Disclaimer: All characters are the property of Jane Austen.

Author's Note: Human error is the darnedest thing! So, I apologize for any errors along the way but concerning any details that would take an author {I.e. Jane Austen} to do research, I'm just warning that I am not doing that. Pride and Prejudice is not my story, the only thing I'm being accurate on was the realistic, sociological aspects of the Regency Era. I do not claim to be an esteemed writer just a fan of Jane Austen's world and my two favorite characters in it!

{ IV }

| Anne … will you become the Lady of Pemberley and Mrs. Fitzwilliam … Darcy? |

| … I will … |

. . .

Since Lady Catherine and Anne's departure from Pemberley, Darcy had been numb to the circumstances that were unraveling all around him. He was finally engaged, no longer a solitary man but deep down, somewhere where he could not face himself, he knew he was still a lonely man. Much to his own surprise, he did not replay the cold proposal to his cousin Anne over in his head. Instead, his thoughts would run away to a woman twirling in a gown of white, a sea of pearls nestled in dark curls of hair; a modest hem six inches deep in mud, wild, untamed, curly hair framing a pair of fine eyes. The thoughts were innocent but only derived scandalous feelings within Darcy. The closer the day of the engagement party drew nearer, the more his images of Elizabeth Bennet became more demanding. He dreamed of her every night and when he was not buried in necessary duties, his free time was spent day dreaming of her.

The day of the party had finally arrived, it was late afternoon and soon the carriages would be arriving, allowing guests to pour into the vast manor. Desperately, he fought against himself to write to Elizabeth. It felt wrong for such an elaborate and beautiful party to not be accompanied by her charm. The wine would taste less sweet and the music even less pleasurable. But, how could he have asked her to attend? Not only would it cause many in his family great displeasure but those of close acquaintance and even more importantly himself. She had denied his proposal once, accepted a proposal of friendship … but would she dare visit Pemberley on such a day where his aunt and cousin would be the centerfold? Was it unrealistic, a mere fantasy, to believe Elizabeth could be a secure figure in his life? A life with Anne?

Perhaps it was better this way. He could not stop himself from thinking of her and if she was to be near him, he could not think how to control himself. Yes. William Darcy had self-control that could topple demi-gods but could he in her presence? The last few encounters he had shared with Elizabeth, he had been near impossible to keeping himself composed. And what of Anne and, he imagined most disheartened, their future children? He could not be a man whose wedding vows were shallow by adultery – even of the mind.

No. He would have to practice the thought of clearing Elizabeth Bennet from his conscious and replace her with Anne. He knew deep down that he would be trying for eternity.

Darcy remained in his chambers the entire day, solemnly leaning against the frame of his windows, staring upon the fields of Pemberley. It was the day of the engagement party and he waited like an undertaker for the carriages to glide in like crows sweeping down on graves. He would wait alone as long as he could.

{ IV }

Elizabeth, Jane and Charles had left in the early morning to make it on time to the Darcy and De Bourgh Engagement Ball. When the three were not engaged in lighthearted and lively conversation, Elizabeth would read while Charles became lost in Jane while she radiated of sunshine and happiness. Being in the carriage, to be so lucky to bask in their light was greatly appreciated by Elizabeth, she did not realize how much it helped her soothe the odious feelings deep down about a certain gentleman whose name her mind would not dare think of… regardless of it being his ball since Elizabeth was attending it on behalf of Georgiana Darcy. During the one fortunate dinner invitation she had received, directly from Darcy and his sister, Elizabeth and Georgiana had a chemistry that had sparked without effort. Georgiana was lively, energetic and intelligent; all things Elizabeth loved about the friends she already had, it was not hard for Elizabeth to think Georgiana Darcy as more of a friend than a stranger, a distant friend to explain the companionship most truthfully.

"Oh! Look! Pemberley! Oh! It's breathtaking!" Jane said, looking out the carriage window. "You were not exaggerating about its splendor, Lizzie."

Elizabeth looked up from her book. It was nearing sunset and lanterns had been lit to brighten the image of the grand estate upon the guests' entrance into the manor. She had already been to Pemberley twice now and she could not lie that regardless of her confusing disdain for its owner, it was a beautiful estate.

"Look at the amount of carriages! Good Lord!" Charles exclaimed, "And we all the way at the end of the line! We will not reach the front doors for another half hour at least."

Hundreds of carriages made lines towards the manor, guests of all riches and elevated rank pouring into the Darcy estate, surely filling with ecstasy upon its beauty and pleasantly drunk from the endless tinkling glasses of wine and champagne. All three floors of the estate would surely be filled with civilized frivolity, music, and conversation and dancing. With the hundreds of guests that would fill the manor from wall to wall, Elizabeth could easily avoid Darcy for most of the evening. Of course, there would be the initial greeting, finding Georgiana but she would occupy herself with so much conversation and dancing, the two things that Darcy never employed himself in! She would easily have the upper-hand in all of the fun the ball had to offer! Just the thought of it all create an electric pool of excitement swirl within her.

"You look like you're enjoying yourself, Elizabeth, and you have not even entered the ball!"

"No one can doubt that this ball will be one people will talk about for months after … Mr. Darcy and Lady Catherine are very wealthy… their parties surely cater to all of their guests most fruitfully."

Jane smiled curiously at her younger sister, for her abundance of strength and will in the face of the man she loved … had loved … she was not sure, surprised the eldest Bennet. How could her sister smile with a mending heart?

Charles grinned, "That is true. Darcy always takes care of those he allows in his home…" he chuckled, "Regardless of the number… Good Lord! I've never seen so many people at Pemberley! Darcy is rarely there himself, you know."

Elizabeth and Jane shared a look of amused suspicion.

"What do you mean, dear?" Jane asked.

"Darcy can very easily afford such a ball but never has he been a man to host so many strangers in his home."

"Hmm … he is very private, is he not?" Jane questioned Charles but looked questionably at her sister.

"Very much so … and so is his aunt …" Charles shrugged, "Then again, this is an engagement that has been in the cards for quite some time. Not surprising it would boast of so many to enjoy in its splendor."

"How do you feel about Mr. Darcy marrying Anne? Do you think they are a good for one another?" Jane asked, "In temper and grace?"

Charles looked between Elizabeth and Jane with an innocently amused expression.

"It's hard to say really. I have only met Anne de Bourgh once and it was a very brief meeting," he snorted, "And Lady Catherine would not stop talking. It was hard to form an acquaintance with her. She is very quiet and is always reading, like Elizabeth," he beamed but it lost its luster when he realized how uncomfortable the comparison made Elizabeth. "Well, you're not like Anne. Not at all. You are a very extensive reader, as is she, but you will take your nose out of a book and be very charming, Anne has difficulty being extensively social beyond that of a party of people her mother orchestrates for her…" he glanced between the two women and sighed, "It's all very strange."

Jane smiled, trying to contain her amusement upon her beloved's babbling, "Well, if she reads as much as Elizabeth, I'm sure that is part of his list of accomplishments the woman he desires will have to earn his hand."

Charles smirked, "I doubt Darcy desires her … you know, in the way many lovers desire one another, but then again, Darcy is very private. He does not even tell me everything about himself."

"Hm. That's very interesting, is it not, Lizzie?" Jane asked.

"Mr. Darcy and everything attached to him is as interesting as is it dis-interesting," Elizabeth flashed a bold smile, "I will congratulate Mr. Darcy and Miss De Bourgh upon seeing them but after that I must make it known to Georgiana I have arrived and seek out Charlotte. She wrote to me expressing she and Mr. Collins were invited on behalf of Lady Catherine."

"Well, how will you be with Charlotte when she will be with her husband? He will surely be by Lady Catherine's side all evening and we both know that is the last place you will be all night," Jane smirked.

"Oh, if I know Charlotte, and I do," Elizabeth grinned, "She will flee to me as soon as she sees me. We have been departed from each other for far too long and even she needs a break from Mr. Collins."

{ IV }

For every guest that stepped through his manor, a small part of Darcy fell farther away from everything going on around him. He smiled minimally, greeted every person and continued that way for what felt like an eternity. On either side of him were Georgiana and Anne with Lady Catherine ahead of them all. Darcy and Anne had barely shared a full conversation between one another since she arrived two days prior with her mother and their longtime family friend, Gideon Wiltshire, who was easily enjoyable to be around but had such a cardinal nature he was hard to pinpoint which always made Darcy uneasy. Darcy had not spared one glance at Anne during the duration of their greeting the party guests but he doubted she even cared; besides his attentions were more focused on Georgiana who greeted everyone amicably but seemed to be looking beyond the guests around her, constantly upon the main entrance way, as though looking for something or someone.

"Mr. Darcy."

Darcy tore himself away from the masses and looked down. Caroline Bingley, Louise Hurst and Mr. Hurst all stood before him. Caroline was not the Bingley he was waiting to greet but bowed anyways.

"Congratulations," Caroline said, glancing smugly at Anne de Bourgh and back at Darcy, "On your engagement. Your aunt was telling us it was a long time coming and both families are so delighted upon the union."

"Thank you, Caroline," Darcy nodded to her, just wanting her arrogant disposition and obvious jealousy as far away from him as possible. "Enjoy the ball. I am sure I will see all of you shortly."

Caroline smiled, a spiteful fire sparking in her eyes, "You will stay alongside Miss De Bourgh all night, won't you? We all look so forward to being acquainted."

Darcy could feel his jaw twitching. Leave it to Caroline Bingley to always stick a knife in the wrong nerve.

"Of course," he replied coldly.

Caroline smirked, "See you shortly, Mr. Darcy."

Anne watched Caroline Bingley and her guests move within the currents guests to only be lost in the sea of strangers. She was accustomed to being ignored, merely glanced upon and standing in someone else's shadow. Either Caroline Bingley was pompously rude or thought Anne so much of an idiot that she could not tell when someone was laughing through their teeth at someone. Anne easily noticed that Caroline was a very handsome woman who she, as most of the young women that she had greeted this evening, thought they deserved Mr. Darcy over someone like her: just barely handsome and weakened by poor health. Anne was hurt by this, but not out of jealousy but confusion. She would give Mr. Darcy away in a heartbeat, if she could, to any woman that wanted him for she did not see what they all swooned over.

Darcy too watched Caroline and her party and upon met Anne's waiting stare.

"Miss Bingley seems agitated."

"It is her usual disposition."

"She seemed far more interested in your company than my own. Do not stress yourself over shallow introductions between her and I, for I am not interested in such a vain creature to become superficial acquaintances with."

"That cannot be avoided; she will make her introductions regardless of how you feel about it."

"Then I shall only return my sentiments on the matter, regardless of how she feels about it.

Darcy did not want to discuss Caroline Bingley or the possibility of having to be stuck in between her and Anne in a shallow conversation that involved words flying like knives over him. The mere thought of it made him boil in agitation and he excused himself from Anne, Georgiana and his Aunt Catherine with the excuse he was going outside, alone, to greet the last carriages to be arriving.

The late summer air was refreshing from the stuffiness of the manor and his mind was already clearing. It did not matter the degree of conversation between Anne and him, it always led to great annoyance or dreadful boredom. He had never felt this malice towards her in their past but he supposed with changing circumstances came changing feelings for one another. As he watched the last of the carriages ride up he recognized one of them to be Charles's and approached the driver.

"Is this the carriage of Charles Bingley?"

"Why, yes it is, sir, may I inquire as to who you are?"

"Mr. Darcy."

"Oh! Pardon me, sir! I shall open the door for Mr. Bingley immediately!"

"No, no! Do not trouble yourself," Darcy responded coolly and walked towards the door as the carriage came to a final, steady halt.

Inside the carriage, Elizabeth tucked her book in between the seat and wall to enjoy later on the ride home and grabbed her shawl. "I'll go first," she turned the handle and it pulled harder than she pushed it and she lost her footing, tumbling onto, not the ground, but into the arms of a complete stranger!

"Lizzie!" Jane exclaimed and stopped, upon seeing whose arms her sister had fallen into.

Elizabeth balanced herself and looked up.

"Mr. Darcy!" Really! I knew I would have to see him tonight, but as soon as I stepped out of the carriage – and worst of all, right into his arms! Totally caught off guard, she wrapped her shawl around herself tighter and stepped away. She did not know how to read him; he seemed shocked, confused and totally perturbed upon her appearance.

"El-Elizabeth? I- what are you- why are you here?" Darcy could not form the words to what he wanted to say. Just as he was at his most boiling state, here fell an angel in his arms! She looked perfect and slightly confused, holding herself tightly upon seeing him. He could see she was uncomfortable, was it because of him? She was a vision in crimson and crème, petite ruby jewels and shimmering gold ribbon adorned her, making it incredibly hard to tear his eyes away from her. His breath quickened at the sight of her, standing only a few feet before him, a true beauty to behold. The fire of the nearby lanterns illuminated her face in a way that made him desperate to press his lips to her skin. She glowed before him!

But, she a heavenly vision darkened before him as her brow furrowed in disdain at him.

"What am I doing here?" she asked, "I am a guest, upon your sister's request and upon your notice. But, if I am not welcomed I shall leave-"

"No!" Darcy exclaimed, making Elizabeth jump as well as everyone outside. He quickly collected his composure, "No… I- You are always welcome to Pemberley."

Her jaw tightened, "Do not charm me to think otherwise."

"I would never-"

"Miss Bennet!" Georgiana flew down the stairs and ran to Elizabeth's side, taking her hands. "I was beginning to worry you would not come!"

Jane and Charles stepped out of the carriage and it rolled away, with the other last carriages and the front of Pemberley was stilled all except those standing before it.

"No, I came, but I am starting to think I am not as welcomed as I believed I would be," Elizabeth glanced warily at Darcy and back at Georgiana.

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet?!" The shrill sound of her name said caused everyone to look up at the entrance of Pemberley. Standing in the flickering light and heavy shadows was Lady Catherine, shrouded in a heavy dress of dark purple, she looked more domineering and darker than Elizabeth had ever seen her. Anne was suddenly at her side, in a dress of equal darkness, but of blue and gray. "What are you doing here?!"

"She is a guest," Georgiana replied coolly. "My guest to be more specific."

Lady Catherine descended the stairs, glowering at Elizabeth and looking to her nephew questionably, "You did not tell me of this! Did you know?"

Elizabeth, regardless of Lady Catherine's biting arrogance and cold temper, also wanted to know if he knew. Darcy looked at her and she was surprised by how calm he looked, how sure his stare was, how it captivated her. He looked back at his aunt.

"Yes, Georgiana had mentioned it in passing… with all of the planning," he glanced at his manor, sighed heavily and looked back down at his fuming aunt, "Of hundreds of guests in my home… it slipped my mind to mention it to you."

Lady Catherine opened her mouth, to complain, to object, to comment on anything horrid about it but before she could Darcy silenced her.

"It is of no surprise Miss Bennet is here, aunt, I have told you many times how she is welcomed here."

"By both William and I," Georgiana chimed in. "She is a friend and a desirable guest of Pemberley."

Lady Catherine said nothing. Her eyes were dark slits, like a hawk focusing in on its prey. But, Elizabeth only pulled her shoulders back and lifted her chin upon Lady Catherine's petty, territorial stance. The wretched woman would not intimidate her, nor make her feel small.

Anne de Bourgh watched a few feet away and could not understand why her mother was singling out Elizabeth Bennet. Last Anne knew, her mother had enjoyed Elizabeth's company at Rosings Park and had mentioned nothing else about her after her departure. Nor did she glare at Anne like so many women had tonight or swoon pathetically over William. Anne had also enjoyed Elizabeth Bennet's company upon her single visit to Rosings Park, for she was intelligent, humble and refined.

Lady Catherine noticed her daughter and beckoned her forward, immediately glancing between her nephew and Elizabeth. Was she testing the waters? Social experiments were one of her forte's and she would sniff out any betrayal immediately.

"Anne, you remember Miss Bennet and this is her sister and Charles Bingley, as you recall."

Jane smiled, her warmth melting the iciness of the untimely circumstance. "Congratulations, Miss De Bourgh."

Anne looked Jane Bennet up and down. She was incredibly handsome and her disposition was sincere. She liked that, "Congratulations as well, to you and Mr. Bingley."

A silence followed and it was unbearable for Anne. She did not understand the stillness. Elizabeth watched Anne, how uncomfortable she looked. As much as she disdained Darcy and all the confusion he had put her through, she would not dare think to take it out on Anne.

"You and your family must feel so fulfilled that you are to become the Lady of Pemberley," Elizabeth exclaimed, finally receiving the gloomy, pale woman's attentions. "And that the names of Darcy and De Bourgh are finally to be united."

Anne smiled weakly, "Hm. Yes, our families are very fulfilled upon the union."

Lady Catherine's hawk-like glare softened to that of a curious owl. She did not feel as threatened as before but made a mental note to watch Elizabeth Bennet throughout the evening as well as her nephew.

"Well, now that introductions have been made, William, may I bring Elizabeth to see Mrs. Collins? She asked me to bring Elizabeth to her as soon as she arrived," Georgiana looked up at her brother, smiling as sweet as a kitten, but on the inside as conniving as a fox. She watched her brother, he had not torn his eyes off Elizabeth since she had joined them outside. She knew he still felt for her he had told her! It was only a matter of reminding him!

Darcy, selfishly, did not want Elizabeth to leave his sight. From the moment he had accidentally tripped her into his arms, his heart had been shocked back into life but the painful reminder of Anne loomed over him like a foreboding cloud. Why was he being tortured and exhilarated by her presence all at once? He finally tore his stare from her and nodded obligingly to his sister, "Of course."

Georgiana beamed. "Come with me! There are so many people I must introduce you too-"

"I will need to speak with you privately, Georgiana."

She smiled, "Of course! Whenever to your liking, I shall listen! But, for now, I must deliver Elizabeth to Mrs. Collins before she thinks I have fallen ill on my promise," Georgiana pulled Elizabeth along with her. "Come with me! I know where she will be."

Elizabeth was grateful to be taken out of the cold, awkward and confusing situation that had fallen on her. One moment she was blissfully enjoying the company of Jane and Charles, dreaming of dancing and praying she would not encounter Darcy too often this evening and then he pulls her right into his arms – and ungracefully, at that! She wanted to be with her sister but she knew Charles and Jane would be accompanying Darcy for most of the evening and Elizabeth needed Charlotte's refreshing company coupled with Georgiana's lively personality. She did not know if Darcy really knew she was attending the ball. The confusion that had marked his face upon seeing her had made her feel so foreign and unknown under his gaze … and yet, only a few minutes passed and she had never felt so welcomed and stable under his sure gaze. No! She would not think about this! Not when his wife-to-be was only standing a few feet from him.

Upon stepping in Pemberley, Elizabeth had never seen it so full of life and movement. People were grouped and scattered all about, servants with h'ordeurves, guests nurturing glasses of bubbling champagne and maroon wines. Music filled the halls and corridors Elizabeth had known to be so quiet and still.

"How will you know where Charlotte is?" Elizabeth asked.

"She is on the second floor, she told me so," Georgiana said.

""The second?" Elizabeth looked around, "But, everyone is down here."

Georgiana laughed, "Every floor is filled with guests, for there is a dance and dining hall on each."

"All three floors?" Elizabeth chortled, "This engagement will be known throughout all of England, won't it?"

Georgiana rolled her eyes, "Unfortunately, that is a possibility. Now, come along!"

Unfortunately? Did Georgiana not approve of Anne becoming her brother's wife? Elizabeth supposed it was none of her business and if Georgiana truly wanted her to know, she would tell her. The further Elizabeth traveled into the festivities, the easier it was to get lost in all of the beckoning conversations and flirtations of the party, the easier to put petty troubles aside and enjoy the evening.

"Charlotte!" Elizabeth proclaimed, upon seeing her dearest friend.

"Lizzie!"

Charlotte and Elizabeth embraced one another, hugging for what felt like an eternity. Charlotte stepped back and smiled wickedly at her friend, "You look breathtaking, Lizzie!"

"Is she not?" Georgiana asked, "Everyone will mistake her as the bride-to-be."

Elizabeth was taken back but Charlotte only agreed, "That is a grave possibility. Someone is sure to fall in love with you tonight."

"You are far too hopeful, Charlotte," Elizabeth smirked, "And even if that is probable, it is a greater possibility I will not return such fanciful affections."

A servant interrupted the three of them and turned to Georgiana, delivering a request upon her brother to see her. She dismissed herself, promised to return as quickly as her brother would allow it, and disappeared into the crowds. Once Elizabeth was confident Georgiana was out of earshot, she pulled Charlotte and her out of the thick of the crowds into an empty, exclusive for only their conversations.

"I could tell the moment I saw you something is wrong," Charlotte whispered, cleverly hiding her rushed words behind a glass of champagne.

"I do not think Darcy knew I was coming," Elizabeth had not had the time to write to Charlotte about her awakened and confused feelings concerning Mr. Darcy, nor him and his aunt visiting Longbourn, her recycled disdain for him and the invitation Georgiana had sent her. But, she took this precious one on one time to catch her up as quickly as possible, as always, Charlotte listening with an objective and rational ear.

"Why do you think he did not know you were coming?" she asked, surprised.

"If you could have been there to see how shocked he was upon seeing me! It was not a friendly surprise, such as you and I had moments ago, it was not surprise, it was shock! As though he did not know what to do or how to react. He stumbled over his words, he only does that when he has no idea what he is doing or what the outcome will be! Hence, my presence at Pemberley!"

"Why would Georgiana invite you secretly?" Charlotte asked. "I do not believe she thought she could hide you from him all night," she furrowed her brow, "And why would he say he knew you were coming if he didn't?"

"I am just as lost and confused as you are," Elizabeth replied. "But, I do not believe Georgiana to be up to anything bad, just her and her brother's actions warrant me suspicious."

Charlotte grinned, "I would not think too hard on this, Lizzie. Enjoy yourself … and the company you are sure to acquire this evening … do not look immediately," she smirked, "But, across the room, a man has been staring at you since we moved to this corner and has not stopped since."

Elizabeth waited and turned her head slightly and met his innocently, alluring stare and noticed, undoubtedly, he was very handsome.

{ IV }

Darcy was pacing back and forth in his study. He had planned on this evening to be unbearable but only due to close company that agitated him, not company that fueled passions within enough to ignite incoherent thoughts and stuttering introductions. He had made a total fool of himself in front of Elizabeth and worst of all, she thought of him insincere upon his approval of her arrival at Pemberley! He was not expecting her here tonight but that was because Georgiana had never once mentioned it! He was infuriated with her in this moment and he refused to not reprimand her for her underhanded nature in the situation. It made him look like an utter fool not knowing he would be greeting Elizabeth – and what made it worse, he could only believe she did all of this on purpose!

The door opened and she stepped inside, closing it behind her.

"William-" she began.

"Sit!" he dragged a chair towards her and pointed to it, continuing to pace, trying to get a grip on his confusion, anger and untamable passions for Elizabeth.

Darcy glanced at his sister and felt his heart break a little at the hurt in her innocent eyes but he would not lessen his resolve. He was not just her older brother but her caretaker; practically a father and he needed her to understand her wrongs in this entire situation she orchestrated. Georgiana sat down, folded her hands to nestle her lap and waited for whatever her brother was going to say. She would wait patiently, as always.

"Why did you not tell me you invited Elizabeth? Why did you keep it a secret? Do you realize how unprepared and unwelcoming I was upon her arrival because I did not know she would be attending!? It not only made me look ridiculous but it was obvious she felt uncomfortable upon feeling like a stranger! You know my rules, Georgiana! I am to know of everyone that steps foot in our home!"

"You do not know half of the people that are parading and drinking and dancing in our home this very moment and yet you allow it!" Georgiana protested. "I doubted you would be so offended by Elizabeth's arrival when you at least know of her! Not to mention she arrived with your best friend and his beloved, who happens to be her sister!"

"It threw everyone off-guard!" he retorted.

"But, you the most!" she smirked, "Which is why you're so angry."

"What on Earth are you talking about?" he questioned.

"I have never seen you so upset over a last minute guest! Admit it! It is not because you were forewarned of her arrival; it was her arrival in general! You could not take your eyes off of her!

Darcy could not find the words to retort. His jaw clenched and he stared down at his sister confused. "I- I would do no such thing when I am to marry someone else."

Georgiana crossed her arms, "You are right…" Darcy was surprised at her admittance. "Anne does outshine Elizabeth in grace, charm and beauty – what am I thinking? You were merely being mannerly in front of guests, not ogling your beloved-"

"Hardly!" he spat, without thinking, "And she is not my beloved!"

Darcy stood breathing heavily, astounded that such a statement tore open from his lips. He stared flabbergasted at his sister, who was looking back at him knowingly and openly.

"I-" he began.

"I cannot lie to you," Georgiana suddenly admitted. "I wrote to Elizabeth on my accord. I should have told you but I didn't. I am sorry, but she is not as troubled as you think… at least, she has not displayed such feelings and has not said anything to me."

Darcy did not have the energy to continue reprimanding his sister. He was already dizzy by his hearts palpitations at the thought of Elizabeth in his home, having fallen into his arms – just the vision of her had made his mouth dry and his hands twitch nervously. He fell in his chair, suddenly very overwhelmed.

"William…?"

"… I do not wish to think you had other intentions of writing to Elizabeth other than to have her company this evening and I will not question it further."

Georgiana was heartbroken at the sight of her brother dazed but she cheered inside at the small victory upon his outburst. She had been right all along and this night would only prove what she had known all along! She did not need to meddle in this affair any longer for she was confident her brother and Elizabeth would re-sow themselves back together all on their own.

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