Author's Note: Late winter/spring is a busy time, and I haven't had a lot of time to write recently. There's just been a lot going on between kids and work and everything else. I hope you enjoy chapter 33. As always, let me know what you think.

Chapter 33
Saturday, 15 March 1812
Longbourn

While Thomas Bennet was not one to read the society pages, since Phillips's last visit to his bookroom, Bennet had begun to skim them for any mention of the Darcys. A small part of him hoped to see gossip that proved his conjecture correct — that Darcy would soon grow tired of his daughter, and she would end up as unhappy in her marriage as he had been in his own. Given how the two had defied him and managed to convince his brothers to assist them, he felt they deserved to be unhappy.

However, the few mentions of the couple each mentioned the conjecture that the pair appeared happy and in love. The report from the ball mentioned not only the couple but Jane and Mary as well, declaring them a moderate success. Jane, at least, was praised for her beauty, though she was only briefly mentioned. The columnist took notice of Mary as a companion to Miss Darcy, who only danced with her brother and cousin since she was not yet out.

Longbourn was quiet that morning. It was always quiet now; Bennet had desired peace for nearly all of his married life, and now that he found it, he was discovering it was not all he had thought it would be.

Mrs. Hill came bustling in just then to bring him the tea he had requested a short time ago. She happened to see the mention of the Darcys in the paper, and her eyes brightened. "Would it be a terrible imposition, sir, if I were to look at the paper when you finish it?"

Since the housekeeper rarely spoke to him except to reply to his orders, he was surprised. "Of course, Mrs. Hill. When you come to collect the tea tray, you may take it with you. I am almost finished with it."

"Thank you, sir," she said before leaving the room.

Bennet was uncertain what to make of this, so when he finished reading the paper and drinking his tea, he set the paper on the tray for her to collect. When she returned later, he asked her. "Why did you want the paper?"

"I … I noticed a mention of the Darcys. I … I am so happy for Miss Lizzy and am glad she is doing so well. That Mr. Darcy was a quiet man, but he adored Miss Lizzy. I have never seen a man so besotted. And to hear the two of them speak to each other, well, it reminds me a little of Mr. Hill when we were courting. Mr. Darcy and Miss Lizzy spoke about all manner of topics, and even when they seemed to argue, they settled it quickly. On several occasions, she stunned him when she was proven right."

Laughing sarcastically, Bennet replied. "Did he get angry when that happened?"

Mrs. Hill laughed, ignoring his attempts to discredit his son-in-law. "Not at all. Usually, he laughed and occasionally embraced her when that happened. He was stunned in a good way, pleasantly surprised to discover how intelligent she was. Mr. Johnson mentioned he thoroughly enjoys the correspondence he receives from the couple about the running of Longbourn. Mr. Darcy is encouraging Miss Lizzy to do everything she attempted to talk you into for years."

Bennet's eyes narrowed a bit at this. "What do you mean?"

"For years, Miss Lizzy has been proposing various improvements. Now, free from the need for your approval, she and Mr. Johnson have collaborated on several ideas to enhance the estate's profitability. Mr. Darcy, drawing from his own estate management experience, has offered support and advice, having already implemented similar improvements at Pemberley. While slight adjustments were necessary due to variations in climates and terrains, the three of them have meticulously worked out their plans through their letters."

For several moments, Bennet did not speak, and Mrs. Hill wondered if she had overstepped. She could not imagine Mr. Bennet sacking her since that would require effort on his part to find a replacement, but she remained quiet, waiting for him to either speak or indicate that she could leave. Finally, however, he seemed to wake from whatever thoughts he had lost himself in and waved her away.

When she left, Bennet picked up the will that his brother had left on his desk several weeks ago when he had informed him of Collins's death. He read it carefully, made a couple of notations, and added an entire sheet that he painstakingly wrote as a codicil to Phillips's outline. He admitted to himself that what Phillips proposed was the right thing to do — Lizzy had run the estate for several years and had done a far better job of managing it than he had ever done himself. Perhaps, just perhaps, this Darcy fellow was not as bad as he had believed, and he was equally uncertain that his predictions of their future unhappiness would come true.

None of the servants saw nor heard from the master the rest of the day. He did not ring the bell again, nor did he leave the study. The staff was reluctant to disturb him without being called, so no one checked on him and assumed he fell asleep in his chair, as he often did.

Sunday, 16 March 1812
London

The Darcys and Fitzwilliams met at Matlock House for lunch after services but then separated to spend the rest of Sunday resting. Monday would be a busy day — Anne, Georgiana, Mary, and Richard would all depart for Rosings, while Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Phillips would arrive at the Gardiners for a short stay. Jane had been staying with them on Gracechurch Street, but she would be removing to Darcy House to make room for her mother and aunt.

Darcy and Elizabeth decided to make the most of their afternoon and evening together. Despite their insistence to only attend a few events, Lady Matlock was insistent that they attend an event nearly every evening for the next two weeks. It had been something of a battle over luncheon, though they had compromised, agreeing to attend events four out of six nights and hosting a small dinner party twice.

Elizabeth was a little dismayed to learn that she would need to participate in calls with Lady Matlock two days each week, along with hosting her own day at home so visitors could come to her. She would also be expected to attend Lady Matlock's day at home, leaving her with only two afternoons alone at home with her husband.

Lord Matlock had informed Darcy of his own obligations to go to the club two or three days each week, along with attending several meetings and other responsibilities he had related to Pemberley and the influence he had on several seats within the House of Commons. Darcy bristled a little at his uncle's directing him like he would a child but soon recognised that his uncle was trying to help him. While Darcy would have preferred to avoid the Season entirely, with Georgiana's presentation happening soon and the need to maintain social contacts for his own children someday, he reluctantly agreed to the plans.

This was the subject of their conversation as they rested that afternoon in their private sitting room.

Darcy leaned back on the settee, drawing Elizabeth firmly against him. His lips feathered her neck, still relishing the languorous feeling from their frantic lovemaking after returning home. After a moment or two, he released his tight hold and sighed. "I know why Lord and Lady Matlock are insisting on us attending events, but I do hate that they feel it necessary to subject ourselves to such a whirlwind of social obligations, Elizabeth. Two weeks of near-constant events, calls, and dinners feel excessive."

Elizabeth nodded her agreement. "I know, my love. I had also hoped for a more relaxed schedule. When we told your aunt our intention not to exhaust ourselves, she agreed, but I did not consider all the calls and other social obligations outside of the balls and dinners. Lady Matlock seems determined to keep a somewhat arduous schedule."

He chuckled slightly, and Elizabeth felt more than heard it. She loved that feeling. "It was almost comical how she insisted on us attending every soirée in London. I felt as though I was negotiating a treaty over luncheon to get the numbers down. Richard has occasionally said she is more prepared than his general, and after today, I do not doubt it."

"Indeed," Elizabeth agreed, a playful glint in her eye. "I thought we had reached a reasonable compromise before the ball, but her insistence on calls and hosting days at home leaves us with scarce time alone in the coming weeks. I am glad that we insisted on leaving Sundays free just for us."

Darcy's expression softened, and he kissed the top of her head. "I know, my love. I find solace in our time together, at least. Even if the outside world demands our presence, our time alone is precious to me. I will not trade it for anything. At least mornings are still ours, and we can rest together between calls and evening entertainments."

"I know Lady Matlock believes she is helping us integrate into society. Yet, I cannot help but feel a bit stifled. I never imagined our marriage would be dictated by such a rigid social calendar. But I understand the importance of it all." Elizabeth's voice was a little sad, her husband thought.

Darcy reached for Elizabeth's hand, gently squeezing it. "It is temporary, Elizabeth. Once Georgiana's presentation is behind us, we can return to a more reasonable pace. I want you to be happy and not overly fatigued. We will cut our time in London short if it becomes too much for you."

"Though I have not yet felt the quickening, I wonder if telling her of our suspicions would encourage her to slow down a bit. It would explain why we want to attend fewer events, at least, and give her something else to focus on."

Moving his hands down to touch the slight swell of her abdomen, "I am uncertain what her reaction would be. She would likely be delighted while simultaneously vexed with the timing of things. My aunt will be unhappy when we inform her that we will be leaving London before the end of June."

"Well, we will travel to Rosings in a few weeks for Easter, and perhaps we can extend our visit a few weeks to check on Anne and our sisters. Then, in early May, we can visit Netherfield. You did say you discovered a letter from Mr. Bingley stating that he had turned over the lease of Netherfield to you, did you not?" Elizabeth asked.

"I did. I was shocked to receive a letter from Nova Scotia, but it appears he and his sister have settled there for a time. He was going to leave her on her own, but he discovered she was with child, at least, that is what I think it said. Regardless, I received a letter a few days later from his solicitor with the particulars of the estate. What do you think about purchasing it?" Darcy asked.

Elizabeth sat up and turned to look at him. "Purchasing Netherfield?" At his nod, she breathed deeply before blowing it out slowly. "I cannot imagine ever staying at Longbourn after how my father acted. Uncle Phillips wrote that he was hoping that we would make each other unhappy and of his prediction that you would seek 'other entertainment' before long."

"Never, my love. You are all I have ever wanted or needed."

She leaned back against him and sighed, and his hand returned to lightly caress her stomach. "Regardless," she began again, "it would be nice to have a place to stay in Meryton should we need it since we will be overseeing the estate for many years. My uncle was uncertain what would happen to Longbourn if my father did not sign the document he left with him. I suppose he could write his own will and sign it, leaving the estate to anyone he likes. Uncle Phillips did not think another heir would be found. If my father dies without a will, then I do not know what will happen to the estate. But I suppose, in all reality, it does not matter much. My sisters will have a dowry from the funds I have been able to save, and you have promised to augment those funds."

Darcy laughed a little, and she turned her head a little. "I am rambling, am I not?"

"A little," he replied, caressing her cheek before kissing her lightly. "Should I purchase Netherfield? I have the funds available, and we can use some of its profits to supplement your sister's portions. It is a good estate, earning nearly four thousand pounds per annum, and I think that could increase with careful planning. The steward is not particularly effective, but I believe Mr. Johnson could do well to manage both estates. I think he is ready for the extra responsibility of Netherfield, and perhaps the existing steward could become an understeward of sorts."

Elizabeth nodded, remaining silent as she thought it over. Eventually, she spoke again. "I think it could be a good purchase, so long as the owners are not asking an exorbitant amount. Does it have a dower cottage? I do not think I would want to offer the manor to Mama, but if there were a dower cottage, she could live there if she does not want to return to Longbourn."

Darcy agreed with this suggestion, and the conversation turned to Mrs. Bennet and what they expected from her visit at the Gardiners. They were looking forward to seeing her, having exchanged several letters with her, and she seemed calmer now that Elizabeth had married, but they were still uncertain how she would respond to Darcy House. They would wait to visit her until Tuesday, giving her time to rest from her travel and see how she reacted to their marriage in person before making any decisions.

A/N: I was trying to do a bit of research on appointments/elections to the House of Commons in this time period. I have read other stories where owning 'half of Derbyshire" entitled Darcy to more or less appoint members to the House of Commons, although I'm uncertain how accurate that is. Regardless, I am certain he had considerable influence in this area. In the next chapter, we'll see what happens at Rosings and with Mrs. Bennet seeing Darcy House.