So this chapter was exciting for me to write because it is the introduction of a character of my own making. I feel that even if Elizabeth was somewhat sought out in society, she would have at least one good friend to help her weave through the mangled mess that is polite society.

So we hear about Lady Abigail first in chapter 12 from Mrs. Hurst, most of society lives in fear of her because of her temperament. She was so well respected that her word was gold, much like Elizabeth, but they achieved their reputations in much different ways. I very much wanted an equal of Elizabeth, one who would take her in when needed and guide her through the tough times.

So in this introduction of Lady Abigail we remember that she is a Lady, and not in fact a Duchess, so Elizabeth is ranked even higher than herself, but that doesn't matter to Abigail. She treats everyone as her equal unless they cross her, then consider them as good as ruined.

I need to remind you that Lady Abigail is not violent, she does not have a hit man. But she does most of her damage by her mouth. Which makes all the more fun to write I think. Even her husband is amused at this. She is around the age of 30, so she is ten years Elizabeth's senior.

I hope you enjoy reading this chapter as much as I had fun writing it! And remember go take the poll! Should Mr. Wickham be introduced?!

Chapter 15

Caroline Bingley was seething the whole carriage ride to London, where she had made the command that they would stop there and go no further. The driver had of course protested, Bingley had given his orders that they were not to stop, but Caroline would not have anything of that and her glare sent the driver into silence.

As they arrived at the Bingley's town home, she looked up at the home in triumph. Of course Elizabeth would not want this affair to go no further, as it would make her dear late husband, and his family look bad, none the less even her. So she was confident she need worry. She had not the time. She was too busy plotting a way to be in Pemberley as its mistress by the end of the year. Darcy would not stay in Hertfordshire forever. He could not neglect his business for too much longer, on this she was certain. And when her would arrive in Darcy house, she would make sure that she was one of his first visitors. She would make him compromise her.

At this she was envious of the widow. She was allowed to wear such deep cuts, and it was acceptable. Her figure was more womanly than Caroline's though she was much younger, because of the children she had carried.

Caroline shuddered, she could care less about children, Pemberley, and Darcy were the ultimate prize, she had no need to deal with the hypothetical's. She would have to make do with her own body, that of a maid. Surely she could improvise, and Darcy was a man, just like the Duke. Surely he could not deny her, if she was offering herself to him. And he was not married! La! She could barely stand it!

And when she was Mrs. Darcy, it would be her word against the Duchess', and who would dare accuse the wife of the great Fitzwilliam Darcy of such a thing?

Yes Caroline Bingley would become Mrs. Darcy, if there was one thing she was sure of, It was that.

Lady Abigail had just finished reading her dear friend, The Duchess's post, and while her heart broke for her friend, her mind raced. She was angry and nobody ever wanted to make this Lady angry. She had seen this Caroline Bingley in many social circles. She was a money hungry, socialite, and was a consummate actress, she nor her peers were ever fooled.

Lady Abigail Woodward was the wife of Lord Edward Woodward, their relationship, like Elizabeth's, or so she had thought, was based on a mutual love and understanding of one another. And while she was ranked below her dear friend in society, for Duke and Duchesses, were not royalty, they were treated as such. Even as such she was never jealous of her friend, and was quite content in her life, with three children, a husband who provided for her, a home in town, and the country, and a best friend who was a duchess, who could complain?

Imagine, to her surprise then, after reading such a letter from her dear friend, after seeing the culprit Caroline Bingley, enter the house across the street from her, which she understood was Bingley's town home. She would recognize the woman covered in orange even in the dead of night, which it was quite bright out so that was not the case. Elizabeth had suggested that Miss Bingley was on her way to Scarborough, and their she would live.

"I wonder what she can mean by this," The lady whispered out loud.

"What's that my dear," Lord Edward looked up from his correspondence, "Who can mean what?"

Lady Abigail had quite forgotten she had taken her leave to read her letter in her husband's study turned and faced him, the look on her face, Edward was well aware, was that of the Lady nobody wanted to cross.

"Do tell me, My Dear, that you will play nice."

She smirked, "My love, what can you mean?!," She headed towards the door in a flurry, "I always play nice."

With that she left Edward shaking his head in her wake, amused at his young wife. For there was never a dull moment with her around.

Lady Abigail was actually very happy Miss Bingley was in town, for it made the torment that much more fun to watch when she could actually see their faces.

One thing was for certain, rarely could one cross Lady Abigail Woodward, or her loved ones, and get away with it.

For certainly Lady Abigail was a very nice woman, but her anger rivaled that of a queen, and by the end, you were very, very sorry.

Elizabeth had made her decision with her father and Darcy the next day that she would return to London, with the children the next morning, for Jane and Bingley's wedding was in seven weeks, and if she had assumed her regular schedule, she would miss the most important details of her sister's wedding. It was to be a brief trip, for she wanted to be home with her family at this important time.

Her mother had protested, although she knew why Elizabeth had to leave, she needed her grandchildren at Longbourn, for measurements for their wedding clothes, Sophia actually needed a new dress, one that would rival any of those of her neighbors. After Elizabeth promised to buy her daughter the best flower girl dress money could buy, Mrs. Bennet was finally appeased.

That was until Mr. Bennet had announced that he would attend his favorite daughter in London as well. He had wanted to be with her. He knew how important it was that she was finally ready to hear the well. And while her decision, might have been made on recent events in her life, he was happy that she was well enough to move on. The smile on her face, which he had dearly missed during those tragic days, was a pleasant reminder to forget the past and enjoy the present.

So as Elizabeth, Mr. Bennet, and the children's trunks were prepared for their journey the next day, the wedding plans were going full force. Mrs. Bennet was determined, though this wedding would not be as grand as that of her second daughter to the groom, it would be just as memorable.

Darcy was worried about Elizabeth, ever since she had announced her plans. Not that he did not know that she would be able to handle herself, but because he would not see her for a whole week, and that did nothing to soothe his fragile heart. She could forget him in one weeks time, but he realized he could not be so selfish. Surely in any relationship their came a time of separation, and if this was the only time, he could deal very well with that. Because surely after they married, for his hope was that next year this time, she would indeed be Mrs. Darcy, and his children his own, he would not separate from them, ever!

And if there was one woman he trusted with his heart, besides his dear sister Georgiana, it was his Elizabeth.

My oh my! Let the games of cat and mouse begin!