"Darcy?"

Darcy blinked, his mind elsewhere.

"Darcy!"

This time he blinked, acknowledging Bingley standing before him. "Forgive me, Bingley. What did you say?"

Bingley rolled his eyes, but dragged the closest chair toward his friend in the morning parlor. Everyone else departed breakfast in a flurry as their guests were preparing for their departure.

After the engagement celebration several days ago, Bingley and Jane had been nonstop with plans and ideas. The Gardiners were beside themselves with happiness. Mrs. Bennet's raptures could no longer be contained to mere letters. Jane and Bingley began their leave almost immediately.

Darcy thought back to the night Bingley asked for Jane's hand. He had joined the festivities soon after Elizabeth left his study. His heart weighed heavily in his chest, looking for her throughout the night, but knowing she was hiding upstairs after his curt dismissal of her. Darcy felt another pain deep inside as he thought of her again the next morning, and her kindness to him.

Bingley flopped down in the chair. "As I was saying, with the wedding being held in Longbourn, Netherfield has been reopened. I shall remain there so that I may visit Jane as often as I can before the most happy of days. You must stay with me beforehand. I insist."

Darcy nodded along, still distracted. He allowed Bingley to yammer on, mostly of what he already knew, until his friend posted another question.

"Darcy!" Bingley scowled. "I say man, whatever is the matter? Ever since your return from London, you have been very preoccupied."

Darcy was about to brush him off, but he found he could not find the words. Yes, he could confide in Richard, but he felt as if his cousin was too close to the matter. Darcy needed a more neutral ear.

He turned in his seat to face Bingley head on. "Bingley, I do not wish you to think I am not excited for you and Jane. I am very happy for you both, and I look forward to your impending nuptials. We shall officially be brothers, and nothing could make me happier."

Bingley gave him a confused grin. "I agree, Darcy. I am the most happy of men, both in gaining Jane, along with you and Mrs. Darcy. I daresay, perhaps I can finally call her Elizabeth."

Darcy gave him a small grin. "I daresay she would be most pleased." He then paused.

Bingley cocked an eyebrow. "Do you wish to continue?"

Darcy cleared his throat, unsure where to begin. "Bingley, you are blessed with the love of a woman who adores you."

Bingley's eyebrow raised further north. "As are you, Darcy. What is this about?"

Darcy ignored his comment and continued as if he hadn't interrupted. It was no use trying to describe to his friend that he did not, in fact, have the love of his wife.

"I beg you not to question this or dissect it in any way, but -" Darcy stopped to think a moment before adding, "If Jane were to betray your trust, how would you look past it?"

Bingley's face fell into seriousness, his brow furrowed. "Are you saying - ?"

"Please, I beg you, my friend, I do not wish to delve into details. But I am eager to know what you would do in my situation." Darcy took a breath and added, "If Jane betrayed your trust, if she hurt you in some way, but she had acknowledged it and apologized, how would you react?"

Bingley looked as if he wished to press for more information, but held back and decided to think for several moments before answering. "I guess it depends on the level of breach. There are many factors, I would say, but if the tables were turned, if I were the one to offend Jane - I would hope she would forgive me, that we could move forward. And I hope that I would react the same for her."

He leaned further still, clasping a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Darcy, whatever has happened between you and Elizabeth, whatever she had done, you say she asked for your forgiveness. As a man of God, you should forgive her, but more importantly, as a married man to a most wonderful young woman, you should absolutely forgive her. Allow her back in and forget the past. Move on, together."

To his immense surprise, Darcy choked up a bit. Out of sorts, he loudly cleared his throat and stood abruptly, walking to the window. Bingley allowed him his space. Darcy cleared his throat again. "Quite right, Bingley. You are… quite right. I shall endeavor to work on this failing of mine." He glanced back over his shoulder before looking out the window again. "Now tell me everything regarding your wedding. There is much to discuss, I am sure."

Recognizing the dismissal of the topic, Bingley also stood to join his friend, and enthusiastically began talking of wedding details.

The next morning, the vast majority of the party left for London for a short stay before eventually leaving for Hertfordshire. Darcy, Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Richard happily saw them off shortly after breakfast.

Darcy spent the entirety of the day to himself, pretending to complete estate work that he had been neglecting, but instead he thought of Elizabeth. His head urged him to return to her, to reconcile as they had a lifetime ahead of them. His heart was another matter. Still battered and bruised, he was not yet sure when it would allow him to open himself to her once more.

He was determined after a full day in thought to at least attempt at their friendship they had developed once more. Anxious to start again, Darcy politely asked her at breakfast her plans for the day.

If she was surprised by his interest, Elizabeth did not show it more than a rise of her eyebrows. Flushed and pleased however, she hesitated a moment before answering him. "I have plans to visit town actually."

Darcy cleared his throat nervously. "If you are in need of company, I shall be more than happy to - "

"No!" Elizabeth exclaimed, immediately realizing the height and tone of her voice. Georgiana paused her meal and looked at her in alarm. She bit her bottom lip, thinking quickly. "No, but I thank you, sir. Hannah is accompanying me. She is assisting me in shopping for Christmas gifts for you all." She gave Georgiana a warm smile.

Her sister-in-law sighed happily. "Oh how I love shopping for the holidays! You must make haste though, dear Lizzie. Christmas is right around the corner! Don't make the mistake I made last year. I waited far too long and poor Richard ended up with a new quill!"

Richard took a sip of coffee and raised his eyebrows over his cup before replying. "Adorned with a peacock feather, no less."

The ladies giggled together, but Elizabeth watched Darcy from the corner of her eye. It pained her to reject his offer, especially since it's been so long since he willingly joined her company. But her plans were set; she could not turn back now.

After breakfast, Elizabeth called for Hannah to join her by the front door, each of them bundled up for the cold outside. Hesitantly, Hannah joined Elizabeth in the fine carriage, her eyes wide from the exquisite finery laden inside. Her fingers gently brushed the velvet seat under her as the carriage began to move. "Remind me again, ma'am, why do you need my assistance in your endeavor today?"

Elizabeth gave her a warm smile as they enjoyed the comfort of the short drive. "Why, Hannah, you are my alibi, of course."

Hannah harrumphed under her breath. "It shall be most unusual for your lady's maid to appear with you, Mrs. Darcy. A footman would surely do."

Elizabeth's eyes danced in merriment. "Oh yes, I did request a footman to join us. He is just outside with the driver."

It took everything inside for her not to harm her mistress. Elizabeth was being coy about something, and Hannah did not enjoy being left in the dark. "The other servants may be very cross when they see me. No one enjoys a surprise below the stairs." She looked out the window and narrowed her eyes. "But we are headed in entirely the wrong direction!" She knocked on the roof of the carriage. "Driver! You must stop!"

Elizabeth gathered Hannah's hands in hers before calling to the driver to continue, just as they entered Lambton. "Be calm, Hannah. We are almost there."

Both women watched as the coach stopped nearby the inn, where they frequented together while researching Wickham's past. Before Hannah could ask why they were in town, the carriage door opened, revealing a homely but gentle looking man, with his hand outstretched. Hannah gasped. "John!"

John grasped his fiance's hand and helped her exit. He then bowed low to Elizabeth. "I must thank you again, Mrs. Darcy, for allowing this free time with my betrothed. Working at Pemberley has brought her great happiness, but I selfishly miss seeing her every day."

Elizabeth nodded and then grinned mischievously to Hannah, who was still silent with shock. "Your mother has prepared a lovely picnic lunch for you both when you are ready." She paused a moment before adding. "You have been sorely missed by her as well, my friend. You shall not be received back to Pemberley until dinner service at the earliest Saturday next."

Hannah gasped, almost a week off from work. "But Mrs. Darcy!"

"I will not hear of it," Elizabeth said sternly before softening. "You have been my most trusted confidant and companion Hannah for several months now. Please enjoy your time with your family as I mean to make this event more of a habit."

Hannah blinked silently before grinning. "But what of your trip, ma'am?"

Elizabeth smiled smugly once more. "As you said, a footman will surely do."

And before any more argument could be had, Elizabeth tapped the roof of the carriage and she was off to her final destination.

For all her joy and intrigue in surprising Hannah with a lengthy trip home, Elizabeth was now a bundle of nerves. It was a short trip, just under an hour, although she wished it had lengthened so that she could better prepare herself.

But at her core she was still Elizabeth Bennet, and no matter how she ought to behave, a person of high station would not frighten her. As it were, her new name of Darcy rather emboldened her further. Before she knew it, Elizabeth was driven up to the front door of Matlock Manor, the butler already waiting for her arrival.

When she had first received her reply from Lady Matlock, Elizabeth was thrilled. Her husband's aunt was open to meeting with her, no doubt curious about the country girl who managed to snag one of England's most eligible bachelors. Elizabeth did not truly care why Lady Matlock agreed to see her; she only was happy to receive such an invitation.

She took a deep breath and climbed the stairs to the front door, servants immediately taking her fur cloak and gloves. Although she was now used to such finery after many months at Pemberley, the sheer amount of art and displays gave her pause, but she was never a woman to back down from a challenge. With a nod to the butler, she was silently led into an adjacent room, where he announced her presence.

"Mrs. Darcy, ma'am."

Elizabeth entered the large and imposing room to find an older woman seated on one of several chairs. She gave her a deep curtsy. "Lady Matlock."

In return, she was granted a wane smile but her eyes remained scrutinizing. "Mrs. Darcy," Lady Matlock said, her tone equal parts welcoming and neutral, "Please do come in and warm yourself by the fire with me."

Elizabeth did as was instructed and sat across from Darcy's aunt. She studied her silently, as Lady Matlock did the same. Tea was served as they quietly assessed one another. Elizabeth, although nervous, would not allow it to show. She must retain an upper hand. She took a sip and smiled. "You have a lovely home, Lady Matlock."

Lady Matlock smiled demurely. "Thank you, but it is no match for Pemberley, as we both know."

Elizabeth smiled in return at the comment, but pleasantries aside, they were both stepping around the obvious. "Thank you for inviting me to meet with you. It was a very pleasant trip, and the distance very easy to -"

Lady Matlock arched a brow and interrupted her. "Although I am thrilled to learn you experienced no discomfort on your journey here, I wish to know why you have requested to call on me, Mrs. Darcy."

Elizabeth blinked in surprise. Abrupt candor it was. Languidly, she took a sip of her tea before answering. "You can be of no surprise that I would wish to visit my husband's relations, especially given he has so few. I assume you and the Earl are very intimate with the Darcys, as I know your son to be."

"No more than what one would consider normal."

"And yet we see Colonel Fitzwilliam often and you never."

Lady Matlock pursed her lips, her eyes narrowed. "Am I to believe you know of the unfortunate events that happened two summers ago?"

Elizabeth exhaled a long breath she didn't realize she was holding and she smiled down at her cup.

"My dealings with my relations are amusing, Mrs. Darcy?"

Elizabeth looked up and shook her head. "No, ma'am. I am only relieved that we are now finished beating around the bush. I did not enjoy it."

She thought she could detect a twitch of a smile at the corner of Lady Matlock's lips, but as soon as Elizabeth spotted it, it disappeared again. "You have yet to answer my question, Mrs. Darcy."

Elizabeth took a breath, all humor removed. "Yes, Lady Matlock. Mr. Darcy divulged everything to me and what he and poor Georgiana had to endure at the hands of the worst type of man."

Lady Matlock snorted softly and rolled her eyes. "You speak as if no fault lay transpired by my niece and how she almost ruined our family forever."

Elizabeth gave her a stern look. "Forgive me, ma'am, but you speak as if you do not recognize the trauma and embarrassment that occurred to both my husband and sister." Placing her cup on her knee, she continued. "That they were not betrayed by a man whom the late Mr. Darcy viewed as a son. That the aftermath did not do near irrevocable harm to each of them and their ability to trust once again. Again, please forgive me for speaking so harshly, Lady Matlock, but I feel most passionate regarding this."

Lady Matlock hardly moved throughout the tirade, she spine straight and her eyes unyielding. Finally she spoke. "I imagine you feel most passionate in any scenario regarding your husband. Richard says you both are very much in love."

Elizabeth blushed but did not reply. Lady Matlock scrutinized her another long moment before taking a deep breath. "I admit, I do regret cutting off my niece and therefore nephew. I cannot say the same for the Earl, but he was never close to either of them."

"Why don't you reach out and reconcile?"

Lady Matlock laughed sardonically. "Oh, you are definitely not from our crowd." She rose and signaled to the butler. "We never admit fault."

Elizabeth recognized that she was being dismissed, but she had yet to complete her task. She remained steadfast in her seat. "I have come to invite you to Pemberley at your earliest convenience. Lord Matlock is of course welcome as well, although I do hope you will visit as soon as possible to reconnect with Georgiana."

"And this invitation could not be included in your letter to me?"

Elizabeth rose to face her head on. "A letter would not suffice in recalling my said passion." She quieted her voice and added gently, "Everyone deserves family, Lady Matlock. We may not always agree with one another, but their support is absolute. Forgive my imprudence, but I shall not rest until my husband's relations are reunited once more. He and Georgiana deserve no less."

Lady Matlock nodded stiffly but did not answer.

Both women walked slowly to the front parlor as they waited for the servants to ready the horses. Lady Matlock paused a moment before asking, as if she couldn't help it, "Based on our conversation just now and the goals you hope to achieve, I assume you have sent such a letter to Lady Catherine?"

Elizabeth nodded. "Naturally."

"And did you receive a reply?"

"I'm afraid not."

"Naturally," Lady Matlock repeated back with a slight smirk. "My sister-in-law would never give the satisfaction following one letter after the irreparable harm you did to her pride."

Elizabeth could not help but smirk back, her lips pursed as they both heard her carriage arrive beyond the door. "I gathered as much." She pulled on her gloves. "That is why Lady Catherine has received almost daily correspondence from me in an effort to gain a reply, any reply."

Lady Matlock's eyes widened just a touch, but Elizabeth continued as if she didn't notice. "I fear I may be running out of things to say, however. I usually grant her impeccable details on the day's events, but I admit I may have bored her with the amount of snowfall last Sunday, but alas I had space to use and ink remaining."

A laugh escaped Lady Matlock's mouth, and she instantly covered it with her hand, but she shook in the attempt to suppress it. Elizabeth gave her a true smile.

After recovering, Lady Matlock met her eyes, her demure mask back in place. "You have no doubt that I received a letter from Lady Catherine in outrage when you married my nephew. I have never seen her so out of sorts."

Elizabeth nodded, unsurprised. "I gathered as much. She was most vocal when I last saw her in Kent."

She studied Elizabeth another moment before adding, "Shortly before that letter, Lady Catherine wrote to me and spoke of a headstrong yet alluring young woman who had visited Rosings. She was curious about this lady, and she admitted to being rather intrigued by her presence. She looked forward to meeting her once more."

It was Elizabeth's turn to widen her eyes in surprise.

Lady Matlock smirked slightly once more. "Reignite her curiosity once more, Mrs. Darcy. Continue with your letters. I too am intrigued to see what happens next."