Chapter 16

Darcy

Darcy House

"You do realize brother, that you have fixed your cravat about 15 times in the last hour. Personally, I thought Maxford did a perfectly adequate job with it." Georgie said with a raised eyebrow and a cheeky grin. Happily making fun of my anxiousness.

I had been impatiently waiting on the settee in the parlor for Elizabeth to arrive. Georgie had joined me in my anxious state and decided to roast me greatly as I counted down the minutes till I would see my Soulmate again. It had been much too long since I saw her beautiful face. Since I held her in my arms. Since I felt her strength run through me.

Before Jeeves could even let us know that Elizabeth had arrived, I could feel her aura close by. My heart warmed at the thought of her being near.

When Elizabeth entered the parlor all breath left me. She was magnificent. She wore a green gown that perfectly matched her eyes. Her hair had been tied up in an elegant fashion with a gold ribbon that accented the trim of her gown.

You are breathtaking. I reverently said to her through our connection.

She didn't say anything back. But I watched as her cheeks flushed with a lovely shade of red. It was adorable.

"Well if you two are done staring at one another. May I offer you a seat Lizzy?" Georgie said politely. Not hiding at all that I was too overcome to help her.

"You have an absolutely gorgeous home. I have never seen candles sparkle as yours do. It's as if they shine like starlight, twinkling all around us. It is beautiful magic." Elizabeth said as she slowly took in the parlor piece by piece.

Georgie smiled brightly.

"That is one of my sisters many gifts. She is very talented at beautifying objects. Georgie can take the ugliest thing in a home and make it look like a priceless art piece when she is done with it."

Georgie blushed from the tops of her ears to her nose.

"Oh Georgianna, they are so beautiful! I might be able to read someone's mind, but using mage powers for beautifying I am quite terrible at. The last time I tried to help decorate a room with my sisters, I almost burnt down the whole house." Elizabeth explained with a laugh.

"Oh no! That is terrifying! How did you stop the fire?" Georgie inquired with wide eyes.

"Now that was easy for me, I have been putting out my own fires since I was very little." Elizabeth said nonchalantly like it was no big task at all.

Oh how I love this woman!

"Let me go check on dinner. I will be right back." Georgie left quickly from the room. Leaving us alone at last.

Before I even heard the door shut, I rushed to Elizabeth's side. Pulling her up into my arms.

"Well hello to you Mr. Darcy." She said with a laugh. And those mischievous green eyes that made me weak in the knees.

I kissed her softly at first. Soaking up her warmth. I could not stop myself from becoming lost in her sweet kisses.

She wrapped her arms tightly around me as well and for a moment we just stood there in silence holding one another. Her head rested perfectly on my chest. Nestled under my chin. My Soulmark tingled as her head lingered so close to it.

Oh my love. How I have missed you! I could not help but place a soft kiss on top of her head.

And I you. Elizabeth thought as she tightened her arms around me.

I pulled back slightly and looked down at her "I have a gift for you."

Elizabeth's eyes widened with surprise. "You did not need to get me anything." She said with a bit of a huff. Almost scolding me for being kind to her. Which of course just made me laugh and only frustrated her more.

I took both of her hands in mine and squeezed them lightly. Calming her silly frustration with a loving look. "Actually, this gift is not from me. I am just the messenger." I opened her hands up flat and placed an ornate wooden box with beautiful carvings on the sides into them.

Elizabeth looked at me curiously. Trying to figure it all out without actually opening it. I let out a small laugh and nudged the box towards her. "It won't bite, I promise." I winked at her and she just rolled her eyes.

I watched as she slowly opened the box and saw my mothers ring that floated in the middle of the box. Small streams of light flowed from inside the box causing the emerald to shine perfectly. She let out a gasp as she examined the ring with awe.

"This was my mothers ring. My father gave it to her on their wedding day. He had it designed with a charm of their Soulmark within the emerald." I picked the ring up out of the box and slid it on her finger. It fit her perfectly, as I knew it would.

"Oh Fitzwilliam! It's the most beautiful ring I have ever seen. But I can not take this, this should go to Georgiana. It's much too grand a keepsake for me." She shook her head, trying to take the ring off and give it back to me.

The action only made me laugh again. Only Elizabeth Bennet would feel she did not deserve it. When in fact she was the only person it now belonged to.

"This ring was left specifically for you my love." I said as I took it and slipped it back on her finger.

Elizabeth looked at the ring then back at me curiously. "What do you mean?"

"When we came back from the Professors, my valet Maxford found a box in my chest. There was a note attached to the box from the Professor. He said that my mother had given this to him to give me once we had found each other. There was also a letter that I found inside the box." I handed her the letter.

She looked up at me curiously and began to read the letter.

Dearest Elizabeth,

By now I am sure you are aware of the prophecy and the role you and my son will play in it. Because of this I know there is a tremendous amount of pressure on your shoulders right now. My greatest wish is that George and I could be there to help you both through this time. But it was made clear to us that we would not live to see that day.

I wanted you to have my most prized possession. Outside of my husband and my children, this ring gave me great joy. It was a constant reminder of the love that George and I shared. A love that transcended basic human relationships. Mage Soulmates together have a power that will live on forever. Though our earthly bodies have left us, our love and our strength continue on through our children and now through you as well Elizabeth. When you need help, don't be afraid to call on us and we will help anyway we can.

I have seen the prophecy and was blessed to see pieces of your future after all is settled. All I can tell you is to trust your gifts and to never fear what the two of you can do together!

Hug Georgie for me and love Fitzwilliam with your whole heart. As I know you will.

With all my love,

Anne Darcy

Elizabeth looked up at me with tears streaming down her face. She took a big breath and with the back of one of her hands tried to dry her damp face.

I pulled my handkerchief out of my pocket and tried my best to help. She then took it back from me and wiped at my own tears that had fallen down my cheeks. Making us both chuckle.

"Have you read it? Did you know that she was the one who had seen the prophecy?" Elizabeth asked still amazed.

I shook my head. "As I saw it was addressed to you, I wanted you to read it first."

She raised an eyebrow at me. "or read it at the same time as me, over my shoulder?" A small smile lifting at the corner of her mouth.

"No one said I was perfect." I said with a cocky grin. She nudged me playfully in the side, which made me laugh loudly. I loved this side of her always challenging me. Reminding me that she is one step ahead of me, always. I wouldn't want it any other way.

I noticed her admiring the ring on her finger. Looking at it lovingly from every angle.

"I know you haven't fully decided if you are ready for marriage. And I am truly ok with that, but let this ring be a reminder that I am here by your side always. It's you and me from here on Elizabeth. Together forever." I leaned my forehead down to rest on hers and closed my eyes. Soaking up her warmth.

I felt her small hand cup my cheek and I looked into her emerald eyes. "Together forever Fitzwilliam. Just name the day my love. For there is no doubt in my mind that we are meant to be together. No more waiting for the storm to come. No more trying to figure out things on my own. I am ready to be your wife." Her last words came out in a whisper. Her voice choked with tears. But I heard every word.

Elizabeth Bennet was to be my wife!

Elizabeth

Later that evening as we sat around the table celebrating with a delicious apple dessert, Georgiana was busy making plans for the big day.

Occasionally I would share a look with Darcy that though some of the ideas sounded lovely, maybe a few were just a tad ostentatious for our taste. I just smiled and let Georgiana and her artistic Mage brain flow. Knowing that when the day actually came I would not hesitate to draw the line at the magical monkeys that Georgiana thought would be perfect to accompany me down the aisle.

A loud clatter awoke us from our laughter. I looked over at Georgiana and saw her eyes had rolled back in her head. I couldn't help the loud gasp that escaped me. I had never seen such a thing, one moment all was well and in the next she was out. Before I could even process what was happening Darcy had jumped up and caught her before she fell out of her chair.

He pulled her down onto the ground beside the chair and held her tightly.

"What is happening? Has she been poisoned? Why are you not freaking out more?" So many thoughts were flying through my head, I was terrified that we were being attacked and had a fireball ready to strike as soon as someone appeared in sight.

I felt Darcy's strong hand wrap around my fire arm. Slowly pushing it down. "Calm down, love. She is having a vision. No one is attacking." Darcy said calmly, rubbing my arm in assurance.

I nodded my head, got rid of my fireball and tried to calm my frantic beating heart.

He noticed my apprehension and thankfully explained. "It can last anywhere from a minute to a couple of days. It's best in the first hour to try not to jostle her. We just have to wait till she comes to."

"That is terrifying. I can't even imagine how scared you must have been the first time you saw her fall out like that." I said with wide eyes of concern. Still not able to fathom having to live with that kind of gift.

Darcy adjusted Georgiana's weight and leaned up against the wall that was a little more than a foot away. I followed suit.

"Thankfully mother was there to help us through and explain what was happening. She taught us the best way to help her during these times. The scariest moments are when they happen when she is walking. She has a personal maid that is always with her, just in case a vision comes upon her." He said while taking a deep breath.

I put my hand over his and tried my best to send as much strength and calm through my powers. Not one of my greatest gifts, but Jane has taught me a little over the years.

A small smile formed on his lips and he closed his eyes. Resting his head back against the wall. "Thank you for that." He almost whispered. He was holding it together well, but I know this can not be easy for him.

"How often does she have visions?" I asked while I got up to take a sip of my wine. Needing a little extra calm after all this. I held the glass out towards him as a silent offering. He shook his head quickly and I sat it back down on the table and joined him on the floor.

"It depends on the season. Sometimes she goes months or even years without having them, but lately it's been almost once a week. We think it means the Mage battle will be sooner than later. She keeps getting snippets of what will happen during the battle. Nothing of real help so far, but she always writes them down with as much detail as she can."

I nodded my head as I continued to process it all.

A loud gasp escaped Georgiana and she shot up out of Darcy's arms. "He's got Lydia! He took her!" She looked crazed. Trying to run to the door, but her legs seemed weak and wouldn't let her move so quickly.

"Easy Georgie. You know you can't move so quickly after. Calm down." Darcy had pulled her back down towards him and continued to hold her tightly, with one hand rubbing her back softly. Trying his best to calm her down.

I jumped up and grabbed my wine off the table and tried to get her to take a sip. She took a few small sips. "Thank you Lizzy." Then she took a large breath. "Lydia has been taken… by Whickam." Georgiana said to Darcy with a look of terror. An almost inhumane growl escaped him. Anger flashed brightly within him. I put my hand on his Soulmark and tried to help calm him down. After a few seconds he nodded in thanks and seemed to be able to breathe again.

"I'll contact my sisters. See if anyone knows anything." I said quickly.

"I am contacting the men." Darcy informed us while he let go of Georgiana and leaned her up against the wall.

Darcy looked at Georgiana, almost like he was waiting on her to tell him something. "It's in the second drawer under the buffet." Georgiana said while pointing to the far wall.

Darcy nodded and quickly strode over to the drawer and got out something that looked like a well worn journal and brought it to Georgiana.

Understanding what she was doing, I focused on my sisters.

Have any of you seen Lydia? Georgiana had a vision that she was taken by some man.

There was a heartbeat too long of silence. Where I guess they were looking around the house to find her.

Please! Someone! Talk to me! I am practically shouting in their minds. If someone doesn't say something in the next second I am invading your minds!

Sorry Lizzy, we were frantically checking the house. Lydia is gone. No one has seen her in over an hour. She didn't want to come down to eat. We thought she was in her room. Jane said in a rush. Trying hard not to be overcome with emotion.

Tell Hollins to guard the front door and have a footman guarding the back door. Be on alert! We will figure out more details and get back to you soon. We will find her! Be safe my lovely sisters. Love you all!

All of my sisters except for Lydia respond in agreement. I take a moment and try to contact Lydia once again, but I hear nothing.

My mind is racing, going through different conversations. Trying to piece together any clues.

My mind flicked over the conversation that I just had with my sisters and it hits me like a lightning strike.

Time to invade Lydia's mind!

"My sisters have not seen her in an hour. They thought she was in her room, but she is gone. No one can contact her. I am going to read her mind now." I said as I sit back down on the ground beside Georgiana. I noticed her frantically writing away in the old beaten up journal.

"Elizabeth, I just tried and could not get through. Whickam must have blocked her mind. Knowing that we would try to-" Before Darcy could finish I had to interrupt him and tried not to gloat in his face.

"I can hear her! She is trapped in an unfamiliar room. She is taking in the room piece by piece just in case…" A laugh bubbled out of me, stopping me from being able to finish at her next thought.

"What in the world! Elizabeth, what is happening?" Darcy said while kneeling beside me, taking my face in his hands trying to get me to focus.

"I am sorry. She is thinking through everything she sees just in case her nosy sister is tapping into her thoughts." I said with a giggle and shook my head. Only Lydia!

Darcy and Georgiana exchanged looks of bewilderment.

"Wow. Ok we can do this." Darcy said with hope in his voice.

"She is thinking about the man who brought her to the unknown room. He told her his name was George and that he was to be her counterpart for the battle to help transport her. But she now knows he was lying to get her away from us." I take a big breath.

But the next words I hear send shivers down my spine.

Darcy is back to cradling my face. "Love, what is it? What is going on? What did you hear? You have gone completely pale."

"Lydia's thoughts were about another man that came into the room where she is being held." I looked fully into Darcy's eyes. "It's the Commander. Fitzwilliam, your uncle Matlock is working for the Dark Mages."

Authors Note

Du Du Duuuummmmm! Lots more to come friends hope you enjoy and thank you for sticking with me!