A/N: Hi! Here is another chapter! Thank you for the reviews! Yes my elizabeth is quite OOC but I love her. A lot of my characters are OOC actually so just a heads up! Im feeling a little lost so updates might go a little slower. Please bare with me. I'll try my best to still post every week though. Enjoy!

"Good Morning Brother." A small voice greeted Darcy as he was breaking his fast.

"Good morning. How are you today Georgie."

"I'm fine, thank you." Georgianna sat down on the table and quietly ate her meal. After eating she excused herself and left Darcy alone once again.

He sat in the morning room of his townhouse, wondering when his sister will come back to him. Everyday, the only words she would exchange with him was a greeting before and after meal times and a good night before bed.

He felt desperate. Her new companion, Mrs. Annesley, said to just give her time. But it had been 5 months now and the only improvement was that she at least greets him now.

He sighed, feeling uncomfortable at being so powerless. He did not know what to do. He looked at the landscape of the painting that hung on the wall.

I wonder how Elizabeth is. The thought came unbidden which startled him. It had been about a month since he last saw her.

The first week that he left, she was still Miss Elizabeth in his mind. He had mulled over the attraction, asking himself why he was so attracted to the lady. He had attributed it to a passing fancy that would fade as time went on without seeing her.

The opposite had occurred however as she is now Elizabeth to him. He knew that he was attracted to her physically. Her mind and attitude were still a mystery. But the small fraction that he saw in the week that he stayed in Longbourn was very promising. I wonder when Bennet will show up. He thought.

His reverie was broken when his butler came into the room.

"Sir, Mr. Edward Bennet to see you."

Speak of the devil.

He stood up and met Edward in the sitting room.

"Darcy!"

"Hello Bennet. I was wondering when you would show up."

"Miss me already old chap?" He joked. They both laughed and proceeded to his study.

"Have you gone to see Bingley already?"

"Yes, I went over there yesterday. Miss Bingley was in a rage when she found out about Netherfield."

Darcy raised his brow indicating the question of how Bingley's demon sister found out.

"She was eaves dropping again of course." Edward said matter of factly.

"Ah. That house is a trap." He said while shaking his head.

"Yes. I can't imagine having a sister like that. Lydia is shaping up to be one." He sighed. "But we are now in the process of curbing that."

"She is young. I am sure with your mother and father's guidance she will turn out well. Bingley does not seem able to curb his sister's behavior however." Darcy said. Caroline Bingley had been after him the moment he was introduced to her some years ago. He had always treated her as he had treated all the women in the ton, with polite indifference. He cannot understand why she thinks that he will ever offer for her.

"It is very good that she is not interested in someone as poor as I." Said Edward with a glint in his eye.

"Come now Bennet. After seeing where your property and where you grew up as well as hearing about the history of your family, I know that you have been deceiving Bingley and I. You are worth more than you put out."

"And that is the secret to obscurity my friend." Answered Edward unapologetically.

Darcy sighed. "Indeed. Had I the choice, I would do the same."

"I am sorry for not telling you. I just did not want to be accepted merely for what I am worth. I hope you understand." Edward said in a serious tone.

Darcy nodded in answer. He wanted to ask him where his sister was staying but did know how to do so. "What can I do for you today? I imagine you did not come simply to catch up?"

Edward was one of the few people who could read Darcy like a book. He knew that Darcy was attracted to his sister, he just wanted to find out how serious he was. This was his sister after all.

"Darcy, may I be frank with you?"

"Of course. We have always been candid with one another."

"Do you like my sister, Elizabeth?"

Darcy was taken aback. He did not think that he was that obvious.

"Do not worry. You are quite adept at hiding your emotions. It is only that I have known you for a while now and I am very good at reading people."

Darcy was silent for a while, then said. "I should be careful around you."

Edward laughed. "Only if you plan to cause trouble to me or mine."

Darcy sighed. "Yes Bennet. I admit that I am rather attracted to Eli- Miss Elizabeth."

Edward cracked a smile at the slip.

Exasperated, Darcy ran his hand through his naturally messy hair. "I do not know what has happened. You know that I have never been attracted to any one of late. In my teenage years, I was as any other lad but it had been drilled into my head that my duty was to honor my family name. Any hint of scandal would not have been tolerated. And so I abstained."

Edward watched his friend as he continued talking.

"After father died, I was too busy trying to manage everything, I simply did have time to look at anyone. And then when I was finally able to manage being the Master, all the women of the ton disgusted me. All are just mercenary. Those worth knowing already had a beau from childhood or are happily married."

Edward interupted him before he could ramble further. "Darcy. Will you be calling on her?"

"I- yes. I would like to. I was about to ask her if I may, when you suddenly came into the garden that day."

Ah. So I was right. So she has given her approval to me as well. Very clever sister. Edward thought.

"Perhaps you would like to know where my sister resides here in London?"

"Yes." Darcy replied sounding relieved.

Edward smiled as the answer would surely give his friend a shock. "She lives in Dorset House."

"Pardon?" Darcy asked not quite sure he heard him right.

"Dorset House? I'm sure you know the one." Edward calmly answered.

After a minute Darcy exclaimed. "The Duke of Dorset's residence!?"

Edward laughed. "Yes, that is the only one named so, I gather."

"Wha- how.. I do not understand." It was the first time that Edward had seen Darcy so flabergasted. Having had his fun, he explained the connection.

"My mother is the sister to the Duke's wife. Elizabeth has been staying with them since she was 15 because of her artistic talent. It was because of Uncle Jasper that Elizabeth became EBGardener."

Darcy was looking out of the window. "A duke's niece." He sighed. Would I be good enough for her.

Ah. He is doubting his worth. But I think you are perfect for my sister. Well, I am excited to see where this goes. I shall have to visit Aunt Marianne before I leave.

Edward left Darcy's house and made his way to his aunts to make a report and perhaps do a little matchmaking.

Elizabeth was in her little corner of the conservatory in Dorset house. She lived with her Aunt Marianne, her mother's sister, whenever she was in London. A corner of the conservatory was converted to her studio as she enjoyed painting while surrounded by nature. She was busy transfering the sketch of Netherfield to a canvass when Susan, her personal maid, came and told her that her Aunt wanted to see her at the blue sitting room.

Her aunt usually did not recieve guests there so she decided to come in with her painting dress on. It was a dress she wore when painting as it had paint stains on it already.

"Aunt Marianne? Susan said that you called for me?" She said as she entered the room. She was so focused on her aunt that she did not realize there was another person there.

She became wary as her aunt had that look in her eye. A warning that she was soon to be teased.

"Yes Lizzy. You have a guest." She said as she gestured to the other person in the room9.

"Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth said with surprise.

"Good morning Eli- Miss Elizabeth." Darcy said, cursing himself for the slip.

"Goo- Good Morning sir. It is a pleasure to see you again." She said, deeply blushing. But when her eyes met his, her frazzled nerves calmed.

"I am sorry to have disturbed you while you were working." He said as he gestured with his eyes, looking at her dress.

Elizabeth looked down at her dress and blushed red. "Oh dear. I am sorry for my dress. I did not expect my aunt to have a guest here."

Her aunt laughed, reminding the two of her presence. "Darcy is a family friend. So he is not really a guest."

"A family friend?" Surprise coloring her tone.

"Yes, well." Her aunt was hesitant to say. "He is Catherine and Rosalind's nephew."

Elizabeth was surprised and then anger flashed into her eyes.

She is really quite beautiful when her temper is up. Darcy thought. Wait..

Lady Sackville watched the young man curiously.

Darcy then put two and two together. "The acquaintance of your aunt that we talked of, was it my Aunt Catherine?"

"Yes." Elizabeth answered stiffly.

Tge room fell silent, and then Darcy suddenly laughed. A rich belly laugh.

Elizabeth was mesmerized. She did not understand what was so funny but laughter transformed his usually stoic face into a boyishly handsome one. She was smitten.

Interesting. Lady Sackville thought as she watched the couple.

When Darcy's laughter ran out, he inquired. "And you put her in her place?" Elizabeth nodded then blushed. She was embarassed of the encounter as she had let herself lose her temper.

"Oh how I wish I was there to see it." Darcy said, letting out another laugh.

Lady Sackville was smiling. "Yes, it was quite the scene. Jasper banned your aunt from the house for a year. She really can be quite catty sometimes."

"Catty. Absurd woman. I do not know why she is your friend." Elizabeth murmered.

Lady Sackville ignored her niece's mutterings and said. "Come and sit down both of you. Tell me how it is that you met."

Elizabeth told the story of Darcy's stay at Longbourn. He then told them of Edward's visit, ommiting his confession. Edward had already told his aunt of this however.

Lady Sackville had been observing the two as they talked and it was interesting to see two very reserved people talking so animately. Edward was correct, he has formed an attachment to her and she seems to reciprocate.

"Well I'm glad that you two have finally met." Lady Sackville said. Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, silently asking what she meant.

"I've told you about William, Elizabeth. It has been 2 years of missed appointments between the two of you. Do you remember the Matlock ball?"

"Yes." Elizabeth paused. "He was the gentleman that Aunt Rosalind was telling me off?"

"Yes, but William had a family emergency and was not able to make it."

He had just retrieved Georgianna from Ramsgate a week before the ball. "Yes. My apologies."

Nothing in his manner changed but his eyes told Elizabeth a different story. She saw the sadness in them and she at once wanted to give comfort.

Just then, the head housekeeper came in and whisphered something in Lady Sackville's ear. Susan was called and when she arrived, the Lady excused herself.

"Susan will stay with you for the rest of your visit. I have some things to attend to. If I do not see you before you leave William, tell your aunt that I will visit her soon."

"Yes my Lady." Said Darcy, feeling nervous. This is my chance to ask her.

The doors to the sitting room were left open and Susan sat by one of the chairs near it, acting as chaperone but giving them space to talk privately.

"Miss Elizabeth. I came today to ask you what I was not able to in the gardens of Longbourn that day." He paused then looked her in the eyes.

"May I call on you?"

Elizabeth smiled at the now shy young man in front of her. She had never been attracted to anyone before but the moment she laid her eyes on him, she had felt a stirring. He also made her feel very comfortable and safe.

"You have already accomplished that I think, sir." She teased, a twinkle in her eye.

Darcy smiled and said, "Shall I take that as a yes? I would very much like to know you better."

She smiled back. "Yes Mr. Darcy. I would like to know you better as well."

"You are also closely acquainted with my Aunt Rosalind?" He asked.

"Oh yes. She is one of my patrons and she and my Aunt Marianne are always out together. Apparently they want my Cousin Mary and Viscount Granville to marry." She gave a small giggle at this.

He fell even deeper. She is perfect.

"He'd sooner marry his horses I think." And they both started laughing.

He is so handsome when he laughs like this.

"How is it that we have never met before? I have always heard about you from your cousins." She paused and recollected. "That was why your name sounded so familiar."

"It may have been my fault. After father died, I had been so busy trying to step up to his place that I had buried myself in work." He looked at her, took her hand in his and said. "If I had known what awaited me in my aunt's dinners I would not have denied attendance to them."

Elizabeth's heart was beating and she was blushing very prettily. She gave him a small smile but all the admiration she felt for him was expressed in her eyes.

"Have they finally met?" Lady Fitzwilliam said excitedly as she came into the sitting room.

It had been a week since Darcy's visit to Dorset house. Lady Sackville was visiting her good friend Lady Fitzwilliam.

"Yes and without our help too. I tell you those two had fate on their side all along."

"Perhaps it was not yet time for them to meet until now." Supposed the two Ladies.

"Perhaps." Excitedly, Lady Sackville said. "He's asked to call on her."

"Oohhh. I'm so excited. I hope they form an attachment soon. It would be a beautiful match." Lady Fitzwilliam answered with just as much enthusiasm.

"I wonder how Catherine will take this."

They looked at each other and started laughing like mad women. This was how Viscount Granville, Lady Fitzwilliam's eldest son, found them.

"Might I ask what is so funny? What are you two up to. You have that glint in your eyes." He said as he kissed both women on the cheek.

"Just our old tricks my dear. Have you gone to visit Mary yet?" His mother asked.

"No matter how much you two wish it, Mary and I are only good friends and will stay only as good friends. I am very sorry to disappoint." He said with a smile.

"Ah well. You have crushed two mothers hearts." Answered Lady Sackville. "At least show some interest in someone Raymond. You cannot marry your horses."

"When I find the lady that I shall marry, you two will be the first to know." With that, he left them.

"So tell me more about the Bennets' coming out. Will you be hosting it?" Lady Fitzwilliam asked when her son left. The two friends gossiped to their hearts content.

Fans were fluttering and a buzzing commenced as the people of the ton gathered at the theatre. A showing of Much Ado About Nothing was scheduled for the night and many have come to watch, but also to be seen.

The Duke of Dorset's carriage was spotted and out came the family. The Duke and Duchess, Viscount Sackville, Lord Buckhurst, Lady Mary and the beautiful, quiet girl who was usually with them.

What was most exciting is that Mr. Darcy, one of the most sought after bachelor, stepped up to hand the girl down and actually escorted her into the theater.

All the mothers and their single daughters were atwitter. It had been years since the first time the girl was seen with the Duke's family, yet no formal introduction was ever made. At first it was thought that she was the fiance of one of the Duke's sons but years have passed and no announcements were made. When some brazen matron dared to inquire who she was, it was only mentioned that she was a relative and any further information was declined, reason being that she had not yet been presented. Since she is a relation of one of the richest and most powerful Dukes in the land, no one had the gall to question any further.

But now that the most sought after bachelor was seen escorting her, the ton were mad to find out who this mysterious woman was.

"Darcy!" Bingley yelled.

He had been forced by his sister Caroline to call out and catch up with the the gentleman.

Caroline made a beeline for Darcy's free arm and gave the woman on his otherside a cold glare.

"Mr. Darcy! How nice it is to see you! I cannot wait for our trip to Charles' charming new estate. I am honored to be hosting you." Miss Bingley crooned in a voice loud enough for others to pay attention.

Darcy was confused at what the woman was saying but one look at Bingley and he could tell that his friend had not yet told his sister. After extracting his arm from her talons, Darcy said. "I apologize Miss Bingley but I shall not be able to accompany you. I had told Bingley a week ago that some business has come up and I am unable to leave London at this time."

Miss Bingley threw daggers at his brother. Fearing a scandalous tantrum, Bingley took his sisters arm and started to drag her away. "It was nice to see you Darcy." He bowed towards Elizabeth, remembering to keep the secret of her identity.

Darcy had told him of the situation and of the Duke's preference of anonimity for Elizabeth.

"Who is that chit on Mr. Darcy's arm! Who does she think she is!" Exclaimed Miss Bingley while they were making their way to their seats.

"Quiet down Caroline, she is part of the Duke's party. If he does not care for anyone to know her then it is not our place to question it."

"If he does not care that she be known then she must be someone he is ashamed of! Perhaps a bastard!" She had said this in a tone too loud and some ladies heard and began gossiping.

Bingley saw this and prayed for God's help. "Please do not let this gossip reach the Duke's ear." He whispered.

He then turned to his sister and said "You do realize that if what you had said spreads and is traced back to you, you will be ruined?"

Miss Bingley's face grew red. "I did not say anything that may have been an untruth Charles. I simply said what I thought of the situtation. If others feel it is the truth then that is their problem." With that she walked off. The siblings finally found their box. It was at a very advantageous spot but the play was lost to them.

One was praying that no backlash comes back to them for the ill timed comment and the other was busy watching another box.

Meanwhile, in the Duke's box, Elizabeth was trying very hard to concentrate on the play. She had never had trouble before, but the gentleman seated next to her was quite the distraction.

He was seated to her right and their fingers would sometimes touch. She was grateful for the dimmed lights in the theatre as she was surely beet red by now.

Intermission came and as was customary the gentlemen went out to fetch some refreshment.

"How are you liking the play Lizzy?" Lady Mary asked.

Elizabeth was in her own little world and was startled by her cousins question.

"It is very nice Mary."

"You usually have more to say when we come to the theater. Perhaps a certain gentleman has distracted you?" Her cousin teased.

Elizabeth blushed but was quite frank. "He is quite distracting."

They both giggled while Lady Sackville indulgently listened.

"I dare say he is quite distracted as well."

Elizabeth blushed even deeper as both mother and daughter teased her.

"Perhaps we should have invited Viscount Granville as well cousin?" Elizabeth gave a sly smile, trying to deflect the attention from her.

"Oh no Lizzy, both you and mother know that Raymond and I are just friends. Please do not get your hopes up."

Elizabeth laughed while Lady Sackville sighed.

The gentlemen came in and Darcy sat beside a smiling Elizabeth.

"Might I ask what is so amusing?"

Elizabeth, feeling relaxed after the teasing and surrounded by her family, answered enthusiastically. "Aunt Marianne's disappointed hopes." And then she giggled.

He did not quite understand what she was talking about but the sight of her relaxed and playful gave him high hopes for their future together.