Hepatica and Jane had been sending a few letters back to Longborne over that month, usually addressed to either Lizzy or Mary, knowing they would share the news with each other and the rest of the family. While hearing back all about how Mrs Bennet's new project was Mary, in wake of Mr Matthews, the local curate calling on her a few times. Along with the shenanigans that followed of Mrs Bennet encouraging while trying to to be overly pushy. Mary was reluctant to mention anything on the subject beyond her budding feelings of the calm and patient it was a combined letter addressing the whole family informing them, they had found Hepatica's godfathers, previously thought dead. She wasn't aware they were both Earls. She had only met them a few times since she was 13 while at school and only knew them as Padfoot and Theo. A letter to Mr Phillips said similar so he could get his contacts to stop looking for any other Potters. They didn't exist here. Well there was one family with the name that Padfoot and Theo went to university with. She could claim relation to them. But it didn't sit right with her.
The family originated as the Dukes of De Miore in the Duchy of De Miore. That had recently been taken over by Napoleon. The family itself had been killed during a civil conflict 17 years ago. Though the weirdest part would be that the Marquess of Dartmore was coincidentally named James Francis Potter, whose father was the 12th Duke and his mother was the younger sister to the current King George III, Princess Elizabeth.
Padfoot and Theo were friends with the Marquess in University and thought it hilarious he fell in love and married a young daughter of a minor Baron when he was here. Being a second son and all gave him a little leeway. It was almost a perfect fit. The head injury she had when the Bennet's found her could help contribute to not remembering Lord Danville trying to get her out of the Continent and all the stuff it took for her to get there after they were separated, each presuming the other dead. Though Hepatica was reluctant to use that link as it seemed disrespectful to the lost Potter family even with the Padfoot and Theo's insistence the lost Lady Potter of De Miroe looked exactly like Hepatica scars and all, not just a doppelganger with matching names, had died in front of Theo around the same time Hepatica popped up in Hertfordshire.
Lady Matlock had been inviting Hepatica and Jane regularly for visits over the weeks, wanting to get to know her and help her way into society when the season started. Including being presented at court. She had met a few of Lady Matlock's acquaintances, including 3 of the patronesses of Almack's. Lady Castlereagh was kind and reminded her a bit of Jane. Lady Sefton was very sweet and enjoyed music, the same as Hepatica. Lastly was Lady Jersey. She was very haughty like the world was below her, reminding her a bit of Mrs Malfoy or possibly Daphne Greengrass. She wasn't sure she wanted to be a socialite, all the politicking and sly quips. It seemed exhausting. But it was nice to be cared for like that, Lady Matlock just wanted to help her to be settled. For all her opinionated planning of Hepatica's life, she did listen when Hepatica said she didn't like something or someone.
She had managed to spend a bit of time with Padfoot and Theo trying to see if they could still work runes or anything magic related, but they were busy more often than not.
One day when they were due to visit with Lady Jersey and Lady Matlock at Fitzwilliam house in Grosvenor Street, Jane asked to call in on Miss Bingley on the same street beforehand. She had wanted to for a few weeks now, after sending a letter and getting no reply. They were just so busy with Hepatica's stuff lately but had the time today to call. Hepatica didn't want to stop her. She had been so loyal, standing beside her as she was probed and gossiped about with the ladies of the Ton. Though she suspected Miss Bingley didn't want to continue the acquaintance with Jane and wouldn't be surprised to hear she had persuaded her brother to stay in town for the winter. As much as she didn't want to see Jane hurt, she didn't think she shouldn't say anything and just be there for her when Jane's rose-tinted glasses were shattered.
Just as Jane was there for Hepatica, she would be there for Jane. It was what friends did. Her theory was all but confirmed when they were reluctantly greeted by Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst. The visit was short, Hepatica could tell Jane felt humiliated by their comportment. Hepatica was glad and maybe a little spiteful back telling them (she triend for subtly but failed,) they were due somewhere else. Not dropping the name of the hostess but the street. Just to throw it in their faces. She tried not to be vindictive, it was so hard and she was sure she failed but Jane was such a kind person, and Hepatica hated to see her hurt. Even Lady Matlock and Lady Jersey noticed Janes inattendance during their visit and was informed of the situation. Though Jane did still try to put Miss Bingley in good light, the gleam in the Lady's eyes said they were displeased.
The Gardiner's, Jane and Hepatica were invited to dine at Matlock house one evening.
Unfortunately, the Darcy's were unable to attend. Though they had seen Miss Darcy a few times over the weeks sometimes with Lady Matlock sometimes just the three of them.
Hepatica thought it was a great night all around. Mr Gardiner included her in conversation and listened to her suggestions about his warehouse kindly, as always not shutting down her opinions and actually including her in the productive conversation he, Matlock and Danville were having. Both being keen investors. Lucky it was a relatively small group for dinner that it didn'e matter too much when conversation spanned the table instead of just to the immediate neighbour.
The dinner was joined with Padfoot/Matlock's eldest son, along with Danville's - the Viscounts this time. Viscount Mayberry was an extravagant man. He loved gambling. It seemed all he wanted to talk about and was three cups of wine into the meal to everyone else's one before they had even finished the entree. He ignored Hepatica's comments on industrial economics, mumbling about silly little girls and felt mildly justified, sending some mild stinging hexes to him wandlessly. If the smiles on Danville and Matlock's faces when they saw him squirm and gasp random yelps uncomfortably, periodically after each quip were anything to go by, they seemed to agree with her.
Viscount Moore, Danville's only son, had eyes only for Jane. Not that Hepatica could blame him she was a classic beauty with a beautiful soul to match. He tried to engage her constantly throughout the meal, being seated next to her. Jane seemed receptive, but as the reserved woman she was, it could be hard to tell. Hepatica was going to ask about it later maybe after the women had separated from the men after the meal. Though when they had separated it appeared it would have to wait till they were back at the Gardiners.
Lady Matlock announced her plans for Hepatica to be presented along side miss Darcy once they had sat with tea. Lady Matlocks good friend Lady Sefton requested to sponsor Hepatica so Lady Matlock could sponsor Miss Darcy (Lady Matlock really wanted to get both in this time as it would be the first presentation held in over a year and they weren't sure when the next one would be with the Kings health.) They both got in being Miss Darcy was the grand daughter of an Earl and Hepatica was the granddaughter of an English Princess; the current Kings little sister. Lady Matlock had already gotten her accepted.
Apparently the Royal family were eager to meet her, having been denied information on her as a child and a little upset it took so long to have been informed that she was well and on English soil. No matter what Hepatica tried, everyone else seemed happy to have her assume the life of Lady Hepatica of De Miroe. Figuring it was all Magic's and the Fates doing. So she would submit to being presented at the end of April.
"That's lovely Lady Matlock, I was planning on a trip to visit my friend who was recently married in March along with Jane's sister and Charlotte's father and sister. We should be back in town before the 30th. If not, then it is a good excuse to come home. Especially if Lady Catherine is as 'pleasant' as Mr Collins has boasted about."
"Oh, well if that is the case, then we had best start your dress before then. I've made an appointment at Mrs Bell's for 2 days from now. It was her earliest appointment. It's a small exclusive list this time, I'm told. I'm just happy both you and Georgiana are able to both be presented and sponsored."
"Thanks Lady Matlock. I don't know what to say."
"All I can ask Bambi is why are you going to visit my shrew of an older sister?" Sirius asked, making their presence known to the girls in the room.
Ignoring the odd almost scandalised looks from Viscount Mayberry and Viscount Moore at the very informal address Matlock and Hepatica used for each other. The rest of the guests were already familiar with it. "Because Padfoot, Mrs Collin's is a dear friend and invited myself, along with her family and Miss Elizabeth Bennet to visit now that she is situated in her home. I'm not technically visiting your sister as I'll be staying at the home of the Parsonage."
"I'm sure my sister-in-law would be happy to host you, I know Darcy and Richard usually go during Easter and stay for a few weeks to help the steward with the books. I could write to her if you like?" Lady Matlock asked, somewhat reluctantly.
"Thank you, but no. I wouldn't want to insult Charlotte so, it was her that invited me."
The evening continued on. It was nice. They had talked about a concert Lady Sefton was hosting that would be a highlight of the winter season. Hepatica was eager to go, never having that luxury before. The details were hashed out, and Lady Matlock would acquire tickets for the group. Ending a pleasant night. Lady Matlock and Mrs Gardiner got along famously being both very fashionable ladies, pulling Jane into the conversation as well. Padfoot requested Hepatica play for them and the night ended with promises of business deals and shopping trips.
When they were laying in bed later that night, Hepatica did ask Jane about Lord Moore, to which she replied he was pleasant and she liked him, but she had liked Mr Bingley and see how that ended. She could understand the reluctance but didn't think she should stop herself from caring about someone again. Maybe if she spent more time with him. Though she still seemed hung up on Mr Bingley and hopeful the acquaintance with Miss Bingley would be okay.
The month of February continued; Hepatica started her many fittings for the hideous Court dress that was expected of her to wear. The concert was lovely. Hepatica personally thought her voice was better. Though it was a pleasant evening.
Mr Darcy had come with his sister. Lord Moore escorted Jane, Danville escorted Hepatica, introducing her to people as his goddaughter finally returned home to them. Apparently, she had been talked about in certain circles as it was a strange situation. She technically wasn't claiming she was the only surviving daughter of the Potter's of De Miore Dynasty as she was introduced as Miss Potter, but there were some that still claimed her an interloper. Though there had been talk according to Lord Moore about the account a young Miss Potter opened and the solid gold she had used as her base, being circulated in his Gentlemen's club. It sounded about right for this era, where a large chunk of the time, money was the deciding factor for marriageability and respect. It never really changed from that over the centuries. She would ignore that too. Maybe add another chest of gold after her presentation in April. It seemed quiet the novelty to her.
It would be up to the crown when she was presented if she would use the title 'Lady' being the daughter of a Marquess and granddaughter and niece of Duke's. Not to mention granddaughter of an English Princess. She truly was reluctant at the idea of being the reincarnated version of that Hepatica Potter, being she was dressed in her 1998 clothing when she came to, but everything else fit. The insistence of people that knew both versions of her were wearing her down to just go with it and not let it affect her and her goals too much.
Not that she had many of those except to live a comfortable, content life maybe with someone whom she loved enough to start a family. So, she resigned herself to ignoring that also and just enjoying being a somewhat normal teenage girl. A dream of hers in her previous life if she was honest with herself. She was glad she got along with Miss Darcy and was able to be invited over for tea a often enough, Jane was still waiting each afternoon in case Miss Bingley came to call as she had reluctantly promised.
In that time the two young girls played piano together or even chess, Hepatica knew what it was like to be shy and unsure of yourself. Even if no body had believed it of her, she hated the spotlight and let Hermione and Ron have the stage more than people would believe.
It put Hepatica in a place along with Jane's patient presence to help Miss Darcy out of her shell in a way she can feel comfortable with. That's what they were doing, playing chess and talking, when Mr Darcy entered one dreary afternoon.
"How did you get so good at chess? It's not something most women learn, my father and brother only taught me so they would have someone else to play with on the wet cold winters at Pemberly." Darcy heard as he entered the library to see Miss Potter and his sister at the chess table.
Walking over to watch when he saw Miss Potter moving the pieces in uncommon moves, ending the game. Ways, he had only learnt while at University playing against Masters.
"Mind if I play you next Miss Potter? If you don't mind Georgie?"
"I do not brother, I confess Hepatica, I've never been able to win a game against my brother. He is the best I know. I don't think he has lost a game before except maybe to father." Darcy moved one of the armchairs closer for Georgie to sit on and watch while she vacated her chair for him. Hiding his shock that Georgie and Hepatica were on public first name bases. There was a part of him that wanted tobe able to call her by Hepatica as well. He tried not to dwell on that feeling.
Hepatica smiled at Darcy's conserate nature for his sister. He had always enjoyed that smile the times he has seen it while dining with his family.
"To answer your question earlier Georgie, my friend Ron taught me. He had a brilliant mind, though was overshadowed by his 6 older brothers most of his life. He was the first friend I ever made when I started school."
"You talk as if boy and girls went to the same school together. I do not think I've heard of such a place." Darcy injected.
"In a way we did, sir. The school was a sprawling castle built in 990 A.D. Big enough for both men and women to attend yet never actually have classes together. Except when we ate in the large dining hall. It was their way of teaching manners and how to interact in those settings we would eventually be made to attend in adulthood. Every meal was taken in the great hall with all the boys, girls and the teachers. Ron had been forgotten more than once and had a bit of an inferiority complex even by age 11, not that the family didn't love him but his mother had a lot on her mind with 7 children. They weren't wealthy in any sense. Maybe they were once, or it was because there were too many kids and their parents were younger siblings like he was... I never asked, it just didn't matter to me. Though it was one of the things I liked about my school. It mixed social classes, in a way. Ron came from a well-respected old family. They just didn't have lots of money anymore, that didn't stop Mrs Weasley giving me my first ever Christmas present which wasn't an old pair of used socks or something. She had knitted me a jumper." At their confused looks she elaborated. "It is a knitted casual wool long sleeved top worn over your clothing, used for warmth when lounging around of an evening; usually over your night wear."
She studied the board for a moment before moving a piece and continuing."It was the warmest thing I had ever owned. That's saying a lot considering the castle-school was in the Alps. She made one each year, for all 7 of her children. Ron had stayed at the school that year for Christmas as his parents were visiting one of his older brothers in Romania. I must have let slip a few weeks before that I wasn't expecting anything for Christmas; I honestly don't remember. Colour me surprised when I wake up and there is a large present on the foot of my bed. Two actually. One was a beautiful yellow knitted jumper with a 'H' knitted into the fabric in green, along with some homemade fudge and a card. I'm not ashamed to admit I wore that jumper whenever I could, even if it was too casual to be worn at certain times. And every year after that, I got a slightly bigger jumper that would fit perfectly." Hepatica laughed at the memory.
Moving one of her pieces and putting Darcy in check. He startled, looking down after being too distracted on the idea of Miss Potter never having a present until she was 11.
"He didn't know how smart he really was, his brothers were smart as well. Head boys and prefects or perfect scores, or any combination of the three during their school years. They had all done it first, no matter what he tried. He always felt like he had to play catch up, to be like them instead of just being his self. At the age of 11 Ron had beaten a chess master, it was in intense game. No one had ever beaten them before. He never realised how good he truly was even after that. Even though he was the undefeated in his family, he never put two and two together that he had so much skill. He should have been a great tactician and was on his way to being one too. To the point by the age of 17 his older brothers were willingly following him and his command when we had to fight battles.
"Though he was following me and my lead first, making sure the Mad Man never completed his main goal. He taught me how to fight as well as play the board as he learnt, so I would be able to protect myself if he wasn't around. Though I was never able to beat him, I came close a few times."
Darcy was contemplating his moves. She really was good, better than most the men he ever faced. He glanced up to see her close her eyes in pain at the memory, Georgie reaching over to squeeze her hand in comfort. After a deep breath she opened her eyes and looked determined at the board. "When I had to go on the run when I was 17, he and Hermione my other best friend and Ron's betrothed, came with me. They made sure their families would be safe when the Mad Man came back into power before risking everything to help keep me safe." She didn't look up from the board but he could see her mind was elsewhere. He was about to call a pause for her but she continued, moving a piece and the story. "We only had the few coins we were able to collect before things were too dangerous and I was being hunted. Even though the bank stayed neutral, I would have been unable to get access to it. We had camped out in the forests, never staying in one place too long. We managed 7 months. Eventually we were captured. They tortured Hermione and I. Ron was forced to watch. But we got out with only some physical scarring and a bit too much mental. I still had some people loyal to me and my family, they didn't want the Mad Man in power, even if they technically worked for him.
"You do what you have to, to stay alive when at war Georgie, though sometimes it's not enough. Check mate." 3 moves. 3 moves from her check and she had won.
He looked at the board and realised how she did it, normally that tactic wouldn't work. He Thought he had been vigilant, she really was amazing. If he hadn't been enchanted by his banter with Miss Elizabeth he could see himself in danger with Miss Potter.
"You really cared about him; was it love?" Georgie asked. Darcy was listening intently while trying to set the board back, trying not to show his interest in the conversation, she was one of the few he could invest into speaking with, though he generally didn't go for romantic type conversations like this was turning into. He preferred their talks on Philosophy and Arithmacy and alike.
"In a way, maybe. He was my best friend. My brother in all but blood. One of the most important people in my life, ever. But no romantic feelings." It was then they heard the clearing of a voice, it was his uncle and cousin Richard. "Thank you both for the game," looking outside and seeing the down pour she stood, "I think it's time to call the carriage, it is getting late." Her voice wobbled; they might not have been intimate but there was no denying she cared for the guy.
"Nonsense Bambi," his uncle exclaimed coming up and pulling her into a hug. It was minute but he saw the way she stiffened when hugged. If his uncle noticed he chose to ignore it and continue with the hug. His cousin was watching from the doorway with a scandalised look on his face. "There is someone I want you to meet. He only just got time away from the War office. I had hoped to be able to catch you here before you left. My wife mentioned you'd be here."
"Yes, today is my only day off until end of March then I'm lucky for 2 months leave. Pater insisted I accompany him to your place Darce. Though he never mentioned Georgie would be entertaining."
"Of course cousin, let me introduce Miss Hepatica Potter. Your father's goddaughter. Miss Potter, may I introduce Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, younger son to Uncle." Georgiana jumped up, introducing them.
Miss Potter stepped away from Uncle and curtseyed. "You have been mentioned when I dine at your parent's place, it's a shame we are only meeting now."
"Indeed, if I'd known such a lovely woman was connected to my family, I may have tried to spend more time there."
"Probably best you didn't son, your mother would have tried matching you up with Bambi, and no man is good enough for her."
"Am I to die an old maid Padfoot? I'm not sure I would like that." Miss Potter turned to his uncle crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow. The look was something few women could pull off, looking intimidating with her small stature and angelic face but she managed it. The way his uncle reared back at the look was quite funny. Darcy struggled to keep his face straight
"N… No, uh… Of course not Bambi, just that I truly feel no man is good enough for Prongs only daughter… Heh."
It was funny watching her stare his uncle down very few would even joke about standing up to his uncle even for a few more minutes before she broke out in a smile, it was meant to be sweet but seemed more sinister after the previous look.
"Uh huh, sure Padfoot. I thought it was up to me to decide if a man is enough for me." Georgie couldn't hold her shaking in any longer and burst out in giggles making Miss Potter laugh too. "Don't worry Pads. If I'm ever interested enough in a guy, I'll let you know and you can go all intimidating guardian on them. I won't deprive you your fun."
"You looked just like your mother then, back when your father tried impressing her. It was hilarious to watch at the time. Sometimes I think she said yes just to get him to stop or pity."
"Wish I could have known them." A maid came asking about something to do with dinner so Georgie went to handle it under the watchful eyes of Mrs Ansley Gerogie's Governess.
"I won't be a moment, will you be okay until I'm back Hepatica?"
"I'm sure I'll be perfectly safe with my godfather, his son and your brother Georgie. I'll be waiting here." Miss Potter smiled and Georgie's return smile had her walking taller out the room.
"Well, now I have a moment alone with you Mr Darcy," she looked to Uncle and Richard before turning back to him, "in a manner of speaking. I wanted to let you know, after our talk during the Ball about a mutual acquaintance we both do not like. It seems a few weeks after we talked, he disappeared. Officially, he has been labelled a deserter of his post in the Hertfordshire militia. Leaving over £20 of combined debt with the shop keepers in the month he was there. Not including what he probably owed to his fellow soldiers. Oh, and at least three issues with young trademen's daughters the eldest was barely 16. Though all have been taken care of by a mysterious benefactor."
"He was there?!" Richard exclaimed jumping up as if he would walk into the room. Darcy rolled his eyes; Richard was the only other person besides himself that knew of Georgie's almost elopement, being her other guardian. As painful as it is to think about. But the business-like way she said it had him almost thinking they were talking about something mundane not an actual person as loathsome as he was.
"I see, thank you for the update. I confess I've stopped keeping tabs on his whereabouts."
"Tell me Bambi, what is the unofficial story? Since what you said was only what is believed by the masses." Uncle Matlock asked, catching her turn of phrase.
She took a deep breath, looking over to the door before answering. "Well, unofficially. He didn't seem to like being told 'no' when accosting innocent young maidens. Or possibly it was that I had made enquiries with the local shop owners and found he was living beyond his means, considering he didn't have additional property or income to fall back on. He thought it a good idea to accost me and drag me into an alley, threaten me, then tell me my place is on my knees. So, his head happened to find the brick wall and now he is 6 feet underground in an unmarked grave on a random hillside in Hertfordshire." She finished with a blank, stony look on her face as the men stared.
"You sure he was dead Bambi?"
"I've seen enough of my friends and acquaintances die in front of me to know 'dead' when I see it Pads. Besides if he wasn't before he is now, it has been three-ish months."
"I… I hoped no one else would be hurt by him. I had hoped, quite naively, that he might have turned a new leaf signing up for Military life. He didn't hurt you too much did he?" He was dead. Darcy didn't know what to think. As much as he despised the man, he was still his childhood friend.
"A little bruising around my neck but it faded in a day. Bastard didn't get a chance for more. Neville and Ron taught me the weak points of the male body so I could defend myself well enough. Though the killing part was by accident. I'm not upset I did it though. He truly was a foul person. Especially after what he did you your sister."
This had all men startled, "did she tell you?"
"I suspected he had something over you or your family after our chat and then after a few conversations with her, I pieced together a rough understanding that he hurt her. I'm very good at reading between the lines when I look people in the eye when talking to them."
"Bambi?" Miss Potter turned to Uncle with a questioning look. He seemed to ask something with his eyes for she responded.
"Don't worry about me Padfoot, he wasn't the first person I killed in the name of self-defence. Even before I was forced to kill my parent's killer. You don't fight a war without changing how you see the world. I've made peace with the blood on my hands over the past few years. You do what you have to, to live." She smiled hollow, her eyes looked haunted. He had seen it on a few of the older men who fought in the wars before. Veterans they call them. He had never seen it on a face so young, and definitely never on a beautiful female one.
Uncle nodded his head, clearly sad at what she said but accepting it. He looked to his cousin; he was watching her with a strange look on his face. Darcy didn't know what to make of it.
"May I challenge you to a game of chess Miss?" Richard suddenly blurted out, much louder than was necessary in the setting they were in. Changing the serious atmosphere of the room. Whether it was intentional or not Darcy didn't mind.
Georgie came in then, she looked solemn. As Richard and Miss Potter went to the chess board with his uncle watching closely, Darcy went to his sister. Miss Potter looked up at movement and smiled to Georgie who smiled back like she couldn't resist not genuinely returning it, no matter how sad she might feel.
"How much did you hear, dear?" He quietly asked her, aware the other ears in the room.
"Enough, I am upset but at the same time I feel so free. Oh brother, she knew yet didn't turn from me. Probably suspected even before we became friends and still wished to associate with me for no other reason than we seemed to get along." He knew he didn't need to respond so he kissed her forehead and took her over to the seats to watch the suddenly intense game. His sister was a bit overwhelmed by the thoughts in her head and what she heard. But he knew she would continue to get better. The continued presence of Miss Potter and Miss Bennet already doing wonders.
Miss Potter told stories of her adventures; they had remarkable similarities to the stories his uncle told them as kids. Though hers were focused more on funny things that happened to her acquaintances, or teachers. It had all of us laughing. Even if Darcy wasn't able to stop thinking about how she had such similarities to the stories of his childhood. Her being so much younger than when they were told. It made his head spin when he thought too hard on it.
She soon had Richard beat in as little as 15 moves. Quicker than she did him.
"I really should be going now. Get back to the Gardiners and finish packing. We'll be off in the morning. Though I'm sure Jane wouldn't mind company while I'm gone, if you wish Georgie. She is quite upset with Miss Bingley's treatment of her. Oh, before I go, I have to ask." Turning and looking him directly in the eyes. "Did you, Mr Darcy help in any way keeping Mr Bingley away from Jane?" The way she looked him in the eye he knew even if he wanted to, he couldn't lie to her. Luckily, he had no reason to.
As sudden as the question was, it was one he can comfortably respond, "no, I told him he could return easily without his sister if he was serious about her back in November. As it is, I did bring to his attention the fact he clearly raised expectations with the townspeople as well as Miss Bennet." She continued to make eye contact for a few seconds longer.
"Thank you sir. And does he have any idea she has been in town since January?"
"Not that I'm aware of, though I haven't seen him since before Christmas. It isn't my place to let him know I've been in contact with her. Though if he asks I wouldn't lie and would tell him then." The way she continued to stare into his eyes was a bit unnerving. Then she smiled.
"I didn't think you did but I had to ask. Miss Elizabeth was under the impression it was a team effort, of you with Miss Bingley. I can feel calmer now knowing you haven't anything to do with his stupidity. As it is I'm trying to get her to get over a indecisive man like him. She can do much better in life with a gentlemen of more moral fiber then he clearly has."
"Miss Elizabeth thinks I'd do that? Why?" It was a baffling thought.
She seemed reluctant to answer. "Well… She is under the impression you only look at her to find fault, plus there was that infamous comment from the assembly when you met."
"She knows about that?" Darcy was shocked. He thought they had got along well after the time spent at Netherfield.
"The whole town knows. I wasn't even there for it but had been told by multiple people. She heard the whole thing sir." With that she left with Georgie showing her the door. Her carriage waiting for her. Darcy didn't know what to do.
"Pater, just letting you know, I'm going to marry her one day. Preferably soon. Who is she exactly? Besides your god-daughter I never knew about? You know, besides being a goddess." His uncle barked a laugh at the declaration. Darcy himself was looking on in amused incredulousness once he got over the hurtful revelation. He would have to think how he could fix it later. Though the more he got to know Miss Potter the less he felt infatuated with Miss Elizabeth but he still didn't like the idea she had such a negative opinion of him, it would show why she was antagonistic towards him at the ball back in November.
"You sound exactly like her father did when he met her mother the first time. Fell all over himself to get her attention. Though as I've already stated, no man is good enough for her. Even if it is her decision." His cousin looked like a happy puppy nodding his head. "Look, this doesn't go past this room boys. Darcy, mind closing the door?" Which he did coming back to the group with three sniffers of brandy. "OK, so she is the only surviving daughter to the Potter's of De Miroe, her father was James Francis Potter, Marquess Dartmore. Her grandmother was Princess Elizabeth of England, Dutchess of De Miroe and daughter of Prince Frederick and sister to King George III. Her father was my best friend, Prongs."
"The lost Potter Princess? She seems very fluent in English for a foreign Princess." Darcy commented. It was a sensational story most knew a little about.
"After the massacre of the Potters I tried to get custody as her godfather. Even the crown tried. Then I heard she was placed with loving people and would be well cared for over there. Turns out she spent the next 10 years being a slave to a lower gentry family here in England, until she was taken back to the Dutchy of De Miroe to start her schooling. I managed to meet her when she was 13, while at the school all the members of her family went to in the Alps. Danville was there too. He got to go more regularly then I, what with Bonaparte and his quests across the Continent. There's a long sordid tale that goes with the rest of her years till now. The quick version is; a mad man hell bent on ruling the Duchy and killing all the Potters. Another man wanting a puppet to use to keep his control, and a young girl who never even knew her parents' names until she was 11 and since then she fought through a civil war, to live her own life. We tried helping where we could. After she killed Vulomore and Deumble was dead, Danville managed to get her out before Bonaparte walked in and took over after the damage the two men did. The government was in shambles after those two men fought over the land and the girl. Danville and Hepatica were attacked on their way to England, then she showed up with a missing 6 months of memory in Hertfordshire back in November."
"What of her situation here? Is the crown going to give her a dowry or acknowledge her?" Darcy trying to stay practical considering the fantastical story being told of the sweet, educated girl he enjoyed talking to and helped bring his sister into happiness again.
"No idea nephew. They know she is here and she is being presented to the Queen and Prince Regent in April, possibly also the King if he is having a good day. But she prefers being Miss Potter. She doesn't need the crown to give her a dowry. Again, completely secret if I hear stories about this in the Gentlemen's circles I'll know who it came from. She has over £300,000 sitting in Coutts with an extra almost 10 Tons of pure gold she is slowly adding into circulation. Where she keeps it I'll never know. Not to mention her investments since being in England. She has full control of her funds and a mind I can only be glad has no interest in being a ruler or leader."
Darcy was shocked. Richard didn't look much better. His Uncle got a gleam in his eyes before standing up.
"Well, good luck then son. It is a shame those two months you have off she won't be in Town for most of it."
"What do you mean?" Richard asked looking scared he may miss his chance.
"She'll be going to Huntsford, Rosing's to be exact, tomorrow until possibly the end of April, after Easter at least. Then she'll be introduced to her cousin, the Prince Regent and the Queen.
"Uncle, who is she going with to Huntsford?"
"Um, she mentioned visiting the Parsonage as one of her friends got married to the rector in the new year, a Mrs Collins, she was going with the lady's father and sister and another friend… If I can remember, it is one of the sisters of Miss Bennet I believe."
"Darcy, feel like braving our Aunt earlier than planned? I wouldn't mind a private chance to get to know the future Mrs Richard Fitzwilliam a little better, away from the gossip and gold diggers of the Ton."
"Not at all cousin, I'll write to our Aunt and start planning it." Darcy replied somewhat distractedly.
It would give him a chance to see Miss Elizabeth again. See if he still held his infatuation with the woman. He didn't feel as strongly about her as he thought he did, but seeing her again might help clear up his confusing feelings. Especially now, finding out she didn't even like him because of one careless comment from before they were introduced. He had to see for himself if he can fix it. Spending more time with Miss Potter didn't seem too big a hardship either. If his cousin hadn't declared his want of her before they learned of her situation he would worry he was only interested in the gold like the gold diggers he mentioned earlier. The young woman who has become a common thought in his mind had him feeling surprisingly protective of her. Almost as much as he was with Georgiana, though he didn't feel the same sisterly affection when he thought of Miss potter as he did thinking of Georgie.
A/N - Well Covid knows how to kick one down. After 3 weeks off over Chritmas visiting family for the first time in 6 years on the other side of the country, I suddenly get covid the day I return back to work and have to take another week. I didn't even feel cold and fluey I just had extreme pain everywhere it hurt to touch anything. But finally this chapter is here and I'm finally feeling better. The next chapter is almost complete too, though I'm playing catch-up with work that takes precedence. Hope you enjoyed. I love reading all the comments. Thanks for the support. : )
P.S I re-read the story that had been posted and had noticed FF had muddled the sentences and erased words so this chapter has since been edited but no story changes from the old version just complete sentenses updated.