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The Bennets were gathered in the drawing room while they awaited midnight and the new year. Mrs. Bennet had planned a grand feast for their dinner before they had gathered to play games and cards to pass the time until midnight.

Even though Miss Bennet kept her mother’s mood from boiling over during the solstice celebrations, Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Hill had ensured the matriarch had remained calm in the days following.

She was given plenty of her tea and potion, and Mr. Bennet had exerted himself on a couple of occasions when the lady had attempted a tirade.

He still preferred Elizabeth to avoid interceding unless absolutely necessary, and Fitzwilliam could not agree more.

Elizabeth’s intervention would only harm her tenuous relationship with her mother.

He and Elizabeth had stayed at Netherfield, yet each morning, after breakfast and spending some time in Oakham Forest, they would pass the better part of the afternoon at Longbourn, poring over books with Mr. Bennet.

His uncle’s missive shed no light on the magic possessed by whoever was coming, and they had found nothing other than the warning Elizabeth had read while they were sequestered after their wedding.

They had spoken of journeying to Pemberley, but they could not leave Mr. Bennet to fight off the danger by himself.

Yes, he was one of the most powerful mages in the world, but they had no way of knowing how much power this individual had absorbed.

What if all three of them were needed to defeat this person?

No, they would not and could not leave a single mage to face the threat alone.

Elizabeth rested her head on his shoulder with a sigh.

“Are you well? ”

“Yes, just tired. I know the tradition is to wait up for midnight, but I am ready to retire.”

“Could you be with child?” She had been more fatigued of late.

“Are babies all you can think of?” She gave a light laugh. “You seem so eager for me to become fat.”

He shrugged and kissed the top of her head. “I do not know about eager, but we know you should be with child soon. We saw it at the altar.”

“That could have happened years into the future. Besides, since we wed, you have kept me from sleeping more often than not. Perhaps this is your fault.”

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “We shall see then. But you should know that I would not mind if a child came now or in three years. They will come when they come.”

“That is good then.” Her voice had softened further just before her breathing evened out. He should have known she would fall asleep by the sound of her voice.

“Is Lizzy well?” asked Georgiana, who sat nearby with Miss Catherine.

“I believe so. Are you tired as well?”

“Not yet. Kitty and I are drawing the figurine on the mantel. I have never been accomplished at sketching, but Kitty has taught me some useful tips. I am eager to return to Pemberley and draw the grounds or the house. Maybe I shall become a better artist than I originally thought.”

“Why is Elizabeth asleep?” asked Mrs. Bennet. Her screech made all conversation in the room come to a pause, and Elizabeth startle awake.

Mr. Bennet sat beside his wife and took her hand. “She and Darcy have only been married a month. I seem to recall you being rather fatigued when we were first wed. ”

Mrs. Bennet’s cheeks turned pink, and she hit her husband on the arm with her fan. “You should not speak of such things in front of the girls, Mr. Bennet.” With a sniff, she pursed her lips and turned her attention back to her needlework.

The problem with this constant supervision was that Mrs. Bennet’s frustration over Elizabeth being the heir was building and building because she could not let go of the fury.

How long before she exploded and vented all her venom at Elizabeth?

The furor had to come at some time. If only they could erase Elizabeth from the woman’s mind completely.

She would have no more frustration over the situation, and they would not need to exert such an effort to keep the lady calm.

As much as Fitzwilliam had expected some word from Lady Catherine, a letter had yet to come.

Since he had made no pains to announce his marriage himself, she would soon discover his wedding had long passed, so it was only a matter of time before she sent him some missive ordering him to rid himself of his wife.

How many times had she threatened him with that eventuality should he follow the contract?

Richard, meanwhile, had departed and returned to London and his duties. They were fortunate the journey was not long, and his cousin could make a swift return should they require him.

“Brother, is Mrs. Bennet well?” Georgiana had shifted closer and spoke in low tones. “She keeps staring at Elizabeth with a frightening countenance.”

Mrs. Bennet’s formerly blushing face was now more fearsome than he had ever witnessed before.

Her narrowed eyes bore into Elizabeth while the lady’s hands fisted in her lap.

Bingley, who sat beside Miss Bennet, seemed to see nothing, but Miss Bennet’s fingers had tightened around her mother’s wrist .

A familiar rattling made all eyes dart to the mantel where both candlesticks now shook. His wife lifted her head from his shoulder, then looked to her mother.

“Mama, calm yourself.”

When the first candlestick flew at Elizabeth, Fitzwilliam lifted a hand to shield his wife from the blow. Meanwhile, Elizabeth stood and approached her mother, who was struggling to move.

“Release me,” screeched Mrs. Bennet.

“Mrs. Hill will likely be here soon with your tea and tonic. You will temper your urges in the meantime.”

“You should have been a boy! I hate you even more now that you are the heir ! This family did not need more magic. We needed someone to inherit the estate, and you could never do so.”

Elizabeth rubbed her forehead. “I can stop your mouth as well should it be required.” Her voice was not loud or agitated, but the slight trembling of her fingers could be discerned if one looked hard enough.

“Lizzy,” said Mr. Bennet. “You know she cannot control her outbursts.”

“Maybe not all, but she does not even try—especially with me.”

While this was happening, Miss Lydia continued to trim a bonnet she was redoing while Miss Catherine continued to draw.

Georgiana still sketched, but with wary glances at Mrs. Bennet here and there.

Miss Mary was absorbed in her book and appeared to have ignored the entire scene.

Bingley, meanwhile, stared agape at the sight in front of him.

Of course, he would be shocked. He had witnessed Mrs. Bennet’s outbursts on more than one occasion. Why was he surprised?

“Ah! It is almost midnight. Come, let us go to our small hall.”

Mr. Bennet hopped from his seat and strode into the front of the house with everyone following. Elizabeth watched her mother like a hawk while she released the spell that kept her bound. As soon as the lady was freed, she stood with a huff and stalked after her husband.

With a sigh, Elizabeth visibly relaxed every bit of tension in her shoulders. “I should not have subdued her.”

“She was about to burst. If you had not, the other candlestick would have flown.”

“Yes, but you, me, or Papa could have stopped it. I should have let her vent her anger.”

He wrapped her in his arms and kissed her crown. “You have taken her anger for years. I cannot find fault in you stepping up to defend yourself for once. If she makes an attempt to rein in her ire some, then your interceding will have been worth it.”

She took his hand and tugged him towards the front door. “Come. The sooner we usher in the new year, the sooner we can return to Netherfield.”

“I wish we knew what was coming so we could plan our return to Pemberley.” When they entered the hall, they joined the circle of the family.

At the chime of the clock for midnight, Mr. Bennet opened the front door to usher out the old and welcome in the new.

As soon as the chimes ended, Mr. Bennet closed the door, and they all returned to the drawing room.

“Mr. Bennet,” said Bingley as they entered. “I have thoroughly enjoyed this evening, but I believe the time has come for me to return to Netherfield.” They had shared a carriage, so that meant his and Elizabeth’s departure as well.

“Of course.” Mr. Bennet kissed Elizabeth’s cheek and shook Fitzwilliam’s hand. “I should see you on the morrow.”

“Yes, we shall be here.”

Before they could return to the front hall, a banging ensued on the door. With a frown upon his countenance, Mr. Bennet hurried out and opened the door while Mrs. Bennet began wailing about them all being murdered.

“Happy New Year, sirs. I have letters for Mr. Henry Bennet and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.” When the man held out the missives, his foot crossed the threshold. They gave the man some money for his delivery.

“I beg your pardon,” said Mr. Bennet, “but since you have entered the house.”

“You wish me to depart out the back?”

“Yes, precisely.”

The housekeeper appeared and led the man through the servants’ passages while Fitzwilliam flipped his letter over so he could see the direction. “’Tis from Lady Catherine.”

A chuckle came from Mr. Bennet. “Her messenger being our first footer does not bode well for the coming year. Do you know, I did not even look to see if he had light or dark hair under his cloak. I would assume light since he brought us these.”

The first footer was an omen for the rest of the year and being light haired was bad luck. Fitzwilliam could not argue that their first visitor bringing news from Lady Catherine was not a good sign. He glanced over his shoulder. Was the man, in fact, light haired?

The messenger had already disappeared through the servants’ door, so Fitzwilliam returned his attention to the missive. After sucking in a deep inhale, he broke the seal and opened the paper.

28 December 1811 Rosings Park

Dear Nephew, I am dismayed and disappointed by some news that reached me today.

I have been told that you were joined in matrimony to a young lady without status or fortune.

Of course, being your closest relation, I am writing to inform you of my opinion on the matter.

Even though I am assured she is from our circles, she is not what the wife of a Darcy should be.

Your dear mother would be heartbroken. We discussed your marriage many times, and as you surely know, you have been destined to marry Anne since you both were in your cradles.

My daughter is the only lady from our world who is fit to be Mrs. Darcy.

You must know that in your heart as well as your mind.

This lady you have impulsively married will never hold any consequence, so I must insist that you end this farce and finally come wed Anne.

I am certain your uncle can be of aid whether it be with an annulment or a divorce.

I care not which as long as you come to marry Anne as soon as you are rid of the interloper.

I shall be most displeased should you choose to defy me on this matter.

Your aunt,

Lady Catherine de Bourgh

He had no sooner read the last line than he handed his aunt’s ridiculous opinions and commands to Mr. Bennet. The older man arched an eyebrow while he read then shook his head while he handed back the letter.

“Will you respond? ”

With a nod, he took the letter and handed it to Elizabeth. She should know not only what was being said but also what was possibly coming.

“Yes, I shall pen a response in the morning. I have no patience for it tonight, and I am too angry at the moment to state my thoughts in a rational manner.”

His wife rubbed his arm. “I should be pleased to be of aid in the endeavour. I can read what you have written and offer my opinion. Or, perhaps I should mend your pen if it is required. What do you think?”

He kissed her forehead. “I believe your presence will be of great aid to my state of mind. I shall welcome you unreservedly. Now, let us return to Netherfield. ’Tis late.”

Once they had wished the Bennets well, they climbed into the carriage waiting for them. As soon as Bingley sat across from them and the door was closed, Fitzwilliam rapped his walking stick on the ceiling of the equipage.

“Do you think Lady Catherine will ever accept your marriage?” asked Bingley.

Fitzwilliam shrugged. “Whether or not she does, I do not care. She will never have a say in whom I marry. I have attempted to tell her so over the years, but she has doggedly refused to listen. Her demands will always fall on deaf ears.”

After all, he had never given in to her wishes before, so why would he concede now?