A/N- My prayers go out to all who are suffering loss, specifically those in California.

I have been trying to send PMs to respond to reviews, but I am not sure they are getting through.

So I will try and respond here to as many as I can.

Colleen - yes, I am dripping out the backstory. Does that make me a tease? Most of it will be answered in this and the next chapters.

Kiwipride- LC was a very silly woman. So infallible, in her own mind.

Joan G. Brand - Georgiana saw a lot while traveling, but it all clicked into place afterward.

Jansfamily4- Elizabeth and Mary both married by choice.

EmlynMara- So glad I can draw the reader in. Keeps them coming back chapter after chapter. I hope I can keep that momentum going.

tnet- who Gregory was has not really yet been mentioned.

Kayrowe - stay tuned, soon...

sljh85 - answers are coming, stayed tuned.

JAC-LA - Elizabeth was SO lucky the Darcys were there, but Mrs. Hobbs was just as important.

Valerie 1950 - Your review was so touching. Thank you for your kind sentiments!

My apologies if I missed anyone. I love readying everyone's reviews and their speculations on what might be coming!

Without any further ado, here is the chapter. I really hope you like it.

Chapter 7

Georgiana quickly changed for the evening meal with her maids help. "Has my brother been looking for me, Wilson?"

"No, Miss Darcy. I believe he went out to ride earlier."

Georgiana sighed in relief. "Good. That is good."

She entered their shared sitting room to find Darcy already there. "Good evening, brother. Did you have a good ride?"

"I did. And did you have a pleasant afternoon?" He lifted one brow. "You were a long while visiting with Mrs. Carrington."

Georgiana blushed. "We started talking and I lost track of the time. It was wonderful, Will. I know Anne was my sister, but she was so quiet and retiring. Speaking with Elizabeth is like having a friend my own age. She is such a warm person, and so understanding."

"Understanding?" he asked in alarm.

"Oh, I only mean, we can discuss things we think and feel. I love you, William, but sometimes a girl needs to speak with another female."

"Ahh... No, you have not had much female companionship, have you? Especially not over the past several years."

"I am not complaining, I assure you. It is just nice to have it now. I hope we will be able to stay in contact when we continue our journey."

Darcy made a non-committal noise, and changed the subject. "There is good riding in the area should you wish to join me. I am sure another mount and a sidesaddle could be found for your use."

"Perhaps. Can I see how Elizabeth is feeling tomorrow?"

Darcy smirked. "So I am second fiddle to a relative stranger and a newborn baby, am I?"

"Second fiddle to a young female relative stranger, brother. That is the pertinent fact." Georgianna smiled impishly at him.

His heart leapt at seeing his sister looking so happy and teasing him. Perhaps spending time with Mrs. Carrington was not such a bad idea. For now. After all, they will probably not see her again once their paths split ways.

~ / ~

The next day, Mrs. Hobbs was pleased with Elizabeth's recuperation.

"No fever, dearie. Ye are well on yer way to recoverin'."

"Does that mean I may travel to Longbourn?"

"Nay. 'Tis too soon for that, but per'aps ye may wish to see the outdoors a bit today?"

"Oh, yes. That would indeed be wonderful."

"It looks ta be a sunny day and if it be warm in the midday, ye could step outside for a short walk. Get yer legs stronger. If it stays warm, we might even set ye up with a bath."

"Mrs. Hobbs, you are the very harbinger of hope and joy, this day. I cannot thank you enough."

"You keep gettin' stronger an' we'll have ye goin' home in no time."

Elizabeth was blinking sudden tears in her eyes. She grabbed one of the older woman's hands and held it between both of hers. "I really cannot express my gratitude for all your kind assistance. If it were not for you…." She shook her head, unable to continue speaking.

"Come now, dearie. Seeing you and young master Gregory hale an' hardy is all the thanks I be needin'."

Georgiana was at her door soon after breakfast.

"Georgie! I have received clemency and am being let out today. As long as the sun remains warm."

"Elizabeth, that is wonderful news." She hugged her friend.

Leaning back Elizabeth took Georgiana's hands in hers. "Just imagine. Hearing the leaves rustle as the wind blows through the trees. Feeling the sun on my face. To be able to stretch my legs. Oh, I could run…Well, more likely I would trip and fall, and I promised Mrs. Hobbs I would be careful." She beamed at her young friend. "Would you care to join me?"

"I would, indeed." Then her face fell. "Brother suggested I join him for a ride today."

"Then you should go. You have also been cooped up. I do not ride, but if it is something you enjoy…"

Georgiana looked torn.

"Why do you not see what your brother plans for you both? I shall go for my walk during the warmest part of the day. Mayhap you and your bother could ride before or after our walk?"

Georgiana clapped her hands. "I will ask him. He has been left too much alone these past couple of days. Maybe, we can all share the evening meal together, as well."

"Oh. I am not sure about-"

"You can join us in our sitting room." Georgiana cut her off. I will ask my brother if he minds, and our servants can arrange it." She scurried out of the room before Elizabeth could reply. Staring at the closed door with her mouth open in shock, she muttered to herself, "She does not seem like such a shy, reticent young lady to me."

But Hannah overheard, and stifled a giggle. Elizabeth only shook her head.

Soon, their plans were set for the day orchestrated by Georgiana. Elizabeth found she could not care. The thought of getting out into the fresh air buoyed her spirits all morning.

Georgiana went with Darcy for a ride and Elizabeth spent the morning with her son. With the help of Hannah and Mrs. Hobbs, Master Gregory Alexander was also carefully bathed, in a basin of warm water. The fire was built up to keep him warm throughout the process. The infant seemed pleased during the bath and cried while he was dried and redressed.

By that time, Elizabeth was ready to nurse him in preparation for her going out. He would be left for his nap, under the protective care of one of the maids.

"Hannah, you will rest yourself, will you not?"

The young servant was quite taken with her charges. The lady always expressed such care for everyone around her. "I shall sit here quietly with some needlework. That will be rest enough, ma'am."

~ / ~

By the time the evening meal came around, Elizabeth felt like a new woman. Taking in the fresh air, with the sun on her face was a balm to her soul. The bath was pure ecstasy.

Hannah helped her dress and put up her hair. Nerves were fluttering around in Elizabeth's stomach. I cannot recall the last time I spent an evening meal in company. Even if it is just Georgiana and her brother.

A memory came to her suddenly. It was one of the last evenings she and Gregory had together before he sailed.

"I hate leaving you here alone. I truly wish you had agreed to return to your family while I am at sea."

"My place, as your wife, is here. It would not do to run back to Longbourn because things become uncomfortable. Besides, things were far from comfortable there anyway."

"Lizzy, I do not know how long we shall be away. Aside from the cook who comes in the morning and one live-in maid, you will be all alone. I should have hired a footman."

"Nonsense. I shall have the other officer's wives. We will band together and become a happy party. There is much for me to learn, if I am to be a respectable officer's wife."

"You will remember the protective movements and actions I showed you. Promise me, you will take care."

And he clasped her to him in a tight embrace. She wrapped her arms around his neck and embraced him just as tightly. He had come so dear her. Should she tell him her suspicions? No, she had not yet felt the quickening. Her Aunt Gardiner told her it was the only way to truly be sure.

Soon, the embrace softened and she felt his lips on her hair, her temples, sliding down her cheek to her lips. His hands moved from her back to her hips and ran lightly up her arms. One nudged her jaw so he could deepen their kiss.The other kept roaming her back, down, and even lower to cup her buttocks and press her urgently to his desire. He lifted her and carried her to their sleeping chamber, kicking the door shut behind them.

But things did not go quite as planned after he sailed away. Elizabeth was the new wife of the group. Gently bred, she did not have the life experiences of the other naval wives. They were all also busy with their own concerns and children.

One or two of the women did take pity on her and invited her around for tea or a meal from time to time. But for the most part, Elizabeth led a lonely existence until word came of her husband's death.

Coming out of her reverie, Elizabeth rushed to pick up her son. It is you and I now my little one. We will face the world together. I will never be alone again.

She kissed his cheek and laid him down. With a final thanks to Hannah for watching over him while she dined with the Darcy's, Elizabeth straightened her back and held her head high. It is just one meal. What can possibly go wrong?

Can't wait to read your thoughts on this chapter!