A/N: I am awful. Hate me. Do, please.

After a looong time, I finally decided to settle this story down before any other intoxicating idea about the Avengers comes storming into my head. Blame Tom Hiddleston's eyes. And here I go again...

16. Many paths possible

"Home is behind, the world ahead, and there are many paths to tread. Through shadow, to the edge of night, until the stars are all alight."

I walked towards the main entrance, where of course were Mrs Bennett and Lydia, admiring the scenery before their eyes. The usual glitter in the mother's gaze seemed very familiar. Another arranged marriage in head, perhaps?

"Angelina!"

I snapped my head to my left, spotting a very angry Amanda, who was despite her petite form, running towards quite quickly.

Her hand found my cheek rather quickly too.

"Ow! What was that for?"

She growled. "Where have you been! I've been looking for you everywhere!"

I shrugged and stroke my cheek. "Here and there. In the gardens. Why?"

She leaned in and analysed my face. "Have you drunk recently?"

I sighed. "Don't start. Yes I have. What if I have!"

She sighed and looked away. "Whatever. You had a pleasant journey, I hope?"

"Oh no I didn't. Gosh a horse's saddle isn't the most comfy place in the world!"

She seemed to smile at that. I gripped her arm and she looked back at me.

"You have things to talk about. Come, I want to hear everything!" And I pulled her towards the gardens which, obviously, I hadn't gone looking at all.

"I don't know, Angie, really, that was a strange visit."

"I guess Jane and Collins are here too?"

"There were following, yes. You can't imagine how unhappy she is. I'm going to kill Bingley for that." Her eyes glistened. "But...I don't know, I-"

"Okay, stop that. Has Darcy done anything?"

Her eyes met mine. "How d'you-? Never mind. Yes, he has. He nearly kissed me, after telling me he was feeling something tormenting for me."

"Tormenting? Wow, such a romantic guy!"

"Come on, you know that-"

"I know you're head over heels for him, right I do. But still, tormenting? What's that word?"

She chuckled lightly and then a sound made us turn around.

Darcy himself was unfortunately walking our way.

He bowed to me, I curtsied, though really not into it.

"Mr Darcy."

"Miss Johnston. You and your cousin will be, if you don't mind, sharing the same room. We've had unexpected visitors today."

I repressed a chuckle. Oh, that was too good. "Thank you, sir, that will be perfect."

He beamed and turned to Amanda. "We are about to launch the pheasants. Will you come?"

She smiled and nodded. He bowed again and turned on his heels, heading towards another part of the grounds.

I closed my mouth after ten long seconds. "Wow, that was...strange."

"Don't tell me."

I turned back to my cousin, who was a little blushing, I could see. "Am'? I'm just going to...yeah, get in our room and wait for this nonsense to be over, okay?" she knew I hated games where for innocent animals were killed."

She nodded. "Alright. And..."

"What?" I eyed her suspiciously.

"Nothing, just...don't get lost in the way."

I knew what she was implying there, and stuck her my tongue before running away, lifting my skirts and almost laughing out loud in the wind.

Gosh that felt good!

I soon found where Amanda and I were supposed to sleep. All the other rooms were already full of packages, except that one. Normal, seeing how Amanda and I only had our respective dresses to keep us warm.

I caressed the beddings and walked to the window.

Outside, Darcy was lifting his arm to give signal for the pheasants to be released. Beside him, Bingley, who I could see wasn't entirely well. Jane soon walked to him, leaving her husband – I shuddered to the thought – with Amanda and Snob.

Around a table, Caroline the Bitch and Mrs Bennett were drinking tea with George.

Who seemed to look around for someone.

I smiled.

Better look up, George.

I turned around and walked to the library leaning against a wall. I grabbed the first novel I found and launched myself onto the bed to read.

After twelve chapters, I felt myself drifting into sleep. Bad idea in the middle of the day.

So I just decided to explore.

And of course, the first room I entered what that of Georgiana.

Who else could have been that young and so beautiful it hurt? Her sweet face was somehow mischievous to the eyes, and she was eyeing me as if I was a strange creature.

I curtsied her, but she didn't get up to answer. "I'm sorry, I was...walking around. I am Angelina Johnston, Miss Price's cousin."

She looked me up and down. "You're the one who arrived with George earlier today."

I raised an eyebrow. George? "Yes, I am."

She looked back at her rocks which she was tidying, and then sighed. "I hope you don't think you'll have him." I gasped. What did she just say? "George is mine. He might have refused me before, but when I am older, he won't." Her dark eyes snapped to mine.

I just smiled. A lying smile. "Oh, I see. You brother hasn't been told the whole story, has he?"

She nearly snorted. So much for a gracious noble girl. "No, he hasn't. George hasn't told him the truth. I tried to seduce him. He refused me."

Something snapped into my chest, and I quickly found myself running down the stairs and into the gardens.

Unfortunately for me, the only company left in the shooting stand was Jane, Collins, Bingers and his sister. The others had flown away.

I walked to Jane. "Jane."

She looked at me, her kind eyes sad. "Angelina. How good to see you."

Every resolution faded away as I saw her sadness. I decided to delay my talk with George. I took her arm. "Would you walk with me, Jane?"

She smiled sadly. "Of course I will."

And we were off.

How much I had to tell her about that awful mistake she had made!

Hate me again. But review first, please. :)