Mr Darcy had come to the door for fresh air and to check on the young woman with the almost unnaturally green eyes he saw leave, possibly also to escape the hands of a Miss Bingley. After hearing the story of how she came to be in the care of the Bennet's; it was quite talked about, he felt a need to get to know her. She seemed so familiar to him. He remembered as a boy his mother's brother had told him stories of a young girl of her description having the most absurd and amazing (to a young man – come on, out flying dragons; who wouldn't love that) adventures, she fit the description given down to the scar on her forehead; she was the spitting image. He had been mistaken for his uncle and sometimes his eldest cousin a few times while at school, since adulthood he had established himself enough to not have it happen in a long time. The fact this young lady did was worrying, as far as he knew Richard and James didn't have any god-siblings or godchildren at least they never talked about their father sending presents to his friends' daughter. Now hearing that whoever he reminded her of was dead it seemed more natural she reacted the way she did. He was resolved to message his cousin Richard to clarify, as far as he knew his uncle didn't have any mistresses so she wasn't that but being the age she looked she could be a base born daughter. But she did mention Godfather meaning she knew her real father.

The quality of fabric she was wearing he could tell was the finest silk he'd ever seen, also redacting being base born as they wouldn't be able to afford such fabric. No matter how much she looked like the description given, she was too young to fit the stories, he was positive he was older than her. She may not have even been born yet, when he had heard the stories and it was all one big coincidence.

Richard was the only member of his mother's family he knew was in London currently. He would message his uncle directly but the man was away in Ireland on business, at least till Christmas as far as he knew. His other cousin the Viscount didn't care about anything but the betting tables and drinking these days. He would wait till he was back in Town by the end of the week and go from there.

He had to see if the physical person in front of him matched the one built up in his head in anyway. Well, he doubted the adventures he was told could be even remotely true, but the rest could be. It was when she picked up her cup to drink earlier, having taken off her glove to hold the cup that he saw a faint pulling of her skin on the back of her hand. It was an odd mark almost like writing. He was too far away to take a good look, plus it would have been extremely inappropriate sending the wrong message.

It was coming up the supper set as he walked away from the balcony, he had already danced with Miss Elizabeth and that ended poorly, he figured he would do his duty and dance with someone he could hopefully stand eating with. Seeing Miss Potter and Miss Mary coming back he figured it could be worse. Least this way he could ask some questions over supper.

"May I have the next Set Miss Potter?"

"That would be nice, thank you Mr Darcy." She was in the process of returning her gloves having taken them off for some reason and he glimpsed her hand again. He almost missed it. Throwing propriety to the wind and pretending to intend to kiss the back of it, he grabbed her hand before she managed to get the glove on.

He remembered the last story told to him and his cousins about the young heroine being tortured by a teacher and forced to write in her own blood, 5 words over and over, that ended up being carved into her skin from writing for hours every day for weeks.

There in pale writing was some scarring on the back of her left hand 'I must not tell lies' he couldn't remember if those were the exact words from the story. But everything else fit. If he didn't have the hand so close to his face, you wouldn't be able to see the wording exactly.

He must have said the words out loud as she quickly pulled her hand away and put the glove on. "I had hoped they had faded enough people wouldn't notice. Most can't read what they say anymore unless they look closely. You must have very good eyesight sir." She rubbed the scar in a subconscious way, it seemed she didn't realise she did it.

He knew the stories weren't common folk tales passed down. None of his friends at Eaton nor Cambridge had ever heard of them. Most scoffing at a female Heroine.

"I… Uh… My uncle. He used to tell me story of a young heroine, I thought they were weird at first you never heard of a female protagonist in the roles she played. Fighting dragons and giant snakes among other things especially at such a young age. One of the last stories of her adventures he told, was about her defeating an evil teacher that was determined to make her submit and tortured her to write in her own blood for weeks, having the words etching into the back of her hand. When I met you, you looked exactly as she was described to me as a boy. Though if it had happened you should be much older. As in the stories she was between ages 11-15. Around the same age I was at the time."

Hepatica swallowed. He could tell she as rattled. She swayed a bit on her feet. He was prepared to catch her if she did. "May I ask the name of your uncle, sir?"

"He is the Earl of Matlock, Lord Matlock."

"I… see…" Hepatica turned away from him. She looked troubled but he knew not what to do to help. She didn't seem to recognise the name of his uncle yet all the other things suggested that they should know each other. "Thank you sir, I do not know how your uncle had stories with someone who would look like me in it. I can assure you I've only turned 18 this past July and you look older than that yourself. It must be a coincidence that I fit the general description."

He didn't believe that, not really, it wasn't a general description given but one of great intricate details she matches. He wasn't going to argue with her though. It would be even more unbecoming.

Mr Darcy escorted her to his place in the set. As they waited, she tried talking to him about other things, he wasn't the best at small talk so his answers were a bit stilted. He tried though seeing how rattled she was by his forwardness earlier. The dance was awkward at first, she only made a few steps out of place though they weren't very noticeable.

Hepatica figured now was as good a time as any to bring up the Wickham thing. She was resolved to ignore the thing about the stories about her and her life. Especially when she noticed Wickham still hadn't arrived when he said he wouldn't run if met with Darcy. She had been victimised many times before and was shocked when no one told her people and the media were spreading rumours about her. She was resolved to at least let him know.

"I recently met a gentleman that claimed an acquaintance to you, a Mr Wickham."

"Yes, I guessed that was the case when we came upon you in the village. May I ask what would prompt you to bring him up at such a time."

"He talked of many things; things I thought had no place being spoken about in polite and unknown society, being of a sensitive nature. I thought it best to warn you of his disparaging of your character. He claimed reasons behind it, but I felt the fact he was willing to talk about the subject as sensitive as it was – especially in polite society he had just met. It didn't sit well with me. Unfortunately, some he has told didn't mind and took to the gossip. I thought it best to inform you, as inappropriate the current conversation between relative strangers is."

"I see, I thank you for the warning. I must admit you are the first female I've met that has also met Mr Wickham and not been taken in by his easy manner and mode of flattery."

"It was those things exactly that turned me off. He reminded me of the man who was trying to kill me. Acted just like him when trying to manipulate people. Riddle was better at it though. Wickham gave me the creeps. I'm trying to think of ways to get him out of the town and away from the innocent, naive girls that know no better. I was wondering if you had any methods that may help me? Having known him I hope as long as he claimed."

The second dance started after a brief pause, Hepatica again knowing enough to not look completely incompetent, Mr Darcy being an excellent partner to cover any of her faults. "I regret to say I cannot help much. I have tried to wash my hands of him, even if he was a boyhood friend." After seeing who she suspected was Miss Darcy in his mind along with Mr Darcy she had suspected he might be unwilling to help, probably cause of blackmail of some kind that would hurt Miss Darcy's reputation. Disappointing but not the end of the world. She would just do it alone then.

"I understand sir. I will not ask again but felt I should at least once. Maybe now we can speak of more pleasant things?"

"I… I wish to know your relationship to the gentleman you danced with before. You had laughed a lot with him and looked like you enjoyed yourself." She thought she had seen Darcy watching the dance Mr Lucas shared with Elizabeth and though he didn't seem prepared to pursue her or raise her hopes, she knew he showed some interest from the stories told by the girls of their meetings.

"Mr Lucas, I only met him moments before you asked Miss Elizabeth to dance. His desired partner was already engaged for the first set," she looked over to where Lizzy and Mr Lucas were dancing their second set, "I was the closest female he felt he could trust to not think too much on giving the first set. He couldn't ask his sister as she was the only other female he felt trusting enough." Hepatica laughed at his surprised look. "Oh yes, I've mentioned it before, while not against marrying if I am lucky to fall in love, I'm not yet ready to marry. I've enjoyed my time here recuperating. I fear when I get to London things will be very hectic, especially being a woman going it alone. Thank goodness Mrs Bennet's brother Mr Gardiner has written he will help me, letting me stay with him and his family after their visit to the Bennet's at Christmas. But that is my choice, to enjoy the protection the Bennet's and their surrounding families have offered a stranger; so no complaining on my end." Mr Darcy was thoughtful. He chose well it seemed for his upper set, no raised expectations from this one and she seemed well educated and easy to talk to. "When do you yourself plan on leaving the area Mr Darcy? I imagine you'll be heading back to Town or… I believe it's called, Pamperly…? Will you be having Christmas with your sister?"

"Yes, I had planned to leave within the week. I only stayed to help Bingley, you are correct I had hoped to spend Christmas with my sister and relatives, most likely in Town. Though my estate is call Pemberly ma'am"

"I hope your sister hasn't been left alone with only a governess this whole-time, has she? As one orphan to another."

"No, well yes she is with a governess but not alone, she is staying with my aunt in London."

"Oh, that's good, she is still young is she not?"

"Yes, she is 16 almost 17."

"I remember that age and being left alone a lot, not even a governess when not at school, no siblings to talk to, no family. If not for my friends' letters, I would have been a complete social inept by the time I was allowed to return to school or visit people."

"She is not yet 'out' so she is unable to visit people. But I'm hoping with staying with my aunt and sitting in on her visits, it may help ease her into the practice. We were hoping to present her during the season next year, but I will leave it up to her if she is ready."

The song ended. He escorted her to supper finding seats at a table with Bingley and Miss Bennet, who just shared their second set.

On their way to the table Darcy and Hepatica were accosted – to the visible embarrassment of Lizzy – by Mr Collins who introduced himself. Darcy looked both incredulous and amused at the same time. It was a conversation Hepatica was pleased to be ignored during. Mr Collins after introducing himself went on to talk about Darcy's aunt, Lady Catherine De Burge – a popular topic for Collins, Hepatica added when they had finally managed to get away from the smaller man. Dinner was interesting, they continued to converse having joined with Jane and Bingley. Hepatica even felt proud she managed to get a smile and small laugh out of the serious Mr Darcy. Elizabeth was sitting with Henry Lucas at another table with Charlotte and Mr Collins. Seeing Jane and Bingley so engrossed in each other she turned to Darcy and spoke quietly, though she was never fond of loud conversations always speaking much quieter than was probably needed. One of the contrasting things considering her part in the war and her image of a heroine back in her time.

"I do feel for the Bennet's, Mr Collins is the one to inherit Longborne when Mr Bennet passes, I pray it's not for many years yet. I just hope I have eased Mrs Bennet's fears of being thrown out from her home if something was to happen to Mr Bennet suddenly. Though Mr Collins has good intentions, the sister he has chosen I doubt she will accept him."

"What do you mean Hepatica?" Jane asked finally pulling herself away from the private conversation with Bingley, not so engrossed as she thought.

"Um… Well Jane, I may have invested in a house or apartment building in Meryton for your mother to live in rent free on the occasion of your father passing. Her portion will then only have to cover her food and any items she wants."

Both men stared at the women in mild shock. "Oh Hepatica! That is so generous. I thought she was acting calmer the last few days. Has the house been chosen yet?"

"No not yet, your uncle is still going through the list to find something suitable. I've also asked him to look maybe at land and I'd build a nice house or duplex on it. I was waiting until Christmas and was going to let her choose but thought with the Mr Collins' situation it might be nice for her to know her future and in consequence yours and your sisters are safe from unhappy marriages. Though in the meantime I'd rent it out or something."

"It is too much, I… Oh how will we ever repay you for such generosity?"

"Repay me? This is my gift to your family to repay you for saving my life Jane." Hepatica's voice took on a determined tone. "You didn't have to take me home and care for me when you did. Nor did you have to let me stay at yours until I was healed. Most people would have probably sent me on my way as soon as I was healed enough to walk. But your family, you have done all that and let me stay with you indefinitely, pulled me into your family as if I have been there my whole life. I can never thank you or repay you enough for that. At any rate, it is already done. Once I get to London and talk to my banks representative it will be complete and legal. I'm very protective of the family I choose Jane. Since I've been here, your family has taken me in as one of their own. For a girl who's never known what living with a family was like – besides the couple of friends I had at school – it's worth more than all the money in the world to me." Nodding her head ending the conversation she turned back to her meal, Jane still a little flustered at the idea also returned to her meal, though soon got up to get a drink, Mr Bingley following behind. If she felt that way now, wait till she learns she also has a dowery of £9000 now, 8000 from her and the 1000 from her mother. She would really be flustered then.

Hepatica looked up and saw Mr Darcy watching the people around them. Lydia was running around being silly, trying to take a soldier's sword till Mrs Bennet got up her. Though she did it in a way that was proper for the audience they had. Luckily people weren't paying too much attention. Lydia calmed down a bit after her mother's warning. The guests near them seemed almost shocked Mrs Bennet had stood up to Lydia's silliness.

"They are good people. Just a little rough on the edges. But we all have our flaws, do we not Mr Darcy?"

"I suppose so, I worry for my friend though. That he may be trapped in an unequal marriage."

"What do you class as unequal sir?" Hepatica turned to face him raising an eyebrow in what she hoped was a look meaning 'tread carefully sir'.

"Someone that doesn't love and respect him, that only uses him for his money and status."

"Well you don't have to worry about that from Jane. She wouldn't give him so much attention if she didn't enjoy his company. Besides he may be rich but is still a tradesman's son. Wouldn't marriage to a Gentlemen's daughter with £9000 dowery and a sweet, genuine personality be a good match for him?"

"You believe she has feelings? I have not seen much from her to suggest it."

"And have you conversed with her much sir?" Darcy shook his head 'no'. "Then you can't judge, you don't show much of your feelings outwardly either from what I've seen. If it wasn't for the conversations and the chance to watch your eyes and face while talking directly to you, I wouldn't think you showed any emotion either. Please don't hurt a couple on false information. Bingley has paid Jane a lot of attention, he has definitely raised expectations. He needs to be careful if he doesn't plan on following through. It would hurt Jane too much if he was a rake that liked playing with innocent women's affections."

"They are truly engaged, her affections?" Hepatica nodded. Mr Darcy excused himself, the meal had ended and he looked like he had a lot of thinking to do.

Mr Bingley got up to ask if women wanted to exhibit. Caroline rose first, Hepatica caught Mary's eye she looked so ready to jump up and play first though she squashed her desire but sent Hepatica a pained look. 'After' Hepatica mouthed to her. Caroline played an extraordinary, complicated piece before vacating and letting Louisa next, Mary rose towards the end of Louisa's piece signalling Hepatica to join her. She had confessed she felt calmer performing together with Hepatica lately. Applauding and congratulating both women before them, before Louisa smiled and gave the seat to the two women. The piece played and sung was a modern piece from Hepatica's time, she had taught it to Mary in a bit of fun. When she had heard about the Ball, Mary wanted to perform it together. She felt a little bad taking credit for the song and calling it her own but it would be nearly 200 years before it's thought of again, she was sure no harm done in the long run. So, they played a duet with Hepatica singing; 'How does a moment last forever'. The applause was great, Hepatica and Mary got a lot of compliments for their song and Hepatica's singing.

A few others performed before supper was ended. Hepatica had managed to find a quiet corner to rest, she didn't mind that she sat out a few dances. Happy to watch the preceding, she was joined by Mr Bennet who shared some lovely conversation with her. Only mildly teasing his neighbours. As the night came to an end it was early morning, Mrs Bennet had managed to have it so their carriage was the last to come giving Mr Bingle and Jane some last moments together, where he told her and the family his plans to head to London on the morrow and planned to return in a few days. Mr Darcy spoke to Hepatica alone informing her of his intention to follow Bingley to town. Leaving the carriage here for Miss Bingley and the Hursts. Hepatica mentioned a wish to meet his sister if they happen to meet in town in the new year and wished him a happy Yule and safe travels. He returned the sentiment, Hepatica said her thanks to the Bingley's and Hursts – well, Mrs Hurst only as her husband was already passed out drunk – before following the Bennet's out to Mrs Bennet's continued praises of a lovely night.

The next day after the Ball was the day Mr Collins decided to propose to Lizzy, even though she had given him no encouragement. What resulted was a very verbal smack down. Though Mrs Bennet had laid off her pushing she still encouraged it on the chance Lizzy might accept as the duty to her family. But it was not to be. Mr Collins stormed away in an embarrassed huff.

Charlotte had come by to see them after the ball as was the usual after gatherings like that and invited him to dine with them. Mrs Bennet showed Lizzy she was upset, but now that she knew even if none of her girls married extremely well, she had a home to go to always. She wasn't so hurtful about her disappointment. She even managed to have a frank conversation with Lizzy about her disappointment though admitted honestly, she's not surprised about the outcome before Mr Bennet came out to see what was happening. Lizzy told the Jane, Hepatica and Mary – who had started joining them on their evening talks – the whole story.

"Mother mentioned you are investing in a house for us, well her, if something should happen to father. If she didn't have that assurance, I can only imagine what she would have done and said." They were quite for a moment before she spoke again, "It's not that I don't want to help my family if I can, I just could not lower myself to being with that man." Lizzy stated quitely. Te others didn't begrudge her thankfully.

"You brought mother a house Hepatica?" Mary asked, changing the subject.

"Technically yes, it's one of my thanks to your family for the care and hospitality you have given me. The least I could do was take some of the pressure off your mother and in consequence, you all, about having to be married so you wouldn't lose your home if something were to happen to your father. I was going to save it for a Christmas present but after Mr Collins came along and I saw he set his sights on Lizzy I thought it best to let her know before something like this happened."

"One of the things? Hepatica, what more can you do?" Jane asked. She was still overwhelmed by the change in both her mother and father in such a short time.

"It was meant to be a secret; I was going to leave it up to your parents to tell you when they were ready."

"Oh, now you have to tell us!" Lizzy exclaimed.

Hepatica looked at the girls sitting in a loose circle around Janes' bed, the door was closed she quickly flicked her fingers as if stretching them, cast a Muffliato, "it wasn't just the house, I've also set aside an account with £40,000 to be split between you on your marriages, there are conditions on being able to accept it. Like – you can't elope, if someone tries to compromise you, he doesn't see a penny the interest will be given to you as pin money and the principle untouched until split between your daughters as doweries. Plus a few others. I just wanted you to have some freedom and lessen the pressure to accept someone you didn't think you could be with."

Hepatica found herself piled on as all three hugged her in thanks.

The rest of the evening was passed talking about the 2 sets Jane had with Bingley, the fact Mary danced twice with the same gentleman and 5 times in general. It was a big thing for her. Even Wickham came into the conversation, Lizzy commenting on him not coming.

"Was it not his own words that said he wouldn't run. He could have easily attended and ignored him but he chose not to. I don't know the situation between them but he says one thing and does another. That never sits well with me." Hepatica concluded. Lizzy stayed silent, thinking it over she hoped.

Mr Collins wasn't seen much in the days to come, usually spending his days and evening at Lucas Lodge. Not that the Bennet girls minded. Hepatica accompanied the girls into Meryton as Lydia and Lizzy were determined to see if Mr Wickham was back. Hepatica could care less but she knew he liked to overspend his means so planned to enquire with the merchants and tradesmen and see if he had racked up much of a debt yet.

She wasn't in the position to do anything, yet. But it would help in the long run to have all the facts. Especially when Lizzy and Lydia seemed so charmed by the rake. Low and behold in the 2 weeks he had been in Meryton he had separate accounts in multiple businesses totally close to £10, considering his weekly wage was £1, 12shillings, it was well above his means.

When they had returned to the house there was a letter waiting for Jane from Miss Bingley. Jane confided her letter pretty much said the party were following Darcy and Bingley to town hoping to stay for the winter. She missed the entertainments. Though there were allusions of Bingley being eager to be reacquainted with Miss Darcy. Hepatica tried to tell Jane Mr Darcy wouldn't allow that as Miss Darcy is not yet out. Miss Bingley would be more likely talking about trying to get herself in closer with Mr Darcy than the other way around. She had hoped Caroline wouldn't be so terrible as to push her brother one way or the other. Especially after he gave such pointed attention to Jane but it seemed she was.

It was a few days later after the morning departure of Mr Collins. Visiting hours that day had Charlotte and her father Sir William coming by to share the news. Mr Collins proposed to her. Lizzy struggled to keep her indignation about it to herself. Hepatica was happy for her as long as she was happy herself. Which she told/asked her directly.

Charlotte response, "I am not romantic, you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr Collins's character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state."

"I wish you all the happiness you can bare Charlotte. Happiness is what we make it after all."

Lizzy was still having trouble coming to terms with it, but she was resolved to think well of Charlotte's situation as she cared too much for Charlottes friendship to risk it over who she was to marry.

"You must be surprised, very much surprised, more so lately as Mr Collins was wishing to marry you. But when you have had time to think it all over, I hope you will be satisfied with what I have done." The days bled on after that. Mr Collins was to return closer to the ceremony, which would be taking place early in the new year. Hepatica was sad to not be able to attend planning to be in London at that time but was happy to promise to write as often as possible. Even hinting she would like to visit to see these magnificent gardens Mr Collins boasts about.

The Weather turned colder as the days went on with November turning to December.