You will need to forgive the poor writing, this is my first P&P fanfiction and I have a relatively good idea for a story, I just hope you can bear with me long enough for me to get it onto the screen. In this version of events, following the proposal at Rosings Darcy was unable to deliver his letter to Elizabeth. She is therefore none the wiser about Mr Wickham, she doesn't know Mr Darcy's reasons for separating her sister and Mr Bingley and still thinks that Mr Darcy is a proud, disagreeable snob. Mr Darcy also receives news which adds pressure to his quest for a bride and need for an heir. But all in good time, we'll get to that.

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Elizabeth Bennett had to admit that Miss Bingley's enthusiastic compliments were well deserved, Pemberley was indeed perfection itself. She could not remember ever seeing an estate so sympathetically managed, nor grounds so beautiful. Removing her bonnet, she turned her face to the sun and closed her eyes, basking in its warmth as it caressed her face. The smell of summer, the sound of nature, the breeze weaving through her curls, being here invoked a surprising feeling of peace. The trepidation that she had felt initially on visiting the estate was gone, and though she could never admit it out loud, she felt that she perhaps had a little bit more of an understanding of the Master of Pemberley's pride, Pemberley was magnificent and certainly a worthy home to be proud of.

Walking down to the pond water's edge, Elizabeth stopped to view a Dragonfly perched on a reed, it's majestic body shimmering in the summer's rays. Just as she, he seemed entirely content, free to enjoy the beauty around him. As Elizabeth turned to make her way towards the drive she was surprised when a young girl appeared from the path hidden by a large pruned bush. Both started, each clearly not expecting to encounter anyone else during their ramble. Elizabeth coloured as she noticed the distinct resemblance to Mr Darcy and dropped to a quick curtsy, the young girl mirrored the action and smiled apprehensively.

'Pray, please accept my apologies for startling you, I was just about to return to the house to wait for my companions'. Elizabeth bit her lip uncertainly, they had not been introduced and to presume to introduce herself would be considered poor manners, but given the unexpectedness of their meeting, she felt that there was no other course of action but to speak directly to Miss Darcy.

Miss Darcy's eyes widened but she quickly schooled her features and again attempted to smile, this time with forced confidence. 'Do not trouble yourself, I was unaware that we had company. I am Miss Darcy, I welcome you to my home'.

'And I am Miss Bennett, I have travelled to Derbyshire from Hertfordshire with my Aunt and Uncle, my Aunt hails from Lambton and had a desire to return to the county and visit some of the places that she remembered from her childhood.' She smiled reassuringly and hoped that Miss Darcy would feel more at ease.

'Derbyshire? Bennett?' Miss Darcy frowned and dropped her eyes to the ground for a moment. Elizabeth felt the colour rising to her cheeks as she realised it entirely possible that Mr Darcy had informed his sister of his proposal in Kent, Miss Darcy however looked up at her and beamed leaving Elizabeth entirely confused. 'Then I believe that we may have a common acquaintance. Is it possible that you know my brother?'

Nervously, Elizabeth cleared her throat and tilted her head in assent. 'Mr Darcy visited the neighbourhood with his friend Mr Bingley. We were in company on a few occasions.' Suddenly dread began to build in the pit of her stomach and she looked to the bushes where Miss Darcy had appeared from, hoping in vain that her Aunt and Uncle might happen upon them and at the same time dreading that a particular someone else might appear from them. 'Your brother, he is here with you?'

An expression of pleasure suffused Miss Darcy's face 'He is not, my brother is visiting a friend in Ireland currently, I expect him to return in the next few days. Am I right to believe that you are Miss Elizabeth Bennett?' Elizabeth nodded and Miss Darcy's smile brightened further '…. Will you walk with me Miss Bennett? We very rarely receive visitors at Pemberley, and my brother wrote to me of you often, I feel as though we have already met… but only if your party are not waiting for you of course..' Too startled by the thought of Mr Darcy writing to his sister about her, Elizabeth nodded without realisation.

The two ladies turned and walked the path alongside the pond, Miss Darcy it appeared was painfully shy, but attempting to fulfil her duties of mistress and thus making an effort to talk to a relative stranger. Elizabeth felt relief, though Mr Darcy had written to his sister of her, it would appear that Miss Darcy was unaware of her last unpleasant meeting with him. During their walk, Elizabeth was pleasantly surprised by Miss Darcy and she learned much about the young lady, nothing that she learned of the young lady though could be reconciled with Mr Wickham's account of her. They shared their love of music, Miss Darcy was obviously passionate on the subject and became increasingly more animated and relaxed in her direct contrast to Mr Wickham's descriptions of Miss Darcy, the young woman was shy, unsure, but did not appear to be proud or unamiable in any way.

On reaching the end of the path, Elizabeth spotted Mr and Mrs Gardiner making their way towards them. She nervously wondered how Miss Darcy would react on being introduced to a Tradesman, but the genuine and slightly apprehensive smile that Miss Darcy was directing at her Aunt and Uncle made her confident that Miss Darcy would not be offended by the introduction. Mrs Gardiner took her niece's arm when both parties met and smiled warmly at Miss Darcy waiting to be introduced.

'Miss Darcy, might I introduce my Aunt and Uncle to you, this is Mr Gardiner and Mrs Gardiner, they hail from Cheapside, in London. Aunt, Uncle might I introduce Miss Darcy. It is her home that we have been admiring this past hour'.

Miss Darcy immediately dropped to a curtsy and smiled nervously at both of Elizabeth's relatives. 'It is a pleasure to meet you Mr Gardiner, Mrs Gardiner. I apologise for delaying your niece.'

Mrs Gardiner shook her head and laughed 'Please do not be sorry, we were delayed ourselves. Pemberley is magnificent, such a beautiful and grand estate, I fear we quite forgot ourselves'.

'Indeed' replied Mr Gardiner. 'You must be very proud, I daresay this is the finest estate that I have ever seen'.

Miss Darcy inclined her head slightly in acceptance of the compliment. 'I thank you, it is a most beloved home'. She glanced at Elizabeth quickly and then back at the Gardiners. 'Miss Bennett tells me that you will be in the neighbourhood for two days, I wonder if you would like to join me for tea tomorrow? I rarely get visitors, and since Miss Bennett already has an acquaintance with my brother I would be pleased to further it.'

Miss Gardiner registered the surprise on Elizabeth's face, but smiled openly at Miss Darcy and exclaimed her delight and honour at the invitation and confirmed that they would be pleased to further the acquaintance. Elizabeth clasped her hands in front of her and smiled, it would be impolite to refuse the invitation, but she was nervous about the possibility of being at Pemberley when Mr Darcy eventually returned.

'Splendid' Miss Darcy was positively beaming now, her shyness seemingly forgotten in the company. 'I shall arrange for a carriage to collect you tomorrow at the Inn…. It is only sad that you will be returning home before my brother returns. He shall be sad to have missed the opportunity of meeting with you'.

Mr Gardiner tipped his hat to Miss Darcy 'Sadly business calls me home, I have delayed my business for as long as possible, indeed we shall be sad to miss meeting him also.' Miss Darcy and Mrs Gardiner both glanced at Elizabeth who was studiously avoiding meeting anyone's eyes.

The carriage drawing into the courtyard caused the party to begin walking back towards the house, the ladies discussing their plans to meet on the morrow and Mr Gardiner following them at a leisurely pace.

At the Inn, Mrs Gardiner expressed her surprise at meeting Miss Darcy, particularly as the party had been assured that the family were not due to return to their country estate for another week.

'Miss Darcy informed me that her companion had to return home unexpectedly due to a family matter, it was decided by Mr Darcy that Miss Darcy would travel home earlier than expected.' Elizabeth returned her attention to a handkerchief that she was embroidering.

'Well then it is fortunate for us that Miss Darcy's plans were so altered, she is a delightful young girl. I am very much looking forward to taking tea with her tomorrow.' Mrs Gardiner's expression matched her words, she had found Miss Darcy to be polite and amiable, as had Elizabeth.

'She seems to be a very sweet girl, though perhaps a little shy, she certainly made a great deal of effort to be a charming hostess today, and with happy success. I too look forward to getting to know her better while we are in the country. I imagine that being alone in such a grand house can be somewhat lonely, in fact I wonder at her brother sending her there on her own at all.'

'Yes, but Lizzy, Miss Darcy did say that Mr Darcy was to return in a few days, so she is there alone for only a short time. Soon I believe they are to expect the Master's return and then I believe Mrs Reynolds stated that a large party is coming to visit the siblings'. Mrs Gardiner look up from her book. 'I have not seen a home with such grounds before Lizzy, I imagine that you would very much enjoy exploring the gardens of Pemberley, it is only a shame that we cannot stay longer.'

'Do not worry for me Aunt, there are many walks in Hertfordshire that I enjoy greatly and could never tire of. But you are quite correct, Pemberley's gardens are unparalleled, it truly surpassed my expectations.' Elizabeth returned her attention for the most part to her embroidery, the rest of her attention was marvelling at how Pemberley might once have been her home. 'Miss Bingley once suggested that Miss Darcy and Mr Bingley were on their way to becoming attached, having only met Miss Darcy today I cannot claim to know the particulars, but I think her far too young to interest Mr Bingley… I do hope that Jane was deceived on that issue.'

'Indeed, she seems far too young for marriage. Though I know that many women much younger have married far less worthy men. I cannot believe, from what you told me of his character, that he would play with Jane's feelings so… but we cannot pretend to know the particulars of what made him leave Hertfordshire so quickly.'

Elizabeth grimaced and involuntarily an image of Mr Darcy and Caroline Bingley came into her mind. 'Oh I am sure that we can imagine Aunt, I am certain that we can imagine what, or rather who, drove Mr Bingley to return to London.'

Mrs Gardiner looked up at her niece in question, but Elizabeth did not continue her thoughts and instead applied her concentration to the fabric in front of her.

Elizabeth had just finished recounting an incident involving a tree, stream, frog and very wet petticoats from her younger years to her aunt Gardiner and Miss Darcy, when all three women dissolved into giggles, Miss Darcy let out a rather unladylike snort causing both Mrs Gardiner and Elizabeth to laugh harder. Miss Darcy however coloured, her eyes wide, mortified by her actions, until Elizabeth reached out and grasped her hand, the joy in Elizabeth's eyes caused Miss Darcy to break into giggles once more. Soon all three were lifting handkerchiefs to their eyes to wipe away the tears of laughter.

Mrs Gardiner stood and made her way to the tea stand to refill her cup, Miss Darcy leaned back in her chair. 'I cannot remember a time when Pemberley was so full of laughter, you must promise to visit again… when my brother has returned perhaps? He would so love to have you all here!'

Miss Gardiner raised an eyebrow at Elizabeth and Elizabeth found herself stammering for words for a moment. 'I am sure that your brother is a very busy man Miss Darcy, I imagine he has very important matters here that will take up his time.' Miss Darcy's face fell and Elizabeth squeezed her hand reassuringly. 'I would very much like to write to you. I am sure that there are many stories from my wild childhood still to share that would both horrify and amuse you..' She hoped that her smile was reassuring and when Miss Darcy's face brightened slightly she knew that her hostess was happy with the suggestion.

'I do wish you would call me Georgiana, and if I may be permitted to call you Elizabeth?' Elizabeth could not help but be endeared by the unsure and eager expression on Miss Darcy's face. She smiled warmly and squeezed her hand again.

'My family and friends call me Lizzy, and I should hope that you would do the same… Georgiana,' Both ladies smiled brightly.

Mrs Gardiner returned to the settee with her cup and saucer and sat beside Miss Darcy. 'Now Lizzy, why don't you tell Miss Darcy what you did to poor Mr Taylor's son when you caught him beating his dog..' she smiled over the rim of her cup as Miss Darcy sat forward in her seat, eager to hear this new tale and Elizabeth rolled her eyes in good humour.

'It was his cow Aunt, and I would hardly call him poor.. I'm certain he got exactly what he deserved, though perhaps he didn't deserve it from a young lady'. Elizabeth looked at Miss Darcy and then back to her Aunt. 'In fact I am certain that Miss Darcy will be so shocked that she will never allow me to write to her….'

'Oh you must tell me Lizzy, I am ever so curious… I must know..'

Elizabeth laughed.. 'Well if you must..'

The ladies continued their visit in good humour, learning more about one another and being very pleased with the acquaintance. Elizabeth marvelled at the difference between brother and sister, and for one small moment wondered if perhaps her character study of Mr Darcy had perhaps been too severe. Thinking back on the events in Kent and the defamation of her family members' characters, she quickly dispelled that thought and imagined that their dispositions were simply different due to their upbringing and acquaintances.

When the time came for the ladies to return to Lambton, Georgiana became downcast. 'I so wish that you could stay in Derbyshire for longer, I am only sorry that I did not return sooner, so that we might have spent many more days together.'

'I am just pleased that we did meet Georgiana. I dearly love to laugh and today you have allowed me the opportunity for just that. I look forward to corresponding with you, and perhaps our paths will cross again one day.'

'Oh I am certain that they will.' The grin on Georgiana's face confused Elizabeth, but she smiled all the same.

'Miss Darcy, it has been a pleasure making your acquaintance' Mrs Gardiner took Georgiana's hand. 'When you are next in Town, it would be an honour to have you dine with us.'

'Oh I would enjoy that very much Mrs Gardiner'.

Elizabeth watched a genuine expression of delight spread across Georgiana's face. For a moment she fought with her conscience, but for the sake of her sister she could not go on without asking 'Does Mr Bingley hope to join your brother at Pemberley when he returns?'

'I am not sure Lizzie, I hope so. Mr Bingley has been my brother's constant companion for many years, I like him very much.' Elizabeth's face fell. 'In fact, sometimes I forget that I have only one brother.'

Elizabeth sighed lightly, Jane had been deceived. Georgiana saw Mr Bingley as a brother, not a potential husband. Just then Mrs Reynolds announced that the carriage had arrived.

The party bid their adieus, promising to write soon and expressing delight at having made a new acquaintance. Georgiana asked Elizabeth if she had any message that she might pass onto her brother for her. Elizabeth thought for a long moment, naturally there was no point in pretending that Georgiana would not inform Mr Darcy of their visit, she wondered if he would be upset that she had presumed to visit Pemberley. Noticing Georgiana's curious gaze she shook her head and smiled. 'You may tell you brother from me that I wish him the best of health and happiness for his future.'

Georgiana frowned and nodded. 'I will tell him for you Lizzy.'

The ladies left, and as the carriage rumbled away from Pemberley and toward Lambton, Elizabeth could not help but wonder how the master of the estate might react when he learned of her meeting with his sister. Her mind wandered back to the last time she saw him, his eyes full of anger, his expression both pained and indignant. The man seemed more of a mystery to her now than ever before. She had not seen him since his disastrous proposal at Rosings, and though she could not feel regret over her refusal, she wished she could go back to that day and control her temper somewhat, so that they might have been able to part ways with a modicum of civility.

Huffing, she decided to think no more of the man and instead turned her attention back to the road. Little did she know that waiting for her at the Inn was a letter that would forever change life as Elizabeth Bennett knew it.

When the ladies returned to the Inn, Mr Gardiner was reading a book quietly in the corner of the room, he looked up and smiled warmly at both ladies as they entered.

'Eleanor, Elizabeth.. Did you enjoy your visit to Pemberley? I'd love to hear all about it. '

'Oh yes, Miss Darcy is delightful Edward, a true gentlewoman. She will be a fine mistress one day, such pleasant manners though she remains somewhat shy, but that can be overcome with the right company..'

As Elizabeth tugged her gloves from her fingers she noticed the small pile of letters on the table. 'Are these for me Uncle?'

Mr Gardiner looked over and nodded 'Yes, they arrived whilst you were out this morning. Two at the same time, your sisters must be missing you dearly.' Elizabeth took up the letters and moved to the small table and chair by the window. 'And what say you Elizabeth, do you think you have formed a friend in young Miss Darcy?'

'Anyone who meets Miss Darcy could be nothing other than pleased with her, she is shy but very amiable. I like her very much indeed and I hope for us to continue our acquaintance.' Despite saying the words out loud she knew that a continued acquaintance was unlikely once Mr Darcy learned of her visit to Pemberley. She was certain that the man would be most displeased and convince his sister to cut off any further communications from the woman who deigned fit to reject him.

Elizabeth tore at the seal of the first letter as Mr and Mrs Gardiner spoke amongst themselves. A gasp a few moments later caused both to turn suddenly to Elizabeth, Mrs Gardiner rushing to her side, concern written on her features.

'My Lord Lizzy, what ever is the matter? Is everything at home as it should be?'

Elizabeth looked up with tears in her eyes 'Jane writes, she tells me that Lydia has eloped… with a soldier who was based with the militia in Meryton.' Mr Gardiner closed his eyes and let out an audible sigh while Mrs Gardiner drew in a shaky, shocked breath. 'My father requests your assistance Uncle… We must return to Longbourn at once.' Mrs Gardiner put her hand on Elizabeth's shoulder comfortingly and looked to her husband.

'Your father has my assistance, naturally. What has been done?' Mr Gardiner got to his feet and grabbed a piece of paper from the bureau and a pen and started to furiously write a missive.

'My father has gone to London, they have traced them there but they do not believe Lydia to have gone to Gretna… foolish girl, how could she be so ridiculous?! Does she not know what she has done?' Elizabeth dissolved into tears and Mrs Gardiner tried her best to reassure her.

'Lizzy, please settle, it may not be as bad as we think.. have some hope. Yes, Lydia's behaviour has been foolish and rash, but we may discover her married.'

'What hope can I have, as soon as this is found out we will be shunned by our friends and neighbours, she has ruined us all!'

Mr Gardiner called for the maid and passing the now sealed letter to her instructed her to have a rider deliver it to Longbourn by express.

'Come, we must gather our things, I will call for a carriage to deliver us back to Longbourn and then we will return to London to assist your father.' Mr Gardiner ushered the ladies out of the chairs and towards the rooms. 'Perhaps your father will have discovered them and there will be more news when we reach Longbourn, Lizzy, try not to be so downhearted.' He looked at the letter 'This letter is dated five days ago, there may be better news waiting for us.'

The party hurriedly packed their belongings and said goodbye to Lambton in a carriage bound for Hertfordshire, a sombre air settling over the party. Elizabeth spoke little during the journey, instead focusing on the greenery whipping past the window as the carriage sped South, headed for somewhere that Elizabeth would normally look forward to returning to, but now could only dread the misery that awaited her.