I love reading everyone's guesses and suppositions! I'll only say most of you are correct...

I feel the need to apologize for only posting once a week. But I haven't finished the story yet, and I'd hate to post all the chapters and end up with a long break in between.

That being said, (someone asked) I have about 17 chapters written and am a little more than halfway through, more or less.

A note to guest reviewers: I have the filter on and won't approve reviews containing any vulgarities. I really don't mind if you decide to not leave reviews.

Edit- A number of readers have queried about calling the baby by his full name. New parents do it all the time. Keep in mind its only been a handful of days since his birth, he is a total newborn.

Chapter 9

Georgiana looked at him in astonishment. "Implications? Having Elizabeth as my friend?"

"Yes, Georgiana. Mrs. Carrington is from a ruined family. Surely you can see how that might affect your reputation, should word of her being your friend become fodder for gossip amongst our social circle."

Her eyes narrowed at him, "Need I remind you, it was nearly me ruined at the hand of that rat? And since when have you been so concerned by our so-called social circle? Elizabeth married, and to a gentleman of good standing, surely that makes a difference in how the world will perceive her now." She got to her feet and began to pace.

Darcy followed suit. The two were now changing places in short crossing strides, in a dance of tense emotions.

"Indeed, she did, but she is now a widow, with little to her name. And I am not concerned for society, I think only of you. You are about to have your come out. Any blemish will affect how you are received in Society. I only wish for you to achieve the very best you hope for. And you did not elope, that is all in the past." His expression was fierce.

She studied him for a few moments, her expression softening. "Do recall, I am safe because of your timely arrival." Georgiana breathed in and out slowly, and raised her hands in an imploring gesture. "Brother, I do not care to reach for the highest possible match. I will not marry a man who is willfully blind to all the good those outside his sphere have to offer. "

"Georgiana-

"I learned this from you, Fitzwilliam," she stood, arms akimbo, as though readying for battle. At his startled expression she explained further. "During our travels, we met so many different people. We engaged with them, learned about their lives. You were the most relaxed I had ever known you. Smiling easily and looking as though the weight of your world had lifted clear away. It was wonderful to witness."

Darcy was speechless. He had not known his sister noticed how heavy the burden of duty had become. His sister spoke again before he could.

"Then, we returned to England and you married Anne. Oh," She flapped her hand, pulling out a handkerchief to dab at her eyes. "I understand why you did, but all I could see was your resemblance to Atlas again. All the world's worries were once again bearing you down." Darcy's lips twitched at her mythological reference.

She stepped closer to her beloved brother. "It became very clear to me what I wanted for my life. I am proud to be the daughter of a gentleman and do not require more than that. Please, William, let me live my life as I desire." She shrugged. "And if I do not meet a man who can respect my newfound outlook, I have no need to marry for security, my dowry will sustain me well enough."

"You will always have a home at Pemberley." Darcy's voice was gruff, and he pulled her in for a fierce hug. He whispered to hide the tightness in his throat. "My dear girl. I am so very proud of you. I…"

"I love you too, brother." Was all he heard in return.

Finally, he released her and walked away, combing a hand roughly through his hair. When he turned back to her, she was seated once again on his great coat. "Lord and Lady Matlock will not be pleased. In fact, I foresee many disagreements in the near future."

"I am not afraid of them. As long as you support me in this, we will stand united against their objections. Our happiness is worth far more than wealth and connections."

Darcy had a peculiar smile on his face. "I cannot wait to see Richard again. I believe he will be so proud of you he might pop off a button from his uniform."

Relieved the tension was gone, Georgiana dared to raise the topic again. "So staying in contact with Elizabeth is no longer an issue?"

"If you truly wish it? No."

"I may visit her at her relations, when she comes to Town for a visit?"

Darcy ruefully shook his head, "In for a penny, in for a pound... I should not like you to flaunt the friendship, but neither will I stand in the way of it."

"Good." Georgiana clasped her hands together, bobbing up and down in her excitement. "She really is a lovely young woman. You will like her once you get to know her. Come, it is time to get back. I must hold that darling boy before he is laid down for a nap."

So saying, she stood, lifted her brother's great coat and shook it out. Handing it to him, she chivied him back to the horses and together, they rode back to the inn.

Darcy watched Georgiana surreptitiously. He knew their travels had been a balm to her spirit and a growing experience for her, yet he had never realized how much so. Nor how his decision to marry Anne had affected her so greatly.

I knew our bond had altered to a sibling one, it seems even more so now than ever before. I may have much to learn from her, now that my little sister is spreading her wings.

~ / ~

Elizabeth had not slept well and woke with a heavy feeling in her heart. Spending time with Georgiana had reminded her of growing up at Longbourn. Before everything went so wrong for the Bennets.

An uncommon feeling of lethargy enveloped her body. If it were not for her son's cries and the uncomfortable pressure in her breasts foretelling his urgent need to eat, she might not have risen at all.

I really cannot afford to become attached to her, no matter how much she reminds me of Jane. Since leaving Longbourn and all the months of my marriage, I have been away for nearly a year. It was long enough to bury the painful memories of being shunned. Dear Lord, I pray Jane is not still being treated so callously, after all this time.

She remained closed up in her room, nursing her son and holding him in her arms while he slept. Hannah brought breakfast, but Elizabeth did not have much of an appetite and could not force herself to eat. Word of it must have reached the inn's kitchen, as it was not too much later when Mrs. Hobbs made an appearance.

"Good mornin', dearie." She bustled in following a perfunctory knock on the door. "How're ye feelin' t'day? The weather still be fair, an' a walk later might do ye a world o' good. An this came fer ye this mornin'." She handed a letter to the young woman.

"Good morning, Mrs. Hobbs. A letter from my sister, Jane! How wonderful. I will be happy to walk in the sun later. For now, staying inside with my son suits me just as well and will allow me to read my letter."

"What's this I hear 'bout ye not eatin' yer breakfast?" Mrs. Hobbs

"I did not have much of an appetite." Elizabeth had laid her letter to the side and was trailing a finger down the soft, downy skin of her son's cheek.

Mrs. Hobbs sat down and examined the younger woman. "Dearie, I need ta give ye information ye need to know, seein' as ye be takin' on the feedin' of yer babe. Now, listen well…"

Mrs. Hobbs proceeded to explain to the new mother how what she ingested affected her son through her nursing him. His growth, his health and general well-being depended entirely on how well she will care for herself.

"Ye are a mother now, dearie. 'Tis fine ta feel sorry fer yerself now an' again. But ye must not forget ta care for yer body."

Elizabeth nodded her understanding and thanked Mrs. Hobbs. "I will do whatever I must for my son."

Mrs. Hobbs gave an affirmative nod. "Welcome to motherhood, dearie. A lifetime o' guilt, an' feelin' yer never enough." She chortled, "ah, but the love... It'll fill ye up till yer heart might nearly burst."

She stood up and approached Elizabeth, resting a hand on her shoulder. Patting it a few times she said, "Ye'll do, dearie, Ye'll do jest fine."

After the older woman exited her room, Elizabeth sat holding her son a little longer, before she reached for Jane's letter.

March, 1814
Longbourn, Meryton

Dearest Lizzy,

We have all been in uproar since receiving the express sent by Mr. Darcy. To receive further notice in your words, albeit written by Miss Darcy, letting us know you and your baby were well, has been a balm to our frayed nerves.

You have a son! Oh, how I long to see you and him. I would say return to us quickly, but I must insist you take the time needed to properly recover.

Papa sends his love, and seconds my sentiments concerning your well-being. I will write to our Aunt Gardiner and acquaint her with your happy news.

Dear Lizzy, I cannot wait to see you. Pray, be sure to keep us informed of your recuperation and when you might expect to continue your journey to us.

All my love and affection,

Jane

Tears had been streaming down Elizabeth's cheeks while she read. Carefully folding up the letter, she lay down on the bed with her newborn son at her side, and cried herself to sleep.

~ / ~

A couple of hours later, a refreshed Elizabeth stood before the Darcy's door. She was as nervous as she had been the previous night, but for different reasons.

She felt the situation from the previous night had been left unresolved and she still owed them - something. Her hand lifted to knock, but before it made contact, Georgiana had opened the door and stood in front of her, beaming. "Elizabeth! I was coming to see you. Are you ready for our walk?"

A brief hesitation on Elizabeth's part made Georgiana hook an arm through her friend's, dragging her down the hallway.

"We will speak at length outside, but let me reassure you, all is perfectly well. My brother and I had a wonderful ride this morning. I left him dealing with correspondence, and we shall enjoy the sunshine and fresh air." Georgiana continued her chatter until the women were outside and well away from the inn. "When we return I shall insist on seeing your dear little Alex-"

"Alex?"

"Oh yes, Gregory Alexander is such a mouthful, and he looks like an Alex, does he not? As I was saying, I insist on spending time with him."

Elizabeth let the chatter wash over her, together with the warming sun. It seems the siblings had worked the issues out between themselves. For now, she will bide her time and see where things stand when they parted ways.

~ / ~

Seeing as Elizabeth appeared to be in a pensive mood, Georgiana described Pemberley, its lands and her life there. "We live a fairly retired life at home. Aside from riding nearly every day when weather permits, I spend many hours at the pianoforte. Music is my greatest love, and I practice daily. Or 'far too much' according to my brother."

"I should dearly love to hear you play. I have not had the luxury these many months."

"Do you play?"

"A little, and very ill. I never practiced as much as I ought. I loved being out of doors too much, and I rather cultivated a talent in drawing. It pleased me to draw the flowers, and views I saw during my walks on my father's estate. Though it had been many years, I recently picked it up again. It helped pass the time during these past long winter months. It was either that, or reading, and books were not easily found near where we were dwelling."

"You like to read then? Brother does, too. The library at Pemberley has something for everyone. It is the work of many generations, as my brother likes to say. But he and I enjoy spending quiet evenings there."

"It sounds lovely, Georgiana. I am sure it is a sight to behold." Elizabeth folded her arms in front of her, "I think I must be getting back. I do not wish to be away too long."

"You will let me visit with Alex, will you not?

"We shall see if he is awake and what his needs are when we return." Elizabeth had not completely shaken off her dark mood from the morning. All the talk of a peaceful home with a grand library edged her back toward melancholy.

~ / ~

Seeing her son was still asleep, Elizabeth asked Georgiana to come back in a little while, and could only be grateful the young lady quickly acquiesced. She then excused Hannah, telling her to rest and not return until she had.

A quiet settled on her once the door closed behind the maid, the small sounds her son made hardly filling the void. She began to pace the floor, mindful of making as little noise as possible. The tumultuous events of the past several days had caught up to her and the urge to scream filled her head. I will not let these thoughts overwhelm me. I will not give in to melancholy or rage. I live, my son lives, and while we have breath in our bodies I shall make a good life for us.

Elizabeth continued pacing, mentally ticking off the tasks imperative for her to create a stable life for her son.

First, I must return to Longbourn as soon as possible. I am stronger and can only hope the trip will not be difficult for Gregory Alexander.

Second, I shall write to my uncle and describe in detail the issues which have held up my inheritance from Gregory. If necessary, I shall travel to London myself.

Third, depending on how much is put aside for us, I shall decide where and how we shall be able to live.

Having made a kind of plan, she resolved to make a beginning of it that very day.

Well? What do you think of the siblings confrontation?