Well, this is the last part for the story. Only an epilogue to go. So just a few words -

First of all - Gracie - I laughed so hard when I read your review. Sarcasm, I loved it.

The rest seemed to begrudgingly warming to Darcy. A few mentioned the lack of Bennet indecorum. Others either thought Lady Marianne officious or helpful. Let me tell you, all of this makes an appetence in this final part.

cene IV

Once the carriage rolled away, Georgiana felt both elated and mournful. Bravely she joined the ladies in the drawing room. In respect to the loss of her brother, Lady Marianne began speaking of a trip to the modiste to refresh their gowns before following Mr. Darcy to London. It did not take Georgiana long to decipher the older lady's meaning. Smiling, Miss Darcy intended to use the next month wisely. She had much to achieve with Elizabeth to ready her for a débute upon the town. The sparkle in Lady Marianne eye bespoke her understanding and agreement.

"I believe," Georgiana replied shyly, but with a bravado recently cultivated through her association with Miss Bennet, "I would like to go this afternoon. Shopping will take my mind from my brother's departure. It is a distraction I will gladly endure."

"I should like to join you," Marianne responded. Her attention focusing on her niece, she pursed her lips in readiness for the argument ahead. "Elizabeth, you will need at least two evening gowns and one morning dress for our sojourn in town. Do not argue with me young lady, for I see the storm clouds gathering. London is not Ramsgate, where you could attire as you did at Longbourn." At this statement, Lizzy almost choked on her tea, for Lady Marianne had been more than generous in supplying a new wardrobe befitting a young woman for entry into society when she took up the position of companion. "This is the bare minimum you will require. If I thought you would accept it, I should like to lavish you with several gowns."

Sighing, Lizzy accepted her aunt's advice, although she did not like it. When they visited the modiste, patterns, fabric, colours and adornments were chosen quickly. Mrs Elson did not argue when Elizabeth refused to look further than her three chosen designs. However the shopkeeper had a very good idea of Miss Bennet's style and preferred colours from the hour-long interview. In no hurry to complete her purchases, Lady Marianne informed the proprietor they would not leave Ramsgate before September and her order should be delivered by the first of that month, now five weeks away. Only a final fitting would be necessary, much to Lizzy's relief. That took place a week later with one of her new gowns delivered next day in time for dining at one of the seaside's most prodigious addresses.

Little but the heat changed as July ended and August proceeded. Lady Marianne insisted Elizabeth accompany her twice a week as they took in plays and recitals. In her new evening wear, Miss Bennet was admired as never before. Occasionally they accepted an invitation to dine or for a card party. On these occasions, the older lady listened for any minute whisper of an impropriety between her niece and Mr. Darcy, imparted by Mr. Holmes. Disappointed when none arose, she turned to other sources, of which none could boast hearing the least hint of indecorum. It appeared Lady Marianne Bainbridge needed to consider her alternative plan, and so set about putting it into action.

Mr Darcy wrote his sister in the middle of August. Mr. Bingley, having seen Netherfield and been delighted with it, took the place directly. He would be in possession by Michaelmas. However, Darcy managed to delay his party's removal from London until the beginning of October, sighting business. In truth, he wished to see his sister before travelling into the country with her as one of the party. Darcy did not stop to consider why, or that Miss Bennet might return before his removal to Pemberley for the winter.

This event pleased Lady Marianne no end for it played into her hands. She made plans to close Bainbridge House several weeks early, coinciding their stay at Leighwood house with Mr Darcy's residence. She understood that only with continued exposure would the gentleman overcome his need to please society when choosing a wife, instead of listening to his heart. When, on the first day of September, a sudden storm devastated much of Ramsgate, an express was sent to London to expect guests rather sooner than envisaged. It seemed that Lady Marianne's prayers, and divine intervention, had interceded on her behalf.

"Aunt," Elizabeth scolded, as she watched her maid pack her trunks. It seemed there were many more gowns than the three she had been forced to accept as a gift a month previously. Two additional trunks were needed to pack all of Lizzy's belongings for the journey to London. They held more gowns than she would ever have occasion to wear. "If I did not know better, I would say you had an ulterior motive for purchasing such fine garments in such quantity. What I cannot fathom is why you would do so without first speaking with me."

[J F1] "Can you not," Marianne allowed her eyes to bore into the girl, while her tone suggested the opposite, "and I believed you wit to be equal to that of my own! We will be much in Mr. Darcy's company while in London. There is that indication enough as to my intentions!"

"Especially," Lizzy muttered, "as we are to remove weeks early."

"Yes, and I can see you now appreciate my strategy," Marianne smirked. "You are to take your final instruction from Miss Darcy on the journey to London. Georgiana wishes you for a sister and I heartily agree. Mr. Darcy is your match and neither of you could do better in temperament and wit. The first time you are seen in public, on the arm of Mr. Darcy, you must be prepared for the consequences. There will be many a young lady put out by the attention he pays you. Your reputation, dress and manners must be above reproach, for they will be much spoken of. As to your fortune, I can spare a little to add to it and my name will add to your connections."

"I would not wish to accept that which I am not entitled," Lizzy responded, unsure if she should be elated or angered at this turn of events. "You have many other nieces and nephews, closer in relation than I. They deserved your patronage as they are true family."

"I have spoken with my niece, Marianne Gardiner on this matter many times, Elizabeth," Lady Marianne became very still as her tone took on a serious note. "It is one of the reason's you were chosen to accompany me, for I believed you to be the best suited to my character and deserving of my match making schemes. It is time you married. Separating you from your family and gaining the elevated society of Ramsgate, I hoped you would do well. Mr Darcy is more than I could have hoped for."

Astonished, Elizabeth's expression openly displayed her feelings at the great social divide between Mr. Darcy and herself. Indeed, she felt the chasm unbridgeable. Had not Mr Darcy, with his disparaging temperament made that abundantly clear.

"Besides," Marianne continued in the same vein, ignoring the shocked girl before her, "there is enough to go around, even to aid Jane in making a most fortuitous match. The Gardiner Girl's will have adequate dowries, never fear. And young Thomas," here the older lady chuckled at the perplexed expression on her niece's face, "will never want for anything. My man of business has ensured Hollingsworth estate and all its financial concerns are well taken care of. I do not flaunt my wealth young lady, but my income is scare less than those of the landed gentry and," she added meaningfully, "my expenses negligible."

"I had no idea," a shocked Elizabeth stated. The look of resolve in her aunt's gaze indicated her determination to do just as she pleased.

"Say thank you, Aunt," Marianne infused her tone with ironic laughter.

"Thank you, Aunt," Lizzy parroted. Yet her brow furrowed. "I do not see how you will convince a man the likes of Mr. Darcy to overcome my family connections. Once he meets my mother and younger sisters…"

Lady Marianne Bainbridge smiled and chose to hurry her niece from the room. She would not give up her plans so easily when anyone with the eyes to see, could witness the feeling between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Indeed, she wished to see Miss Bennet married, or at least very close to that state, before returning to Hertfordshire. While Jane Bennet might display acceptable manners, the rest of the Bennet household did not.

Best Mr. Darcy knows as little of the defects of his marriage partner's family as possible, Marianne silently agreed with Elizabeth.

So to London they went on the third day of September. By the second coaching inn, Elizabeth found her head aching. Georgiana had not ceased in her need to impart information about every person she might meet over the next month, when her brother would remove to Netherfield. Truth be told, it took Lizzy more time than she would have expected to appreciate Georgiana's almost constant chatter about the families of the ton. Combined with the new gowns, Elizabeth, at first, considered it foreboding as she had never visited London with Lady Marianne to appreciate the level of society she enjoyed. Aunt Marianne helped not, pretending to sleep throughout the lesson. Mrs Annesley, who noticed more than she would ever say, never gave her opinion. However she could see value in the match and felt proud of all Miss Darcy had gleaned of social etiquette[Melissa T2] without a female role model.

"Lady Marianne," Darcy stood to receive his guests. "Miss Bennet, Georgiana." No one could be sure who the intended recipient of his glowing smile. Elizabeth knew her heart beat a little faster and she could not stop an answering grin. "I hope your journey passed well."

"Yes," Marianne answered as the most senior lady, although she felt somewhat wilted from the expedition. Time of the essence, if she wished to see Elizabeth safely engaged, they had followed Mr. Darcy's lead and made the trip in a single day.

"Your travels have fatigued you," Darcy noticed. Signalling to the footman, the butler soon attended them. "Mason, please have the trunks taken upstairs directly and call Lady Marianne's maid." Once the servant left, Darcy returned to his guests, commenting, "I fear the journey from Ramsgate has taxed your reserves, Madam. I shall greet you properly when you have refreshed. Mrs Waverley, my housekeeper will show you to your rooms. Dinner has been prepared, however if you require a tray, you have only to ask."

"That is very kind of you, Mr Darcy," Marianne nodded. "I believe I wish to avail myself of your offer this night. I am sure the company of Georgiana and Elizabeth will prove adequate compensation in my absence."

Blushing at her aunt's forwardness, Elizabeth aided the woman up the stairs. While the day had taken its toll on Lady Marianne's physical wellbeing, her mind remained as sharp as ever. It did not take her long to direct Elizabeth's maid as to the gown she should wear to dine with Mr. Darcy and his sister. The colour became her very well and brought out the sparkle in her eyes.

"Miss Bennet," Darcy greeted his guest as she entered the drawing room. One glance at the cut and quality of her gown and he knew his heart had not repaired from their earlier acquaintance. Indeed, absence, he became astonished to realise, made that organ repine her loss all the more. The woman appeared even more handsome, and well able to grace the parlours of the first circles. At that moment, Darcy knew he could not let her go a second time. He had only to establish Miss Bennet's thoughts on the matter to make a formal address.

Georgiana had hurried through her toilet so as to join her brother before the other guests. She had wished for a moment alone, to express her joy that Elizabeth would take in the amusements of London upon his arm. It seemed his sister wished for the union as much as Lady Marianne. His family would be furious; however, Darcy knew himself to be his own master. He could choose where he wanted, and what he wanted was currently curtseying before his eyes.

Well, I hope you enjoyed. Only the Epilogue to go on Thursday.