Version II; Volume VI.

Chapter XXI.

Elizabeth woke the next morning with a deeper feeling of contentment than she had ever known before, even prior to her marriage. When she had first arrived at his door, she had felt all the fears which, during the journey from Hanover Square, she had been trying so hard to ignore, abruptly take hold of her. About what he might expect from her. About what she might be obliged to do, since she owed her present sanctuary entirely to his goodwill.

But she knew now that nothing like what she had imagined could be further from the truth. He was truly the best man she had ever known. He had given her far more than she had felt any right to even hope for, let alone expect. For the first time she actually believed in the noble truth of his declaration to her in Kent, of his devotion to her. Of his love for her. It may not be right, it may not be proper for him to feel this way for her, a married woman, but Elizabeth could not help feeling enamoured with the idea of it.

Indeed, nothing about this situation was right. It was a common one amongst those of Society, with the example of the Prince Regent as a good excuse to join in, but it was also one that most would always think of as scandalous, even if, as in her case, there were reasons for her entrance into this situation. She knew only too well how it would look to outsiders as soon as one of them happened to discover it.

She had abandoned her husband's bed and household for another man. She had thrown away all the advantages she had gained by marrying one of the richest Earldoms in the kingdom, to live with a man worth not half his value. She was Mr Darcy's mistress.

Never before in her life had she thought herself to ever turn out as such a woman. Being a firm believer in the idea of marrying for love, she had been deeply against such an occupation. Even when she had married, and been disillusioned of love, she had never before now considered seeking the protection of man unrelated to her or her family. Yet now, that situation was what, to the outside world, at least as soon as her husband let the news out, she appeared to be in.

But in truth, she was not his mistress. He had not even suggested that idea to her. Nor dragged her out of her husband's house. Nor forced his intentions in any way on to her. She was simply a companion for his sister. Their guest. His home was truly her sanctuary, with no other motives involved. His love for her could not be more noble and pure.

The mantle clock chimed the hour, and upon glancing at it, Elizabeth reluctantly withdrew from her thoughts. Morning was almost over. She was suddenly aware of how little sleep she had gotten the night before she had left Hanover Square.

Obviously her subconscious had already adjusted to the feeling of safety that was to be derived from having her own chamber without the duties of marriage attached to it, given the length of sleep it had taken. She reached out and rang the bell for her maid, before realising what she had done. Scarcely had she time however to worry if that was acceptable, before there was a knock at the door, and Sarah had entered at her answer.

She was full of all the joys at the novelty of a new household to greet and know, and Elizabeth was content just to listen to her joy, as she described how kind the housekeeper and butler, as the heads of the household staff, had been, as well as the rest of the servants.

Instead of sharing, as she had done at the Earl's, Sarah explained that she had her own room, and was given equal precedence to Miss Darcy's maid and the master's valet, a respect that the Earl's servants had never given, even though it should have been her due, as maid to the Countess, the lady of the house.

Even Mr Darcy, or the master as he was called, with a sort of strange mixture of affection and respect, had come down to inquire as to how she was settling in, and whether there was anything else she required or could want.

Through Sarah, Elizabeth learnt that Miss Darcy was already home from her stay with her Aunt and Uncle, the Earl and Countess of Matlock. She wondered whether she should make her presence known to her first, or inform Mr Darcy that she was up, and let him make her presence known to his sister.

For the first time that morning Elizabeth wondered whether Miss Darcy would really welcome her as her brother had said she would. Surely she had every right to be scandalised by her presence here, and her brother's obvious affection for her, and his instigation in the escape?

Added to this, was her occupation of the rooms that were once Miss Darcy's mother's. She had every right to resent her presence in them. Elizabeth remembered having a good conversation with her at Jane's wedding, and being able to make her come alive from the quiet, shy person that she had first been introduced to. But she had been with her husband then, living an non-scandalous life. And that could make all the difference.

These musings were brought to an abrupt halt at that moment, by a knock on the door. Sarah ceased putting the finishing touches to her hair, and went to answer it. Elizabeth turned at the sound of the lock coming away, to fix her eyes upon the very person that her worried thoughts had just been occupied by. And the contrast to them, if her outward appearance and facial expression was anything to go by, was exactly the opposite of all her imaginings.

"I thought I should come to welcome you to our home, Lady Elizabeth," Miss Darcy began in greeting, making her way to stand by the dressing table that she was seated at. "I hope you have had a pleasant night, and that everything was to your liking?"

"Indeed," Elizabeth managed to get out. "I could not have had a better one, thank you, Miss Darcy."

"Oh please, none of that. If we are to be friends, which I am determined that we are, then you must call me Georgiana, or Georgie, as my brother does."

"Then, please call me Elizabeth, or Lizzy, as my sisters do," Elizabeth entreated, her fears fading away at such a welcome.

"I shall be delighted to," Georgiana replied, smiling. "Now, would you like some breakfast? I can have it prepared in a moment."

"No, just something light I think, if you do not mind. It is too near luncheon to have a full breakfast."

"Of course not, I shall arrange it directly. You could have it in the Music Room with myself and my brother. We have been quartered there all morning. He has insisted on hearing me play a new piece that our Aunt Fitzwilliam gave to me, even though I have barely even begun to master it."

"I'm sure you are already an expert at it."

Georgiana blushed. "William must have informed you of his opinion of me. He is too good to me sometimes."

"Oh, no," Elizabeth assured her, "I remember hearing you play at Netherfield when you came for the wedding of my sister. And I have heard nothing the but highest praise of you from Kent, and the Bingleys'. I should dearly love to hear you again."

"Well thank you. I shall try. If I can hear you as well."

"Oh, I play very ill."

"Not according to my brother. I have heard nothing but the highest praise of you from him, and he plays much better than me."

"Your brother plays also?" Elizabeth queried, surprised.

"Yes, our mother taught us both, then made sure we continued after she was gone." Georgiana paused, as Sarah finished attending to her mistress and excused herself from the room. Then, advancing closer to the chair Elizabeth was in, Georgiana added, "Lizzy, please do not worry about whether I resent your presence here. For, I can assure you that that is not the case.

"Ever since I heard about you from William, I wanted to meet you, and when I did, I wanted us to be friends. My brother spoke to me about you before he ever went to Kent. He loves you so much. I could never disapprove of you, because of that. Indeed, it is unchristian for me to say so, but I wish you were free of the Earl, so you could," she blushed, "be my sister. I could not want for a better one."

Elizabeth could not be anything but touched by this statement. She looked up at her new friend with a smile full of gratitude. "Thank you," she softly uttered.

A short while later, they came downstairs together, arm in arm, much to the happiness of the master of the house, who stood up as they came into the Music Room. At ease was Elizabeth soon able to feel, as she sat down in the sofa nearest the pianoforte, with Darcy to her right and Georgiana to her left. They welcomed her into the conversation without any awkwardness or difficulty, ensuring that within minutes Elizabeth felt completely at home in their company.

They spent the rest of the day together; each entertaining the other two with their performance on the instruments. Elizabeth heard them both play much to her liking, and to the compliment of their talent and skill for the vocation. Both played with feeling and artistry, and each performance was to Elizabeth, too unique in its own right for one to be judged the better, or more talented, of the two.

Luncheon came and went without any change in occupation, or absence of any of the trio. To her relief Elizabeth heard nothing to indicate that her husband had learned of her presence in Grosvenor Square, and she soon felt confident and safe enough to sing for the Darcys when she was entreated to do so in the afternoon.

When the day had darkened into night, and Georgiana retired for the night some hours after dinner, Darcy remained with her, seating himself at the piano which his sister had just given up, his hand's absently fingering out a tune as he talked with Elizabeth. She thanked him for the day, telling him how much she had enjoyed it, and how much she had been glad of his sister's welcome of her.

"I thought she was going to resent me," Elizabeth confessed.

"It is not in her nature," Darcy replied, not in the least offended, having suspected that she might think that. "She thinks well of everybody, everyone that knows her thinks well of her too. Her loyalty once given is rarely retracted, and she inspires a desire to protect her in everyone, without knowing it."

"She reminds me of Jane."

"Which reminds me," Darcy continued, his tone becoming serious, "Bingley informed me that they are arriving in town soon, and I invited them to dinner before I knew you would be here. Do you wish me to cancel, or do you think you can see them?"

"I want to see Jane," Elizabeth replied, "but I do not think it would be right if I did."

"You could tell her that Georgiana invited you here."

"I do not think I would be able to lie to her," Elizabeth replied. "I could always have dinner in my room, so they need never know I was here."

"You think them likely to disapprove, or that the Earl might find out through them?"

"No, but, it is not right that I am here."

Darcy moved from the instrument to take her hands in his. "Elizabeth," he began, using her name for the first time that day, "I have no desire to banish you from your sister, whom I know you are close to. And if you say you are here for Georgiana, it would not be a lie. For, you are our guest."

Elizabeth looked at his hands and his dark eyes which were staring into her own, trying to decide whether to follow her heart or her head. In the end, she let the former decide, and nodded her acceptance.

Chapter XXII.

Despite their caution about the morrow, it all came to naught. Charles being Charles and Jane being Jane, had already stopped by Hanover Square before the evening they were to dine in Grosvenor. There, they found the Earl in a violent rage, yelling at his staff, and turning his anger on the Bingleys when they unwittingly confessed that they truly knew nothing of Elizabeth's whereabouts.

For the first time perhaps they were treated to a sight different from the one that they had previously been led to believe; as they saw the Earl in the throws of his violent temper, made even greater due to the vast amounts of beverage which they saw him consume, and detected the smell of about his person the short time that they were there.

Already concerned at her sister's unexpected absence, Jane became further concerned as she watched the Earl deal with it, and heard his words concerning what he would do when he found out where she had ran off to.

She realised now another part of the secret her sister had been keeping from her, which, when added to the suspicions she herself had drawn from her stay with them, confirmed most of what she had speculated about with Mr and Mrs Gardiner. What had happened, Jane wondered, to make her sister finally decide to get out? And, more importantly, where was she now?

The Bingleys chose a moment when the Earl had turned from them to pay their excuses to the butler and leave the house as quietly as they could. Returning to their town house, Jane checked thoroughly the small pile of letters which had come to it during their stay in Netherfield and their honeymoon, her fear intensifying when she found nothing from her sister.

Where was she? No note, no word had even betrayed the slightest indication that she would do this. Jane recalled when she had last seen her sister, shocked to realise that it had been at her wedding. Since their return from their honeymoon, she had been at Netherfield, where she had received her most recent letter from Elizabeth, telling of her stay in Kent.

Jane could still recall the words of that piece of correspondence. They had been normal, revealing nothing of the absence she was faced with now. Nor one hint that her sister had been thinking of anything like this.

They were still wondering when they dressed for dinner, still speculating when they climbed into the carriage for the short journey to the Darcy townhouse. Not until they had been conducted into the Drawing Room by the butler were they able to cast their worry aside.

Jane fixed her eyes on Elizabeth almost immediately. She cried out in relief, and embraced her, everything forgotten for the moment. Elizabeth cautiously returned the gesture, knowing from her sister's expression that the truth had already been discovered.

Mrs Bingley confirmed that as soon as she had drawn back from the embrace to speak. "Lizzy," she began, "we have been so worried! We visited Hanover Square. Why have you not told the Earl that you are here?"

Elizabeth gazed at her sister, tears beginning to trace over her eyes. "I've left him," she finally uttered in a low voice. She retreated back into her seat upon the sofa. "You were right Jane, all those months ago. I just was not ready to admit it."

Jane sat down beside her immediately, directing a silent look to her husband, who instantly followed the Darcys out of the room, allowing the sisters privacy to talk. Taking her shaking hands, Jane gazed solemnly into her sister's eyes. "Tell me everything, Lizzy."

With many pauses, and repeated brushes away of tears, Elizabeth at last told her sister the whole truth about her marriage. Every horrible detail was revealed, from the night of her wedding, to the moment when she had realised that she needed to leave.

"But why here, Lizzy?" Jane asked, pushing aside her shock and anger at all her sister had injured, and what little she had done to protect her. "Why did you not seek out our family?"

"What could our family do, Jane?" Elizabeth uttered in rhetoric, but resigned despair. "Compared to the Earl they have nothing. I would only have put them in danger. And they are the first places he is going to look."

"That is not the only reason, is it?" Jane returned, not needing an answer yet. "Charles told me months ago that he believed Mr Darcy was in love with you. Has he told you of this? Do you feel the same for him?"

"Yes, he did tell me that he loved me," Elizabeth replied, going on to tell her sister about all that had happened in Kent.

"And do you care for him?" Jane asked again.

"I am grateful for all he has done for me."

"Lizzy, that is not what I asked." Jane squeezed her hands. "Do you love him?"

"I thought I was in love with the Earl, Jane," Elizabeth replied sadly, "and look where that got me. How am I to trust any feelings I may have now?"

"Do you trust him?"

"How could I not? He has done so much for me."

"Then that is all you need. If you can trust him to never do what the Earl has done to you, then you can trust your feelings about him."

"In that case, I do believe I am in love with him," Elizabeth replied, her emotions too overwrought to answer in the joyful tone that usually accompanies such a declaration. She paused to take a deep breath, drawing back the tears which had been sounding her voice, before asking, "How did Charles know that Mr Darcy was in love with me?"

"He had come here for dinner one evening, after he had asked me to marry him," Jane replied, smiling briefly as she recalled that time. "Before he left, Mr Darcy had taken up his sister's place before the pianoforte, and began to play Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata."

"The one that Beethoven dedicated to a Countess?"

"The very same. Charles did not even know that his friend could play before that."

Elizabeth had calmed enough to blush. "I had not realised that he had felt that way about me for so long."

"Have you?" Jane blushed, embarrassed to voice the complete question of what was on her mind.

Thanks to their relationship, Elizabeth understood what she was asking, blushing herself as she answered, "no, I have not. I have only been here three days. I do not think I should."

"Why not?"

"Because once the Earl lets it be known that I have left him, and someone discovers that I am here, Society will perceive me as Mr Darcy's mistress, which will ruin his reputation."

"Lizzy, that is not a reason."

"I know," Elizabeth paused to wipe her eyes. "Jane, I always believed that I would marry for the deepest love, and that I would be faithful to that marriage. I abhorred women who did this."

"Lizzy, you do not love the Earl, I can see that. And he does not deserve your love, nor does he deserve your faithfulness, after all that he has done to you."

"I thought you would not approve of it, as I do."

"This is different. You love him, and he loves you. You have had so much sorrow in your life recently. You need some happiness. And I think you should take as much as you can. Society will believe whatever it wants to believe. You and he know the truth."

The rest of the evening retreated into normality. Dinner was served at the usual time, and conversation over it dealt with the news from the family, as if there was nothing extraordinary about Elizabeth's presence there. When time came for the separation of the ladies from the gentleman, Georgiana led her guests to the Music Room, where they talked of music and abroad, as Jane described all the joys of Italy, where she had Charles had spent their honeymoon.

Only after the gentlemen had rejoined them, and time was nearing the end of the Bingley's visit, was the subject touched again. Darcy had confided in Bingley his offer to Elizabeth when they had left the sisters alone to talk, and now he requested that the Earl never learnt of her location from them.

"I realise the difficult position you are both in," he added, "but the longer we can keep this quiet, the less chance the Earl will have to try to take her back."

The Bingleys promised immediately that they would tell no one where she was. Elizabeth herself meanwhile, was silent, recalling all that her sister had said to her. Jane had been right. She did trust Mr Darcy, which meant that she could love him. But as to what they had last talked about, she was hesitant.

She had only the experiences of it from her marriage to draw upon as a guide, and they were far from comforting. She did not think Darcy would hurt her like the Earl did, but she did not believe that it would be a complete contrast. She did not feel safe enough yet to risk herself like that again.

Chapter XXIII.

The day after the Bingley's dinner engagement at the Darcy townhouse, at the barracks of the 2nd Life Guards, the marriage of Miss Charlotte Lucas to Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, was due to take place. All the inhabitants of the Darcy townhouse had been invited to the ceremony and the celebrations after it, and Elizabeth had looked forward to attending. But that was before her escape from the Earl. Now she feared him deciding to put in an appearance there, too much to find the courage to go herself, even in the company and protection of the Darcys.

Her champion listened to her reasoning, and reluctantly accepted the wisdom of it. He had no desire to place her, whether by design or by accident, in the company of her husband, without some prior knowledge as to how the Earl would act once he discovered his wife's whereabouts. Particularly so soon after her escape. He promised to give her congratulations and excuse to her friend, assured himself that she would not be disturbed while he and Georgiana were absent from the house, then left to attend the wedding.

Throughout the day, anyone who spoke to him would have found him a distracted object. All through the ceremony, and the celebrations which followed, Darcy's mind was frequently elsewhere. At first it alternated between wondering what the woman he loved was thinking, what she was doing, and what their own ceremony might be like, if he was ever lucky enough to be allowed to ask for her participation in one.

Performing his office as his cousin's groomsman, he was in an easy position to picture himself at such a ceremony, with Elizabeth by his side. He had rarely called by her first name since he had first confessed his feelings, using it only when they were alone, and even rarely then. He knew not what kept him from doing so, but he suspected that the fact that they were not married, and, at present, had little hope of ever being so, having something to do with it.

Yet despite this very real possibility, the image of what she might look like in white lace, was imprinted upon his mind during the entire ceremony of his cousin's. Already, he had sworn to himself that he would try to spend the rest of his life with her, no matter what possible scandal would be created in Society from it. He loved her too much for prudence, too much to care what anyone else thought of the sight.

When the ceremony was over, he reluctantly came out of his dream, and followed the rest of the guests out of the church, his eyes keeping close watch over his sister, presently talking with their Aunt Matlock, and for a possible sight of the Earl.

If he had found out about this- indeed it was impossible for him not to be aware, the banns having been contained in the national broadsheets for some time -then the less chance could be entertained of him showing up at Grosvenor while Darcy was out. Not that he doubted the ability of his staff to protect Elizabeth, and to refuse the Earl admittance, he just preferred that the possibility never actually occurred.

By the time he had emerged on to the street, no sign of the Earl was discovered to be the present reality. Darcy collected his sister, then directed their carriage to the Matlock townhouse, where the celebrations were to take place. During the ride his thoughts once more drifted to his house and Elizabeth, as he hoped that she was still undisturbed in her sanctuary. His sister attempted to involve him in conversation in vain.

At the home of his Aunt and Uncle's, Darcy located the Bingleys, passing on Elizabeth's message, as he had realised during the carriage ride that coming from him would require explanation. Once again he wished for the freedom to disclose Elizabeth's location to her nearest and dearest, without the repercussions that would inevitably follow.

Pushing the useless wish aside, he made his way to his cousin and presented his own felicitations, wishing them every happiness. He repeated the message to Sir William and Lady Lucas, introducing his sister, before granting her wish to participate in the dancing that was taking place.

He managed to keep his attention occupied upon Georgiana during that dance, but it drifted once again when they separated to mingle among the guests. His mind had travelled to the past this time, as he contemplated what might have happened between them, had she never been married. Would they have danced together at the Meryton assembly Bingley had dragged him to when he first arrived in Hertfordshire?

Darcy was not sure. He could remember his mood being most adverse to dancing with anybody at that event, and now he doubted that Elizabeth's presence would have made a difference to his mind. True, the first time he saw her in London, he had fallen in love with her, but that had been many more months after Ramsgate than the Meryton assembly was. The possibility that they might have danced together at the Netherfield Ball which Bingley had held though, was far more likely.

It was after his mind had just about exhausted all imaginings upon this fantasy, that Darcy was unexpectedly brought back to the present. A commotion had flared up at the entrance to the Ballroom, which several footmen had gone over to try and put out.

His eyes followed their journey, and perceived instantly the trouble that was to come before anyone else was even aware. Immediately he silently sought out his sister, satisfying his nerves when he saw her with their Aunt and the new Mrs Fitzwilliam.

He then returned to the escalating crisis by the doors. Carefully, his mind considered the options available, and what outcomes each were likely to have linked to them. Then he made his way over to the source.

"Is there a problem, Milburn?" Darcy questioned the butler, when he had arrived at the scene.

Mr Milburn, having known his master's nephew almost from the moment he was born, gratefully turned to him now. "This gentleman insists being admitted, Mr Darcy, but we have no notification of his invitation to this event."

Darcy, keeping his face expressionless, turned to the Earl of Saffron Walden, the origin of this possible crisis, who was at present in the middle of the footmen.

"Lord Lucius," he began in a composed voice, "do you perhaps have some paper about you that gives legitimacy to your admittance here? The event was so rapidly arranged that I fear my Aunt and Uncle had time to send proper invitations to everyone."

"I have my wife's invite," the Earl replied angrily, thrusting a piece of embossed card in front of Darcy's face, "which as her husband I should have been included on, as a matter of courtesy."

Darcy took the card from him, pretending to carefully examine the words, when their was really no need for him to do so. He had received the same style of invitation himself, and he had known already by then that no objectors to the match were allowed to attend.

"Ah, yes," he said, "I remember now. My Uncle was informed of your objections to the match, through a letter from your godmother, also his sister, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Not wishing to have any, distasteful, incidents today, he decided that any who objected would not be allowed the privilege of attending."

"May I ask then," the Earl began, his tone still threatening, "if my wife is here? Because, if she is so, I would like to speak to her."

"Do you recollect admitting the Countess of Saffron Walden, Milburn?" Darcy asked the butler. There was no need for him to voice such a question, but it was necessary to keep up the deception.

"I do not believe I did, Mr Darcy," Milburn answered.

"Then I am afraid that I must ask you to leave, Lord Lucius."

"You're lying," the Earl uttered accusingly.

"I assure you, I am not," Darcy replied, schooling his face into one that was insulted by the mere assertion alone.

"Please, your Lordship," Milburn began respectfully, "you must leave now. You have no reason to be here."

"No I will not," the Earl began, resisting the outreaching hands of the footmen surrounding him. "You are lying, all of you. She is here, I know it! I want to see her!"

"I am afraid you will have to look elsewhere," Darcy replied, before silently motioning the butler and footmen to use all necessary force in order to evict the intruder.

The Earl continued to resist a while longer, until he could not evade the footmen's grip. He was dragged out of the house, crying aloud for his wife the entire time.

When he was out of his sight, Darcy turned back round, and to his relief, saw that the incident had not been noticed by any of his Uncle's guests. Then, after praising Milburn for his proficiency, he walked back into the crowds, making his way to his sister.

"Georgiana," he uttered when he had reached her.

Miss Darcy, still in the company of their Aunt, Uncle, Charlotte and Richard, turned to face her brother. "What is it, William?" She asked, seeing his concerned face.

"I am afraid we must be going," Darcy remarked, turning include all in the farewell he was making. "I apologise for us not being able to stay any longer. I have a business appointment to attend to."

"Georgiana," their Aunt began, "if you wish you could stay with us, and return to William tomorrow."

"I am afraid that will not be possible," Darcy replied, as Georgiana encountered his look, understanding at once why there had been the need for fabrication. "My steward has expected us at Pemberley for quite some time. I had planned for us to leave for Derbyshire on the morrow."

"Then we expect to hear from you both by pen soon," the Earl of Matlock remarked, granting them leave to depart.

Darcy repeated his congratulations to his cousin, then made his farewells, followed by sister, before quietly leading her out of the Ballroom, and then, when he had made sure the coast was devoid of the Earl, to their carriage outside. Only once inside there, did Miss Darcy feel she was allowed to speak her mind.

"What is the matter, William?" She asked as the carriage set off. "Why the sudden desire to go to Pemberley?"

"Elizabeth's husband showed," Darcy replied, telling her what had happened between him and Lord Lucius only a few minutes ago. "I gave him no indication that I knew where she was, but I doubt that we have seen the last of him."

"Do you think he will try for her at our house then?" Georgiana questioned.

"I do not know. But I cannot be sure either way, and that is the reason why I think we should leave for Pemberley. I had planned for us to go to Derbyshire soon anyway."

They passed the rest of the journey in silence. Darcy leapt out of the carriage the moment it halted outside their townhouse, and was relieved immediately, as the butler came out to greet them, and informed them that their had been no calls during their absence.

If Elizabeth was surprised at their early return, she made no display of it, asking instead for details about how the event had gone, and how her friend was. Darcy and Georgiana answered the questions to the best of their ability, the former having told the latter that he would discuss the Earl privately with Elizabeth later.

When the evening had turned into night, and Georgiana had gone up to bed, Darcy moved to the space on the sofa next to Elizabeth, and then calmly told her what had happened earlier that day. To her credit, she showed no fear, only surprise, at what had occurred.

"What do we do now?" She asked afterwards.

"I had hoped that we would be able to stay here a little longer," Darcy replied, "to allow you more time to become accustomed to living with us, but I fear what happened today has changed that forever now. I must introduce you to the delights of Pemberley sooner than I had anticipated. If that is all right with you?"

"Whatever you have decided we should do is fine," Elizabeth answered.

"Elizabeth," he added, taking her hand, "if you wish to stay here, we can. I would not move you without your agreement."

"I would feel safer, away from London," she admitted, "but I do not wish to impose on you. You have done so much for me already."

"It would be no imposition," Darcy assured her, taking her hand, "you are an honoured guest, a companion and friend of my sister. And, most importantly," he took the hand to his lips, and laid a kiss upon it, "the keeper of my heart. Your happiness is my first priority."

Elizabeth blushed. "Then I would be very happy to see your Pemberley."

"And I would be happy to show you it."

Chapter XXIV.

Elizabeth opened her eyes, realising that the carriage, which had been travelling along the roads of Derbyshire for quite some time, had come to a stop. She carefully sat up, noticing to her relief that she had suffered no aches from sleeping in the equipage for so long.

A blessing which could be attributed to the sumptuous blue damask interior. She glanced across to meet Mr Darcy's gaze, who silently directed her to turn her face to the view to the left of them. Obeying, she turned, and then uttered a gasp.

Before her, was a view worthy of painting by any great artist, though none of them could be supposed to do it justice, when compare to the reality she presently regarded. A large, handsome, sand coloured, stone building, stared back at her.

Standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills; and in front a large lake, both without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal nor falsely adorned. Above in the blue summer sky, the sun had risen to just the right height to reflect in the lake, and upon the house, making appear almost gold. She could not be more delighted.

"What do you think?" Georgiana asked her, knowing that her brother never would, not while he remained content in staring at their guest in silent awe, the beauty of his home paling in comparison to her present expression.

"I do not think that I have ever seen a place for which nature has done more, or where natural beauty has been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. I like it very much indeed."

Georgiana smiled at the praise. "We always advise guests to see this prospect of it, because it shows the house to its best advantage. Modesty aside, we think a beautiful home also."

"I can see why." Elizabeth turned to look at the view once more.

"You truly like it?" Darcy asked, still looking at her.

"I fear you would find me over extravagant in my praise, when I have barely seen any of it, sir," Elizabeth replied in a teasing manner.

"But your good opinion is so rarely bestowed, and therefore more worth the earning," He returned, causing her to blush, and his sister's smile to widen.

Another minute was spent in silent appreciation, then the carriage continued its journey. They descended the hill, crossed the bridge, and drove to the door, contained in a large inner courtyard, above two small staircases, built in such a way as to diverge in opposite directions, then turned to meet at the bottom.

As this view appeared before Elizabeth, the carriage stopped once again, and the footmen and stablehands came out of the servants door and entrance to unpack and help the occupants exit to the ground. When she had touched the stone cobbled floor of the courtyard, Elizabeth took another chance to gaze at the building, detecting the signs that showed the house being remodelled over several generations, until the front of the present design had been added. So far nothing had appeared to change her initial impression of the building. It truly suited it's name of Pemberley.

Darcy came to her side then, and Elizabeth followed him and his sister up the staircase to the entrance. Here they were greeted by the housekeeper; a Mrs Reynolds, who looked upon her master and young mistress with a mixture of motherly devotion and true appreciation of the characters they had come to be.

She greeted Elizabeth with a knowing expression, one which put her in mind of her Aunt Gardiner; a most perceptive relative at any time, especially when there was a mystery to solve. Mr Darcy had introduced her with her full title, and as guest of himself and his sister, mentioning her stay to be of an indefinite nature.

Whether Mrs Reynolds actually believed that, seemed to be by her look, another matter, but she merely nodded before proceeding with her traditional conversation for when the master returned.

They made their up the stairs to their rooms to change out of their travelling clothes. Mrs Reynolds came with them, talking with her master about all that had occurred upon the estate in his absence, and detailing any thing which could be counted as business that would immediately require his attention.

Elizabeth's own attention meanwhile was divided between Georgiana, who pointed out anything now and again which she thought her companion might want to have a look at, and observing the relationship between the two people in front of them. Mrs Reynolds had clearly been with the family for quite some time, probably since Mr Darcy was very young, that much could Elizabeth gather from their manners to each other.

He respected her judgement, and she his. The country household obviously were of the same opinion as those of the town; in that their current master was the best they had ever known.

At this moment they reached the room that was Mr Darcy's, coming to a halt as he delivered his final instructions to his housekeeper, and told Elizabeth and Georgiana that he would be in the music room, when they wished to join him. He then entered his room. Miss Darcy continued on with them, until she came to her own chambers, and then Elizabeth was left alone with Mrs Reynolds.

"May I confirm, ma'am, that you met my master when he was in London after a short stay with Mr Bingley?"

"Yes, that is right," Elizabeth replied, surprised. Mrs Reynolds smiled at her, noticing the sentiment.

"I have known him since he was four years old," she explained, as they continued to walk down the corridor to another bedchamber. "And I have had the privilege of his regular correspondence whenever he is away." She paused then, bringing them to a halt. "And this is your chambers, ma'am. I shall wait for you so you won't get lost trying to find the Music Room in this big old house."

"Thank you," Elizabeth replied, putting her hand on the door. Before she opened it however, she turned back to the housekeeper and added, "Mrs Reynolds, I was wondering, if you could call me Miss Elizabeth? Whenever I hear the word ma'am I always feel positively ancient."

"Of course, Miss Elizabeth," she replied, smilingly. "I would be happy to."

Elizabeth nodded in thanks, then opened her door and stepped inside. Once again, she found herself uttering a gasp in appreciation at the sight which came upon her. The room was beautiful. Lofty and handsome, with furniture of suitable wealth to its proprietor, but none of it was gaudy, nor uselessly fine; with less of the splendour, and more real elegance, than the furniture of his Aunt's, and those of her husband.

Untying her bonnet, she handed it to Sarah, who had been waiting for her arrival, her happy face and chatter instantly conveying the impression that she was just as pleased with their new location as her mistress was.

Elizabeth soon discovered that nothing had changed in way her maid had been regarded from the town to the country; again she had a room to herself, was called Miss Cavendish,¹ and was treated with the precedence as befitted her position as a maid of a Countess. A great contrast once more, to how those in the Earl's households had treated her.

When Elizabeth had finished changing, she met Mrs Reynolds outside once more, her nervousness a little lessened by the housekeeper's welcoming expression, and the treatment of Sarah.

Mrs Reynolds informed her that she would be available whenever Elizabeth might need her, for any reason, no matter how insignificant it may seem to her, and that she could ask anything she liked of her.

"I was wondering," Elizabeth began then, emboldened by this warm reception, "if you would be so kind as to give me a tour of this house when you are free?"

"Of course, I shall be happy to," Mrs Reynolds replied. "But the master or Miss Darcy would be just as happy to show you the place as well you know."

"I do not wish to trouble them," was the quiet reply.

Mrs Reynolds refrained from mentioning that it would be no trouble, realising privately that it would have the added benefit of her gaining an opportunity to learn more about this young woman that her master had mentioned in almost every letter to her from the moment he had met her. "Would tomorrow morning be agreeable?" She inquired instead.

"If you are free, then yes, that would be wonderful."

By this time they had reached the Music room, and Mrs Reynolds opened the door, ushered her in, and then departed. Elizabeth entered the room just in time to see Mr Darcy bestow on his sister the present of a new grand pianoforte. She watched him lift the cover off, saw Georgiana first surprised then overjoyed at the gift, exclaiming over it, before going to hug its bearer.

Elizabeth could not help but smile at such a lovely family scene. Here was a gentleman who clearly adored his sister, and to whom the affection was not only readily returned, but also deserved. He was fast becoming, she realised suddenly, the best man she had ever known.

Mr Darcy noticed her presence then, and the moment was forgotten. "Were you pleased with your chambers?" He asked in greeting, while his sister came to lead her friend to a seat.

"Yes, they were lovely, thank you. But I would have been just as content with a guest room. There was no need to open up one of the principal chambers."

"No more than what you deserve," he replied, before offering to ring for a light tea, as they had taken luncheon at the Inn in Kympton, which had been their last stop before reaching the estate.

They spent the first evening as much as they had spent their last proper one in town, the day before the Fitzwilliam wedding. After dinner, in which Elizabeth found herself rising her admiration of the place and its master once more, for every inclination of hers, his sister and himself had been catered for, they retired to the Music room, where Georgiana honoured them with a recital.

Darcy persuaded her to honour them with one herself, before they mutually agreed to call it a night, in accordance with the great number of hours spent travelling that day.

Elizabeth conducted her ablutions, then sank into the fine fourposter bed, all the while thinking how much she liked the place, and its owner. And how safe she felt, both in Pemberley, and in his presence.

Far away from the principal chambers, in the servants quarter of the house, Kate Reynolds heard the clock on the mantle of her hearth chime the hour, and laid aside her book. Silently, she rose from her chair and made her way out of her rooms, in search of her master.

Attuned as she was to his habits, she knew that despite the hour, and the noise which indicated that Miss Cavendish and Miss Darcy¹ had been sent for, that her master was not yet retiring to his bedchambers. She also knew that he would want talk to her.

Kate Reynolds had become the housekeeper after the death of her predecessor, Mrs Ellard. Her character, and the late Lady Anne's had naturally complimented each other, which had led to her forming a close relationship with her master and mistress. She had helped the young Mr Darcy though the loss of his mother, when he was only a lad of fourteen, and through the gradual transition of control over the estate, until he had assumed final authority, five years ago.

If this experience had taught her anything, it was that her master was often a very lonely young man. And sometimes, too used to his own company. Over the years Kate had earned the privileged position as one of his confidants, a place hard to earn from a man who had been dealt somewhat of a harsh and tragic past.

She admired the man he had become, and respected his authority as master of the family estates, but at the same time had earned the right to confront him when he was wrong, and guide him when he felt out of his depth. She also had that rare ability among servants; the gift to anticipate his wants, and have them answered as soon as they were asked for.

Kate reached the Study and knocked upon the dark wood of the door. A strong male voice, her master's, called her in a few moments later.

"Ah, Kate," He began when she had closed the door, "I am glad it is you, for I have been meaning to talk with you."

"Yes I thought you might," she replied, coming to take the offered seat nearby him. He turned to face her as she settled into the confines of the armchair.

"The Countess is not just here as our guest," he said. "She is also here under my protection."

"Protection?" Kate repeated, knowing her master wished to confide further, and thus encouraged him to do so.

"Yes. You recollect that I once wrote to you about my suspicions regarding her husband? Well, in Kent, she confirmed them."

Kate gasped. "He has actually been abusing her?" Despite knowing he master's suspicions when she had been in the company of Miss Elizabeth, Kate had forgone looking for signs of evidence to support his theory, as she had wanted to make sure of her own impressions regarding the young woman.

"I am sorry to say that he has, almost from the first day of their marriage, as far as I can gather from the little she has felt able to tell me. In Kent I offered her the chance to leave him, if she wished. She came to my house but a day after we had returned to London."

He paused there, and Kate let him remain in silence for a while, as she gathered the conclusions she had drawn so far together. She recognised at once that there was a lot her master was not telling her.

She knew him to be a kind and generous man, gallant almost to fault at times, and, while little practised in the art of performing to strangers, reluctant to trust until it had been earned, his loyalty, once given, was everlasting. His concern however, had always been to present himself to society as nothing more remarkable than a rich gentleman, devoted to his sister.

Yet, the position which he had put himself into now, was a complete contrast, which had the possibility of resulting in damaging consequences, not only to his reputation, but that of his sister and that of the Countess as well. This would present quite a puzzle to any of those that did not know him as well as Kate herself did.

To wilfully abandon his previous exemplary conduct in order to take up the wife of one of the richest Earls in the Kingdom, would appear shocking to every judging member of Society, and would instantly lessen his and his sister's chances of marrying into material and respectable families, equal to their own wealth and pedigree.

This was an opinion which her master could not fail to be aware of, otherwise he would not be the man that Kate knew him to be. She also knew, that, in respect and out of devotion to his sister, he would never have considered entering into it, unless he had another reason other than gallantry behind his motives.

Within moments of his arrival, Kate felt that she had determined what that reason was. She now needed his unknowing help to confirm it.

Mr Darcy spoke once more. "Since then, she has remained under my protection. I had intended for us to remain in town longer, but when the Earl appeared at Richard's wedding, I realised that it would be best if we left when we did.

"As far as I know, he does not know of her present location with us, but I would ask that if anyone does inquire after her, anyone that you do not know to be of my acquaintance, that yourself and the rest of the household staff refrain from revealing her presence here, and bar that person from admittance."

"Of course sir," Kate replied. "Anything else?"

"Yes." He paused, and spoke the next words uncertainly, as if he already knew what impact they would make. "She is to be treated not only as an honoured guest, but as the mistress of the estate. This is not something she requires, but I wish it to be so."

"I understand, sir," Mrs Reynolds allowed herself a small, knowing smile. She then rose from her chair. "Goodnight, master William."

"Goodnight Kate," he replied, smiling at her, "and thank you."

Mrs Reynolds closed the door, and made her way back to her rooms. As there were still other servants about, even at this late hour, she refrained from letting her feelings show until she had entered the little sitting room that she was entitled to as Pemberley's housekeeper. Then she allowed a smile to grace her features.

"Well, my dear?" Her husband Samuel, also the master's steward, inquired. "Were Mr and Mrs Ackland right in their suspicions?" The housekeeper and her husband of their master's townhouse had written to them during his absence in London, thus starting a speculation in the country as well about the guest of the family they served.

"Completely," Kate uttered. "He is love with her, Sam. There's no doubt about it."

"And her?"

"She cares for him, that much is certain," Kate answered, sitting down beside him. "But whether she loves him yet, I do not know. I do not think she will, until she feels at home here."

"Do you approve of her?"

"On first impressions, yes. But I hope to learn more tomorrow, when I take her round the house."

"Then lets hope you do, and we shall ensure that she feels as much at home as possible."

Kate Reynolds nodded in agreement with her husband. Her mind had no doubts about what tomorrow would bring.

1. This fashion of addressing the maids by the name of the woman they served, was abandoned soon after the second world war, I believe. I have taken my use from the recent example of the film Gosford Park, whose writer Julian Fellows researched thoroughly to produce an accurate account of life below stairs in country estates.

Thus the lady's maid to Miss Darcy is called Miss Darcy, and the lady's maid to the Countess, is called Miss Cavendish. This also applies to Darcy's valet, who would also be called Mr Darcy among the servants, in accordance with matter of precedence, which was just as ordered in the servant class, as in the class of those it served.

Volume Seven