P & P FF AU. NON..Canon GENERAL REGENCY

To Catch a Shining Star

Previously:

"If you can honestly handle a wife who is going to be using a cane for awhile..." Corianna's jaw set hard, she was going to walk normal again, just watch it. "then I will be your wife. However..." She bit her lip. "Could we please have a real wedding? My last one, well, let us just say it was sadly lacking and leave it at that. I promise I will not ask to wear white."

"I think that can be arranged."

Letters Home

Ch. 16

Pemberly was quiet, with the exception of birds chirping outside the the upstaris drawing room. Elizabeth sat curled up in an overstuffed chair near one of the windows. A baby bump barely showing as she opened up a letter from her father; Mr. Darcy sa in another chair reading the local paper.

Dear Fitzwilliam and My Dearest Elizabeth,

Apparently it was destined for me to get a wife on this journey whether for myself, your sisters or all three. Her name is Corianna Douglas and she is a widow with no children; not by choice -that was simply what life dealt her. I do not know what you will think of this next part but it is the whole truth and I cannot find it in myself to regret it for, as I just stated, clearly it was meant to be and directed not by my hands.

Elizabeth read about the dream in London, her father wrote it in detail and wrote about the occurence in the grove. Her reaction was to gasp. Fitzwilliam looked up from the paper.

"What is wrong?"

"Nothing...I think." Elizaeth held out the letter. "Come read for yourself."

Fitzwilliam laid down the newspaper, stood up and went and retrieved the letter. He read what his wife had just viewed and then continued reading ... outloud.

"Corianna had a similar dream but told no one for the poor lady thought for sure she had to be going mad, or was simply stressed out from pressures her father; a Mr. Duncan -a ringmaster up here in Scotland- was putting on her simply because her love of reading. My bride has always had to keep her books out of sight, her knowledge under lock and key. I have assured her that will not be the case in our home.

Oh, and be forewarned, she is no mouse. She will not start a fight, but if someone throws a punch, her fist will meet their jaw and I have given her permission to continue doing so- if I or one of the men are not around, or -heaven forbid- are physically injured and cannot do it ourselves.

Thomas went on to explain Corianna wanted a church wedding; however, and he hoped they understood, it would be done in Scotland as her adopted uncle could not travel to England.

Sir Wallace Kendall is as close to Mrs. Bennet as any kin, to deny him seeing your new mother exchange formal vows in a church would be a grave offense.

Fitzwilliam finished reading and handed the letter back. "Considering the last part tells us everything is being done legally as to the law, that the one called Sir Wallace is not only leaving your new mother a hefty sum as an inheritance, but is providing her with a very sizeable dowry I do not think we have any reason to argue. Your sisters did say they wanted a new mother."

"They did at that, I just wish father would have told us how old she was."

"At this point I doubt it matters."

Mr. Darcy may have went back to his newspaper, and Elizabeth may have gone back to rereading the letter; however, over at Longbourne two girls were anxiously getting ready to read a letter similiar to went Elizabeth's much to the amusement of Jane who had already read hers. However, she felt it was better to let her sisters read theirs before saying anything other than their father and found a new wife.

"You had better not be joking." Mary said as the two sat down on the sofa and broke the seal on the letter which had just come.

"I would do no such thing."

My Dearest Mary and Kitty,

When I left for this visit I must confess I was uncertain whether I would be able to find you mother. Well, I had my questions on whether, or not, i could find an attachment that would not only be suitable for you girls but would be a good match for me.

Please, do not take me wrong, or think I am speaking ill of anyone no longer among us. But the truth is your mother, and I married for the wrong reasons. Your new mother and I have talked in depth about not only what we like, and do not like, but what we expect.

She has been married before and no children came. We have no idea why and we have no idea if children will come this time around or not. That is something we have discussed in detail for I have openly admitted I have been far too neglectful of you both. And she had no problems laying out what she expected of me when it came to you and, if we had any children -be it boys or girls. It does not matter what the exact agreement was, suffice it to say there will be no more neglect.

"That could be good or bad." Giggled Kitty only to be shot a 'Really Kitty' type look from her sisters.

"I was just joking" Clearly Kitty was still in the process of settling down from Lydia's influence. "Read on."

"It basically says, due to her uncle's health the wedding is being held up in Scotland and they will be coming to England as soon as possible. She brings a sizeable dowry and so forth. Not much else."

"You two now have what you asked for." Jane spoke softly. "I hope you do not give the new Mrs. Bennet headaches."

"Are you not happy for him?" Mary asked Jane as she heard a strange sigh come out of Jane's mouth. "Surely, you are not upset?"

"No, of course not." Jane smiled shook her head not wishing for her sisters to think there was any ill will on her part in regard to Mr. Bennet getting remarried, it was a good thing her father had a new wife. "I am very happy for him. I am just finding myself in odd moods lately."

"Perhaps you are carrying new life?" Mary asked softly. "Elizabeth said she gets that way."

"More like Fitzwilliam claims it." Kitty managed not to giggle, but she was correct in what she said.

"I had not thought of that." Jane spoke quietly. "There have been other signs. I suppose time will tell."

The three sisters contiued to discuss their letter as Mr. and Mrs. Hill, in the kitchen read their own, short note.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Hill,

I trust this note finds you well and that my instructions, as always, have been followed. I wanted to inform you that I will be gone a little longer than originally intended. However, when I do come back from Scotland I will be bringing with me some unexpected but joyous news. Please ensure that the house is prepared for a new mistress, as I have taken a new wife during my travels.

I appreciate your continued dedication and look forward to introducing you to Mrs. Bennet upon our arrival.

Yours sincerely,

Mr. Thomas C. Bennet

"Oh, this is exciting!" Mrs. Hill exclaimed. "Longbourn needs a new mistress."

"I hope her nerves are not as fragile as the first." Mr. Hill spoke dryly, having no clue as to Corianna's nature.

"And if they are, we will deal with it." Mrs. Hill rolled her eyes and went back to work. "Just as we did the first Mrs. Bennet."