Did I just update two stories in one night? Yes, yes I did. Enjoy!

Lizzy stood and greeted her intended nervously when he was announced. Today was the day, the day she would meet his mother, and she couldn't remember a time she was more nervous. Due to their circumstances and the lack of available males in their neighborhood, she had never thought much of such an occurrence, or, she thought she might meet a potential mother-in-law before an engagement was formed. As this was not the case for her, she was not entirely sure what to expect. Richard said his mother was aware of their circumstances and would accept her, but what would be her true feelings, and how would she treat her in private? It was uncomfortable to think the woman would hate her, and that made keeping a pretense in public a dauting thought. Then, there was the knowledge that he had returned from settling details with her father, and meeting the rest of her family, without her there to mediate.

"You look as lovely as ever," he said, bowing over her hand. "And you as well, Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet."

"Thank you, Colonel," Jane answered shyly.

"It is good to see you," Lizzy said to him. "I cannot take it anymore; how did you find my family?"

He chuckled at her. "They are well, and just as you described them. Your father came into quick agreement with us, he gave us a tour of the house, and we had a lovely visit with your mother and younger sisters." He reached into his coat. "I also have a letter from your mother."

She laughed breathily as she took it from him; she could just imagine what her mother had to say. Knowing he would not take offence, she opened it to read it. As she thought, her mother praised her extensively for catching the son of an earl, though she lamented he was only the second son. Her mother also complained at not being there to help her scour the warehouses, and gave her advice as to where she should go and who she should have make up her gown. There was also some instruction for Jane, but already feeling overwhelmed, she handed the letter to her aunt to put away for her to deal with when she returned.

"Tell me truly," she said, "what did you think of them?" At this, she saw him pause. He was measuring his words and she knew that meant he would keep some things to himself, and she did not like that. "Please? The whole truth."

Sensing the tension, her aunt stood and left her and Jane alone with him. This, it seemed, put him a little more at ease. "Your mother was excitable, but no worse than many mother's I have encountered over the years. Neither father and I were disappointed in Miss Mary or Miss Kitty, but we are concerned about your youngest sister. Nothing to worry over, really."

"You are concerned about Lydia but it is nothing to worry over?"

"Not for you."

"What does that mean?" she asked, growing irritated.

"It means you should not worry over it. We have concerns and will discuss it with your father. Nothing will be done that he does not approve of."

It was times like these that Lizzy truly lamented her sex. She knew that an Earl would not tolerate any missteps, and worried over what he might decide to do, however, if they were involving her father, that gave her a little comfort. Her father was not someone she thought would let anyone command him, so she felt appeased. Their aunt came back and said they should leave soon if they were to arrive on time for tea with his mother. Once more, Lizzy felt her nerves overwhelm her.

The carriage outside waiting for them was even grander than Lady Catherine's had been. Out of her control, her thoughts kept going to the fact that she was going to have tea with a Countess, a Countess with whom she would soon be connected to. Even being seated to Jane did not give her comfort. Her dear Jane, sensing her distress, had picked up the conversation with Richard; all the while, her thoughts were getting a bit wild. She worried over tripping as she was introduced to Richard's mother, over saying the entirely wrong thing, of the Countess living to make her miserable; she even thought briefly to how odd it would be that her children would call her their grandmother! Why was she thinking of that?!

Looking over at Jane, and her calm as she talked with her sister's intended, and all Lizzy could think of was how much more appropriate Jane would be for the bride of a son of an earl. That thought she quickly pushed away; Jane loved Mr. Bingley, and soon the two would be wed and happy. There was a reason she and Richard were to marry, in any case. This she kept reminding herself of.

Too soon, in her opinion, they arrived at the large townhouse and Richard offered his arm, first to her then to Jane. Since this was his parents' townhouse, and they were expected, they were led straight away to what Richard said would be his mother's favorite sitting room. As they entered the room, she got her first proper look at the woman who would be her mother-in-law. She was certainly a handsome woman, and she could see a little of Richard in her, though she was certain, now, that he favored his father more in appearance.

"Mother," he said, leaving her and Jane to meet the Countess. The woman rose and greeted him with a kiss to his cheek. He then led her over to them. "Mother, this is my intended, Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn at Hertfordshire, and her elder sister, Miss Jane Bennet. Elizabeth, Miss Bennet, this is my mother, The Right Honorable Countess of Matlock."

Lizzy curtseyed as they greeted her, and was very aware of the heavy gaze of the other woman.

"I am pleased to finally meet you, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and you as well, Miss Bennet, though I have heard a great deal more about my son's intended. Come, have a seat."

Richard smiled at her encouragingly as they did so. The Countess controlled the conversation, asking the sisters about their family and home. Surprisingly, Lizzy was finding it hard to answer. The looks the Countess kept giving her wasn't helping either, however, after asking about their education, Lizzy was brought to mind of a similar conversation she'd had with her Lady Catherine, sister-in-law to the woman she was having tea with now; the Countess gave her the same scoffing look that the other Lady had given her, and she felt her bearings return.

"No, Lady Matlock, we did not have a governess, and before you ask, no, our mother was not a slave to our education. However, she made sure that we were skilled in essentials. Our father saw to it that we had some formal education; a little more than most ladies, I am sure, but certainly not at the level in which we would be considered a bluestockings."

The fact that Richard was amused by her words did not escape her notice, she just hoped she did not upset the Countess too much. However, she did not want to live this way, always worrying about displeasing anyone. To her surprise, Lady Matlock merely lifted a brow and changed the subject, mentioning how lovely her son had found the grounds at Longbourn and began to describe Matlock.

"It sounds like a beautiful estate," Jane said.

"Oh, it is. I know many would say that my nephew's estate, Pemberley, is more beautiful, but I have always disagreed. It is more modern and Matlock has been around since the 15th century, and though it is fashionable to update the architecture, I am pleased that little has changed about the house, other than what is absolutely necessary. Many kings have stayed there, you know, even the infamous King Henry VIII. He came to stay not long after marrying his first queen. There is a portrait of the house in the gallery. Richard, why don't you take Miss Bennet to see it."

It was an obvious command, and while she saw Richard pause, she was happy to see him quickly relent. It was his mother, after all, and Lizzy would rather get whatever the lady would like to say over and done with. As soon as Jane had reluctantly exited the room with her soon to be brother, Lizzy turned her attention back to the Countess, who was setting her cup down delicately.

"I will admit, Miss Elizabeth, that I was at first disappointed to see my son had fallen for such a mouse. I am glad to see that my first impression was wrong. You have pluck; good, you will need it."

"Shall I?" she asked, lifting her own brow.

"Yes. The Ton is merciless, Miss Elizabeth. They will look for any weakness to exploit. While some will think it somewhat romantic, others will be angry that the son of an Earl overlooked their daughters for a country Miss. An unknown. Never mind that he was rumored to have very little, and most hope to catch my eldest son, my Richard is still nobility. It would also be harder for me to sell my affection to a stuttering fool. I do have expectations, you know."

The Lady was direct and Elizabeth found herself appreciating it. "I have never cared much for the opinions of others, but I realize opinions are much different in town society."

"Opinions matter in any society, Miss Elizabeth; you have simply been fortunate enough to live in a neighborhood of little consequence. I am sure, however, if anyone took too large of a step outside of propriety, neither your neighbors nor your family would be very forgiving."

"That is true."

"I will not mince words, Miss Elizabeth; you are not what I wanted for my son, but," she paused, and Lizzy fought to keep her ire down, "Richard does like you a great deal. I love my sons very much, and that means their happiness means much to me. So long as you make my son happy, we will have no problem. I will admit that I am impressed with both you and your sister. You are very beautiful girls. She is attached to a gentleman, yes?"

"Not officially, but I believe she will be soon, to Mr. Charles Bingley."

"That is good. It would not do for my Matthew to take a fancy for her. That I will not tolerate."

Lizzy, surprisingly to herself, found herself amused by her statement. No, it would not do. "Jane care very much for Mr. Bingley, and she does not give her affection lightly. You have no need to fear from the quarter."

"Now, I know that you shall soon be returning to your family home, the day after tomorrow, correct?"

"Yes, Lady Matlock."

"There will be no time for us to be seen together, but I shall be sure to spread my happiness for my son. You shall be returning to Town after the wedding, and though you are not expected to be overly social, I shall call on you often, to show my support of the marriage. I am also contemplating joining my husband and son at Netherfield for the entire week before the wedding. I do have certain engagements I must keep, after all."

"I look forward to it."

The Countess took a moment to study her and smiled. "It is too bad you were not higher born, still, I think we can get along."

Richard and Jane returned at that moment and he looked between the two before retaking his seat. Lizzy laughed when Lady Matlock rolled her eyes. "Good lord, Richard, did you think I would harm her?"

"Not at all, Mother, I merely,"

"Worried I would be harsh. We have come to an understanding, haven't we, Miss Elizabeth?"

"Yes, I would say we have," she turned to him and smiled. "Truly, all is well, and we shall get along quite nicely."

Though he looked uncomfortable, his smile returned. Jane decided to bring back the subject of Matlock by complementing the portrait.

"Yes, as I said, it is a beautiful house. I would love for you to see it. Perhaps a trip can be arranged soon. However, tell me of Mr. Bingley. My husband and son will be staying at his house and I am quite curious as to your opinions of him."

In much better spirits, Lizzy grinned as her sister began to hesitantly tell Lady Matlock about their neighbor.

Y'all have no idea the fit this chapter gave me!