In the drawing room, the after-dinner conversation gently washed over Miss Elizabeth Forbs. The ladies took their seats and seemed to being having a pleasant discussion over a cup of tea. About what, Lizzy would never be able to recall. Individual words seemed as if waves, melding into inconsequential sound somewhere in the background. When the gentlemen joined the party, Elizabeth hardly noticed. This past week had seen monumental change, both at Longbourn and Netherfield, not to mention an immense alteration in Lizzy's opinions and view of the world. The revelations of the afternoon, heaped atop the other changes in circumstance and fortune, followed by dinner and the abbreviated exchange with her sister, left the young heiress feeling at a complete loss, adrift in a world that seemed to turn upside down.

Taking a leaf from Mr Darcy's book on first entering Meryton society, Elizabeth stood with her back to the room and stared out of the window. Candles and firelight reflected off the pain of glass, making the inky blackness of the night retreat beyond her sight. It reminded Lizzy that she should be concentrating on the glowing positives in this new life, not obscure negatives. Elizabeth's likeness, mirrored back, demonstrated her disquiet at the dichotomy of her mind. Shoulders slumped, scow on her face, emotions chaotic, she took in a long, fortifying breath to aid bringing together her thoughts and finding some sense within them.

"Think, Lizzy, as Mama taught us," Jane had whispered on entering this parlour.

I, Elizabeth finally quieted her mind, allowing her to consider all that occurred in a sensible, rational way, spent two years in this house without my dear Jane. Mama insisted I attend church at Longbourn and break my fast after services with the Bennet's every Sunday without fail. I both lived for and dreaded those hours. I had my Jane to comfort me, but had to observe the differences between our households.

Gasping, Lizzy finally realised the reasoning behind her Mama's insistence they spend some time every week at Longbourn. Perhaps I have not the wit I believe, or the sense to truly reveal a character. I have seen only what I wish. I must re-examine all that has occurred since Mama passed. Perhaps then I might make sense of this conundrum.

When visiting Longbourn, Elizabeth noticed the contrast in the fields, tenant farms and building between the estates. Mama never shied away from teaching both Jane and I about managing Netherfield. The day I came down from the nursery, we took the pony cart, rode the fence line, observed the fields and visited the tenants. It was a revelation, learning how others lived and how a few words, a loaf of bread or an old gown could materially change another's circumstance. Mama began teaching us the responsibilities of a Mistress, including us in the discussions with the steward and began to explain our duty to the land and those who shared it with us.

When I returned to Longbourn, I took over those obligations, Lizzy snorted to herself and realised the truth of the matter. Mr Bennet invited me into his study, not out of love, but to keep his wife quiet. Mrs Bennet never found my company pleasing and was apt to protest at any perceived slight, as loudly as possible. Even Jane could not calm her when her tone took on the shrill call of a barn owl. With little understanding of the world, and a husband only looking to find amusement in her stupidity, it was the easiest remedy for Mr Bennet and saved him the trouble of doing it himself.

Rolling her eyes, she could picture herself, seated by the fire on one of the winged backed chairs, reading while her father attempted the accounts. Intrigued by his huffing and puffing, she had wandered over to see what cause such consternation. The sums held within the household ledger shocked the young lady as Longbourn lived above its means.

"You have not carried the one," Lizzy pointed out, noting where economy could be practiced but too insecure in her new environment to dissemble.

"Indeed, I have not," Octavius truly looked at his second daughter. "You know accounting?"

"Yes," Lizzy basked in the undivided attention as she explained how Lady Elizabeth trained her to manage an estate. In the years that followed, more and more of the responsibility for Longbourn had been given over to her management. Her efforts at economy had not been pursued due to Mr Bennet's indolence and inability to restrain his wife and younger daughters. Introducing new techniques, at least to the Longbourn home farm, by demonstrating their positive effect on Netherfield's income were embark upon, bringing the estates income back up to the popularly believed two thousand per annum.

Not, Lizzy frowned, that anything would have helped overly much with so many years of apathetic stewardship. Mr Bennet had allowed things to deteriorate to such a state that even a large amount of capital and many years would be required to reverse the neglect. He would not stop spending on books and port or reign in his wife's expenditure. At least, Jane and I were able to see to the tenants and poor thanks to the annuity left us by Mama.

Gasping, Lizzy comprehended the issues, should she choose to leave so suddenly. I have a duty to the people who make their living off Longbourn and Netherfield, for I am sure Miss Bingley does not visit the tenants, or give charity to the parish poor. That may not be the reason Lady Pemb….Aunt Beatrice wishes me to stay. However, I shall have to find a way… Inspiration struck suddenly and from a most unusual quarter. Mary, at least, with her love to Fordyce and other Christian texts was able to be drawn into her duties as a daughter of the estate. Jane insisted I include Mary in our discussion about Longbourn, the accounts and improvements we wished to make. With the entail broken….

"Miss Forbs," the quiet voice of Georgiana recalled Lizzy to the moment. "You seemed lost in thought," the young girl proposed.

"Indeed," Elizabeth offered with a kind smile. They had not spent more than a few minutes in each other's company during their short acquaintance. "I should like to know you better, however, I have been considering the consequence of all that occurred today. If you will excuse me, I must speak with Mr Forayer while I still have the opportunity."

"A moment, please," Georgiana begged, her expression imploring. "My brother tells me that we shall have much time to come to know each other as sisters."

"Yes," Elizabeth hissed still a little disgruntled at her betrothed. Yet another gentleman I wish to have a word with before this night ends and he is spirited away with the dawn.

"Please, do not be angry with my brother," the younger woman blushed, "for agreeing with my Aunt. I believe you have not moved in society much these last years."

"I have not," Lizzy agreed, examining the girl, wondering where this conversation tended. At sixteen, Elizabeth knew Miss Darcy was not yet out.

"Fitzwilliam wishes to protect you and your reputation," Georgiana swallowed and looked to her feet. "I should not speak ill of my hostess but I must. Miss Bingley is conniving, but she is nothing compared to the other young women of the Ton. A word in the correct ear, a few coins, a disgruntled servant and you would be known for all the wrong reasons before setting foot in a drawing room. They would invite you to laugh and demonstrate their superior breeding while revelling in your tarnished reputation."

"Then why…"

"Miss Bingley," Georgiana cut into the angry response, "does not know of your understanding and my brother wishes it to remain that way. He does not want to be any more put upon that he already is. Every time he enters society, or, I dare say, Miss Bingley's sphere Fitzwilliam becomes an object of adoration. Not for himself, but his fortune and connections. You, on the other hand, are an heiress, Miss Forbs, with wealth and influence. You shall make your curtsey, come out, be accepted and marry well. Do you think Miss Bingley has been accorded these considerations? She is the daughter of a tradesman who must scrape and beg for every accolade. Even with her large dowry, she trades on my brother's coat tails to enter the most minor drawing rooms and soirees. Those who would know her do so for two reasons. Either to be in company with my brother, or gain gossip about our family so they may capture Fitzwilliam's attention, through compromise if necessary."

"Poor Miss Bingley," Lizzy could not keep the slight smile from her lips at the irony. "I had not considered this aspect. So, you are setting me up to be her foil."

"In the next months, Miss Bingley will use your new consequence to garner her own," Georgiana sighed. "I do not like how society works, Miss Forbes, but I too must live within its strictures. Managed correctly, you may debut, marry and retire to Pemberley, visiting London as rarely as you wish. Miss Bingley, unless my brother or cousin broker a marriage, will remain a tradesman's daughter no matter the husband she chooses."

"I am not sure I wish to participate in society," Lizzy commented sadly, "if this is the case."

"Nor I," Georgiana agreed. "However, we must make our curtsy. Together with your sister, we will divide the gossips three ways and may all come away unscathed. Then, we shall only enter society as we wish. Aunt Bea has promised a trip to Italy once you and my brother marry. I shall be happy to live quietly in the country upon my return, if you will have me?"

"You do not wish to marry?" astonished, Elizabeth turned to face her companion.

Shrugging her shoulders, Georgiana didn't seem to have an opinion one way or the other. "I wish to travel, to see the world, stare up at Michael Angelo's fresco and experience all there is in this world. Society in England is confining, conniving and thoroughly unpleasant. I wish to be free. I do not think I shall ever be happy in London and perhaps not even in England."

"I have been considering Mama's will," Lizzy's expression turned thoughtful. Georgiana's words resonated. Yet, with a sister who married into the peerage, and the ward of yet another, Elizabeth Forbes had little chance of avoiding society completely. "I believe she would wish me to remain near Longbourn. The entail broken, I must ensure the duties of Mistress are transferred to my sister, Mary. I cannot, in good conscious, allow those who rely on the estate to suffer."

"Miss Forbs," Darcy's deep voice intruded on the conversation. The gentleman had not intruded, but stood near enough to hear his sister and betrothed speak. His gaze piercing, yet it held an expression of understanding. "I believe your younger sister shall keep the Bennet legacy at Longbourn. Forayer and I planted the idea with Mr Bennet during our interview this afternoon."

Eyes wide, a look passed between the engaged pair. It seemed Darcy managed to explain much in that glance. Nodding her head in acceptance, this complicated matters. So, Lizzy finally saw what had been obvious and before her eyes for many years, Mary is my only full blood sister. It is no wonder Lydia and Kitty behave as they do and Mr Bennet has no wish to control them. Now that I know the truth, their heritage is easily seen.

"I must apologise…." Darcy started.

"No," Lizzy shook her head. "Please do not. Aunt Beatrice will have her way, but not for the reasons she might wish. Let us speak no more of this. With so little time before we are parted, I would like to know about you. How will you fill your hours until be meet again?"

"They make a charming couple," Michael whispered into his wife's ear, watching Darcy approach his new sister. On entering the drawing room Miss Bingley preferred after dinner, he finally managed to be seated next to Jane. Indeed, his partner in life deliberately kept a space on the settee vacant for him, which pleased the new Earl. He hoped it demonstrated the regard they would continue to have for each other.

"They have much to discuss," Lady Jane Pembroke responded, turning her head and gazing into her husband's eyes. What she saw made her blush and draw in a sharp breath. "As do we, but that can wait. I shall retire and you may follow in a quarter hour."

Michael snatched Jane's hand, bringing it to his mouth. The soft, lingering kiss he laid spoke of his attraction and resolve. Both knew they had to consummate the marriage. The seventh Earl of Rutledge determined it would be a night his wife would always remember, and one of many more to come.

Nodding at the implied consent, Jane stood. A servant rushed to take her cup and saucer. The rest of the party came to their feet. A slight bow of her head acknowledged the footman as he took the china away before the Countess surveyed room. No matter my consequence, I shall never treat the help without respect. It is a pity Miss Bingley has not yet learnt the duties that are part of a Mistresses responsibilities. Perhaps, Lizzy maybe able to lead by example, especially as Caroline appears to be making an effort. Although how long that will last is anyone guess.

With the thought ringing in her ringing in her head, Jane announced, "Miss Bingley, Mr Bingley, we wish to thank you for your hospitality and hosting our wedding breakfast." Pausing to receive a response, Caroline chose to acknowledge the statement demurely. Bingley simply smiled. "We shall be away at first light," Lady Pembroke added into the silence. "I believe I must retire so we may be ready for our journey on the morrow."

"I hope we can meet in London," Bingley offered, "My Lady, once you are out of full mourning."

"I am sure we shall," Jane responded. A quick glance at her husband and she knew Michael and Darcy had informed the gentlemen about his father's death.

With all the dignity she could muster, Jane walked out of the room knowing everyone within understood why she had left. It was nauseating, and yet, she looked forward to spending time alone with her new husband. Thankfully, she considered, Mrs Bennet did not have the opportunity to discuss the wedding night. Although Mother Beatrice attempted to introduce the topic this afternoon, I did not want my new mother in law discussing my wifely duties. Bedsides, we had many more important matters to cover. As I told Lizzy, I have known this day would come for many years. Aunt Gardiner had the foresight to broach the subject when last I was in London. Her advice has always been wise.

This decided, Jane Pembroke, the Countess of Rutledge mounted the stairs. Once in the chamber her Mama favoured, she called Bartley. Giving the girl instructions, the maid seemed a little hesitant.

"You do not wish a nightgown?" she asked, astonished.

"No," Jane smiled.

"How will you cover yourself?" the girl enquired.

Taking her long, golden hair, Jane parted it at the back into two even strands. Placing one over her left shoulder, the other over her right, she artfully covered most of her breast. The ends pooled in her groin as Aunt Gardner had shown her.

"Will this do?" Lady Pembroke asked with a serene smile. Watching the maid's reaction through the looking glass, the young woman gasped. "Do you think my husband will approve?"

"Yes," Bartley stammered. Forcing her mouth to work, she offered, "your hair shall be a mess in the morning."

"Then leave the rags by my bed and I shall plat it, or teach my husband to do so," Jane could not hold back the chuckle at the servants horrified countenance. For a moment the Countess's mien slipped and she recalled that she had known the young girl all her life. "It is nothing to be ashamed of, Sarah. One day you shall wish to look alluring for your husband. Now," her demeanour changing again, "I know the notice is short. Would you like to accompany me to Rutledge as my lady's maid? You will need to be ready to depart tomorrow and we shall be away from Meryton for many months. I will understand if you do not."

"It….it is not the distance M'lady, or leaving my family. I expected such when I took this position," Bartley dissembled. "I am but an upstairs maid."

"I shall not need much in the coming months. We are to enter mourning," Jane took the time to explain the situation and their plans. Cognisant of the time passing, Bartley seemed unsure she would be able to fulfil the duties expected. "Perhaps, you can serve as my maid while I am in mourning. Once we return to London, you can choose to continue with instruction, or be of use to our guests, or return to Netherfield. You need not decide now but I would very much like you to accompany us north tomorrow."

Nodding, Sarah Bartley curtsied and left. Leaving her mistress alone, Jane wandered out to the sitting room. Finding the chair placed exactly as she wished, the Countess artfully arranged herself. Seated by the fire, she hoped her husband would not be long. The flames gave out warmth, but not enough to make her truly comfortable.

Laughing at herself, Jane wondered, is it the cold that makes me uncomfortable, or my naked state. I have never been so wanton before. Aunt Gardiner assured me, there at no rules in the bed chamber between a man and wife. That anything is possible, if only you have the courage to be honest. I shall try, for I very much want my marriage to be one of felicity and respect.

When Michael approached the door, the sight greeting him took his breath away. Dismissing his valet and any other servants within distance, he found words difficult to form. It seemed his bride was similarly affected.

"You," he stumbled, "are beautiful, Jane."

"I am told that only the truth is acceptable between us in this room," she murmured in response.

"Let me undress and join you by the fire. I shall be a few minutes," Michael swallowed his rising excitement. "I fear we have much to discuss."

Standing and walking towards her husband, Jane stated, "no, that can wait. For now there are other matters that take precedence."

Nodding, the Earl strode out of the sitting room. Returning the promised few minutes later, he approached his wife carefully.

"I shall not break," Jane seemed to read his mind.

They would never know who moved first. Arms tangled, lips met, skin touched and still it was not enough. The fire roared in the grate, but Michael Pembroke made sure the burn was slow. He encouraged the passion between them, before removing to the bed chamber. There first time was not magical. It could not be as they were still strangers. It was satisfying and would get better with practice and awareness.

Laying on her side and watching the dying embers, Jane's fingers stroked the hand holding her possessively. A smile appeared on her lips. "I am not going anywhere," she whispered.

"I hope not," Michael's head appeared behind her shoulder. "Jane, I must tell you something important. Lady Elizabeth is my sister, well, half-sister."

"I know," Jane sighed, turning onto her back so she could see her husband. "Your mother told me this afternoon as we waited to dine."

Snorting and falling onto his back, the Earl snarled, "she could not allow me to tell my wife."

"Do not be angry, for there is more you must know," Jane then lent on an elbow so she did not lose eye contact. "Your father, Percival Pembroke came to Meryton looking for Lady Elizabeth four and twenty years ago. He stayed in the house of my grandfather Gardiner. I was born nine months later, although my mother had only married Mr Bennet a six month earlier."

"Are you saying…."

"No matter what society states, the blood of the fifth Earl runs through you, as the blood of the sixth does me. We are both creatures of Rutledge. Is it not fitting that we should be the means of saving the Earldom," the Countess proposed. "I think Lizzy knows, for that is the event leading to her engagement to Mr Darcy."

Michael remained in stunned silence for a moment, before roaring with laugher. Pulling his wife into his arms, he stated, "I believe we shall do very well together, Jane, if only we can remain this honest with one another."

"Then," she offered, "we shall have to spend much time in bed."

Before her husband could utter another word, she lent in and kissed him. Jane appeared serene and complaint, however, her wit and ability to learn were substantial. She knew there lovemaking had been adequate but not brilliant. Practice, as Mama would say, makes perfect, Jane Pembroke's mind recalled, before putting that adage to work. After all, we have hours to sleep in the carriage on the way to London and then Rutledge which will allow us to recover our strength.