I am overwhelmed by the response to this little story. Nearly 90 reviews, over one hundred favourites and three hundred followers. You guys are awesome. You have no idea how it makes my heart sing when my father is in hospital and the palliative services say "yes, he's dying but doesn't fit in to the box for funding". So thank you all for giving me a moment of brightness in my otherwise depressing day.

For those who read "Darkness Abounds", like Lizzy, once the event occurs, it will be a mixture of grief and relief. Four years of suffering is a lot for the entire family to survive.

On a more positive note,

AlliasKelly – the carriage accident took Mr George Darcy and Sir Louis. There is no other uncle. Sorry for the confusion.

Mavrick0307 – Without her prejudice against Darcy, I'm sure Lizzy would have realised Wickham's true nature.

Trini – thank you.

JeanB – you'll have to wait a while for a little while for that meeting. As to Lady Cathrine…

HongKongPhooy63, Maya, lovedarcyandlizzy – I've always seen Anne as a very sad case. That's why I gave her a life in Deceived.

BelleBelles – I'm closer than you think. Glad you're enjoying.

Erica – Glad you're enjoying.

Nanciellen – you'll find out who sent the carriage in this chapter.

Gracie – I loved your comments on the letter, it made me laugh. I'm glad the next chapter cleared up so much.

NYT – saving Georgiana would make Darcy think well of any woman.

TO everyone else I have not mentioned by name, thank you for your encouragement. And now, on with the show.

Act II: Enter Mr. Darcy, Exit Mr. Wickham

Scene I

"Mr. Darcy, M'lady" Lady Bainbridge's butler announced the gentleman's arrival.

The walk, even in the heat of a summer's day, cooled Darcy's rising temper. His resentment, he would not vouch for. Wickham's tenure in Ramsgate, and the possible reasons for his presence in the same location as his sister remained foremost in Darcy's mind. Still, he needed to see Georgiana, to establish her comfort and security, before he could rest easily.

Darcy found the house without difficulty. Situated in a fashionable quarter of the seaside resort, it reflected what he recalled of Sir Reginald's character. Well maintained, the butler's livery bespoke wealth, not quite the equal of the Darcy's of Pemberley, but respectable none the less. Seated within the well-appointed and comfortable morning room, Marianne Bainbridge had been awaiting this very event. The lady instructed her staff to allow Mr. Darcy's entry inconspicuously, should he call. She did not want her niece or house guest disturbed, for her conversation was not conducive to innocent ears.

Lizzy had made her observations of Mr. Wickham's behaviour, and reservations of Mrs. Younge's character, well known. Upon discovering Georgiana's letter to her brother, requesting his opinion, Elizabeth, with the aid of Lady Marianne convinced Miss Darcy to attend a small house party without her companion. At this moment in time, Miss Bennet and Miss Darcy were in the garden, enjoying a light repast before walking out in the cooler evening air, as was their daily habit. Lady Bainbridge did not wish them to overhear her initial conversation with Mr. Darcy and so, with an unobtrusive signal to her butler, discouraged the young ladies from joining their exclusive company.

Frail of body she might be, but her mind proved strong and her character even stronger. In the days since first making Miss Darcy's acquaintance, Marianne had uncovered much about the dissolute ways of Mr. Wickham. An odd enquiry here or there turned up more information than expected. Age gave her certain latitude, while the servants could be counted upon for many and varied morsels, most of which were easily corroborated and proven to be true. Mr. Wickham, for all intents and purposes, was not a man to be trusted.

Standing, Lady Bainbridge recalled where and when she'd last met Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. It had been many years. He'd been little experienced in the ways of the world, all but an untested boy recently graduated from Cambridge, and in the company of his much older father. Those years had not been as kind to her as to him. Mr. Darcy had grown stronger, wiser and he now had the responsibility of Pemberley's many estates. On the other hand, Lady Marianne Bainbridge suffered an apoplexy, leaving the entire right side of her body weak and her eyesight dwindling. Leaning heavily on her cane, the older woman lowered her head instead of curtseying.

"Welcome to Ramsgate and Bainbridge House, Mr. Darcy," Marianne's voice belayed the frail appearance of her body. She always enjoyed her visitors' shocked countenance. "It has been many years since we were last in company."

"Indeed," Darcy responded, attempting to recall that single meeting. "I believe it must be at least four or five years. My condolences for your husband. Sir Reginald was the best of men."

Laughing at this flattery, Lady Marianne stated, "you did not know my husband well enough, but I accept your sentiments. As I hope you will take mine for the loss of your father."

"Thank you," Darcy did not quite know how to respond.

"I have delighted in becoming acquainted with your very much younger sister, Mr. Darcy," Lady Marianne, unable to continue standing, all but fell into her chair. Taking pity on the young man, she spoke of a topic close to his heart. "Miss Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet are taking a turnabout the garden, so you find me all alone at the present moment."

Taciturn at the best of times, the reality of her frailness left Darcy speechless. Lady Marianne Bainbridge, although in her middle age at the time of their last meeting, had been hale and hearty. The years had not been kind to her and her current ill-health explained the need of a companion. Darcy did not know how to respond. Feeling obligated, he sat but could not force a single word past his lips.

"Elizabeth, as I am sure you are aware, befriended your sister almost a month past. This last fortnight, I have taken time to come to know Miss Darcy. She is a charming young woman, if a little shy in company, and a credit to your family, Mr. Darcy," Marianne watched the man visibly relax under her praise.

"I am glad," Darcy allowed, "Georgiana has fallen into such company, Lady Marianne. I could not have wished for better."

"And I am glad to offer my hospitality and the companionship of my niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet," Marianne smiled. However, the next words that issued from Lady Bainbridge's mouth captured Fitzwilliam's attention. "Especially in the present circumstances."

Darcy answered only with a glare; however it seem to impart his feelings on the matter.

"Let me speak plainly, young man, for more has occurred than you could possibly imagine. I pray your unexpected arrival is in response to your sister's letter, which Elizabeth bade she write directly due to Mr. Wickham's sudden and disturbing appearance," Marianne reproved. Picking up a bell, the lady summoned a servant and ordered tea, requesting the young ladies be obliged separately in the garden. Once served, Lady Marianne took the opportunity to inform Mr. Darcy of all that had occurred which he would not have uncovered from his trusting sister. "My niece is sure Mr. Wickham is the same man she witnessed loitering suspiciously the day she met Miss Darcy. I believe Elizabeth suspects your sister's companion of compliance in this foiled attempt at an accidental meeting. With the Darcy name, your sister's position in society and dowry, she must prove an attractive prospect to those of little fortune or consequence. Therefore, Elizabeth declared her intention to protect Miss Darcy's reputation, certain Mrs. Younge had little intention of discharging her duty."

"It appears," Darcy spluttered under his breath, "I have even more to thank Miss Elizabeth Bennet for than I anticipated."

"Yes," Marianne offered, not allowing the sparkle in her eye to show. When one's eyesight degenerated, one's hearing often improved. "I believe you have, Mr. Darcy. Let me tell you what other dissolute behaviour I have uncovered."

Meanwhile, in the garden…

"Molly," Lizzy requested of the young Irish maid who delivered a tray to them under the small arbour in the flower garden, "are we to expect guests?"

"Miss," the auburn haired girl pretended to misunderstand the question. Quickly, she dropped a curtsey and attempted to hurry back into the house.

"I am sure I heard Jeeves announce a caller," Elizabeth frowned, considering the situation and her aunt's temperament. It gave the young maid time to scurry away. One look at her companion and Miss Bennet dropped the subject, for she suspected where Miss Darcy's mind strayed.

"Do you think he would call?" Georgiana asked in a slightly trembling tone. Aunt Marianne had left the young woman in no doubt whatsoever about the risks to her reputation should she hold a tendre for a man the likes of Mr. Wickham.

"I do not," Lizzy stated with no small amount of venom. "My aunt, not being acquainted with him, would never allow Jeeves to open the door, much less announce the man. No, I cannot imagine who has come to call at this hour. Unless?"

"Fitzwilliam," Georgiana squealed, delighted at the thought her brother would make the journey.

Capturing the young girl's arm, Lizzy gave her a puzzled expression. "Think upon your supposition, Georgiana," she cautioned. "Why would your brother come to Ramsgate so suddenly? Did he not have much business to attend in London?"

"My letter," Miss Darcy paled. "This can only mean…Oh, it must be true. Mr. Wickham's misunderstanding with my brother…I cannot imagine what circumstance would make Fitzwilliam act in such a manner. He must be very angry with Mr. Wickham, for I cannot see what else draws him to Ramsgate."

"We shall have to wait," Lizzy smiled in an attempt to soften the blow. Aunt Marianne had shared enough of her intelligence on the man for Elizabeth to recognise the very real danger to Miss Darcy. Together, they planned this house party to separate her from the rogue and his possible accomplice. "I am sure my aunt will call us if we are needed."

"But," Georgiana bit her lip as she glanced at the doorway in the small walled garden which lead to the house, "I should so much like to introduce you to my brother. Indeed, I am anxious to see Fitzwilliam again."

"And so you shall have the opportunity for both," Lizzy couldn't help her chuckle, "when Aunt Marianne is ready to invite us into the parlour, and should your brother be the caller I may have imagined. Until then, we shall have to find delight in our current surroundings and company."

When Georgiana continued to look towards the house, Lizzy let out a sigh. "Would you like to interrupt a conversation with Mr. Holmes, should he prove my aunt's caller?"

Her cheeks colouring, Georgiana hastily demurred as she did not like the older man. Indeed, Lady Marianne had rushed the girls out of the parlour on his last visit only yesterday, understanding the intent of his call. Mr. Holmes, recently out of mourning for his second wife, was in want of a third young lady to grace his arm and warm his bed. Money he had aplenty, which left Elizabeth as a target, connections he did not, making Miss Darcy an extraordinary find. Mr. Holmes could await such a prize, if only he could convince Lady Marianne to speak with Mr. Darcy on his behalf when the girl finally came out.

"Good Lord, Elizabeth," Georgiana's hands trembled, "I had not considered such a guest. I believe you are more thoughtful than I."

"My aunt would never willingly expose us to such a man," Lizzy commented, taking a sip of her tea. It did not take her long to change the direction of the conversation. Even so, she should like to meet Mr. Darcy one day, if only to take the man's likeness.