Encounter at Pemberly Chapter 3: Getting to Know Mr Darcy, a pride and prejudice and zombies fanfic

Chapter 3. Getting to Know Mr. Darcy

Darcy POV:

I have to make the last moments at Pemberly before its evacuation for the first time in its long history, at least enjoyable. So, I need Giorgiana strong by my side. "Come here," I say to her quietly and out of all decorum, she hugs me like when she was a child. I hug her and kiss her hair, whispering that we will try to come back, that this can't stay like this. I know Elizabeth and her aunt and uncle are watching me, but hey, first things first.

Once more or less comforted, she lets go of me and addresses her guests: "Mr. and Mrs. Philips, Miss Bennet, let me welcome you to Pemberley even if under strange circumstances, please consider it your home. I have requested a light dinner and as you know you have rooms prepared at your disposal and anything you need you just comment. I am sorry to tell you that I must request your presence early tomorrow for breakfast so that I can evacuate Pemberley at the appointed time. Please come with me to the table." I can't help but smile at her, a perfect speech.

Dinner despite the lack of notice is perfect, as always. With a relaxed atmosphere and no pomp and grandiloquence, but perfect. Giorgiana seems to have hit it off very well with Elizabeth and doesn't have to make any effort to talk and I'm more than happy just watching as the two women in my life are on such good terms. Elizabeth's aunt and uncle are simple but polite people, both intelligent and sensitive. They've long since realized that I'm particularly interested in their niece, but they're being quite discreet with their looks.

I know that Mrs Philip is wondering and doesn't want to bother me with questions about London, so I let me change the subject to the one she is eager to hear: "The zombie attacks on London are not being of hungry hordes, but something organized, meaningful. Striking in strategic places where they can add people to their ranks. They have changed their modus operandi. It seems that they only devour 1 out of every 10 souls they attack. They can't do more damage with less than what they're doing. It has been 3 days since the evacuation of London was ordered and even though many people were able to flee, everyone who has stayed has either been devoured to death or is part of the enemy. The fighting during the siege of London is raging. I don't want to bother you, but the level of violence is totally new and superlative. It's just hell on earth."

"Why do you have to be in the front row?, you told the king that you would try to direct the battle from at least the second rank. But you've thrown yourself into the front line as if you don't care if you die and I'm really disgusted with it," Giorgiana suddenly blurted out. I´m perplex.

"Giogiana, I told our majesty that I would try but that I am not able to send someone where I dare not go. But you're right, the truth is that I've exposed myself more than usual even for me. His majesty is not very happy with me.", "I'll try to be more careful at the front," I add, trying to soften the atmosphere.

It seems that Giorgiana has been a little more satisfied, but Elizabeth, after looking at me for a moment, has remained totally silent and with a face of circumstance. Damn it, she has read the letter and knows that my attitude may have bordered on suicidal after my disastrous proposal at Rosings. I will try to find a moment to apologize for my attitude, but moments are precisely what we are going to lack.

At that point, Mrs. Reynolds came in with the requested report. Oh my God, 10 children are alone in this world and they are coming with us to Rosings. I didn't expect there to be so many! And I only have the big carriage for the evacuation, the rest are going to be needed for the evacuation of the personnel.

"Mrs. Reynolds, all the children except the two oldest are going to go inside the carriage. I want you all armed with what they do best. The two eldest will go on carriage top as a lookout. Make sure they wear clothes suitable for the weather, that they install handholds and something padded to avoid some discomfort." "I'll be leading the march, and I need another heavily armed lookout on horseback to close the march." "Needless to say, everyone must be meticulously checked before the departure of the evacuees, I don't want any surprises inside the transports." "I want Henrik as a coachman, he may be young, but he is devilishly good and determined. As for the rear lookout I have to check well who we have available, our best marksmen are at the front and the Black Watch must protect the convoy going to the islands before returning to Rosings."

"Giorgiana, we have to take 10 children, you will go as a protector of the group of children inside the carriage and make sure that everyone has the safety systems on in case the trip becomes dangerous and we need to speed up."

Elizabeth is talking quietly with her aunt and uncle and they seem to be agreeing on something.

"Mr. Darcy, Meryton is almost on the same route as Rosings. My uncles and I have talked and agreed to put our little carriage and swords at your service and help them with the evacuation. My uncle is an excellent coachman and expert marksman retired from the army. I offer to be the lookout who closes the march. I'm a better sword than a marksman, although I'm still quite competent with a firearm in my hand," Elizabeth tells me with complete confidence.

I adore her, how could I not. I don't want to accept this proposal and expose Elizabeth to any danger, but the truth is that I don't have any other moderately acceptable option and having one of the best swords I've ever seen, gives me a peace of mind that I didn't have a moment ago.

Okay, if we're going to have to do it that way, we're going to do it right. I get up and go to the office for a moment so I can do things properly. On my return, along with two of the Black Watch lookouts who are stationed at Pemberley, all party are all looking at me with faces of circumstance and I really don't understand why.

"Mr. Darcy, please reconsider the offer my niece has made," Mr. Philips tells me really worried.

Oops, I think I should have said something before leaving the room, my intentions have not been properly interpreted.

"Mr. Philiphs, please excuse me for not verbalizing my intentions. However much I may wish to refuse your offer I am obliged to accept it, I cannot pass up the opportunity of defence which your niece and yourself represent for this expedition." "My intention going into my office was to do things properly, so..."

"Mr. Philips, please accept this badge which places you as an active soldier in Her Majesty's Army. With this badge he will be recognized by all as part of the army, honored and your family protected as you deserve in case the worst happens."

"Miss Bennet, if you accept this sword, you will be part of the Black Watch as the First Sword. You will only receive orders from your superiors, who are myself as your General, Lady Catherine as Admiral, and the King. You would be authorized to use the Black Guard as you see fit. I cannot, by law, include you also in her majesty's army, as I would have intended. Do you accept this sword and what it represents?"

To say that everyone is stunned is an understatement, very, very short. The two Black Watch soldiers, as they heard my speech, are in a position of submission, as they should, even though they are very, very surprised. Surely it is the first time they have seen such recognition from a civilian, I think that in the entire history of the Black Watch only Lady Catherine has received this recognition from the hands of the King.

I don't think Elizabeth really knows how weird all this is, but most of us here do. She takes the sword from my hand with a loud and confident voice she says, "I do." My chest is so swollen with pride that I think my buttons are going to come loose. Mr. Philips is shedding tears of admiration and Giorgiana is crying.

Ending my speech with "With honors" and the 3 representatives of the Black Watch honor our First Sword with a bow and point of our swords to the ground. "Retreat to your positions" and they both leave still dumbfounded at what they have witnessed.

Elizabeth has been looking around without really understanding what has happened, her uncle approaches her and says quietly "I'll explain it to you later".

As hard as it is for me, it is time to finish mapping out our route to Rosings and how we are going to distribute the children in the two carriages. I take the map that I had also brought with me and we discuss possible routes to use and what would be better. Main roads with the danger that they represent because they are known or different routes and trails that practically no one knows. It seems that the safest thing to do is to follow the trails, but the feeling that doesn't leave me alone, makes me discard this option with the only explanation that it is a hunch. Ready, after ordering the reinforcement and installation of security in Mr. Philips' carriage we retired to our quarters. We need to rest as much as possible, tomorrow can be a hard day.

"Mr. Darcy, allow me a second before we leave," Mr. Philips says on his way to the rooms.

"Tell me Mr. Philips, I hope you are not upset about being called up again or your niece's joining the Black Watch," I add.

"Not for God's sake. I just wanted to thank you for the position you puts me in, even though it wasn't necessary. I would have put my life at your service just the same without the promise of help in case something happened to me. Rest assured about that. What I want to thank you for is your deference to my niece, perhaps she has not understood the honor that what has happened here represents, but I do know. It's something I never thought I'd be able to see in my life. If I already thought you were the best warrior in England, you have also shown me that you are a great strategist and a great person who is able to recognize another warrior who I am sorry to say, but wears skirts and that is not at all common. I have witnessed something so extraordinary that I can live with that memory for the rest of my life. I think you and my niece know each other a good deal more than perhaps she has let us know, and that you value she very highly. It is a pleasure to recognize another man who knows how to see beyond appearances. I remain forever at you service and everything you may need from me, even if I have not much, take for granted." And with a bow he ends the speech.

"Mr. Philips, I don't think I deserve such a kind and effusive thank you, but I receive and value you as you deserve. One thing I have to ask of you, the commands of the Black Watch are secret, only the Black Watch and a few civilians know about them and it must remain that way please. So what has happened here, here stays until hopefully not, your niece will have to make use of the position." "Good evening, Mr. Philips"

"Good evening, Mr. Darcy," and with that we bid farewell for the evening.

This time with Mr. Philips in the corridor, I´m not stop astonished in front of the room that I know now is Elizabeth's ones, but it is not far away from mine.

I'm exhausted, I didn't know I was so tired. Despite the disastrous situation I have on my hands, my heart feels a little lighter. She doesn't look at me with hatred at least, I wouldn't know how to identify what feelings her gaze expresses, but it's not hatred anymore and that's a lot compared to my situation 12 hours ago. My suicidal streak, which is what it was, is now calm, and for the first time since Rosings I don't see everything black. I thought I wouldn't be able to sleep after all the emotions of today, but I think my heart and my head have taken the opportunity to disconnect in the only moment of respite that I allow them and I fall asleep soundly without even dreaming or so I think, until my assistant wakes me up early in the morning. Quite an unusual event.

"My lord, the preparation for the evacuation is practically complete and in order. I have also taken the liberty of preparing clothes for you, Giorgiana and your guests, I hope it does not bother you."

"On the contrary, I appreciate the initiative. You've been here packing my suitcase and I haven't noticed?" I ask incredulously.

"Yes Milord, I've been pretty quiet if that comforts you. I'm sorry to say so, but you were very sleep-deprived, it was a pleasure to see you rest in peace and everything being so well tied up, I preferred to wake you up when it was necessary. All in all, don't worry, it's still early, I know you'll want to supervise everything."

"Thank you again, I won't require your services anymore. I hope you have a good trip to the islands and don't need to prove your swordsmanship. Hopefully we'll see each other in better circumstances soon."

"My lord, it is an honor to serve you," and he bows to me, to which I answer with another. And it's all said and done. I really hope that we meet again in better circumstances and if something happens to me, I know that all my staff will be well placed.

In the room where breakfast is to be served, everything is very clear, all the evacuation work is practically finished. Only what remains is what will soon be used for the latter service. I go through the different rooms and everything is according to plan. In the office all the documentation and valuables are strategically stored and placed in their places, not even an earthquake followed by a fire would destroy them.

Outside, everything is ready, loaded and the staff is waiting for the final order.

At that moment, Giorgiana and Elizabeth appear outside with their aunt and uncle, all of them ready and prepared. My military being greatly appreciates this way of acting, any army could take note of what is happening here today. Giorgiana comes up to me and grabs my arm.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is a real pleasure to be diligent and neat in all the activities arising from the evacuation. Not in our dreams could we have a better service than the present and let us hope that they will soon be able to return to their posts. Assigned groups can leave." I said and addressed the Black Guard, "To your defense posts, gentlemen. And thank you for your service," and I nodded to them. The Black Guards, who were with the convoy, bowed and in complete silence dispersed to their posts. It's done, only two wagons and their Guard remain.

We're heading inside and I can't help but turn and look at the great people who are leaving. I really hope to be able to count on all of them very soon.

Breakfast is plentiful, for a change perfect, though very unstaffed, and surprisingly relaxed. It seems that we all want to enjoy the last moments of relative normality.

"It's time to go, let the kids be at the front entrance in 5 minutes," I tell Mrs. Reynolds. We are heading abroad and of course, everything is ready. The children have been thoroughly inspected by the Black Watch for nothing and although it is not a dish of good taste for anyone, it is necessary.

We distribute the children as agreed, the two older ones at the top of each of the carriages, the little ones inside properly armed, tied up and instructed on how to let go if necessary. They look very nervous and scared, so I try to instill a little faith in them: "Ladies, Knights, may God have mercy on the souls who try to desecrate this army, since it was born with the courage of heroes, the fierceness of the Lion and the prowess of Achilles. Little lions are what I see." And I bow to them in total respect. It seems to it have had an effect and we change fear to pride. Much better disposition if necessary and warriors are who enter the carriages and not frightened children. All the adults look at me with a smile in their eyes, not lowering the seriousness of the speech. Giorgiana walks past me before taking her place and gives me a kiss on the cheek with a smile. Wow, I think I've done well.

Henrik and Mr. Philips are at their posts with weapons at their disposal if needed.

"Miss Bennet, I have assigned you to Lancelot. He is a spirited, fast but strong horse capable of withstanding anything. It's the best along with my Combat mount. Both are trained to be a weapon if necessary and will not back down. You can count without hesitation on his strength if necessary. Take your place please," I said in the same tone I had used with the Black Watch, she is now a Warrior and should be treated as such.

"Yes, General," she says in the same martial tone I had used.

In a much softer tone, I say "Miss Bennet, I'm sorry but you can't use the ranks of the Black Watch, please remember it. If you wish to address me for any of my charges, you must do so as Colonel in Her Majesty's Army, or preferably as you have customarily done. Please understand that I am now reporting it, but if you do it in front of any warrior who has seen your badge, I will have to reprimand you. I'm sorry, maybe I should have informed you of all the inconveniences before you accepted the position. The truth is that I had never done anything like it or seen it, so I had to improvise the whole ceremony a bit."

"Got it, Mr. Darcy," and she smiles at me. That smile just caught me off guard and I just sit quietly just staring at her. How can she have so much power over me.

"I didn't know that it was something out of the ordinary to include a civilian in the Black Watch, I thought it was usually done in case of need, maybe it's rarer with a charge. All in all, I thank you very much for your consideration," Elizabeth said, adding, "Do you know how many civilians have been drafted into the ranks like this?"

As I hand her the reins of her horse and get on mine, mostly to avoid confronting her, I reply: "Of course, we all know that. There have been 4 in total before you, of which only 1 was charged. You know her, Lady Catherine De Bourg." And with that said, I'm off to the front of the march.

We set off at a good pace and except for distant skirmishes, we haven't had any setbacks along the way. Perhaps I exaggerated the threat greatly, but under no circumstances was I going to risk the lives of anyone in this group. And if I say that to myself, especially Elizabeth's or Giorgiana's, I'd die if anything happened to them.

On arrival at Rosings there is a patrol of the Black Guards quite beaten up that seems to be waiting for us.

"Milord, we were waiting for you, the King requires your immediate presence at Hingman Bridge."

"Okay, let's leave immediately. What happened to you?" I asked, still on my horse. A pity, but duty calls me. I'm not even going to be able to say goodbye.

"You see, Milord, being an urgent mandate, we decided to go and find him. We used the most isolated paths in order to avoid confrontations and the result was precisely the opposite. It really looks like they're laying an ambush. With the first group we didn't realize it. They were barricaded on both sides of the road, if the direction had been from Pemberly to Rosings they would have been invisible but, being the opposite direction we finished them off very quickly. The second group we encountered was somewhat larger than the first and the operations were the same. Already close to Pemberly we found the 3rd group very numerous, the same situation as the previous ones and these did present a hard battle" "My lord, I know that what I am about to say seems crazy and may reprimand me, but something so orderly cannot be accidental. They seemed to be ambushing anyone who had the misfortune to use that road and in that direction. With the 3 ambushes there was no chance of survival," said the Warrior.

"Well done soldier, there is no need to reprimand anything, I fully agree with your assessment" To say that I am relieved is an understatement. Relieved on the one hand and very worried on the other, now I have no suspicions, I am certain that something is coming against me.

I bid farewell to those who have been my travelling companions at a distance and head to the front accompanied by the Black Guards. I don't want to think that anything could happen to Elizabeth or her family because of me.

It's almost better this way, I don't know how I'm going to say goodbye to them, I don't think I'll come back. If they have come looking for me like this, it means that the situation has escalated into violence, if that is possible. At least I'm a little more at peace with myself if I'm going to have to go to our creator.

Elizabeth POV:

We entered the living room with Giogiana still very shaken. It is seen that Mr. Darcy is so worried about his sister that he tells her to "come here" and comforts her. It's a whole new image of him, attentive and affectionate with his people and I can't help but imagine myself in his arms, not like my brother obviously. Right now, I think it would be the best place in the world to be.

"Mr. and Mrs. Philips, Miss Bennet, let me welcome you to Pemberley even if under strange circumstances, please call it your home. I have requested a light dinner and as you have rooms prepared at your disposal and anything you need you just comment. I am sorry to tell you that I must request your presence early tomorrow for breakfast so that we can evacuate Pemberley at the appointed time. Please come with me to the table." Giorgiana says a little more resolutely with her brother next to her looking at her proudly.

Dinner is perfect, I don't know how they've managed to get through all the mess of preparing all this. Dinner isn't perfect because of the food itself, it's the nice, friendly atmosphere that exists at the table. Although right now I'm anything but calm. Giorgiana seems eager to meet me and we immediately establish a relationship of complicity, it's like being at home with my people. Mr. Darcy is far from me to engage him in conversation, and well… he is quite quiet, too. I don't know if he's uncomfortable with me talking to his sister or if he's angry that we're here, although he seems to be enjoying the conversation with my uncles.

"The zombie attacks on London are not being from hungry hordes, but something organized, meaningful. Striking in strategic places where they can add people to their ranks. They have changed their modus operandi, it seems that they only devour 1 out of every 10 souls they attack. They can't do more damage with less than what they're doing. It has been 3 days since the evacuation of London was ordered and even though many people were able to flee, everyone who has stayed has either been devoured to death or is part of the enemy. The fighting during the siege of London is raging, I don't want to bother you, but the level of violence is totally new and superlative. It's straight up hell on earth," Mr. Darcy tells my aunt and uncle.

"Why do you have to be in the front row? you told the king that you would try to direct the battle from at least the second rank. But you've thrown yourself into the front line as if you don't care about dying and I'm really disgusted with it," Giorgiana suddenly blurts out abruptly and seems to take her brother completely by surprise. I think the comment is a bit out of place, but I think it comes from concern.

"Giorgiana, I told our majesty that I would try but, I´m not capable of sending someone where I dare not go. But you're right, the truth is that I've exposed myself more than usual even for me. His majesty is not very happy with me." "I'll try to be more careful on the front," he adds softly.

I'm devastated, literally. I am to blame for this attitude of "seeking solace in combat", those were the words of his letter, and even the King has reproved him for a suicidal attitude. How the hell am I going to live if the best man and warrior I'll ever meet in my life waste his life and dies for me. I'm getting dizzy just thinking about it. How could I have been so wrong and not met him until now.

At that point, Mrs. Reynolds came in with the requested report.

" Mrs. Reynolds, all the children except the two oldest are going to go inside the carriage. I want you all armed with what they do best. The two eldest will go on carriage top as a lookout. Make sure they wear clothes suitable for the weather, that they install handholds and something padded to avoid some discomfort." "I'll be leading the march, and I need another heavily armed lookout on horseback to close the march." "Needless to say, everyone must be meticulously checked before the departure of the evacuees, I don't want any surprises inside the transports." "I want Henrik as a coachman, he may be young, but he is devilishly good and determined. As for the rear lookout I have to check well who we have available, our best marksmen are at the front and the Black Watch must protect the convoy going to the islands before returning to Rosings."

My aunt and uncle tell me that they want to offer all the means they have to help on the journey to Rosings, that the route does not differ much from that of Meryton. I couldn't be prouder of them.

"Mr. Darcy, Meryton is almost on the same route as Rosings. My uncles and I have talked and agreed to put our little carriage and swords at their service and help them with the evacuation. My uncle is an excellent coachman and expert marksman retired from the army. I offer to be the lookout who closes the march. I'm a better sword than a marksman, although I'm still quite competent with a firearm in my hand," I say confidently.

He looks at me for 4 or 5 seconds very seriously and leaves the room. I'm devastated, he doesn't even want my help, what a fool I am thinking that maybe there could be a small hope of at least ending on good terms.

In a few minutes he returns with two Black Watch lookouts. My uncle wants to offer our services again and for him to accept our help. "Mr. Darcy, please reconsider the offer my niece has made," he says.

Mr. Darcy looks a little annoyed and cuts off my uncle's speech by saying, "Mr. Philiphs, please excuse me for not verbalizing my intentions. However much I may wish to refuse your offer I am obliged to accept it, I cannot pass up the opportunity of defence which your niece and yourself represent for this expedition." "My intention going into my office was to do things properly, so..."

"Mr. Philips, please accept this badge which places you as an active soldier in Her Majesty's Army. With this badge you will be recognized by all as part of the army, honored and your family protected as you deserve in case the worst happens."

Oh my God, he will really have this deference to my family? It's too serious even to be all of us, it's a solemn moment for a soldier and everyone is respecting it as such. Then he turns to me with a beautiful 50cm wahizashi in his hands in front of me.

The two Black Watch soldiers and my uncle are in a position of submission. Mr. Darcy is terribly serious, Giorgiana stunned with her mouth open.

First Sword, I don't know the positions of the Black Watch, but this is certainly a real honor. Is he really honoring me like this? I don't deserve it. I'm taking longer than I should to accept this honor. I couldn't be more grateful and I understand what it costs a male warrior to accept a woman as an equal, although he doesn't seem to have any problem with it. And my words at the Meryton ball echo in my head again: "the right man wouldn't ask for it." Exactly that, Mr. Darcy is the right man and not only does he not require me to lay down my arms but he empowers me.

"I accept," I say loud and confident, taking the offered sword from his hands. I think I'm living in a momentous moment. Mr. Darcy is holding his breath with intense eyes, my uncle is shedding tears of admiration, and Giorgiana is crying.

"With honor," Mr. Darcy says, and he, along with the two soldiers, draw their swords with the point of the point on the ground and bow. I'm so honored and surprised that I don't know what to do, really. "Withdraw to your positions," Mr. Darcy orders the soldiers.

In a low voice, my uncle says, "I'll explain it later."

My General, now I'm going to call him that in my head, puts an end to these intense moments to finish planning the route and strategy of our trip to Rosings. He looks more than used to this type of situation and is leading everything as I have seen him do so far, impeccable. I've just fallen into account all the responsibilities he's got, Army Colonel, General of the Black Guard, Pemberly Landowner and half of Derbyshare, Father of a teenage sister and how old is he? ¿28?. He certainly doesn't take his responsibilities lightly, there are so many people depending on him that I would be straight up the drain. I'm totally in love with him, he's the best man I've ever met. Now I can only wish him health and happiness as he did for me. I hadn't realized how generous it is to wish it to someone you love just that knowing those don't include you. Elizabeth, wake up from your machinations, your general is talking. He presents us with his strategy based on a hunch and not on reason, but if a man of his experience has a hunch, he is to be listened to without hesitation and immediately agrees to that plan. He seems more than pleased with our unwavering confidence in his judgment.

"Mr. Darcy, may I take a second before we leave," my uncle asks Mr. Darcy as the rest of us leave the room and head to our rooms.

My curiosity is killing me, so I stay in my aunt and uncle's room waiting for my uncle to come up from talking to Mr. Darcy. My aunt is mysteriously quiet and just stares at me. I don't know what's going through her head but I can imagine. She's not like my mother and she's not going to pressure me to speak if I don't want to, but right now I can't, I don't know how to verbalize my feelings that are so many and so strong that I would never have believed myself capable of having them.

A little while later my uncle comes into the room and says to me: "Lizzi, how are you here instead of resting?" "No, really. That there are many things you have not told us about Mr. Darcy is more than clear to us, but being in the situation we are in, you will tell us whenever you want." "I just want you to understand that what we experienced here today. That I be reinstated in the ranks in order to protect my family, that they include a civilian in the Black Guard, a woman, with a charge is a complete Honor and Pride." "I'm going to judge Mr. Darcy by what I've seen and his actions and not by what others have said about him. He is the best man I know and will ever meet. Respect life over possessions, which is an easy thing to do if you have little but being who it is, it is a very generous act. Respect a warrior and soldier no matter their status. He cares about everything that falls within his responsibility and always tries to do his best, I have no doubt." "He didn't have an easy time today with all those children and having to evacuate his property, but he did it admirably, outstandingly and also taking care of our comfort and that of his sister." "Maybe he's been a little serious or taciturn, but it's clear that we've caught him fresh from the fighting in London and that his time there has been insane and also that he must urgently return to that hell. I'd also be more than serious if I don't know if I'm going to see another sunrise when I go back to the front." "Just being part of the armies with everything he has, is already an act of responsibility and generosity that is not common at all. But the fact that he does it the way he does it is incredible."

"Uncle..." I don't know how to keep talking and I can only cry. My uncles hug me and I can't stop the cry, I didn't need the speech to realize what I've lost, I can only cry and cry. My heart and soul are completely broken. It's a weird mix, I'm broken and devastated on the one hand and completely swollen and proud on the other. He will never be my life partner, but I want my people to know who he is he and they should have him in the esteem and respect he deserves.

At some point in my endless crying I have fallen asleep in my aunt's arms. Wow, it must have been a long time, it's dawn and my uncle isn't in the room.

"Good morning Lizzy" says my aunt whom I have woken up with my movements, "it has been a long time since I have slept with one of my nieces, since you passed the age of 5 I did not believe that it would be repeated" she tells me affectionately.

"I'm sorry auntie, I don't know what happened to me," I say totally incredulous.

"Love is what's happened to you and a broken heart if you're going to ask me. But you'll tell me about it later, though I have to tell you that you both have excellent taste. I don't know what happened between you both, but I hope you´ll fix it" and she gives me an affectionate kiss on the forehead and goes to get dressed and the matter is settled.

You're right, first things first and we have to get ready to go. I go to my room to pick up what little I have and I find that I have everything prepared and packaged.

The sword that makes me part of the Black Guard is on the dressing table on a black velvet rug, again nothing is casual. I take it to see it better and I am amazed by it, it is like a Katana but a little shorter as I like it. I think it is the same size as my saber. It's going to be more than easy to use, the more I look at it, the more it impresses me, strong and light, with a deadly edge, exquisite balance. This sword is not normal, it has to be from some Japanese master gunsmith. Oh, my God! He is Mr. Darcy's katana partner. Breathe, breathe, you're going to have a seizure, calm down... I'm getting dizzy... I want to tell myself that it's probably because I didn't have another one at hand, but I don't believe it, he's looked for a sword for me, to my liking, it's not accidental and it's an incredible gesture.

Knock knock knock "Lizzy, let's go down. Are you ready?" I hear my aunt say.

"I'm going," I reply, adding the katana to my belt.

We meet Giorgiana already ready on the stairs and together we go out where everyone, including Mr. Darcy, are waiting. Everything is prepared, loaded, and the staff is waiting for the final order. Giorgiana approaches her brother and takes him by the arm affectionately but decisively and accompanies him in the farewell of the staff. Mr. Darcy lays a hand on her and addresses his staff:

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is a real pleasure to be diligent and neat in all the activities arising from the evacuation. Not in our dreams could we have a better service than the present and let us hope that they will soon be able to return to their posts. Assigned groups can leave." He turns to the Black Watch and orders, "To your defense posts, sirs. And thank you for your service" and gives them a little bow.

We enter the house for breakfast and I see out of the corner of my eye that My General turns to his people with a sad look, immediately recovers himself and continues towards the dining room.

Breakfast is plentiful, perfect, surprisingly relaxed. It seems that we all want to enjoy the last moments of relative normality.

"It's time to go, the kids will be at the main entrance in 5 minutes" says My General to Mrs. Reynolds and wow, in less than 3 we are all ready, what efficiency.

As we distribute the children as agreed, My General seems worried with the children, suddenly squares himself in his full stature and says very seriously, addressing the children: "Ladies, Knights, may God have mercy on the souls who try to desecrate this army, since it was born with the courage of heroes, the fierceness of the Lion and the prowess of Achilles. Little lions are what I see." And he nods his head to them in total respect.

In front of me and to my total surprise he has turned a group of children into warriors. Now they all enter with a totally new mood and they really could face anything. What an extraordinary power. No wonder he is always required on the battlefield, not only because he is an unmatched warrior, but because he makes others fight like lions.

I can't help but smile at him and the others feel the same, Giorgiana walks past him and gives him a kiss on the cheek with a smile of approval. He has realized that we are looking at him and we have seen his gesture of complicity with his sister and Oh my God!, he is turning red! I hadn't realized that within the seriousness perhaps most of it was shyness.

Once everyone is at their posts, My General (I love to call him that) approaches me with two spectacular horses and gives me the reins of one: "Miss Bennet, I have assigned you to Lancelot. He is a spirited, fast but strong horse capable of withstanding anything. It's the best along with my Combat mount. Both are trained to be a weapon if necessary and will not back down. You can count without hesitation on his strength if necessary. Take your place, please," he tells me in a martial tone.

"Yes General" I answer in the same tone, I think he may still be a little sensitive after the previous scene. What a beautiful horse, I have no doubt he'll be the best of the best and thoroughly trained, just as you said.

At my words he looks at me a little surprised and in a much softer tone says "Miss Bennet, I'm sorry, but you can't use the ranks of the Black Watch, please remember it. If you wish to address me on any of my military charges, you must do so as a colonel in her majesty's army, or preferably as you have usually done. Please understand that I am now reporting it, but if you do it in front of any warrior who has seen your badge, I will have to reprimand you. I'm sorry, maybe I should have informed you of all the inconveniences before you accepted the position. The truth is that I had never done anything like it or seen it, so I had to improvise the whole ceremony a bit."

"Got it, Mr. Darcy," I say, smiling, trying to minimize my mistake. But he stays silent looking at me, I don't know what I've done wrong now, there's no way to get it right and I consider myself a person who usually understands everyone very well. Trying to alleviate what I think is discomfort, I add: "I didn't know that it was something out of the ordinary to include a civilian in the Black Guard, I thought it was usually done in case of need, perhaps it is rarer with a charge. However, I thank you very much for your consideration," "do you know how many civilians have been drafted in this way?"

Giving me the reins of my horse, without looking at me and getting on his horse he says "Of course, we all know that. There have been 4 in total before you, of which only 1 was charged. You know her, Lady Catherine De Bourg." And he's going to lead the march.

How did he say, I'm getting dizzy again. Have I been honored as only Lady Catherine De Bourgh has been honored before? I feel like throwing up and crying and telling him that he's made a mistake with me and I don't deserve such an honor. But how the hell am I going to do it without telling him that he's been wrong in his judgment. Responsibilities and Honor, that's what he's used to and handles every day, the one who doesn't know how to handle this is me. I don't even know where to start and he seems to have everything under control. Everyone, absolutely everyone I've seen who has a relationship with him, feels safe with him and blindly trusts his judgment. How can it be that I haven't seen it until practically now. Even on the estate of Lady Catherine De Bourgh everything seemed to fall under his judgment and command.

We set off at a good pace and except for distant skirmishes, we haven't had any setbacks along the way. Perfect.

On arrival at Rosings there is a patrol of the Black Guards quite beaten up that seems to be waiting for us. That's right, we haven't even dismantled and they turn to Mr. Darcy "Milord, we were waiting for you, the King requires your immediate presence at the Hingham Bridge"

"Okay, let's leave immediately. What has happened to them?" asked Mr. Darcy.

"You see, Milord, being an urgent mandate, we decided to go and find you. We used the most isolated paths to avoid confrontations and the result was precisely the opposite. It really looks like they're laying an ambush. With the first group we didn't realize it. They were barricaded on both sides of the road, if the direction had been from Pemberly to Rosings they would have been invisible, but being the opposite direction we finished them off very quickly. The second group we encountered was somewhat larger than the first and the operations were the same. Already close to Pemberly we found the 3rd group very numerous, the same situation as the previous ones and these did present a hard battle" "My lord, I know that what I am about to say seems crazy and may reprimand me, but something so orderly cannot be accidental. They seemed to be ambushing anyone who had the misfortune to use that road and in that direction. With the 3 ambushes there was no chance of survival," said the Warrior.

"Well done soldier, there is no need to reprimand anything, I fully agree with your assessment."

He hasn't even gotten off his horse, he's turned around to wave goodbye to us. This is our last moment together and I haven't been able to say goodbye to him, thank him, or tell him that I'm the dumbest being in this world for not seeing what was in front of me.

I can't stop staring at him as they get lost in the distance. I didn't know how I was going to say goodbye to him, I knew this was going to happen, that he had to go back to the front, but we haven't had a moment.

Now I understand Giorgiana, why does he have to be so diligent? I, out of sheer selfishness, wanted my moment, but I also couldn't be prouder of he for this very reason.

It's time for us to leave too now that Giorgiana and the children are safe. I turn to her and tell her

"It's been a real honor to meet you and spend some time with you at Pemberly. We thank you for your welcome into your home even in the most difficult conditions. Let me tell you that I consider you more than a friend even though we have only known each other for a short time. Please extend these thanks along with a total honor felt by my uncles and I to Mr. Darcy, whom we wish well on the battlefield by blindly trusting him and his worth." Stop, you going to burst into tears!

Giorgiana takes me by the hand as she did at Pemberly and replies "The honor has been ours, you have brought joy in dark times for us. I hope to see you very soon in better circumstances."

We stared at each other without daring to say more. To tell her that I hope that one day her brother will be generous enough to be able to really be sisters.

"Miss Darcy, we have not much more to add to what my niece has said. My wishes for health and happiness to you and your brother Mr. Darcy, you are amazing people," my aunt and uncle ended by saying with affection and gratitude.

"Elizabeth, we must leave if we are to reach Loungbourgh with light."

So that's it, that's it for my relationship with the Darcy family. I'm the saddest I've ever been in my life, but my uncle is right. Duty comes first, as My General has demonstrated moments ago.

-The END-