Yay! I am finally doing it! If you read my new authors note in Fate Makes a Change, you know that the first several chapters on here will be chapters I had originally posted on that story. As I was rereading in an effort to get to work on newer chapters for this one, I realized the chapters fit better here. If anything, it will be a good refresher if it has been a while.

Anxiety ate at Mary Bennet as the carriage brought her closer to Pemberley. She traveled with only the maid Mr. Darcy sent, her travel companion, Mrs. Diana Andrews, having decided to remain behind for a long visit with her brother. It was the knowledge that she was soon to see her mother that caused the anxiety to continue to build. Fanny Bennet was silly, but she could be formidable when she wanted to be, and with two daughters still unmarried, the matron would not rest until her self-given purpose was fulfilled.

Trying to distract herself, Mary found herself admiring the scenery. Derbyshire truly did seem a very wild place. More so than the south, and only a little more than neighboring Nottinghamshire. It reminded her greatly of Scotland. She never would have seen herself as someone who would appreciate the wild nature of it, but she did, much more so than the stifling air of London. She found, however, that she liked most the sea. She and Diana had visited an old friend in Weymouth, Dorset, and she had loved waking up and taking in the prospect of the sea and harbor. She once fantasied about hopping on a ship and going wherever the wind would take her. Though she knew it was impossible to simply do so, it didn't dampen the almost romantic feelings the fantasy conjured.

If not for the wars, Diana said they would have crossed the channel and taken a tour of the Continent, or perhaps sailed to the Colonies, or maybe Africa! How wonderful it would be! Thinking of the current wars, Mary scowled. The vanity and pride of mankind always ruined things. Men who wanted to take the things that weren't meant for them, thereby pressing others into service to defend and overcome the evil that would try to rule the world. Or the leaders who refused to come to simple trade agreements that would benefit all. It took only one person to start a war. One to start and the rest to defend. It was all ridiculous. Mary wasn't a fool, she knew sometimes that war was necessary, otherwise they might also be overtaken by a small man who thought far too well of himself, but she despised the trouble that it caused for all, and the often senseless death it left in its path.

Scolding herself for allowing her mind to drift to more maudlin thoughts, she focused once more on the view outside the carriage. She knew they must be close. The maid soon verified her suspicion.

"Miss Bennet, if you look out this side, you will soon catch our first view of Pemberley."

Mary maneuvered herself to the right side of the carriage and smiled. The house came into view and it was grand indeed. It was nothing to Roxwood, but it was far grander than many other homes she had the pleasure of viewing. Seeing the home, it did not surprise her that Lizzy's husband would be even the least bit prideful. She imagined the furnishings would be just as fine. Sitting back, she enjoyed the rest of the ride.

As they approached the house, Mary leaned over once more to see the house. Already, there were people gathered, and not just the footmen. She was pleased to see Jane and her husband, Oliver Andrews, as well as her father present among them. It was hard to miss her sister's blonde head. Her brother-in-law opened the door before the carriage had come to a full stop.

"Mary!"

"Hello, Oliver," she chuckled.

"Darling, give her a moment to adjust to no longer being in the carriage," Jane said, smiling and shaking her head at her husband.

Once she was on the ground, she allowed Oliver to greet her, before moving to Jane. She held on to her eldest sister a little longer.

"It is wonderful to see you," she said. "You glow brighter every time I see you."

"I am so happy to see you, Mary. Letters just do not seem enough. I constantly feel as though I am going to lose you to your travels. Have you had a good time?"

"Yes, very much. Hello, Papa."

Her father smiled as he approached. Kissing her brow, he held her in front of her, as though her were getting a better look. She supposed he was.

"I quite agree with Jane. I fear one day we shall get a letter saying you are traveling to some far away land with no intention of returning until you have seen everything the world has to offer. You have come a long way from the young woman who had to be dragged from her sermons and music to attend an assembly."

She could only smile, for it was very true. She was very different from the girl she once was, though she also still found herself very much the same in essentials.

"How is my mother?" asked Oliver as he extended his arm to her. Jane took their father's and walked ahead of them.

"She is well. She is enjoying the company of your uncle and has determined that only she can spoil Rose correctly. Kitty and Benjamin are happy to let her, too. I know she misses you, Jane, and the children. I don't know if she will be able to keep herself away for long. I was going to tell Lizzy that she might want to keep a suite ready for her, just in case."

"Well, if she does come, the house will be positively brimming. The formidable Colonel Fitzwilliam and Lady Catherine de Bourgh has joined us."

"How is he?" Mary asked softly. "I know Lizzy and Mr. Darcy have been worried about him."

"He is much better. There is a pain in his eyes, but I am told he is immensely improved. I regret that I never went to see him; he was always a good friend, though we have exchanged letters. It felt wrong to be so happy while he suffered such loss."

"That is life, however. We cannot stop being happy because someone else is sad. No one would ever be happy otherwise."

"Indeed. You should be a philosopher, Mary."

"And Lady Catherine?"

"She has yet to speak, but I imagine she will not be able to hold out long. Richard takes great delight in prodding your mother into giving her opinions in the presence of the 'Great Lady', and she obviously does not agree with the ideas given."

"She does not keep to her rooms?" Mary inquired.

"No, I do not believe Richard allows her to. He has determined that they should reenter the world, and he would see her do so kicking and screaming if need be."

Mary coughed in an effort to laugh as they walking into what she thought must be a sitting room. This turned out to be a mistake.

"Oh, dear! Mary, child, are you unwell?" cried her mother. "I knew such nonsense would not be good. All that time spent traveling about the country, and nothing to show for it but a cough."

"I am fine, Mama."

"One does not cough if they are fine. Now, come here and let me look at you." Mary suppressed the need to roll her eyes. She wanted to ask if her mother was sure she wanted her to approach. Only a moment before, she demanded she sit by the fire. Stroking her hand across her cheek and forehead, her mother continued to look her over. "You look well enough."

"Thank you, Mama."

"Let her greet everyone else, my dear. Though not as long as some of the journey's she had taken over the last year, the trip from Kitty's home can still be taxing," smiled her father. Mary then noticed the amusement of those present in the room.

Her mother stepped away with a huff, allowing Georgiana and Mr. Darcy to greet her.

"It is so good to see you!" exclaimed the young woman. Georgiana Darcy was lovely before, but nearly a year more of growth made her even more beautiful. Mary remembered that she had a very successful Season, according to Lizzy's letters, despite not entering into an engagement.

"And you, too."

"Mary," Mr. Darcy smiled slightly.

"Darcy."

Lizzy's husband's smile became just a little wider. She didn't know why, but she had a harder time calling him by his Christian name than she did Oliver or Benjamin. In truth, their family's new, familiar habit was difficult, as so many chose to stay so proper, even in their private lives.

Darcy extended his arm to her and she took it. He led her to the other side of the room. "Miss Bennet, allow me to introduce my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and my aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Cousin, aunt, this is my sister, Miss Mary Bennet."

"I am pleased to meet you, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Lady Catherine."

The lady merely nodded her head at her, eyes dull. The Colonel, who stood as Darcy led her towards them, bowed. "Miss Bennet, I must say, it is nice to put a face to the name. Your family has told me a great deal about you. All good things, I assure you."

"That is good to know. I must express the same. It is nice to be able to be able to know exactly who someone is talking about."

Mary saw the lingering pain Oliver had mentioned, though it was obvious that he was giving great effort to rejoin the world. She prayed his heart continued to heal and that he found success in his efforts. Darcy then led her to tea that had been set up for her. She had just accepted her cup when she asked after Lizzy.

"She is well," said Darcy. "I know she wishes to see you at your earliest convenience; however, she fell asleep about an hour before your carriage was spotted. Once you have settled, I am sure she will have awoken, and I shall bring you to her."

"I imagine she must be going mad."

"She is far more active than I," said Jane, "and with a husband who grants her far more liberty to move about as she pleases, though she is feeling quite shut it,"

"How are your children, Jane, and when can I see them?"

"Benedict is with his nurse and Amelia is tending to her studies. If you wish, I will take you to them after you see Lizzy."

"I would love that."

The next half hour went the same. News was shared and commented on. Mary soon excused herself so that she might meet Elizabeth refreshed. Each of her sisters were always eager to please her and had all demanded she give them her preferences in colors and textiles so that they might have rooms set aside for her, but Mary had never complied, saying she would appreciate any room she was given. She certainly approved of the room Lizzy had chosen for her. It was not overly done, and the neural tones suited her sensibilities. Quickly, she readied herself to meet with her sister.

Georgiana met her outside her door and led her to Lizzy's room. They knocked and were allowed entry by Darcy himself. Leading his sister away, Mary entered the room by herself. She laughed when she found Lizzy sitting in a chair by the fire.

"I am not Jane and I refuse to be kept abed for most of the day," Lizzy said cheekily. "Now come greet me for I cannot rise easily to greet you."

"Oh, Lizzy. I think I have missed you most," she leaned down and kissed her sister's cheek. "How are you?"

"How do I look?"

"Large."

Mary was rewarded with her rich laugh. "How kind of you. I feel large. I feel as though I am ready to burst. I am told the babe could come any day now. If he or she loved me at all, they would come now so that I might return to some semblance of a normal life. I thought to jokingly tell William that this will be our only, but I am not entirely sure I would be joking."

"Is it truly so bad?" As Mary was yet to marry, and though she enjoyed her nieces and nephew, she thought she could live without having her own children. Indeed, she could happily live out her life as Ms. Richards did.

"Oh, Mary, I did not mean to terrify you. It is uncomfortable, and I know that labor will be quite dangerous, but I am told that you seem to forget about all of it once your babe is in your arms. Jane already seems to be longing for another, and Benedict is not yet a year old."

Mary merely nodded and silently promised herself that only the deepest love would induce her into matrimony, for she would only bear a child for one she truly loved as it seemed entirely too troublesome. After all, marriage wasn't for companionship alone. Smiling, Mary told her of sweet little Rose and how Kitty were doing. She also told her of her plans to travel to Bath.

"Are you sure, Mary?"

"I cannot live with this anger anymore, Lizzy. Keeping away only allows me to try and hide myself from it, and if I continue to do so, I fear it will consume my soul."

"Some things do not change, I see. I will support you, Mary. We all worry for Lydia. She is not the same girl she was, but I cannot say that it is entirely for the better. Perhaps you will be good for each other."

Mary wouldn't hold her breath, but she did wish to put this part of her life behind her. Lizzy tired soon, so Mary took her leave. She located Jane and went to visit with the children for a time. Benedict had grown so much since she had last seen him, and Amelia was excited to tell her all about the new things she was learning from her governess. In all, she spent two hours with the children before returning to her rooms to prepare for dinner. After dinner and another visit with Lizzy, exhaustion took her into a deep, and surprisingly, very restful sleep.