The storyline, new character development, new events, and new characters are my intellectual property. Glorioux

/n`By the way, I always have happy endings, we all have enough misery at present. Happy Days! Hmm, be ready to despise Caro and her bro.

Rotten Siblings and Love

Georgie stopped to check on Lizzie and saw her sleeping by the fire. Before leaving, Georgie covered her sister and kissed her cheek. She patted Lizzie's bump and was rewarded with a tiny kick. "Soon, my little one, I cannot wait; when you are older, what fun we will have." She left to meet the walkers; the younger Hurst moved to walk by her, offering his arm; Georgie was happy; maybe he would ask to court her; she would prefer someone like him.

Jane accepted Count Albert's arm; he smiled, hoping for a future with her; Jane was the only-one for him. It would be perfect; two sisters married to two of them; it would make it easier for them later on. "Mrs. Bingley, you are looking sad. It pains me to see you this way; though I suspect why you feel so. May I speak freely, nothing improper; I assure you."

Jane felt calmer; his voice was deep, warm; his English, although accented, was perfect. "Please do so," Jane smiled, giving him hope.

"I know that you are married to someone who doesn't deserve you. If you were free, I would court you, hoping you would accept me as your husband. Please listen; I can help you annul your marriage; but I won't dare to presume. I will do it without any obligations. You don't need to answer now; please, think about it." Albert tried to control his fears.

Jane's heart beat faster, "Is such a thing possible? I mean, to annul my marriage; but where would I go? My mother wouldn't like it." She looked crestfallen; it was just a dream.

"My cousin, William, would welcome you; but I would hope you would accept me; again, just think." Albert's heart was about to explode. He had seen Jane several times since over one year ago. He took a chance today because William had told him Jane wanted out of her marriage.

Jane, who never took chances, looked at Albert, "If such a thing were possible, I don't need to think. Please help me. I will talk to my sister and my brother."

Albert put his hand over her hand, just a brief touch; brief but long enough to make Jane warm all over; enough to make Albert wish they were marrying soon.

Reggie had heard part of the conversation and grinned; this was a good Christmas Eve, first Louisa's news, and now this. Louisa had changed much since he told her he was leaving unless she chose between Caroline or him. Albert had recommended he did so. He followed the advice with great results; what a happy day this was, indeed.

Meanwhile, Charles was in bed with his paramour. She had assured him her husband wouldn't be back until the 26th; thus, Charles was trying to figure out how to stay with his new love until that day. He loved bed sport with different lovers, and, frankly, Jane was a bit boring. Instead of boring, his current lady love was experienced; let Jane cry, who cared. Neither of the lovers knew of the husband's change of plans. A loyal servant had sent the husband an express to hurry home; hence, he already knew his wife was entertaining in their bedroom.

Meanwhile, Lizzie had nightmares; a dark shadow looked at her, warning her that danger was upon her babe and her. In her dream, she could seeWilliam crying, telling her not to leave him. He said he would be lost without her. She made an effort to wake up. When she opened her eyes, she saw a small pot of tea with two of her favorite biscuits; she reached to get the plate.

William lifted his eyes; Miss Bingley was at the door, wearing a low-cut gown, carrying a plate with jellies. "Mr. Darcy, we brought you your favorite jellies." She said pulling the gown lower.

William was annoyed; Miss Bingley had not knocked, just barged in. He thought, alarmed, Dear me, I can see way too much of her bosoms, what is she doing? She was walking fast towards his desk; he heard a growl, and Miss Bingley's screams. "Let go of my dress, nasty mongrel." Darcy stood and saw Warrior, Richard's dog. Richard winked at William.

"Miss Bingley, you cannot come to my office without being invited in; please leave, now. Let this be the last time; you are a single lady, think of your reputation. Besides, my wife will not be pleased." William wanted to push her out; he had it with this woman. What if Lizzie heard about it?

Caroline huffed and turned around. She heard the ones who went walking. They were back; so she went to look for her sister. "Louisa went to see Mrs. Darcy with the ladies. I want you to be the first to hear the happy news; Louisa is increasing." Hurst informed her.

Hurst looked like a bloody peacock, Caroline thought. She felt dizzy; with a baby, Louisa would forget about her. She needed to talk to Louisa.

William went to see Lizzie with Richard. William picked the small terrier who liked to look over his shoulder; Warrior was growling at Miss Bingley, walking nearly behind them. The cousins looked at each other grinning, "Get her," William whispered; Warrior, the terrier, obliged, growling louder.

William had decided to tell Lizzy how much he loved her and to explain the reason behind his behavior. He loved her more than life itself; she needed to know what she meant to him.

"Hello, ladies, and how is my favorite mommy?" William walked towards Lizzie, who smiled happily to see William flirting with her. Warrior jumped to sit by Lizzie to get a few pets. William whispered, "You may pet me as well." Lizzie giggled, the other ladies smiled, looking at William whispering near Lizzie's ear and holding her hand.

William wasn't done; he kissed the back of Lizzie's hand. All the ladies sighed, but for Caroline, whose heart ached with envy. Richard smiled widely at the display of affection, patting his pocket. On Boxing Day, he would propose to Lady Tony, one of Hurst's cousins. He couldn't wait for her answer.

Lizzie thought maybe things were changing; she looked at her handsome husband, when he smiled, nobody looked better than him. She smiled wider when William caressed her wrist.

Everyone enjoyed looking at the couple; William was obviously in love. The room was nearly full of goodwill but for one rotten apple.

Louisa was pouring herself a cup of tea. "Elizabeth, are you sure that I can have the tea?"

"Yes, you may, I don't want any. I had tea just a while ago; but it might be a little cold," Lizzie answered.

Miss Bingley heard that; she should stop Louisa, but why do it? Maybe Louisa's baby would come much, much, too soon. Besides, if she said something; she would be blamed for the nasty country cow's misfortune, sure to come. Miss Bingley smiled nastily. Richard was keenly aware; he had kept his eye on Caroline. What is going on with this nasty piece? Richard wondered.

With his superior senses, Darcy detected a sour smell; it was unpleasant. Ah, it came from the tea. He reacted quickly after recognizing the scent; it was from a medicinal plant used to make disinfectant tinctures; some said it you could make an abortive tea. He was alarmed.

"Don't drink it," Darcy stood up quickly and knocked the tea out of Louisa's hand. Hurst, who had just entered the room, ran to Louisa, already suspecting Caroline of wrongdoing; he had seen Caroline's eyes and her wicked smile; the younger Bingley were rotten.

"Darling, did you drink this tea?" William sat by Lizzie again; he felt ill, not wanting to hear her answer. The room was silent, waiting for the answer.

A/n Do I hear your voices asking for Caroline's head?