What a reaction to the last chapter. It seems many thought Darcy's behaviour offensive.

Guest – About Mr Darcy allowing Mrs Annesley a day off when she had only commenced employment, it would have been absolutely unheard of in the Regency period. In fact it showed Mr Darcy in a prudential light as Master of his household and openly the care he took of his servants. You have to remember, in the past, servants were indentured which more or less meant owned by the family you served. You might get an afternoon of a week. That Mrs Annesley had not visited with her sister, given the distance and time it took to travel would not have been unusual. This makes Mr Darcy's offer even more insightful of his character. Lizzy would have seen this in a prudential light and a positive characteristic.

Maesawview – Indeed, Mr Darcy is looking for a paragon of virtue. When we take apart the scene at Netherfield, he described an accomplished woman, to which Elizabeth comments "I am surprised you knowing six accomplished women, I wonder at you knowing any." Added to this, at eight and twenty, Darcy will be seen as Marriageable by young and old. Age would be irrelevant as the mothers, sister, aunt and any other female would wish to have him attached to their wards. Thank goodness we live in a more enlightened time where a woman is not distinguished by the marriage she attracts.

Erica, AnnWest, lovedarcyandlizzy, suddenlysingle, – Mr Darcy is somewhat prickly. However you are only getting his point of view. I oft think Mr Darcy holds his innermost thoughts locked securely away. He might well act the perfect guest. Or perhaps Lady Marianne has ulterior motives….time will tell.

JackieMack – without the "tolerable" comment, I believe Lizzy might just be more herself and able to read Darcy better. Her private conversation demonstrates this, at least I hope it did.

My1alias – Netherfield, now there is a question which will very soon be answered.

Aliaskelly – Georgiana does seem to be a bit romantically dense, doesn't she?

Mollycious – I have cut the chapter especially to vex your nerves. After all is that not the sign of a good writer, to keep the reader, well, reading!

Rukia – Yes only four more to go. I hope the plot surprises a few of you.

Actually, I had not meant Darcy to come off so rude. Instead, I attempted to get into his head. I am sure the man would put up a front of the perfect gentleman. Still, see what you make of this next chapter. Once again, the biggest thank you to my wonderful beta Jim.

Scene II

On Mr. Darcy's third day in Ramsgate, the first in which he joined the ladies for a morning constitutional, Fitzwilliam noticed Miss Bennet's fine eyes, made brighter by the exercise. Later the same evening, he came to realise they sparkled in the candlelight as her wit surfaced and she easily engaged him in conversation once again. It seemed to Darcy, she found amusement in society and the folly in those who entered it, himself and his aloof attitude notwithstanding. They often found themselves ensconced on a sofa, taking the opposite viewpoint to test the other's understanding of books, poetry, music and, unaccountably, politics. So, at the conclusion of his first full week residing within Bainbridge House, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy would agree to call Miss Bennet tolerable in both face and manner, intelligent company and a good influence upon his sister. He dare not think upon her vivacity and wit, nor the way it affected his heart every time she entered a room. Her laugh he'd come to cherish, not that he would ever admit as much.

On the other hand, the first time Lizzy saw Mr. Darcy smile, she knew her heart to be in great danger. Letting his stern facade fall away lent a handsomeness to Mr Darcy's face which made him far more approachable. It took longer for Elizabeth's mind to become engaged and begin to sketch the intelligent, respectful man beneath the taciturn surface. Although reluctant to speak, the gentleman made himself and his opinions easily understood. Lizzy soon found herself seeking out opportunities to engross Mr Darcy in spirited debates on all manner of topics, many not considered appropriate for a young lady. Yet Mr Darcy did not disparage such displays, indeed, he actively engaged her opinion without condescension. Sometimes Elizabeth started a spirited debate just to hear his deep voice and gain his undivided attention.

Aunt Marianne's hopes of an attraction between the well suited pair, in her opinion, seemed to be moving along nicely. The interaction between them this last week only deepened Elizabeth's admiration for the gentleman's quick wit and dry, slightly sarcastic humour. For Darcy's part, he opened a little more each night they were in company, beginning for once to feel at ease in the presence of a lady not of his family. Last evening, the gentleman felt comfortable enough to speak freely of Pemberley. This dialogue demonstrated the distance between their social standings to Elizabeth. The relative wealth and consequence meant Mr. Darcy could never consider an attachment with the daughter of an insignificant country gentleman.

Stopping dead on the staircase at this most inappropriate thought, Lizzy shook her head and tried to make light of it. I must guard my heart. The best I can hope for, she scolded, is a casual and indifferent acquaintance. As much as Aunt Marianne wishes for an attachment between myself and Mr Darcy, it is impossible. I hope to continue my friendship with Georgiana and can only pray Mr. Darcy will allow his sister to correspond with me after she leaves Ramsgate, for I shall not see Georgiana again. We move in very different circles.

"What vexes you so, Miss Bennet," Darcy enquired, waiting at the foot of the stairs. He intended to walk out with the ladies on this particular morning as his business meeting in regard to letting the Ramsgate Townhouse did not require is attendance until after luncheon.

"Will you allow me to write to Georgiana, once I have returned to Hertfordshire," Lizzy asked, her heart beating furiously as she waited for his answer. "I should not like to lose the acquaintance."

Darcy paused, carefully deliberating upon his response. Indeed, he had been considering what to do on this regard. It seemed his sister could not live without Miss Bennet's friendship. Yet he felt the danger of being too much in the young woman's company. She drew him out as no one ever had before.

"I do not believe that will be necessary," Darcy frowned. He did not wish to hurt the young woman's feelings, but knew he needed to limit his exposure without informing Georgiana of the reason for quitting Miss Bennet's presence. "My sister is to stay the remainder of the summer in Ramsgate, as you well know. I have heard from Bingley, and he is quite set on letting Netherfield above the other properties under consideration, although we will have to sight the place before any decision can be entered into."

"When are you to travel into Hertfordshire, Sir," Elizabeth requested, her heart unaccountably increasing in rate. She had not been alone in Mr Darcy's presence before and found her reaction to the stolen moment quite disconcerting.

"We are to meet with the town's attorney and view the estate in three weeks," Darcy answered thoughtfully. Timing would be of the essence to avoid Miss Bennet in that part of the country. "Should Bingley take the place, he wishes to be in residence by Michaelmas. I had hoped to take Georgiana with me before continuing on to Pemberley for the winter. I will admit," Darcy added, "my sister would enjoy your company, if it happens we are in the same neighbourhood. Miss Bingley's undivided attentions are often trying on her."

"Aunt Marianne and I shall not leave Ramsgate much before Michaelmas. We are to stay in town a month at least before returning to Longbourn," Lizzy heard the disappointment in her tone. She did not want Mr Darcy to suspect any partiality on her side. Plastering a smile on her face, she stated. "I think you may have left the neighbourhood before I return, Mr Darcy, should your friend decide in favour of Netherfield."

"So it would seem," Darcy responded, finding himself unaccountably disappointed at the thought of losing her society completely. Yet his mind knew this to be the best course. Even now, he fought his emotions as he saw more redeeming qualities in the young woman every day. Still he needed to find a suitable wife within his strata of society and stop Lady Catherine's machinations, or he would be forced to take Anne as his partner in life. Loose tongues, as Miss Bennet stated, had almost achieved that last summer. Darcy did not want to find himself without a spouse on his next visit to Rosings Park. With that thought foremost in his mind, he stated, "whatever the future holds, Miss Bennet, and even if we do not meet again, rest assured I would not stop you corresponding with Georgiana. You have become important to my sister and for the protection you have offered her reputation, I can never compensate you."

"I am sure your sister will be delighted with this news," Lizzy smiled, her world suddenly seeming brighter, "as am I."

"What news, Elizabeth," Georgiana asked, a puzzled expression covering her features. Hearing voices in the hall, Miss Darcy uncovered her brother and Miss Bennet in a private tête-à-tête. She did not wish to disturb them. Indeed her object was to foster more intimacy. Yet Georgiana could not stop her interest being aroused by the overheard conversation.

"Come," Darcy offered his arm, "let us commence our walk before the sun becomes too fierce, and I shall explain."

Smiling, Lizzy allowed one of the servants to aid her into her outerwear, watching brother and sister from under her lashes. Walking out beside Mrs Annesley, that lady chose to remain quiet, understanding Miss Bennet required time for contemplation. She did not comment when Elizabeth slowed her usual pace to allow Mr. and Miss Darcy to wander far enough ahead so that their conversation might not be overheard. Turning her attention to the magnificent prospect and the smell of the salty air, Lizzy felt her worries slipping away.

"Oh Elizabeth," Georgiana gave a most unladylike squeal when her brother imparted his earlier conversation with Miss Bennet, "I am to travel as far as Hertfordshire with you and Lady Marianne, even if Mr Bingley does not take Netherfield Hall. Fitzwilliam will collect me when the arrangements have been completed, so I might yet see your home. I hope you will be able to stay with me in London, for Leighwood is so quiet without guests."

"We shall have to seek my aunt's agreement, if your brother is willing to make the offer," Elizabeth reminded the younger woman of propriety. One glance at Mr. Darcy and Lizzy knew him not to be completely pleased with this arrangement.

"Please say you will you consent to stay at our townhouse in London for a week or two," Georgiana requested of Lady Marianne when they broke their fast. She had not been able to contain her excitement of all the amusements London boasted, of which she could share with her new friend.

"I have little intention of leaving Ramsgate before September is out," Marianne warned, while her mind worked on where Mr. Darcy would be during this time. There would be little point in staying at Leighwood if the gentleman was not in attendance. Miss Darcy could just as easily be accommodated at her nieces' house in Cheapside. Indeed, the young woman would be well protected and accepted as part of the family. "You are welcome to return in my carriage at that time."

"I can think of nothing that would give me greater pleasure," Georgiana's cheeks coloured with delight.

"You are most welcome to stay with my sister at Leighwood, Lady Marianne, Miss Bennet," Darcy added when he noticed the older woman considering the invitation, "for it is the least I can do after you have shown Georgiana such kindness."

"Very well," Marianne nodded her agreement. Truthfully, she needed just such a situation to further Elizabeth's growing regard for the gentleman, a regard that Mr Darcy seemed to return, but resisted displaying. Lady Marianne could well understand why. Still, there was much she could accomplish to aid Elizabeth's prospects. "Although I must warn you, Mr. Darcy, that my niece will be quite put out."

Shocked at this, both Lizzy and Darcy turned their eyes on the Lady. Smiling broadly, Marianne had the answer she needed. "Mrs. Marianne Gardiner expects Elizabeth and I for several weeks before our departure to Longbourn and I am hardly less eager to see my niece and young heir. They are all the family I have, and I visit them but rarely. I shall write to Mrs. Gardiner and inform her of these new plans. Still, niece," this time Marianne turned to Elizabeth, "we shall stay at least one week with your aunt in Cheapside. I also wish you to accompany me to winter in Cheshire, but we will discuss this at a later date.

Well, I hope that makes many of you happier. More Thursday.