Author's Note: Thank you for your reviews. I have enjoyed reading them all, even the ones that are not so positive. I knew that the last chapter would not be to the taste of every JAFF reader. I hope that not too many of you will drop out. But the rest of the story is much easier to take. So, I hope that most of you will hang in there. I will not be focusing very much on Elizabeth for a bit, but I hope that you can trust that she is dealing with the situation as well as can be expected.

Many of you have asked about the length of the story in light of my earlier estimate of 15k words. I guess that due to my inexperience, that estimate was inaccurate. While adding more dialog and background info, I have allowed the story to balloon to nearly 25k words. When I began posting it, the story was basically written. But I realize now that I should have considered that it was an outline at best. Sorry. I am still estimating eight or nine chapters and an epilogue. Hopefully, that will be true.

The story is unbeta'd so all the errors are my own. Review, but please be kind.

Chapter 4

Gracechurch Street, October 9, 1812

Mr. Bennet entered Mr. Gardener's study after giving the door a perfunctory knock. He was greeted with a preoccupied nod from his brother-in-law who was in conference with one of his grooms from the night before.

When that man exited the room, Bennet asked, "Did you sleep, Brother?"

Gardiner glanced up from the note he was penning. "Not much, Bennet. My mind was full of plans and contingencies. What about you?"

"The same," he answered as he began to help himself to the food on the breakfast tray that sat on the nearby table. "What did your spies learn during the night?"

Gardiner grimaced. "James, the man that just left, was one of two of my grooms that I left at the Matlocks last night. You may not have been aware, but after the ladies withdrew from dinner last night, I stepped out to charge the first man, Harold, with listening to the gossip below stairs at Matlock House. I was most curious about Lady Huntingdon, her father, and their history with the Fitzwilliam and Darcy families. But I'll get to that in a moment." He paused and Bennet noticed for the first time that Gardiner appeared to be shaken and angry. "James was tasked to hang about outside the Matlock's to see how the night ended for the other guests." He took a swallow of his black coffee. "I must say that I am shocked with what he discovered." He stood and paced in great agitation.

Bennet sipped his own coffee waiting patiently for his brother-in-law to collect himself.

In due time, Gardiner leaned against his desk and locked eyes with Bennet. "As I said, last night James waited out of sight for the rest of the guests to depart. He estimated that an hour elapsed before Lady Huntingdon left, and as we feared, Darcy escorted her home. Lord Lisle was there to see them into her carriage." He gave Bennet a hard, knowing look. "When they arrived at her residence, Darcy accompanied her inside and has not been seen since. I sent another man to relieve James so that he could report back."

Neither gentleman spoke after that revelation. Bennet finally broke the silence with a few choice words. Anger was replaced with undisguised pain as he asked, "I know that it does not excuse his behavior, but, is it possible that Darcy was inebriated? Surely, he would not allow himself to be embroiled in such a sordid affair otherwise. I imagine that it would be just like the Viscount to get Darcy intoxicated, stuff him into Lady Huntingdon's carriage, and let the alcohol do the rest."

Gardiner grimaced and sadly shook his head. "I, too, had hoped that alcohol would be the cause of such poor judgment. But, no, I noted his wine consumption throughout the evening. He drank very little. I even considered that, perhaps, after we left, they topped his glass off in quick succession. But it was only an hour, which makes that unlikely. I went so far as to ask my man if he appeared in his cups, but James said that he seemed in possession of all of his faculties as he entered and exited the carriage." Bennet felt the weight of his years settle upon him.

Gardiner then continued. "Harold, my other footman, the one I sent below stairs, found that the Matlock servants have no loyalty at all toward their master or their mistress, nor are they discreet. He was able to easily confirm our suspicions that the dinner had been carefully staged. The family convened a war council two days before to orchestrate the separation of the couple. Bramwell and his daughter were present. Several of the Matlock footmen and housemaids were willing to divulge the contents of the discussions that took place. Lady Huntingdon and Darcy did indeed grow up together. When he graduated from Cambridge seven years ago, he had a tendre for her and had sought to court her. However, she had rejected him in favor of Lord Huntingdon and his title. The servants heard the nobles discussing this at length. The Matlocks were confident in her ability to reawaken his regard."

Sinking into melancholy, Bennet stared into his coffee cup and sighed. "And Darcy fell right into their trap." He rubbed his face in frustration. "I was beginning to look forward to having him as a son-in-law, but I cannot see that happening now. I had actually become quite fond of the taciturn young man."

Gardiner nodded in resignation. "I, too, had come to greatly esteem Darcy. I have never been so disappointed in a man in my life."

They ruminated over their disillusionment in silence.

Bennet said with a huff, "Well, I am not surprised at the Fitzwilliams, a pack of wolves the lot of them."

Gardiner then shook his head in puzzlement. "I can understand the Fitzwilliams disdaining the connection to the daughter of a minor country squire with ties to trade, but there must be something else to cause this level of subterfuge. There is more at play here than is apparent."

As if on cue, a nondescript man was shown into Gardiner's study by the butler. Gardiner, with a look of great relief, performed the introduction. "Bennet, allow me to introduce you to Mr. Samuel Harding. Harding is an associate of my attorney's who is adept at ferreting out all manner of intelligence. I have made use of his skills many times before. Mr. Harding, this is Mr. Thomas Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire, my brother-in-law. Can I offer you any refreshment?"

After handing him a cup of tea, Gardiner placed a sheet of paper containing a list of names before the man. "I need you to investigate this man and his daughter." He pointed to indicate the Bramwells. "Also, I know that you have already given me a good deal of information concerning Matlock and his financial situation, however, I need you to also take a look at his son. I want to know to whom he owes money and who he associates with, male and female. In addition, I need to know the relationship between all of these people, personally and politically. Also, find out what was the state of the Lady's former marriage?" Gardiner gave the man a serious questioning look.

Mr. Harding studied the names for a moment before giving Gardiner a nod. "None of that should be a problem. How soon do you need my report?"

"I want it as soon as you can acquire the information. Daily. Hourly. I will place a couple of runners at your disposal. I want to be kept abreast of anything you find as you find it. Can you manage that?"

Again, Harding nodded. "Yes, sir. I will keep you apprised regularly as to my findings. I have two men that work for me that are especially good at gaining information below stairs in these great houses."

"Good man. My secretary is in the outer room. He can provide you with the background of each of the people listed here or as much as we know so far. My door will be open to you at any time, night or day. So, feel free to seek me out as needed."

Harding nodded his head. "Yes sir, I will be in touch."

After he left, Bennet contemplated the efficiency of his brother-in-law and felt ashamed that he would, most likely, have had neither the means nor the wherewithal to initiate such an endeavor. However, he quickly shook that uncomfortable thought aside and murmured, "Our more immediate problem is how to manage a broken betrothal. Of course, we shall have to defer to Elizabeth and her wishes. Nonetheless, you and I agree that the break is inevitable."

Gardiner shook his head in regret. "Sadly, yes. And Elizabeth must be told of her fiancé's perfidy."

Bennet groaned and rubbed his eyes.

"My wife has been the first of the ladies to come downstairs this morning. I would like to inform her of our findings and let her pass on the information to Elizabeth as she thinks best. Let me send for her. And then you and I need to make our plans. We shall convene our own war council."

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An hour later, Madeline Gardiner reentered the study to find the two gentlemen in the midst of their strategic planning.

Bennet was the first to address her. "How did Elizabeth take your news? She must be devastated."

She nodded more in anger than distress. "Yes, she is terribly upset, of course. And as for myself, I have never wanted to inflict bodily harm on anyone before, but at this moment, I feel the need to slap someone. What are your immediate plans?"

Bennet and Gardiner chuckled mirthlessly in agreement with her sentiments. Gardiner proceeded to inform her of their latest findings. "According to my man, Darcy finally emerged and returned to Darcy House about an hour ago. It remains to be seen whether he will call here first, which would be what one would expect, or whether he will scurry over to the Fitzwilliam's house to confer with them. Regardless, we plan to begin releasing tittle-tattle to the newspapers today. I have a few trusted associates at the London Times and the Daily Post who have guaranteed that they will release it in this evening's papers. We have until midafternoon to change our minds, otherwise, it will be in the evening edition."

Madeline looked aghast. "Why would you do such a thing? We should be trying to keep the rumors quiet, not start them ourselves."

Bennet glanced over at Gardiner and then responded. "You see, Madeline, we are all agreed that the engagement is beyond salvaging. By spending the night at Lady Huntingdon's house, Darcy has crossed the Rubicon. There is no going back. He also abandoned Elizabeth to the horrendous treatment that she was subjected to last night. She deserves someone that she can depend on, who will support her, and be faithful to her. I am as disappointed as you are, but we must face the facts. Therefore, it is most important that we control the gossip that is spread about in society. We have to get our version of the story out there quickly. This will protect Elizabeth, not hurt her reputation. Darcy, not Elizabeth, must be seen as the guilty party."

She gave them a doubtful frown. "And you think that you can do that? You imagine that by starting gossip, you can ensure that Elizabeth will be seen as blameless?"

Gardiner nodded his head vigorously and handed her a sheet of paper. "Yes, we do. I am confident that this will work. Society loves to hate a villain and we will give them exactly what they want. Elizabeth will not be seen as a lady cast off because she was found wanting. For we will ensure that Darcy is seen as the treacherous party. I have a series of articles planned that will guarantee that she will be lauded as the lady who made a lucky escape."

After reading the paragraph that would appear in the papers, she reluctantly indicated her agreement, "All right. I certainly hope that this does not rebound on us." She handed the paper back to her husband and then said, "Elizabeth has admitted that it is over. Even though she still loves him, she realizes that they have no future and that he is not the man that she thought she knew. She intimated that if he had appeared earlier to beg forgiveness, she would have considered granting it to him, even the infidelity. However, it is approaching noon and he has yet to appear. Contrition becomes increasingly difficult to believe as time goes by."

Gardiner adopted a determined look. "That is a relief, actually. I had been reluctant to implement all of my plans for fear of damaging Elizabeth's prospects for reconciliation if that had been her desire. But if she is resigned to allow the engagement to be broken, I can proceed with ruthless abandon."

He rubbed his hands together in grim satisfaction. "Since we agree that the engagement is, in essence, beyond saving, Darcy must be the one to withdraw. That will allow us to invoke the clause in the signed contract and obtain a settlement for Elizabeth. Darcy and the Fitzwilliams will push Elizabeth to release him from the engagement, but we cannot allow her to do that. Darcy must be the one to break the betrothal. You need to help us make Elizabeth understand that. No matter what, she must refuse to release him until he breaks it himself. The evening newspaper will be out by five o'clock. I do not expect to hear from Darcy until after then or, perhaps even until the morning. He will most likely spend the evening with them trying to mitigate the damage. That will give Elizabeth a little more time to reconcile herself to the break."

Madeline signaled her acquiescence to their plans with a resigned shrug. "Well, in that case, I need to speak to my niece to prepare her for what is to come."

"Yes, my dear. That would be appreciated."

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Bennet silently read the article from the evening newspaper: "Mr. FD from Derbyshire, recently engaged to Miss EB from Hertfordshire, was seen early this morning leaving the residence of Lady H. The recently widowed Lady H is just out of mourning and very recently returned from Italy. Mr. FD and Lady H are known to be childhood friends from that northern county and have wasted no time in rekindling their friendship. She appears to be the epitome of the merry widow. But what of Miss EB? Mr. FD has certainly injured that lady most callously. He who has always prided himself on his stellar reputation, is quite the fallen hero. Who would have suspected that Mr. FD had inherited the Matlock capriciousness?"

The article that would run in the morning paper was similar, but with more speculation as to whether they would wed before or after the babe would make its appearance.

He wanted to feel a sense of triumph, but he simply felt tired. Passing the paper back to Gardiner, he stated, "Well, that is done then. I am disappointed that we have not heard from Darcy. He must be more of a coward than I gave him credit for. Thank God for Bingley."

Charles Bingley had been by Jane's side most of the afternoon and would be dining with them that evening. He had expressed his outrage at his friend's perfidy and had requested that his wedding to Jane be moved up to next week. It would make a statement leaving no doubt as to where his loyalties resided.

The two elder gentlemen had agreed that Jane and Charles should not be made aware of their schemes. Thus, they had determined to orchestrate the punishment of the guilty parties without embroiling the young couple.

Earlier, Harding had reappeared to pass on his preliminary report. Gardiner had commented in surprise, "You work fast, Harding. I did not expect you back so soon."

The man had quietly replied, "Noblemen are blind in their arrogance and give no thought to the fact that servants always talk. So, it was a trifling to gather information on them. It so happens that both the house of Matlock and the house of Bramwell are facing impending ruin or, at the very least, serious retrenchment. Bramwell's finances have been teetering on the brink for some time. Thus, he had married his daughter off to Huntingdon seven years ago. However, that rebounded on him when Lord Huntingdon refused to pay off his father-in-law's debts and died leaving his widow with nothing but her settlement of fifteen thousand pounds."

Gardiner exclaimed in surprise, Why, that sum is a mere pittance for the daughter of a Marquis and little enough to make any difference for his debts."

Harding nodded in agreement. "I suspect but have not yet proved that the marriage was not a good one. I am looking into it further, but it appears that there may have been a reason that the deceased husband saw it necessary to hurry her away to Italy all those years ago. In addition, it turns out that like father, like daughter. Since Huntingdon's death, the lady has mismanaged her funds excessively and will soon be forced to retrench as well." Consulting his notes, he continued, "As you know from my previous investigation, Matlock's problems stem from poor management of his estate holdings and the reprobate lifestyle of the Viscount. Viscount Lisle owes significant sums to some very notorious moneylenders. And this is the list of his debts and to whom he owes money." He handed that to Gardiner. "I suspect there are more, but that is what I was able to find this afternoon. On the political front, Lord Matlock has a proposal before the House of Lords that will enable him to become the majority supplier of wool to the king's navy. However, he does not have the necessary support from his own party. Matlock and Bramwell have been seen in conference together on several different occasions. Being from opposing parties, Matlock needs Bramwell's support to gain enough votes from the opposition party to pass the measure. He must be offering Bramwell something for that support."

"Ah, I think I can comprehend their plan now," Bennet had interjected. "Bramwell has his sights set on the abundant wealth of Darcy to regain his solvency. So, Bramwell will support Matlock in the House of Lords if Matlock can deliver Darcy as a son-in-law. That must be the agreement they have made."

Gardiner shook his head at the news of the duplicity of the noblemen. "Money and power. That is all that the peerage care about these days. If that measure were to pass, Matlock would be able to control the price of wool and probably corner the market in the northern counties."

Harding added tentatively, "One more thing which is not completely substantiated but could be important. Lord Lisle has been seen visiting Lady Huntingdon at odd hours. I sent someone to talk to a few of the servants. It began not long after she returned from Italy and set up her own household in Mayfair."

The man had nervously rubbed his chin while Gardiner and Bennet had stared at him in shock.

Gardiner had been the first to recover. "So, Darcy may end up being the target of a cuckold. We all know that Lisle cannot afford to marry someone with so little fortune. And she cannot afford to marry a man with the debts that Lisle carries. If she is with child, Bramwell will be anxious to see her safely wed to a man of wealth not a profligate like Lisle."

Harding had spoken, "Lisle has done this before. Several years ago, he got a poorly dowered, young lady pregnant. Matlock found an older man in need of an heir to take her. Lisle, because of his expensive habits, must marry money."

The three men had discussed the motivations of Matlock and Bramwell for a few more minutes. After which, Harding had left to further his investigations.

Bennet had stood to pace the room. "I admit that I had developed a fondness for Darcy, and I still hate to see him taken in by those two conniving old men. Should we inform him of the possibility of a cuckold?"

Gardiner had shrugged. "If he shows up here sooner rather than later and if he displays true contrition, I think we should lay out the whole conspiracy for him. However, if he comes in here with that haughty, cold mask of his, then I say, let him fend for himself against the vipers. For the crime of breaking our girl's heart, that would be a fitting punishment."

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Darcy House, That Evening

The door to Darcy's study was flung open by the Earl of Matlock and The Marquis of Bramwell. Darcy, who had been sitting with his head in his hands, shot to his feet.

The harried butler who had trailed in their wake was shooed out and Matlock slammed the door shut. "Well, boy, what do you have to say for yourself? I see that you have seen the tabloids."

Bramwell gave the younger man a stern glare. "How dare you seduce my daughter? You have embroiled her in a scandal of epic proportions. How dare you, sir?"

Matlock gave Darcy no chance to respond. "This is a bad business. A bad business, indeed. Lady Huntingdon is from an old and respected family. You cannot expect to sweep this under the rug, nephew. Nor can you treat a woman of her quality in such an infamous manner and then harry off and marry your country lass. No, sir. That will not do. It will not do at all."

Darcy tried to calm himself before responding to their tirade. He had only just read the articles for himself in the last half hour. After returning to his house from Cassandra's, he had slept the morning away. When he had finally emerged from his chamber, he had spent the afternoon in numb stupefaction endeavoring to understand what had happened to him in the last twenty-four hours. He had felt unequal to seeing Elizabeth or Cassandra.

And now he was made notorious. Never before had he been the subject of the gossip rags. Shame and anger warred for dominance in his breast. He could not fathom how his tryst with Cassandra had been leaked to the tabloids so quickly. He was appalled that their night together, which had seemed so magical, was being sullied by these sordid hints and innuendo.

At the same time, he was humiliated to realize that all of London considered him to have behaved dishonorably toward Elizabeth. As her lovely eyes flitted through his mind, he felt a pang of guilt which he quickly suppressed. He could not think of her right now. Never in his life had he truly failed someone. He had nearly failed Georgiana but that had been mitigated by his rescue of her at the last minute. But now, he had failed Elizabeth, totally and completely. It was unfathomable. and he could not bring himself to face that failure or allow himself to dwell on it.

His entire life he had acted honorably, some had even said prudishly. He had despised those rakish fellows at Cambridge who treated ladies badly. To do something like that was as foreign to Darcy as purposely mismanaging Pemberley. He had never even been tempted to act the rake. His upbringing had ensured that he never acted impulsively or treated women as playthings. However, when he had seen Cassandra at his uncle's house, he had been tempted like nothing that he had ever experienced. For the first time in his life, he wished to do exactly what he desired to do rather than what he knew was expected of him. Never before had he been able to shut down his conscience so effectively. Others did it all the time: Lisle, Wickham, and countless others of his society. Why not him? Just this once.

And now here he was, with his brain in a muddle, stuck between a long-lost love and the love of his betrothed.

On the one hand, there was Elizabeth. Whenever he considered her, his heart convulsed inexplicably, for he still loved her. He had been obsessed with her for months. He had pursued her relentlessly. But now, those feelings were trapped in a fog. He could neither define them nor deny them. They simply existed.

And, on the other hand, there was Cassandra. His feelings for her were complicated. He had pined for her for years. He had burned for her.

What a muddle.

However, because of the gossip in the papers, decisions that should be made in private would be heralded in the streets. His mind was in turmoil, and he had no idea what to do.

Jarring his mind out of his reverie, his uncle demanded, "Well Fitzwilliam, you know that you have little choice, do you not?"

The Marquis interjected, "After such scandalous goings on, the tradesman's niece will be quick to let you out of your engagement, I am certain. Then you must marry my daughter and the sooner the better. Consequences, my son. Consequences. The likelihood is high."

As that startling idea took root in his mind, Darcy realized that what they said was true. He truly had no choice. They must marry. She could very well have conceived a child. His child. And to contemplate a child with the woman that he had loved all of those years ago was riveting. Suddenly, the fog lifted and he calmed. The path before him was clear. He must marry Cassandra. Thus his failure toward Elizabeth was absolute. Again he pushed that thought away.

After finally convincing the two older men that he knew his duty and would do the right thing, he walked them out to the door and saw them on their way. However, before he could reenter his study, he spied Georgiana as she stepped out of a nearby alcove.

Her eyes were filled with tears, but her expression was fierce. "Brother, how could you do this to Elizabeth? Do you not still love her?"

Darcy clenched his hands behind his back in agitation. "Georgie, you do not fully understand the matter. I do love Elizabeth in my heart. But I also love Lady Huntingdon, and now matters have become more complicated. I must break with Elizabeth and marry Lady Huntingdon. There is nothing for it."

Georgiana narrowed her eyes at him and spoke. "Perhaps I do not understand the situation fully. But I know enough to realize that you have treated Elizabeth abominably and I am so disappointed in you. Also, you are a fool to go along with anything that our uncle is in favor of. He was horribly unkind to Elizabeth last night, and you did nothing. He and Lisle spoke so rudely to her for the entirety of the meal. But you were too enthralled with your new lady to notice or defend her as she deserved. I am heartily ashamed of you." Before he could respond, she fled up the stairs.