A/N: Thank you QOP for the feedback regarding chaperonage. I have updated Chapter 9 appropriately.

Chapter 11

"Anne! What is this dreadful news I heard about my nephew."

Lady Anne startled at the entrance of the sister. "Really, Catty. When will you learn to enter homes like the rest of polite society?"

The sisters embraced with matching smiles. That was where the similarities ended. While Anne was a tall, willowy blonde, her sister Lady Catherine de Bourgh, was tall but built on a larger scale and her hair was a light brunette color. Her looks could be called more handsome than pretty.

Growing up together might have proved difficult and challenging, if there had not been so much affection between the two.

"Where is my niece? Do you need to refresh yourself?"

"Anne has gone up to rest, but I would appreciate a cup of tea."

Once tea was ordered and the two women sat down together on a sofa, Lady Catherine began again.

"What is this gossip I am hearing about Fitzwilliam?"

"I am sure I have no idea what you are talking about. Tell me what you have heard."

"Lady Metcaff wrote to me, saying he prowls the ball rooms, glowering and insulting all the single ladies."

Anne sighed. "Yes, 'tis true. I witnessed it myself, but we are working on it. I believe he has improved some."

Her sister gave her a sly look, "You could always agree to my suggestion…"

"I am not having that discussion with you again. My husband and I both informed you, if they do not love each other, we will not force it on them. My son was very clear about his feelings. He is fond of your daughter," Lady Anne said, with a firm look at her sister "but he does not feel more than that. This topic is closed, Catty."

Lady Catherine bristled, "Do not call me that, Anne."

"Very well, Catherine, but you will behave yourself." At a sharp nod of Catherine's head Anne asked, "Now why are you really here?"

"Anne is feeling stronger and we hope she might attend some of the events this season. She and I both feel, with sufficient rest in between, she might be able to endure what remains of the season."

"Wonderful. Will you shop for dresses? I can recommend the best place for fabrics."

"Yes, indeed. Anne needs evening and ball gowns made up in the most current fashions."

"And a couple of morning gowns too, I think."

Lady Catherine sighed. "It would have been such a good match, allowing us to keep Rosings in the Fitzwilliam family."

"Catty… My son said no, and that is the end of it. I will see him happy in his marriage, not browbeaten into an unsuitable situation, for either of them. If you cannot control yourself you are welcome to leave. Perhaps you should stay with our brother. They are much more involved with the season, as Lady Rebecca chooses to attend many of the events."

Lady Catherine harrumphed and let the topic drop.

George and William Darcy walked through the sitting room door and greeted Lady Catherine with bows.

"Catherine. Did we know you were coming?" George looked to his wife. She shook her head minutely.

"Do I need a grand invitation to visit my only sister?"

"Of course not, Catherine." Lady Anne looped her arm through her sister's. "Your rooms are always ready for you and Anne."

Lady Catherine fixed her gaze on her nephew. "Fitzwilliam, you will join us at supper, of course."

"I will not be here for supper tonight, Aunt, I have plans. Richard and I are meeting at the club."

"You will cancel them."

"I will not."

"Really nephew, your cousin is here and you must spend time with her."

William looked at his mother with raised brows. "It seems I will not be finding peace in my own home any time soon. Excuse me." William bowed and turned on his heel to walk stiffly out of the room.

"You see Anne? Your son needs a wife to take him in hand."

"Enough, Catty! His father and I - William's parents - are dealing with it. It has absolutely nothing to do with you, and you will leave him be." Lady Anne stared her sister down, as the older woman sat taller and clenched the handle of her cane.

Finally, Catherine turned her face away with a sniff and raised chin. "I believe I shall rest until supper."

"Very well. Do let me know if Anne will join us or if she might prefer a tray to continue her recuperation from your travels."

Catherine stood and walked to exit the room. Passing George she stopped and asked, "Are you still befriending tradesmen?"

"I am indeed." A large grin on his face. She harrumphed again and left.

Lady Anne and husband shared an expressive look. "This should be interesting." He muttered.

-HBR-

A few days of shopping and fittings had Anne's new wardrobe in hand. They were waiting for the first dresses to be ready before attending any of the evening affairs.

One afternoon, all the ladies were drinking tea in Lady Anne's preferred sitting room. Georgianna was telling her cousin Anne about her morning visit with her friend.

"What is this? What are you saying, child. I must have my part in the conversation."

Lady Anne raised her eyes to the ceiling. "Catty," this said in a warning tone, "Georgiana's friend came calling this morning. They spend time practicing together. Although I think more laughing than playing happens when they are together." A warm look was shared between mother and daughter.

"Who is the child that comes to prevent you from practicing? You will never become a true proficient unless you practice."

"She is not a child. She is a young lady, in town for the season. George and I are well acquainted with her aunt and uncle, and Miss Elizabeth Bennet is a kind and intelligent gentlewoman."

"That is all very strange Anne. Such a big age gap. Are you sure she is not trying to impose herself on you? Or chasing after Fitzwilliam, right under your noses?"

"I am sure she is not."

"Who are her Uncle and Aunt?"

"They are Mr. And Mrs. Edward Gardiner, and just moved in near the neighborhood. George and I have known them for quite some time now."

"Moved from where?" Lady Catherine's questions were becoming more impervious.

"They last resided on Gracechurch st., near Cheapside."

"Cheapside! Anne, what are you thinking?"

"At the moment I am thinking, it is nothing to you, and the Matlocks have your rooms available to be occupied at any time." Lady Anne's smile was a serene one. She learned long ago how to handle her sister. The only way to keep her from escalating was to meet her irascibility with serenity or humor.

Seeing her sister settle down, she encouraged Georgiana to speak more about her morning. "How is Miss Bennet?"

"She is wonderful, Mama. She did mention there were a few balls coming up in the next week or two, she would be attending. She told me more about her father's land and made it sound so picturesque. There is a hilltop they call Oakham Mount and she has watched the sunrise from there many times."

"I hope she walks with a footman." Lady Catherine muttered under her breath.

Georgiana looked wide eyed at her aunt. "I do not know, but she is accompanied by either a footman or maid during her walks in Hyde Park."

Lady Anne saw her sister's eyes twitching, and she decided it would be safer to change the subject.

"Anne, aside from the evening events, is there anything else you might wish to do while you are in town?"

Anne's voice was soft and quiet, "No, Aunt. Although," She shot a quick look at her mother. "I would like to meet Miss Bennet.

Sending her sister a quelling look, before she erupted, "Why do you wish to meet her?"

"I do not have any friends my age. Georgianna makes her sound very kind and friendly. It would be nice to speak to a woman my own age. One who will not disparage me behind my back for being different."

"You are not different, Anne. How can you think such a thing? You are a Fitzwilliam!"

"Mother, you and I both know society in town is not a kind place. Here, they judge one another and try to tear each other down. Miss Bennet sounds like she will accept me for who I am. I should very much like to meet her."

Her aunt leaned over and took hold of her hand, giving it a slight squeeze. "And so you shall."

-HBR-

Richard joined them for supper the next night and talk turned to invitations for events suitable for Anne to attend.

One in particular stood out. "Lord and Lady Rushworth are throwing a ball for her young cousin. The young lady just reached her majority and decided she would try her luck on the marriage mart in town. Apparently there is a dearth of men up in the north. She recently arrived in town and they are trying to introduce her to as many gentlemen as possible. We can make a party of it, just the young folk. Me, Rebecca, Darce and Anne."

Lady Catherine groused. "I do not want to let Anne out of my sight. And how do you know so many details?"

Richard smirked at her. "Lady Catherine, there is nothing that goes on in this town that my mother, Lady Matlock, does not know about."

This produced chuckles from nearly everyone at the table and nods as well.

"Do not worry aunt. Between Darce and myself we will introduce Anne to our friends and no bounders will get past our lines." Richard laughed loudly at his own joke. He was the only one. More than one face expressed their disapproval of his poor attempt at humor.

"Really Richard," Lady Catherine's mouth was turned severely down. "and no tradesmen either."

A silence rested on the room. George Darcy cleared his throat. "We are not friendly with many tradesmen, but those we do count among our friends, are good men."

Richard in an effort to make up for his poorly received joke entered the uncomfortable silence with a suggestion."Perhaps we should ask my mother to hold a ball for Anne? She can keep it a small event, fifty couples at the most."

The noise grew as several of the diners spoke at once, congratulating Richard on a good idea for a change, and commenting on what a wonderful evening it would be for Anne. Poor Anne's voice was drowned out by the din, "I do not want to be the center of attention…"

-HBR-

Richard and William escorted Anne to the Rushmore ball. They stayed by her side introducing her to young gentlemen and making sure she was asked to dance only by partners they approved of. The combined stares of both formidable men ensured all but the most courageous, or pure of heart, stayed away.

When the notes of her first dance began to play, Richard bowed over her hand and before handing it over to her partner, said softly in her ear, "Do not let anyone take you elsewhere than back to our side. We will keep an eye on you, rest assured, but raise your voice if you ever feel uncomfortable."

He then let her hand go. He beamed at the man and clapped him on shoulder, much harder than necessary, "Enjoy the dance and behave yourselves, children."

The couple walked away to join the lines and Richard tutted to William, "They grow up so fast."

Neither Richard or William danced that night, aside from when they stood up with Anne.

The night was about half way over, when William shoved Richard gently with his elbow to get his attention.

"Richard, have you ever thought about love?"

"Love, Darce? Has some fair maiden caught your heart? Might it be Miss Bennet"

"No, I do not believe so. At least not in the way love should be, according to her."

At Richard's quizzing glance, he concluded, "Love is giving, not taking."

"I believe you are thinking too hard, Darce, I see your brain melting out your ears." He gave his cousin a huge smile, but seeing him silent and frowning he attempted to address the topic. "That is some heavy topic of conversation for a clandestine walk in Hyde Park."

William rolled his eyes at him. "Think about it Richard. The church teaches us of love being about selflessness and sacrifice. But it is more than that. True love happens when one endeavors to make sure the object of your desire is happy and well, above and beyond your own desires and wellbeing."

Richard examined William's face while he contemplates his response. "Makes sense. I have a kind of affection for my men and fellow soldiers. We fight side by side, covering each other's backs while our lives are on the line. Afterwards, we are bound just a little more closely together, even if you do not necessarily like the other person."

William is silent for a time, letting the music of the dance wash over him. When he felt he could respond calmly, he said as softly as he could whilst still being heard, "I apologize. You do not discuss your time in the army overseas."

"Because it is there and there is the dying, and now I am here and want to enjoy the living." He let out a long breath. "I shall be returning soon."

"Already?"

"All will be well, Darce."

William put his hand on Richard's shoulder. "I shall pray for you, Cousin."

-HBR-

Dear Miss Bennet,

You are invited to tea at Darcy House. Wednesday at Three O'clock.

I do hope you can come. My cousin is visiting and she very much wishes to make your acquaintance.

Georgiana

Elizabeth used the knocker on Darcy House at precisely Three o'clock. She had to admit to feeling a little flustered at the idea of perhaps seeing William Darcy again.

The door opened and after handing over her things to a maid, was escorted to Lady Anne's sitting room.

Waiting for her were Georgiana with a young lady seated beside her, and Lady Anne, beside whom sat a slightly older woman, recognizably related.

"Elizabeth!" Georgiana hopped up and hastened over to greet her friend.

"Georgiana, thank you for the invitation." Elizabeth turned to Lady Anne and curtseyed, "My Lady."

Then she waited.

Lady Anne frowned at her sister's silence, then stood and walked over to Elizabeth. "Miss Bennet, my sister and her daughter expressed an interest in meeting you. Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and her daughter, Miss Anne de Burgh."

Elizabeth curtseyed to both women, before Georgiana grabbed her hand to drag her over to sit by her and Miss de Bourgh.

"Elizabeth, I was telling Anne all about our practice sessions, and how much fun they are."

Elizabeth thought she heard a soft snort from where the other women were seated.

"I admit we fool around more on the piano much more than actually practice, but that is the fun of it. Makes it so much more enjoyable when settling down to serious practice."

"I should have liked to learn the piano, I think. Growing up I was not well much of the time. It kept me from acquiring many of the accomplishments acceptable for young ladies." Anne's soft voice held a tinge of regret.

Elizabeth bit her lower lip. "There is no time like the present."

Both girls looked at her and she raised her brows. "Why not? Everyone is a beginner when they start, and Miss de Bourgh can learn to play for her own amusement, not because she must entertain some swain or another. I say learn just enough to enjoy yourself and to play for a gaggle of children." She finished with an impish smile and all three girls giggled softly. "After all, Georgiana here is so proficient, she can be your first master."

"Lizzy! Not in the least, I assure you."

"Nay, Georgiana. You are very good, and most importantly, you have patience. This is essential for any beginner student. There, I have set your mornings up perfectly. Is that not very good of me?" More giggles and the three kept speaking almost themselves, now the ice was broken, and Anne de Bourgh felt more at ease.

On the other side of the room Lady Catherine was shifting in her seat, keeping a gimlet eye on her daughter. "I do not like it, Anne. Who is she, who are her parents. She might have taken you all in with her artful teasing."

"Miss Bennet is a gentlewoman, and while not of the Ton, it is to her credit. It is true, she is lively, but she has strong convictions and stands by them. I understand her education was unusual, with her father guiding her in many subjects. Or rather, supporting her in what she chose to learn. Which, from what I have come to learn, is nearly everything. The warehouse where we found all the fine fabric for Anne's gowns is one of Gardiner's concerns."

Lady Catherine huffed, "Tradesman," but this was said with less disdain than would have been expected. "She sounds odd. I do not know that I wish for my daughter to associate with a lady who is odd."

"I do not know, Catty, I would think odd is right up your alley. Is that not how you were thought of when you came out? If I recall correctly, you were rather proud of the appellation at the time."

Lady Catherine huffed again, but remained silent, her eyes resting on the activity on the other sofa. Lady Anne perceived a slight thaw in her sister's expression and held back a smile of her own.

"Besides, I believe Anne was correct when she expressed a desire for friends of her own. A young lady needs time with other ladies her age. It gives them a little freedom to explore their own interests."

"Are you implying I smother my daughter?"

"Catherine, Anne is three and twenty, has never had a season, and has been kept home at Rosings for nearly all her life. It is a normal and healthy aspect of life for any young woman to expand her horizons, also by meeting new people and making friends."

"Something Fitzwilliam still has difficulty with, if I were to believe the gossip?"

"It is a little more complicated. My son has grown too full of himself and his attitude got out of hand."

"He has a right to be proud. He is a Darcy."

"Not like this. You heard of the balls and his insult to young ladies. He also publicly insulted friends of ours at an evening event, due to their social status."

"Your tradesmen friends I suppose?" Lady Catherine's mouth pinched with disapproval.

"Good, honest, hard working, genteel people. I have known Madeline Gardiner for years, as she grew up in Lambton. Her father was the vicar and the son of a gentleman. She and her husband, who is an intelligent man, are fine people." She sighed, "The problem now is, I believe William likes their niece." At this, she nodded in Elizabeth's direction.

"And you do not approve?" Lady Catherine bit her tongue from saying more.

"No, I heartily approve. She is perfect for him. She is lively to his serious. Sees humor where he might take offense. Furthermore, she is not cowed by him and has no qualms about calling him out when he is being… stiff. No, the problem is, I do not think she will have him. She will not marry for material gain, only for respect and affection. So she informed me herself. And with his current attitude, I do not think him capable of winning her."

"You are quite sure she was being truthful with you?" Lady Catherine's focus honed in on their object of discussion. She will need to see this for herself, but perhaps she judged the girl too quickly.

"I have no doubts. Unfortunately, my son's idea of wooing is meeting her by happenstance during her walks."

"Anne, he may be attracted to her, she is a pretty enough girl, but she is of lower standing. He may have no intention whatsoever of pursuing her."

"Yet, he has not behaved in such a manner before, with any other lady."

Lady Catherine patted her sister's hand. "A mother never ceases to worry over her children. No matter how old they get."

Just then, Georgiana came skipping over, with Anne and Elizabeth trailing behind, "Mama, we want to have a picnic, and I would like to invite the Gardiner children, too."

At the same time, the maids entered with the tea things and George and William Darcy were right behind.

Papa, we had ever so much fun. I think Anne would enjoy it as well."

Elizabeth had blushed on William's entrance, feeling off balance following their previous meeting. He had not returned to the park during any of her consequent walks.

"A picnic, you say. Do you feel a need to feed the ducks again?" George teased his daughter, pulling gently on one of her curls.

William had bowed his greetings, but had kept his distance and did not try to speak to Elizabeth, though his gaze did not stray far from her person.

"We fed ducks, and we played games. The ladies sat on the blankets and the food choices were perfect for a picnic." Georgiana was nearly bouncing on her toes in excitement.

Finally William spoke, "Surely you, Anne and Miss Bennet can have a picnic. There is no need to invite the tradesman's children."

A gasp was heard, but he was hard pressed to know who it was, "I only mean-"

"Ah, but it is children who bring the most joy to a picnic. Feeding the ducks is a great adventure, you can enjoy nearly any simple game with them and they are not fussy about eating on a blanket. Otherwise, it may as well be a garden party, and it is hardly the same thing." Elizabeth's eyes glittered at him in fury, and William felt his heart plummet to his shoes.

Lady Catherine, however, was watching the scene, her eyes filled with glee.

Is anyone else having a weird time with FF notifications? I keep telling the site I have added the bot email address to my contacts, but they seem to still be bouncing.