I played around with fluff this chapter. I think I did very well. There won't be much time moving in this chapter, but it will build a bit. Enjoy

Georgiana quickly fell in love with Dylan. It wasn't as large as Pemberly, but it was still very grand. The house felt very warm and inviting. A routine was quickly established. After breakfast, the girls could be found walking the gardens or trails around the estate. Duets were practiced before lunch; Georgiana played while Kate sang. After lunch, the girls would go their separate ways for a while, though both girls usually ended up in the library to paint or read. Of course there was tea. Before and after dinner found them in Marianne's favorite sitting room for card games, more music, clothing embellishments, or simple gossip. Other than the occasional visitor, nothing broke the routine. Once every two weeks, Marianne would take them into town for shopping and dinner.

Plans had quickly changed, much to the delight of the girls. The Colonel's mother decided to spend the autumn with her daughter and first grandchild. Georgiana would now be staying at Dylan until the 10th of December, when the Westfield's would deliver her to her brother in London. Marianne had decided to open Carter House for Christmas this year, so Mr. Darcy was assured it would be no inconvenience to keep her on for a while longer. The household staff worked at spoiling both the girls. It had been so long since the house was filled with the sounds of youthful laughter. Marianne was always in a good mood. She realized she had mourned far too long. It was good to be living again.

The Colonel made his appearance the first week of August. He arrived to learn that the ladies were spending the day in Bath, and were expected home after dinner. The Colonel thanked the housekeeper and was taken to his room to settle. His impression of Dylan was much the same as his cousin: he couldn't help but find it most pleasing. After a rest and a filling dinner, the gentleman asked to be shown to the ladies sitting room and for his being there not to be made known. He wished to surprise his cousin. Fortunately, he was not kept waiting long. He had settled into a chair that gave him a good visage of the room, but where he would not be immediately noticed. He heard their voices as they made their way down the hall.

"But Marianne, did you not see her hat? I swear that bird winked at me! Winked! Does she really believe that she alone decides what becomes fashionable?"

"Well, Georgie, her family has lived in the area for more than a century, and she is titled. The titled often think higher of themselves than others do."

"I suppose that is true. My Aunt Cathrine seems to think along those lines. She believes no one would dare do anything without her approval. She is most controlling and severe."

"Cousin, that is without a doubt the most unforgiving thing you have ever said. And about our Aunt, too. I am proud of you!" cried the Colonel with a smile and then laughed at the expressions he saw before him. Oh, he loved it. Georgiana's eyes were round and mouth agape. Miss Westfield, too had eyes wide, but she was schooled enough to cover her mouth. Mrs. Westfield and Mrs. Whitmore both covered their surpise quickly with smiles.

"Richard!" cried Georgiana. She picked up a nearby pillow and flung it at him. "Why do you do that?" The room erupted with laughter.

"Are we to expect such each time you make a call, Colonel? Keep in mind that Mrs. Whitmore and I are no spring chickens. We are likely to have a case of nerves and that would be good for no one." Kate and Georgiana were overcome with giggles. (They had explained to Georgie about Kate's mother and her constant complaints.)

"I have a feeling that I am missing a good joke here."

"Indeed, Colonel Fitzwilliam, but we shan't be sharing it with you as punishment for this indignity," says Kate.

"My heart is deeply saddened to hear that. Did you ladies have a good shopping trip? Working to break your brother, Georgie?"

"Of course. Yes, our trip was wonderful. I found Fitzwilliam's Christmas gift. Yours too, but I do not think you deserve it now."

"Did you have a pleasant trip, Colonel?" asked Marianne.

"Yes. Thankfully the weather has held."

"Will you be staying with us long?"

"No, I am afraid I must leave the morning after next. I made a trip to see my new nephew before coming here and stayed longer than I planned. I must check in with my regiment soon. Fear not, you are close enough that I shall make a pest of myself yet," he said with a grin.

Kate decided that she liked his smile. It made his face far more appealing than the aggravation she first saw. Georgiana had already told her that her cousin was rarely seen without a smile. She was happy to see that this was true. "Have you been waiting long?" she asked.

"I arrived a couple of hours before dinner. I must complement you ladies on your house and staff. I have felt most welcome."

"That is good to hear," said Marianne. "My staff has been very pleased to serve so many people recently. For a great many years, they had only me. I have no doubt they wish to give the impression to all who come that they may stay as long as they like and to come again frequently. They have decided I shall not be allowed to become recluse again."

"They must care deeply for their Mistress. My mother remembers you, though you did not know each other intimately. She is glad that you are back out in society. There are few people who truly have her respect and you are one of them. She asked that I give you her thanks for taking Georgiana under your wing. We have told no one but my father of what transpired at Ramsgate. She believes Mrs. Younge needed to leave due to a family matter and, having made such a good friend in your niece, you offered to have her accompany you for the summer. She believes you and Miss Westfield to be good for my cousin, and I can see that this is true. Georgie, I hardly recognize you. Where is that shy little urchin that shadowed her brother everywhere he went?"

"Oh, Richard. Stop."

"Well, I am glad to have left such a lasting impression. It will certainly help this next year. It will be Kate's first Season."

"My mother will be pleased to hear that. She is most impatient for Georgiana to come out. Darcy told her that will not be happening for another few years."

"I shall be seventeen in eighteen months. What does he mean a few years?"

"I believe he means to have you wait until you are eighteen or nineteen."

Georgiana looked horrified. "Richard, you can't let him do that! You are my guardian too. Can you not do something?"

"I told him we should confer with you on this. Do not worry. I will not allow him to keep you locked up forever."

"If it makes you feel better, you will find that it's not all wonderful, being out in society," said Kate

"What do you mean?"

"She is talking about the expectations, dear. The moment you are in society, the eyes of every unattached male will likely be turned in your direction, and let's not forget the eyes of those who will see you as competition," explained Marianne. "You have an enviable fortune, are well connected, and you are very beautiful. You will have to be on constant watch for unsuitable men, much like you endured already this summer. You will have to watch every move you make and every word you say. Even after you marry, the Ton is always looking for juicy gossip. Not only can your actions affect your reputation, but they affect the reputation of your entire family. Society life can be very tiresome indeed."

Georgiana had always known all this, but she had never really thought about it. She thought that maybe she should enjoy her life as it was for now, though she would not admit that to anyone, save Kate.

"Well, I guess my mother will have to make due with living through her friends for now. When she learned of your plans to be in Town this winter, she begged me to arrange a proper introduction. As I said, she is eager to reacquaint herself with you. Once she learns of Miss Westfield being out in Society, I imagine she will be issuing an invitation to our annual ball."

"I look forward to it. I can tell you know that our schedule is still quite open for that time. It should not be hard to plan a meeting."

Conversation soon dwindled and everyone made for their rooms. The Colonel found himself very impressed with this household. His cousin had always been a sweet young woman, but she was never very open. To see her smiling and carrying on conversations did his heart good. He always worried over how sheltered she was. Since she is Darcy's sister, the Colonel always let him take the lead in making decisions. Darcy still thought of his sister as a child, and in many ways she is, but she is showing that she has a good head on her shoulders. He likes Mrs. Westfield's way with her. She treats her as she has her own niece, making sure that she has good information. It wouldn't do well for Georgiana to enter society naïve of its workings.

The Colonel thought on Miss Westfield for a bit. He and Darcy had done a little more digging on the Westfield's once they arrived back in Town. Mrs. Westfield had adopted her from her brother, who has five daughters in all. She stands to inherit the entire estate, except for what Mrs. Westfield settled on her other nieces. She will be very sought after come spring. He wasn't stupid. Upon learning this information, his father had sent him more than a few pointed looks. He always knew that, as a younger son, he would need to marry well to keep status. He doesn't stand to inherit much, but he has very good connections. Knowing and doing are two completely different things, though. He is not sure he could marry someone just because they had a lot the offer monetarily. It may seem foolish to some, but he has always desired to have at least a little affection for his future spouse. Miss Westfield was a lively young woman and very lovely. Looking at all the facts, it would be a very good match. But would they get along? She was also still very young. Well, he had an advantage at least. His charge was staying with her and he had an open invitation for the duration on her visit. Maybe he should talk to Darcy about it.

Kate, too, thought a while about the Colonel. He was handsome and very amiable. Georgiana spent much of the evening sending her looks and smiles. She knows that once the Colonel takes his leave, her friend will try and find out her thoughts on him. Her Aunt approved of him, as did Mrs. Whitmore. He apparently had a very good reputation. Georgiana had talked a little about his prospects on their ride from Ramsgate. It was no secret that she wants her cousin happy, and in Georgie's opinion, who better than with a good friend. She's not sure if she is ready for all of this. Before her Aunt came out of seclusion, she had such childish views on marriage. Marriage was for life. She may be very well off, but she didn't want to throw her happiness away on anyone. She didn't want her parents marriage, she wanted her Aunts marriage. According to all she heard, her Aunt and Uncle cared deeply for each other. Why else would she mourn for some long? Kate didn't think she wanted to marry before her nineteenth birthday anyways. She decides, before sleep claims her, to see what will happen. She will not let anyone pressure her, but she will not let an opportunity to get to know the Colonel pass her by either.

I do read your comments and I am very grateful for them. Thanks to an awesome suggestion from Tammyrolls, I am going to do a mix of story telling and letters during Darcy and Bingley's time in Hertfordshire. This is why Georgiana is staying at Dylan through December. The Colonel will meddle some in Darcy's affairs as well. In fact, I think there will be a lot of meddling in all directions. I do not see much angst happening. My original outline is gone. Things are changing, but I like where this story is going. It might be a few days before I am able to update. I have to figure out how this will line out.