AN -I apologise for the short chapter, but I think a lot of you will, finally get what you wished for.

I'm going to keep this short and sweet. You guys are amazing with the numbers of reviews, favourites and followers. Thanks once again to my beta.

Scene III

"I hope," Marianne Bainbridge greeted the young ladies as they entered her parlour, freshly attired for the evening, "you enjoyed your ramble."

"I believe so," Lizzy answered with a twinkle in her eye. "There is a summer storm approaching and it has whipped the sea into a frenzy. The colour of the waves has changed from blue to grey, and brought white caps. There are few scenes I have wished to paint more, not that I could have adequately captured nature at its finest. It was a most enchanting sight; however, I would not like to be caught in the downpour that is sure to follow."

"Then I hope our guest arrives soon," Marianne stated in a calm tone, watching for the moment Elizabeth understood her comment.

"Guest," Lizzy raised an eyebrow, before turning her attention to Georgiana. It did not take much to understand her aunt's veiled suggestion. After all, Miss Bennet had expected her friend's letter to cause a response, just not quite this quickly.

"We are to expect a gentleman to join us for the evening," Marianne aimed this comment, not at her niece, but their house guest. "I am somewhat acquainted with this young man from years past. You see, my late husband and his father transacted much business together. Dutiful to the last, he accompanied his father to our estate. I confess," Lady Bainbridge stated carefully, "it has been many years since we have been in company. I shall enjoy becoming better acquainted. Oh and a Mrs. Annesley shall also be joining us."

Stunned into silence, Georgiana did not quite know where to look. Both Elizabeth and Lady Marianne knew her not to be out in society. The addition of a guest, more particularly a male guest, meant she would be forced to take a tray in her room.

"I," she looked between them, utterly shocked at this change in circumstance. "With your approval, I shall retire."

"You shall do no such thing," Marianne sounded put out.

Trembling, Georgiana glanced between the ladies to gauge their reactions. Elizabeth's smiling eyes calmed and intrigued her, as they suggested more than was clearly visible. Yet Miss Bennet found amusement in many things, especially misplaced propriety. That thought brought back their conversation in the garden this afternoon when she had assumed a caller to be her brother.

"Fitzwilliam," Miss Darcy attempted a stern tone, only it came out as a squeak, "would not wish me in company."

"Then," Marianne's lips ever so slightly curled at the corners, in direct opposition to her authoritative tone, "it is a fortuitous event that our guest is none other than your brother, Mr. Darcy."

Astounded, Georgiana's legs quivered and she fell onto the lounge behind her. A hand covering her mouth, she could not decide whether to laugh or cry. Although why she felt so surprised, she could not say. Lady Bainbridge enjoyed shocking people, but not in a hurtful way. It formed one of the many reasons why Elizabeth delighted in her sojourn at Ramsgate, and Georgiana relished the company at Bainbridge House. Yet why would her brother rush, not only to Ramsgate, but the house in which she stayed. It could only mean Elizabeth had been correct in her assumptions of Mr. Wickham's character.

"Fitzwilliam," she finally managed to get words out past the lump in her throat, "is coming here?"

"Your brother called briefly this afternoon," Marianne softened her voice. Making a gesture with her hand, she indicated Elizabeth should sit beside her friend and offer what comfort she could. "Unfortunately, he was called away on business that could not be delayed before the tea had cooled, or you could join us."

Lizzy, suspecting Georgiana's confusion, aided her aunt. Slowly the story emerged to Miss Darcy's satisfaction, although she would have much to discuss with her brother. Before Mr. Wickham's name could be mentioned, Jeeves announced their dinner guest.

"Lady Marianne," Darcy bowed.

As her aunt greeted their visitor, Elizabeth Bennet managed her first perusal of the gentleman. Dark curly hair, tall of stature and built like the marble statue of Adonis, Mr. Darcy made a handsome sight. When he turned to face Georgiana, standing at Lizzy's side, she managed a glimpse of his features. They could be described as fine, but the solemn expression rendered them less so. It appeared Mr. Darcy was not made for wit or laughter. Brother and sister could not have been more different in complexion or temperament. He was darkness to Georgiana's light, aged wisdom to her youthful innocence, an absence of colour to Miss Darcy's developing emotional rainbow. Yet Lizzy felt somewhat drawn to the man. Perhaps it was the air of complexity he exuded that surrounded him like a fog, and his character would be a challenge to sketch.

"Miss Bennet," Georgiana broke into her silent contemplation. "May I introduce my brother, Mr. Darcy? Fitzwilliam, this is my new friend, Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

"I am glad to meet you at last," Lizzy smiled. "Your sister speaks of you constantly, Mr. Darcy."

"I, too, have heard much about you, Miss Bennet," Darcy, usually at a loss for words in the presence of a lady he did not know well, chose to take a leaf from his cousin's book as, after all, he owe much to this particular woman. "None of the praise has been exaggerated, I assure you."

The slight grin turned into a soft laugh. "That is flattery itself. As Miss Darcy insists you only tell the exact truth, I must find fault with the author of this correspondence."

Georgiana blushed furiously. Lady Bainbridge watched the interaction with some level of delight. Mr. Darcy seemed lost for words, verifying Marianne's thoughts; this could prove interesting. Finally Elizabeth took pity on the poor man and asked after his journey to Ramsgate.

"I have endured it as best I can," Darcy frowned, thinking of everything that befell him up to this point.

"Oh," Georgiana suddenly remembered her last letter and its contents.

"Aunt," Lizzy turned to the older woman in an attempt to save them from witnessing a most distressing conversation. "I believe Mr. Darcy and his sister have much to acquaint each other with after being apart for many months. Perhaps now would be a good time to retire to the library so I might finish that passage you wished me to read you before dining. It shan't take above a quarter of an hour."

"An excellent suggestion," Lady Marianne beamed at her niece. Struggling to her feet, she signalled for Elizabeth to attend her. "What say you, Mr. Darcy?"

"I am given to understand," his blue eyes bored into Lizzy as she moved across the room, "Miss Bennet is full of excellent suggestions. Indeed, I must thank you, Miss Bennet, for your words of wisdom towards my sister."

Marianne made a small noise that sounded like a pleased Humph. Shocked and surprised at Mr. Darcy's very forward words, Lizzy blushed. Although she wished to see his expression and determine what he meant, she dare not look at him. Aiding her aunt, they soon left the siblings to enjoy a few moments alone.

Lady Bainbridge waited until the library door closed solidly behind them before she called Elizabeth to her aid. Eyes narrowing shrewdly, she seated herself, then patted the cushion beside her. As usual, Lizzy did as bid, albeit with somewhat of an expectant expression. Miss Bennet knew more went on in her mind than her aunt had spoken of.

"I expect you to display every courtesy to Mr. Darcy while he stays at Bainbridge House, Elizabeth," Lady Marianne reached out and placed a hand on Lizzy arm. Although her grip lacked strength, the nails lightly grazed her skin and determination filled her hoarse whisper.

Wanting to roll her eyes, for the entreaty sounded very much like a statement that would issue from her mother, Lizzy pursed her lips and silently asked the good Lord for strength. "I promise," she tried for a neutral tone, "I shall treat the gentleman with all due respect."

"I fear," Marianne returned harshly, "you do not take my meaning. I wish for more than respect, young lady. While I do not condone the behaviour of your mother in begetting a husband, I believe Mr. Darcy is in a good way to appreciating your unique virtues, especially after all you have done for his sister. I implore you to be your usual witty self and bring out Mr. Darcy's best qualities. His character is taciturn and his likeness not easily taken. However underneath that severe countenance is an honest and respectable but reserved man with a fine mind. You will do very well together."

Well, well, well. An interfering Lady Marianne, an appreciative, if still taciturn Darcy and Wickham and his sister out of the way. What will happen next, for we are only half way though the story. Next update on Monday.