Chapter 11

Miss Bingley could feel the tension in the room but nobody was talking. Oh for a snippet of juicy gossip. The only Bennet she knew about was Jane's father. The colonel couldn't mean him. No such an insignificant gentleman could do nothing of note. Miss Bingley was pleased with her deductions. Bennet was a common enough name.

Mrs Younge turned to Georgiana and told her it was time that they got back to her practice on the pianoforte. Georgiana breathed a sigh of relief her brother stood and kissed her forehead and told her he would speak later. The footman entered with another glass for the colonel and he also chose the wine. The gentlemen didn't feel the need to talk, at least not in front of Miss Bingley and Bingley himself was looking very uncomfortable. He had asked her several questions including whether or not she had heard from Louise her answers to each question was very short almost to the point of rudeness.

"Now that you are back in town you can move back into your house and I will join you there as your hostess" Caroline said to her brother

"No Caroline I decided on staying with Darcy as he is still showing me estate management, his library is excellent and I am learning so much"

"I suppose you are also hovering around Jane Bennet" her tone had certainly turned nasty now

"Yes, I have requested and been granted a courtship with Miss Bennet"

"She is only after your money, and she has no connections except to trade think of my marriage prospects" she looked at Darcy who was luckily pouring another glass of wine completely absorbed in the task. Richard moved over to him for a refill.

"Caroline, I care for her and don't care how many connections to trade that she has and if she will have me I will gladly make her my wife."

"There is no talking to you lately, and as that is the case, I will leave you to it. Gentlemen" she curtsied and left the room.

Darcy took hold of the decanter and his glass "come gentlemen, there are things to talk about" he led the way into his study. Richard made sure the door was closed. Making sure that all glasses were fully charged he sat behind his desk.

"This stays between us, I have asked Miss Elizabeth to marry me and she has said yes, I have yet to ask her father's permission" he smiled.

"Oh Darcy, congratulations" both men spoke at the same time.

"Well" said Richard "I am about to make your day even better, we got Wickham and he should be bound for either America on a troupe ship or Australia on a convict ship, he also has a broken nose and I think a cracked cheek. Well he also lost a lot of blood. It felt very good to champion Anne" Richard said.

Darcy's smile got even wider, that meant he could get rid of Mrs Young. He didn't trust her.

"So how is Mr Bennet getting on?" asked Bingley

"You understand the need for secrecy, we brought in our best forger who has transcribed the text we wanted as if from Boris these will be intercepted by them" said Richard

The gentlemen sat quietly thinking of all Mr Bennet had done for the country.

Richard looked at the two men and smiled "This time it was Miss Elizabeth who found the key to unlocking these letters"

Darcy's head shot up "Really, I knew she was clever but this….."

Bingley whistled not knowing what else to say.

"Does Wellesley know about that" Darcy asked quietly

"Yes, he does about this time and the other times, Bennet sings her praises Wellesley asked if she would like a chess set"

That made Darcy smile, he remembered Bennet's chess set at Longbourn how very fine it was and how Bennet had said it was from a friend for a service rendered.

Darcy sat alone in his study waiting for the maid that sometimes helped, Mrs Younge, before him was a pouch with coins, and the terms of her contract. Darcy kept meticulous notes so was able to calculate money owed. A tap at the door and Molly entered the room.

"Come" said Darcy kindly. Her look of apprehension at being summoned to study. "Molly, I need you to pack all of Mrs Younge's things. Just the things she came with. I want you to do this tomorrow while we are at breakfast. She is a creature of habit thankfully. When you are done ask one of the footmen to bring her luggage down. I will be speaking to her after she has finished eating"

Molly nodded "She keeps a workbasket in the music room, I will make sure to include that too"

"Very good and just check through it I would hate to think she accidently took anything from the house, but be discreet"

A footman entered then with a note from Mr Bennet that if Darcy cared to come around for a glass of wine, he would be very welcome. Shrugging into his coat and placing his beaver onto his head he grabbed his cane. Leaving instructions with the footman for the others he left the house for the short walk to the Bennet residence. On entering Bennet's study, he was happy to see Elizabeth also waiting for him.

"So young man you wish to marry my daughter, the courtship wasn't enough" Bennet's voice was gruff but his eyes twinkled the same eyes as his daughter Darcy noticed.

"Yes sir, when you have found a treasure, you want to keep it safe" he smiled at his treasure. Elizabeth smiled at him in return." I will set up a meeting with my solicitor to go over the settlements whenever you have the time. I have already made a start on them its just a matter of the other holdings.

"Other holdings?" enquired Bennet

"Yes, I have property in South Wales and a hunting lodge in Scotland and I am in the process of setting up a stud farm. Your daughter and any children will be well looked after."

Mr Bennet was impressed but Elizabeth was shocked. Mr Bennet looked at his daughter, how he would miss her.

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Darcy put down his napkin, he picked up his coffee cup "Mrs Younge would you be so good as to join me in my study when you have finished your breakfast" his tone of voice gave nothing away but every time he saw her he grew angry, he had trusted her with his sister. He finished his coffee and removed himself to his study he started walking there when Molly attracted his attention. He went into the music room and Molly showed him several trinkets which he knew had belonged to his mother. He picked them up and put them in his pocket. "Thank you, Molly"

"Yes, sir there were also some things in her room, I have put them in your study, she is all packed and her luggage is in the smaller carriage."

"Again, I thank you Molly you can have an extra day off I will sort it out with Mrs North"

"Thank you, sir"

Darcy sat waiting in his office while he waited, he went through some mail and was grateful to see it was mostly invitations the most important to him was his uncle and aunt's ball. A knock on the door had him bid the person enter.

Mrs Younge smiled as she walked into the room. "You, wished to see me sir"

"Yes, Mrs Younge it has been brought to my attention that you have been seen and plotting with a Mr George Wickham, whilst whom you see is your business the plot against my sister made it mine. As of yesterday, or even this morning George Wickham has left these shores for parts unknown and as of this moment your employment here is severed. Your things have been packed just things that belonged to the house has been removed including things that belonged to my mother. You will be paid up until today but if I find more of my mothers or Georgiana's things have gone missing, I will have you brought up on charges" Darcy stood and emptied his pocket.

Mrs Young's mouth had fallen open and she had turned ashen. The carpet had been ripped from under her and she started to sway "No" she cried "Please sir give me another chance"

"I cannot, I do not trust you anymore especially with my sister" his voice held finality in it he called the footman in. "Robert, Mrs Younge is leaving now and will not be allowed to enter again. Please inform the other servants. You may also call for the small carriage which already has her luggage. Good day Mrs Younge I hope never to see you again"

With that the woman gathered herself together, snatching the pouch of coins up and without another word left.

He left his office for the music room where he could hear his sister already at her practice. For a few moments he stood watching her and listening to her playing. He entered the room and sat himself in his usual seat and closed his eyes letting the music wash over him. When the piece finished, he opened his eyes and smiled at her "come here little one"

Georgiana went over to sit with him, he took one of her hands in his "Dearest, I have had to remove Mrs Younge from my employ" he tried to be gentle

"Oh, thank god for that" his sister exclaimed at her brother's look "Well she was starting to nag me to go to the seaside, I wanted to stay in town with you and my friends the Bennet's"

"Yes, they have become good friends with you, which brings me on to the next piece of news, I have asked Miss Elizabeth to marry me"

The squeal that erupted from his sister's mouth made him jump arms were flung around him and he noticed tears running down her face "Oh, I am so very happy for us"

"Why are you crying dearest"

"I am just so happy, Lydia and I did discuss the possibility but we didn't think it would happen so soon."

Darcy smiled at his sister he was engaged to marry a wonderful woman, his sister was happy and George Wickham was out of his life for good.

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Georgiana arrived at the Bennet's house after being invited by Kitty and Lydia to spend the night. Darcy had granted his permission willingly. Her maid took her bag up to the room she would be sharing with the girls. Her excitement was complete when she was allowed to watch Jane, Mary and Elizabeth dress and have her hair done. The girls had asked her if she wanted her own bedroom but she wanted the full experience. Jane's dress was a beautiful powder blue and Mary in lilac but Lizzie was magnificent in emerald green. All of beautiful silk from their uncle's warehouse. They put on their gloves Lizzie was sorry her ring could not go on over the top of her gloves but the impression was there. Kissing their sisters and Georgiana they left and the girls went to the window to see them off. The gentlemen were waiting to hand them in Darcy kissed Elizabeth's hand and helped her in she saw Miss Bingley so sat opposite her Mary was next so sat opposite Jane sat next to her and Bingley next to Jane Darcy happily sat between Elizabeth and Mary. "A rose between two thorns" Elizabeth smilingly whispered to him. His grin lit up his face and in the darkness was able to squeeze her fingers.

The Castlemaines house was lit up when they arrived and joined the queue of carriages discharging their occupants. As Darcy helped Elizabeth down "You look magnificent" he said to her.

Miss Bingley also wanted Darcy to help her down but her brother did after Jane. Darcy had helped Mary and he tucked both Mary's and Elizabeth's arms in his and walked very proudly with two beautiful ladies on his arms Bingley copied him with Jane and his sister. Reaching the receiving line Lady Castlemaine greeted Darcy as he introduced the two ladies. "Yes, I have met Miss Mary, you look very well this evening my dear, Reginald I was just saying Miss Mary is looking very well"

Mary smiled and curtsied as did Elizabeth when her turn came.

Darcy greeted Reginald with a hearty handshake "You owe me a bout at Angelo's" Darcy said to him

"You are right I will arrange something with you later" he smiled

They entered the ballroom which was a riot of colour looking around they spotted their Aunt's and Uncle's not too far from the refreshment table. They were all happy to see each other. Others joined them and the group was getting bigger, Jane arrived then with the Bingley's. She didn't look too happy and Elizabeth wondered what mischief Miss Bingley was causing now. Lady Matlock looked the girls over and was very pleased with what she saw except for Miss Bingley in the dreaded orange assembly that she wore. She looked them over one by one turning them around "Oh yes, very good you can tell Madame Clarrisse a mile off"

Reginald Warner and his mother joined them then his father joined the other men. Viscount Fenton arrived then and greeted all he knew and was re-introduced to the Bennet's it had been some years that he had seen them last. Henry Fitzwilliam gallantly requested a dance with the ladies but not Miss Bingley. Reginald also quickly also asked Jane and Elizabeth. He also asked Mary for her supper set. The pink of Mary's cheeks deepened when he did this. Both Jane and Elizabeth noticed the way he looked at her and she at him. They looked at each other and nodded this would be discussed later. Lady Castlemaine looked at Darcy "Do you still wish to announce your engagement tonight?"

Darcy took Elizabeth's hand in his and looked at her she smiled at him "Yes, I would like to shout it from the rooftops"

Lady Castlemaine looked at him approvingly "Your mother would approve" she said "has she got the Darcy ring?"

Darcy nodded. Sarah Castlemaine had been one of his Mother's best friends and had been devastated by her death. Lady Matlock nodded she and Sarah had been friends for so long. Sir Christopher Lewis and Sir David Chalmers stepped over then requesting dances from their nieces. Sir Christopher said "I know you will take pity on some old men and indulge us" the girls smiled at him and put their names on their dance cards. Darcy had also requested and was granted Elizabeth's supper set. Jane was talking to the aunt's when the music for the first set struck up. Bingley stepped forward at the same time as Miss Bingley "No Caroline I am dancing with Jane" nobody stepped forward to request a set with her. The future Lord Castlemaine was dancing with that drab Mary, and her Darcy was dancing with that slut Elizabeth.

She didn't realise she had been voicing her words aloud when Lady Chalmers turned to her and said "What did you call my niece"

Miss Bingley stammered "I didn't call her anything"

"Yes, you did, you called my niece a slut" said Lady Lewis angrily

"Your niece" Miss Bingley looked quite faint now.

"Yes, my niece" said Lady Chalmers the one dancing with her fiancée Mr Darcy

Miss Bingley turned the colour of her gown, "I didn't know"

"I find that difficult to believe" Lady Matlock now also waded into the fray. "You are no longer welcome here"

Lady Castlemaine on hearing her friends berate a woman whom claimed a close friendship with Miss Bennet and therefor had been granted an invite, moved closer. Lady Chalmers quickly told her friend what she had heard. Lady Castlemaine looked at the woman up and down and said very coldly "You are no longer welcome in my home"

She summoned a footman to escort the devastated young lady out. The aunts all turned their backs to her she had very effectively been cut by the cream of society there would no longer be a place for her. She would have to retire herself away. Unless she married extremely well no homes would be open. She sagged jealousy of Elizabeth Bennet had done this. Before being led away she watched her dancing with Darcy. No there would be no quarter given there. Her brother and his partner were gazing at each other as they moved through the steps. Her outerwear was found and a carriage to take her home. When she arrived, she told her maid to pack all her things except for a travelling outfit. She sat at her writing desk and wrote a short note to her brother telling him of a wish to visit family in Norfolk. She knew she wouldn't be welcome at Louisa's. Hurst hated her and she knew why. Miserable tears filled her eyes. A smile suddenly lit up her face her aunts house was not far from Hargreaves estate. Yes, it would be a very good idea to visit her aunt. She went to bed feeling a lot happier than she had been just over an hour ago.

The dancers oblivious to anything other than the music and each other. The first dance ended and Reginald Warner looked at Mary he liked very much what he saw, they shared many of the same interests "Miss Mary, I like you so very much, may I request a chance to court you" he was nervous that was true

Mary looked at him and her green eyes sparkled "Yes, Mr Warner I should like that very much"

The smile that lit his face had his mother look knowingly at her son. She was happy, looking around the room as couples paired up for the second dance Bingley took Elizabeth's hand and Darcy took Mary's Reginald took Jane's. Yes, another successful ball. She saw Lord Matlock so went over to him. "I hear you have been charged with making the announcement"

"Yes, there are going to be a few disappointed ladies and their Mama's" he said with satisfaction "They are perfect for each other, Catherine isn't going to be happy but her pedigree is good enough"

They smiled at each other knowingly, "and you gain political heavyweights" Lady Castlemaine laughed at him

"That is very true it has all turned out just as it should" he was sitting on some news that was going to rock the family but knew to keep his council he hadn't even told his wife.