XXIII: The Truth Revealed.

AN: It seems I've shocked a few, confounded others and left some hanging a time too many. So

1) Gleeful, gleeful author, you got the response you wanted. Thank you to those who were shocked. It seems my self-appointed task of an 'Oh' moment worked.

2) I didn't mean to confound anyone. Most of the clues are in chapter 16: A Little History, as it the family tree for Lady Elizabeth Forbes. To make it completely obvious, Lord Michael Pembroke, 5th Earl of Rutledge had two children. Lady Elizabeth, his only legitimate child and Lord Michael Pembroke, 7th Earl of Rutledge, his illegitimate child to Lady Beatrice Pembroke. Beatrice married Lord Percival Pembroke, 6th Earl of Rutledge, but never consummated the marriage as she fell in love with Michael Forbes, who was not her father-in-law. Percival Pembroke was a relation and heir to the Earldom in much the same way as Mr. Collins would inherit Longbourn.

3) Finally, the last chapter was not supposed to be a cliffhanger. It just seemed like a really good place to end it. If I'd continued, the chapter would have been very long. Why do I hear a lot of groans and shouts of why did you have to stop there! Also, as to publishing this story in the near future, cliffhangers on every chapter are almost required so the reader continue reading. After all that sells books.

My personal fav review came from Mangosmum, all three of them. I had to laugh at the number of reads to get all the subtle clues. Thank you for persevering. Fada Mironga. Yes, please, ask Aunt Beatrice go explain, for God's sake! No more misunderstandings at this point, ok? People learn from their mistakes. This is Pride and Prejudice. People only learn when everything's gone to s**t. I think you have the original plot of PP down perfect and can see the similarities. Only this time the misunderstandings aren't between Elizabeth and Darcy!

Lady Pembroke remained seated in the drawing room, unwilling to allow her frustration show. Her tea had long gone cold but she retained the delicate cup and saucer in one hand. The other played with the object she had secreted in her pocket on leaving London yesterday. Her plan was coming together, not quiet as quickly as she'd hoped. Still, her aim would soon be achieved.

Around her, the choreographed and much anticipated dance occurred as expected. On the long sofa Mr. Hurst continued to snort occasionally, his belly full from an overindulgence of food and drink at breakfast. Beside him, Mrs. Hurst played with her bangles, board by her inconsequential life. The woman was an empty vessel without her sister to share snide comments. Miss Bingley had rushed off who knew where, nor did Lady Pembroke particularly care as long as the woman was out of the way. Seated in her wing-backed chair by the blazing fire gave her pause to think upon what would come next and how she must act.

Getting Mr. and Mrs. Bennet to leave had been a rather simple affair. As had relocating Miss Lucas, Mr. Bingley and her niece to the music room. Georgiana had her instructions. She was to delight her companions while Beatrice concluded her business. Michael had taken his bride on tour of the gardens, thus getting the newly weds out from under her feet. They would be returning shortly, leaving Lady Pembroke with precious little time to achieve her goal, that of engaging Lady Elizabeth's heir to her nephew.

As Lady Catherine would say, they were designed for each other. Snorting at the thought, the woman could be so obtuse. As if her ignorant, vapid daughter was any match for Fitzwilliam. He was a true Darcy and required a woman of spirit and wit to challenge his aloof and all to serious countenance. Catherine's little mouse quaked at the very sight of Darcy, while her nephew ignored the girl completely while at Roseings.

"Mother," Lady Beatrice muttered, "would have been proud of this match. Lady Alice was a woman who would not be gainsaid. With five brother's, all serving in Her Majesties Forces, it could not be expected for such a woman to stand on the sidelines. Mama learnt her lesson's well, becoming all that society expected as the only daughter of an Earl. She was accomplished, polished and poised in public, but quite unrelenting behind the scenes. Few knew the real woman, for mother would not show it to any acquaintance or servant. She taught me well, as I will continue to teach Jane and Elizabeth. A woman's place is standing beside her husband. Percival Pembroke did not understand that and he suffered for it."

As if called by her force of will, Mr. Forayer appeared at the entry to the Drawing room. His prearranged nod indicated it was time to set in motion the rest of her plan. Keeping her sigh internalised, Beatrice rose from her chair. Approaching the attorney, she accepted his arm as they walked side by side to the estates's book room.

"Half an hour, my lady?" Questioned Mr. Forayer with slight frown.

"Should do nicely," she agreed.

Straightening her spine and pulling back her shoulders, the Countess ambled into Bingley's book room with a confidence she had perfected in the drawing rooms of the first circles. Waving away a footman who hurried to open the door, she strode into the room unannounced. Finding Elizabeth in Darcy's embrace had been expected. Still she kept her expression dower. Their behaviour could not go uncommented upon.

"What is the meaning of this Nephew?" She demanded haughtily. Her eye's accusing Darcy of inappropriate behaviour.

"I could ask the same of you, Aunt," Darcy held the crumpled sheet in his hand. Unwilling to give up the object in his embrace, his fingers tightened on Elizabeth's spine, while the page fluttered between protagonists.

"That," Beatrice kept her expression stoic, as her eyes indicated the sheet, "is of no importance. You have ruined Miss Bennet's reputation. I must insist you're you satisfying the young woman's honour, Fitzwilliam."

"My honour," Darcy spat, his eye's ablaze, "is not in question, nor has it ever been. I shall take Miss Bennet as my wife, only if she desires it, not because you demanded it, Aunt. I have too much respect for Miss Bennet for force her to bend to your will."

"I have agreed to wed you, Fitzwilliam," Elizabeth commented almost inaudibly, "should you ask."

"Elizabeth will be presented first," Beatrice's expression matched that of her nephew. They continued to glare at each other, fighting a silent battle of will. It ended with Darcy shoving the cursed letter into his coat pocket and returning his attention to the woman still in his arms. "Unlike Michael and Jane, who have been engaged for many years, your betrothal must be above reproach. Once you are out of full mourning, Miss Elizabeth Forbes, the family will introduce you into the drawing rooms of the first circle. Your engagement will then be announced. Darcy, you know you cannot consider marrying before the end of June and the relationship to my new daughter can never be mentioned."

"How," chocked Elizabeth, once again finding comfort in Darcy's shoulder, "can you be so cruel? Neither Jane nor I have done anything to you, nor do we deserved such censure."

Shaking his head, Darcy understood, completely and utterly. "It has nothing to do with you or Lady Linley, Elizabeth," he commented softly. "In marrying me, you regain your sister. It is the name Bennet that can never be associated with either of you."

"Why?" Elizabeth demanded. Yet the behaviour of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet these last days was easily recalled. Lizzy had seen enough of her mother's vulgarity to understand how she would behave in the company of anyone with wealth or consequence. It would not be long before Mrs. Bennet attempted to foster her younger daughters on Jane, in the hopes of another eligible match. She would bring ruin on them all.

Then there was that letter curtsied letter in Darcy's pocket. A single indiscretion might have been forgiven by Mr. Bennet and Jane's early birth soon forgotten in the hopes of marital harmony. To continue holding her tongue, Mrs. Bennet's imprudence must have been of some duration. Enough for Lady Elizabeth to uncover the fact and use it against Mrs. Bennet.

Yet her Mama loved them as a mother ought. She had given her Jane-girl and Little Lizzy more than they could have wished. Mr. Bennet had been the only one surprised when his eldest daughter's had been sent to live at Netherfield and remained there against his wishes. Even Mrs. Bennet argued to leave them be until they were old enough to enter society.

"I do not believe," Darcy managed to keep his tone level as he watched Elizabeth's wit uncover the sordid truth, "Mrs. Bennet had only one indiscretion. Should it become known in town, your reputations would be forfeit. Lady Elizabeth worked against society to ensure your acceptance as her daughters."

"Mama," Elizabeth's voice sounded choked as she finally looked deeply into Darcy's eyes, "would not have betrothed Jane if she knew this to be the truth. She loved us, more than she aught and wished only the best for our future. Mama knew how Mrs. Bennet would act. We are missing something…"

Reaching into a pocket, Lady Pembroke pulled out a locket. Opening it, she calmly walked towards the entwined couple. They finally broke apart as she offered the jewellery. It seemed they'd forgotten her presence in the room, which only proved their suitability as partners in life.

"Take it," Beatrice demanded. Once the heavy silver object had been transferred between the ladies, she ordered, "now open it and tell me what you see."

Elizabeth's gaze caught Darcy's once again. Her hands shook so violently, he took the necklace from her grasp, lest she drop the locket. With a monumental sigh, Darcy found the catch and flicked it open. Inside lay a pair of miniatures.

"That is Mama," Elizabeth exclaimed, pointing to the elegant woman on the left.

"This," Darcy stated aloofly, indicating the opposite side, "is Linley at the same age as Lady Elizabeth."

Glancing down at his Elizabeth, Darcy knew the moment she understood. "The likeness is remarkable," she commented in a quiet, astonished tone. Many of the facts, which had been so subtlety hidden in her Mama's letter now made sense. "It seems Mrs. Bennet is not the only one with a wretched past. They are not brother and sister," her eye's implored the man at her side to agree.

Sighing, Darcy nodded. He understood the conversation tended to Jane and Linley, not Lady Elizabeth. The relief he saw in Elizabeth's eyes further endeared her to him. Unable to help himself, Darcy pulled the woman into his arms, offering the comfort she needed.

"All shall be well, Elizabeth," he whispered, once agin laying a comforting kiss on the crown of her head. "Shall you tell them?"

"It is not what Mama would have wished," she whispered, swallowing in an attempt to sooth her parched throat. This, she contemplated silently, is a secret Fitzwilliam and I will take to our grave. My sister is happy and I shall not be the one to shatter her illusions. However, if Linley so much as looks at another woman, he shall answer to me, if Fitzwilliam does not challenge his honour first.

"Lizzy?" Jane's tone was both apprehensive and shocked as she entered the room.

The newly weds had completed their turn about the garden and were returning to the house when they witnessed Darcy pull Elizabeth into his arms through a window. Fearing the worst, Jane and Linley hurried into the hall. Lady Linley noticed only her sister's puffy, red eyes and became alarmed. It came as somewhat of a shock to notice Lady Pembroke already in the room. If her expression could be trusted, she too expected an announcement at any moment.

"Darcy, I shall have to ask you to unhand my new sister," Linley stated coolly, observing the woman in questions countenance. "I must demand to know your intentions, Sir."

"You," Darcy managed a harsh laugh, "have known of my intentions since the day of your arrival. Let us say our future acquaintance shall be closer than cousins in a few months."

"Why then is Miss Bennet crying?" Demanded the younger man.

"Perhaps," Elizabeth finally found her tongue, "you should ask Lady Pembroke, my lord."

Closing the locket, the sound of the catch engaging echoed in the silent room. Taking a step away from Darcy, Elizabeth handed the piece back to the dowager Countess. Her legs threatening to give out once again, Darcy did not hesitate to offer his arm, escorting his betrothed to the nearest chair.

"Truly, Elizabeth," Darcy stated, "you look ill. Is there nothing that can be offered for your present relief. A glass of wine?"

"I thank you, no," she answered, the beginnings of an ever so slight smile on her lips. "I believe your presence is all I require."

"Then you shall have it, for as long as you require," Darcy stated gallantly, taking up guard over her chair.

Eyeing the his cousin, Michael Pembroke did not like the distance between his mother and Darcy. "Have you been at odds with my cousin, Mama?"

"It seemed Lady Elizabeth left a letter for Miss Forbes," Beatrice stated.

"Who," Jane watched the glare her sister levelled at the Countess, "is Miss Forbes."

"Mama requested I be presented as her heir and take her name," Lizzy offered quietly. "Jane, there is a letter for you, which Mr. Forayer will grant after hearing Mama's will. Let us call for tea. Once it has been delivered, Mr. Forayer should be called for the reading."

So it occurred, the attorney outlined the final wishes of Lady Elizabeth Forbes before those who were to benefit from her last testament. To Miss Elizabeth Forbes went Netherfield and the sum of twenty thousand pounds, to remain in the five percents until her coming of age or marriage. To Lady Linley a dowry of fifty thousand pounds was to be granted upon her marriage to Michael Pembroke, the Viscount Linley. Added to this, on the birth of her first child, the sum of fifteen thousand pounds was to be bequeathed to a daughter. Should that child be a son and heir to the Earldom, fifty thousand pound would be set aside. If any funds remained, they would be given to subsequent children. There were minor sums to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, who had administrated Lady Elizabeth's living allowance for her Goddaughter. Finally, and most surprisingly, the entire library from Netherfield, which currently resided in Mr. Bennet's book room was to be turned over to that gentleman, along with the deed to Longbourn Estate. Mr. Forayer and Sons had spent the better part of five years fighting to have the estate retained by the Bennet family.

"Poor Mr. Collins," Jane stated.

"I confess," Lizzy found a very slight smile turning the corners of her lips upward, "I cannot feel disposed toward the gentleman."

"Lady Linley," Mr. Forayer cleared his throat, recalling the reason for this gathering, "I have Lady Elizabeth's letter. Would you prefer privacy?"

"Jane," Lizzy rose from her position on the sofa, coming to stand before her sister. Taking her hand, Elizabeth pleaded, "when you entered this room, I had only just read the letter Mama wrote to me. It was more astonishing than I could have imagined. Where it not for Fitzwilliam's presence, I would not have known myself."

"That," Jane asked, her gaze questioning, "was that the only reason for your countenance?"

"Yes," Lizzy nodded, squeezing her sister's fingers which rested in her own. "I could hear Mama's voice while I read the words. I," shuddering she managed to continue in a sad tone, "miss her terribly. I did not know her words would affect me in such a fashion. Take Lord Linley with you, I am sure your husband will offer as much support as my betrothed provided me as I read the pages."

"We are brother and sister now," Linley could not catch the undertone and knew his mother rarely kept quiet in circumstances such as these. Something had occurred in his room before he and Jane entered. Darcy's towering over Elizabeth was testament to that. "Will you not call me Michael?"

"I believe I shall," Elizabeth answered, "if you will call me Elizabeth."

"If you will excuse me," Darcy stated, understanding the storm as passed for the moment. One look at the expression in Elizabeth's eyes and he knew he needed to explain his actions. "I shall ride to Longbourn and ask Mr. Bennet for your hand, Elizabeth. We must be on the road to London at first light and make good time. It will not be long before Lord Rutledge death becomes known and we must all wear black."

"Good Lord," Jane gasped, finally understanding the rush to be married. She fell into the nearest chair, guided by the hand of her new husband. Looking up into Michael Pembroke's eyes, she said, "I cannot believe it."

A wide smile broke out on his face. "I could not have asked for a more singular bride. Jane," he sobered, crouching down before his wife, "there are few women in England who would be shocked to become a Countess within hours of marriage. We shall make our way together, for there is much that needs repairing."

Looking between her new husband and sister, Jane Pembroke came to an sudden and startling realisation. "Mama trained me for this day," she stated quietly, but with such determination, her countenance changed completely. Taking in a deep breath, Lady Linley did more than straighten her spine and sit upright, she suddenly appeared regal. It seemed a metamorphosis occurred in that moment. "Mr. Forayer, Lady Elizabeth's letter, if you please. Michael, I should like you to accompany me as we continue our turn about the garden. We shall join the rest of the party to dine. This evening, Elizabeth, we shall speak of what was in Mama's letter, for I do believe you are attempting to shelter me from some truth."

Shocked, Elizabeth watched her sister accept the envelope and glide from the room. Darcy, unable to hide his own astonishment, went to his betrothed and offer comfort. Looking up at Fitzwilliam, Lizzy sighed.

"So starts a new ira," Lady Pembroke chuckled from behind them, quiet forgotten these last minutes. "I believe Jane will become quite a formidable force in both London and Rutledge. My dearly departed friend, you have done very well with your girls. I now see why you insisted on taking them in. But that I could have had daughters as well turned out."