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Chapter 7

Lizzy strolled through the grounds of Rosings Park, a large estate that neighbored the cottage where she was spending six weeks with her cousin, Mr. Collins and his wife, Lizzy's longtime friend the former Charlotte Lucas. She found herself in a small copse that, like everything within the grasp of the estate's domineering and self-absorbed owner--Lady Catherine DeBourgh--had been forced to submit to her will so that what was once a natural stand of trees had become a rather artificial looking tract of landscape. Lizzy was content, however, for the wood afforded her a bit of privacy and some little means of protection against the prying eyes of Fitzwilliam Darcy.

Much to her astonishment, Lizzy had recently learned that Mr. Darcy was Lady Catherine's nephew and that he and Colonel Fitzwilliam would be visiting with her for several weeks. She had been delighted to make Colonel Fitzwilliam's acquaintance again for although he had teased and taunted her at their first meeting Lizzy had left London with a favorable impression of the man. This was due in no small part to Olivia Crenshaw's partiality to him, although Lizzy would have readily admitted that she liked the man in spite of himself. About Mr. Darcy, however, she could make no such claim. She still could not forgive him for his interference in Jane and Mr. Bingley's budding romance, though she had not as yet found proof of his involvement in any such plot. He clearly did not approve of the pair; of that she was certain. In fact, Mr. Darcy seemed to hold the entire Bennet family in contempt. Why then, Lizzy wondered, did the infernal man seem bent on following her into every path, lane, and garden that Kent afforded?

Lizzy shook her head as if to clear all thoughts of Mr. Darcy from her mind when she heard a sound up ahead that indicated that she was no longer alone. She was about to sigh and surrender herself to enduring another walk with the taciturn, brooding Mr. Darcy when to her surprise his cousin appeared before her.

"Good morning, Miss Bennet," Colonel Fitzwilliam said with a polite bow and ingratiating smile. "This is a most pleasant surprise."

"A most pleasant surprise, indeed, sir," she concurred. The Colonel turned to join her and they walked for a short while in silence before a thought occurred to Lizzy. "You have been here nearly a week, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and I have yet to ask after my sister. I believe you saw her just before leaving town." The colonel smiled.

"Yes, I had the pleasure of dining with her at my cousin's house before we left London. I am happy to report that she was in excellent looks, but then I believe that being in love always does that for a lady." Lizzy looked at the Colonel in surprise. She thought she was being teased again, but the Colonel was quite in earnest. "Surely you know that she and Mr. Bingley have feelings for one another?" he asked in response to Lizzy's stare.

"Yes...yes, but I did not realize that you were aware of it, sir." The Colonel shrugged as they continued their walk.

"Anyone with eyes would be aware of it, Miss Bennet. But as it happens, Bingley told me about his feelings for the lady some time before I witnessed it for myself." Lizzy was doubly surprised.

"Mr. Bingley admitted his love for my sister Jane...to you?"

"I was under the impression that you favored the match, Miss Bennet," the Colonel said worriedly.

"Oh, I do, but--," Lizzy paused, unable to say aloud the words that sprang to her tongue.

"But you know that my cousin disapproves and you feared I would feel the same?" Colonel Fitzwilliam finished for her. Lizzy could only nod. The Colonel, it turned out, was full of surprises. "I will have you know, Miss Bennet, that I find my cousin's interference in their relationship reprehensible," he said with warmth.

"You know about that as well?" The Colonel averted his eyes sheepishly.

"I only know what Bingley has told me, and that is that he was a very happy bachelor at Netherfield and well on his way to becoming a happily married man there as well when he went away to London on a matter of business. It was to be a two-day trip, but the morning after he arrived in London his sisters and my cousin descended upon him and convinced him to stay there."

"How did they manage that?" Lizzy asked as righteous anger welled in her breast.

"According to Bingley, they took it upon themselves to persuade him that your sister did not return his affections. They eventually succeeded in making him believe that your sister was only interested in an advantageous marriage." The Colonel paused, his own anger rising as he spoke. "Bingley finally came to realize that he had made a huge mistake in not returning to Hertfordshire, and that he had unjustly allowed others to judge your sister, but he feared that after so long an absence his return would not be welcome."

"Oh, poor Jane! Poor Mr. Bingley! I had feared as much...but until now I had no proof!" Lizzy cried.

"And you still do not. We only have Bingley's impression of things. I confronted Darcy about it, but--." The Colonel fell silent and shook his head. Lizzy pressed him to continue. "I decided that I had no more right to intervene in his business than he did to come between Mr. Bingley and your sister."

"You had every right to intervene! Someone has to! It is not right that two people so much in love should fall victim to the machinations of those...those--." The Colonel laughed lightly.

"Forgive me, Miss Bennet. I do not mean to make light of your declaration. In fact, I heartily agree. But your speech just now was very reminiscent of a lecture I received from Miss Crenshaw a few weeks ago."

"Livy?" Lizzy looked confused. "I do not understand, Colonel. Why should Livy...Miss Crenshaw...speak to you of this?"

"That's how I became aware of the matter in the first place. After our little adventure in the park that day Miss Crenshaw confessed the real reason why the two of you had gone there and why you had run off at the sight of my cousin." The Colonel laughed again as he imagined the look on Darcy's face if he learned the truth. "She told me all about your sister and Mr. Bingley and solicited my assistance, Miss Bennet."

"Oh."

"I am afraid I refused her, on the grounds I mentioned earlier. And it seems as though my help wasn't required after all. The last time I saw them they were getting on quite well. Of course, Miss Bingley was being difficult..." Lizzy sighed.

"She is the worst of them. And I'm sure she's being very difficult."

"Lizzy has seen Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy," Olivia revealed to her father as she continued to peruse the letter she had just received. "They are not only in the immediate vicinity; she has already dined with them twice at the home of their aunt, Lady Catherine DeBourgh."

"Well, she has my sympathies, then," Mr. Crenshaw replied. "Two meals in the company of Lady Catherine DeBourgh would test the sanity of any rational human being." Olivia giggled. It was unlike her father to speak ill of anyone, so when he did it was always very surprising to Olivia. She looked at the paper in her hand once more and felt a pang of envy. Lizzy was in the country with Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Olivia had nothing to look forward to but another week of thwarting Caroline Bingley's efforts to detach her brother from Jane Bennet. At week's end, however, Olivia was bound for Bath to visit an aunt of her own. It would be a welcome relief from managing the affairs of two people she was determined to see united. In the past two weeks she had managed to orchestrate, with the welcome assistance of Mr. Gardiner, no less than four meetings between Jane and Mr. Bingley. She looked up as the butler entered and announced Miss Parsons.

"Amelia, do come in," Olivia said graciously, although she was a bit surprised to see the young woman, who had made a point of calling upon her every morning since the day they paid their visit to Miss Bingley.

"Well, well," Mr. Crenshaw observed. "You are becoming quite a regular caller. If you were a man I'd be asking your intentions toward my only daughter." Olivia smiled, as did Amelia--a bit awkwardly--but Olivia was curious and more than a little suspicious at the sudden increase in the number of visits she paid to the Crenshaws' townhouse. She had called a day earlier minutes after Jane arrived for a visit along with Mrs. Gardiner and had made a point of staying until the others left. Olivia strongly suspected that she had determined that Jane was a rival for Mr. Bingley's affections and was searching for evidence of his regard in Jane's conversation. But that could hardly account for all the other visits. No, there was something afoot, and Olivia was determined to learn what it was. But she had another task to perform that morning, and Amelia's presence posed a huge impediment.

Olivia had planned to meet Jane for a walk in the park where she was certain to encounter Mr. Bingley. In fact, Olivia had already made certain that he would appear by hinting rather strongly to Mr. Bingley that the flowers about to burst into bloom were as lovely as those she had seen in Hertfordshire previously and that she intended to bring Jane to see them the next day to confirm her belief. Mr. Bingley had smiled broadly to signify his understanding. And now Amelia Parsons had rooted herself in the Crenshaw's parlor.

Why couldn't she have fallen in love with Edward? Olivia asked herself as she tried to think of a way to rid herself of Amelia's unwanted company. She hinted that she was going to be going out shortly, and rather than leaving to allow Olivia to prepare for her outing, Amelia merely asked where she was headed. Olivia wracked her brain for an answer that would get rid of the girl.

"I have been invited to the Gardiners' house this morning," Olivia said, hoping that Amelia would take the hint that she was not welcome to accompany her.

"Oh, dear Jane. I wonder how she is," Amelia replied. Mr. Crenshaw looked up from his book.

"You saw her here yesterday," he said matter-of-factly. "Surely she cannot have changed very much in the last few hours."

"I should wonder, then, that Olivia wants to see her again so soon," Amelia pouted, slightly stung by Mr. Crenshaw's remark.

"The Gardiners are my godparents, Amelia," Olivia said evenly, trying to mask her exasperation. "I hardly need a reason to call upon them. But as it happens I am going to Bath next week and I offered to acquire some things for Mrs. Gardiner while I am there. She...asked me to come by today so that I might get her list."

"Well, that should not take you very long," Amelia said, brightening. "What are your plans for the remainder of the day?" Olivia rolled her eyes and Mr. Crenshaw looked over his glasses at the girl.

"Oh, I hardly know... I shall probably take some work and spend the rest of the morning there. Would that suit you, Papa? I shall return in time for tea." Mr. Crenshaw nodded. Amelia's face fell.

"I did not bring any work with me...unless you would not mind making a stop along the way so that I may retrieve my bag." Olivia's mouth fell open, but Mr. Crenshaw put down his paper and intervened before she could think of a response.

"Do you mean to impose yourself on the Gardiners' company? In my day young ladies were not so forward," he said with a look that conveyed the full brunt of his disapproval. Amelia cowered under his glare and with a weak smile suggested that she ought to leave so that Olivia might keep her appointment. Olivia smiled politely as she left the room and as soon as the door closed she heaved a huge sigh. "Inconceivable! I have never seen a more blatant display of--." Olivia quickly went to her father and patted his arm.

"Thank you for helping, Papa. She was rather forward, wasn't she?"

"What on earth is the girl about?"

"I wish I knew," Olivia replied. But I strongly suspect...

Amelia wasted no time in making her way to the home of the Bingley's. Caroline was no happier to see her than Olivia had been, although her visits to that house had been less frequent. Caroline tried to keep Amelia from her brother's company. She did not want to give her any encouragement in that quarter. Amelia swept into the sitting room where Caroline received her with false grace.

"I believe Miss Crenshaw is up to something," she announced as soon as she sat down.

"Up to something?" Mr. Bingley asked as he looked up from his book. In her eagerness to convey her report to Caroline, Amelia had failed to notice that he was sitting near the window reading his newspaper when she entered. He had not noticed Amelia's arrival until he heard her voice. Caroline's face made plain her annoyance at Amelia's blunder.

"Whatever do you mean?" she said, challenging the young chit to dig herself out of the hole she'd unwittingly thrown herself into.

"Oh, I...I hear she is to go to Bath at the end of the week," Amelia said sheepishly. "And I believe that she is planning to take a particular friend with her," she smiled. Mr. Bingley could not resist the opportunity.

"Do you mean Miss Bennet?" he blurted out, much to Caroline's annoyance. Amelia nodded, and Caroline began to smile.

"I should think Jane Bennet would like Bath very much," Caroline purred as she watched her brother's face register surprise and disappointment.

"Yes," Amelia said, "I think she plans to surprise Miss Bennet with her invitation this morning."

"How delightful a scheme!" Caroline gloated. "And such a nice surprise to spring upon her friend, do you not think so, Charles?" But Mr. Bingley was far more interested in checking his watch. He did not want to miss his chance of seeing Jane and Olivia in the park, especially having gained intelligence of their planned removal to Bath.

"Uh...yes, yes. If you will excuse me, ladies..." He set aside the paper and bowed.

"But where are you going, Charles?" Caroline asked.

"I am going out for a while, Caroline," he said with a tone sufficient to forestall further questions. He bowed again and made good his escape.

"I dread to think of what that woman is capable of, Colonel Fitzwilliam," Lizzy said with warmth, "Even without Mr. Darcy's--." Lizzy averted her eyes. "Please forgive me, sir. I should not speak so of your relation." The Colonel ignored the intended remark.

"For what it's worth, Miss Bennet, I firmly believe that my cousin did not act maliciously. I believe that he thought himself to be acting in Bingley's best interests."

"Who is he to decide what Mr. Bingley's best interests should be?" Lizzy cried, pouncing on his words. "Mr. Bingley is a grown man and should be allowed to make his own decisions."

"I agree, but so it has always been between the two of them. Bingley has always relied on Darcy's advice...this time to his own detriment, I am afraid."

"What manner of friend--." Lizzy caught herself again and the Colonel smiled at her frustration.

"May I ask a question, Miss Bennet?" Lizzy looked up into his clear blue eyes. "The Bingley debacle aside, what is your opinion of my cousin?" Lizzy visibly paled, much to the Colonel's surprise. Previously she had blushed at the mention of Darcy. Now she seemed unequal to the task of evening considering the question. "Forgive me," Colonel Fitzwilliam said gallantly, "If my question is too forward, I will gladly withdraw it."

"I...I thank you, Colonel, but I think...I think I can answer it. Your cousin, Mr. Darcy, is a most...unusual man." Lizzy paused as the Colonel burst into laughter, albeit very briefly. "Does that amuse you, sir?"

"I think that never was a euphemism put to better use," he replied, his smile widening. "Darcy is, indeed, an unusual man--although to be fair, we really ought to compare our individual conceptions of the word." Lizzy smiled archly.

"Are you mocking me, Colonel?"

"Madam, I believe we are both mocking...my cousin. But I have interrupted your answer; pray continue."

"I am hardly certain that I should, under the circumstances, if you think that my answer is mocking." Colonel Fitzwilliam grew serious.

"I would truly like to know your opinion, Miss Bennet."

"And I would like to know the reason for your curiosity, sir." The pair was at a stalemate. Blue eyes met brown and for a moment, neither blinked until a third party arrived on the scene.

"There you are, cousin... Miss Bennet!" Mr. Darcy exclaimed in surprise. He gazed at the pair awkwardly. They turned to him with self-conscious expressions, further arousing his curiosity. He was very curious to know what they were doing that they should both be so guilty about. But they both recovered very quickly and Mr. Darcy joined them on their walk back to the parsonage where Lizzy was staying. On their way back to Rosings, Mr. Darcy wasted no time in inquiring as to what he had interrupted.

"I understood you to be enamored of Miss Crenshaw," Mr. Darcy began gruffly.

"Enamored?" repeated the Colonel, tasting the word and concluding that it was true. He was, indeed, enamored of Miss Crenshaw, and a smile creased his face as her image appeared to him.

"Then I suppose there must be some other explanation for your private interview with Miss Bennet just now." The Colonel gaped at his cousin.

"Private interview? We met up on the path quite by accident, Darcy, and fell into conversation, nothing more. It was hardly a tete a tete, and there was certainly nothing clandestine or personal about it," the Colonel replied defensively, hoping that his tone did not imply to Darcy that he was lying. He was, in fact, incensed at Mr. Darcy's suggestion that he had been making love to Miss Bennet after declaring his intentions to Miss Crenshaw.

"In that case, why did the two of you look so surprised to see me?"

"We were surprised to see you, Darcy. You cannot make anything of that. I am sure you did not expect to see us, either."

"...Not together, anyway," Darcy murmured.

"Here, Darcy! What are you accusing me of?" the Colonel said, his temper beginning to flare.

"What were the two of you speaking of?" Darcy asked in a conversational tone, ignoring his cousin's anger.

"We were speaking of you, as a matter of fact," the Colonel replied, neatly turning the tables on his cousin.

"Me? What about me?" Colonel Fitzwilliam smiled.

"Well, we were speaking of Bingley at first--."

"Bingley?" Alarms went off in Mr. Darcy's head and he looked at his cousin expectantly.

"Yes; we were assessing the extent of damage you and his sisters had done to the poor man," the Colonel replied and continued to walk on as Darcy stopped to sputter. "And then the conversation turned to you."

"What about me?" Mr. Darcy repeated angrily.

"Well, I asked Miss Bennet her impression of you, but she never got a chance to answer."

"Do you realize what you have done, man? How could you have told Miss Bennet such a thing?"

"She already knew, Darce. She has known for months that you and Bingley's sisters were responsible for breaking up the budding romance between Bingley and Jane." Mr. Darcy did not respond directly to his cousin's revelation.

"There was no romance," Mr. Darcy insisted angrily. "The girl is nothing but an adventuress out to make a good marriage." The Colonel was taken aback by the vehemence with which Mr. Darcy had spoken, and realized, sadly, that his cousin was doing his best to justify his own actions--to himself if not the world.

"Are we speaking of the same Jane Bennet? The one I met was demure and shy, not at all the pushy, clutching kind of woman you describe. But, no matter," he sighed. "What is done is done." Mr. Darcy looked at his cousin briefly before averting his eyes and charging up the path. The Colonel followed behind him, curious to know what was going on in Mr. Darcy's head.

"So you see, I had to dissemble," Olivia explained to Mr. Gardiner. And because Amelia lives so near the park I am afraid to take Jane anywhere near there now." Mr. Gardiner patted Olivia on her shoulder.

"Do not trouble yourself dear. You did your best."

"But if Mr. Bingley should go to the park and we do not appear--. It is worse than hopeless," Olivia pouted.

"I think not. In fact, I think you should take Jane to the park."

"But Mr. Bingley's house is across from the park and I'm sure--."

"You must have faith, my dear," Mr. Gardiner said reassuringly. "Go and fetch Jane. Leave everything else to me." And hour later, Jane and Olivia encountered Mr. Bingley in the park, and as Olivia feared, they were very shortly joined by Amelia and Caroline.

"I thought you were going to stay at Gracechurch Street until tea," Amelia said accusingly.

"We were, but the air is so fine today. And since Jane is coming to my house for tea we decided to come to the park for a while before going indoors." Amelia wasn't fooled for a minute and Olivia knew it. But Mr. Gardiner had been insistent. Caroline eyed her brother suspiciously.

"Well, this is most convenient," she said sarcastically. "Happily met, are you?"

"Yes," Jane smiled innocently, for she was the only one in the party who was unaware of the arranged meeting. Mr. Bingley clung to her side as if he had been affixed there permanently, even after Caroline suggested that she was tired and needed his arm. He merely offered his free one, much to Amelia's dismay. She was forced to walk with Olivia.

"If I did not know better I would think that you had purposely gotten rid of me so that you might meet up with Mr. Bingley." Olivia looked askance at her. She gave a moment's thought to the idea of confessing an interest in the man behind her, but her own heart was too far gone elsewhere to make a creditable show of it. She simply looked at Amelia as though she was insane.

"Why should I want to meet up with Mr. Bingley?" she asked.

"You know perfectly well what I mean, Livy. You mean to help Jane Bennet secure him." Olivia glanced back at the trio behind her. Jane and Mr. Bingley were enjoying a pleasant conversation and Caroline looked as if she'd just swallowed something intensely sour.

"I believe Mr. Bingley is in no need of such encouragement." Amelia looked back and paled at the obvious affection between the two.

"Well, she is not a suitable match for him, is she? She has no money, no connections, her family is in trade..."

"Not very much unlike the Bingleys twenty years ago," Olivia finished for her. "You're right of course; as a gentleman's daughter, Jane should probably aim higher." Having successfully silenced her unwanted companion, the walk continued in silence, save for the animated discussion between the two lovers.

"What are you reading, Darcy?" his imperious aunt, Lady Catherine DeBourgh demanded to know. She seemed intent upon insinuating herself into every conversation, scheme, and thought within her sphere. And now she was going after her nephew's personal correspondence. Mr. Darcy rolled his eyes, something he did often in his aunt's company.

"I have had a letter from my steward, ma'am," he answered curtly.

"Is it still Mr. Reynolds who runs your estates? He is a very good manager, your Mr. Reynolds, but he ought to pay more attention to the grounds. On my last visit the shrubbery was an awful mess." She continued her tirade as Mr. Darcy and the Colonel exchanged a wary glance.

"Mr. Reynolds died some five years ago, ma'am," Mr. Darcy informed her when she finally ran out of opinions.

"You have a new man, have you? Well, then you should be home more; a new man needs strict supervision until he learns his job properly. I never left Rosings until I was certain that Mr. Leek was capable of handling things to my exact specifications."

"I daresay Mr. Carpenter has acquired all the knowledge he needs in the five years he's been managing my estate, Aunt Catherine. And prior to taking that position he served under Mr. Reynolds for ten years."

"Yes, Darcy, I think it probably is safe for you to be abroad now," the Colonel remarked. Mr. Darcy shot him a look.

"And there is no need for your impertinence, Fitzwilliam!" Aunt Catherine scolded. "You think it appropriate that you make light of Darcy's responsibilities when you have none of your own?" With that she rose and swept out of the room.

"Yes, I rather think that this is the ideal time to make light of your responsibilities. I doubt I shall be in any humor to make jokes when I find myself saddled with my own," the Colonel murmured as he turned the page of the book before him.

"That should be fairly soon, if your Miss Crenshaw is willing," Mr. Darcy observed. The Colonel looked up in surprise but did not reply. "Ah, here is a letter from Bingley," Mr. Darcy said. Then, recalling that the subject of Charles Bingley was the source of contention between the cousins, he read the letter to himself. Mr. Bingley had answered his inquiry as to his and Miss Bingley's health with the standard reply, and enumerated a few of the activities he'd taken part in since Mr. Darcy's departure from London weeks earlier. He never made any mention of Jane Bennet, naturally, but Mr. Darcy knew that he'd been in her company all the same. There was a renewed spirit in his old friend, evident even in his letter, which told Mr. Darcy that Mr. Bingley was no longer brooding and keeping to himself. He'd been to the National Gallery again, and had gone to numerous social events. It wasn't likely that he'd seen Jane Bennet at many of them, but the fact that she had once again become a part of his life had made Mr. Bingley a changed man. Mr. Darcy sighed and threw down the letter to stare out of the window overlooking the garden.

"Perhaps it is for the best," he murmured. Colonel Fitzwilliam looked up.

"Well, that was certainly a waste of my time," Olivia spat as she pulled at the ribbons on her hat and removed it. "I am sure that Amelia ran straight to Miss Bingley and told her that I was seeing Jane, and as a result Miss Bingley decided to follow her brother to the park." She sighed as she peered into her mirror and rearranged the curls that framed her face. "Well, at least Jane got a chance to spend a little time with her Mr. Bingley. Alas, I suspect that they will not be so fortunate again, now that Amelia and Miss Bingley are onto me."

But Olivia was greatly mistaken for, anticipating just such an eventuality, Mr. Gardiner had made other arrangements. One morning a man appeared on the doorstep of Mr. Bingley's abode and asked for the master of the house.

"I believe he is expecting me," he said. Indeed, Mr. Bingley was expecting the gentleman and welcomed him into the parlor.

"Mr. Pierce, delighted to see you again," he said graciously as he shook his hand. "My dear, this is Mr. Pierce." Caroline was not as eager to make the gentleman's acquaintance, and even less so when she learned that he was a tradesman there on a matter of business. Since her brother seemed unwilling to take Mr. Pierce into his study, Caroline decided to abandon them for her own rooms above stairs, chased away by their tedious discussion.

"I will leave you two to discuss business," she said distastefully. Mr. Bingley smiled at his guest, who had ostensibly come to discuss the lucrative opportunities to be had in investments overseas.

"No, no, Caroline," her brother finally took her hint. "Perhaps this is a matter better discussed elsewhere."

"Perhaps you would like to come to my office," Mr. Pierce suggested. "I have maps of our trade routes there and can give you a far better sense of what I am describing." Mr. Bingley readily assented to the notion and Caroline was only too glad to see the two men leave. The entered Mr. Bingley's carriage laughing.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Pierce," Mr. Bingley said as he pulled out his notebook. Under a note on "decisive action"--which he'd made a few days earlier in the park--he wrote the word "subterfuge." Not that he saw that as a trait in his role model, Elizabeth Bennet. But all's fair in love and war, someone had told him, and he was not above subterfuge to get what he wanted. He generously gave Caroline credit for his inspiration, for had her deceit not taught him much over the past several months?

Mr. Pierce simply smiled as he watched the man write a note to himself. He was not at all sure what he'd accomplished, other than getting the man out of his own house. But if Mr. Bingley was glad of it, he was content. He knew his employer would also be pleased with his success. The carriage came to a halt outside of Finch and Gardiner's Emporium, and Mr. Pierce showed his companion into Mr. Gardiner's office directly. Mr. Gardiner was not alone, but he didn't seem to mind the intrusion at all.

"Ah, Mr. Pierce, I see you have collected Mr. Bingley. Delighted to see you again, sir! You are just in time for elevenses again, Mr. Bingley. I say, you do have a knack for scenting out your favorite biscuits. Please sir, sit down and join us! Pour the tea, Jane."

Olivia finally hit upon an idea for dealing with Amelia Parsons that was at once so brilliant and so underhanded she could hardly contain her glee. She had written a note to her aunt in Bath and sent it to her by express. The reply came a day later and it was very much to her satisfaction. She rose from the breakfast table and kissed her father's cheek before she rushed upstairs for her hat and reticule. In order for her plan to work she had to reach Amelia at her home. She arrived at the Parson's house at a scandalously early hour for visiting, but no earlier than Amelia had arrived at her own home on previous occasions. Olivia was very pleased; she was shown into the morning room where Mrs. Parsons sat with her three daughters. The scene could not be more perfect.

"Forgive me for arriving so early, Mrs. Parsons. Amelia has been calling on me almost daily and I thought it would be very rude if I did not return the compliment and call upon you," Olivia said with a smile worthy of Colonel Fitzwilliam. Amelia regarded her guest with suspicion. The two women had been rather cool toward each other since the scene in the park a day or two earlier. "I am also here with some very good news, I think." Mrs. Parsons smiled.

"Yes, my dear?"

"My aunt, Lady Amanda Crawford, has written to me about my forthcoming visit. I am going to visit her in Bath, you see," Olivia replied. "In her letter she says that I may bring along a friend. She believes it would help me to pass the time more pleasantly if I had a companion of my own age."

"Oh, that is most generous of her," Mrs. Parsons said right on cue. She smiled broadly, aware that an honor was about to bestowed upon her eldest.

"I realize it is very short notice; I am due to leave on Saturday, but I would be willing to put off the journey for a day or two longer," Olivia said as she laid on the charm. "I would be delighted if you would allow me to take Amelia along as my particular guest." Mrs. Parsons beamed. Amelia was stunned.

"But I thought you were taking Jane Bennet?" Olivia laughed sincerely.

"Where did you ever get that idea? I only received my aunt's letter this morning, see?" She handed the letter to Mrs. Parsons, who read the letter and smiled at the list of things Olivia aunt had planned for her niece. She was very impressed by the obvious wealth of Olivia's relation; Olivia had counted on that. She wanted to impress upon the well-connected widow of somewhat modest means (the girls had no more than 5,000 pounds each, while Olivia had a dowry several times that size) that Amelia would be moving within the first circles of society and thus be exposed to all manner of wealthy potential husbands. Mrs. Parsons would see her daughter leave for Bath by whatever means necessary.

Olivia left the house a short while later with a firm commitment to call for Amelia at first light Saturday morning. Mrs. Parsons would manage everything in the allotted time. She would not have Olivia give up one day of her time in Bath. Olivia went straight to the park and found Mr. Bingley. She knew that he was being watched, but that was all part of Mr. Gardiner's plan. As long as Caroline thought that she had succeeded in keeping the pair apart, Mr. Bingley was free to go where he pleased. So Mr. Bingley made a show of strolling the park glumly, disappointed at not meeting Jane. He then saw her at his chess club, his haberdasher (he recommended him to Mr. Gardiner), bookshops, and various other places his sister never thought to look for the Hertfordshire maiden.

"I have good news, Mr. Bingley," Olivia said excitedly as she took his arm.

"Good news?" He smiled and awaited enlightenment.

"I am going to Bath." Mr. Bingley frowned.

"I am sorry to disappoint you, Miss Crenshaw, but I cannot see that as good news," he said impishly. His smile reminded her of the Colonel and she smiled wistfully.

"I am taking Amelia Parsons with me."

"Ah. Now that is good news."

"I suggest you do not tarry, Mr. Bingley. I know you promised Jane a proper courtship, but you will not be able to deceive your sister for much longer. I strongly suggest that you get on with it."

"Get on with it?"

"Propose, Mr. Bingley," Olivia said exasperatedly, as a gust of wind tried to grab hold of her hat. "And soon!" With that she went hurrying back to her carriage. Caroline Bingley had watched the scene from her bedroom window and was extremely curious as to what had transpired between the two.

Colonel Fitzwilliam was headed to his room late one evening two weeks later when he decided to stop in to check on his cousin. Mr. Darcy had come back from a walk earlier in the afternoon clearly agitated about something. He'd gone down to dinner but barely said a word, even in response to his aunt's rather blatant and intrusive questions, after which he'd returned to his room pleading headache. The Colonel was convinced that there was another explanation, and that it concerned Miss Bennet. He didn't want to pry into his cousin's affairs, but he wanted to be of use to him if he could. He approached the door and heard his cousin swear. He seemed to be at war with himself, and against his better judgment, the Colonel knocked lightly. The room went immediately quiet. At first the Colonel thought that Mr. Darcy would not answer, but the door suddenly opened and the Colonel found himself face to face with a haunted man.

"What do you want, Fitzwilliam?" he asked dully.

"Are you all right, Darcy?" It was apparent that his cousin was far from all right, but he didn't know how else to begin. Mr. Darcy glared at him indecisively, but he opened the door and let his cousin through. He had something to say to the Colonel and preferred to say it privately.

"My life is in shambles and I have you to thank for it," he said with deceptive calm. The Colonel was tempted to accuse Mr. Darcy of being melodramatic but one look prevented him. Mr. Darcy had removed his coat and was in his shirt sleeves, which were rolled up with uncharacteristic sloppiness. But what really gave the Colonel pause was his cousin's haggard expression and flat affect.

"Darcy?"

"I went to see Miss Bennet this afternoon. I proposed marriage to her and was flatly rejected. And do you know why? She refused me on the grounds that I had come between Bingley and her sister! She called me arrogant, presumptuous, and conceited, Fitzwilliam! She said that I had a selfish disdain for the feelings of others! That I was uncivil and ungentlemanlike! And why does she think these things of me, Fitzwilliam? Because you filled her head with nonsense about--."

"Because it is all true," the Colonel calmly interjected. Mr. Darcy looked as though he was about to explode. He closed the distance between himself and his cousin in two steps. The Colonel did not flinch, but braced himself for an attack that never came. Instead his cousin opened his mouth and closed it again. Then he abruptly turned away.

"How dare you--?"

"No, Darcy, how dare you? Every ill opinion Miss Bennet has of you has been justified by your own actions. You are the one who held yourself above her family and friends..."

"You have not met them, Fitzwilliam. Had you done so--," Mr. Darcy cried, jumping to his own defense.

"You presumed to determine the course of a relationship between two people perfectly capable of sorting things out for themselves. And for what other reason than the fact that you deemed Miss Bennet unworthy of your friend? Did your friend deserve to spend the winter suffering the loss of the woman he loved? Is that what you consider friendship? Is that what you consider being civil and gentlemanlike?" The Colonel's anger rose with each word. "Stand there and blame me if it makes you feel better, Darcy, but the truth of the matter is that you can blame your misfortunes on no one but yourself." Mr. Darcy fumed as his cousin spoke, but now he turned on the Colonel once more.

"If you hadn't opened your big mouth--."

"If you hadn't opened yours--," the Colonel countered. His ran a hand through his hair and sat on the bed. "Look, Darcy, I am very sorry to see this happen to you. You know I would never wish such a thing on you. Your happiness means as much to me as my own. But you brought this on yourself, man! You are angry because of Miss Bennet's refusal. Think for a minute, Darce," he said as he rose and walked over to his cousin, who was standing at the window. "If Miss Bennet had accepted your proposal tonight she could only be guilty of what you accused her sister of." Mr. Darcy spun around to regard his cousin in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"Knowing what she does about you, about how you view her family and connections, if she had agreed to marry you it could only have been for the basest of motives." Mr. Darcy staggered back a step as the import of the Colonel's words struck him forcefully. The Colonel did not relent. "It pains me to say it, cousin, but you are arrogant and you are a hypocrite if you think that Miss Bennet is worthy of you when her sister is unworthy of a man with only a fraction of your wealth."

"You have said enough."

"I did not poison Miss Bennet's mind against you, Darcy. You did." With that the Colonel went to the door. "And I am heartily sorry for it. I think you might have been very happy together, under other circumstances." With that he left and repaired to his own room.

He barely slept that night, concerns for his cousin leading him to occasionally go out into the hall and listen at Mr. Darcy's door. On his fifth trip he saw that the light had been put out and the room had gone completely silent where earlier he had heard mutterings and the rustling of various items. The Colonel had concluded that Mr. Darcy had been packing. He called a footman at first light to pack his own luggage, and when Mr. Darcy announced his intention to depart Rosings as soon as possible after breakfast, Colonel Fitzwilliam was able to say that he was already packed. Mr. Darcy was grateful. His anger at the Colonel had abated somewhat, but it had only begun to be turned upon himself. So, with a heart full of self-loathing and disappointment, Mr. Darcy left Rosings for London and a future without Elizabeth Bennet.

Chapter 8

While Mr. Darcy's fate was being determined by that series of events in Kent, Mr. Bingley was busy contemplating his future with Jane Bennet. He was aware that he only had a week's time, at most, to make his declaration. Mr. Darcy was due back in London soon and Mr. Bingley deemed it best to confront his friend with a fait accompli. He mulled over Olivia Crenshaw's parting words for a week, while he got up his nerve to propose. He had not seen Jane in several days; Caroline's interference had assured it, but Mr. Bingley was undeterred.

Caroline, on the other hand, was determined to prevent an attachment between her brother and Miss Bennet at all costs and was very relieved to learn of Olivia Crenshaw's imminent departure from town. Caroline held her accountable for her brother's renewed interest in Jane Bennet. With Miss Crenshaw out of the way, Caroline surmised, dealing with Jane ought to be child's play. Moreover, she would redouble her efforts to find her brother a more suitable bride and get him engaged before Jane Bennet could wangle a proposal out of him. Thus she'd attached herself to her brother's side for the entire week, letting him out of her sight only when propriety forced a separation. She insisted on accompanying him everywhere, much to Mr. Bingley's annoyance. But Mr. Bingley, of course, was undaunted his sister's machinations. He was, in fact, too busy planning his own future with Jane Bennet to give much thought to his sister's plot. He corresponded regularly with Mr. Gardiner and after consulting the latest entry in his little notebook he decided to extend an invitation for the Gardiners to join them at the theatre. Mr. Bingley was delighted when he received a positive reply from Mrs. Gardiner. He rose from his desk and went in search of his sister.

"Caroline?" Mr. Bingley asked as he peered into the music room. He saw his sister at the pianoforte, looking over a sheet of music.

"Yes, Charles," she replied absently as she haltingly began to pick out the melody.

"I have news. We are going to the theatre tomorrow night." Caroline looked up.

"That is wonderful! I shall wear my new peach-colored dress," she said, clapping her hands together. "You know, we should invite the Appletons. I haven't seen dear Miss Appleton in weeks!"

"You know as well as I do that they have their own box reserved for the season, Caroline," Mr. Bingley replied. "And besides, I--."

"Oh, yes, yes, you are correct I am sure. Why should invite the Pontiflets, then. Mr. and Mrs. Pontiflet have only just returned to town with their daughter Emma. Such a dear girl; we haven't seen very much of her." Mr. Bingley smiled knowingly.

"You may invite whomever you please, Caroline," he replied good-naturedly, "As long as you reserve three seats for my guests." Caroline looked up sharply.

"What do you mean, Charles?"

"I have invited a few guests of my own. Why don't you call on the Pontiflets and ask them to join us tomorrow. The more the merrier, I always say," Mr. Bingley said as he took his hat and cane from the butler and headed for the door. Caroline didn't have to ask who his guests were, but she was determined to thwart Charles's plan. She rushed to her desk and pulled out a sheet of paper to hastily write a note. She called for a footman and had the note delivered to Jane Bennet at Gracechurch Street. She smiled to herself as she awaited Jane's reply, but as the morning wore on she was rather surprised that Jane's expected note never came.

Mr. Bingley had taken the carriage and gone straight to the Gardiners' home, confident that Caroline was too absorbed in planning her theatre party to think of encumbering him with her company. He arrived at the townhouse with a smile for Jane and a bag of sweets for the children. It had been some time since he was at Gracechurch Street. After a few awkward visits accompanied by Caroline, Mr. Bingley had decided against further exposing the Gardiners to his sister's rude and condescending behavior. He had been forced to settle for the occasional visit with Mrs. Gardiner at her husband's emporium, where he often saw Jane and her uncle, or an occasional "chance" meeting with Mrs. Gardiner, Jane, and the children at a small park near the Gardiners' townhouse. Frankly, Mr. Bingley was growing weary of having to sneak around to see his beloved Jane. But it had been well worth it. Once he and Jane had reached an understanding that day at the gallery, Mr. Bingley had worked assiduously to secure Jane's affection and remove all doubts as to his constancy. But now it was time to act and Mr. Bingley had arrived at Gracechurch Street ready to declare himself and ask for Jane Bennet's hand.

He was admitted to the parlor where he met not only Jane, but Elizabeth Bennet as well. Neither woman looked to be in good spirits, a fact that concerned Mr. Bingley. He prudently decided to delay his proposal in favor of cheering up both women.

"Miss Bennet," he said with a radiant smile for Jane, "And Miss Elizabeth. I am delighted to see you again." Lizzy looked up and welcomed Mr. Bingley with a smile.

"Indeed, sir, it is a pleasure to see you again. Jane didn't tell me she was expecting company this morning," Lizzy said with a sly glance at Jane.

"Indeed, Lizzy, Mr. Bingley's appearance is as much a surprise to me as it is to you. It has been nearly a week since we have seen you, Mr. Bingley," Jane said.

"I am afraid that was unavoidable, Miss Bennet," Mr. Bingley said with sincere regret. "But we will see each other tomorrow night at the theatre. You will join us, of course, Miss Elizabeth." Lizzy looked up from her needlework.

"Mr. Bingley has invited Aunt and Uncle Gardiner and me to the theatre tomorrow night, Lizzy. You must come as well."

"And Miss Lucas, if she is with you," Mr. Bingley added.

"Miss Lucas went straight on to Hertfordshire with her mother, who met her here in town," Lizzy said. "But I should happy to join your party, Mr. Bingley."

"Excellent! The weather is exceptionally fine today; perhaps you would both like to walk out with me. Then you can tell me all about your time in Kent, Miss Elizabeth," Mr. Bingley said, hoping to raise a smile But Lizzy paled, even as she laid aside her needlework and rose to fetch her bonnet. Mr. Bingley looked at Mrs. Gardiner for an explanation.

"She's been in poor spirits since she arrived yesterday afternoon. Perhaps an outing will lift her mood," she said encouragingly. Mr. Bingley nodded and stepped out into the hall to meet Lizzy and Jane as they descended the stairs. He offered each woman an arm and escorted them across the street to the park.

"I understand that you something of Darcy while you were in Kent, Miss Elizabeth," Mr. Bingley assayed.

"He mentioned me in his letters?" Lizzy asked, genuinely surprised.

"As a matter of fact, he did. He seems to have spent a great deal of time in your company." Lizzy colored.

"His aunt invited us to Rosings quite frequently while he and Colonel Fitzwilliam were in residence." Jane cast Mr. Bingley a warning look, but he did not notice.

"How was he last time you saw him? He never says much about himself in his letters." Lizzy smiled at the irony of his question and said that both Mr. Darcy and the Colonel were in excellent health. Jane quickly changed the topic to something safer, for which she received a grateful look from her sister. The rest of the walk continued without incident, and Mr. Bingley returned the sisters to the house. As they entered, the footman informed Miss Bennet that a note had just arrived from Miss Bingley.

"May I?" Mr. Bingley asked as he intercepted the note on its path toward Jane's outstretched hand. He quickly read it and tore it up. "Forgive me," he said as Jane gasped, "But my sister sometimes shows all the social graces of a charwoman." With that he bowed and was about to take his leave when he saw the expression on Lizzy's face. "Ah, Miss Elizabeth. I see I have managed to earn one of your precious smiles at last." He gave her a wink and bowed once more before heading for his carriage.

The following afternoon, Caroline entered Mr. Bingley's study and frowned when she found him deep in conversation with Mrs. Stewart. She didn't attempt to mask her displeasure as she informed her brother that she wished to have a word with him privately. Mrs. Stewart rose and left the room.

"You need not be so rude, Caroline. I will not have you treating my servants--."

"...Like servants, Charles? Really, you treat that woman as though she was a friend and not an employee, Charles. It is most improper." Mr. Bingley merely sighed.

"You wanted to tell me something?" he said in a tone that made plain his annoyance. Caroline sat in the chair recently vacated by Mrs. Stewart.

"Oh, yes! I have spoken with Mrs. Pontiflet, and she is delighted to be able to accept our invitation. She will be bringing not only Evangeline, but her niece, Muriel. I believe we met her last year at Almack's. A lovely girl; I understand that she has twenty thousand pounds."

"And what is that to us?" Mr. Bingley asked. Caroline pouted.

"Oh, don't be so obtuse, Charles. You know as well as I do that a girl with a handsome fortune to her name is quite a prize. But a pretty girl with a large fortune is--."

"I distinctly recall you remarking that Miss Boyer was as graceful as a cow in need of milking," Mr. Bingley deadpanned as he scanned a piece of correspondence on his desk.

"Oh, Charles, I was only teasing. Miss Boyer and Miss Pontiflet are both such pretty girls. Oh, and Mr. Pontiflet's son from his previous marriage will also be joining us."

"Then I daresay that our box will be quite cozy with all your guests," Mr. Bingley said innocently.

"So I thought; in fact, once I realized our numbers I took the liberty of writing to Jane Bennet and asking her to postpone our theatre outing to next week." Mr. Bingley tried to look apoplectic, but he didn't know how to pull off such an expression, so instead he merely smiled.

"You need not have bothered, Caroline. I did reserve a large box that could easily accommodate our party. And it is a good thing, too, for I also invited another guest myself."

"Oh, is Mr. Darcy back in town?" Caroline asked anxiously, immediately regretting having invited two ladies who could distract that man's attention from herself.

"Not to my knowledge. But perhaps Miss Elizabeth will be able to tell us when he plans to return to town. I understand that she and Darcy spent a great deal of time in each other's company in Kent." His words had the desired effect. Caroline paled and then reddened as she rose from her seat. "I gave her a personal invitation today and assured the Gardiners and both Miss Bennets that your letter had been written in error and that they would all be most welcome tonight." Mr. Bingley smiled and shook his head. He rang for a footman and summoned Mrs. Stewart back to his study.

"Well, sir?"

"It promises to be a most interesting evening, Mrs. Stewart. Now let us return to our accounts, shall we?"

"Are you sure you are all right, Lizzy?" Jane asked for the second time.

"Jane, please!" Lizzy said in a brittle voice. Jane sighed and left the room. Both of the sisters were well aware of the fact that Lizzy was far from all right, but Lizzy was determined not to let Jane know that she was having second thoughts about accepting Mr. Bingley's invitation. Lizzy realized that her attendance at the theatre meant having to spend several hours in the company of Caroline Bingley, Mr. Darcy's co-conspirator in his plot to ruin Jane and Mr. Bingley's happiness. So she fussed with an errant curl and then picked up her reticule and made her way downstairs with a false smile pasted on her face. Her assembled relations were not fooled. Lizzy had confided to her aunt and uncle the details of Mr. Darcy's disastrous proposal. Jane knew only that he had proposed and been rejected. Mr. Gardiner had offered to stay home with Lizzy if she didn't feel up to going out, but she refused to deny him an opportunity to see one of his favorite plays. Thus, the Gardiners' carriage was brought around and the foursome made its way across town to theatre where Mr. Bingley and his party awaited.

Caroline, anticipating that Mr. Bingley would seek Jane's company as soon as she appeared, had asked the Pontiflets and their niece to arrive at the theatre a bit early so that she might endeavor to occupy her brother with one or both of the ladies before Jane's arrival. But her efforts were pointless. Mr. Bingley made polite conversation with all of his guests until the Gardiners appeared, at which point not only he but the young Mr. Pontiflet all but forgot the others in their desire to talk with the Bennet ladies. Caroline found Robert Pontiflet's interest to be a useful thing, and so when the group was about ready to go up to their box, she eagerly volunteered him to escort Jane and Lizzy. Mr. Bingley rolled his eyes and gamely escorted the other ladies while the married couples linked arms. It was only then that Caroline noticed her mistake; she was left without accompaniment. Mr. Gardiner gallantly offered his arm and she was forced to accept it. Gratitude and mortification battled with each other in her breast as she crossed the theatre lobby on the arm of a man she deemed her inferior.

"So, Eliza, Charles tells me that you spent some time with Mr. Darcy in Kent," Caroline offered as soon as she reached the box. She noted to her satisfaction that all four young ladies were offered seats in the front row of the box and although Mr. Bingley sat immediately behind Jane, Robert Pontiflet was equally accessible to her. Lizzy tried to answer evenly; although she would have liked to ignore Caroline, she was in fact, her hostess for the evening's event.

"I was a guest in the home of Lady Catherine DeBourgh and I saw both Mr. Darcy and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam there."

"Oh? To hear Charles tell it, you and Mr. Darcy spent a great deal of time together," Caroline accused.

"I would have to say that I spent far more time in the Colonel's company," Lizzy replied, fully aware that in doing so she was giving Caroline a satisfaction she did not deserve. Lizzy cruelly wondered how Caroline would feel if she knew of Mr. Darcy's proposal. She would undoubtedly be doubly shocked to learn of my refusal. "I saw Mr. Darcy but rarely in Kent, Miss Bingley." Caroline was pleased by this information. She took her seat and smiled to herself.

"Where exactly were you in Kent, Miss Bennet?" Mr. Pontiflet asked.

"I was visiting my relations in Hunsford, Mr. Pontiflet."

"That's a lovely little town," Miss Pontiflet contributed. "We have an aunt there, Miss Bennet. Perhaps you happened to meet her while you were there. Her name is Price and her estate is not far from Rosings." Lizzy smiled. She had heard the name many times.

"I was not so fortunate as to meet the lady herself, but I often heard Lady Catherine speak of her."

"I believe that my aunt and Lady Catherine DeBourgh are great friends," Mr. Pontiflet said. Lizzy smiled again, imagining what sort of woman his aunt must be to consider herself a great friend of Lady Catherine DeBourgh. Caroline listened to the conversation and was pleased. But she noticed that Jane and her brother were engaged in a more private conversation. She rose to her feet, causing every man in the box to rise also.

"I wish to sit beside you, Charles. You know I prefer to be in the corner of a theatre box," she declared. Mr. Bingley knew nothing of the sort, and even if he did, he thought it odd that she should want to make such a fuss in front of her guests. He saw through her excuse and glowered as Caroline forced a rearrangement of seats.

"Why don't you sit here?" Jane offered. "It's in the corner and closer to the stage." Caroline shot the young woman a look. Her offer, so kindly made, could hardly be refused. Mr. Bingley smiled at Jane's ingenuity. She would move to the second row and naturally opt for the now empty seat beside him.

"I couldn't possibly deprive you, Jane, although you are such a dear to offer," Caroline said.

"Oh, please do join us," Miss Pontiflet pleaded. "I should dearly like to have your opinion on the evening's proceedings. Caroline sighed, caught and dangling on her own petard. Jane rose and stepped aside to allow Caroline to sit. Lizzy looked up and met Caroline's horrified gaze. Neither woman was pleased at the thought of spending hours in each other's close proximity.

"Why don't you sit here, Miss Bingley?" Lizzy said as she rose. If Caroline took her seat she would be closer to her friends and perhaps she would leave Lizzy in peace. Caroline smiled politely and slipped past Lizzy.

"Oh, do sit between us!" Miss Boyer exclaimed. Caroline was only too happy to move over one seat further to evade Lizzy, who smiled in satisfaction as she sat down. Both she and Caroline glanced back and saw Jane and Mr. Bingley smiling serenely.

"Would anyone else care to resettle or may we relax and enjoy the performance now?" Mr. Bingley asked calmly. Caroline gave him a withering look and turned back to the stage. Lizzy smiled to herself. Mr. Pontiflet engaged her in conversation once again and they chatted amiably until the performance began. At the intermission, everyone rose to step out of the box for a breath of air. Lizzy was the last to rise; her seat being the farthest from the exit, she had to wait for the others to evacuate their seats before she could move. Mr. Pontiflet waited for her near the exit, for which she was grateful. He was a pleasant man and his conversation was an agreeable diversion from thoughts of what had transpired between Mr. Darcy and herself in Kent. Caroline also waited near the exit. Lizzy noticed and wondered what she was about.

"You do look very dull this evening, Miss Bennet!" Caroline clucked as soon as Lizzy was within her hearing. "Have you been ill?"

"I thank you for your concern, Miss Bingley," Lizzy replied evenly. "But I assure you I am quite well."

"You look to be in excellent health to me," Robert Pontiflet said gallantly. Lizzy rewarded him with a smile.

"Oh, but you do not know her as I do, sir," Caroline insisted. "She is not at all herself."

"Really? In that case I am sorry I did not meet you earlier. If this is how you look when you are not yourself I should dearly love to see you when you are." With that, Mr. Pontiflet offered Lizzy his arm and she gratefully accepted it. Caroline seethed as Mr. Pontiflet escorted Lizzy out into the lobby where they joined the others. Caroline followed, wringing her hands at the mess the evening had become. Of all things she had not expected Mr. Pontiflet to favor Lizzy Bennet over her sister. She had rather counted on him to provide a distraction for Jane. But not only was Jane not distracted, Mr. Pontiflet's sister and cousin had apparently accepted the fact that Mr. Bingley was Jane's suitor and thus had made no effort to vie for his attention. Caroline clenched her fists as she approached the assembled group. Mr. Bingley sidled over to her and spoke so that only she could hear.

"Where have you been, sister? You have practically abandoned your company. Why you've barely said a word to Mr. and Mrs. Pontiflet all evening." Caroline sighed, humiliated by her brother censure, and pasted on a smile. She walked over to the Pontiflets and engaged them in conversation as Mr. Bingley and the Gardiners watched in amusement. Mr. Bingley turned to them and resumed the conversation that had been temporarily suspended.

When the party returned to the box, Lizzy sat between Mr. Bingley and Mr. Pontiflet in the second row. Caroline smiled at this; if Lizzy and Robert Pontiflet had taken an interest in each other, so much the better. It would clear the field for Caroline. Lizzy Bennet had been an obstacle, but Caroline reasoned that Lizzy should be satisfied to win the affections of Mr. Pontiflet, a man with an income of four thousand pounds a year--not that she had any real expectation that Mr. Pontiflet would offer for a woman of such meager fortune and connections. That would leave Mr. Darcy to herself, Caroline smiled.

"Eliza," she drawled, "Did Mr. Darcy give you any indication as to when he might be returning to town?" Lizzy blanched, although Caroline failed to notice.

"No, Miss Bingley. As I said earlier, we rarely had occasion to speak." And when we did... Lizzy felt a lump rise in her throat and she coughed uneasily, drawing the concern of the men on either side of her.

"Oh, yes, so you said. But I should have thought that the two of you would be great friends by now. Mr. Darcy was always an admirer of your fine eyes, I believe," Caroline said slyly, hoping to arouse Mr. Pontiflet's interest.

"It is easy to see why," Mr. Pontiflet said on cue. "Miss Bennet's eyes are quite lovely." Lizzy blushed and averted the objects of his praise.

"I fear Miss Bennet's fine eyes attract admirers wherever she goes, Mr. Pontiflet. If you wish to praise them you had better do so before the competition becomes too fierce." At that Lizzy looked up. What on earth was Caroline up to?

"Yes, Pontiflet," Bingley smiled. "Darcy should be back in town any day now. His last letter to me said that I should expect him in town on Friday." Lizzy paled and stole a glance at Jane. Caroline was also displeased by this development. As eager as she was to see Mr. Darcy again, she didn't want to see him in competing with Mr. Pontiflet for Lizzy Bennet. The very notion incensed her.

"There, Miss Bennet! You shall have your choice of beaus," Miss Pontiflet smiled.

"On the contrary," Lizzy said in a slightly strained voice, "I shall be far from London by Friday," she said with a beseeching look at her uncle. He nodded slightly and Lizzy sighed in relief.

"Where are you going?" Mr. Pontiflet asked.

"I am returning to my home in Hertfordshire, sir." Lizzy said. Mr. Bingley turned to Jane with a beseeching look of his own. Jane's expression was unreadable, and Mr. Bingley knew that his time had run out.

"Oh, but that would be such a pity, Eliza!" Caroline said dramatically. "Can we not convince you to delay your departure?" Lizzy knew exactly what Caroline meant, and other different circumstances she would gladly have thwarted her plans. But her fear of confronting Mr. Darcy far outweighed her desire to overthrow Caroline's scheme.

"I cannot, Miss Bingley. I am afraid you will have to content yourself with watching Mr. Darcy and Mr. Pontiflet compete over another lady's assets." Caroline turned crimson and she turned away. Jane, Lizzy and Mr. Bingley each smiled wryly, but Lizzy could not enjoy the rest of the evening. She would not be happy until she was back in Hertfordshire and as far away from Mr. Darcy as possible.

"Miss Bennet...Jane," Mr. Bingley said softly as he slowed his pace so as to put a little distance between himself and the rest of the party descending the steps in front of him. "Would you allow me to call on you tomorrow morning? I would beg a private conference," he said, imparting as much meaning as he could into the statement without declaring himself on the spot. Jane's eyes widened and she turned to him with a smile.

"I shall look forward to seeing you...Charles." Her voice was barely more than a whisper, but to Mr. Bingley it was loud and clear. He helped Jane into the carriage and gave her hand a little squeeze before releasing it. He bade a good night to the rest of his guests and watched as the carriage rolled away. Then he turned to his own carriage, where Caroline had already been seated.

"Really, Charles! You need not make such a fool of yourself over that woman!" Mr. Bingley declined to answer her as he stepped into the carriage and signaled the coachman. He ignored his sister's commentary on the evening, especially her insults directed at the Bennet sisters. If she had hoped to get a rise out of Mr. Bingley she failed miserably. He hadn't heard a word she said; his mind was on Jane and the proposal he would make to her the following day.

The following morning, Mr. Bingley dressed with special care. He went down to breakfast and was pleased to find the morning room empty. He sat down to his meal and learned from a servant that Caroline had already eaten and left the house. No one knew where she had gone, but Mr. Bingley was not really concerned about his sister. His only interest was in enjoying his meal and then getting to Gracechurch Street as soon as possible.

Mr. Bingley had called for the carriage to be prepared to leave as soon as he had finished his breakfast. He wasted no time in departing for his date with destiny, ignoring the worried look of the servants who attended to him. When he arrived at Gracechurch Street he was shown into the parlor. Mr. Bingley paled when he saw his sister sitting beside Jane on the settee and the meaning behind the looks on his servants faces became clear.

"Charles! I am surprised to see you here; I had no idea that you planned to visit this morning," Caroline said to the disbelief of the others in the room. Mr. Bingley swallowed his anger and tried to answer civilly.

"Had you taken the time this morning to apprise me of your plans I might have been able to share mine with you," he said as he claimed a seat beside Mrs. Gardiner.

"It is a pity that you arrived so late. You missed dear Eliza's departure. But do not despair; I made sure that she will carry our best wishes to all our friends in Hertfordshire," Caroline continued, deflecting her brother's reproach.

"That should be no great burden since one of us did not bother to make any," he muttered. "Miss Elizabeth will be missed," he told Mrs. Gardiner, who read in his eyes relief that Jane did not accompany her sister as he feared she might.

"Yes, Mr. Bingley," she replied. "Lizzy has always been a favorite in this house and no visit with us here is ever long enough."

"It must please you to be able to say that about your company, Mrs. Gardiner. I imagine that not all of your guests are so universally welcome," Mr. Bingley said with a pointed look at his sibling. Mrs. Gardiner was too shocked by his bold comment to respond. Even Jane was taken aback by Mr. Bingley's uncharacteristically harsh tone. But Caroline let his words wash over her, preferring to concentrate on her goal of keeping Jane Bennet away from her brother. She went on chatting with Jane as though her brother had spoken of someone unknown to her.

Mr. Bingley gave Mrs. Gardiner a look full of self-reproach and she surreptitiously gave his hand a reassuring pat. He turned his gaze toward Jane, who looked back at him with such love in her eyes that all his fears immediately dissipated. His anger remained unabated, however, and a short while later he rose to leave.

"Come, Caroline," Mr. Bingley said as he rose to his feet. "I have a number of errands to run and will have need of my carriage. You had better accompany me now, if you want a ride home." Caroline smiled and rose. She bade her Jane and her host a good day and allowed Charles to escort her to the carriage. Mr. Bingley noticed the expressions of the two waiting servants as he approached the carriage. They were clearly enjoying his sister's look of discomfort. But Mr. Bingley had not even begun to unleash the anger welling in his breast. He waited until the carriage was underway to speak.

"As long as you have errands to run, would you drop me at _____ Street? I saw a lovely pair of--."

"You are going directly home, Caroline! I will not drop you at _____ Street, nor will my carriage be put at your disposal again in the foreseeable future," Mr. Bingley growled.

"Charles! What on earth has gotten into you?"

"You know exactly what has gotten into me, Caroline! You need not try to play the innocent. It will no longer work with me!"

"Charles!"

"And do not 'Charles' me!"

"But I have no idea what you are so upset about! Is it that I took your carriage without asking? I had no idea that you were planning to go out this morning."

"I am certain that Marsters told you that I ordered the carriage for first thing in the morning," Mr. Bingley replied tersely. "But it is not so much the fact that you used my carriage, but where you took it that angers me?"

"But why should you be angry that I visited Jane? After our little chat at the theatre last evening I thought I should pay a call on her." Mr. Bingley seethed in silence. He could hardly gainsay his sister's reasoning, even if he knew that her motives were suspect. Caroline smiled. The pair rode for a while in silence, until Caroline spoke again. "I do not see why I am to be denied the power to leave the house--."

"You may leave the house whenever you wish. If you would like the use of a carriage, however, buy one of your own." Mr. Bingley said firmly.

"Really, Charles! You behave as though Jane Bennet was yours exclusively, when as you recall, she was my particular friend in Hertfordshire."

"She has never been your 'particular friend,' Caroline. I doubt that you even understand the meaning of the word 'friend.' You seem to think that people are merely pawns to be moved about for your amusement. I am your favorite, apparently, for you have been dragging me about by the nose for as long as I can remember. Well, I am done playing your games, Caroline. You are to stop interfering in my life and you are to leave Jane Bennet alone."

"I will if you will," Caroline said slyly. Mr. Bingley very nearly exploded with rage, but he managed to contain himself as the carriage slowed to a stop and the footman hopped down to open the door. Mr. Bingley glared at his sister and she colored as she stepped from the carriage. Without a word to her, Mr. Bingley signaled for the carriage to move on. He wasted no time in returning to Gracechurch Street. He found Jane where he had left her, sitting on the settee near the window looking like an angel. Mrs. Gardiner smiled at Mr. Bingley and closed the door behind him.

"Miss Bennet--."

"I rather liked it when you called me 'Jane' last night," she said demurely. That was sufficient encouragement for Mr. Bingley. He strode to the settee and sat down.

"Jane," he said with a radiant smile. "You have no idea how long I have been waiting for the day I would be able to call you that. Now, I only look forward to calling you by another name." Jane blushed.

"Mr. Bingley?"

"Mrs. Bingley, rather," he replied impishly, "If you will have me. Please say you'll marry me, Jane. I know I have been a rather careless suitor, but although I have been absent I have never been inconstant. I have loved you since the moment I first laid eyes upon you and I will love you until the day I die." Jane smiled and squeezed the hand Mr. Bingley clutched to his heart.

"I can think of nothing that would make me happier than to spend the rest of my days being loved by you, Charles. I, too, have been constant in my devotion and have loved you all these many months." Mr. Bingley felt his heart leap for joy. He reached into this pocket.

"Had it not been for unfortunate circumstances, I might have put this on your finger months ago," he said as he slipped the engagement ring onto the ring finger of Jane's hand. She put that same finger to his lips.

"What's past is the past. Let us only concern ourselves with the future, henceforth."

"Agreed," Mr. Bingley replied, and they sealed the bargain with a brief, chaste kiss.

Chapter 9

Mr. Bingley returned home in plenty of time to dress for supper with his sullen sister. Caroline would not soon forgive her brother for his set down that morning, and his happy mood did nothing to placate her. A servant brought in a note just as the pair sat down to eat. Mr. Bingley opened it with a smile on his lips.

"Ah! Darcy is back in town," he said as he scanned the note. "Would you excuse me for a moment, Caroline? I would like to invite Darcy to come to see us tomorrow." Caroline was only too pleased at the prospect of seeing Mr. Darcy again, so she waited for the five minutes it took her brother to write a note and see it sent off. Mr. Bingley returned to the dining room and found his sister with a smile on his face. It didn't take a genius to figure out what had caused the change in her demeanor.

"I am glad that Mr. Darcy has returned to town," Caroline said as soon as the soup had been served. "It has been some time since we have had some decent company."

"Why Caroline, how can you say such a thing one night after our evening with the Pontiflets?" Mr. Bingley replied with a hint of a smile. He decided not to provoke her by naming the other guests with whom they'd enjoyed the evening. But Caroline didn't spare the Bennet sisters or the Pontiflets a moment's thought.

"You know what I mean, Charles. There is no one else quite of Mr. Darcy's personality or breeding. His return will greatly improve our society."

"Well, not for long. He intends to be in town only for a few days." Caroline's face fell.

"Why?"

"He plans on going on to Pemberley by week's end." Caroline frowned, but quickly brightened.

"Does he intend to have us go to the country with him?"

"Not to my knowledge." Caroline smiled.

"Well, perhaps he will extend an invitation when he comes tomorrow."

"If he comes, you mean."

"Of course, he will come, Charles? Why should he not?" Mr. Bingley had to agree with his sister. In all likelihood Mr. Darcy would come. But it seemed unlikely that, after his visit with the Bingleys, Mr. Darcy would be extending an invitation to Pemberley. Not after Mr. Bingley revealed his news. He had decided on the way back from Gracechurch Street that he would tell both Caroline and Mr. Darcy of his engagement right away. By taking the initiative he would hopefully forestall any attempts on their part to interfere in his affairs.

Mr. Darcy read Mr. Bingley's note and was sorely tempted to refuse the invitation. But he saw an opportunity to speak with his old friend and confess his misdeed. It was not one to be squandered, not after all that had happened in the preceding days. Mr. Darcy had lost the love of his life, but perhaps it was not too late to salvage his friendship with Mr. Bingley. He penned a reply and sent it off before he retired to his library to sit and think.

As he had done for the four hours it took to reach London from Kent, Mr. Darcy played and replayed Lizzy's rejection of his suit in his head. Contrary to what he had long believed, Elizabeth Bennet despised him. And while he wanted to blame his cousin for his interference, Mr. Darcy had had to concede that both Lizzy and the Colonel were correct in their scathing assessment of his character. So Mr. Darcy was determined to set things right with Mr. Bingley, even if he could do nothing for his own situation. He owed him that much.

Mr. Darcy took a large gulp from his snifter, determined to blur his painful memories of the preceding days. But Elizabeth Bennet persisted in tormenting him, so Mr. Darcy surrendered to his fate and retired to his rooms without the benefit of sufficient alcohol to assure him of dreamless sleep. He lay awake for hours, hearing over and over the words that had broken his heart and dashed all of his hopes for happiness. He ran frustrated hands through his hair and cursed his arrogance. Had he listened to the Colonel he might have spared himself his current pain. But he could not absolve himself for stubbornly insisting on proposing to Elizabeth in spite of his cousin's warnings, and his guilt over the pain and anguish he had caused her haunted him as much as the pain she had inflicted on him.

Mr. Bingley paced back and forth in his study while the clock solemnly counted the minutes toward the hour when Mr. Darcy was scheduled to make his appearance. Mr. Bingley was nervous. The joy that had buoyed his courage the previous day had not waned, but he had awoken with the certain knowledge that his longtime friendship with the older man might be changed irrevocably by the meeting that was about to take place.

He and Mr. Darcy had been friends since their days together at school. While young Bingley had assumed that someone of Darcy's social standing might rightly snub him, the older lad had taken Bingley under his wing and they had been inseparable ever since. Now, however, Mr. Bingley was prepared to sever all ties with Mr. Darcy if need be. Nothing, not even friendship, was going to prevent Mr. Bingley from marrying Jane Bennet.

Mr. Darcy, meanwhile, made his way to Mr. Bingley's house on foot, worrying as he neared _____ Street that his longstanding friendship with the affable young man was on the verge of dissolution. He hoped that Mr. Bingley would eventually find it in his heart to forgive him for his sins, but he felt undeserving of such a kindness. Mr. Darcy was a haunted, wretched creature as he turned the corner and approached Mr. Bingley's house. If he lost Mr. Bingley's friendship he would have lost the two most important people in his life, outside of his family. Lizzy was already lost to him forever, but perhaps something of his friendship with Mr. Bingley might be salvaged if there was still time for him to make reparations. Mr. Darcy knew that Mr. Bingley had restored his acquaintance with Jane. Mr. Darcy was resolved to do all in his power to assure their happiness. He would no longer allow his accursed pride and arrogance to hurt others. He had learned the hard was how much pain such a mistake could cost.

Mr. Darcy paused at the foot of the steps leading to Mr. Bingley's door, where an alert footman was already holding it open and awaiting his entrance. Mr. Darcy took a deep breath and ascended the stairs. He handed his hat, gloves and walking stick to the servant and after taking a moment to gather his courage, he headed for Mr. Bingley's study. Mr. Darcy approached the door and paused again, nervous and penitent. The door opened before he could knock and he stepped back as Caroline came bustling out of the room.

"I do not see why we should entertain Mr. Darcy in your study. I will await him in the--oh! Mr. Darcy! I did not realize that you had already arrived," Caroline said awkwardly. Behind her, Mr. Bingley rose to his feet and bade Mr. Darcy welcome.

"Come in, come in, old friend," he said as he offered Mr. Darcy a warm handshake. "Do make yourself comfortable," Mr. Bingley chattered on, a bundle of nervous energy. He spent a moment fussing over arrangements for tea while Caroline apologized to Mr. Darcy for not receiving him in the parlor as was the norm.

"I do not know why Charles insists on receiving you here," Caroline complained. "This is a hideous room, full of male things and leather; hardly the proper place to receive guests." Mr. Darcy smiled in spite of himself.

"Even male guests? I find this room quite comfortable, Miss Bingley. In fact," he said as his eyes surveyed the space, "I have one very much like it." Caroline fell silent and stared at her shoes as she blushed at the gentle tease. Mr. Darcy's eyes continued their circuit of the room until they met Mr. Bingley's. He appeared to be somewhat uneasy. Mr. Darcy swallowed hard and wondered if Lizzy had told Jane the truth about his interference. Perhaps then, Mr. Bingley already knew something of what Mr. Darcy had come to say. But if that was the case, Mr. Darcy surmised, Mr. Bingley would hardly have greeted him with such effusive warmth. Mr. Darcy's curiosity grew as he observed Mr. Bingley, who stood before the mantelpiece, eyes averted and deep in thought.

"Caroline, Darcy, sit down," Mr. Bingley said. "I have something I want to tell you both." He stood with his back to an imposing mantle piece looking slightly nervous but determined. Mr. Darcy looked at him curiously, then took a seat. Miss Bingley stood her ground.

"What is this about, Charles?" she demanded.

"Sit down and I will tell you," he commanded. Miss Bingley and Mr. Darcy exchanged glances as she obeyed. Mr. Bingley cleared his throat.

"You may as well be the first to know...I have asked Jane Bennet for her hand in marriage and she has done me the honor of accepting me." Mr. Bingley squared his shoulders and prepared for the inevitable onslaught. But it did not come as he had expected. His announcement was met with silence. Mr. Darcy blinked, looked down at his boots, and said nothing. Miss Bingley, who had relied on Mr. Darcy to speak on her behalf, was left to confront her brother alone.

"Charles!" she cried. "You cannot be serious!"

"I am," was his firm reply.

"Mr. Darcy, say something! You cannot, you must not allow my brother to throw himself away on that insignificant chit of a --."

"Caroline, I am going to marry Jane Bennet and there's an end of it. If you do not approve of my choice of a marriage partner, I would be more than happy to send you to your sister in Lisbon!" Mr. Bingley spoke calmly but his eyes were aflame. His sister's mouth fell open. She turned to Mr. Darcy once more, but to her amazement, he rose and extended his hand in congratulations.

"I wish both you and Miss Bennet every happiness, Charles," he said simply. "I am rather pleased to find that I was mistaken in my belief that Miss Bennet did not return your affections. It was an arrogant presumption on my part and I heartily apologize for the pain and suffering my unwanted interference must have caused you both." Miss Bingley was shocked by this speech, as was Mr. Bingley, but he graciously accepted both the admission and the apology and wasted no time in asking Mr. Darcy to stand up with him at the altar.

"If you would still have me after what I have done to you both, I would be honored." Mr. Darcy felt unequal to the protestations he knew his friend would make, and so he turned to leave, saying, "Just let me know the date and I will be at your side. You may contact me at Pemberley. I leave later this morning." With that, he bid his friends goodbye and left, a tumult of emotions beating in his heart.

That much I could do for her, Mr. Darcy thought hours later as he sat at his father's massive desk in Pemberley's study. It was well past midnight, and Mr. Darcy, still plagued by the demons that had driven him from Kent, was unable to sleep. Elizabeth had refused his love and rightfully so. He had lost her forever and with it every chance of happiness. Mr. Darcy resigned himself to his fate. I have admitted my guilt in wrongfully separating Bingley and Jane Bennet, and have given their marriage my blessing. At least she will see her beloved sister happy...I pray that one day my Elizabeth... and here Mr. Darcy's eyes clouded over and he was forced to swallow the lump rising in his throat, "...That she will find someone with whom she can be equally happy. It is no more than she deserves. I am unworthy of her. As the words formed in his mind, tears began to flow. He lowered his head to the desk and sobbed pathetically.

Things proceeded rather quietly in the Bingley household after Mr. Darcy's departure. Mr. Bingley refused to discuss his decision with Caroline and when she made it plain that she would not wish him joy, he accepted her position with equanimity and did not entreat his sister to reconsider. Caroline was at first surprised and then angered by his calm demeanor. She swept out of the room in a huff, determined to find a way to make him see reason before her brother went into Hertfordshire to seek Mr. Bennet's blessing.

There was absolutely no doubt in Caroline's mind that he would get it. As far as she was concerned the Bennets were nothing more than grasping self-interested social climbers who would stop at nothing to secure a better place in society. She was convinced that the Bennets would stop at nothing to achieve their goal; Jane's marriage was only the beginning. Once they'd gotten their claws into her brother, the Bennets would settle for no less than seeing their four other girls equally situated. Caroline was certain that Eliza Bennet had already set her sights on Fitzwilliam Darcy.

"Well, my dear," she sneered. "I shall have something to say about that. You had better go ahead and latch onto some well-heeled nobody. Mr. Darcy will never attach himself to such a family as yours. And if I have anything to say about it--and I shall--neither will my brother."

It was more than a week later when Olivia Crenshaw returned to town. She was sick to death of Amelia Parson's company, for all that the girl had made a decent companion once removed from the influence of Caroline Bingley. But Olivia was not one to suffer fools lightly and Amelia was a young girl devoid of wit or insight beyond the latest fashions. When she arrived at her home she spent a half-hour with her father before going up to her room to see to her unpacking and rest before supper. The maid brought in a handful of correspondence and she sat down to read it. Amid the calling cards and a letter from her older brother was a note from Jane. Olivia eagerly opened it and read the good news. She let out a whoop and fairly dove across the bed to retrieve the hat she'd thrown there earlier. In minutes she was on her way to Gracechurch Street.

"Oh, Jane!" Olivia hugged her tightly again. "I am so very happy for you! You must tell me everything! I knew the moment I left town something important would happen!" Mrs. Gardiner urged both ladies to sit as she rang for tea. Olivia was eager to get caught up on the latest gossip, none more important than Jane's engagement to Mr. Bingley.

"Have you written to Lizzy? I am sure she will be ecstatic!" Olivia's joy did not afford Jane much opportunity to tell her tale, so it was some time before all the details had been revealed.

"Of course, Mr. Bingley has yet to ask for my father's permission, but he plans to return to Hertfordshire in a week to see him," Jane concluded.

"Oh, Jane," Olivia gushed. "This is so wonderful! I am so glad that things finally worked out for the two of you. I cannot think of two more deserving people." Mrs. Gardiner looked up from her knitting and smiled, remembering Olivia and Elizabeth's role in bringing the union about. Eventually the conversation came back around to the subject of Elizabeth's response to the news.

"I have not received her reply, but I expect one at any time. I was so excited I sent her the news by express!" Jane said with a laugh.

"I have not heard from Lizzy since she was in Kent," Olivia said, "And that was more than two weeks ago. I supposed it to be because I was traveling myself, but I had expected a letter to be awaiting me here when I arrived home yesterday and there was none. It is unlike Lizzy not to respond to my letters promptly." Jane exchanged a glance with Mrs. Gardiner. She was uncertain what to say; she was not sure that Elizabeth would want her to tell Olivia about Mr. Darcy's proposal.

"I am sure you will receive a letter soon." Jane dissembled. "Knowing Mama, she has kept Lizzy busy since her return to Longbourn and it will take her a while before she's back to her normal routine." Olivia knew that Jane was being evasive, but she didn't pursue the mater. Instead she launched into a conversation about wedding plans, and soon Elizabeth's tardy letter was no more than a nagging thought at the back of her mind.

Continued in Next Section