Chapter 1

Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy sat at the desk in his study at Pemberley. Since returning from Ramsgate yesterday, he had found it necessary to immerse himself in the matters of his estate. This necessity stemmed less from the urgency of the work to be done than in his need to keep busy. If he could keep himself occupied with useful tasks, then could forget about the pain, the guilt and the worry that were plaguing him. Thankfully, as Master of Pemberley, Darcy would always be able to find some work to do.

First, Darcy read through the stack of business correspondence, replying to those which demanded a reply. Then he met with his steward to discuss the accounts of the estate. When Mr. Robins arrived, Darcy quizzed him on every incident that had occurred in his absence, demanding an explanation of each expenditure. Mr. Robins calmly satisfied his masters demands, leaving Darcy pleased with the steward's performance. Perhaps after many years, Darcy would hold same confidence in Robins that his father had placed in old Mr. Wickham.

WICKHAM! Old Mr. Wickham was such an honorable man. How could his son have turned into such a scoundrel, such a rogue! How could the son of his father's most trusted employee have been the sort of man who would lie, steal, cheat. What if he had succeeded with Georgiana!

With these thoughts in mind, Darcy dismissed his steward and began to look for some new task in which to absorb himself. He looked at his desk and grabbed the stack of personal letters he had received. Some of these would be best ignored for the time being, but others might bring the much wanted diversion he sought. As he shuffled through the letters, he was pleased to see a missive from his dear friend Charles Bingley. A letter from Bingley was sure to be cheerful and uplifting. He would read it straightaway.

Darcy,

Did you have a good visit to Ramsgate? I am sure Miss Darcy was glad for your company. How is she? We all are well. Louisa and Hurst have finally wed. I hope Caroline finds someone soon, too. Caroline is going to keep house for me at the estate I am going to lease. Netherfield is in Hertfordshire. I am looking forward to time in the country. I do hope you will join us there. For a few weeks maybe? You could bring Miss Darcy if you wish.

Sincerely,

Charles Bingley

Short as Bingley's missive was, it warmed Darcy's heart, so he began a response immediately.

Dear Mr. Bingley,

It is so good to hear from you. I hope that all is well with you and yours. Please give Mr. and Mrs. Hurst my congratulations on their nuptials. Perhaps I shall send them some wine as a wedding present, I know that Hurst at least would be appreciative.

My trip to Ramsgate did not go as planned, but I am very much glad that I went. Georgiana was both surprised and pleased to have me visit. Unfortunately, my arrival did not find her in the best of circumstances. She has been quite ill for some weeks now, although she is beginning to be able to attend to her lessons again.

Because of Georgiana's condition, she will not be able to travel much for some time. The journey home was quite taxing for her. I will not wish to depart from her until I am more satisfied with her recovery. Therefore, I will not be able to join you at Netherfield soon, but I would love to accept your invitation for some future date.

Since we cannot come to you, please be sure to write to us all about your new home and neighborhood. I wish you the best of luck as Master of Netherfield.

Respectfully,

Fitzwilliam Darcy

Darcy felt a little bit guilty about lying to his friend about their circumstances. Still, there was no possible way that he would tell Bingley the truth –that Georgiana was suffering from the heartbreak of a cancelled elopement. Besides in a certain sense, Georgiana really was ill.

Just as Darcy was completing his letter, a knock came on the study door.

"Enter"

"Sir, I just wanted to let you know that your dinner is ready. Miss Darcy is waiting for you in the dining parlor."

"Thank you. I will go to her presently."