"Why Miss Bennet, I did not expect we would meet again so soon. And here on Bond Street, how surprising. Though I do understand it is common practice for those of modest means to visit these exclusive shops for inspiration and attempt to have imitations made at their own establishments," Miss Bingley exchanged a smirk with her sister, Mrs. Hurst.

Jane had just exited a shop with Elizabeth and Lady Catherine. Lady Anne and Mrs. Bennet had taken the younger girls for tea as their interest in shopping had waned once their new dresses had been ordered and fatigue settled upon them after a long day.

Lady Catherine had insisted on this last stop, wishing to make a special gift to Elizabeth. "First glimpses, first meetings often occur while one meanders in the park, as one enters the theater, as one walks along Bond Street. As such, your outer garments are just as important, if not more so, than your ball gowns and day dresses. Jewels and sleeves and flounces remain unseen; thus, you require the finest of pelisses and spencers. I shall provide them," she had declared. They had just completed their quest for outerwear when they found themselves face to face with Mr. Bingley's sisters, and their open rudeness.

"That lady, I suppose, is your mother." Miss Bingley continued, gesturing toward Lady Catherine who stood a few steps away, speaking to Elizabeth. "And that, I suppose, is one of your sisters. Is she the one marrying?" She looked Elizabeth up and down, clearly not impressed by what she saw. She whispered something to Mrs. Hurst.

"Yes, that is my sister, Elizabeth, but let me make proper introductions," Jane replied.

"Alas, I have not the time for I see my friend Miss Grantley, but I shall demand introductions to your family if we meet again." With that, she and Mrs. Hurst rushed past Jane, hailing Miss Grantley. They all watched as Mr. Bingley's sisters hurried after the other young lady and her companions.

"Oh, the poor dear really should not have done that. How very unfortunate for her." Lady Catherine was the first to speak, her voice tight and cold.

"I am sure she meant no offense by referring to you as my mother." Jane was quick to defend her friend.

"Whyever would I be offended by that? I would be delighted to claim you as daughters. Though I would like to think any daughter of mine would show more discernment." Lady Catherine's amusement had turned to disappointment as she frowned at Jane.

"I do not have the pleasure of understanding you, ma'am." Jane looked toward Elizabeth, who would not meet her eyes.

"Miss Bennet, you should know my hearing is most acute. I very clearly heard what she whispered to her companion, so it is incomprehensible that you did not, considering your closer proximity. Miss Bingley may think that is acceptable behavior, but you surely know better. If you wish to accept her slights that is one thing, but you do not even acknowledge the insult to your sister."

"Oh."

"Oh, indeed, Miss Bennet. Get in the carriage, this is not a conversation to have in so a public of a location." A footman from Lady Catherine's waiting carriage attended to them and they were soon on their way.

Once they were settled, Jane turned to Elizabeth and grasped her hand. "Lizzy, did you hear as well?"

"'She is tolerable, but hardly handsome enough to tempt a man as attractive as that Mr. Darcy, even if he is a tradesman.' Yes, Jane. I heard. And thank you so much for your spirited defense."

"Miss Bingley rushed away too quickly. I had not the time to admonish her. And you know I do not like when you are sarcastic."

"I am truly sorry," Elizabeth said in a mocking tone. "What is it about these Bingleys that has you in such thrall?"

"I am not, I mean, they do not-"

"Miss Bennet, you would do well to consider the company you keep."

"I told Lizzy yesterday that Mr. Bingley has been calling on me at my aunt's home. Miss Bingley has only recently been accompanying him."

"That may well be but that hardly addresses my comment. One does not need to have a greater acquaintance in order to not only recognize but to call out poor behavior. At the very least you can remove yourself from the presence of those like Miss Bingley."

"How can I when she visits with her brother? It would be rude not admit her or leave her alone as I vacate the room."

"Miss Bennet, you take me far too literally." Lady Catherine was growing increasingly annoyed by the naiveté of Miss Bennet. "You have the power to alter or cease the relationship so social visits in one's home do not even occur. Mr. Bingley was willing to call on you without his sister at one time, he can do so once again. You may set limits and you must make them known. If he cannot respect them, you will learn all that you need to know about the young man. And if you cannot set limits or let Mr. Bingley or anyone else ignore them, you will learn some unpleasant truths about yourself."

Both Lady Catherine and Elizabeth looked at Jane expectantly. "I will think about what you said. But what did you mean by saying Miss Bingley's behavior was unfortunate?"

"I should think it obvious. Even with our short acquaintance you know enough of my disposition to be certain that such behavior will not go unanswered. While Miss Bingley is dismissive and insolent, I am petty and proud, I am the daughter of an earl after all. The right word in the right ear will ensure everyone of substance knows of her poor attitude. Yet another reason not to allow this friendship to flourish. She will do nothing to enhance your reputation."

"You would damage a young lady's standing because of an ill-considered comment?"

"Miss Bingley has no standing. She is yet unknown among the upper circles. And I would simply be hastening the discovery of her true nature. Her disdain is not something she can conceal for long, especially since she cannot be bothered to disguise her insults with anything more than a simpering tone. Or are you ignoring the insults she directed to you too?"

Jane opened her mouth to contradict Lady Catherine's words then closed it, replaying the meeting with Miss Bingley in her head. Her companions watched as her brow furrowed and her eyes narrowed in annoyance.

Lady Catherine gentled her next words. "You need to determine if your interest in Mr. Bingley is strong enough to accept that his sister will always be a part of his life and, by extension, those with whom he builds relationships. Just as your family will always be a part of yours. Would you allow your sisters to behave so rudely?"

"I believe I would correct them if they behaved similarly. And you are right to correct me. I do not know what has come over me lately." Jane reached out for Elizabeth's hand. "Can you forgive me? I was overcome by having something new, something my own, that I went against my better judgement. It does not reflect well on me at all. I was secretive and self-absorbed. And poor Mr. Bingley, I like him and enjoy his attentions, but it was more for the thrill of conducting an acquaintance away from Mama and Meryton, and all the inevitable comments. It can be quite tedious."

Elizabeth searched her sister's face and saw both earnestness and remorse. She squeezed Jane's hand in return. "Of course, I forgive you. I do wish you would have confided in me, but I understand wishing to explore a budding relationship without the scrutiny. If only I could have met William in London," she sighed. "But you will need to make some decisions about Mr. Bingley. If you do not want to fix him, you would do well to be more guarded."

Lady Catherine clapped her hands twice, the sudden noise causing the younger women to jump. "There, no more of this for now. I am gladdened that you two are in harmony once again. Tension between sisters is tiresome and you will both need all your energy. I will be leaving some tasks for you, Miss Bennet, while Elizabeth and I are touring estates with William. I trust my sister and Mrs. Gardiner but you are more familiar with Elizabeth's tastes and will do right by her. You must temper your mother's extravagances."

Since arriving in London four days ago, Lady Catherine had kept everyone on a tight schedule. She planned excursions with the efficiency and precision of a general. William had told Elizabeth that his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, claimed her strategic mind surpassed any he had encountered in the army. Now, with the most pressing needs taken care of, William and Elizabeth could leave some decisions in the hands of others while they made their way through the home counties, in search of their new estate.

~~PoR~~

"William, come have a drink with me," Mr. Darcy called to his son as the young man passed by his study.

"I have an early start tomorrow." William stopped at the doorway.

"Yes, I know. I will not keep you long." He held up a decanter of brandy in invitation.

"Very well," William entered and looked around curiously. It had been several years since he had been in the room. It did not seem familiar at all; he did not know if it was the result of the room being redecorated or if he simply had no memories of it. Most of the books resided in the house's library but there were several matching volumes on shelves near Mr. Darcy's desk. He recognized them as having come from his own publishing house.

Mr. Darcy saw where William's gaze rested. "I have bought every title Moss & Co. has printed under your management. It is quality work and from what I understand the company has flourished since you took over. It is very impressive."

"Mr. Moss set a good example. He was an excellent teacher and nurtured my development in the industry. His support was invaluable." William sat down and accepted a glass from his father.

"Unlike me." William merely shrugged at Mr. Darcy's words. "The words left unsaid are often the loudest, William. I know Mr. Moss helped you in ways that should have been unnecessary, as did your grandfather and your uncle. Even Catherine has done more for you than I have. I lost the privilege and pleasure of showing you the way of the world. On the day George di-, on the day I killed George, I told him that my greatest regret was my treatment of family. And it shall always be so. I appreciate you had good people in your life to guide you but how I wish I did not make it necessary for them to do so."

"It seems we shall always disagree with one another about George Wickham. You have cause enough to regret your actions as they pertain to him, but I cannot support the notion that you killed the rogue. His death is a result of his own greed and entitlement."

"Thank you for that, but that greed and entitlement would never have manifested if I had done what was right. I have challenged myself to take more culpability for my actions. My words should reflect that."

"And did you call me in to seek approval for this newfound accountability?" There was no ire behind his question, simply curiosity. "I cannot assuage your guilt but I have accepted the past for what it is, I prefer to look toward the future."

"With your Miss Bennet. How are the preparations going? We have had so little opportunity to talk. I just want to be a part of your life, of this milestone. I will take whatever little you care to share with me."

William searched his father's face and could find no trace of insincerity there. As his favorite topic was Elizabeth and their life together, he had little difficulty in indulging his father. "The marriage articles are complete. My will has been updated, though perhaps that is premature given we have yet to find a permanent home."

"All things to suggest your path to matrimony is irrevocable. You need not worry; I have no wish to stand in your way. Let us talk of your search for an estate. If I thought you would take it, I would offer you this townhouse. It will be yours one day." William shook his head. "Would you allow me to pay for whatever home you decide upon in town? I would make no demands in return. Or you could reside at Pemberley, it is so large. I know you only see me for Ana's sake, but I can arrange things so you never need see me if you do not wish it."

"Thank you but there is no need, on either account. I am looking forward to purchasing our homes. It gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment that I am in the position to do so. Pemberley will be home for us one day but not just yet. Because of that we will be more in each other presence than ever before. We must both strive to ensure its continue prosperity, regardless of any obstacles between us."

"You will always be welcome at Pemberley. And if you would like to forego the expense of purchasing a new estate…" Mr. Darcy again tried to tempt William, leaving his last words lingering in the air.

"We will visit, I am sure, but purchasing an estate is important to me. As I said, I anticipate it greatly. The estates we are considering are close to London, which is crucial for my work. They are also closer to Hertfordshire so Elizabeth will not be too far from her sisters. And possessing additional properties will provide for a second son, though, I would be just as happy for a daughter to inherit, if I am privileged to have girls." William was not sure why he offered these explanations, nor why his explanations felt like excuses.

He usually met his father's efforts with as few words as possible. In the past, the only extended conversations they had came from a place of anger. In the absence of current conflict, he reacted with his typical terseness and avoidance, but he started to feel badly as he continued doing so under his father's roof. He did not want Ana to see him so ill-behaved, nor did he want her to see their father as the wounded party, which she may have done if he persisted. So, he started being more cautiously receptive to his father's attempts to engage with him.

"I hope you will accept this from me at least." William, in his distraction, had missed the first part of his father's response. So, he took the box his father nervously thrust upon him. "Miss Bennet helped me. It is custom among Darcy men, for fathers to present such an item to their sons on their wedding day but I picked it up this morning and could not wait. Open it."

Nestled in velvet for protection, William found a shiny gold pocket watch. He picked it up gingerly, looking closely at the case, which featured a delicate etching of England with a mark on what appeared to be Hertfordshire.

"That is Meryton or Netherfield Park, or at least as close as can be. Where you and Miss Bennet first met. Look inside."

The face of the watch was exquisite, but it was the inside cover that drew his attention. There was what appeared to be a shallow compartment and the flat, hinged piece that divided the space had more etchings on it, a series of dots with very fine lines connecting them.

"Cygnus, the swan," William whispered.

"Miss Bennet said that you had a conversation about astronomy and mythology, and it was then that she knew she was in danger of falling in love with you."

"She told you that?" William was surprised.

"I asked for help with the gift, and I wanted to know her better. She is very ardent in her love and admiration for you. Also, the compartment beneath contains a lock of her hair and a scrap of fabric from the gown she intends to wear at the wedding. You must not open it until after the ceremony though, but let me show you mine."

He pulled out his own watch. It displayed a bit of wear from age, but it had been well tended to through the years. "Your mother and I met at a ball in London, so you will see it is marked on my watch. And the divider is decorated with-"

"Is that a bee?" William interrupted, taking the watch and examining it with great interest.

"Your mother loves wildflowers, and as I wanted to please her, I would frequently pick them for her. However, on several occasions I happened to pick the favorite stems of some very angry bees. I sometimes thought that there was a great society of bees communicating throughout England to ensure I would get stung if I dared even look at a wildflower. This delighted you mother and she just laughed but she still helped sooth many a sting." Mr. Darcy chuckled, thinking back on an earlier time.

"And look," He pressed on the piece of thin gold that created the compartment in the cover. The tiny hinge opened to reveal a lock of golden-brown hair and a small square of fine green silk.

His parents had stood for a painting in their wedding attire, so William recognized the fabric. He appreciated the custom and the sentiment behind it. He knew he would value the watch always and told his father so when he thanked him for the gift.

Still, he wanted to challenge him. When he saw his father like this, he had no doubt that he loved his mother. But then, his father had said and done so much to contradict that. It made William angry. He did not think he would ever understand. However, he kept silent, for now there was an edge of profound sadness that tinged his anger. So much lost that would never be regained. He tried to imagine how he would feel if a fracture of his own making separated him from Elizabeth. For the first time in his life, William pitied George Darcy.