The following day Darcy, Elizabeth and Georgiana arrived in London, a full day ahead of schedule. It turned out the Georgiana was very eager to depart to London to met the Major. Colonel Fitzwilliam was there to greet them along with the house staff.

'How was the journey?'

'As well as can be expected.' replied Darcy

'Lizzie, Georgie, pleasure to see you again. I have news Major Sharpe and Sergeant Major Harper are at present due to arrive in London this evening. Harper had started to make his way home to Ireland when we caught up with him. They are going to be at Horse Guards tomorrow morning at 11.

'We will be there, Richard.' Said Darcy

Colonel Fitzwilliam turned to leave Darcy House, as he was preparing to depart he said 'Well I will leave you in peace. Goodnight.'

'Fitzwilliam' cried Darcy

'Yes Darcy.' He responded

'Where do you think you are going?'

'Home'

'Why?' said Darcy

'My job is done.' Fitzwilliam joked.

'Fitz, I know you can not stand staying at home when your brother is in town, as he has been for the past two weeks. Too much society for your tastes as well as your brothers. In fact you have been living here, am I correct?' Here Darcy paused, all bit briefly, but, before Fitzwilliam could argue the point he continued. 'I am not going to kick you out of your own home just because I have arrived. Besides the Ladies and I what to hear more about Major Sharpe.' Darcy stated

'Thank you' responded Fitzwilliam

'Now go to the Billiard Room and I'll just get changed then I will join you for a game.'

'Typical' stated Lizzie to Georgiana 'These two meet up and disappear to the Billiard room with no concern for us' teased Lizzie.

'They have been like this as long as I can remember.' Stated Georgiana to Lizzie. 'I have never known them any different. It was either Billards or Fencing or Riding Lizzie. Boys and their toys you know how it is.' Exclaimed Georgiana in a teasing tone.

'You know Darcy, Georgie is going to be a pain in the coming season. Lizzie you have tutored her to well. She can even spar with me now.' Said Fitzwilliam

'Fitz, I have always been able to spar and beat you thoroughly I just chose not to. As to protect your male ego. Now go and have your game and then Lizzie and I will join you afterwards.' Here she paused and took a breath. 'How about a competition Ladies against Gentlemen?' she asked.

'I believe we have been beaten and you have been dismissed Fitz. See you soon' said Darcy.

First down to the Billiard room was Darcy refreshed and changed after the journey. Fitzwilliam took the time they were alone to get the answer to the question that was uppermost in his mind.

'Darcy, what has happened to Georgiana? She is turning into your Lizzie.' Stated Fitz

'Is that a bad thing?'

'No, not at all, but it is a shock.' Said Fitzwilliam

'I agree; the best thing I ever did was to marry Elizabeth. She has brought laughter to Pemberley. And Ana, as she is now called at home, has come on in leaps and bounds especially around family and family friends at home. Lizzie has done superbly bringing her out of her shell. However, since news has reached us that Wickham is to hang she has fully resorted to the Georgie, sorry Ana of old.'

'What is with the name change?' said Fitz

'That was Lizzie and Ana together. She said being Georgie made her seem 10 years old and Georgiana an old maid. Ana, I suppose is to remind me that she is soon to be 'out' in society. I have to admit it helps I no longer see her as a young child who is more than ten years my junior, but the start of the young lady she will and is becoming. However, I also think that Wickham had a lot to do with the name change as he called her Georgie and Georgiana. Anyway we need to change the topic before the Ladies arrive.'

'As usual you are right Darcy; now are you going to break or am I?'

'After you Fitz. By the by, why was Teresa Morena called the Needle?I assume you know but did not think that it was appropriate for the Ladies to know!'

'According to Colonel Hogan, it was gained because she killed French Officers.'

'Am I going to be enlightened into how?'

'By slitting their throats' Fitzwilliam simply stated. 'My turn now as you missed'

Darcy collected himself and quickly tried to get over the shock 'Ah, bloody hell, why?'

'How else are you going to get revenge on the French Officers who raped and killed your mother, blinded your father who later died from infection, raped her sister who even as a devote Roman Catholic then committed suicide once who found out that she was with child and finally raped her.

'Ok that justification I can see but it still makes me thank God we live on an Island away from the Continent' said Darcy.

'Sharpe is a strange officer Darcy. Remember that when you meet him'

'Why Fitz?' said Darcy

'Yes Richard, why should we remember that?' said Lizzie. As her and Ana entered the room.