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came over her as she gazed upon Mr. Darcy’s countenance that first time at Pemberley Park. Her aunt’s tea seemed to bubble from within, and she felt shame at the embarrassment that seemed likely should she show behavior most unbecoming of a proper lady, particularly in the presence of a gentleman. The second feeling, which increasingly became more intense and unexpected, was the warmth in her chest, her face, the tingling of her hand as if it recalled that which was thrilling about his touch that day so long ago when he, being a proper if indifferent gentleman, had handed her into the carriage at Netherfield. She had never known such an effect on her being prior to this moment. Could it be that she loved him as he had so professed to love her only a short time ago at Rosings?
    Mrs. Gardiner observed the state in which her dear Lizzy stood before Mr. Darcy of Pemberley. A slow smile spread across her face, for this niece she so loved was certain to be given an offer of marriage that she would most ardently accept. Mrs. Bennet would also be most pleased, and Mrs. Gardiner would be grateful to find a replacement for her sister’s abundant complaints about unmarried daughters with praise over a most advantageous match.
    Just one cup of tea, that’s all the assistance dear Lizzy required, Mrs. Gardiner thought affectionately, patting her pocket full of secret herbs. A fine ending it was, indeed.
    M iss D ashwood G ets D own and D irty
    S HANNON W INSLOW
    “How long has this engagement of Edward’s been known to you?”Marianne demanded.
    “About four months,” Elinor rejoined.
    “What?! And never a hint to your closest companions?”
    “No doubt you would reproach me again for my reserve and quarrel with me over my forbearance. Would you question the existence of my heart as well because I choose to suffer my disappointment in private?”
    “Indeed, I do not ask the location of your heart, for I vouch-safe that you have an organ of that description beating within your breast, and it may well be as susceptible to tender sentiments as any other person’s. My question to you, Elinor, is this: Where is your fighting spirit? You have been grossly ill-used, and the time to take decisive action is come!”
    “I admire your conviction, dearest, but what recourse is there within my reach? The courts can give no satisfaction; no law has been broken. What would you have me do? Challenge Lucy Steele to a duel?”
    “A tempting notion, is it not?”Marianne sprang into a fencer’s stance and addressed a phantom rival with the cut and thrust of her imaginary saber.
    “Marianne! Have you completely taken leave of your senses? Surely there can be no occasion for bloodshed.”
    “Perhaps not, but I have heard of another equally satisfactory avenue for settling disputes.” Marianne clasped her sister’s hand. “Come, make haste!”
    Her protestations notwithstanding, elinor found herself unceremoniously dragged to her feet and from the room. Marianne was unstoppable. She collected their wraps and propelled them both out into the street, where they were fortunate to find a hansom cab standing at liberty.
    “Where to, Miss?”the cabbie asked as the young ladies climbed in.
    “Southwark. To Vauxhall, and don’t spare the horses,” Marianne ordered. They were off with the crack of the driver’s whip.
    Elinor, who had been carried thus far by the sheer force of her sister’s will, at last spoke out. “I must protest against this madness, Marianne. You intend to take us across the river and into the Borough at this time of night? And unescorted? only think what our mother would say to such a scheme!”
    “Mama need never know. Besides, it would be well worth any price for the chance to see you settle your score with Lucy. It was, in fact, by overhearing her speak of the contest tonight that I learnt of it myself. According to her information, this form of entertainment is quite the thing here in London now, so you need not