Hello my dears! How appropriate that the 24th chapter is the first I bring to you in the 24th year of this century. I must express my deepest and most heartfelt gratitude, as always, for all the encouragement and support you all gave me last year. I appreciate you all so very much, there are not words to convey how much.

As you know, I've been battling depression pretty hard the last few months, but I have scored myself another victory in that I finally finished another chapter! In this one, we learn what Darcy and Harry said to each other over the chessboard, and we also see Darcy and Elizabeth making some progress toward each other.

Chapter Twenty-Four

It had been a risk well worth taking.

Darcy thought over his conversations with Elizabeth and her son as Clara chattered about her play with the girls, his thoughts and her one-sided conversation accompanied by the usual clip-clop of horses' hooves and rattling carriage wheels. It was only natural that Elizabeth had been curious as to the content of his conversation with young Lord Stashwick, but he knew that he would never earn the boy's trust by revealing the details of what they'd discussed.

The marquess had been bold enough to ask him directly what his intentions were toward his mother.

"It cannot be simply to widen Miss Darcy's circle of friends," Lord Stashwick added. "She and I have many cousins in common that she could play with."

Darcy had conceded the point with a nod, then said, "Allow me to ask you this, my lord: Do you wish see your mother happy?"

His opponent's head had snapped up, a frown on his countenance. "Of course, I do. My mamma is the most important person in the world to me," he said. "But it's my duty to see that she is not taken advantage of."

Darcy quirked an eyebrow. "My lord, you are but nine years old. Should you not be more concerned with your schoolwork and playtime?"

Lord Stashwick's posture stiffened. "Sir, I am the Marquess of Stashwick. I am the head of the Faulkner family—"

"And you are still a child, my lord," Darcy said as gently as he could, so as not to offend the boy. "I have had it from your mother herself that she wishes you not to shoulder the burden of managing the family as yet and would have you just enjoy being the little boy that you are."

For a moment it seemed as though he had offended him, then Lord Stashwick sighed and said, "She does. But how can I do that when Papa is not here? Someone has to look after her like he did. Is that not my responsibility as the head of the family?"

Darcy had to smile. It was clear that the late Lord Stashwick had educated the boy well on taking responsibility of the family when his time came. Unfortunately, it had come sooner than anyone had expected, and little Harry Faulkner simply was not old enough or mature enough to handle so much responsibility.

"At the present, my lord, I believe the title of 'head of the family' is your mother's until you are older," Darcy said. "Truly, you needn't worry about being the head of your family until you are grown."

Lord Stashwick rolled his eyes. "That's what Mamma says."

Darcy grinned. "And is it not your duty as her son to listen to her?"

The boy huffed and crossed his arms and stared for a moment at the chessboard before making his next move. "I still have to look out for Mamma," he said at last. "She has only been a widow for a year. Why can't she just stay a widow? I told you I don't need another papa."

After carefully considering and executing his next move, Darcy said, "As I recall, what you said was that you did not think you wanted another one."

"Well, I don't. I already had one."

Darcy sat back and mimicked the marquess's posture, crossing his arms as he regarded him. "I can respect that. Allow me, then, to propose an alternative."

The boy looked up at him. "Like what?"

"How would you like a friend?" Darcy suggested. "I grant that there are some men who would try and be a father to you—who would think it their right as your mother's husband—but knowing your feelings on the matter as I do, I would not. As I said, I respect your position; a true gentleman would, even if you are but nine years. Thus, I offer you friendship instead."

"And my mamma? What do you offer her?"

"I hope to offer her my affection, if she is willing to receive it," Darcy replied. "I have known your mamma for a long time, and already I deeply admire and respect her as a person and a noblewoman. That Christmas at Disley Court was the last time I had seen her in four years, and on seeing her again after so long, I must own to being struck by her beauty."

"My mamma is pretty, but she is also very smart," said Lord Stashwick.

Darcy nodded. "She is indeed. She can also be very witty, and very kind, and very generous to those in her employ as well as those in need. Taking all of her most admirable qualities into account, how could any gentleman fail to find her attractive as a prospective partner in life?"

It struck him then that it was almost absurd that he was having such a serious conversation with a boy of only nine years, but he had early on realized that he would have to treat the young marquess as an adult if he hoped to gain his support in pursuing Elizabeth.

"I would like to see Mamma smile more," Lord Stashwick said as he made another move. "She hasn't smiled that much since Papa died. None of us have, really."

"My lord, what if I gave you my word that I would do all that is within my power to make your mamma smile every day?" Darcy asked. "Would you then give me your blessing to court her?"

"Giving your word is the same as making a promise, right?"

Darcy nodded. "It is. And when gentlemen make such promises, they shake hands to 'seal the deal' as they say."

As he spoke, he held out his right hand over the chessboard. Lord Stashwick stared at it for a moment, then reached his smaller one out to grasp it. They shook once, then the boy said, "You can call me Harry if you want to. It still feels real strange when people call me by my papa's title. Feels like I haven't earned it."

"I am honored by the privilege of addressing you by your Christian name," said Darcy, who then made another move on the board—he would win in just a few moves. "And I understand a little of how you feel. When my father passed, it felt strange to hear people call me Mr. Darcy. I kept thinking that it was my father's name."

After Harry made his next move, Darcy said, "You will earn the title of Marquess of Stashwick in time, Harry. At present, I think you ought to follow your mother's instructions and enjoy the fact you are still a child. Let her do her duty of managing the family, until you are old enough to relieve her of the burden."

"But who will take care of her when she needs it?" Harry asked.

Darcy looked at him solemnly. "I will, if she accepts me."

To this, Harry offered a timid smile, and soon enough the game was over. Darcy won this round, making their score of games even. It wasn't long after that he realized he and Clara had stayed well past the usual length of a morning call, and so he announced it was time to take their leave. It was as they waited for the carriage to be brought around that Elizabeth had confronted him, and he had taken the risk of hinting to her that he did want to court her.

It brought a smile to his face to recall the astonishment in her eyes and the small 'o' her lips had formed, and his heart sped up again to think that her expression had not been that of a woman averse to the idea of being courted.

The only regret he had was that he'd not been afforded the opportunity to talk about her social schedule, that he might coordinate his own to be at the same public events; given her rank and their mutual connexions, it was possible they would both be invited to the same private parties and dinners as well. In fact, Sir Richard Astley—the baronet whose daughter had married his friend Hiddleston—was giving a dinner party the following night to which he had been invited. Surely, Sir Richard would have issued an invitation to Elizabeth after hearing from young Mrs. Hiddleston that she had dined with the Marchioness of Stashwick.

Darcy found his thought realized the next evening when he entered the Astley residence and found Elizabeth already there. She, the Bingleys, and the Hiddlestons were in the drawing room conversing with their hosts when the butler announced him.

A very pretty blush colored Elizabeth's cheeks, at which he smiled before smoothly greeting Sir Richard and Lady Astley.

"We are so very pleased you could make it, Mr. Darcy," said Lady Astley. "I do so dislike an uneven number at table, and when dear Lady Stashwick arrived, I feared we would be."

Darcy smiled genially at the lady and said, "Madam, I am thus doubly pleased to have come, to save you from an uneven table as well as taste of the dinner that Hiddleston and his blushing bride have boasted your cook will serve us."

"Your aunt and uncle will be along any minute, I am sure," offered Sir Richard. "We've quite the party planned for everyone's entertainment."

"Now I am even more pleased to be here, Sir Richard," Darcy replied, then moved over to where Elizabeth stood with her sister and Bingley.

"Darcy, I am glad to see you," Bingley greeted him. "It's as good to see you getting out more as it is to see my dear sister doing the same."

"Even more so, I expect, brother Charles," said Elizabeth.

Darcy turned his gaze to her with one eyebrow arched and a smile on his lips. "And what makes you say that, my lady?"

Elizabeth's cheeks bloomed again, though she lifted her chin a fraction and arched her own eyebrow as she replied, "Well, you have been out of society's eye far longer than I have, Mr. Darcy. I daresay you need far more socialization than I do."

Bingley laughed and Jane smiled, and if Darcy were not mistaken, there was a look of challenge in Elizabeth's eyes. He smiled wider at her and inclined his head.

"Perhaps I do, Lady Stashwick," he said. "Will you then be joining our friends and relations in demonstrating how a gentleman ought to behave among society?"

"I cannot demonstrate any such thing, though I can certainly respond to your efforts and offer my opinion on your success … or lack thereof," replied Elizabeth with a saucy smile.

Bingley leaned close to his wife and said in a whisper, "Did I not know any better, I'd say they were flirting with one another."

Jane Bingley chuckled softly and swatted her husband's arm with her fan. "Charles do not say such things! You know there is a rumour going about town that they are courting, and we ought not give it credence. Besides, you know that they can hear you."

"We can also hear you, Jane, dearest," said Elizabeth with a grin. "And I can assure you that I was not flirting. I was teasing."

"I was flirting," Darcy said boldly, his declaration drawing a soft gasp from Jane and yet another blush to Elizabeth.

"Upon my word, Darcy!" cried Hiddleston, who joined their group at that moment with his wife at his side. "I was not aware you even knew how to flirt!"

"I think the question ought to be whether Her Ladyship is willing to receive Mr. Darcy's attentions," said Mrs. Hiddleston. "And that it is a subject best discussed between them in private."

Hiddleston kissed her cheek. "Well said, my dear. I've married a smart one, eh Bingley?"

Bingley smiled at Jane. "You and me both, Hiddles," said he, and the two couples moved away in unison toward the fireplace.

"So, you… meant what you said, Mr. Darcy," said Elizabeth. "When you were leaving Stashwick House yesterday."

Darcy smiled. "I did," he replied as he took a step closer and lowered his voice. "I know that my timing is rather unfortunate, given His Lordship has been gone only a year, but I cannot help that now. I can only hope that, in time, you might be willing to accept my attentions."

"Mr. Darcy, I…" Elizabeth stuttered. "I don't know. I do not want to disappoint or hurt you, but…"

Reaching for her hand as he did so, Darcy offered an understanding smile. "I understand your hesitation, my lady. Your grief is not yet fully diminished, and your opinion of me is perhaps still colored by the man you knew in the past."

Elizabeth gave his hand a squeeze. "Oh, no, sir," said she. "At least, I no longer think of you as that proud, arrogant, and conceited fellow I first met in Hertfordshire. In fact, I rather admire your willingness to raise your daughter alone instead of jumping right into another marriage, as I know men are granted leave to do in such circumstances as yours. You've clearly done a remarkable job with Miss Darcy—she is such a polite, well-mannered little girl. Margaret and Sarah adore her."

Darcy chuckled. "I cannot take all the credit for raising her. Mrs. Annesley was truly a godsend, stepping in to be a nursemaid when her pervious post was as a governess and companion to my sister. However, Clara has recently expressed her desire for a mother and siblings, and I can think of no one better than the handsomest woman of my acquaintance and her equally remarkable children."

Elizabeth's face and neck flushed crimson at his words, and she cast her eyes down to where their hands remained joined together between them. "Mr. Darcy, I… I am very flattered. And I am honored you think so highly of me and my children. I just… I think I will need some time—time to get used to the idea of being with someone other than Henry. I must confess that it will not be easy for me."

Darcy pressed her hand warmly between his. "I understand, Elizabeth," he said. "And I can be patient. I will not press you for more than you are ready for, though I cannot promise to cease teasing you in the meantime."

His words brought forth a small smile from her, and she looked up at him with an arched brow. "I thought you said you were flirting?"

Darcy grinned. "Are they not the same thing?"

Before she could formulate a response, more guests arrived, those being his aunt and uncle along with Fitzwilliam and Antoinette. Lady Disley's countenance brightened considerably when she noted Elizabeth's presence. "My dear Lady Stashwick, I did not expect to see you here this evening!" she cried as the two clasped each other's hands and kissed each other's cheeks.

"I will admit, I debated with myself as to whether I should accept Sir Richard and Lady Astley's gracious invitation," Elizabeth replied. "But as has been said ad nauseum, I really must begin socializing eventually. How good a sponsor for my cousin shall I be if I do not go out myself?"

"Well said, my dear," agreed Lord Disley, whose eyes caught Darcy's in a questioning gaze. Darcy answered the unspoken question with a nearly imperceptible incline of his head, which led his uncle to smile.

"We are certainly delighted to see you, as always," said Fitzwilliam with a grin.

"Oui, madame," added Antoinette.

Lady Astley joined their party then, saying, "And we are thoroughly delighted and honored to have you all join us in celebrating our youngest child's marriage. We'd have been among the first to do so, as is only proper, but I was unfortunately battling a rather persistent cold until a few days ago."

"I believe Mrs. Hiddleston mentioned you were ill when we dined together at the Bingleys, my lady," said Elizabeth. "I am glad to see you are well again."

Lady Astley smiled. "You are very kind to say so, Lady Stashwick, thank you. We are only waiting on the rest of my children who are in town and my new son's parents to arrive, then dinner will be served."

Over the next twenty minutes, four of Mrs. Hiddleston's brothers arrived with their wives and her two sisters with their husbands. Hiddleston's parents also appeared, and then the very large party was seated in the dining room at last. Darcy was pleased beyond measure to be seated next to Elizabeth, and he did not hesitate to take advantage of their closeness to continue showing her his flirtatious side. Her blushes lessened and her verbal repartee increased as the meal went on, which showed him that she was becoming more relaxed in his presence, and perhaps more willing to accept his suit.

Patience, Darcy, he reminded himself.

After dinner, the sexes separated, and the port went around the table in the hands of a footman as the gentlemen passed the pot around. When Darcy had finished relieving himself, he dipped his napkin into his water glass to clean his hands.

"Well, Darcy," said his uncle. "I see you are having some success at last."

"I have only just begun, Uncle," Darcy replied before taking a drink of his port.

"Begun what?" asked the elder Mr. Hiddleston.

"I believe, Father," began the younger Hiddleston, "that Lord Disley and Darcy refer to my friend's pursuit of Lady Stashwick."

Hiddleston the elder's thick eyebrows rose toward his white hair. "You mean that rumour going 'round town is true?"

"To an extent, Mr. Hiddleston," Darcy replied. "I had no idea of paying suit to Her Ladyship at the time that story began to spread, but having been in her company more than once over the last fortnight or so I have realized that I like the lady very much indeed, and have decided to attempt turning the ton's fantasy into reality."

The elderly Hiddleston raised his glass to him. "I wish you all the luck in the world, my boy," said he. "A widow in her circumstances has no need of a husband, what with the fortune His Lordship left behind. Many become accustomed to independence and don't want another man to come in and break them like a wild horse."

"My sister had an independent streak long before her husband passed away, sir," said Bingley. "Do you know, Darcy, I can still remember when she walked three miles all alone from Longbourn to Netherfield when my dear Jane fell ill?"

Darcy chuckled. "I remember as well, Charles," said he. "All your sisters could do was complain about her petticoats being six inches deep in mud, while you and I admired her dedication to her sister."

"I also recall you saying Elizabeth's 'fine eyes' were brightened by the exercise," Bingley observed.

"They were," Darcy replied nonchalantly.

"Did you like her then?" Bingley persisted. "I must admit, I rather thought you despised her, given how often the two of you argued."

"Goodness, Bingley," put in Fitzwilliam, "you certainly know how to put a fellow on the spot!"

Darcy held up his hand. "It's all right, Theo," he said. "I do not mind. To answer your question, Charles, I believe the reason Lady Stashwick and I argued so often was because I was not used to her forthrightness. Ladies of our station, as you know, are taught to be demure and submissive. Elizabeth Bennet, as she was known then, was anything but."

Bingley laughed and raised his glass. "True enough, my friend. My wife fit the demure and submissive category back then, but Lizzy certainly did not. I suppose that is why Lord Stashwick fell for her—would not you say, Lord Disley? Because she was so unlike the ladies of the ton."

The earl glanced at Darcy and took a sip from his glass before saying, "I do believe you are right, Mr. Bingley. She was a singular creature when my brother met her, and she still is. It is no wonder, then, that Darcy here admires her so much."

"No wonder indeed, uncle," Darcy agreed.