A/N: So…it's been a while. I have no excuses except that life happened and writing has unfortunately had to take a backseat. I did not anticipate writing this story for like 2 years so forgiveness to those that have been on this journey for this long. And further apologies for the delay in updating. I have seen the comments and even received some really lovely PMs enquiring about my wellbeing and the story and I was touched. I promise it is not abandoned. I even wanted to publish this chapter along with chapter 14 but that is still a WIP as I have so much to write about now. So hang in there. We are almost there.

Recap: A quick recap as I know its been a while: Darcy & Lizzie had an argument in a greenhouse (Chp 8), then there were attempts to reconcile punctuated by a lot of crying and seeking counsel in friends and family (Chp 9-11) and finally a compromise of sorts was reached (Chp 12). Now let us see how this new chapter unfolds. Enjoy!

Chapter Summary:Things around Pemberley take a turn….although whether this is for the better is still to be determined.

Track: "Emancipation" - The Chamber Orchestra of London (Downton Abbey)

"Good morning, Lady Sybil."

"Good morning, Miss Bennet," said Lady Sybil, acknowledging Elizabeth who was the lone occupant of the nursery. "I hope my niece and nephew have not abandoned you?"

Elizabeth laughed as she continued to replace the paintings currently on the wall with copies the children had recently completed. "If they have, then I am truly doing a terrible job as their teacher." She paused for a moment observing the paintings. "Bessie is still preparing them for the morning. They are due to join us any moment now."

Lady Sybil joined Elizabeth by the wall. "I see their skills are improving."

Elizabeth chuckled. "They are both determined to outdo the other. It's a healthy dose of competition that reduces the amount of encouragement I have to give."

Lady Sybil looked away from the drawings to observe Elizabeth. "You are in a good mood."

Elizabeth's smile faltered as she quickly glanced at Lady Sybil before looking back at the paintings. Lady Sybil did not miss this. Elizabeth returned to the task of placing the paintings on the wall but as Lady Sybil remained silent, Elizabeth eventually responded. It was a skill that Lady Sybil had mastered. Silence bred discomfort which almost always prompted the speaker to continue despite their apparent unwillingness.

"Well, Mr Darcy approved some of the changes to the children's schedule and the curriculum. I suppose that is what has resulted in me waking up in a good mood."

Lady Sybil did not miss the way Elizabeth hesitated when referring to her nephew.

"I did tell you to trust me did I not?" said Lady Sybil with a knowing smile.

"Yes you did. I cannot thank you enough for whatever you did or said to Mr Darcy."

"You give me too much credit, my dear. My nephew did not do anything that he did not already want to do."

"Regardless, I appreciate your support," said Elizabeth, smiling. She did not want to dwell too much on whether Darcy had or had not wanted to allow this new arrangement to take place.

Lady Sybil only nodded knowing how important this shift was for Elizabeth. She knew she had not done much more than influence Darcy to seek a different perspective where Elizabeth was concerned.

"So tell me more about this new plan of action," said Lady Sybil, which only widened Elizabeth's smile. As Elizabeth joined Lady Sybil on one of the settees and launched into the details of the new plan for the children's education, Lady Sybil took the time to reflect on the last few months that she had resided at Pemberley.

With her impending departure, she had wanted to ensure Elizabeth would stay at Pemberley and her nephew would change his attitude towards Elizabeth to prevent any further conflict which would drive Elizabeth to leave. She was satisfied to know she would leave with both parties paving a path that would allow for cordiality, even if it was too early to judge if this would be the permanent state of affairs. The gap to bridge was not something Lady Sybil took for granted considering the damage already done, but knowing that master and servant had a common interest in the twins' wellbeing was assurance enough for Lady Sybil to believe that this time around the two would finally see eye to eye.

What Lady Sybil was not certain of was what she strongly suspected was an interest on her nephew's part that crossed the clearly defined lines in the world between master and servant. Back in London when Darcy had gone to great lengths to evade further questions about Elizabeth after his slip of the tongue concerning her beauty, Lady Sybil had not given the moment too much thought. After meeting Elizabeth however, and also witnessing her interactions with her nephew, Lady Sybil had been curious to know if this was a passing fancy brought on by her nephew's lack of interest in the fairer sex since Anne's passing or if it was something more. Something that might be good on the surface considering how much of an impact Elizabeth had made on Darcy and the twins alike (though with the former, the impact could be considered negative). But also something that might spell trouble if not handled delicately.

Lady Sybil had lived long enough to know that social norms and rules of propriety could not stop the forces of attraction, desire, or even love. Among their circles, governesses and masters of the house were known to be entangled but it was usually under unsavoury circumstances where the gentlemen tended to take advantage of their power to manipulate the young ladies who took up positions in these households. Not to mention that most masters did not end up marrying the governess. However, it was not unheard of.

So while Darcy and Elizabeth were from different worlds by virtue of Elizabeth's background and status as a governess, it did not erase that there was a force that seemed to draw them to each other. And after all, Elizabeth was a gentleman's daughter, lowly though he may be. Lady Sybil had gleaned enough through conversations with Elizabeth and confirmation from Mr Thorpe that Elizabeth's choice to be employed was most likely a result of issues with her family's estate.

So although the average observer would consider it animosity that could not breed anything fruitful, Lady Sybil was of a different mind. And she could not resist the temptation of seeing other possibilities for Elizabeth at Pemberley and for its master. She had not been playing coy when she advised her nephew that Elizabeth had more than just the role of a governess to play at Pemberley. Her thoughts over the last few days following the confrontation between the pair had more than convinced her to take into consideration what Pemberley and its inhabitants needed.

Pemberley needed a lady of the house again who would revive it to its former glory, which it had last experienced when Darcy's own mother was still alive. Anne had unfortunately not spent more than two years in the role before her passing to make her mark.

The children also needed a mother more than a carer who was only responsible for their formative years. They needed someone who would balance Darcy's periods of melancholy and infuse some joy into their days.

And Darcy also needed a second chance at life. To live, laugh and love. Not to simply survive as he seemed to have been doing since his mother's and subsequently his father's passing which left him responsible for Georgiana and the extensive estate and more so since his wife had tragically passed leaving him a widower.

And Lady Sybil had a strong hunch (dare she admit that she knew) that Elizabeth was the key to fulfil this. It may simply be that she was a key to allow the children to have a sense of what it was like to have a mother. But if this also extended to mean that their father might gain a companion, what could Lady Sybil do to stop something that could guarantee her nephew's happiness?

Perhaps she was being hasty. If her son knew what she was thinking he would laugh his hearty laugh and caution her against once again falling into her favourite hobby of playing matchmaker. However, Lady Sybil had always had a sense about these things and when she recognised something her tenacious nature made it impossible to not pursue it to some end.

What she had seen during the interactions between her nephew and Elizabeth confirmed that Elizabeth affected him in a way that Anne nor any other woman had never done. And this was reason enough to believe that something could be born out of this not unlikely but unconventional pairing.

And if this renaissance to the Darcy family and home was to be through the lady who happened to be the daughter of a lowly gentleman and also a governess, what did it matter as long as the family rediscovered this happiness that seemed to elude them?

Lady Sybil's thoughts were interrupted as she and Elizabeth were joined by Archie and Rosie, but she could not help but feel validated at the warm greeting Elizabeth bestowed the children and how they in turn warmed to her. She would not fault a stranger for thinking the trio were a mother and her children rather than a tutor and her pupils. There was a sense of kinship among them. A kinship she could confidently characterise as love.

She could only hope that her time away would also result in a much better relationship between governess and master.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth tried to treat the day like any other. The significance of it was not lost on her but she feared that if she allowed herself to be swept up in the euphoria she had felt yesterday at reading the new schedule and curriculum, she might wake up and find that it was all just a dream. However, after Lady Sybil had remarked on her "good mood", Elizabeth knew her excitement was hard to contain.

After Rosie and Archie joined her and Lady Sybil, Elizabeth proceeded to impart the news that their first lesson would be conducted outside.

"Truly, Miss Bennet?" exclaimed Rosie, though her smile faltered slightly, doubt resonating through. Elizabeth was reminded of her own exercise of caution with this particular matter.

"Yes, Rosie. Truly," said Elizabeth, making sure her smile expressed the sincerity in her statement.

"Papa would never allow that," came Archie's matter of fact statement. He had looked interested when Elizabeth had first announced she had some news but when he had learned the nature of the news, his face had resumed its usual neutrality when it came to things involving his father.

Elizabeth shared a look with Lady Sybil.

"You are correct Archie, normally your father would be opposed to the idea of changing your lesson plan. However, he recently saw the benefit of allowing your lessons to be planned to best suit your needs. And for this lesson learning outside is of benefit," said Eliazbeth.

Rosie allowed her excitement to shine through while Archie still looked sceptical but seemed willing to see how the day would unfold in light of the new development.

Lady Sybil returned to her rooms while Elizabeth and the twins proceeded outside. Elizabeth would be conducting their lesson in one of the smaller gardens around the estate which offered a variety of plants and flowers the children could draw and describe as part of their lesson. Three rugs had been set up to allow for the three of them to have individual spaces to work.

Adjusting to their new surroundings did not take long as soon her charges were moving around the garden identifying the plants.

"This is truly divine Miss Bennet," said Rosie.

Elizabeth saw Archie roll his eyes and shake his head with a small smile as he concentrated on the flower he was capturing.

"It is, isn't it Rosie?" Elizabeth could not help but chuckle at Rosie's favourite overused terms.

"Papa is amazing for letting us enjoy all this."

"What do you want to do to thank him?" Elizabeth did not want to admit it but in some ways she also wanted to thank Darcy for finally seeing sense.

"Maybe we can draw one of the flowers for him to display in his study," said Rosie without pause. She had already started to look around for a suitable flower. Elizabeth suspected she may have been anticipating such an opportunity. "Archie, make sure your next flower is perfect so that we can give it to Papa as a thank you," Rosie added.

"I do not think Papa will hang anything in his office," said Archie, not loud enough for Rosie to hear as she had moved further away in her inspection for the next best flower, but still audible enough for Elizabeth who was close by.

Elizabeth paused for a moment uncertain of how to reply. She knew in some ways Archie was correct. After all, Darcy's office was organised in a way that did not allow paraphernalia like children's drawings to be put on display. However, it did not mean that it was impossible to accommodate them, especially with this new turn he had taken. But Elizabeth was also not confident about that assumption. This was further testament of how much more of an effort Darcy needed to make to show his children, especially Archie, of his love for them.

"I think he would appreciate anything you give him," said Elizabeth, coming closer to Archie. She smoothed down his already perfectly brushed hair for no other reason than to impart some form of comfort. Archie's shoulders relaxed slightly. He paused midway through his current drawing leaning slightly into her touch. "He would especially love the drawings because they would be from the two people he cherishes the most. I think your father is hoping that allowing you and Rosie to partake in lessons this way will mean he gets a lot of drawings."

She was exaggerating but hoped it would have the added effect. Archie looked up at her and she offered him a smile which he returned sheepishly. He picked up a blank paper and rose from his seat, following in the footsteps of his sister.

"Perhaps you may consider drawing another flower for your great aunt. It will be a nice parting gift until you see her again,"said Elizabeth to the pair.

"I know just the flower for her," said Rosie with increased enthusiasm.

Elizabeth was tempted to enquire further but decided to wait until they had completed their tasks.

The trio continued through the lesson plan, retreating to the gazebo for refreshments.

There was a moment during the day when Elizabeth had felt like she was being watched. She had ignored the feeling, because even though she wanted one particular member of the family to see the lesson unfolding she still had residual anxiety about how things were changing faster than she had anticipated and how that might not be well received as she hoped. Elizabeth was still expecting Darcy to march down to the grounds and scold her. She was struggling to believe Darcy had been genuine in agreeing to implement her suggestions, and yet here she was enjoying the benefits of being outside with the children. In some ways Elizabeth had expected the change to the status quo to be transitional, with Darcy still holding onto the reins as she tried to implement the changes he had allowed for, but she was wonderfully surprised at this turn of events.

However, as she had rested on one of the benches around the garden observing Archie and Rosie, the feeling of being watched had built up until she could no longer resist looking in the general direction of the wing she knew Darcy's study was located.

She was not close enough to discern any figure at the window and the curtains further shielded her view, but she consoled herself with the fact that if Darcy had indeed been watching, then he would have seen a sight that hopefully reassured him that this was the right direction to take when it came to his children. After all she had been strategic in choosing this garden for its vantage point from his study. She only hoped her efforts had not been in vain.

The moment Elizabeth had turned in the direction of his study, Darcy had retreated from the window. The only sign that he had been looking through the window was the slight tremble of the curtain as it fell back into place. Darcy returned to his desk trying, and failing, to ignore feeling like a foolish boy who had been caught snooping.

Following his meeting with Elizabeth, Darcy had retreated to his quarters to try and rest in anticipation of the next day where the changes with his children's education would take place. He had hoped his exhaustion would mean his mind would not take him on its usual adventurous route. However, as sure as night meets day, Elizabeth had found her way into his dreams.

The dream had been nothing of significance. Innocuous at best, at least where Elizabeth was concerned. He had been walking down a familiar hallway to a place he could recognise as his study. He had opened the door to be greeted by the sight of Elizabeth inside, perusing books on his well stocked shelves. His dream self had not questioned her presence in his study. He had simply accepted that she belonged and he just stood at the threshold, observing. When Elizabeth seemed to sense his presence, she turned around and there it was. That smile which she had worn when reading through the documents he had provided her pertaining to the changes in the children's lesson plan.

He could only recall the feeling of warmth as he beheld the sight of her smiling in his direction with unbridled joy. His dream self was content to be fooled that the cause of Elizabeth's joy was himself. It was a thought he had woken up with and momentarily relished in until he realised he had only been dreaming and the reality was far from the imaginings of his dream.

The previous night had provided an opportunity for them to part for the first time not as adversaries but reluctant partners of sorts, united in ensuring his children would benefit the most. It was still early to know if his acquiescence would prove to be beneficial. Darcy could not deny the anxiety he felt at relinquishing so much control but the sight of Archie and Rosie in the garden was welcome. He had looked on with a critical eye, wanting to find something to justify his anxiety at this change.

He suspected Elizabeth had chosen this garden for the fact that he would have a vantage point to observe. But try as he might to find fault with the new arrangement, all he could take away was the joy his children exhibited. For the rest of the day he ruminated on this, and the woman who had been instrumental to bringing it about.

As she would be departing the next day, Lady Sybil invited Elizabeth to dine with her and the family for the evening meal. While Elizabeth was regularly invited for meals, it was not something she assumed was the norm and tended to wait for the invitation from Lady Sybil (by way of Mrs Reynolds).

It was only when she arrived in the dining room along with Archie and Rosie that she realised this would not be the usual evening meal.

"Papa!"

Once again Rosie's excitement could not be contained, for at the head of the table was Darcy. Elizabeth paused in the doorway for a moment too long that Lady Sybil, who was on the other end of the table from Darcy, had to prompt her to move and take a seat to Lady Sybil's left and next to Georgiana. The children had been seated across from her and Georgiana. It helped that Archie also looked surprised, if the furtive glances he kept casting at his father were anything to go by. Rosie treated her father's presence as if it was the norm, immediately engaging him in conversation about their lessons earlier. Darcy did not seem to question Elizabeth's presence meaning he had known she would dine with the family.

In another household, a governess dining with any member of the family outside of the children was rare, if not unheard of. That had been the case with the Goulds and Turners. The practice in society was that the governess was above the servants but below the family. So Elizabeth recognised how fortunate she was to be able to still interact and have familiarity with Lady Sybil and Georgiana. However, Darcy was another entity altogether. He was the head of the family and had every reason to dine with them if he so wished, however, there was a strangeness to the scene with him present.

While he took the time to talk to Rosie and Archie, Elizabeth observed him. He was less reserved in talking to them, including Archie who he always seemed unsure of. While Archie was not as dramatic as Rosie in describing their activities, his usual reticence seemed to be forgotten as he added on to whatever Rosie would omit about their activities during the day.

"...and we have a gift for you, Papa."

Elizabeth tuned in just as Rosie gave away the element of surprise and realised as much as she clamped her hand over her mouth.

"Rosie! We were not supposed to tell him until later," said Archie in a harsh whisper, although the purpose of whispering was rendered moot due to the other members at the table being within hearing distance.

"Sorry Miss Bennet!" said Rosie, suddenly downcast and looking at Elizabeth.

"No apology needed, my d-." Elizabeth paused and quickly cleared her throat. "Miss Rosie." She did not dare to look at Darcy. She was thankful she had caught herself before she almost slipped on calling her charge by an overly familiar term.

"What is this I hear about a gift?" asked Lady Sybil, choosing as always to treat the moment as if it was always intended to pass as it was.

"Miss Rosie and Master Archie, have prepared a gift for Mr Darcy." Elizabeth now glanced quickly at the man who only had eyes for his children who were now engaged in a battle of the stares. No doubt to prove who was more at fault for divulging the secret. It was clearly Rosie but she would not concede easily. Though she could only see half his face Darcy did not look displeased at the scene. "They also have a gift for you, Lady Sybil."

"How very sweet of you both! I do not know what I have done to deserve a gift."

"Miss Bennet said it is a parting gift," Rosie chimed in. "So that you do not forget us while you are away."

Lady Sybil beamed at her niece and nephew. "I would not so easily forget my favourite niece and nephew."

"I thought I was your favourite niece?" said Georgiana, with a teasing smile.

"And I, your favourite nephew?" said Darcy, feigning surprise. He looked to Georgiana to share in the humour of the moment. But by looking at his sister, his eyes landed on Elizabeth for the first time since she had walked in the room. Elizabeth looked away quickly.

"I suppose, the safest title I can bestow upon all my nieces and nephews is to call them all my favourites!" said Lady Sybil with a dramatic clap to signal finality.

This induced some giggles from the children while Georgiana smiled and Darcy simply quirked his lips slightly.

Elizabeth had to suppress the memory of him smiling the previous evening when he had presented a different version of himself than she had been used to. She did not dwell on how she wanted to see that smile once more.

The meal proceeded with the usual polite conversation which was made lighter by the presence of the children. The scene was too domestic for Elizabeth to believe.

"I am looking forward to seeing how my daughter-in-law is faring with the country house," said Lady Sybil as they concluded the last course. "My first impression of her was rather unfair, I have now come to realise."

Elizabeth looked at Darcy hesitantly to find his eyes on her. From the way he was looking at her, Elizabeth could only conclude that like her, Darcy had been thinking back to their own first meeting where neither of them made a good first impression. Admittedly she had not acted as she should, however, Darcy's attitude following that first meeting had made these last few months impossible. With their new understanding Elizabeth hoped that going forward she might rectify that.

Elizabeth realised she had lost the thread of the conversation as she heard Lady Sybil chuckle at something that one of the children had presumably said judging by the way they were both smiling as well.

"However, before I leave I would love to see you both play. I am sure that would complement the gifts you have for me," said Lady Sybil to the twins.

With much excitement, at least from Rosie who enjoyed the opportunity to showcase her talents, the party moved to the drawing room.

When Elizabeth had attempted to return to her room, believing that though her presence might have been accepted for the meal it would not do to join the family during the more intimate setting in the drawing room, she was prevented from doing so by Lady Sybil's simple, "You will join us Miss Bennet."

Elizabeth marvelled at how a statement could be both a command and a request.

Now seated at one of the chairs in the room, Elizabeth chided herself for not finding another excuse to leave, especially now that she was seated directly across from Darcy. She hated how her eyes somehow drifted to him and how she was constantly wondering what he must be thinking about her presence for something that should be exclusive to his family.

Elizabeth had joined them all before but that was when the family hosted other guests and though not common practice, her presence could easily have been excused as a necessity due to the children also being present. But nothing about his demeanour or features showed his feelings. He might as well be made of stone. Or maybe marble, Elizabeth reasoned. For only marble could both be so cold and yet intriguing.

She had not wanted to let her mind wander but since the change in how they approached the children's education, Darcy had not been far from Elizabeth's mind. Which was saying a lot considering that since their first meeting he had been constantly in her thoughts. However, back then (Elizabeth found it strange to think that she could now think of him in these two spaces, then and now), he had been a thorn at her side. A constant irritant, like an insect one cannot swat away. If she thought he had been a problem to solve, now he was an enigma.

It was sobering to realise that the box she had placed Darcy in, the one in which he was stubborn, unrelenting, cold, heartless and ignorant to his children's needs was cracking open with the simple act of allowing his children some liberties. What else was hidden beneath the surface?

Wouldn't you want to find out, a treacherous part of her mind thought.

"Miss Bennet?"

Upon hearing her name, Elizabeth sought out the source, finding that the whole room was looking at her. She felt her skin grow hot for she had been staring very blatantly at Darcy who was also staring back at her.

Had he noticed her staring? If so, how long had he stared while she let her thoughts run away with her?

Thankfully, Lady Sybil saved her any further embarrassment as she carried on as if nothing had happened. Her smile said otherwise.

"I so loved the piece you played when our guests were here, I was hoping for an encore?"

It took a moment for Elizabeth to understand the request. "I am sure Miss Darcy would love to perform." Elizabeth looked hopefully towards Georgiana who looked apologetically back at her.

"My niece has just graced us with a lovely piece."

Elizabeth hoped the disappointment did not show on her face nor the embarrassment at how she had been so lost in her thoughts that she had missed Georgiana's performance.

"I can accompany you though if you wish Miss Bennet," offered Georgiana.

Elizabeth accepted the offer, though she was still reluctant to play. She was not confident she could perform without messing up considering her current state of mind but there was no point in countering Lady Sybil's request. It would only cause an unnecessary scene.

In all this, she had not dared look at Darcy again, but as she readied herself to perform the piece Lady Sybil had requested she cast a glance at Darcy and found him studying her.

Elizabeth looked away without wondering further at his thoughts. She had already made a fool of herself and did not want to give her mind the opportunity to do so again.

After taking a breath, Elizabeth nodded to Georgiana to indicate she was ready. As the first notes played, she closed her eyes humming the tune before releasing the first note. By the time she concluded the final note, she was glad that the display was over.

Even with all the praise that Georgiana, Lady Sybil and the children showered her with, there was a part of her (a part she resented) that wanted to know what Darcy had thought. She glanced nervously towards him and found his eyes on her. Though his expressionless features were not a surprise, Elizabeth could not suppress the slight disappointment at not registering anything more from him.

Had he found fault with her performance? Was there anything to praise? Had he even been paying attention?

And why do you care!, Elizabeth scolded herself.

"Lovely as that performance was Miss Bennet we cannot let that be the end of our night can we?" said Lady Sybil addressing the room at large.

As Elizabeth had tried and failed to not look at Darcy and as such was still finding her eyes drifting towards him every now and again, Elizabeth saw when Darcy seemed to tense at Lady Sybil's statement. It was imperceptible; one might even have thought he merely twitched.

"During the course of my stay, I have witnessed everyone in this room perform save for one. Any guess who that may be?" At this, she asked Archie and Rosie, the latter of which only shook her head while the former looked at his father.

"I will save you the trouble Aunt and decline," said Darcy, chuckling drily.

"Did I say it was you, Fitzwilliam?" said Lady Sybil feigning innocence. "What if I meant myself? I have not performed."

"If that was the case then you would not have phrased your statement as such."

"There is an argument to be made there," Lady Sybil laughed.

Darcy did not. He stood and went to the table where the tea was arranged.

"The answer is still no," said Darcy after a few moments of pouring his tea.

Elizabeth could see enough from the rigidity of his body that he was not taking the moment lightly which she believed Lady Sybil had intended. She wondered at this as Lady Sybil had indicated during one of their meetings that Darcy liked to watch performances. She had figured that he had no obvious interest in performing but from the looks of it there was more to it.

"I can accompany you," said Georgiana, who looked so hopeful that Elizabeth's curiosity increased.

She wished she could join in and support Georgiana in trying to convince Darcy to perform just to see what his performance would entail. As Georgiana had offered to accompany Darcy then surely it meant that Darcy would sing or maybe play a complementary instrument? A quick glance around the room, which along with the piano only had a harp, told Elizabeth it was most likely singing. She could not see Darcy playing such a delicate instrument. Though an image of this floated unbidden in her mind which induced a chuckle she suppressed with a smile.

"You see! Even Miss Bennet is smiling at the prospect," said Lady Sybil misconstruing (wilfully or otherwise) Elizabeth's actions.

Darcy turned slowly, his eyes fixating on Elizabeth.

"I am not -. I was not -. I was not smiling," Elizabeth stammered, not certain if she wanted to convince Lady Sybil or Darcy.

"Aunt Sybil, are you asking Papa to perform?" asked Rosie who seemed to have gotten confused at the thread of conversation.

"Yes, my dear," said Lady Sybil. "Your father has quite the talent for singing."

Rosie looked shocked at this but this quickly transformed to her usual excitement as she ran to her father saying, "I would love to hear you sing Papa!"

"First of all, what did I say about running in the house?" asked Darcy, although this time it was said with less of his usual authoritarian tone. "Secondly, I am afraid it is now time you and your brother retired to bed. There has been too much excitement for one day. Wouldn't you say so Miss Bennet?"

At the direct address Elizabeth could only respond in the affirmative with a simple nod. She commended Darcy for his masterful stroke of not only deflecting the attention on what was soon to be a back and forth on whether he would sing or not sing but also being able to use a valid reason to do so.

"Do not worry nephew, I shall be back," chuckled Lady Sybil. "You cannot hide away from me."

"Papa, please?" said Rosie, appealing one more time to her father.

Darcy knelt down making him almost eye level with Rosie. Elizabeth had observed him doing this a few times with his children and even with her general irritation with him, it was a gesture that touched her.

"How about I promise you something? If you and Archie continue to do well under Miss Bennet's tutelage, I will surprise you both with a song."

"So we cannot choose when you can sing? What if I want you to sing for our birthday or another occasion?" said Rosie, pouting in only the way that a child could pout to appeal to a parent's better nature.

"I could just choose to never sing and-".

Darcy did not get a chance to finish as Rosie exclaimed, "A surprise song will do!"

Darcy chuckled.

"So is that a deal?" He extended his hand to Rosie as if the pair had just negotiated a business contract.

Rosie laughed. "We don't shake on a promise Papa. We pinky promise." She in turn extended her hand with her little finger pointing at Darcy. "Archie, come on. Let us pinky promise with Papa. This way he cannot get away with it."

Darcy only looked on with a mixture of amusement and fondness as Rosie forced Archie to also extend his finger to which the two children wrapped their two fingers around their father's larger one.

"You promise?" asked Rosie.

"I promise," said Darcy with all the solemnity deserving of the moment.

Rosie beamed, to which Archie rolled his eyes although a small smile graced his lips. After briefly hesitating, Archie embraced his father, burrowing his face into Darcy's neck. Rosie followed her brother and the trio embraced for a moment that stretched on and was only broken when Darcy wished them good night.

As the children moved to bid goodnight to their aunts, Elizabeth saw Darcy rise and occupy himself with the tea making provisions although he seemed to mostly be fiddling with the cup and saucer than actually making tea. Elizabeth wished she had the power to read minds as she would have loved to know Darcy's thoughts surrounding the moment that had just passed. The trio had embraced before when Darcy departed or returned from places but it was not frequent nor did Archie initiate the hugs. It was almost always Rosie who would then drag her brother along. And this moment was also laced with the significance of it being a turning point of sorts in the children's relationship with their father. Through Elizabeth's actions, the children's desires were being heard.

Being the child that withheld most from showing his true self to Darcy, Elizabeth was surprised but glad at Archie's actions. Father and son may not have reached the stage of being as easy and free with each other, but this was a start. For one, it showed that even at such a tender age, Archie recognised the importance of the day they had experienced.

Elizabeth said her farewells to the ladies and added a simple "Mr Darcy", to signify her parting with the father of her charges.

"Miss Bennet," was what she received in kind. Elizabeth did not dwell on their interaction any longer and departed. It indeed had been a long day and Elizabeth could not wait to quiet her mind.

Lady Sybil and Georgiana soon also retired for bed and Darcy was left alone in the drawing room. He had not had the energy to question Lady Sybil's motives in suggesting he should sing. Aside from the tunes he would hum here and there when his children were still babes, Darcy had not exercised his singing voice since Anne's death. Prior to their short union, Anne had always requested a song from him whenever he would visit her at his aunt's house, Rosings Park. And during her pregnancy, she had made it a ritual for him to sing to her. It was not often but he obliged Anne when he could.

The only other people that could say they had truly witnessed Darcy exhibiting this talent were Lady Sybil, Georgiana and his late mother. As a little boy he would entertain his mother with a song whenever she requested. And she would always exclaim at how lovely his voice was. On the occasions that they were joined by Lady Sybil, Darcy would only sing for them as a duo and no one else. He had been too self conscious to truly feel comfortable in front of a large audience. His father had not been around much nor had he encouraged Darcy to sing when he was present.

However, once his mother passed, it became increasingly hard to find enjoyment in singing. As Georgiana grew and needed some soothing, he would sometimes sing to her and since Anne's death he had not sung a single note.

He would sometimes feel the urge to hum a tune and when alone he would let himself get lost in the moment but when there was an audience, the last thing his mind could focus on was singing. Contrary to Lady Sybil's assertions, it wasn't something he regarded as a particular talent or something he wanted to exhibit as with other men in society who might use this as a way to a lady's heart. For Darcy, singing was simply something he could do and any enjoyment he found in it was largely dependent on the enjoyment his immediate family could derive from it. He was much more suited to listening.

Lady Sybil's attempt to coerce him to sing had in a way rehashed the memories he associated with his mother and Anne. And realising his children had never heard him do something that his mother had said was a good part of him had brought on complicated emotions.

Compounding this was Elizabeth's presence. He could sense her eagerness to see him exhibit even though she had not said so. What would she have thought if he had sung? Would that have improved her esteem for him, non existent as it was at present? She might think him less severe.

And why should I care how she esteems me? Darcy scolded himself as he realised his train of thought.

Because you want her brown eyes to hold the fire you witnessed before. The treacherous part of his mind could not be quieted.

He shook his head as if that would help to rid him of these thoughts.

He began the walk to his quarters, musing on the new normal he and Elizabeth were trying to create. Whether this would be a success was still to be proven. His Aunt already seemed confident. She had informed him of extending an invitation to Elizabeth to dine with the family as if it was a daily occurrence that did not warrant a discussion.

He had not been surprised that Elizabeth had seemed surprised at his presence at the table. He knew his aunt would have omitted some truths to ensure Elizabeth would accept her invitation. No doubt she believed this would help the process.

In some ways Darcy knew there was no point in resisting the wave of change. If the way he had interacted with his children in the last couple of days was any indication, there was more benefit in being civil with Elizabeth than doing the opposite. It was still early in this new chapter for both master and servant but after the hug that his children (especially Archie) had bestowed on him, he could not resist the opportunity to be at the receiving end of more of that affection. If it meant tolerating their stubborn governess, then it would surely have to be worth it.

A/N: And we have done it! I am not superstitious but Chapter 13 was honestly the worst to write so far. And I think it has something to do with that the # 13. But we are over the hump. I promise Chapter 14 will be out soonest and the rest of the story has been properly mapped out chapter by chapter as you can see with the chapter numbering having an end point. I don't think I will be able to post as quickly as I would like but know that I am determined to have this completed.

Some additional points on this chapter, obviously the beats in this story are different to P&P but I assume in P&P, the months before Darcy & Elizabeth reunited Darcy took his time to really transition and allow himself to be more vulnerable/honest with himself. So, trying my best to make Darcy take that transition without making it seem totally ridiculous that he would go from stern to loving. In P&P I believe it is some months until Elizabeth meets him again so the shift I want to show has to sort of adhere to that as I think it is realistic for them to grow a bit before any falling in love-stuff happens. But trying my best to drop hints etc. It is fanfiction after all (hahaha).

Thanks as always for reading, commenting or liking!