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that she was traveling to meet with William, as he felt that the holiday there would be beneficial to her well-being.
     
    The entire situation was confusing to Lady Anne , as she had never known her son to have any preference to any lady, especially when she had seen his behavior at the functions in Derbyshire.  He rarely ever danced, and only then with family members; his normal behavior in large gatherings was to keep to the back of the room and his mask of indifference in place.
     
    Concern for her son was the priority in her mind.  Concern that her son had been taken advantage of by some fortune hunter who would use him and then move on, leaving her son devastated.  Once she had arrived in Hertfordshire, she would have a private meeting with this Miss Bennet, before even speaking with her son.  With this in mind, Lady Anne decided that she would travel to Longbourn before making her way to Netherfield, so she could determine the sort of lady this Elizabeth Bennet truly was.
     
    Could her son, so reserved and shy, have truly found the young lady he had dreamed of for the past few years?  Could such a person actually exist?  From the description that he had given to his mother, it was difficult to believe such a lady could actually encompass all the attributes.  She would soon find out, and if this young lady was indeed a fortune hunter using her William poorly, Lady Anne would use every possible means at her disposal to end this relationship.
     
     
    All was packed and the ladies were on their way the following morning.  Georgiana was excited, as she seldom travelled anywhere.  Being only fifteen, the girl was not out in society, and therefore remained home.  And as Lady Anne did not travel often, it was natural that Georgiana remained home with her.  Along with the ladies were Lady Anne ’s maid and Georgiana’s governess.  There were four men who rode outside the carriage for protection, as Lady Anne ’s cousin had been traveling in her family’s carriage when highwaymen robbed the carriage at gun point.  Lady Anne refused to travel without guards to protect not only her, but her children as well.
     
    The first night of their travel was spent at an inn that the family had used previously.  It was not the comfortable environment that home was, but, for an inn, it was pleasant enough.  The dinner was eaten in the sitting room, as Lady Anne preferred the seclusion rather than the dining room of the establishment.
     
    The next morning, just after sunrise, the Darcy carriage was on the road again, continuing the journey to Hertfordshire.  After the second night in an inn, the ladies arrived at the estate which Lady Anne had requested, Longbourn.  It was near three in the afternoon, and she prayed that her son was not visiting the Bennets.
     
    An elderly woman opened the door, showing Lady Anne Darcy and Georgiana inside the house before stepping to the drawing room door to announce the guests.
     
    “ Miss Lizzy, Miss Jane, Lady Anne Darcy and her daughter have arrived and Lady Anne has requested a private talk with you, Miss Lizzy.”  Hill announced.  The look on her face told of her concern for the young lady who was like a daughter to her.
     
    “Of course, Hill, show them in.” Jane stated as she glanced at her sister.  Seeing Elizabeth nervous, Jane requested re freshments prepared for their guests.
     
    As Lady Anne entered the room, she instinctively determined Elizabeth from her sister.  “Miss Elizabeth Bennet, if I am not mistaken.”
     
    Elizabeth stepped for ward after giving a quick curtsey.  “It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Anne .  And this must be your daughter, Miss Darcy.”
     
    “Indeed, my daughter, Georgiana Darcy.  And is this your sister as well?”
     
    Elizabeth turned towards her sister.  “Yes, this is my sister, Miss Jane Bennet.” Hearing footsteps coming towards the room, Elizabeth guessed that Hill had made Alex aware of the guests who had