Yes, James got out of the carriage twice, once when he didn't have a sister and once when I decided to add her in after I had written the chapter...as for someone who commented all the way back about ultrasound machine, you obviously aren't up on the latest, you can have a wand that attaches to your phone or tablet and turns that device into a ultrasound machine and they are only like $3000 now. As for the medicine and phone wearing out after so many years...my responds is and time travel is real...

For all the other comments that are encouraging thank you so much I love them all but honestly I hate private pming every person who comments but I do read them and I do love them. so thank you so much, even the ones that point out mistakes if you do it kindly and you will have to leave a real name, I usually ignore all guest comments that are negative as trolls but hey they add to the count of comments so I let them ride.

Chapter 28

As the Bennets prepared to welcome the Campbells at Longbourn, another scene of arrivals unfolded at Netherfield. The Darcy family carriage came to a smooth stop in front of the grand house, the family crest glinting in the sunlight. Waiting at the entrance were Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, and Miss Bingley, the latter brimming with anticipation. Miss Bingley believed this was her moment to dazzle Lady Anne Darcy and position herself as the ideal future mistress of Pemberley.

When the footman opened the door, Lady Anne Darcy was the first to step out, her bearing as elegant and dignified as ever. Fitzwilliam Darcy stepped forward to greet his mother with a rare, genuine smile.

"Mother," Darcy said, his voice full of warmth. "Welcome to Netherfield."

"Fitzwilliam," Lady Anne replied with affection as she took his arm. "It is good to see you, my dear."

Darcy then turned to his younger sister, who stood quietly behind their mother. "Georgiana," he greeted her with a soft smile. "How was the journey?"

Georgiana smiled timidly. "It was pleasant, Fitzwilliam. The countryside is beautiful."

Mr. Bingley, ever the gracious host, stepped forward with enthusiasm. "Lady Anne, Miss Darcy, it is a great honor to welcome you both to Netherfield. I trust your journey was comfortable?"

Lady Anne nodded graciously. "Thank you, Mr. Bingley. Your hospitality is much appreciated."

Miss Bingley, eager to make an impression, moved quickly to offer her warmest smile. "Lady Anne, Miss Darcy, we are so delighted to have you here. Miss Darcy, I must say, you look absolutely radiant."

Georgiana returned a polite smile, her discomfort barely hidden. Darcy, ever observant, gave his sister a reassuring nod, and she relaxed slightly at his unspoken support.

"Lady Anne," Miss Bingley continued, her tone filled with an almost exaggerated enthusiasm, "I took the liberty of overseeing all the preparations for your stay. I do hope everything will meet your expectations."

Lady Anne responded with the same graciousness she always employed in such situations. "You are most kind, Miss Bingley. I appreciate the efforts you've taken."

Miss Bingley, her spirits buoyed by Lady Anne's response, pressed on. "I ensured fresh flowers were placed in your room, and I made arrangements for tea this afternoon. I hope the roses are to your liking; I recall you mentioning them once."

Lady Anne offered a polite nod, though her mind seemed elsewhere. "Thank you for your thoughtfulness. I am sure we will be very comfortable."

Sensing that the conversation was becoming more tedious than enjoyable, Lady Anne's gaze flickered toward her son for the briefest of moments, signaling her desire for a private conversation. "Mr. Bingley, Miss Bingley," she said, her voice warm but firm, "if you will excuse me, I think I shall retire to my room for a brief rest before we continue our visit. It has been a long journey."

Miss Bingley, eager to continue impressing her guests, immediately offered, "Of course, Lady Anne. If there is anything you require, do not hesitate to let me know."

"Thank you," Lady Anne replied. "I'm sure I will be quite comfortable." She glanced meaningfully at her son, subtly instructing him to join her. "Fitzwilliam, would you accompany me?"

"Of course, Mother," Darcy said, understanding her intention at once.

With that, Lady Anne, accompanied by her son, made her way upstairs to her chambers, leaving Miss Bingley standing in the foyer, practically glowing with the belief that her efforts had been well received.

Tea was served then, and the room filled with the quiet sounds of porcelain clinking and soft-spoken words. Darcy watched his mother and sister settle in, a rare contentment settling over him. It was good to have them here, in this place where so many new connections were being formed. For a moment, all was right in his world, and he allowed himself the luxury of simply being in the company of those he held dear. Meanwhile, Miss Bingley could not help but feel a swell of satisfaction, confident that her hospitality had made a favorable impression on Lady Anne Darcy.

Darcy knocked softly on the door to his mother's chambers, a gentle smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he was beckoned inside. Lady Anne Darcy looked up from her seat by the window, where she had been leisurely sipping tea. Her eyes lit up at the sight of her son.

Inside her elegantly appointed room, Lady Anne settled into a chair by the window, her poised demeanor softening now that she was away from Miss Bingley's relentless attention. Darcy closed the door behind him and took a seat opposite her, sensing that she wished for a private conversation.

"Miss Bingley is... enthusiastic," Lady Anne remarked, a trace of amusement in her tone, though it was clear she saw through Miss Bingley's efforts.

Darcy let out a low chuckle. "That's one way to put it. She's been doing everything she can to impress you."

"I noticed," Lady Anne said with a small smile. "But I fear she is not quite as subtle as she believes herself to be. Still, it's not Miss Bingley I wish to discuss."

Darcy raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his mother's shift in tone.

Lady Anne's expression softened as she leaned forward slightly. "Tell me, Fitzwilliam, have you had any news of Rachel Gardiner lately? It has been far too long since I've seen her."

A smile tugged at the corners of Darcy's mouth. "Mrs. Gardiner is doing well, Mother. She and her family just returned to Longborn after Jane Bennet fell ill at Netherfield. Mrs. Gardiner, as always, was instrumental in helping with Miss Bennet's recovery."

Lady Anne's eyes brightened at the mention of her dear friend. "Rachel is truly remarkable. I'm glad to hear she's still as formidable as ever." She paused, her gaze sharpening slightly as she regarded her son. "And speaking of the Bennets, I recall meeting two of their daughters briefly in London—Miss. Jane Bennet and Miss Elizabeth, if I'm not mistaken. Lovely young women, though I did not have the pleasure of spending much time with them."

Darcy's posture stiffened slightly at the mention of Elizabeth, though he tried to maintain his usual composure. "Yes, Miss Bennet is... well, she is highly regarded by Mr. Bingley. And Miss Elizabeth... she is rather... unique."

Lady Anne studied her son's face carefully, a slight smile tugging at her lips. "Unique, you say? That is high praise coming from you, Fitzwilliam."

Darcy hesitated, feeling the weight of his mother's scrutiny. "Miss Elizabeth is... intelligent, quick-witted, and not at all what one would expect. She does not adhere to the usual conventions of society."

Lady Anne's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "It sounds as though you hold her in high regard."

Darcy glanced away, his mind racing as he tried to frame his feelings. "She... challenges me, in ways few others do. But her family... they are not without their complications."

Lady Anne nodded thoughtfully, understanding the delicate balance her son was navigating. "It is often the case that families come with their challenges, but it is the individuals who matter most, Fitzwilliam."

Darcy relaxed slightly at his mother's words, though there was more he needed to reveal. "There is something else you should know, Mother. The Duke and Duchess of Argyll are currently visiting the Bennets, along with their son, the Marquess of Kintyre, and their daughter, Annabelle."

Lady Anne's eyes widened, her smile brightening with delight. "Rachel and John visiting the Bennets? How wonderful! I've missed her dearly." Her gaze softened. "And James—he has just returned from his grand tour, hasn't he? I imagine he has much to share about his travels. You two have always been close."

Darcy nodded, his expression easing. "Yes, James and I have remained good friends. He's grown into a respectable man, and his travels have only broadened his perspective. We spoke recently, and it's clear the experience has made him more thoughtful, even more dependable."

Lady Anne's smile grew fond. "That is wonderful to hear. I always hoped your friendship would endure. And Annabelle—she must be nearly Georgiana's age now, is she not? They were always such good companions."

"They were," Darcy agreed, a hint of warmth in his voice. "Georgiana is eager to see Annabelle again. They've kept up their correspondence, but I think they both miss spending time together."

"Georgiana will be so pleased to have her close friend nearby," Lady Anne said, her tone soft with affection. "It's wonderful that they'll be reunited, especially with so much to catch up on. It's also quite fitting that they should meet again under such interesting circumstances."

Darcy gave a slight nod, leaning forward. "Interestingly, Miss Bingley knows nothing of their connection to the Argylls, and everyone has been careful not to reveal it. She just thinks the Bennet's relations Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are visiting."

Lady Anne laughed softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I can see why. The poor woman would hardly know how to handle such news. She'd be tripping over herself trying to adjust her view of the Bennets."

Darcy's smile widened at his mother's amusement. "Indeed, she would."

Lady Anne leaned back in her chair, clearly pleased with this turn of events. "Well, I must say, this visit has suddenly become even more interesting. I cannot wait to see Rachel again—and her children. This is a rare opportunity, Fitzwilliam. Do not let it pass you by."

Darcy met his mother's gaze, the weight of her words settling over him. "I won't, Mother."

Lady Anne smiled warmly at her son, sensing that the complexities of his heart were becoming clearer to him. "Good. Now, let us allow the evening to unfold and see what these next few days bring."

As the Bennets and Campbells settled into the drawing-room after tea, conversation naturally turned to their recent interactions with the Netherfield party. Rachel, the Duchess of Argyll, leaned forward with interest as she asked, "And how has your time at Netherfield been? I hear Mr. Bingley's party is quite varied."

Elizabeth, seated beside Jane, exchanged a glance with her sister. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she replied, "It has been… eventful, Aunt Rachel. Mr. Bingley and his party have been most gracious, though some members of the group are, shall we say, more memorable than others."

Rachel's eyes gleamed with curiosity, clearly sensing something more beneath Elizabeth's words. "Memorable, you say? I imagine Mr. Darcy is among them?"

At the mention of Darcy, Elizabeth's smile faded momentarily, but she recovered quickly. "Yes, Mr. Darcy is most certainly among the more prominent figures."

Rachel smiled knowingly, her gaze shifting to Mrs. Gardiner, her godmother. "Lady Anne Darcy—how is she? I remember her well from our time in London. We've always admired each other's grace and strength, though our paths haven't crossed as frequently in recent years."

Mrs. Gardiner smiled warmly. "Lady Anne is as dignified and kind as ever. She has always been one of my closest friends, and she speaks fondly of you, Rachel."

Rachel nodded, her expression thoughtful. "It is good to hear that Lady Anne is well. We shared many enjoyable seasons together."

As the conversation shifted, James, the Marquess of Kintyre, raised an eyebrow at Elizabeth. "And Mr. Darcy? How is he these days? I recall him being quite the proud figure, but we were friends back at Cambridge."

Elizabeth paused, her expression carefully guarded. "Mr. Darcy… is much the same. Proud, reserved, but not without moments of thoughtfulness."

James smiled, sensing her hesitation. "He can be difficult to read, I admit. But he's always been a man of principle."

Elizabeth's gaze flickered briefly before she nodded. "Yes, I have come to see that more recently."

Rachel, sensing the tension, leaned in a little closer. "Elizabeth, you've never been one to mince words. Has there been something between you and Mr. Darcy?"

Elizabeth hesitated, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I may have spoken out of turn at the Meryton assembly. I… insulted him in front of others, and I was wrong to do so."

Rachel's brows lifted slightly. "An insult? I can hardly believe that, my dear, but it seems there is more to this story."

Elizabeth sighed softly, her gaze dropping to her hands. "It was impulsive. I was quick to judge him, and I made a poor impression of his character. But since then, he has shown me another side of himself. I have already apologized, though I fear I was much too harsh."

Mrs. Gardiner gave her granddaughter a gentle look. "You've always had the courage to admit when you were wrong, Elizabeth, and I am sure Mr. Darcy appreciated your sincerity."

Rachel smiled warmly. "It takes courage to offer an apology, and I'm sure Mr. Darcy sees the strength in that."

Elizabeth nodded, though her expression remained thoughtful. "He accepted my apology, but our conversations have been… different since then. Unofficially, we seem to have come to a better understanding of each other."

Rachel's eyes lit up again, but this time with amusement. "Ah, I see. Unofficially, you say? That sounds like the beginning of something more, my dear."

James, who had been listening intently, leaned forward. "And Miss Bingley—what of her? Has she taken notice of this… unofficial understanding?"

Elizabeth's lips quirked into a wry smile. "Miss Bingley, well, she seems to believe that her claim on Mr. Darcy is more certain than it actually is. She was quite eager to learn about my family and seemed particularly interested when I mentioned my aunt and uncle, Rachel and John Campbell."

Rachel, catching the subtle hint of amusement in Elizabeth's voice, laughed softly. "You didn't tell her about our titles, did you?"

"No," Elizabeth admitted, her eyes twinkling. "I didn't mention that you and Uncle John were the Duke and Duchess of Argyll. I thought it best to leave that part out—for now."

The entire room chuckled at the thought, with James shaking his head in disbelief. "Miss Bingley must be in for quite a surprise if she ever finds out. She'd trip over herself to change her opinion of your family."

Rachel, still amused, exchanged a look with her husband John. "Well, I approve of your discretion, Elizabeth. Let Miss Bingley discover it in her own time."

Frances, though surprised by her daughter's boldness, couldn't help but laugh along with the others. "Elizabeth, you are too clever for your own good sometimes."

Elizabeth grinned. "Mama, I only wish to keep things interesting."

I chimed in with a knowing smile. "I imagine Miss Bingley will have quite the reaction when she realizes the truth."

Rachel nodded, her expression softening. "And Lady Anne will certainly enjoy hearing about it."

The conversation then shifted to lighter topics as the family continued to enjoy their time together. However, the undercurrent of amusement lingered as they all imagined the inevitable moment when Miss Bingley would discover the full truth about the Bennet family's connections.

As we arrived at Netherfield, two carriages rolled to a stop in front of the grand house. The Bennets and Campbells had split between them, a practical necessity given our numbers. In the first carriage, Thomas and Frances Bennet sat with their daughters Jane and Elizabeth, while Lord John Campbell, the Duke of Argyll, rode beside his son, James, the Marquess of Kintyre. Annabelle, Mary, Rachel and I had shared the second carriage. I could hear Annabelle and Mary's soft laughter across from me, their friendship evident in the ease with which they spoke.

When the footman helped everyone step down from the carriage, we were greeted by Miss Bingley, who stood poised at the entrance, her smile as practiced as ever. She made no move to hide her interest in Mr. Darcy, who, along with Mr. Bingley, stood at her side. Miss Bingley, always calculating, cast a cursory glance at the Campbells, her features tightening briefly before she turned back to Darcy, eager to maintain his attention.

"Mrs. Bennet," Miss Bingley cooed, her tone smooth but a little too sweet. "How lovely to see you again. And this must be Mrs. Campbell," she added with a quick glance at Rachel. Her smile did not quite reach her eyes as she addressed the Duchess of Argyll by a title far beneath her actual station. I could almost sense Rachel's amusement at the misunderstanding, though she remained composed, greeting Miss Bingley with a polite nod.

"Indeed," Frances replied warmly, maintaining her air of calm control. "This is my sister, Mrs. Campbell, and her family—Mr. Campbell and their children."

Miss Bingley's eyes flicked over James and Annabelle without much interest, her attention returning swiftly to Mr. Darcy as she stepped forward to link arms with him. "It is always such a pleasure to meet family friends," she said with a forced brightness. "I do hope you enjoy your stay, though I imagine the contrast between life in Hertfordshire and your little farm in Scotland must be quite marked."

Rachel, ever graceful, merely smiled, offering no correction to Miss Bingley's assumption that they lived on a "little farm." Lord John remained quiet beside her, his presence commanding but understated. James and I exchanged a knowing look, amused by the ignorance Miss Bingley was displaying, but it was Annabelle's small smirk that caught my attention. Clearly, the youngest Campbell was enjoying this charade.

Mr. Bingley, with his usual good nature, moved forward to greet us with genuine warmth. "Mrs. Gardiner, Bennet family, Campbell family—it is an honor to have you all here. I hope the journey was not too taxing?"

"Not at all," Rachel replied graciously. "The countryside is quite beautiful this time of year."

Miss Bingley's grip on Darcy's arm tightened slightly, her eyes flicking toward me for just a moment before she turned back to the assembled company. "Mr. Darcy," she began, her voice taking on a more intimate tone, "would you escort me inside? I'm sure Lady Anne is eager to continue our discussion on the gardens of Pemberley. She was most interested in my thoughts on the latest designs."

Darcy gave her a polite but distant nod. "Of course, Miss Bingley," he said, though his eyes strayed toward Elizabeth as he spoke. "But first, I believe I should greet my guests." With that, he stepped forward and addressed Rachel directly. "Mrs. Campbell, a pleasure to see you again."

Rachel smiled, a hint of mischief playing on her lips. "It has been too long, Mr. Darcy."

Darcy gave her a polite but distant nod. "Of course, Miss Bingley," he said, though his eyes strayed toward Elizabeth as he spoke. "But first, I believe I should greet my guests." With that, he stepped forward and addressed Rachel directly. "Mrs. Campbell, a pleasure to see you again."

Rachel smiled, a hint of mischief playing on her lips. "It has been too long, Mr. Darcy."

Darcy returned the smile with a respectful bow, but then his gaze shifted toward James. The two men exchanged a look of familiar camaraderie. "Campbell," Darcy said, a rare warmth creeping into his voice as he extended his hand to his old friend

James returned the smirk, understanding the jest between them. "Darcy."

Miss Bingley looked between them, missing the subtle humor, as she continued to think they were playing on familiar terms due to their supposed lower status. Neither man bothered to correct her assumptions.

Before Miss Bingley could respond, the door to the house opened, and Mrs. Hurst appeared with her usual quiet elegance, her bracelets tinkling softly as she moved. Behind her came Lady Anne Darcy, her son Fitzwilliam's countenance brightening slightly at her arrival.

Lady Anne Darcy, her son Fitzwilliam standing nearby, smiled graciously as she approached. "Rachel, Mrs. Gardiner, I am so glad to see you both," she said warmly, her gaze lingering fondly on them.

Mrs. Gardiner stepped forward, smiling. "It has been far too long, Lady Anne."

Lady Anne then glanced toward the others and added, "Will you introduce me to the rest of your family?"

I smiled and turned to my family. "Of course. May I introduce my daughter, Frances, and her husband, Mr. Thomas Bennet." Frances and Thomas offered polite bows. "And these are their daughters, Jane, Elizabeth, and Mary."

Lady Anne's face brightened at the sight of Jane and Elizabeth. "Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth," she said warmly, "we met briefly in town some time ago. It is such a pleasure to put names to the faces I've heard so much about over the years."

Both Jane and Elizabeth curtsied with practiced ease, clearly touched by the warm reception. Mary, standing beside them, offered a shy smile as she curtsied as well.

Miss Bingley not liking the warmth greeting insisted on everyone coming inside. As we moved toward the drawing room, Miss Bingley hurried to reclaim Darcy's arm, casting another glance toward the Campbells, still wholly unaware of their true standing. She carried on, chattering about roses and tea arrangements, oblivious to the undercurrent of amusement her ignorance was causing.

Inside the drawing room, the party settled in, with Lady Anne taking a seat beside Georgiana, who shyly greeted Annabelle. Georgiana, Mary and Annabelle quickly found themselves a quiet corner, falling into easy conversation.

Miss Bingley, still blissfully unaware, took her place beside Mrs. Hurst, her eyes flickering between Darcy and the Campbells. "You must tell me more about your charming farm, Mrs. Campbell," she said, her tone just the slightest bit condescending. "It must be so quaint, so... rustic."

Rachel's smile remained unchanged, though I could see the glint of amusement in her eyes as she replied, "Oh, it certainly has its charms."

Miss Bingley's brow furrowed as she attempted to piece together the relationship between Darcy and the Campbells. "And how do you know Mr. Darcy, may I ask?"

Darcy, catching Rachel's eye, suppressed a smile. Rachel, always gracious, responded smoothly, "Our families have been acquainted for many years. My son and Mr. Darcy are good friends."

Miss Bingley blinked in surprise, her curiosity piqued. "Good friends? How delightful," she said, her voice carrying a note of disbelief. "And do you visit town often, or do you prefer your estate in the... Highlands?"

Rachel remained composed. "Oh, we have a house in town as well."

Miss Bingley's eyes widened. "In town?" She paused, her expression sharp as she tried to mask her astonishment. Thinking the house is probably in cheap side she inquired. "And where is your house located? On Gracechurch Street?

Before Rachel could reply, James spoke up, his tone effortlessly calm. "No, Miss Bingley. Our home is on Grosvenor Square."

The name of one of the most prestigious addresses in London caused Miss Bingley to falter. She quickly composed herself, forcing a smile as she pressed further. "Oh, but of course... It must be the Duke's home, then?" She gave a smug smile. "Even though you are distant cousins, it must be so nice of him to let you use it."

Rachel exchanged a glance with her husband, John, whose eyes glinted with quiet amusement. Rachel's smile turned teasing as she replied, "Yes, the house is, in fact, the Duke's. He has been quite... generous with its use."

John, who rarely revealed his deep sense of humor outside of his most intimate companions, remained perfectly composed but raised an eyebrow in silent agreement, playing along with his wife's implication. To anyone less observant than Miss Bingley, it might have seemed as though they were merely speaking of a benevolent relative's charity.

Not missing a beat, Miss Bingley pressed on, now trying to prove her own knowledge of social hierarchy. "How fortunate! I imagine the Duke has also been instrumental in your son's education at Cambridge, sponsoring him perhaps?"

This time, it was Darcy who fought to contain a chuckle, knowing full well that James Campbell, Marquess of Kintyre, needed no such sponsorship from distant relations.

Rachel elegantly sidestepped the direct question, her smile never faltering. "Our son has been fortunate, indeed," she said, casting a teasing look at John, as though recalling private family matters that Miss Bingley could never hope to understand. "He has had the support of family in all the ways that matter."

Miss Bingley, still oblivious, continued, her condescension subtly increasing as she tried to regain control of the conversation. "Well, it must be wonderful to have such connections. Cambridge is quite the achievement for a family like yours. And having a house in Grosvenor Square, even as a guest, is most impressive."

Rachel's smile remained serene, her amusement only deepening at Miss Bingley's continued ignorance. Meanwhile, John leaned back slightly, a flicker of a smirk crossing his lips, thoroughly enjoying the unspoken jest as Miss Bingley danced around her assumptions. Darcy, catching John's expression, finally let out a small, quiet chuckle, which only added to Miss Bingley's growing confusion.

Am I being too mean to Miss Bingley, should I just let the cat out of the bag? Or wait til everyone removes to town? Should we do the Netherfield ball or just move to town? I know eventually we will get there and Miss Bingley will have the double shock of learning about the Gardiners as well...give me some inspiration leave a comment.