Beginning, Section II

CHAPTER 7

Posted on November 24, 2009

Part I Gracechurch Street

Lizzy and Jane rushed to embrace each other at the foot of the steps, softly calling each other by name. Then a flood of the four Gardiner children poured down the steps to inundate their other favorite cousin – they never could really choose between the two sisters. While Jane turned to give Maria a quick hug, Lizzy staggered slightly as five year-old Hugo and three year-old Beth - her namesake – each grabbed one of her legs to make sure she would not leave them. John, a sturdy eight year-old image of his father, managed a creditable bow, and seven year-old Rebecca, already proving as sensible as her mother, performed a shaky curtsy. Laughing with joy, Lizzy returned hugs and tried to answer all the cries and questions that were directed at her, but with every child talking at the same time, and trying to make sure that he or she was the child she heard above all of the others, it was impossible, so she just smiled at all of them.

"Cousin Lizzy, Hugo pulled my hair and my head hurts. Please kiss it so it gets well!"…."Cousin Lizzy, wait until you see my new grown-up green dress!"…."Cousin Lizzy, Papa says I am old enough to help in the stables now, so I can learn how hard it is to take care of horses. And if I do learn what to do, he will buy a pony for me. My very own pony! I am so happy!"…."Cousin Lizzy, I have two new frogs you are just going to love. You may play with them, but you cannot take them home with you."…."Cousin Lizzy, you must come in right now! Mama told Cook Melly to make some yummy hot chocolate and a cake with pudding and some fruit in it that also smells yummy. She said we had to wait until you were here."…."But, you are here now, so hurry and go in so we can have some. Please, Cousin Lizzy! It really looks and smells soooo good!"

Mrs. Gardiner came out to welcome her niece with a warm hug and smile. Turning to regard her children with a suppressed grin and innocent countenance, she said in the stern yet friendly voice with which all children are familiar, "My goodness! Where did all of these rag-mannered children come from? They surely cannot live at the Gardiners' house because the Gardiner children are noted for being polite and quiet. Lizzy, Jane, Maria, please come in and help me look for my dear, lost, well-mannered children, so I can serve them a wonderful surprise. It would be terrible if they had to miss such a treat. Why, Cook might not ever go to so much trouble again!"

Four young voices immediately became subdued and were reduced to talking in whispers. Except for some subtle jostling as to which precise child could hold each of Cousin Lizzy's hands, the now-sedate group entered the house, and somehow three of the small Gardiners managed to sit on the sofa with Lizzy. Fearing that the shy Maria might be feeling a little lost in all of the hubbub, Mrs. Gardiner gently took her arm to welcome the young lady to her home, and escorted her to the drawing room. Little Beth started whimpering when her small frame was nudged aside by one of her bigger siblings, but quickly reassuring her, Jane picked her up and deposited her in Lizzy's lap - an act which brought an enormous smile from the youngest Gardiner, but frowns to three other young faces.

Taking a short break from his business to welcome his niece, and having judged the time of her arrival with nicety, Mr. Gardiner joined the group a short while later. Mrs. Gardiner, knowing only too well the dangers of combining children, liquid chocolate, and upholstered sofas and chairs, ensured that everyone adjourned to the dining room before the delicacies were served. With Beth still sitting proudly in her lap, Lizzy delighted in sharing the rich savory treats with her little cousin while talking to, and teasing, her favorite uncle. When a maid entered and announced that Mr. Bingley was at the door, Jane left to welcome him, and everyone shifted their chairs a little to make room for Mr. Bingley to sit beside Jane.

Entering behind Jane, Mr. Bingley, tousled blond curls framing his beaming face, went straight to Lizzy and bowed, exclaiming, "Miss Elizabeth, it is so nice to see you again! It has been such a long time. Ever since the ball at Netherfield, I believe. I am determined that it shall not be nearly as long before I have another ball there."

Eyebrows rising in delighted surprise, Lizzy replied, "Mr. Bingley, how delightful to meet you here! Jane told me in her last letter that you plan to return to Hertfordshire again in the near future?"

"Oh yes! Miss Bennet informed me that both of you will be returning to Longbourn on Monday, and my own plan is to return to Netherfield by Thursday, at the latest. Why, I plan to call on your fa… er, family by Friday, I expect." His face turning slightly red at his slip, Bingley turned to follow Jane and sit next to her.

Lizzy and her Uncle Edward shared amused glances with each other, trying not to laugh with pleasure at Mr. Bingley's revealing falter in his choice of words. Aunt Madeline, for some reason was only smiling at Hugo, not reprimanding him for drawing pictures with his spoon in the cake crumbs on his plate. Jane's face was glowing again, and her cheeks were as pink as if her mother had pinched them a dozen times. Although her cheeks soon regained their normal color, her face continued to glow until Mr. Bingley departed, which was not until quite late in the evening - long after sharing dinner with the Gardiners and both Miss Bennets.

Finally the Gardiner household was still and quiet, and Jane and Lizzy could talk to each other in the room they shared, with no fear of being interrupted or overheard. By leaving the curtains open to allow in some light from the full moon, and with a low fire burning in the hearth, their faces were discernable as they spoke, huddling in warm blankets while sitting cross-legged on the bed.

"All right, Jane. Now, tell me everything! I know what you wrote in your letters, now tell me every single thing you did not write." Lizzy was demanding in her thirst for knowledge of what had happened after Jane saw Bingley alight from Darcy's carriage.

Well over an hour passed, filled with Jane's gentle voice disclosing the events of the past few days. Numerous sighs and giggles interrupted the tale, as well as hushed yet very feminine exclamations. "Oh Lizzy, I thought my heart would explode!"…."Jane! He really said that? "…."It is difficult to believe it yet, Lizzy!"…."No one deserves happiness more than you do, Jane"…."Oh Jane, how sweet!"…."For a minute, Lizzy, I could not breathe!"

Reality intruded into the heady exposition of romance when Lizzy, ever practical, asked, "Have you written to Mama about this yet?"

"Yes," Jane replied. "When Mr. Bingley told me that he had written to the caretakers at Netherfield to get the house ready, and hopefully rehire some of the help they had before, I wrote to inform Mama that he had called on me here, and was continuing to call every day. If I had not at least told her that, as soon as the news of his return spread in Meryton, she would have demanded that Papa give her the carriage so she could come to London and drag me back home before he arrived."

Lizzy could not help but laugh, "Whereas, if he had not sent word to reopen Netherfield, and Mama found out he was calling on you here, she would have insisted that you never come home until he proposed!"

"Oh Lizzy!" Jane's usually serene countenance was troubled and she held her sister's hand tightly. "What if he does not truly care for me? What if he does not propose? I do not think I could bear to go through sorrow like that a second time." Jane suddenly sounded unsure and afraid.

"Jane, Jane, Jane! Stop talking utter nonsense! As soon as Mr. Darcy told him you were here, he came to call, did he not? You have nothing to worry about. Nothing at all," Lizzy insisted.

"Are you sure?" Jane could only plead for certainty from her truest friend and confidante.

"I am positive. Now stop being silly. I have seen the way he looks at you. You are so wrapped up in looking at him, you fail to see the look in his eyes when he looks at you." Lizzy was now adamant.

And so the conversation of the two young women slowly died away in tandem with the embers of the fire. The giggles and hopeful talk of Jane's future life quieted as they climbed under the covers and slept together in familial comfort, dreaming of what happiness the future might hold.

The next morning, Elizabeth awoke with the resolve to speak to her aunt privately during the course of the day. She needed to know about Mr. Darcy's visit to Gracechurch Street. However, she had forgotten how time consuming that feeding and properly attiring four children to attend church services on a Sunday morning could be. During church, she scolded herself for paying so little attention to the gospel and lessons for the day. She was more concerned about how she should approach her Aunt Madeline without, in turn, arousing her aunt's inquisitive nature. Elizabeth knew that her Aunt Madeline was the epitome of sensible love and kindness for her nieces, but if she thought that they needed guidance or advice, her probing questions could be relentless. And, Elizabeth thought ruefully, Aunt Madeline was usually quite correct in her assessment of when one of her favorite young relatives needed help.

Lizzy was not yet willing to confide Mr. Darcy's proposal in her aunt; she merely wanted more knowledge of what his real character was like. Her mind was still confused by the contrast between his present seeming-goodness and his former seeming-churlishness. One day she would conclude that he was a very good man, only to wake up the next morning with the opposite opinion. Elizabeth huffed her frustration.

With Mr. Bingley at Netherfield again, Elizabeth thought it likely that Mr. Darcy would eventually reappear in the neighbourhood to demonstrate his disdain for the company. Again. She wanted, she thought, to be friendly and polite to him based on her newfound knowledge of his character, yet if he continued to be so proud and unsociable she knew that she would feel otherwise. She hoped never to see him again, yet she felt obligated to thank him for reuniting Jane and Mr. Bingley. Clearly she would be unable to avoid being in his presence at least occasionally, however uncomfortable it was. Yet -- why was she even worrying about all of this if he was soon to marry his cousin?

And, in the meantime, what in the world was she going to do about Mr. Wickham? She needed to talk to Jane about that; maybe there would be a chance that night? Oh dear! They had announced it was time for the final hymn, and she had failed to resolve anything. Her lovely voice was fervent and hopeful as she intoned "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow."

Mr. Bingley came calling on Sunday afternoon, and he and Mr. Gardiner decided that it was just the sort of mild, breezy spring day when adult boys – er, men – should teach small boys to fly kites in the park. Jane, Maria, and Rebecca went along as an appreciative audience. In order to ensure success in the venture, two kites were taken: one for the adult boys, and one for the young boys. Beth was taken to the nursery for a nap, in spite of her cranky protests which were effectively interrupted by her frequent yawns, and the house gradually quieted.

Entering the sitting room with tea, Lizzy asked whether her Aunt Madeline could spare some time to talk with her. Receiving a smiling affirmative, she poured them each a fresh cup and started talking.

"Aunt Madeline, what was Mr. Darcy like when he came here? Jane wrote that he was friendly, smiled a lot, and asked if he could call again. She said that he even promised to bring his sister here to meet you. I am perplexed because this is completely opposite to his behavior in Hertfordshire, and I find it hard to believe a person could change so much in such a short amount of time. Maybe you can explain it?"

Aunt Madeline, giving her niece's request the thought that it deserved, replied slowly. "Well, at first Mr. Darcy was just like any other polite, well bred person accompanying a friend on a call to a strange house. We spoke the usual niceties with each other, concerning the weather, the lovely park across the street, the traffic in London, and bland comments about books, plays and such until we could find some common ground. I knew, of course, how important a personage Mr. Darcy is, but after hearing your experiences when we visited Longbourn at Christmas time, I was a little more cautious than I generally am with unfamiliar callers. It did not take me long to discover his intelligence, and I became curious regarding what his reaction would be if I revealed my own family's connection with his home. He surprised me, Lizzy, because he became quite friendly after that. He was much more at ease, and we spent many minutes in fond recollections of Derbyshire. There was no standoffishness at all. I would certainly never hesitate to welcome him if he chose to call again or bring his sister here, as he requested."

Lizzy was still puzzled. "But he has always appeared so reserved in Hertfordshire, and he acted so above-us-all, even when he was at his aunt's estate in Kent. I find it difficult to believe that he can behave as openly as you describe."

Aunt Madeline thought for a moment, then tried to explain. "Lizzy, he has a right to be proud. Pemberley has to be large enough to contain Longbourn, the Lucas estate, Netherfield, Meryton, and most of the other estates in your neighborhood. You know the size of Netherfield, yet it is not even as large as just one of the wings of Pemberley's house. During one of our visits during the Christmas Festival, my father received permission from Mr. George Darcy, his father, to take me up to view the portrait gallery. I was twelve or thirteen at the time, so I was old enough to recognize and remember some of the names; there were kings' ministers and confidantes, daughters of some of the most renowned Dukes in history, and probably even a king's paramour or two. He is an important man, and he is wealthy enough to be very powerful, if he ever chooses to be. I do not wonder at all that he would appear to be a bit haughty. Living as he does, and with his parents as they were, it would be natural for him to behave in such a way. He has to protect his privacy, I imagine, and must be constantly importuned by people seeking something from him." She paused to think a moment, then frowned. "The only reason I can imagine for his behaviour being so utterly unapproachable when you met is that something or someone offended him when he first went to Hertfordshire. Otherwise, you are correct; it is very peculiar to behave so contrarily."

Lizzy did not have to think for even a moment. "Well, he had no hesitation in offending me that night at the assembly when we first met." She was still indignant at his comment.

Looking sternly at her niece, Aunt Madeline stated, "Lizzy, it is long past the time when you should have ceased complaining about that!" She stopped to make sure that Lizzy was paying close attention. "First, I want you to think about how much alike in manner Mr. Bingley and Jane are: always cheerful, smiling, and seeing the best in everybody. Next, think about having to go with Jane to a party that you do not want to attend, but because she asked you to accompany her, you resign yourself and go, just to please her. Then, while you are there, Jane asks you to play the pianoforte for another lady to sing. It is the last thing in the world you feel like doing, and you refuse. But Jane keeps nattering at you to play until you emphatically refuse, claiming the singer's voice is only ordinary, and not worthy of your skill. Unluckily, you are loud enough in your response that the singer hears you." She paused, giving her niece a moment to reflect. "Lizzy, you do occasionally snap at Jane's cheerfulness. We all do now and then, because as good as she is, her constant geniality can wear on a person sometimes. I think that is what happened the night of the assembly. Mr. Darcy was not insulting you; he simply wanted Mr. Bingley to go away and be cheerful with someone else."

Lizzy was a little surprised. Her aunt seldom admonished her. Of course, Aunt Madeline was almost always correct in her judgments and Lizzy and Jane had accepted that and sought her approval since they were small children. She sat silent, thinking, while her aunt poured them each more tea and handed her a biscuit to nibble on. After a few minutes, she admitted, "You are right. I have been stubborn and unforgiving over what is really a very small matter. He did not say that I was ugly, or stupid, or clumsy, or anything that was really derogatory or hateful. All he said was that I was only tolerable, and not handsome enough to tempt him." She hesitated, and looking down, added in a small voice, "When he first walked in the door that night, I thought he was so handsome; the best looking man I had ever seen. My second thought was that one of the nicest things that could happen to me that night, or ever, would be if he asked me to dance with him."

Her aunt gave her a loving smile and reached over to touch her cheek. "And so then…?"

Lizzy reached up to touch her aunt's hand, holding it against her cheek, and slowly pulled it down to hold between both of her hands in her lap. "And so then when he refused to dance with me and dismissed my appearance, I laughed and made fun of him to everyone I knew, implying that his words were a horrible insult. I spread the news of this supposed mean behavior around to all of the neighbors as if I were Mama and Aunt Phillips combined. And I vowed to myself to never, ever, forgive him for hurting my feelings so much."

Aunt Madeline reached over and all four hands were clasped together for a moment in Lizzy's lap. Pulling both of her hands back, she softly told her niece, "But that is over now, and you must forgive him. Completely. Because you were wrong. All he did was refuse the entreaties of his friend. Is that not correct?" When Lizzy nodded, she continued, "So when Mr. Bingley has his next ball at Netherfield, and Mr. Darcy asks you to dance -- as he will -- what are you going to do?"

"Smile and talk pleasantly to him instead of attacking him under the guise of teasing. Maybe he would even ask for a second set."

Aunt Madeline laughed. "You had better hope he does not ask you to dance twice in one night. Just think of the effect that would have on your mother!"

"Oh my! Mama would be banging on the door of Mr. Smythe's house in the middle of the night demanding that he open the shop immediately so she could pick out the lace for my wedding gown! No, Aunt, you are correct as usual: one set is enough. After that, I would have to be rude and refuse him - just to save us both from Mama."

They laughed together comfortably, then talked about family and household matters until the happy, but tired, kite-flying party returned for refreshments, and a reanimated Beth joined them.

Mr. Bingley had become an accepted member of the family, and did not leave until after the family dined and he had joined Mr. Gardiner for port in the study. When the children left to go to bed, Rebecca hugged Mr. Bingley before leaving the room, while Beth gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek with her goodnight. Mrs. Gardiner, fully aware that this was the couple's last night together for a few days, allowed Jane to walk Mr. Bingley to the door by herself. Jane did not betray the trust and returned sooner than expected, grateful for the moment of privacy, but sad at the thought of leaving the next morning.

Weary from the busy day, everyone soon said goodnight and retired to their bedrooms. Sharing a bedroom again, Lizzy and Jane helped each other undress and put on their nightgowns. Sensing that her sister was too pensive to listen, Lizzy decided to delay telling Jane about the happenings in Kent and the information in Mr. Darcy's letter. Nothing could be done about that scoundrel Mr. Wickham anyway, until they reached Longbourn. Lizzy did wish that there were more time to talk to her aunt and get the benefit of her wise advice about the argument with Mr. Darcy, his proposal, her refusal, her stupid mistake in Wickam's character, and why she felt so hurt about Mr. Darcy's betrothal to Anne de Bourgh, though. She told herself to stop thinking in circles about what-ifs, and go to sleep. It took her a while, but she finally did subside into restless slumber.

Part II Darcy House

As the dinner at Darcy House on Monday evening was ending, Georgiana stood and announced, "Mrs. Annesley and I are going to spend the evening reading in my sitting room. You three gentlemen can entertain yourselves in any way you wish without our company or help."

Putting on an excited look, Richard exclaimed, "I will go fetch the opera dancers immediately!"

"FITZWILLIAM!" Darcy roared.

Georgiana attempted to draw herself as erect as possible, and doing her best to imitate Aunt Eleanor's 'Grande Dame of Society' look and reprimanding tone, replied, "Really Richard! You will not be accepted in civilized company if you continue to make suggestions like that. And Brother, you would be amazed at the variety of topics, and the types of social situations, which were considered to be educational at the expensive school that you insisted I attend." With head held high, she exited the dining room, a personification of adult dignity. Mrs. Annesley followed close behind, proud of her charge's reaction.

Bingley tried soothing his host. "Now Darcy, Georgiana has been to the opera several times, and I know that she enjoys the ballet, because I have attended with both of you. Perhaps she thought you were going to have a special performance here in your ballroom, just as a special treat for her."

That remark earned raised eyebrows from Richard, and a sarcastic, disbelieving look from Darcy, who stood, tossed his napkin on the table, and said, "Let us all go to the library before I start throwing the knives at both of you."

Upon being comfortably seated near the cheerful fire with after-dinner drinks in hand, Richard said to Bingley, "I hear from a reliable, but discreet, family source that a rich and charming single man who looks very similar to you may soon cause disappointment to spread in the ranks of hopeful mothers of the ton."

"I very much hope that is true. I should know for certain by this time next week. However, I will remain rich and charming, as well as handsome. But in addition, by my side will be one of the most beautiful ladies who has been seen in London in several years." Bingley was complacent.

"I have not met Miss Bennet yet, but Miss Elizabeth, Mrs. Collins, and even Darcy here agree about her beauty. Really Bingley, I am sadly doomed to disappointment because I have not had a chance to meet her and impress her with my own charms." Richard protested his fate.

"C'est la vie!" Bingley exclaimed with an unrepentant grin.

Richard groaned. "No French, please! The last time I heard French being spoken, it was by a horde of screaming soldiers chasing me."

"Richard, I am sorry, I just did not think." Bingley was contrite, but smiled, "But that is life - both your disappointment, and my not thinking, that is."

Darcy broke in, "Colonel Fitzwilliam, would you care to further explain a situation wherein you came to be running away from French ruffians?"

Richard grimaced. "Not really, but between Wellesley, his staff, my division's commanding officer, my scouts, and myself, an entire brigade of Frenchman went unseen until my regiment stumbled into them. It should be impossible for that many people to make the same mistake at the same time on the same day, but it did happen. However, enough of that. Today is a happy day for Bingley."

"It is not," Bingley declared. "Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth left today for Longbourn, and I cannot be there until Thursday."

"Poor chap! But if I hear the rumor correctly, the master of Pemberley will be joining you next week. Think of your good fortune to have him stalking around with his black scowl, keeping watch through the windows to make sure that all is well." Richard tried to console a chuckling Bingley, while Darcy just rolled his eyes and shook his head.

Bingley rejoined, "He only does that when Caroline is in the room. Strangely enough, last fall he actually talked to Miss Elizabeth when she teased him during her stay at Netherfield. It was rather amusing, and believe me, I was surprised when it occurred. You know how he reserved he is when the company is not family or close friends. She got the better of him a time or two, in my opinion. You also danced a set with Miss Elizabeth at the ball, did you not Darcy?"

"Yes, and the result was a fair bit of disagreement about a certain disreputable individual during the dance. You know how decided Miss Elizabeth can be when she thinks she is correct. And I am not reluctant to be firm in my thoughts, either. You had better be thankful that we did not dance a second set and ruin your ball." Darcy thought he might as well start leading into his problem.

"Oh, yes," Bingley replied, and paused for a moment before sending his host a sharp questioning look. "You had said that you needed my help with something, and I will wager that what you just said has something to do with your return to Hertfordshire next week. You had better tell me what is going on Darce, or I will make you stay at the inn."

Darcy was not surprised at Bingley's discernment, having known his friend since their time together at university. Many people were unaware of the acute intelligence and common sense hidden behind the open, cheerful countenance and outgoing friendliness. If Bingley took after his father, it was no wonder at all that his progenitor had amassed a fortune in trade. (The same explanation would not apply to Miss Bingley, however.)

"Charles, do you remember meeting a Lieutenant George Wickham, while you were in Hertfordshire? Do you also remember scolding me a bit and saying that I was gloomier than usual last autumn, while I was staying with you?"

"Wickham? Yes, I remember him, and I recall you told me he was the son of your father's steward and was quite a ne'er-do-well. And yes, I surely do remember that you did not spend those months smiling and laughing very much, or even talking if the truth be known. Now, are you going to tell me how these horses are harnessed together to pull the wagon? Or do I have to say 'or else'?" Bingley was relieved that he would soon find out what had been troubling his friend, which had, in turn, troubled him.

"Richard, would you please refill our glasses while I regale Bingley with my tale of woe?" While his cousin obliged him, Darcy faced his friend squarely and began, "Last summer, after Georgie left school, I sent her to Ramsgate…" -- finishing some minutes later with, "-- and so when I left Netherfield last November, I had not said anything at all that would alarm the local people about Wickham. He was the person Miss Elizabeth and I quarreled over during our dance. He had charmed her, and she was convinced that I had cheated him. I need to go back and take care of this matter as an honorable man would have done when it first arose."

Bingley was silent, rubbing his chin with his forefinger for a few minutes. Then casting a quizzical glance at Darcy, he said faintly accusingly, "That is not all of it, is it? You are keeping something back. I do not mind at all if you are, because I know how strictly you guard your privacy. Of course I will help you get Wickham out of Meryton, but why now, after all of this time? If it was not necessary last November, why is it necessary now? I would like to know IF there is something else you are not telling me, but I will understand if you cannot tell me what it is."

Darcy just closed his eyes and shook his head in resignation. He had expected Bingley to realize that there was more, but he had attempted to offer the shortened story anyway.

Richard laughed and leaned forward to lightly slap Bingley on the knee. "Good for you! I told him that he would not be able to slip anything past you. Make him tell you everything. The rest of the story is the most fascinating part. Prepare yourself to be pleasantly surprised. I was."

"Charles, last November when I told you that I did not believe that Miss Bennet cared for you, I was giving you my honest opinion. The trouble is that my opinion may have been biased because I was rather preoccupied in trying to overcome my own feelings for Miss Elizabeth." Darcy hoped that once he said that, the rest would come more easily.

"What?" Bingley yelped, completely surprised. His mouth fell open and his eyes grew round.

"Yes, it is so. I not only failed to see Miss Bennet's true feelings, but I ran away because, in addition to caring for Miss Elizabeth, I also considered her lack of dowry, her family, and the entire town and neighborhood beneath my dignity. Why should I care what Wickham might scheme to accomplish in the area?" he asked rhetorically. "I also concluded that my own family might not approve of such a match. So I came back to London, glad to be at a distance where I could try and forget Miss Elizabeth. That was another reason I so willingly agreed with Miss Bingley to keep quiet about Miss Bennet's call. I was afraid that if you started seeing Miss Bennet once more, I would have to meet her sister again. I'll wager that you did not know I could be so cowardly."

A minute's thought gave Bingley a more complete understanding of everything that had taken place during January, and a little grin crossed his face. "And then you went to Kent, and guess who was there?"

Richard laughed while Darcy grimaced and groaned. "I had better tell you first, because Richard will if I fail! I was flummoxed when we went to call at the parsonage the first time. At the beginning of our call, I did nothing but sit and stare, then I finally managed to utter a few inanities, and as the last resort, I retreated to the window until we left. After that first day, things were even worse. Richard, you tell him about the rest of the miserable time at Rosings until that horrible night – you know the one I mean. I will refill our glasses while you do, so I can bolster my courage to tell Bingley the rest."

"Well, I did not have a miserable time at Rosings because of Miss Elizabeth," said Richard. "In fact, Darce, it was my most delightful visit there since Anne, Sophy, you and I were together were there as children looking for trouble."

Bingley listened raptly as Richard described their time at the estate, talking at length about Darcy's silent pacing, Miss Elizabeth's teasing, Lady Catherine's monologues, the parson's sycophancy, Anne's quietness, Mrs. Collins's quiet humor and sense, Darcy's gloom, more female teasing, Darcy's scouting trips so he could 'surprise' Miss Elizabeth on her walks, their calls at the parsonage, and still more teasing.

"I gradually became aware that my stoic cousin had quite an interest in the fascinating Miss Elizabeth, but it was obvious, to me at least, that she did not like him much at all. A few days before we were due to leave, I accidentally met her as I was making a walking tour of the park. Mind you, this was a true accident, not a 'Wills accident'. Thinking to improve her opinion of Darce, I gave an example of what a true friend and kind man he really is." Richard paused to grin, while Darcy looked even gloomier. "Anyway, I stupidly proceeded to relate in detail how proud my cousin was, because he had prevented one of his best friends from making a hideously imprudent match with a dowerless female, who came from a most improper family. Of course, I am much too much the gentleman to have mentioned any names, but you know how intelligent Miss Elizabeth is. Two seconds later, looking a little pale, she said that the most terrible headache had come upon her, and she needed to return to the parsonage right away. I was sympathetic and escorted her home in silence, but I was not surprised when she did not appear at Rosings that evening with the Collinses to dine with us. But the grouchy old bear here was upset at her absence, and next thing you know, he left and failed to return. Aunt Catherine was furious, the servile parson apologized for no explainable reason, and Anne, Mrs. Collins and I carried on like troopers answering Aunt's rhetorical questions. And that is where I leave off this tale of the beginning of Darcy's trial. He will tell you the rest of his tribulations and of the horrible happenings. I do not have the heart; it is just too, too, sad."

Richard wiped an imaginary tear from his woeful face. Darcy glared in exasperation to his cousin; Richard was incapable of a telling a story without grossly embellishing it. (If Darcy had his way, his cousin would be the lowliest private, not a colonel.) Bingley looked back and forth between the two, amusement, interest, worry, wonder, and eagerness to hear the rest flitting across his face.

Darcy rubbed his forehead, sighed, and started talking, "I went to the parsonage to see Miss Elizabeth. I had finally decided that despite her lack of fortune, the unworthiness of her family, and how unhappy it might possible make my own family, that I loved her and would marry her anyway. Like a simpleton, I told her all of that nonsense as a justification for not proposing sooner. Stupid, stupid idiot that I was…" Darcy shook his head, his eyes closed in continuing mortification.

Bingley's eyes became widened with shock, while his mouth opened and closed a couple of times. "You did not –"

Darcy just nodded. After a minute, he continued. "You know Elizabeth. She not only refused, she told me why – at length, and with a great deal of anger. In addition to my vanity and contempt for others, I had kept her dearest sister from a union with her true love, and I had purposely impoverished and cheated George Wickham from making his way successfully in life. Add these items to my insults to her family, and I became the last man in the world whom she would ever marry. Unfortunately, that was just the start of the argument between us, which grew louder and angrier until I finally left. I walked, or rather stalked, around Rosings for a while, then in the wee hours, I wrote a long letter to her trying to justify my mistake about Miss Bennet's feelings for you. I also told her about Wickham's attempt to hurt me through Georgie. I walked around the park the next morning until I found her and gave her the letter. Knowing I had to correct the mistake about you and Miss Bennet, during our farewell call at the parsonage, I asked her for the Gardiners' address. Two days later, when Miss Bennet saw you, the joy on her face was incredible to look upon. I have been kicking myself ever since, and have made a vow never again to venture an opinion about anyone's feelings except my own – and to re-think those half a dozen times first."

Bingley thought for a moment, then looked up with a playful smile, "I recall that when you were at my house last week, Darcy, you said that Miss Elizabeth just happened to mention that her sister was in London. I am going to assume it was less casually said than you implied. Would I be in error if I asked if her voice was, perhaps, louder than usual, and possibly was more than slightly furious?"

Darcy shook his head and answered, "You assume correctly. She was just as incensed in her defense of Wickham - which can only mean that he is going to great lengths to ingratiate himself into the local society. He is nice looking, charming, a good dancer, flirtatious, and adept at persuading women that his attentions are honourable. If he can convince Miss Elizabeth to accept him as he claims to be, other young women have probably already become his victims, or soon will. As I said earlier, I have go back and stop him."

"I agree with you there, and will help. I know at least two young foolish ladies there who are enamoured with any man wearing a red coat, and who will shortly be somewhat under my protection." Darcy and Bingley smiled at each other in understanding, then Bingley continued. "One other thing that is rather strange -- You are usually so steady and reliable, taking your time in making important decisions, so I am exceedingly puzzled. I will, of course, understand if you do not wish to explain it to me, but may I ask -- why did you become engaged to your cousin, Anne, within only three days of proposing to Miss Elizabeth?"

"WHAT!" Darcy shot forward in his seat in shocked surprise. Richard, also startled, stared at Bingley in astonishment.

Flustered at their reactions, Bingley explained, "Darce, it has been mentioned periodically during the past few years that your family expects you to marry your cousin and join the two estates into one. Caroline and Louisa think that you are engaged; Caroline always gets upset whenever she hears it. You told us yourself last week, that you are trying to refurbish your cousin's house, and also that she is in town shopping at several modistes. The assumption around town is that she is purchasing her trousseau, and that the announcement will soon be in the papers! If it is just gossip, I must tell you that it is spreading rapidly, thanks in no small part to my disappointed sister."

Darcy slumped back in his chair, stunned. "I never thought of that. I should have."

Richard reached one hand up and rubbed his temple, "Cuz, it may be obvious, but this is a problem that needs to be solved quickly.

CHAPTER 8

Posted on December 1, 2009

Darcy's fist smote the arm of his chair with such force, that it was surprising both chair and hand emerged unbroken by the blow.

"Damn it! How could I have been such an imbecile? I do not think I have ever been so careless and thoughtless before." His voice was tight and fierce. After Elizabeth's refusal, his defiance of Lady Catherine and her subsequent reaction, his only goal had been escape from Rosings with both of his cousins. The four people who were riding in the carriage had been so relieved to be leaving the estate that they had not considered what other people might be thinking. (He wondered what Elizabeth had conjectured, when she watched him drive away with Anne.) And somehow, the rest of the Fitzwilliam family had been so concerned about his rebellion, and happy about Anne's escape from her mother's smothering care, that even his 'ton-conscious' aunt and cousin had failed to see the dangerous repercussions that might ensue. His uncle – well, it was better not to think about his uncle at the moment.

Richard decided that the brandy and port needed to go back on the sideboard, and while he was up, he rang for a footman whom he instructed to bring some coffee. After they figured out how to counter the gossip, if that was even possible, they could go back to their brandy.

As a concerned silence blanketed the room, Bingley looked thoughtfully at the books on the wall while Richard, seated again, stared into the crackling fire. Both men had a distinct look of utter concentration, as if the books or the fire could miraculously offer up some brilliant ideas, which they could then grasp and claim proudly as their own. While it seemed to take minutes, it was truly only seconds before both Bingley's and Richard's eyes widened, brows lifted, and both men straightened up, Richard with his hand lifted and index finger raised.

"My sisters!" Bingley yelped almost simultaneously with Richard's, "My mother!"

Darcy looked at the two of them blankly for a few seconds. "Of course!" he agreed, a wide smile lighting his face. "That is the answer. That is what we will do!"

Bingley's "What?" coincided with Richard's indignant, "That is what we will do? What will we do?"

Darcy gave the other two men a pitying look, as if it were all so obvious. "You did suggest the solution – tell the women. Bingley, you know how often your sisters have threat- I mean promised to call upon 'dear Georgiana' as soon as we are receiving callers. Richard, you did just suggest that your mother would wish to set this to rights. Well, what if Georgie were to call upon Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst tomorrow morning with Aunt Eleanor?"

Bingley and Richard exchanged glances and started to smile.

"Aunt Eleanor, Sophy, and Anne usually arrive to fetch Georgie to go shopping by half past nine," Darcy continued. "I will write them a note asking if they could be here by nine. Bingley, if you inform your sisters that my female relations will call on them tomorrow at eleven, do you think that they would be home to receive them?" asked Darcy.

"I have no doubt that wild horses could not pull them away, Darce. In fact, with that amount of advance notice, I am sure that the servants will be driven into an utter frenzy of preparation. Plus, their personal maids will require all of tomorrow afternoon to repair the disarray to their wardrobes after the necessity of dressing for a countess in their own home," Bingley replied.

"That is all very well and good," said Richard, a little petulantly, "but what shall we tell Mother and the rest of them to say to your sisters?"

Darcy looked pityingly at his cousin for a moment, then said clearly and distinctly, "We shall tell them nothing!"

"Nothing?" the other two questioned indignantly.

"Nothing," replied Darcy firmly. "Richard, I imagine neither Aunt Eleanor nor Sophy, need any advice from us regarding the spreading of, or the refuting of, gossip. In fact, I believe they would scoff at anything we might suggest. I have no doubt that once the situation is explained to them, that they will very quickly decide what needs to be done, then, they will plan its implementation while we have more coffee."

"Louisa and Caroline just may come over faint with all of that first circle power in our drawing room," Bingley smiled.

Richard went back to rubbing his temple, concerned, "Do you think that they will have to admit what really happened? Sacrificing Aunt Catherine would not bother me, but it is a family matter, after all. I know how Father would feel about that."

"I am confident that our relations are far more creative than that. Anne would not like her mother being spoken about in such a way at all. Though your mother would probably enjoy Lady Catherine's discomfiture, I can not envisage her talking about it in public. Like you, I know Uncle Henry would be displeased if word of what really happened were bruited about," Darcy objected.

"What really happened?" Bingley was plaintive and bewildered. "Beside the fact you became betrothed to neither Miss Elizabeth nor Miss de Bourgh, did something else happen while you were at Rosings?"

Richard started to laugh. "Daring Darcy, the Darling of the Debutantes, told our Aunt Catherine that if he ever married Anne, his first action would be to sell Rosings. She became a little upset, utterly forbade the marriage, and told him to leave and never return. We both left the next day, but we brought Anne so she could get away from there, too. Anne told Aunt Catherine she must move into the Dower House, because Rosings belonged to her. Anne, that is."

"Darce, next week when you come to Netherfield, I am going to keep a close watch on you. You have the appearance of being an ideal houseguest - a little quiet, but you are generally amiable and occasionally humorous. However, apparently you have a heretofore undiscovered talent for wreaking havoc wherever you go." Bingley had difficulty speaking because he was chuckling so hard.

Deciding that Bingley's remark – and Richard's laughter - were best ignored, Darcy rose and said, "I will write notes immediately to my aunt and both of my cousins to be delivered tonight to Matlock House, with directions that they should be delivered first thing in the morning. This is too important to rely on only one missive, which might easily go astray." Suiting actions to his words, he went to the writing desk and presently handed the notes to a footman with instructions for delivery.

The three gentlemen looked at each other a little proudly for a few moments, then Richard stated, "Well, we solved that nicely without a lot of effort, now let us go back to Wickham. I doubt we can hand that one off to anyone else, much as the thought appeals. However, give me a few minutes in the dark of night, and I guarantee that he will never trouble anyone again."

"NO!" This time it was Darcy and Bingley echoing each other.

"Cuz, I know any number of rowdy lower ranks who would enjoy nothing more than earning a few pounds - or even less - to rid the world of scum like him. They would fight each other for the chance. How much do you think it will cost you to buy all of his debts in Meryton? Several hundred, at least." Richard stood by his offer.

"Richard Fitzwilliam, I can not, and will not, do such a thing," Darcy stated, his tone signaling to his cousin that the matter was closed.

Richard sighed. "What do you want me, or the Army, to do -- send him to Portugal, Spain, Canada, or anywhere else in England, except where he is now? Knowing Wickham, he probably has acquired sizable debts of honour within this militia that he has no intention of paying. I recall meeting Colonel Forster once or twice at military receptions in London, so if I visit Hertfordshire for a day or two, I would naturally pay him a courtesy call. I could alert him to the scoundrel's habits, at least."

"You are welcome to Netherfield any time you wish to come," Bingley immediately offered. "We would be delighted to see you there." He smiled broadly when Richard nodded his prompt acceptance.

"Richard, hold onto your thoughts about the Army for a minute, and see if you like the following plan better. Bingley, I can probably arrive at Netherfield Tuesday or Wednesday next week. The day after I get there, would you accompany me into the village, and stand with me when I ask the local proprietors, publicly, one by one in their shops, if they would allow me to pay all of Wickham's debts, and obtain receipts? We should make sure to do this late in the morning when there are many people in the shops. And, on the morning after we accomplish that task, could you host a shooting party? I think I might enjoy gossiping with all of the neighbors, particularly those with daughters, about a worthless seducer of young women, whom I hear is enrolled in the local militia."

Darcy had thought long and hard about how to inform the most people in the shortest amount of time, after he arrived in Meryton. He did not look forward to acting in such an open manner, but if Bingley and Richard could survive and flourish by always being agreeable, he could damn well endure it for two days. If that was his personal price to rid the world of Wickham for a few years, it would almost be a pleasure.

"Debtors prison at last? You should have done that after Lambton, but now is also a good time, " Richard approved.

"A shooting party would be my pleasure," said Bingley, "and you can be assured of my company into the shops -- if only to watch you with awe. I think it might be a good idea if I had a quiet word with the local authorities before you arrived, so they will be prepared."

"Thank you, Bingley, that would probably make an arrest or detention proceed more smoothly. Richard, if you would still make inquiries about transfers from the militia into the regulars, I would appreciate it. If absolutely necessary, I would purchase a commission for him - if I knew he would travel to another continent. But I would prefer that to be a last resort. I do not like the thought of other men depending on him for their lives. Visiting the local commander to renew his acquaintance and talk about military matters is a stroke of genius. I am sorry to admit that fact, but I must give you credit for it." Darcy looked at his two friends gratefully and asked, "Can either of you think of anything else?"

"I cannot, unless it involves a celebration after Wickham is defeated," grinned Bingley.

"The only other thing I can think of is, that we should change from the coffee back to the brandy," Richard stated firmly. "We seem to have settled everything we needed to address tonight – and even if we have not resolved all of the little details, I would suggest one more glass to honour what we have solved. I would share more with you, but I think that it would be wise if I returned to my parents' house tonight."

"You do not think the notes will be sufficient?" Darcy asked curiously.

"I have no doubt at all that everyone would arrive here in the morning, as you requested," said Richard, "but you know Mother, Sophy, and Anne – they will be much more eager to cooperate if they have some advance knowledge of what is happening. I will soothe them by lamenting about our gross inadequacies, and they will arrive here with smiles instead of frowns.

The suggestion met with Darcy's approval, and after sharing one more brandy, the trio parted ways.

Bingley planned to inform his sisters of their important callers, either before they retired, or by alerting their maids to prepare them early in the morning. (Caroline notoriously rose about nine o'clock or later.)

Richard knew that he would have to be able to explain the circulating gossip to his relations in a clear and succinct manner, and was well aware that discretion in the appearance – and fact - of sobriety was therefore advised. Lady Matlock could be quite formidable if angered. Sophy, well, she notably resembled her mother when piqued, and Anne had always been able to outwit him. Even so, he was later amazed at how much information they were able to pry out of him. (In comparison, the interrogation techniques utilized by England's Army Intelligence Center were sadly lacking.)

The only woman Darcy had to worry about was Elizabeth, but tonight, for some reason, she was comforting and eased his worries. Of course, a little passion was acceptable also.

Promptly at eleven the next morning, Mr. Bingley's butler opened the drawing room door and announced, "Lady Matlock, Lady Sophy Rivenhart, Miss de Bourgh and Miss Darcy."

Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley proudly stood to welcome their callers. Much to Caroline's dismay, she had been overridden in an argument between the two sisters about how lavish their gowns and hats should appear for the expected call. Louisa had insisted that it was important to eliminate the possibility of outshining their guests by being needlessly overdressed. As a result, Caroline's fairly attractive aquiline features were set off by a turban, decorated with only a few small feathers in a variety of colors which blended with her apricot colored gown. Her jewelry was only slightly more ostentatious than it should be. The pale green of Mrs. Hurst's gown was a pleasant pastel contrast to her sister's, and surprisingly, she was wearing only one bracelet on each of her arms. (Although neither would have believed it, they both appeared more attractive than usual.)

After the initial greetings, Lady Matlock, who had met the Bingleys at several balls and dinners, introduced her niece, Miss Anne de Bourgh. Casual conversation flowed on the usual topics of weather, the latest parties, a new play which had opened, and progressed to the latest fashions.

Georgiana said in a scolding tone, "Anne, you should have chosen short sleeves for that lovely blue gown embroidered with tiny silver flowers that you picked out yesterday."

Anne replied earnestly, "No, Georgie, my arms are still too thin for anything but long sleeves. I do not want a prospective suitor to think I am frail. I am much stronger than I look."

Sophy added pertly, "I would not worry about suitors, Anne. By the time you completely replenish your wardrobe, and Cousin Darcy is through refurbishing the townhouse for you, single men will be lined up around the block to knock on your door. But, not to worry, even with your estate and dowry, Richard and Darcy together will be enough scare away fortune hunters. And if they can not accomplish a simple feat like that, I am sure my father can."

Caroline's and Louisa's rounded eyes darted from one caller to another, trying to suppress their astonishment. Hope flared anew in Caroline's breast (and reticule) - could she really become mistress of Pemberley, after all. Could it possibly happen?

"That reminds me!" Georgiana exclaimed. "Richard joined my brother and I for breakfast this morning, and they were both upset because they heard that there was some gossip spreading around the club that Wills and Anne were betrothed."

"Why would anyone say such a silly thing? Darcy and I engaged? Preposterous!" scoffed Anne indignantly.

"They must have been teasing you, Georgie. I know ridiculous stories can start circulating among the ton for no reason at all, but I fail to see any excuse for a story of this proportion," Lady Matlock was disdainful.

"Brother said that people had taken the news of our shopping for Anne's new wardrobe, and put it together with his being responsible for refurbishing Anne's townhouse, and erroneously concluded that he and Anne would soon be putting an announcement in the paper. Wills said that was the reason he was going to the club today; he intended to ask Mr. Bingley," Georgiana nodded at Caroline and Louisa, "to help him spread the truth. He also sent a note around for Uncle Henry to meet him there, and Richard promised he would come when he got off duty."

Sophy giggled. "Richard will no doubt make an entry in the betting book that Darcy will not marry Anne, and when he wins, he will crow to the rooftops about people so foolish as to listen to rumors about his cousin getting married. How many times have people gambled that Will would finally be caught?"

Lady Matlock turned an inquiring look at the sisters. "Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, have either of you heard any rumors about an engagement? This piece of vicious gossip could seriously damage the reputations of my nephew and niece." A stern glare accompanied her last statement. .

In her most sincere voice, Caroline replied, "We had heard such a rumor mentioned casually during one or two of our calls during the past few days, Lady Matlock. People know we are such friends with dear Georgiana that they questioned us about a betrothal, but of course we told them that we had heard of no such thing. Why, when Mr. Darcy called on us last week, he talked about the townhouse and your shopping expeditions, but we thought nothing of it." She added in disgust, "There are people in this town who just can not restrain their tongues from wagging. Louisa and I do our best to avoid them, but it is almost impossible."

With a kindly expression, Lady Matlock looked at Caroline and said, "I would appreciate it very much if you would contradict anyone you hear making a statement linking Darcy and Anne. You have my permission to say that you heard the correct facts from me. I consider this a matter of great importance, and would be exceedingly grateful for your assistance in spreading the truth."

Pleased with the request, and even more delighted to spread the news that Darcy was still free to marry – and to choose her -- Caroline responded, "Louisa and I would be more than happy to help you with the truth. It is little enough that we can do for such dear friends."

Within a few minutes, Lady Matlock, her daughter and two nieces left the Bingleys' house, declaring that they had additional calls to pay. Lady Matlock vowed dire retribution if she ever discovered who had started such a ridiculous and unfounded rumor.

With concerned looks, Caroline and Louisa said their farewells, and in turn, vowed to help all they could in this most worthwhile endeavor.

The carriage containing the Matlock party had gone only a few yards from the Bingley residence when Georgiana started to giggle, with Sophy, Anne, and Lady Eleanor quickly joining her. By the time they were a block away, the coachman and accompanying footman were eyeing each other in confusion, wondering what could possibly be so hilarious.

That evening, Bingley entered the sitting room at Matlock House to smiles and pleasant greetings from the Darcys and Fitzwilliams. Upon being introduced to Anne, he bowed deeply and said, "Miss de Bourgh, allow me to congratulate you. I heard a rumor that you are no longer engaged to that fortune hunting rapscallion, Darcy, and you are determined to find some happiness in life now that the association has ceased. I would like to offer you any help that I can give in your pursuit of joy in the future."

To the accompaniment of much laughter and mild applause from the others, Anne replied, "Thank you, Mr. Bingley. It was a narrow escape, to be sure, but as I understand it, you were helpful in finding a way to outwit the mob chasing us. I hear that you assisted both of my cousins and my uncle at the club today. Thank you for that, as well."

Bingley just laughed. "You do not need to thank me for that, because I enjoyed myself immensely. Watching Darcy stop one kind of gossip in one group of men, and then move around to spread another type of gossip was wondrous to behold, and a sight I am certain never to enjoy again. I would not have missed it for anything."

Everyone in the room laughed at the picture Bingley had described, except, of course, Darcy, whose face bore a look of great pain.

Lady Matlock could not restrain her curiosity any longer. "Mr. Bingley, have you seen your sisters since we left them this morning? If so, can you tell us whether they have had any success in helping us stop the story from circulating?"

Bingley chuckled. "I had tea with them this afternoon, after returning home. I have not seen them so excited and happy in years. You, Lady Matlock, had chosen them as your emissaries to spread the word about the non-betrothal of society's favorite single man. I must say, I do not think you could have done better. I lost count of the number of calls they told me about, and the number of people whom they informed of the correct news, as you had instructed them. They were so animated, that they continuously interrupted each other, and more often than not, both were talking at the same time."

"If you put the ladies whom Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst called on, together with all of the gentlemen you informed at the club, and add in all of the old cats we talked to this afternoon, I think everything should be fine," added Sophy.

"Sophy! Some of the people we called on today are my dearest friends!" Lady Matlock protested.

"And that is why you call on them only when you wish to learn the latest rumors, or spread some rumors of your own?" Sophy asked sweetly.

"Sharper than a serpent's tooth…" muttered Lady Matlock darkly, as spasms of fake coughs spread throughout the room. "But there is an element of truth in what you say," she sighed theatrically.

His mind somewhere else, (Longbourn, maybe?), Darcy absently asked, "Anne, when would it be convenient for you and me to go and pick out the furniture for the townhouse? I would like to be done with this soon." Bewildered, he looked around as everyone broke into almost hysterical laughter.

Richard finally pulled himself together to explain, "Darce… Think… Please. What would happen if word got around that you and Anne were buying furniture together? Would you like to have to repeat every single action all of us took today?"

Darcy flushed a deep embarrassed red as comprehension set in. "Oh! That was stupid of me."

"Cousin," Anne said consolingly, "I am sure Georgie would be delighted to help you, since I doubt she has had the opportunity to purchase furniture before. Am I correct?" At Georgiana's delighted nod, she continued, "She will do fine. Fairly fashionable but sturdy, without being too costly - that would suit a house for rent, would it not?" At Darcy's nod, she smiled. "I am tired of shopping, if you can believe that maidenly declaration, and I do not want to see the inside of a shop for a day or two. I am to meet tomorrow with both of the doctors whom Richard has selected; one of them in the morning, the other in the afternoon. While I am pleased with how well I have been feeling since we left Rosings, because I seem to require less daily rest than I used to, I am a little anxious about what a doctor will say."

"I cornered Sally this morning to make sure that you were still doing all right," admitted Lady Matlock, "and she was positive that you have not been healthier in many years. If your personal doctor named Sally says you are fine, I will dare any real doctor to tell us differently. In spite of my fears we might be doing too much shopping, you have really been quite energetic."

"Shopping does that to women; they start going here and there, and they never seem to stop. It is no wonder you have been improving with all of that gadding about and spending money on clothing. Very, very stimulating for the fair sex, " said Lord Matlock, winking.

"What do you call it when you spend the entire day with your tailor selecting new waistcoats and top coats, all those cravat strips, not to mention the endless discussion of whether to choose breeches or trousers?" Sophy asked pertly.

"Necessary!" retorted her father.

"Be careful, Sophy!" cautioned Richard, "or Father will send you to your room. How could you ever explain a happening like that to Theo, Hubert, and Celia?"

"Quite right!" stated the earl, sitting straight and tilting his gaze toward the ceiling. "I am a peer of the realm, and must always look my best, or be thought unfit to serve the king, or be sniggered at by Brummel's followers. You must admit that I am not a member of the dandy set, at least."

"Ah! That explains Lord Landon," Darcy broke in, referring to another member of the House who was notorious for his stained and ill-fitting clothes, which had not been fashionable for fifty years.

"There simply is no explanation for Lord Landon about anything – the clothing he wears, his political views, the way he votes – anything. He is a hopeless example," said the earl resignedly.

"Father, I received a letter from my husband today, and he wondered if you had found a suitable steward for Rosings yet?" Sophy queried.

"Not yet. Does he know someone to recommend?" asked the earl hopefully.

"Yes, one of the neighboring large estates in Devon, that also suffered in the severe floods is being broken up into smaller estates. Charles and the steward of that estate, a Mr. Meriville, have been working together on common drainage and pasture problems, and Charles has been quite impressed with his knowledge and abilities. They should be through with starting up the repairs in another week or two, and then Charles will be returning to town, and Mr. Meriville will be looking for a new position," Sophy explained.

"If Rivenhart says that the man is good, he must be exceptional," was Darcy's opinion.

"You are correct there, nephew. I have never yet seen him make a major mistake in judgment. I sometimes wonder how I came to be so lucky in acquiring such a son-in-law. Sophy, how did you ever catch him, besides your dowry, which he did not need?" the earl wondered.

Lady Matlock broke in, "Henry, if I remember correctly, the first time he came here to call on Sophy, you were furious and threatened to bar the door if such a boorish, obnoxious sportsman came again."

When everyone chuckled, Lord Matlock admitted, "Well, perhaps I was mistaken to begin with, but you must give me credit for learning how reliable he is. He's the only other person I know who comes even close to Darcy." He then added hastily, "And Richard, too, of course. Ah, let me add you to that list, Bingley, before someone points out that you are present. Sophy, before I say anything else that will get me in trouble, please write to Charles and tell him to bring this man along when he returns to town."

Even though Darcy had been his best friend for several years, Bingley was privately astounded at the intimate bantering family conversation taking place around him. He had come to know Richard fairly well since his return from the Continent, but close contact with the greater Fitzwilliam family had been limited to several dinner parties at Darcy House, which had included his sisters and other guests, and a few large, formal affairs at Matlock House. He knew that the presence of a tradesman's son at a family affair in the home of a peer was rare, and he was grateful for his admittance into this easy and convivial atmosphere.

Dinner was soon announced, and everyone rose to go the dining room, but Richard held Bingley back for a moment. "Bingley, would it be imposing too much to ask your sisters to invite Anne and Georgiana to Netherfield for a visit?" he asked quietly.

"Of course not! I would be delighted, and so would my sisters. But I doubt if they should be invited until we rid the neighborhood of Wickham. What if I make the invitation for a fortnight from Monday? Will that do?" queried Bingley.

"Perfect, just perfect," Richard replied with a grin.

"But why… Oh! Miss Elizabeth! Darcy will stay if Georgie and Miss de Bourgh are there. But, how will I persuade… Never mind. I imagine you have the groundwork laid, like any good colonel." Bingley answered his own questions.

Richard smiled. "I have already convinced my mother, Sophy, and Anne that it is necessary, on the same grounds which you suspected. I will never let those three question me, all at the same time, ever again. They left me, and Darcy though he was not present, no privacy at all." This last was said with a small shudder. "And if anyone asks what we have been talking about, I was getting your advice about approaching Colonel Forster."

Bingley smiled knowingly. "I will tell you that Colonel Forster has a young, pretty, silly and charming wife. Incidentally, she and the younger Bennet sisters were well on their way to becoming fast friends before I left Netherfield," Bingley confided as they went into the dining room.

"I can honestly state that quite a number of our brave colonels have young, pretty, silly and charming wives. I do not know whether it is a hazard or a reward for achieving the rank," joked Richard.

"Perhaps it depends upon the size of the dowry in comparison to the size of the young lady's - ahem – charms?" Bingley came back at him. The two entered the dining room with wide smiles and chuckles.

Dinner was the usual cheerful affair among the family – even with one outsider. Darcy glowered at his plate for several minutes after Bingley mentioned his sisters' invitation to Georgiana and Anne (despite the fact that his sisters did not yet know that they were doing so). The thought of having to endure the nearness of his beloved Elizabeth. without actually having the right to benefit from her company was extremely dispiriting, until he realized that he might be able to happen upon her some mornings while riding along the pathways in the area. His eyes could feast momentarily upon her looks and figure, while he would be safe upon his horse from her displeasure, unable to incite her ire by speaking to her. He knew that she would tease him when they met in company, but could only hope that the presence of other people would help him maintain his composure on those occasions. (At the sight of his glower, Lady Eleanor, Sophy, and Anne glanced at each other with small smirks.)

There was one minor lapse at dinner that Lady Eleanor, in later years, could never explain, unless it was due to the unaccustomed third glass of wine she had consumed. The earl, Darcy, Richard and Anne were debating back and forth about the length of time Lady Catherine might delay before she moved to the Dower House, when Lady Matlock broke into the conversation. "You are going about this all wrong."

"How so, my dear? I thought it was a good plan which we all agreed on," Lord Matlock stated.

Lady Eleanor enlightened them with pleasure. "Rivenhart will be here in two weeks, and Georgie and Anne will be gone. Sophy, Charles, the children and I should go to Rosings and use the guest rooms on the same floor as Catty's chambers. The children can play very noisy games in the hall; Charles can shout at them to be quiet, or play with them for that matter; Sophy, well, you can think of something obnoxious to do, dear; and I will knock on Catty's door and ask asylum from the chaos in the rest of the house. I think it would take her only three or four days at the most to leave, and she would be very happy to do so in a great hurry."

Bingley glanced around, puzzled as silence descended on the room for a moment or two. Darcy, in the act of hastily setting down his glass of wine, spilled some. Sophy dropped her forkful of food onto the plate with a clank. Richard quickly brought his napkin to his mouth to keep from spraying food all over his companions. Lord Matlock turned red, arose and hastened into the hall where he could be heard guffawing. Anne and Georgiana just turned to the side and laughed almost hysterically.

Lady Eleanor looked complacent, but leaned to her right in order explain quietly to Bingley, "It is no secret anywhere that my sister and I do not get along at all. But she and I are friends in comparison to the relations between her and Charles. They despise each other. If one of them was a York, and the other was a Lancaster, the War of the Roses would be continuing unabated to this day. And another thing Catty can not abide, is noisy children."

Bingley smiled in understanding -- a family feud had been exposed.

Lord Matlock returned, resumed his seat, and looking kindly at his wife, said, "Your plan has merit, my dear, but the object is to have Catherine alive and able to move into the Dower House. Your suggestion would surely cause her to have a fit of apoplexy."

"That may be so, but think how happy it would make Rivenhart to irritate her," Richard added.

"I do not want to hear any more," the earl said mildly. "You and Darcy are enough when you get together. When Rivenhart is added, the three of you are too much for the rest of the family. Why the horse races alone frighten innocent bystanders. And as for the rest of us in the house, the shouting and threats emitting from the billiard room, alarm even the servants. I will always insist that you practice your fencing with wooden swords; real ones would be unthinkable."

Bingley could not understand it. He had met Charles Rivenhart several times at dinners and balls, and a more capital fellow, though a little wild about horses, and a trifle outspoken, would be hard to find.

The rest of the evening passed uneventfully, with brandy and cigars consumed by the gentlemen while they discussed the latest political and war news. Sophy and Georgiana provided some musical entertainment later, during tea and dessert, until finally everyone went their separate ways.

After retiring to his lonely bed, Darcy was in a quandary, deciding whether extending his stay at Netherfield while his sister and Anne visited, would amount more to torture or pleasure. Elizabeth visited him frequently that night, and by morning he still had not made up his mind – pleasure... torture… wonderful… painful…exquisite… passionate… luscious…

The next afternoon, in the midst of clearing his desk before leaving for Netherfield in the morning, Bingley received a letter from Darcy, and enclosed with it was another letter addressed to Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

Bingley,

I have another favor to request of you. We both know how close the two older Bennet sisters are, so I am sure that Miss Elizabeth has told her sister everything that happened at Rosings. Miss Elizabeth can be so protective and determined, I became a little alarmed that she might act precipitously with Wickham. As soon as possible after your courtship becomes official (and I have no doubt of that occurring), would you please advise Miss Bennet that I will be there next week to rid the neighborhood of the scoundrel? If Miss Bennet hesitates, I have written another, admittedly improper, letter to Miss Elizabeth, telling her that Wickham is my responsibility, and I will take care of the problem within two or three days of my arrival. Please, give the letter to Miss Elizabeth.

I plan to see you next Tuesday afternoon. You and I can make the rounds of the Meryton shops on Wednesday, and if you will arrange the planned shooting party for Thursday, we may have accomplished everything we aim to do by Friday evening at the latest. Richard will be arriving late Wednesday afternoon, and will join Thursday morning's shooting party to help spread the news of Wickham's true character. He will call on Colonel Forster late Thursday afternoon, after he leaves the shooting party.

My sister and cousin will descend on your sisters sometime in the early afternoon on the Monday following, unless I send them an express to delay.

Thank you for your help in this matter.

Yours, &tc.

FD

Longbourn

"Oh, Jane, I almost despaired of getting away from Mama and her raptures, and her instructions, and her ideas, and the constant sound of her voice!" Lizzy complained.

"I am ashamed to admit it, but I feel the same way. I do not know if it will be better or worse after Mr. Bingley arrives tomorrow." Jane confessed.

"It cannot help but be an improvement. If he wants to stroll in the garden, or walk to Oakham Mount, I will go along as chaperone, of course, and we can leave the sounds of the house far – far - behind us," Lizzy declared.

"I can hardly wait until he arrives, and it has only been three days since I saw him! How did I manage to go all of those months with no hope at all? Sometimes I still have to pinch myself to make certain that it is real. How is it possible to be this happy?"

"You will know it is real when you meet the superior sisters again," Lizzy affirmed.

Jane sighed. "Yes, but hopefully they will soon be my sisters, and we will learn to love each other."

"Jane, I do not mind optimism, but I must say, that is going too far, even for you."

"Perhaps, but I will try anyway," Jane declared, then added in a firm, elder sister tone, "Now, before anything else happens, or we become too tired again, I demand that you tell me what happened at Rosings that upset you so much. We have not had a chance to discuss it at all. Come on, tell your big sister everything, it will help you feel better."

Lizzy frowned reluctantly, but began as bidden. "It will take a while to tell you everything, but I will start with the day that Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived and came to call at the parsonage…" and after nearly an hour she finally finished, "and so I gave him the card with our aunt and uncle's address, and they left. And now you know as much as I do."

"Mr. Darcy was in love with you all this time? It is hard to believe! I certainly could never discern it when he was at Netherfield last year. He was always polite and well mannered, but so reserved and unapproachable. Mr. Bingley said he was not that way with friends and family, but I never saw any proof of that. Except for that single dance with you at the ball, he gave no other woman a second glance while he was here."

"I am not going to worry myself about his feelings because we will probably never meet again, except when you marry Bingley," Elizabeth asserted, and added tartly, "He managed to get himself betrothed to someone else the very next day, so he obviously did not love me all that much. You need to think about that too."

Jane blew out a breath. "It is difficult to understand how that could happen."

"It will be easy to understand if you ever meet Lady Catherine. There is something more important for us to talk about than whom Mr. Darcy loves, though. It is essential that I think of some way to warn everybody about Mr. Wickham. Kitty, and especially Lydia, are just too crazy about anyone in a red coat, and I am worried because he calls here, and Mama welcomes all of the soldiers so effusively. Neither you nor I would be listened to if we tried to control Kitty and Lydia's behaviour. You know Mama will not do anything to discourage our younger sisters, and Papa would just shrug and make a cutting remark if I said anything to him about how they act."

"Kitty and Lydia have no dowry to attract a fortune hunter, so we do not have to worry about an elopement. It is such a shame, because Mr. Wickham appears to be so good, intelligent, and charming, and it must be said, he is handsome. Even you enjoyed flirting a little with him, Lizzy."

"Please, do not remind me of that. I am so ashamed of my poor judgment! He is as bad as Mr. Darcy is good, and I am such a fool! I can not say they both deceived me, because I deceived myself. Oh, Jane, how could I?" Tears formed in her eyes and began to roll slowly down Elizabeth's cheeks.

"Lizzy, please calm yourself. Mr. Wickham intended to deceive everyone, and Mr. Darcy chose to say nothing. Truly, their actions are not your fault, and we will get through this. Certainly nothing serious will happen immediately," Jane soothed her sister. "Mr. Bingley did say, before he left last year, that Mr. Darcy claimed that Mr. Wickham was not trustworthy. Perhaps Mr. Darcy has said something else to him, and if so, he can tell us. Then we can think about what should be done; I am certain, if we ask him, that Mr. Bingley would help us as well."

"You are too good," Lizzy said, blotting her cheeks with a sheet corner, then added, "I will never again go around saying that someone is despicable. Not that Mr. Darcy made any friends during his stay at Netherfield, but I made sure that he had enemies."

"Come, we must go to sleep. It is getting late, or rather very early in the morning," declared Jane.

"Yes, and Mama will be up with the birds, chirping and cackling, and making us rush around doing useless tasks until we are so tired, we almost collapse. By the time Mr. Bingley does arrive, we will be incapable of any thought, except a hope for silence and stillness."

"Now be cheerful, Lizzy, it will not be that bad," Jane exclaimed, nodding her head affirmatively.

Lizzy chuckled. "A few minutes ago, you told me to calm down, and now you are telling me to be cheerful. What will you tell me next, oh wonderful sister of mine?"

"I will tell you it is time to go to sleep, younger sister!" This was said as Jane hit her with a pillow.

The two of them settled down with a few more giggles, then hugs, and Jane was soon asleep, dreaming of many happy tomorrows in the company of an ever-smiling, tousle-haired blonde gentleman. Lizzy tossed and turned for a time before settling into another night of restless sleep, dreaming about hazy, featureless, nebulous, beings who were pulling her into foggy mazes that had no center nor any resting places, frustrating her with such twists and turns she could barely glimpse them as they diminished into nothingness in the distance.

CHAPTER 9

Posted on December 8, 2009

LONGBOURN Thursday Afternoon

"Jane! Jane! He is here! He is here!" Mrs. Bennet frantically called up the stairs.

"Yes, Mama. I will be right down," Jane called back.

"Ask her who is here," Lizzy whispered with a grin.

Rolling her eyes and pinching her sister's arm, none too gently, in remonstrance, Jane hurried out of the bedroom and downstairs to the drawing room, with Lizzy right behind her. They had managed to seat themselves and pick up their embroidery by the time Mrs. Hill announced Mr. Bingley, who entered with a wide smile, bowed, and locked his bright hazel eyes on Jane's sparkling blue ones almost immediately.

"Mr. Bingley, I was beginning to be afraid we would never see you again," Mrs. Bennet began, and continued talking for several minutes, declaring how much his company had been missed, and how nice everything would be now that he had returned to Hertfordshire. "I understand your sisters were to have returned with you. You are a dinner in my debt, and I insist you stay this evening. Would you wish to send your sisters and brother a note inviting them to dine with us also?" she asked.

"I would be delighted to dine with your family this evening, Mrs. Bennet, however I think my sisters would prefer to recover from the journey this morning. Perhaps, in another few days, when Caroline feels that she has the house functioning smoothly again. It has been several months, at least, since we were last here." Mr. Bingley may have been answering Mrs. Bennet, but he was looking at Jane, and suggested, "It is a lovely afternoon, and I wonder if I might escort these young ladies out for a stroll in the garden. Of course, Miss Elizabeth, I know you are always willing to go for a long walk. Is it too far to venture back to London today?" he teased.

"I think London is a bit too far in the time left today, but Oakham Mount would be nice. Perhaps, we could stroll there, if Jane would be willing to be our chaperone? Would you go along with Mr. Bingley and I, please, oh please, Jane?" Lizzy teased him back, while her mother looked faint for a few seconds, before she realized her second daughter was being impertinent again.

"Of course Jane will go with you," Mrs. Bennet affirmed hastily before Lizzy could foolishly say anything else, "and the rest of the girls can accompany you also. Get on with you now, while I take care of everything here." She hurried them all into their bonnets and spencers, and then out of the house. She hoped that Lizzy was smart enough to leave Jane and Mr. Bingley alone, but doubted the ungrateful child had that much sense; she knew Mary, Kitty, and Lydia would not walk with them for long.

Mary, who had brought a book, declared the others could go wherever they wished, but she was going to sit on one of the garden benches and read. Kitty and Lydia thought a walk to Lucas Lodge to spend some time with Maria would be a nice way to spend the afternoon. The three remaining individuals smiled at each other, until Lizzy said, "Lead on, MacDuff!"

"Now, Miss Elizabeth, I said that to Darcy one time, and he has never forgiven me for mangling his beloved Shakespeare," retorted Bingley.

Lizzy could only laugh, "But if I said 'Lay on MacDuff,' you might feel it necessary to get a sword and try to fight with us, and I have no knowledge of swordplay, nor does Jane. I will not be such a hard-hearted purist about the bard. I will say instead, 'Lead on, MacBingley!'"

"Ah! That will do nicely!" Bingley said, as he offered an arm to each of the ladies, and they set off in good humour to enjoy themselves. After a while, Lizzy stopped to inspect some wildflowers, and thus managed to remain out of earshot, but close enough to keep the besotted couple in sight, for the rest of the afternoon.

Returning from her early morning ramble the next day, Lizzy fetched some fresh tea from the kitchen to share with her father in the study. Chatting about the books they were reading, they began to hear stirrings and voices overhead as the rest of the family awoke and prepared to come downstairs. When Mrs. Hill knocked, opened the door, and announced Mr. Bingley, Lizzy stood as he entered and said with a wide smile, "How delightful, I did not expect you so early this morning. I do not think Kitty or Lydia are awake enough to walk out with the two of us yet, but sit and have some tea with Papa and me until either of them comes downstairs."

A nervous looking Mr. Bingley became pale, then flushed, looked alarmed, and finally stammered, "But… but, Miss Elizabeth, I did not… that is…" he stopped and grinned hugely as he realized what she was doing, "It is nice to see you so lively at this time of the morning, Miss Elizabeth, but if you would excuse us, I would like to talk privately with your father for a moment."

Laughing, she went out of the door, but just as she closed it, turned to poke her head back in the room, winked and said, "Lay on, MacBingley!" and then rushed up the stairs to see Jane.

"Sit down, Mr. Bingley, and tell me what has brought you here at this hour. Has something dreadful happened to your livestock, or to one of the cottages at Netherfield? Has the road to town become blocked by some calamity? Hurry and tell me, so I can call my people together and we will rush where needed to help you." Mr. Bennet thought he might as well enjoy himself while he frustrated the love-struck suitor.

"No, no, nothing has happened that is out of the ordinary, there is no emergency. None at all. It is… I… well… I would like to ask to have a formal courtship with your daughter!" Mr. Bingley finally got the words out, sighed, and slumped just a little in relief. There, he had actually said it.

"My daughter? Oh, you mean Elizabeth? But you could have asked her yourself while she was still here in the room. No?" he queried, as Bingley frantically shook his head, "Oh! Do you mean Mary? She will be surprised. She may even look up from her sermons long enough to say hello to you. No? Not her either? Well then, that still leaves…"

"Miss Jane Bennet." Interrupted Mr. Bingley firmly. Enough was enough.

"Of course, Jane! I should have known. Yes, you may have a formal courtship with my oldest daughter," and Mr. Bennet reached across the desk to shake Mr. Bingley's hand as he chuckled; Mr. Bingley had spoken up more quickly than he had expected. "Let me ring for some coffee. Or would you prefer a glass of something stronger? It may be exceptionally early in the day for port, but my wife will soon hear the news, and we might want to fortify ourselves."

Feeling a little lightheaded already, because the momentous question had been approved, Bingley refused the offer and faced his fate (er, future mother-in-law) stone cold sober. After all, he now had his angel almost officially by his side, forever.

NETHERFIELD The Following Tuesday Afternoon

The thought that Saturday might see the end of George Wickham in his life was exhilarating, but Mr. Darcy was not looking forward to the next three days at all. This afternoon brought its own minor punishment in the ultra-fashionable guise of Caroline Bingley, who was descending the steps even now to greet him. Bracing himself, he stepped down from the carriage, but before he could turn enough, she managed to a get hold on his left arm, which obviated breaking her grip when he reached out with his right hand to shake Bingley's own extended hand.

"Mr. Darcy, how very nice to see you. I have promised my brother that I will not say anything about the tedious company or countrified manners here, but you must know how grateful I am to have a touch of town bronze present in the house," and so saying, she kept her grasp on his left arm all the way to the drawing room, while Bingley made conversation on his right.

Gilbert Hurst rescued him by saying, "Did you attend the shooting match at Manton's that was supposed to take place yesterday between Willhorn and Trescott? If so, sit here and tell me about it immediately, shot by shot," and he patted the other half of the love seat that he was occupying.

Bingley, who had placed a wager on the match, sat in a nearby chair so he could also hear the outcome. (Disgruntled, Caroline sat with her sister, knowing she was no match for men on a quest for shooting match results and the luck of their wagers.) Upon finishing his recital of the match, – to Hurst's pleasure and Bingley's disappointment – Darcy said, "Charles, I thought that either you would be at Longbourn or Miss Bennet would be here? Has she come to her senses and cast you off already?"

"The Bennets will be here in a little while," Bingley smiled.

"Yes, we invited them for tea," Miss Bingley affirmed in her most honeyed tone. "The beautiful Jane will be accompanied by Miss Elizabeth with her fine eyes, Miss Mary and her sermons, and I am sure Miss Lydia and Miss Kitty will let us know about the latest news from the militia camp. And of course, Mrs. Bennet will be able to tell us every single thing that is happening in the neighbourhood, and Mr. Bennet will sit silently, watching everyone."

Darcy thought to himself that it was little wonder Miss Elizabeth had refused him. While he had not spoken those words in that tone, his meaning had been the same. How cruel he had unwittingly been, at the same time he was thinking that his proposal would be an honour to her! For now, he would just be glad to escape such false sincerity. "In that case, Miss Bingley, I had better go refresh myself and clean off the travel dust before I greet them."

"Come, you are in the same room, but I will walk with you in case you can not remember," Bingley said as he rose and led the way upstairs.

Finding Robinson still unpacking the trunks, and the always-full travelling desk, Darcy left him to finish, and the two men went and sat in the adjacent sitting room.

"How long do you intend for your courtship to last? I am surprised you did not go directly to an engagement," Darcy said.

"I had considered that, but after what happened last year, I thought both Jane and I could use some extra time together without being officially betrothed. I wished for her to know I was serious in my feelings, but If either one of us decides it will not work out, there will not be the dire consequences of breaking an engagement. As far as I am concerned, an elopement to Scotland next week would be perfect, but aside from that, I think next week or the week after at the latest, you will see me writing my solicitors for an appointment."

"I can only admire your thoughtfulness and planning; you are going to have to give me lessons," Darcy smiled ruefully. "Were you able to ask the two older Miss Bennets about Mr. Wickham? And if so, did Miss Elizabeth accept receipt of my letter?"

"I did not have to ask them, because they brought the subject up to me before I could," Bingley grinned at his friend's raised brows. "We were out walking Saturday afternoon when they asked if we had been invited to their Aunt Phillips' card party on Saturday night. I replied that we had been, but Caroline and Louisa were suffering from headaches, and it did not seem proper for just Hurst and I to attend. Jane said that they were concerned because several members of the militia would be there, including Lieutenant Wickham. She recalled being told that you regarded him as untrustworthy, and she wondered if you had said anything about him recently. I had to laugh a little when I said that you would be arriving today in order to try and banish Wickham from the neighbourhood. I told them what you planned to do over the next two days, and I gave your letter to Miss Elizabeth. I am sure you would have been pleased with the smile on her face – a combination of surprise and gratitude, if you ask me."

"Thank you. I am relieved to know they did not take any precipitate action," Darcy said.

"I must say, we are acting in a most timely manner. After talking further to Ja – Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth, I decided Hurst and I would go to the party anyway, and Wickham was there. The youngest Bennet girl – the giggly one – Lydia, flirted quite a bit with him. Our Miss Bennets tried to make her behave in a more seemly manner, but, in retaliation evidently, she only acted more flirtatiously with more officers. Still, she remained almost fixed at Wickham's side. The older sisters gave up, but Miss Elizabeth remained quite upset." Bingley was still troubled as he related what had happened.

Darcy puffed out a breath, "That makes me even happier to be here, and more determined than I had been."

"Good. I am still looking forward to watching you charm the populace tomorrow. You can practice by charming Caroline after you get refreshed," Bingley said as he rose, then quickly dodged sideways to avoid a slap on his leg, as he hastily left the room before he was chased.

"Mr. Darcy, it is a pleasure to see you again. I was disappointed, as was Aunt Gardiner, when you were unable to call again in London." Jane curtseyed with her blue eyes smiling.

"Miss Bennet, I regret it also, but as I told your aunt, I have been preoccupied with business. But no more of that, what is this nonsense about a courtship with my reprehensible friend here? You must know that you could surely find someone more suitable!" Darcy replied as he bowed. (While dressing, he had privately pledged that he would be as unlike Caroline as possible.)

Having never heard Darcy speak to her in such a lighthearted manner, Jane could only stammer, "Oh no! You are mistaken, why Mr. Bingley is perf… I mean, very suitable."

"If you insist, I will have to believe you." Darcy grinned, flashing his dimples, then turned a little to face the others and bowed again. "Miss Elizabeth, Miss Mary, Miss Kitty, and Miss Lydia, it is good to greet all of you again also. Mrs. Bennet, it is nice to see that you are looking so happy – it must be for your daughter's courtship. Mr. Bennet, will you be attending Bingley's shooting party on Thursday?"

A surprised Mr. Bennet just nodded, Mrs. Bennet looked surprised and slightly non-plussed, at the unexpected cordiality. Mary curtseyed with a sharp glance, Lydia and Kitty quickly curtseyed and found seats off to the side, and Elizabeth stared for a moment before she performed her curtsey.

Relieved to have gotten past the greeting, Darcy turned to walk to a chair and sit, but Elizabeth's voice stopped him abruptly, "Mr. Darcy, how is your cousin, Miss de Bourgh? I hope she is doing well in all the excitement of town. Is Colonel Fitzwilliam also in good health, and being charming to all of the ladies?"

"The Colonel is always the same, though I imagine his opponents in battle do not think much of his charms. Anne, my cousin, is doing very well, and appears to be thriving from all of her gadding about." Darcy was about to add more when Caroline broke in the conversation.

"When your aunt, Lady Matlock, called on us last week, in addition to dear Georgiana, and Lady Rivenhart, she brought Miss de Bourgh so that we could meet her. Miss de Bourgh was quite animated and excited about her new wardrobe. Miss Eliza, I know that you will be thrilled to learn that Louisa and I have invited Miss de Bourgh and dear Georgiana to visit us here at Netherfield. They should be arriving on Monday, should they not, Mr. Darcy?"

"Yes, and they are looking forward to meeting the local people and learning about the area, which will be new to both of them. Anne was desirous of seeing you again, Miss Elizabeth, and having more of those lively discussions about the best novels in recent years. I am afraid that with the two of you as examples, even more of Georgie's allowance will be spent on books that she tries to keep hidden from me."

"Miss Eliza, we know you are such a great reader, but surely you do not waste your time on such frivolity, and spend your hours instead with the great poets?" asked Caroline anxiously.

"I read many things, Miss Bingley, even my father's farm journals. Mr. Darcy, I am curious how it is you know that your sister is buying novels and hiding them from you?" asked Elizabeth.

"Sometimes strange books appear on the library tables at Darcy House, and when I inquire of the maids where they came from, the most frequent answers seem to be, under pillows in the music room, or behind large ornaments on a mantel. Because I was certainly not the buyer, that leaves only the servants, fairies, ghosts, and my sister as the culprits, and I am sure the servants would not be so careless with their treasures," Darcy replied.

"I do hope it is Oberon and Titania, not Banquo or Caesar!" Elizabeth teased.

"Miss Elizabeth, if Caesar was roaming the rooms of Darcy House, I imagine that my cousin, Richard, would be tearing the walls apart trying to find the conqueror of the Gauls. The French would surely be mere imitations in the great Roman's opinion, and Richard would be eager for any advice." Darcy rejoined.

Caroline gave up and went to sit with her sister, wondering if anyone could decipher what those two were talking about.

Elizabeth, surprised at the ease of conversing with Darcy, decided it was time to take care of her obligations to him. With a meaningful glance and a small nod of her head, she walked over to a quiet area near a window. Darcy followed her, astonished at her gesture, while grateful he was able to talk, and even joke with her, something, heretofore, usually beyond his capabilities.

"Mr. Darcy, I must thank you for my sister's happiness," Elizabeth began. "To see her--"

Darcy interrupted her, "Miss Elizabeth, please pardon me, but thanks are not now, and never will be needed. The looks on their faces when they caught sight of each other outside of the Gardiner residence – I will remember their expressions of profound joy as long as I live. I still find it impossible to believe my previous thoughts about her feelings," he said with a small smile.

"I wish I could have been there to see it also. I did hear – and read in a personal message – that you and Mr. Bingley plan to visit Meryton tomorrow morning to visit some of the shops. Oddly enough, Jane and I decided we must do some shopping at that time, too. Jane thought we would go to the cobbler's at ten thirty in order to have some shoes repaired. A friend of ours, a Mr. Wickham, told us he had his boots fixed there, and he was quite pleased with the work. Perhaps we may see each other in town after all." Elizabeth smiled, nodded, and went to talk with Jane and Bingley.

Thankful, though perplexed by how well this first meeting had gone with his beloved, who supposedly could not stand the sight of him, Darcy found an empty chair near Mr. Bennet. To the surprise of both gentlemen, they became engrossed on the fascinating subject of which books would be the most required possessions in a library which was limited to only one hundred volumes. In a couple of heated instances, their voices actually became louder than necessary, and disturbed Mrs. Bennet's discourse with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst on the latest fashion in plumes and feathers.

MERYTON Wednesday Morning

The cobbler's shop in Meryton was busy the next morning, much to the gratification of Mr. Wyatt, who needed to provide for a growing family. Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth were conferring with him, trying to decide if repairing a pair of dancing shoes was worth the cost, when the entry bell rang indicating a new customer, and they glanced at the door. Jane smiled, but Elizabeth stood straight and tense.

"Good morning, Mr. Wyatt, it appears as if your work is still much in demand. I should not wonder, because those boots of mine you fixed last year are yet in service," Mr. Bingley said in greeting. "But, lo and behold, if it is not the beautiful Miss Bennet and her sister! How fortunate, I will not have to wait until I arrive at Longbourn to see you," and bowing, he held Jane's hand a second longer than needed.

"Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, how delightful!" Jane' happiness could not be doubted.

After greetings were exchanged all around, Mr. Bingley said, "Darcy, this is Mr. Wyatt, our excellent cobbler in town. Mr. Wyatt, please meet Mr. Darcy, of Pemberley in Derbyshire, who is staying with my family again for a couple of weeks. Mr. Darcy would like to speak with you, sir."

Mr. Wyatt was surprised and pleased for more business, but remained skeptical, because he had heard that while Mr. Darcy was rich, he could be unpleasant, and was disliked in the neighbourhood.

Darcy, keeping in mind he had to smile, maintain a friendly tone, and pretend this was a Lambton shopkeeper he knew well and liked – and not look at Elizabeth – started bravely, "Mr. Wyatt, it is nice to meet you. I do have a favor to ask of you. George Wickham and I grew up together on my estate, and have known each other for many years. After he left Derbyshire, I paid all of his remaining debts in Lambton, the nearby village, and I desire to do the same for him in this town. Would you be so kind as to see whether or not he has an unpaid bill here? If so, I will gladly take care of the matter, and would appreciate it if you would give me a paid receipt in turn."

Before Mr. Wyatt could reply, Elizabeth said, "Mr. Darcy, how nice of you to help out a member of our local militia, as well as assisting Mr. Wyatt. But I would expect nothing less from someone who is a cousin to Colonel Fitzwilliam, one of our heroes from Portugal. Mr. Wyatt, when I was visiting with my good friend, the former Charlotte Lucas, now Mrs. Collins, Mr. Darcy was staying at his aunt's estate, Rosings, which is nearby. Lady Catherine de Bourgh frequently invited us to dine with her family, which included her nephews, the Colonel and Mr. Darcy. Our further acquaintance only confirmed that he is, indeed, a gentleman worth knowing."

Mr. Wyatt's skepticism vanished, and he moved down the counter to bring a box up from underneath, and started going through the filed papers. "Here you are, sir, there are two, no, three bills, and – hmm - together they total a fair amount. Do you wish to settle any single one, or all of them?"

"All of them," Darcy replied, smiling and nodding gratefully, and the transaction was concluded to the satisfaction of all present. (The three Wyatt children were very satisfied when their father came home that night with an unexpected treat of candy for all, and Mrs. Wyatt looked most fetching in her new bonnet at church the following Sunday.)

Darcy and Bingley stood aside and waited, until Jane and Elizabeth finished talking about the dancing shoes with a smiling Mr. Wyatt, and the four of them left the shop together. Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Phillips had spread the news of the courtship so thoroughly, that no one in town raised an eyebrow or looked disapprovingly as they walked slowly along the street.

"Mr. Darcy, you were wonderful. It was difficult to tell that you are reserved and private most of the time," said Jane, with an admiring smile.

Bingley assumed a hurt look, "And you have nothing to say about my superb introduction, and how good I looked as I stood there, ready to rescue the scene by doing I know not what?"

Darcy, giddy with his success, grinned at Jane. "Please, do not say I acted just like Bingley would!"

"I would not go that far. I would say it was perfect, about halfway between your usual quiet self and Mr. Bingley's usual self." Jane smiled and nodded.

"I think Miss Elizabeth cinched the act with her timely intervention. Mrs. Collins, Colonel Firzwilliam, Lady Catherine – I was amazed not to have seen a duke or two dining with us at Rosings," said Darcy, looking at her.

"Mr. Darcy, please! The thought of Mr. Collins in company with a duke is enough to make me feel faint and want to run away," Elizabeth protested. When the chuckles died down, she added, "Now, where do you want to do this next? I know Mr. Wickham has a sweet tooth, because I have seen him several times with items from the confectioner's. I also have noticed he has new gloves. Can you recall anything else, Jane?"

"Miss Elizabeth, I will never try to keep anything private in Meryton again," stated Mr. Bingley.

Jane asked in mock surprise and shock, "Mr. Bingley! What did you keep private in Meryton before? I think you had better tell me, so I know the worst now."

"Oh my! This courtship is revealing a formerly unknown talent for teasing." Bingley exclaimed.

Laughing, and thus easing Mr. Darcy's difficulty in maintaining his cordiality with complete strangers of another class, they went shop-by-shop through the town, and the proprietors became more cheerful as the Darcy purse became lighter. The quartet parted at the pub, where the gentlemen were ready for some ale, and where they would settle what proved to be Wickham's largest debt.

Jane and Elizabeth went home to help Mrs. Bennet (and her nerves) prepare for dinner tonight with the Bingleys, the Hursts, Darcy, and the second son of the Earl of Matlock.

"Jane, I could not keep a total count because I was distracted by other people, but Mr. Darcy must have laid out over four hundred pounds today," said Elizabeth as they walked along.

"I know. Lizzy, did you see the terrible look that the tailor, Mr. Halloran gave his daughter, Mattie, when Mr. Wickham's name was brought up? If I remember correctly, she is only about fourteen, not even as old as Lydia." Jane was horrified.

"Oh, I do hope you are wrong. Mattie is sweet and kind, always ready to help someone. Do you think we should do something?"

"I can not think of anything we could do at this time," said Jane, "but we should try and speak to Mattie when we can. All of that money owed in our little village alone! Mr. Bingley said the largest debt would probably be at the pub, and that is not even included in our total. And the debts of honour among the other officers! It will surely amount to eight or nine hundred pounds."

"The money paid out today, plus the debts Mr. Darcy paid in Lambton, plus the four thousand pounds from the will and the purchase of the living – all of it in just a few years, and this is only what we know about! Most people would be happy to have that much wealth in a lifetime. Jane, think how rich we would feel if our dowries amounted to that. How could I have been such a fool?"

"LIZZY! You had better not start crying, or I will too, and we can not arrive home with tear-stained faces, or Mama will really be upset. So stop right now, or I will start to tickle you," Jane threatened. After a minute she continued, "Mr. Darcy was amazing today. He seemed to be a different person entirely. What did you think?"

"I thought that… I did not think about his behavour after the first few minutes, I just enjoyed being in his company. Mr. Bingley told you, and the Colonel said he could be like that, and at Rosings, Miss de Bourgh said he was amiable and agreeable with family and people that he knew well. Do not forget how he acted with Aunt Madeline once he recognized her as an old acquaintance." Lizzy smirked at her. "Perhaps I became a friend when I said he was the last person in the world I could be prevailed upon to marry. He now knows my opinion of him, and therefore feels I am an old friend with whom he be can amiable and friendly. I realize that makes no sense at all, but neither does he."

"You are correct. You have no sense, just as I always thought, and over the soup tonight, I will have to congratulate him on his narrow escape," Jane smirked back.

The rest of the way home was beguiled with light banter between the two devoted sisters. Mr. Wickham and his awful debts were temporarily pushed to the back of their minds in favor what to wear on the occasion of dinner with guests including Jane's courtier, the second son of an earl, and the tall, handsome, and slightly poorer gentleman from Derbyshire. And they could not forget the other two worthy and fashionable superior sisters, who would surely be overdressed.

NETHERFIELD Wednesday Afternoon

Colonel Fitzwilliam rode his horse up the drive at Netherfield shortly before afternoon tea. An alert footman notified Bingley, who came down the steps to greet him, followed by Darcy. After the horse was led off by a stable boy, the three chatted at the bottom of the steps for a few minutes.

Richard, his curiosity bump itching fiercely again, asked, "How did it go in Meryton today? Darce, you do not appear to be wounded or exhausted from fleeing a mob."

"Richard, I finally realize that the two of you are actually related. He was so friendly and charming today, I thought you were with me, not him," Bingley asserted. "It was the strangest sensation; I could see him talking to strangers in strange places, but his words sounded like something you would say, and he smiled and acted as if he is normally a cheerful fellow."

"How much did he cost you this time, Cuz?" Richard asked.

"A bit over four hundred until we hit the pub. It is past understanding how he could manage to talk the pub owner into more than two hundred pounds of credit. I would think most pub owners would set a limit of five or ten pounds," Darcy replied.

Bingley sighed and explained, "Mr. Larson's wife and three of his daughters also work in the pub. I will wager Wickham timed his pub attendance to the hours they were working. Oh, and do not forget the other barmaids who are occasionally hired."

Darcy's face reflected enlightenment, "That would account for the look of astonishment when Larson totaled up all of the tickets. I thought he was surprised by the number of tickets, but assumed he was fairly busy in the evening business hours, and had not kept close count. You are right though, Bingley – he has always been able to charm the ladies." The familiar Darcy glower and frown appeared.

"Darcy, stop thinking about it, and go back to acting like you did this morning. That is an order from your host, and if you do not obey, I will allow Caroline free rein at your side tonight. For now, let us get Richard inside so he can have tea with us. Richard, the rest of us will be dining with the Bennets tonight, and Mrs. Bennet is also expecting you. If you are too tired from your day and your journey, I will be happy to make your excuses." Effectively silencing Darcy with the threat, Bingley led the way inside, while affirming Sergeant Bascomb had arrived earlier with Richard's luggage.

LONGBOURN Dinner on Wednesday

The seating arrangements at the dinner party were coming close to bringing on Mrs. Bennet's worst spasms. She did not want that terrible Mr. Darcy anywhere near her; Jane had to be with Mr. Bingley; Lydia and Kitty must have the officer beside them, but he was the son of an earl and should be so honored; the two fashionable Bingley sisters must also be honored, but Mr. Bennet would not speak about fashion; Elizabeth must not be near anyone who would incite her impertinence; thank goodness for Mr. Hurst and Mary, both of whom she could put anywhere. She finally gave up, and handed the chore over to dear, reliable Jane, while she went to make sure the maids and cook and everyone else were doing what she had told them to do. Oh, these distractions and irresponsible people were not to be borne! Oh my, the flutterings were starting up again!. Maybe she should carry her salts with her, instead of calling for Hill to fetch them.

"What do you think of putting Mr. Darcy beside Papa? They seemed to enjoy their arguments yesterday?" asked Jane. "Mrs. Hurst could be on Papa's other side, with you beside her, and if we put Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Bingley beside Mama, we should be able to fill in everyone else with ease.

"Put Lydia between Mary and Mr. Hurst, as far away as possible from the Colonel. She will be angry and sulk, but at least she will be quiet," Lizzy suggested, and as easily as that it was done.

The Bennet girls were assembled in the drawing room awaiting their guests, and Mrs. Bennet was giving each of the girls a final inspection to make sure their looks were as perfect as possible. She was just admonishing Lizzy for wearing a gown with a shameful paucity of lace, ruffles and bows, when the Netherfield party arrived.

After introductions all around, Colonel Fitzwilliam walked over to Elizabeth, smiled, bowed and said, "Miss Elizabeth, how nice to see you once more. When we said farewell at the parsonage, I just knew I was destined to be broken hearted for the rest of my life."

Mrs. Bennet gaped – Lizzy and the second son of an earl? Impossible!

Elizabeth laughed and replied in the same spirit, "Colonel, my heart was broken almost the same amount as yours was. Though, you should be aware," a big sigh, "I have been pining away and am but a shadow of my former self."

"Nonsense! You are as lovely and lively as ever. I hope the shy Miss Lucas is well? I am sure you have heard how Mr. and Mrs. Collins are faring, so you must tell me of them also." Richard was not surprised to find Darcy coming to stand beside him, but he was not prepared for Mrs. Bennet to almost drag him away to be in the company of her two youngest daughters.

"Oh dear!" Elizabeth closed her eyes, and moaned almost inaudibly as he was borne away.

"Please do not worry," soothed Darcy, recalling his pledge. When her face reddened, he added, "Richard will be fine. A certain Fitzwilliam Darcy that I know would probably say something fairly rude and walk away to stare out of a window, but Richard can, and will, charm and finesse his exit from any group of people without giving offense – an enviable trait that I wish I possessed."

"Mr. Darcy," she began.

"Miss Elizabeth! I told you yesterday that I would not accept your thanks, nor will I accept any apologies that I, above all others, do not deserve. May I proffer a solution to our mutual dilemma of continuously offering thanks and apologies to each other? We both admit we have said enough, and we start anew. After all, we did work together today to accomplish a task that will benefit both of our families." Darcy smiled into Elizabeth's dark eyes, rounded with confusion and wonder, and waited a moment before saying, "Miss Elizabeth Bennet, my name is Fitzwilliam Darcy, and one of my best friends is courting your sister. I hope to stand with him at their wedding. Since we now know each other, I will let you pick the next topic of conversation, but I understand we are both fond of Shakespeare and other poets." Darcy favored her with one of his biggest smiles and a nod of encouragement.

Stunned, Elizabeth floundered for a few seconds, "Mr. Darcy, I… that is, I…" and stopped when dinner was announced. Silently, she took Darcy's proffered arm and went into the dining room, not noticing the dark glare sent her way from Caroline.

Whatever deficiencies Mrs. Bennet may have had in other respects, no one could deny that she set an excellent table, and invitations to dine at Longbourn were sought after in Hertfordshire. Mr. Hurst closed his eyes twice while enjoying particularly fine taste sensations. Caroline was impressed enough that she considered saying as much, but decided that such a compliment would be wasted in the crude society of the country. The women eventually adjourned back to the drawing room, and the men went to Mr. Bennet's study for drinks and cigars. Bingley and Richard both protested when Darcy spied some books on the shelves that threatened to re-ignite the argument with Mr. Bennet about the one hundred volume library. Mr. Hurst concluded that a dinner like that and a port of this superb vintage were worth the tediousness of sitting beside that young, silly chit, Lettie?…Lennie?…Lydia, that was it; anyway, he looked forward to the next invitation to dine at Longbourn.

After the men rejoined the ladies for coffee, and all partook of a divine layered torte, Elizabeth welcomed Richard when he came to talk further with her., "Colonel, I did not have a chance to ask you before dinner, how is your cousin, Miss de Bourgh? I hope her health continues to improve, and she is enjoying her stay in town. Has she finished buying all of her bride clothes yet?"

Richard's eyes bored into hers as he frowned, "Bride clothes? Please do not say that despicable rumor has reached here? Miss Bingley would have said something to us if it has."

"Rumor? What rumor?" Elizabeth was confused.

"You have heard nothing?" Richard asked, and when Elizabeth shook her head in bewilderment, he turned both of them away from everyone else, adding quietly, "Very quickly, Miss Elizabeth, let me say this – my cousin, Anne, is not engaged, nor is she thinking about being engaged, to anyone. After we left Rosings and came to London, Anne did shop for a new wardrobe, and Darcy is refurbishing the de Bourgh townhouse, but that is all. If you do not believe me, Anne and Georgiana Darcy will be here on Monday, and Anne will confirm that."

Elizabeth looked puzzled as she said, "But Mr. Collins said that Lady Catherine said…" her voice trailed off, and she shook her head in disgust. "As if I did not know better than to listen to my cousin when he talks about Lady… Oops!"

Richard started to laugh, and leaned over to whisper, "Miss Elizabeth, I will never admit this again, but if ever a pair deserve each other, it has to be those two people, who shall not be named by me."

Elizabeth laughed with him, and whispered back, "Colonel, I did not hear a word you said about – about who, or what, or never mind – it is not worth repeating."

Darcy, Bingley and Jane joined them to find out what was so funny and confidential, but Richard changed the direction of his attention. "Miss Bennet, everyone has told me the truth – you are an angel. However, now that you and I have been introduced, and dined together, and exchanged a few polite phrases, it is time you ceased this ridiculous courtship with a mere civilian, and attached yourself to a fine, heroic, upstanding officer."

Jane's beautiful eyes glinted as she quipped, "But Colonel Forster is already married!"

The burst of merriment from the five of them stopped conversation in the entire room, including Lydia and Kitty giggling in the corner. Talk became general for a short time, and the Netherfield party soon left because the men – even Mr. Bennet -- had to rise early to go hunting.

Sitting on the bed for their usual nighttime chat together, Jane said, "All right, what is it? You have appeared ready to explode, and dying to tell me something, ever since they left."

"The Colonel said that they are not engaged!" Lizzy exclaimed.

Jane was puzzled, "Who is not engaged? I did not know Colonel Fitzwilliam was supposed to be engaged to anyone."

"NO! Not him! Them! Anne and Mr. Darcy. They are not engaged," Lizzy said excitedly.

"Why does that matter? You do not like him. You did not care yesterday that he was engaged, only that he became engaged so quickly to someone else after he asked you. So, why does it matter now?" Jane was still puzzled.

"Because… I do not know why it matters. It just matters because… it does," Lizzy's voice trailed off as she groped for words to explain the unexplainable feelings swirling in her heart.

Jane reached over and took hold of her sister's hand, and they sat quietly in thought for a minute or two. Finally, Lizzy quietly said, "I cannot understand myself at all. I have never liked Mr. Darcy, I have told many people how I feel, and I refused to marry him. Tonight I find out he is not going to marry someone else as I thought, and for some reason, I want to dance around the room with joy, because I am so happy about it." Her voice rose until she was nearly wailing, "Jane, what is wrong with me? Am I going crazy?"

Moving over to sit beside Lizzy, Jane put her arm around her shoulders, "I think you are finally finding out Mr. Darcy is a good man. There is that old saying that hate is very close to love, and evidently you are discovering how true it is. Stop thinking you are crazy. Stop thinking at all. Lizzy, you think yourself into such circles, you make yourself dizzy. Yes, that is what is wrong, -- You are dizzy from thinking too much. Come on, lie down, and I will rub your back until you go to sleep. Just do not think."

Perhaps it was the successful day in Meryton, or the nice dinner, or the engagement news, or the back rub, or some or all of them together, but Lizzy slept dreamlessly and woke rested for the first time in days.

In the library at Netherfield, while sipping a last brandy, Richard said, "Miss Elizabeth thought you were engaged to Anne, but I disappointed her and said you were not."

Bingley was startled. "The rumor is in Hertfordshire, and Caroline and Louisa did not deny it?"

"No, that did not happen." Richard replied and looked at Darcy. "Remember, Miss Elizabeth stayed for another week at Rosings after we departed? That left the capering Mr. Collins and our aunt to blather their ideas to each other, and no one sane was left to deny it - except the sensible Mrs. Collins, and of course, she did not know any different either."

"Thank you, Richard," Darcy nodded.

"Well, I do not know if it will help or hurt your cause, but at least she knows the truth."

"It will probably hurt, because now she will be sure I will try again, and she will not be as friendly as she has been the past few days. Miss Elizabeth is nothing if not steadfast." Darcy was gloomy with a sense of foreboding.

Gilbert Hurst sipped at his brandy with his eyes closed, then smiled triumphantly to himself as he figured out what was going on. Interesting indeed. Poor Caroline. He could hardly wait.

CHAPTER 10

Posted on December 15, 2009

NETHERFIELD Thursday Morning

"Can I have your attention, please? Bingley ascended a few steps up the granite stairs outside the graceful front of Netherfield Hall, and called out loudly enough for the gathered gentlemen to hear. "My good friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy, whom many of you met previously, has some important information to relate to all of you."

Footmen were circulating in the courtyard, topping up the coffee cups with the fragrant steaming beverage, and offering fresh, hot pastries in the cool spring air. Thus, it took a moment for the crowd to settle down.

Darcy, who had followed Bingley partway up the steps, took a deep breath, attempting to master his nervousness and hold onto his earlier resolve to keep a friendly but firm tone, and a calm but not stoic demeanor. After conferring together, Darcy, Richard, Bingley, and Hurst – who was included because, somehow, he always knew what was going on anyway – decided that the best idea was to spread the truth about Wickham to the guests before the hunt started. In that manner, those individuals who wished for further information would have the entire morning to question Darcy and Richard further as they walked around on their quest for birds.

Clearing his throat, Darcy began. "Last month, while I was visiting relatives in Kent, I had the pleasure of becoming reacquainted with Mrs. Collins, whom I first met here as Miss Lucas, and with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, who was visiting her friend. Sir William," he said smiling slightly at that gentleman who seemed surprised by the attention as well as the hitherto unseen expression, "I understand that we missed each other by a scant few days." He bowed his head also toward Mr. Bennet, who raised one eyebrow but returned the gesture. "In speaking with the ladies, I discovered that appalling lies were being told about me here in Hertfordshire. To my dismay, I was informed that the community at large had given full credence to these stories which were being told, and that my own reputation was, as a result, in tatters. Furthermore, I learned that these lies were being spread by someone whom I used to consider a trusted friend, and while not wishing to injure my former childhood companion, I must defend my own reputation."

A buzz of startled exclamations and questions interrupted Darcy, and he waited for quiet before he resumed. Looking out over the crowd, Darcy noted that most of the faces did not appear especially friendly toward him, but at the same time, most seemed curious, and he hoped that they were willing to listen with open minds.

"George Wickham, as he claims, is the son of my late father's trusted and valued steward, and my father did support his education at Cambridge. Upon my father's death, Wickham inherited a legacy of one thousand pounds. My father had hoped that Wickham might become a clergyman, and if he took orders, he was to be given the living at the Kympton parish, on our estate, when it came open. However, Wickham informed me that he did not wish to take orders; instead, he desired to study law. He requested, and was granted, three thousand pounds in lieu of the living."

Here Darcy was forced to pause, for the buzz of consternation drowned out his words. Three thousand pounds was, he knew, enough to support a single man in gentlemanly style for seven or eight years, even if he had no other income; as a supplement to an officer's pay, it should last decades. Finally, the cacophony subsided enough for him to make himself heard again.

"He was not cheated of the living as he claims, I repeat, Wickham was given the sum of three thousand pounds by me. If anyone doubts that, I have the signed receipt upstairs in my room. In case you have lost count, Wickham received a total of four thousand pounds in less than a year."

Another rumble of surprise stopped him for a few moments, but this time it sounded more angry than startled to Darcy's ears. Bingley said quietly, handing him a steaming cup, "You are doing superbly – keep on the same way."

Darcy took a sip or two of coffee to wet his dry throat, then he held up his hand for quiet. "Some of you may have heard of what I did in Meryton yesterday, but in case you have not, -- " He looked down at the steps, uncomfortable with touting his own actions, but knowing that it was necessary to provide the assembly with all of the facts. "--I became concerned about what I was hearing about Wickham here in Meryton, and based on previous unfortunate experience in Lambton, the village nearest to my home at Pemberley, Bingley and I went to all of the shops in Meryton to make inquiries. We discovered that Wickham had run up significant debts here in Meryton." The angry rumbles were louder this time, but they subsided quickly; Darcy knew that the men were anxious to find out how bad things were in their community. "Wickham's debts totaled over six hundred pounds – Wait! Allow me to finish! – All of the debts have been paid; your shop keepers' livelihoods are safe. I have the receipts here," and he pulled them from his pocket and held them high in the air.

To Darcy's surprise, there were no interruptions this time; the men were silent, astonished.

"I have the receipts from my payments of his debts in Lambton, as well, if anyone feels the need to check my veracity. The reason I am telling you this, is because, believe it or not, there may be worse to come." Darcy paused, sighed, and spoke quietly. "The blackguard left a trail of ruined women, and fatherless children in his wake – two in Lambton, and two at Pemberley, where I provide for them by employing the mothers as maids or help in my kitchen. Colonel Fitzwilliam, my cousin, can attest to all of this, since he has also known Wickham from childhood. He will be calling today on Colonel Forster, with whom he is acquainted, to enlighten him about this nefarious recruit. Do any of you have any questions you would like to ask? I will do my best to answer them."

The hubbub that arose from the group made singling out any specific question impossible, but the most frequently voiced comment, as Darcy expected it to be, was 'Why were we not told sooner?'. He raised his voice a little (with a small smile, the result of a quiet prompt from Bingley), and said, "I did not speak of this last November because, as far as I knew, during his service in the militia and while quartered in Mertyon, Wickham had done nothing wrong. I knew he was in town, but I did not speak to him; to all appearances, he was trying to reform and serve our country, as do my cousin and the other honourable young men on duty here. I was unaware of the falsehoods being told in Hertfordshire until Easter, while I was in Kent. At that time, Miss Elizabeth confronted me with the lies Wickham was spreading about me - as her neighbours, you must know how staunchly Miss Elizabeth Bennet will defend those people whom she thinks have been wronged." Darcy grinned ruefully, deciding that as mortifying as it was, the truth would help him. "No doubt you can also imagine the tongue lashing I received from her regarding my supposed ill-treatment of Wickham." The laugh that interrupted him this time was worth the embarrassment. "In any case," he continued, blushing slightly, "Miss Elizabeth helped me to understand what was taking place here, and I returned as quickly as I could to determine the true extent of Wickham's dealings and to do what I could to ameliorate the damage."

The buzz this time was approving, but Darcy noticed Mr. Bennet directing a rather pointed look his way. Accepting Mr. Bennet's look with a tiny shrug, Darcy continued. "Wickham will be arrested later today, and I have little doubt that the Fleet Prison will shortly have another inmate." Stepping down, Darcy was quickly surrounded by several men all talking to him at once, but Bingley stayed by his side and helped out whenever the familiar Darcy frown overtook his features.

Richard raised his voice – commander style – and said, "I can also answer questions about that scoundrel's past life. I have known him, and my cousin, since we were children playing, hunting, and fishing together. But George definitely did not grow up to be a good man, in any sense that the word 'good' means. Unless it is good-for-nothing." He was quickly encircled by another group with questions and comments about Wickham.

It soon became apparent that there would be no shooting or hunting that day, unless the quarry was a certain lieutenant in the local militia. Bingley invited everyone into the dining room for further questions and discussions on the matter, while the kitchen staff was directed to provide more coffee and some breakfast. The beaters, gunmen, and dogs were dispersed to their homes, or to join the coachmen in the stable area.

Gradually, the excited talk among the men became calmer and turned more towards what was to be done about the villain, now that he was exposed.

Mr. Bennet, who was rapidly coming to enjoy Mr. Darcy's intelligence and company, asked him, "How did my Lizzy come to – what was it? – 'tongue lash' you on the subject of Wickham?"

Darcy, expecting this question to arise, had a ready answer, "I made a rather detrimental remark about the conduct of her younger sisters. And, as you must know better than I, with Miss Elizabeth, one thing can lead quickly to another."

Mr. Bennet laughed. "I would have expected her to agree with you regarding the behavior of her sisters; she complains to me often enough about their behavior."

Darcy smiled a little. "I rather think that, as most of us would, she was defending her family against an outsider."

To Darcy's relief, Mr. Bennet smiled back and turned to his other side to answer a question from Mr. Goulding.

After another thirty minutes of talk, Sir William Lucas rose and tapped his cup with his spoon to call attention, and ask everyone to be quiet for a moment. He turned and said, "Mr. Darcy, if you were prepared to have Wickham arrested later today, I fail to see any reason for not doing so this morning."

Darcy allowed a small smile of relief to show. "Frankly, Sir, I did not expect all of you to believe what I said so readily. I had thought I would have to spend three or four hours in heated arguments before I could convince you. Wickham can be so charming and so beguiling that people find it hard to realize it is only a façade covering ugliness."

Mr. Bennet spoke up. "Mr. Darcy, we have all heard of your wealth, but nobody would pay the shopkeepers of a small village the amounts you did yesterday just for enjoyment or a joke."

Sir William had started asking, one by one, for opinions around the table when Sergeant Bascomb opened the dining room door, looked for his superior, and said urgently, "Colonel, sir!" and then jerked his head towards the hall. Richard, looking worried and concerned, rose and left immediately. Everyone in the room became silent and still. The infamous Darcy frown went unnoticed because all the other faces bore the same frowning expression. What news would have a sergeant interrupting a colonel of the regulars in that manner? Invasion? Surrender? Something else equally unthinkable?

The ensuing quiet was becoming tense when Richard opened the door, his face bearing a broad smile, and said, "If you gentlemen would care to join me, there is something I believe that you would like to see out front." He gestured for everyone to follow him, and turned to lead the way.

Without further ado, the men arose and followed him, their curiosity and comments running rampant. At the rear of the pack, Darcy looked at Bingley and Hurst and said, "What would you like to wager…" but Bingley pursed his lips and wagged his head. Hurst just snorted in derision.

When they emerged from the door at the top of the stairs, they could see Wickham standing in the midst of the courtyard where everyone had been having coffee earlier. But this was not the natty, neat Mr. Wickham they were accustomed to seeing. He was dirty, disheveled, with tears in his dark colored nondescript pants and coat. He was hatless as well, and his usually carefully tousled hair was tangled and matted. His face was bruised, with one eye blackened, and his nose and lips were swollen and bloodied. If that were not enough, a rope was tied around his right wrist , and the other end of its six foot length was fastened to the left wrist of a very large man who stood three or four inches taller than even Darcy, and must have weighed half again as much. Another burly, but slightly shorter man stood on Wickham's left, with a similar rope running between Wickham's wrist and his own.

As the last of the shooting party reached the ground to stare in astonishment at the strange trio, Richard announced, "I would like all of you to meet Sergeant Donahoe and Sergeant Laffterty, two of my trusted regimental comrades-in-arms. I sent them here to Meryton two days ago to enjoy some time at your inn, but more importantly, to keep an eye out for any deserters from the militia." He walked over to Wickham, grabbed his shoulder lightly, and shook it briefly. "George, you old devil, you never will learn the correct way to conduct yourself, will you?" Turning back to the crowd he continued, "I understand from my men, here, that he left the camp in the wee small hours of the morning, stole a horse from the inn, and was trying to quietly sneak out of town when they stopped him. He must have heard that Darcy purchased his debts and knew he had been found out, but the theft of a horse – on top of desertion – is a significant crime indeed."

Wickham tried to say something at this point, -- Richard raised his eyebrows and mockingly leaned closer with his hand to his ear, as if he could not hear or understand -- but Wickham's swollen lips and missing and jagged broken teeth made the curses quite unintelligible.

The smaller sergeant leaned forward and muttered something, whereupon Richard loudly added, "It appears that my old friend, here, was carrying a sack with several purses and other valuables that clearly did not belong to him. Attaboy George! Getting away was not enough, eh?" He glanced around at the crowd, most of whom wore disgusted looks. "Darcy, Bingley, I can see no reason to delay this any longer. Let us give this knave up without delay, and get him away from here forever. As he is no doubt aware, the total value of his thievery far exceeds the quantity necessary to guarantee his hanging, even if he were not a deserter."

Mere moments of deliberation, which in truth consisted of no more than a few glances and nods, saw Sir Lucas and Mr. Bennet – who were the local magistrates, -- the Netherfield party, and Wickham, still leashed to the burly sergeants, heading toward the local gaol to prepare for his transportation to London's military authorities for desertion and theft. Darcy loudly suggested that everyone else adjourn to the pub, where he would sponsor a general celebration. Hurst cheerfully agreed to take charge of the men heading for that diversion.

Some thirty minutes and the departure of many horses and carriages later, Darcy, Bingley and Richard climbed in the last carriage to leave the yard. Darcy was dazed; it had happened so fast that it felt as if he had just awoken with the dawn mere minutes ago. The most wonderful thing of all was that Georgiana's name had not even been considered, let alone mentioned. He shook his head in amazement at the speed (and occasional caprice) of local justice, and sternly reminded himself, "Pull yourself together and be the cordial Master of Pemberley with these men. You are perfectly capable of relaxing and drinking ale with honest people who have proven to be just like those in Lambton, even if they are not of the first circles. And after that –" he sighed, "- After that, I will finally be able to live out the rest of my life without the spectre of George Wickham's deceit and malice looming over the ones I love."

Longbourn Thursday Afternoon

Returning home, Mr. Bennet, feeling the mischievous effect of more that a few drinks with convivial friends, thought he would share the news of the day with his family. Chuckling at the thought of frustrating his wife's nerves as he exited the carriage, he told the coachman that the horses were not to go out again that afternoon. He entered the hall and ambled toward the sitting room doorway, where he leaned casually against the jam. "My dear Mrs. Bennet, just so you may be apprised of the facts before the latest gossip can take you by surprise, I will tell you now that Lieutenant George Wickham was arrested today on charges of indebtedness and thievery. If, by a miracle, he avoids hanging for those charges, the army will be most certainly object to his attempted desertion, and, given that this is a time of war, the consequences for that particular act will likely be rather unpleasant for him."

Seeing his astounded wife take a deep breath in preparation for what would, no doubt, be an extended outburst, he cut her off. "I am sure, Mrs. Bennet, that everyone in town already knows what has happened. In fact, all who made up the hunting party this morning were present shortly after Wickham was apprehended, so there is no need for you to spread the good news. In fact, Sir William and I accompanied Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, and Colonel Fitzwilliam to ensure the scoundrel's comfortable installation in our local facilities, prior to his transportation to London. All of your friends already know all there is to be known of the matter, my dear, but I am certain your sister will soon be here so that you may exclaim to your heart's delight over the details. Oh, by the way, Lydia, Kitty, you are not to go into town today. I will be spending the rest of the day in my study; please do not disturb me." He walked carefully down the hall, and the soft closing of his study door resounded in the shocked silence.

Behind him, the sitting room erupted with confused cries and exclamations by Mrs. Bennet, Lydia, and Kitty, and while Mary had raised curious eyes from her book to listen to her father, she viewed the current scene with interest. Lizzy and Jane cast relieved smiles at each other while they waited for the tumult to subside.

"Mama, we must go into town and find out exactly what has happened! Papa can not truly be so cruel as to make us stay here when Mr. Wickham might be in danger," Lydia exclaimed, hurrying to stand beside her mother and pulling demandingly at her sleeve.

"Of course, my dear Lydia! Kitty, you run out to the stables as fast as you can and tell the coachman that I want the carriage right away before he has unharnessed the horses." Kitty rushed from the room, as Mrs. Bennet rose in a flurry of activity, hurrying to don her bonnet and spencer before the carriage arrived back at the front door.

Standing by the door with Lydia, Mrs. Bennet was bemoaning the delay when Kitty came around the corner of the house from the direction of the stables.

"Mama!" called a confused Kitty, "Jimmy said Papa told him that the horses are not to go out again today."

"What?" Mrs. Bennet screeched. "That can not be. I have to go see my sister. It is impossible that I should have to remain here , as if I were a prisoner, unable to call on anyone. I will go speak to your father about this," she hissed as she turned furiously toward the door.

Jane and Lizzy stood blocking the doorway, and to Mrs. Bennet's astonishment, Jane calmly raised her hand. "Mama, you have to stop. Papa said that Lydia and Kitty must remain here, and if he ordered the horses unhitched, clearly you will have to stay here too. Remember, he said that everyone in town already knows what has happened from the gentlemen at the hunt this morning, so I am sure that Aunt Phillips, or Mrs. Lucas, or Mrs. Goulding, or somebody, will be arriving soon to share their knowledge and to find out what you know."

"But I do not know anything!" came Mrs. Bennet's forlorn cry.

Lizzy and Jane each took one of her arms, and gently leading her into the hall, helped remove her bonnet and spencer. With an arm around her mother's shoulders, Jane led her to a chair while she softly told Lizzy to fetch some tea. Mary quietly left to study in the peace of her room, but a frustrated Lydia flounced around the sitting room, down the hall, and back again to the sitting room, muttering incomprehensible words, until Jane sharply told her to stop. Lydia stopped, but stomped her foot, and grabbing Kitty's hand rushed them both up the stairs to her room, from where the slam of the door echoed throughout the house. Lizzy returned with the tea, and also some cool water and cloths to apply to Mrs. Bennet's forehead.

Half an hour later, Lizzy and Jane were finally relaxing , having managed to calm, somewhat, their still slightly distraught mother, when Mrs. Hill admitted Aunt Phillips to the room.

"Sister, sister! Have you heard? Mr. Wickham was arrested! They say he is a thief!" came the high shrill voice of Mrs. Phillips as she bustled into the room

"Oh, Sister!" Mrs. Bennet wailed. "Mr. Bennet told me that much before he locked himself away in his library, cruelly forcing me to remain here! What else has happened? You absolutely must tell me." Mrs. Bennet again was nearly prostrate in her frustration.

Hearing the commotion and loud voices, Lydia and Kitty rushed back down the stairs to learn anything else they could about the dire happenings to one of their favorite officers.

Jane and Lizzy rolled their eyes, shook their heads in exasperation, and walked out into the garden, where they could speak to each other without the cacophony of excited female voices overwhelming them.

"It sounds as if everything went almost as Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, and the Colonel planned," Jane said quietly.

"Yes, thank goodness, though I am not looking forward to the commotion of visitors, gossip, and complaints from Mama and Lydia for the next few days," Lizzy commented. "I thought Papa would not be back until late today. Perhaps the gentlemen were able to persuade our neighbours about the truth of the matter more quickly than they expected."

Jane grinned a little. "I would imagine Mr. Wickham is not quite as able to charm and flatter the men as well as he can womenfolk."

Lizzy laughed. "It is hard to believe you capable of making such a remark as that."

"My opinion has changed. I do see, now, that Mr. Wickham used his charm and looks to deceive and hurt people. As far as I can find, there is no good in him at all." Jane was pensive for a moment, and then remembered something. "Lizzy, you never did tell me what was in that – most improper -- letter Mr. Bingley brought to you from Mr. Darcy. I believe I have been so caught up talking to, and thinking about, Mr. Bingley, that I forget everything else."

"It was short, and did not say much at all except to explain what he would do when he came to Netherfield. He wrote about paying Wickham's debts, and asked for our help. He was positive that someone would question him today about why he did not say anything sooner about Wickham, and he would tell the truth - that he did not know what was being said until I told him. He went on to say that he would not like our … um… private differences broadcast to the world any more than I did, so, if asked, he planned to say that he had angered me, and I had justifiably given him a tongue lashing. Those were the words he used," Lizzy said with a small laugh.

"I cannot imagine what he could say that would make you that angry" Jane said, then smirked. "I know, he said that you are too handsome to tempt him."

"I am warning you, Jane Bennet, that if you do not behave, I will tell Mr. Bingley how mean you are," teased Lizzy. "No, if anyone asks, he said something to me about how badly Lydia and Kitty behave sometimes, and I lost my temper. Which happens to be the truth, if only a small part. This way, neither of us has to lie, for which I am grateful." She sighed deeply, and they walked in silence for a few moments.

"He is an intelligent man." Jane said softly.

"Yes."

"He is a good man, too," she added shortly.

"Yes."

"You were probably an idiot to refuse him."

"Yes."

"If I do not stop talking about him, you will tongue lash me."

"Yes."

Laughing, they walked together until they judged enough time had passed that the uproar in the drawing room would have subsided to its normal chaos, and it was safe to return indoors.

Friday Morning

The sun had risen only slightly above the horizon and its golden glow had not yet faded when Lizzy stepped quietly through the kitchen door the next morning. Savoring a warm slice of bread, and trying not to smear her face and hand with the butter slathered on it, she hesitated at the entry to Longbourn's drive before she turned to the right. There was a small hillock about a mile away, where there were a couple of large flat rocks which were the perfect place to sit and watch the world come to life in all directions, as far as the eye could see. Finishing her bread, Lizzy felt so good that she skipped along for a short distance, which only improved her already cheerful spirits. Needing to further express her exuberance, she stopped to loosen her bonnet so that it hung down her back, turned her face to the sky, and raised her arms to twirl twice in a circle. That made the day seem even nicer still, so she hummed a little ditty from her childhood as she walked and skipped along. She grinned, considering that growing up was not all it was cracked up to be – children seemed to have more happy enthusiasm than adults. Oh well, growing up had its rewards also, such as walking out alone on mornings like this. She reached the small hillock and climbed the slope to stand on one of the rocks for a few minutes to survey her domain – pleased, since she did not see anyone in the fields yet, that the whole world within sight belonged to her alone for a little longer. She sat down to watch as the sky lightened to a normal clear blue, and the golden orb of the rising sun became a smaller, infinitely brighter, white disk

Within a few minutes, people started appearing in the fields, carts were spotted in a few lanes, and several horsemen could be seen trotting or cantering to different locations. She sighed. She no longer had the world to herself. Just a few more minutes, and she would set off again. There was a horseman coming down the road towards her, and she sighed resignedly, knowing that her solitude was at an end. The sun's glare behind him was such that she could not make out whether she knew the rider, but the horse was not familiar. She turned back to the vista to see which tenants she could spot in her father's fields and was trying to decide which one of the Driscoll brothers she was looking at, when a voice called, "Good morning, Miss Elizabeth!" and there, on the unfamiliar horse, was the familiar Mr. Darcy.

"Mr. Darcy, what a nice surprise!" Lizzy tried to scramble back to her feet, and at the same time get her bonnet, which was still hanging down her back, onto her head again. She managed to attain her feet, but the bonnet defeated her when she pulled at the wrong ribbon, accidentally untied it, and helplessly watched it perfectly catch the fresh morning breeze and start floating slowly down the hill and away. She tried to grab one of the trailing ribbons, but the size of the rock under her feet prohibited her from reaching that far.

Mr. Darcy calmly trotted his horse in the bonnet's direction, waited for it to sink a little lower, then grabbed a dangling ribbon to haul it in. He dismounted and walked over as she reached the bottom of the hillock. Smiling, he handed it to her. "I am not going to ask if this mayhap is a token for a gallant knight, because I know well that am a mere man."

"Mr. Darcy," Lizzy replied impudently, "no one as tall as you are can be called 'mere' by any standard. However, I thank you for relieving my embarrassment and retrieving my recalcitrant bonnet." Her face reddened slightly, and she was forced to lower her eyes for a moment.

"Miss Elizabeth, there is no need for that. I have seen you often enough in drawing rooms with your lovely curls uncovered that I am not shocked at the sight of them outdoors." He grinned widely at her.

"Social customs can be extremely confining, can they not? Nevertheless, I know that we must conform to them." She sighed, then twinkled up at him as she noticed that they somehow had turned and begun slowly walking in the direction of Longbourn. "I know that this may shock you, but I am not at all fond of wearing bonnets and would gladly do away with them altogether, if I could."

"I would be eternally grateful if you would please suggest such a preference to my sister when she arrives on Monday. I fear that I will soon need to build another wing onto Pemberley just to accommodate all of her head coverings," he complained, then added hastily, "Oh! Um - may I accompany you, or would you prefer to be alone?"

Lizzy smiled shyly. "You may accompany me, " she then grinned outright, "but only if you tell me what happened yesterday. My father is not saying a word about it, while all of the ladies who come to call on my mother speak of nothing else. Since all of what they say is, of course, hearsay, it is no help to listen to them. I do not want to wait for Jane to tell me after she persuades Mr. Bingley to tell her, so if you will not say anything, I am afraid that I will have no other choice but to go to Netherfield and ask Colonel Fitzwilliam. Is that enough of a threat?" She tried to look pitiful, then stern.

He grinned back, and leading his horse, he told her what had happened the previous day. Lizzy listened with rapt attention, and when she realized that the tale would last longer than the time required to walk home, she steered them onto meandering paths which would delay their arrival. By chance (or unconscious design), they were still a short distance from Longbourn when he finished his tale.

"I would like to see this Sergeant Donahue, if he made you feel small!" Lizzy exclaimed.

"Yes, it is rare that the size of another man intimidates me. It makes me appreciate how threatening I must look to other people, particularly a diminutive but very beautiful woman, when I wear what Richard calls 'my black scowl' and stalk silently around a room, or stare out a window with my back to her," Darcy agreed calmly, but with courage and a small bit of rising hope.

Startled, Lizzy looked up to see a slightly abashed Mr. Darcy whose dark eyes seemed to hold a warm and tender look. "Yes, that is true," she agreed quietly. Then, unable to repress a blush, she hastily asked, "Where is Colonel Fitzwilliam this morning? As a soldier, is he not up early every day?"

Heartened that his small venture had not produced a reprimand, Darcy replied, "I think he is still abed. He went to call on Colonel Forster and the officers at the camp last evening, and did not return until the small hours. But he has this knack, which he claims many soldiers do, of being able to either sleep for hours and hours on end, or to go without sleep for days. Maybe he is just storing up his slumber for when he will need it again."

"It must worry you and his family to think that he might be called to active duty again," stated Lizzy.

"My uncle has been told privately that Richard will soon be promoted, and instead of active duty, will become part of the strategy planning staff. The news should be in the papers shortly, and we will all rest easier. Richard does not yet know, although he probably suspects," Darcy confided.

"That is good to hear. I wish I could congratulate him quietly, but I will wait until it is public."

"Thank you for that. He would be mortified to learn that I was bragging about "My Cousin, the General,' if word got loose ahead of time," Darcy smiled.

"I will not say a word, of course," Lizzy smiled back, "but it is going to be difficult to refrain from claiming close acquaintance with a general." As Longbourn's drive came into sight, she added, "Here we are. Please come in and join us for some breakfast. No?" as he shook his head. "If Mr. Bingley is not here yet, we will probably be receiving him shortly. Jane did not see him at all yesterday, and - this may surprise you - , but even Jane can be impatient. Why she might even be desperate enough to walk to Netherfield!"

Darcy laughed. "I hope you will tell me ahead of time if she does. Then I can meet her and proudly escort another lady who is a 'great walker' inside, if only to see the look…" he stopped abruptly and blushed.

"Mr. Darcy! How shocking that we are capable of having such similar thoughts! I had better go in now before I say more, but, please, do give my regards to Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst." Lizzy grinned, turned, and hurried down the drive before either could say anything else.

NETHERFIELD Friday Evening

"Caroline, for heaven's sake, stop being so restless! Up, down, up, walk around, sit down, up again, you are doing nothing but moving for no purpose except to move," Louisa Hurst cried as she worked on her embroidery in the music room.

"Well, what else is there to do?" her sister replied acerbically. "Charles practically lives at Longbourn. Mr. Darcy disappeared all morning, then after his return he closeted himself in the library to take care of the huge bundle of mail his courier had delivered. Colonel Fitzwilliam stayed locked in there with him, and now all three of them are dining at Longbourn. And even your husband is not here to play cards because of some nonsense about dirty guns. As often as he cleans them, they can not possibly have a speck of dirt on them!" Needless to say, Caroline was dismayed, bored, and very unhappy.

"You and I could have gone to dinner with them, but you claimed to be feeling ill. I should have gone with them – the company would have been more agreeable than you are this evening. Go over to the pianoforte and practice that Beethoven again. It is still not as good as it should be." Louisa retorted, also irascible, but more from her sister's actions than boredom.

Caroline stalked over, plopped down on the bench and used a tempestuous allegro movement written by a bad-tempered Beethoven to dissipate some of her own crotchety temper. Feeling calmer when she finished, she practiced the more difficult sections several times, pleased that she would soon be able to display her talent on this challenging piece publicly. It might be impossible to play better than dear Georgiana, but she was much better than that Eliza Bennet, no matter how fine her eyes were. That reminded her. "What are you going to wear to the party at Lucas Lodge tomorrow night?" she asked Louisa.

"I thought maybe the lavender with the georgette sleeves and ruffles at the bottom of the skirt, along with silver accessories. If there are many guests it may become warm, and I wish to remain cool."

"Capital, capital!" Caroline sneered. After a few moments she wondered, "How long are we going to have to remain in this forsaken wilderness. If Georgiana and Miss de Bourgh were not coming to visit on Monday, I think I would go mad! At least Mr. Darcy will stay here as long as they do, so I will have to make sure of their enjoyment. Perhaps they will stay until it is time for all of us to leave for Pemberley. That would be ideal." Caroline's face softened as her dream took hold and she imagined herself walking through the halls of that beautiful mansion, which would be even more impressive when she finished redecorating it. Those new Egyptian and Oriental motifs with all of the gilding was making furniture purchased two or three years ago appear dowdy and plain. Why, some of those items at Pemberley must be from a hundred years ago, and very likely more. She would swiftly get rid of them.

Louisa's cold practicality dispelled the dream. "I do not think they will be here longer than three or four weeks. You need to accustom yourself to living here, Caroline, because Charles will probably marry Miss Bennet in a few months, and unless you marry someone, you will have to live either here with them or with one of our aunts."

Caroline was indignant. "I will be the mistress of Pemberley, and Charles and his country bride will beg to visit me at my convenience." She sighed, closed her eyes, started the dream again, trying to decide on the precise shade of orange for her dress, and how she should pose for her portrait that would be prominently displayed in the gallery. A different pose wearing a different array of the Darcy jewels, could hang in the entrance hall taking the place of that terrible painting of a Cavalier ancestor from centuries ago that Darcy was so proud of.

Louisa also sighed, shook her head, and kept on with her fancy stitches. Everyone except Caroline knew Mr. Darcy would never marry her. Gilbert had let slip once, when he was a bit foxed, that Charles thought that Darcy would not marry Caroline even if she somehow arranged a most compromising situation. With any luck at all – or a very little advance notice - she and Gilbert would be visiting his parents' estate when Darcy's engagement to another woman was announced. She did look forward to the peace of living without her sister's moods.

Saturday Morning

Cantering his horse beside his cousin, Darcy felt so light-hearted that he was afraid he might float into the sky. Wickham was gone, on his way to London's Fleet Prison, the jail cart escorted by two extra guards from the regulars, just to be sure. Darcy was so grateful to the sergeants that he had scandalized his cousin with the amount of the bonus he had given to them. Darcy did not care. It was less than paying Wickham's debts again would be. He was free!. He yelled inarticulately into the heavens, spurred his horse, and galloped down the road in a fury of high spirits and joy.

Richard laughed and set off – a little more calmly - after him, not quite as fast because he knew the horses had run off their first burst of energy, and perhaps Darcy had to run off his exuberance as well.

Rounding a bend up a few minutes later, he saw that Darcy had dismounted his horse at a crossroads, where he was talking to a small woman. Richard grinned to himself as he bet that he knew who she was, and was not surprised when he came close enough to see that it was, as he had guessed, Miss Elizabeth. He pulled up his horse, dismounted and bowed. "Miss Elizabeth, how wonderful to see you again this morning. I was just thinking that my horse needed to be walked for a while, and here you are, saving my cousin and me from having a terrible argument about whether to walk or ride. Why, it might have split our family forever!"

Darcy looked heavenward and puffed out a breath. "Behave!" He said sternly.

Elizabeth protested with fake indignation, "What have I done wrong? I was just standing here!"

They all laughed, though Darcy's cheeks flushed just a little. Richard asked, "Which way are you heading, Miss Elizabeth? We will be glad to walk with you for a few minutes while we cool our animals."

"I was going in the direction from which you two just came, but you have already ridden through that scenery, and surely do not want to see it again so soon."

"Ah, but this time I can have the pleasure of observing you, instead, Miss Elizabeth," Richard said with an easy smile as he turned his horse in the lane.

"Colonel," Elizabeth said, "your gallantry is --" she paused, looking down for a moment before raising her eyes with a grin, " - completely unbelievable. You forget I live with Jane, and I heard you compliment her profusely just the other night."

"Foiled again! What should I say now, Wills?" Richard asked plaintively.

Darcy replied with a smile, "You can try saying nothing, if that would be possible." At Elizabeth's chuckle, he added, "See, even she does not think you can be silent. Miss Elizabeth, I know that you are a great walker, but if I remember correctly, does not this road twist and turn making it another four or five miles to Longbourn?"

"That is so Mr. Darcy. But do not forget I am a country miss, accustomed to walking through fields, clambering over stiles, and getting mud all over my skirts. From this point, it is probably only a mile or a little more the way I would go." And her eyes met his for a moment of shared amusement as they remembered her arrival at Netherfield when Jane was sick.

"If you ever tire of Hertfordshire, Miss Elizabeth, you can volunteer to become one of my scouts to help us find our way through unknown terrain," Richard offered.

"Would I be safe in the army, surrounded by your soldiers?" Elizabeth was curious.

"You would be fine!" declared Richard. "But the men would be so busy guarding you from each other that they would probably fail to guard the country. Let me see if I can think of something else."

The three of them walked in silence for a couple of minutes, then Richard suddenly stopped. "I need some breakfast!" he declared. Quickly mounting his horse, he rode off down the road. Darcy and Elizabeth stared blankly after him, and then looked at each other.

Suddenly Elizabeth's face reddened and she raised both hands to her burning cheeks as she closed her eyes in mortification. "He knows?" she groaned. She then raised her eyes, dropping her hands – now fists -- to her hips, and glared at Darcy. "You told him? How could you?"

Darcy exhaled heavily, and standing with his shoulders slumped, bowed his head, looked at the ground, and answered quietly and hopelessly, "I had to tell someone."

They both stood still, while she kept glaring at him. Slowly, Elizabeth's face softened and her hands fell to her sides as she looked at him, understanding gradually replacing the fury.

He looked up and asked cautiously, curiously, "Did you tell Jane?"

"Well, yes. But she is my sister," Elizabeth admitted with some embarrassment.

"And he is my cousin. My sister is only sixteen." He said it simply, flatly, with no expression.

There was total silence as they gazed at each other, and then both glanced away. A veritable ballet between two sets of eyes followed – meeting, darting away, connecting again, fleeing apart, locking together, dancing off again – until Elizabeth raised her hand to hide a small smile. Darcy almost staggered in relief, and allowed his lips to curve the slightest bit. Another minute passed.

"Mr. Darcy, would you care to walk with me for a few more minutes before I cut across the fields where your horse can not follow?"

"Miss Elizabeth, I would be happy to walk with you anywhere, at anytime, and for any reason."

Elizabeth blushed furiously, but her smile did not waver. By tacit agreement, the next few minutes were spent talking about Jonathan Swift and Gulliver's Travels. As they parted their eyes locked again, but each wore a small smile, and the good-byes were cheerful and friendly. He watched as her figure grew smaller. She turned after two hundred yards or so. He was still looking, so she waved. He waved back. A long pause while they stared at each other, but they were so far apart, it was impossible to see expressions, just figures. Finally, reluctantly, when his horse became restless, he mounted and walked off, still looking. She sighed, turned, and went slowly home.

LUCAS LODGE Saturday Evening

Sir William Lucas and his wife, Agnes, warmly welcomed the small crowd to their home. Mrs. Lucas had made sure that the buffet table was piled high with meats, cheese, breads, fruit, and sweets, and the housekeeper had sworn that fresh tea and coffee would be readily available during the whole of the evening. Sir Lucas had chosen some special port and ales for those who preferred them. The thirty or so neighbours and officers would have much to talk about this evening, for the buzz about Wickham's arrest had still not lessened after three days. When that gossip was added to Jane Bennet's courtship, the presence of a noted Colonel from the regular army, and the transformation of Mr. Darcy into a quasi-hero and generally approachable gentleman, well, everyone was invigorated and eager to talk about any and all of those items of interest.

When the Netherfield party entered, conversation died for a second, then became louder as people stared and smiled. Darcy stiffened and his face assumed its frozen Master of Pemberley mask. Surreptitiously, Richard poked him in the ribs and whispered, "Stop it. They want to thank you. They are not French and will not attack."

Darcy smiled, bowed to the Lucases, and relaxed enough to frighten poor shy Maria Lucas by saying how nice she looked. Using common sense, he stayed beside Richard as they circled the room to greet people; he found, to his surprise, some enjoyment in saying a few words and smiling a little when talking to people. He knew that Richard was the recipient of most of the friendliness directed back at the two of them, but still – this was a new sensation to be thought about later.

Somehow or other, the Bennets were the last group they stopped to speak with. Darcy thought that there must be some kind of trick to managing such a tactical feat, and he would think about that later, too. He made polite courtesies to all of the ladies, wondering how people could say that Jane was so beautiful when she was beside the incomparable Elizabeth – it was past all understanding, and yet one more thing to think about later.

Richard excused himself to talk with Colonel Forster, who appeared to be a veritable fount of insider information from Whitehall. Bingley, already in permanent orbit around Jane, suggested a walk in the lovely, torch-lit gardens, and when Elizabeth nodded her agreement, he held out his arm for her. The emotions rushing through him as she turned to walk beside him into the flickering light prevented almost all thought.

"Miss Eliza, I came over here just in time or I would have missed you. I hope I did not interrupt anything important." Caroline Bingley's honeyed voice halted them before they exited the room.

"Not at all, Miss Bingley. Mr. Darcy and I were going to join your brother and my sister on a stroll through the garden, but we can do that later," she had dropped his arm, but smiled up at him.

Caroline spoke again, with seeming worry and concern. "I became alarmed on Thursday, when I heard the news about that dreadful Mr. Wickham. I know what a favorite of yours he was, and I hope you were not too devastated when you learned of his arrest. You had seemed rather… close to him when we were here in the autumn."

"Oh no, Miss Bingley. Do not forget that I was in Kent near Lady de Bourgh's estate during March and did return until two weeks ago. I enjoyed visiting my cousin Mr. Collins, and his wife the former Charlotte Lucas, and of course, most wonderful of all, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy came to stay with their aunt and Miss de Bourgh at the same time. I am looking forward to seeing her again when she arrives to visit at Netherfield next week. All of us at the parsonage were invited to dine at Rosings several times," Elizabeth confided the information to Miss Bingley, just as sweetly as if she were Jane.

"Still, it must have been a shock to you after Mr. Wickham had been such a frequent guest at Longbourn for these past six or seven months." Caroline's 'concern' knew no end and Darcy decided to enter the verbal duel at this point.

"Indeed, if one thinks about it, six or seven months of casual social acquaintance is not necessarily sufficient for one to understand another person. For example, consider the many years that George Wickham was able to fool my excellent father. My father saw Wickham almost every day, and was sometimes in his company for hours. In comparison, the time the Bennet ladies – or any families in Meryton spent with him - is paltry. Wickham is, after all, an accomplished liar."

Caroline and Elizabeth both stared, stunned that Darcy would break his privacy in such a manner.

Elizabeth looked at him with understanding eyes and said in a gentle voice, "Mr. Wickham was a child then. Your father would have every reason to be fond of him and think well of him. You have said that you were friends and played together, so Colonel Fitzwilliam would have been there with both of you at times, as well. No one can be blamed for accepting Mr. Wickham's manners at face value. When did you learn for yourself that Wickham was not to be trusted?"

Darcy nodded, swallowing hard. "I started suspecting as much after we turned sixteen or so, but it became undeniable after we entered the university together," he replied, looking at her directly.

She continued with the same soft eyes and voice, "And of course, by that time your mother was no longer with you, and your father had a little girl, a young man, and a large estate to care for alone with no helpmate."

"What a terrible responsibility," Caroline broke in. "But now dear Georgiana is almost grown, and has become a most accomplished young lady of the first circles. I am sure that must be all your doing, Mr. Darcy. I am so looking forward to her arrival on Monday with Miss de Bourgh. Just being able to listen while she practices her music every day is a pleasure. I must coax her into learning some duets for you to enjoy."

Not moving his gaze from the fine eyes of his beloved, Darcy said, "Speaking of music, Miss Elizabeth, I remember with great pleasure a night at Rosings when you were playing the pianoforte, with Richard sitting beside you on the bench, and we talked about the difficulties some people have making conversation. Do you recall the name of the composition you were playing at the time? If so, I would appreciate hearing it again."

Elizabeth laughed, not recognizing this different man who had magically arrived in her life, "No, I cannot recall it offhand, but we can go over and look through the music here. We are sure to find something we can both enjoy, and if Colonel Fitzwilliam does not show up to turn the pages, perhaps you would be willing to do so?"

"A splendid idea. Please lead the way." Darcy bowed slightly and gestured towards the pianoforte with a smile that almost took her breath away. He did not even glance to include the other person who, seemingly, had been conversing with them.

Caroline could only stand there, flummoxed. She was surrounded by people at a party in a strange house, and was unable perform any actions not approved of in public. She discovered that a fierce headache had come upon her, and decided that she must return to Netherfield where she could, in privacy, scream, stamp her foot, throw things, and curse to her heart's content. She quickly found Louisa, but unluckily Hurst had disappeared, could not be found anywhere, and Louisa refused to leave without him. Caroline opted to drink a medicinal brandy in a dim corner, but her ill-luck continued because Mrs. Bennet spotted her there alone and came over to sit beside her, seeking more news about the current fashion in sleeve lengths. Now her head really hurt. Would this night of torture ever end?

Hurst poured himself another small glass of port from a decanter he had found and carried out to the garden. He had discovered a bench partially hidden in a dark corner. By sitting in a certain spot and tilting one's head just an inch to so, there was a perfect view through the large window into the drawing room. He might not be able to read lips, but after all these years he was able to read Caroline's face just as well as he could read his wife's. He raised his glass slightly in a toast in the direction of Elizabeth and Darcy. Delightful party, he would not have missed it for the world.