PP AU Non-Canon General Regency

NOTE: Brought Lord de Bourgh over from my last FF to this one.

2nd NOTE: How Ch.1 got an unedited version put up I do not know, that SHOULD be corrected by now. It was just one small word but it made A HUGE difference.

Ties That Bind

Previously:

"As much as I may not enjoy agreeing; you may be correct." Thomas sighed. "Tell you what, if Fitzwilliam finds someone who will not attempt to push me aside, he is more than willing to secure Longbourn some extra help, or at least someone to teach me how to run it better."

Party

Ch. 2

The spacious assembly hall was decorated with garland and ivy. It was draped across its walls, framing doorways, windows, and windowsills, creating a green border that brought a look of nature indoors. It invited a festive view, making the people of Meryton attending the party feel happy and delighted to see one another.

It was not only the main frame of the building that was decorated but the mantel, staircase banisters, and ceiling drapes as well. Dark garland and ivy were strewn across the mantelpiece, lacing among the candles and ornaments brought in by the town's citizens. Elizabeth and others had wound garland and flowers around the banisters leading upstairs, securing the decorations with ribbons and bows of various materials.

"Who put up the garland from the ceiling drapes?" asked Mary as she carried a tray full of desserts to a nearby table.

"I believe Nicolas and Alexander did that," Elizabeth replied as Anne finished up with the smaller accented pieces across the room. "I know Franklin was nowhere nearby."

Franklin, married to Mary, was a successful merchant who would be coming later. Nicolas Wells, a sea captain now married to Kitty, and Alexander de Bourgh, a cousin to Anne and an earl married to Jane, had both brought their wives back to the area for the holidays. The two men were now talking to Mr. Bennet in one of the corners.

"I have sailed around England a lot, Sir, and have traversed its hills and meadows more than some men my age," Nicolas smiled and then shook his head. "But I can honestly say I have not seen any lady matching the woman you describe."

"I am sorry, Mr. Bennet," Alexander spoke, his mouth turning down. "I travel even more than Nicolas when it comes to inland, and I too have not come across any such woman. Though, of late, I must confess I have not been to any of my properties on, or near, our eastern borders. I do have some upcoming business; if you so desire, I could keep an eye open for you."

"Please, do so," Thomas spoke softly so as not to allow any others to hear his words other than his two sons by the law. "This dream plagues me, and I cannot shake it. I do not know if it will stop or not. Therefore, I now find myself wanting answers as to who this woman is and why she feels a need to protect two children so fiercely. I mean, she held a sword in a stance most men would not get accurate."

"In that case, I promise, next trip I make on my way to, and in, Battle I will keep an eye out for the woman you describe." Alexander nodded and then excused himself to talk to Fitzwilliam, who had just walked in the door.

Fitzwilliam, who normally, around family, was all laughter and jokes, today was looking highly agitated. Hence, Alexander tactfully pulled him into a side room and asked him what was wrong. His soon-to-be brother took a deep breath and apologized for being so uptight.

"It is just that this time of the year is always hard for me," Fitzwilliam confessed. "It is tempting for me to simply hide. However, Elizabeth is right in saying I need to get out and celebrate the season."

"What happened to make it so difficult?"

"I just keep remembering the day my sister, Georgiana, supposedly died," Fitzwilliam said, his voice tinged with sorrow. "She was born, but I never had the chance to see her. The midwife took her away, and shortly after, we were told she had not made it. My father was devastated, and we all mourned her loss. But deep down, I have always harbored doubts. Something about the way it all happened never sat right with me. Even my father, on his death bed, admitted his own instincts shouted things were off. However, he was not home at the time, so he had no answers to give. And my mother was too weak at the time of to give anything but jumbled memories."

Alexander looked at him sympathetically. "It is understandable to have those feelings, Fitzwilliam. Losing a sibling is incredibly painful, and the uncertainty only adds to that pain."

"Do you think there is a chance she yet lives?" Fitzwilliam's voice wavered slightly as he asked the question. "My mother's jumbled memories haunt my dreams."

"I am sorry you have to endure those things. However, I think Elizabeth is right; let us get you out there with the others. Maybe, if you immerse yourself in showering affection onto the young, it will help—even a little—to ease this mood that has hit you."

So it was that by the time Fitzwilliam and Alexander went back into the main room of the Assembly Hall of Meryton, Fitzwilliam focused on mingling with his cousins, their wives, and children. His demeanor shifted as he knelt to greet the children, his face softening as he spoke to them in gentle tones. "Hello, young Brock! How have you been? Have you been practicing your whittling?" Fitzwilliam asked a young boy who eagerly showed him his latest woodwork.

"Yes, Mr. Darcy! Look, I just made one like the ones my uncle sails!" James exclaimed, his eyes bright with excitement.

"That's wonderful, James. You have quite the talent. Perhaps you will be a master ship building one day one day," Fitzwilliam encouraged, ruffling the boy's hair.

As Fitzwilliam moved from one group of children to another, helping them with their games and listening to their stories, his earlier agitation seemed to evaporate. He took great care to include each child in all the activities going on.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bennet positioned himself near the entrance of the assembly hall, watching the visitors as they arrived. His sharp eyes took in the familiar faces of Meryton's residents, each greeting him with smiles and nods. Yet, his mind was elsewhere, preoccupied with the mysterious woman from his dreams. He greeted his daughters warmly but quickly resumed his watchful stance, his thoughts returning to the shadow of the dreams that plagued him. A part of him hoping the woman of his night visions would walk through the door with the three children in tow.

Elizabeth, always observant, noticed her father's standoffish behavior. She watched as he never really engaged in the festivities around him, his mind clearly a million miles away. Concern furrowed her brow as she approached him.

"Papa, is everything alright?" she asked quietly, her eyes skillfully searching his face for clues.

Mr. Bennet made himself give her a smile, though it did little to mask his troubled thoughts. "Yes, Lizzy, everything is fine. Just an old man lost in thoughts."

Elizabeth was not convinced of her father's words but decided it was not a fight worth having, knowing her father well enough to understand when to press matters and when to leave them well enough alone. She turned her attention back to the decorations, helping the other woman to make sure everything was in perfect order for those who were attending the festivities.

As the party continued, the hall filled with laughter, music, and the joyful chatter of friends and family. Fitzwilliam, who had thrown himself fully into the spirit of the season, led a group of children in a lively game of charades, his deep voice booming with playful commands.

"Alright, Anna, it is your turn! Act out your word and let us see if we can guess it!" he encouraged, clapping his hands to gather the children's attention.

Susie, a shy girl of about seven, stepped forward and began to mime her word. Fitzwilliam's encouragement gave her the confidence to perform, and soon the children were all eagerly guessing and cheering her on.

Elizabeth watched from a distance, her heart delighted in seeing her normally reserved beau so open and carefree. Fitzwilliam's natural affinity with the young ones was evident, and she was grateful for his presence. His ability to bring out the best in others was a strength which had drawn her to him in the end.

Mr. Bennet, too, noticed Fitzwilliam's efforts and could not help but feel a pang of admiration for the man who would soon become his son by the law. Despite his own troubled thoughts, he recognized the strength and compassion in Fitzwilliam, qualities he knew would serve his Lizzy well.

As the party drew to a close, the assembly hall filled with a soft warm glow of candlelight and soft murmuring of contented conversation.

Fitzwilliam, along with others, stood by the door, bidding farewell to each guest as they left. They all exchanged kind words and warm handshakes, ensuring everyone felt appreciated for their attendance.

"Thank you for coming, Mrs. Long. It was a pleasure to see you," he said to an elderly woman, who smiled and patted his arm in gratitude.

"It was good to see you too." It was words repeated to others near the door.

Mr. Bennet, still watching the visitors, felt a sense of peace settle over him. The mystery of his dreams remained unsolved, but the evening had reminded him of the importance of family and community. As he glanced at Elizabeth, who was now talking with Jane and Kitty, he felt a deep sense of pride in the family he had raised.

Elizabeth, sensing her father's gaze, looked over and smiled. She walked over to him and gently took his arm. "Come, Papa, let us walk home together.

"You go on ahead with Fitzwilliam and the others. I am going to talk to Parson Linn."

*Battle is a place in England that really exists as does Hastings as far as I know.