Many thanks to my wonderful beta reader Sam. H.
PPP
The day after meeting Wickham, Elizabeth received a letter from her aunt, Mrs. Harrison, which changed her plans.
4th November 1811
Dear Lizzy,
We received your letter two days ago, and I am pleased you are enjoying your stay in Hertfordshire.
My husband told me he met Mr. George Darcy several years ago. Mr. Darcy Sr. was a well-liked man in Derbyshire; his son was also considered a fair man and a good master.
I am glad Mrs. Barton is feeling better physically and emotionally. As you already know, I had three miscarriages before my son was born. I know very well that it is a horrible and even dangerous experience for a woman if proper precautions are not taken, and family support is essential for her recovery.
Finally, your uncle and I decided to travel to London a few days earlier than initially planned. We will attend my niece's (Miss Marianne Campbell) coming-out ball in late November.
As you may recall, Marianne is sweet, shy, and insecure. She has difficulty making new friends and is terrified of coming out. As the two of you have known each other for years and have a good relationship, her parents and I thought it would be to her advantage if you returned to London early so that you might help her navigate society easily.
If you agree to these plan changes, we will fetch you from Hertfordshire on November 12. Otherwise, according to the original plans, we will expect you in London on November 27.
With love,
Aunt Victoria
"What is wrong, Lizzy? Did you get some bad news from Greystone?" Mary asked worriedly.
Elizabeth shook her head and said, "No, It is not bad news. My aunt wants me to return to London two weeks earlier than planned." She sighed. "Her niece, Miss Marianne Campbell, is making her debut in society, and her parents and my aunt wish me to accompany her."
Mary nodded slightly. "I remember you telling me she was a sweet and shy young lady who was always compared by her mother unfavourably with her beautiful older sister." Mary sighed sadly and said, "Since my situation was similar to hers, I understand her fears about entering society. It is an intimidating experience for a young woman like her, and she will be exposed to other people criticizing her appearance or making unfavourable comments." She smiled and said, "I think it is a good idea for you to support her."
Elizabeth nodded. "I know it was not easy for you, and I am so sorry I had few opportunities to be with you during those difficult years. I just want to stay here with you longer."
"Lizzy, you do not have to worry so much about me. I feel much better already." Mary gently squeezed her hand and said, "Besides, you will be here for at least one more week."
PPP
As arranged the day before, Darcy rose early and rode out to meet Lord Sebastian at the border of Netherfield and The Firs. When he arrived there, an impatient Lord Sebastian was waiting for him.
"You are five minutes late. How is Georgiana?"
"She is not well, but I am sure she will improve in a few days. Miss Bennet promised to visit her this afternoon. I am getting everything ready to travel to Pemberley in two days."
Lord Sebastian shook his head and said, "That is not a good idea. Are you going to run away every time you meet Wickham?"
Annoyed, Darcy replied, "I am not running away! I want to prevent my sister from seeing that scoundrel again. I am her guardian and know what is best for her; you do not know her!"
Lord Sebastian replied sarcastically, "Yes, you know her so well that she eloped with Wickham without you even knowing they were seeing each other. You obviously have done a superb job as her guardian!"
Lord Sebastian gestured to prevent Darcy from speaking and continued, "The first thing we are going to do is warn that poor young woman, Miss King, and her uncle of Wickham's character. If she decides to marry him, at least we will have a clear conscience knowing she was warned. Then, we will go to the tavern for drinks, where I am going to tell you a series of stories about Wickham to make it clear he is a scoundrel, and Georgiana's fainting and your subsequent fight with him have nothing to do with a romantic relationship between Georgiana and him. After that, you will bring Georgiana to London, where we will visit museums, attend the theatre, and stroll in Hyde Park. My father and the Matlocks will help you and Georgiana to be accepted by the Ton. I am sure in a few months, the Ton will 'forget' the 'absurd rumours' about Wickham and Georgiana. Only a fool or the Prince Regent would dare say anything against my father's friends, who are also Lord Matlock's niece and nephew."
Annoyed, Darcy shook his head and replied, "You forget I am Georgiana's guardian, and she is not out, nor will she be for at least a year. You may be the son of a marquess, but I will not be ordered around, nor do you have any right to direct my sister's life. My sister is a Darcy; do not forget that!"
Annoyed, Lord Sebastian replied, "I do not forget she is a Darcy, but you forget I have much more power than you, and I will use it to help Georgiana in any way I can!"
Darcy was silent, and then he could only nod.
"My father had Wickham investigated, and I am sure with a good enough 'incentive', he will be happy to leave England for good. Wickham has more than one enemy who would be happy to assist."
Darcy looked him in the eye and replied, "I am not willing to do anything illegal."
Lord Sebastian sighed: "No one will do anything illegal; do you not know my father and me? There are several legal ways of persuasion."
Darcy nodded.
"I will return to London in a few days. Since at some point I must marry, it is only appropriate for my father to organize a ball."
He smiled slightly and said, "You will be one of our special guests, and you will sit with us during supper. That way, we will make it clear to the Ton that we are excellent friends."