Disclaimer: Do not own Pride and Prejudice.

A/N: Nice little short prologue - ish thingfor a long story ahead. Please review! This is probably one of the hardest thing I ever will write.

Chapter 1: Trials and Tribulations

The Darcys had always been a generous family, though perhaps rather detached. With the marriage of the master of Pemberly, Fitzwilliam Darcy, to a woman of little consequence, the neighbours started to see a new side to this aloof family.

The bride of Mr Darcy was a woman named Elizabeth, nee Bennet. Her influence on both Mr. Darcy and his sister was great. Though her station in life was impressive, she associated with those less fortunate, and made many a friend in the village. In short, the villagers loved her.

We return to our hero and heroine at a time of great distress. Darcy and Elizabeth have been enjoying relative marital bliss for the past year. This year and the ones yet to follow shall bring trials and sorrow on this couple.

"Mr. Darcy." The doctor announced his return with a sombre step and countenance. Darcy leapt to his feet, in an unusual show of emotion. His sister was less forward; she stood gracefully, though no less a look of concern on her face than his.

"How is she?" Darcy burst out abruptly. The doctor, unfazed by his lack of etiquette, stood silently.

"I must offer my due congratulations on the successful birth of a daughter…"

"Fitzwilliam! They're all right!" Darcy held up a hand to stem his sister's flow of congratulations.

"Continue." He had seen what Georgiana had not: the doctor's hesitant, reluctant expression.

"Your wife…"

"Lizzy!"

"Your wife… however… is ill."

Georgiana stepped back and fell into the nearest seat. Darcy, however, stood stock-still for a moment, then paled and said nothing.

The doctor pressed on.

"Do you wish to see her?"

Darcy nodded. Georgiana made to accompany him, but he held up a firm hand. His sister dropped back into her chair, distressed.

"Lizzy!" Darcy rushed to her side. "My loveliest Elizabeth." He knelt over her bed and kissed her.

"You shouldn't Darcy… you'll get ill." She attempted to protest. Her soft voice almost broke his heart.

"I would die a thousand deaths to prevent you from facing this one." Lizzy laughed softly.

"You are more emotional than I have ever seen you…in our entire year of marriage…"

"Am I indeed?" It hurt to smile, but he did so, just to see the laughter in her eyes.

"You take great delight in teasing me, Darcy." Lizzy said playfully. "However, I must acknowledge, you have a point."

Darcy looked at Lizzy for an intense moment.

"My husband…" She whispered, all traces of her flippant mood vanishing.

"Lizzy…" He gathered her in his arms and clung to her like he would never let her go. He could feel her tears slipping out onto his shirt, and his fell on to the top of her head.

She drew away.

"What life must bring, it will." Lizzy said, with a soft smile on her pale face.