Author's notes – to all who (HarbringerLady, HappyWife, and many others) are shocked, surprised and otherwise commented on Mrs Younge being Mr Wickham's sister, I think you'll get some answers in this chapter. I will caution you, don't expect too much of an explanation. More on this at the end of the chapter.

Gracie789 – more tension to come, not all of it surrounding Wickham. As to Darcy and Lizzy, you'll just have to wait a few more chapters.

Pri-Chan, Nanciellen, Jaufanficc – your wish is my command. Darcy's response is just around the corner, or at least the start of it.

Lizka – no your Georgiana is not that much different from the one presented here.

JeanB – Where to start. Remember Lizzy believes herself to be a good judge of character. And yes, the Aunt will be appearing more soon, then you can make your own mind up as to her character.

To everyone else who reviewed, favorited and followed, thank you so much. I also wish to take a moment to thank all those who responded to my plea for information. Unfortunately, I means I will have to look for a different way to achieve the same plot point. And now, on with the show.

Scene III

Dear Brother,

Fear not, all is well here at Ramsgate as we continue in peace and solitude. Each morning I practice the pianoforte and attend to my lessons, as I know you would want me too. Mrs. Younge encourages me to spend time in contemplation out of doors, strolling among the gardens and by the sea, for which I am grateful. The afternoon is full as I continue my acquaintance with Miss Bennet and heed Mrs. Younge's advice to keep active in body as well as mind.

I have come to appreciate the soft rolling waves as they wash upon the beach, and the unique song of a bird as it calls to its' mate across the park. Miss Bennet, whom I have mentioned in previous correspondence, has taught me much about the flora and fauna of the local area. You see, she takes great pleasure in being out of doors and dearly loves to read about any new place. I am glad, for we have much to speak of on our rambles which has lent true friendship to our acquaintance.

Miss Bennet's nature and natural wit recommend her to strangers, so I find myself eager to hear of her latest foray into society as we amble along the seafront or promenade. Indeed, as we took tea this afternoon, even Lady Marianne Bainbridge laughed at Miss Bennet's recollection of the events at last night's violin recital. You must understand, they attended together and Miss Bennet's aunt did not remember the entertainment in the same manner. While impertinent her words may be, she says them in such a sweet tone that no one could possibly be offended. There is merriment in pointing out society's folly, and her wit is often turned towards herself. She has greatly eased my comfort in society although, I confess, I am still reluctant to be out any time soon, unless I have a friend such as Miss Bennet at my side. Her wisdom is second only to yours and her love and understanding of society, I fear, beyond either of us.

It is because of this I have two questions upon which I would like your council, for I know, my Dearest Brother, you would never lead me astray. Indeed, Miss Bennet has encouraged me to call upon your good judgement for assistance.

Darcy placed the letter upon his desk and stood. This part did not give him any unease. Indeed his sister's communications had been full of Miss Bennet for the last weeks. Although out in society and considerably older than Georgiana, her manners and deportment would appear everything ladylike on the written page. To that end, he'd contacted his housekeeper for her opinion of the young woman who oft took tea with his young and innocent sister. When that report came back favourably, he ceased to worry quite so much about this new acquaintance.

Darcy had noticed a slight change in the tone of Georgiana's letters as the weeks progressed, and viewed this in a prudential light. When his sister finally confessed to taking tea at Bainbridge House, he wondered if it might belong to the widow of Sir Reginald. Fitzwilliam initially met the gentleman shortly after his knighthood, when his father introduced them while in London. Both men jointly transacted some venture but unfortunately passed shortly thereafter, leaving the entirety of the business to Darcy. It had netted Pemberley's coffers a tidy sum and provided a substantial windfall for Sir Reginald's widow.

Lady Marianne Bainbridge, left childless and without close family had decided to keep their newly acquired estate in Cheshire, not far from the borders of his own country holdings. If Darcy remembered correctly, Lady Marianne bequeathed all her lands and fortune to a great nephew. The niece had married a man in trade and resided in London. Sir Reginald's family, to the best of Darcy's knowledge, did not exist.

"If you are in the society of a woman the likes of Lady Marianne Bainbridge," Darcy commented to himself as he paced the office of his London home, "then you have fallen into good company. Indeed, I must credit your new countenance to that end. It is not that which worries me."

Returning to his massive and opulent desk, Darcy took up the letter once again. Skipping the sections which dealt with Georgiana's growing attachment to Miss Bennet, he found the paragraph which discombobulated him completely. Indeed, Darcy decided to change his plans immediately upon receiving his sister's missive. At first, those distressing words enraged him. Darcy called his butler and valet into the office and gave them instructions to close the house within the hour. Before he could cancel all his business meetings for the day, better sense, finally, intruded.

Instead of rushing to Ramsgate in a fit of rage, he'd calmly recalled his principal servants and delayed their departure for a day. Darcy, his valet, Miss Darcy's new companion and maid would leave at first light on the morrow. In the meantime, Darcy intended to use the intervening hours well. Concluding all necessary business quickly, he set about enquiring after the background of Mrs Younge. It did not take long to acquire the proof he needed to substantiate Miss Bennet's suppositions, that the companion was not suitable company for his sister.

The facts spoke for themselves. Mrs. Younge had completely misrepresented her qualifications in applying for the position of Georgiana's companion, and her references, which had been fabricated. Indeed there had been other factors in play at the time, which only came to light when Darcy started asking questions. Finally, the truth uncovered, the lady's reason for seeking employment within the Darcy household became very clear.

Recently I have become reacquainted with Mr. Wickham, our Dear Father's godson. Mrs. Younge first recognised the gentleman as we exited a shop on the High Street almost a fortnight past. Miss Bennet noticed Mr. Wickham walking along the seaside yesterday, and I do believe she has taken an instant dislike to him. Still, she questioned my knowledge of him with an open mind. I had to confess, Mrs. Younge has encouraged an acquaintance between us, and Mr. Wickham has told me of a misunderstanding that exists between you. Miss Bennet suggests I write you for guidance on the suitability of the acquaintance as Mr. Wickham was your boyhood friend, and you will be able to impart what disagreement subsists between you.

"Thank the Lord for the ever sensible Miss Bennet," Darcy muttered under his breath as the feeling of anger and betrayal once again threatened to overwhelm him. "There can be only one reason for Wickham so fortuitously exposing my sister to his company. He means to have her fortune. I have uncovered the relationship between that scoundrel and Mrs. Younge. I did not know Wickham had an older sister, or Old Mr Wickham a second marriage. Lucy Wickham must have been away at school and then, to all intent and purpose, 'married' before her father passed. In this Mr Younge's true widow has been most helpful in uncovering the connection to my father's steward."

Folding the letter, Darcy placed it into his greatcoat pocket. Looking around his office, he found it neat and tidy. All going well, Georgiana would be back under his roof and his protection by the end of next week and he would be able to concentrate on the business of running the family's estate. With eighty miles of good road between them at present, it would take the better part of two days to reach Ramsgate in comfort and using his horses exclusively.

"Let us depart," Darcy called to his manservant as he exited the room. Just to be sure his documents and valuables remained undisturbed, he locked the door behind him and pocketed the only key.

"The carriage is ready, Sir," Mason, Darcy's ever faithful butler, stated with a bow. He had been waiting for such a call. Every servant in the house knew of Mr. Darcy's unease and it permeated through the dwelling since the morn before. "Your valet, Pilkington, ensured your trunks are secured on the second coach. Mrs. Annesley and Hanna, the upstairs maid are to accompany him."

"Very good, Mason," Darcy nodded to the man for a job well done. "I hope to arrive home with my sister and her new companion shortly. I shall send an express to yourself and the housekeeper, Mrs. Thompson with all the particulars the day before we shall return."

With the sun finally clearing the horizon and creeping into the clear blue sky, the old grandfather clock struck five in the morning and Darcy climbed into his carriage for a long, lonely expedition to Ramsgate. He would break his journey at Rosings Park tonight and no doubt leave in a foul mood on the morrow. Barely three months had passed since leaving his Aunt and the annual Easter visit to take in the estate. Lady Catherine de Bourgh became more vocal about a union between their houses each time Darcy visited. He hoped the express, sent yesterday morning, would ameliorate some of her verbosity and allowed him to leave without yet another ill-fated exchange on the same topic.

Well, I hoped that answered some questions and posed a number more. See you on Monday.