Author's Note: This is my second chapter of the day. Go back and read chapter 7 if you haven't already.

Chapter 8
Summer, 1805

Once again, the Gardiners were travelling north, but on this occasion, they were joined by two Darcy carriages, one containing Fitzwilliam Darcy and another with some servants departing from Darcy House to work at Pemberley for the summer. His father and sister had returned to Pemberley a month prior, but business kept him in town longer. Therefore, when it was time for the Gardiners and the children to head North, Darcy chose to accompany his friends and travel with them.

Two carriages carried the family, including the Gardiners' three children, who were now seven, five, and three. The additional carriages made it easier for the children to travel, since they could switch between carriages at each stop, even riding in the servants' carriage at times so the children could be separated as necessary.

Charles Bingley was accompanying Darcy to Pemberley on this occasion. Bingley had been a year behind him at Cambridge, and despite their opposite personalities, the two had become good friends. Bingley was the son of a successful businessman who had left him a significant fortune, the intention to purchase an estate, thus bringing the family into the landed gentry, and two sisters who each had a substantial dowry. His elder sister, Louisa, was engaged to a minor gentleman, and the two were to marry soon in Scarborough. Bingley was to stay at Pemberley for a fortnight to learn a little about managing an estate before journeying the rest of the way to his family home for the wedding, which was to take place in September.

Bingley's younger sister, Caroline, was constantly hounding her brother for an introduction to his friends, the Darcys. Caroline had heard about the Darcy estate and wealth and was keen on making a match with the man. She would have preferred a title, but would settle for the reputed wealth and connections that the Darcys represented.

So far, Darcy had managed to avoid the introduction by citing business that prevented him from visiting the Bingley townhouse in London. He met his friend at the club whenever necessary and had only invited Bingley to accompany him after his sisters had already travelled north.

As the carriages rolled along the well-worn roads, Darcy found peace in the familiar company of the Gardiners; their niece in particular. Gardiner's conversations were always engaging, offering a respite from the relentless social obligations he was leaving behind in London. Additionally, Gardiner possessed a keen intellect and a curiosity about the world, making their discussions rich and varied. The older man was a mentor of sorts to young Darcy and whether they were debating the latest political developments or delving into the intricacies of business, Gardiner's insights were always thought-provoking and enlightening. While he had learned much from his father, his conversations with Gardiner provided an insight that always made him view any issue from a different angle than he initially considered.

Likewise, Mrs. Gardiner's warm presence provided a comfort, motherly attitude that Darcy deeply appreciated. She had an innate ability to make everyone around her feel at ease, her gentle manner and kind words a balm to his often strained nerves. Her affection for her family was evident in every gesture. This was in contrast to his aunts, one of whom spent most of her time directing Darcy how to interact in a society he abhorred, and the other who attempted to dictate her own desires to Darcy and everyone around her. Mrs. Gardiner was the gentle influence he needed, and she frequently reminded him of his own mother, Lady Anne Darcy.

Despite these, it was Elizabeth who drew his attention most. Still not out, at just fifteen, her lively spirit and quick wit were a constant source of fascination for him. She had a way of looking at the world that was both pragmatic and hopeful, a balance he found himself admiring. Her laughter was a bright counterpoint to his serious demeanour, and her ability to find joy in the simplest moments was infectious. Darcy marvelled at how she could effortlessly shift from a playful tease to a thoughtful companion, sensing what he needed at any given moment.

Their conversations, though often lighthearted, carried a depth that Darcy found rare. Elizabeth challenged his perspectives, made him reconsider his opinions, and pushed him to be more open and reflective. She seemed to understand his need for solitude and never pressed him to speak more than he wished. Instead, she offered her companionship in a way that was unobtrusive yet undeniably comforting.

During one of their stops at a charming village inn, Darcy found himself walking with Elizabeth along a creek, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves around them. They spoke of books and travels, and Darcy was struck once again by her keen insights.

"William," she said, her eyes sparkling, "tell me, what is it about Pemberley that you hold most dear?"

He paused, considering her question. "There are many things, Elizabeth. The beauty of the land, the history of my family, the responsibility of stewardship. But more than that, it is home. It is where I feel most myself. As you know, I detest London, though I do appreciate the culture one can find there. If there were a way to transport the bookshops, the theatre, and the museums to Derbyshire, I would be content."

Elizabeth nodded thoughtfully. "I see why you would cherish it so much. I have lived in London for most of my life, or so it seems, but I miss the life I lived as a child in the country. If I still lived on an estate, I would no doubt know every tree and hill just as well as you do those at Pemberley. I look forward to riding again on the estate, and hope you will have time to join Georgiana and me. I have not ridden very often since last summer."

"You would remain outdoors all the time if your aunt would allow you. I have little doubt you would be familiar not just with the trees and the hills, but every woodland creature who lived nearby. You are closer to a nymph than a girl at times," he teased, a broad grin on his face as he watched her. "And I look forward to reacquainting myself, and you, with all the delights of the park at Pemberley. Do you still wake early?" At Elizabeth's nod, he continued. "Then you must join me for my morning ride. Georgiana will never rise so early, but if you can be in the stables at seven, I will take you with me. Unfortunately, I am uncertain I will have much time later in the day, judging from the correspondence that has crossed my desk in these last weeks.

Her smile was warm. "I would be delighted to join you." However, after only a moment, her smile faltered. "How is your father? Has he grown worse?"

Darcy drew in a deep breath as he thought about how to answer. "His letters indicate little change, but the letters from the steward and Mrs. Reynolds indicate he is not well. I am afraid he is rarely stirring from his rooms these days. Georgiana will occupy much of your time at Pemberley, I am afraid. She will need your support, and that of your aunt, while you are there. I know you write to her already, but I hope you will continue to do so. She has so few friends..." he trailed off, emotion choking his voice.

Elizabeth stopped, bringing her hand up to rest on his arm. "It will be well, William. Even should the worse come, you will be well. Your father has taught you well, the steward already trusts you, and your uncle and mine will assist you when you need it. There are many who are willing to be of aid to you, but you are prepared to step into your father's shoes. You already have. Georgiana and I will continue to tease you so that you will not be so serious all the time. I will include lines in her letters for you, since I am unable to write to you directly."

"We are cousins, are we not?" he asked lightly. "It is not improper for you to write to me directly. Although, perhaps I ought to ask your uncle if it is acceptable. If not, I will include lines to you with Georgiana's letters, and perhaps in letters to Gardiner as well. I find it difficult to think that Wickham has ever done anything to aid me, but in doing what he did, he brought you into my life."

"You have not mentioned that man in ages. You no longer feel guilty about what happened to him?" she asked

Sighing heavily, Darcy shook his head and moved Elizabeth's hand from his arm to clasp it in his own. "Between you, my father, and Bingley, I have come to realise that there was little more I could have done. I did what I could, but others enabled Wickham to become what he was. He got what he deserved and I am at peace with that."

With a smirk, Elizabeth retorted: "Good, because I would hate to have to convince you of the error of your ways. Your cousin Richard has shown Georgiana and me several methods to convince men to see things our way," she said with a sly grin.

Darcy raised his brow at this, having known that Richard intended to teach Georgiana and Elizabeth a few methods to defend themselves, but wondered what else he might have taught them. "Should I be worried?" he inquired.

"Very," Elizabeth replied confidently. "I am certain that if Wickham had attempted what he did with me last summer now, I would have him on his knees in moments. Though, Richard would not actually let us strike him, so it is all hypothetical."

"I will have to ask Richard about his methods," Darcy replied, wondering if Elizabeth meant what he thought she did. If so, she would definitely have been able to harm an attacker, but whether she would be able to escape afterwards was less certain to him. Regardless, with Wickham gone, it was unlikely she would encounter such a thing again.

Darcy felt a sense of protectiveness surge through him. He attributed that feeling to her close relationship with his sister, but it occurred to him that he felt in no way brotherly to her. In fact, the mere idea caused his stomach to revolt—or was it his heart?

Shaking aside these thoughts, he focuses his attention back on the girl in front of him. Their conversation shifts to other matters, including making a definite plan for their morning rides.

Bingley and the Gardiner children added much frivolity to their party, though Darcy remained busy and troubled. The only time he felt truly at peace was on his morning rides with Elizabeth. Those moments when they were together, he always felt a sense of peace wash over him. It did not matter if they were talking or not, since Elizabeth was one of the few people in his life who understood his need for silent contemplation at times, especially when he was troubled. She would quietly wait for him to share whatever was on his mind and listened attentively, without interrupting or pressing him for details. Her patience and understanding were qualities Darcy found immensely comforting.

Elizabeth had an uncanny ability to create a space where he felt safe to express his thoughts and feelings, no matter how complex or difficult they might be. She was young, but both his father and her uncle had occasionally referred to her as an "old soul", and Darcy agreed with this assessment. He knew she had already dealt with significant loss in her life; her parents were not dead, but they had sent her away from her family. Yes, the Gardiners were there, but she was, in essence, an orphan, cut off from her parents who had cast her aside. Her grief over that event gave her a perspective that often helped him, as he faced the grief of losing his mother several years ago and soon, his father.

When his mother had died, Darcy had been forced to be strong. His father's grief was so deep that it was his son, though only fifteen at the time, who had helped with Georgiana as often as he could, providing the familial affection that was missing with Lady Anne gone. For nearly a year, his father's grief had been all consuming, and the son had largely assumed control of the estate management, though he had a good bit of help. His uncle, Lord Matlock, had advised and assisted, especially while young Darcy was away at school, and finally, he had taken his brother-in-law in hand and demanded he shake off the overwhelming grief and return to the world.

When Darcy returned home from his final year at Eton, it was to a father who was once again taking charge of the estate. The young man remained involved in its running, though not as much as he had been for the previous year and the two resumed a more normal father-son relationship. Despite this, the elder Darcy had never fully returned to himself, leaning heavily upon his son and ensuring he was prepared to take over the estate's management. This became far more important now that he was truly dying.

Elizabeth was a beacon amidst the turmoil in his life. While many would view Bingley as his closest friend, in truth, Elizabeth understood him far better. She knew more about his thoughts and feelings than anyone else, even more than Bingley, who was far more likely to avoid serious topics than listen to Darcy share his burdens. Bingley was jovial and pleasant to be around, but it was Elizabeth who he turned to when he was frustrated or uncertain.

A fortnight into the visit, on the Saturday before Bingley was to depart for the north on Monday, an unexpected carriage arrived at Pemberley while much of the family, including the Gardiner children and Georgiana, were on the front lawn enjoying a few games. Much to everyone's surprise, a tall, thin young lady disembarked from the carriage, accompanied by a maid, and she eyed the manor and park greedily. She was quick to hide her displeasure at the frivolity that was taking place in front of her, though as soon as she spotted her brother standing next to her prey, she began to make her way toward the pair.