Lizzie sighed as rain fell heavily from gray skies. Mr. Darcy hadn't come. She had taken quite some time to make herself look as good as she could, given how little she had brought to the trip, but it was all for nothing. The rain here was relentless. It had been hours, and it still wasn't lessening at all. She took a slow sip of her lukewarm tea. Maybe it was for the best that she never saw him again. It doesn't do well to mindlessly dream of an impossible chance.

"Lizzie?"

"Yes?"

"A note for you, dear," her aunt handed her a folded parchment. It came inside a letter that her aunt was still holding.

Miss Elizabeth,

I hope your walk went well. Pray, excuse me for not calling on you today. Esther's delivery took until dawn. She and the baby are well and recovering. I was figuring some things out to have her moved to Pemberley. She doesn't have any family here, and her sister is too young to nurse her and take care of a baby. Please forgive me. Trust that, was it not for such pressing matters, I would have been there first thing in the morning. I wrote to your aunt and uncle with an invitation for you all to spend the day at Pemberley. I would be honored to introduce you to my sister, Georgiana. My footman awaits your response. I hope to see you soon.

Your servant,

Fitzwilliam Darcy

"Do you have any objections, Lizzie?"

"I…"

"Your uncle is really looking forward to fishing in their lake."

"I... I thought we needed to leave for Matlock tomorrow," Lizzie tried to salvage the situation.

"There is no rush. We can stay a few more days."

"I have no objections, then..."

"It is all too improper and unseemly, Martha!"

"Jonathan, please stop. You were probably daydreaming after that big breakfast you had. There is no way you saw what you think you saw."

"I am telling you she kissed him!"

"Miss Bennet is a proper gentlewoman. She wouldn't just kiss him!"

Mr. Darcy froze outside the door to the servants' quarters. His hand had been ready to knock. What on Earth?!

"I saw her, Martha! She didn't see me because I was fixing that chip in the wall behind the large angel sculpture..."

"Swear it. Swear to me that you saw Miss Bennet stand on her tippy toes and kiss him on the lips?"

"Yes! I swear it! She… She caressed his face, closed her eyes, and kissed him full on the lips."

"Mr. Darcy!?"

"YES! I swear to you! I saw it!"

Darcy blinked and panicked. He didn't understand a thing. Not like he didn't wish this was true, but it wasn't. Not even if he had been drunk out of his mind would he not remember this.

"She did call him handsome… and said the bust was a true likeness," Mrs. Reynolds chuckled.

Mr. Darcy covered his mouth to quieten his gasp. Miss Elizabeth kissed my bust? On the lips? God damn it! Why wasn't I there?!

"Be that as it may, my love… To behave so scandalously in public, in his home of all places, I-" Johnathan said. "What can she mean by it? What if he was here? What if he saw her? She could have compromised him had they been unchaperoned."

"She thought she was all alone, dear; I don't think we should even-" She pushed the door open and almost hit Mr. Darcy on the nose. "SIR! Pray excuse me, I didn't hear you knock."

"I was about to," Mr. Darcy tried to school his shocked face to a more neutral expression. "Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds, a word, please," Mr. Darcy walked briskly to his study. He waited for the couple to follow after him and closed the door behind them. "Sit."

"Sir, our apologies. We know we shouldn't have been talking about the young woman at all. I-"

"Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds, please. I need your word that you will never speak of what you saw and what you heard to anyone ever again."

"Sir?" Mrs. Reynolds nodded but was perplexed. It had been a long time since she had seen Mr. Darcy look so conflicted. He had come back from Rosings so angry and sad. She merely thought Lady Catherine was finally forcing him to marry his cousin Anne, but now… her mother's radar was pinging, and it was something else completely.

"Miss Bennet… I… God…" Mr. Darcy stood, sat, paced, and was quiet for a while.

"Mr. Darcy?" Mr. Reynolds handed him a finger of brandy.

Mr. Darcy uncharacteristically downed the drink in one gulp, then shook his head, "This conversation cannot leave this room."

"Of course not, sir."

"Miss Bennet and I… That is to say…"

"Are you… engaged?" Mrs. Reynolds asked with a small, hopeful smile.

Darcy sighed. He sat down on his desk and rested his face on his hands. "No… I… We… I proposed. She said no."

Mrs. Reynolds gasped, and Mr. Reynolds stared with wide, confused eyes. They couldn't comprehend anyone saying no to Mr. Darcy.

Mrs. Reynolds' eyes filled with tears at his evident pain, "I am so sorry, sir."

"I am only sharing this because you… have been… like my family since my parents passed. I… It's really hard for me to talk about this, and I can't speak of this to Georgiana. I… I need advice."

"We are honored, sir. You can count on our secrecy," Mr. Reynolds nodded.

"And you need not say anymore if it pains you, sir," Mrs. Reynolds added.

"Thank you. I… When I saw Miss Elizabeth was here I… I thought I was daydreaming of her again..."

"Sir?" Mrs. Reynolds blinked.

"I had dreamed of her walking these halls for so long… I had hoped she would be Mrs. Darcy."

"Truly? How did the young lady accomplish such a feat?" Mr. Reynolds asked. Mr. Darcy was still not married because he wanted to marry for love like his parents did. Any woman would be happy to have him and his fortune, and this… chit… had said no. She had clearly broken his heart.

Mr. Darcy shrugged, "I made such a mess of things…"

"I doubt that…" Mrs. Reynolds frowned. "With your education and manners, who could find fault with you?"

Mr. Darcy laughed bitterly, and tears escaped his eyes, "Oh, you will want to spank me. You will want to send me to my room without supper… My mother would be appalled. My father would have me cleaning manure for months."

Mr. Reynolds gasped, "You didn't do something… untoward? Did you, sir?"

"Jonathan! Of course not!" Mrs. Reynolds slapped her husband's hand.

"Untoward?!" Darcy repeated.

"She was kissing his bust, Martha!"

"I still can't believe you saw her kiss it, Jonathan."

"Please," he massaged his temples. "No. I didn't do anything untoward… Not in the sense of compromising her. But I was untoward in every other way."

"How so?!" Martha frowned.

"When I met her, I was standoffish and aloof. I didn't know anyone but Bingley. You know how I hate crowds and how uncomfortable I am with strangers."

"Yes, so?"

"I… The first night I met her, it was at a public assembly, and Bingley was pestering me to dance. You see, he was dancing with Miss Elizabeth's elder sister, Miss Jane Bennet. He said I should dance with Miss Elizabeth."

"And you refused?"

"Not only did I refuse. I called her not handsome enough to tempt me, and it wasn't until months later that I realized she heard me."

"Oh no."

"Yes… I hadn't even realized she was within earshot. So, I offended her from the very start… I spent weeks talking to her, debating her really. She held her own in all topics: politics, economy, estate management, and especially literature."

Jonathan and Martha shared a look. Mr. Darcy's eyes were so bright when talking about her.

"I thought she knew I was interested. I thought my attentions were too obvious. I was mortified because I couldn't stop staring at her. I asked her to dance. I sought her out every chance I had. She stayed at Netherfield for a whole week because her sister got ill while she was visiting… I… She walked all the way from her family's home to Bingley's. It was at least three miles."

"All alone?" Mr. Reynolds asked with a lifted brow.

"Yes. Miss Bennet is her closest sister, and she wanted to be there for her."

"Did her shoes survive the journey?" Martha asked. Ladies' shoes were not meant for rugged conditions.

"I don't know… Miss Bingley remarked that her dress was six inches deep in mud… But I didn't notice."

Martha chuckled. Of course, you didn't notice. You are entirely besotted .

Jonathan blinked slowly. This made no sense to him.

"I went to Rosings earlier than usual because I heard she was there. I… I kept trying to forget about her… I… I warned Bingley away from Miss Bennet… Her family… Oh God. I was such a beast ."

"Are they… mercenary?" Jonathan asked with a frown. If she was, she would have said yes to his proposal, he thought.

"No… Not really… I… God. Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth are perfect ladies… It's their mother… She was talking about expecting an advantageous marriage to Charles… He wasn't even formally courting Miss Bennet yet."

"I see… And their father?"

"He is not… uh… hands-on," Mr. Darcy replied with a severe frown.

The couple shared a look. From Mr. Darcy's tone, he was putting it mildly.

"Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, and Miss Mary are well-educated and sensible young women… But they have two younger sisters, Miss Lydia and Miss Catherine, who are… who are around Georgiana's age, and in my opinion, they shouldn't have been introduced into society for a few more years while they learn manners and decorum in a finishing school because their parents refuse to correct them. Their mother thinks they are young and beautiful and can do no wrong, despite ample evidence to the contrary… And their father thinks it is all very amusing, no matter how improper their behavior is as long as it vexes people, especially his wife or his other daughters."

"I see. But, sir, are you sure you want to connect yourself to them?"

Mr. Darcy threw his hands up, "I am a bloody hypocrite!"

"FITZWILLIAM DARCY! Language!" Mrs. Reynolds admonished him. She quickly blushed when she realized she had yelled at him.

"I apologize, Mrs. Reynolds. I shouldn't have cursed," Mr. Darcy blushed and looked down. He looked so much like the young boy who would sneak into the kitchens to steal treats that her heart filled with affection. He went on. "I am a hypocrite… I… Miss Bingley helped me convince Charles that he should vacate Netherfield and find better prospects in London. I thought Miss Bennet was pleasant enough to him but nothing that would assure anyone of a romantic inclination, and her family wasn't the best choice either."

"Maybe she is shy?"

He pulled his hair back and grimaced as he heard Elizabeth's voice rebuke him: "My sister hardly shows her true feelings to me!"

He shook his head and replied, "Yes. She is. I… Miss Elizabeth disabused me of my notion when I proposed."

"Huh? However did you get to that conversation in a proposal?"

"That was the main reason she said no."

"I see… How did she find out you intervened?"

"Richard told her… He didn't know it was her sister. He thought he was talking me up in her esteem. Telling her that I was a loyal friend and that I had saved my closest friend from an imprudent marriage. She asked who the friend was and needed no more information. When I proposed, she said that nothing could tempt her to accept the man that had ruined perhaps forever the happiness of her most beloved sister."

"Oh dear…"

"I tried to explain myself. Poorly, of course… I was so arrogant not even to consider the possibility of her saying no at all, so I was quite shocked. She chastised me for my assumptions about her sister's feelings as she is very shy indeed and had been abandoned before by other men who made her feel she was to be proposed to. So, apparently, because of my ill advice, Charles broke Miss Bennet's heart…I… God… I had already done the worst job at proposing. I don't think it was salvageable at all…"

"Why? How did you propose?"

"I can't repeat it. It makes my stomach churn. I don't know what I was thinking. It's too embarrassing. I… I can't."

"In order to help you, we need to understand. What did you say, sir?"

"In sum, I said I loved her against my better judgment and that her station in life and mine were very different. I spoke ill of her family's social behavior. I… God. Then, I asked her to end my torment and do me the honor of accepting my hand."

"Mr. Darcy…" Mrs. Reynolds sighed.

"I know. I know… I am an idiot … But in my defense, her saying no had me all up in my head, and I was very upset already... Then, she brought up Wickham, and I lost it!"

Mrs. Reynolds gasped, "Mr. Wickham?! She didn't! How did she even-?"

"She did… but she didn't know… Not the real story. He told her the same tale that he used so many times before. 'Woe is me. Mr. Darcy hates me because his father loved me better. Mr. Darcy refused me my inheritance' spiel… I had already fallen in her esteem, and he had charmed her and everyone in her town."

"Sir, pardon my frankness, but you should have put that man in debtor's prison a long time ago… He needs to be hung," Mr. Reynolds took a deep breath to check his temper. He had been tempted to wring the man's neck with his bare hands.

"Yes. I know. But my priority was Georgiana…"

"As it should have been," Mrs. Reynolds patted his hand.

"After my disastrous proposal, I wrote Miss Elizabeth a letter. You know that I am not… g-good at talking… I better explained my actions regarding Charles and told her what happened between Wickham, Gigi, and I… I thought I'd never see her again. A week later, I realized how stupid I had been. She could ruin both me and my sister with that letter. No need to tell me off… I know I should have never given a single woman a letter… and I signed it and sealed it with the family crest and wax. Not even my attorney could say it is a forgery."

Mr. Reynolds frowned, "You should ask for the letter back, sir."

"I can't! I… I don't want to bring up the topic. I sent her aunt and uncle an invitation to spend the day tomorrow and added a note to her to apologize for not calling on her like I said I would. I was going to walk her to the Rose and Crown, but Esther went into labor, and… it derailed my plans. I told Mr. Gardiner that he could read it first. Which is what I should have done before…" Mr. Darcy groaned and pulled his hair back.

"Sir, worry not. I am sure they will come, and we will help you show her your best. I am sure not all is lost," Mrs. Reynolds smiled confidently.

"Beg your pardon?" Darcy blinked, perplexed.

"Yes, sir… You are at your best here, at home , with your sister. Here, you smile and laugh and enjoy life. Both in London and unfamiliar environments, you are always serious, closed off, and on high alert to avoid being compromised by the matchmaking mamas. Even as a child, you were never calmer than when you were here… But, sir, I am sure that if she kissed your bust, she is not indifferent to you. Perhaps with your letter, she realized the error of her ways, and now that she has all the necessary information, she may see you in a different light. We will help you earn her affection, sir."

"I… I thank you… I just don't think that's possible. All I hope is for us to see each other again so I can truly apologize. I don't want her to think ill of me or hate me forever. I-"

The doors were suddenly pushed open. Georgiana ran in with a bright smile, "Brother, is it true?"

"Is what true, sweetling?" he looked pointedly at the Reynolds, whom she ignored in her excitement.

Georgiana blushed and curtsied prettily. "Pardon me. Is it true that Miss Elizabeth and her aunt and uncle are coming tomorrow?"

Mr. Darcy's eyes widened. "White?"

White, who had come in after Georgiana, blushed and looked down, "Sorry, sir. She did that… thing she does."

"Come on! Did you fall for the puppy eyes?! Why?! I warned you not to look into her eyes!" Mr. Darcy threw his arms up in a giving-up gesture.

"Rookie mistake," both Reynolds chuckled. They had to learn to look away when she was much younger. There was something about her sapphire blue eyes that hypnotized people and made them say yes to anything she asked.

"Brother!" Georgiana turned beet red.

"Well, are they coming, Andrew?" Mr. Darcy asked the thoroughly embarrassed footman.

"Yes, sir. This is their formal reply, sir," Roberts handed the letter to Mr. Darcy and left, narrowing his eyes playfully at Miss Darcy, who chuckled and nodded, dismissing him.

Mr. Darcy looked at the wax seal. Surely not . Gardiner Exports. THE Gardiner Exports? Oh dear. He broke the seal.

Mr. Darcy,

Thank you for your kind invitation. We are honored to attend and meet you in person. I have given your note to my niece. She had been so forlorn with all the rain waiting for your call, but your note made her perk right up. We will be there at 8 to break our fast with you. Thank you for offering your carriage. I am looking forward to the fishing you promised.

Yours,

Edward Gardiner

"Mrs. Reynolds, they are indeed coming. Please have the cook prepare something wonderful, but nothing too… Well, nothing Miss Bingley would encourage," Mr. Darcy said. "And make sure we have the necessary ingredients for hot chocolate."

Mrs. Reynolds was already halfway to the door. "Yes, sir. Absolutely. I will make sure everything is up to your standards."

"You always do, Mrs. Reynolds. Thank you," he smiled.

"Anytime, sir," she hurried away. There was a lot to do.

"Mr. Reynolds, please ready the family carriage to pick them up tomorrow at seven. Make sure there are warm blankets."

"Yes, sir."

"Mr. Reynolds, thank you."

"Always, sir," Mr. Reynolds left quickly.

"Brother, will they stay with us a few days?"

"I invited them to stay the day… from breakfast. I should fish with her uncle in the afternoon, but we didn't make further plans."

"Oh, let's ask them to stay for dinner! I will play the piano for them."

Mr. Darcy blinked in shock, "I… You… You want to play in front of strangers , dear?"

Georgiana frowned, "They are not strangers. She's your… friend ."

Mr. Darcy frowned, "I… I wouldn't say that." He blushed.

"Well, then, make it so, brother," Gigi said in a stern voice.

"Pardon?"

"Make it so! Make amends. Charm her. Show her who you really are… I am not getting any younger, William, and I want a sister!" Georgiana stomped one of her feet.

He gasped, "Georgiana!"

"Please, don't treat me like a child... Brother… I can tell that you were jilted because I was jilted… From Miss Bingley's insinuations in her letters and what little you told me, you were close to Miss Elizabeth. You like her brother. I have never seen you as happy as when you speak of her. I don't know what happened between you two that has made you so sad and withdrawn, but I do know that the moment you saw her here, it was like the heavens parted, and you saw Our Lord smiling down on you."

William blushed, "Gigi! Surely you are exaggerating!"

"Will!" Georgiana laughed, "Truly, I am not… I… Do you love her, brother? I am not trying to be nosy, but you are the best of brothers, and you deserve to be so happy… And she makes you happy, does she not?"

"I… Um… Yes, yes, I… I love her."

Georgiana went around the desk and gave him a big hug, "Thank you for telling me… You just wait. She will be completely in love with you within the week."

"The week?! Georgiana, please. They were leaving tomorrow. I don't think we can realistically expect them to stay longer than one more day."

Georgiana turned to her and did her puppy eyes, "You think she can say no to this ? Pretty please with a cherry on top?"

"You are too good at that. Stop it! But seriously, Gigi, don't pressure them. Please."

"I won't. I will just make it so that they will perhaps want to stay."

"Huh?"

"I can be Machiavellian too, brother. Lady Catherine is my aunt. I have some of those genes."

A full-body shudder hit Mr. Darcy, "Bad mental picture, sweetling."

"You are right," she chuckled and pulled on his hands to make him stand, "Now get up," she smiled.

"What? Why?"

"We are going to choose the best clothes for you for tomorrow; come on."