The storyline, new character development, new events, and new characters are my intellectual property. Glorioux


A birthday party

After Jane took the sleeping Eddie and said goodbye, along with Mary, Mr. Bennet said something about an urgent business, "Yes, I received, ahem," he cleared his throat, "an express," he coughed, "yes an express-of sorts for, never mind, business."

So, Lizzie quickly recounted the extraordinary events, again wondering what was wrong with her father. She thought he was lying; he was coughing, trying to figure out what to say, but why?

"Sir, we would be pleased if you would join us this evening," William and Georgiana spoke unison, not even noticing. Their father said siblings and cousins often did that.

"It would be an honor, sir." Mr. Bennet looked amused as he made another little bow to both Darcy's siblings. Lizzie saw him bending his knee. Was her father going on one knee? What was this? Her eyebrows went up.

Georgiana elbowed William, not too subtle. He thought she spoke to him and said, "You can talk to him at home about courting Lizzie," as he often spoke to her, inside their heads.

"Good Georgie, great idea, he answered and aloud he told Mr. Bennet, "Sir, maybe we could talk privately, for a few minutes, at my home?" William asked, not caring about the fact he had just met Lizzie. Besides, a feeling of something bad approaching would not leave him, and her father seemed good to have around. Something was happening to him since he woke up this morning and more since he saw Jax.

Elizabeth flushed bright red. Georgie nearly jumped triumphantly because she wanted Lizzie for his brother. For one, her aunt's argument about a single brother raising her would not stand. Her aunt was a witch; of that she was certain.

After the Darcy left, her father asked, "Lizzie, do you like him? It is sudden, though I proposed the day after I met your mother."

"Mother told us she accepted, and you married two days later." Lizzie sighed.

"Indeed, your beautiful, clever mother, who must pretend she is a scattered brain. I laugh when she tells people Jane and Lydia are the prettiest and pretends my other daughters are not, and says Mary is a fanatic. She lies because she loves her daughters. If people only knew about her, they would know I was the lucky one." He chuckled, and Lizzie joined him.

"Darling, you will find Mr. Darcy's family different practices might cause you distress, or maybe not." Lizzie's father smiled mysteriously.

"What are they?" She asked.

"You will find out. But I can only say you don't know how lucky you are. Let's go in." He offered his arm.

Dinner Time

William changed clothes three times; he gave instructions for a banquet, and Georgie did the same. She wanted it perfect; she guessed she was making sure Lizzie would wish to marry William. She wore a new organdy dress, with a modest scoop neck decorated with tiny blue and yellow flowers and a matching hair ribbon. She ordered to wash Lucas and put a matching ribbon and a little cologne on him. Lucas loved bathing after being in dirty London, and the cologne smelled good. Coming down the steps, the butler told William, "Sir, you have a missive," giving it to him. Unfortunately, William just put it in his pocket.

Around the time they sent for the carriage, two guests arrived. William wanted to scream; his cousin Bartlett had come, as he feared. Bartlett was more competition, and he could not stand it. His cravat felt a little too tight, and he could not breathe.

"For a change, Mother is in town without my father. He had to go on an urgent errand, so she came with me. She might stop later to congratulate you. She decided to come after Richard said my aunt wasn't invited." Bartlett smiled at Georgiana. "Who is this beautiful young lady, a heartbreaker, to be sure. Though I am afraid, you might think me too old." Georgiana, forgetting she was acting like a lady, punched his arm, and both laughed, rowdily, Georgiana easily forgot she was acting like a lady.

"Thanks, my Lord." She answered and curtsied.

William noticed Richard out of uniform, considering him too handsome. Richard nodded, "I have given my notice. It will be official in one or two days, so, I am now Lord Fitzwilliam."

William's heart was not working well. Miss Elizabeth would prefer a titled husband, and now there were two. He felt a little sick; though he knew he was acting crazy he did not care.

"Sir, you have a visitor. I had a shock; he was right behind me." The butler had lost all his color.

William felt lightheaded when he saw who came in and had to lean against the wall. Lucas went straight for the newly arrived to lick him.

"Father?" William asked in a thin voice. His cousins froze in place.

The visitor grinned, "No, your father cannot," he cleared his throat, like Jax. Then, he bent to pick up a whiny Lucas, "I am his brother, An, hmm, Anton. My boy, how I have wished to come, but err, we were, ahem; never mind. Happy birth, hmm, a, yes, day," he said and went to William to hug him. William, used to his father's affection, let him. He felt loved; besides, his uncle was his father's replica.

He had a million questions but thought this was not the time. Georgiana saw him and fell on a chair, rubbing her eyes. "Our little girl," the alleged uncle went to Georgiana and picked her up. Lucas balanced on his shoulder. William grinned, knowing Lucas could do that. Georgiana held him, feeling loved and safe. She looked happy.

When the uncle saw Bartlett and Richard, he let go of Georgiana and went to them, "Len's sons, my boys," he exclaimed. He also hugged and kissed the confused brothers. The uncle was taller than all of them, like William's father, same crazy hair. William was the tallest of the cousins. People called the Hurst and them giants. At Eaton, the others would say they came from giant Vikings, along with the dark Knights, as many called the Hurst.

"Who is Len?" Richard was confused.

"My sister, your mother. The three of us were born exactly at the same time; very unusual." He answered, smiling.

He spoke with an odd accent, they thought, wondering how three babies could be born exactly at the same time.

"Is my mother your and William's father's sister, but how can that be? She never said anything. She said her father and brother, who went away from England, died." Richard argued. But he saw the resemblance. Many people had said he and William looked like siblings. "I just inherited a title and."

"And we will talk about it later;" the uncle pulled a small with a crystal powder and blew it into the air. The Fitzwilliam brothers and Darcy felt lightheaded and strange. "You will understand more in a little. Or I hope you do. If not, we are in trouble. You will need to understand, try to." He could not say anything else could because the guests were arriving.

When Mr. Bennet saw the uncle, he bowed and was about to kneel when the uncle shook his head, "No need, please. I see, I see. You are here, excellent," he said, looking at Mr. Bennet. Then the uncle saw the three Bennet sisters, the Gardiners, and Eddie, who called Lucas, and he grinned from ear to ear, exhaling, relieved. Their plan had worked, George, as they called him here, knew his son. Unfortunately, they could not tell him anything because William was being watched all the time. The enemies had spies everywhere and could see through him, for now.

Lucas jumped from his tall perch, making Georgiana scream, no wonder she had, considering her uncle was short of seven feet tall. But nothing happened to Lucas running to greet his young friend who screamed delighted to see him.

The uncle whispered, "Good choice, son; it couldn't be better." William wondered how he knew. He looked around and saw Jax up in the air, looking at everyone. His uncle also saw him and lowered his head just a little. Ah, Jax told him. William thought.

"What a day," William declared but did not want it to end. He was sure his father was not dead and wished he were there. Mt. Bennet introduced Mr. Gardiner, who was young. He also acted very respectfully with the uncle, making Darcy wonder what was going on. Georgiana ran to the sisters and greeted them effusively, acting like the young lady she was.

William could not take his eyes away from Lizzie. She wore a simple evening gown with puffy short sleeves, a modest neckline, and no bonnet. She took his breath away. Unfortunately, Bartlett's eyes also fixed on her. Richard stood to greet the sisters, but his eyes were on Lizzie.

William was unhappy; he knew Bartlett, his cousin, would also like Miss Elizabeth. He wanted to ask to court her and marry her as soon as possible. He hoped in a few days. He did not know that whoever he liked, his cousins and others would all like her, to be part of his family. He would soon understand.

The butler announced the Hurst, irritating William once more. Georgiana looked very grown up and too pretty, he thought. The younger Hurst went straight to greet her first. Richard also stared, shaking his head, and baring his teeth. He was not sure about the Hurst looking at Georgiana. He felt a marriage contract was approaching and did not like it. He was forgetting about Wickham and others like him.

Georgiana was happy and smiling at the Hurst, her young eyes shining; the younger Hurst had a gift for her, a perambulator for Lucas, which made Georgiana like them more. "Miss Darcy for Lucas. We are certain he dislikes walking on the dirty streets."

Georgiana thanked them, looking at them, thinking it was too bad she would need to choose one but wished she could have them all. Though her dad often told her she could have two or three of them, and hoped it was true. But Albert liked Jane, which made her a little sad. Albert was her favorite; he smiled and called her little princess. Many times, he was around when she was afraid. When her Aunt Catherine was visiting, one of the Hurst would show up. Yes, so tall and handsome, looking like the pictures of beautiful fierce knights. She loved their raven hair and their light blue eyes, nobody looked like them. With them she would always feel safe.

The four Hurst cousins came, though Reggie looked different, more like his cousins; Darcy found it odd. The pampered, lazy man was gone in a few hours, and the four cousins looked dangerous, especially tonight. They also had brought their cousin, a petite lady with nearly white hair with dark streaks. She was beautiful. To William's delight, Richard stared at her, ignoring Lizzie, so William liked Albert even more.

Another surprise waited, when the Hurst saw William's uncle, Albert, and Tobias came to greet him. They bowed, "Sir, what an honor. You are the brother, one of the triplets, right? William had never noticed before. His father's brother was quite handsome and young.

William wondered how Albert knew; something was coming to the edge of his mind. Eddie's nurse waited outside the drawing-room. Not for long, Eddie had fallen asleep holding Lucas in just a few minutes. Right away, William excused himself and went to pick him up. The Gardiner was aghast, "No, sir. I will do it." Mr. Gardiner exclaimed, mortified.

"No, let William take him since he knows the room; it will be best." Charming Georgiana reassured him. She wanted to be part of the Bennet family, so William should be at his best. The footmen brought glasses of wine and champagne for everyone. While Jane, Mary, and the Gardiner admired the place, Albert and Reggie walked with them.

Albert sat to talk to Jane, who could not be happier. The other Hurst, sat with Georgiana and Mary. Lizzie talked to Darcy's uncle. Bartlett and Richard were talking to the Hurst Lady, whose father was a duke; her mother was the Hurst sister. Though Albert's father was also a duke, the Darcy were the richest of all of them.

Soon it was dinner time, William sat next to Lizzie, and Bartlett sat on her other side. The uncle was amused, but William was not. The uncle winked, and William had to control a growl.

Lizzie felt lightheaded, since she did not believe such gentlemen were pursuing her. Reggie sat by 15-year-old Mary; in two years or so, he would court her. He would let Charles know that Louisa was not for him. He would stay close to the Bennet to ensure nobody else would take Miss Mary. He knew others like the Hurst would now find them; Albert also knew that.

Reggie had learned that Tobias and Stephen had a plan; no denying, marrying a Darcy would be a coup. Both cousins were young, but they would have competition. Albert said many would wish for her hand and was doubtful they would be successful. Miss Darcy was already beautiful; but the cousins knew arrangements were made when the brides were quite young. Never mind the nasty relatives might have someone for her; that, the Hurst would stop.

Elizabeth had been dreaming with a kiss. Jane told her all about, adding not to allow more than a few touches. Reminding Lizzie what happened to her with the man she met in London. The cousin, Lord Fitzwilliam, who was also very handsome, told Lizzie he was a widower and made a horrible face. Lizzie admired the table, though had never seen such elegance, the nicest thing was Mr. Darcy. When he smiled, he had dimples, his eyes seemed to have gold flecks. Her dazzled aunt told Lizzie she was the luckiest girl ever, and to wait till she saw the estate.

Her father had said before, "If I didn't like it here so much and were not in charge of fighting the scourge, we also would have much luxury; but I like the books, the food, and want to be around. But true, you will realize who he is; your mother will be enormously proud of you, though I am honored she chose me."

Lizzie looked at Mr, Darcy, when she saw his eyes, she knew he felt something for her. It made her want the marriage bed, but she was not sure why sh ached for something. Her hand was on her lap when she felt his hand over hers. Heat waves and a strange feeling ran thru her. He closed his fingers over hers. She nearly jumped on his lap; just like Jane told her she had done with the charming man she met last year.

The charming man Jane met, nearly violated her, if not for what she did. She said the man had invited her to call on him and his sisters; but the sisters left when she came. When he tried to force her, she ran outside after putting the man to sleep and making him forget where she lived. Mr. Hawk, who followed her, waited outside, and went home with her. Jane said he did not ask any questions.

The butler was announcing someone. William and Georgiana thought it was Aunt Catherine and both tensed. William let go of Elizabeth's hand and stood up with his sister. They wanted the aunt gone.

His uncle stood up when he saw who it was. It was Richard's mother. She still looked incredibly young. "Oh, goodness, you are here?" She exclaimed and said an odd name. The uncle picked her up on the air.

"How I have missed you!" He exclaimed.

The Fitzwilliam brothers had gaping mouths, realizing how much their mother looked like her brother. What was going on?

"Am I finally, going home? Did they bond with another female? I was a ninny." Lady Fitzwilliam sounded sad and dried a tear.

"Who bonded?" Richard and Bartlett asked simultaneously, but no answer was forthcoming.

"We can, and no, they haven't; how could they, you are their one. They wait for the day you can come back. But I want to visit for a little, to know my err, my family; we need to talk." The uncle answered. "Sit with us; we haven't eaten dessert, lovely food, and drink. No wonder George liked it."

She sat next to him, and someone set a place her. They kept eating, though Richard and Bartlett were distressed. Even though they could sense something was wrong, they did not know what. They thought their mother looked younger than them, and believed she was asking about an old love. But what did she mean with they, like in more than one? Did she love several men?

Someone was at the door, and the butler could not stop whoever from coming in.

William was upset when he saw Charles, thinking he was rude forcing his way in. He should had read the letter his butler gave him and could had ordered to stop him. He did not want Charles there. Now, his proud and haughty visage was obvious to most everyone, not caring that Charles looked hurt and angry. "I see. You invited the Hurst."

The Darcy uncle interrupted him, "William didn't. I did. His parents are, ahem, my, ahem. They work for me, anyway. They are here, but who are you?" William's uncle asked, looking at Charles Bingley with distrust.

He was sure that Charles was not alone, and if he were right, this man came inside the house, and nobody stopped him. Now, the vermin could come inside, and danger had arrived. Nevertheless, he hoped to be wrong, but he doubted it, he could detect something wrong with the friend. The uncle imagined the wicked ones would be there shortly to take William and Georgiana away. He lowered his head at Mr. Bennet and raised a finger to the Hurst, who understood they needed to be ready.

Charles saw Mr. George Darcy, and his face lost all his color. "William, I thought your father."

"He is my uncle. Why are you here?" William asked curtly.

Charles stared at Jane, looking at her intently. Jane looked sick and not well. Her father and Lizzie noticed. Lizzie knitted her eyebrows, knowing who Charles was.

Albert noticed as well, feeling Jane's distress since Charles came into the room. Jane was a blond, so Albert could guess, making him angry. Something told him she was afraid of Charles. What had Charles done to her? Albert wanted her for a wife, no matter if Charles had damaged her. However, Charles should be afraid if he had.

A/N- Almost over one more chapter- This is an October type tale.

Characters:
Darcy: Mr. Darcy Georgiana, an Uncle, George Darcy, and Lady Fitzwilliam's triplet (support character)
Lucas: Dog
Fitzwilliam ( Cousins): COL Richard, Lord Bartlett (Heir, future Earl)- Lady Fitzwilliam (their mother- Darcy's Aunt.)
Bennet: Mr. Bennet, Elizabeth, Jane, Mary
Gardiner (Lizzie's uncle), Mr., Mrs., and Eddie (son, Lizzie's Cousin)
Hurst (Mr. Hurst's (Reggie)) cousins: Albert, Tobias, Stephen, Lady Hurst (Support Characters related to Mr. Reggie Hurst, Louisa Bingley's husband in PP
Bingley: Charles (Mr. Bingley) Caroline and Louisa
Jax (childhood friend)Jax (maybe Fae or something.)
Mr. Hawk: Works with Mr. Gardiner (Support) Loves Louisa Bingley