Author's Note: I'm sorry I haven't updated in so long. I'm THE WORST. Finals got to be too much for me and I haven't gotten around to finishing and posting this chapter. Thank you so much for the patience. Enjoy!

"What was so important that would keep for from your guests?" asked Caroline as Lizzy entered the room.

"Our sister Lydia has arrived, rather unexpectedly, " Lizzy said, not yielding to Caroline, "but fear not, her arrival will not change our plans for a picnic lunch."

"Oh, I would hope not," Mr. Bingley said, "It is too lovely a day to spend indoors."

Later that day, the party set out for their picnic lunch. They chose a spot on the far end of the lake. As they dined on rolls, cheeses, and meats, they topic turned to the coming season. Being in the family way would prevent Elizabeth from traveling to London.

"I would be glad to accompany Georgiana to town," Caroline offered, "I would be delighted to assist her during her first season. I have well versed in the London season and would be a great resource."

"Thank you for your kind offer," Elizabeth said, "but Lady Matlock will be presenting Georgiana in town."

"Oh," Caroline said. She had not even considered that she would be accompanied by a relative. In fact, she had forgotten about the Earl of Matlock and his family. But she, Caroline Theodora Bingley, was one of the most fashionable ladies in all of England – she was more than qualified to help.

"Perhaps," Elizabeth said, considering her words for a moment, "Lady Matlock can help you as well. I would love to see you happily settled."

Caroline did not respond. Instead, she pursed her lips and looked down. Jane glared at Lizzy, well, as much of a glare as the lovely Jane Bingley could manage. She was not always pleased with how Caroline treated Lizzy or how she treated Mr. Darcy, but Caroline was still her sister.

Mr. Bingley changed the subject to fishing to reduce the tension among the party. He was excited to fish with his friend during the visit. He loved to fish and was looking forward to it. He had decided that one of the requirements of the estate he was looking for was that it had to have a place to fish.

After lunch, Lizzy and Fitzwilliam retired for tea in their private sitting room. Fitzwilliam's mother had chosen the furnishings so Lizzy had not changed anything about the room. She had not changed much at Pemberley except purchasing a few paintings. Her portrait, which now hung in the gallery, was the largest change that had been made. Soon, before the baby came, the nursery would need to be updated.

"You certainly did an outstanding job of stopping Miss. Bingley today," he said sipping his tea.

"I fear I was too harsh. Jane did not look pleased with me, but Caroline was being too presumptuous."

"You did your job well. You are the mistress, not her. I fear that sometimes she forgets her place, but we must put up with her for the sake of Bingley and Jane."

"Fitzwilliam," she asked, her voice quieter than before, "do you believe that I am a good mistress?"

"Elizabeth, how could you even ask such a thing? I believe that there is no lady but you who could manage this home or me as well as you do."

"Sometimes I feel as though the management of this home is an impossible task. I could not keep Lydia from making an unexpected appearance."

"Your sister is not your responsibility my love. She is the responsibility of her husband. Just because he chooses to neglect his wife does not mean you must take charge of her, especially when she acts like a child. It seems impossible to check her behavior. I am not pleased with the way she spoke to you this morning."

"How did you know?"

"Mrs. Reynolds told me. She feared that you would not wish to tell me."

"Oh," she said, "I did not wish to tell you because I was not upset by it, not really. I know that she is just jealous. She believes that since she was the first one married that she would be the first one with child. But I believe it is good. Neither Lydia nor Wickham is capable of caring for a child."

"Alas, it is not your job to mother Mrs. Wickham, but perhaps her behavior will improve form spending time in the company of you and your sister."

"We must first see if we can get Mrs. Wickham to leave her room. Perhaps I will talk to her and see if she will come down for dinner."

"I would not worry, my dear, if she wants to come then let her, if not, it is not worth the stress. Or the time, particularly when there are more important things you could be doing."

She smiled, "Why Mr. Darcy, I have no idea what you could possibly mean."

He grinned and leaned in to place a soft kiss on her lips, "I believe, Mrs. Darcy, I was going to help you out of that dress for our 'rest' before dinner."

"Oh, yes, of course. How could I have forgotten?" she said with a wicked grin. She leaned forward to display her cleavage as she rose from her chair and started to walk toward his chambers. Her hips swayed seductively, and she turned to look over her shoulder. Darcy was still seated, mesmerized by her, "Well are you coming?" she asked.

"Yes, of course," he said as he rose. He sped up to catch her and wrapped her arms around her growing waist.

"Fitzwilliam," she squealed, "put me down."

"Very well," he said dropped her on their bed, "your wish is my command."