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be necessary for her to maintain the pretense until her family found news of Mr. Wickham . No more than a wee k , she thought.
    “As my youngest sister is a guest of Colonel Forster’s wife, I would assume so. Why is that significant?”
    Mr. Darcy stared out the window.
    “I am praying Mr. Wickham did not follow you to Derbyshire. I would be displeased to learn he made an unexpected call upon Pemberley.”
    Elizabeth understood the gentleman’s sentiments: Mr. Darcy left Georgiana unattended in order to assist a “fallen” woman.
    “When Lydia traveled to Brighton with Mrs. Forster, my family and I were engaged to take a northern tour to the Lakes. Unfortunately, uncle’s business kept us from so long a journey. We were obliged to forsake our journey to the Lakes for a more contracted tour. Despite what you may think, my uncle’s desire to view Pemberley had more to do with your estate’s reputation for fine fishing than it was to look upon another well-dressed sitting room. We saw our fair share of great estates on this journey.”
    Before Mr. Darcy could respond to Elizabeth’s challenge, her aunt interrupted. She realized belatedly her tone spoke of Elizabeth’s rising ire.
    “Do you believe Jane will be well with my children underfoot? Mrs. Bennet must be suffering from the shock of this situation,” Aunt Margaret fretted.
    “Jane will delight in having an excuse to leave Mrs. Bennet to Kitty and Mary,” Elizabeth assured.
    “When we reach London, I shall set a second course to Hertfordshire,” her aunt declared.
    “By then, Mr. Bingley will be at Netherfield,” Elizabeth reasoned. “And perhaps, by then, uncle or papa will know success.”
    “Why has not Miss Lydia returned to Longbourn?” Mr. Darcy asked suspiciously.
    “As you are well aware, Mr. Darcy, my youngest sister is not known for her sensibilities or her discretion when it comes to gossip.”

Chapter Four
     
    She answered his questions, but something was missing from Elizabeth Bennet’s responses: the fire–the innate bravery to face the unknown. Certainly it was possible her “condition” obliterated Elizabeth’s resolve, but Darcy could not imagine it to be so. His eyes studied her form as Elizabeth slept in the seat across from him. He left her at Rosings after Easter, a little over four months prior. Enough time for Mr. Wickham to practice a seduction and her to find herself with child, but Darcy could not fathom Miss Elizabeth’s succumbing to Mr. Wickham’s pretty words of flattery. She would listen, but not fall into a compromising situation. Such was not in the lady’s nature.
    Moreover, Elizabeth’s form was very much as it always was: small waist, slim legs and arms, full, round bosoms, but not engorged in preparation for a child. To know for certain she was increasing, Miss Elizabeth must be at least three months along . But she remained in Kent for several weeks after my departure , Darcy reasoned . Still long enough for her to become with child. Yet…
    Darcy shook his head to clear his thinking. Attempting to discern any signs of Mr. Wickham’s print upon Elizabeth Bennet’s body would drive him to Bedlam. For too many nights, Darcy dreamed of her beneath him and the idea of Elizabeth giving herself to another set his teeth grinding. Instead, he concentrated on the possibility of her succumbing to Mr. Wickham’s questionable charms, and again he did not believe Miss Elizabeth possessed such pronounced insensibility.
    Certainly, the lady took him to task for his supposed treatment of Mr. Wickham, but Darcy always thought she would be just as passionate regarding the injustice if Darcy kicked a stray dog or treated his tenants poorly. Miss Elizabeth often expressed opinions not truly her own. Although the woman preferred Mr. Wickham’s practiced niceties to Darcy’s stammering attempts at flirtation, Elizabeth Bennet possessed too much intelligence to accept a marriage without love. She refused a perfectly