Chapter Thirty-Four

The month that followed passed by in a blur of happy emotions for Lizzy and Darcy. Although they had yet to publically acknowledge their engagement, it was gradually acknowledged that Elizabeth was to be the next Bennet to leave Longbourn. The young couple spent their mornings rambling around the Hertfordshire countryside not caring of the raised expectations around the village. The second eldest was regarded to have made a lucky escape as news of Lord Morecroft's demise and more importantly the real state of his affairs came to the attention of the local gossip mongers of Meryton.

His alleged fortune had all but been squandered through gambling and women. His estates were mere shells of what they once were, the furniture and valuables having been sold to the highest bidder, discreetly of course and the buildings in such disrepair that they were hardly habitable. His debts were staggering and there were many who were more than disgruntled about the Lord's untimely demise before they had managed to reclaim their money owed. Most of the speculation regarding Lord Morecroft's affairs was kept out of reach of the younger people of the town; most of his escapades were decidedly not suitable for those delicate young ears who had not yet entered married life.

Darcy however, had heard of the growing revelations about Lord Morecroft and was once more relieved at Elizabeth being safely in his protection and heart. He shuddered to think what kind of life she would have had if she had capitulated to Morecroft. It was more than he could stand. He looked down at the woman next to him and felt a surge of love and appreciation for the situation he now found himself in. They were taking their customary morning walk and were discussing their impending nuptials and when to divulge their changed status to the general populace.

"I was thinking that perhaps after the Meryton Assembly we could tell Papa that it would be acceptable to tell everyone that we are engaged?"

"Only acceptable? We have only been engaged just over a month and you view our upcoming marriage as only acceptable?"

"Sorry my love, I believe I have been spending too much time in your company and have become more reticent in my outward public emotions. I shall be sure to exclaim loudly with joy when our glorious announcement is made."

Seeing Darcy's rolling of eyes Lizzy cheekily grinned.

"Too much?"

"Not at all, please do, I want everyone to know how incandescently happy you shall be as the next Mrs Darcy."

"Do not worry William, these people have known me my entire life they know when I am happy, and they shall see that there is no other person on this earth that I
would rather spend the rest of my life with…well none that I have met anyway…"

"Wicked woman. It is a good thing I love you otherwise I would be tempted to turn tail and escape to Derbyshire."

"I am sorry to say that that would do little good. You forget my Aunt Gardiner's family is from your part of the world and I would take full advantage of that fact and torment you until you see reason."

"I am tempted to try this scenario just to see how you would torment me."

"Inventively my dear."

"Of that I have no doubt."

They lapsed into a contented silence and rambled for a further half hour before making their way back to Longbourn.

"Well then my love, this is goodbye for now. I will be back in time for the assembly."

"Are you not visiting Longbourn today?"

"I am afraid not. I fear I have neglected my host and his sisters for too long and the sisters especially are getting particularly concerned over my continued absence."

"Always the dutiful gentleman."

"Would you expect anything less?"

"Of course not."

"Good. I am also to write to Blake. I have been keeping him abreast of our news. He is trustworthy, and even though he is yet to reply I want him to know that he is thought of and when he is ready he has friends who will welcome him back to society with pleasure."

"That is good, I worry for Mr Blake, after all he has done to help me it is such a tragic fate that his befallen him. Please send him my warmest regards."

"As you wish, I am sure he will be appreciate the sentiment."

The young couple bid their adieus, Darcy heading back to Netherfield, and Lizzy to Longbourn, each satisfied with their morning walk.

Lizzy entered the parlour where Mary and Mr Collins where quietly sitting on the window seat, talking in low voices to one another. Lizzy surveyed the couple in satisfaction. The last few weeks had been very revealing in regards to the heir to Longbourn. Mr Collins could never be classified as an astute or intelligent man, but the time spent with Mary, and away from his patroness had proven to be most beneficial. He still thought Lady Catherine a paragon of greatness and the role model all should take queues from, however now he had Mary's quiet but firm opinions to contend with. The affection between the two was sincere and where his previous inclination was to boast loudly and frequently to all of the finery and position of Rosings and its great ladies, he would now talk with his wife to be on a very great number of topics, and Lady Catherine would perhaps enter the line of conversation only once every fifteen minutes rather than once every three.

Lizzy's gaze then moved onto Jane who was acting as chaperone whilst attending to some needlework. Sensing another person in the room she turned to Lizzy with a knowing glance.

"Did you enjoy your walk Lizzy? You must have walked a great deal, you seem quite flushed this morning."

Jane, whose own romance with Bingley was progressing with much happiness to both parties, was in high spirits of late, and enjoyed taking the opportunity to tease her usually unflappable sister, whilst also being overjoyed that Lizzy was engaged to someone she loved and was loved by in return.

Lizzy, who was not quite sure that she enjoyed this new, teasing sister, blushed a little as she remembered the kisses she had shared with William that morning.

"It was most enjoyable Jane. I really do recommend an early morning walk to set a spring in one's step. By the by, I forgot to ask, have you heard when we are next to see the Bingleys?"

"I believe that his sisters Caroline and Louisa have now fully settled into Netherfield. Cha- Mr Bingley, indicated at the Lucas's gathering last night that he will come to call imminently."

A slight raise of the eye-brow met Jane's slip of the tongue, but Lizzy was far too content at the happy countenance Jane possessed when talking about Mr Bingley to tease her too much.

"Imminently you say? I assume you have yet to tell mama such news as I would anticipate a higher presence of her…nerves….should she know we were expecting such illustrious visitors."

"I thought it best not to raise any expectations should the event not come to pass"

Jane's outward movements was all that was sincere and demure but Lizzy caught the glint in her eye and smirked.

"Indeed Jane."

The sisters only had time for a shared smile before the matron bustled into the room disrupting the quiet talk between Mary and Mr Collins to gather opinions on their upcoming nuptials and more importantly the celebration of it.

Mary, not one to usually enjoy being the centre of attention was rather pleased at having the undivided attention of her mother, even if she was not particularly interested in how many dishes should be served at the wedding breakfast or what type of lace should be on her wedding dress. She happily submitted to the endless questions that rarely required an answer and was glad that this focus of attention by her mother was not going to be of a long duration.

The day of the Meryton assembly arrived and the ladies and gentlemen of Longbourn were dressed in their finery, looking forward to an evening of dancing and frivolity.

Lydia and Kitty instantly departed from their family joining Maria Lucas and the Goulding sisters to talk bonnets and officers. Mary and Mr Collins were ushered by Mrs Bennet to the flock of neighbourhood mothers so she could crow over her success at having a daughter engaged.

Mr Bennet was making a rare appearance at an assembly, having spoken to Lizzy earlier in the day and being informed of the resolution to inform the rest of the family, and therefore the rest of Meryton of the engagement between Darcy and Lizzy. He did not want to miss one of the last occasions where he could officially be the most important man in his favourite daughter's life.

"Well Lizzy, are you quite sure you want to end the relative privacy you have had with your young man?"

Lizzy, who knew her father was somewhat wistful regarding her upcoming nuptials looped her arm around her father's and walked further into the room.

"I am quite sure papa, despite there being no official announcement, I am fairly positive that most people are aware of our affinity to each other."

"Yes I suppose, even I have not been able to escape the twitterings of our nearest and dearest neighbours indulging in their speculation of a certain gentleman from Derbyshire and a most impertinent country miss."

Here Lizzy squeezed her father's arm affectionately and murmured,

"You must remember, my courage rises with every attempt to intimidate. I am not afraid of a little gossip, I know that it is necessary in the road to my happiness."

Mr Bennet looked fondly at his daughter, proud of the young woman that she had become. The darkness of the previous year and the strain of Lord Morecroft had mostly lifted, and he will forever be grateful to the man who managed to uplift his dear Lizzy's spirits.

"Ah speaking of a certain young man I see that their party has arrived. Not that you could miss it, eh my dear?"

Mr Bennet chuckled as he saw the entrance of the Netherfield party. They were an eclectic group of people, destined to garner the attention of the room, each member for various reasons. Mr Darcy, Mr Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam, were by now staples of the neighbourhood and were understated but confident in their appearance, garnering the appreciation of many a woman, married and single alike. The more recent members of the Netherfield party, namely Mr Bingley's relations, Caroline Bingley and Louisa and Mr Hurst were not so welcome. The ladies had particularly outdone themselves this evening wearing utterly decadent adornments that looked very much out of place in the small assembly room but whose owners had no doubt made it very clear that they were a cut above any other woman in the vicinity.

Lizzy, whose mind worked in a similar fashion to her father's smiled as she saw the group assembled.

"Well they do look very bon ton do they not?"

"Indeed, Miss Bingley and her sister have proven to be welcome additions to our little neighbourhood do you not think?"

"Indeed papa." Lizzy inwardly grimaced. Caroline Bingley had shown that the only thing she apparently had in common with her younger brother was the fact they shared the same colour hair.

It had become painfully obvious that Caroline fancied herself to be the next mistress of Pemberley despite having no encouragement and the object of her obsession spending the majority of his time with another. Caroline clearly believed that Mr Darcy was obviously not serious in his tendre for that Eliza Bennet and he would soon see the error of his ways.

Elizabeth would have felt sorry for Miss Bingley if she had not tried to undermine her and her family at every opportunity despite the obvious attachment between Elizabeth, Darcy, Georgiana and the Colonel. Despite her annoyance with Caroline she never stooped to her level, she saw little point as she was secure in her love with Darcy and her family and she did not want to make Jane's relations with Mr Bingley difficult by souring her relationship with Caroline completely.

Lizzy's attention was soon diverted from Miss Bingley when her betrothed came to greet them whilst Mr Bingley skilfully took Miss Jane Bennet's arm and led her to his relations to try and further their acquaintance.

"Mr Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, good evening to you both." Darcy bowed to the former and kissed the hand of the latter, revelling in the blush that adorned his beloved's cheeks.

"Mr Darcy, I have just been discussing with my daughter the upcoming announcement. It is most fortuitous that Mr Bingley has arranged a post assembly supper this evening."

"Yes I thought it was quite perfect timing myself. Georgiana will be pleased to be part of the celebrations as she is not able to attend tonight."

"I imagine so, she is a dear girl."

Darcy bowed his head in recognition and thanks of the praise for his little sister.

"Now I hear the dancing is about to commence, I will let you young people enjoy the revelry I spy Mr Hatchett over there who can always be relied upon for sensible conversation.

With a quick nod Mr Bennet made towards one of the many nooks of the assembly room, which was also conveniently far away from his wife's musing on their daughters upcoming marital prospects.

Darcy turned towards Lizzy and held out his hand.

"If this set has not already been promised, may I have your hand for the first?"

Lizzy smiled happily, her content radiating through her as she placed her hand in its natural resting place as she was led to the line of dancers.

As the dance progressed, Lizzy and Darcy had eyes for none but each other and everyone, bar Caroline Bingley, was anticipating the announcement of another Bennet wedding.

Elizabeth and Darcy were not insensible to the speculation but found they cared little. They revelled in each touch as they moved through the dance. Darcy in particular enjoyed holding Elizabeth just a fraction longer and a little closer than was strictly proper but neither seemed to mind. They were both anticipating when they did not need the excuse of a dance to have such close contact with one another in public. Neither could wait until the day where Elizabeth was a Bennet no longer.

As the musicians were playing their final notes of the first set Lizzy and Darcy moved towards each other. Their moment of relative privacy was interrupted however by a blur of orange, namely Caroline Bingley who was none too pleased that Mr Darcy had opened the dance with some insignificant country miss instead of herself. In order to ensure that the natural order of things was maintained Caroline latched onto Darcy's arm.

"Oh Mr Darcy, how provincial this gathering is. I have not yet found a partner suitable to stand up with."

Elizabeth raised her eyebrow at this blatant display of vulgarity whilst Darcy subtly rolled his eyes at Caroline's predictable behaviour.

"Miss Bingley, I am afraid I do not understand, I find there are many suitable gentlemen here this evening. I daresay if you took the time to become acquainted with
some of them you will enjoy yourself."

Caroline tittered in disbelief.

"Surely you jest Mr Darcy, it would be insupportable for me to stand up with anyone here."

Lizzy could keep her tongue no further.

"And what do you mean by that exactly Miss Bingley"

Caroline sneered at Elizabeth.

"I do not expect you to understand Eliza, but Mr Darcy and I come from a very different world to…this. There is a certain expectation and standard amongst those of a higher sphere in how one behaves and who one associates with. I have not forgotten what is due as a person of my station."

Before Lizzy could retort Mr Darcy cut in with a very cool tone.

"Madam, I believe we have very different ideals of how one conducts themselves. I have been taught to treat those I encounter with all due respect. My esteem is found in how a person interacts with the world and its inhabitants not how it was born into it. My aunt and uncle, the Earl and Lady Fitzwilliam are in agreeance also. Tell me again Miss Bingley from where did you learn your knowledge of society and its rules?"

Miss Bingley had turned quite pale during this speech, having realised that Darcy was perhaps more taken in by Eliza than she previously thought. The not so subtle reminder as to her upbringing and just where her family's money came from was a bitter pill to swallow and she suppressed the urge to rebel against the injustice of his speech.

Darcy saw Miss Bingley resisting the urge to retort and took the opportunity to move away by taking Elizabeth's arm and leading her away.

Elizabeth was not impressed.

"The insufferable woman! I wonder how she is any relation to Mr Bingley?!"

"Caroline Bingley has always had a misplaced sense of superiority and unfortunately no-one has been able to convince her otherwise. But never mind Miss Bingley, she is not worth ruining our evening."

"You are right I suppose, I just feel for Jane, if she and Mr Bingley were to become engaged, for Jane to be tied to a family with such a woman, it is not fair."

Not ones to dwell on unhappiness the couple weaved through the crowds until they reached Jane and Mr Bingley who warmly greeted them.

The foursome spent the remainder of the time between sets conversing amicably, anticipating many such evenings to happen in the future before being led onto the
dance floor, Lizzy by Mr Bingley, Jane by Mr Darcy.

Lizzy was most amused at the man she would hopefully one day call brother. He was all that was charming, but his eyes would often drift towards his 'angel' as she danced with his best friend, a look of contentment whenever their eyes met across the dancefloor.

Lizzy, who was secure in the knowledge, via Darcy, that Bingley was truly in love with her sister was very happy to see such devotion towards a woman she thought was all that was deserving of such attention.

As the couples of the dance moved down the line, a particularly gangly youth no older than twenty years lost his footing and stumbled. An innocuous action, were he not so close to Lizzy. His foot landed awkwardly on to Lizzy's dress and she heard the distinctive tear as the fabric ripped at the bottom.

The young gentlemen did not even realise what he had done and had moved back to his partner, attempting to alleviate his humiliation in front of his rather pretty dance partner.

Lizzy was not so lucky, she saw the damage, though fairly small, it could cause her to trip if she carried on dancing. She glanced apologetically at Mr Bingley who had seen the incident unfold.

"Ah Miss Elizabeth, it seems as though you did not escape completely unscathed."

"Not quite Mr Bingley, I shall go and fix this mishap, would you be so kind as to relay to Jane and Mr Darcy that I will be back momentarily. Jane will know where to find me."

"Of course Miss Elizabeth."

With a quick smile Lizzy carefully edged her way to one of the antechambers reserved for such instances. It was a necessity for all young ladies to be prepared for any eventuality, as such Lizzy brought out a needle and thread from her reticule intent on quickly fixing the small damage done. She was just threading the needle when she saw heard a quiet knock on the door.

"Come in Jane, I will need your help with the angle of this tear."

Without looking up she continued in her task as she heard the door open and close. She did not hear the gentle click as the lock was turned.

"Jane, it is just a silly little mishap, someone stumbled upon the bottom of my-"

"Elizabeth."

Lizzy's head snapped to attention as the voice cut through her consciousness. She was lost for words as an icy fear swept through her.

"What is this? No words for your fiancé Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth was rooted to the spot as she took in the figure in front of her. He was blocking the door, the only exit to the room. He was shrouded in shadow and she could not make out his features but that taunting voice was one she would never forget.

A/N Hello all! Thank you for all your kind words and your continuing reading of this story despite it not being updated in…too long! I've had a hectic few years since moving to London, and RL very much took up my time. I've now graduated with my MA, which I was studying whilst working full time, changed jobs, and found myself a SO, all of which had left me with little time for writing.

I have read every single review, favourite and follow that has continued to come in my inbox, despite this story not being updated in so long. So thank you for not giving up on it! Life is more settled now, and the opportunity to write has become available once more and I am determined to finish this, despite the haphazard updating schedule. We are coming to the final stages to An Unpopular Notion so I hope that you enjoy!

This section here is for a guest reviewer who wrote some notes for the previous chapters, so there's no need to read these ramblings!

Hello! Sorry I couldn't answer in a pm but there was no reply button as you were not signed in. I just thought I'd clarify some points that you'd brought up.

This is a good beginning to the story, but I find it unrealistic that Lizzy would be allowed to wander around London without an escort. Nor is it realistic that she can walk from Cheapside to Hyde Park easily, or even commute there as a single, unescorted lady. Mr & Mrs Gardiner were not negligent and knew the dangers of town.

First of all the distance from Hyde Park to Cheapside- to be absolutely honest when I started this years ago the thought of the distance between the two hadn't even crossed my mind, it was purely used as somewhere that was recognisable that they both might be walking to pass the time/contemplate things. That being said, I have recently been editing this story and have already changed the mode of transport/carriage waiting as I too realised the distance is quite far, but as I'm waiting to finish the story as a whole before reworking it, I haven't posted the revised chapters yet!

"Yes cousin Lizzy, I am glad that Amelia did not end up with that horrid Lord, I too am determined to marry for love just like her!"

Sorry, but I can't picture five year old Emma using the word 'horrid'.

The word 'horrid' – I actually used this when I was little so I didn't think it was too ahead of her age vocabulary, also listening to her cousin, mother and father speak she was bound to pick up more 'grown-up' words and add it into her conversation, but sorry if you didn't think it fit.

Knowing Lizzy's situation with Morecroft and the 'accidental' meetings between the two, how can Mrs Gardiner blithely permit her niece to travel unescorted in London? Mrs Gardiner is a sensible, astute woman, who must realize at this time that Morecroft is stalking Lizzy, and that he has the means and stubbornness to get what he wants. Your story lacks the sensibilities of the Regency era.
Such possibilities would also have occurred to Mr Bennet, whose intelligence would have realized that sending Lizzy to town would not have prevented Morecroft from imposing himself on her. As one who studied people, he would have easily perceived Morecroft's true character and lack of morals. Mr Bennet and Mr and Mrs Gardiner do not live up to their innate characters in protecting Lizzy, given their actions so far.

As to your chapter 6 comments, Lizzy at the end of chapter 5 was annoyed and insulted by Mr Darcy and Lord M after the initial meeting when Morecroft was present, she wanted to get away without too much thought of propriety (which is something I'm sure we can all relate to!). Obviously had the walk gone as planned she would have gone back to the Darcy house and arrived back at Gracechurch street the same way she came-in the carriage (which in my head I just assumed that a maid was a given in travelling with her) Once she was with the Darcy's she didn't need the maid with her and on the way back she'd have one once more- if she hadn't walked off.

Also at this point Mrs Gardiner only knows of one meeting between Morecroft & Lizzy in London and that was purely accidental. Morecroft had called at Gracechurch street after Lizzy had left and Mrs Gardiner obviously hadn't told him where her niece was. Morecroft doesn't live too far away from the Darcy's and so him walking through the park on his way back from calling on Lizzy and running into them is just really unfortunate luck- but not totally unbelievable.

Also, Mrs Gardiner had only met Morecroft once, that very morning and did not know the full extent of his personality and the lengths he would go to, surely you can then pardon her apparent resistance to keep Lizzy under strict surveillance when she came to them from escaping the oppressing presence of her mother.

Which brings me to your comments on Mr Bennet which I'm afraid we'll just have to agree to disagree, sorry! Mr Bennet is intelligent yes. He wants to protect Lizzy, yes. However Mr Bennet is also not a pro-active man and, to me at least, does not seem the type of man to restrict what his favourite daughter wants to do if it doesn't cause much difference to him. In my mind, Mr Bennet would have tried his best to avoid the chatter of the women and the goings on by secluding himself in his library whilst the Lord was visiting. It would be Mrs Bennet who would be the parent observing and willing the couple to succeed.

As Morecroft was not a houseguest as Mr Collins was, Mr Bennet would not have had the same opportunities to really assess Morecroft and his motives for what he did. Morecroft offered marriage, Lizzy refused. Her father backed her up in this decision. Mrs Bennet would not forgive Lizzy and Morecroft still found ways to see Lizzy. Lizzy wanted to escape the environs of Longbourn and so asked her father to go to London. Surely it would have been better for Lizzy to go to London with an Aunt and Uncle who would not blame her for turning down a marriage proposal rather than stay at home and be subjected to verbal abuse by her mother and Morecroft's presence? Mrs Bennet was told not to tell Morecroft where Lizzy was but she did anyway and that is how he knew where Lizzy was. I personally do not feel that Mr Bennet would have easily seen through to Morecroft's true sinister character in the short space of time that they actually spent together, nor believe that he would earnestly continue his pursuit of Lizzy to London. After all, why would he? Lord Morecroft was probably like other men of his ilk and forgets his want after the subject of his attention had relocated and he grew bored?

An unmarried, genteel lady would never have nursed a widowed gentleman in his own house for 5 years and then ask his unmarried son permission to continue in that role. Her reputation would have been in tatters.

Your issue with Cassandra being at Blake's father's bedside is understandable, however like I said, they were long-time close family friends, Blake Sr, was like a second father to her. She was never left alone with him (there were paid servants always present), nor did she reside in the same house as him. She visited him often and offered aid whilst she was there but she was by no means a 'live-in nurse.' Unorthodox, yes, but I already mention that in the chapter, Cassandra put the needs of the ill older man who she cared deeply for over that of what the wagging tongues of the ton might say- her father and brother had already damaged their family name, and she did not put much stock into what others said. She could handle what, if any, scandal arose from it. Also I don't see how her asking Blake to continue visiting him is particularly damning for pretty much the same reasons as above.

She had always thought herself fearless and strong, able to handle any situation. Her move to London was her decision."

Utimately, her move to town was her father's decision, not Lizzy's. Though entertaining, your Lizzy is too independent for her time. Also, you have yet to establish credibly why such a rich man as Morecroft would be so obsessed with a country nothing, albeit her youth and fine eyes.

Not to be purposefully nitpicking but it was Lizzy's choice to go to London, if she had not wanted to go she wouldn't have written to the Gardiners or asked to go, therefore in my eyes it was Lizzy's decision not her father's. Also the quote you used is Lizzy's self-perception. It represents how she felt about her own capabilities in trying to maintain order in her own life, not society's views on the restriction of women's rights in general at the time.

As for the entire credible reason why Morecroft wanted to marry Lizzy you'll just have to wait until the story is actually finished to find out I'm afraid, I'm a fan of not giving everything away all at once! (Although for some, youth and fine eyes and a penchant to getting what they want is enough to ignite an obsession.)

Without at least one of his sisters to act as hostess, Charles Bingley could not properly entertain guests at Netherfield. Since Georgiana was not out in society, she could not fulfil this requirement for Charles.

It was Georgiana who was 'entertaining' the guests and even though she is not out yet the two eldest Bennet sisters, especially Lizzy are extremely familiar with her. Originally the gentlemen were not with the women and their visit was to be an informal talk of a relatively short duration; it was only the weather that made their leaving impossibility. Also it fit in with the story; I'm not trying for 100% historical accuracy so I sacrificed a little bit of social propriety to dramatic license!

Blake's letter to Darcy was included at the end of chap. 28 - why is it necessary to repeat its content entirely in this chapter?

As my A/N at the top of chapter 29 stated, it had been a while since the previous update and instead of recapping the entire chapter, the only thing pertinent to chapter 29 was the letter, so I inserted it into the text, also I did mention in the A/N that I am to remove it when I have finished editing the entire story once it's finished…

Anyway, I hope these answers and explanation of my reasoning help to clear up some of your queries that you had about AUN, I appreciate that you took the time and effort to make sure I'm kept on my toes! I must admit though, the great thing about fanfiction is that everything of the original p&p is up for interpretation, and everyone's views aren't going to be the same, and I'm glad, otherwise the site wouldn't exist! I appreciate you taking the time to read AUN and to give me your thoughts on improving though, so Thanks, I hope you continue to read and enjoy AUN.

Amy