Dessa's Note: It's finished and I don't know how I feel about that. It's been so long! Since February 2010! But I'm glad I finished it as it allows me to focus on other projects. I'm sorry for delaying it so long, it really is terrible of me, but at least you won't have to wait for another update on this again :P

This chapter is dedicated to my early reviewers! And the reviewers who have stuck with me, pushed me and given me the motivation I've always so desperately needed to keep this story going. You guys know who you are. THANK YOU! So... for the last time: On with the show!

Chapter 24

Lady Kuukaku's over-spilling grandeur was such a stark contrast to the Livingstone's modest garden scenery that she rendered any beauty in her surroundings to be ruthlessly demolished. Her billowing skirts that whipped the ground followed stomped footsteps that crunched the grass with derisive anger. Orihime timidly followed her visitor, confused at the hostility seeping from the Lady's posture and the haughty look bestowed upon her when the lady finally stopped and addressed her.

'I suppose you are perplexed as to my presence in this barren part of the country,' Orihime had attempted to express her surprise but had not time as her ladyship continued her talk barely three moments after she stopped. 'But you should not, you know very well why I am here, so do not attempt to deceive me. I am ashamed to admit that your feigned innocence had indeed once biased me towards thinking you a decent girl. However that shan't happen again and I expect you to answer all my questions in direct truth.'

Miss Inoue was so astonished at the strength of her ladyship's language that her voice had momentarily locked when she became conscious that an answer of some sort was expected. 'As I have never once attempted to speak anything but the truth I hope I may be believed when I confess that I have no knowledge; explicit or blurred, that can explain your ladyship's presence at my home. Please do enlighten me and I shall be as respectfully helpful as possible.'

'Oh do not tire me child! I am not the sort of person who can or will be trifled with, I demand you to answer me now or I will be brought to a level of anger such that not even my own brother has seen.'

'A question has not been asked.' Answered Orihime, a glitter of vexation in her grey eyes though her face was tolerably passive. Lady Kuukaku seemed thrown by this succinct sentence that she staggered in her hostile speech, but reclaimed herself almost immediately.

'Though you know precisely the topic of what I speak and my reasons for being here I shall declare clearly to fortify your shame in the outrageous matter!' Orihime flinched slightly from the strength of the words but made no other act of response. 'I have recently heard a disturbing report of a blasphemous nature. Therefore, I made it my intention to seek out this forsaken place and undo all the wrongs done!' her ladyship's countenance slowly manoeuvred to a questionably maddening state while she spoke that Orihime would have been concerned for her ladyship's eyeball not retaining their place inside her eye sockets, where it not for the alarming sense of the speech. 'Do you still claim, Miss Orihime Inoue, that you know nothing of the shameful proceedings for which I am about to unearth?' Orihime repeated that she did not. 'Very well, it was that you! You with your obscure birth and flimsy broken upbringing are engaged to my nephew Mr Kurosaki!' Orihime's eyes widened in shock, she could not conceive where such a report could originate from and was s lost in thought that she almost missed her uninvited guest's resumed speech. 'I knew it could not be true, the very notion is impossible! Impossible! My nephew would never wilfully plunder his reputation by sinking into a bad marriage.' Her ladyship's teeth had gritted upon the final two words. 'Nor would he forget what he owes to himself and all the family. You... his wife, Oh what a ghastly thought! And do not believe that even if your arts and allurements had captured him, that you would benefit as your sister has advantageously plotted! Well? What say you on all this?' demanded the lady imperiously.

'I confess there does not seem room for me to add to the matter, it seems your ladyship has the facts already sanctioned and verified.'

Her ladyship was not amused, 'Do not trifle with me Miss Inoue, I am not the sort of person who can or will be digressed or disrespected by flippancy to the call of my orders. I came here with the expectation of a clear answer and I demand to receive one!'

'With all due respect your ladyship, other than expressing how offended I am in being unjustifiably insulted, I know not what else to say.'

'Unjustifiably insulted? My dear you are certainly speaking far above station! Do you not understand? Your offended sensibilities are not worthy of my concern. My concern only revolves around all and intimate dealings of my nephew, now answer me, has my nephew made an offer of marriage to you?'

'I believe my dealings are none of your concern. Nor will your ladyship's behaviour induce me to be obliging.'

'Enough! My nephew is engaged to my niece the daughter of lady Yoruichi, now what have you to say?'

'That there could have been no suspicion of my involvement if that is so.'

Lady Kuukaku looked staggered for a moment. 'The engagement has been arranged since their childhood. A peculiar but not unheard of arrangement. It was the treasured wish for his mother and her aunt. Lady Yoruichi was adequately flippant about the matter to push the boundaries of prudence that it was considered she cared not for the future for her daughter, in conclusion; her opinions was not made nor considered. naturally the execution of the marriage is a priority of utmost importance, the reason was to maintain the proper genteel bloodline and sustenance of superior birth. Therefore, the alarming report of your vile interference angers me greatly!'

'Blood functions in nourishing our bodies, in that function there is no difference between any two humans of this world. What differentiates us is how we treat that blood, either by toxicities or conceited pride. But we will all be brought forth in humble equality when each of us will inevitably reside in the same space of earth six feet under the ground upon our deaths.'

'Naive girl! We live in a world where mankind are set in stages, and the balance of life depends on the fixation of these specific stages by the contribution of the different bands of society knowing precisely where their place is! And you would do well to remind yourself of your own seat in society by directly answering my questions!'

'I fear our difference of opinion prevents me from complying with your ladyship's requests.'

Lady Kuukaku huffed in fatigued annoyance. 'Do not trifle with me, are you or are you not engaged to my Nephew Ichigo Kurosaki?'

Orihime deliberated for a moment and with a frown she spoke. 'We are not.'

Lady Kuukaku's sigh of relief was almost tangible. 'And will you promise to the deepest traces of your honour that you will not enter into such an arrangement?'

'No.'

Her ladyship's disapproval took the form of shocked protruding eyes. 'No? You dare defy your elders? Have you no honour for propriety, prudence and correctness?'

'Yes.'

'This matter is of explicit importance and I demand for your word that no engagement will be entered unto with my nephew!'

'Your ladyship has no rule over the intervention of my private affairs, and so I shall promise nothing. I have been offended in every possible way and must beg for your ladyship's leave.' The lady in question was in such a state of shock that she could do nothing but stare after Miss Inoue's retreating back.

'Insolent insufferable girl!' she cried, finally gaining sense and following hastily after the younger lady. Orihime said nothing and headed towards the grand carriage belonging to her unwanted guest. The stood facing each other in defiance in front of the open carriage door. 'Disrespectful child, I offer no glad departing, nor any word to your mother. I am severely angered and displeased by your appalling conduct.' And with no other word she stepped into the carriage by aid of the footman and left.

Orihime had several questions upon her as she entered Livingstone, her mother and sisters were confused and surprised at the call, Orihime gave vague closed answers that truncated any ideas unearthing the true reasons for the visit. In the private mercy of her bedchambers she remained silent on the matter but was able to reflect in relative peace. Lady Kuukaku's obstinate demands had angered and insulted her greatly, but she could not shy away from the scraps of truth the lady had spoken. Miss Inoue and Mr Kurosaki did indeed come from very different spheres of life and any unity between them would most definitely have accompanied hardships with regard to family ties.

Orihime found herself wishing for Mr Kurosaki's endearments when she no longer could hope to procure them, she had reacted fiercely to his proposal as to offend his pride so deeply that hope for a second was impossible. Oh how she regretted informing him of the family's distresses when Momo had run away, though she was highly grateful for his aid in restoring her sister. The latter act had Orihime pondering over his motives, and wondered if she was his reasoning for acting so, as soon the thoughts settling in her mind she wipe it away, owing it to simple vanity and an over-active female imagination.

Mr Ishida's Brockledale ball in honour of his fiancé was talked of dramatically and exorbitantly among the community of Shropshire now that it was only seven days away. It did not escape Orihime's reflection that the year previous a ball by the same host had been enjoyed by the community and so much had happened since then. She pondered if Ishida's friends would be attending, but importance for her only focused on seeing one of his friends. Not that she expected much from his company as his former calls a Livingstone proved him to be a complete mute in her presence.

Miss Kurotsuchi was blushing and stuttering more than usual in the weeks that preceded the ball her mother insisted on teasing her on every occasion where Mr Ishida was in the room, which had been a daily occurrence since the onset of the engagement. The few days before the ball; the happily engaged lady was pressured under every means by her mother to dress as immaculately as possible for the ball. At first Miss Kurotsuchi listened to her mother's streaming advice with patience but she soon grew fatigued by the onslaught and enthusiasm of her mother's lines of supposed wisdom.

The ball arrived and with it came Orihime's very nervous disposition, she both anticipated and feared seeing Mr Kurosaki and the reasons for her fidgeting fingers were lost on her family. As soon as she stepped foot inside the ballroom against her reasoning and mind, Orihime walked in search of Mr Kurosaki, while reminding herself that there was no hope of a renewal of his feelings which had long been doused. She had found him speaking to his friend Mr Abarai who looked marginally more lively that he had been when she last saw him in Derbyshire, she supposed he had found relief in avenging his lover's pride despite her no longer being present with the living. The moment her eyes moved from Mr Abarai to his orange haired companion, she found the same companion's warm brown eyes on hers. The consciousness of acknowledging each other's presence overwhelmed Orihime who found his eyes too intense for her frazzled nerves and instead of seeking his company as intended; she turned on her heel and marched away to the gardens where she concentrated on cooling her red cheeks in the wintery air.

By the time Orihime encouraged herself to appear indoors again, the Ball had swept into the festive spirit only happily engaged couples and a gossiping community could bring. The couple themselves were far too busy speaking to each other and dancing with each other that all else were ignored, Orihime selfishly hoped they would not entertain such focused attitudes when married for she feared her sister may never spare anytime for herself, but for the present Orihime was delighted with the resumed happiness Nemu glowed in and it gave her hope that happy marriages could in fact be brewed in a world that she only felt accumulating disappointments in.

A gentleman asked her hand to dance, and then another and another. She danced with each hoping for a distraction from her thoughts which were still tossing back and forth over anything remotely involved with Mr Kurosaki, when suddenly at the end of her third dance Mr Kurosaki himself approached her.

'Good evening Miss Inoue,' approached he in a somewhat nervous voice, she wondered if Shropshire disagreed with him as she could not remember him being awkward at all on his home lands in Derbyshire.

'Good evening Mr Kurosaki,' replied she in the same level of nervous trepidation, she smiled a little to calm herself but the effect had managed to bring courage in the gentleman and they spoke of simple things for a little while such as her health, his health, the Miss Kurosaki's stage of education and the moustache of Holkham Hall's caretaker; Tessai. The latter topic managed to capture Orihime's attachments for strange fascinations and calm down her nervous mind as she took upon the subject with such enthusiasm; finding Tessai's moustache such a fascinating aspect of the said gentleman's face that Mr Kurosaki pondered whether he himself should grow one too.

'Would you accept dancing the next two reels with me?' suddenly asked Mr Kurosaki after the topic of finely groomed moustaches was depleted. Orihime remained silent for a few moments thinking of his motives before scolding herself for thinking too deeply of the matter, it was only an innocent dance for heaven's sake! She then agreed and took his outstretched arm as he lead her to the centre of the ball room. As they walked Orihime noticed many of the elderly audience narrow their eyes in disapproval and the reason only alighted her mind when she had started talking; the community still believed many of the lies that was speedily disseminated by Aizen, they all still believed Mr Kuroskai to be a seducer, a conspirer in behaving inappropriately with married women and an owner to a horrid character. This quickly saddened Orihime and it was plainly evident on her dimmed visage. Almost immediately her dance partner enquired after her change in mood. She gazed at him then; coming to an understanding of the pains he must be suffering in simply being in Shropshire surrounded by the poorly hidden slander. He had undertaken such emotional peril and financial burden in seeking out Aizen and ultimately bribing him to marry her sister. And yet, the local community continued to vilify him. The sense of injustice was acutely felt by Miss Inoue who could only open and close her mouth in uncertainty, her feet continued with the dance steps automatically when all she desired was to speak to Mr Kurosaki and inform him of just how much her opinions of him had changed. But she had not courage to fight her bashfulness and instead averted her eyes in both shame at her weakness and sadness of the community's behaviour.

The two promised dances ended with Mr Kurosaki scowling in some measure of concern, and as the dancers left the floor he engaged Miss Orihime in accepting a brief walk in the gardens, she agreed and requested her shawl be brought to her. Once it was brought she put it on with shaky fingers. The walk was silent for the first ten minutes where both parties were too bashful to speak. Soon enough Orihime could bear the tension no longer and she began to tremblingly speak.

'Mr K-Kurosaki please a-allow me to express on behalf of all my family for the heavy involvement you undertook in restoring my sister's character. Though they do not know how deeply indebted they are to you.' Mr Kurosaki was astonished that she knew any particular of the matter and Orihime hastened to explain how she had come to learn of it. 'My sister let slip that Mr Abarai and yourself were present at her wedding which stirred my curiosity I then made enquiries to my aunt and could not stop till I knew the whole. She did not mean to betray any confidences as that was all my own doing'.

'Do not stress yourself Miss Inoue, I have full trust that details of those matters won't fall erringly from your lips. As for your family's gratitude, they owe me none, everything I did was to repent for the evils I had incurred upon you, but I must confess; I had hoped to bring some relief to your troubles as well.'

Orihime face lit into the brightest smile Mr Kurosaki had ever seen upon her handsome face and it caused him to blush faintly, thankfully the evening was too dark for the lady to see it.

'You brought no injustices to me Mr Kurosaki, any critical word I received was to be expected for my truly uncivil behaviour.'

'Do not speak so ill of yourself, it is like watching nature move against itself. And besides, it was not you who required condemnation, but I, I who spoke in arrogant pride; what incivility did I not deserve if you were at all uncivil?'

Orihime knew not what or how to respond, so she simply gazed upon him for a few moments before saying in a tone of admiration and respect, 'You are a good man Mr. Kurosaki.'

The said gentleman blushed again, and searched her face for something, he was not even sure of what he was looking for, but her resumed smile was adequate encouragement. 'Miss Inoue, I am not a type of man one who is eloquent with words, but your Initial rejection last spring was excruciatingly painful, and I could only come to terms with it by regarding it a lesson learned. Since then I had not dared to hope, but you are worth a second broken heart, and I do not hesitate to ask you now again for your hand in marriage.'

Orihime was again overwhelmed by the intensity of his words and expressions that she could not immediately formulate an answer, a few moments of silence turned into a full sixty seconds, which then transformed into two stretched minutes and Mr Kurosaki had begun perspiring despite the chilly winter weather. Orihime could still not formulate a reply so all she did was nod and smile. His elation spread to herself and managed to numb the happy shock. On no other occasion had she ever seen his face so relaxed and joyful and she felt fatefully chosen for it being bestowed upon her. Conversation resumed after a short duration and with it brought Mr Kurosaki's cause for daring to hope; Lady Kuukaku had lost no time in driving towards Derbyshire and confronting her nephew. Despite there not being any evidence to unearth any crime he might have committed in offering an illicit proposal; Lady Kuukaku was dominant in her criticism of Miss Inoue and abused her heavily for incompliance and vexatious temper. During her outrage, Mr Kurosaki had to refrain from acting disrespectfully but was stunned when he heard that Miss Inoue refused to acquiesce to his aunt's commanding requests. He knew Miss Inoue well enough that had she still harboured ill feelings towards him she would have made her thoughts known to his aunt and plainly stated she would never marry him as she had said to his face.

The fact that she had held opportunities open allowed him to hope. And he had made his way down to Shropshire with intensions of observing the situation to ascertain if his hopes could elaborate or dye painfully.

They spoke of his visits at Livingstone, and Orihime stressed at the agony of his silences, he replied that she acted identically.

'But I was bashful and found myself without courage to speak!' She confessed.

'As was I.' explained he with a small smile.

When their lack of presence was evident, the newly engaged couple re-entered the ball and Mr Kurosaki agreed to see her mother the next morning. Orihime left the ball in spirits completely opposite to how she arrived it in, that it confused all who returned home with her. That night no somnolence greeted her, only her rapidly twisting and formulating thoughts accompanied her, it had gotten so late in the evening that she grew fear of how her appearance may form in the morning when she was to hopefully see Mr Kurosaki.

The night was long but the morning arrived as was due and with it came a dishevelled appearance that Orihime was frantic to solve. Before she could attempt to condition her hair by the aide of her faithful hairbrush, the doorbell rang, causing her own heart to ring. She dashed to the corridor, and could hear the sound of a gentleman, and her heart sped up in haste. He was then shown to her mother's room where a lengthy period of time passed. Orihime was all nerves and agitation, she paced her room till the floor boards were sanded by her steps. Eventually Orihime asked a passing maid if her mother was free of company, the maid replied in the affirmative and Orihime rushed to the library where she supposed her mother to be present. She found her Lady Matsumoto frowning heavily, her eyes cast down in concentration, she raised her head upon the door opening and finding her daughter standing in front of her.

'Ah, Orihime, I was just about to call for you. Take a seat.' Said the elder in a sombre tone, one that Orihime scarcely ever heard. Orihime gulped and took the seat opposite her mother's. 'I have had a very sudden visit from a most unlikely caller.'

'Y-yes?'

'It was Mr. Kurosaki, he came to ask permission in taking your hand in marriage. One that you consented to apparently?' Orihime nodded her head blushingly, too shy to actually speak. 'He spoke well and respectfully, but I have refused him any of my permission.'

Orihime gasped in horror 'But why Ma'am?'

'Why? Is that not obvious? He is the most hated man this side of England! And for good reason! I do not know under what spell he has blanketed around your eyes, but his past deviation of morality and honour seems to have escaped your memory. Do you not remember how cold, conceited and uncivil he was to you? Under no circumstances could I let a character such as he take away from me a most beloved daughter. I have already sold one off for the price of her honour, I could never do that to a second even for all the riches she would obtain in marriage.'

'Oh no Ma'am you are most severely mistaken!'

'My dear Orihime, can you not see that you have been bewitched in much the same way that Mr Kurosaki seduced the former Mrs Aizen?'

'No! No Ma'am, he did no such thing!' And Orihime continued on hastily to explain the whole of Mr Kurosaki's history with Miss Rukia, who she was and why she had come to Livingstone. Naturally she felt that including the almost-scandal that fell on Miss Yuzu Kurosaki was too sensitive a topic for her mother's ears and she omitted it out in respect for Mr Kurosaki's honour. She alighted her mother on Mr Abarai's history without disclosing too much that still maintained the gentleman's secrecy. Her mother at first interrupted her repeatedly, but on learning the serious gravity of the tale she was being told she sat quietly; allowing her eyebrows to continuously rise in astonishment.

'What a truly despicable character that Aizen is. And now he is my son in law... splendid. At least my daughter has faithful sisters to rely on if she were to be treated just as abominably. This lengthy history certainly clears Mr Kurosaki's name, but it does not mean the incivility I have seen from his is any less true. I doubt the match would be good and so I maintain my refusal.'

Orihime was desperate. 'Ma'am, please I love him, truly I do.'

Mrs Matsumoto closed her eyes in exhaustion. 'At what point in the universe did this happen?'

Orihime sighed and braced herself for another lengthy conversation, she spoke of her time in Derbyshire, how she had been treated and how she had learned how wrong her estimation for his character was. She spoke of his generosity, his kindness and what he had secretly done for their family with no payment or credit given. Mrs Matsumoto's opinion shifted almost immediately.

'This is certainly surprising news. I suppose I ought to offer to repay him, but he will speak as nonsensical lovers do and say it was all in the name of his special lady.' Orihime blushed 'Very well, he is welcome to take your hand as far as I am concerned. Only if you are absolutely sure of your affections?' Orihime nodded her head fervently. 'I do not know how long my refusal would have held that gentleman he was very adamant for my permission. I had better write to invite him for dinner and you had better brush your hair.' For the first time since entering the library looked at her hair that lay in horrid tatters, she blushed and retired to her bed chambers in an attempt to reconcile what had been left of her appearance.

The evening came and the engagement was announced. The family was most felicitous toward Orihime's fortune, the neighbourhood met the news with the same tone of hearing that England were at war, the doubt settled in huge waves but the gossiping old ladies were gleeful at the fresh news, any thought of Mr Kurosaki being evil left them and was displaced by only talk of his wealth. Mrs Matsumoto took pains to get acquainted with her fiancé, which brought happiness to Orihime's heart, but not as much as when her mother spoke of him in warm fondness.

The wedding succeeded that of Mr and Mrs Ishida's with only a month spread apart. Orihime shed her name to take that of her husband and with the inheritance she became the happiest woman that live, that happiness could only be rivalled by her husband who confessed that he could not imagine a more fortunate man than himself.

Mrs Matsumoto wept that Miss Inoue was to be taken away so far away from her, she compensated by taking sudden trips into Derbyshire and surprising her daughter but evidently annoying her son in law, whom she could not help but tease. Mrs Kurosaki's mother then became acquainted with Lady Yoruichi and the teasing intensified, but Mr Kurosaki persevered for his wife's sake who admitted to missing her mother immensely. Mrs Ishida Moved into Brockledale Hall with her husband, but they quitted it after only a few months as the community's constant interference in her affairs had even crossed her most gentle temper. The moved into the Derbyshire county close to Holkham hall where Mr Ishida had bought a manor. Mrs Aizen's ending was not so happy, her husband would often leave her and pay more attention to London amusements. His affection was never born, hers lasted far beyond what was expected, her husband's love of grandeur assured their always exceeding their income and she would often write to her sisters for poorly disguised aide. Orihime would give from her own allowances and never let her husband know.

Lady Kuukaku disapproved of the match strongly and she made her sentiments known to her nephew by a very colourful letter that abused his wife heartily. This angered Mr Kurosaki to such an extent that he refused contact with his aunt. He was gradually brought round by gentle persuasion from his wife and a channel of communication had been resumed. Eventually Lady Kuukaku came to accept the marriage, but mostly to appease her avid curiosity of Orihime's house-keeping abilities. Every time Lady Kuukaku would call, Orihime would non-verbally thank her for being the reason that produced her marriage.

Despite her sister's misfortune, Orihime lived in excitement and felicity. Her husband had learned to calm his temper and right his faults and she was taught more of the world. She became a sister to his sisters and they respected her immensely, at first they were shocked by her familiarity to him, but were just as shocked by the transformation she brought to his character.

They loved her, just as she loved them and nearly as much as she loved their brother.

THE END

Dessa's Note: Well, that's it folks. I will be revising my chapters because I am aware of all the horrible mistakes its filled with. No kissing here as it didn't happen in Pride and Predjudice so I see no reason for it to be here. I hoped I managed to rein in some semblance of romance (I know nothing of romance and that has been a big problem for me in writing this fic). Thank you for my wonderful reiewers: Ichimie Shaz, Nyspy (I love you), It0takes0skills0to0be0me, these are my confessions, Snowfor10 (I love you too), Aisaka, Llyza (thank you so much for the support and drawings), World-of-bleach2b (thank you for your support from across the English channel, your support was paticularly effective), Nisey610 and Cristya Blade (Thank you for eventually reading my fic, P+P is truly wonderful and I'm sorry you've been pounded into reading it). Well, now I'm going to work on my sequals to My New Neighbour, be patient with me!