do very well." She said, brightly.

Lizzy sat in the chair next to her son and took her youngest sister's hand. "Lydia, you cannot keep applying for my and Jane's help. You know to what extent Mr Darcy went in order to keep your reputation and I will not ask him for more." Lizzy stood and paced in frustration at her own conflicting thoughts. "I want to help you. I am in a position to help you, but not to the lengths you expect."

Lydia nodded. "It was unfair of me to ask for help from you last year. We have children now Lizzy. If you help us now it will be for their benefit. Anything you can give; clothes, food, recommendations for a nanny." Lizzy did not mention to Lydia that she would be unable to afford a governess in her situation: even Mr Bennet could not do so. She only promised she would discuss it with her husband – something she fully intended to do, except with Jane – and embraced her youngest sister as she had not done for many years.

9.00pm

"Lady Catherine left early, complaining of a headache." Darcy said upon entering their rooms. "She sent her apologies for not giving you a personal farewell and I am certain she was sincere." He laughed, but stopped and turned when he did not hear a similar response from his wife.

Lizzy looked up and dismissed his concern as she was only tired from the long day. "I am sorry for my sister's abrupt arrival, Fitzwilliam. I honestly do not know what goes through her head sometimes, acting like that."

"She only wanted to see you." He shouted from his dressing room. "I am not worried about them; Wickham knows full well not to cause any scene in front of us." She breathed another abject apology but he refused to hear her. "My dear, apologising for your sister is unnecessary. I am serious, Lizzy. You are not responsible for either of them." She capitulated eventually and she rested comfortably in his arms when he asked her if she wanted good news.

"What are you about, William? Of course I do!" She laughed and sat up; her face full of intrigue.

Slowly, savouring every word, he said, "Bingley has purchased an estate, Beningbrough, situated not thirty miles from here." He let his statement hang in the air as he watched joy wash over the face of his wife.

"Jane and Charles will be less than three hours from us?" She gawked at the possibility. "It cannot be! This is too wonderful, Fitzwilliam!" Without warning she pressed their lips together and wrapped her arms about his neck. Lizzy smiled against his kisses and pulled him closer until he could advance no further. When she spoke, her voice was soft and contented. "My dear Mr Darcy, I believe I cannot be more pleased than I am now at such news."

He raised an eyebrow and pulled away to see her face against the pillow. "Oh? Are quite sure?"

"Yes." She realised his mischievous grin and bade him tell her what else he knew. When he told her she must already be aware, it only confused her.

"It is about your sister, Lizzy."

"Yes, but I do not know to what you are referring."

"Oh do not tease me this time, Lizzy!" He released her from his arms and sat upright. She saw his expression was full of incredulity. "Surely Jane could no more keep from you that she is with child than Bingley could from me."

"I really do not . . ." Her eyes widened and he crimsoned at the prospect that, actually, she did not know. "What? What did you say?"

He took her hands and kissed them, "Jane will have a child this October. You shall be an Aunt and I an Uncle – again."

Lizzy sat back, unable to find a high enough note on which to shout out her happiness for her sister. "This is excellent. Everything we ever wanted, but . . . the family . . . all the children, as much as we love them . . ." She stared at him in such a way as to make him think she could see inside his soul and read his thoughts. Then, very quietly, as she leaned into his arms she murmured, "Please, make them all go home now."

Darcy chuckled and ran his fingers through her hair. She lifted her face and inclined her head towards his, cheek to cheek. Suddenly the unwanted desires that prompted Darcy's conversation with his uncle in April came rushing back to him. He listened carefully and heard her increasing heartbeat. Lizzy's response to his concerns at the time did not calm him and he knew by her deepening breaths what she wanted. "Lizzy . . ."

She touched his lips. Slowly and savouring every kiss, she silenced him and Darcy gave in to his impulse and pressed her close, lifting her gown slightly as he did so and pushing his limits. At length, they broke and she moved out to see him more fully. "William I am not in the habit of endangering my own health." She tucked a stray curl behind his ear and let her arm snake around his neck. "Dr Howards gave me permission," Lizzy reached into her pocket and pulled out two pieces of paper, "I knew you would not believe me. Here, I made them write me a note."

Darcy burst into laughter and tossed the papers aside. "I do not mistrust you, but I am not a selfish being, though I have been. I would not force you to have me."

She smiled saucily, and leaned into him again. "I like it when you're strong, Fitzwilliam." His eyes betrayed his scandal at her comment. "You are very impressive." Closing in again, they embraced.

An indeterminate amount of time passed as they revelled in kisses, before Darcy lay atop his wife and desperately searched for the hem of her gown. Inevitably, he found her calves, her thighs and her hips and the pleasure he received with each stroke was succeeded only by her own.

Elizabeth knew at least, when after almost two hours she lay exhausted and glistening with sweat in her husband's arms, that she could face her many guests after being close to William once again.

Wednesday 19th October 1814

5.00pm

It was in fact that case that so many guests left the very next day that by the time dinner was served only the Darcys themselves occupied the house. Elizabeth remarked she had never been so glad to be alone with her husband and sister as she was that night and both sisters were exultant on the virtues ofsmall family gatherings. They were so enamoured of such parties that when each woman's birthday came around, they celebrated with very few guests indeed, although Mr Darcy was very kind in arranging some of Georgiana's friends from school to attend.

Since the upheaval of Bennet's christening, Elizabeth and Darcy had enjoyed a period of calm during which they lived happily with their son and his Aunt. The excitement came when Jane and Bingley moved to Beningbrough and the sisters spent several nights together conversing as they had before they were married.

A woman in the throes of carrying a child is expected to display many conflicting emotions and severely irritate those in her company, particularly if, during her term, she is arranging the move of her household to what is essentially a foreign county. Jane Bingley was not one of these women.

The cool nature of Mrs Bingley allowed her to organise the house, her husband and her term with perfect docility. She accepted the helpful comments of her mother with grace and gratitude and very seldom did she end in tears.

Elizabeth never ceased to be amazed that Jane did not seek refuge regularly in her husband's arms and was convinced that she must only do behind closed doors. Such thoughts were the occupants of Elizabeth's mind as she waited to be taken to Beningbrough in anticipation of her niece's birth. She lay on a blanket under the shade of a birch tree and watched Bennet as he amused himself by rolling over again and again – a talent he discovered after watching his father play with the dogs.

"Elizabeth!" Lizzy raised her head and shielded her eyes from the sun, only to see her husband stride towards her, looking less than pleased. Upon reaching them, he placed his hand on Lizzy's waist and pulled her to him. When he spoke his voice was gruff, and his warm breath surrounded her. "I shall miss you both cruelly."

"Fitzwilliam, do not be so morose." One hand moved from his chest to his hair and drew him closer; their lips too close to avoid temptation. "You shall be with us soon to comfort Charles." Darcy nodded. He leant further into her and gave her a kiss. However, the fact that he could feel her heart begin to race when he did so meant that one would not suffice. He gave another kiss, and yet another and both quickly lost track altogether.

Activities like the one in which both Master and Mistress were now employed were Darcy's favourite aspect of married life. He ran his hands slowly along her body, savouring every curve. He kissed her lips, her cheeks, her neck, her hair and equally felt her hands move from his hair to his chest, his shirt, his legs and back. Lizzy trembled underneath him and, without thinking, she began unbuttoning his trousers.

Really, her actions should have brought them both back to reality. Instead, Darcy responded by dragging Lizzy's hemline up to her waist, all the while not a point of daylight could be seen between their faces. It was unlikely that any further inappropriate action would have prevented them from making love in the grove and neither Darcy nor Elizabeth was worried by this.

However, during this time Bennet had noticed the distinct lack of attention being paid to him by his mother and he expanded more effort into his rolling in order to attract her attention. He cried out when his talent failed to make a difference but his parents seemed to be more interested in each other. Therefore, it was with a passion to match his mother that Bennet rolled his way to his parents and smacked his mother's face, hard. His tiny little hand pushed Darcy and Elizabeth apart and returned them immediately to their senses, although not without a few seconds of breathless panting.

"He must learn to share." Darcy said, desperately fixing his trousers and pulling his wife's dress down again.

"I do not think that is the point, Fitzwilliam. We would not have stopped."

"Probably not," Darcy turned to the child who had resumed his performance, "I thank you, my son." Lizzy sat up and brushed some of Bennet's stray curls away. As quickly as he had dispelled it, Darcy's melancholy returned and he watched his wife and son. He remembered that he had been annoyed with himself that he would miss her when he had to leave once during their engagement. He talked to himself all the way to London, he talked to himself when collecting the marriage license and he did the same all the way back until he saw her again. Only recently had he let his desire to be with her envelop him. It gave him no greater relief to give in to the feeling, but it at least meant he thought about her . . . silently. "When must you leave?"

"It may be any moment; Jane started into labour late last night but it was judged best not to call for anyone until the morning. Our trunks are being assembled just now, but I did not want Bennet around all the fussing so I brought him outside." Bennet lay on his back and she tickled him, eliciting a lyrical laugh. She loved to hear it. "I wanted to enjoy this part of the garden. I do not know how long we will be wanted at Beningbrough."

Darcy took her hands and kissed each one. "I shall miss you. Send for me as soon as needs be." Bennet was on his stomach now having grown tired of rolling, and tried again to pull himself up which is the final step before he crawls, according to Mrs Reynolds. Darcy picked him up and sat him on his knee. "Take care of your mother as we cannot do without her." Bennet giggled and reached out to feel Darcy's face. They laughed at his exploration until Darcy saw Georgiana in the distance. She undoubtedly brought news that the carriage was ready. "Very well, it seems you must leave your Aunt and me." Darcy carried the blanket back and Elizabeth pushed Bennet in his perambulator as they walked through the courtyard to the vehicle.

Lizzy passed Bennet to Georgiana so she might say goodbye, and turned to her husband. "Farewell, my love. I must admit I am excited and I cannot be unhappy at this trip. I shall have a niece or nephew soon!" He smiled and kissed her last, before they rode out of Pemberley altogether.

9.00pm

Never in her life had Elizabeth felt such a wave of panic sweep over her as she did when she stepped into the foyer of Beningbrough Hall. As her eyes swept from left to right, she saw Charles seated comfortably reading the paper and Jane – at full term – aimlessly wandering about with her feet cooled by the stone floor. Elizabeth closed her eyes for a moment of peace before re-arranging the entire house to the best of her knowledge and ability. After all, she had only one child.

"Lizzy, you're here! Charles, Elizabeth has arrived."

The man walked brightly towards her and kissed her on the cheek. "Ah, Lizzy, you are very welcome. We have been waiting for you." Lizzy watched as her brother and sister discussed their gladness at her arrival with ease and did not once mention the problem of having a woman who was about to give birth out of her room.

And Jane was about to give birth. Elizabeth could see, although goodness knows Jane tried to hide it, that her sister was in great discomfort, if not pain. Occasionally she would quieten, her face would contort slightly and it was obvious she needed to get upstairs as soon as possible – to any room.

Eventually, Lizzy could no more watch this conversation of denial. "I am glad to be here indeed, you cannot understand my regret at not being here sooner."

"Oh, Lizzy we are so –"

"Stop it, Jane. This is farcical! You are about to give birth and you are walking about downstairs!" She gestured to her brother. "And you! What are you thinking letting her out of her rooms? I cannot imagine what would have happened had I not come when I did. Charles, help me get her upstairs."

"What about Bennet, Lizzy?" Mrs Darcy dismissed Jane's question as the baby had been taken to the Nursery when she arrived.

Unfortunately, Elizabeth was not an experienced midwife. Although she had given birth, she very much gave in to what her body wanted and this time, she realised that in present company, she was the most qualified to deliver the baby.

Elizabeth very much wanted to pay attention to her nerves and at the moment she felt a cuddle from Fitzwilliam would be just the thing.

"Charles, you'll have to go downstairs now." At his look of offence she said, "I want you to send for Darcy immediately and get the midwife!" The force in her voice was so rarely heard that it sent the docile Bingley down to his study.

"Lizzy . . ." Jane's choked voice reached across the room to Elizabeth as she heated water over the fire and laid out towels and sheets in the same way as she had seen Mrs Ian-Jones do during her time. She noticed her hands trembled terribly as she worked them.

"Jane we'll be alright. You helped me and now I am returning the favour." Lizzy laughed and continued to lay out the room. Just as at Pemberley, Lizzy placed sheets over the rack in front of the fire, kept a basin full of warm water next to the bed and had several towels ready. She nursed a fear that the midwife would come. As Elizabeth looked round the room and checked her work she smiled at her sister who had been in severe pain, and realised she did not know what to do with the supplies she had provided.

She knew the towels and sheets might be to clean and the water too, and some would be used to hold the baby. Yet beyond that she knew nothing and the thought of her naivety brought a cold sweat to her forehead. Lizzy really wanted to cry but she was not one to give into hysteria and instead, she settled for holding Jane's hand as she had hers.

Lizzy lay next to her sister, wiping her brow and whispering nothings into the anxious air until she noticed that the child was not about to wait for the aunt, the mother, the father or the midwife. "Charles!"

Thursday 20th October 1814

4.00am

Darcy as much as leapt from his horse and darted into the house. His actions reflected the spirit of anticipation he expected to encounter upon his arrival but even as he approached Beningbrough, he felt uneasy as there were no lights on downstairs. Still, perhaps Bingley was in a back room.

"Bingley . . ." His voice echoed around him. Darcy had to admit he actually was slightly nervous: the rooms were dark except for a lingering fire in a side room and there were no sounds to speak of. He hesitated a moment before venturing to the first floor. He knew this house well, as he and Elizabeth had provided help in its arrangement and instinct told him to go to the Nursery as propriety would not allow him to go to the master rooms. A strange feeling that he had missed something came over him.

As he was exploring the silence, Elizabeth stepped out into the corridor and watched him stalk the hallway. "Fitzwilliam?"

Darcy whizzed round and held his chest as his heart settled again. "Lizzy, what is going on?" He observed her appearance: several curls had fallen around her face and neck, she was glowing with perspiration, she had rolled up her sleeves and her expression was full of excitement. "Where is Bingley? Where is the midwife, the doctor? Where is Bennet?"

Lizzy chuckled happily and her eyebrows had shot up in surprise. "My goodness, William, you do make an awful lot of demands. I do hope you do not pass that quality to your son." He almost repeated his questions. "However, I will answer you. Bennet is in the nursery, asleep. The midwife is not yet here, the doctor is not needed and Bingley is in here with his wife and daughter, if you will follow me." She indicated the room behind her and Darcy strode in, pausing momentarily to observe the stimulated expression his wife wore.

"Darcy, come and meet Christiana." Bingley led him to Jane, who was sitting up slightly much as Elizabeth had and holding a bundle of prettiness that matched her parents, Christiana Bingley slept silently in her mother's arms.

"She is beautiful, of course. But Bingley, this is an unconventional arrival is it not?" Darcy touched her face gently and held her fingers; they were a rare shade of pink and stretched out at his contact.

"You mean only because Charles did not think to invite the entire family." Elizabeth returned to tidying the room as best she knew and kept a careful watch on Jane. Darcy rolled his eyes. "She certainly pushed the boundaries of my abilities as an aunt. I have never been more frightened in my life."

"You were wonderful, Lizzy." Jane whispered as she began to fall asleep.

Elizabeth kissed her sister. "No indeed. I think you must be the most wonderful person here." Bingley thanked her again and as Jane fell asleep, Elizabeth shooed her husband away to let the new parents enjoy the novelty of their serene daughter.

Monday 17th December 1814

9.09pm

Elizabeth Darcy sat in the parlour at Beningbrough Hall. She thought how fantastic the Christmas celebrations would be this year with Bennet and now Christiana having joined them. They were the toast of the family and as a pleasant surprise, Elizabeth and Jane did not have to worry about watching their little ones as their Gardiner cousins saw fit to amuse them from dusk to dawn. Lizzy enjoyed every morning that she woke up and saw her little boy waddling over to her, as Sarah burst in behind him. She thought it hilarious that his poor nurse always found it difficult to keep up with her charge, but found she could not feel reproach for her as she did have several other children under her care at the time. Lizzy decided to give additional gifts to her as compensation.

Christmas this year would pass at Beningbrough with just the Bennets, the Gardiners and the Darcys as guests. Although the Gardiners would leave after Christmas Day to be with their maternal family, the children still enjoyed any holiday in Derbyshire and Jane and Charles were such welcoming hosts.

As she talked with her sister, Elizabeth let her eyes fall on her husband: he stood laughing hysterically by the fire with Bingley as they discussed the days of their early friendship and drank several expensive bottles of wine, much to their wives' horror.

"Perhaps this is not the best time to discuss our sisters." Jane said, indicating with a nod of her head the two men in fits of laughter. "I do not think they are quite up to it."

"Perhaps not, but then we are not exactly sober just now, are we Jane?" Elizabeth stood and entreated the men to sit down, removing from their grasps the empty glasses and lightly slapping Darcy's hand to gain his attention. "Fitzwilliam, what think you of having Kitty and Mary to stay? Jane and I think they would greatly benefit."

Darcy sat next to this wife, thoroughly surprised by her suggestion. He asked her when on earth she had found time to think of such a thing. "I thought you were helping Jane with Christmas."

Lizzy exchanged a look of mock offence with her sister. "Do you think that we women can only analyse one good topic of conversation?"

"Indeed, I took you for a more knowledgeable man, Fitzwilliam." Darcy sighed and apologised with grave insincerity. "Really," Jane continued, "we thought that they might enjoy being away from home. They seem to get on so well with Georgiana."

"Indeed," Lizzy said, looking for an answer from her husband, "you have seen for yourselves how excited they are to be here . . . and Georgiana would benefit equally: she might encourage them to be more modest and they would bring out her brilliant nature. What do you think?"

"I have no concerns," Bingley offered with his usual pleasing smile – even if his eyes were glazed over – and the sisters nodded in glee, "but I insist that they stay with us for at least half the time. We both would enjoy such company."

Bingley's consent obtained, the ladies now looked hopefully to Darcy, who laughed to himself for a moment that they thought he could stop them when they seemed too elated at the idea. "Elizabeth, you know that I would want Kitty and Mary to come. But have you asked them? I do not want to get overly onerous about planning this when it has not been cemented."

"We suggest it at their insistence, Fitzwilliam. They have told us several times how they love to come here, especially since the children arrived." Elizabeth noticed an amused smile come over her husband's face and it was only after several attempts that he admitted they might want some time away from their mother. "Yes, well it was partially mama's proposition, but I do not think anyone expected it. She is not quite so bad anymore." Darcy stared at her, bewildered that she had made such a comment. Usually not one night would pass that his wife did not sigh to herself one or another of her mother's remarks. "I said not quite so bad, do not get ahead of yourself, my dear."

"Well, we certainly have no problem with Kitty and Mary staying. They shall be pleasant guests I am sure; perhaps fill up Pemberley's halls a bit more . . . although goodness knows Bennet does his best."

"What about Lydia?" Jane's question hung in the air; making it suddenly tense. Lizzy almost glared at her sister as Jane explained her concerns. "Lizzy you told me Lydia had very little money for the young ones, especially now that little Fanny has been born. Did you not say she had discussed it with you?"

Elizabeth was very still; frightened to move lest she catch Darcy's expression. Her cheeks burned with mortification as it became quite plain that she had told no-one but her sister of Lydia's problems. "I think, she only suggested we might make a contribution for the sake of the children, Jane." She spoke quietly and her gaze did not move from the floor, until she felt Darcy's hand cover her own.

"An excellent notion." He said, and offered suggestions as to the best way in which they might help the Wickhams' children; they agreed on five-hundred pounds together which would be sent for the New Year. The continued illness of Lady Catherine was briefly mentioned before they found themselves more tired than was necessary and went to bed.

10.57pm

"He is asleep. Hopefully, for the night." Elizabeth removed her wrap and lay back in bed as Darcy finished an irritatingly long chapter in his book. "It is quite adorable, he is very protective of his little cousin. 'Tis only a matter of time before the women begin suggesting we arrange for them to marry."

Darcy closed his book, unfinished, but he was glad to have an excuse to push it away. "They may do so, if it is their wish."

"Bennet . . . he may marry for love, as we have done, may he not?" Her hesitancy caught his attention and he inquired what she meant, as Bennet was not even one year old yet. "Please, be serious, he may marry for love? I could not watch our son live a falsity."

Darcy turned to his wife and took her in his arms, kissing her soundly. Eventually he garnered her laugh and a smile. "Elizabeth, I could no more watch our children marry without love, than I could watch you marry Mr Collins."

Friday 30th December 1814

11.34am

Christmas Day indeed passed joyfully; Elizabeth watched incredulously as Darcy tried to get his son interested in his gifts, whilst it was clear Bennet was only fascinated in tearing up the paper and throwing it at his father. For Lizzy, the day passed far too quickly and her mother attributed it to being the first Christmas during which she had a child. At first, Lizzy was reluctant to agree with Mrs Bennet but saw the wisdom in her mother's words: time flies for those having fun. It was this feeling of harmony between them that conjured feelings of delight in Elizabeth when she entered the Nursery at Beningbrough and saw her mother sitting calmly in an armchair.

"Mama, are you alright?"

Mrs Bennet turned and smiled at the sight of her daughter. "Oh Lizzy, yes I am perfectly alright. It is nice to have some peace and quiet; one would not think peace could found in a nursery!"

"No indeed, Mama. It is very soothing when they are asleep." She tucked Bennet into his cradle and watched him sleep. "I still cannot believe he is my son, he is so handsome."

"He is a very beautiful boy, indeed. I must say what a wonderful thing it was that Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley came into Hertfordshire. To think it was only for the sport!"

Elizabeth recollected the night very well as she had done so many times with Darcy; she admitted he was very handsome, even if she did not like him. "Very wonderful, but Mr Darcy and I were not entirely enamoured of one another quite yet."

"Were you not? I am surprised." Elizabeth inquired as to her meaning; she thought her dislike had been plain, which was one of the obstacles they had to overcome when they became engaged. "Your dislike was evident from the very first, as was everyone's. When I look back, his behaviour to you was not that of dislike, Elizabeth."

Intrigued, Lizzy sat opposite her mother. "I did not know you were so perceptive. How would you describe his conduct?"

"Do not get excited, Lizzy." She said, noticing the look of absorption pasted all over her daughter's face. "It was not love . . . more like, if I may say so, desire." Elizabeth dropped her eyes to the floor in mortification and her face crimsoned. "You did ask me, Elizabeth. He was very enthralled by you, I think, he watched you a lot."

Lizzy grinned helplessly. "He was in love with me later, when I went to Rosings."

"What do you mean?" Oh dear, thought Lizzy. "At Rosings when you visited Charlotte Collins? He did not tell you?" Elizabeth stammered for a reply. "He did! Elizabeth, why did you not take advantage of this? He must have been acting very much out with propriety. You could have made him propose!"

Mrs Bennet's voice had receded into its familiar shrill tone and Elizabeth closed her eyes against the cacophony of exclamations. "Mother, I did not have to do any such thing; he proposed to me!" As soon as the words left her lips, she regretted them. Lizzy watched, helpless, as Mrs Bennet concluded that they had been engaged all that time.

"Why you sly thing! Elizabeth why did you not say you were to be married?"

"We were not engaged; I refused him." Lizzy could not see any reason to conceal the whole truth now she had begun.

Mrs Bennet's gleeful demeanour dropped like snow. "Refused him?"

"Yes, mama. I did not love him then and his manner of conducting himself was contemptible." She sighed, defeated and waited for the wrath of Mrs Bennet.

"Lizzy, how could you do that?" Mrs Bennet's voice sounded pained; it was unsettling. "It was one thing to refuse Mr Collins . . . but I think even your father would have encouraged you to accept Mr Darcy. Our family cannot afford to decline such an offer. Elizabeth, what if something had happened to your father?"

"Mama, I understand that but I would not have married without love. It was not our family that was the most important to me. I could not bear to be in a marriage without affection."

"But he loved you, you said. You would have grown to love him."

Elizabeth shook her head, taking advantage of this period of calm. "I was not to know that, Mama, and neither was Mr Darcy. His motives were improper and our time apart allowed him to examine them. We did marry, Mama, and you have a grandson. You need not be upset."

Her mother nodded. "I know that, Lizzy, but you understand my situation. Five unmarried daughters and an entailed estate."

"Yes mama, but you might have gone about it in a less . . ." She searched for an inoffensive word, "critical manner." She took a breath. "Your daughters felt just as much pressure to succeed and helplessness at being unable to do so as their mother."

Mrs Bennet nodded; one of the most enlightening conversations of Elizabeth's life was over. "At least my grandchildren may marry whomever they so choose."

Elizabeth kissed her mother's cheek. "Remember mama, that Kitty and Mary remain unattached! You still have some matchmaking before you." She heard her mother laugh gaily at the prospect and ran out to the wildness of Pemberley's grounds to reflect.

Later, Elizabeth would remark to her husband that she had never felt so close to her mother as she did following their discussion; she learned to esteem Mrs Bennet's motives and her own were respected in turn. Darcy suggested that perhaps now she was on a more secure footing with her mother and told her he saw her parents enjoying a happier marriage. Before they fell asleep, Elizabeth mentioned a letter she had received from Mrs Collins which detailed that her revered patroness was struggling to cope with her failing health and the unusually cold weather this winter. The de Bourghs were put out of mind, however, when it was decided that the Lady's health would improve with the spring.

Tuesday 7th February 1815

9.00am

Victoria Fitzwilliam had prided herself on her position in life: she was born and married into an aristocratic family which allowed her and her children to dine in the first circles; she learned the languages and cultures of Europe and she always ensured her reputation and that of her family's was regarded as the finest in England. Consequently, as she walked to her husband's study to give him news from the family with a gait to match that of the most elegant dancer, Victoria remembered that her passions for wildness and excitement were inappropriate for her station and suppressed the look of melancholy that occasionally passed over her features.

"Aunt Catherine is no better, but dear Anne assures me her mother shall regain her health with the warm weather." Richard nodded thoughtfully. "Elizabeth's letters give better news; she speaks much of Bennet of course and tells me he runs everywhere now and she is convinced that Darcy shall develop a heart condition as a result. Georgiana is flourishing, but wishes she could remain at home for her nephew's birthday –"

"Where is she going?" Mr Fitzwilliam's booming base cut his wife short.

"She . . . she is going to Kent, to visit Anne."

There was a silence where Victoria expected her husband to make a response to the news, but there was none and so she continued. "Elizabeth also makes a point of mentioning how much time she spends sending gifts to the children." She laughed here but her mirth brought no smile to her husband. "We have been invited to Pemberley for your Godson's birthday."

"We cannot go." She stared blankly at him. "You are not fit for travelling and you shall not be here alone."

Victoria saw his reference to her expectant condition and agreed that at that time it would not be appropriate, although she made a note to herself to ask Mrs Darcy of the time when she travelled down to Hertfordshire at five months. "I shall only be six months."

Richard looked up; surprised that she did not seem to entirely appreciate his concern. "I do not wish to discuss this. You do not think it unsafe to travel at such a time?"

"Yes, of course. We shall not argue, I only thought you might want to see Bennet."

"The health of my wife precedes my godson." She was sad at this; sad that she might not see her sister as she had been excitedly anticipating another stay at Pemberley.

She forgot her irrational emotions and her voice took on a confident and authoritative air as she remembered a request she meant to make. "I shall need additional input from you to finance Emma's clothes for school. She has quite outgrown her old ones." Richard was unsurprised by this second request for money for his eldest daughter this year. Nonetheless, he agreed and Victoria returned to her own desk to delegate the household.

Saturday 25th February 1815

6.00pm

For the first time in twenty-four years, Mr and Mrs Bennet dined alone. Neither mind dwelt on the atmosphere between them, which was easy and comforting, neither mind commented on the cool sky, in which the stars could be seen and neither mind was unhappy for they were discussing their grandchildren.

"Jane letters are filled with her daughter and her nephew, as are Elizabeth's, are they not?" Inquired Mrs Bennet.

Her husband chuckled famously. "Indeed they are, my dear. They must have quite a time writing to us both separately. I am surprised they can find a moment to spend with their children! Although I must say, even a letter that neglected to mention the little ones could not be as tiresome as the one I received from Mr Collins." Mrs Bennet rolled her eyes in a way that reminded him of Elizabeth. "The only interesting news was that of Lady Catherine; she is no better."

"Goodness, shall we not discuss him then? I do not wish to fall asleep in the soup." A few minutes passed during which they ate finer food than they had been able to purchase with five young women to maintain. Mr Bennet often remarked that they should have managed better had they not such a multitude of ladies.

"I have never seen Mary and Kitty so glad to go to the Lucases as I saw them this afternoon. What are they about?"

"They were to make the acquaintance of one of Sir William Lucases' friends from St James, I believe." Mr Bennet failed to conceal a smirk. "I must confess I do not know what excited them so; I should not like to meet another man like Sir William."

"Perhaps they have not had enough about which to be excited; their sisters are all enjoying such dynamic lives. I believe their staying with Elizabeth and Jane shall benefit everyone. When do they leave?"

Her husband's tone gave the impression that he was not entirely looking forward to his last two daughters leaving home at last. "The Bingleys and Darcys shall arrive early in March . . . I think Lizzy said the twelfth." Mr Bennet nodded. "They were not always to come here. I think Lizzy said Darcy had invited Richard Fitzwilliam to visit Pemberley but he was unable." Mr Bennet became alarmed at this and inquired what possible reason he could have for not visiting his godson. "His wife is in that way again. Mr Fitzwilliam does not want her travelling at all."

Mr Bennet laughed heartily. "I am glad for them, but do tell me when Kitty and Mary are to leave?"

The woman realised her mistake and blushed prettily. "Oh yes, indeed; they are leaving with them after our grandson's birthday." Mr Bennet smiled appreciatively. "It was Mr Darcy's idea to bring the family to Hertfordshire. Lizzy wrote that he liked to visit the county where he found his bride."

In a way that reminded Mrs Bennet of their early days of marriage, Mr Bennet smiled; thinking of the lady and the man who was in love with her.

Sunday 12th March 1815

1.30pm

Kitty Bennet was seated at the table in the parlour at Longbourn, calmly sewing a bonnet to match one she had seen in Meryton. It was her wish to buy it but she did not have the heart to ask for the money from her father. Secretly she hoped her sisters would buy it for her, but for the time being, she tested her memory and her creativity to achieve a perfect copy.

"I am concerned; they should have been here over two hours ago." Kitty's gentle thoughts were disturbed by the complaints of her father. She smiled at the thought of Mr Bennet needing to calm his nerves. "Where could they have gotten to?"

Mary Bennet looked up from her manuscript and exchanged an amused look with her younger sister. "Papa, you ought not to worry so much."

Kitty rose from her work and stood next to her father, laying a comforting arm on his shoulder. "Papa consider this, our sisters have two children between them, two nurses, servants and luggage to cart about. Perhaps the journey was longer than they anticipated."

"Indeed." Mary sat at the pianoforte and played a tune that was marginally improved since Georgiana had kindly bought a new piano for the parlour. "Do you not think it likely that they may already be here? They are staying at Netherfield, and may have stopped to freshen themselves."

Mr Bennet sighed. He knew perfectly well that these reasons were valid. Yet he was unsatisfied and he could not take his eyes from the road. Before he could form a defence of his characters, Mrs Bennet's voice reached him from her chair by the fireplace and her words made him raise his eyebrow. "Mr Bennet I cannot believe you are getting into such a state, you must try to calm your nerves." Kitty and Mary shared a barely suppressed giggle for the irony in their mother's words and their father turned back to the window.

Twenty minutes passed. Kitty and Mary steadily tended to their own pursuits and Mrs Bennet sat peacefully humming along to her daughter's tunes. All this irritated Mr Bennet; he was frustrated that his wife and daughters were unconcerned. Of course, in his heart of hearts, he knew his thoughts were irrational but he could not shake them from his conscience and that worried him more than anything.

After a while, he gathered his thoughts and came to the more reasoned conclusion that his apprehension was not necessarily tied to his daughters. Jane and Elizabeth would almost certainly have gone to Netherfield first to settle. Why was it then that he felt he was treading on thin ice?

A crunching, rolling sound came from the distance. Mr Bennet started and his eyes widened in anticipation of that which he had been longing to see. A polished black carriage moved along the ground quickly. It sported Bingley's crest and inside, Mr Bennet saw familiar silhouettes craning their necks as they approached the front of the house.

When their father darted to the door, Mary, Kitty and Mrs Bennet were stunned as they had not heard anyone approach. Even as they followed him, the ladies suspected Mr Bennet might need a strong sleeping draught to reconcile him.

Outside, Darcy and Bingley stepped down to help their wives and children. "Mr Bennet you seem quite eager!" Bingley chuckled jovially as he held his daughter and grandfather kissed her. "I am sure we can match you. Jane and Elizabeth have talked of nothing since we left Derbyshire."

Lizzy took her husband's hand and stepped into the open arms of her father. "Papa, it is so good to see you. You look well." For a moment, she thought she caught a hint of worry in her father's eyes, but his words dispelled her concern.

"Thank you, my dear. I must say the same of my children." He turned to Jane and kissed her affectionately. "Well and let me see my grandchildren." Mr Bennet stood beside his wife who was watching with fascination as Bennet walked about confidently, occasionally bending over to pick up a piece of gravel. Quickly, he began handing each piece to his father and copying him when Darcy said 'stone'.

"D-oan." Bennet mumbled incoherently and teetered off to find more things for his father to name.

"My goodness isn't he big!" Marvelled Kitty as she received greetings from her family. "Walking and talking and I don't know what else."

"He's been walking for a time now." Lizzy said, as she gently led her son away from the flowers and into the house. "My husband and I wait to hold our breath until he starts running."

In the evening as the large family sat down to dinner, Lizzy thought how unconventional the whole affair was as tonight, the children dined with them. She explained to her curious mother that she and Jane had not the heart to ask the nurses to keep the babies and they did want to make use of the new items Darcy had bought. Indeed, as much as the company were impressed with Bennet and Christiana, they were equally impressed with the chairs on which they were sitting.

"So Darcy," Mr Bennet inquired, setting down his knife and fork and so signalling that he intended to have a fairly informed discussion, "what exactly is the idea behind the structure of these things?"

Darcy heard an inflection in his father-in-law's voice that made him think he was not entirely convinced by the purpose of his new purchases. "They were developed from the high chairs used to punish children. These, however, keep the children in place with a belt and give them comfort with cushions rather than them having to learn to balance themselves. It simply means that they may sit at a table with adults."

"I think they're wonderful." Jane said in support of Mr Darcy and her sister, who clearly adored having her son next to her. Jane felt it a perfect idea to have her daughter where she could see her and Charles adored the thought of everyone being able to admire Christiana's rosy complexion at once. "Do you not, Papa?"

"You shall not get much use of them, my dear." Mr Bennet warned Elizabeth who sighed in irritation that her beloved Papa would not see the benefits. "He is not to dine with adults."

"Papa we do not intend to use it as a dining chair. It is so that he might sit with me or Mr Darcy when we are working . . . or perhaps if we are receiving guests." She said with a look to Darcy, who nodded his agreement. "It is a very highly prized design."

Mr Bennet remained completely unconvinced and Kitty, sensing that she might be left out of the conversation altogether if she did not speak soon, commented on the absence of Lydia. "Her correspondence is always punctual, but I do wonder that she has not come."

"I would not worry, Kitty. She has four children now and may not have been able to find the time." Jane's voice placated her sister. "I am not surprised she keeps up her letters with you, Kitty. You were always close and she does so dearly love her little ones."

"I am glad of our bond, but she does not always dominate her writing with thoughts about her children. Often, she complains about Mr Wickham." Lizzy laid down her spoon in embarrassment and blushed heavily; she could not believe his name was still so easily mentioned. Though she had to admit that her family knew nothing of his affairs with Miss Darcy and Lizzy fervently hoped it would remain that way. "Perhaps I have an unfair position on this topic; Lydia is our youngest sister and she may just want someone to complain to . . ."

The table quietly discussed their missing persons and with thanks to the heavens, Darcy and Elizabeth were grateful that no-one noticed their complete silence. Each person remained absent from the conversation for the sake of the other as they listened, faces glowing with mortification, as Wickham's innumerable faults were once again laid bare. Lizzy thought it amazing that they found any interest in such a topic of conversation but she did credit her brother and sister with enough sense to be objective.

". . . did not acknowledge Mr and Mrs Darcy in the right way and I am sure that was his doing." The aforementioned couple exchanged an amused look at such a comment from Mary; they had not known she had such violent views about the Wickhams.

A few seconds of peace passed with the only sounds filled by Bennet squealing as his Aunt Kitty played with his silver rattle. Then Mrs Bennet spoke with great poise and coolness: "You will remember, girls, there was always something in Wickham's eyes that I did not like." Lizzy burst into laughter and as he often did, Bennet copied his mother and laughed too before he was joined by the rest of the family.

11pm

Elizabeth turned in her sleep. She snuggled deliberately up to her husband until he woke and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her softly. Breathing deeply, Lizzy took in the scents around her; Fitzwilliam brought images of Pemberley to her and her son; his cologne filled her mind and she ran her hands along her arms as she thought of how strong he was; the smell of the wood fire reminded her of home and family. She was content in her husband's arms after he had made eager love to her and particularly so when he kissed her again.

Suddenly an almighty crash resonated from downstairs. The doors had been flung open and both Lizzy and Darcy jumped from their sleep and were ousted from their warm pleasures with racing pulses. A voice was calling madly for assistance and several servants stampeded noisily to the front door.

Husband and wife shared a look of alarm before shrieks were heard from the nursery and Lizzy spoke in anger. "Oh for goodness sake, I'll be lucky to get him to sleep before the morning now!" She bade him see to the calamity and disappeared through her connecting door: this was not how she envisaged spending the rest of her night.

Darcy was in a similar mood. Not at all amused, he quickly pulled on his robe and made his way to the front hall. Upon arrival his apprehensions were not calmed as he saw the housekeeper in a barely controlled calm desperately trying to control a group of hysterical servants and one horseman who looked to be on his last legs. Darcy listened closely to interpret any coherent phrases they might utter.

"It is my duty to tell the Master, Wilson. Return to your room before you make anymore out of this dreadful business; imagine such a sudden death." The young man whom Darcy assumed was Wilson, however, was not about to leave and he began to twit on endlessly while Darcy could not keep his mind from the last words of the housekeeper.

Tired of the commotion and impatient to know the cause, Darcy cleared his throat. "Excuse me; I must tell you ma'am, Mr Bingley is not here because he is most likely trying to calm his daughter who was woken as a result of this cacophony of voices, as was my son. Your explanation had better warrant such behaviour."

Unfortunately, Darcy's fears were realised and the reason for such alarm and disquiet was perfectly in keeping with their bewildered manner.

As he entered their rooms again, though slowly this time, he saw a picture that he dearly wished to leave alone; Elizabeth sat on the bed, Bennet's arms wrapped snugly around her neck as she hummed a tune that would put him to sleep.

Darcy joined them and allowed himself five minutes of calm with his precious family before he whispered in most soothing voice possible, "dearest Elizabeth," she looked at him and smiled, inquiring as to the sudden silence from downstairs. She became uncomfortable when she saw he struggled to speak.

"Fitzwilliam . . ?"

"Elizabeth, they are waiting outside to take us to Longbourn." Her eyes widened and, holding her hand, he felt her heart race. "Your mother has died."