Wow. So, it has been a really long time for this one. I am actually in the process of finishing all of my already posted fics, and I was going to wait to start posting on them until I was finished with them, but it's been so long since I posted on this one. It is not abandoned, and I fully plan on finishing it. PLease enjoy this new chapter as I work to get these things finished!

The Countess eyed everyone in the room. She had arrived only that morning at Netherfield, and her husband already had her waiting on her youngest son's soon to be family. Being the lady she was, she bore it well. The lady of the house, Mrs. Bennet, was quite rattled by her presence and she could admit to herself that she found it quite amusing, but she couldn't help the disdain she felt for her, as well. It was women like her that allowed their sex to remain thought of as they were, weak women with little thought outside their own comfort. Some might think she was the same, but she disagreed with that thought. There were many things she would like to have more than material comfort, but it was not to be.

Looking at Mr. Bennet, she wondered, not for the first time, if she would have been happier married to her dear friend, Winston Stone. He had been a scholar, a bit boring in her opinion, having no interest in much socializing, but as the 4th son of an Earl, he was still somewhat of an eligible match. Mr. Bennet mocked his wife, and she couldn't blame him for it, but he was faithful. Turning her eyes to her own husband, she thought it might be more preferable to her present situation. At least Mrs. Bennet didn't have to attend society with women her husband preferred over her and was blissfully unaware of his censure of her mind. She listened to the woman prattle on about the ideas for the wedding, and at her son's urging, she guided the woman down the right path.

It was not long before her attention was taken by the woman's daughters. Jane and Elizabeth she had, of course, already met, but the younger were certainly intriguing. Miss Catherine (she refused to use the ridiculous pet name) was a pretty girl with a sweet, albeit lively, disposition. She reminded her strongly of Georgiana without the shyness she most recently displayed. It was obvious that her Richard longed to play the good brother and would enjoy taking that place in the young woman's life. The youngest, Lydia, made the Countess have to hold back chuckles at the thought of her living with Catherine at Rosings. She almost wanted to plan a long stay to see those proceedings. However, it was Miss Mary Bennet who kept most of her attention, though no one would know it.

From the moment they had entered the house, Mrs. Bennet had been in a nervous condition, and in that condition, she would verbally strike out at someone to settle herself. That person had been Miss Mary Bennet. The young lady had what most would consider a severe look about her. She did not smile as easily as her sisters; nor did she seem as relaxed. Her movements were made with purpose but had no precision. She was as a sophisticated lady with no proper training. Of course, after further thought, the Countess realized that she was a sophisticated lady with no proper training. The longer she spent time around the young woman, the more she saw the girl's potential. It gave her a lot to think about.

As the days went by, and she calmed at knowing Richard's choice of bride was more than acceptable on her own, she still found herself thinking back on the middle Bennet daughter. Finally, the night before the wedding, she knew what she would do. Going to the door that would lead her into her husband's chambers, something she had not done in years, she opened the door and began to speak.

"John, I have a request."

The day of the wedding dawned beautifully. It gave Richard some peace. As promised, Matthew did not show up until mere hours before the wedding was to take place, and for that, Richard was thankful. It had been an eventful week with his mother being there, but her presence had helped soothe his bride's own nerves as everything fell into place. Matthew made a small comment about him not shaming himself, at least, and spent the rest of his time refreshing himself for the wedding and reading over some papers he had brought with him. However, his mother had a particular look of triumph that made him a little uneasy, and his father had the look he had when he was trying to figure out a solution to a problem. Nevertheless, he believed the day would go splendidly.

There was one detail that caused some melancholy, but it wasn't unexpected. Darcy had sent an express stating that Georgiana was feeling unwell, and they would not make it to the wedding. He also reinstated his intention to take his sister on an extended trip. It saddened Richard for they were both his favorite relatives. He would miss Georgiana, but he was looking forward to getting to know Kitty more. She was already the sister he had always wished for, and his Elizabeth approved of his blossoming affection for her younger sister. It was her goal to do better for her sister and knowing that she would have a good brother to look over her wellbeing pleased her.

Lady Catherine arrive exactly one hour before the wedding was to take place, and Richard was happy for it. He didn't think he could have stood her opinions for longer than he was forced to. Everyone began to take their places in the little church. Bingley had agreed to stand with him, and Jane was to attend her sister. It didn't seem real, his getting married, and more than once he feared he would wake up to find it had only been a dream; a wonderfully perfect dream.

And then, she appeared. The moment Elizabeth entered the church on the arm of her father, Richard could see nothing else. It was real; it was happening. He was about to marry Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Her radiant smile sent his heart racing. To be the soul receiver of her smile made him soar. Mr. Bennet handed her over to him and they turned towards the minister. As no one laughed, he was certain he said the right things at the right time. Soon, they were signing the registrar and began to make their way back to Longbourn for the wedding breakfast.

As far as wedding breakfasts went, he thought it was nicely on par with what he had taken part of, but as for what foods he had on his plate, he could not tell you, not with the amount of attention he gave to his bride. She, herself, was in her element as friends and neighbors continued to give them their well wishes. The house was quite full with several of his parents friends and acquaintances also present. Elizabeth mentioned at one point that it was interesting to see such a diverse group of people in her family home. So many gentry and peers in one place was not something often observed near Meryton.

"Please tell me you and your bride will soon be making your exit," his brother growled lowly, seeming to have chased him down. "I find I cannot abide this company for much longer. Lady Elisha is here with her daughter and both she and our mother seem content to see us make a match!"

"And to think, you were more worried about the gentry. But yes, Elizabeth and I will be leaving for our trip soon."

"Thank God for that!"

And they did. The carriage was brought around and as he waited at the door of the vehicle, he watched as his bride made her way through the crowd of tearful well-wishers. She truly was adored by almost everyone who knew her. Finally, though, after his own tearful goodbye to his mother, he and Elizabeth were on their way.

A little way down the road, Elizabeth turned to him with a blush. "So, husband, where are you taking me?"

He loved how that term sounded on her lips. "Well, Wife, we are headed to Brighton for the next 2 weeks."

"Brighton?"

"Yes. Father keeps a house there, and since it seems to be all the rage, what with the militia regiments soon arriving there, I thought you would like to see it at its best."

"I do believe I shall," she smiled.

They rode in a comfortable silence for a few miles before he felt her shift a little closer to him on the bench and hesitantly lay her head on his shoulder. Yes, he was going to quite enjoy spending some alone time with his new wife.