A/N: Thank you all for the wonderful reviews. I loved seeing everyone's reactions to the last chapter.
-Never fear, this is a HEA for ODC (not sure I could write it any other way) although I did love Sydney Salier's-Checkmate Mr. Darcy!
-Good to know FF isn't just iffy for me ;)

Chapter 12

Dear Jane,

I find myself frustrated sometimes with the confines of society. I wish I could run on Longbourn's lands and feel the wind in my hair…

Cross through.

Dear Jane,

Men can be the most frustrating creatures on the face of the planet. They run hot and cold and…

Cross through.

Dear Jane

I have had enough of town and miss the comforts of Longbourn. However, I fear returning and Mama's complaints…

Elizabeth crumpled up the paper which could no longer be salvaged. Then she thumped her head down onto the desk and repeated the action a couple more times.

'My thoughts are too muddled to put them to paper and they would distress Jane in any case.'

She raised her head and took out a new sheet and began again.

Dear Jane,

We are mid-season and as busy as ever. There are balls, suppers and picnics, and meetings of friends and new acquaintances. As you can imagine, the picnics are my preference. I would far rather be out in the fresh air with our little cousins, than in a stuffy drawing room sitting daintily, making polite conversation.

Speaking of our little cousins, they are truly a delight. They meet every stranger as if they are to be their new bosom friend. Miss Darcy's cousin has joined them in town for a visit. She is a quiet lady, but I feel there are depths to her she has not had the opportunity to explore. I rather got the impression she has been sickly for much of her life and her mother seems particularly protective.

We are planning another outing and the children can hardly contain their excitement. Jane, I really do believe society and the Ton would all be happier people if all their events were picnics. Just think about it, fresh air, no need to wear their very best finery, but what feels most comfortable, and eating and drinking willy-nilly as opposed to stuffy three or five course meals. And no entertainment afterwards. It would be revolutionary!

On another note, I am happy to hear the tenant visits are going well and I am not surprised. I would be more shocked if the families had not felt comfortable in your presence.

All my affection

Lizzy

There, that was done. It would not do to have Jane sense her discontent.

Elizabeth snorted. Discontent? Confused, is more like it. What a truly vexing man. He insults my relations. Insults me, although for that he did apologize.

He insists on joining me on my walks but barely says a word. Yet, he listened when I spoke. He actually took it as advice. And seemed pleased with it. I never would have expected it from such a proud man.

I wonder why he has not met me on my walks again?

It is no matter. It is not as if we are friends. And it certainly could never be anything more. He made his feelings on my connections very clear. Elizabeth giggled. I am sure he would run in the other direction, were he ever to meet Mama.

Enough! I will think no more about him.

-HBR-

The day before the planned outing to the park it showered in the morning. The children were concerned their picnic would be canceled. The next day however shined bright and by the time they were set to leave the sun had dried up most of the ground.

Letters passed between the Darcy and Gardiner houses confirming that all was set for them to proceed.

Elizabeth offered to walk the two eldest children to the park, and through it to the meeting place.

"I shall follow with little Janey and the supplies in our carriage. We may need to lay the blankets down in a sunny spot, as the shaded areas may still be damp."

"We will go now. These two have too much pent up energy from being indoors too long. Walking there will release some of it, so they will not be little monsters when we meet up with Miss Darcy and Miss deBourgh."

"Lizzy, please let us not forget the bread." Ester was twisting her body from side to side, watching her skirt swish around her..

"I have it right here, dear. Do not fret."

"Go on, Lizzy, and thank you." Madeline smiled at Elizabeth and her children as they hastened outside.

Elizabeth held on to Esther's hand and Eddie promised to stay by her side.

"I am too old to hold your hand, Lizzy." His expression was most serious.

"You are indeed getting older. Why I believe you have grown in the short time I have been with you in town. Perhaps though, you are too old to feed the ducks? What say you, Esther? Does that leave more bread for you and I?

"Lizzy!"

Elizabeth laughed. "Very well. But you will heed me. There will be other people in the park and I do not want you running off causing mischief. Nor do I want to lose sight of you."

"Yes, Lizzy."

Esther pulled on Elizabeth's hand. "Lizzy?"

"Yes, dear?"

"Is Miss Debore nice, like Miss Darcy?"

"Miss de Bourgh, and I only met her once, but she seemed very nice. She is quieter than Miss Darcy." Elizabeth paused. "She may not wish to play the games we will play."

"Why not?"

"I do not think she has any experience with small children."

"So we will teach her how to play."

"If she agrees, I am sure she would like to. If she does not, you are to be polite about it and accepting." Elizabeth and Esther smiled at each other in understanding.

"Eddie, do you understand what I just explained?"

He sighed, hanging head dejectedly. "I am always surrounded by girls."

Elizabeth's peals of laughter flew over the park grounds.

The group of three soon arrived at the meeting point and waited only a short while before Madeline reached them with Janey, nursemaid and a footman in tow.

Miss Darcy and Miss de Bourgh, with their own entourage of servants arrived not long after.

Good mornings were called between Miss Darcy, Elizabeth and Madeline.

After an awkward silence, Miss de Bourgh startled, "Oh, forgive me. Georgianna, will you introduce me to your friends?"

As Georgiana did so, a bow and curtseys were made. Before another word was spoken, Esther piped up. "We have come to feed the ducks. They must be hungry after not eating yesterday."

Everyone looked at her. "Because it rained on them."

The adults all shared smiles and began moving in the direction of the pond. Eddie and Esther started running ahead, but Elizabeth called to them, "Stay near please. I do not want you to get too far ahead of us."

Seeing they had slowed their pace, Elizabeth sent smiles to the two girls beside her. "Miss de Bourgh, how are you enjoying your time in town?"

"It has been entertaining, though rather tiring. I rest between events and that helps. I am afraid I am not the most sociable person and meeting so many, especially gentlemen, has me unnerved."

"Pray, do let me know if at any time you must rest today. My aunt suggested setting up in the sun, as it will be dryer."

"Yes, mama told me the same thing." Georgiana glanced quickly at Anne, "but perhaps in the sun closest to some trees? That way those that require shade might also have it and we can stay together."

"My only concern is the damp which may still be on the grass."

"Our footmen are bringing a rug."

"That is well then."

By the time the bread was gone and the children had tired from feeding the ducks, all the other attendees had arrived with supplies.

"Come children, we are going to find a good spot to lay out our things."

"Will there be cake?"

"I do not know. Perhaps. We shall have to wait and see."

They found an area which was near enough to the trees so as to provide shade for Miss de Bourgh. Everyone tried to help in laying out the rugs and blankets and passing around the food prepared, along with the cold drinks.

There was not much talking between the adults as attention was given to the children making sure they ate and drank their fill, without making too much of a mess of themselves or the blankets they sat on.

Soon enough the younger people were restless again.

"Lizzy, come play with us."

"Have you finished?"

Both Eddie and Esther nodded their heads.

Elizabeth stood and placed her hands on her hips. "Well, in that case… Run! I will chase you."

Brother and sister ran screaming in two different directions, as Elizabeth gave chase after Eddie.

Still sitting on the rug, Anne shyly looked at Mrs. Gardiner. "My aunt took us to your husband's warehouse when we shopped for fabrics. It was an exciting shopping trip. The fabrics were all so pretty."

"Thank you, Miss de Bourgh. I am happy to hear it. I will be sure to tell my husband as well."

Georgiana leaned over to whisper to Anne, "Will you mind if I go and play with Elizabeth and the children? Just for a little while."

"Of course not. I shall be fine here with Mrs. Gardiner."

Madeline smiled at the younger ladies. "Miss Darcy, I will keep Miss de Bourgh company until you return."

Georgianna flew off to chase after Esther. Anne looked after her almost a little wistfully.

"I hope you do not mind, my niece explained your health was delicate. You will let me know if you feel uncomfortable in any way?"

"Thank you, Mrs. Gardiner, but I am well. I do not have the stamina to run and chase children, but I am healthier than I have ever been."

A shadow fell over them and both ladies looked up.

"William! I did not know you planned on joining us today."

William bowed to them, "Mrs. Gardiner, Anne." He looked around. "Where are Georgiana and Miss Bennet?"

The children, Lizzy and Miss Darcy are steeplechasing, Mr Darcy. You can see Miss Darcy there with my daughter and Lizzy has just caught Eddie."

William smiled to see the delight on Elizabeth's face. When she began running from her cousin, William, without a thought, had started moving in her direction.

Elizabeth was breathless, but ecstatic, she had chased her cousin down, at a slower pace to make catching him take longer. Now she could run to her heart's content under the guise of playing with Eddie. Georgianna and Esther were a little way off clasping hands and twirling in a circle.

Elizabeth gave a quick glance behind her to see how far away Eddie was, when she slammed into something hard, bounced off and fell, landing on her backside. "Ooff…" She sat shocked for a moment, trying to draw in a breath.

"Miss Bennet!" William knelt down beside her. "Miss Bennet, I apologize. I thought you saw me coming towards you."

She blinked at him uncomprehendingly, "Ouch."

"Miss Bennet, you are hurt?"

Elizabeth shook her head in a negative, but also to clear her clouded mind. "We were not expecting you, sir."

"Certainly not to make such an impact." He smiled ruefully as she huffed out a chuckle.

"I believe I may require assistance standing, sir."

Eddie had run up to them by this time. "Lizzy, that was magnificent. You actually bounced twice! Once off of the man and once off the ground!"

William bit the inside of his lips to keep his laughter in.

"Eddie!" Elizabeth did not want to admonish the young boy in front of Mr. Darcy. "Please go tell your mama I am well and we will follow shortly."

He ran off, but Elizabeth could not meet Mr. Darcy's eyes.

"Pray allow me to assist you to stand."

She gave him her hand and got her legs under her, but William moved and put his other arm around her back to help her rise. His hands tightened on her when she hissed.

"Miss Bennet?"

"I am well, just a little sore. Nothing a hot bath will not ease. I am sure I shall be right as rain tomorrow."

"I really do apologize, Miss Bennet."

"You are racking up the apologies, Mr Darcy. This is becoming an everyday occurrence. It must be quite humbling by now. However, this does not require your apology, as it was not your fault."

"Might I explain my words from the other day, then?"

She arched her brow, "Proceed."

"My only concern was for my cousin Anne. She tires easily and has no experience with small children."

"I thank you for explaining. It seems I was a little too quick to judge you, as well."

"You were not the only one. Mother rang a peal over my head after you left, while Father looked on, disappointed."

They slowly walked back to their picnic area and upon reaching it, Madeline came to Elizabeth's side.

"Lizzy, how are you feeling? We could see the mishap and Eddie was quite descriptive in his explanation."

Her cheeks tinted a soft pink, and she laughed self-consciously. William again tried to hide his smile. "Yes, I gathered he would be. I think I need to sit down, my head is still ringing."

"You sit and rest, Miss Bennet. I will play with the children for a while."

Madeline introduced her children to William and after bows and a curtsey from Esther, William clapped Eddie lightly on the back. "Come. I shall teach you a game I played as a boy with my cousins." And they ran off together.

Elizabeth watched them in amazement. She could not have imagined Mr. Darcy relaxed and smiling in such a way.

Esther had wished to stay behind with all the ladies. "Lizzy, can we make flower crowns?"

"That is a wonderful idea. Will you and Miss Darcy collect the flowers for us?"

With an eager nod and an even more eager pull on Georgiana's arm, they started foresting for flowers.

Waiting for them to return, Elizabeth could not take her eyes off of Mr Darcy.

Soon enough, Madeline, Elizabeth and Esther were all busy making and teaching Anne how to make the crowns.

"I recall my brother made many of these for me, when I was younger" She leaned over to Elizabeth, "He has always been good with children. Some of my first memories are with William spending time with me, either reading or playing tea. He is a wonderful brother."

"He seems so controlled. I would not have imagined he could play and laugh as he is."

"William is quiet, but he tends to surround himself with others who are more lively. Like my cousin Richard, and like you, Lizzy."

Elizabeth smiled tightly at her and focused on the work her hands were doing. Who is the real Fitzwilliam Darcy?

The day eventually passed and time came to pack up and leave for their respective homes.

Saying their goodbyes, Anne and Georgianna pulled Elizabeth aside. "My Matlock relatives are giving a ball in my honor." Anne blushed, tinting her cheeks a charming, rosy hue. I asked Rebecca to send you an invitation. It would please me greatly if you would attend."

"And," she paused, "Do you think you might come to Darcy House to prepare for the evening? With me?"

"And me." Inserted Georgiana. "I cannot attend, but I have longed to have a sister to share those moments with. It will be so much fun."

"I will speak with my aunt, if, and after I receive an invitation."

-HBR-

Darcy's valet was having a difficult time controlling his countenance. He had never seen his master in such an ebullient mood. The man was actually whistling.

As his valet stepped away from the final touches on his cravat, William moved to stand directly in front of his mirror. Very nice.

William was pleased he asked his valet to put together a more striking ensemble. I cannot ever recall feeling this excited about a ball. I wonder what Miss Bennet will be wearing?

He could hear giggles coming down the hall from Anne's room. Where she, Georgiana and Elizabeth have all converged to ready themselves together.

"Lizzy, I am so pleased your uncle and aunt agreed to let you join us this afternoon."

"It was for the best and of great assistance to me as well. This way Lady Anne may act as my chaperone. Otherwise I do not see how I could have attended."

"Nonsense, Miss Bennet. I would have insisted Mother and I pick you up." The imperial tilt of her head was quite reminiscent of Lady Catherine. All three girls erupted into giggles.

Lady Anne entered after knocking and hearing an 'enter' from Anne.

"Now girls, you may not be late. Anne is the lady of the hour and must be in the receiving line before the guests begin to arrive. Hurry now." She smiled but sent firm looks to all the women in the room, including the maids.

Finally after much discussion of gowns, lace, hair styles and slippers, Elizabeth and Anne were ready to go downstairs.

"Lizzy, would you like to borrow any of my jewelry pieces?" Georgiana's voice was soft and hesitant.

"That is kind of you Georgiana, but I will not misrepresent myself. I truly am pleased with my appearance this evening."

Elizabeth was wearing a cream dress with a lacy rose overlay. Together, the colors made the softest pink it matched the pink flush of her cheeks. Her only embellishment was a deep rose sash tied high on the waist emphasizing her curves. The ensemble gave the impression of a rose in bloom. Pearly beaded hair pins, and ribbons the same color as the sash were woven around the braids in her hair. Softly curled tendrils framed either side of her face.

Anne was wearing one of her new gowns as well. With her lighter hair coloring they had decided on a light blue color, which made her porcelain skin glow.

"Good night, Georgianna. I will tell you all about the ball the next time I see you." Georgiana hugged Elizabeth and kissed Anne on the cheek.

"You both look so beautiful. I hope you dance every dance!" Her laughter trailed after her, following to her own rooms.

"Miss Bennet-"

"Please call me Elizabeth or Lizzy."

"Then I am Anne, but perhaps not when my mother is around."

Elizabeth took Anne's hand, "Are you ready?"

She shakes her head.

"You are not nervous are you? You are the daughter of the great Lady Catherine de Bourgh. There is not a nerve in your body."

With matching smiles, she and Anne left the suite together and slowly walked to the top of the stairs. Below Mr. Darcy and Lady Anne were already waiting, standing and speaking together. Lady Catherine was pacing, frustrated with the time. Seeing them, her "At last" rang over the entryway and vestibule.

Hearing his aunt's cry, William walked out of the library where he had been waiting, and stood transfixed watching Elizabeth slowly descend the stairs. She blushed to have all his focus on her and could not meet his eye.

Two carriages were used to transport their party, as no one wanted the ladies gowns creased by even the short drive to Matlock House. Elizabeth went with Anne and Lady Catherine. William, to his disappointment, was told to get in the Darcy carriage.

When they arrived William was first out so he could attend the other carriage.

He offered his arm to his aunt, but she waved him away. "Take Anne in, and Miss Bennet too, if you must."

He offered one arm to Elizabeth and another to his cousin and they walked up the steps together.

Entering was like walking into a fairyland. Candles were everywhere, the light from their flames bouncing and glinting off of mirrors and chandeliers. Huge flower arrangements and their fragrant smells wafted around the room. Elizabeth was enchanted. None of the other balls she attended came close to this night's display.

I hope the rest of the night will be as delightful as it began.

Poor Elizabeth, I think I am giving the girl whiplash.
Next chapter will be posted on Sunday...