By late afternoon Caroline found herself back at the house. She had spent much of the day, after her visit with her seamstress, walking within Hyde Park. It was not her usual pastime but on occasion, when her mood was so inclined, she felt it did her well to be on her own out of doors.

Entering the foyer, she began to untie the dark ribbon of her bonnet. She could hear voices coming from the drawing room. Her heart gave a tiny leap upon hearing the deep drawl that was Darcy. Giving her cheeks a pinch and quickly adjusting the curls by her face, she headed into the parlour; anxious to see the man who had apparently been too busy to call on her in well over a week.

She entered the room, her smile wide and welcoming, ready to be as charming as she was able. Her smile stopped short upon seeing the addition of a blond gentleman with broad shoulders, dressed in a simple dark suit.

"Caroline you are here at last," Charles cried with enthusiasm. "May I introduce my younger sister, Miss Caroline Bingley; sister this is our cousin Mr Alfred Bingley.

Collecting herself she gave a small bow as was expected of her, before standing tall displaying the stature of her full height. She looked at the gentleman with scrutiny as he clearly studied her appearance in return. The family resemblance between he and Charles was uncanny.

Although more worn in appearance, which was likely due to him having several years on her brother in age, he had the same blue eyes and narrow nose of Charles. He looked a man in his early to mid-thirties; with a heavier build and not quite as tall as Charles, yet still carried himself well. The dark blond hair with a natural wave was exactly the same hue as her brothers, though the jaw line was quite different. Both Caroline and Charles had the jawline of their mother.

"Miss Bingley," he spoke in a gruff northern slant. "How delightful it is to finally make your acquaintance; I do not think I have seen you since you were knee-high to a grasshopper. My, how much you remind me of dear aunt Alice."

Caroline forced herself not to grimace under his use of her mother's name. How dare this man speak of their mother when he was conspiring to ruin them. He would not be calling her 'dear aunt Alice' if she were still present, for she would certainly let him feel her wrath. She placed her well-practiced smile firmly in place. She would not allow him the satisfaction of ruffling her feathers.

"You knew our mother well?" She asked, not without some natural curiosity.

"For a time yes. I was but a boy for most of it, before she and your papa moved down to London and got too important for the likes of us back home." It was said as a statement, with no hint of censure or sarcasm. Caroline was not sure what to make of the fellow.

Darcy watching the exchange between the pair with some apprehension, finally spoke; "I believe I should be leaving."

"No," Caroline cried. "I have only just arrived and it has been so long since we were all together. Allow me to call for tea and stay with us but a moment longer." Addressing her cousin, she continued; "you will find no one of more superior sense or better conversation than Mr Darcy."

"Is that so," he replied casting the gentleman a look which Caroline did not appreciate.

"I believe Miss Bingley gives me far too much credit," Darcy replied dryly. "Though of course you shall have ample opportunity to observe my conversational skills this evening if you agree to join myself and sister to dine at Darcy House?"

"An evening with friends, what could be more charming?" Charles remarked, looking at his sister for support. His overzealous smile and shaking of the head betrayed how nervous he truly felt in the presence of their cousin.

"I think that a most excellent suggestion," replied Caroline. "What say you cousin Alfred? I assume you would not object to such a scheme? What a happy time we shall have; unless you are too tired after your journey?" Her voice was filled with concern, though she felt none of it.

"Do not worry for fears of my constitution. The journey was indeed long but I am no more the worse for it. How could I not agree to such an invitation when it would give my fair cousin pleasure." He smiled at her in such a way as to make her feel uneasy.

"I shall see you all at seven. I shall send word to the Hurst's."

"Capital, capital, Darcy let me walk you out."

The gentleman left the room leaving Caroline and her cousin alone with only the wait staff as chaperone by the parlour door. He was still starring at her intently. She felt a lump in her throat which she swallowed down. She walked across the room to the window in an attempt to seem unmoved by his observation. "You could not have arrived at a more pleasant time. We are experiencing such wonderful weather and there is so much to do in the last three weeks of the season. I do not know if my brother has informed you but there is a Masquerade in but a few days. I took the liberty in acquiring a ticket in your name."

"How kind of you. Your brother did indeed mention the ball in several of his many, many letters in fact. So much so, my costume is happily waiting within my trunk ready for its next adventure."

She smiled at him with little feeling, as she knew not how else to respond. He was still looking at her intently. How dare he stare at her so blatantly. Did he simply look at her to find fault?

"Why do you stare at me so?" Caroline blurted out in exasperation. "Has no one ever told you it is rude to stare at a lady?" She regretted the words and the viciousness of her tone immediately. Oh, hell's bells.

"Forgive me. I was not aware that I was. Though you can hardly blame a man when presented with such beauty before him. If I had known my little cousin was quite so handsome a female, I would have long ago renewed my acquaintance with your brother."

"Better that be grounds for our reintroduction than the current reasoning behind your sudden presence," she replied coldly. "My brother may welcome you into our home, but I shall not. You are our guest, and for my part I will not quarrel with you. However, be warned, I shall be watching you."

"Oh, you are very much your mothers' daughter," he replied with amusement. "She was always on the lookout to best anyone she was able. Your father of course being one of them."

"Do not dare speak of my parents."

"Or what?" He asked moving closer to her. "Do not challenge me dear cousin, I would hate for you to hear things which you would find rather unpleasant to your ears. Oh, do not look at me like that cousin. Though I do appreciate my women with spirit; do not for a second think I will be challenged by you. What were you hoping for? To allow your brother to simply hide behind your skirts? I am beginning to think that perhaps you and I are one and the same. Take heed, it would do well for you and I to become particular friends." He took a further step forward so his face drew alongside her own. "And I am very good to my friends," he breathed on her. She felt a wave of dread wash over her.

At that moment footsteps could be heard in the hall. Alfred stepped back, smiling at her with satisfaction seeing the unsettled look upon her face.

"Well, is this not just excellent, you have only just arrived in London and already we are to dine at Darcy House. I dare say cousin Alfred, the next two weeks shall be quite the blur with engagements. Perhaps you would like to take some rest before we leave for dinner? I shall have the carriage ready for a quarter to the hour.

"I think that a most excellent suggestion," Caroline spoke quietly. "I myself am quite fatigued. If you will excuse me, I shall also take some rest for the remainder of the afternoon." She felt most desirous to be as far away from her cousin as possible at that moment. She turned to leave, but Alfred caught her hand, to which he drew to his lips and kissed. She looked at him, not with fury but with disgust; a look she could tell from the darkness of his eyes he understood only too well.

"Until we meet again my dear cousin."

With that she left the room.


He sat with the days paper, sipping a small glass of brandy as he waited. He felt tired this evening. The last fortnight had been utterly exhausting. Thankfully the deed was done, the girl was now married and hopefully that meant all would be well in the world of the Bennet family. A family who he still knew not, through Anne spoke most favourably of this Elizabeth Bennet. She must be quite a woman indeed to have Darcy quite so tied up in knots over the girl.

He knew the only way to fix the mess was to make Wickham wed the youngest sister, but he did not like the man. For the girl to be forever tied to such a man he felt little solace. Her reputation may have been salvaged but her life had still been sacrificed never the less in his opinion.

He had helped Darcy to track down and pay off as many debtors as possible. The lists had been exhaustive. It seemed Wickham was a very busy man with little scruples or indeed income. He was surprised he had returned to London at all, so known he was to the debt collectors. Edward could only hope the man might change now he had the responsibility of a wife to look after. He wished rather than believed it, if only for the girl's sake.

He looked up from his melancholy thoughts as Anne entered the room. His Anne. He would never tire of such words. Dressed in a simple gown of dark rose pink with her chestnut hair piled high in loose curls, he had never seen her look more lovely. They were to attend dinner at Darcy's this evening. It was a pity, for he would much rather simply stay comfortable in her parlour in Grosvenor Square. So happy was the little cocoon they had built themselves.

"I do believe you grow even more charming in appearance every single day my love."

"Oh, hush Edward," she laughed perching on the arm of the settee beside him. "What nonsense you talk. Speaking of appearance did you go to the tailors this morning?"

"Yes, I did."

"And?"

"And what," he laughed pulling her down onto this knee. "Darling you know I shall wear whatever ridiculous outfit of your choosing as long as you are happy."

"You think it ridiculous?" she asked concern in her voice.

"I think it quite perfect. However, you know my feelings on the matter. As we are to attend as King and Queen of the Fairies, I really do wish you would permit we announce our engagement."

"You know I cannot until we have spoken to mother."

"But Anne we have both tried! Why should we delay our happiness for that woman?"

"Edward, do not speak so of my mother. Yes, she is difficult, but she is still my own. Perhaps after the ball I should head to Bath, stay a fortnight? I am sure she would see me on a second visit. She can not be so unfeeling. Also, it is not the Bath season; mother must be growing tiresome of such little company."

"From what I gather she seldom enjoyed company at Rosings. I am sure it is of no great loss to a woman such as her to continue in a similar manner in Bath."

"Edward you are being cruel."

"I simply can not rejoice in bending to the will and whims of a woman who has caused you pain, yet you are so eager to please."

"Then be glad your mama is such a darling," she teased kissing his cheek lightly and standing from her from.

He took he hand and turned it, placing a kiss upon her inner wrist. "Yes she is rather. I should send her a gift, a new broach perhaps? But what does one pair with natural motherly affection?" He quirked his eyebrow at her as he rose from his chair.

She smiled at him. "Oh, haha. Are you ready to take our leave? The walk is only a few minutes but I do not wish to be late."

The pair began to ready themselves, Edward gathering his hat and gloves while Anne's ladies maid, Hennie, helped her with her evening wrap.

The front door bell rang out loud from the foyer. Anne looked at Edward, she was not expecting anyone.

"Do move aside! To be granted access to my own home by a housekeeper I have never before seen in my life is not to be born. Move aside I tell you. Where is my daughter?"

Anne felt her stomach tighten and instantly felt a wave of panic wash over her. Planning and trying to see her mother on her own terms was one thing, but to be suddenly presented with her unknowingly was quite another. Instinctively she reached out, seeking hold of Edwards hand for comfort.

Lady Catherine de Bourgh swept into the parlour, a mass of velvet and satin skirts. Dressed in black and emerald she looked as formidable as ever. Her eyes sought Anne out immediately, taking in her appearance until noticing the gentleman next to her. The gentleman whom was holding her daughter's hand.

"Remove yourself from my daughter this instant. Anne I am ashamed of you! Entertaining a gentleman in our home, with not a care for common decency or decorum!

"Mother, please, allow me to introduce..."

"I will not be interrupted! So this is what you have been doing with your new found independence? I thought my refusing to see you in Bath would have given you some food for thought. A little inclination into the disappointment felt by a mother at having a daughter so ungenerous." She looked at the gentleman who towered above them both. "It would appear you have found others ways to employ your time than think of ways to improve your character."

"Now see here," Edward roared. "How dare you speak..."

"Edward no," Anne cut in softly, her voice almost pleading. "Edward please..."

"Edward!" Her mother spat. "You dare call the gentleman by his first name and in my presence. Oh you wretched girl."

"Now see here," Edward repeated firmly. "I would not be a stranger to you if you had permitted an audience with me when I called upon you in Bath."

Lady Catherine looked at him with surprise. "I saw no visitors while in Bath, as is my right. My home was not open to any callers."

"You saw now one?" Anne asked in surprise. Her mother had been in Bath for a month.

"Not that it be any of your business but no. The house was closed off to all guests. Even you. But regardless that does not excuse your current behaviour. Again sir I must ask you to remove yourself from my daughter's presence. I wish to speak to her alone, you may leave."

"No," Anne said only holding his hand tighter.

"No!" Her mother cried, her temper rising. "How dare you refuse me." She looked at this so called Edward, taking in his immaculate appearance from his expensive suit to his ruby encrusted cravat pin. "I assume sir at the sight of you, you are a gentleman. May I ask you to honour that title and leave. Your presence is no longer required."

"Mother I said no," Anne spoke firmly. "I will not have you simply dismiss Edward. This is my home, or did you forget that little matter? Edward is my guest, I shall decide who shall remain in my own home."

"Your home! This is your father's house and always will be! Oh if he could see you now he would be ashamed at having given life to such a daughter."

"How dare you speak to Anne in such a manner."

Her eyes flared at Edwards words, who did this man think he was?

"Have I not already told you your presence is neither desired or wished for? Any gentleman worth his salt would have removed themselves already. Do you feel no shame for your actions?" She looked him dead in the eye before casting a disparaging glance towards her daughter. "For shame sir."

"I feel no shame for no sin has taken place. If my fiancée and I wish to spend time together so be it. She is a fully grown woman who does not need to seek your approval. Heaven only knows why she wishes it! You madam are not deserving of such a daughter!"

"How dare you speak to me so!" Lady Catherine cried before her face suddenly froze. "Fiancée?"

"Mother please, may I introduce his Lordship, the hon. Viscount Colville of Arbuthnot."

Her mother stared between the two of them, as though frozen to the spot. Her daughter engaged? To a Viscount? It was not possible.

"That cannot be," her mother spoke quietly. "You are to wed Darcy, that has always been the plan since your infancy. It was his mother's wish as well as my own."

"Mother I have already told you Darcy and I will never marry."

"You would go against your family, our wishes, for this man?"

Anne looked at her mother, it was hopeless. She took a slow steading breath before finding the words she knew she must voice.

"I would go against my family yes." She looked at Edward, he was to be her life from now on. "I would sever all ties with the de Bourgh's, the Fitzwilliam's also if they insisted. I would renounce my fortune, give up all property and would never again be known to you as daughter. If that is what you wish, so be it for I will marry Lord Colville. With or without your blessing."